The distance between them was getting smaller and smaller.
Finally, three steps away from Theodore, Batman stopped.
Whether intentional or not, this distance was exactly the closest Theodore could tolerate when facing a threatening stranger.
Silence, accompanied by the night, enveloped the alley. The two stood face to face, neither speaking, as if competing in some strange endurance contest.
Ultimately, Theodore was the first to raise the white flag.
"Excuse me, esteemed Batman, could you please let me pass?"
Batman didn't move. The Dark Knight, weighing at least 220 pounds, firmly blocked the alley entrance.
Under the Kevlar cowl, the two white patches representing his eyes contracted slightly. Batman finally spoke, his voice deep and hoarse, like the Gotham night.
"This is the second time I've seen you in Gotham at night. What are you doing?"
For some reason, as the other party stared at him through the cowl, Theodore felt a hint of familiarity.
But being stared down by a familiar adult man in the middle of the night was truly not a good thing.
Theodore could already feel the hairs on his back standing on end, and a fine layer of goosebumps prickling his skin.
Theodore's nonsense flowed out effortlessly: "Out buying sex."
The boy nodded convincingly: "I specifically came to this alley to find that lady from last time; her special services are unforgettable."
Batman: "…"
Do you even hear yourself?
At this moment, the trajectory of fate seemed to have merged in some strange, incomprehensible way.
But why merge on *this* answer?!
If Batman didn't have absolute confidence in himself, he would even suspect he was being counter-monitored.
Seeing that Batman didn't react and didn't seem to plan on breaking his nose for this small verbal offense, Theodore's courage gradually grew.
He tentatively, and quite fearlessly, asked: "I've waited for her for a while, but she doesn't seem to be around. They say Batman knows everything, so do you know where she usually works?"
Batman didn't respond to the diversion.
The Dark Knight was very cold and direct, cutting straight through the illusion Theodore was trying to maintain.
"That woman, she's an informant for the Big Wolf Gang. What do you want with the Big Wolf Gang?"
Theodore: "!!!"
Theodore was startled and alarmed.
Street rumors could actually be reliable sometimes; it turned out Batman really did know everything!
Unable to resist stepping back, Theodore forced out a fake smile.
"Is that so? Thanks for the heads-up. Looks like I can't afford to mess with that woman. Then I'll find someone else… Do you know where in nearby alleys I can find similar girls?"
Batman: "…"
Well done, asking Batman for a prostitution guide to his face.
If Nightwing knew, he'd drop his work in Brudhaven that very night just to come and pay homage to Theodore.
"Then you'll have to take a trip to GCPD (Gotham City Police Department)," Batman replied impassively.
As he spoke, he took a step, getting closer and closer to Theodore.
Theodore fought hard against the urge to retreat, trying his best not to appear too timid.
He tried to keep his voice steady, so his mocking sentences wouldn't sound shaky: "Oh, really? I didn't know such things were illegal in Gotham?"
At this moment, Theodore was like a black cat puffing up all its fur when facing a brown bear, resorting to bluster to project an image of strength.
"Having relations with a minor is illegal," Batman replied calmly. "You're still a minor, kid."
Theodore: "…"
—What? Gotham actually has such a law?
—And Batman actually bothers with such trivial matters?
At this moment, Theodore had a sincere suggestion he couldn't help but want to give Batman—
If he wanted to combat related crimes, why bother catching Theodore's tail in an alley?!
Why didn't Batman break into Wayne Manor and carve the relevant laws onto Bruce Wayne's bedside table that very night?!!!