I own nothing- this is the last flashback….. we will officially move to crossover land. If you like please review and follow!
4-5 months later (after the explosion at CES)
"I had a great time tonight," she opened the gate to her brownstone apartment and glanced at him, as he held the gate open for her.
"So did I, the band Meh, the company – amazeballz," James added.
"You're always making fun of me," she said as her bottom lip extended for a full on pout
"Never," he said as captured her bottom lip between his teeth and slightly tug her lips apart for a kiss that made her moan as soon as their tongues collided. Her moans and raspy breathing was all the invitation he needed -His hands made their way underneath her coat and pulled her closer.
"James, we should've gone to your place."
"I have no problem going inside and keeping you warm," his hand found the flesh between her tights and undies—held by her garter… and start drawing circles and triangles.
She laughed, "I'm not done y'know and it's all not finished and…"
"I don't care," he said kissing her neck as his hands firmly grasped her hips and pulled them towards his growing heat.
"I know but," she said – she hadn't let anyone into her place since she moved here. One of her programing glitches... I mean logically she knew he wasn't going to do anything besides sex her till the sun rose and maybe after – but she always thought of how safe she felt with Bruce and how he had her under surveillance … those memories made it hard for her to trust poor James. She lowered her leg and fixed her dress—every man wasn't Bruce she reminded herself but still the invitation stayed lodged in her throat.
"I like you Ms. Penelope Garcia—I don't care if you have a small family of cats in there feasting on a block of fancy French cheddar cheese," he said smiling, "Or an army of 10-1 year olds making jeans"
"So I'm either a cat lady or a sweat shop manager."
"As long as there isn't a husband in there I'm game."
She laughed, "no husband or crazy exes."
The joke she made changed her smile into a distance sad gaze that went past James to Jack.
"Hey," he said noticing the change, "no pressure—this has been the best 2 months and maybe in 4 months we can christen your apartment. I've been saving a few moves for that day," he said pretending to rumba with her hips.
"Really?" she said leaving the work of Jack.
"Yes," he said firmly, "And I make a mean…" she kissed him and he returned the kiss. They made out like teenagers for a few minutes and then it ended with him nibbling in her ear.
"Go please," she said as she playfully broke away.
"See you Tuesday night?"
She just nodded
She entered her apartment and then the doorbell rang.
She dashed to the door, "Fine, you win," she said as she unlocked the door, "but I'm rusty in the breakfast making depart—"
She opened the door and a look of surprise was on her face.
"Bruce," she said as she tightened her wrap dress, securing her breast and adjusting the length to conceal her garter belt. She was flustered and tipsy.
"Lulu," he taking in how much she'd change. Her lips where raw from the kisses and her body was flushed pinked by her boyfriend… no the guy who just left. His chest tightened and he jaw was flexed… she not yours anymore, he reminded himself. He hoped against hope but she not he reminded himself.
"What are you doing here?" she said resting her head on the door looking down at his shoes. She shifted her weight and looked in his eyes. She shrugged slightly as if she was having a conversation in her head, what he would pay to hear it.
"I was in the," 100% truth all the time he reminded himself, "I stopped by earlier but you weren't home so I waited." He said running his fingers through his hair.
"You left a few things," he said juggling the box and the cane when she realized he was still hurt.
"Oh," she said as her brain started to work properly again, "Come in sorry" – she said breathlessly.
She took the box and he limped to the counter
She put the box on the coffee table. She looked at him bit her lip—he couldn't bare to think of what that man was to her. He had no right to think anything 4 months went by of' course she moved on.
"Drink," she asked as she walked towards the fridge, he noticed that she lost weight. A lot of weight, she wasn't petite but she was close – everything was smaller and her hair was longer and blonder it seemed. "I'll have what you're having," he said as he walked towards the couch.
She refilled her glass of red and poured one for him.
"So what brings you to Brooklyn?"
"You." He let that hang before quickly following up with, "I have a few meetings before I head to Europe for a couple of surgeries and I wanted to see you before and to give you this."
She pulled her hair into a side ponytail and then opened the box. The box contained a few items of clothing she didn't care about and then she saw the books, Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin, Bridget Jones Diary, and The Missing piece by Shell Silverstein.
"My parents used to read me this like every night… I thought I lost it," she said as she caressed the cover of the missing piece.
"Thank you," She flipped through the book while sipping wine.
"Thanks," she said again absent mindedly as she thought of her parents.
"So how's work?" Bruce asked after a few moments.
She answered without looking up, "Consulting is great I like making my own hours. I visit Holly way too much—I am under strict orders to make friends here."
"And you are."
She could feel his eyes on her waiting for a reaction. She paused mid flip of the page too long and then said, "Still lurking?" Finally meeting his eyes
"Waiting," he said correcting her, "Is it serious?" He asked looking above her head, avoiding her eyes.
She decided not to answer; she returned to her book, "So, How are you? How's Lucius? And Wayne Enterprises?"
"Things are going – we all miss you. Charlie left to work for –"
"Apple," she continued, "he came to New York to brag– he thinks we're the dynamic duo – he wanted me to team up with him. But I'm done with California."
"The whole state?"
"Yup the whole state," she said sipping her wine.
"What about your brothers?"
She shrugged, "They still won't take my calls. After all this time you would think they would atleast be curious but—"
"I guess stubbornness is a Garcia trait," he teased and the bad joke was out before the thought about it –"I didn't mean to"
She chuckled, "we are a stubborn bunch aren't we?"
They smiled at each other a bit longer than they should've, "I remember you know."
"Hmmm," she said as she reached the last pages of the book.
"You reading me this book when I was unconscious. "
"You don't remember Bridget?" She laughed, "I think I read you Missing Piece every night before I feel asleep." She remembered worrying relentlessly about him as he laid in the bed. She couldn't leave his side even though he lied. He is a liar she reminded herself. Why did you let him in? No guest was her house rule and he comes with a cane and those puppy dog brown eyes and you forget – Bruce broke your heart to pieces and then actually ate some so it would never be whole again. Like a puzzle that could never be solved… the last pages of a book ripped to shreds… an abandoned story on . This is who she was now and he made her this way...Penelostein.
He watched as different emotions flashed over her irises and he wished she would share—her thoughts he was about to encourage her when he noticed her eyes went cold-
"How's your body? I mean what surgeries are you getting."
"Everything. My spine is damaged, no cartilage in my knees and right left elbow—but that's from being batman not the explosion."
Batman, she said to herself, sometimes she forgot that he was the dark knight of Gotham. She put the book between them on the couch and finished her wine in one sip.
He picked up the book and started to read it aloud.
She smiled as she thought of her parents, "When I was a kid they would read me this story every night. When they tried not to I would have a serious temper tantrum."
"We wouldn't want that," he teased, "come here and I'll read it to you."
She stood up and walked to the kitchen, she refilled her wine glass halfway and watched him with empty eyes. God he wished he did everything differently.
"You didn't come here to read me a bedtime story and I haven't talked to Jack – but you may already know that with phone taps and all."
"Penelope," he said slowly.
She interrupted, "but he does write – often too. I just can't bring myself to read them yet. Why are you here? What do you want? I mean please tell me you didn't come here to explain or apologize because I am past it."
"I don't want to argue – I just wanted to see you," Bruce said knowing a war was brewing.
"Taking inventory of the damage? Well I'm fine," she said returning to her spot on the couch
"Can't we pretend—" Bruce began
"What that you're not Kaan and I'm a resident of the enterprise?" She tried to say like a tough girl but she couldn't suppress the giggle that image conjured and Bruce couldn't contain the smile twitching at the corner of his mouth.
Bruce does his Best Kirk impression, "Khan...Khan, you've got Genesis, but you don't have me! You were going to kill me, Khan; you're going to have to come down here! You're going to have to come down here!"
Bruce transforms his face to the robotic Khan and Penelope is in an all out giggle, "I've done far worse than kill you. I've hurt you. And I wish to go on...hurting you. I shall leave you as you left me. As you left her".
Penelope tries to do her best Khan impersonation and chimes in with Bruce, "Marooned for all eternity in the center of a dead planet...buried alive...[voice drops to a menacing whisper]...buried alive."
They both take a deep breath and do Captain Kirk's infamous line in their indoor voices "KHHHHAAAAAAAAN! KHHHHAAAAAAAAN!"
Once the laughter subsided Penelope smiled at him, "you've finally come to the dark side."
"I still love Star Wars more than Star Trek but you," he trailed off, love them so "I figured I would try."
As the silence hung in the room,
"Tomorrow, he offered, "let's pretend that all is fine till then."
She didn't know how to answer, she looked at him and bit her lip, "I think,"
"Don't," he urged as he scouted over on the couch making a nook for her "Let me return the favor – read you this book and we can be adults in the morning."
She was perplexed, and he continued, "like a timeout or" he began to falter and in that moment she scooted over to him and rested her head by his arm—"read away," Penelope ordered like a 8 year old girl.
He lifted his arm so she could lie on his chest.
He began to read and she relaxed.
They both drifted into slumber forgetting almost everything.
Through out the night he held her close and they both had the best sleep in months.
As the sun streamed through her apartment, she stirred beneath him as he held her tighter. They woke up slowly and simultaneously.
She sat up and stretched like a cat and he automatically missed the warmth of her body.
"You still look beautiful in the morning," he said smiling.
"Still greeting the ladies with the billionaire playboy-ism – I thought those were reserved solely for post-coital moments"
"Just truths," he said ignoring the dig.
"We're still pretending right?" She asked too coolly
He looked up in surprise
"Or do you want coffee and to talk now?" she asked with her hand on her hip.
"Later," he offered, "Maybe we can go get breakfast?"
She shook her head; "I'm never hungry in the morning anymore… "
"Is that why you're so tiny? "
"I'm not."
"You are- thank god I'm here to fatten you up," He said poking her in her tummy
"Stop," she said, as the pokes became a tickle fest.
She swatted his hands away; "I'm full vegetarian now—"
"Stop tickle monster," She said as avoided his dancing fingers.
"I do have the occasional hot dog but—so I'm not but I do eat."
"Breakfast it is then," he said playing with her ponytail.
"Sure, Ft. Greene has a bunch of cool places", she said grabbing her ponytail from him.
"I'll take a quick shower," she said as she made her way to the bathroom.
The small apartment was filled with all the smells of Penelope. He opened up her desk draw and saw pictures of them face down. His favorite was the one of the ball – leaving the lantern lit garden. There were a few of her and Holly, and Charlie—the farewell party.
By her desk were three unpacked boxes and a small one labeled jack. Her closets were filled with unpacked boxes.
The coffee finished brewing when she came out of the shower and he poured her a cup.
"Two more minutes," she called as she hustled to the bedroom.
The doorbell rang—
"Could you get that," she called, "it's probably my amazon package."
Bruce opened the door and was greeted by the man who dropped her off last night.
He looked extremely perplexed by his presence.
"Is Penelope here?" He asked as he blues turned to a navy color. He was an inch taller than Bruce, broad, and tan. He could take him, Bruce thought as he nodded.
She emerged from the bedroom, in a jean skirt, maroon sandals, white tank top with her hair in a wet bun at the top of her head.
"Was that Amazon?" she asked as she entered the room.
She was surprised to see Bruce and James at the door.
"James," she smiled as she Bruce stepped to the side and she danced past him to James. She kissed him on his cheek as he firmly held her hip.
"James this is my friend Bruce. "
His blue eyes became a touch darker and he looked between them, "my friend from San Fran," she added as she pulled him playfully across the threshold.
"Come in – I'm still living in boxes –" she said smiling, "don't judge me."
Bruce went to the kitchen as James and Penelope stopped at the mouth of the apartment.
"What brings you over?" she asked him.
"Do I need a reason?" he countered, "to see my girl?"
She stood up on her tippy toes and kissed him longer than a peck, but innocent. "No, but, " she began when he tilted her head and claimed her lips aggressively. She was surprised to say the least when they parted she touched his cheek, "are you ok, James?"
He looked over at Bruce as he embraced her, then looked down and smiled, "I missed you," as Penelope began to interrupt him he placed a finger over her lips and said "Candace called about brunch. Since she lives 4 blocks away I thought you might want to come."
They walked into the kitchen with his hand securely on her hip. They stopped at the counter as his hand crept underneath her shirt and drew circles on her lower back.
"I'm grabbing brunch with Bruce," she said noticing how possessive he was being, "and then I have to work – two proposals due on Monday."
"You could come too," he said talking to Bruce but looking at Penelope, "the more the merrier,"
"But we," she said looking at Bruce knowing they needed to talk.
"We can grab dinner before I leave but brunch sounds good."
She looked up surprised because he hated things like this.
"Ok, but I'll change into something more Candace appropriate."
"You look beautiful," they said simultaneously
She looked perplexed between them and replied, "I'll be ready in 5"
Brunch was going better than expected, Bruce thought, Brooklynites were trained in being unassuming and un-pretentious. They treated him like a regular guy - even if it was forced… it was a welcomed change.
He overheard Penelope saying goodbye to James and he prepared himself for the hard conversation that was to come. He stepped closed so he could over hear their conversation.
"Did she say something to you?" James asked overly concerned.
"No but I don't want to be this thing between you—you've been together for a long time and she wants to work it out and I become this bad guy—the person keeping Romeo and Juliet apart. "
James rolled his eyes, "Trust me we aren't Romeo and Juliet."
"She not scaring me off I just wanted something simple," she reminded him.
"I know – we want the same thing," he said as he pulled her in for a kiss that almost made her forget her train of thought.
He kissed her nose and she pulled away and continued, "Plus, I just have a bunch of work to do for my clients and then dinner with Bruce- I can't play all day."
"But you're wound up and fidgety—very un-Penelope."
"I'm fine – scouts honor."
"So who's Bruce?"
"Hmm?"
"Bruce the billionaire in your apartment this morning?" He said pulling her closer to him.
"He's a friend, colleague or old boss, I forget how it works."
"Your old boss visited you in the morning?" James asked unable to comprehend.
"Well more like friend and he spent the night – on the couch," she corrected him
"He spent the ni-" James said angrily.
"The most important part of that was on the couch—"
"Bruce Wayne is crashing on your couch."
"No he at a hotel but we were talking and it was late… nothing crazy - he leaves Monday—so we're doing dinner tonight."
When his blue eyes wouldn't meet hers she knew he needed reassurance, "He's a friend."
"He looks at you like," he began but couldn't find the right word or phrase "—where you
"Maybe it's because you're looking at him," she teased avoiding the question on his tongue, "and he's like why is Penelope lover staring at me like superman."
"Lover," he teased.
"Yes, I think that is how I will officially introduce you from now on."
"I kinda like My James," he said pulling her closer so she could feel he arousal. His lips danced on hers his tongue teasing hers until a moan escaped her lips, "But can I introduce you as My Penelope?"
"James," she murmured, "I should go."
He groaned, "If after dinner you want to call me and then" he shrugged nonchalantly, "swing by."
"Are you giving me permission to booty call you?" she laughed
"I'm just saying I'll answer."
She laughed, "There's that smile I love."
She gave him a quick peck.
Bye she said smiling. As she reached the sliding door she saw Bruce with a few admires.
Her smile faded, "I gotta scram and work on those proposals."
"Oh," he said thinking of an exit – "I should get those things now I guess"
"Sure." She kissed the ladies goodbye and Bruce followed her out.
They walked back towards her house the first few blocks in silence.
As they approached her door, "Maybe dinner isn't a good idea," she saw his disappointment and added.
"Wait, I forgive you, I've forgiven you. I mean you have serious control issues and violating my privacy is unacceptable but in order to move on I had to let it go and I do – I've forgiven you and I've let it go."
She finally looked at him and added, "So we're good. I don't need apology lunches or dinners. I'm 100% fine and not in need of repair."
He shook his head – "I miss you, I miss us and I want to start over."
"We aren't etch and sketches Bruce," she said opening her door; she put her purse on the hook and walked in.
"I'm starting a life here. I like Brooklyn, they have seasons, my work," she continued to list her reasons when he -
"Start a life with me," he said interrupting
She looked up surprised and he leaned in. As his lips found their home he realized that he would never be able to stop loving her. Her mouth was warm like velvet and maple syrup. Her hands crept up his chest as she broke away
She shook her head, "Bruce I can forgive but we can never," she began, "—I have clients, and…"
"James," he offered
"I just," she tried to explain
"Does he make you happy?" He asked raising her head up so he could see her eyes.
"Bruce I don't -Jack was … is two people, two personalities, and so are you. I want something uncomplicated."
"We are nothing alike," he said disgusted by the comparison.
"You both had another side of you a darker side and granted you were being a hero to a city – saving a city—you still hurt people - you hurt me. Jack was a criminal and you were a good guy but you both wore masks Bruce and I want to be with someone who doesn't need that."
"I've retired the cape and cowl. You asked what my plan was and my plan was to retire once Rachel's killer was brought to justice. My body can't take it and Alfred and Leslie are tired of putting me back together. After these doctors fix me up I was hoping we could just drop off the grid and see a world of color and spice."
Her cheeks flushed as she remembered how she delivered the invitation—naked - on top of him at his vineyard. That weekend changed everything she thought… she actually imagined a happy ending. She shook her head—trying to forget her hopes.
"We aren't those people anymore—we never were. Nothing about us was real. I get that now"
He stepped closer to her, "everything important was real-the way I feel for you is real. I just—" he lost his train of thought when her eyes focused on something behind him.
He found her eyes and continued, "I didn't tell you because I was finished – I never want to talk about the batman because he's gone. You introduced me to Bruce Wayne and I kind of like him."
He smiled, "Despite what you think Bruce likes breakfast in bed—he's that kind of guy, he's a cuddler. He also like movies and he's been brushing up on pop culture—he knows McDreamy, is kind of obsessed with Lost. Sawyer with those nicknames is kind of like you… he likes you… a lot—can't stop thinking about and…"
She chimed in, "It's kinda creepy that he talks about himself in the 2nd and 3rd person," she said trying to ignore the fact that his words were having an effect on her heart.
"Like I said you introduced me to Bruce Wayne and I like him."
"I," she said wanting to believe him but then she remembered the pain, "I," she began again but his lips were on hers and she found it hard to avoid the fireworks and tingles that soared through her body. Her heart grew so much she felt she would burst at the seams.
She couldn't.
She can't
"No," She stepped out of his embrace.
"I couldn't eat or sleep for months and I cried all the time because of you. So no… you don't get to say a few nice words and magically become whatever we were."
She rolled her shoulders back and found her strength, " You got what you wanted – you can't have me." She said backing away from him.
"Penelope I," he pleaded
"I'm happy. I've moved on – so should you."
He reached for her, "don't," she backed away "please."
He saw the hurt in her eyes and promised himself to leave her alone. Alfred said certain pain is irreconcilable and he final saw what Alfred was talking about.
"I never meant to hurt you and if I could I would have…" he trailed off realizing nothing could correct this wrong.
"It doesn't matter does it," she said
"I want you. I need you to," he broke off and ran his fingers through his hair.
"To what," she countered.
"I know you are used to getting what you want but you are just going to have to buy another happy ending—because it's not me."
"But there aren't happy ending for guys like me" he quipped back, "—just moments."
He looked at her with tears glistening in his eyes; He placed an envelope on her counter "I was truly happy with you Penelope Garcia."
Tears sailed down her cheek.
"I should go," he said, "it was selfish of me to come and I'm sorry. I'll never violate your happiness again" he stopped in mid-reach for her and said, "I am sorry."
She grabbed a tissue and walked to the door.
He cleared his throat, "I'm truly sorry for all the hurt I caused"
She opened the door and he walked past her.
She touched his hand he and turned around hugged him tightly—when her tears stopped she looked up and caressed his face.
"Bye Bruce."
She kissed his cheek and he left.
He knew that would be the last time he saw her.
He cried later.
A month or so later
"Holly thanks for helping me," she said spinning in her newly cleared out apartment.
"You've lived in the these boxes too long," Holly said shaking her head in disapproval, "I should've been visiting you." She teased.
"Let me throw some make-up on and we can grab dinner."
As Penelope putz around the bathroom, Holly organized the last stack of pictures in the photo album and put them in the bottom drawer when she saw an unopened letter with Penelope's name on it.
Without hesitation Holly opened it.
Penelope,
There are two reasons you are seeing this note...
You decided to come away with me and found this letter in my suitcase – and you being you—opened it.
Or Alfred was right, some things can't be fixed and I should learn to live a life without you. But being Stubborn Bruce—I probably had to learn this the hard way and gave you these tickets hoping against hope that you would change your mind.
I'll be travelling this year getting my body fixed—the treatment should take 7 months in total. Here's a list of the places, I'll be with dates and all necessary information. Below is all of my personal contact info—just in case you change your mind and decided to use the tickets enclosed.
Bruce
She came out of the bathroom shouted ready.
"Maybe we can go dancing," she said cha-cha-ing to the coat rack.
"Soul may have their Cuban band tonight."
Penelope turned to Holly and saw the envelope Bruce left and said lowly, "you shouldn't have opened that."
"When was he here?" Holly countered.
"It doesn't matter," Penelope said taking the envelope and stuffing everything back into it.
"Penelope," she said sadly.
"Stop it," Penelope said firmly.
"No you stop it!" Holly volleyed back at her, "you can't run or avoid your destiny."
Penelope rolled her eyes, "You aren't my father and we aren't on krypton – Bruce likes projects and that's what I was. Nothing more—"
"But," Holly protested.
"I really don't want to do this again—he's out of my life."
"You have these great guys banging down your door and you ignore them. James gone – Bruce gone."
"They aren't banging down my door," she said shutting the drawer, "James wanted a just add water instant relationship and Bruce just feels guilty. Everyone I love leaves and I'm left figuring out how to manage. I just want something easy and uncomplicated."
"Not every guy is Jack, Lulu," Holly said softly
"I'm not talking about Jack," she said crossly.
"You loved him. He's crazy but that won't be the case with everyone— are you just not going to love anyone."
Tears sailed down her cheeks, " Fudge freakin frak," she said, as her tears became streams of mascara.
"You love Bruce—yes, he made major mistakes but he loves you –" Holly persisted.
"I don't," she said trying to salvage her face with a napkin.
"Then why are you crying?"
"Because you are being pushy and trying to ruin a good night," Penelope pouted.
"Bruce is alive- in Brazil actually, getting work done on his rotary cuff," she looked a Penelope, "You should go."
Penelope shook her head, "I just unpacked and I have work lots of work," she tossed the napkin in the trash, "And I have to redo my make up."
"You need a vacation—just visit where he is for a week. Say hi and come back."
Penelope shook her head.
"He'll be in London in 4 weeks just go visit and make sure you don't want to be PG—
They both laughed.
Holly walked her to the bathroom, "You could be the Princess of Gotham. What I'd give." She said wistfully
"Some things never change," Penelope said.
"Promise me you'll go, Lulu"
Holly doubled back to the desk and grabbed the envelope and put it on the fridge, "Promise me – he loves you – you idiot! Just forgive him."
"I did but I can't pretend last year didn't happen. Whatever we had was a lie," Penelope reminded herself.
"If he's put his trust in me – maybe CES wouldn't have happened and Jack wouldn't be in the psych ward of a prison."
"We could've helped Jack," Penelope said with conviction.
"Jack made his own choices – you can't blame Bruce for them."
"He could've gotten better – he," she faltered.
"He's not your only family, Lulu. The cool thing about us is we can choose our family. I chose you years ago—we need to expand. Acquire more people to our tribe..."
Penelope likes Holly's perspective.
"You gotta have faith PG," she said reapply her complexion powder.
"Maybe," she conceded, "a client wants me to go with them to Paris. Maybe I'll visit but I won't make any promises.."
"Fine," Holly said smiling knowing Penelope's maybe is a Yes.
6 weeks later
Penelope took the train from Paris to London.
She emerged from the train station with an overnight bag and an umbrella. She didn't tell Bruce she was coming—she figured she would get settled then call from her hotel—which was a few blocks from where he was staying. But maybe she would chicken out – which was acceptable too.
Then it all happened at once, the sky opened, umbrella blew away, the strap on her bag snapped and she was drenched.
Friggin frack she said as she scooped up her bag and ran to the nearest awning – across the street
Her computer had to be broken and how was she going to deliver the project to—see Holly didn't understand that her bad luck ran deep. Everything happens for a reason and she has no business in London.
She looked at her reflection under and her mascara was streaming down her face and she looked like a wet cat with raccoon eyes- no a wet rabbit with… her eyes were distracted when her bag fell face down onto the street fuckin frak it has to be broken now.
Bruce, Alfred, and Lucius were sitting in the back of Alfred's favorite pub when he could've sworn he saw Penelope. He saw here everywhere she was on every street in the bookstores – he accepted he'd never see her again. She's in love with Mr. Kent aka James whomever.
"Mr. Wayne?"
"Sorry Lucius, I'm famished."
They both looked at him with concern. He'd been getting a lot of that. He truly hated the poor Bruce eyes. "What were you saying?"
He saw her again looking into the pub. Ok, no more beer. He was officially hallucinating. Then fake Penelope bit her lip and he sucked in his breath quickly.
"Something wrong?" Alfred or Lucius asked.
He hopped out of his seat and headed to the door, "Be right back," he called to them.
By the time he made it to the window to see if it was really her; she was gone.
He was losing it—maybe Alfred was right- he should date someone – anyone to forget about her.
Fuckin Frak he heard her voice say.
And he knew he was going crazy.
I'm hearing her too.
He stepped outside to confirm his craziness when he saw her hunched over her bag that fell.
He was frozen—it was her; she was here - maybe she's real.
She looked up and saw him—"Greaaaat Hiya Bruce!" she said kinda peeved.
She wasn't surprised to see him, he wondered.
"I'm not crazy – I just bought and umbrella," she gestured towards the rain, "because this is London and it is always rainy but the sky opened and my umbrella flew away then my bag breaks—can I hate London already?"
"Lulu," He smiled and moved her bag into a dry spot and started fixing the strap
"What are you.."
"I was in Paris for a client project. London's like a hop skip and jump," she said taking in the situation.
"And you just happened to be in the neighborhood," he added
"Exactly," she said smiling.
"Come have a beer – and dry out," he said putting the finishing touched on her bag.
"I'm soaked and a mess—my hotel is like 4 blocks away—rain check?" she said and immediately chuckled.
His eyes danced as she continued, "I mean I'm here for 3 or 4 days so when ever you're free. I have a gazillion things to do and sights to take in and I'm—"
He leaned in and kissed her lips gently and softly, "Hi lulu!" He said as his forehead rested on hers.
"Hi Bruce," she said full of amazement
He kissed her again just as lightly and innocent as the first time, "I just wanted to make sure you were real – I've had this dream so many times."
She was taken aback by his honesty and she looked up at him in wonder.
He continued, "Dinner, Lunch—whenever you want- but Alfred and Lucius are inside – and they would love to see you," he said as they both stood up.
"I'm a mess," she said studying her reflection.
"No. Just damp and beautiful – you can't disappear you just got here—I have your bag," he teased.
"Still Bossy Bruce."
For a moment fear and doubt crept into his thoughts. He was being absurdly presumptuous – maybe she wasn't here for him, or maybe she and James were on vacation and this was an evil kismet. How could she know he was here if she never used her ticket.
She noticed the change in his demeanor and said, "I'm hungry – I can come in for a quick bite—but I have to be in my room 3." Her hair was soaked but her face was semi-normal and instead of raccoon eyes she had a semi smokey eye with a pale lip. Very Euro she thought as she looked at her reflection or Madonna circa 1980's.
Bruce smiled and opened the door.
"What a lovely surprise," Alfred said standing up to hug her.
Next Lucius gave her a bear hug.
She sat in the booth next to Bruce
"So you're the reason he bolted out of here," Lucius said smiling.
"The sky opened my bag broke—I think my computer is toast—it fell hard—all because I wanted one bag,"
She placed her order for a beer and fries.
"That's it?" Bruce asked.
"I think I should be a vegetarian in London since I wasn't in France."
"So why are you guys all here—secret Wayne Enterprise meeting?"
The conversation volleyed back and forth and it seemed like old times.
"I should check in to my hotel and then I have to find a pair of shoes."
"Shoes?" Alfred asked.
"For dinner – I left all of my shoes in NY and I've had to buy all of these new shoes… as you can tell I'm really upset," she grinned.
"But I'm here for a few days maybe we can get dinner," she said looking at Bruce – when his face remained the same she thought of the woman he was in the tabloids with and said, "Or lunch."
Bruce nodded, "I'll walk you out."
She hugged Alfred and Lucius – "we have to hang before you leave," she said to the both of them
They nodded in agreement
"Cab?"
"No it's just 4 blocks—" she said pointing down the block.
He reached out his arm and tried to hail one.
"I have Dr.'s appointments starting early tomorrow morning so maybe an early lunch or dinner."
"Early lunch sounds great," she said smiling.
"I can meet at your hotel."
"Perfect," she said as the cab stops and she kissed him quickly on the cheek, "Thanks for lunch."
As he sat back down at the table
"Finally one of your mirages was true," Alfred said proudly.
Mirages? Lucius asks
"Alfred," Bruce says warningly.
"You could have a chance—the fates seem to be on your side," Alfred said knowingly.
"She's with someone Alfred and she's happy. That's all I want for her. Enough about Penelope – what else is happening at Wayne?"
Alfred and Lucius shared and insiders smile—this was far from over.
"Ok, sorry I'm late. I bought these really high heels for cocktail hour last night and James spilled red wine on them. Someone had too much to drink and then I overslept same reason I mentioned before and I had to buy kitten heels for walking tour and and I couldn't commit to a pair," she modeled her yellow and purple stripped shoes for him.
She leaned in, "I'm still a rambler," she said as she kissed his cheek
"So where are we going? Are we doing super touristy things or off the beaten path?"
"Super Touristy things," Bruce said in a fake British accent.
"First stop double decker tour bus," he called as he led them to the top of the bus.
After the tour they ate at a small pub by Cambridge University.
Visited Manchester united stadium
They finally made it to Dover Street—Penelope need shoes for tonight and Dover had the best shopping. They took a small detour through Golden Square. As they were walking through the park it began to rain.
They hid under the tree
"Maybe we should've ran in that direction towards the shops," she teased
"What time is it?" She said searching for her phone in her purse.
"530?"
"Crap I have to head back. I promised James that I'd be on time since I overslept under ate – maybe I spilled red wine on my own shoes. But," she said with a lilt as she found her phone, "dinner is at 8."
"Do you know where we are? In reference to our hotel – I mean my hotel."
"We are 10 minutes away by cab. So fancy dinner plans?" He asked as her thumbs moved like lightening search for the nearest shoe stores
"Kind of engagement dinner, cocktails thing – do you want to come? I know it's last minute but you're Bruce Wayne you must have packed something spiffy."
"Oh," he said deflated, "Congratulations."
He cleared his throat and said it again but she was looking for shoes stores on her phone.
"Sorry, Holly introduced me to Zappos and I've become a shoe hoarder—hound, and part whore. Yes, I'm a whore for shoes," she said smiling "so can you come?"
"Congratulations, but I don't think I can—" watch you be all lovey dovey with your husband to be, his jealous heart thought.
"Congratulations?"
"On your engagement," agh that hurt to say, he thought.
"Not me. James and Sandra—do I look like the marrying type? Marriage isn't for me but I can celebrate other people's love just fine. Why would you think that?"
She did a small fist pump, "yes, found shoes."
He was about to answer when she said, "crap! I get it because I ran into you – you think it was an accident—no. I came to visit you since I was so close and Holly demanded it. That letter you left me had your itinerary and I already had a ticket… so I figured I should swing by and then Sandra's family wanted to celebrate the engagement. So all of these things came together. But I'm visiting you. Is Dover Square that way?" she said pointing to her right. She wished it would stop raining so she could retreat to any place but this small tree trapped by water.
"Oh," he said thoughtfully as he processed all of the words that few out of her mouth.
"I know it's like only 4 days and you're with a long legged beautiful creature in most countries called a supermodel. But it's fine, I mean I saw the pictures on the way here and she's beautiful. Perfect actually," she bit her lip to keep the sadness she felt when she saw the picture the first time. "So," she said perkier, "this is a friendly mission she was about to continue but his lips where on her and he soul never felt so at home.
Three days later.
"God what time is it?"
"11:30," he said snuggling closer to her.
"Crap," she popped out of bed like a jack in the box.
"I have to check out and catch a flight and"
"Hey," he said sitting up partially and pulling her towards him.
"Slow," he kissed her top lip, "down," he kissed her lower lip.
"You can extend your flight stay with me," he offered
"I have two client meetings at the end of the week."
"Video conference," he offered.
"Stay," he said pulling her down on top of him and kissing her lovingly.
"I can't."
He pouted.
"Are you really?" She said as she pulled the sheet above her breast, "Stay and do what we all can't be Bruce Wayne and live in a hotel for 6 months."
She added, "I need to…" he could see the mile long list forming in her head
"You could work for Wayne. Lucius would love to have you back," he offered.
"Argh," she groaned as she grabbed her robe, "I can't sleep with you and work for you –plus I don't like Wayne Enterprises –" she smiled, "too stuffy."
"Ouch," he smiled back at her.
"Maybe we're over thinking this. It was 3 great days."
"4," he corrected
"You are going to be in the hospital and I'm not a good nurse maid—"
"But," Bruce interjected, "you would look good in the outfit? Do you do sponge baths?"
"I'm serious Bruce," she whined, "I want," she began
"I know something easy, uncomplicated with no alter egos."
He sat up and wrapped his legs around her
"I can give you those things," he said raising her eyes to meet his, "I want to start a life with you Ms. Penelope Garcia."
As she began to protest, he lowered the sheet and kissed her lips as his hands massaged her breast. As her nipples became firm in his hand she released a moan of pleasure as the need for him to be insider her pulsated north to her brain.
"I lo-," he began
"Don't," she said quickly.
Hurt flashed over his eyes, and she reminded him—"simple."
He couldn't say it but he could show her and that's what he vowed to do.
He leaned into her kiss and decided she was definitely going to miss her plane.
An hour after he plane took off the watched the sunset and nibbled on Room Service.
"If I were to stay we would need rules..." she said as she popped a strawberry into her mouth.
He groaned, "Control freak"
"Pot meet kettle."
"I don't think I've ever seen you in blue jeans, you look good," he said pulling her next to him. He kissed her temple and whispered, "I'm no longer batman—no longer a control freak."
"You can't blame all of the things that annoyed me in the past on the dark knight."
"Is that the first rule," he chuckled; resting is hand underneath her t-shirt.
"No." pause, "yes - yes first rule Bruce and Batman are the same. I mean I'd hate to think that it was the Batman who likes to destroy my lace panties with unnecessary roughness."
"Noted, I, Bruce Wayne, am in charge of destroying all of Ms. Penelope Garcia's panties"
She looked up surprised, and giggled.
"Maybe you should save them and refrain from wearing them—Rule number two," he offered innocently.
"Vetoed," she laughed.
"Ok rule three:
We're not going to jump into anything…"
We aren't picking up where we left off we're starting a new"
He groaned, "What does that mean Lu?"
"We date – like you call me and set dates."
"But I will be in the hospital for like 2 weeks—"
"I'll visit –But we aren't bound to each other – you can cavort with any long legged vixen you want and I can date any Thor looking sun god," she said smiling at her choice of adjectives.
"Don't like that rule," Bruce said firmly.
"We have to date, Bruce. We can't just jump into a relationship. What if my cupcake problem is your deal breaker—or your snoring is mine."
"I don't snore and I don't see the point."
She explained further, "I don't want us to be each other's everything—I'm not looking for love Bruce—I don't want to be married or in a relationship that looks like that - ever. I don't want those things and if you do—maybe that's our deal breaker."
She held his gaze, "I want us to just be and if you are tired of me or vice versa we part. That simple."
He sighed, "So what happens after this trial period?"
"If at the end of the trial period we still like each other we can extend it… like a performance appraisal," she said agreeing with her improvisational thoughts
"And the program to take us off the grid?"
"I'll work on I will have it done by the renewal period."
"You will stay with me." He saw the answer in her eyes and persisted, "right?"
"I'll have my own place – people who date don't live together."
"So, We'll go apartment hunting for you – Alfred saw a penthouse a few blocks away – it was nice—not a panoramic view but…"
"I can't afford a penthouse Bruce or this neighborhood. And thank you for stumbling on to rule four—I don't want your money—I'll pay for things myself. I don't want an apartment with a panoramic view—I'll work and you'll do what you do and we'll be happy."
He shook his head, "You can work and I'll provide your living arrangements until you come to your sense and live with me... and I'll replace all damaged lace under-roos."
"Bruce," she started
"You have 6 rules Lulu I have one," he said firmly.
She held his gaze trying to make him cower, but he smiled instead.
"You're so official," he murmured, "I think I like this bossy Penelope"
"Not bossy just clear and efficient."
"How about we go to the bedroom and show me how efficient you are." He said preparing to lift her.
She shook her head, "you haven't even taken me out to one date and you think I'll have mid-day sex in your hotel room."
"Better idea," he said, "let's start new tomorrow. I mean the day after that- I don't want to leave this room till then."
"Bruce," she said as he carried her to the bed.
Bruce was still staring into the empty conference room. That should have been his happy ever after but guys like him don't get happiness for too long. He should be happy that he had 4 years with her. Four of the best years of his life.
Yes, we are out of flash back world and the next chapter will be present day.
I hope you are enjoying this as much as I am :)
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