Title: "She's Back!"
Author: Kat Lee
Rating: G/K
Summary: He's waited for her.
Disclaimer: All recognizable characters, names, codenames, places, items, fandoms, titles, and etc. are always © & TM their respective owners, not the author, and are used without permission. Any and all original characters and everything else is © & TM the author and may not be reproduced in any way without the author's express, written permission. The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended.
He's watched the city every night since his return to Gotham after his parents' cold-hearted, brutal murder, but he's watched it even more closely since she left. His keen eyes have kept a constant vigilance in search of any sign of her return since she last ran from him and he let her go. He's questioned villains and the animal shelter workers alike, but none had the answers he sought. He's looked in every dark alley, in every cage holding a feline in the zoo, in every bank, every robbery, and even every pet store. He's constantly listened, even in his sleep, hoping against hope to hear the faintest meow that would mean she still loved him and was returning.
He's standing on a gargoyle as the first rays of the sun are beginning to slowly climb over the far horizon when a speeding car catches his attention. He swoops toward it, and it flies even faster. He comes closer, searching intently for any sign that will tell him what's happening and knowing that most speeding cars at this hour of the night are villains desperately trying to get away.
He's about ready to land on the hood and force the driver to stop when he sees a small, dark, and furry bundle on the dash. He swoops in closer again, and this time, he smiles. That little car is full to overflowing with cats of all sizes and colors. There's even a tiger asleep in the back seat, and the driver herself is too busy trying to get a tabby, a calico, a black and orange, and a hairless kitty all to settle down on her lap at once, while another kitten not even as big as his gauntleted hand, snores on her shoulder.
The Batman's cold lips turn up into a smile. A warmth glows in his well guarded heart as he swings away, allowing the speeding car to continue its reckless drive down the road. Catwoman has returned; she does care!
Later that morning, Alfred can't figure out, for the life of him, why his Master wakes him making a mess in his kitchen and whistling. He watches him bustling about the kitchen, seemingly unaware of his presence, and it's not until he caresses a milk carton that the old butler understands and shares in his Master's smile. His suspicions are confirmed when Bruce pours milk for a raggedy stray suddenly showing herself in the Manor, a stray Alfred's seen before and who Bruce has refused entrance into their home until this morning.
Catwoman has returned, and with her has come, no doubt, her cats but also his ward's happiness. The men spend a jovial morning together, sharing smiles and breakfast but no words. Each, however, knows what the other is thinking: Bruce looks forward as eagerly as a child on Christmas morn to his first encounter with his lady love while Alfred hopes only that, this time, they are both rewarded with the happiness they deserve.
The End
