"BLACK CATS"
Almost the final chapter...
And I still don't own the cuties...
CH 7: POISON
Superman grabbed the thing's arms and threw her to the other side of the alley. Seconds later, Robin poured gasoline over it.
"What the hell?" it screamed.
"Well, you'll be there soon enough," Nightwing remarked as he allowed himself to be seen from the darkness. He came to stand beside Robin and lit a match. "Bye." He dropped the match on the imposter, and they watched as it quickly burned. After a few minutes, only a burnt corpse was left behind.
Superman turned to look at Batman and said, "I'll take the body to the police and clear our names. You get to Selina." When Batman nodded, Superman directed his next order to Nightwing and Robin. "Contact the others. I need to go."
~
"Selina?" Batman's voice called her name, but he sounded so far away. She tried to open her green eyes, but her vision was blurred. Selina couldn't make out his face and couldn't see any colors. She felt him lightly caress her cheek with his gloved hand but couldn't react.
More voices spoke, but their words were muffled. She turned her head when something cold brushed against her arm. It felt like wet gauze.
"Selina, I'm going to give you that antidote. It's a shot, but it'll help," Batman's distant voice explained. The needle then pierced her skin and injected something. She didn't feel it but closed her eyes and waited for the stuff to kick in.
When she opened her eyes, Selina was in her bedroom. Isis purred and licked her owner's cheek, making Selina smile. She sat up and noticed a "Get Well" card on her nightstand. Every member of The Justice League, except Batman, had signed it. Those heroes were too mushy.
Selina stood and pulled on a silk robe. She slowly walked into the next room and found her balcony doors wide open. Before she could close them, she heard him speak her name again.
"I didn't think you'd leave me alone before I woke."
The wind blew and slightly moved the curtains so the moon could light the room. She could see his eyes watching her from the shadows.
"Are you feeling better?"
She nodded. "Yes. Much better." Selina took a step in his direction and discreetly untied the belt on her robe. "You'll have to thank your friends for me. Goodnight."
Selina noticed the surprise on his face. "Goodnight?"
"I have to get my rest. I'm going to see Bruce tomorrow morning."
Batman gave a small nod. "Right. He'll be relieved to see that you're all right. I'm sure that he's been worried."
Quietly laughing, she remarked, "This is the first time that I've asked you to leave."
A slight smirk was his only response. He then left Selina's apartment, through the balcony doors. She locked them once she was gone.
~
Sunday (Day 7)
Bruce nervously finished his poached eggs and impatiently waited for Selina's arrival. Alfred had taken the day off, and Tim had gone to the mall with friends. Bruce wanted to call her, but as Bruce Wayne, who is not Batman, he shouldn't even know that she had returned.
Finally the doorbell rang, and he had to resist racing to the front door. He opened it and was relieved to see Selina standing on the opposite side. They quickly pulled each other into an embrace without saying anything. He kissed her cheek and closed his eyes.
"Are you okay? I've been so worried." He gently kissed her temple and held her tight.
"I'm fine. I've missed you." Selina slightly pulled away and ran her thumb over his cheek. "How've you been holding up?'
"That doesn't matter. At least you're safe." He placed his lips over hers and kissed her. Bruce then whispered, "Thank God you're all right."
~
"Batman and Superman prove Catwoman's innocence," Lois read from the front page of The Daily Planet. "You were right all along, Kent."
"What can I say? I had a feeling." Clark chuckled.
Lois snorted. "You had Superman."
"I had his statement," he corrected.
"I still cannot believe that you were just outside the police station that night."
"Hey, you've got to get lucky sometimes." Clark watched as Lois sat down beside him and studied the smirk that spread across her face. "What?"
"Nothing. You just always manage to surprise me, Smallville." Lois put the paper down. "Now, I have a serious question."
"Shoot."
"What color dress should I wear to the ball?"
~
Bruce gently ran his fingers through Selina's blonde strands once she lied down beside him. He knew that Selina was his equal, his soul mate. They were exactly the same: split right down the middle.
"I need to tell you something, Bruce." She slightly hesitated before continuing and took a moment to think. Selina made eye contact and told, "Being up there with The Justice League was a strange experience, especially when I was dieing because of the poison. Anyway, it gave me time to really rethink my life and where I was headed. Well, I guess..."
"You guess what?"
Selina bit her bottom lip and sat up in bed. "I've never been afraid before. I wasn't afraid of dieing; I was afraid of never seeing you again. I had to tell you how I felt. I want to be with you, Bruce. To do so, I've got to give up my alter ego, and I want to. You need someone who won't be in the tabloids or in jail or –"
"Shh." He placed a finger on her lips. "Selina, you are who you are. Don't try to change if you can't. You know I care about you. We'll just take it from there."
She smiled down on him and kissed his forehead. "Remember, you have to be patient with me. I'm not used to this."
"No pressure. We'll help each other."
Selina pulled the covers tighter around herself and lied down again. She closed her eyes and allowed him to put an arm around her.
~
"They killed her, Harley! He did it again!" The Joker punched an inflatable clown and yelled, "Damn that Justice League!"
Harley only watched from the corner of his office and bit her bottom lip. "Well Mr. J, I don't know what to tell you."
"All I wanted was to kill Catwoman. Is that too much to ask?" He shook his head and sat down behind his desk. "Sometimes, I think I should just use a gun and shoot people myself."
"There is a way." Harley walked to his desk and put down some kind of an invitation. "Bruce Wayne is having a party. Selina will be there for sure."
Joker raised an eyebrow and his frown morphed into a twisted smile. "Really? I think I have a plan forming." He began to laugh and picked up the invitation. "The Black Cat Ball might not be dull after all."
~
Saturday (Day 13)
Bruce greeted more guests and then grabbed a glass of champagne. The lobby of the Gotham Hotel looked breathtaking. The deep, vivid shades of blue accented with silver and black gave off a magical atmosphere. The entrances were open so guests could walk in the garden and study the bright night sky. There was a full moon out.
He sipped his drink and watched his date as she talked to a corporate lawyer's wife. Selina's blonde hair had been pulled up and curled; small curls framed her face, and red lipstick lined her lips. Her black dress was the most original. Leaving her collarbones exposed, the lace half of her dress was layered over a solid black, strapless half. The lace covered her arms and shoulders and gave the entire evening dress detail. Selina looked like a mystic Spanish senorita, and Bruce loved it.
"Mr. Wayne?"
He turned to greet whoever wanted to speak to him. Bruce wasn't surprised to see Clark Kent and Lois Lane walking in. Lois wore a simple violet dress, and Clark had on a tuxedo. They looked more like a couple than partners.
Bruce smiled. "Lois. Clark. Welcome."
"Thanks Bruce. You didn't actually believe we'd miss this, did you?" Lois grinned. "We were in town."
Selina then came to join the three of them. She smiled and linked arms with Bruce. "Aren't you going to introduce me?"
"Of course. Lois Lane and Clark Kent, this is my girlfriend, Selina Kyle."
Selina extended her hand and shook Clark's. When she waited for Lois' hand, she was left hanging. Taking offence, she raised an eyebrow and dropped her hand to her side.
"I know you, Miss Kyle, and your past. I've written about you," Lois told.
"Oh yes, Miss Lane. I've read your work. You're a good reporter, but at times, you're very judgmental and stereotypical." Selina finished her champagne and placed her glass on the table. "When feelings get involved in your writing, you create a naive approach."
"Well, I only print the facts, and it's a job. Not all of us are masters at burglary," the reporter snapped.
Clark grabbed his partner's arm and pulled her away from Bruce and Selina. "I think we should go mingle with the other guests. It was nice meeting you, Miss Kyle."
Bruce watched them walk away and slightly laughed. If they had kept talking, the girls would have started a catfight. Bruce knew that it would be hard to guess who would win.
"I hate smart-asses like that," Selina told him. "Anyway, I wanted to talk to you alone." She started to lead him toward a dark corner, but he was stopped.
"Bruce Wayne, how are you?" Commissioner Gordon asked. "It's good to see you again."
"Good to see you too, Commissioner." He shook Gordon's had and moved his eyes to his daughter. "Barbara?"
"Hello, Bruce." Barbara wore a hunter green, spaghetti-strap dress that reached her knees. She hadn't done much to her hair, knowing that she may need to quickly change into her Batgirl suit.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you."
Dick then joined them, carrying a couple of drinks. He wore all black and looked very good. "Hey Bruce." He handed a cocktail to Barbara and smiled in Selina's direction. "I'm Dick Grayson, by the way. Bruce took me in when my parents were murdered."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," she told.
The Commissioner motioned for his daughter and her date to leave and spoke to Selina next. "Miss Kyle, I wish you and Mr. Wayne all the luck and happiness in the world. I also hope that you avoid any trouble in the future."
"I'll do my best, Commissioner." When he left the couple, Selina brought Bruce to that dark corner. She then kissed his lips and fixed his tie. "I can't help it. You look so delicious in that tux."
"And how about the little number you've got on?" He placed his hands on her hips and pulled her closer to him. "What do you say to leaving a little early tonight? I rented the best and biggest room in the place."
"Sounds amazing." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again. "I've missed you. We barely got to see each other over the past two weeks."
"I know." Bruce guided Selina to the dance floor and held her as they slow danced to the band's music. He glanced up at Clark and saw him give a slight nod. He moved his eyes to Dick, and he did the same. Then there was the gorgeous brunette in the tasteful blue dress standing in the corner.
No one noticed Diana watching the lobby. She had blended in perfectly. With Diana, Clark, Barbara, Dick, and Bruce stationed on the inside of the hotel and Flash, Green Lantern, and Hawkgirl on the outside, no one would get in or out without their knowing. No one would be able to hurt Selina. She'd be safe.
~
Hawkgirl watched the guests filter in from her perch in a tree. Nothing looked out of the ordinary. Nobody acted strangely. Maybe Batman's hunch was wrong.
"Hey," Green Lantern said and came to sit on the branch with her. "See anything?"
"Nope." Hawkgirl handed him her binoculars and gave a heavy sigh. "I hope Batman's wrong."
"That makes two of us." He kept his eyes on her and reached for her red strands. "You've got a leaf in your hair." GL pulled the leaf out and dropped it. He then studied her with his glowing green eyes and gently glided his fingers down her arm. "You look tired."
"I'm all right." Hawkgirl then spotted Clark drinking champagne with Lois Lane. "You know, we got the raw end of this deal."
"How so?"
"Well, Diana, Clark, and Bruce sip Crystal while we sit in an oak tree," she explained.
He slightly chuckled. "I guess so, but I don't think it's that bad. They could've left me with only Flash as company out here." He came closer to her and smiled more. "We'll just have to entertain ourselves. Actually, I've been thinking about doing something for the last couple of weeks or months, rather."
"That's a long time."
"Yeah. You wouldn't hit me with your mace if I kissed you, right?"
"Maybe," she said in a playful tone.
GL did kiss her. Hawkgirl liked it and did the same in return. Lantern traced her bottom lip with his thumb and waited for her smile.
"Maybe we should do that more often," GL suggested.
"Maybe," she repeated.
The Flash's voice interrupted. "Hey! I thought we were playing security guards, not tonsil hockey."
"Back off, Flash," Hawkgirl warned.
Lantern slightly blushed and said, "I'll see you later."
~
Barbara made sure to catch a glimpse of each face in the hotel's lobby as she danced with Dick. She knew Bruce's feeling was right. The alien had to have been paid by someone. That person wanted Catwoman dead, and didn't want to take the credit for it.
"Here's my invitation, Mister. This is my date," a girl's piercing voice told the men at the front door of the hotel. "He is Doctor Anthony Wiseman. Right, Tony?"
The young doctor just stared into the abyss with a smile spread across his face. He looked drugged and was not aware of his surroundings. The blonde on his arm literally tugged him into the hotel.
Barbara narrowed her eyes and immediately suspected that something was terribly wrong. The girl, who wore a dark red dress, chuckled, and Barbara finally recognized her.
"Harley Quinn," she labeled. "Look Dick."
"Figures." Dick started to lead his date to the opposite side of the dance floor. "I think we need to make a quick change."
"Agreed."
~
Selina Kyle returned from the ladies' room only to see that Bruce had disappeared. She searched the crowd of people and noticed that there were many men without dates. Her instincts told her to expect anything. Most men did not have the balls to arrive to a benefit without a date
They had been told to come.
Shots rang out, and a few women screamed. The crowd of people hit the floor in fear of being shot. Selina quickly hid behind the corner and listened to the shooter's demand. As he spoke, Selina saw Wonder Woman on the opposite side of the room. The brunette spun, pulled off her dress to reveal her patriotic suit, and put on her golden tiara. Somehow, Selina had known that Batman wouldn't have left her to fend for herself tonight.
A flash of red went by, and the fast, young superhero stopped before her. He gave a quick smile and then picked her up. When he put her down again, they stood in the hotel's garden.
"You okay?" The Flash asked. "We think they're after you."
"I'm fine. You go on inside and help them. I can take care of myself."
He nodded and sped away. Selina took in a breath and exhaled. She turned around and was surprised to see a blonde in a red dress holding a knife.
"Hello kitty," Harley Quinn snickered.
~
Diana punched a man holding a gun and threw him across the room. She took the gun, bent the barrel, and tossed it aside. To her right, Hawkgirl beat a gunman with her mace, and Green Lantern used his ring's power to shield himself and innocent people from the bullets of another. The Flash came just in time to save their lives. He ran and knocked the man into the wall.
To her left, Clark used his laser vision to force gunmen to drop their weapons without anyone noticing. Batgirl and Nightwing were in battle with several men. They didn't need any help. Out of the corner of her eye, Diana saw Bruce Wayne fighting with someone.
Wonder Woman then rejoined the fight and helped Hawkgirl with the henchmen she battled.
~
Batgirl kneed the man in the gut and elbowed him in the back. She checked Nightwing and Bruce with one glance. A guy, two times Bruce's size, was holding him. Batgirl grabbed a serving dish, dumped the food, and threw it like a Frisbee in Bruce's direction. It nailed the man in the temple and allowed Bruce to get free.
Someone grabbed her arm, and Batgirl reacted with a swift punch to his jaw. It didn't shake him. He took hold of her other arm and forced her against the wall. A smile spread on his ugly face but before he could try anything, he was quickly taken away. The henchman was now tied up in the corner.
"Thanks," Batgirl said. "Is Selina all right?"
"She's fine," Flash answered.
"But you're not," a voice commented, and Flash fell to the floor. The man behind him revealed a taser. "And you're next, little bat."
Batgirl narrowed her eyes and got into a fighting stance. "Bring it on."
~
(Bring it... yeah...)
Almost the final chapter...
And I still don't own the cuties...
CH 7: POISON
Superman grabbed the thing's arms and threw her to the other side of the alley. Seconds later, Robin poured gasoline over it.
"What the hell?" it screamed.
"Well, you'll be there soon enough," Nightwing remarked as he allowed himself to be seen from the darkness. He came to stand beside Robin and lit a match. "Bye." He dropped the match on the imposter, and they watched as it quickly burned. After a few minutes, only a burnt corpse was left behind.
Superman turned to look at Batman and said, "I'll take the body to the police and clear our names. You get to Selina." When Batman nodded, Superman directed his next order to Nightwing and Robin. "Contact the others. I need to go."
~
"Selina?" Batman's voice called her name, but he sounded so far away. She tried to open her green eyes, but her vision was blurred. Selina couldn't make out his face and couldn't see any colors. She felt him lightly caress her cheek with his gloved hand but couldn't react.
More voices spoke, but their words were muffled. She turned her head when something cold brushed against her arm. It felt like wet gauze.
"Selina, I'm going to give you that antidote. It's a shot, but it'll help," Batman's distant voice explained. The needle then pierced her skin and injected something. She didn't feel it but closed her eyes and waited for the stuff to kick in.
When she opened her eyes, Selina was in her bedroom. Isis purred and licked her owner's cheek, making Selina smile. She sat up and noticed a "Get Well" card on her nightstand. Every member of The Justice League, except Batman, had signed it. Those heroes were too mushy.
Selina stood and pulled on a silk robe. She slowly walked into the next room and found her balcony doors wide open. Before she could close them, she heard him speak her name again.
"I didn't think you'd leave me alone before I woke."
The wind blew and slightly moved the curtains so the moon could light the room. She could see his eyes watching her from the shadows.
"Are you feeling better?"
She nodded. "Yes. Much better." Selina took a step in his direction and discreetly untied the belt on her robe. "You'll have to thank your friends for me. Goodnight."
Selina noticed the surprise on his face. "Goodnight?"
"I have to get my rest. I'm going to see Bruce tomorrow morning."
Batman gave a small nod. "Right. He'll be relieved to see that you're all right. I'm sure that he's been worried."
Quietly laughing, she remarked, "This is the first time that I've asked you to leave."
A slight smirk was his only response. He then left Selina's apartment, through the balcony doors. She locked them once she was gone.
~
Sunday (Day 7)
Bruce nervously finished his poached eggs and impatiently waited for Selina's arrival. Alfred had taken the day off, and Tim had gone to the mall with friends. Bruce wanted to call her, but as Bruce Wayne, who is not Batman, he shouldn't even know that she had returned.
Finally the doorbell rang, and he had to resist racing to the front door. He opened it and was relieved to see Selina standing on the opposite side. They quickly pulled each other into an embrace without saying anything. He kissed her cheek and closed his eyes.
"Are you okay? I've been so worried." He gently kissed her temple and held her tight.
"I'm fine. I've missed you." Selina slightly pulled away and ran her thumb over his cheek. "How've you been holding up?'
"That doesn't matter. At least you're safe." He placed his lips over hers and kissed her. Bruce then whispered, "Thank God you're all right."
~
"Batman and Superman prove Catwoman's innocence," Lois read from the front page of The Daily Planet. "You were right all along, Kent."
"What can I say? I had a feeling." Clark chuckled.
Lois snorted. "You had Superman."
"I had his statement," he corrected.
"I still cannot believe that you were just outside the police station that night."
"Hey, you've got to get lucky sometimes." Clark watched as Lois sat down beside him and studied the smirk that spread across her face. "What?"
"Nothing. You just always manage to surprise me, Smallville." Lois put the paper down. "Now, I have a serious question."
"Shoot."
"What color dress should I wear to the ball?"
~
Bruce gently ran his fingers through Selina's blonde strands once she lied down beside him. He knew that Selina was his equal, his soul mate. They were exactly the same: split right down the middle.
"I need to tell you something, Bruce." She slightly hesitated before continuing and took a moment to think. Selina made eye contact and told, "Being up there with The Justice League was a strange experience, especially when I was dieing because of the poison. Anyway, it gave me time to really rethink my life and where I was headed. Well, I guess..."
"You guess what?"
Selina bit her bottom lip and sat up in bed. "I've never been afraid before. I wasn't afraid of dieing; I was afraid of never seeing you again. I had to tell you how I felt. I want to be with you, Bruce. To do so, I've got to give up my alter ego, and I want to. You need someone who won't be in the tabloids or in jail or –"
"Shh." He placed a finger on her lips. "Selina, you are who you are. Don't try to change if you can't. You know I care about you. We'll just take it from there."
She smiled down on him and kissed his forehead. "Remember, you have to be patient with me. I'm not used to this."
"No pressure. We'll help each other."
Selina pulled the covers tighter around herself and lied down again. She closed her eyes and allowed him to put an arm around her.
~
"They killed her, Harley! He did it again!" The Joker punched an inflatable clown and yelled, "Damn that Justice League!"
Harley only watched from the corner of his office and bit her bottom lip. "Well Mr. J, I don't know what to tell you."
"All I wanted was to kill Catwoman. Is that too much to ask?" He shook his head and sat down behind his desk. "Sometimes, I think I should just use a gun and shoot people myself."
"There is a way." Harley walked to his desk and put down some kind of an invitation. "Bruce Wayne is having a party. Selina will be there for sure."
Joker raised an eyebrow and his frown morphed into a twisted smile. "Really? I think I have a plan forming." He began to laugh and picked up the invitation. "The Black Cat Ball might not be dull after all."
~
Saturday (Day 13)
Bruce greeted more guests and then grabbed a glass of champagne. The lobby of the Gotham Hotel looked breathtaking. The deep, vivid shades of blue accented with silver and black gave off a magical atmosphere. The entrances were open so guests could walk in the garden and study the bright night sky. There was a full moon out.
He sipped his drink and watched his date as she talked to a corporate lawyer's wife. Selina's blonde hair had been pulled up and curled; small curls framed her face, and red lipstick lined her lips. Her black dress was the most original. Leaving her collarbones exposed, the lace half of her dress was layered over a solid black, strapless half. The lace covered her arms and shoulders and gave the entire evening dress detail. Selina looked like a mystic Spanish senorita, and Bruce loved it.
"Mr. Wayne?"
He turned to greet whoever wanted to speak to him. Bruce wasn't surprised to see Clark Kent and Lois Lane walking in. Lois wore a simple violet dress, and Clark had on a tuxedo. They looked more like a couple than partners.
Bruce smiled. "Lois. Clark. Welcome."
"Thanks Bruce. You didn't actually believe we'd miss this, did you?" Lois grinned. "We were in town."
Selina then came to join the three of them. She smiled and linked arms with Bruce. "Aren't you going to introduce me?"
"Of course. Lois Lane and Clark Kent, this is my girlfriend, Selina Kyle."
Selina extended her hand and shook Clark's. When she waited for Lois' hand, she was left hanging. Taking offence, she raised an eyebrow and dropped her hand to her side.
"I know you, Miss Kyle, and your past. I've written about you," Lois told.
"Oh yes, Miss Lane. I've read your work. You're a good reporter, but at times, you're very judgmental and stereotypical." Selina finished her champagne and placed her glass on the table. "When feelings get involved in your writing, you create a naive approach."
"Well, I only print the facts, and it's a job. Not all of us are masters at burglary," the reporter snapped.
Clark grabbed his partner's arm and pulled her away from Bruce and Selina. "I think we should go mingle with the other guests. It was nice meeting you, Miss Kyle."
Bruce watched them walk away and slightly laughed. If they had kept talking, the girls would have started a catfight. Bruce knew that it would be hard to guess who would win.
"I hate smart-asses like that," Selina told him. "Anyway, I wanted to talk to you alone." She started to lead him toward a dark corner, but he was stopped.
"Bruce Wayne, how are you?" Commissioner Gordon asked. "It's good to see you again."
"Good to see you too, Commissioner." He shook Gordon's had and moved his eyes to his daughter. "Barbara?"
"Hello, Bruce." Barbara wore a hunter green, spaghetti-strap dress that reached her knees. She hadn't done much to her hair, knowing that she may need to quickly change into her Batgirl suit.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you."
Dick then joined them, carrying a couple of drinks. He wore all black and looked very good. "Hey Bruce." He handed a cocktail to Barbara and smiled in Selina's direction. "I'm Dick Grayson, by the way. Bruce took me in when my parents were murdered."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," she told.
The Commissioner motioned for his daughter and her date to leave and spoke to Selina next. "Miss Kyle, I wish you and Mr. Wayne all the luck and happiness in the world. I also hope that you avoid any trouble in the future."
"I'll do my best, Commissioner." When he left the couple, Selina brought Bruce to that dark corner. She then kissed his lips and fixed his tie. "I can't help it. You look so delicious in that tux."
"And how about the little number you've got on?" He placed his hands on her hips and pulled her closer to him. "What do you say to leaving a little early tonight? I rented the best and biggest room in the place."
"Sounds amazing." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again. "I've missed you. We barely got to see each other over the past two weeks."
"I know." Bruce guided Selina to the dance floor and held her as they slow danced to the band's music. He glanced up at Clark and saw him give a slight nod. He moved his eyes to Dick, and he did the same. Then there was the gorgeous brunette in the tasteful blue dress standing in the corner.
No one noticed Diana watching the lobby. She had blended in perfectly. With Diana, Clark, Barbara, Dick, and Bruce stationed on the inside of the hotel and Flash, Green Lantern, and Hawkgirl on the outside, no one would get in or out without their knowing. No one would be able to hurt Selina. She'd be safe.
~
Hawkgirl watched the guests filter in from her perch in a tree. Nothing looked out of the ordinary. Nobody acted strangely. Maybe Batman's hunch was wrong.
"Hey," Green Lantern said and came to sit on the branch with her. "See anything?"
"Nope." Hawkgirl handed him her binoculars and gave a heavy sigh. "I hope Batman's wrong."
"That makes two of us." He kept his eyes on her and reached for her red strands. "You've got a leaf in your hair." GL pulled the leaf out and dropped it. He then studied her with his glowing green eyes and gently glided his fingers down her arm. "You look tired."
"I'm all right." Hawkgirl then spotted Clark drinking champagne with Lois Lane. "You know, we got the raw end of this deal."
"How so?"
"Well, Diana, Clark, and Bruce sip Crystal while we sit in an oak tree," she explained.
He slightly chuckled. "I guess so, but I don't think it's that bad. They could've left me with only Flash as company out here." He came closer to her and smiled more. "We'll just have to entertain ourselves. Actually, I've been thinking about doing something for the last couple of weeks or months, rather."
"That's a long time."
"Yeah. You wouldn't hit me with your mace if I kissed you, right?"
"Maybe," she said in a playful tone.
GL did kiss her. Hawkgirl liked it and did the same in return. Lantern traced her bottom lip with his thumb and waited for her smile.
"Maybe we should do that more often," GL suggested.
"Maybe," she repeated.
The Flash's voice interrupted. "Hey! I thought we were playing security guards, not tonsil hockey."
"Back off, Flash," Hawkgirl warned.
Lantern slightly blushed and said, "I'll see you later."
~
Barbara made sure to catch a glimpse of each face in the hotel's lobby as she danced with Dick. She knew Bruce's feeling was right. The alien had to have been paid by someone. That person wanted Catwoman dead, and didn't want to take the credit for it.
"Here's my invitation, Mister. This is my date," a girl's piercing voice told the men at the front door of the hotel. "He is Doctor Anthony Wiseman. Right, Tony?"
The young doctor just stared into the abyss with a smile spread across his face. He looked drugged and was not aware of his surroundings. The blonde on his arm literally tugged him into the hotel.
Barbara narrowed her eyes and immediately suspected that something was terribly wrong. The girl, who wore a dark red dress, chuckled, and Barbara finally recognized her.
"Harley Quinn," she labeled. "Look Dick."
"Figures." Dick started to lead his date to the opposite side of the dance floor. "I think we need to make a quick change."
"Agreed."
~
Selina Kyle returned from the ladies' room only to see that Bruce had disappeared. She searched the crowd of people and noticed that there were many men without dates. Her instincts told her to expect anything. Most men did not have the balls to arrive to a benefit without a date
They had been told to come.
Shots rang out, and a few women screamed. The crowd of people hit the floor in fear of being shot. Selina quickly hid behind the corner and listened to the shooter's demand. As he spoke, Selina saw Wonder Woman on the opposite side of the room. The brunette spun, pulled off her dress to reveal her patriotic suit, and put on her golden tiara. Somehow, Selina had known that Batman wouldn't have left her to fend for herself tonight.
A flash of red went by, and the fast, young superhero stopped before her. He gave a quick smile and then picked her up. When he put her down again, they stood in the hotel's garden.
"You okay?" The Flash asked. "We think they're after you."
"I'm fine. You go on inside and help them. I can take care of myself."
He nodded and sped away. Selina took in a breath and exhaled. She turned around and was surprised to see a blonde in a red dress holding a knife.
"Hello kitty," Harley Quinn snickered.
~
Diana punched a man holding a gun and threw him across the room. She took the gun, bent the barrel, and tossed it aside. To her right, Hawkgirl beat a gunman with her mace, and Green Lantern used his ring's power to shield himself and innocent people from the bullets of another. The Flash came just in time to save their lives. He ran and knocked the man into the wall.
To her left, Clark used his laser vision to force gunmen to drop their weapons without anyone noticing. Batgirl and Nightwing were in battle with several men. They didn't need any help. Out of the corner of her eye, Diana saw Bruce Wayne fighting with someone.
Wonder Woman then rejoined the fight and helped Hawkgirl with the henchmen she battled.
~
Batgirl kneed the man in the gut and elbowed him in the back. She checked Nightwing and Bruce with one glance. A guy, two times Bruce's size, was holding him. Batgirl grabbed a serving dish, dumped the food, and threw it like a Frisbee in Bruce's direction. It nailed the man in the temple and allowed Bruce to get free.
Someone grabbed her arm, and Batgirl reacted with a swift punch to his jaw. It didn't shake him. He took hold of her other arm and forced her against the wall. A smile spread on his ugly face but before he could try anything, he was quickly taken away. The henchman was now tied up in the corner.
"Thanks," Batgirl said. "Is Selina all right?"
"She's fine," Flash answered.
"But you're not," a voice commented, and Flash fell to the floor. The man behind him revealed a taser. "And you're next, little bat."
Batgirl narrowed her eyes and got into a fighting stance. "Bring it on."
~
(Bring it... yeah...)