Chapter Twenty-Nine: Schemes

The smell of bacon, cinnamon buns, and waffles drew Elisa out of her dreamless sleep, making her realize how hungry she was. She groaned as she stretching, yelping as she felt a sharp pain shoot through her shoulder. Glancing down, she saw that her wound had been bandaged, and she could feel the stitches underneath the wrapping. Her arm rested in a sling and she had been sleeping propped up on pillows. "I'm home…"

Hazy pieces of what had happened before and after she had been shot came to mind, but it was as though it was a dream. She remembered being in the cave, too, with Batman, and how he had kissed her so sweetly…he had mentioned Bruce, but she couldn't remember exactly what he'd said. It was strange, really, how much consideration he gave to the man who was supposed to be his competition. Her thoughts were soon distracted as Tim entered the room with Ace, a tray overflowing with food at hand.

"Elisa!" he beamed. "We made you breakfast!" Ace barked happily, sitting by her bedside and allowing her to stroke his velvety ears.

"Thanks, boys, that was sweet." She took the tray from the child and kissed his temple, smiling as she saw the messy assortment he had laid out for her. "It looks delicious."

"Becky let me help her and said I could bring it in, she's making breakfast for the others now," Tim explained. "How do you feel?"

"Okay," she lied. It felt like someone had punched her hard and their fist was still intact in her body. Still, she couldn't let Tim know that. "Where's Brina?"

"Out in the living room," he informed her, looking up as Vicki, John, and Brina entered. "But now they're here."

"Oh good, she's awake!" Vicki beamed. She and the others gathered around Elisa's bedside, all of them talking at once.

"Calm down!" she urged them, holding up her good hand. "I'm okay, really. What happened after we stopped Jason?"

"Bats brought you to the cave and got you fixed up," Brina explained, her eyes filled with sadness as she remembered what had occurred. "You had me really worried, Ellie. I thought that…" She stopped herself, realizing that crying in front of Tim wouldn't do any good for anyone.

"Hey, I'm still here," Elisa said kindly, squeezing her sister's hand. Looking up at Vicki, she raised an eyebrow and asked, "So…now you know why John and Brina are always out late?"

"Yes, and I realize now that it was more than just hanging out," she noted, a smirk on her lips. Her eyes moved back to Elisa as she became sober. "Elisa, I'm sorry about last night…I feel so guilty-"

"There was nothing you could have done to stop him…maybe me getting hit was what he needed to get some sense knocked into him." She smiled at her friend only to become stern. "But if you so much as tell anyone where the cave is-"

"Relax, I want to help, not expose," Vicki rolled her eyes.

"I've already contacted Jim and told him what happened," John cut in.

"And just what exactly 'happened'?" Elisa asked, cocking her head at him.

"You heard the report on Red Hood, went to the location to find him, and got shot in the process of trying to apprehend him," he explained. "It's more or less what happened."

"More or less," she agreed with a small smile. "How long until my arm's better?"

"Well, Batman suggested you keep it still for at least two or three weeks. He mentioned seeing a doctor, Leslie Thompkins. You remember her, right?"

"Of course." The little worm of curiosity wriggled in the back of her mind. Why would Batman recommend this specific doctor? How would he have a connection with her? He was known to be private unless he was with those he trusted absolutely…but Bruce Wayne on the other hand, he knew her from his childhood…

"We'll worry about that later. Eat up, sis," Brina said brightly, kissing her sister's cheek. "I've got to head to work."

"Me, too," Vicki nodded.

"I'll drop you girls off," John offered, leaving Tim and Ace to keep Elisa company.

Elisa wasted no time, eating her meal as Tim sat on the side of the bed and told her of his plans to meet with Jimmy and Barbie. He mentioned that they had told him of what had happened the night of Harvey Dent's attack, how their father made them promise not to tell anyone what happened. The twins had heard their parents arguing about leaving Gotham, but Tim was hoping they wouldn't. "They're my best friends, and Annie, too. I don't want to lose them," he confessed. "Do you think Mr. Gordon will leave?"

"I don't think so, but if Jimmy and Barbie's mom wants to go, she might just take the kids and the Commissioner would probably keep working here."

"You mean, like…split up? Like a divorce?" he asked softly, his voice quivering as he dared to ask.

Elisa grimaced as she remembered how sensitive he was to the subjects of parents and separation. Stroking his hair, she looked him in the eye and said, "I don't know if the Gordons will get divorced, buddy, or if they just plan to live in different places to keep the kids safe. I do know that they both love Jimmy and Barbie, and no matter what, we should be there to help them. They experienced something scary, so we need to give them time to recover. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

"Yeah," he answered, hugging Ace tightly as he sat on the floor. The dog huffed and licked the boy's cheek, sensing his worry. As he did so, his ears perked, earning both woman and child's attention. Rising to his feet, the Great Dane trotted out of the room just before a knock sounded in the air.

"Coming!" Rebecca called from the kitchen.

"I'm gonna go look," Tim said, scrambling up. "I'll take the tray if you're done!"

"You're a sweetie, Tim," she laughed, kissing him on the forehead before he walked out with the dirty dishes. Leaning back against the pillows, she sighed and closed her eyes, trying to ignore the throbbing in her shoulder. She couldn't imagine being stuck at home for two weeks or so with nothing to do. Watching movies and reading books could only entertain her for so long…maybe if she recovered fast enough, they'd let her stay in the office with her sling. A knock at the bedroom door made her open her eyes, Rebecca's twinkling eyes coming into view. "Hi, Becky…thanks for breakfast."

"You gave me a good fright last night," the British woman scolded her. She smiled however, a knowing look in her eyes making Elisa anxious. "But I suppose that can't be helped with your line of work…I'm just glad you're all right."

"You can't get rid of me that easily," she chuckled. "Who was at the door?"

"A visitor for you," Rebecca winked. "I'll send him in."

"Wait, Becky-!" Elisa protested, getting a bad feeling about who the visitor was. Seeing the tall figure enter the room and lock his gaze with hers, Elisa felt her heart stop. "…Bruce."

"Brina told me what happened," Bruce said with a frown, his voice soft. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," she said coldly, turning her head so that she might stare at the wall. "Thanks for stopping by. I'm sure Tim will want to show a new trick he's been working on with Ace-"

"Elisa, how could you be so reckless?!" Bruce demanded. "You could have gotten yourself killed-!"

"I've managed just fine up 'til now, thank you very much," she snapped, refusing to look at him.

"You've got to be more careful, there are people who care about you-"

"Oh, like your girlfriend?" she asked coolly, glancing back to see his eyes narrow. "I'm sure she's worried that you're here with me instead of her-"

"Are you serious?"

"Would you just-!"

"Mom, Dad, STOP!"

The pair halted in their argument, their heads turning to see Tim standing at the doorway, his eyes filled with tears. Guilt weighted on them as they saw his heartbroken face. "…Tim…we-…wait, what did you call us?" Elisa asked, her brows furrowed as she remembered what he had cried out.

The boy paled at this, rubbing his tears away before edging back. "N-Nothing…I was…"

"Hey…come here," Bruce murmured, getting down on one knee before beckoning the boy to come over. He took the boy in his arms, accepting a hug from the child. It was a foreign feeling to him, receiving such affection from a child who trusted and loved him as though he were his own father. He wondered if this was what his father felt each time he took him into his arms and comforted him. Brushing the boy's bangs out of his eyes, he asked, "Why'd you call us that?"

Tim ducked his head down in shame. "…ever since I lost my mom and dad…I…I wanted you two to be…my new parents," he sniffled, daring to raise his eyes to meet both Bruce and Elisa's gaze. "They fought all the time and said they hated each other…I know they meant it. But I know you two care about each other, and when you started fighting-"

"Tim, just because we're upset with each other doesn't mean we hate each other," Elisa reassured him gently. "We're…worried for each other," she said at last, casting Bruce a look before motioning for the boy to come to her. "Don't cry, Tim, we're fine…we just need a minute, okay?" Pressing another kiss to his forehead, she embraced the boy with her one good arm and waited until he left the room, shutting the door after him. Keeping her eyes averted from Bruce, Elisa could see him rise and walk back to her, taking a seat on her bedside. "…I'm sorry for blowing up like that," she apologized, her hair falling over her face. "I assumed you were with someone special-"

"Do you know who that was?"

"No…"

"Miranda Tate, she used to work for the company and was named Daggett's successor after his sudden death."

Elisa lifted her head, her brows furrowed as she absorbed the information. She could that Bruce's eyes were stern, with no hint of teasing anywhere. "Tate…as in the woman who helped supply Bane with the materials to make that bomb?"

"Exactly. She's been avoiding my calls after she up and left without a word of explanation," Bruce continued. "Last night she came to ask me to merge our companies together, but she kissed me in the middle of her proposal. I didn't understand why until I saw you run out…" He raised an eyebrow at her, a smile tugging the corners of his mouth up. "…were you jealous?"

Blush crept onto her cheeks as she bowed her head again in embarrassment. "…it doesn't matter. You love Rachel and you just lost her-"

"I loved her, but I'm not in love with her…she made her choice to be with Harvey," Bruce murmured, tucking his hand under her chin and gently raising her head. Lowering his head, he whispered, "I love you, Elisa," before claiming her mouth. As he pressed his lips to hers, he rested his hand against her cheek. She sucked in a breath as he parted his lips and deepened the kiss, her heart racing and her mind reeling as she placed her good hand on his chest. She melted in his embrace, even as a memory of feeling this way with someone else flickered in the back of her mind. As Bruce pulled away, she found herself staring into his eyes, another face flashing over his and appearing to match seamlessly.

"…Bruce…I…" Elisa gathered her courage, her fingers curling around the lapel of his jacket as if for support. "…I love you, too, but…there's-"

"Somebody else?"

She nodded, her eyes locking with his again. "You need to know…it isn't fair of me to be in love with two men at once."

"Does he know?"

"Of course he does…he's the one who encouraged me to tell you."

"Awfully generous of him. It'll work out," he answered simply, bending his head to press a kiss to her cheek. "Trust me."

The words that came out of his mouth and the gesture he made caused her eyes to widen as she realized that all her suspicions were true. Raising her hand, she let it rest over his eyes.

"What're you-?"

"Don't move," she said softly. She stared at his chin, his lips. It hit her hard…how could she have been so blind? "Say something."

"Like what?"

"Anything."

"Elisa-"

"Deeper," she cut off his protest, her eyes never moving from his mouth.

"What?"

"Say it again, but deepen your voice."

He remained silent for a good moment, making her wonder if maybe he would up and leave from her strange request. She was about to lower her hand when he spoke. "Elisa." His tone was lower, but not quite what she was hoping for. It reminded her of when Jim Gordon had received an unexpected guest in his office so many months ago before Batman had become a well-known figure.

"Deeper," she pleaded, her heart hitching as she heard him speak again.

"Elisa."

"A little more…"

"Elisa."

Her hand was shaking as it moved away from his eyes. It was Batman's voice, but it had come from Bruce's mouth. As she moved her hand away, she could see his eyes were focused on her, blazing with the same intensity Batman had. She held her breath as she touched his face, her eyes filled with amazement and relief as she realized at last that the two men she had fallen in love with were indeed one in the same. "Bruce Wayne is Batman…and Batman is Bruce Wayne…who'd have thunk?"

Placing his hand over hers as she continued to rest it over his cheek, he whispered, "Elisa, I'm sorry I didn't-"

"No, don't apologize," she shook her head. "I kept telling you to keep your secret, partially because I wanted to respect you, and partially because I was…afraid."

"Afraid?"

"I didn't want to hurt anybody, and even with my recent suspicions of you being Batman, I didn't want to be wrong and end up mistaking you for someone else."

He chuckled, shaking his head at her. "Somehow, I always imagined I'd be taking the mask off in order for you to find out."

"You did, in a way," she shrugged. "Your Batman mask shows your true self, and your Bruce Wayne persona is the mask you show the world to protect yourself and others…of course, there are a few glimpses of the real Bruce hiding underneath the eccentric billionaire playboy." Casting her gaze to the ground, she asked softly, "But why me, Bruce? I'm not-"

"You accept and love both sides of me, at least I hope so," he said with a wry grin, earning her attention once more. "I was just too stupid to realize that I felt this way about you, too." The smile vanished as he took her in his arms and neared his face to hers again. "…can you forgive me?"

"There's nothing to forgive," she murmured. "I'm just as guilty of pushing you away." Leaning in, she kissed him again, shivering in delight as he pulled her in close, cautious of her arm, and deepened the kiss. He ran his fingers through her hair as she moaned from the kiss, feeling herself go weak from his lips. He in turn seemed to become strengthened with her obvious affection as she clung to him, making his heart pound wildly. When they pulled apart at last, he hugged her to his chest where she rested her head against his shoulder. "…there's something else that gave you away," she mused aloud.

"What? The fact the Wayne and Batman are never around at the same time?" he mumbled, a light smile growing on his face.

"Well, yes…that and you have the same smirk, the same angry look, both personas came to Gotham around the same time, and you both taste like straight black coffee."

He laughed at this, causing her to giggle along. "The coffee was the giveaway? Shameful."

Lifting her head, she arched an eyebrow at him and asked, "Bruce, there's something I've always wondered but…I didn't want to be impolite."

"By all means, be impolite," he urged her.

Chewing her lip, she wondered how to ask him her question. "…why did you leave Gotham? And what did you do while you were gone?"

He nodded as he listened to the question, brushing her hair out of her face and over her shoulder. "You remember how I told you about Ra's Al Ghul?"

"Yes."

"I left Gotham just after my parents' hearing, when Chill was murdered…I had wanted to be the one to kill him, but that woman took that chance from me." He could see that while Elisa was stunned, she did not condone him, nor did she interrupt. "Rachel took me to Falcone's hideout and knocked some sense into me. When I went to see Falcone, I realized that men like him had to be handled from a different angle…they weren't afraid of anything because of the power they held, and the money they owned. So I ran away and disappeared. I wanted to understand men like Chill and their motives."

"…did you find what you were looking for?"

"Not at first," he shook his head. "I spent years wandering different countries and living in places that were filled with men driven to desperation. I was caught and placed in prisons from time to time, and that gave me more insight, but I didn't fully understand until a man approached me one day when I was in a cell."

"Ra's Al Ghul."

He nodded, stroking her hair as she watched and listened. "He took me in and taught me everything I know about fighting, about understanding the underworld's mindset."

"Until he told you about destroying Gotham."

"You remembered our chat from the trip to the hospital."

"It's incredible, Bruce…but I can't imagine all the suffering you had to go through."

"You had your share of suffering, too."

"I guess we're both messed up," she sighed. She couldn't help herself from smiling as he took her in his arms again and kissed her forehead. "You're not going to give up being Batman, are you?"

"I don't know if I ever will, or if I can," he confessed, his forehead resting against hers. "But I know I need to lay low for a while."

"What'll you do in that time, Mr. Wayne?" she teased.

He raised an eyebrow at her and cocked his head. "I don't suppose you've got any free time on your hands, Miss Montez? I thought maybe we could go out and actually spend time alone together-"

"Are you asking me out on a date?" she grinned.

"Only if the end result isn't a punch to the gut or smack to the face," he answered back lightly, earning another kiss. "So is that a 'yes'?"

"I'll let you figure that one out, Detective," she winked, snuggling into his embrace once more. Closing her eyes, she let her body relax as she listened to his heartbeat, her breath slowing until she felt herself becoming lulled to sleep again by his calming presence. "I love you…all of you…"

-B-

Over two weeks had passed since anyone had seen or heard of the Batman, and people began to wonder if he had disappeared for good. Even Nightwing and Sparrow sightings had gone down. Some people said it was because of the guilt they felt about what happened to Dent, others said it was they were afraid to get caught, some still said there was a conspiracy behind the death of Dent and disappearance of the crime fighters. At any rate, life for Gotham began to slowly click back into the place. The only strange occurrence that had the police baffled was that in the past few weeks was that three men had collapsed suddenly and were rushed to the hospital. All of them had been in good health and lived perfectly normal lives. They also had wives and daughters who went missing. With the Joker, Riddler, Ivy, and Scarecrow locked up in Arkham, however, they began to wonder if they had another maniac at hand.

Such things did not concern some people, however, as they blissfully continued on with their lives…people like Harleen Quinzel. Each day, she looked forward to her sessions with the Joker, to whom she would affectionately call 'Mr. J' when in private. He amused her, and he made her feel comfortable. He never judged or made fun of her, rather he would challenge her with his philosophies on the world around them. If anything, they made her occupied, or at the very least distracted…and the way he would smile and lick his lips at her, it made her cheeks flush and her insides quiver.

"It won't last."

"Hm?" Harley mumbled, looking up from her doodles. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that."

"Batman disappearing…it won't last for long," the Joker repeated confidently. "Whenever there's a catastrophe, he always shows up. He just can't help himself-"

"What's with this fascination you have on Batman?" she asked, her brows knitting together as she looked at him. "Why do you care about him so much?"

"What would I do without him?" he snickered. "He's too much fun. He's a challenge…I can't seem to make him break, no matter what. He's got his lofty morals but dirty methods, and he's always trying to stop my little tricks. That's what makes it fun, him trying to fix things and me destroying it all."

Harley couldn't help but feel contempt for Batman. The Joker almost sounded as if he were in love with the vigilante. "But he killed Harvey Dent-"

The Joker's wheezing cackle stopped her. "Oh puh-lease! He couldn't kill me, the man who brought Gotham to its knees and all but broke its spirit, how could he axe off one of the guys he was supposed to be working with? Think about it, Harley."

She said nothing, pressing her lips as she collected her belongings. "It's getting late, I should be going."

"So soon? You're killing me, Harl."

"I'll see you tomorrow."

Harley got up and exited the room, almost shutting the door just as she always did when the guard placed both hands on either side of her head. She froze, shocked by the sudden advance. She could see that he was new, younger than the other guard who was usually stationed there. He must have been transferred from another part of the asylum because she was certain she had seen him elsewhere in the perimeter. "Do you mind-?"

"I do," he snarled, slamming his mouth onto hers.

She shoved him away, slapping his face before wiping her mouth clean. Giving him a disgusted look, she threatened, "I'll call security-"

"Oh but baby doll, I am the security. It's late, and I'm probably the only guy on this floor for now," he chuckled, grabbing a hold of her wrist and throwing her onto the floor. "You're the hottest doctor in this loony bin, and I've had a rough week…let's release some stress, huh?"

"Get away from me, you creep!" she demanded, thrashing as he threw himself on top of her. "HELP! Somebody-MH!"

His large, calloused hand clamped over her mouth, his wicked grin widening. He did not notice the door slowly open behind him or the shadow that fell over him until the sleeves of the prisoner's straightjacket were around his neck. He could hear the Joker's short, hot breaths on his neck as the cloth twisted tighter around his windpipe, making it harder to breathe.

"And here I thought the cops were supposed to be the heroes, not the crazies," the Joker chuckled, twisting his torso so that the security man crashed into the wall before he gave a final sharp tug, suffocating the other. The guard writhed as he clawed at the loosened sleeves but it was too late.

Harley covered her mouth as she watched, both fascinated and mortified, as the Joker killed the guard. She didn't know how he had managed to loosen the straightjacket but at the moment she didn't care. The minute he dropped the corpse, he was surprised to see her yanking the body back into the cell. "Gonna have a sleepover-?"

"Quick, get the jacket off, switch clothes with him. Hurry, before anyone else comes!" she whispered, struggling with the deceased guard.

The Joker pursed his lips in contemplation but he helped her nevertheless, eagerly wriggling out of the confinement and taking the young man's hat and jacket. "…you're taking a big risk, Harley-"

"Just keep your head down and stick with me," she urged him, linking her arm with his. "We'll take the backway."

"Hmm…" He had to admit to himself that he was impressed with how well she was taking everything. She was cautious but remained inconspicuous as she led him out, taking the elevator and with him until they arrived at the ground floor. They walked out past the security booth together, looking like a couple leaving work, and were ignored the entire length of the way.

While Joker was silently grinning to himself and enjoying the thrill of a speedy, secret getaway, Harley found that her heart was ready to burst out of her chest. What was she doing? She could lose her job, go to jail even for helping this murderous psychopath…but he did save her from being raped by an employee. What would they do to the Joker if he had been caught? He might be moved, he was already considered 'insane' to many. No, she couldn't lose him…he was the only one who cared about her, who took her seriously, even if life was all a big joke to him. So she continued, walking on in silence as she stared away, pulling out her keys the moment she arrived at her apartment door. "Go," she whispered, urging him in first as she checked the hallway to make sure no one else was around.

The Joker obliged willingly, strolling in as though he hadn't visited in a long time. "Well, well, nice place you've got. Not bad for a spot in the Narrows."

Locking the doors, she pressed her back to the wooden barrier and released a breath of relief. "We made it…I can't believe it."

"Atta girl, Harley," he chuckled. "You did pretty good for a newbie."

"I couldn't…I couldn't let them take you…or hurt you," she babbled, never looking him in the eye as she spoke aloud, pressing her hand to her forehead. "Oh my gosh, I just broke the law. I'm hiding the Joker in my apartment."

"So, what's next, Harley?" Striding over to her, he took her face in his hands and urged her to look up. "Look at me…" She did so at once, making him lick his lips. "So? How's about it, my little harlequin?"

Hearing him say those words made something snap inside. She lunged at him, taking possession of his painted mouth. His eyes widened in surprise at her actions but he quickly reciprocated the affections, roughly grabbing her around the waist with one arm as the other hand curled into her hair. She moaned and gasped as she kissed him all over, on his mouth, his neck, his ears. Her hands moved to his chest and began to rip his clothes apart.

"Easy!" he scolded her as he nearly choked from being so breathless. "Whoo, Harley, down girl-"

"Let me, Mr. J," she begged, biting his neck. "Hold me…!"

Hearing his nickname sent him over the edge, and the constant assault from her mouth and hands did nothing to help. It was almost terrifying how blatantly needy she was…he rather liked it. "You got it, Harley," he snarled, picking her up and tossing her onto the couch before pouncing on her. "You're all mine now."

-B-

"So, how've you been, girl?"

Having placed the phone on speaker, Brina responded to her old friend Latisha as she applied her eyeliner. "I've been great. School's going along swimmingly, and Elisa and Bruce finally admitted their feelings for each other-"

"Shut up!" Latisha laughed. "They seriously did? I'm stunned! It's about time!"

"I know, right?" Brina laughed. "They've been going on little private dates up until yesterday. Bruce took her to a fancy restaurant and they've officially been named a couple now. My bet is the papers will forget about them in a week when they find out another couple's got a scandal or there's been a murder-"

"Actually, I've been hearing someone broke out of Arkham."

"When?"

"Last night. It's just a rumor, but if Vicki comes in to your place spouting news like crazy, I'm sure you'll let me know."

"Yeah…" Brina kept quiet about the reporter. Since Jason had gone, supposedly to 'find himself' and learn to control his temper, Vicki had become quieter, almost depressed even. She was currently out on the living room couch watching old black and white films, and she was actually letting Ace sit on the couch next to her since Rebecca had gone out on a date with Alfred that night.

"You still there?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah! Sorry, I got distracted."

"Mh-hm. Thinking about John?" Latisha asked smugly.

"No! I was thinking about something completely different…but I am getting ready for a date with John."

"Oooh! Spill!" Latisha giggled.

"We're just going for dinner and a ride around the city." Of course by 'ride', she meant patrol as civilians but the less Latisha knew, the better. After all, she enjoyed just spending time with him. She was happy just playing video games at his place or going to the movies with him. "I feel like we've been getting closer than ever before," she confessed, a smile showing on her face. After all, since they had started training and fighting crime together, they had spent good chunks of their days - and nights – in each other's company. John was always a gentleman with her and she was happy just being close to him.

"Aw, my lil' baby's gone and grown up!" Latisha exclaimed, pretending to cry.

"Oh please," Brina rolled her eyes. Hearing a knock at the door, she gasped, "That must be him!"

Latisha laughed at her friend's excitement. "Okay, girl, you have fun. Gimme details later, got it?!"

"Sure," she giggled. "Bye, Tish!" Hanging up, she tossed her cellphone into her purse and checked her hair one last time before exiting the room.

"You should marry her and then give Bruce advice," she heard Tim whisper to John before the two of them straightened and smiled innocently.

"I heard that," she smirked. "Actually, that's not a bad idea, Timmy."

"What, marrying?" John asked, blushing.

"No, I meant giving Bruce advice since he's such a late bloomer, but the marriage part is also a very good idea," Brina quipped happily.

John and Tim shared a grin as the officer mussed the boy's hair. The sound of Vicki's yawn made them glance over to see the silent reporter patting Ace's head as she stared at the TV. Brina and John exchanged a glance before walking over.

"Vicki, you okay?" Brina asked kindly.

"Hm? Oh, I'm fine," she smiled wanly. "Hey Tim, do you want to watch those Ghost cartoons or whatever it is you like?"

"You'll watch The Gray Ghost?" Tim asked, smiling brightly.

"Sure, kiddo. We can order a pizza if you'd like."

"Yeah!" he cheered.

"You sure, Vicki? We could stay-" John started.

"Don't worry about me, I'm a trooper," she winked at them. "Now get out of here, lovebirds."

John nodded and offered a thankful smile to the young woman. Brina embraced her before taking John's arm and allowing him to lead her out. They were silent until they got to his motorcycle, a recent gift from Bruce. "You really think she's okay?"

"I think she's coping," Brina admitted. "She won't admit it, but she really misses him. She takes any chance she can get to be with Tim and goof off. I'm just surprised she lets Ace near herself."

"He can probably sense she's hurting. Dogs are good with people in mourning, or so I heard." He smirked as he offered her a spare helmet and put on his own. "But I know it's been the opposite lately with our fearless leader. How are the lovebats?"

"Don't get me started," she sighed with a roll of her eyes, though she couldn't fight back a smile. "She still acts the same when she's with us, but she's allowing herself to show her feelings when she's around him. She's been playing with her hair a lot more, too. I'll take that over pounds of make-up and hours of fussing over outfits any day, though."

"I hear you." Pursing his lips, he crossed his arms over his chest and asked, "Say…since things have been quieter lately, I was thinking maybe we could spend some time together…just the two of us. Bruce offered to let me use his cars, or maybe I could ask if he'd let me use one of his contacts to go-"

"You mean…like a private vacation?" Brina asked, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, Robin, that'd be-!" She paused, her excitement evaporating.

"What's wrong?" he asked, worried that he might have scared her. "Look, I respect you as a person and as my girlfriend, we would totally get separate rooms. I'd never try to take advantage-" he rambled.

"What? Oh no, I'm not worried about that, I know you're a gentleman," she said, squeezing his hand. "It's just…I don't think we should leave Bruce alone. What if something should come up and he's got no back up? Also…Latisha called me and said she heard rumors about someone escaping Arkham. What if it's the Joker?"

"You've got point," he agreed. "Okay, we'll wait. But maybe someday…?"

"Definitely," she smiled, accepting a hug from her beloved. "I think we need a break from the craziness eventually…this place can drive a person mad."

"Please don't joke," he grimaced. "C'mon, let's go." Slipping onto the bike, he revved the engine and took off, enjoying the feel of his girlfriend's arms around his waist. Nothing was going to ruin their evening together.

-B-

Dr. Hugo Strange was occupied looking over his patients' files when he heard footsteps coming towards his closed office door. The door swung open and there standing before him was the lithe figure of a cloaked woman, her face concealed to only reveal her narrowed green eyes.

"Miss Talia Al Ghul!" he exclaimed, rising to his feet. "Your little entrances and visits to Arkham must be kept in secret," he hissed, anger taking place of his usual cordialness with her. "What is the meaning of-?"

"I am here for Pamela Isley and Jonathan Crane," she cut him off coldly, her eyes glinting in the lamplight of the room. "It's time to take my plan for Gotham to the next level."

"Isley and Crane? Whatever for?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"I require Isley's assistance to finalize a variable in my plans, and Crane can be most useful and elusive when offered the chance to study people's phobias. Juvenile, but I must admit he was rather faithful to my father's original plan."

"I'm afraid I cannot simply let you-"

"I am not here for your permission, I am getting them out," she informed him. "I shall knock you down and you shall inform your security that I attacked you. Do not worry, Doctor, I assure you that you that I shall send a bonus for your research to compensate for the damage."

"I see…"

"I also know of that little machine you are trying to complete. Most fascinating."

"I would ask how you know of my private work, but I sense it is pointless to question anything involving you."

"Very good, Doctor. Before I render you unconscious, I should like to recommend you get a hold of a patient before I destroy him."

"And that is…?"

"Bruce Wayne."

"Wayne?" he asked, blinking in surprise as he took off his glasses. No need for those to get destroyed when she 'attacked' him. "Why him?"

"Once you complete your machine, invite him in and you shall see. However, as I said before, you may want to hurry…I have plans for him myself. Now hold still." With a quick motion of her arm, she slapped the side of her hand into the weak spot of Strange's neck, causing him to topple to the ground. Stepping around him, she dug into his desk and found his identification card. Grasping it in between her fingers, she snuck out of the room, stalking down the halls as silently as a serpent. Arriving at the row of cells, she sneered at the fool who called himself the Riddler as he gawked at her. Holding up the card, she cast looks to Crane and Isley, the pair of them staring with suspicious eyes as she let them out. "Time for a little outing."