Title: Batman: Again and Again
AN: This takes place after War Games, so everyone has left Batman and he is alone once again. I don't want to give away one major plot point, so I cannot say what inspired this fanfic. However, I will give credit where credit is due, once the main concept has been revealed.
AN2: quote from Detective Comics #800
Disclaimer: the cat, the bat, and everyone else are property of DC Comics and are used without permission.
"Good Morning, Master Bruce," Alfred began as he walked over to the window and pulled open the curtains.
Bruce grumbled.
"Your meeting with Mr. Fox and the board members will begin at 11am, sir."
"What time is it Alfred?"
"8:30, sir. I have set out your dark navy suit for this morning's meeting. Breakfast will be ready--"
"I'm not hungry." Bruce interrupted, heading for the bathroom.
"Very well, sir. Will there be anything else?"
Bruce shook his head and Alfred turned to leave. He was out the door when Bruce called out after him.
"Alfred?"
The butler reappeared in the room, "Yes, Master Bruce?"
"Can you drive me into town today, I don't want to deal with traffic."
"Of course, sir."
Bruce gave a half nod and closed the door to the bathroom.
ooo
Bruce sat back looking over some reports as Alfred made his way through Gotham's congested streets. Friday traffic was the worst. After being stuck in the same spot for over ten minutes, Bruce looked at his watch. 10:30. Wayne Enterprises was only two blocks away.
"Alfred, I think I'll walk the rest of the way."
"Are you sure, sir?" questioned Alfred warily, knowing Bruce didn't like to be out on the streets in daylight.
"Yes, Alfred." he replied and he made his way out of the car.
Bruce crossed the street and headed westward. He looked around at all the people whizzing by. It sure looks different, he thought. This part of Downtown Gotham was actually pretty nice. Clean streets, beautiful architecture, pleasant people, smiling, laughing...nothing like what he saw at night. At night he only saw monsters, victims, and death.
Bruce began thinking he should have stayed in the car with Alfred, when he noticed the woman walking towards. She stood out against everything else around. Everyone wore pastels and whites, it being spring, but she wore all black. A skirt that showed off enough of her legs to leave the viewer wanting to see more, a blouse that showed off her ample cleavage, and a dark purple coat on top. It was a bright, sunny day, but she didn't seem to notice.
Her short, raven hair pointed hapharzardly in every direction and she wore large black sunglasses, which Bruce knew covered her bewitching emerald eyes. Her hair blew away from her face and she looked even more amazing.
Selina Kyle. Bruce smiled involuntarily.
Unlike everyone around who walked quickly--almost running--Selina went about at her usual casual pace. With every step, her hips swung slowly, deliberately from one side to the other, making everyone who passed her take notice.
One man who turned his head to look at her, bumped into a light post. Another man stepped off the curb and was almost hit by a taxi. The taxi swerved left to avoid the pedestrian and hit the car driving along side it on its left.
When everyone turned to look towards the screeching tires, Bruce couldn't help but keep his eyes on Selina. That's when she saw him.
Bruce Wayne. She smiled seductively and lowered her head to peak over her shades.
Immediately, he saw her green eyes. Despite being out in daylight, surrounded by people, he knew it was Catwoman approaching. He and Catwoman, alone. He had seen her like this many times. Although, usually they were surrounded by the dark of night, on a roof top high in the sky.
As she got closer, she removed her eyeglasses and smiled warmly. She was happy to see him.
"How are you, Selina?"
"Good. And you?"
"I'm better now," he grinned. She rolled her eyes, her smile gone. She didn't like the "public" Bruce Wayne. He was fake, loud, and an airhead.
"No one is watching us, Bruce."
"Someone is always watching. Always listening, Selina," he said solemnly through clenched teeth and a forced smile.
"Right." she replied curtly, "Someone is always covering the fabulous Bruce Wayne and his exploits." She sighed, "I gotta go," and walked past him.
"Wait." he reached out and grabbed her hand. She stopped and gave him a look that made him glad it was daylight and she didn't have her whip. He quickly let go.
"What do you want, Bruce?"
"Just wondering what you were doing here?"
"I have an appointment at 11."
"Oh." He hoped maybe she had gone to Wayne Enterprises to see him. Of course, there had been no reason for her to visit. The last time they had spoken ...everything had gone to hell. Stephanie had been killed...actually, allowed to die. (He still had trouble dealing with that.) Barbara, Tim, and Cassandra had left Gotham. Dick was recovering from a gunshot wound. Alfred was caring for Dick. I was alone.
I went to Catwoman. Selina. I told her about Black Mask, about Leslie. Excuses. I could have called. Left a note. But I went to see her.
"Show me you feel something, Bruce. I dare you—Anger. Sorrow. Hate.LOVE. PAIN.-- Anything." she yelled.(AN2) Having her in front of me, yelling, was supposed to be enough. I tried to convince myself, but it wasn't. I had gone to her for more. I needed to see her, smell her, touch her...kiss her.
Everything I had been carrying inside, trying to ignore, came rushing to the surface because of Selina. She never let me forget. She never allowed me to become draped in shadows. Never let me become completely closed off. She helped me so many times, gaining nothing except my scowls and cruel words.
"Bruce?" her voice brought him back to the present. Her eyes softened and she touched his face lightly. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," he managed, "I was just thinking about the last time I saw you."
"Oh...sorry about that," she said only half-meaning it, recalling how she'd yelled at him, slapped him, punched him...kissed him. "Well, I'm not sorry about everything." she grinned.
He offered her a small smile.
Then, both were silent.
Finally, Selina spoke, "Well, I have to get going, Bruce." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and went on her way.
ooo
Bruce walked into Wayne Enterprises at 10:55. As he made his way to the boardroom he received too many gaping looks. As he walked into the meeting on time, the surprise was evident on everyone's face.
"Glad you could make it," began Lucius as he handed out a schedule with the meeting's agenda. Bruce looked at the sheet of paper and regretted coming in. He wouldn't be leaving until 1 pm, and that was if everything went according to plan.
"Let's get started," Lucius said as he motioned for his assistant to close the doors.
Bruce tried to smile. It's going to be a long day.
ooo
At 2:06 pm the boardroom doors opened. Bruce was the first one out. He went straight to his office ignoring anyone who tried to talk to him. He locked the door and called Alfred.
He laid down on his couch, something he rarely did, and closed his eyes. His head was throbbing. The meeting had been pointless, full of inconsequential, so-called "important" issues that needed careful consideration. This is the reason I never come to these meetings.
Bruce just wanted Alfred to pick him up and take him home. He didn't want to think about anything until he had to prepare for patrol.
There was a knock at the door, and Bruce jumped up to answer hoping it was Alfred. It was. Bruce almost hugged him.
On the drive to the Manor, Alfred told Bruce his attendance was required at the evening's Gotham Museum Black & White Ball.
"Do I have to go Alfred?" came the question and Alfred was reminded of a much younger Bruce whining and pleading to get out of going to any type of formal event. Alfred couldn't help but smile at the recollection. Alfred knew he never enjoyed them much, but tonight Bruce would have to make an appearance.
"I am afraid so, sir. The charity event is sponsored by the Wayne Foundation."
Bruce grumbled. He would have to suffer another waisted evening with Gotham's elite. It was going to be a long day. Bruce couldn't help but frown.
ooo
Bruce Wayne was one of the first guests to arrive. He walked past the flashing cameras, waving one hand at them and producing a dashing smile. Once he greeted the committee he headed straight to the bar. This was his usual routine for such events, be the first to arrive, situate himself at the bar, and everyone who arrived after assumed he had been drinking the entire time. A "drunken" Bruce Wayne could get away with almost anything, including hitting on someone else's date, not engaging in any conversation, and leaving early.
A buxom blond in a bright red dress approached him. Bruce looked her up and down and flashed his playboy smile. She shoved her huge breasts at him while extending her hand, "Hi. I'm Rain."
"Well, hello, Rain," Bruce pretended to leer at her and shook her hand, "I'm Bruce."
Rain sat on the stool next to him, "So what do you do, Bruce?"
"I'll do whatever you want, Rain." he replied gently squeezing her hand. She giggled.
By now, Bruce knew the different kinds of women that approached him. Women like Rain who wanted to catch his attention, why else wear red to a Black & White Ball, in order to be seen with him, have her picture taken with him, make the cover of some gossip magazine, and perhaps become the next Bond girl. Other women, like the one approaching them now, a tall leggy red-head, surprisingly also wearing red, wanted him to lavish them with expensive things.
"Hello, Bruce, Remember me? Lisa. We met at the Huntington wedding." Lisas tried to create an instant rapport, thinking it would make it easier to sink their teeth on their prey's wallet.
"Oh, of course," he extended his arm, which she ignored and leaned in to kiss him.
"I hope you haven't forgotten me already," she whispered, still leaning against his arm.
"How could I?"
"Hey, I was talking to him first, " protested Rain.
"We go way back," retorted Lisa, holding tightly to Bruce's arm.
"Ladies, there's more than enough of me to go around." Bruce smiled as he placed an arm around each of them. Rain giggled and Lisa began making a mental list of all the things she would get Bruce to give her. Inwardly, Bruce sighed.
All the women he met wanted something from him: his high profile and standing in society, his money, or his love. He had never been able to give much of himself for a long time. Always, his nightlife would interfere. Usually, he didn't mind. But sometimes, he'd wish...well, it didn't matter, he didn't have enough time to ever make it work and he always got tired of all the lying. He let out a deep sigh.
Bruce had only been there an hour and he had his hands full. He had "drank" more than eight glasses of wine. One glass always made its way to his suit jacket just in case his slurring wasn't convincing enough, his stench of alcohol would be.
Bruce began to wonder who he would leave with. Actually, leaving with both might be even better. He usually "passed out" in the car and Alfred would drop off the angered woman or women, making sure to send flowers in the morning. He was about to ask Lisa and Rain if they wanted to leave, when he noticed the majority of the guests look towards the entrance doors. His lips parted as he saw her.
She wore a strapless white gown that reached down to the floor. It hugged her body and accentuated every curve. Her short hair was slicked to the side. She wore emerald cut diamond earrings and matching necklace that Bruce had given her long ago. Her eyes were bright and amused by all the attention.
"Why is everyone looking at her?" Lisa asked, disgusted and bothered that she had not caused the same commotion.
"Who's that?" asked Rain wondering how she could make that kind of entrance.
"Selina Kyle." Bruce informed them.
"You know her?" they asked in unison.
"Known her a long time," he replied with a smirk.
"How did you meet?" asked Lisa slightly upset. She knew Bruce's reputation, but never thought he would know all the women present. So far, every single woman that had arrived at the ball made it a point to stop by and say hello to him.
Bruce thought about it, but figured he couldn't say anything about whips and handcuffs, so he replied, "A wedding," which was partially true.
Both women shrugged, having lost interest, and turned their attention back to their drinks, but his eyes were glued to her.
She looks amazing. Who's she with? Bruce had not seen her in over six months and now he saw her twice in the same day. Who was that guy? Selina's date looked vaguely familiar.
Bruce looked on as Selina and her date walked around the dance floor and headed towards the bar. If she had seen him, Bruce couldn't tell. She remained focused on the man whose arm she was holding.
"He's cute," said Rain as she joined Bruce in staring at the pair walk by them and stop a few stools away. Selina stood with her shapely backside to the threesome. The couple ordered drinks and resumed their conversation. Just then, the band began to play.
"C'mon, Bruce. We should dance," Rain whispered pulling his arm.
"He promised me the first dance," Lisa screeched pulling his other arm.
"No, he didn't!"
"Yes, he did!"
Selina turned around upon hearing the escalating argument. She looked at the women and then at the man they were fighting over. She couldn't help but shake her head.
Bruce turned and their eyes met. His eyes were serious despite his playboy smile. Why was she here? With that guy? She had been happy. Genuinely happy to see him just that morning. And now, she was there with that man. Her friend? Date? Boyfriend?
His eyes narrowed slightly, enough for Selina to notice. When he realized what he was doing, his eyes softened and a pleading look moved across his face. Was he asking her for help? Well, those women were getting pretty loud now. It wouldn't be the first time she'd save him. Selina turned to her escort, said something, took his arm, and walked towards the fighting women.
"Hello, Bruce," Selina began as she stopped in front of him, ignoring the women, "How have you been?"
The women gave Selina menacing looks wondering why she would interrupt them.
"I'm well, thank you. How could I not be with a lovely lady on each arm." Bruce looked at Lisa, then Rain. Both women relaxed a bit and smiled at Bruce.
"Glad to hear it," Selina replied, feeling a tug at her arm, "Where are my manners?" she gave a soft laugh. Bruce loved her laugh. "Bruce Wayne, Jeffrey Harrison. Jeffrey, Bruce."
The men exchanged pleasantries and hand shakes. Then it was Bruce who felt tugging at his arms.
"Selina, Jeffrey, this is Rose and Lily--"
"Rain!"
"Lisa!"
"Rain and Lisa," Bruce corrected himself then shrugged, "Wine." The women forced a small smile and shook hands. Everyone became silent. The band played again.
Jeffrey turned to Selina, "Would you like to dance?"
"Sure." She replied, then turned to look at Bruce, "Excuse us." Jeffrey led her away to the dance floor.
"Can we dance now, Bruce?" asked Rain. Before Lisa could protest, Bruce answered, "Of course." He wanted to listen in on Selina's conversation. However, that proved difficult with Rain's non-stop yapping about her favorite actors and directors.
Selina was no longer dancing with Jeffrey when Bruce looked for her. A young blond man, who seemed extremely happy to be dancing with her, was tapped on the shoulder by another young man who wanted to cut in. The smile on his face rivaled only the the blond boy's who had danced with her previously. A small line was forming of men wishing to dance with Selina.
Bruce looked at the men ogling Selina, their tongues practically wagging. They bothered him, not that he could blame them. He had never seen her all in white before. She looked exquisite...like a goddess. She could make you feel like you were the most important person there, the only one in the entire room. Suddenly, he envied the young man dancing with her. He wondered if he should stand in line.
"Don't you agree, Bruce?"
"Yes, Monica," he answered absentmindedly.
"What?" the petite blond yelled. "I'm Vanessa!"
Bruce looked down and realized he wasn't dancing with the the tall brunette that cut in on Rain. Now, he was dancing with Vanessa, apparently. How many women had he danced with already, he wondered.
"Of course, Vanessa." Bruce flashed his dazzling smile and all was forgiven.
The song ended and Bruce instantly sought Selina. She was trying to get out of dancing with yet another partner.
"I'm a little tired, but thank you. Maybe some other time." Selina informed the distinguished-looking older gentleman as she started to walk away.
The band began another song.
"May I?"
Selina turned to see Bruce holding out his hand. She placed her hand in his.
"She's tired," the distinguished-looking older gentleman offered, but was ignored.
The song ended and Bruce and Selina had yet to say a word to each other. Another song began and they continued to dance silently looking into each other's eyes.
She was one of the few people who knew his secret. At one point he had wondered if he made a mistake in revealing his identity to her, but now, looking into her eyes, he knew he had not. It was nice to be able to look at someone and not have to hide. He realized he was stroking her back with his thumb and he stopped.
"You don't have to stop," she smiled.
He had been wanting to hold her the entire evening and now that her had her in his arms, he was at a loss as to what to do. He wasn't sure what to say, or even what he wanted to say.
"Are you okay?" Selina asked.
He nodded.
"Cat got your tongue?"
He smiled at the accuracy of her words and replied, "Something like that." He opened his mouth to speak, but closed it instead and simply admired her. You look beautiful. "Who's your date? He looks familiar."
"Harrison Acquisitions. He was my appointment this morning."
"What are you selling? Or buying?"
"Neither actually," Selina replied, wondering if she should tell him the truth. "I needed some money...fast. I didn't want to steal anything." His jaw grew tense, but she ignore him, "I heard Jeffrey was really good with stocks, so I went to him for advice."
"Why didn't you come to me?" Bruce asked.
The question surprised her. She thought he would ask what the money was for, not be upset because she went to someone else for advice. She could see the hurt in his eyes and had to look away.
"Selina, why didn't you ask me?" Bruce tried again, really wanting to know. She had come to him when she needed financing to open the community center. What was different this time?
She looked at him, "I didn't want to bother you..."
"It wouldn't have been a bother." he stated.
"Look, the last time we saw each other, it was...awkward. So many things had gone wrong. You were closing yourself off to everyone and everything. I wanted you to snap out of it," she paused, "I kissed you and..."
"I kissed you back." he reminded her.
"Yes, but then you pushed me away and left without a word." She looked away again. "I couldn't simply go to you for help."
"Who can you turn to for help if not your friends?" he offered with a small, but sincere smile.
"You are not my friend, Bruce." Her words stung. "We are not friends. Friends don't hurt each other like we do. We're...I don't know what we are, but we're not friends." His smile evaporated.
She was right. They weren't friends, but they were no longer enemies. They had dated on and off. At one point, becoming lovers. Occasionally, they had put their differences aside and worked together, but they weren't teammates. They had been everything and...nothing. They had known each other for ten years and there was no easy category they fit into.
Yet, she felt right in his arms. He had not thought about anything, including his nightly activities, since he saw her walk in. He looked up at the clock on the opposing wall. It was 7:30. He should have left already, he had to prepare for his patrol.
What if he invited her on patrol? She had gone with him before. She made the night pass quicker. No, she distracted him. Her scent numbed his senses, just like it was doing now. He pulled her in closer and she didn't resist. He knew he should leave, but...
Selina rested her head on his shoulder. He held her tighter. Her scent filled his nose and he wanted to get lost in that smell. He'd done so before and he wanted to do it again.
The song ended and he looked at the time. 8:00. He'd wasted too much time already.
"I have to go."
Startled she looked up at him. She had been lost in her own thoughts.
"Are you going out tonight?" she asked carefully.
He nodded.
"Maybe I'll go with you."
He was about to say no, when his body betrayed him and he nodded.
She saw the refusal flash in his eyes a moment before he nodded, so she asked, "What's it going to be, then?"
"Meet me on top of the Bank of Gotham building in 20 minutes."
She smiled and he disappeared.
ooo
Catwoman reached the roof of the bank. He wasn't there yet. Maybe he changed his mind and wouldn't show. Well, if he doesn't show, at least I have a nice view. She looked out at the lights and buildings, all different shapes and colors.
Gotham looked beautiful from up here. You would never know about about all the ugliness, crime, and evil brewing down below on the streets.
Selina had been surprised to run into Bruce that morning, but was happy about it. Now she was afraid he might have noticed just how happy she had been. Did I smile too much? Way to keep your cool, Catwoman, Jesus. Can't even pretend to be aloof.
She had gone to her meeting as planned. The entire time, Jeffrey had hinted at wanting to ask her out.
You were about to decline his offer to go to the Black & White Ball, when you noticed it was sponsored by the Wayne Foundation. The morning run-in wasn't enough for you, you wanted to see him again. You wore the diamond earrings he had given you. You wore white! You never wear white. There might have been too much cleavage, actually. You're boobs looked like they were going to burst out.
No, they didn't!
When do you get made up for anyone but yourself? But tonight it was all about him.
Catwoman shook her head. She didn't like arguing with herself. She sat down, then decided to lay on her stomach. She rested her elbows on the edge of the building, cradling her chin in her hands.
Well, it worked didn't it? He couldn't keep his eyes off of me. She smiled to herself. Even as he had those two...things draped all over him, his eyes followed me wherever I went. He even forgot their names!
Catwoman laughed out loud.
"What's so funny?" he asked in a low voice.
Catwoman spun her head around. Her eyes bewildered searching through the darkness.
Once he contained his smile, Batman stepped out of the shadows, "Did I startle you?"
"No," she lied getting up slowly. He rarely scared her, but when he did , she never showed it. This time, she had been engrossed with thoughts of Bruce and Batman caught her. Catwoman shook her head inwardly. She composed herself quickly and walked deliberately slow towards him.
"You're late."
"No, I got here--"before Batman could continue, they heard screams from down below. Catwoman looked at Batman and followed him off the building.