Disclaimer: Don't own Batman or DC Comics
This is my first fanfic ever! I'm so excited! I'm new to writing, and appreciate reviews and constructive criticism And I know this chapter is on the short side and a little dull, but I promise the later chapters with have more length and action/mystery. This story will not be a constant damsel in distress plot, but will consist of constant suspence. This chapter is set in the future as the result of Yasmin's decision. The next chapters will focus on the past before the below events.
1: Aftermath
5 Months Later…
December 2nd 9:47 P.M.
Do you ever get the feeling that everything you've ever done in life was a mistake? Sadly that's exactly how I'm feeling right now. As I lay in a sea of rubble and glass thoughts of regret fill my mind. Everything I've accomplished over the past few weeks has just crumbled before my hazy swollen eyes. Hazy because of the explosion I've just survived, and swollen because of my silent crying. I look over at the love of my life and childhood friend; our hands still intertwined. The once charming and endearing Bruce Wayne looks almost unrecognizable with scratches on his face and dust and dirt covering his body. Looking at him unconscious with numerous injuries on his body leaves me with a loathing in my heart. How could I have been so selfish to endanger the both of us?
As I linger on the thought, I can't help but think of what will happen next. The police and fire department have yet to make their appearance. My eyes widen with horror. I can't let them see us here. Not with the possibility of connecting Bruce and Batman together. I need to get the both of us out of here. But how? I feel a surge of adrenaline as I lift my battered body and come to a shaky stance. I look around us, and find my yearning suspicion true. There seems to be nobody else in the surrounding area, which means no one else was hurt. I sigh with relief and get back to thinking of a plan. I reach into my jeans pocket and call the only person that can help us in this hour.
As my phone rings I can't help but think of how I possibly got into this situation. A few months ago I was living as a pretentious socialite in Gotham City, with far fewer problems than now. Before my involvement with Bruce Wayne and Batman I lived a life as Yasmin Knightly A.K.A "Gotham's Princess". But you see, I had my own ideas of how I wanted to live my life. And it definitely wasn't what the media and tabloids had portrayed me to be.
He picks up after the first couple of rings.
"Hello Miss Knightly. Are you and Master Wayne alright, I was expecting you two to arrive home an hour ago." A sense of concern resonates in his tone.
"Alfred, Bruce and I are in a bit of a crisis here. He's knocked out and the police will be arriving here any minute. Could you please pick us up and assist me?" I'm sounding unusually formal for being overwhelmed.
"Already here Miss Knightly. Turn about 30 degrees to your left." He hangs up.
I scoff in disbelief. Leave it to Alfred to be incredibly swift and prepared. I turn as instructed and spot the Bentley coming towards us. I smile with mock relief.
The car comes screeching to a halt as close as he can park to the explosion sight. I put my phone back in my pocket and kneel on the ground next to Bruce and examine his state. His face is covered in scratches. I hold back tears as I caress the side of his face. He winces slightly and I gasp. A reaction, he's okay.
"Bruce?" I take his hand into mine.
He stirs slightly and slowly opens his eyes.
"Yasmin?" He looks around and assesses his surroundings, then turns his head to face me. "Oh my god, are you okay? I thought I told you to escape while you could." His brow furrows and he attempts to sit up, but he lies back with obvious intense pain.
I let out a little chuckle. Only Bruce would care about my own safety and scold me in the process. I hear coming footsteps and soon enough Alfred is helping me lift Bruce to a stand.
On our way to the car Bruce secures one of his hands to my waist and manages to kiss my cheek.
"You never answered my question Yas." He says with a smirk.
I can't help but smile.
It amazes me how he still manages to keep his charm after all he's been through.
"Well I'm the one who's assisting you, so I'm pretty sure that I'm okay thank you very much. I couldn't leave the warehouse without knowing that you would be safe too. I care about you too much." I say with a weak smile.
Bruce lets out a heavy sigh.
"I feel the same way too Yasmin, but next time I tell you to do something, you have to listen to me."
I'm about to open my mouth to object, but thankfully Alfred interjects.
"Miss Knightly it seems you failed to mention on the phone about a warehouse explosion." He says with an eyebrow raised.
"I'm sorry Alfred; I didn't want to worry you too much." I bite my lip and look towards him. He lets out a chuckle. At least he's not too mad. He looks around the area filled with endless rubble and broken glass.
"A little bit too late for that Miss."
We reach the car and help Bruce into the car. As Alfred starts the car we hear approaching sirens. Great. I look over at Bruce anxiously and he knows exactly what I know could happen.
"Alfred drive!" He says hoarsely. "Be sure to take the back roads to avoid running into the police."
At that, Alfred steps on the gas forcing me and Bruce into our seats. I lean into Bruce being extra careful not to put him into anymore discomfort. To my surprise he puts his arms around me in a protective embrace and kisses my hair.
Bruce and I both being safe and in each others arms would be perfect if I didn't have a nagging thought in the back of my mind. The reason why we're sitting in the back of this car avoiding the police, and covered in dirt and numerous injuries is because of me. Why my fault you ask? Well simply because I wanted to lead Gotham's most wanted criminal into a trap, which so obviously blew up in my face. Literally. The criminal? The Joker.
Anyways all I can think about now is how the Joker is still on the streets roaming and causing havoc and hysteria in an attempt to destroy Batman. To add more to this problem, the Joker knows my association with Batman, but most importantly knows his true identity. Now there's nothing stopping him from blackmailing Bruce and I into his requests. All I want right now is for us to escape Gotham and all its problems, but I know that Bruce would never agree to such a thing. He has vowed to protect the city despite what it throws at him.
I'm shaken from my reverie by a sudden swerve taken by car.
We have taken the back roads navigating around numerous abandoned warehouses. We speed past the loading docks, and I'm relieved to see we haven't run into any law enforcement. My eyes grow weary as I look at the time on the dashboard. 10:02. I look up at Bruce through my eyelashes. He has a very impassive look on his face. I dare to ask a question that I know will cause obvious angst.
"Bruce will we ever catch the Joker?"
Silence.
Now I'm regretting my curiosity. It did kill the cat after all…
Bruce lets out a short sigh.
"Yasmin I will never stop trying as long as he's roaming free on the streets of Gotham. I promise you I will find his weakness and lock the bastard up for good. Except we can never be sure of ourselves. Something my dad used to say."
I look into his eyes and smile.
"Your dad would be so proud of you if he saw how much you care for this city."
"You think so?"
"I know so."
He smiles sweetly and leans down to kiss my lips softly. We stare at each other for a moment.
"What would I do without you Yasmin Knightly?" He says as we drive down the streets of downtown Gotham into the night. A joyful smile spreads across my face. I look up at Bruce and raise an eyebrow.
"By I, do you mean Bruce Wayne, or Batman?" I say teasingly.
His smile fades and turns into a serious stare.
"Both."
"You know, I feel the same way about you Bruce. I couldn't imagine what my life would be like without you."
"You'd probably be in the arms of some lucky man enjoying the pleasures of Gotham's elite." He says with his brow furrowed.
I scoff and take Bruce's face into my hands.
"C'mon you know how much I despise that lifestyle. Besides, the guys of the 'Gotham Elite' have nothing on you." I say with a knowing smile and let go of his face.
"Oh is that true? I guess you're right. Having the vigilante Batman as your boyfriend really can't be beat." He says a smirk.
"Correction: hero. Not vigilante."
"That's sure not what the rest of Gotham thinks." He says with a sigh.
"For now. They just don't understand Batman's true purpose. I mean, you only lay your life on the line almost daily to save Gotham's mostly ungrateful citizens. You could have easily decided to be solely Gotham's Prince, and completely have turned your back-"
"Shhhh." He places a finger to my lips.
Bruce interrupts me with his mouth on mine and clouds my thoughts completely. I place my hands on his dirt covered jacket and ease myself back.
"Mmmm. Nice way to shut me up." I say rolling my eyes. He chuckles lightly.
Never in a million years would I think that my life would consist of being Bruce Wayne's girlfriend, Batman's accomplice, and after a long time, genuine contentment. Even if sometimes I find myself in life threatening situations and late nights of worrying and anxiety, it's all worth it.
I lay my back into the comforting leather seats and stare at the passing city lights. I don't know exactly what the future holds with the Joker still on the loose, but right now I am content in Bruce's arms. Batman's arms.
How did I get into the arms of Batman exactly? It's a long story. But one that's worth listening to. The story of how my destiny crossed paths with the Dark Knight.
