(A/N: Thank you for the suggestions Shana, I'll keep your sorry idea in mind, but I can't promise anything. And just an FYI to everyone, if you're just a Guest user, i.e. someone whose not signed in, I can't respond to your reviews, so if you have a question, it would be better to sign in, or send me a Private Message so I can respond to you. I had someone ask what "borderline metahuman" is, and what I meant about the writers rebooting the series. But to answer your questions, when I said rebooting the movie series, I meant start a new unrelated continuum that doesn't take place in the same universe. As for what a borderline metahuman is, a metahuman is someone "super", i.e. Superman, Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Beast Boy, etc. Borderline metahuman is somewhere in between. Not quite metahuman, but almost there, more than a normal human, but not quite at the level to be considered super. Think of it like a genius, you can be a lot smarter than the average human, but not quite at the level that is considered a genius. That's what Helena is, more than a normal human, but not quite a metahuman yet. That's why Strange wanted her, he saw her as a possible missing link between human and metahuman. But now that he's been taken care of, lets see what's happening with Clayface. As you can tell from this chapter title, I'll be examining a few of the characters' emotions, Catwoman's in particular after what almost happened last chapter. I won't say anymore than that, or else I'll end up spoiling things.)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 21: Emotional Moments

"Who would have thought it would end up this way?" Nightwing wondered out loud as Batman climbed out of the Batmobile. "I mean, with Strange in a coma, we don't even need to worry about whether or not he'll even be able to escape, let alone come after Helena again. And even then, he won't have any of his research or experiments to pick up where he left off."

He glanced at Catwoman, who had yet to get out of the Batmobile. She hadn't said a word since almost killing the doctor. He didn't even know why he was telling her this, she was already aware of the situation. After they brought the unconscious Strange in, the doctors had looked him over. It turned out that the man was in a coma, and there was no telling when or if he would ever wake up. And if he did, there was likely to be severe brain damage after the blow he had taken to the head. The doctors had even said that there was a strong possibility that he would have amnesia.

As cruel as it sounded, Nightwing hoped that that would be the case if Strange ever did wake up. If he didn't even remember Helena, then there would be no fear of him going after her again, assuming his memory never came back of course. There was really no telling how extensive or permanent the brain damage was until he woke up though, if he did. Either way, he would never be a free man again, regardless of what he may or may not remember. The evidence they had gathered was overwhelming, and was more than enough to put the doctor away for life.

All this had made Nightwing feel better, but he couldn't get a reading on Batman or Catwoman. He'd have thought they'd be relieved that their daughter was out of danger. Not just because Strange was off the street, but because the chances of him escaping were zero while he was in a coma; again, if he even remembered more than his name if he ever did wake up.

Like always, Batman was as stoic as ever. Making his way over to his computer, he immediately began doing what he did best. "Strange wasn't the only problem. We still have Clayface to consider. Until he's out of the way, Helena still isn't safe."

Nightwing stared, suddenly feeling very stupid for forgetting. "Right, the mud-man." He rubbed his forehead and sighed. "Would the guy even go after Helena anymore now that the doc is out of commission?"

Batman didn't even look at him. "Possibly. It's not a chance I'm willing to take. In any case, we still need to take him in, whether he's after Helena or not."

A snort of laughter escaped his former protégé. "And how exactly are we going to arrest him? The guy's a living blob of clay that can perfectly disguise himself as others and slip through the cracks of walls."

"We'll find a way. We have to."

Nightwing rolled his eyes. "Right. Well, let me know what you come up with, 'cause I'm at a loss." He looked back at Catwoman, she was still silently sitting in the Batmobile. "How about you? Any thoughts on how we can catch blobby?"

She didn't respond, but she did finally look at him, having been staring off in the distance until now. Without a word, she climbed out of the vehicle and made her way up the stairs and out of the Batcave. Nightwing sighed again as he watched her leave. "She's in a mood." He looked back at Batman. "You might want to go talk with her."

Batman was quiet for a moment. "She needs time. She faced the edge of the abyss tonight. She needs to sit with it for a while." He continued with whatever he was doing on the computer. "I still need to track down Clayface so we can end this once and for all."

Irritation gripped Nightwing. Bruce may be brilliant, but when he put on the bat-suit, he usually had a one-track mind. Walking over to the Dark Knight, he flicked the back of his head. "Hey, she doesn't need Batman right now, she needs Bruce Wayne. We got the main bad guy, and Helena is somewhere safe. The rest can wait. Get off your ass and go after her."

When Batman still didn't respond, Nightwing reached over and pushed a button, turning off the screen's monitor. "Now."

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Entering her room, Catwoman pulled off her goggles and tossed them onto the bed. She sat down next to them and sighed, dropping her head in her hands. She felt… she didn't know how she felt. There was a strange numbness that filled her, and beneath that, a deep underlying fear. Fear of what she had almost done.

Yes, she had killed before, but as Batman had pointed out, that had been in self-defense or in the heat of battle. What she had almost done tonight though, that would have been murder, even if it was to keep Helena safe. She would have had to live with Strange's blood on her hands for the rest of her life. Every time she would have looked at her daughter, she would have been reminded that she had committed murder for her. Would she even have been able to be a suitable mother after having taken a life in cold-blood?

It scared her, that feeling. What Batman had said about standing on the edge of the abyss was true. It was so very tempting, and so very scary. She knew that there would be no turning back once she crossed that line. It would be a slippery slope. One life would lead to two, then to three, until she would cared if she killed at all, eventually becoming be no different than the murderers they took down, killing without care anyone who crossed them. She couldn't do that, she couldn't become like them. For her sake, for her daughter's.

Yes, she was relieved that Strange was out of the way, that was a major weight off her shoulders. The coma and brain damage with possible amnesia was a plus too. But the fear of how close she had come to ending the man's life overshadowed that relief. And they weren't out of the woods yet. As Batman had pointed out, there was still Clayface to deal with. From the times she had gone up against him before returning to Gotham, she knew that he wouldn't stop. This had become personal to him. He'd still be after Helena. If Strange wasn't there to pay him for turning her over, then he would go after Helena simply to kill her, just for his own satisfaction, to fulfill a grudge. No, Helena wasn't out of danger until that freak was stopped.

Falling back against the bed, she stared up at the ceiling. Nightwing had brought up a good point too. How would they stop Clayface? What prison would be able to hold him? Could they lock him in an airtight room or something? That might work. But how would they even arrest him in the first place? Too many questions, not enough answers. But if anyone could figure it out, it was Batman, she had the utmost faith in him in that.

She sighed and sat up. She was exhausted, physically as well as mentally, especially mentally. Part of her just wanted to crawl into bed and sleep for a year or two. Another part of her wanted to go back out there right now and find Clayface, to put an end to this. And yet another part wanted to go to Titan Tower and just hold her daughter, to know that she was safe and in her arms.

Then there was another part of her that wanted something else, but she knew she wouldn't get it tonight. Bruce was in Batman-mode, trying to close the case on their daughter's pursuer. She was glad for that, that he was so determine to get rid of the threat to Helena, but right now, she wanted him here with her, to hold her and assure her it would all be ok.

She chuckled at the thought. Since when had she ever needed anyone? Selina Kyle was a strong and independent woman. She didn't need anyone. Wanting someone, though, that was different. Everyone wanted someone from time to time, someone they could open up to, rely on, to be themself with, to love. It would be nice to be wrapped in Bruce's big strong arms for a while.

A knock at her door drew her attention and she sat up. She threw the door a dirty look, thinking it was either Alfred or Dick. She didn't want to see either of them. She didn't want to see anyone right now, not unless it was Helena, or-

"Selina?"

Her eyebrows rose. Bruce was here? No, that was Batman, she could tell by his voice; there was a difference in the way he spoke. But why was he here? She'd thought he'd spend the night in front of the computer trying to discover where Clayface was hiding, not come to see her. That was what Batman did, always put the mission first, and keeping his daughter safe had to have been the most important mission of all.

Despite that, she was glad to know he was there. She was about to open up for him, but hesitated. What would she say to him after what happened tonight? She was feeling vulnerable right now, and even though part of her wanted to take comfort in him, another part of her didn't want to appear weak like that, not even to him.

She shook her head, pushing those thoughts aside. Selina Kyle was not afraid of anything, not even her own feelings. She was always in control. She wouldn't let something like this get to her.

"Open the door, Selina," Batman insisted, his tone gentle, as if he knew what was bothering her.

Attempting to keep her face as neutral as possible, she did so, and was greeted by the Caped Crusader. "I thought you'd be spending the night in your cave, bat boy."

He didn't rise to the bait, possibly detecting that she was putting up a front. "Are you ok?"

She gave a forced chuckle and turned away, walking back into the room. "I'm perfectly fine," she replied, pulling the cat-eared hood back and letting her hair spill out. "We finally got the lunatic who's after our daughter. Now we just have to get his pet science project and everything will be alright."

Her act was convincing, very convincing. Batman might have believed her had he not known her better, having not known from personal experience what it was like to face the edge of the abyss. No one was alright after facing that for the first time. He'd faced it several times himself, usually when dealing with the Joker. The first time had been the hardest, and he'd almost given in.

"I'm proud if you," he told her, meaning every word despite his stoic tone. "I know how tempting it can be. And you had a good a cause as any to-"

"Helena's safe from him," she interrupted. "That's all that matters." She reached up and began to unzip her cat-suit. "We'll get Clayface in due time too. I'm sure everything will work out."

She was lying to herself, and to him. Batman could tell. She didn't want to show how much tonight affected her, and was trying to play it off as no big deal. "Selina…"

"I need a shower," she continued, slipping out of her suit, leaving her in only her black lace bra and matching panties. She looked over her shoulder and smiled at him. "Care to join me? We can have our own private celebration."

"You don't have to pretend with me, Selina."

She casually flipped her dark hair over her shoulder. "I'm not pretending anything. I'm glad we got the freaky doctor. Job's half done. Once we get Clayface, we're in the clear. I knew I could count on you." She curled her finger at him in invitation as she headed for the bathroom, beckoning him to come. "Let me give you a reward."

"Selina." She was trying to distract him with her sex appeal again. She was not shy about her body, and with a figure like that, had absolutely no reason to be. But as tempting as she was, this was one time where he would not be distracted.

"I'll get the shower warmed up," she told him with a sexy smile that held great promise. "You slip out of that suit. As sexy as it looks on you, I'd prefer to have you out of it."

Slipping into the bathroom, she began humming to herself. She reached into the shower and turned on the water, letting it heat up. Walking over to the mirror, she stared at herself in it. Despite the fact that she had a smile on her face, even she could see that it was forced, so of course Batman would be able to tell. He was the only one who could see through her, most of the time anyway.

Her bottom lip began to tremble as tears started to spill from her eyes. She closed them against the sight, fearing she would breakdown if she actually saw herself cry. She sensed more than heard Batman come up behind her and felt him place his hands on her shoulders. Reaching up, she hugged herself as she placed her hands over his, a small whimper escaping her.

"It'll be alright," he told her. "You beat the darkness in the most extreme of circumstances."

She squeezed her eyes shut tighter. "I wanted to do it, so badly. When he was lying there, smiling at me like that, all I could see was him standing over Helena with a scalpel in his hand, ready to do who knows what to her. All in the name of science."

"I know."

"I wanted him dead. Dead so he could never hurt her, or anyone else."

"I know."

She opened her eyes, staring at his reflection in the mirror. "Even now I still want to do it, put an end to that crazy, sadistic, scumbag. And that scares me."

"You're strong, Selina. And you're a good person. I've always known that about you, no matter how many times you broke the law. I know I can count on you to do the right thing."

For some reason, she chuckled at that, and turned around to face him, looking up into his masked face. "I'm no saint, Bruce."

One of his hands came up, cupping her cheek. "Neither am I."

She smiled at him then, leaning into his touch. Her own hand came up, covering his. She moved it to her mouth and kissed it, despite the gloves he was wearing. Moving in closer, she kissed him. He returned the kiss, his hands sliding around to embrace her, pulling her towards him. She wrapped her arms around him, kissing him harder, needing this, needing him.

When they finally broke apart, she reached up and pulled back his mask, letting it hang down his back. Running her hands up his chest, feeling his muscles through his suit, she cupped his cheeks before smiling and kissing him again.

Bruce's own hands unclasped her bra, letting drop between them. She leapt up, wrapping her legs around him as his hands grasped her bottom, holding her to him. Her tongue forced its way into his mouth as their kisses grew more fevered, and she began clawing at his suit, desperate to get him out of it.

Keeping a hold of her, Bruce turned and carried her off to the bed. All the while, the shower kept running, forgotten.

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

Batman had contacted Titan Tower the next day to deliver the good news. The superhero team-in-training were gathered around the massive computer screen, in full costume, having had their training session interrupted by the call, as he gave them an update on the situation. Relieved cheers went around when he reported what had become of Strange.

"But we're not out of the woods yet," the Dark Knight told them. "We still have to find Clayface. So I want you to stay where you are for now."

Huntress nodded. "That's fine. We're all getting along great here."

Grinning, Beast Boy wrapped an arm around her. "Relax, Bats. We're taking good care of you your little girl." He waited for a response from the screen, but Batman remained stoic and unresponsive. Beast Boy began to feel uncomfortable and removed his arm. "Dude, I was just kidding. We're all cool here."

"Keep it that way," Batman growled. He looked at his daughter. "And Helena, I don't want you going out. With Strange out of the picture, we don't know what Clayface will do."

Huntress cocked her head to the side. "Would he even do anything? Wouldn't he just crawl away like the slime he is?"

"Your mother seems to think otherwise, and I'm inclined to agree with her."

She rolled her eyes. "Mom worries too much."

"I heard that." Catwoman appeared on screen beside the Dark Knight. "I'm your mother, I have the right to worry about you."

Beast Boy's mouth dropped open. He glanced at Jaime and pointed at the screen. "Dude, that's freakin' Catwoman."

Huntress gave her mother a smile. "I worry about you too, Mom. But everything will be fine. I'll be a good girl and stay put."

"That goes for Huntress too," Catwoman added knowingly. She smirked at the disappointed look on her daughter's face. "I mean it, young lady."

"Kory, Victor," said Batman, "you'll make sure she remains in the Tower. Is that clear?"

Starfire hesitated. "Is that necessary? Can we not keep her safe?"

"Not without knowing who the enemy is. With Clayface's shape-shifting ability, he could be anyone. I don't want her to go out."

"I heard you the first time," Huntress grumbled irritably. "Don't worry, I won't go out until you give me the ok." At the skeptical look he gave her, even with his mask on, she could tell he was doubting her, and she supposed she couldn't blame him after having snuck out twice. "For real this time. I promise."

"Good. We'll check back in shortly."

"I love you, sweetie," Catwoman told her.

She smiled. "I know, Mom. I love you guys too."

The screen went black. The other Titans began patting Huntress on the back and congratulating her. The only one who wasn't present was Robin. He sat on the couch, having been listening from a distance as his father gave them the details of his and Catwoman's investigation. After having heard it, he was feeling overcome by several emotions he couldn't identify.

So some freak doctor who thought he was going to make the world a better place no matter how much blood he had to spill was behind everything. He could relate to that after what his mother and grandfather had attempted. Strange had just been another self-righteous freak attempting to satisfy his own ambitious under the misguided belief or delusion that he was doing the right thing.

But it wasn't the similarities Strange had with his mother and grandfather that was bothering Robin. It was hearing what the madman had been planning on doing to his sister that was bothering him. He'd expected to feel some form of anger and resentment towards the doctor, but he was surprised at just how pissed off he actually was. What Strange had been planning to do to her, it made Robin want to head back to Gotham and make sure the guy never woke up.

And that's what was confusing him. He'd managed to get control over the desire to kill the criminal scumbags he ran into, but now that feeling was back with a vengeance. The closest he had ever felt towards the way he did now was when he found the children that the Dollmaker had kidnapped. For some reason, the thought of Helena in the hands of that freak scientist pissed him off more than he was willing to admit.

"Damian," said Starfire, waving him over, "why are you sitting over there? This is a joyful occasion. The man who was after your sister has been apprehended."

Robin tapped his finger against his side impatiently, trying to work out his feelings. "There is nothing to be happy about. Father is right, until Clayface is taken down, the danger still remains."

"Dude, lighten up!" Beast Boy cried. "One victory at a time, man."

"Right," Robin muttered. "Well, I'm not one to celebrate until there's something to celebrate. I'll be in my room."

He got up and walked off. The others watched him leave, some more used to his attitude than others. On Jaime's back, the Blue Scarab Beetle's eyes blinked as it conveyed a message to its host.

"I don't know," Jaime replied. "Maybe he just doesn't like to leave things unfinished."

"Dude, come on," Beast Boy grumbled. "He's always so uptight."

"It's fine," Huntress said with a smile. "It's his way of showing he cares."

Starfire clapped her hands together. "I think we have cause for celebration. How about a party?"

Cyborg smirked. "Sounds good to me. I'll go pick up some pizzas."

Huntress' eyes lit up. "Ooh, are you going to do that 'boom' thing? I want to see!"

Beast Boy grabbed Jaime. "Great. While you go get the grub, Jaime and I will get the party supplies set up."

Raven looked in the direction Robin had walked off in. "Something tells me that not all of us are in a very festive mood."

Starfire gave the girl a pleading look. "Would you go talk to him, Raven? He seems to respond well to you. See if you can get him to join us."

Huntress chuckled. "Gee, I wonder why."

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

In Robin's room, he sat on his bed, tossing a Batarang at the target on the wall, nailing a bull's eye. Grabbing the string attached to it, he pulled it back before tossing it again. He couldn't believe the others were celebrating right now. What was there to celebrate? The mission wasn't over yet. Helena was still in danger. And why did he care so much?

As reluctant as he was to admit it, what he was feeling was more that just the need to take down another dangerous criminal. It was more personal, and he also felt more concern for Helena than he cared to admit. But why? Sure, she didn't annoy him as much as she did when she first arrived; even her mother didn't bother him as much. But still, why? What had changed? Ok, he could admit that she wasn't as bad as he initially thought, but he had yet to fully accept her as his sister.

He tossed the Batarang again. As it struck the target, a portal suddenly appeared in front of it. He recognized it as Raven's magic, but she did not yet appear as her came from it. "Mind if I come in?"

He laid back, appreciative of her asking. "Sure." A moment later, Raven walked through the portal, and it disappeared behind her. Robin didn't even bother to look at her. "Everyone getting all hyped for the party?"

She shrugged. "More or less." She walked over to his bedside, sitting down on the mattress. "You should join us."

His eyes narrowed. "I'll celebrate when there's something to celebrate. Just because Father caught Strange doesn't mean the danger has passed. A lot of times the subordinates are more dangers than the ones in charge. As long as Clayface is at large, Helena is in danger, yet everyone is partying like we just removed all crime from the streets."

Raven smiled, getting a reading on his emotions, even if he couldn't figure out what they meant. "It almost sounds like you're worried about her."

Frowning in disapproval, Robin stubbornly roiled over onto his side. "She's more than capable of taking care of herself."

This time she chuckled. "Now it sounds like you're praising her. It seems like a lot has changed since you first told me about her."

"Not really."

So he was being difficult again. Well, she was used to that. And the feelings she was sensing from him were more truthful than his words. He could pretend and act unfeeling and uncaring all he wanted, but he couldn't fool her. "I know you care about her, Damian. You're starting to see her as a sister rather than an unworthy stranger trying to interfere and take over your life."

He sat up, throwing her a dirty look. "Stop reading my emotions."

"Sorry, I can't always help it, especially with how intently you're feeling them right now. You're worried about her, and you're angry at Strange for going after her."

"Stop it."

"And you're also angry at yourself for caring for her. These feelings don't make you weak, Damian. On the contrary, they give you a reason to keep fighting." She looked at the wall, not seeing it, but a memory from some time ago. "You guys gave me a reason to keep fighting rather than to just keep running. I never would have been able to defeat my father without you."

Robin just grumbled and remained silent. He didn't want to admit it, but she was right. He had come to care for Helena. When exactly had that happened? How exactly had that happened? Sure, they had bonded during their time together, but when had she actually become a sister in his eyes?

"Well, when exactly did all of us go from strangers to friends in your eyes?" Raven asked, having read his thoughts. "Sometimes we just end up feeling things and have no idea how or why we feel that way. You're not supposed to analyze them, Damian, you're just supposed to feel them. That's why they're called feelings."

He cut his eyes at her. "Are you going to get all philosophical on me?"

She smiled. "If it'll put you in a better mood and get you to join the party, then sure."

He stood up and walked over to the window. "The situation still hasn't changed. Clayface is still a threat… to my sister." He frowned, the words feeling foreign to him, despite the truth behind them. "Don't tell her I called her that."

Amusement danced in Raven's eyes. "I'll keep quiet. So, are you coming to the party?"

Robin sighed. "We should keep our wits about us. This isn't the time for fun."

Raven considered this. If he was going to be stubborn, then perhaps she could use his dedication to the mission to her advantage. "You know, studies have shown that when a person is stressed that they don't think or act accordingly. Fun and relaxation is always recommended to release your stress and keep your wits about you. So, if you really want to be the best you can be, you should join us."

Robin glared at her reflection in the window. He knew she was playing him, but she also had a point, and was correct in her reasoning. Being stressed would not do him or Helena any good. And capturing Strange was a victory in it's own right, even if the problem hadn't been entirely solved.

Sighing, he turned back to her, offering her a small smile. "Fine, but just for a while."

Raven returned the smile. "Whatever you say."

(A/N: It's party time. I can't really see Damian as the party type though. Raven may have a point about de-stressing, but is Damian right about Clayface? Is this the time to party, or should they be focusing on catching the last bad guy? We're entering the final phase of this story, so look forward to what's coming. I hope to make to epic.)