I was startled awake by a sudden movement next to me. The sun had barely begun to rise up. I looked over my shoulder to see Bruce sitting up and taking deep breaths.
"You okay?" I asked groggily. Bruce looked over his shoulder and nodded.
"Just a nightmare. I'm fine. Go back to sleep, I didn't mean to wake you." Bruce said quietly. He went to get up but I gently grabbed his arm.
He looked down at my hand then over to me, "You're going to leave me alone in this bed?" He smirked hearing the playful tone in my voice.
"That's normally my line to you." He retorted. He turned his body and lowered himself until he hovered over me.
"I felt like switching it up." He grinned and wrapped one arm under me and leaned down to capture me in a kiss.
I wrapped my arms around his neck as he used his one arm to move me under him. I felt him lightly bite and suck on my lower lip. I let out a moan and ran my nails through his dark hair. Bruce groaned in response and removed his arm from under me and placed both hands on my hips.
Thanks to last night's event there was currently no clothing to worry about seeing as it was already on the floor. Another sound escaped me as I felt him press himself against me. Bruce broke off the kiss and began to trail down kisses and love bites down my neck. He stopped at the crook of my neck and I felt his tongue press onto the skin.
I arched my body against his in response. He kept my lower half on the mattress with one hand and his other reached for my back and pulled the upper half of my body flush with his. He stopped his attack on my neck and returned to my lips as he thrusted his hips forward. A muffled moan escaped both of us at the feeling of the other. Bruce broke the kiss once more and nuzzled his face into my neck as he started to set the pace.
I wrapped my legs around him causing him to go deeper. I dragged my fingers across his shoulder blades and in response he fastened up his pace again.
I tilted my head back slightly as he hit that spot, "Bruce." I moaned his name. He grunted in response and he suddenly pulled me lower on the bed to get a different angle. He hit the same spot in a new angle and a deep moan escaped me as my body clamped up around him as I hit my release.
Bruce moaned, feeling the sudden grip on him. He pulled back and did one final thrust forward and I gasped feeling the sudden entry. He held onto me tight as a deep groan came from him as he hit his own release.
Our heavy breaths were the only sounds in the room now. Bruce placed a loving kiss on my lips. It had been a while since we did this for fun instead of trying.
"I love you." He whispered and nuzzled his face against mine.
"I love you too." I said back. He grunt as he pulled out and rolled back over to his side of the bed. He lifted his arm up as I cuddled up to his side.
"You know, I'm going to miss all the sex once you do get pregnant." Bruce commented and looked down at me.
I gave a small smile, "And here I thought you were getting tired of it." I teased him. He chuckled and leaned down to kiss my forehead.
"With you? Never." I laid my head on his chest and absentmindedly drew circles on his midsection with my finger. I looked at the newer scars that adorned his body. They weren't as bad as they could have been thanks to the high tech suit with the synthetic spider silk material.
My mind started to wander back to the topic we had been trying to achieve for the past nine months.
"Bruce?"
"Hm?"
"If this keeps happening and the first just happened to be a fluke…" I trailed off.
I looked up to Bruce and he held a look of concern, "I've been thinking." He placed a hand on my head and ran his fingers through my short blonde locks.
"Thinking about what?" He asked gently.
"If we can't have a child naturally then how about we look into adoption?" Bruce looked at me surprised, "There's plenty of kids at the Wayne Manor's Orphanage that need a good home." Bruce grew a large smile on his face.
"I think that's a great idea, Mel. We could do that." He agreed. I leaned up as he leaned down for a kiss. The idea of adoption seemed natural to me. Bruce was an orphan himself and I technically was as well once my dad passed away. I was only sixteen but I managed to contest that I was an adult in court and never went into the system.
I walked into the dining room to see Alfred sitting at the table and Bruce across from him dressed in a dark suit and tie. He had his laptop up with data on the screen.
"Morning Alfred." I greeted with a smile. I walked over to the coffee pot.
"Good morning, madam." He responded. I looked at Bruce's screen as I poured my cup.
"Is that the data you swiped from Russian last night?" I asked and set the coffee pot back. I opened the fridge and grabbed my creamer. I poured the creamer into black coffee.
Bruce looked over at me before back at the screen, "It is. This is every call he's made from that phone. Two mentions of business with the "White Portuguese" and its continuing transmitting black out data to the personal residence of Alexander Luthor." I put the creamer back and grabbed my mug to join Bruce.
"You think Lex Luthor could be the "White Portuguese"?" I asked and took a sip of my morning coffee.
"I have difficulty seeing him having the need for importing arms." Alfred commented.
"We need to leech his house to find out more." Bruce commented.
"I find it ironic that Batman interrogated six people and came up with nothing. Bruce Wayne ended up getting the information." Alfred commented.
"Well, Bruce Wayne can't break into Lex Luthor's house, Alfred." Bruce countered.
"Bruce Wayne won't have to." Alfred handed a paper to Bruce, "Him and his wife have been invited." I looked over Bruce's shoulder to read it.
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Wayne,
You are hereby formally invited by Alexander Luthor for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails at 7pm on November 1st.
"Well, this isn't exactly how I'd imagine to spend our fifth wedding anniversary." I commented with amusement in my voice.
"That's right, it's today." Alfred said with a fond smile on his face.
I felt Bruce's arm go around my waist to pull me against him. He kissed my temple, "We can celebrate it through the day. It's one event and I'll make it up to you. How does that sound, Mrs. Wayne?" Bruce asked with a playful smirk on his face.
"I think I could live with that, Mr. Wayne." Bruce grinned and gave me a brief kiss on the lips.
I looked in the mirror as I put dangling diamond earrings in both my ears. I was wearing a form fitting black dress that ended just below my knees to match Bruce's black suit and tie. I had my diamond infinity necklace around my neck.
I heard Bruce's heavy footsteps as he walked into the bathroom. He had his head down looking at his wrist as adjusted his cufflinks.
"Hey, could you zip me up?" I asked him. He looked up and walked up to me. I felt the tips of his fingers brush against my bare skin as he zipped up the dress.
He looked at me through the mirror and his hands slid down my sides before resting on my hips. I leaned against him and he smiled and kissed the side of my head.
"Happy anniversary, Mel" He said softly.
"Happy anniversary, Bruce" I replied back.
Bruce dug his hand in his pocket before taking something out he was holding. I turned around as he opened his hand to reveal two small earpieces.
"Alfred's going to be on comms." Bruce informed me. I grabbed one of the earpieces and placed it into my left ear.
"So we're doing this your way, not my way?" I clarified. Bruce placed the earpiece into his right ear.
"Too many witnesses that might see you use your powers. Besides, I think either way it's your way. You're the one that made the leech device. I'll sneak away at some point in the party. I just need you to cover for me." I nodded and took his hand in mine.
"I'll always have your back." Bruce smiled and brought my hand up to his mouth for a kiss.
"I know." He whispered against my hand.
He let go of my hand and gestured for me to walk in front of him. My heels clicked on the hardwood floor as I made my way to the side exit of the penthouse. I heard Bruce's footsteps behind me and the sound of keys being tossed at him from Alfred.
"Enjoy your evening madam, Master Wayne." Alfred said.
"Thank you, Alfred." Bruce said as he unlocked the silver Lamborghini.
I climbed into the passenger seat and Bruce into the driver's seat. The engine roared to life as Bruce pulled out from the gravel driveway.
Bruce pulled up to Lex Luthor's home and the press were already there waiting. Bruce got out of the driver's side and I watched him as he walked around the front of the vehicle. He opened the door to the passenger side and held his hand out for me to take. I took his hand and he helped me out of the vehicle.
He closed the door and looped my arm through his. We both put on our fake acts as we walked past the press. I looked ahead and my fake smile dropped as I made eye contact with the reporter I met as Voltess the other day. Clark Kent. What was he doing here? I saw him tilt his head slightly as he stared back at me. There was a look in his eyes that I couldn't distinguish. Something was off about him.
I cut off eye contact with him as Bruce and I walked by him and into the home. We must have arrived late since it seemed to already be packed.
"Philanthropist. Bibliophile. True friend of the library of Metropolis. Mr. Lex Luthor." A woman on stage announced.
People clapped as Lex walked up to the stage. He gave a kiss on the cheek to the woman on stage. His mannerisms were weird just from the way he presented himself on stage.
"Speech. Uh, blah blah blah." I frowned at that. This guy was seriously a CEO of his company? Bruce looked around and stopped seeing a woman with dark long hair and wearing a red dress looking at him. I spotted her as well. She finally broke eye contact and paid attention back up front. That was weird…
"The word Philanthropist comes from the Greek." Lex started out.
"Cover for me." I heard Bruce whisper in my ear. I glanced at him and nodded. He slipped away and I turned my attention back to the speech.
I had a feeling that I was being watched now. I looked around the room until my eyes landed on the blue eyes of Clark Kent again. He turned around once we made eye contact. Tonight is starting to turn very weird.
"Meaning a lover of humanity. It was coined about 2,500 years ago. Prometheus went with us, and he ruined Zeus' plan to destroy mankind and for that, he was given a thunderbolt. Choo!" I placed my finger on my earpiece.
"Hurry it up, Bruce. This speech is going downhill and fast." I muttered under my breath. I noticed another look from Clark. It was almost like as if he had heard me which is impossible.
"Hm. That seems unfair. On the serious note, the library of Metropolis…but at one time, dad could not buy them. No. My father could not afford books growing up. He had to root through the garbage for yesterday's newspaper. Books are knowledge, and knowledge is puff worth. And I am…heh heh heh, no. I, um… No, what am I? Alright, what am I supposed to say? No. The bitter sweet pain among man is having knowledge with no power because…because that is paradoxical, and um…thank you for coming. Please drink, it's free." I was cringing at this point.
Bruce walked back next to me, "What'd I miss?" He asked.
I gave him a grimace, "You just left me to hear the most awkward, rambling speech I have ever heard come from the mouth of a CEO and Owner of a company." Bruce chuckled.
"So not much. Good to know." Bruce looked up and his grin faded. I looked where he was to see the woman in the red dress from earlier. She was staring at us again in interest. Who is she?
"Mr. Wayne? Mr. Wayne?" I turned around and almost paled seeing Clark Kent approach us, "Clark Kent, Daily Planet." He held his hand out to Bruce to shake. Bruce shook his hand but his eyes went back to the woman in the red dress but she already disappeared into the crowd.
"Oh, my foundation has already issued a statement in support of the…books." Bruce said not really paying attention.
"Sir?" Clark asked, confused.
I elbowed Bruce to make him focus, "Sorry, bad habit." Bruce apologized and gave his attention to Clark.
My eyes then spotted the woman in the red dress. Bruce couldn't slip away but I could.
"Excuse me, gentlemen. I'm going to find the ladies room." I excused myself. Bruce gave me a slight nod and I headed in the direction of the woman.
She looked behind her shoulder and saw me walking towards her. I saw her turn a corner and I followed right behind her. I turned the corner and stopped seeing she was gone. I looked behind me to make sure no one was near.
"Athena, scan the area. Where'd she go?" I whispered to my AI. I discreetly held my bracelet in front of me for Athena to scan.
"Heat signature detected up to the left." I put my arm down and quieted my heels as I approached the door. I put my hand on the door handle and I could feel the lock was engaged. I sent a quick bolt through it and a click was heard as it unlocked.
I opened the door into what looked like a closet. I took a cautionary step inside then the door closed behind me. I spun around quickly to see the woman in the red dress had closed it.
"You're quite good." The woman complimented.
"Thanks, I can say the same about you. I almost lost you there for a second." The woman smiled and held out her hand.
"Diana Prince." She introduced herself.
"Melody Wayne." I shook Diana's hand, "So you mind telling me why you've been watching my husband and I all night?" I got straight to the point.
"You and your husband are currently getting information that I need." I raised an eyebrow at that.
"What kind of information?" I asked.
"Lex Luthor took a photo that belongs to me. The information your husband is getting currently may have it but boys have a tendency not to share. You seem like a reasonable woman, Mrs. Wayne. I'd like to have access to that information. Preferably before your husband takes it. I can't let that photo get into the wrong hands." I stared at Diana in thought.
"How sensitive is this photo?" I asked.
"Very." I nodded in thought.
"One week. That's how long I'm giving you. After that, we need it back." Diana smiled and nodded.
"Of course, Mrs. Wayne. You have my word. I hope Mr. Wayne is as understanding as you." I gave a smirk.
"Let me handle my husband and call me Mel." Diana smiled.
"It was nice meeting you, Mel."
"Likewise Diana." She opened the door and left. I waited a couple of seconds before following her.
"Ah! Diana Prince! Melody Wayne!" The two of us stopped seeing Lex Luthor approach us, "I see you two lovely ladies have already met."
He held his hand out and Diana shook his hand first then mine, "Mrs. Wayne, I have to say it is an honor to meet the brilliant mind behind Wayne Enterprises Technologies Department. The things you have created alone are astounding and inspiring. I was just telling Mr. Wayne that LexCorp and Wayne Enterprises should do a collaboration project at some point. I know my R&D guys would love to pick your brain on some ideas." I smiled politely and nodded.
"I'll have to get with my CEO, Lucius Fox on that Mr. Luthor." He gave a nervous laugh.
"Please call me Lex. Mr. Luthor is what my dad was called." Just then his assistant walked up next to him.
"Lex, the Governor." She reminded him.
"Right, the Governor. Excuse me." He turned around and left. My eyes quickly found Bruce in the crowd still next to Clark.
"Go now, I'll tell him." Diana nodded and she headed for the stairs. Bruce must have spotted her because he started to follow. I headed in the same direction to cut him off.
"Bruce, Bruce!" I whispered loudly at him. I walked in front of him and grabbed him to the side by his arm.
"Mel, I need to get the device back." He told me. He had a look of confusion on his face.
"I know, but Diana needs to borrow it. I gave her one week then she has to return it." Bruce gave me an exasperated look.
"You spoke to her?" I nodded, "And you're going to believe her that she'll just give it back after a week?" He asked with an incredulous look.
"Yes, there's something about her, Bruce. I don't know why but I feel like we can trust her. Call it a woman's intuition." Bruce rolled his eyes.
He gave a sigh and gave me an aggravated look, "You're going to be the death of me one these days, Mel." I gave a coy smile.
"You've made it five years so far, I'm sure you can make it more." A smile broke out on his face and he chuckled.
He intertwined our hands together and kissed the side of my head, "We'll give her the week deadline. Let's get out of here. The night is still young which means we can still celebrate our anniversary." He said with a suggestive tone to his voice.
I saw Diana walk by with Bruce's back still turned. She had the device clutched in her hand. I gave her a slight nod of my head and she smiled as she headed for the exit.
1 Week Later…
I had my arms crossed as I stared at the hologram in front of me. I turned it at different angles as I stared at it in thought. I heard a knock on the door before I heard the click of the lock. I turned my head to see Fox walk in.
"Afternoon, Mr. Fox." I greeted.
"You're busy I see." Fox said as he walked in with a newspaper in hand.
"It's my next idea for Batman's arm guards. Remember that beam that came from one of the Kryptonians?" Fox nodded.
"Vividly. Your suit was able to reflect it and now we know they're essentially lasers coming from their eyeballs." I nodded my head.
"Very pinpointed, high energy lasers. It made me think that Bruce has no way of defending himself against something like that. So I have an idea of an energy diffuser installed into his arm guards. It would absorb the blow and leave him unharmed." I stated.
Fox nodded, "It sounds like you're worried Mr. Wayne might end up fighting Superman." I gave a knowing look to Fox.
"He's getting worse, Fox. Superman has been the hot topic all week on the news and seeing him is bringing out Bruce's anger. You know how he gets when he's angry. He doesn't think straight." I informed him.
"I'm all too familiar with that, Mrs. Wayne." He tossed the newspaper on top of the center console.
"More and more of Batman's targets are getting branded. It's catching a media firestorm right now. Commissioner Gordon is doing everything he can but he can't control the inmates behind the bars. Mr. Wayne is sending these criminals to a one way ticket to death row." I picked up the newspaper and looked at the front page picture. It was one of the men Batman had gone after and he had a bat symbol seared onto his skin.
"Is he in his office?" I asked with a serious look. Fox nodded, "He is." I grabbed the paper and stormed out of my office.
I decided against using the elevators and headed straight for the stairs. I quickly ran up the two flights of stairs before exiting into the executives offices.
Katie looked up and saw me, "Mrs. Wayne, would you like me to inform Mr. Wayne that you wish to speak to him?" She asked.
"I don't need permission to talk to my husband, Katie." I informed her and walked right by her.
I walked down the hall and turned right. I walked into Bruce's office. He was sitting down at his desk with his phone to his ear. He frowned seeing me walk in. I threw the newspaper on his desk and folded my arms as I narrowed my eyes on him.
"I'll have to call you back." Bruce said and hung up his cellphone.
"I told you that you need to stop this, Bruce." I scolded him and pointed my finger on the paper.
"For the last time, Mel. I don't control what these inmates do. All of these criminals I've done this to deserve it. It shows their guilt." Bruce excused.
"These men are being murdered behind bars because Batman has deemed them evil with that brand! Bruce, you are inadvertently causing these killings! You are playing judge, jury, and executioner and reporters are catching on! One of them being Clark Kent. He talked to Voltess last week about this very thing. This is going to attract the wrong attention!" I told him firmly.
Bruce shook his head and gave me an angry look, "You wouldn't understand, Mel." I looked at him gobsmacked.
"I don't understand? I think I understand plenty! You're doing this because you are angry, Bruce. You've been angry for the past two years ever since that day. Superman hasn't done anything bad in these past two years. He's saving people, Bruce. He is just like you and he is just like me. He wants to help people!" I pleaded with him.
"He is nothing like us, Mel!" Bruce yelled and stood up from his seat, "He is from an entirely different world from ours and he has the power to wipe the human race off this planet. He's a freak, Mel!" I stopped and gave Bruce a cold look. My heart felt like it was just torn in two.
"I want to remind you that I'm from a different world. I have powers that could decimate humans just as much as he can." My jaw clenched and my lips quivered, "It looks like you married one of those freaks." I whispered with a silent anger in my voice. I turned on my heel and marched to the door.
"Mel! Wait, please! Mel!" Bruce called after me and ran around the desk.
I placed my hand on the handle, "Mel, I didn't mean you." Bruce pleaded. I whipped my head over to him.
"No, you meant it Bruce. I heard you loud and clear. I'm a meta-human, Bruce. I am not normal and I will never be normal. I have fought and bled side by side with people like Superman. Open your eyes, Bruce. We're on the same damn side. Don't wait up on me tonight for that party. I'm not going. You can meet up with Diana yourself. You don't need the freak with you." I opened the door and stormed out.
"Mel, please!" He called out but I ignored him. I rushed through the door to the stairwell and up the stairs to the roof. I heard the door open behind me and running footsteps.
"Melody, stop!" I heard his voice echo through the stairwell. I ran through the roof door and activated my suit before throwing my board and jumping on it.
"Melody!" I heard Bruce yell at the top of his lungs as I flew away from the rooftop.
"Athena, put all calls on auto reject." I ordered as my voice trembled. Tears fell down my cheeks from behind my mask. Hearing that word come from Bruce's mouth felt like a dagger to my chest. He knows how much I hate being called that.
"Mel, are you alright? You sound distressed."
"I'll be fine, Athena. I just need to clear my head." I said and turned my board as I headed for anywhere but here.