...

batclan drabble full of SPOILERS!

2010-11-11T19:00:20Z

Title: The Times They Are A-Changin’
Characters/Pairing: Batclan
Rating: G
Word Count: 285
Disclaimer: DC owns.
Wanings: SPOILERS! for Red Robin #17 and Return of Bruce Wayne #6
AN: *happy sigh*

There’s something growing, spreading, unlike anything before.

They can all feel it.

After so much loss, so much pain, the tide seems to have turned in favor of their family. No one will say it, no one wants to jinx it. But they are all thinking it.

Surviving this was only the beginning. There’s a feeling building deep in each heart, rising with every reminder of what was almost lost. The new direction is not the least bit frightening. If time could not keep them apart, what’s a few little miles? They will carry on no matter what. Because… because…

Something as simple as a hug comes naturally, without a major disaster spurring it on. And Tim appreciates it for what it is and what it represents.

Words are exchanged. Not grunts, not monosyllables. Words. More are promised as well. And Dick knows what to say in response every time.

Concern was mixed with relief. Would positions which were earned be lost? Stephanie’s not so worried anymore. Neither is Damian.

The fight went on. It had to. There was no doubt ever it wouldn’t. Barbara knew it then, everyone knows it now.

Family may not always be home, but it will be there when it needs to be. Cassandra sees this and holds on to this.

Coming back…seeing what changed, what remained the same with a newfound clear vision is refreshing. Important. Integral. Things will be different. Shadows will still be used — often times enjoyed — but they have ceased to be everything. Because Bruce has finally understood, he is not alone. And as long as he remembers this, he will never be again.

Things are different this time. They might even be better than the first time around.

Halloween fic, part 2

2010-10-28T00:48:21Z

Title: A Haunted Knight No More
Characters/Pairing: Dick Grayson, Damian Wayne, Stephanie Brown, Barbara Gordon, Tim Drake, Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne/Selina Kyle, and ??
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 1495
Disclaimer: DC owns.
Wanings: mild SPOILERS for Bruce Wayne: The Road Home
AN: for shardsofblu and bradygirl_12's Halloween Challenge.

Bruce came up behind her. Selina didn’t even hear him approach. It was good to see some things never changed.

“You should have told me I looked beyond ridiculous,” he whispered.

Like the others, she expected Bruce to be out of his costume once he returned, but the white sequined bell-bottoms and the chest revealing sequined jacket with the turned up neck were still there. She smiled. “You don’t.” She thought he actually looked good, more like the young Elvis and not like the old one whose jumpsuit he was wearing, but trying to convince The Dark Knight that he didn’t look silly dressed as The King would be nearly impossible, so she didn’t bother. “Anyone else coming?” she asked instead, trying to keep from sounding too eager. Casually, she looked over at the kids on the couch.

Bruce watched them, too. Dick was making everyone laugh. Even Damian had a ghost of a smile.

“I’m not sure I got a hold of Jason and if he received the message, he never replied,” Bruce said, suddenly he sounded tired. “The other two are on their way.”

And right on cue, the doorbell rang a third time. Alfred was there before anyone had a chance to move.

“Who else is coming?” Tim asked out loud.

Dick turned to Babs, maybe the Commissioner had been invited?

“Don’t look at me,” Barbara told him. If her dad had been invited he would have called her for costume advice, but the guest list seemed to consist of masks only.

Tim moved towards the door. He was the first to see her, but Steph was the first to react.

“Cass!!” she yelled, running towards her friend and smothering her in a giant hug. “Oh my god, you’re here! Are you a fairy?!” she laughed, “How have you been? Where have you been? And since when do you have a kid?!” Steph stepped back and stared at the little person dressed as a princess hiding behind Cass’ legs.

“It’s okay,” Cass said to the little girl, “Don’t be afraid.” She picked her up, but the girl buried her face in Cass’ shoulder.

Everyone was staring at them when a man wearing a bloodied Friday the 13^th hockey mask walked in behind Cass and the little girl. Everyone was on high alert.

“Is he with you, Cass?” Tim asked.

“What, no,” Cass shook her head, “We bumped into each other outside. And she’s not mine.” She walked over to Bruce, “She’s his. And hers,” Cass smiled at Selina.

“What?!” Damian yelled, “Impossible.”

Cass turned to her friends, “I just brought Helena home.”

“Thank you,” Selina whispered. She removed her Trinity shades and took her daughter in her arms, she could hardly contain her tears. She and Bruce had decided to get their daughter back, but actually having her back was unlike anything she could have imagined. The family caring for Helena must have been devastated, but Selina was glad they understood and agreed to let her go.

Damian stepped up to Bruce, “What is the meaning of this, father?”

…

“Who’s your friend?” Tim asked Cass. He had not seen her in months, but since he had been in constant contact with her and was the only one to know her whereabouts, he felt slightly overprotective all of a sudden.

“You know him,” she replied.

“Don’t tell me it’s that hard to guess.” The hockey mask came off and there stood Jason Todd, grinning.

“Master Jason. Please, come in.”

“Thanks,” he replied. It had been years since he’d last seen Alfred and there was a tiny part of him that wanted to hug the older man. He ignored it.

“Uh, yeah, come in.” Of course, Dickie bird in his stupid costume would be the next to greet him. “Hope you’re hungry. As usual Alfred made enough food for half of Gotham.”

“Jason.” It was Bruce. “You came.”

“As you can see. I owed your girl,” Jason said, looking at Cass, “She called in her favor.”

“I’m glad either way,” Bruce stepped closer, placing his hand on Jason’s shoulder. He took a deep breath, then said, “Whatever happened before… is done.”

“Is that right?” Jason sniffed.

“Yes.”

“Just so you know, Bruce, I can’t take you seriously in that get up.”

“My father is giving you a second chance, boy. Take it. It will not be offered again.”

Jason laughed. He turned to Cass, “Did that tiny pirate just call me boy?”

“Tiny!?”

“Just ignore him, it’s what we do,” Steph shrugged.

“I’ll teach you to ignore me!”

“Maybe another time,” Jason turned to leave. He knew it was a mistake to show up. Bruce was back, but it didn’t mean anything had changed.

Cass followed him and stopped him before he reached the door.

Tim tried to listen in on their conversation.

“What’s up with those two?” Steph came up beside him.

Shaking his head, Tim replied, “I don’t know. She never told me she’d been in contact with him.”

“What?” Steph paused mid-bite, the bat-shaped rice crispy treat all but forgotten, “You’ve been in contact with Cass this whole time?”

“What?” Tim turned to Steph, realizing his mistake a moment too late. “I… We haven’t been especially close lately,” he said by way of defense.

“Close or not, I was worried about her! You had to know that much!”

“Cass asked me not to say anything. She had instructions from Bruce and—”

“And you suck.”

Barbara and Dick sat off to the side.

“Out of those four who do you think—?”

“Twenty bucks says Tim and Steph hook up again.”

Barbara laughed, “That’s not what I was going to ask.”

“No?”

“No.” Though now that Dick mentioned it… She looked from Tim to Steph to Jason to Cass and back to Tim. “Fifty on Tim and Cass.”

“You’re on!”

…

Bruce returned to Selina and Helena, taking Damian with him.

“A sibling?” Damian was visibly upset. Anger and annoyance were the prevailing emotions, but there was also confusion. Where did the new kid leave him?

“Is she…” The rest of the words refused to leave his lips. He grew angrier and cursed his momentary display of weakness. Cowardice was not befitting the Son of the Bat. Quickly, he composed himself. “Is she going to replace me as Robin?” he asked and swore that regardless of the answer, he would not give them — that woman or the little girl smiling at him — the satisfaction of seeing his true reaction.

“No!” both his father and the woman replied.

Good.

Damian tried to reel in his emotions, but a satisfied smile managed to escape. “Then, I have no problem with the child,” he said walking away. “For now.”

…

Cass stopped Jason before he got too far.

“I didn’t think they’d scare you off so easily.”

“I never said I’d stay long.”

“Today,” she said, “It’s like starting over. Whatever mistakes we've made, it’s like they never happened.”

It was the second chance she'd been waiting for and even if he couldn’t see it yet, it was probably the one he'd been waiting for, too. She wasn't about to let him waste it.

When he snickered, she crossed her arms and gave him ‘the glare.’ Funny how she could look so intimidating without a cowl and while wearing fairy wings. Jason rolled his eyes. It wasn’t that he was afraid of Cass (because he wasn’t) or that he actually wanted to stay (because he didn’t), but he had nothing else planned, so… Fuck it, he’d stay. But after this, she was going to owe him.

“Fine, just keep Johnny and Keanu away from me.”

Cass caught Dick and Tim pretending not to listen. “Deal.”

“’Sides, I think I’ll stick with the Sexy Nurse and what’s the blonde supposed to be?”

“I don’t know,” Cass smiled, “Let’s ask her.”

…

As Alfred cleared the black-and-orange plates and cups scattered around the living room, Helena was with him. That was only a problem because it was past midnight and she was still wide-awake. Alfred swore that next time Richard insisted on giving the toddler so many pieces of candy corn, Batman or not, he would be the one chasing after her.

Still, Alfred would be the first to admit, the party had been a great success. Only a few hours ago, the Manor had been bustling with laughter and more happy voices than he could remember until the signal lit up the sky and the festivities came to a close. But throughout the evening, Bruce remained true to his word and made a solid effort to embrace his family. Not once did he complain about that horrid costume, not even after Jason called for an Elvis and Lady Gaga duet.

The Manor grew quiet again once the sugar high finally wore down. As Alfred carried Helena up to bed, he couldn’t help but think it was good to have everyone home again.

Halloween fic, Part 1

2010-10-28T00:39:22Z

Title: A Haunted Knight No More
Characters/Pairing: Dick Grayson, Damian Wayne, Stephanie Brown, Barbara Gordon, Tim Drake, Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne/Selina Kyle
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 1695
Disclaimer: DC owns.
Wanings: mild SPOILERS for Bruce Wayne: The Road Home
AN: for shardsofblu and bradygirl_12's Halloween Challenge. Also, LJ keeps telling me this too long for some reason o_O so it's now in two parts.

“I cannot find any reason to do it,” Damian argued, holding his head high, “This tradition makes little sense, we wear masks every day.”

Dick smiled, “Yes, but this time of year everyone does it.”

Damian remained skeptical.

“Remember what we were talking about yesterday?”

“Learning to adapt and I quote ‘rolling with the punches,’ yes. But—”

“Exactly, this’ll be good practice,” Dick said, “Besides, it’s fun. You’ll see.”

But the youngest Robin did not see, he was appalled. He glared in horror at the atrocious costume Dick held.

“I will not wear that,” he declared.

“Damian…”

“I will not.”

…

“No way,” Steph couldn’t believe it, “Really? Really?”

“That’s what Alfred said on the phone,” Barbara replied, “Tonight at 6.”

Stephanie’s blue eyes lit up!

“That’s awesome! But why didn’t they tell us sooner? I don’t have a costume! Do you? What are you dressing up as? We should go buy something to wear!”

Barbara looked at the time. “We have less than two hours.”

“Then, we better hurry!”

…

Tim stared at himself in the mirror and sighed. His costume was a little 90s, but it was the best he could do on such short notice. Alfred had called him two hours ago, but he was in the middle of going over a case and before he knew it, it was quarter to six.

Besides, he wasn’t really in the mood for a party. There were so many things he had going on and had yet to get done.

Still, since Alfred insisted, he would have to make time. And the sooner he got there, the sooner he could leave. He looked at himself once more before heading over to the Manor.

…

Alfred was working his magic in the kitchen. The decision had been made only a few hours prior, but it was more than enough time to get everything set up.

Soon, the Manor began to smell of every possible Halloween treat. Caramel apples, shortbread cookies, rice crispy treats, cupcakes, and he was only halfway done.

…

Selina sat on the edge of his bed once she finished helping him with his costume. Part of her felt it odd being there with him so soon after his returned, but another part wasn’t complaining.

“They’d do just about anything you asked of them right now. They’ve missed you.”

Bruce sat down next to her, his eyes finding hers. He had not known what to expect upon his return. Everything could have been different, in bad shape, chaotic, but everyone had exceeded his expectations. Initially, he believed he’d have to remain guarded around them, especially with Selina. Things inevitably got complicated, became problematic. He felt differently after watching her a few nights. She had changed. He had, too.

Travelling through time, he realized many things and learned that how the job was done was as important as getting it done. He was planning to go about things differently and he wanted the others to know it. Though it took him long enough to realize it, he now understood that no one can do everything alone.

But perhaps a Halloween party wasn’t the best way to convey that message. He tugged at his collar and Selina knew he was having second thoughts.

“You can tell them things are going to be different all you want, Bruce — though I’m sure you’d only say it once — but for them to believe it, you have to show them, too.”

He nodded as if agreeing and stood. “Ready?” he asked.

“Don’t I look ready?” she replied. Her costume was simple, she knew. But having only heard about this whole thing a few hours ago on the day before Halloween, she wasn’t going to have any luck at any costume store. So, she put something together from items in her closet.

Bruce looked her over.

“All right.”

“Seriously?” she was a little offended. Then she remembered who she was talking to and popular culture had never been his forte. “Trinity. From The Matrix.”

Bruce’s face remained blank. “Of course,” he said.

“You have no clue who I’m talking about, do you?”

“You recall that I was gone some time, yes?”

Selina laughed at his defense. “The movie is over a decade old. Anyway, we can’t all have Alfred whip up something like that on such short notice.”

Bruce massaged the bridge of his nose. He knew he should have picked his own costume.

…

Dick and Damian were in the living room when the doorbell rang. Dick got up to get it, but Alfred appeared out of nowhere to answer it. It was Barbara and Stephanie.

Dick smiled and waved. “Best behavior,” he reminded Damian, and himself. He walked over to the entrance.

“You’re…Lady Gaga?”

“See,” Steph said to Barbara, “He knew who I’m supposed to be.”

Barbara shrugged in apology.

“I love yours, by the way,” Steph told him, “Johnny Depp plays the best characters!” Then, she turned and caught a glimpse of Damian. “Awww!” she was so tempted to pinch his cheeks, “A tiny Jack Sparrow!”

Damian frowned at the word tiny.

“Dick, couldn’t you find anything else?” Barbara asked.

He took in her expression, “What? You don’t like it?”

“The Mad Hatter? Really?”

“Well, not that one,” Dick laughed. “Haven’t you seen the Tim Burton film? You now, Johnny Depp, top hat, crazy red, hair? It was this or Edward Scissorhands and those knives looked scary. But I like yours,” he said, “You look bootiful.”

Barbara sighed at his pun, “It was either Sexy Nurse or Sexy Witch.”

“That’s what happens when you get your costume last minute.”

Barbara smiled, “Let me guess, you got yours last week?”

“No, smarty pants,” he grinned, “Two weeks ago.”

Steph came over from the food table. “They also had a sexy Batgirl costume, but she didn’t want it.”

“I don’t know how anyone would be able to fight in that,” Babs argued.

“But we are not fighting,” Damian said, “That would have been preferable.”

“Would it?”

They turned to see Bruce and Selina walk in. Dick tried not to burst out laughing.

“Great costume.”

Dick was amazed Babs actually said it with a straight face.

“Alfred…picked it.”

Dick made a mental note to thank Alfred.

“Oooh, Trinity!” Steph practically bounced.

“Who?” Damian asked.

“I should have thought of that!” Steph continued, “She was my favorite when I was little. I’m probably still to young though to pass as her.”

“Gee, thanks,” Selina grinned.

Steph covered her mouth with her hand, “I didn’t mean to say you’re old.”

“But she is,” Damian sneered.

“Damian,” Bruce and Dick said at the same time.

However, he continued, “She is. Next to my father and Alfred, she’s the oldest person here.”

“He’s such a little charmer,” Selina said, patting his head as she passed him, ruffling his wig in the process. Dick had to physically restrain him.

The doorbell rang again and again Alfred seemed to materialize out of thin air. Tim walked in and instantly catalogued away everyone’s costumes for future mocking. Barbara was a Sexy Nurse. He couldn’t really make fun of her for that, especially when the sexy part was quite accurate, so he moved on. Steph was…sparkly. Probably someone he should know given his age, but he’d have to get back to her. Dick was the Mad Hatter and Tim couldn’t help picture Bruce’s reaction upon seeing his eldest son in that costume. Tetch had given them enough trouble once upon a time. Damian was an evil-looking, miniature Jack Sparrow, who Tim only knew because those pirate movies were some of Dick’s favorites. Plus, it could only have been Dick who forced Damian to wear eye-liner. That made Tim smirk. Damian could only narrow his eyes in return.

Then, Tim caught sight of Bruce. The smirk turned into a full-blown smile. His gaze flickered to Dick who was laughing silently, then back to Bruce. Ok, getting to see Bruce dressed like that almost made the waste of time worth it. But when he saw Selina his face fell.

Tim couldn’t believe it. Maybe Dick had been laughing at him, and not Bruce, all along.

“Whoa…” Dick said and everyone laughed. Well, everyone except Bruce and Damian. Tim didn’t find it very funny either.

Damian's irritation only grew. “What is so amusing?” he asked.

“Timmy, here,” Dick laughed as he walked over to his little brother and placed an arm around his shoulder, “Is The One.”

“The one what?”

“He’s a character from The Matrix movie,” Barbara explained.

Bruce looked at Selina.

“Yes, it’s the same movie,” Selina said.

“Yeah,” Steph nodded, “Neo kicks so much ass. He’s almost as cool as Trinity. He’s totally in love with her, too!”

Damian laughed then. “He’s in love with her?” he pointed from Tim to Selina.

“In the movie,” Barbara explained further, “We’re all playing dress-up here.”

“Yeah, this isn’t awkward,” Tim removed his shades, “I’ll change.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Selina said, “On such short notice, I’m surprised no one here cut out two eye holes in their sheets.” But she could tell Tim wasn’t buying it. She looked over at Bruce. Time to see is he’d really changed. “At least you’re not a big-a hunk o’ love.”

Everyone looked up at her. Damian felt sick. He didn’t know what she was talking about and he didn’t want to know.

“Or wearing blue suede shoes!” Dick added laughing.

“Or all shook up!” Steph giggled.

“Or a hound dog,” Barbara added unable to resist. “Crying all the time!”

“What?” Damian looked around at everyone laughing. It was then that it all became clear; he and his father were the only sane ones in the room.

“I guess dressing up as Neo is better than Elvis.”

“Yup.”

“Yeah, it is.”

“You got that right!”

Tim felt better.

Bruce wasn’t laughing but he didn’t look angry either. He did, however, leave in search of Alfred.

“Think he’s mad?” Steph asked.

“I would be.”

“No one cares if you were, Drake,” Damian added helpfully.

“Come on, guys,” Dick smiled, but he was wondering where Bruce had disappeared to, “Those caramel apples aren’t going to eat themselves.”

another meme!

2010-10-25T19:19:23Z

snatched from darthbatgirl

I have a list of 25 characters. Pick two or three numbers and I will write something with them.

Meme: Kind of like MISERY but without the fame.

2010-10-20T18:13:56Z

snagged from kkglinka

Out of utter curiosity, if I was chained up in your attic/study/basement/library/secret lair, and I had to write you one story, what would you demand? Or alternatively, what's something you always hoped I'd write but know is never going to happen?

SB: Apocalypse drabbles

2010-10-07T17:04:31Z

Title: Epitome
Characters/Pairing: Wonder Woman/Big Barda
Rating: PG
Word Count: 150
Disclaimer: DC and WB own.
Wanings: SPOILERS for Superman/Batman: Apocalypse
AN: for dcu_freeforall prompt #40- epitome

Everyone watched the two cousins fly up and away. In the blink of an eye, Batman was gone as well. While the small crowd dispersed, Barda noticed Wonder Woman wasn’t smiling like the others there.

“You look worried, Diana.”

“Not at all,” the Amazon replied with a smile, “I am sure Kara will do well.”

“Then it’s something else.”

Images of Big Barda flashed in Diana’s mind. Barda’s strong, perfect figure still wet from her shower, a small towel her only covering… The splendor, the fierceness with which the former Fury fought in Apokolips and never — not even while captured — contemplated surrender… And then, there was the way the warm Themyscira sun gave the already beautiful warrior a stunning glow…

“I was only thinking that Scott is very lucky.”

“Want to know one of the best things about him?” Barda grinned, taking Diana’s hand in hers, “He does not mind sharing.”

Title: Equal
Characters/Pairing: Wonder Woman/Big Barda
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 165
Disclaimer: DC and WB own.
AN: for dcu_freeforall prompt #1- vigor

Diana has loved and been loved many times, always in honor of Aphrodite. She has been gentle and aggressive, assertive and compliant, depending on what her partner wanted or needed. Many times Diana has read a person, understood his or her desires so well, they both benefit delightfully from that knowledge. With Barda it is a different experience.

What surprises Diana most isn’t that Barda has the same ability and reads her with ease. And it’s not that Diana doesn’t have to say where or how she likes to be touched, Barda’s hands and lips simply know. What becomes the most pleasant of surprises is that Barda matches Diana’s enthusiasm and energy on every level. Gentle and aggressive in turns, Barda has her panting and moaning for more. Skin against skin, slick and soft, while Diana loses herself in the many sensations Barda makes her feel. It’s different in a wonderful way and Diana hopes it’s only the first of many times they will take pleasure in each other.

for Brady!

2010-10-06T16:34:14Z

Title: Morning
Characters/Pairing: Steve/Diana
Rating: PG
Word Count: 455
Disclaimer: DC owns.
Warning: character death
AN: for bradygirl_12 ’s birthday! Hope it was great! =) Btw, I think the angst got a little, well, you'll see...

There was nothing quite like waking up in the arms of one’s love. The morning seemed to hold endless possibilities and promise. Given her job — and his — it was not often Diana awoke to Steve’s warm embrace, but the rare times it occurred, she enjoyed it fully.

Breakfast, he would suggest, like the gentleman he was.

After, she would reply, like the woman in love she was.

…

“Angel,” he smiled, caressing her cheek. She loved the way his eyes sparkled in the afterglow. “I want every morning to be like this.”

Diana snuggled up to him, “As do I, beloved.”

“Then let’s make it happen! I can take a leave… You think the League could spare you for a few days?”

Diana laughed with delight. If only wishing made it so, she thought, but she’d look into it. She turned her gaze up to Steve. His smile, the happiness he was so clearing experiencing matched her own, it made her want to burst with joy.

She could not have known then it would be the last such morning for the two. Steve left that afternoon on assignment. Surveillance. Just a quick fly by over hostile territory. It didn’t happen that way.

Diana always expected to be the first to go. It would take place off-world, defending earth, or at the hands of one of her enemies. Expecting it would happen this way, she had made certain every moment she spent with her pilot was one worth remembering. Now, she was doubly thankful for it because never again would she open her eyes at the first rays of light to appreciate the way his hair matched the rising sun or the way his blue eyes were bright like the morning sky. Never again would he run his fingers along the curve of her spine or call her, “Angel.”

It grieved her immensely that he was taken away so soon, but she was grateful for the time they shared and took solace in the fact he would never know the acute sense of loss she’d experienced or deal with the crushing pain her soul fought anew every morning at the realization that he was gone forever. Knowing that was a small comfort.

…

J’onn insisted she go on vacation and assured her he would speak with the rest of the League. No one could deny she earned and deserved some time off.

“Then, it’s settled,” Steve stood by the door, smiling, “When I get back, we’ll fly anywhere you want, Angel, anywhere at all.”

“I look forward to it,” Diana replied, kissing him one last time before he left. She couldn't wait and decided she better start packing, he would be back by morning.

=D

2010-10-05T17:45:51Z

So this is what Cass has been up to lately, arguing with Deadpool over who's cooler! XD

Happy Birthday bradygirl_12!

2010-09-27T20:26:03Z

Hope you're having a lovely day!!

Give me a pair & prompt and I'll see what I can do! =D

marvel_crossing (Iron Man/Wolverine crossover)

2010-09-17T18:32:39Z

Title: The Usual Unusual Night
Characters: Pepper Potts, Remy LeBeau, Victor Creed, Tony Stark
Rating: PG
Word Count: 1975
Disclaimer: Marvel and others own.
AN: For xenokattz! =D Prompt: Remy is hired to steal something important from Stark Industries. Pepper gets in the way. Takes place between Iron Man and Iron Man 2 and sometime before Gambit shows up in XO: Wolverine. Many thanks to mwffj for the beta and to comeon_eileen for being awesome! =)

Happy said it was normal to be shaken up. After all, she had worked with Obadiah Stane many years, trusted him, and he had tried to kill them all. Pepper dismissed Happy’s concern and assured him she was all right. However, for some time afterwards, she felt uneasy around people she didn’t know and even people she did. But since there was no way around it, she simply got back to work. Besides, Tony had something big planned in the coming days and it was her job to be ready for anything.

…

Celebrities, photographers, and journalists were among the guests invited to the Stark Industries Complex reopening. After Stane and his Iron Monger destroyed most of the main building, Tony had it rebuilt without the large arc reactor. Instead, in the center of the lobby, stood the Iron Man suit encased in four-inch thick glass.

Most people could care less about the reopening itself. Sure the building was beautiful, energy efficient, and had the look of the latest L.A. hotspot rather than an office building, but no one cared a whole lot about that. Everyone wanted an up-close and personal look at the suit. Pepper was concerned, but Tony was insistent. Happy would personally check every single person that entered the building and due to the thick glass case protecting the suit, no picture could possibly capture all the detail. Besides, he assured her, if there was any problem, he had his other suit nearby.

With little choice in the matter, Pepper bought another ridiculous dress and hoped for the best. She was relieved that two hours in, everything was going rather well. No one fighting in suits of armor, no near-death experiences. The whole thing was running smoothly. She even thought she caught Agent Coulson crack a smile. But that could’ve just been a trick of the light.

In the middle of it all, Tony was busy being Tony, answering questions, posing for pictures, and basically charming everyone within a mile radius. Pepper couldn’t help but watch in amusement.

Then, her phone rang. It was Rhodey. She left the lobby and went up to her office because apparently, Tony didn’t get around to signing two important military contracts. Up the elevator ride, Pepper talked Rhodey out of driving up to the new complex in tanks and forcing Tony to do his job.

…

Like any good thief, Remy LeBeau preferred working alone. It meant one less variable and fewer things that could go wrong. Given that he was a great thief, he hated having a partner, though, partner was too generous, too nice a word. Sabertooth was everything and anything but nice. That one job in Paris and that poor girl’s death were proof enough.

“You’re wasting time, Gambit. You know what happens when you waste time.”

It was Creed in his earpiece.

How he loathed him. Stryker even more. So why was he working for them? He was buying time before he could disappear for good. With Sabertooth so close, Remy’s scent was too fresh. He’d have to escape directly from the Island on a day Creed wasn’t around for any chance of his plan succeeding.

Remy soon reached the floor Stryker suspected the latest item of his desires was located. Bradley and his control of electricity had helped Remy on a job some weeks prior and mentioned Stryker once had a similar hard-on for those meteor rocks he was looking for in Africa a few years back. Remy couldn’t care less, he was simply stalling ‘til the right time.

After checking three rooms and finding nothing, Remy stepped up to the fourth door. He leaned closer and listened. Someone was in there and by the faint light now coming out from the bottom of the door that someone was probably trying to move in on his score.

Silently, he worked the lock and before he opened the door, straightened his jacket and fedora.

A surprised red-head sat behind the desk, phone secured between her ear and shoulder as she typed something into a laptop.

Damn. He was expecting another thief, not a personal assistant. Time for Plan B.

…

“Ms. Potts?” Remy relaxed his shoulders, “Mr. Stark sent for you.”

“Let me call you back,” Pepper spoke into her phone. She logged out of the laptop, but didn’t turn it off. It was the only source of light in the room. The half-moon outside didn’t help at all.

“Mr. Stark sent for me?” she asked. She could have sworn she locked the door.

The young man smiled and nodded.

He looked trustworthy and Pepper wanted to believe him. She really did, but after Obadiah… Her trust in anybody who wasn’t an eccentric billionaire trying to play hero just didn’t exist.

“Where’s Happy?” she asked, trying to keep the suspicion out of her voice.

“He’s waiting downstairs. With the car,” he replied. Of course, he’d done his homework. Like any other job, he studied all the major players involved.

Good answer, Pepper thought. Too good? she wondered. No, she was just being silly. Happy told her he was going have plain-dressed security. Though this boy was certainly not plain. She ignored the thought and stood from the chair. “You’re Chris, right?” she asked.

“Remy,” he replied instantly, which was stupid. Sure, let everybody know who crashed Stark’s reopening and stole from him. One leggy red-head in a slinky golden dress and he forgets who’s supposed to do the charming. Obviously, he’d been on that damn island too long. No more mistakes.

He stepped closer and smiled at her.

There goes that smile again, Pepper thought. She cleared her throat. Tony had mentioned in passing the possibility of moving the party from Stark Industries to Malibu. She had hoped he wouldn’t… And now she felt guilty for doubting the guy staring at her like she was crazy, which she probably was. And he had probably been having fun downstairs until Tony worked his magic and sent him for her.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Yes, of course,” Pepper replied. She walked around her desk to get her clutch purse, but he beat her to it.

“I can carry this for you.”

Pepper finally smiled at him, “Thank you.”

She was half-way out the door when she glanced back at Remy. His eyes were busy scanning her office and she had that sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach again.

Remy noticed her and smiled like they were old friends. It was warm, innocent, with a hint of something else.

She didn’t buy it. After working for Tony so long, she knew all the different tactics and sexy smiles weren’t going to work on her.

“I knew you were up to no good,” she said.

His whole demeanor changed, “Depends on your definition of good, chere.” He went from sweet to almost dangerous, from ready to take orders to ready to give them.

Pepper wondered what to do. If she yelled, no one would hear. What if she called someone downstairs? Remy leaned against her desk then. He opened her clutch and waved her cell phone at her. Okay, calling was out.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“I’m only here for one thing.”

Her eyes went wide for a second. Remy shook his head at her.

“Chere,” he laughed, “If that’s what I was after? Trust me, before the night was over, you’d offer,” he winked.

And she thought Tony was full of himself. Why was it always the cute ones?

She didn’t just think that! Okay, focus. He wasn’t there for her… So… if he was trying to hack into the system, he was out of luck. Tony had upgraded the security after Obadiah’s betrayal, but… The laptop and computer weren’t the only things of value in her office. Her heart rate increased. She knew why Remy was there.

“You’re…you’re a thief!”

“Yes, ma’am,” he smiled, even tipped his hat a little. Pepper bit the inside of her lip to keep from smiling. “That don’t mean I ain’t a gentleman,” he said, “Don’t want no one to get hurt. That includes you. You leave, go downstairs, call whoever you want. Promise I won’t follow. We got a deal?”

Even if she ran full speed there was no way she could get downstairs before the thief disappeared with his prize.

“No,” Pepper said. Yeah, she just crossed the line over to crazy. “I’m not leaving.”

“I’m getting tired of waiting, Gambit.”

Creed. Merde! Time for Plan C.

…

Remy pulled out a deck of cards.

If only Stryker’s pet wasn’t waiting for him, he might have been able to take his time working Ms. Potts. A red-head named Pepper… sure would’ve been fun, too. As it was, he didn’t have the luxury and was going to have to play dirty. Plus, he had to be quick. Otherwise, that goddamn Sabertooth would rush in slicing people open.

Pepper was standing next to her filing cabinet seconds later and Remy hadn’t even seen her move. Could’ve been he was too busy worrying about Creed or maybe she had the makings of a decent enough thief.

“I think you were right before,” she said grabbing the suitcase against the cabinet, “I should leave.”

Remy shuffled his cards and watched her struggle with the suitcase. Seemed it was heavier than she expected.

“Tick tock, Gambit.”

Remy glanced out the window wondering just where Creed was hiding. He turned back to her. “You need a hand with that?” he asked.

Pepper smiled nervously. Why couldn’t it be a tiny flash drive she was trying to sneak out?

“Time’s up, Gambit!”

“Chere, it’s been a pleasure,” Remy winked, “Now, you might wanna take cover.”

Pepper’s eyes were glued to his hand. The tips of his fingers glowed red a split second before he threw the playing card he held at the window.

The window exploded and Pepper ducked behind her desk.

Remy jumped out empty-handed, he wouldn’t have been able to outrun Sabertooth otherwise. Knowing Creed would have to give up killing innocent partiers to catch him, he made a break for it. Stryker sure as hell wouldn’t be too happy if he got away.

…

Tony was in his workshop when Pepper walked in. Her golden dress was torn on one side revealing more of her thigh than he was used to and though her hair wasn’t exactly in disarray, it was messy, for her. She was struggling with a suitcase he recognized instantly and looked on with great curiosity as she barely managed to lift and dump it on the table.

“You know, this — you’re portable briefcase armor — isn’t very portable.”

Tony grinned. He walked over from his stool to Pepper.

“It has wheels,” he said. He pushed a small button on the side to reveal four tiny wheels at one end. “You’re supposed to roll it,” Tony explained, fighting the urge to smile at her annoyed expression.

She took a deep breath. Handsome thieves and exploding windows could have been avoided if only Tony had let her know that tiny, but important, bit of information. Still, she was a professional and refused to yell at her boss. “Perhaps if it were smaller and lighter, Happy or I could carry it around.”

It was easy to see she was upset.

“I can do that. Maybe,” he said, a lazy grin in place. He didn't like when she was upset. He could fix this. “Will that be all, Ms. Potts?”

Suddenly the urge to yell disappeared and Pepper smirked at his use of her usual parting line. “That will be all, Mr. Stark." She left thinking she wasn’t crazy, she was simply doing her job.

Minutes after Pepper left, Tony still smiled at the empty space where she stood.

“Smaller and lighter?” he said to himself, “Yeah...that could work.”

summer challenge

2010-08-26T22:57:47Z

Title: It’s Time
Characters/Pairing: Batman/Catwoman
Rating: PG
Word Count: 430
Disclaimer: DC owns.
AN: for dcu_freeforall prompt #2- alive and the DCUFFA 2010 Summer Challenge (original prompt here: Bruce Wayne/Selina Kyle, quiet)

Batman had only been back a few days, but already he was out on patrol like the past year had never happened. Selina wasn’t surprised. Had he stayed away longer than it took to provide his boys and Alfred with the test results they wanted, then she would’ve been.

During that time, she’d only seen him once, briefly. They’d both been guarded and very little was said. There wasn’t much either could say that wouldn’t be uncomfortable or maybe even unwelcome. With them, things were never clear and they preferred the ambiguity.

Still, when they happened to cross paths following different leads, she had a harder time keeping the smile off her face. That is, until the ground beneath them shook and the remains of the empty building they found themselves in came crashing down.

…

They’d been at the wrong place at the wrong time. A foundation problem, they discovered later. Still, at the time, Catwoman had hardly been able to think straight. Even now as Batman travelled the rooftops at her side, she couldn’t shake the image of him lying unconscious among the rubble.

“Move!” they both yelled, but only she had time to do it. Shattered wood beams that once made up the building’s frame covered his back and legs. Drywall dust floated between them and Selina coughed every time she inhaled.

She’s not even sure how she got him out only that she was frantic to do it.

He hadn’t said anything as she removed the debris and turned him over on his back. She wanted to hear him say, “I’m fine.” “I don’t need any help.” Anything to know he was still alive.

She checked for a pulse and began to worry. Seconds turned to years. Then, he coughed and utter relief flowed from her eyes. But even then, they said nothing.

Batman and Catwoman continued to move in silence until they reached her place. She wasn’t sure if his intention was to stay or even come in; she only knew she wanted him to.

Perhaps the dust and dried tears on her face were as noticeable as she felt them, but she slipped off her mask anyway. Previously, she would have walked inside and left him to figure out what to do, but not this time. Even if she ignored what just happened, it was too soon to lose him again. The one night they shared before Bruce disappeared for a year through time had not been enough.

“Come on,” she smiled. “You’ve been gone a long time and it’s time I welcome you home.”

summer challenge

2010-08-26T22:52:26Z

Title: Mile High Club
Characters/Pairing: Power Girl/Rogue, Cyclops, Wildcat
Rating: PG
Word Count: 435
Disclaimer: DC and Marvel own.
AN: for dcu_freeforall prompt # 11-battle and the DCUFFA 2010 Summer Challenge (original prompt here: Superpowered fight leads to superpowered sex). Oh and I wasn’t sure if it’s possible for Rogue to absorb Kryptonian powers…but it is here! ;)

Next time Scott had the brilliant idea of working alongside another team, Rogue would tell him exactly where to stick his brilliant plan. Surely, he sent her because he figured any one of the boys woulda been too distracted to do the job. Heck, Rogue was distracted. And that was despite Power Girl’s bad attitude. Though to be fair, anyone who has just been absorbed tends to be a bit ticked off.

Well, what was done was done and they had a job to do. They flew in for a closer look at the old warehouse. Power Girl seemed impatient to get inside.

“Sugah, Ah don’t think—”

“Rogue, was it?” the blonde turned to face her. “You’re not here to think. You’re here strictly as back-up. Got that, sugar?”

She was about to add something else when Rogue threw the first punch.

Power Girl didn’t look too happy as she emerged from the hole in the ground, dusted herself off, and charged. Rogue readied herself as the red blur approached.

It was all happening so quickly. Kicks landed, punches thrown, backs shattering whatever was hit. They were angry, sweaty, and out of breath. The warehouse was all but destroyed, as were their costumes. And then, somehow, things changed. They weren’t trying to shove each other off or send the other to another continent, no, they were grabbing and touching and kissing each other.

They lost the remains of their tattered clothes somewhere along the Atlantic. Possibly. Both Power Girl and Rogue were too busy to notice.

For a brief moment Rogue had wondered and now she knew, Power Girl tasted divine. And she felt even better against her bare skin. Rogue was careful not to absorb her again and simply held on tight as she enjoyed the ride.

Power Girl now understood the fascination with the mile high club. Grinding and kissing, hot mouths and slick fingers, all while the cool breeze caressed whatever parts were untouched.

She laughed as she spun them in the air again. It was her turn to be on top.

…

Scott was sitting on his desk, his face impassive. Rogue knew what was coming.

“Rogue, do you want to explain why the remains of Power Girl’s suit were found in Spain and yours in Brazil? Or why the X-men are being sued for the damage suffered by both The Coliseum and the Great Sphinx?”

…

Wildcat tracked her down to the kitchen, he was practically giddy. Karen knew what was coming.

“What?” she crossed her arms.

“Nothing, nothing,” he grinned, “Just wanted to be the first one to say, welcome to the club.”

for dragonbat2006

2010-08-26T22:42:13Z

Title: Friend Request
Characters: Batman, Green Arrow, JLA
Rating: G
Word Count: 430
Disclaimer: DC owns.
AN: A belated birthday drabble for dragonbat2006! =D

Superman had been the last one to hold out, but Batman knew that Clark would cave eventually. He was a nice guy, after all. And if it wasn’t bad enough that the entire Justice League was involved, now Nightwing and Robin were, too. Batman suspected that even Batgirl, who he thought above such things, joined in.

It was affecting his partners, thus Gotham, and Batman would put an end to it.

Silence greeted him as he arrived at the Watchtower. His footsteps echoed through the empty halls. Even the main deck was quiet. No one was on monitor duty.

Batman continued searching. He walked down a corridor and thought he heard a faint sound. He followed it, stopping for a moment when he heard another one. After turning a corner, he paused. The entire Justice League sat in the cafeteria, practically motionless with a glazed look in their eyes.

Seething, he left to seek the man responsible.

Batman found him in the gym. There in the middle of the ring stood Oliver Queen. The man who would answer for what he had done.

Ollie happened to look up in time to see Batman enter the gym. Damn, he thought. He knew this would happen. He had expected a visit from the Bat ever since Roy got Nightwing involved.

“To what do I owe—”

“You know why I’m here,” Batman growled, “This is another fine mess you've gotten us into!"

Ollie climbed out of the ring.

“I have to tell you, I don’t see what the big deal is.”

Batman sneered, “Of course, you wouldn’t.”

“Come one, Bruce, there’s nothing wrong with a little—”

Batman didn’t let him finish, “Nightwing. Robin. Maybe even Batgirl… They’ve been late for patrol. They don’t sleep. They don’t eat. They’re… joining mafias. Clans. Attacking each other.” Batman looked pained. “They’re…they’re farming!”

Ollie laughed, “I sure hope so! They’re my neighbors. It helps if everyone works together. Besides, it’s fun!”

“It’s addicting.”

“Yeah, it is,” Ollie agreed. “You pass by the cafeteria? That was Flash’s idea. He runs around making sure everyone returns every gift request. You know Dinah always forgets to send stuff back?”

It was clear Ollie wasn’t going to be much help, so Batman turned on his heel to leave.

“Hey!” Ollie yelled after him, “I sent you a friend request, too! I just need a few more friends to get my mafia up to 500! Bats?”

Batman ignored him. He knew what he had to do. There was no other choice but to destroy the Facebook servers.

crossposting! yay!

2010-07-23T21:16:21Z

Title: Trapped
Characters: Batman/Catwoman, Nightwing, Robin
Rating: PG
Word Count: 800
Disclaimer: DC and KidsWB own.
AN: For aravistarkheena! BTAS Bat and Cat insisted… Also, sprinkled a little comic!Robin canon on BTAS!Robin! XD

There were more comfortable places she could imagine being in, of course, but Catwoman laughed a little anyway. Despite the current situation, she was in a good mood. Make that a great mood.

“Told you this would happen...” she said, her sing-song voice irritating him all the more, which is why she did it.

Batman ignored the laughter in her voice. However, she was right, she had. Right before she kissed him and jumped off the rooftop. He tried not to recall the sensation of her lips against his…

Besides he couldn’t very well trust her, could he? Not after everything. The last time he saw her, she’d made off with half of the cat-worshipping cult’s possessions. So, he made no reply and simply continued with his search.

“By the way, is this…” she knocked on the metal wall she was leaning against, “…your idea of helping?”

“No,” he finally spoke, “You don’t need my help, remember?”

“Hmm,” she made sound and didn’t sound at all amused. That made him smirk.

Catwoman stood up and he assumed it was to help him find a way out. In these narrow types of shipping containment units, the air supply would run out after only a few hours. The quicker they got out, the better. The problem was he could not find anything to use to their advantage. Not a crack, not a dent, nothing.

“There was a door here, wasn’t there?” she said, more to herself than to him. Without making a sound, she moved to his side.

He could feel her breath along his jaw, but he would not get distracted.

She moved closer and he inhaled sharply.

“That’s not a door handle, Selina.” The reproach was clear in his voice.

“I’m counting on it,” she replied and even though it was completely dark, he could practically see her smile.

“Selina,” he removed her hands and took a step back, “That’s not helping.”

“It is, actually,” she inched closer, “It’ll help pass the time.” His muscles tensed under her fingertips. “Haven’t you ever wondered what it would be like?” she asked, “You. Me. Stuck somewhere just like this…” her hands travelled up along his chest, “Hot and sweaty and so close…”

He would not give in. He would not give in.

“No one’s looking…” she whispered, brushing her lips against his.

He would not give in, but that didn’t mean he had not wondered about it. He had. Many times, in fact. And given the trouble that had a tendency to follow her, he’s amazed it never happened before. Sometimes he imagined he was foolish and gave in without hesitation. Others, he pushed her away, regretting it almost instantly. But there were times… a precious few… when he imagined taking his time, savoring every caress, memorizing every part of her.

His hand found her waist, securing her tight against him.

“Selina…” he whispered, pressing his lips to hers.

Her response was immediate, hungry. She might have purred, but the sound was drowned out by the loud groan of the containment unit door being hauled open.

“And, here, we were worried…” Robin mumbled.

Nightwing smiled. “We’re not interrupting, are we?” he asked.

Catwoman and Batman replied at the same time.

“Yes,” she said.

“What took you,” he said.

“Oh, nothing,” Nightwing shrugged, moving aside to let Batman pass, “Just beating up henchmen, threatening bad guys, getting the necessary info to find you…”

“You know, the usual,” Robin added.

Batman ignored the last comment. “You should be heading back,” he ordered.

Nightwing was smiling unabashedly, “Sure thing. C’mon, Robin.”

“Wait,” Robin turned to Batman, “You’re not coming?”

“I’m right behind you.”

“You’re welcome, by the way,” Nightwing said before disappearing from the docks.

Catwoman watched the boys swing away. She turned to Batman “Another time perhaps,” she said.

“Catwoman, wait.”

She stopped and turned back expecting the usual. A “stay out of trouble” or one of her favorites, “I’ll be watching you”, instead, Batman kissed her.

…

Hidden only a few feet away, Nightwing smiled victoriously. “Pay up, Boy Wonder.”

“Man…” Robin groaned. Babs had warned him never to take any of Dick’s bets when it came to Batman and Catwoman. “Here,” he handed over the keys to his newly built Redbird. He hadn’t even had a chance to drive it yet. “Hey, how about double or nothing?”

Dick shook his head and laughed.

“Two out of three?”

…

“Whoa, there,” Catwoman smiled, “Slow down.”

Batman stepped back. “It had to be convincing,” he explained.

“Uh-huh, sure,” she teased, “Tell me again, why couldn’t you simply take the keys away?”

Batman frowned, “I promised Robin he could drive his car once he finished building it to my specifications.”

“And?”

“It was supposed to take him two years, not two months.”

For Filly!

2010-07-23T20:56:16Z

Title: Home
Characters: Dinah/Babs
Rating: G
Word Count: 225
Disclaimer: DC owns.
AN: For merfilly! Happy belated birthday! =)

Black Canary was returning to Gotham to help out a friend. A close friend she had not seen in too long a time. While Canary had been busy dealing with so many impossible things, including the Black Lanterns and the end of her marriage, Oracle, too, had a lot on her plate. She fought the Lanterns as well as and also began working closely with the newest Batgirl.

A lot had happened and Dinah was worried. They didn’t have the familiarity of the Clock Tower, or even Metropolis to fall back on. At best, she feared the encounter would be a little awkward, at worst, devastatingly so. But the ease with which they fell into conversation, laughing and talking, catching up with each other’s lives was a thing of beauty. And such a relief.

When the work was done — quickly and with little fuss — Dinah returned to the cave to say goodbye. She could see that Barbara, like herself, was fighting back tears.

Babs took Dinah’s hand in hers, “You don’t have to leave so soon, you know?”

That feeling… that warm, delicious feeling she experienced upon seeing Babs again, erupted full force at the possibilities… And Dinah laughed freely for what seemed like the first time in weeks. “Yeah,” she said, knowing she was home again, “I don’t think I’ll be leaving at all.”

snagged from wizefics

2010-07-23T18:11:37Z

Alright, I still owe b-day fic (which I will finish!) and am only half way done with my marvel_crossing fic (ok, maybe a third done?) but I managed to resist all the bingo cards (and I wanted to play too!) so I'm doing this!

The first ~~TEN~~ FIVE people to comment in this post get to request ~something~ of any pairing/character of their choosing from me. In return, they have to post this in their journal. If you absolutely can't write, you can offer drawings or icons or something instead (meta? picspams? reasons why that character/pairing rocks/doesn't rock?).

1.bradygirl_12
2.bewize
3.merfilly
4.shardsofblu
5.evul_twin

just stuff

2010-07-02T22:59:00Z

Since I'm hoping to get caught up with comments and fic, sorry ahead of time if I spam some of your inboxes! XD

Btw, I wrote an AU Robins at comment_fic, prompt: recording their second album (it was fun! Hee.)

“Okay, so we all know why we’re here.”

Everyone nodded, except Jay who rolled his eyes. Dick ignored him and continued, “Alfred promised he would lock us in a room until we decided what we’re doing next. Let's figure this out before he tries.”

“He can’t really do that, can he?” Steph asked.

“He’s our manager.” Tim replied.

Dick looked around the room, “So, what do you guys think?”

Jason, arms crossed over his chest, was the first to speak, “What for? All we do is fight.”

“No, that’s all you do.” Steph smiled sugary-sweet at him when he cursed. Then, she turned to Dick, her smile gone, “I’m tired of the paparazzi. And the tabloids. Every week I’m sleeping with a different one of you!”

“All those rumors and yet the replacement’s the only one whose hit that…” Jason added an obscene gesture for emphasis.

“Fuck you!” Steph yelled.

“You wish!” Jason winked at her.

“Guys!” Dick took a deep breath, “No one replaced you, Jason. You chose to leave, remember?”

Jason stood up, “That…that joker was stalking me! I couldn’t do anything—go anywhere!—without that freak there!”

“The point is you left,” Tim said, “And Dick couldn’t finish the tour on his own.”

Jason narrowed his eyes, but quickly schooled his face. He smiled at Tim as he sat down again. “Oh, no, of course not,” he mocked, “What would poor Dickie-bird have done without you? Good thing you were there to step in and rescue him. Though, now that I think about it, you were always there. Seems I wasn’t the only one with a stalker. You’re just as bad as that clown.”

“Guys c’mon.”

But Jason couldn’t stop himself and Dick’s plea went unheard. “And you just happened to have a girlfriend who could sing, right? Help golden boy, here, with vocals? How fucking perfect,” Jason sneered, “But once she got the gig, she dumped your ass right quick, didn’t she?”

Tim jumped over the table, knocking over his chair in the process, and managed to land one solid punch to Jay’s jaw before Dick rushed in between them.

“Get out of the way!” Jason yelled, nostrils flaring, hands turned to fists at his side. Steph tried to hold him back with little success.

“Calm down!” Dick yelled, “This is not why we’re here!” When he saw Tim was calm once more, he turned to Jason, “Tim didn’t replace you, Jay. You’ve always been a Robin. Always will be. I couldn’t record another album without you.” He glanced from Tim to Steph, “Without any of you, actually. So…if anyone wants out…?” he swallowed, “We’re done. We each go our separate ways.”

It was silent.

“And…” Steph shrugged one shoulder, “If we don’t want out?”

Dick smirked at her.

Behind him, Tim spoke, “I’ve…been working on some lyrics.”

Dick’s grin grew to a smile. They all turned to Jason, then.

“Fuck it,” he said, “I’m in.”

Dick laughed. “Good. We should go tell Alfred.”

…

Heading down to the parking lot, Dick and Tim were already working on possible album names.

“Hey, blondie, wait up!”

Steph knew she shouldn’t, but she braced herself and waited for Jason to catch up. “What?” she sighed.

“Is it true? About Bruce’s son?”

It was the millionth time she’d been asked that question. Honestly, she was tired of talking about Bruce Wayne. Sure, he founded The Robins, but it had been a long time since he was involved with day-to-day Robin business. Heck, Steph had only met the man a handful of times.

“Yup, the kid wants to be a Robin.”

“Ah, hell no. What did Dickie-bird say?”

Steph could have told him what she knew — that Damian was as good as in — but decided instead to pay Jay back for his earlier comments. She smiled at him, said nothing, and turned to walk away towards her Ricochet.

“That guy’ll let anyone in!” Jason yelled after her, but when she made no sign of having heard him, he cursed under his breath. He jumped on his bike and wondered if he could get to Alfred before the others did. No way was he performing with his replacement and some spoiled rich kid, he didn’t care who his father was.

Hope everyone has a Happy 4th of July! And for those who don't celebrate it, have a nice weekend! =)

Because Michelle Rodriguez as Catwoman would be awesome!

2010-07-02T21:43:31Z

One day I will figure out the crossposting from DW. *sigh* In the meantime, here's Ms. Rodriguez as Selina Kyle!

Title: Reason For Change
Characters: Latina!Selina Kyle, Bruce Wayne
Rating: PG
Word Count: 1260
Disclaimer: DC Comics and Warner Bros. own.
AN: For the Racebending Revenge Ficathon! Takes place sometime after The Dark Knight. Lots and lots of thanks to crossedwires for the beta! You are awesome! =D Also, if there is anything anyone would like to point out, any questions or concerns, please do let me know.

Curiosity led her there. Her name had been on the guest list, but it was obvious they weren’t expecting her. That reaction—the way they tried to reconcile her face to her name—she’d never gotten used to. The same thought always popped in her head, she really should have changed her last name long ago. It’s not like it meant much. Her mother remarried when Selina was only three years old and made her and her younger sister take on the new husband’s last name. It had not been a happy time. Her mother committed suicide within two years and shortly after, the new husband drank himself to death.

But she didn’t swell on the past too long, she had her first fundraiser to attend. Her excitement was short lived. The request for an ID when no one else had been asked would prepare her for the way the remainder of the evening would follow.

She can still recall it all with such clarity. It became a catalyst of sorts.

…

Rather quickly it became clear that she was not a welcome addition. She received all these looks. Most of the guests didn’t even try to be subtle. The disdain, the outrage was evident on their faces. Selina could easily guess their thoughts:

How dare she? How dare she attempt to associate with them? Clearly, she didn’t belong. Clearly, she was an imposter of some sort.

She’d heard it all before. Of course, someone might have been thinking, Oh, I love her dress! Who did her hair? But Selina very much doubted it. It didn’t matter that she had been invited or that she paid for her plate like everyone else had, the focus was on the glaring difference between her and them.

Having dealt with this sort of situation before, she saw no need to give them what they wanted. She did not make for the door like the back of her mind urged. It wasn’t that she was a glutton for pain, but rather she was not going to let anyone scare her away.

“Looking for someone?”

She turned to see none other than Bruce Wayne standing next to her.

“Something, actually,” she said, “I don’t see the bar.”

As he led her to it, the looks became less full of contempt and more inquisitive.

Bruce Wayne’s playboy persona demanded he be seen with a beautiful woman and Selina Kyle wondered what the reaction of someone like him with someone like her would be. She got her answer as he led her to the dance floor. She could almost hear the resounding thud of their collective jaws hitting the spotless, marble floor.

As Selina danced with Gotham’s most eligible bachelor, an escalating struggle raged within her. How she wanted to smack those damn looks off their faces. There was a time she would have without hesitation despite the ridiculously expensive gown she wore.

The other part of her reminded her she was better than that. She would not let them or their ignorance get to her.

Bruce proved a good distraction. She’d never paid much attention to all the media coverage surrounding him. He was handsome, of course, but not at all her type. He made idle conversation while dancing too close to her. She placed her arm between them to give her space, he only grinned.

“Where are you from?” he asked, but Selina assumed he did so more as an excuse to press his thigh against hers again than because he actually wanted to know. He really seemed to be the unabashed skirt chaser the news reports made him out to be.

“The Narrows,” she replied, waiting — half hoping — for the inevitable.

It never came. His expression did change, but it wasn’t the usual appalled shock. Instead, his playful demeanor vanished and he turned serious.

“Do you still live there?”

She looked up at him, brown eyes locked into hazel ones.

“No, not for a while,” she replied and felt a pang of guilt because of it. Many times she thought about going back. Her sister still lived there, but since her mother passed away, they had lost touch.

The song ending, they returned to the bar. There, he was different. No longer as playful, no longer wearing his trademark smirk. She wondered why he would care so much about The Narrows. Making things worse were the constant sideways glances, the not-so-hushed whispers as she passed… Shouldn’t she be serving our drinks? Why can’t we pass that Arizona law here? The things they said about him because he “lowered” himself by dancing with her weren’t much better. It became too much and she couldn’t find it in herself to let it go.

The anger she experienced surged from many different places, but she well knew that a thief who was angry was useless. So, she channeled it into something productive instead of destructive, something dangerous. It was then Selina resolved to hit them where it would really hurt. She catalogued each and every one of those nasty, insulting looks and all the little comments. They would determine her next targets.

…

Initially, it was such an adrenaline rush to steal from people who had wronged her, who deserved it. Sure, the insurance companies covered the losses, but that was beside the point. As Catwoman, she got even for all the insults to Selina. It was her turn to hurt them, make them feel vulnerable. A revenge fantasy at its best.

For weeks — months — she got even.

She continued to run into Bruce at various events and they kept it light, fun. He liked her, she liked him, but there were too many things standing in the way. Whenever things got a little serious, they both had a tendency to pull away. Sometimes weeks went by, but she managed to keep herself from missing him too much. Mostly due to Batman who had a way of showing up just at the right time. Museums, penthouses, there he was, right on cue.

But something strange happened and the high began to fade. It wasn’t that she made such a name for her thieving ways that the Commissioner made capturing her top priority. And it wasn’t that her run-ins with the Batman were more enjoyable than she ever expected. No, the satisfaction she once experienced grew less and less as more time passed.

At fundraisers, at parties, the looks subsided some, but that wasn’t why stealing from them ceased holding the same pleasure it once did. She wondered why.

Eventually, she came to realize the reason. She had been selfish. Thinking only of herself. That had to change. It would.

…

It was an easy change to make. Not the stealing part, no, she wouldn’t give that up, the not keeping everything for herself part. Most of what she took she gave away. A doctor, who despite the escalating crime rate and population change did not move her practice out of the Narrows, various Women’s shelters, and the community center all received large anonymous donations.

The harder part was returning to the place she once called home. It was sad to see it all pretty much as she left it. To walks the streets by day was very different than running across rooftops at night. The darkness had a way of covering all the ugliness and decay the light exposed. And though nothing of her old life remained — her sister had married and moved away — Selina found comfort in knowing she could help this part of Gotham as much as the other.

for mithen!

2010-06-09T20:25:17Z

Title: History Repeats
Characters: Alfred Pennyworth/Leslie Thompkins, Bruce Wayne/Selina Kyle
Rating: PG
Word Count: 705
Disclaimer: DC owns.
AN: For mithen! Happy belated Birthday!
AN2: End dialogue from Batman: Hush

Down in the cave, Alfred watched Bruce with tired eyes. He tried to remind the man he had known from birth that living a life of solitude was unwise, especially for someone like him. But Bruce chose to ignore the third, and probably last, phone call from his New Year's date to focus on the reports he felt could not wait.

Alfred hung up the phone, but not before giving the usual excuse. By the sound of the lady’s voice, he knew she wasn’t waiting around much longer. Alfred only wished he could have led by a better example, but when he had his chance, frankly, he blew it.

…

Bruce was ten. As it was to be expected after such a horrible ordeal, he was quite a changed child. Gone were the days of indulgence and laughter. The ever-present quiet brooding didn’t seem like it would cease anytime soon. The young boy had always had a difficulty making friends, but it had become much worse. A family friend, Leslie Thompkins, and the family butler, Alfred, were the only two people the boy would speak to.

The three of them dealt with the loss in their own way. They formed a closely kit unit, which helped them all. And, things were going as well as could be expected until a suggested change to their dynamic was brought forth.

“We can make a home for him,” she said, her voice quiet. “We can never replace what he has lost, but we can give him the stability he desperately needs.”

Alfred was... tempted would be putting it mildly. He looked at the woman sitting across from him, the hope in her eyes, the sincerity in her smile… She truly believed their lives would be better for it. But Alfred knew it could never.

He had had a conversation with the young boy about the very topic. The boy was vehemently against anyone trying to take his parents place. Alfred knew he and Leslie would never attempt such a dishonor to the late Thomas and Martha Wayne, but he could not find it in himself to put the boy through anymore difficulties after all he had endured. He never brought up the subject again.

“It wouldn’t work,” Alfred said simply. He did not explain, nor give any other reason. He did not want to hurt Leslie, he had developed great affection for her, but Bruce would always come first. With great regret, he moved his hand away from the warmth of her touch.

“I see,” Leslie replied. Alfred watched her stand. Something twisted inside him, snapped, shattered into a thousand pieces, but still, he did not speak. She smiled at him once more before she left, “I will stop by tomorrow to check on Bruce. Good night…Mr. Pennyworth.”

…

The years did not assuage the pain by much, but Alfred endured, eventually, even reestablishing his close friendship with Leslie. But it was too late to influence the stubborn youth he had seen grow into a stubborn man.

So when the time came that an unexpected guest joined Alfred and Bruce down in the cave asking, “What can I do to help?” Alfred knew exactly what to say to her. Though, not before she managed to sneak in some playful banter and steal a kiss from the Dark Knight. Alfred was surprised by her inclusion because in many ways, the cave was Bruce’s most private space. Very few individuals had ever been allowed in.

After he exchanged a few choice words with Catwoman, she asked, “You don’t think much of me, do you?”

Alfred replied in all honesty, “Quite the contrary. I think the world of you. And while he may not say it…so does he.” The former thief turned from him to watch Batman walk away and up to the computers. “You began this evening asking what you could do to help,” Alfred continued and her gaze returned to him once more. “You are doing it, Miss Kyle. And please continue to do so.”

She smiled and left towards the computers as well. Alfred did not smile in response, but he was glad. He could not undo the mistakes of the past, but he was determined not to have them occur again.

for darthbatgirl!

2010-06-09T19:42:59Z

Title: Surprise, Surprise
Characters: Remy/Tim
Rating: PG
Word Count: 776
Disclaimer: DC and Marvel own.
AN: For darthbatgirl! Happy belated Birthday!

Robin kept his eyes straight past the man he spoke to.

“Catwoman said I could trust you.”

“Y’ can, mon ami. Done anythin’ t’ make y’ t’ink otherwise?”

“Not yet,” Robin thought. Still, he didn’t like going into a potentially dangerous situation blind. Especially not with a thief he’d encountered only once before. However, Batman had praised Gambit’s ability if not his methods.

“Quick in an’ out, d’accord? Grab what y’ came for and leave, yes?”

“Yes.”

Robin put aside his doubt. If they were going to work together he’d have to trust him, for the time being at least. But perhaps he spoke too soon. He had not finished replying yes when Gambit flashed a most disarming smile.

“After you,” he winked.

Ignoring the sudden tightening in his chest, Robin moved quickly past the thief.

…

Tiny beads of sweat gather at Robin’s brow as he struggled with the alarm. For the second time that night he almost set it off, but caught himself in time. Finally, he managed to turn it off. He turned to Gambit who looked impressed.

Not waiting for the thief, Robin slid the window open and stepped inside. It was dark, the moonlight outside providing the only source of visibility. The apartment was supposed to be empty according to their intel, so Robin used his flashlight. Recalling the blueprints he’d memorized, he walked left down a hall towards the room where the ancient manuscript was supposed to be kept.

“Something’s wrong,” Robin whispered. He looked over at Gambit, whose eyes seemed to glow a bright red in the dark. Having the other man with him brought some comfort and Robin tried to shake away the strange feeling. He placed the flashlight between his lips and worked on picking the lock.

Gambit reached for the flashlight and Robin grew very still.

“Easy, petite,” Gambit whispered, “Jus’ tryin’ t’ help.”

“Uh, yeah, thanks,” Robin replied and tried to focus on the door. It became a little difficult what with the Cajun squatting down next to him, his face so close. If Robin turned his head only an inch…

The click unlocking the door reverberated through his entire body. Why was he so damn nervous? It had been years since he’d been this shaky on a mission, not since the first days as Robin.

It couldn’t be because of the gorgeous man standing right behind it, could it? He mentally cursed himself. Of course it was. He’d just thought of Gambit as gorgeous, hadn’t he? Well, he could focus; he’d finish the mission and never again agree to work with the man. What good could come of it anyway?

He opened the door carefully and then couldn’t move.

There were candles everywhere and the most delicious scents from a small stove made his mouth water.

“What is this?” Robin asked, a series of possible scenarios crossed his mind, none put him at ease. “Some kind of joke?”

Gambit was leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest.

“No joke, petite.”

“Then, what?”

Gambit gave him a lazy grin, “Figured dis was de only way you’d agree t’ dinner.” Robin’s eyes were wide under the domino mask. “Not ‘cause y’ wouldn’t want t’, of course,” Gambit winked, “Y’ wouldn’t agree on principle.”

Robin looked down at the plate setting, then back at Gambit.

“So, there’s no manuscript?”

“Dere’s a manuscript. We get it after.”

Robin swallowed, “After what?”

Gambit’s smile was predatory as he sauntered towards the younger man.

“After dinner, petite.” Gambit was close now, invading his personal space. “But we can go straight to dessert if y’ like…”

Robin’s thoughts were all fuzzy. The only things in his awareness were the countertop digging into his back and the grinning Cajun at his front. But reason prevailed and Robin slipped off to the side.

“I can’t. Not while…the manuscript…” he paused, watching as Gambit opened a cabinet and removed an ancient looking text from it. “I don’t think—”

“Bon,” Gambit grinned, “T’inking too much ‘s not always a good thing, hein?”

Robin picked up the old text.

“Any other excuse?”

“Batman said it was impossible for one person to get it,” Robin explained.

Gambit shrugged, “Had help.”

And it all made sense then.

“Catwoman.” Robin guessed.

Gambit did not agree nor disagree. Instead, he stepped closer to Robin.

“Now,” Gambit’s voice was a low rumble and his fingers travelled slowly through jet black hair, “Where were we?”

Lips only a breath away, Robin leaned into the hard body in front of him, “Having dessert first…”

“Oui,” Gambit smiled and that was the last word spoken before he closed the distance between them.

Roy/Tim icons!

2010-05-22T02:53:36Z

Made for darthbatgirl's Roy/Tim Love Feast!

Remember Superman/Batman #49? =D

rocaw @ 2010-05-20T10:33:00

2010-05-20T17:34:10Z

Title: A Friendly Warning
Characters: Harley/Eddie, Selina/Eddie
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 375
Disclaimer: DC owns.
AN: For danssslemetro ! Happy belated Birthday!

“Care to elaborate?”

“Eddie,” Selina massaged the bridge of her nose, there were only so many ways a person could try to explain themselves before they snapped and started scratching people’s eyes out. “Just don’t fuck this up, got it?”

Edward raised an eyebrow, “Jealous?”

Selina took a deep breath. “And why would I be jealous? I like Harley- most of the time. She should have a chance to be happy, too.”

Eddie smiled at her then. That annoying, patronizing smile he usually saved for Batman but was now giving her.

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

“You mean us?” she laughed.

He didn’t like it. “What else would I mean?” he replied barely managing to keep his composure.

“We both had way too much to drink, Eddie. Nothing more to it.”

“Oh, really?” he smiled again and she could see he wanted his cane to swing as he added, “Is that how you explain the other night?”

“Go to hell!” she yelled, sliding her goggles back on. The other night she blamed entirely on Ivy and her damn Special Cocktails, besides Eddie and Harley weren’t an item yet. Catwoman turned to look at him once more before going out the window, “Just don’t treat her like the clown did.”

He sat on the edge of the bed and watched her leave. His smile vanished once he was alone again. The clown, pfft. He was better than the clown.

“Who you talking to, Ed?”

“Harley.” He had not heard her arrive. “You just get back?”

“Yeah, Red sure was in a yapping mood,” Harley replied as she threw off her jacket. She paused half way through the act to look at him, “You okay?”

He raised his eyes up to her smiling face.

“Yes,” he replied and was a little taken aback by how much he meant it. Hmm.

Harley tossed her jacket on the bed and sat on his lap. She began to recap her day with Ivy. Edward listened intently. Even more surprising, he realized there was no place else he’d rather be. Not evading a bat, not teasing a cat, but here listening to Harley’s high pitch voice go on and on. Funny the way life works, isn’t it?

rocaw @ 2010-05-19T11:24:00

2010-05-19T18:25:19Z

Title: Adventures in Babysitting
Characters: Bruce, Helena, Dick, Alfred
Rating: G
Word Count: 610
Disclaimer: DC owns.
AN: For arch_schatten ! Happy Belated Birthday! =)

It was like trying to decode a thousand year old language without a key. Or trying to disengage a Thanagarian war missile. Only harder. It was… incomprehensible. Riddler could take lessons on becoming more cryptic. Actually, dealing with the Riddler would have been preferable. Nigma wouldn’t have cried nearly as much.

All Bruce could do was pace back and forth while bouncing Helena in his arms lightly to no avail. He had changed her diaper. Attempted to give her a bottle. Picked her up. Put her down. But nothing stopped the endless crying and she gave no hint at what would.

The crying did cease for a moment while he changed the slacks she wet, but that was only because she was left alone on his bed to crawl over the edge. Bruce caught her just before she hit the carpet.

He wished he had accepted Alfred’s offer to lend a hand. Even more than that, Bruce regretted forcing the older man to leave the manor in order to prove to everyone he could do something as simple as watch a child for a few hours on his own.

Calling Selina was out of the question. Not only would she laugh, especially after insisting she of all people should know there was nothing he couldn’t do, but she would never let him live it down.

He thought for a moment and realized he had not insulted everyone who could be of assistance. With Helena in his arms, he reached for the nearest phone, dialed, and waited anxiously.

“Hello,” answered the voice in the receiver.

Bruce let out a sigh of relief, “Dick, I—”

“Sorry, Bruce,” Dick interrupted, “I’m not allowed to help.”

“What? Why?” Bruce asked while trying to give Helena a Ming vase in another attempt to distract her from crying.

“I'm not allowed to say,” Dick informed him, “But I’m supposed to tell you not to bother calling Tim, Cass, Babs, or anyone else. Wow, she’s really wailing—”

Bruce hung up the phone. Alfred must have been more insulted than he led on.

He couldn’t understand why Helena was crying so much. Wasn’t she always laughing and smiling whenever he stopped by Selina’s…

That’s when the best idea he had all day hit him.

…

Every time Helena shook her little, silver rattle, she giggled. While she waved her arms in delight, the rattle slipped out of her grasp, but Bruce caught it before it hit the ground. He gave it back to her and she giggled again.

Soon, she lost interest in her rattle and became engrossed with his gauntlets. Bruce leaned his head back against his chair and was so busy enjoying the relative quiet that he missed the approaching footsteps.

“This might not be the best place for the child, Master Bruce.”

Bruce’s eyes flew open, “Alfred.”

“Yes, sir. I can take Miss Helena up for her bottle. Unless, of course, you insist on continuing to prove your point.”

Bruce scowled, but said nothing. He wasn’t foolish enough to risk angering Alfred for a second time in one day.

“One more thing, sir,” Alfred said as he reached for Helena who raised her hands to be carried away, “You may want to clean your suit before heading out since Miss Helena seems to have spit up on it.” With that, he turned on his heel and left.

Bruce slipped off his cowl and looked down at his suit where sure enough, baby vomit covered half the bat insignia. There was a little on his cape, too. Though most of it was on his left boot. However, he wasn’t about to complain because the suit is what finally made his daughter smile again.

A birthday drabble!

2010-05-14T19:58:40Z

Title: Lighter Side
Characters: Bruce, Selina, Dick, Tim, Jason
Rating: PG
Word Count: 275
Disclaimer: DC owns.
AN: for stalinglim! =)

He felt silly.

Ridiculous.

Stupid was more accurate, actually. She, of course, was enjoying herself. As she had a tendency to do whenever he was making a fool of himself. Worse still, they had an audience.

“Ah, c’mon, Bruce, you’re not even trying!” Selina accused, but it was the laughter in her voice that irritated him most.

“I am,” he said, defending himself. He was, really. But dammit, nothing, was responding to him like it was supposed to.

She inched closer to him and for the brief time she guided his hands, he was doing all right.

“Look,” she said, “It’s not that difficult. I’m sure you’re boys do this from time to time. You should watch them once in a while.”

He heard muffled laughter from behind where Dick was sitting.

"That sounded so wrong," Dick laughed.

When Bruce turned to glare at him, the laughter stopped and Dick cleared his throat.

Tim, sitting on the other side Selina, managed to keep a straight face through it all.

Then, for the third time since they began this nonsense, Bruce watched himself die on screen again.

“Enough,” he growled and stood. He tossed the controller on the couch. Selina rolled her eyes, but let him walk away.

Dick was quick to jump to the empty spot and barely beat Tim to the controller.

Jason, who was leaning against the doorway, smiled.

“Sure you want to do that?” he asked Bruce.

Bruce didn’t reply and simply walked past him out of the game room.

“Fine!” Jason yelled after him, “But we’re not letting you play Arkham Asylum until you get the hang of Lego Batman first!”

lj is doing something screwy with the font... =/

2010-05-14T19:38:34Z

Title: Just a Random Night
Characters: Bruce/Selina
Rating: PG
Word Count: 3070
Disclaimer: DC owns.
AN: For scarletsong. I owed you a drabble and then I had this dream where Bruce returns and so you end up with this fic! =D

The street was dark. It was dirty and well hidden. Perfect, actually.

When she needed to get away from her roommates, she automatically thought of this narrow, little street in the East End. Ivy would think it beneath her. Harley wouldn’t, but Ivy would be there to remind her otherwise. Plus, if you didn’t know the bar at the end of the street she was heading to, you’d be hard-pressed to find it. It was the perfect place to hide in for a while.

Selina walked in, surprised to see it so crowded. Seemed many were looking to hide, maybe forget. Could have been the rain, too.

Only a couple of heads turned when she walked in. Few were there to socialize, which was fine by her. She just wanted to be alone.

Squeezing her way to the bar, she took the empty stool between a greasy haired man and a pretty, young blonde, near a corner. Then, ordered her drink.

So much had happened in the last few weeks, so much she had not stopped to process. And she knew it was unfair to place the blame entirely on Harley and Ivy for needing to get away. They actually made it easier to pretend little had changed and she would never tell them, but they made her feel less alone. It wasn’t even Tommy pretending to be Bruce. It was everything.

The heat in the place was getting to her and she removed her coat. As she folded it and placed it on her lap, she bumped her elbow against the man next to her.

“Sorry about that,” she said, reaching for her drink.

“It’s all right,” he replied.

She froze and felt so cold all of a sudden.

Her drink forgotten, Selina turned to him. His shirt was well-worn; the jacket hanging on his stool was too. His beard hid the lower half of his face, while his long, greasy hair covered the top. His hands were wrapped around the same bottle of beer since she sat down, she realized.

It couldn’t be. She shook her head slightly and tried to still her ever increasing heartbeat. She took a quick drink before turning to the man again.

“I’m sorry, what? I didn’t hear you,” she said lamely, hoping he’d look up.

“Nothing important,” he replied, still staring at the full bottle of beer in his hands.

Her throat went dry. She swallowed. It didn’t help. She finished the last of her drink then looked around. Everyone was busy in their own little world.

Selina leaned towards him, “You want to… wanna get outta here?”

“No,” he said, then seemed to remember his manners and looked up at her, “But…thanks…”

His face contorted into an expression she couldn’t read.

It was the strangest thing. She wanted to smile and burst out laughing and cry all at the same time. It was him. His blue eyes looking back at her. His dark eyebrows knotted together in a confusion she couldn’t understand. It was Bruce of all people sitting next to her. How was that even possible?

…

He’s not sure how he arrived at his current destination. He’s tried to remember something, someone, anything. But he cannot. Yet there is something driving him. He can’t explain it.

Doesn’t have anyone to explain it to. All he does remember is pain. Lots of pain and then nothing. He woke up in a cave. Lifeless bodies scattered all around him. Was he the reason for their death? Why would he do it? What kind of person was he if he did?

He walked. Ran. Talked in languages he didn’t know he knew. He stole food to eat. Stole clothes to keep warm. Stole the bare minimum he needed to continue on.

This force driving him, led him to a big city. Lots of lights. Lots of people. A tall, pointy structure in the middle of it all.

“Je suis desole…”

Someone was talking to him. He turned to see a young woman smiling kindly.

“…Êtes vous bien, monsieur…”

“Oui, merci,” he replied and began to walk away.

She followed behind him, “Avez-vous besoin d'un endroit pour rester?”

He did need a place to stay, but she couldn’t help him. Or so, he thought at first. She turned out to work for a local non-profit organization that helped homeless individuals. They gave him a small bed to sleep in, hot meals to eat, new clothes, which were used clothing in slightly better condition than the rags he wore. They even tried to get him a job.

He stayed there a few weeks. Five to be exact, trying to repay their kindness by doing what they asked, which was very little. He worked for a small bakery they owned, kneading dough in a dark back room away from the ovens. He didn’t mind working there, but he knew he didn’t belong.

He saved all the money he could and left. Other countries, other cities came and went. None of them felt right. Until he bought passage to a place he heard was better. Even during troubling times and a bad economy, there were more opportunities to be found there. So he went. Sailed across an unending ocean to arrive at a port with a giant woman holding a flame up towards the heavens.

Turned out the city wasn’t much better than any he’d been to before. People were just as mean, some just as nice. Most indifferent. After having to sneak out of the Port Authority building because he didn’t have any of the papers others did, he walked along the street, wondering where to go.

No one paid much attention to him until he walked through a much nicer, cleaner part of the city. There, people looked at him with disgust. No one shared his dirty appearance there. The few who did also had a full beard, long hair, and roamed the streets when everyone else had disappeared indoors.

When he walked across a bridge and read a sign that said Bludhaven, he paused. He knew that name. Knew it in a way he had not known Paris or Prague, Rome or Egypt. His pulse raced, he broke into a cold sweat, and yet his mind remained blank.

Bludhaven.

It meant something to him.

He was sure of it.

He continued walking. Walking until he was in the middle of the city. Until his head hurt from trying to find something there that would trigger his memory.

Like all the cities before, he came up empty, but he knew he was close now. So, he left Bludhaven and walked over another bridge, one that welcomed him to Gotham.

…

In the back of his mind, he knew he was home. He felt it in his gut. A sense of relief washed over him and all he wanted to do was sit down on the curb and release the tears of frustration he had stored up. But two individuals approached him. A boy and a girl. They wanted the jacket he wore. He didn’t have a lot of money, but he assumed they assumed he had it stored in his jacket. The girl came at him with a knife, but he wasn’t scared. When the boy charged towards him as well, his only reaction was a half smile.

That terrified him.

His body reacted automatically without his instruction and when it was over, he watched the girl lay on the ground unconscious and the boy try to crawl away.

He nearly did cry then.

He thought back to those bodies lying all around him in the cave and he knew without a doubt, he had put them there.

…

He’d been in Gotham four days. Wandering the streets, knowing where to turn to avoid dead ends, knowing where to find all the fire escapes to climb to the top of certain buildings. There was only one street he chose not to walk through. He couldn’t explain it, but it wasn’t time for him to walk down that street just yet. But the important things, his name, who he was, why he was in that cave? With those people? All a blur. No, a blur would have been nice, he saw nothing.

The girl who helped him in Paris said he looked like a celebrity, she just couldn’t remember the guy’s name or where he was from. It was the last time he cut his hair or shaved his beard. He left the city that night. He didn’t want someone recognizing him before he knew who he was first.

No one had paid much attention to him since then. Except for the woman talking to him now and one a few hours ago who said she’d give him a really good deal. A personal discount. She liked his size, she had said.

The woman sitting next to him now spoke again, “I’m sorry, what? I didn’t hear you.”

“Nothing important,” he replied, wishing he hadn’t said anything at all.

He could feel her looking at him. He was glad his hair hid him away. He wanted to stand and walk out, but didn’t want to draw attention to himself.

She leaned closer to him, her arm brushing against his.

“You want to… wanna get outta here?” she asked.

What?

“No,” he replied quickly. Knowing that sounded rude, he was going to add a no thank you, but then he turned his head sideways just enough to see who he was talking to and he’s not sure he ever got the words out.

She might have been the most beautiful woman he could remember ever seeing. But he wished he’d kept his gaze down on the beer he bought and had yet to drink out of, especially when he saw recognition in her green eyes.

He was afraid to ask, but the mix of emotion on her face and the way she was trying not to smile made him do it.

“Do I know you?” he whispered. There was a flicker of regret in her eyes and her expression changed drastically.

…

Selina felt the air leave her body. Did he know her? What kind of question was that? Was it possible he didn’t remember?

“Would you like to?” she asked.

She saw him think the question over, probably trying to weigh the pros and cons of going off with a woman he didn’t remember knowing or was pretending not to know. Her mind was racing over what to do. Should she call one of his boys to come get him? Did they know he was here? What if they did? What if he was undercover for whatever reason and she was blowing the case for him.

“Know what? Never mind,” she told him. She left a twenty on the bar for her drink and grabbed her coat. She slipped through the crowd of people and went out the door.

…

He told the bartender the lady offered to pay for his drink. The guy didn’t seem to buy it, but didn’t argue. He looked out a window as he walked to the restroom and searched for the woman with the green eyes.

He saw no one outside and made his way to the men’s room.

She recognized him, he was sure. She looked at him like no one had. The closest any one had had been that girl in Paris, but even she couldn’t give him a name. Perhaps this woman could. Perhaps she could help him.

After he washed his hands, he looked at his reflection. What did the woman see that he could not? What if he was better off not knowing?

He dried his hands with a paper towel and left.

…

Selina hoped she wasn’t making a mistake. She hoped he really was on some kind of undercover work. But what if he wasn’t? What if he didn’t remember a thing and she left him alone in there without a memory to use?

She watched the door and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

“Come on, Bruce…”

All around the rain poured down angrily. She didn’t care about getting wet.

The door swung open and she held her breath.

…

He stepped out into the sidewalk, the rain hitting him violently. He looked to the left, then the right, but opted to cross the street instead.

When he turned the corner, he sped up. He could feel someone following him. Maybe it was a police officer. A few had made him leave the park bench or abandoned car he had chosen to sleep in for the night. He walked a few more blocks not once looking over his shoulder even though he wanted to.

He walked into an empty apartment complex he knew others like him frequented. He walked up some steps, down a hall and found an empty room.

He shut the door behind him. There was nothing in the room he could use to block the door and prevent any access in so he crouched in a corner and tried to warm his arms. There was a hole on the side of the wall and rain was falling into the room, wetting the dirty floor.

He heard the footsteps then. Up one flight, down the hall, outside the small room he found himself in.

There was a knock at the door and he considered jumping out the hole in the wall.

“I only want to talk,” came through the door.

It was the woman again.

Maybe if he talked to her, she’d leave him alone.
The doorknob turned and the door creaked opened. She stepped inside and closed the door behind her.
He stood up, trying to ignore the cold that seeped down to his bones.

“I think I can help you out,” she said. She glanced around the room, “Do you live here?”

He could lie and said he did. He could hurt her like he hurt those kids on the bridge. He could leave without saying anything. Or, he could trust her.

“No.”

She looked around the room again then walked over to the hole in the wall.

He considered running out and forgetting her like he’d forgotten everything else.

“This place isn’t safe,” she said.

And she was right. When she moved towards the middle of the room again, he ran and jumped through the hole.

“Wait!” she yelled after him. Dammit, this would have been much easier if she had her suit and her whip, not a trench coat and high heel boots. She watched him run down the alley and jumped out to chase after him.

…

After five blocks, two near car hits, and one angry dog, Selina caught up to him. In truth, he ceased running.

“What do you want?” he asked, his eyes were wild, his hair dripping wet, and he suddenly looked so strange.

“I can take you somewhere safe,” she offered.

“No.”

She smirked at him, “And why not?”

He did not know why he shouldn’t, but he did know he didn’t like the way she looked at him. Like… like he meant something to her.

“I’m not promising anything besides a change of clothes and a meal. Maybe even a hot bath?”

“Why?” he asked her.

She smiled at him then. Her green eyes twinkled and she replied, “Because I want to.”

…

When they reached the building, she unlocked the door and waited for him to step inside.

“Up the elevator,” she instructed.

He waited for her to go in first.

“Room 36,” she said as she stepped out of the elevator and into the hall.

He looked around and it didn’t look much different than the burned building they had just left, except the charred walls were missing.

She unlocked the door and walked in without waiting for him. He realized she was giving him a chance to leave if he wanted to. It was either a genuine move or one intended to give him a false sense of security.

After he walked in, she said he could close the door. The room did not look like the rest of the building. It was clean. The couches looked comfortable. He glanced down at the carpet. They were sure to ruin it with their muddy footprints and rain soaked clothes.

Selina turned to look at him.

“What do you want?” he asked again.

She continued studying him for a while. “Nothing right now,” she promised. She could hardly believe he was standing there.

“Then why did you bring me here?”

Her expression withered for a moment, but quickly it was gone and a half-smile took its place.

“It’s never easy with you,” she sighed. Seems she was going to have to call them in after all. She moved towards the door. “Stay here as long as you want. No one will bother you.”

“You don’t live here?” he asked.

“No.” She didn’t explain that her home was gone, nor that she was living with two women he wasn’t too fond of, she simply said, “I’ve stayed here from time to time. It’s a safe house and like I said, no one will bother you here.”

She would call Alfred. He would have a much better idea of what to do than she did. There were probably contingency plans for this sort of thing. Amnesia? Sure, look under File A45 something or other.

Selina reached into her coat pocket and he tensed noticeably.

“This,” she placed a small cell phone on the table near the door, “Cannot be traced. You can call anyone from it and no one will be able to locate you. Got it?”

He looked at the phone, then at her. He didn't ask, but she could read his expression clearly. Why was she helping him?

She laughed and something stirred in the back of his mind.

“You knew me,” he stated, his voice wavered slightly.

Selina debated her answer. Would telling him the truth do more harm than good? Should she lie? It’s not like she hadn’t done that before. Or, should she tell him nothing?

Screw it, she was never one for rules.

“I know you,” she replied.

…

His breath was coming rapidly and he asked before he could change his mind.

“Who am I?”

She stared back at him with the same intensity.

“Are you sure you want to know?”

“Yes,” he nodded.

“You better have a seat then. This… is going to take a while.”