Batman Return of the Dark Nights
Written by: Panthera
Disclaimer: The characters within this story belong to DC Comics and Warner Brothers I have just borrowed them for a while. No harm is meant I will return them unharmed when I'm finished the only character contained within that is not DC is that of Zanah she is an original character created by me and my friend. Now, on with the story.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Bruce woke early the next morning and got dressed quickly. He moved down stairs and straight to the cave, the sensation of Selina needing him over whelming him. Alfred met him midway. "She's calling for you sir," Alfred said.
"I know old friend," he whispered and went on his way.
"I'll bring down breakfast," Alfred said and then he disappeared up the steps.
Bruce moved down into the cave and over to the bed where he'd left Selina the night before. She tossed and turned agitated. Her black hair was matted with sweat. She called out his name and he sat down in a chair next to her.
He brushed her hair away from her face and whispered, "I'm here Selina." She fell silent and after a few moments her eyes fluttered open and she looked up at him. "How are you feeling?" He asked gently.
"Better," she replied.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Yes."
"Good. Alfred's bringing down some breakfast."
"Oh good. I'm starving," she whispered weakly.
"Selina. I want you to take it easy for a few days…" he began.
"Bruce…"
"I mean it you're in bad shape already you don't need to get any worse."
"Okay, I'll take it easy."
"If you still want to we can see about that quiet evening," he said.
"Do you think Daggett will you the chance?"
"I think so, he's probably not ready for a rematch after last night."
"Then I'd like that very much," she said in reply.
"I'll see about arranging it then."
"Bruce listen to me about Daggett. You have to let it go… he…"
"Let it go. How can you expect me to let it go? He hires people to kill me and Gordon, takes control of my fathers company, threatens you, has you beaten within an inch of you life, kidnaps Julie, tries to kill you, nearly kills us both and you ask me to let it go… I'm sorry Selina but I can't… He has to pay!"
"He will, we'll get him, but promise me you won't kill him… He has to many connections if we kill him we'll never find a moments peace again. He has to go to jail."
"Since when do you worry about the aftermath of your actions?" Bruce asked.
"Since last night when I was laying on that table and was well aware as soon as he knew what he wanted I was dead. Bruce I don't want to die because of my anger and I don't want to lose you, because of it either so promise me you won't go after him or at least like I went after Shrek."
"I promise," he whispered as Alfred brought over their breakfast.
Selina sat up and looked at him.
"Good morning Miss Kyle and how are you?" He asked.
"I'm feeling much better Alfred," She replied.
After breakfast Selina moved upstairs to her room. She lay on her bed trying to rest as Bruce had told her; but her thoughts kept racing back to yesterday and how much danger she had put her friends lives and her own in as well. She again contemplated leaving Gotham… I can't this place is my home," she realized as she sat up. She didn't know what to do. Why does my life have to be so complicated? She asked herself.
Her thoughts were lost as the silence she had been lost in was shattered. A harsh knock was repeated and joined by Bruce's voice. "Selina…"
She rose to her feet and opened the door. "I'm here," she whispered.
"Did I wake you?" He asked.
"No, I can't sleep… What do you want?"
"I came to let you know that quiet evening has been arranged."
"Really? When are we meeting and am I to appear in anything specific?"
"Dinner is at six… Wear the gown from the charity ball," he said gently.
"Oh, you did like it," she whispered with a smile.
"Yes."
"I'll see you then."
Bruce turned and left certain if he didn't they wouldn't make dinner. He moved down the hall and busied himself with getting ready for dinner.
Later That Night…
Selina stepped out of her room a little before six and headed for the stairs. She brushed her dark hair away from her eyes and when she looked back up Bruce was at her side.
Bruce's ran over her from head to toe with appreciation. Her long dark hair was half pulled back into a French twist the rest hung free in loose curls that framed her face. Her green eyes were brought out with a purple eye shadows and thick lashes. Her lips touched with that red lipstick that Catwoman was famous for. Her skin was like ivory with a touch of blush.
He was pleased to find the black gown from weeks before on her figure and the garments effect was just as noticeable, tempting and beautiful. Her skin was bruised from her beating at the hand of Daggett's goons but the marks were not registered. "Selina you look enchanting," he whispered breathlessly.
Selina studied his face and noted the sincerity in his eyes and realized was not trying to flatter her. She then took her time and returned the perusal. He was dressed in a black suit that was cut in such away it clung to him revealing the power that usually hid beneath his clothes. The suit was appropriate and seemed to fit Batman well; a blending of his calm half and the Dar Knight. "Thank you, you look pretty sharp yourself," she said and she extended her hand to him.
Bruce took her hand and kissed it before lacing it through his arm. "Shall we go?"
"Yes, we don't want dinner to get cold," she said softly.
The two moved down the stairs and into the dinning room. He led her to her seat. She stood silently as pulled out her chair for her. She sat down and he pushed in her chair before moving to the other side of the table and sitting down.
"So, what's for dinner?"
"It's a surprise," He replied.
"What else do you have planned for the evening?"
"A little of this and a little of that," he replied.
"You're going to leave me in the dark?" She asked surprised.
"Yes, I thought we'd leave tonight a mystery," he whispered.
"So, how will we begin the night?"
"I thought perhaps with a toast, as long as you're willing."
"What would we toast to?" she asked.
"A reunion long over due," he said.
"I'll drink to that," she said softly.
"Wait here, I'll be right back," he said as he stood up.
She watched as he walked out of the room and disappeared down the hall. Selina looked about the room. The large room was well lit and beautifully decorated. The room's main point of focus beyond the table itself was a large fireplace. Selina rose to her feet and crossed the room to the mantle she picked up a box of matches and returned to the table lighting the candles on the table. She then sat back down and waited for Bruce to return.
Bruce walked into the room with two glasses in his left hand and a bottle in his right. He put both glasses down on the table and opened the bottle. He poured two glasses and put the bottle aside.
"Red wine, I thought for sure it would be champagne."
"This wine is special."
"Oh really," she said her green eyes full of questions.
"Yes, it's the same bottle we shared five years ago in this house."
"It is?"
"Yes, I haven't shared it with anyone since."
"Bruce…"
"Shh…shall we toast."
"Yes."
"To a reunion long over due," He said raising his glass.
"To a night of mystery," she whispered and she raised her glass.
The two paused and after a moment drank the glass. Selina looked over at him and was met by a warm smile. Why did I wait so long to come back? She wondered as she put her glass down.
"I see you found the matches."
"Yes. It felt odd to have the candles unlit. I hope you don't mind."
"It's fine. I had planned to light them when dinner was served…"
"I'm sorry…"
"Don't be. Like I said tonight will be a night of mystery."
"Shall I kill the lights?"
"No, I'll get them," he said.
"Don't bother sir, I'll get them," said Alfred as he came into the room with their dinner.
"Good evening Alfred," Selina said.
"Good evening Miss Kyle," he replied as he put their meal down. He then turned and left turning off the lights as he went. "Have a good night," he added from the doorway.
Selina looked over a Bruce and then down at her plate, "It looks delicious." She then cut into her steak and tasted it. She purred her approval and then two of them ate in silence rarely looking up from their plates.
Once they were done eating Bruce took her by the hand and asked, "Are you ready to begin your evening?"
"Yes."
Bruce let go of her hand and rose to his feet. He pulled out her chair and she stood up. "Miss Kyle the night awaits," he said and he led her out of the room. She followed him outside into the cold night air into his garden.
As they walked he picked a rose from a bush and handed it to her, before turning his attention to the night sky. Things were tenser than he had anticipated. They had said very little before dinner or since.
"It's a beautiful night," he whispered.
Selina looked up at the sky. "Yes, it is," she replied relieved for the break in the silence that had settled over them.
"Look at all those stars."
Selina looked up at the stars as he turned his attention to her face.
"Do you know anything about them?" she asked.
"A little," he replied moving closer to her. "You know when you disappeared I picked one star up there and made it outs. I used to wish on it every night you'd come back."
"You did?"
"Yes."
"Can I see the star?"
"It's right there," he whispered pointing to a star near her. Selina looked over at the small star.
"It's so bright even though it's small," she whispered.
"It used to be very faint I thought it would fade away," he said.
Selina looked up at the stars scanning them for a specific group. She soon spotted the constellations she was looking for. "Bruce do you see that group of stars there shaped like a bent chair."
"Yes."
"That's Andromida and over there that one shaped like a triangle that Perseus. Greek myth says that Andromida was to die because of her mother's boasting. She was to be devoured by a sea monster. Young Perseus was in love with her, he traveled afar to find the means to save her. After completing the task of slaying medusa he rescued her from certain death. There stories not much different than our own. You saved me from death my love," she whispered.
Neither of them said anything for a few moments both stood staring up at the night sky feeling guilty for their actions and choices. Selina looked over at him studying his face and said, "I should have written you, or called you. At least let you know I was alive."
"No, I should have looked for you. A part of me knew you weren't really dead." He said turning towards her.
"It doesn't matter anymore. What matters now is that we are back together, " she whispered. Bruce took her by the hand and led her back inside.
"Where are we going now?" She asked as she tucked the rose in her hair.
"It's not far," he answered as he led her to they Study. She took a seat on the couch as he turned on the stereo. Music began to play and he moved to her side. "May I have this dance?" He asked.
"Of course," she whispered standing up. They danced together the music was slow and familiar to her, but she could not place it.
"Do you recognize this he asked?
"Yes, I do, but I'm not sure where I've heard it."
"The costume ball," he prompted.
"When we realized…" she began.
"Yes, that's right," he whispered as he held her close.
"That all seems like so long ago. Like a life time," she whispered.
"I know, but I've never forgotten it as much as I've tried I haven't. Selina I love you. I've loved you since the first time we met."
"You saved my life that night," she whispered as the song changed,
"Yes, I did; but you saved me as well," he whispered as his hand brushed her hair away from her eyes.
"Bruce I'm sorry I was so cold to you that night. That I acted as I…"
"Shh…no need I understand. There was a time I felt as you did that night."
"Now you have saved me again. Saved me from myself," she whispered as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Why did you come back Selina?" He asked lifting her head to stare in her eyes.
"I came back because of an article in the paper. It said that Batman was dead… I had to know if it was true or not. I came back to see if you were alive. The thought of your being dead was more than I could face," she whispered returning the stare.
"I'm glad you came back," he whispered. They fell silent and both stopped moving ending the dance. His lips brushed against her cheek as he sought out her lips. He kissed her tenderly for a moment before letting her go.
"Oh Bruce you'll never know how much I've missed you. I did even know," she whispered.
"Yes I do Selina, because I've missed you just as much," he said gently.
"What will we do now Daggett…"
"I thought perhaps we could watch a movie," he replied interrupting her changing the subject not wanting to dwell on the problems that Batman and Catwoman had to face. Wanting to focus only on Selina.
"Sounds good to me," she said respecting his wishes knowing he was right there would be plenty of time to worry about Daggett and Gotham later. She turned and followed him into the Lounge. They sat in silence and watched the film neither looking over at the other. But the tension had lessened.
As the movie ended the two got up. Bruce took her by the hand and started up the steps. They cam to the second floor hall and looked at each other.
"Good night S…" He began, but a finger silenced his words. She looked into his brown eyes and noted he was content. She kissed him and then said.
"Good night Bruce. Thank you for a lovely evening." She then turned and walked towards her room. Bruce turned towards his room, and started to walk. He turned and looked back to find she was two steps behind him. "I don't want to be alone," she whispered softly in confession.
"Neither do I," he said staring deeply into her green eyes. Selina reached up and brushed his hair away from his face. He grabbed her hand and rubbed it against his face. He then kissed it and took it in his hand and led her into his room.
He closed the door and let her go. The room filled with light as he sat down on the bed ad took off his shoes, jacket and tie. Selina pulled off her heels and curled up on the bed under the sheets. Bruce turned off the lights and did the same. He wrapped his arm about her waist and she slid closer. He held her close to him content to have her there. "Good night," he whispered.
"Good night," she purred echoing his contentment before she drifted into sleep. Bruce lay awake for a short while listening to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat and her breathing. The sound of which soon lulled him into a peaceful sleep.
Bruce woke early the next morning ready to face the day. He looked over at Selina who still lay at his side. She looked peaceful. Her black hair lay across her face her red lips formed a soft smile and her body relaxed. Bruce reached over and brushed her hair away from her face. He then kissed her cheek before he moved to get up. Selina turned towards him her head falling on his chest and her arm draping across him.
"Bruce," she whispered softly as if she were aware he was leaving.
He took in the smell of her hair as it brushed against his face and kissed her forehead. "Selina I have to go," he whispered gently.
Selina turned away from him returning to the other side of the bed. "Be careful," she murmured.
"I will," he told her and then he climbed out of the bed. Bruce grabbed a change of clothing and moved down the hall. He made quick work of getting cleaned up, and changed before heading for the cave.
Selina turned again to where Bruce had been sleeping and found his warm body gone. The bed was empty. Selina woke up and looked about, but Bruce was nowhere to be found. She got up out of the bed, moved out of the room and down the hall. "Alfred, have you seen Bruce?" she asked seeing the older man.
"Yes Miss Kyle, he came down and got breakfast earlier.
"Do you know where he is now?"
"I believe he's in the cave."
"Thanks."
"Are you okay Miss Kyle?"
"Yes," she replied and she moved downstairs into the study and into the cave.
Bruce sat looking through the information Selina had given him trying to figure out hi next move. He was so busy he didn't hear her enter the cave.
Selina stood at his side thinking about what had been going on in Gotham. An idea entered her mind and she spoke. "Bruce I think I know how Daggett got a hold of your father's company."
"How?"
"Jervis Tetch."
"Why do you say that?"
"He's broken out of Arkum and a few days later all the share holders of your company sign over their holding to Daggett when they've been opposed to it for months. It's a little too much of a coincidence for me."
"It's plausible, but Tetch doesn't work for anyone. So, why would he help Daggett?"
"You said it yourself Daggett has a weird history. Tetch maybe insane but he doesn't seem to be stupid. Daggett's not the kind of guy you refuse and expect to live through it."
"I see your point… So, how do we go about proving it?"
"I don't know…"
"Selina. Speaking of refusing Daggett, I don't want you leaving the manor again alone."
"Bruce…"
"Selina I don't want to lose you to him… I know you can take care of your self; but Daggett's dangerous. He's nearly killed you twice and he knows who you are… You've become a thorn in his side he won't hesitate to remove you anyway he can at any given opportunity, don't give him an excuse."
"Okay, Selina won't leave the manor alone."
"Good… I hope that Catwoman will obey the same policy."
"I can't promise anything… Bruce can we not talk business yet; it gives me a headache."
"I'm sorry," he said gently as he turned to look at her. "That dress," he breathed staring at her.
"I'll go slip into something a little less inviting," she said.
"That's probably best, but under other circumstances…" he began.
"I know, I'll keep it for just such an occasion," she whispered before she turned and left.
Bruce watched her closely as she left. He closed his eyes denying the urge to go after her. He needed to stay focused on the problem at hand. Another time my love, he thought.
Selina looked back at him with a smirk on her lips the exact picture of the cat that swallowed the canary. "Yes, another time," she purred softly in response before she vanished from sight.
Bruce sighed and then turned back to his work.
