Author's Note: R-rated chapter alert! Just thought I'd give you a heads up. There will be a few more of these a bit later. Considering the depth of feelings between them, I feel I can't quite express that without at least a few semi-explicit scenes. This one is probably a bit tame compared to what's up ahead, but the story is in no way going to become smut. Enjoy and please review!


To tell the truth, Bruce didn't particularly liked dancing. He could, of course, but somehow in his head it had become so associated with his clueless playboy persona and the women he'd gone out with just for show that he'd grown to nearly hate it. He'd been more than willing to go though, not so much for himself but because Talia seemed so happy and unburdened. He wondered if it meant she'd finally decided to tell him.

And, okay, it was kind of fun to watch the people gawk at them.

The place was not really a club in the sense of ridiculously loud music and copious amounts of alcohol. Dick had told him about some of those places he'd visited with his Teen Titan friends, Wally West and Roy Harper, at which point Bruce had frowned and asked the teen if he was drinking. Dick had just rolled his eyes. This place did have some drinks but most came in the caffeine variety – though there were other kinds – and the music switched between Latin beats and exotic Middle-Eastern rhythms. Combined with the sight of the woman beside him, it made his pulse race.

Talia was looking around in obvious approval. She garbed his hand. "Come, Beloved. The dance floor calls."

"I'm not really sure..."

"Come on!"

Alright, so this kind of dancing he didn't mind. He didn't mind the feel of her dress and skin under his fingers, the smell of her hair as she moved to the music. The beat was hypnotic, Talia's body moving in perfect sync with it. His hands drifted lower to settle on her swaying hips while her arms wrapped around his neck. He breathed in deeply and allowed himself to thread his fingers through her hair.

"Nice perfume," he whispered and felt her smile.

"It's just shampoo."

Bruce figured as much, given her current sensitivity to smells. It was the reason he hadn't worn cologne. He wondered if she'd noticed.

"Wear it again next time?"

She pulled back a little, enough to look him in the eyes. Green met blue. "Next time?"

"Next time I see you. You said you were going to be here for two weeks," he reminded her.

Some of the excitement seemed to drain from her. Her movement slowed, loosing the tempo of the beat until they were just slowly swaying together. They must have looked completely out of place next to the other rapidly moving couples.

"I said one to two weeks." She brushed back a strand that had come loose from her ornate clip. "And... it seems like it may be closer to one."

"Why?" Bruce frowned until it hit him. He made a face. "Ra's."

Talia nodded. "My father expects me back by Sunday evening at the latest."

He let only part of his displeasure show. It would not be unexpected for him to be unhappy about her leaving on Ra's' orders, but he couldn't let it be known just how much. So she was not planning on telling him? She certainly looked like she was ready to once again follow her father's commands. Still...

Almost on impulse he took her hand and lead her away from the dance floor. She must have thought he was angry, but when they were sufficiently hidden by shadows, away from too many prying eyes, Bruce spun her around, caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger, and kissed her, deeply and throughly. His index finger skimmed the edge of her jaw, and after a split second of hesitation, Talia surged up on her toes, contributing her own passion to the kiss.

God, but he missed kissing her. It felt like it lasted forever, but neither could get enough. Eventually the need for oxygen won out though. Talia sighed, and he pressed his forehead against hers.

"What are we doing?" she whispered breathlessly.

He pressed his lips to hers again, this time only slightly more chaste. "Not wasting time."

"It is no good, Beloved," Talia shook her head emphatically. "This will not help. Will not make the parting any easier for either of us."

"There's nothing," he stressed the word, "that'll make it easier. Except... not leaving?"

She sighed, only a little in exasperation, and tucked her head under his chin. Her nose touched against his Adam's apple, and she pressed her lips against his collar bone, exposed as his shirt came unbuttoned at the top. It was supposed to be a gesture of comfort, not seduction, but Bruce felt the heat shoot through his entire body. Still when she pressed against him, her arms were bent at such an angle as to create a barrier between them. He could feel her fingers, hands, arms, but not her body.

It felt circular. Didn't they have the same argument at the park and countless times before? Except that back then he didn't know what he knew now. Even without that knowledge, having her here and knowing he would have to let go was painful. It was painful every time, but how could he possibly do it again?

Before he could think further, Talia was kissing him again. Well, this was not exactly the reply he'd been expecting, but it was infinity better than fighting again. She must have been as sick of it as he was, probably more so. She was still not letting their bodies touch as they should have, but her mouth was oh, so warm and sweet. When they finally pulled apart again, Talia licked her lips. Whatever hint of lipstick she'd worn was long gone.

"What time is it?"

Not understanding the point of the question, Bruce turned his wrist over anyway. "Only ten thirty. Why?"

"Because that means I have you for merely another two hours at the most." She took his hand and entwined their fingers. "Just how far did you intend to take this... conservation of time?"

His eyes went a little wide. "How far will you let me?"

"Out of this club..." And there was that coy smile again.

"To the manor..." Her free hand traveled to the nape of his neck.

"Up the stairs..." Long fingers threaded through his hair.

"And then..." He could feel her breath against his lips. "Be with me."

There was far too much hurry. He would have much preferred to take his time, but that would have to be later. It was half-wonder how they managed to make it back, even more that someone up there liked him enough that they didn't run into Alfred or worse Jason. The manor was already dark, and when they reached the master bedroom, Bruce slid his hand against the wall for the light. Talia caught his fingers just as they reached the switch.

"Leave it off," she whispered between kisses.

Bruce complied. At that moment he would have probably done anything she asked. It took them seconds to rid one another of clothing – he was incredibly grateful for the simplicity of her dress – and then they were both falling. He regained his bearings first, but only a split second later Talia was hooking her calves around his, using the remainder of their momentum to flip them over so that he was on his back and she on top, straddling his hips.

He was more than happy with this position. He would have known her body by touch alone with ease. There was no artificial light, but outside the window the moon was half-full, and the curtains had not been drawn all the way. Some of the silver light managed to seep in. It played on her skin, turning every valley and curve into a source of the most beautiful shadows he'd ever seen. Unconsciously, Bruce licked his lips and grinned.

He must have had quite a look on his face, because above him, Talia tilted her head, followed by matching gestures from her shoulders and – oh, God... – her hips. In the minimal natural light her eyes looked almost black with passion.

"I am in charge tonight." Her palms planted squarely on his pecs for emphasis.

"I'm good with that."

He surged up to kiss her, his hands making their way up along her sides. But as soon as his thumbs brushed the underside of her breasts, she immediately clasped his wrists and settled them back on her hips. Bruce filed that under the 'to be analyzed later' category. There was no time for that now, anyway. They were both reaching that threshold when simple touches were not enough. Before he could ask, she sank down onto him with a breathless sigh.

There were no more words then.

Later, watching her sleep under the enormous white comforter, Bruce couldn't help but marvel at how absolutely right this all felt. He had to admit there was room for improvement; he didn't at all like that there were restrictions on seeing and touching her because she thought she had to keep the pregnancy a secret. When they both came it was... good, but their month together in the Middle-East proved that it could be oh, so much better.

He chuckled softly, running a finger along the bare flesh of her arm. If only Talia was privy to his thoughts right now... He could just see her rolling her eyes. You are thinking with the wrong head, Beloved, she'd accuse. She'd told him as much during their first night together.

Just once, let yourself go. And take me with you.

Well, Bruce figured he was allowed to every once in a while... with her. The detective part of his brain was really not necessary for this. In fact, he was pretty sure it impeded a happy, healthy sex life. Of course that was when he just had to look at the clock.

Twelve twenty-seven.

Bruce sighed, pressed his lips against her shoulder, and began moving out of bed. Still despite his care, Talia moaned softly and rolled over. The comforter slid down to reveal quite possibly the most perfect breast he'd ever seen, crowned with a large dark areola. Her lashes fluttered for an second and her eyes came half-way open. Lashes... eyes... breasts... Those were getting filed under 'things in need of very close inspection'. She smiled dreamily.

"Since this is your house, should I not be the one sneaking out?"

He smiled too and walked around the bed to kiss her lips. "It's only twelve thirty. Stay and go back to sleep. I'll see you in the morning."

"Mhmm." Talia sighed, burring her half of her face into the pillow. She was asleep again almost immediately.


As soon as she woke up, sick again and definitely not in her own bed, Talia knew she was in trouble. She was just lucky there was an enormous bathroom adjacent to the master bedroom, and even then she just managed to reach the bathroom, but not the toilet. Not that there was anything in her stomach but some water and bile, but it felt awful. There was a small reprieve in which she had a chance to throw on her dress before another wave hit.

Silently she cursed letting her hormones and anger as a result of her father's call get her here now. What was she thinking! Belay that: she hadn't been thinking, not with the part of her anatomy located in her skull, anyway. The bed was empty – she had a vague memory of Bruce leaving out on patrol soon after – but the room showed all kinds of signs that made her blush. She looked around, finger brushing her hair as best as she could. What time was it? When did he usually return?

Apparently she was not the only one who had the same thought. Just as she was contemplating looking for a clean toothbrush, Talia heard the door to the bedroom open. Judging by the slow cautious footsteps, it wasn't Bruce. Grabbing a white robe – the haphazardly tossed on dress would not do – she walked out. Jason stood in the doorway to the hall, his eyes scanning the room, but he stopped when he saw her. He blinked.

No, this not awkward at all. Talia cleared her throat. "Good morning, Jason."

"Umm... morning?" He was frowning. "Where's Bruce?"

"Patrol still, I imagine." She tightened the sash. "Can I... help you?"

"I was trying to find Alfred. He's not around for some reason. It's weird."

He was still looking around the room, and Talia had the strongest urge to usher him out but it would probably look even more suspicious. Besides it was soon too late. She watched the look on the boy's face transform from confusion to realization to amusement. Suddenly he was laughing. Talia wished for some magical force that would make her invisible.

"Oh," Jason laughed. "I get it."

Inwardly she sighed, but seeing that embarrassment was pointless, Talia gave him a little mock glare. "Precocious child."

The boy was still getting out a few giggles, but managed to ask. "What's 'precocious'?"

"It means you are far too smart for your own good," she explained pointedly. "Do you always do this?"

"Ah, he doesn't bring other girls here." Jason made a spinning motion with his index finger indicating the room. "Not like this."

Was it wrong that she felt a thrill at hearing this? Of course, Talia knew that her beloved 'dated' to maintain the empty-headed playboy persona. She had never felt particularly jealous of those women because she knew they meant nothing to him. If anything, her envies lay with Gotham City as a whole and the time and effort he put into it as Batman. Still, it was good to know he had not been intimate with others... most likely.

She cleared her throat again. "This is not an appropriate topic for a boy your age."

Jason rolled his eyes at her. "Lady, I'm twelve. And 'm not stupid."

"I never implied that." Talia looked him directly in the eyes to make her point. "In fact, I think you are quite intelligent. However, that does not make this conversation age-appropriate."

"Whatever." Thankfully he seemed to loose interest in it anyway. "Since you're here anyway, want some breakfast? Al's not here, but we have cereal and milk in the fridge."

It sounded safe and neutral. "That is very hospitable of you. I will be down shortly."

Jason looked between her and and the bathroom as if just realizing she'd come from there. Then he shrugged. "Okay."

The door closed behind him, and Talia blew out a breath, not quite knowing if she should still be mortified or find the whole thing funny. At least the boy seemed to like her enough to be amused himself. She supposed it could have been worse. The lack of anger was half-way to being a stamp of approval.

Do not be too comfortable, she warned herself. You must return within a few days.

She was dressed to her satisfaction a few minutes later and came downstairs. Jason had pulled out a box of mixed cereal with pieces of dry fruit, carton milk, spoons, and bowls, but they remained empty. He was fiddling with the coffee machine on the counter. Talia took the initiative and poured the cereal for them both.

"Do you not have school today?" she asked sitting down.

"Yeah, but I don't have a ride. Guess Bruce will take me when he comes back. Or Al, if he gets in first. Wonder where he is." He scowled at the machine that seemed to refuse to cooperate.

"I do not want coffee, Jason." She tried. "Come eat your breakfast."

"I want coffee." He pouted but went over to the table. She had already added milk to her own bowl, so he took the carton. They ate in silence for a few moments until the boy spoke again. "So how long are you staying?"

"A little while." For some reason, she didn't want to give him exact days.

"Okay." Jason chewed thoughtfully. Talia waited for him to say more, but he didn't.

She tilted her head slightly. "Does this bother you?"

"No." He shrugged. "You seem okay, and Bruce likes you. A lot! He's been... you know... happier the last couple of days. Not like when he got back from... wherever he was for a month."

"Oh?" She tried not to sound too curious, knowing exactly what had transpired.

Jason nodded. "Yeah. I mean, he was just really quiet. Not so much angry, just... kinda sad. I could tell."

He was in mourning, Talia thought. Still is. Over a life he believes lost due to nothing more than my deception. Guilt rushed through her. Jason looked a little uncomfortable at her silence. He quickly finished his cereal and got up to dispose of the bowl in the sink before going back over to the coffee machine. She gave him a suspicions look.

"Should you really be drinking coffee?"

"No," came a voice from the doorway. "He shouldn't."

Talia glanced up to see Bruce, now in normal civilian clothing, standing in the doorway. He must have just come up from the cave because he still smelled of that cold dampness. Walking inside, he pointedly moved the machine away from Jason and unplugged it from the wall for good measure.

"I didn't realize I had to child-proof this house." He gave the child a look.

"Hey, I stay out of the cave when unsupervised!" Jason protested. "Coffee maker's not exactly on the same level as some of the WMDs you got down there."

"Except that you're not allowed to have it yet. Done with breakfast?" The boy nodded. "Go get ready for school then. I'll drive you."

"Fine." He started for the door but then waved at her. "See you later."

"Bye, Jason." When he was out of earshot, Talia smiled at Bruce. She felt proud of herself for some reason. "Not quite a first name basis, I admit, but better than earlier by far. I believe we have just made progress."

"Good."

He was looking at her a bit oddly then, to her slight surprise, bent down and kissed her. If Talia thought there would be awkwardness between them, she'd been wrong. The kiss was somewhat chaste but sweet. It left her with a slight sensation of stubble burn, and when they parted she ran her fingertips across his cheek. He hadn't shaved since the previous day, and it was showing.

"That's good." He repeated. "Will you stay, then? For the rest of the day."

She was about to respond that she could not, that they had been over this, but then the last part of his request caught up to her. Just the day? She could do that much. With so few left, what did she have to lose? Talia smiled and nodded, kissing him once more, heedless of the stubble.

"For the remainder of the day. Yes."