"Do you like it, baby girl?" his breath on my skin sent a pleasant shiver through my body, right down to my core. I moaned as his hand lazily traveled up my inner thigh.
"Tell me what you want and i will give it to you"
"Yes..."
"Yes what?" a slightly louder moan got stuck in my throat just at the right time, as i blinked a few times. My eyes rose up, meeting blue irises.
"I am sorry, Robin. I wasn't paying attention" i saved the documents on the laptop and closed it. Rising up from the chair, i stretched a little before taking the cup of coffee from his hands.
"Thank you"
"You were very caught up with what you were doing" or what i wished someone else will do to me.
"Mom wanted to check again the schedule from when they come back from Europe. We postponed a charity event once, not going to happen again. You won't believe how many stuck ups demanded a sorry letter because they had other hoes to fuck the night we rescheduled. I hate those people" i murmured the last part in the cup as i took a sip of coffee. Robin's laugh echoed in the living room.
"Bruce once invited a rich couple that never invested in anything or bought anything at the charities. They simply came so people would see them there. But that event, they got invited just to be shown that their company was bought. And Bruce thanked them because they donated the money to charity." i raised my eyebrow.
"Oohhh, the Malek couple. With the old guy and that slutty young girl... But i don't recall that event. where was i?"
"I think you were in a trip with your mother, in Paris."
"Oh, yes. For the victoria's secret fashion show... Wait, they donated the money?" i took a seat on the counter, next to him.
"Well they were too embarrassed to say no after everyone started applauding them and went with it. So they ended up without their money and company" my laugh followed his.
"Remember when we went to the Purple Charity?" i smirked and put my head on his shoulder.
"When we blamed Mr. Holt's children for putting bubble bath bombs in the fountain and foam covered the whole floor?" he snickered.
"Served them right for telling you are adopted. They got banned from that hotel" he put his head on mine and sighted.
"You were always troublesome, but in a good way, Leo"
"Me? I am the most sweetest and innocent girl you will ever meet." he puffed, and i punched him jokingly in the side.
"Sometimes the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water in the womb. And for me you are family, Dick. And family sticks together, no matter what." he put his arm around my shoulder and looked at me.
"I know, Patience and Bruce treated me like i was their child" i smiled back and hugged him.
"I should go. I am meditating with Raven and i don't want to be late... and don't forget, tonight is the opening of Xavier's club. You promised me we will all go."
"Didn't he had the opening already?" I jumped from the counter and took my laptop.
"No, the liquor license got lost and he had to send another applicationn for it. We're leaving at 10" as the doors closed, I sighted and started walking to my bedroom. Raven was probably waiting for me in her room. Lore stretched on the edge of the couch, as I put the laptop on the table and looked around the room. My gaze stopped at the bed and the carton cup on the nightstand. I smiled to myself.
The past few days came with new habits. Going out, having lunch with Xavier, and discovering the town. Saving someone if they were in trouble, bumping into Red X, or more like he always knows where i am and shows up unexpectedly. A nice chit chat, with heavy flirting. Then coming home and sometimes pretending to sleep, because X comes and "wakes me up" at 5 am with a cup of my favorite drink.
I would lie if i say that he didn't become one of the things i look forward to every night. He arrives like he is on schedule. He plops on the bed next to me, getting confortable between the pillows and blanket. He reminisces his past, since the first day he laid eyes on the suit, and every memory he has since he started wearing it. Sometimes the story is amusing yet a little terrifying, when i think this is not a joke, and people could die. And thinking about the Titans how they risk their lives... i love Robin like a brother, I wouldn't want him to end up being crushed by Cinderblock or who knows what horid death. I have to admit though, Red X always stepping on his tail is kind of funny.
But my thoughts are cleared by him, starting to carress my hair. He almost does it involuntarily. One of the nights, like a touch starved child i went in his arms, laying my head on his chest. His heart beat was like a drum, as every muscle on his body stiffened. As i asked for him not to stop, he obliged, a little unsure of his actions at first. I think that was the first time i started thinking i wanted more. Being close to him, feeling his muscles flex underneath me.
And that was how this grey villain crept his way in my heart. With gentle carresses and stories whispered. Hugging me and pulling me more into him just as i was falling asleep, keeping the hug longer everytime he did this.
'You are late' dark energy surrounded me.
"I am sorry, got caught up in my own thoughts" the ground beneath my feet disappeared and i landed in soft purple sheets and pillows. The room smelled of lavender and sandalwood.
"I love your room" i smilled at the levitating empath in front of me.
"So do i. Now, let's begin" she said and closed her eyes.
"Yes, teacher" I crawled to the edge of the bed and positioned myself in the lotus position. I closed my eyes and inhaled.
'Feel your body relax' Exhale
'Empty your mind' Inhale
'Find your inner self'
Moments ago before i came here. Back when I met Red X. Back when I was laughing with Kelly as we roamed with my bike around Gotham. Back when I jumped with my mother from building to building. Back when I trained with dad and i could see it in his eyes how proud he was of me. Back when I chose Lore. Back when i died...
The stars never looked so bright near the town. Not like this, in the middle of the desert, where a temple stood high and proud in front of me. It was lighted by torches all along the walls. I didn't want to breathe, as not to disturb a single grain on sand to what laid ahead of me. Yet my feet moved, a strong desire to explore washing over me with every footstep i aproached.
My fingertips traced the stone as I went deep in the temple.
'Leona' shivers ran down my spine as my name echoed around me. I was too afraid to turn around, so I continued to step soundless, following the torches.
'here' i stopped.
Heavy breathing accompanied me as my body shivered again. In a round room, with statues of the cat godess Bastet bowing to a stone box in the middle of the room. I jumped startled and covered my mouth to stop a scream, as the box cracked.
Please wake up, it will all go away. I know i am dreaming.
Dark smoke escaped it, forming into mist, taking out the lights from the torches one by one.
'Leona' i stood speechless as i watched the statues rose, dust and pebbles falling off of them. Their red glowing eyes settled on me. The light from the torches was gone, only the stars and moon showing me what stood in front of my eyes.
Please... Why can't i wake up? somebody help me... I need to wake up.
The sand beneath my feet started dissapearing, as the statues approached me with heavy steps.
I am begging you...
I jumped out of the way, hissing from the pain i felt in my left arm. Panic kicked in and my feet moved, taking me away from the room.
Help me...
"Leona!" Raven's terrified voice shoke my whole body. I opened my eyes and scared i back away from her grip. The sheets caught my legs as I stumbled on the floor with a thud. I yellped at the pain and covered my now bleeding arm.
"Leona, what happened? What did you see?" the concern in her voice was genuine, as she fell on her knees, grabbing my arm.
"Raven?!" Robin barged in, with wide eyes as he saw us. As he saw me trembling and with tears flowing down my face. He gasped, looking at the slashes.
"What happened?" in a blink of an eye, he was standing right beside me, pulling me into his chest, hugging my trembling body. A medkit flew right next to Raven and she started mending the wounds.
"I pulled her out of her trance when I saw she had problems escaping it. And right before she came back, the wounds appeared"
"I thought meditating was supposed to be relaxing..." his hand rubbed circles on my back, calming me down. Funny how things turn around. I used to do this to calm him down when we were kids, when he had nightmares.
He looked at me anxiously, waiting for an answer. My eyes went on Raven's hands how she continued bandaging. I opened my mouth to speak, closing and opening a few times, failing to make a sound. I didn't know what to say. And even if I told them, where would I begin?
"Want me to take you to your room?" asked Robin softly after a few minutes of silence. I nodded and he carefully picked me up, bridal style. Raven remained silent and got out of our way.
"Can you tell me what happened?" I didn't dare to raise my face to look at him. My mind was still a blur as I watched my patched up arm. He sighted as the door opened and we entered my room. He put me carefully on the couch and kneeled in front of me, trying to catch my eyes. Lore came immediately next to us, purring and licking the bandage.
"I want to keep you safe, Leona... And i can't protect you if i don't know what i have to fight..." his saddened voice brought a burden in my heart. I put my hand on his arm and gave him a warm smile.
"I...I promise i will tell you" i managed to whisper. He smilled warmly, concern still lingering in his eyes. But he knew that I kept my word, and didn't need to push further with questions. He rose up and looked at the city.
"Still want to go tonight? We can cancel and go another time"
"No, i want to go. We will have fun, Robin. And Xavier really wanted us to be there"
"You mean he wants YOU there. If i didn't know any better, he took a liking in you" he smirked as i threw a pillow at his head.
"We are just friends" I sighted and looked at the city. The night came quick and I was ready to have some fun.
"Ready to go, Leona?"
"One... Moment... Star" I applied another coat of mascara. I smiled at my reflection, being satisfied with my look.
"ok, I am ready" grabbing my small black bag, I followed an excited red head to the garage.
"I can't wait to dance the night away" she floated happy, making small pirouettes around me.
"You all earned a night like this. I understood from Beast Boy it's been a few weeks since you've gone out"
"Indeed. It will be a great time for us to relax" the others were already at the car, dressed casually.
"Well look at my gorgeous baby sis" cyborg, dressed in jeans and a dark shirt approached me and rose me up in a tight hug, gently not to catch my arm.
"How?" I asked amazed at his appearance. He put me down and showed me a ring, then took it off. It was like a hologram, that hid his cyborg part.
"What do you think? Pretty hot for a hot robot, right?" i laughed and put my arm on his shoulder.
"I am glad I don't have my room next to yours, if you come home with a girl" I took a seat next to Raven. The diamond on her forehead dissapeared, and her hair was longer than before. She had a pair of dark jeans and a black shirt, that finished with a choker.
"You look gorgeous, Raven" my compliment made her smile, as she eyed my hand.
'It' s ok, it doesn't hurt anymore' I assured her looking at the sleeve that covered my bandages.
I remember wearing the same dress when I got hurt before Christmas, two years ago. Mom designed the dress. 2 palms higher from my knees, white from the neck, and black at the ends. The flowy sleeve cuffed my wrist and upper arm, so i could change it on what arm I need it. Robin looked at me like i was crazy when he saw my luggages. Look who is laughing now. My phone vibrated.
"Xavier?" I looked in the mirror catching myself smiling, then i looked at Robin. His smug smirk was on his face.
"Yes, he asked when we will get there"
"In 30 minutes. I can't wait to get wasted" sang Beastboy, doing a little dance behind us. i texted back and scrolled up, rereading our messages.
Xavier always helped his father with the business, and he even got promoted a few months ago as a director in the Applied Sciences Division, at Wayne Enterprises here, in Jump City. Back in Gotham i knew this department as the one making research projects and prototypes for my dad.
This was the first business he made on his own. He spoke of this club like it was El Dorado. His smile was contagious, when he showed me pics on his phone with how it looked inside, and what devices he created that he used there.
The lights of the city started to scarce. The club was right outside the city, next to the ocean.
"We're here" I heard cyborg as the car pulled in a parking lot. It was full of expensive cars, and I could already see a line in front of a beautiful entrance, the name of the club pulsating with a red color. The floor and walls outside reacted like a living being, lighting as people walked on it and touched the walls. Some people tapped the wall a few times, just to be mesmerisez as colored waves went around them, lasers and lights making them glow in the color that bursted from their touch.
I squealed of excitement and immediately touched the wall, a light blue surrounding my palm. I tapped the wall hard and the lights swirled like fireflies on the wall and at my feet.
"Friends, we are in Avatar" Starfire floated around the wall, making swirls of green lights and waves with each touch.
"I am glad I watched that movie with her" I said not taking my eyes off the the wall as i touched it with lightly taps.
"Miss Wayne?" I turned around to be met by a man dressed in a black suit and red tie. I couldn't see his eyes, due to the dark glasses he was wearing. Star stood next to me, looking at him questionable.
"Would you and the Titans follow me? Mr Grey instructed me to take you to the VIP lounge."
"Is he the one from men in black? " whispered starfire as i linked my arm with hers, looking at the back of the bouncer's head.
"Maybe" I whispered back and giggled a little.
"Robin, if we knew she would get us in the VIP, we would have asked you to bring her ages ago in Jump City" we followed the bouncer in inside, hearing the music and bass a little louder now.
"Our guests of honor, Mark?" another man, dressed the same as Mark stood in front of a reception. He ran his hand through his short blonde hair and checked something on a clipboard. His blue eyes examined all of us, then stopped at me, measuring me from head to toe. I straightened my back, not looking away from his gaze. He smirked and came around the reception.
"Let's see now" he took some bracelets and came in front of me. I stretched my arm as he put the metal bracelet around my wrist. In a second it emanated the same color as the one from the wall. I looked at the others and they had the same colors.
"You scan the bracelet for the drinks and cigarettes, and pay at the end of your stay. Well, this goes for the others. For you, everything is on the house" Cyborg and Beastboy high fived hearing this.
"He really went out of his way with these" Raven touched hers and a purple color pulsated around her wrist.
"That is because the lights will follow you everywhere. On the dance floor, at the table, outside at the smoking area. It's a little precaution we took. Many influencers and rich idiots are here, and we don't want something to happen"
"kai" the blonde looked at Mark and nodded.
"Please follow Mark to your designated table, have fun and drink responsible, kids" he winked at me and let us go with Mark. I smirked at him and followed the others, feeling his gaze on me.
As the doors opened, my eyes widened. The room was filled with people, dancing away the night. Lights, smoke machines and lasers captivated everyone. We were taken on the upper floor, where we could see the dance floor and bar. A hostess appeared right beside Mark, with menus in her hands.
"Excuse me, where can I find Xavier?" Mark looked over at the bar and made me a sign. And there he was, in a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a black vest, leaning against the bar. He scanned the room, like he was searching for someone. Yet his gaze immediately relaxed and a smile appeared on his face as he saw me.
"Guys, I am going at the bar" I didn't even turned my head to see if they heard me. My eyes were fixed on him and at the smirk he had on his lips. With every step I made, the floor pulsated the same blue color, till it stopped in front of a red one.
"Well, Ms. Wayne. You are a sight for sore eyes" a chesire grin appeared on my face as i embraced him.
"Mr. Grey. I can say the same for you" a pleasant shiver went down my spine, along with his touch on my back.
"What do you think?" he made a gesture to the whole room.
"It's stunning. How did you come up with this?" I touched the bar and the same lights went as small waves, clashing with other colours.
"Working at Wayne Enterprise has its perks. I developed this and got a pattent for it as my own creation, so I can use it whenever I want" he tapped the bar and a red wave surounded the edges my color.
"Blaine" the same blonde guy at the entrance rose from behind bar with some glasses, smiling at us.
"Whiskey on rocks for me, and..."
"Cosmopolitan" I said.
"Coming right up" the bartender noded while pouring another round of drinks and handing them to some girls.
"Wasn't his name Kai?"
"Blaine and Kai are twins. Did the guys caught your eye?" I smirked and put my hand on his shoulder.
"Mr Grey, is there a hind of jealousy i hear?" he took my hand and turned it around, kissing the inside of my wrist.
"Who knows? You are intelligent, gorgeous, a pleasant company. I bet guys just fall at your feet" I smiled and took the drink placed in front of me.
"Compliment accepted" he nodded to Blaine and took his drink aswell.
The night was followed by more drinks and dance. Xavier joined our table and was curently caught in a discussion with Robin. BeastBoy was dancing on the dancefloor with Raven, Star and me. Star learned quickly and followed my every move. I was laughing with her, enjoying every second and beat. I looked at Raven and Beast Boy, and for the first time i observed their chemistry. . I loved the swirl of green and purple around them. They were together. A woman like Raven doesn't sway her hips like that.
"Star, I am thirsty" I yelled over the music. She nodded and continued her dance. I made my way up to the table and took a seat next to our host.
'Leona'
I froze. I fought the lump forming in my throat, as I searched the club for those eyes. They can't possibly be here. I felt myself panicking a little. We had no costumes, we had no defense here.
I was brought back from my thoughts when I sensed someone grabbing my hand. Xavier locked his fingers with mine and carresed the back of my hand gently. I squeezed his hand two times on instinct and he turned his gaze at me in a second.
"You alright?" i nodded and took my drink from the table. He smiled and continued his discussion. I stretched my legs and crossed one over the other, keeping his hand in my lap.
"It's still in the phase project, but the costume can act as a camouflage..." talking about superhero stuff, how nice. At least they got along just fine, for now. Robin seems to like him.
"This night is a blast" BeastBoy sat next to me, followed by Raven and Star.
"I don't want this night to end" whined Star as she took a seat next to Robin.
"I am glad you are enjoying this night. You can come here whenever you want. And can keep the bracelet and use them next time. And don't worry about paying" he stretched and put his arm around me.
"Has anyone seen Cyborg?" Starfire rose and looked at the dancefloor, along with Robin. I squeezed again Xavier's hand, making circles with my thumb on his skin.
"No need to demand my attention, princess, you have it 24/7"
"I am sorry, it's like a thing i do, like a tic. I have it since forever"
"A tic?" i nodded.
"Yes, that everything is alright" as much as I didn't want to tell him this, when i found words just slipped off my tongue, he looked content that i shared this tiny information with him.
He brought my hand to his lips, planting a lightly kiss on my fingers.
"You can believe me or not, but when you are with me, nothing will happen. I can promise you this" I looked at him speechless, trying to understand why he made such a promise now.
When i confronted him about what happened the first night we went out, he swore he took me home. I even watched the security cameras. Again and again. He pulled the car at the front, he took me in his arms gently and took me in my room, with Cyborg acting as a bodyguard right behind him. That wasn't me. I knew it. When Lore scratched whatever Xavier was holding in his arms.
That. Wasn't. Me.
"You promise" i repeated. He smiled again and put his hand back around my shoulders.
"Friends, I found Cyborg" He was at the bar with a beautiful woman, dressed in a short black dress that hugged her body nicely. I couldn't see her face, but her hair looked like it defied gravity.
"We should go" I looked at my phone after hearing Raven and my heart sank a little. It was 5:30 am. So much for seeing X this morning.
By the time we got home, the sun was rising. I entered my room and yawned, glaring at the sunlight. Lore was sleeping comfortable in her bed and just opened lazily her eyes to greet me. I threw the shoes next to the couch, and dressed in an oversized t-shirt. Pulling the curtains, the right amount of darkness took its place in the room. I fell on the bed, too tired to take off my make up.
"You came" I smiled as I felt another weight on my bed. I opened my eyes to look at the man that was already making himself comfortable. The smell of cinnamon reached me and i rose my head a little
"As always, sunshine. Had a good night?"
"Mhm" I pulled the blanket a little and stopped as he pointed at my arm.
"What happened?" concern filled his voice. I tried to hide but he caught caught my arm in a ferm grip.
"What happened?" even with the mechanized voice, i could still hear the demanding tone.
Would he believe me if i told him the truth? Would he start asking questions? He couldn't possibly trace catwoman to me. Not from only a 'dream' that brought injuries. What would happen if he knew i was catwoman?
"I trained today, and wasn't paying attention. NO, it was from the course. Nobody injured me" I was quick to respond after his eyes widened, prepared to ask me if one of the titans did it. He let go of my arm, remaining silent, his gaze still fixed on the bandage.
"Red... May I have cuddles?"
"Of course. Anything your heart desires, kitty cat" he opened his arms in a heartbeat. I smiled and crawled into his chest, hiding my face between the crook of his neck and shoulder. He started caressing me, just like he did every night.
"Can i get married to a morally grey villain?" I broke the silence after a few moments. His hand stopped on my lower back.
"Is that how you see me? Wait, is that a term from one of those books, like fifty shades?"
"Noooo" I tried to contain my laughter
"Not that book. Other books. But the term has a popularity in recent bestsellers on the market" best thing I didn't brought my books from home. I wouldn't want him to see what i was reading.
"Well then, only if you like polygamous marriages"
"Hmmm... And who would you marry beside me, Robin?"
"It depends, is he a bottom? Cause otherwise it won't work"
"I would have to ask Starfire" his laughter brought me back from the land of dreams.
"Imagine them wrecking the tower, if she came and she starts shooting lasers out of her eyes"
"Oh My God Red... Eww, naked robin. He is like a brother to me" I covered my face a little disgusted.
"Is he now? Less competition for me" he murmured the last part.
"Or what about the green guy and goth chick. Bet she is into some hentai tentacle shit"
"RED!" I couldn't contain my laughter anymore.
"Think about this. Being able to transform in every animal that ever existed and exists. I bet she is satisfied with that" I rolled with my back at him covering my face, as I laughed. His arms snaked around my waist, making me unable to move further from him.
"And cyborg..." he whispered in my ear, snickering a little "bondage all the way with that many wires"
"Like being tied up above the bed?" I whispered back.
"And not only that, in every single position you could imagine" he responded tightening his grip a little.
"I don't want to imagine that" I stretched the last word and covered my face.
"You already did... You should go to sleep" I yawned and looked at my phone. It was 7 already.
"I don't want to..." I know you won't be here when i wake up "do you really have to leave?"
"I would love to have late breakfast with them, and rub it in Robin's face that his sister spent the night with me...I will stay a few more minutes. This bed is killing me. I want to sleep too" he mumbled softly, his hot breath tickling the back of my neck.
I hummed in response and curled myself between the pillows and blanket.
"Red...?" whispering his name in hope to get an answer, I held my breath, feeling his chest rising and falling.
As I lied in his arms, I was surprised that memories of xavier's innocent kiss lingered in my head, as I looked at my wrist. I liked him, his gentle touches, how i always caught him staring at me when we would take walks around the city. I liked the sparkle in his eyes, when I participated in a meeting at Wayne Enterprises. Dad appointed me to elaborate the plan for the next five years. He said that I will take his place one day. He thought that it would be good for me to speak in front of the director's board assigned here, in Jump City.
What he didn't anticipate was the man that stood beside me. The man that silenced the vultures when they saw a "girl" entering the room. That same man that brought fear in others apparently, looked at me with curiosity and pride in his eyes.
Then curiosity and panic crept over, as I trailed swirled patterns on Red's glove with my finger. I don't know his name, I don't know what he looks like, how he dresses, what he does for a living when he puts the suit away and goes out in the daylight.
I liked Xavier, and from how he was treating me, he liked me too. But I liked the masked "anti hero" too. He was much bolder, he didn't care that he was under the same roof as his enemies, as long as he sat next to me.
What would dad say...What would he say when I tell him i like the one and only infamous Red X. I know mom would just laugh and tell me it runs in the family to fall head over heels for a masked guy. She would find the situation funny though. She always thought i would end up with Robin. Fuck, what would Robin say?...
I sighted and intertwined my fingers with Red's.
For now, the biggest problem was my dream. The pair of red eyes appeared again in my mind. How they moved, how their claws sounded when they slashed the air next to me. A shiver ran down my spine again as I remembered the black smoke. That box seemed familiar.
I know i've seen it before...
But where?
'...Please help me' I pleaded to whatever God was listening to me. With my gaze fixed on the dark bracelet around my wrist, I instinctively squeezed his hand two times.
Like my mother did every single time as a sign that everything is alright and we are safe...
Like I did to Kelly, to asure her every single time we will be fine and get out of every situation...
Like i did to Robin when we would get in trouble to tell him we will be ok...
Like i did to Xavier to asure myself i am not in a dream...
And exactly like i did to Red.
"You alright, kitty cat?" he whispered in his sleepy state.
"Mhm, it's just a thing i do..." i hummed softly.
"Really? What does it mean?..." his voice was drifting.
"Nothing, really" he sighted
"... I do it when i need reassurance..." for a second time I voiced my thoughts.
"Reassurance for?"
"That everything will be alright..." for a moment I thought he fell asleep before I finished talking, but he pulled me closer to him, into his warm embrace, till there was no space between us. He squeezed back my hand two times. My gaze remained fixed, looking at the weak magenta color that pulsated on the bracelet.
"From now on princess..." I heard him say as my eyes closed "If it makes you feel better, i promise you will be safe with me" my heart skipped a beat.
But i wanted to believe him.
"Promise" I repeated, feeling myself drifting to sleep
"Cross my heart and hope to die"