"Hey McGinnis, where's that hot piece?" Terry shivered, struggling to suppress the rage boiling inside him at Nash's taunting. "Find somewhere better to be?" The gruff laughter and callous elbow jab was more then he could take.

In one swift motion Nash was on his back staring up at a row of lockers, Terry's knee pressing into his throat, piercing blue eyes, filled with rage hung onto by a tether, glaring into his own. "She's dead." Terry's soft words added to the growing panic that held Nash still under his attacker. "They raped her, then murdered her. Are you satisfied?"

"I'm sorry, man, I... I had no idea." The blond boy stuttered, shocked to the core by Terry's violent outburst.

"No, you don't. You rarely do." Releasing him, stepping back in another fluid motion, Terry stalked away, finding no respite in Nash's reaction.

*

"Ter," Dana caught up to him outside after witnessing the altercation in the hallway. The sheer violence behind the reaction scared her. They had known each other for years; before, when Terry was running with the gang, she had not seen him so frazzled.

He paused, terrified by his own actions, afraid of what he might do, might say if Dana got too close. His head dropped to hers as he felt her arms wrap around his waist. They stood for long moments, no words, not moving, sharing a very intimate moment.

"I just came from the hospital," Dana gently broke the silence between them, not moving from his chest.

"Mmm?" She smiled, feeling the vibrations through her cheek.

"Gemma is going to be fine." She felt his happy surprise. "It was touch and go for a bit, her lungs were filling with fluid, and her fever was extremely high. And, to top off the good news," she couldn't help but smile up at him as she spoke. "Since Batman spoke to her parents, we were able to locate and reunite them."

"Really?" His relief was almost tangible.

"Oh, Ter, I'm so sorry you missed it. They were all crying." Dana stopped, finding herself tearing up again at the memory. She reached up, around his neck. "You do so much," she kept her voice down as she spoke pointedly to him, "you can't let anything get to you. Gemma wants to see you again, so do her folks; to thank you." The implication stood strong in her words. There was a house full of kids he could lead back to their homes. He hadn't helped Carrie, but he could redeem himself with dozens of other young lives.

He took a deep breath, holding her close. If only he had told her sooner about his life, maybe she would have been able to add this perspective, helped him cope instead of adding to the stress.

Allowing himself to relax as he nuzzled into her hair and neck, "does it bother you?"

Dana frowned, not understanding his question. "Does what bother me?"

"My other life." It was a simple statement that held a boatload of power.

Taking his hand, she lead him to a bench, making sure they were alone for this conversation. The sun was bright in the sky, warming them in the early afternoon. They both had third period spares, and were going to use it to the maximum. "Why do you call it your 'other life'?"

He quirked an eyebrow at her. Bruce had once said to him that Batman was a part of him, that it had to be, or he wouldn't survive the nights. As he looked into his girlfriend's understanding eyes, sudden realisation hit him. "You know, I had never thought of it any other way. To deal with the things I see, the things I have to do, I've always separated the two lives. Terry," he moved his right hand to rest palm up on his knee, "and Batman." He moved the opposite hand to the accompanying knee. "I believed that they had to be kept as far apart from each other as I could manage. But now, after working as myself, yet functioning in the same manner, I see that they are the same. I am Batman." He snorted derisively, "how many times have I said that to a thug or super villain? I believe that with everything I am, and yet I never believed that Batman is me." He shook his head as the epiphany hit him. A clarity entered his eyes as he looked at her, one that caused her to smile brightly. Sliding back on the bench, he reached over, easily lifting her tiny frame to straddle his lap. "Thank you," he whispered.

"You mean I've finally gotten something through that thick skull of yours?" Her fingers slid though his hair as she spoke, trying to disguise her surprise and reaction to being cradled so close against him.

"Yes." He sat straighter, gently drawing her down towards him. The kiss began slowly, tenderly, but quickly deepened. He allowed his feelings, his passion to control the caress, only keeping in mind that they were in public.

Slowly releasing her, he smiled at the expression of surprise and love. He shifted, about to draw her back to him when the first bell rang.

*

After sneaking home, Terry sat in front of the TV, enjoying a few minutes of being pampered. His mother had been thrilled to see him. Worried did not cover what she was feeling. He had been immediately ushered into his room, ordered to shower and change, then force fed a meal that could sustain a small town for a week. Not that he was really complaining. It was nice to eat and relax. Home usually had that effect on him. Though he normally despised it, being fussed over was a very nice change. He had attempted to hide most of the bruising and weight loss, but his jeans no longer fit and his t-shirt hung awkwardly on his broader shoulders, revealing most of his upper arms. He could see his mother, and even his brother eyeing them, though, to his relief, nothing was actually said.

"Something big is about to happen, isn't it?" Matt asked slowly.

Terry looked up from his perch on the edge of the couch. Over the past few years he'd lost touch with his younger sibling, something he regretted from time to time. Not that he and Matt had ever been close - not by any stretch of the imagination - but since their father had died and life had become a struggle for their mother, a bond had formed between the three of them. A bond, he reluctantly admitted he had broken when he accepted his place beside Bruce.

Tipping his head, he had to smile. Matt had always had a certain understanding that Terry never possessed at that age. Matt would never allow himself to be dragged into the lifestyle he was so easily tempted into.

That thought stung; stung badly.

Sighing, he refused to lie to his brother. "Yeah, Matt, something's about to happen."

"Will it be dangerous...? for you?"

The wide eyed fear touched him. "I don't think so." Matt's eyes narrowed disbelieving. "Okay, it might be. I might get lucky." Terry shrugged, faking nonchalance.

"But, you'll come home, right?"

Steely determination gripped him. Facing Matt straight on, "I'll come home; that I promise you."

*
The phone rang, startling Matt from his position half curled into his brother as they watched TV. Terry smiled, easily reaching the handset off the table beside him.

"Hello?"

"Terry..." Bruce's voice responded. "There's trouble." Terry sat straight, ridged, as Bruce filled him in on what he'd found. Without another word, Terry flipped the phone shut, bolting out of the apartment.

*

Dana leisurely strolled home after spending the afternoon at Max's. The evening was warm with just a hint of humidity in the air. Her car had decided to breakdown last night; thankfully in the driveway. The walk to school and now home, was helping to ease her mind.

Terry had been occupying her thoughts more and more since he took this job. Of course she worried about him as Batman, but without the suit and all its devices, her concern had jumped up a few notches.

Now though, knowing first hand how dangerous it was, not to mention the toll it was taking on him; mind and body, she was downright scared. Having Batman as her boyfriend was something she was very proud of. A frown clouded her features as she realised she'd never told him that. Their relationship had been more than stable since she discovered his secret. Now that she understood why he was late, why he had to rush off from time to time, she was able to stand by him. Adding the fact that she could spend her evenings at Max's and talk to him while he was patrolling eased her mind, adding a new dimension to their relationship. She was never one to idly sit back either. She learned quickly how to help Max, how to research, how to listen when he needed a shoulder.

The smile reappeared on her face. Oh yes, their relationship had grown far stronger, and if his actions earlier today were any indication.... Even in the dark, a shy blush coloured her features as she remembered how he held her so close as they kissed. She'd never been *that* close to him before, felt that connected to him.

"Well, well, what do we have here?"

Dana spun, dropping her bag in fright as the boys circled around her on the sidewalk. The street lamp behind them casting an eerie shadow around them. She tried to back up, quickly bumping into a blond haired, green eyed boy.

The one who had spoken stepped forward, into the light. Dana frowned, she knew him from somewhere, she was sure of it.

"This is not going to happen!" Relief surged though Dana as she heard Terry's voice behind her.

"Oh, look who's the knight in shining armour." Josh's taunting causing the other boys to laugh maliciously. "You couldn't stop us last time, what makes you think this is any different?" Josh stepped closer to Dana, reaching out to touch her suggestively.

Terry leapt though the small crowd, batting Josh's arm away from his girlfriend. Standing his ground, blocking him from reaching her again, he kept an ear open to her in case anyone else tried something.

"So that's how it's gonna be, huh?"

"Why, Josh? What's the purpose behind this, other than getting us all arrested?"

The boy who had been holding Dana's arms reached around for a feel. Terry spun as Dana lashed out, belting her attacker across the face. Startled, Greg backed off, holding his stinging cheek.

Josh raised an amused eyebrow. "She's far better suited to you, Ter. I have to give you that."

Dana moved in closer to Terry, pressing into his side as he slid a protective arm around her shoulders. He was tense, fury pouring off him. The look in his eyes scared her, as she glanced from Terry to Josh. His hand on her arm was gentle despite the circumstances.

"You haven't answered my question." His hard won restraint was evident in his voice.

"Carrie was fun, you showed us that." Josh shrugged nonchalantly as Dana shivered, full realisation hitting her. "Just wondered if your new girl was as good."

"Not this time, Josh."

Josh tilted his head. "You sure about that?"

Greg jumped forward, dragging Dana away from Terry's side, tossing her towards two other boys who latched on to her, preventing her from striking out again.

Rage and fear were pushed aside by instinct. He had to protect Dana, at any cost. The punch landed squarely on Josh's face. The boy crumpling to the concrete holding his nose. Spinning around, he used the momentum to throw Greg, causing a domino effect as Greg's body toppled them off their feet.

"Let go of her." It was a quiet command. One that caused two sets of brown eyes to widen in terror. Letting go, and backing off, they held their hands up in surrender. They were young, never having dealt with a situation such as this.

"Terry!" The warning came too late. He felt himself being tackled from behind, his cheek stinging as he hit the pavement, the wind knocked out of him as the same three boys held him down.

"You don't learn, do you?" Josh casually strolled back over. The first punch returned the previous favor. Terry's eyes watered as his nose throbbed from the abuse. The kick landed just below his ribs, winding him fully. He struggled trying to break away. They held strong as Dana was circled again. "Make sure he can see." Josh ordered as he held Dana's face in his palm.

Tears slid down her face. Was this how Carrie felt? Thinking he would help her, only to watch them beat him before taking her? She shuddered as he squeezed her chin, forcing her to look up at him. His triumphant sneer caused her to pull away, turning her head defiantly. He grabbed her face painfully.

"You are a spitfire." Josh stepped closer, Greg right behind him.

"Is this how this is gonna go down?" Terry ground out. They were literally piled on top of him, making breathing difficult, talking even harder. "Here, on a public street corner?"

Josh eyed him warily, though he did have a point. He so wanted to believe that McGinnis was on the level with them, but his actions said otherwise. Taking a deep breath he stood, watching Terry submissively wait for his next actions. Maybe he was just protecting his women. McGinnis had brought home fallen boys before; maybe it was just a chivalric attitude. Dale had expressed the same tendancies.

His eyes hardened again. It had been those tendancies that had kept them poor, and eventually gotten Dale killed.

"Lets go." Josh stepped out of the circle.

"Where?" One of the kids holding Terry asked before letting him up.

"Somewhere more intimate." Dana shuddered, fear gripping her again as they half dragged, half carried her.

Terry was lead a few feet behind Dana. She was struggling valiantly, but had no hope of escaping. Pretending to stumble, he caught the boys holding him off guard. In that split second he had all three of them down with barely a sound. The few lagging behind scattered. Josh turned at the noise of the boys running off. Terry grabbed him, flipping him onto his back on the street.

"I told you this wasn't going down."

Greg, realising this was a hopeless cause, snatched at Dana's necklace, easily ripping the chain before bolting.

Dana stood frozen, already feeling the loss of her cherished charm, staring at her boyfriend, almost afraid of his next move.

"You're out McGinnis." Josh struggled for breath under Terry's foot on his chest.

Terry openly laughed. "I don't think so. You killed one of my girlfriends, you threaten my other and you think I'm going to walk away empty handed?" Terry's voice rose in high amusement. "I think I've earned a share of whatever you have going down. If it's gonna make you that rich, you won't miss another piece of it."

Looking up into the piercing blue eyes, he nodded in respect. The guy had balls, Josh had known that before. Now, however, he had a new insight into his old friend. Dale had caved under less pressure, Terry stood his ground, forcing issues he wanted dealt with. They would all walk away from this incident, and Terry would help them with the job in a few nights.

Maybe this had worked out better than he anticipated.

Terry stepped back, his feline grace never ceasing to amaze her. Josh stood, mock bowing towards her before casually walking off, thumping his chest in a vain attempt to get his lungs working properly again.

Dana startled, jumping back slightly when Terry touched her.

"You okay?" She nodded mutely. "Let me walk you home." His fingers brushed away a few tears from her cheek. She grabbed onto him, reaction sobs shaking her body as she clung to his shirt.

"Shhhh," he tried to soothe her, though unable to stop his own body from shaking.

"Is this how it happened before?"

His expression darkened as he nuzzled into her hair. "It was a lot more violent before." He answered honestly, knowing how scared she was. Needing to calm himself by holding her.

"He took my necklace." It sounded dumb even to her ears, but she felt as if a part of her was lost because of it.

"I know. He'll pay for hurting you."

"Terry," she lifted her tearstained face from his chest.

"Dane," he cut her off sharply. "This is what I do. That was assault and attempted rape. I don't stand for that." His voice dropped, softening, "neither should you." Brushing his lips over the wetness on her cheek, he heard her shuddering sigh, felt her relax against him. "Let's get you home." She nodded in his hands.

*
Terry sat in the main room, going over the blueprints again and again, committing the entire building to memory, if the deal went down badly, he wanted to make sure he could evacuate in a moments notice. Frustrated, he ran a hand though his hair, causing it to flop back into his eyes.

"Terry?" Terry's head snapped up to find a few of the older boys hesitating uncomfortably in the doorway. "Can we talk to you?"

"Sure." He sat back, wary, wondering if this was something Josh had cooked up.

"Look, man, I know you have no reason to trust us, but we think you might be the only one on the level here." Terry's eyes moved over the group of kids. Mitch, the oldest of the group moved closer, taking the lead again. "We know Josh is up to something." It was Mitch's turn to appear wary. "And with you sticking up for us, and hintin' about trouble in front of Josh, well... we're all worried and we want to know your take on this job."

"Why are you coming to me now?"

"Josh is out, meeting with his 'buyers', we hoped this was the best time to talk to you." The crowd had grown substantially since Mitch had begun talking. "And we heard about last night too."

Crossing his arms over his chest, "and what did you hear?"

Brolin stepped forward this time, Genius right behind him. "That Josh and a few of his lackeys tried to attack your girl last night." Brolin's eyes dropped. "Look man, I'm not against making a fast cred, or stealing junk for creds, but hurting people," his eyes came up to meet Terry's square on. "That goes against everything we believe in. Someone attacks you, or your family, you defend, but you don't go instigating it."

"We've been talking the past few days." Genius dropped to a chair beside Terry. "Rape and murder is _not_ what we do. To think he used Carrie, then went after your girl, just to make a point..." Genius broke off, his voice cracking.

Terry took a deep breath as he sat forward. "You understand what this means?"

Mitch chuckled dryly. "Mutiny, yeah, we're aware. We don't give a shit."

Terry smirked briefly. "Who all is the collective 'we'?"

"Everyone in this house, expect for the small party you and Dana encountered last night." Genius responded easily.

Terry's eyes widened. They knew her name; impressive. "Are you guys sure about this?"

"Tell us what you're really doing here?" Mitch stepped forward again, closing the distance between them.

"I'm here to take Josh down." It was a very simplistic answer, not lying as such.

"We thought so." Mitch sat heavily on the couch beside Terry. "So what's he going for?"




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