Good evening Gotham. I would have had this to y'all a few weeks ago but I've had a chest cold that just wont clear and haven't felt like doing anything.

This story is a two-part bridge while I decide if I am ready to open the can of worms that could be the third installment of our Bruce and Selina story... I am trying to get inspired on the main story line, but it hasn't taken shape yet. So until then I might just play around a while more in one shot story land.

This particular one is set right after Meghan and picks up the time line where that story left off...

So without further adieu... I give you Part 1 of: In From the Cold

As alway I love to hear from the reader- please review !

-Slingblade-

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Selina rolled her eyes open and glanced around the room as she tried to place an unfamiliar sound. It came again and she tensed beside Bruce. His voice was low and comforting in her ear, "Just the storm. Cold front finally hit. We have sleet and snow all day in the forecast. "

As if on cue the wind drove another wave of watery ice against the glass of the penthouse. Selina relaxed as she felt Bruce's arm tighten against her and she burrowed further under him, "Sounds like a great day to stay in bed with you then."

Bruce smirked and kissed the top of her head as head adjusted himself and tucked her in, "I will take any excuse I can get to stay here next to you. We have already lost most of this day anyway."

Selina lifted her head and glanced at the analog clock next to the bed. Her hair was piled up in a mass of puffy curls that tumbled over her brow. Bruce smiled down at her and smoothed the unruly curls away from her face. He watched in amusement as she blushed and dropped her head back down under his chin pillowing against his chest. Bruce gave her a little nudge, "Don't be shy."

Selina smiled and hid her face under the covers as she blinked up at him over the folded edge of the cream-colored sheets.

Bruce pursued her under the covers and grinned when he felt her wrap herself around him, "Tell me Selina. What has you flashing those beautiful eyes and blushing in our bed this morning?"

She shook her head and smiled at him as she tried to avoid a face to face with the sexy man who was accosting her. Selina squeaked as he tickled down her ribcage, "You had better tell me where that mind of yours is this morning my love or I will get it out of you the hard way."

Selina looked up at him and grinned, "I don't like my bed head. But I do like playful Bruce Wayne. I bet no one would believe it if I told them he existed."

Bruce smirked down at her, "You wouldn't tell anyone. You wouldn't want to ruin my reputation."

Selina smiled up at him and was captured by the openness in his eyes, "Your reputation was ruined the second you fell in with the likes of me."

Bruce considered that and smiled down at her, "Good. I need to toughen up my image. Girls go for the bad boys don't they?"

Selina nodded, "Some of them do."

Bruce's face got serious and he smoothed her hair off her forehead, "Do you?"

She shook her head to the negative Bruce raised a brow, "No?"

Selina confirmed it, "No. I'm bad enough all by myself. I like good boys. Public servant types with big hearts and a chest pinned full of merit badges."

Bruce grinned and kissed her under her jaw, "Are you saying I am a man of merit?"

Selina laughed and hugged him close, "Yes, you are. You are a man of many unique talents... of that I can testify." Bruce raised another brow at that and Selina leered at him as her thoughts ran to the dirty side of Bruce Wayne's skill set. Bruce smiled easily as he laid in her arms, "You are good for a man's self-esteem Selina."

She ran her hands over his shoulders and he flexed his arms tighter around her as he laid his head on her chest, "What does a woman like you do on a day like today?"

Selina smiled down at him, "You are acting like we have never spent a day together."

Bruce drew back on his elbows and looked down at her, "We have no bank job to pull, no immediate threat in Gotham, no relationship hurdle to overcome. Whatever shall we do with all the free time?"

Selina smiled up at him and stroked his cheek, "Eat.. sleep…sex."

Bruce snorted out a laugh and dropped his lips to hers, "Yes ma am to all of that." He kissed her gently and gave her a devilish smile, "Which do you want to do first?"

Selina smiled as her hand slipped down over his bare back, "Eat." Bruce made a disappointed sound and dropped his head on her chest in mock devastation. "Sorry baby you asked." Selina offered the condolence to him without much compassion behind it.

Bruce acknowledged her needs and allowed her to rise out of bed. "I am committed to one of the S's and since sex is no fun without you I will be sleeping."

Selina wrapped herself in her loaner purple robe and kissed him on the cheek as she pulled the covers over his bare back, "Can I bring you something?"

Bruce nodded and whispered, "Whip cream... strawberries and your naked body."

Selina grinned and found she hoping that she could make good on that request. When she opened the door of the master suite she sucked in a breath and stepped back, her hand covering her mouth, eyes wide.

Bruce was at her side in an instant, he had snatched his own robe off the ottoman and was shouldering it on as he arrived. There was no question about what had elicited the surprised response from her. Alfred Pennyworth had been a busy butler while they were sleeping the morning away. The entire penthouse had been decorated in anticipation of an elegant Christmas party. The halls had officially been decked. There was a huge 25-foot Christmas tree fully decorated with gold and red ornaments dominating the main room, gold lights twinkled down from the ceiling suspended on thin white wires.

Selina walked out into the room as the decorators and workmen were packing away their supplies. She was in complete awe of the transformation.

Alfred was sitting at the kitchen counter with a cup of tea creating a list for the caterer. Selina walked up behind him and place a hand on his shoulder, "I hope that the activity didn't awaken you Ms. Kyle, but time was of the essence if we are to host a proper Christmas celebration."

She shook her head and looked around in shock. The sound proofing in the room must have been extensive for she and Bruce had never heard anything. It was obvious that the crew had been working for hours, "Its beautiful, Alfred. "

He smiled pleased with her reaction as he watched her walk through the room like it was an enchanted wonderland. Bruce stood in the doorway with this arms crossed over his chest watching Selina with open adoration as she walked through the penthouse. She did a slow turn and her eyes came to rest on him and she slowly smiled, the disbelief still obvious in her eyes, "Can you even believe this?"

Bruce nodded and looked over at Alfred who was preening like a peacock behind his teacup. "This is just Alfred getting warmed up. Isn't it, Alfred?"

Alfred placed the teacup into the saucer with an arrogant air that only the British had mastered, "Indeed. Should I have been given more than a few hours notice of the pending engagement I might have been able to really do something with this place. As it were, I did want to try and make it special for the little miss.

Selina shook her head and smiled wordlessly as she made another slow turn and took in all of the details. Fresh garland woven in with the gold lights draped against the fireplace the smell of juniper in the room as the tree stood proudly as the centerpiece of the room. It was breathtaking.

Bruce knew then she had never had this before. Selina has likely never had a Christmas with family and friends and he realized that Alfred must have guessed that too. He watched his old caretaker as he studied Selina's reaction with satisfaction. Alfred you old dog. You can say this was for Meghan, but we both know exactly what you did here ... and for whom.

Alfred glanced over at Bruce and they shared a look. Alfred smiled into his cup as he sipped the warm beverage. Bruce walked over and clapped a hand on his shoulder, "Well done, Alfred. Very well done."

Alfred looked beyond pleased as he watched Selina reach out hesitantly and touch a branch of the Christmas tree as she looked up to the star that topped it. Alfred tried not to let the emotion seep into his voice as he spoke, "You and the missus had better get on the spot if are to find a present for little Meghan before tomorrow night."

"Good call, Alfred. Everyone won't be as easy as Selina to buy for."

Alfred glanced outside, Speaking of, Gotham is predicted to be whited out by Christmas Eve, near blizzard conditions."

Bruce frowned and checked his wrist before he realized his watch wasn't present. Alfred handed him his pocket watch. "I have already taken the liberty of expediting the arrival of Ms. Kyle's gift."

Bruce pursed his lips and considered Alfred and shook his head, "What would I ever do without you, Alfred?"

Alfred looked at him seriously, "Most assuredly starve to death in a bed covered with unwashed sheets."

X

Selina didn't even want to imagine what it had taken to get the penthouse outfitted for the holiday party but the result was beautiful and she was grateful to Alfred for having pulled it off so spectacularly. She and Bruce stepped out for a quick shopping trip and by the time they returned Alfred looked exhausted. Selina felt so bad for him she offered to scare them up something to eat. Alfred was more than game to allow Selina the run of the kitchen and Bruce seemed intrigued to see what she came up with. He had been a good sport about the vegetarian dishes thus far so he figured another wouldn't put an end to him.

Selina disappeared into the kitchen and quickly took stock of the available provisions, which as it turned out was everything under the sun needed to prepare about anything imaginable. It occurred to her then that she really didn't know Bruce's tastes well enough to undertake this project and have it come out successfully. She paused at the pantry as she looked from shelf to shelf.

Bruce watched her for a long while and he couldn't help but fall more in love with her as she chewed her thumbnail lost deep in thought. He cleared his throat and Selina turned to him with a look of concentration on her face. He smiled and gestured to the landline, "We can always order take out."

Selina smiled and leaned over the counter, " You don't trust me, Mr. Wayne?"

Bruce only by the narrowest of margins avoided calling her Ms. Kyle. "I trust you implicitly... my love." He looked at her sweetly and nodded back to the pantry. "Have at it. I am sure whatever you come up with will be delicious."

Selina rolled her eyes and huffed a breath of exasperation. "You are no help at all, Wayne. "

x

Selina made meatless stuffed peppers Mediterranean style in tribute to their trip to Florence. Alfred used the time to work up a to do list for the party and had immersed himself in the project and nearly forgot diner was coming until the smell of the peppers reached his nose. He glanced up at Bruce and they shared a look of anticipation over the mix of enticing scents that emanated from the kitchen.

Selina was plating up Italian roasted vegetables as the men walked unbidden into the room. Alfred was prepared to assist in the place setting, but Selina had it handled. She shooed him out of the kitchen and pulled out a chair for him at the head of the casual dining table. "This is a rare event, Sir Alfred. Best you enjoy it to its fullest," Her eyes danced as she handled the proper English butler.

Alfred seemed to enjoy the novelty of being waited on and accepted her courtesy graciously. Selina smiled at Bruce as she walked by to collect the plates of food. He offered to assist as well and Selina gave him a smirk and pushed him out of the kitchen towards the table. Bruce just grinned over his shoulder at her.

He glanced over at Alfred and smiled at the sight of his old butler allowing himself to be served. It was a sight Bruce had never seen outside the setting of a restaurant. There seemed to be many firsts to be had with this woman of mine... Selina walked back into the kitchen and collected her own plate and set it next to Alfred who by her organization sat at the head of the table. She paused and looked down at him, "White or red Alfred?"

Alfred lifted his head and without hesitation replied, "Red. The Dom Romanee Conti 97. Top right shelf."

Selina nodded as she took the direction without hesitation. She brought over two wine glasses and set them and the bottle of wine in front of Bruce, she handed him the corkscrew and lifted her brow, "You know what to do with this don't you?" Not waiting for his reply she returned to the kitchen and poured a glass of iced tea, "Lemon?" She asked Bruce his preference as she filled the glass.

Bruce nodded as he spun the steel spiral into the stopper. He pulled the wine soaked cork deftly from the bottle, allowing the aged vintage to breath for a few moments before he poured a small taster into Alfred's glass. The English gentlemen acknowledged the propriety of the process and swirled the liquid before tasting it. He nodded his approval and Bruce smirked as he poured a half of glass for them.

Bruce watched Selina in amusement as she set the tea next to his plate. His knowing look caused a satisfied smirk to appear on her lips, "I am tired of watching you waste good liquor, Wayne. You barely even taste what's poured you."

Bruce smiled and nodded, " I'm not a drinking man, Selina. It dulls me. I prefer to keep my wits about me."

Selina smiled and returned for her own plate, as she took her seat both men rose, Selina couldn't help the smile that accompanied their actions. "Such fine manners to be had in the Pennyworth household."

Alfred acknowledged her with a lift of his glass, "But of course. "

"Here's to dulling our senses, Sir Alfred." Selina toasted the English gentleman. Selina gave Bruce a sheepish smile, "Too bad you don't get the luxury, Bruce. Dulled senses might help my cooking go down easier." She glanced back at Alfred and winked.

Alfred was aware of her nervousness and he was prepared to stomach his way through whatever she had prepared for them. It had been kind of her to offer to cook and truth be told he was grateful for a break. He had been going since nearly 4 am and was hitting his limit. He forked a bite of the tender pepper into his mouth and was taken back by the smoky undercurrent of flavor. He furrowed his brow and gathered another bit in that included the quinoa stuffing. He looked up at Selina who was waiting anxiously for his opinion and nodded as he wiped his lips with a cloth napkin, "Exceptional."

Selina watched him closely for any sign that he was just placating her. He took another bite and she could tell he was trying to break down the various spices and seasonings she had used. Satisfied that she had impressed the unimpressable, Selina focused down at her own plate as she cut up her pepper.

Bruce watched their interaction with contented pride. He took a bite of the pepper and he looked over at Selina nodding his approval. He was about to compliment her on the meal when the lights fluttered indicating there was a guest in the elevator. Bruce stood immediately with a muttered apology as he went to the display board. Blake was en route.

Bruce cast a quick glance over at Selina immediately dreading her response to the intrusion. He wiped his hand on the pocket of his jeans and depressed the call button. "Door is open Blake. We are in the kitchen."

Blake nodded, "Sorry I didn't mean to interrupt." He could see through the display that they were at the table and regretted immediately not having called before he came. He had actually tried to phone, but Bruce's cell was going right to voice mail.

Bruce returned to the table and gave Selina an apologetic smile, "Sorry."

She shrugged and stood up, "There is plenty." She placed a hand on Alfred's shoulder before he could stand, "Relax, sir Alfred."

Alfred gave him a look that said he was as mystified by her temperate response as Bruce. Wayne fished for an explanation as he settled back into the padded wood chair, "You sure you don't mind, Selina? I know Blake isn't one of your favorite people."

Selina shrugged, "No, he isn't, but that doesn't mean that he's not one of yours." Her simple response touched Bruce as he felt she was actually trying to meet him halfway on the kid.

Blake walked hesitantly through the open double doorway that separated the kitchen and nook from the main room. "Sorry to bust in on your meal. I had something I needed to talk to you about, Bruce. It can wait, I mean till after you eat. If you have time then, that is."

It was apparent that Blake was not traveling alone when a large black dog pushed past him and pulled the leash from his hand as he trotted over to Selina.

Alfred nearly came undone at an animal in his kitchen, but when Selina took the dog in stride he had to as well. It was, in fact, Selina's kitchen tonight.

"Hey mutt. I would have thought you would have bailed out on this square by now." The dog's stumpy tail did its best impression of a wag as he dropped submissively on his back as Selina spoke to him. His invitation to rub his stomach again went unaccepted as Selina still refused to give the dog any greater attention than her words.

She looked up at the uninvited human guest, "Blake." He nodded a greeting back at her and Bruce rolled his eyes. Selina sat a plate of food down in front of the empty chair by Bruce and followed it with silverware wrapped in a cream cloth napkin. "Tea or wine?" She asked Blake directly.

Blake stammered and then realized he was not only being invited in while they dined, but was being expected to eat with them. "Ah, tea. I guess."

Selina returned to the kitchen with the dog in tow. She paused at the freezer and called out a question much as she had for the wine, "Which ones are they?"

"Freezer side, bottom shelf wrapped in clear plastic," Alfred answered back not needing further clarification on what she was searching for or whom she was addressing. Selina hovered down there for a moment before calling out a thank you to the English gentleman that had Bruce's life so well-organized.

Alfred nodded as he sipped from his wine glass. Blake dropped down into the chair and looked at the plate of food gratefully. He had his fork in hand and had taken three large bites before his tea arrived to the table. Bruce looked away from Selina over to Blake and concern tinted is face as he watched Blake hunched over his plate, "You doing alright Blake?"

Blake nodded and cut off another large section of pepper piling the stuffing mixture on top before he wolfed the bite down. Alfred's brow furrowed as his concern for the young man grew as well.

Selina walked from the room with Ace prancing happily after her. When she returned Blake had already decimated two peppers and most of the vegetables on his plate. She passed by the table and paused to refresh Alfred's wine. He and Bruce had barely touched their plates electing to wait for her return. Her cool eyes flicked over Blake and the corner of her mouth twitched down before she strolled over to the kitchen island. She gathered up a plate of rolls that she had neglected to bring to the table earlier and walked them over along with the remaining two peppers. She placed the plates down in front of Blake.

He took two of the rolls immediately, Selina sat down and glanced over at Alfred before she picked up her own glass of wine. He nodded and raised his glass slightly to her. Her lips lifted in a small smile at the unspoken approval of the older man. Bruce gave her a wink when she looked over at him as he gestured down at his own plate, "Its delicious, Selina. Thank you."

She gave him a small smile and focused down at her plate. Blake cleared his throat, "It's very good. I appreciate you letting me join you."

Selina looked over at him and nodded. There was an uncomfortable silence that Alfred broke for the sake of propriety. "I normally don't encourage business talk at the dinner table but in lieu of an alternative of complete silence I will be forced to engage in the subject myself. Mr. Blake, I was informed that you had quite a good showing against Dr. Crane."

Blake wiped his face with a napkin and was helpless not to beam at Alfred's recognition. "Bruce is exaggerating. I was just trying to doing my part."

Alfred held back a satisfied smile as he sipped his wine, "Actually it was the missus that was recounting your adventure. I know from experience that she is not a woman that lends herself to exaggeration, so that must mean you had quite a night."

"Oh, well… I guess so. I mean, thanks." Blake looked shocked by the source of the kind words, his eyes immediately dropped down to his plate as he came up short on a response. We had kicked some serious ass together, but I never thought she would admit that I was worth a damn.

Selina smirked at the obvious discomfort of the young man. Bruce stepped in and saved him, "You said you had something you needed to talk to me about?"

Blake nodded, "Yes, its about the orphanage, St Swithins. They are running out of supplies. Their last two Red Cross shipments were hijacked. As of today the pantries are completely empty. They are existing now solely on donations from the community. Military MREs were all the kids had tonight. There weren't even enough of those to go around."

Blake looked guiltily down at his plate and pushed back from the table, "I was there since early this morning helping mobilize the relief effort." He looked at Bruce and seemed embarrassed, "With these storm cells moving in... well that is adding another degree of difficultly to everything. I didn't know if there might be something you maybe could do to help."

Bruce nodded and gestured down to the young man's plate, "Eat up Blake. I will make a few calls." Bruce stood and accepted the cell phone that had materialized in Alfred's hand. He looked at Selina ready to apologize, but she seemed unconcerned with the entire affair and dismissed him with a wave of her empty fork.

Alfred and Selina shared looks of tolerance, both understanding Bruce's hard wiring that demanded he save the people of Gotham. They just smiled and continued on with their dinner. Blake polished off three more rolls and the rest of the peppers. His manners returned to him after his appetite was satiated and he insisted on clearing and doing the dishes.

x

"Off dish detail twice in one week, "Alfred stated in contentment as he and Selina both took a seat on the couch.

She smiled as she watched the large black dog gnawing enthusiastically on the enormous beef bone Alfred had procured for him. Selina folded her legs under herself as she listened to the dog's powerful jaws grinding, "That is one happy mutt, Mr. Pennyworth."

Alfred nodded as he looked at the large black dog laying on Selina's leather jacket. "He was rescued from a cruel and certain death, now he is mended and is dining like a king beside a warm fire. He must fancy himself Rin Tin Tin."

Selina tossed back her head and laughed, the dog looked up seemingly sensing that he was the source of the outburst. He looked between the two humans expectantly waiting for them to address him, when they didn't he returned with gusto to the bone between his paws.

Selina dropped her head on Alfred's shoulder, "Hungry out in the cold is no place for man or beast."

Alfred nodded his agreement. "Are you concerned about the children, Ms. Kyle?"

Selina nodded and looked over her shoulder for Bruce, "Do you think he can do anything for them, Alfred?"

He patted her leg, "If they haven't already had a visit from the Red Cross, the Wayne Enterprise chopper will be likely be landing on the front lawn of the facility momentarily."

Selina smiled at Alfred, as she looked out the windows at the wintry mix of sleet and snow blanketing the city, "You are pretty confident in his capabilities, Mr. Pennyworth." Her voice held trepidation as she looked at the severity of the storm, the large white flakes falling fast and thick.

Alfred laughed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "I am at that, Ms. Kyle. He has a well established stubborn streak where causes like this are concerned."

Blake was standing at the doorway listening before shuffling into the room, "Hey thanks again, Alfred…Sel- er... Ms. Kyle. I appreciate dinner. It was.. very good... great actually. I hadn't eaten in… awhile "

Alfred gestured to the seat across from them, "Rest yourself, Mr. Blake."

He shifted from foot to foot as he peered out the huge wall of windows at the snow steadily falling. "I really should get going, the roads were already getting bad as I was driving over."

Bruce appeared, stalking quickly across the room phone still in hand, he covered the mouthpiece with his palm speaking to Blake directly, "The police have issued a white out for the city. Main and 127 are closed, emergency vehicles only."

Blake dropped his head, "So there will be no way to get anything to them. If we get hit as hard as the news is predicting it may be days before the city gets dug out of this."

Bruce shook his head, "Don't believe everything you hear on the TV Blake. Besides you didn't come here and ask me for help because you thought I wouldn't be able to get the job done."

Bruce's attention snapped back to the phone, "I would prefer within the next hour. Yes. Given the conditions …. five minimum. Fuel as well. Yes." He pulled the phone away from his cheek and checked the clock on the display. "Sounds good, Gill. I will be waiting for your confirmation. Call back on this number. Thanks again. Yes, tell Ruth I am good for a case." He paused and a smile broke across his face, " Yes, the Cuban's too."

Bruce ended the call and handed Alfred back his satellite phone. He addressed Blake, "There will be a delivery tonight of hot meals along with water and food good for five days, fresh produce and meat for three. FEMA will be setting up a distribution point in the quad of the old University a few blocks down from St Swithins as soon as these storm cells pass through." He nodded at Blake, "That will mean the military will have to keep support in the area twenty-four seven until everything gets back on track."

Blake swallowed and blinked in complete shock, "Uh wow. That's… great, Bruce. Really, thank you. I'm sorry to put all this on you, but I didn't know where else to go for help."

Bruce nodded, "I'm glad you came. I would have never forgiven myself if I had found out those kids were struggling without supplies in a storm like this." Bruce walked around the sofa and glanced down at the dog lying in front of the fireplace chomping away happily on his bone and he smirked at Selina. She shrugged and smiled innocently up at him.

Little girl you have everyone fooled by that tough guy act of yours, but I know that hard little heart of yours is softening... He continued on with a small knowing smile curving his lips, "The guys are bringing generators and space heaters too. I wasn't positive that the facility had enough to go around."

Selina blinked up at him, "If conditions are as bad as you say, how can you be sure that your people can make it up there?"

Bruce tried to sound disappointed that she would doubt his capabilities, but instead only managed to sound smug, "There isn't much that could stop what they are coming in, Selina." He waited, letting her mind work to build her interest a bit.

She played along with him, "So you have a tank do you, Mr. Wayne? A blacked out A1 Abrahams perhaps?"

He grinned down at her, "Damn close. A Snowcat... and it isn't black, it's arctic camo." He didn't explain the vehicle, instead he waited to see if Selina knew what they were. She didn't disappoint him.

Selina nodded her head knowingly seemingly impressed to find out about the latest vehicle in his collection. Snowcats were the civilian equivalent of tanks. They were designed primarily for polar expeditions made to run on aluminum tracks and were largely unstoppable by any measure of weather. She shook her head, "How is it you have access to a Snowcat, Bruce?"

He again he shook his head in mock disappointment at her underestimation, "I'm a billionaire, Selina. I own three of everything." Selina rolled her eyes at that, but then she laughed, looking up at him in open admiration.

Blake could tell that despite the humor, Bruce had impressed her and that was no easy trick as far as he could tell. Alfred was used to the money and stroke that Wayne commanded, but Selina was clearly still taken back by it. Blake could almost feel the awe that accompanied the realization that Wayne wasn't kidding about having three of everything at his fingertips. To tell the truth Blake was feeling in awe of Wayne himself right now.

Bruce glanced over at the young man, "I am having them check on the kids at the manor as well. The lines are down and I want to make sure they are equipped to make it through. The house has its own generator and buried gas tanks so power shouldn't be an issue. Hopefully they are stocked enough with supplies to wait this out, but if not the team will see to them as well."

Blake nodded, "How can I help? What can I do?"

Bruce sat down next to Selina and gathered her hand in his as he relaxed back into the cushion, "You already did it, Blake. Thanks to you those kids will be fed and heaters will be keeping them warm tonight." Bruce gestured to the empty chair, "You might as well make yourself comfortable. There is no way that Mustang of yours is going to make it through this. The storm has dumped 5 inches of snow in the last two hours, and its all accumulating over half a day's worth of sleet and ice. "

Blake looked at Alfred and the old gentleman pointed at the chair as well, "Your room is where you left it, Mr. Blake. The dishes for your pet are there as well. Rules still apply, no dogs on the furniture."

My room. Blake blinked at that and slipped silently down to the leather chair. He looked around the penthouse and smiled at the Christmas decorations, "The place looks great. With all that's going on I had nearly forgotten all about the holiday."

Bruce nodded as he accepted the compliment for Alfred, "Gordon and Meghan are spending Christmas Eve with us, Fox and yourself as well if you would like. " He made the invitation before thinking if Selina would be a go for that idea. He avoided looking over at her, not wanting her reaction to make Blake feel unwelcome after having already been given an invitation.

He felt her squeeze his hand gently, "Do you think Gordon will be able to make it? I wouldn't want him driving in this... risking an accident with Meghan." Selina seemed torn; concerned that they wouldn't be able to make it and more concerned that he might try.

Bruce looked down at her indulgently, "I will send some one to collect them."

Selina gave him a shy smile, "Gil?"

Bruce squeezed her hand reassuringly, "If need be. I promised you and Meghan that you two would spend Christmas Eve together. I'm not in the habit of breaking my promises, especially not promises I've made to the women in my life."

Selina rolled her eyes, but Blake saw what that it meant to her. Bruce kissed the back of her hand and he kept his eyes watchful on her until he saw her visibly relax and then he turned back to address him, "What about it Blake? Are you and Ace up for Christmas Eve here with us?"

Blake followed Bruce's gaze down to the dog. Ace? He had actually been calling him Titus, but when Bruce said Ace the dog had lifted his head and looked right at Wayne. Blake smiled down at the dog. Ace it is then. Blake looked back at Bruce and shrugged, "It doesn't look like he minds being on the guest list."

"What about you, Mr. Blake?" Alfred asked with humor in his voice, "Have you any other more pressing engagements for Christmas eve? "Blake caught the look Wayne gave Alfred and he blinked in confusion. He faltered for a moment, not understanding the nonverbal communication passing between the two men.

Finally he just shook his head that he didn't have plans. Blake looked down and fiddled with the black nylon leash in his hands, if he was going to be honest he was struggling with all of his future plans at this particular moment. I have no job, rent is due and I maxed out my only credit card on a dog that I didn't even get to name. Hell I havent even eaten except for what I've had here the past few days. There isn't a scrap of food in my apartment that's not canine related. I am going to have to find a paying job soon or I will have to face Bruce and explain why I am delinquent on rent. Being Batman was only a full time job for men like Bruce Wayne, I need a paying gig on the side...and I need it quick.

Selina watched him trying to read through the front she was seeing on Blake's face. Her head cocked and her mind started working and she knew that she had found a new puzzle to unravel….what's going on baby Bats…something just isn't quite right … Something … …something…

Alfred gestured out the window and sighed, "There goes the power."

They all looked out the window and watched as the power grids failed one by one and the blackout rolled across Gotham. It moved toward them block by block dropping the city into darkness.

They were running with minimal lighting in the penthouse already so when it hit them the only change was the ambient Christmas lighting and the session of the heater. The fireplace kept them from plunging into darkness for the ten seconds it took the generator to turn over.

Alfred was handing over his phone again without prompting and Bruce accepted it wordlessly and dialed down to the guard desk. As he was making the call Alfred activated the television. Blake watched as what he assumed was a priceless painting slid into the ceiling, as it became of secondary consideration to the 90 inch LED television that powered on over the massive stone fireplace. It must be good to be Bruce Wayne. Hell it was good just to be guy that knew Bruce Wayne tonight. Every kid at St Swithins was going to bed warm and with a full belly thanks to Wayne. Not to mention the ones at Tom and Martha's. Hell I hadn't even thought of them... Blake looked at Ace and shook his head. Bruce Wayne was the real deal.

Alfred split the screen between the security cameras and the local news. The news showed the battered city of Gotham hunkering down against the hostile weather conditions, the streets were empty save for a few stranded vehicles.

Blake could tell by the conversation that Bruce was having that he was talking to the men at the lobby desk. They were locking down the building; heavy gates were dropping over the entrances to the parking garage. It became very obvious why this building was one that survived the occupation as Blake watched the surveillance cameras of the desk guards visiting a weapons locker.

Selina hadn't missed that either and looked over at Alfred, "For a guy that doesn't like guns this is a surprising escalation of force to combat a black out. "

Alfred patted her knee, "Tasers and shotguns with beanbag rounds, teargas and riot control batons. Non-lethal force only, Ms. Kyle ...by order of Mr. Wayne himself."

Selina snorted a small laugh at that, "At least he practices what he preaches."

Blake walked over to the window, and looked back at Selina, "You see that?"

She joined him at the glass and followed his gaze, the bat signal glowed on the horizon, the grey clouds that were low over the city gave it an even more ominous appearance. "Looks like someone is getting paged into work tonight," Selina grumbled as she glanced over her shoulder.

Bruce appeared beside her. His thumb punched end on the cell display and then he responded to the other call on the horizon, " That figures."

x

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So this was Part 1 of 2...

Thanks for revisiting my Bat/Cat family again... the next part will have some Bat/Cat/Blake action... and maybe some other kinda action...

Have a great week

-Slingblade-