The Honeymoon is Coming to an End for the Cat and Bat,

Soon we'll see how Their Relationship Fairs in Regular Life.

Also, I'd really like to put a Cover Photo for this Story, So if you know of Anyone who would be willing to let me use their art please let me know in the Comments. :)

Thank You for Reading and Please Review!

Chapter 28: Arrivederci

Rome Italy, August 1844

—Bruce,

"Delivery for you Signore."

The footman held out a silver tray with a red velvet box resting on it.

Bruce took the case, opened it, nodded at the boy, and placed a few loose bills in his hand.

"Grazie." The Duke replied, closing the door while the young man counted his tip.

Looking back at the jewelry box Bruce smiled. Closing it with a snap, he placed it on a marble-topped side table beneath a decorative gilt mirror.

His deep baritone voice filled the room as he began to hum a Viennese waltz. Checking his reflection, he smoothed his dark hair and ran a brush over his tailed jacket to be sure nothing had settled on the black velvet.

It was their last night in Rome. Tomorrow they would begin their journey home, so he wanted to be sure tonight was one his new wife would never forget.

Smiling again, he reached for the simple black domino mask, fastening it securely in place before giving himself a final once over in the mirror. Satisfied he picked up the case and headed towards the bedroom door at the far end of the suite.

He didn't bother to knock but pushed the door open silently, watching as she finished getting ready.

Selina sat before a baroque gilded vanity, putting the finishing touches to her appearance, appearing oblivious to her admirer's presence.

She wore a new evening gown with a white duchess satin underdress. Over that was a layer of delicate black silk gauze, gathered at the skirt in pick-ups, fastened with little bouquets of silk roses, also in black.

The off-the-shoulder bodice had a V-shaped neckline that was cut low enough to be just on the verge of scandalous. She looked like a cross between a widow and a bride but in all the best ways.

Bruce smirked; Selina knew how to leave an impact.

They had been on a continuous shopping spree since the wedding. Buying souvenirs, art, jewelry, and an entire wardrobe from the finest designers in the Italian peninsula. Purchasing so many dresses that she had yet to wear the same one twice! But this one was by far his favorite, he thought as he appreciated the sharp contrast of the black silk against her pale skin.

Taking his time, he let his gaze travel up her slender neck.

She had pulled her hair away from her face in soft twists, trying to make her square jawline appear more delicate, securing it in a high bun that was wrapped in a false braid, the same ink black color as her own hair.

A string of pearls ran across her forehead, fastening into the bun, and diamond pendants dangled from her earlobes. Lastly, black opera gloves came up to her elbow, slightly disguising the thinness of her arms.

Bruce found himself mesmerized as he watched her hold his mother's pearl and diamond necklace up to her neck, giving a slight shudder as the cool gems touched her skin.

"Do you plan to continue staring or are you going to help?"

Shelina's emerald eyes danced mischievously as she watched his reflection in the mirror, the corners of her crooked mouth curling up.

Bruce's face grew hot under her gaze, but he fought to keep his expression composed as he came up behind her and fastened the clasp on the necklace. If he let her see how much she affected him then she would win the game, and Bruce did not like to lose.

Impulsively he leaned down, placing a kiss on her neck just below her ear.

She tilted her head to the side. Letting him continue as her eyes fluttered closed.

"You know my husband will be back any minute. I doubt he'd be happy to find a masked man kissing his wife." Her sultry voice sent a shiver of desire down his spine.

"But what sort of gentleman would I be if I left without giving the Duchess of Gotham her present?"

Selina's eyes flew open as she spun around on the stool.

"What present?"

Bruce chuckled at the child-like greed so clearly written on her face.

"Turn around."

She hesitated, before slowly turning back to face the mirror.

"Close your eyes."

She gave him a suspicious glare but complied.

Reaching into his pocket he retrieved the box. Opening it he took out an exquisite diamond brooch designed to look like a starburst. Carefully he pinned it to the front of her bodice.

"Open your eyes." He whispered, placing his hands on her shoulders, and keeping his eyes trained on her expression reflected in the mirror.

Her entire face lit up with delight as she ran gloved fingers over the brooch. He smiled.

It did not matter if it was a flower or a crown, every gift elicited the same reaction of pure joy and rapture. He loved being the one to put that sparkle in her eyes, wanted to care of her.

"I take it you like it then, Duchess?"

A flirtatious smirk pulled on her lips as she looked at him through dark lashes.

"It will do Mister Wayne."

A low laugh rumbled from deep within him as he placed his finger under her chin, turning her face to kiss him.

"Come on Selina, we wouldn't want to be late."

He offered his hand, but she ignored it and turned back to her reflection.

Turning her head to the left and the right she checked her profile, being sure everything was just how she wanted it, before reaching for her own mask, securing it to her head with a ribbon. Like his, it was a black domino mask but hers was crafted to look like a cat.

"Now we can leave." She announced, taking his hand, and allowing him to lead her out of their suite.

Later that Evening

The party was in full swing. Bruce had claimed her first two dances but was then called away to pay his respects to the hostess, some elderly Italian princess, who had been a friend of his parents.

He had been gone a while, but his wife was not lacking companionship as a steady flow of gentleman lined up to ask for a dance.

Selina curtsied to her latest partner as the dance came to an end. The French aristocrat led her back across the floor, kissing her hand as he let her go.

"Most charming Madame. I hope to have the pleasure of dancing with you again?"

His eyes looked eager, but his hopes were soon dashed.

"I believe I am next." A deep voice said.

Selina smiled as Bruce came out of the shadows, glowering at the other man.

"Pardon Monsieur." The noble said as he backed away slowly.

Selina laughed as she followed her husband's lead back to the dance floor.

"You certainly seem popular tonight," Bruce remarked, his voice tight.

"Why Mister Wayne, are you jealous?" she purred.

Bruce raised an eyebrow.

"Of le Monsieur, No. But the other dozen or so admirers who have been monopolizing my wife's time have become a tad irritating."

Selina smirked.

"Well, if you are going to abandon your wife at a party, someone has to entertain her."

His own smile grew, his eyes darkening flirtatiously.

"I would think such an intriguing woman was capable of entertaining herself for a short time. Do you lack patience Duchess?"

She shrugged her slim shoulders, slanting her green eyes away in a cool act of coyness.

"What can I say, I'm terrified of being bored."

He leaned in to whisper in her ear, causing goosebumps to run down her neck.

"Then I shall have to entertain you."

"I'm all ears rich-boy."

The song ended.

Placing his hand on the small of her back Bruce guided her towards a corner away from the crush of the crowd.

"Wait here."

She crossed her arms as she watched him hurry away, ducking into a side room that had a curtain pulled over the doorway.

"So much for excitement." She muttered, taking a glass of champagne from a passing server.

A dozen conversations buzzed around her, but she did not know any European languages so amusing herself with eavesdropping seemed a lost cause.

Selina looked around the room, quickly finishing her drink while she waited. Suddenly the sound of English voices drew her attention as two gentlemen came to stand near her.

One had his back to her, concealing her view, but his voice carried easily to her ears. Careful to appear uninterested she tuned her hearing to the conversation.

"I don't think you need to worry. Oliver Queen is not exactly known for his intellect. Even with Dent's help, I doubt he'll put up much of a fight."

"Perhaps not, but I'm not taking any chances. My father was a fool to not contest the will, but I won't be making the same mistake." The man with his back to her bit out, clearly, he did not have fond memories of his father. "Still, this girl's appearance is causing more problems than I had anticipated, and just when things were going so well."

Selina's interest piqued; this was proving to be quite the interesting turn of events.

"Who knew one little girl could cause so much trouble." His friend said. "You don't suppose there is any chance she's a fraud?"

The other man shook his head.

"I haven't seen her but from what I heard she's a Princeton through and through."

"Too bad." The friend remarked, "That could have solved everything."

"Don't remind me." The other man seemed to be growing angrier the longer this conversation continued. His friend also sensed it and tried to change the mood.

"You still have the title. You are a Duke now Elliot, she can't take that away from you."

"But what's the point? Without the money the title is worthless!"

The friend's voice took on a dark edge. "A title is never worthless. You have to use every asset you can get your hands on to succeed in life."

The anger began to drain from Elliot. "I have to win, I know I promised to support your career and I'm going to, but I have to get that money first."

"Don't worry about me. If you can't get me what I need I'll look elsewhere."

A cold chill enveloped Selina at the man's tone, something about his voice made her think that Elliot should worry, he should be very worried.

Suddenly Elliot gave a bitter laugh, almost causing Selina to look up and break her cover.

"If only I hadn't married Isabel. Then I could have made the girl mine and all my problems would be solved!"

"You never know," his friend said cryptically, "An opportunity might present itself."

"If only."

"Quite intriguing this cousin of yours, what did you say her name was?"

"Diana," Elliot bit out, seething with resentment. "Lady Diana Princeton."

"Diana," his friend said, trying out the name. "Lady Diana, interesting."

Selina was practically crawling out of her skin trying to hear every word; this was getting better and better.

"Thinking of seducing her Lex?" Elliot laughed but his friend did not appear to share his amusement.

"A long-lost heiress who's the last holder of one of the oldest names in England, how could I not be curious?"

Elliot slapped his friend on the back with a laugh, clearly missing the underlining warning of Lex's words. Selina rolled her eyes; this man Elliot was a buffoon. Whoever his cousin was she probably did not need to worry.

Starting to lose interest she began to glance around for a server to take her glass.

"You know maybe I will divorce Isabel and marry Diana. Then once her inheritance is legally mine I could always through her in an asylum if she became bothersome."

Selina froze, terror and fury raging through her at the sound of Elliot's laughing words.

"And how would you manage that?" Lex asked with cool indifference.

"Simple Mr. Luthor just say she has hysteria and lock her away." The two men began to walk away, oblivious to their eavesdropper.

Selina stood rooted to the ground, her chest heaving, anger burning through her, as a cold icy fear began to cloud her mind.

Bastards!

The sound of her name brought her back to her surroundings as she felt a firm, but gentle hand come to rest on her shoulder.

"Selina, what happened?"

She turned to look at Bruce, his concerned evident as his eyes ran over her, trying to assess the situation.

He was taken aback by the pleasant, unconcerned, look on her face.

"There you are, done ducking into corners?" she teased but was met with a frown.

"What happened?" his voice was stern, and it took her off guard.

"Nothing, I've been waiting for you." Her voice growing irritated with his confusing round of questions.

"Your hand Selina."

She looked down to see small drops of blood dripping off her black glove. Crushed glass littered the floor, and her fingers were curled around the remains of her champagne flute. Her eyes widened in shock.

"I didn't realize." She whispered releasing the remaining glass, a painful burning seared her hand as she did.

"Come, we need to bandage that."

He led her to a chair and carefully removed her glove, Thankfully the material had provided protection leaving only a thin cut across her palm. Bruce took out a handkerchief, ripping it into strips he expertly bandaged her hand to stop the bleeding.

"You're pretty handy to have around." She quipped with a small smile. "Where did you learn how to do that?"

"I went to medical school." He replied, focusing on replacing her glove without disturbing his homemade bandages.

"You did?"

Bruce smirked at her stunned face.

"Until I dropped out of university."

"And the mystery continues."

"There, all fixed."

He helped her up and began to lead her back to the room he had disappeared to before.

Inside was a gray backdrop hanging on a stand behind a stool. There was an odd contraption a few feet in front of it that looked like a wooden box on stilts.

The room was lit up with so many candles and gas lights that it looked like the sun was still up.

An Italian man came over and greeted them. Bruce and he quickly exchanged some words in Italian while Selina continued to study the box.

"What is that thing?" she asked.

"Daguerreotype Signora."

"It's a Photograph." Bruce explained.

"A What?"

"You'll see, go on." Bruce smiled as he gave his wife a little push towards the stool.

She hesitantly sat on the stool as the photographer showed her how to arrange her hands on her lap and put the neck clamp in place to keep her head from moving. After several minutes of begging from the Italian man, Selina reluctantly removed her mask, handing it to Bruce.

The photographer let out a gasp at seeing her eyes in full view. He began to hover excitedly around her face, looking at them from every possible angle while his muse remained trapped by the neck clamp.

"Magnificent!" he gushed to himself. "With the green, and black, and tiny bits of gold, simply extraordinary!"

Normally Selina would have enjoyed the compliments, but this man was too close for her liking.

"Can we just get on with it?" she ground out.

"Oh, of course, my apologies Signora." He returned to the camera, mumbling as he went, "like jewels, yes, emeralds!"

Selina took a deep breath, trying to make her features natural as the man had requested.

The Italian ducked his head beneath a velvet curtain on the back of the box. After several seconds he reappeared looking concerned.

"Beautiful Signora," He began, gesturing with his hands as if pleading with Venus reincarnated. "The process can take a long time, so it would be best if you do not smile."

Bruce bit back a laugh with moderate success, turning away from the man while trying to gain control of himself.

Selina arched a dark s-shaped eyebrow and the Italian man fell in love all over again as her green eyes darkened with the shifting light.

"I wasn't smiling." She said.

The man looked confused and this time Bruce was unable to hold back as his snickering turned into a full-fledged laugh attack.

"That's just her face," Bruce amended, whipping tears from the corners of his eyes. "She always looks like the cat that caught the canary." He smiled, gesturing to his wife's naturally angled mouth."

The man mumbled something in Italian but returned to his camera.

Selina gave her husband a quick wink, purposefully curling her crooked mouth into a flirtatious smirk while staring down the camera.

—Bruce,

The Duke of Gotham stifled a yawn, this ball had gone on far too long for his liking.

It wasn't that he hated socializing necessarily, but parties such as this tended to be taxing for his introverted nature. But he had been trying valiantly to enjoy himself and resist the temptation to call it a night for the sake of his Duchess.

Selina loved parties, anyone could see how much fun she was having, and he was loath to ruin it for her.

Bruce discreetly moved to another wall and made himself comfortable on a sofa. Keeping one eye on his wife who was being spun around the dance floor and the other staying trained on the Duke of Hever, who apparently hadn't given up on trying to "run-in" to him.

Bruce had always had a distinct disliking for Elliot Hale and was not pleased to discover that he was also at this party.

I would have thought he'd have better things to do right now than flitting through Europe on other peoples' money.

He tried to banish his fellow countryman from his thoughts as he slowly nursed his drink. The song was ending, and he could see the lovely figure of his wife making her way towards him.

He stood, ready to offer her a dance but she motioned for him to stay sitting. Relieved he complied and was delighted when she joined him on the couch, watching the partygoers begin the next round of dances with a mysterious gleam in her eye.

"Bored Mister Wayne?" Her sultry voice purred.

"Not in the least Duchess." He replied, taking another sip of his drink.

Her deep laughter caught him by surprise.

"You're a horrible liar Bruce."

"Am I?"

Mmm-Hmm she nodded. "I can tell you're bored stiff."

He grimaced and looked at her apologetically.

"Is it that obvious?"

She laughed again at his sudden shyness.

"Let's play a game Bat."

Bruce's eyes narrowed suspiciously as he studied his wife, no part of her giving any clue to what she was thinking. Damn, but she could be difficult to read.

"What kind of game?"

Her grin grew as she tilted her head closer to his, like sharing a secret.

"A competition. We each pretend to get roaring drunk, but you can't actually have a drink or else you lose, also if anyone catches on that you're faking you lose."

"But why pretend to be intoxicated?"

"Because then they might tell us their secrets." She whispered, gesturing towards the other guests with her closed fan.

He laughed, "And why do you think that would work?"

Selina gave him a sly smile.

"People trust a fun fool. They aren't suspicious of those they think they're better than. And if that doesn't work," with a wink she tapped her cat mask, "everyone fears a mask."

He felt himself being drawn in. "But how do we lie without seeming suspicious?" He challenged, curious to see more of how her brain worked.

She shrugged her thin shoulders.

"The best liars tell the truth. You have to want it to be true at least a little bit in order to be believable. That's how a husband says he loved the wife he hit, or a child cries for the dog he kicked. A small part of them needs it to be true, and so does everyone else. That Bat is the art of lies."

He studied her for a minute, mulling over her words. The calculating honesty seeming so at odds with the picture before him. A small smirk pulled at the corners of his mouth.

"Very well then Cat, shall we play?"

"The one with the best secret by the end of the night wins."

They turned out to be better at this game than either of them had imagined, both turning in stellar acting performances that would make Shakespeare jealous, and by the end of the night had a wealth of secrets to share.

She was confident of victory as she told of an elderly aristocrat who had confessed his life-long love for his valet. But it was Bruce who won with the revelation that their hostess, the Italian Princess, had an illegitimate child in her late teens that was secreted away by her lover.

Selina conceded her defeat and admitted that Bruce might just be a better liar than she had first thought.

—Selina,

She stood on the balcony overlooking the sleeping city, a breeze tugging at her nightdress.

Today had been perfect, absolutely perfect, she'd never had so much fun in her entire life! Oh, how she wished it wouldn't end.

That was why she was still awake, trying to make the magic last for as long as possible before the morning came, and her fun ran out.

The stillness was broken as she heard a slight quickening of breath. Turning back, she quickly made her way to the bed on silent feet.

Kneeling beside his side of the bed she noticed how his previously peaceful face had turned hard, anger and fear warring as his panic grew. His breathing was growing more erratic as he began to mumble.

Placing a hand on his chest she felt his wild heartbeat like a drum.

"Bruce?" she whispered, trying to soothe his fears.

Gently stroking his forehead, she tried to ease the pain.

"Shhhh, it's alright, your safe Bruce."

His breathing began to relax at her touch.

"It's just a dream, it can't hurt you, it's only a dream."

His eyes flew open and he looked around the room confused, his gaze coming to rest on her.

"Selina?"

She gave him a small smile. "Expecting someone else?" Her attempted joke fell flat, and she internally cringed at herself.

Sitting up he turned to sit on the side of the bed, holding his head in his hands as he waited for his heart to stop racing.

Cautiously she sat beside him, slowly running her hand up and down his back to help calm him down.

After a long silence, he ran his hand over his face and let his arms rest on his knees.

"Sorry." He said, still not looking at her.

She shrugged. "I was already awake…nightmare?"

He grunted.

"…was it your parents?"

She could feel his every muscle tense as she continued to rub his back.

*Sigh "Yes."

She nodded, letting the quiet return as she continued to rub his back and he stared at nothing.

Taking a nail, she hooked it under his chin and turned his brooding gaze to look at her.

"You know what the best thing for a bad dream is?"

He swallowed the tight lump in his throat that made it difficult to breathe.

"What?" he rasped, but she could hear the hidden plea buried beneath.

Gently she pressed her lips against his.

Drawing back, she put her mouth against his ear and whispered, "A distraction."