After a restful night, the sun over Gotham broke through the clouds that lingered year-round. It was a rare morning without thick fog hanging over the city.
Warm sunlight filtered through the broad floor-to-ceiling windows and settled gently over the soft bedding, easing the chill that usually gripped the city.
The light fell on Miaomiao's face, catching at certain angles in a sheen somewhere between pearl and diamond, giving the illusion that her whole body was glowing.
Those were the Merfolk's tiniest scales.
When the sunlight spilled over Miaomiao's closed eyes, the Little Merfolk finally opened them slowly. A blue-violet gleam flashed through her eyes, then vanished in an instant.
Miaomiao blinked and gave a little stretch. Recognizing her room at Wayne Manor, she smiled with her lips pressed together.
Downstairs, the dining room at Wayne Manor was already lively.
Dick, who had spent the night filling in as Batman, was glaring accusingly at Bruce at the head of the table. Unfortunately, he barely managed to keep it up before an uncontrollable yawn brought tears to his pretty blue eyes, leaving them glistening.
"Is that really necessary, Grayson?" Damian looked at the watery-eyed Dick with open disdain. "It was only one night. If your stamina has deteriorated so far that you can't even handle a single night's patrol, I think you should step aside and let someone more qualified take over-I mean, temporarily fill in as Batman. Me, for example."
"The brat's right about the first part." In a rare show of agreement with Damian, Jason raised an eyebrow at Dick, who looked ready to bury his entire head in his pasta. "Dickiebird, I don't remember anything major happening in Gotham last night. How are you this tired? Anyone who knew would say you were covering for the old man.