I don't own Naruto or DC.

Metropolis

"You can't be serious Lois," Naruto said as he gave the woman sitting across from him inside the diner booth a deadpan look. Naruto Wayne had been in Metropolis for 2 days now. Having finished the Daggett Industries merger with Wayne Enterprises he was scheduled to leave the city and head for starling within a few hours so that he could make it on time to Thea Queen's birthday party.

You know when somebody asked a friend to go out to lunch they usually just have their lunch and catch each other upon their lives. Not ask for their friend to pull some government strings so that they can catch a ride up to a military installation of North

despite everything the Naruto had just said Louis didn't seem to be put off by a single word of it that she took a big fight out of her Burger

Looking Naruto my sources are telling me the NASA and the US government has found something strange under the ice one reporters allowed to be there and I want to be that reporter consider this an early birthday present

Naruto had some vague idea of what she was talking about because the Department of Homeland security as well as NASA asked for Wayne enterprises satellites to confirm what theirs had picked up. Still not completely sold on the idea Louis saw that she was going to have to pull out the big guns

Come on now Naruto how long have we been friends

Lois said she started to fix him with the puppy dog eyes while adding a slight quiver to her bottom lip which Naruto was beginning to have a hard time saying no to

Since you strong-armed your way into my office the day I took over Wayne enterprises

And it was true since that day the two had formed a unique friendship they always spoke honestly with each other and in a strange way look to the older woman for advice from time to time on matters he couldn't discuss with Alfred. But when Naruto like the most was the fact that she treated him like everybody else to Lois Lane Naruto Uzumaki wasn't the Young head of a global multi-billion dollar company no to her he was just men obsessed Sweet and caring guy who was completely oblivious to the opposite sex. And her point was proven waiting for the third time she caught the girl at the counter fixing Naruto with bedroom eyes. All the while the blonde hadn't picked up on one bit.

Oh Naruto you sweet sweet oblivious fool

Louis couldn't help but things to herself. she was brought out of her musings when Naruto finally threw his hands up information

Fine I'll see what I can do no promises and this is two birthdays and a Christmas worth of presents

With a celebratory smirk of satisfaction lowest went back to eating her food all the while Naruto just rode his eyes and let out an exasperated side that the woman's passion for investigative journalism.

So any plans on meeting up with a special someone while you're in starling City

Louis said breaking the comfortable silence that has fallen between them after a few minutes of the meeting stopping mid-bite he fixed her with a look before responding

You and Alfred need to stop playing matchmakers.

He loved his Butler like a grandfather but sometimes the man was just too much of a mother hand.

Oh come on Naruto you can't be that upset he just wants you happy and so do I for that matter everything you do for your city running your company you've been working almost Non-Stop since you took over Wayne enterprises at 18.

It was the same old argument but she only knew half of it

Hey, I go out at night cut me some slack.

Naruto shot back individually he did have a life I'll be it half of it was spent running his family's company while the other half was spent beating the crap out of Gotham's criminals.

After their meal, the two parted ways with Naruto promising to get in contact with a few people in the government. Checking his watch Naruto saw that it was almost time for him to leave the metropolis. So hopping into his sports car Naruto drove to the airport where his private jet was sitting ready and waiting to take him to starling City. Once airborne Naruto took the time to relax a bit before giving Alfred a call.

Ah Master Naruto I hope you find your trip well

I'm already heading to starling I just wanted to call and check-in to see if anything is been happening

Naruto said with a bit of emphasis knowing the old Butler knew what he meant

"With any luck Master Naruto, it'll be a quiet night nothing Gordon and his men will be able to handle," Alfred said reassuringly but even he had his doubts.

"A quiet night at Gotham, there's no such thing, Alfred," Naruto said with a dry chuckle. "Have all the preparations been made for when I land?"

"Of course sir, your vehicle and Miss Queen's present will be waiting for you upon your arrival at Starling City airport."

"All right thanks Alfred I'll see you tomorrow morning once I'm back in Gotham." And with that Naruto ends the call. Leaning back in his chair so that he could get a bit more comfortable he pulled out his phone and began to read through the day the latest company emails and reports he needed to look over. About an hour later Naruto was pulled from his work by the sound of the plane's intercom system turning on.

"Mr. Wayne if you could please fasten your seatbelt we are beginning to make our approach to Starling airport." His plane's pilot said before cutting the line. Fastening his seatbelt Naruto looked out the small window and could see the skyline of the city glowing brightly in the night. The jet had finished taxiing and come to a complete stop near one of the hangers off the side of the main airport.

Finally free to move about the cabin Naruto stepped to the back of the aircraft and changed out of his casual clothes and into a very sleek form-fitting black suit with a matching black tie and white undershirt. Finally dressed to attend a lavish birthday party Naruto stepped out of the plane to find his ride waiting for him. It was a Kawasaki zx14r Ninja all black, and standing next to it was a very familiar well-dressed older gentleman man. His short silver-gray hair was pulled back and his Gray well-trimmed handlebar mustache was always present. As was his fashion and much like Alfred the man was dressed and a simple black two-piece suit. He was holding a black motorcycle helmet in one hand and a small rectangular black box in the other.

"Good evening Mr. Wayne, I've been instructed to deliver these items to you." The older man said is he presented Naruto with the helmet and the box. "I believe everything is to Alfred's specifications." Taking the helmet from the man's and trying it on Naruto wasn't surprised to see that it was a perfect fit. Taking a seat atop The motorcycle he familiarized himself with it for a moment before turning back to the older man and taking the last item he was holding.

"Thanks, Mr. Wintergreen, I hope it wasn't too out of the way to bring everything here," Naruto said he turned the keys in the ignition and started up the motorcycle.

"Not at all, Mr. Wayne." And with that Naruto watched as he turned around and walked off towards Naruto could only assume was a waiting car. Tucking the small box into his breast pocket he kicked the bike into gear and headed off towards Queen Manor. For the most part, the drive-through Starling City was quick enough he had been here enough times to know the way. Moving past the city he followed the road toward the rich side of town, out past all the private golf courses. Taking one last tire Naruto spotted the large stone Manor that was situated on top of him. Continuing to follow the road Naruto saw the many cars that have been parked on the side or others that we're pulling up to the front door and dropping off party guests.

"Looks like I'm right on time." Naruto to himself, elsewhere Thea Queen was having the time of her life. So far her 18th birthday party was going off without a hitch.

"Oh my god mom this is the best, everything is perfect," Thea told her mother as she motioned to the foyer, dining room, and sitting room that had been converted into a dance floor.

"I'm glad sweetheart now go enjoy yourself were be doing cake and presents soon," Moira told her excited daughter. "Have you seen your brother anywhere?" She asked trying to crane her head and look around the room in the hopes of spotting her eldest child.

"He said something about the club but he'll be here, mom?" Thea started to say but stopped talking when she heard her mother gasp in shock. "Mom, what's wrong?"

"Thea look who's here," Moira said as she grabbed her by the shoulders turning her around. There have just walked into the room looking very Hanson in her opinion in his black suit was her long time friend and crush.

"Naruto." Thea happily called out as she hurriedly moved through the crowded dance floor to reach the blonde. Looking over at who had just called out to him Naruto finally spotted the birthday girl.

"Thea," Naruto called back just as enthusiastic as he moved towards her. When they finally reached each other Thea throw her arms out and Naruto brought her into a big hug "happy birthday, wow you look beautiful." He told her as he admired the dress she was in. A dark red strapless cocktail dress that stopped halfway down her thighs, with matching high heels.

"I'm so glad you could make it," Thea said once they had separated she was blushing a bit at his compliment. "I was so worried about you. You never called."

"Yeah sorry about missing out on Christmas," Naruto told her. "Thing have been a bit crazy back home."

"Naruto your city was on lockdown it's alright." She'd told him. "I'm just glad you're okay."

"Naruto how have you been?" By this point, Moira had finally reached them.

"Ms. Queen, I'm fine how are holding up. I heard about Walter if there's anything you need just ask and you'll have all of Wayne Enterprises resources at your disposal." Naruto told her after they quickly hugged each other.

"That's very kind of you to offer Naruto," Moira said sincerely. "Will you be staying long in Starling." At her words, Thea grows hopeful.

"Sorry I'm just here for the night, I've got to fly back to Gotham in the morning." He told her much to Thea's disappointment.

"Well if I only have you for the night come on," Thea said as she leads the blonde way by the hand to the dance floor. Moira watched with a smile on her face at how happy her daughter was as the two started dancing together. Before she went off to check on the rest of the party. Meanwhile, as the two dance their bodies swing and moving to the feet of the music. Naruto soon found his hands were on Thea's hips as she was grinding her body up against his. Both simply enjoyed themselves and the music. Naruto never noticed when Thea, now running her hands through his hair moved in and captured his lips with her's In a kiss. Naruto was surprised by this but when he looked back down at Thea he saw a hungry look in her eyes. He kissed her back.

Somehow the two of them hand found their way into Thea's room. Where Naruto was now carrying Thea, her legs wrapped around his waist as the two continued to kiss each other hungrily.

"Oh god Naruto, I've wanted this for so long," Thea said breathlessly as Naruto started attacking her neck with kisses and bites. As a two finally reached her bed Naruto lay her atop it with him now looming over her. Thea at this point was more than ready for Naruto taker right then and there. However, at the last moment, Naruto finally thinking clearing stopped himself from taking it any further.

"Wait, Thea, we can't," Naruto told her as he took a step back. At this sudden declaration, all sense of euphoria vanished from Thea and she was now sitting up on her bed looking at the blonde confused.

"Why not what's wrong?" Thea didn't understand what had happened. "Oh god Naruto are you already with someone." Thea was both mortified and angry at the blonde for let things escalate this far before choosing to say something.

"What, no I'm not with anybody right now and I can't be with anybody." Naruto quickly explained not wanting her to become angry with him. "A relationship just couldn't work between us."

"Naruto I've liked you for years if it's about you living in Gotham I'm willing to make a long-distance relationship work if that's what you're worried about I want to be with you," Thea said hoping to lay to rest any worries or reservations her long time friend might be having. She had left the bed and was now standing in front of him ahead shorter due to her high heels having been removed when they had entered the room in a rush. Unbeknownst to her, everything she was saying was just making Naruto feel worse about what he had to do next.

"It's not that simple Thea, God, there's just so much I want to tell you so much I wish I could explain but I just can't right now," Naruto said as he ran his hands through his hair frustratedly as you look down at her. Mentally pleading that she would understand. With no luck as Thea getting on her tippy toes tried to kiss him again only this time Naruto had to stop her. Grabbing her shoulders and moving his head away from her Naruto kept her at arm's reach.

"I'm sorry but I can't be with you," Naruto told her with such finality and left no room for a debate and it broke his heart to see the devastated look on her face. He knew about the crush she had on him he had shared in that crush a few years ago as well but not anymore.

"Just go," Thea said quietly as her voice started to crack.

"Thea, please I just- SMACK!"Naruto tries to say but was cut short by Thea's small hand striking him hard across the face.

"I SAID GET OUT." Thea shouted at him as she pried herself free from his arms "JUST GO LEAVE NARUTO, I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU EVER AGAIN." At her words, it felt like Naruto just had the air punched out of his gut by Mr. Freeze. Thea looked like she was on the verge of breaking down or full-blown rage. Not needing to be told twice Naruto left the room before matters could get any worse.

"Damn it," Naruto said to himself deciding that at the moment getting some fresh air would be in his best interest. He had never expected things to turn out this way with Thea of all people but because it was her he had to nip this thing in the bud. He wasn't going to let Thea become his Rachel Dawes, he remembered what her death did to his brother. It wasn't that he didn't like Thea, he could honestly say she was very pretty. No, he had decided on his 18th birthday when he officially took up the mantle of The Batman he would remain alone.

"I'd better head back to the airport," Naruto said to himself as he looked down at his watch and saw he had already been at the party for two hours. Turning to head back inside Naruto was stopped why two girls when he tried to cross the dance floor.

"Hey, you're the guy who was dancing with Thea." Said the short brunette as he looked Naruto up and down.

"Yeah, she saw you two head upstairs." The raven-haired girl said as he reached a hand into her cleavage and pulled out a small plastic bag filled with back and green-colored pills. "I had some leftover vertigo so you and Thea can have a good time later." And with that, the two girls walked off giggling at each other. Looking around the room Naruto tried to spot Thea, he know she was following her brothers' party lifestyle footsteps so her possibly taking this was very likely.

"Where is she." With no luck on the dance floor, Naruto moved up the stairs to check if she was still in her room. When he reached the landing of the stairs he saw a very distraught-looking Moira Queen on the verge of tears.

"Ms. Queen, what's wrong?" Naruto asked as he walked over to her.

"Oh, Naruto it's nothing Thea and I." Moira tried to say but was cut off by the blonde.

"Where's Thea," Naruto asked

"S-she left down the stairs." Quickly rushing back down the stairs Naruto pushed his way through the dance floor till he was standing just outside the front door. And that's when he saw her already down the manners long driveway and quickly turning on to the main road was Thea behind the wheel of a dark red convertible. Pulling out his phone Naruto tried to call her but had no luck seeing as she had sent him straight to voicemail.

"Shit," Naruto said to himself as he ran over to where he had parked his motorcycle. His only option now was to chase after her and hope she had not decided to take vertigo before getting behind the wheel of the car. Throwing on his helmet he turned the key in the ignition causing the engine to roar to life. Revving the gas and kicking it into gear Naruto shot after her like a bullet.

As Naruto pushed the bike to its limits in the hopes of catching up with Thea he saw that he was too late. When rounded a corner, narrowing avoiding colliding headfirst into an income car he found Thea. She had run her red convertible off the road and into a ditch. Its front having been wrecked when she ran it right into a power line pole. Coming to a complete stop next to the car Naruto ran over to check on her.

"Thea! Come on Thea wake up." Naruto said as he hurried down the ditch and move around to the driver's side of the car. The airbag had deployed which cushioned the shock of the crash, but that didn't keep Thea from harm. She was passed out atop the string wheel her hair was a wild mess, as blood was making its way down the side of her face from a large gash on her forehead. Reaching over the door Naruto gentle pulled Thea off of the wheel and back into her seat. Quickly he checked for a pulse before he pulled his phone out and called the police.

"N-naruto." Looking back Naruto saw that Thea was beginning to stir.

"Thea I'm here, help is on the way," Naruto said as he moved to be at her side. All the girl could do was give a small pained small before falling unconscious once again.

--

As Naruto sat silently by Thea's hospital bed he couldn't help feeling responsible for all of this. If he hadn't been so harsh with Thea back in her room then maybe things wouldn't have escalated to this point. However, before he could think more on the what-ifs if he was brought bout if his thoughts by someone touching his hand.

"Naru." Looking up Naruto saw that Thea had finally woken up.

"Thea hey how are you feeling?" Naruto asked as he took a hold of her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Like my head got split open, where are we," Thea said as he started to look around the room.

" You're in Starling General, as for your head well technically it did get split open but the doctors stitched you back up," Naruto explained as he took his phone out and turning on the camera handed it to Thea so that she could take a look at the forehead.

"God I hope this won't leave a scar," Thea said as she gingerly touched her forehead.

"I don't think it will." Naruto quietly said as an awkward silence fell between them. "Thea listens back in the room I want to apologize." Naruto tried to say but was stopped by Thea.

"Naruto you don't have to apologize for anything," Thea said with a shake of her head. "I shouldn't have said those things to you."

"No Thea, I was lying to you. I do have feelings for you and I know about how you feel about me." Naruto said as he took a deep breath before continuing. "But there are other things that need to come first over everything even my wants."

"It's that city isn't it," Thea said angrily. "Naruto, Gotham has taken so much from you. Your parents, your brother, you almost died a few months ago. You don't owe that place anymore you've given it everything." After her ranting, Thea looked to be on the verge of angry tears.

"Not everything, not yet." Naruto simply told her as he stood from his chair. Reaching into his breasts pocket and pulled out a small black rectangular box and placed it atop her bedside table before walking out of the room. It was then that the sound of rushing footsteps could be heard making their way down the hall and looking over Naruto saw Moira and Oliver Queen. Naruto had already seen Oliver on the news after his return to Starling City, but this was the first time there were standing face to face. Naruto already knows about his "Hood" persona and he just added that to his list of dislikes he had for the older blond. As Batman, he and Bruce both believe in justice, not vengeance.

"Naruto we came as soon as you called, how is she," Moira asked worriedly.

"The doctors said she had a small concussion as a few stitches on her forehead, but other than that the car took the worse of the damage." Naruto quickly explained before stepping aside and letting the family have their time together. Once he was alone in the hallway Naruto pulled out his phone, it rang for a few seconds before the line was answered.

"Yes Master Wayne," Alfred said sounding a bit sleepy.

"Sorry to call so late Alfred but something's come up in Starling that needs my attention. I'm going to need some satellites monitoring the city and access to off police records." Naruto said with a seriousness Alfred was all too familiar with.

"Right away Master Wayne, any particular reason The Batman is in Starling," Alfred asked.

"It's Thea, Alfred someone in this city is dealing a new drug called Vertigo," Naruto said as he gave Alfred a quick rundown of what had happened tonight. Once everything was said and done Naruto got off the phone in time to see and upset Moira leaving Thea's hospital room.

"Mrs. Queen?" Naruto asked wondering what was going between mother and daughter.

"Its alright slot has happened tonight that's all," Moira said as she took a moment to calm herself. "Thank you, Naruto, if you hadn't gone after her lord knows how long it would have been before someone found her."

"Oliver." Naruto lately greeted as the eldest Queen child steps out of the room and joins them in the hallway.

"How did you know what was going to happen with my sister," Oliver asked completely skipping over false pleasantries. Inwardly Naruto gave a little smirk glad to see that Oliver was at least thinking like a true crime fighter.

"Unfortunately Thea picked up some of your bad habits, one of her friends had offered me some liquor they had snuck in," Naruto said not wanting to let them know Thea had been taking illegal drugs. At Naruto's job, the two blondes were now facing off each sizing of the other. In the years that passed Naruto was now at Oliver's height and thanks to his years of crime-fighting physique wise he had the advantage

"Boys please, Thea alright now that's all that matters," Moira said as she stepped in between the two of them.

"Right sorry Mrs. Queen," Naruto said as he took a step back. "I'll come by later but I have to get going for now. It was good seeing you, Oliver." And with that Naruto walk away and headed for the elevator. Pressing the call button he looks at his watch and saw that it was already midnight. That only gave him five hours before sunrise to try to find out any information on whoever was supplying the city with Vertigo and he knows just where to start.

...The Glades...