The same night the Bruce was returning creds, Lois was
sitting up in bed, going over some photo albums. In some ways it was a relief
to know that Clark had flaws and weaknesses, too - in fact, it was a relief
in a lot of ways. Perhaps being married to a superhuman wore on her more
than she knew - maybe Homicide Lane had accidentally developed an inferiority
complex?
She frowned. But more importantly, she felt somehow released from whatever chains had been binding her. However, did she feel so free as to do what she
really wanted? Lois sighed. For the first time in years - was she going to make a smart decision? No more capes. No more cowls. No more Supermen. In Lois' mind, Bruce had an uncanny ability to show up at either the very best or very worst times. She heard a polite knock at the door, and since it wasn't followed by the sound of jangling keys, she knew it wasn't a member of the Pines' staff. It couldn't be Clark - he could never bring himself to show his face around her door again. That only left Bruce. Her pulse quickened slightly as she stuffed the album under her bed and rushed to the door. The Flex-All and Old Spice smells were gone, and the goofy
colorful clothes were replaced by a black sweater and khaki slacks. He looked really good - tt took her a moment to regain her wry expression.
"So, are you checking up on the poor ex-wife of a slightly flawed superhero?" one side of her mouth lifted in a half-smile. Bruce slipped through her door, dropping Lois' stolen creds into her open purse that sat on the end table behind his back. She hadn't noticed.
"Lois, I know you wore the pants in that marriage," he smirked back. "But since you brought it up, how are you feeling?"
"I dunno," she said, a little aimlessly. "But I've got to get out of this room. I'm afraid I'm going to have one of those chick movie, set-pictures-of-my-ex-on-fire moments. And at this age, it's just damn embarrasing." Bruce chuckled.
"OK then, let's get out of here."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
They walked through the grounds for well over an hour. They talked about the JLA, their brief romance, Clark, Lex, and what happened over the last forty years. A few times, Lois wanted to blurt out how she really felt about Bruce, and each time she'd bite her lip to stop herself. After they had exhausted the walking paths of the Heritage Pines, Bruce sensed she still wasn't ready to go back home. In many ways, he was glad. Although he was uncertain what would happen next, he felt so strangely "normal" around her - so relaxed, so understood. Eventually they found themselves back at Bruce's apartment.
They used the patio door, to avoid any nosy employees. As door closed behind them, Lois watched pensively as Bruce set his keys down and turn on a light. She exhaled - then, just as he turned his attention back to her, she took a step forward and brought her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Thanks for all this, Bruce," she said softly. "I guess I really needed that." He squeezed her back gently. His hands felt so warm against her back, she closed her eyes briefly.
"Of course," he replied, "you're important in my life."
She held onto Bruce for a moment longer. He felt so solid, so reassuring. She pulled back hesitantly, then leaned up to kiss him. It felt so strange to kiss another man after so many years, no matter how often she had thought about him over the decades. She felt grateful when he returned the kiss completely. Lois relaxed, smiling a little at the thought that she was finally doing the right thing for herself, something that would make her so happy.
Bruce pulled away and looked into her violet eyes. "You have no idea how good this feels, Lois. All these years, I didn't know what I was missing." Lois' eyes creased into a warm smile. She hugged him once again and sighed. He pulled her into his lap as he eased himself onto the edge of his bed.
"I can't believe I broke up with you - just because I was scared by the Bat."
"He's supposed to be scary," he said with a slight laugh. "But only to the criminals, not you." He kissed her forehead. Lois settled into his arms contentedly. Her eyes wandered around his room. All his furniture was very large, very masculine - just as she had imagined it. On his nightstand was a curious little plastic bottle. It was strange to her, as it appeared to be filled with prescription drugs, but usually that kind of thing belongs in the bathroom...
"What's this?" she asked casually as she reached for it. Bruce stiffened and had to stop himself from snatching it away. Her eyes widened.
"What the hell are you doing with Viagra, Bruce?" She didn't know whether to laugh or be offended - did he really think she'd be so easy? But in a way, it was touching that he would be so - prepared?
Bruce sighed resignedly. He had no way to get out of telling her that the Batman has resurfaced. He rested his hands gently on her thin shoulders.
"I've been tracking Mike the Player. I think he's passing off sugar pills dipped in blue food coloring as the real thing."
"Oh God." Bats was back. Does Bruce have a deathwish? He's seventy frigging years old... Lois remembered her little vow of only half an hour ago, damn it. No more capes! Bruce continued.
"The first day I was here, he went out of his way to introduce himself, and tell me that he can provide me with all the Viagra I wanted. Then I
overheard Foy complaining that his pills didn't work, even after he took three, per Mike's suggestion."
"Oh God." She buried her face in her hands. Is he really going to traipse around here in his cape and tights? He took her hands away, and held her chin and looked into her eyes.
"No, I'm not geting back in the costume." Was he always this psychic? "This is the right thing to do, and I cannot sit by and watch other people get robbed." He continued. Lois sighed.
"Bruce - this is it, right? This is only the once?" She asked hopefully. Bruce remained quiet, his gaze meeting hers. "It's not gonna be too often?" Lois asked.
"Not too often." Bruce agreed. "If ever something would - come up, if you'll pardon the expression."
"Then I guess . . . I'm okay with it." Lois grumbled.
"And that's the only reason why I have these little blue pills."
"Oh. Really." A sly grin tugged at her lips.
"Yes, really." He swung her deftly from his lap to the bed, one hand supporting himself, the other lingering at her waist. He leaned in close, his face just inches from hers. "Will you take my word for it, or do you need proof?" Lois remained unfazed.
"Is that an invitation, Wayne?" she asked softly, as she brought her hands up and ran her fingers through his hair. He lowered himself a little more, and kissed her neck.
Then he whispered. "It's a question, Homicide."
++++++++++++++++++++++
Breakfast was its usual sordid affair and Lois just could not stop grinning. Bruce was all business, watching Mike intently, although Mike would never have noticed. As Mike stood to leave Bruce seemed to be pulled to his feet by some sort of force. Bruce slipped out of the dining hall, like Mike's shadow. Lois followed hurriedly - just in case Bruce killed someone. Not that she thought he would but . . . he was a lot stronger than he looked. She grinned again.
"Off to get some more little blue placebos, Mike?" Bruce called as soon as Mike had entered a corridor that looked deserted enough for a confrontation.
Mike turned, an affable smile on his face. "Bruce! Didn't know you were there. What did you say?" He asked. Bruce didn't smile back.
"You know. That Viagra you sold me, more sugar pills?" Mike's smile disappeared. Bruce stood fast.
"Don't make blind accusations, Bruce," Mike growled menacingly.
"Blind? I sweetened my tea with five of your Viagra pills this morning - do I look hapy to see you?" Lois snickered. "We entered a business agreement Mike. You broke it." Bruce spoke calmly, Lois hesitated just behind him, not sure what to do. "I have proof that the pills you sold to me and many of the other guys here aren't Viagra at all. You had Gerald taking three pills in hopes of a positive effect. Do you realize that, if he ever tried that with real Viagra, he'd be in the hospital, in great pain, all because of your greed?"
"This isn't your company - we're just two men, and you're soiling my reputation." Mike said.
"All I want is for you to return the money, and stop selling fake pills. And, you've soiled your own reputation, Mike," Bruce replied, watching the wiry man closely. "If word gets out about this, you will be ruined here."
"Why are you sticking your nose where it doesn't belong? What are you, some kind of boy scout?"
"You got the wrong guy," Bats snarled darkly. Mike crouched and circled Bruce, then suddenly rushed him. Bruce took a step back and blocked Mike with his cane. Mike fell to one knee and rubbed his sore chin.
"You gonna use that cane, old man, or do you have the balls to fight me without it?" Mike taunted as he threw his hearing aids aside. The Batman dropped the cane, and Bruce's face twisted into a dark scowl.
"Come at me," he growled.
And it was on.
At first, it appeared that Bruce was simply deflecting Mike's onslaught, perhaps hoping that he would tire himself out and come to his senses. Bruce seemed to be holding back, and not hitting that hard. But then Mike started talking. He started by calling Bruce a name reserved for female genitalia, which Bruce answered with a roundhouse to the kidneys and a name reserved for female dogs. Lois giggled.
Mike put his hands on his knees, winded from the blow, and uttered a long, descriptive line of cuss words. Then he paused and looked up at Bruce.
"So what's the matter, Brucie? You can't satisfy your girlfriend over there? Come on over to Mike's room, sweetie, I'll put a smile on that face-"
Mike's taunt was cut short when Bruce tackled him. Lois winced as Bruce drove him into the wall, and held him there with one forearm. Was it wrong to be slightly turned on by this show of force? She hid her guilty grin...
"Don't" punch "ever" punch "talk to" backhand slap "my girlfriend" punch "without" punch "the utmost respect!" uppercut Lois cringed. Did Bruce need to wail on him so hard? Should she intervene? Maybe it would be a - ooooh, Bruce that was a low blow.
"Mr Wayne!" A shocked voice shouted above Mike's moaning. Bruce started guiltily and Lois made herself scarce. A nurse ran up, stooping beside Mike and giving Bruce a shocked look. "Mr Wayne! What were you-"
"Nurse Chapel." A calm male said, approaching. He was younger than Bruce, though still a fair age. He turned to Bruce and smiled slightly. "Mr Wayne, I am Alexander Nicholson. I own Heritage Pines, would you accompany me please?"
Lois watched as Bruce was led away.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Brawling in the corridors, intimidating my staff . . . I'm sorry Mr. Wayne. This is clearly not a good match, you and our community at the Heritage Pines. It saddens me to tell you that we simply cannot be your place of residence anymore." Nicholson didn't look sorry at all. Bruce's shoulders sagged slightly in defeat, but a strange sense of lightness entered him.
"Yes, I would agree." He said calmly. "Would you require re-imbursement for any damages?" He asked, he glanced intimidatingly at Nicholson and the manager ummed and erred a little.
"That won't be necessary Mr Wayne. All in good faith, providing, of course, you do not . . ."
"Tell." Bruce said shortly. He stood. "Rest assured Mr Nicholson, occasionally there will be private investigations into your staff - just to make sure everything's 'as it should be'. If it isn't, you shall be hearing from me." Bruce stood and showed himself out the door.
He got to his rooms to find Lois curled on the sofa, stroking Ace's ears. Tinsel lay by her feet,panting and muddy.
"Bruce." She exclaimed, standing up. "Are you okay, what did they say?"
"That I'm to leave." Bruce said curtly. His experiment in the normal world has ended in failure. He glanced at the stuff and sighed deeply. "I'll send someone for this later. I want to go home now."
"You're leaving?" Lois asked timidly. Bruce nodded, then his eyes smiled.
"The Jaguar probably has enough room for you and Tinsel, too." He suggested. "Should you care to escort me home." At this Ace growled a little, grumping when Bruce glared at him.
Lois' face brightened. "I think I'd like that," she said. "Though - do you really want Homicide Lane in your house?"
"I can't think of anything I'd like more."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"So what now?"
"Go back to the house and evict the Junior League."
"Junior League - ugh. They're such a bunch of goody-goody, Ivy-educated coeds that married wealthy men. How can you stand them?"
"Don't throw stones, Lois. You have a diploma from Brown. And if you stuck with me instead of marrying Kent, you'd be one of THEM." Lois glared as Bruce grinned victoriously.
"Shut up and drive, Wayne."
She frowned. But more importantly, she felt somehow released from whatever chains had been binding her. However, did she feel so free as to do what she
really wanted? Lois sighed. For the first time in years - was she going to make a smart decision? No more capes. No more cowls. No more Supermen. In Lois' mind, Bruce had an uncanny ability to show up at either the very best or very worst times. She heard a polite knock at the door, and since it wasn't followed by the sound of jangling keys, she knew it wasn't a member of the Pines' staff. It couldn't be Clark - he could never bring himself to show his face around her door again. That only left Bruce. Her pulse quickened slightly as she stuffed the album under her bed and rushed to the door. The Flex-All and Old Spice smells were gone, and the goofy
colorful clothes were replaced by a black sweater and khaki slacks. He looked really good - tt took her a moment to regain her wry expression.
"So, are you checking up on the poor ex-wife of a slightly flawed superhero?" one side of her mouth lifted in a half-smile. Bruce slipped through her door, dropping Lois' stolen creds into her open purse that sat on the end table behind his back. She hadn't noticed.
"Lois, I know you wore the pants in that marriage," he smirked back. "But since you brought it up, how are you feeling?"
"I dunno," she said, a little aimlessly. "But I've got to get out of this room. I'm afraid I'm going to have one of those chick movie, set-pictures-of-my-ex-on-fire moments. And at this age, it's just damn embarrasing." Bruce chuckled.
"OK then, let's get out of here."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
They walked through the grounds for well over an hour. They talked about the JLA, their brief romance, Clark, Lex, and what happened over the last forty years. A few times, Lois wanted to blurt out how she really felt about Bruce, and each time she'd bite her lip to stop herself. After they had exhausted the walking paths of the Heritage Pines, Bruce sensed she still wasn't ready to go back home. In many ways, he was glad. Although he was uncertain what would happen next, he felt so strangely "normal" around her - so relaxed, so understood. Eventually they found themselves back at Bruce's apartment.
They used the patio door, to avoid any nosy employees. As door closed behind them, Lois watched pensively as Bruce set his keys down and turn on a light. She exhaled - then, just as he turned his attention back to her, she took a step forward and brought her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Thanks for all this, Bruce," she said softly. "I guess I really needed that." He squeezed her back gently. His hands felt so warm against her back, she closed her eyes briefly.
"Of course," he replied, "you're important in my life."
She held onto Bruce for a moment longer. He felt so solid, so reassuring. She pulled back hesitantly, then leaned up to kiss him. It felt so strange to kiss another man after so many years, no matter how often she had thought about him over the decades. She felt grateful when he returned the kiss completely. Lois relaxed, smiling a little at the thought that she was finally doing the right thing for herself, something that would make her so happy.
Bruce pulled away and looked into her violet eyes. "You have no idea how good this feels, Lois. All these years, I didn't know what I was missing." Lois' eyes creased into a warm smile. She hugged him once again and sighed. He pulled her into his lap as he eased himself onto the edge of his bed.
"I can't believe I broke up with you - just because I was scared by the Bat."
"He's supposed to be scary," he said with a slight laugh. "But only to the criminals, not you." He kissed her forehead. Lois settled into his arms contentedly. Her eyes wandered around his room. All his furniture was very large, very masculine - just as she had imagined it. On his nightstand was a curious little plastic bottle. It was strange to her, as it appeared to be filled with prescription drugs, but usually that kind of thing belongs in the bathroom...
"What's this?" she asked casually as she reached for it. Bruce stiffened and had to stop himself from snatching it away. Her eyes widened.
"What the hell are you doing with Viagra, Bruce?" She didn't know whether to laugh or be offended - did he really think she'd be so easy? But in a way, it was touching that he would be so - prepared?
Bruce sighed resignedly. He had no way to get out of telling her that the Batman has resurfaced. He rested his hands gently on her thin shoulders.
"I've been tracking Mike the Player. I think he's passing off sugar pills dipped in blue food coloring as the real thing."
"Oh God." Bats was back. Does Bruce have a deathwish? He's seventy frigging years old... Lois remembered her little vow of only half an hour ago, damn it. No more capes! Bruce continued.
"The first day I was here, he went out of his way to introduce himself, and tell me that he can provide me with all the Viagra I wanted. Then I
overheard Foy complaining that his pills didn't work, even after he took three, per Mike's suggestion."
"Oh God." She buried her face in her hands. Is he really going to traipse around here in his cape and tights? He took her hands away, and held her chin and looked into her eyes.
"No, I'm not geting back in the costume." Was he always this psychic? "This is the right thing to do, and I cannot sit by and watch other people get robbed." He continued. Lois sighed.
"Bruce - this is it, right? This is only the once?" She asked hopefully. Bruce remained quiet, his gaze meeting hers. "It's not gonna be too often?" Lois asked.
"Not too often." Bruce agreed. "If ever something would - come up, if you'll pardon the expression."
"Then I guess . . . I'm okay with it." Lois grumbled.
"And that's the only reason why I have these little blue pills."
"Oh. Really." A sly grin tugged at her lips.
"Yes, really." He swung her deftly from his lap to the bed, one hand supporting himself, the other lingering at her waist. He leaned in close, his face just inches from hers. "Will you take my word for it, or do you need proof?" Lois remained unfazed.
"Is that an invitation, Wayne?" she asked softly, as she brought her hands up and ran her fingers through his hair. He lowered himself a little more, and kissed her neck.
Then he whispered. "It's a question, Homicide."
++++++++++++++++++++++
Breakfast was its usual sordid affair and Lois just could not stop grinning. Bruce was all business, watching Mike intently, although Mike would never have noticed. As Mike stood to leave Bruce seemed to be pulled to his feet by some sort of force. Bruce slipped out of the dining hall, like Mike's shadow. Lois followed hurriedly - just in case Bruce killed someone. Not that she thought he would but . . . he was a lot stronger than he looked. She grinned again.
"Off to get some more little blue placebos, Mike?" Bruce called as soon as Mike had entered a corridor that looked deserted enough for a confrontation.
Mike turned, an affable smile on his face. "Bruce! Didn't know you were there. What did you say?" He asked. Bruce didn't smile back.
"You know. That Viagra you sold me, more sugar pills?" Mike's smile disappeared. Bruce stood fast.
"Don't make blind accusations, Bruce," Mike growled menacingly.
"Blind? I sweetened my tea with five of your Viagra pills this morning - do I look hapy to see you?" Lois snickered. "We entered a business agreement Mike. You broke it." Bruce spoke calmly, Lois hesitated just behind him, not sure what to do. "I have proof that the pills you sold to me and many of the other guys here aren't Viagra at all. You had Gerald taking three pills in hopes of a positive effect. Do you realize that, if he ever tried that with real Viagra, he'd be in the hospital, in great pain, all because of your greed?"
"This isn't your company - we're just two men, and you're soiling my reputation." Mike said.
"All I want is for you to return the money, and stop selling fake pills. And, you've soiled your own reputation, Mike," Bruce replied, watching the wiry man closely. "If word gets out about this, you will be ruined here."
"Why are you sticking your nose where it doesn't belong? What are you, some kind of boy scout?"
"You got the wrong guy," Bats snarled darkly. Mike crouched and circled Bruce, then suddenly rushed him. Bruce took a step back and blocked Mike with his cane. Mike fell to one knee and rubbed his sore chin.
"You gonna use that cane, old man, or do you have the balls to fight me without it?" Mike taunted as he threw his hearing aids aside. The Batman dropped the cane, and Bruce's face twisted into a dark scowl.
"Come at me," he growled.
And it was on.
At first, it appeared that Bruce was simply deflecting Mike's onslaught, perhaps hoping that he would tire himself out and come to his senses. Bruce seemed to be holding back, and not hitting that hard. But then Mike started talking. He started by calling Bruce a name reserved for female genitalia, which Bruce answered with a roundhouse to the kidneys and a name reserved for female dogs. Lois giggled.
Mike put his hands on his knees, winded from the blow, and uttered a long, descriptive line of cuss words. Then he paused and looked up at Bruce.
"So what's the matter, Brucie? You can't satisfy your girlfriend over there? Come on over to Mike's room, sweetie, I'll put a smile on that face-"
Mike's taunt was cut short when Bruce tackled him. Lois winced as Bruce drove him into the wall, and held him there with one forearm. Was it wrong to be slightly turned on by this show of force? She hid her guilty grin...
"Don't" punch "ever" punch "talk to" backhand slap "my girlfriend" punch "without" punch "the utmost respect!" uppercut Lois cringed. Did Bruce need to wail on him so hard? Should she intervene? Maybe it would be a - ooooh, Bruce that was a low blow.
"Mr Wayne!" A shocked voice shouted above Mike's moaning. Bruce started guiltily and Lois made herself scarce. A nurse ran up, stooping beside Mike and giving Bruce a shocked look. "Mr Wayne! What were you-"
"Nurse Chapel." A calm male said, approaching. He was younger than Bruce, though still a fair age. He turned to Bruce and smiled slightly. "Mr Wayne, I am Alexander Nicholson. I own Heritage Pines, would you accompany me please?"
Lois watched as Bruce was led away.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Brawling in the corridors, intimidating my staff . . . I'm sorry Mr. Wayne. This is clearly not a good match, you and our community at the Heritage Pines. It saddens me to tell you that we simply cannot be your place of residence anymore." Nicholson didn't look sorry at all. Bruce's shoulders sagged slightly in defeat, but a strange sense of lightness entered him.
"Yes, I would agree." He said calmly. "Would you require re-imbursement for any damages?" He asked, he glanced intimidatingly at Nicholson and the manager ummed and erred a little.
"That won't be necessary Mr Wayne. All in good faith, providing, of course, you do not . . ."
"Tell." Bruce said shortly. He stood. "Rest assured Mr Nicholson, occasionally there will be private investigations into your staff - just to make sure everything's 'as it should be'. If it isn't, you shall be hearing from me." Bruce stood and showed himself out the door.
He got to his rooms to find Lois curled on the sofa, stroking Ace's ears. Tinsel lay by her feet,panting and muddy.
"Bruce." She exclaimed, standing up. "Are you okay, what did they say?"
"That I'm to leave." Bruce said curtly. His experiment in the normal world has ended in failure. He glanced at the stuff and sighed deeply. "I'll send someone for this later. I want to go home now."
"You're leaving?" Lois asked timidly. Bruce nodded, then his eyes smiled.
"The Jaguar probably has enough room for you and Tinsel, too." He suggested. "Should you care to escort me home." At this Ace growled a little, grumping when Bruce glared at him.
Lois' face brightened. "I think I'd like that," she said. "Though - do you really want Homicide Lane in your house?"
"I can't think of anything I'd like more."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"So what now?"
"Go back to the house and evict the Junior League."
"Junior League - ugh. They're such a bunch of goody-goody, Ivy-educated coeds that married wealthy men. How can you stand them?"
"Don't throw stones, Lois. You have a diploma from Brown. And if you stuck with me instead of marrying Kent, you'd be one of THEM." Lois glared as Bruce grinned victoriously.
"Shut up and drive, Wayne."