[reverse darkest timeline AU: rendezvous in cold blood]

[stilljustandrew]

[The morning after this.]

There is a note with Bar, for anybody who might inquire after Andrew Wells, saying that he is currently staying in the cells for his own safety.

No one has told Bar anything about people who maybe shouldn't get that note, even if they ask.

Comments

[gothamsheiress]

Brix nods slowly. "I understand."

All right. She rubs the bridge of her nose, considering, then asks, "Well. What would you like to do now, then, Andrew?"

[stilljustandrew]

"I was going to change," he says, his voice small and somehow remote.

And then, flushing: "I, I mean ... put on a clean shirt. Before we .... Can I still do that?"

[gothamsheiress]

She inclines her head. "Of course. You'd still like to make a visit to the bar, then?"

[stilljustandrew]

"If, if she's gone," he says, "yeah. I don't --"



He looks away again, blinking hard.

"I don't think she's coming back."

[hadyougoing]

"Well, if she does, we'll be ready."

It's the most comforting thing Ava can think to say.

"And, you know, I still don't have anywhere to be."

[stilljustandrew]

"Okay," he half-whispers.

And draws a breath, and straightens up with visible effort. "Just give me a minute?"

[gothamsheiress]

Brix nods.

"Take all the time you need."

[stilljustandrew]

He nods, backs a few steps before turning away, and slips behind the privacy screen.

It isn't much more than three minutes before he emerges. He's hastily brushed his hair, put on a blue button-down shirt with sleeves long enough to cover his cuffs, and put on socks and shoes for the first time since his initial imprisonment.

Slowly, he comes toward the front of the cell, and hesitates.

[gothamsheiress]

In spite of her banked anger at the absent Meg, Brix gives Andrew an approving smile. This is more care than she's seen him take with himself since they met.

"Very well." Glancing at Ava for confirmation -- and receiving a nod -- she asks, "Baby, if you please?"

[stilljustandrew]

"Of course." The barrier shimmers and vanishes.

Andrew swallows, and makes himself take a step, and another, until he's standing in the hallway with the cell behind him.