For Once in My Life

Bruce Wayne

(Bruce's Ending)

Chelsea laid on the couch, listening to the nothingness of silence that filled her apartment. What would she do today? Paint, sketch? Perhaps strip a wall and just start throwing paint across it. Her mind was so full. Her shoulders so heavy with grief. Her body so broken down by stress. Her eyes wandered to the window.

Sitting down on her window seat and snuggling a cushion she watched the busy streets of Gotham below. She lived in a cleaner part of the city, because she was near the college campus, but that didn't make it squeaky clean. It simply meant when one walked into their home there weren't traces of some foreign black substance on the bottoms of their feet. Gotham tended to leave a stain on everyone.

As she drifted off into day dreaming, there was a rapping on her door. Chelsea pried herself from the window seat and looked through the peep hole. Opening the door, she stared back at the blue eyes of Bruce Wayne. He always managed to leave her without words, except for three. Three little ones with big meaning came to mind. He was the black stain Gotham left on her, except she never wished to wash him out, "Hey," she greeted.

A small smirk appeared on his lips, as he stepped into the apartment, "Are you busy today?" he asked.

Chelsea was caught off guard by him just walking in, but then that thought made her smile. He was comfortable enough to just come right in. Under any other circumstance he wouldn't be, with anyone else, "Aside from the staring at the chipped paint on the walls, or people watching from my window, I've got nothing planned."

"Would you be willing to do me a favor?" he asked, leaning against the back of the couch.

Every time he moved it was like staring at a beautiful photograph. It didn't matter the backdrop, because his flawless features pulled you in. From his piercing deep blue eyes, down to his crisp suit, "For you? Anything." she grinned.

"I have a very important business proposition later today. I was hoping you could help me pick out the right outfit for the occasion." He told her.

She laughed lightly through her nose, "Why me? As a business man, shouldn't you know how you want to look? Don't tell me Alfred picks out your-" she watched his face flush for the first time. It made her heart melt. He was so cute without even trying, "You poor thing." she giggled.

"Look, I know business," he nodded and came toward her, "but I'm still a man. We're pretty clueless with that sort of thing." he admitted. Bruce knew he could just have Alfred pick out something for him, but that wasn't the point. In all reality, he just wanted to spend some one on one time with her. It had been some time, and he missed her. Since their moment in the pool, he felt himself yearn for her touch more and more each day.

"Well, I'll try my best to help you, but I'm not exactly a fashionista…" she told him, "but I have dressed men before. I used to work at a clothing store on the more high class side of the spectrum before I got really busy with college. It wasn't my favorite job, but I learned a few things." Chelsea explained.

"I know you did." he said, flashing her a grin.

She shook her head at him, "Is there anything you don't know about me?" she said dryly.

"I'll let you know." he said, taking her jacket from the coat rack and putting it on her shoulders so she could get her arms through the sleeves.

When they arrived at the most high class mall in Gotham, Chelsea stared up at the giant main entrance and gave Bruce a raise of her eyebrow, "Yours?" she asked, gesturing at the building.

He couldn't help, but laugh. She always somehow got him to do that so effortlessly, "Well, actually…"

She shook her head in disbelief, "Unbelievable."

"You didn't let me finish," he said to her, "I own the land it sits on. The building itself isn't mine." he put his arm around her and started to go inside. She smiled at him hopeful, "Riddle me this," she wanted to say Batman, but bit her tongue, "where does the one and only Mister Wayne buy his attire?"

His smirk resurfaced as he raised his eyebrow, "And here I thought I broke you of that habit."

"Now I just do it to get under your skin," she said, pinching his arm, as she started to scurry off to the nearest men's clothing store.

He watched her move, and walked behind her, "Under my skin? I'm pretty sure you've already successfully been doing that for several months now." He thought to himself.

As they browsed the men's professional attire, Chelsea already had some idea of what she thought might look well on him, but then again it was Bruce Wayne. It didn't matter what he wore, because he made everything look good, and no one would have the gall to say otherwise, "Instead of a suit, why not do a button up shirt, and dress pants, with a matching vest and tie?"

"Whatever you think is best." he shrugged.

"It's my personal favorite look on men." she said to him.

"I suppose I can't go wrong then." he insisted, taking each article of clothing from her as she picked something out. Once she was finished he stepped into a dressing room. Chelsea sat on a bench nearby the changing rooms where one would normally try on shoes. She watched men pass by dressed classy as they cluelessly inspected clothing. She sympathized for them. She now understood why Bruce brought her along. After some time passed, he stepped out in a white button up shirt, gray dress pants with the slightest hint of blue, with a matching vest. His tie color was a royal blue with black accents. His shiny polished black shoes were presented on his feet. He pulled at the tie some, "Well?" he asked.

She almost fell off of the stool. Slowly standing up she covered her mouth, "You look fantastic. Very handsome." she confirmed, her voice trembling with sudden anxiety. He was so flawless. Why did he waste his time with her? There was no way in the world he couldn't spend his time with a more beautiful woman. Why did he chose her of all people? As she approached him, she noticed his tie wasn't hanging correctly, "Here's your problem. Your tie isn't tied correctly." She started to undo the mess of a knot.

"I apologize," he said, "Alfred usually does the tie. I tend to lose my patience with them…" He watched her in the mirror as she corrected his mess. She always made everything better.

Chelsea looked at the mirror, "See?" she straightened his tie, "Feel better?"

His stare was piercing into hers, "Much." he replied simply, reaching for her hand and subconsciously pulling her closer to him. Her body suddenly went numb.

She swallowed hard, "I think you'll knock 'em dead." she joked, "When is your meeting?"

He took a glance at his wrist watch, "Very soon," he confirmed.

"If you don't have time to drop me off before you go, I can always fly back. No biggie, you know?" she asked.

He gathered up the pieces of his suit he was previously wearing, "Nonsense. I always have time for you."

As they started a long drive back, Chelsea noticed Alfred kept looking back at them in his rearview mirror with a slight smile on his face. Bruce was unusually quiet, even for him. It was almost like something was up and she was the only one not in on the secret. Chelsea decided to break the silence, "Bless you, Alfred." she said.

"I didn't sneeze my dear," he said to her, caught off guard by the girl's comment.

"No, for taking care of Bruce. It seems to me he'd be very lost without you." She grinned as Bruce gave a slight eye roll and revealed his perfect teeth in a smile.

"Oh well," Alfred smiled, "I appreciate the recognition, but I assure you, I already knew that."

"The two of you working together… I'm not sure I like that." Bruce mumbled.

"I figured you had to have done his tie. It looked too nice for Master Bruce to have done it on his own. Honestly, the man can create a batarang, but tie a tie! Heavens no!" Alfred joked.

"You're taking too much enjoyment out of this Alfred." Bruce said, glancing at Chelsea who was giggling, "Don't think you're innocent. You're just fueling the fire."

"I know," she smiled extra wide with sarcasm.

They stopped at a building close by, "Ah we're here." Bruce breathed, relieved the poking fun at Bruce Wayne moment would come to stand still for a while.

Chelsea noticed they weren't at her apartment building, "Alfred can take me home Bruce. You go on ahead."

Bruce flashed a look at Alfred and let himself out of the vehicle. He then held his hand out to her, "There's one last thing I need your input on, if you don't mind."

He never mentioned this. Chelsea took his hand and scooted out of the car. He closed the door behind her and gently hit the top of the car, motioning for Alfred to go park somewhere. As Alfred drove off, Bruce led the way into the three story building. Inside there was a very vacant lobby. A stairway to the left and an elevator to the right. Bruce took the stairs to underhandedly get back at her for the teasing he took previously in the car. Chelsea caught on about halfway up, "You don't take being teased very well do you?"

"Where would you get that idea?" he asked sarcastically, winking at her from over his shoulder.

"Bruce, what is this?" she asked finally.

"It's a building I'm going to be turning into Wayne Designs. I wanted you to take a look around and tell me if you think it's good for that sort of thing, since you're an artist and all." Bruce pushed open the door that lead to the top floor. It was just one giant open room, with studio lights lining the walls. Hooks with paint hanging from them across an entire section of a wall. Canvases from big to small in one corner. Many tables lined up in aisles for different work stations. A part was sectioned off with computers to do graphic design work, and so much more. Everything an artist would need to create a business.

Chelsea stared in awe, "Oh definitely. This place is gorgeous." she confirmed, as he closed the door behind them. Bruce wandered over to one of the nearby stools. Without realizing it, Chelsea started to walk the room to examine it further. There were large 8 feet windows that lined one wall, allowing light to shine in. Bruce watched her move. When she came back around to him, she nodded, "It's great, but… aren't you going to be late for your meeting?"

He smiled at her, "I'm just waiting for her to take a seat…"

Chelsea looked at him confused, "What?"

He chuckled at her, as he gestured for her to take a seat, "I want to hire you. I want you to manage Wayne Design. You can hire your own group of associates, set your own hours so you don't have to worry about missing school. This whole building. It's all yours to do whatever you please with."

Chelsea's mouth hung open as she stared at him in disbelief, "Come on now Bruce… Practical jokes are one thing, but this is just cruel."

His expression grew serious, "I'm completely serious Chelsea."

Chelsea stared at him with her eyebrows scrunched, "But what about the Justice League? Trying to balance college, this business, and fighting crime… I mean that's a lot to try to do at once…"

Bruce frowned, "...You should quit the Justice League..."

Chelsea jumped up from her chair, offended, "Wait! Are you just offering me this so you don't have to worry about me anymore?"

"Calm down," he said, standing up, "I'm simply making a suggestion. You once told me you valued my opinion more than anyone else's. I'm giving it to you. You're still young. You're not so tied down to that life that you couldn't get out. You can still have a normal life Chelsea. Pursuing a better life doing something you truly enjoy and that you're incredible at."

Chelsea looked a way she never thought possible at Bruce: angry. She couldn't think straight she was so frustrated, "No!" she finally barked, "This isn't about me! You know what this is about Bruce? This is about you. This is about you worrying about me. I'm a distraction aren't I? You won't ever admit it, but we both know it's true. You love me. And you hate it. You hate that someone finally saw passed the mask. If I'm not there you can focus on being Batman again and not have to worry about some doctor capturing me or Joker slitting my throat."

Her eyes were glowing with rage, "No!" she repeated, "This is you being selfish. You thought you could manipulate me by giving me something I've always dreamed of having." She gestured to the studio around her, "but it's all for you…" she started to walk to the door when he grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

"Chelsea…" he sighed, and his face grew cold, "Stop being a child."

Chelsea pulled her hand away, "Why? You've been doing it for nearly 30 plus years. That's what this is about Bruce. You're still that child in that alley way." She took a step toward him and looked him in the eyes, "You're finally regretting it. For the first time you regret ever becoming the Batman. Because now you can't turn your back on it. You can't have a normal life, because those people out there depend on you."

"The truth is Bruce, I've loved you for so long. I love you so much it makes me sick. I love you, and I have since I was a little girl. As a girl who wanted nothing, but Batman to show up at her window one night while her parents fussed and fought over the same damn things. You were the only one who kept me going. When I couldn't afford college, a miracle appeared as if out of no where when someone as special as Bruce Wayne handed me a check himself. This whole time, that man was one and the same. And when I found out, I was so angry with you. I know you have this invisible wall you put up with everyone, but after everything we did together you didn't have the decency to tell me. You never had any intention to. You're scared Bruce, because I'm the realest thing you've ever faced. The villains you face are those a child could only fathom in nightmares, but the reality is… You love me too. And you've never been more scared in your life."

Chelsea started toward the door once again, "And for the record… I would never change that. I'm fully aware you could die out there some night and I wouldn't know, but I would never tell you to stop doing it, because I have faith in Batman. Even in finding out they're the same person, I would still be there every day, with open arms. Ready to love you, when you got back. You don't believe in me… you don't believe in anything, but I will never stop believing in you." with that comment left hanging in the air, she walked out the door, slamming it behind her and calling for the elevator by pressing the button.

Bruce sat back down on the stool. His brain had just taken a beating. He expected this to go much more smoothly than it did. Was she right? Was he the coward? Was he so afraid of losing her again that he was the one crippling her? She had just admitted once again that she loved him. And it was true, he loved her as well. He wanted to say it again. He wanted to tell her that he never knew what color looked like, what muscles contracted to make a smile, what warmth came with an embrace, and how lonely he truly was until she came along. His biggest fear now was that he would never see her smiling face again. He was selfish, but he didn't want to be. He wanted to share himself with her. So why was it so hard?

Chelsea returned home some time after. As she walked down the hallway to her apartment, one of her neighbors was bending down to get the newspaper. It was an older man. They had seen each other before in passing and would always greet each other. But with such a grim expression on her face the man couldn't help but comment, "I've never seen you so sad before, are you alright?"

Chelsea stopped and stared at him, "Not really…" she shrugged.

"The only time I ever see a young woman so tangled up is when she's upset over a man. Is your boyfriend giving you trouble?" he asked.

"No sir," she sighed, "he's not my boyfriend. Sometimes I wonder if he's even my friend…" Chelsea scratched at some of the chipping paint on the wall of the hallway.

"That's the anger talking." he reminded her, waving an index finger, "I can see it in your eyes. You love this boy, don't you?"

"I do," she nodded, "but it's not enough." she started for her door nearby and touched the doorknob, "Have a good evening Mr. Geller." she disappeared into the privacy of her apartment. Ripping off her jacket she threw it on the floor and kicked the waste basket as she walked by. Falling onto the couch she started to scream into one of the cushions. Slowly the scream transformed into a sob as she let loose the flood gates and started bawling like an infant. She hated herself for leaving it the way she did. Why was he so stubborn? She cried herself to sleep.

Her dreams echoed her words as Batman crept in through her window and told her how much he loved her. She surcummed to his lips, pulling the mask up to free his face from the cowl, all the while pulling him down onto the couch. She woke up in that moment when she heard a gun go off. Why did she hear a gunshot in her dream? As she pried herself up from the couch she looked out of the window. It was starting to grow dark outside. He would soon be out there, roaming the streets.

As she made her way down the street with her abused jacket on, she had a destination in mind. She was close. She didn't know what compelled her to come here, but she did. They had a name for this place: Crime Alley. It was the same alley she had been attacked in so many years ago, and also the place where Bruce's parents blood spilled across the pavement.

Chelsea walked into the darkness of the alley, still not sure why she was here. As she looked up one way and down the next, she watched it, almost like a movie play out in front of her. There she stood between young Bruce and his parents and the shadowy figure of a gunman as he pulled the trigger. A shiver went down her spine as she lowered herself to the ground and ran her fingers across the pavement.

She took a deep breath, "I'm not quite sure where you're buried. This was the closest place I could think of to reach you. I need help. I can only assume the life he leads was not what you wanted for your son." tears slid down her cheeks, "I'm so sorry. I know he lost you that day, but that day you also lost him. He means so much to me. Tell me how I can reach him. I need some guidance…"

A hand rested against her shoulder as she slowly lifted her head to look up into the shaded blue eyes of Batman. She slowly stood up, and started to speak when he covered her lips with his index finger, "Let me speak," he told her, "I'm not strong enough, Chelsea." He held her face in his hands, "I'm not strong enough to lose someone I love this much again. The idea of something happening to you scares me more than you could ever imagine. The idea that I could be the reason, startles me. And the idea of you not being in my life anymore scares me more than anything else."

"I'm not strong enough to handle that. You want me to tell the truth? The complete honest truth? From the moment I laid eyes on you, you struck a chord in me. A chord I have long since ignored, but you treated me like a person. No one has ever done that. Whether I'm Batman or otherwise. You made me feel loved. No matter what. When I was near you, I felt this overwhelming, blinding glare of love that I had never felt before. I felt like a spotlight had hit me and I wasn't ready for it. The absolute truth? I love you, Chelsea. I love you…" he admitted to her.

More tears came from her eyes, "I love you…" she said tilting her head, "no matter what. You might not believe that, but if you gave me half a chance, I could try to make you see it. You might fear the uncertain danger that could lurk if one ever found out about our relationship, but I know I'll be safest by your side."

He pulled her in tight, "I'm sorry I hurt you. It was wrong of me to do what I did… the decision is yours, but… I really would still like you to run that building for me… if you're interested."

She chuckled and pressed her face into his chest, "I'll do my best, boss."

"Come home... with me…" he murmured in her ear. His smooth voice still managed to make goosebumps flutter over her skin. Before she knew it, he had his arm around her and was grappling on top of the nearby building, his last thought, "Thank you mother, father… for helping me find her."

They arrived in the Bat Cave sometime later. Alfred was there to reassure Bruce Chelsea would come around, but when she popped out of the Batmobile, he realized he no longer had to console his master. Chelsea looked around amazed, "I think I'm living my childhood fantasy right now…" she admitted as she stepped out of the vehicle and started to walk around, spinning as she went to view everything. She spotted Alfred and greeted him with a smile, "Evening Alfred."

Alfred's eyes met with Bruce's as he removed his cowl and gave him a look. A smirk appeared on Alfred's face, "Good evening my dear."

Bruce moved passed Alfred, whispering something to him as he passed.

"How have your studies been?" Alfred started a conversation with her as he started to move to a monitor to clean it.

Chelsea raised an eyebrow with suspicion to Bruce as he disappeared upstairs, "Fine," she replied, "They've changed everything to email communication due to the devastating damage done on campus. I hope by next semester everything is back as it should be."

"You should be graduating soon am I correct?" Alfred asked.

"After next semester," she nodded.

"Congratulations," he smiled warmly. The lights started to flicker above them, "Blast. There's always something to be fixed around here. My work is never done." he turned to Chelsea, "Be a dear and ask Master Bruce to bring down a ladder."

She gave a head bob and started up the long stairway. When she was back on the ground floor, she heard the hum of music. She followed the sound as it grew louder. She stepped in to the familiar room where she first watched Gray Ghost with Bruce that night. He had For Once in My Life by Frank Sinatra playing on the sound system. It was the song she sang to him that night in the pool.

"What's this?" she asked breathlessly.

"Well," he said, guiding her over to the couch and taking a seat beside her, "I believe I'm on a date with my..." he'd never had to say this and mean it before. Her face immediately flushed when he finished, "girlfriend."

She looked embarrassed. That would take some getting used to for the both of them, "You're lucky you're so wonderful." he was so sneaky.

"I disagree," he said, holding her hands, "I have wealth, an impressive estate, and a splendid business, but none of that makes me lucky… I'm lucky because of this moment, right here."

"Bruce," she murmured.

"Don't you mean, Mister Wayne?" he jabbed.

"Mister Wayne," she played along, as they leaned in to kiss.

His hands rested on her hips as they started to travel up, just barely under her shirt. He felt something that left him feeling hollow. He pulled away from her, to look at the scar from which the bullet entered her side.

"It doesn't hurt anymore," she reassured him.

He sighed, "It will always hurt me."

Her hands trembled as she touched his face, "For the first time I'm actually a little scared…"

"Why?" he wondered.

"Because I have everything I've ever sat and daydreamed about… that I never thought I would have. Everything that seemed like a distant cry from reality is now sitting in front of me looking into my eyes and I don't even know where to begin. I've never had this freedom with you. I've always had to hold back and now…" she ran her fingers through his hair. It was the same softness she had imagined, "what do I do?" she asked.

The corner of his lip curved upward, "You didn't know me until the Justice League. Sure, we met in passing once before that but-"

"That's all it took Bruce," she told him, "In passing, a glance, a handshake, a smile, and I knew not a moment would pass from then on that I wouldn't be in love with you."

He was touched. Pulling her close he examined all the shades of green in her eyes, "I've never been one to share anything with anyone. I couldn't, but you made it so easy, to see the man I could have been my whole life."

She shook her head, "The man you have always been." she corrected.

Author's Notes: This is Bruce's ending… Wally's Ending will quickly follow. I decided to leave it up to you readers who she ends up with. Once you've made a decision (some of you probably already have) on who you'd like to see expand on their relationship with her, leave a comment in the review section to let me know. Whoever is chosen will be her boyfriend in the next long expansion of the story where we'll explore the Justice League Unlimited universe and see how some things have changed. I have some cool ideas rattling around in my head for it, so as I said let me know readers! Also, if the one you wanted didn't get picked, don't fret. Depending on how the story molds, it might not necessarily be a permanent thing. We'll have to wait and see ;) Again, thanks for reading!