Catch and Release
Chapter Twenty-Four
A/N Did a bit of research for this one. Two tidbits for everyone to keep in mind:
Christian Bale's height is roughly 6' 2"
Cillian Murphy's height is roughly 5' 9"
Now that I have told you two rather strange bits of trivia, hold onto them for at least the chapter.
Thanks for the reviews!
"Okay, there you are."
Jonathan eyed the brand-new desk. Bruce stepped back after he set a chair behind it. He looked at Jonathan to wait for the man's approval.
"It'll do." Jonathan said finally.
"Good." Bruce smiled.
"So, what is a 'personal room' supposed to be for, anyway?" Jonathan eyed Bruce.
Bruce shrugged. "I've never used it. Some of the others keep files and papers in theirs."
"Mm." Jonathan acknowledged the response.
"Is that everything you'll need?" Bruce asked.
"I can answer that better when I know what it is I'll be doing." Jonathan said simply.
Bruce shrugged. "I don't even know exactly yet."
Jonathan's withering glare was not lost on Bruce, but he chose to ignore it.
"I'll probably have a new project soon." Bruce said quickly. "I often don't have too much to work on, but we can find something."
Jonathan shrugged. "It doesn't matter to me."
"Really?" That seems the opposite of what you're displaying.
"What you choose to do with your time is none of my concern." Jonathan told him.
Bruce crossed his arms. "Can I ask you a question, Jonathan?"
Jonathan shrugged. "Go ahead."
"Why do you keep letting me in then pushing me out?"
Jonathan's attention was immediately entirely on Bruce. "What do you mean by that?"
"You start to open up but then you close even tighter than before." Bruce clarified. "Why?"
Jonathan looked away. Because I shouldn't open up to you. Even if it would help me figure out the Bat, I really shouldn't allow myself to let you any closer.
"Please tell me, Jonathan." Bruce whispered. "I have to understand."
"No you don't." Jonathan shot back.
"I want to."
"Too bad." Jonathan said petulantly.
Bruce sighed. His arms uncrossed and fell to his sides. Jonathan unconsciously raised his chin as Bruce approached him, arms moving to cross.
"Jonathan." Bruce murmured softly.
Brilliant blue stared at him intently. "Yes?"
A tiny twitch nearly curved up the corner of Bruce's mouth but the potential smile died quickly. He stepped forward, looking over Jonathan's face.
"Let me in." Bruce whispered pleadingly.
"Why should I?" Jonathan tried to bite back the words, failed.
Bruce took a breath. Jonathan wanted to move back a step, away from the man all-too close to him. He could not move, could only stare at the slightly-taller male.
"You promised me one chance."
"Don't throw that back in my face." Jonathan said sharply, almost tiredly. Not when I'm actually giving it to you.
Bruce frowned. "Jonathan, please."
Jonathan grimaced mildly as Bruce took his hands in his own. "Why won't you let anyone in?"
"You haven't exactly been open with me, Bruce." Jonathan tried to move the spotlight onto the billionaire.
"How so?"
"Do you expect me to believe you drove around all night?" Jonathan hissed. "I'm not stupid, Bruce, don't treat me like I am."
"What exactly do the 'couple' at the cafe want of you?" Bruce countered.
"I told you, I don't know."
"Of course you don't." Bruce said condescendingly, disbelievingly.
Jonathan glared at Bruce. He tore his hands from the man's grip and stepped back and away. "I'm being honest, Bruce." he spat. "For once I am entirely honest with you and you refuse to believe me!"
"For once?" Bruce picked out those two words.
Jonathan nodded. "Yes. You want to know why I won't open up- when I do you won't take it."
Bruce looked almost apologetic until Jonathan demanded again. "So? Where were you last night?"
I was looking for Joker and Harley Quinn so that I can take them to Arkham and you'll be safe.
"...Fine." Bruce sighed. "Natasha's in the city. I ran to her for help."
"Natasha?" Jonathan asked sharply.
"She's a member of the Russian Ballet."
"And she opened her doors to you all night?"
Bruce nodded. "Yes."
Jonathan looked disgusted. "I can't see you up talking to anyone all night."
Bruce immediately knew what Jonathan was implying. "I didn't sleep with her."
"That's one girl, at least."
Bruce asked quietly. "When did this become an attack on me?"
"The moment you attacked me." Jonathan growled.
Jonathan turned from Bruce and stalked from the room. "Where are you going?" Bruce called after him.
"I'll go to the cafe. Maybe Joker will still be there." Jonathan glanced to Bruce. "Dealing with him sounds like the better option right now."
Jonathan did not even know Bruce was running until the billionaire tackled him to the ground. "Get off me!" Jonathan insisted.
"No." Bruce hissed. "Not until we have a few things straight."
"Then start straightening." Jonathan challenged.
"Fine." Bruce held himself over top of Jonathan carefully. "What's wrong?"
"What?" Jonathan spluttered.
"Ever since dinner you've been strange." Bruce said perfectly calmly. "I'm sorry if I upset you. Why won't you tell me why it upset you so I don't do it again?"
"You're the one who stormed out of your own home." Jonathan pointed out. "I've been fine."
Bruce sighed. "Why did you try to leave the table?"
Jonathan looked straight at Bruce and swallowed thickly before saying softly. "I cannot say I'm used to hearing anything like that. When confronted with a situation I know no response to, I leave the situation."
Bruce looked at Jonathan with near pity in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Jonathan."
"I'm not. Did you need something else, or can I stand up now?" Jonathan flexed his pinned wrists for emphasis. Bruce's hands instinctively clamped tighter.
"You have no idea what they want."
"Correct."
"Who are they?" Bruce whispered. You can tell me.
Jonathan took a deep breath. "People I used to...work beside."
More than that. Bruce glared.
"Names?"
Jonathan almost smirked. "Mister J and Miss Harleen."
Closer.
"You mean..." Bruce stared down at him. "Joker and Harley Quinn."
Jonathan grumbled. "Yes."
"Why haven't you gotten help?"
Jonathan cringed. "Someone is taking care of it." He relaxed. "Besides, I can take care of myself."
Bruce frowned. "That's why you're with me."
"Yes."
"The only reason?"
"Yes." Not quite. I feel safe here.
Jonathan immediately felt disgusted with himself.
Bruce nodded. He released Jonathan's wrists and sat up. Jonathan sat up as well, keeping his gaze on Bruce's face.
"You only spoke last night?" Jonathan asked hesitantly. I shouldn't care.
"Yes."
Jonathan nodded to himself.
"Does it matter?" Bruce had to ask.
Jonathan looked away from the other seated man. He stared instead at his hands, twisting and turning them together in his lap.
"...Yes." he admitted softly. And I can't understand why.
"Why?" Bruce asked quietly.
Jonathan stood and moved away from Bruce. Bruce regretfully mused that perhaps he had gone too far.
"Shouldn't you be working?" Jonathan asked from the bathroom doorway.
"Yes." Bruce said softly.
Jonathan nodded and slammed the bathroom door shut. He stood, hands on the sink, staring at his reflection in the ornate mirror.
What was all that?
He glared at himself. When did it become a good idea to be entirely open with him? I could have faked everything. He wouldn't have known any better!
Jonathan took a deep breath and fixed his hair instinctively.
I like him too much to fake everything. He's better company than any of the employees at Arkham.
Jonathan winced with his admission. He heard tentative knocks on the door, followed by a "Jonathan?"
"It's not locked." Jonathan called.
He watched in the mirror as the door swung open slowly and in walked Bruce.
"Yes?" Jonathan swallowed thickly.
"Are you okay?" Bruce murmured. "I'm sorry."
Jonathan shook his head. "I'm fine."
Bruce stepped forward and Jonathan turned to face him. "Bruce?"
"Yeah, Jonathan?" Bruce stopped moving forward.
Jonathan took a deep breath. "I don't mind you."
"What do you mean?" Bruce's eyebrows furrowed.
I feel so childish. Jonathan berated himself for even saying anything. "Nothing, it's nothing."
"What is it?" Bruce asked softly.
Jonathan shook his head. He stared at Bruce's worried face one moment too long, stayed still one second too many. Then he was pushing past Bruce, escaping the suddenly too-small room.
"Jonathan!"
"What do you expect from me, Bruce?" Jonathan asked suddenly.
"What?"
Bruce stepped into the room quickly, eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean, Jonathan?"
Jonathan mumbled. "I'm sorry. I don't even know for sure what I'm saying."
"You're stressed. "Bruce said soothingly. "It's okay."
Jonathan faced Bruce straight-on. "I want to go home."
"Your apartment? But-" Bruce began.
"No." Jonathan said insistently. "I want to go to Wayne Manor, preferably right now."
Bruce was incredibly confused. "Alright."
What are you playing at, Jonathan?
Bruce went to grab their coats, but Jonathan was already handing it over. Bruce took it with a "thank you" and Jonathan slipped into his own.
I don't know what's wrong with me. It infuriated Jonathan. But I can't deal with it here.
"Let's go." Bruce led the way out the door.