Chapter 1 – Where do we go from here?

Gotham was ruined, but not defeated. The reunification has started and the supply chain has restored. Though Penguin has started to restore the order in the underworld, the gangs still did not give the GCPD a lot of spare time. Everyone wanted to have a home, find their families and build a new life. While criminals abused the ones in need, took everything they had and put the fear of God in them…because at the end of the day…this is the true nature of Gotham, isn't it? And that is excatly what Jim Gordon swore to not allow to happen. The captain did not want for their little daughter and his family to live in fear. He wanted to rebuild Gotham, with as low criminal activity as possible.

He was not alone with his mission, Detective Bullock was always backed him up, and Lee – as he came back to the GCPD – finally found her way to being able to stand as a partner and a warrior at the same time, next to Jim. Though it is quite bittersweet but the GCPD finally became free of corruption and dirty cops after the strikes the city had to live through, so the whole Department committed to the cause: „Clean Gotham!".

And there were, of course, two young and determined children of Gotham, Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne. These two has suffered alone and suffered together – no doubts, but finally it feels like they have a shot to create their legacy together by watching over the city and falling in love. So that is exactly where we are now, the question is: where do we go from here?

The little apartment was nothing like the Wayne residence. The flat had two bedrooms, a little kitchen – obviously not big enough for Alfred to create those english breakfasts – and a little living room with a sofa and a wooden coffee table. The walls painted yellow in the kitchen and the living room, harmonized with the light brown carpet. Bruce and Alfred was standing around the dining table, looking at papers.

- So, Master Bruce, what do you think? – asked Alfred while he showed Bruce the reconstruction plans of the new Wayne Manor.

- It looks great Alfred. I still cannot believe you found the blueprints of the old Manor!

- Is something wrong Master B? I mean… you probably do not feel really comfortable with this little apartment here in the main street and….

- No! Alfred it is not like that….I just…I am just not sure if I can….if I want to live in the same Manor again. – sighed Bruce. I know it means a lot to you and it means a lot to me of course, but I am not the kid who lived there with his parents anymore.

- You are confused… this is completely understandable Master B. And I can see you are changing, and changing is a good thing in general, but making peace with your past is an essential key of changing.

- You think I am running away from my past?

- I think a lot of things happened there that you might want to forget. But at the same time I am going to leave you these – Alfred pointed at the papers – and I am going to ask you to think about it.

While the two man was talking, some kind of noise filtered from the bathroom. They both got their heads up but it was nothing to worry about. A woman figure appeared at bathroom door, dressed in black leather, wearing gloves with metallic nails and black boots.

- Hey Bruce! I am home! – shouted Selena while she put off her dirty boots, not seeing the two man at the kitchen.

- Miss Kyle! – Alfred greeted Selina with his usual style.

- Oh, Alfred! Hi! I didn't expect you this late. What's up? – asked Selena while she waltzed in the kitchen with her elegant moves.

- You're never going to use the front door, don't ya? – asked Bruce with a little smile while he tried to catch Selina's hand which landed on the handle of the fridge, looking for some food.

- Absolutely not! – shook her head. – I am not feeling the need to…. – she gave Bruce a playful smile while she poured a glass of milk.

- Anyway I am going to leave the two of you, it is late and I was about to going so…. – said Alfred while he started to sort out the Manner's plans and paperwork. Bruce caught his hands.

- Leave them Alfred! – said Bruce and looked into his butler's worried eyes. I want to think about what you said to me…besides…this is not only our decision anymore. – said Bruce while he gave a quite meaningful look to Selina.

- Sure thing, Master Bruce! Though, if Miss Kyle is actually around I would like to ask the both of you, what would you like for breakfast, tomorrow?

- Ah Alfred! Take it easy! You are living in another apartment…..currently…..you don't have to do ….this butler thing. – laughed Selena.

- Well, Miss Kyle – started Alfred and looked deep into Selena's green eyes – not all of us drinking milk for breakfest, lunch and dinner. – Bruce immediately laughed.

- I think scrambled eggs will be perfect, Alfred. – said Bruce and saved the situation.

- Very well, Master Bruce! Scrambled eggs then! Have a good night….the both of you! – said Alfred with a little nod as he usually does.

- Miss Kyle! – he gave a last glance at Selina.

- Good Night Alfred!

The butler closed the door and left the two alone for the rest of the night.

- Soooooo how was your day? – asked Selina with her adorable and playful high voice while turned to Bruce who was still standing at the kitchen table. But instead of a proper answer, the black haired young boy just pulled her closer and gave her a passionate kiss. Selina's hands immediately moved around Bruce's neck.

- So I assume it was good. – said Selina after the kiss ended and looked into Bruce's eyes. Her hands were still around Bruce's neck and the boy's hands around her waist. After 30 sec of this position, Selina could not help but ask: What did you talked about with Alfred?

- We were discussing the new Manor's plans. – sighed Bruce.

- Why do I feel like this is more than a burden than a relief for you Bruce? – asked Selina, her voice with full of concern.

- I just don't know what I want Selina…..I do not want to look like someone who doesn't give a crap about his legacy or family but….I do not know if I'd feel like home again….at the same manor….where you got shot….where my parents' impersonators and Jeremiah played with me „happily ever after"….I just don't know…if this is what I need….if this is what we need…. – said Bruce with full of uncertainty.

- I think….home doesn't home because it looks like the one you used to live in….but because of the people you live with…. – said Selena while she was looking deep into Bruce's eyes.

- Would you…you mean….would you move in with me? – asked Bruce with a little surprise in his voice.

Though they lived in the same apartment, they barely enjoyed the benefits, since they were basically never at home. Selina mostly taught the kids in the street how to protect themselves and survive. She wanted them to have a chance at a new life in Gotham. While Bruce helped the GCPD and had a billionaire company to rebuild. At nights, they alternately did patrols with the GCPD especially in the Narrows, so they barely meet before the patrol starts. That was their life now. It was not perfect, it was not full of joy, but the fact that they woke up everyday to make a difference in Gotham…and they did…satisifed the both of them…at least for now.

- Well…this is not what I meant…I mean…Alfred is going to move back with you and then..you know…you will probably have a family later….and…yes…so… - Selena directly avoided the eye contact with Bruce, though his glance burned her cheeks.

- Selina..I thought we are going to be honest with each other. – Bruce stepped closer to Selina.

- You know that I care about you Bruce, I always did and always will…but…for the first time in my life I feel like I am doing something right….that I have a purpose, people who count on me. Finally I know what do to with my freedom. I just…I just don't intend to change this….in the near future. – said Selina while she was looking into the floor.

- I would never ask you to change Selina, I would never ask to give up what's really important to you, but I am asking you….to think about….how could we make this option…. more appealing to you. I am not going to rush your answer….but I need you to know, that I want only the best for you….for us.

- My patrol starts within 30 minutes, I need a shower.

Recommended music for the next scene: Ruelle: Where do we go from here - ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THE ARTIST(S).

Bruce just stood in the kitchen while Selina rushed in front of his nose to the bathroom. He wasn't disappointed, he knew this is hard for Selina…expressing her feelings and he knew exactly she is not used to someone who is always around…..but he knew he's in love with Selina…..undoubtedly….madly…..and completely in love with his best friend and partner.

At this moment Bruce decided if Selina needs time, then this is what he is going to give her. After the past 5 years he knew – because he learned on the hard way - that Selina has to feel safe with every decision she makes. And he wanted nothing more than to have honesty and love between each other. He knew that in a minute Selina feels afraid she is going to run.

While he seemingly lost in his thoughts, the bathroom door opened and Selina stepped out only with a towel around her. „Gosh, she is so beautiful" - as the thought ran through Bruce's mind, his legs involuntarily moved toward Selina's room but stopped in the middle of the living room.

Bruce saw her, only wearing a black bra and underwear. He knew she knows he is looking at her but he didn't care. He has always been a gentleman but he couldn't always behave….but who could…..with a woman like Selina Kyle – thought Bruce. She was beautiful inside and out. Her muscular legs, amazing curves, beautiful face with those confident and shamelessly sexy eyes. He remembered when they were both kids…back in the day…. he would feel ashamed of the things he is thinking now…but after Nyssa's attack he had to deal with the fact that they both grew up and they are not kids anymore…

Selina catched Bruce's gaze after she completely dressed. She felt the tension, she knew that Bruce knows she is scared of commitment. But before he could say anything she just ran to her bedroom's window and jumped off. Her night patrol has begun, he had a whole night to think about their conversation…

Was she angry at Bruce? No, she clearly wasn't. She was scared of what she felt…and what she wanted…but mostly..she was scared of the idea of losing it all….her freedom and her best friend. She knew deep down that she completely fall in love with Bruce…exactly 5 years ago. She knew that she is important to Bruce but to move in with him…it was a completely new level for her. Move in to a manor, when she has always lived on the streets. She did not understand why it is so important for Bruce to live under the same roof. She can visit him whenever he wants and she can take care of herself she doesn't need a fortress.

These thoughts flashed through her mind when her phone rang. The familiar voice was Jim's.

- Hello Selina!

- Yo! What do you need? – said Seline briefly.

- There is a possible robbery at Down street 7. How fast can you get there? – asked Jim.

- Sure as hell before you do. – she hung up the phone.

Gotham needed her, she couldn't let herself sinking too deep in her thoughts. She loved the night patrols. These were the moments she could completely give into her true self, the cat and the street kid at the same time. Besides, she loved kicking asses…she has always loved….so she just put on her hood and jumped into the deep with only one true prupose: get there as fast as she can, and get as much scumbag she can.

Bruce couldn't really sleep, he had nightmares about not just his parents' murder but Selina too. Though part of him wanted to wait for the sun to rise and Selina to return as he always does, but this time, he just grabbed the car keys and headed to Wayne Enterprises.

Dear Selina,

I had to take care of business stuff. You can have my breakfast. Please, get some sleep before you hit the streets!

Yours,

B

Selina wasn't surprised that she did not find Bruce home when she arrived. She knew that this thing with the Manor means a lot to Bruce, regardless of she is going with him or not. Selina knew this is not just about their possible future, but about how much Bruce's past had a hold onto him….them.