Seeing that the two had realized what the problem was, Bruce spoke softly, his tone easing just a little.
"We accept your apology. It's very late. You should head back."
This time, neither Hal nor Barry argued. Like two elementary school students who had been lectured by the principal, they obediently nodded.
"Goodbye, Bruce. Goodbye, Miaomiao."
Miaomiao waved her little hands, happily saying goodbye to her new friends. "Bye! Come play again sometime~"
The two glanced at Bruce and agreed with sheepish chuckles.
Forget it, forget it~ The big black bat was so fierce. If they got the chance, it would be better to have the little girl come out and play with them instead. They had absolutely no desire to experience "Batman's disapproving stare."
And just like that, one red and one green, they left as quickly as they had arrived.
Bruce watched the little girl start yawning again and stroked her long hair, which hadn't retained a single drop of water. He softened his voice. "It's still early. Go back to sleep for a while."
"Okay." Miaomiao yawned again. She had spent the entire day wandering downtown, then half the night at the Mad Hatter's place, all while maintaining her two-legged form and using Illusion Song over a wide area. She really was a little tired.
"Bruce, you haven't slept yet, have you? Hurry back to your room and get some sleep, or Alfred will lecture you again. Go on, go on..."
With the little merfolk's hands gently pushing him around, Bruce reluctantly headed back inside.
Yes, it was time to rest.
Even Batman, with his countless plan Bs, remained trapped between "Alfred, I'm not tired" and "Alfred, let me sleep five more minutes," looping endlessly through them every late night and morning-and sometimes noon or even afternoon.