Sionis's Girl

It was getting late as Kristina Moran- right hand woman of the Mob Boss Black Mask- embraced the chilly winter night. The woman shivered slightly as she pulled her silk wrap more securely around her bare shoulders, and let her light blue eyes take in the world that moved unbridled around her.

Though it was quite cold outside and the sun had already set on Gotham, the streets were alive with countless faces and stories. It was an unofficial fact that Gotham City never slept, but if one were in need of proof it would have been found here. Each alleyway and gutter, each car and fire hydrant, all the many faces of the passing masses: they all told the Metropolis's story. True, this tale was more often than not unpleasant or unsavory; but it didn't make it any less real or alive. And to Kristina (or Nightmare) this was more beautiful than any fairytale; especially when she had almost lost it.

It had been almost three months since the Gotham Turf War had begun (January the 22nd). . . Three months since Kristina had almost lost her boss and lover to the flames and bombings that had nearly swallowed Gotham whole. It seemed like a lifetime ago- and then again, like it had only been yesterday.

For two whole months Nightmare had laid low with a wounded Black Mask in her care, waiting for the heat to die down. This had taken longer than expected, due to the bounties that the Joker (said culprit behind the bombings) had placed on all the Mob Bosses heads and the overall damage dealt to the already dying city. But with the GCPD and the Batman working double time- the brunt of the hell on earth had passed.

Now with the worst of their wounds healed, the Joker back at Arkham under lock and key, and new reconstruction underway on all the ruined buildings- the Bosses were meeting to fix their bonds. Because, though the destruction had been Joker's doing, the Turf War had helped many old feuds and grudges resurface. And tonight, at the request of Old Falcone- the Bosses had gathered to reunite and publicly re-take control over their businesses and families.

And that was why Kristina Moran and Roman Sionis were currently dressed to the nines and pulling up outside of the Iceberg Lounge in a white limo.

Though the car had stopped nearly two minutes prior, the woman still stared out blankly at the people that walked by- making no move to exit the car.

To her side, Roman Sionis (otherwise known as Black Mask) watched her silently, his dark eyes taking her in intently before he reached out to take her hand that rested on the seat into his own larger one. The contact wasn't anything special, but it was enough to make Kristina's gaze fall on him.

"You ready to go, baby girl."

Kristina nodded once, a soft smile gaining purchase on her lips, "Yeah."

"Then what's botherin' you? You've been quiet since we left our place."

Kristina sighed before shaking her head. "It's nothing, Roman. . . I'm fine."

"No, doll-face. You ain't." Though the words were blunt, his voice was calm and non-threatening. "Something's eatin' ya, and we aren't getting' out of this car until you've spit it out."

For a long moment, Nightmare didn't say anything. But then when she realized her boss wouldn't leave it be, she answered him.

". . . The last time we went out like this was right before you got hurt, Roman. . . I'm just having to get used to the peace of it all. . ."

The unspoken worries and fears behind Kristina's words weren't lost on the Mask, and he looked at her firmly.

"Kristina, Kristina . . . Baby girl, look at me." When she did, he met her gaze with one blazing with conviction. "Doll, I'm not going anywhere. The Clown freak got a lucky break that could never happen again. It'll take more than a couple of bombs to off me; ya know that right?"

Internally the woman wanted to argue. Roman had been as good as dead when the Batman had brought him unconscious to her door, and he would have died if it hadn't been for the Dark Knight's protection. . . But instead of saying as much, Nightmare changed the verbal focus of her fear.

"What about the other bosses?"

"What about 'em?"

Kristina stopped to find the right words. "Some of them might be baiting for blood tonight . . . a-are you up to that?"

The Mask smirked then, shaking his head in amusement. "I'm a hundred percent prepared, doll. Nothin' they throw at me tonight will make a lick of difference. We're almost back on schedule with our drug shipments, I've been able to round up our remaining boys and hire some new blood from Atlantic City, and we got the stash that the Bat didn't touch. We're back in the game Kristina. Babe, those thugs in there are nothin' we haven't faced before."

All of this was true, and despite her misgivings Kristina offered her lover a smile. "Alright. . . What do you want me to do, Roman?"

"Well, I want cha ta knock 'em dead with that gorgeous body," the woman couldn't help but laugh at the way his eyebrows wiggled suggestively, "And play the lovable snake charmer so they'll be putty in my hands, until we're up 'n running in full."

"Oh! So you want me to do, what I usually do at these summit meetings."

"Uh huh. Now you're catchin' the drift."

Nightmare shook her head once, bemused by it all before she squeezed Roman's hand that still held onto hers. "If that's what you want, boss then I'm ready. . . . If you are?"

"I was born ready, baby girl." He winked at her, chuckling and getting out of the car on his own side, before turning to help her out.

When the renowned Mob Boss offered her a hand out of the limo, Kristina took it willingly. And together the couple entered the Iceberg Lounge with an air of confidence and power that would have made even the batman cry.

On a normal night, the Iceberg Lounge was a piece of heaven on earth- though an albeit chilly slice at that. But tonight in honor of the public meeting of the Crime Bosses of Gotham, the establishment had been transformed into something even greater. The already beautifully decorated Lounge was exquisite, with large crystal icicles that dotted the room, and sparkling lights that gave the illusion of snow falling from the ceiling. And with the added five star band, waiters, and cuisine- the Iceberg was the perfect spot to be. Though it was obvious that only a lucky handful had been given this great honor- Cobblepot had only invited the elite of Gotham and those lovely few reporters that the crime syndicate had in their back pocket. This group wasn't a big crowd in terms of the Lounge's housing capacity, but it was enough where one could get lost in the dancing couples and happy revelers if they weren't careful.

It had been nearly an hour since Sionis and Kristina had arrived, and so far the exchanges had gone rather smoothly. The initial greetings had been a bit uncomfortable- giving cheek kisses and slapping one's business rival on the back was never a pleasant thing- but after that the night had gone as swimmingly as could be expected. Not everyone had showed: Rupert Thorne for one and Dagget for another -seeing as neither were willingly to publicly announce their unsavory ties to Gotham's Underground, this was no surprise to anyone- but all the others had shown up in their best suits and tux's to give a great big fake smile to the press. There was Black Mask and Kristina Moran, Oswald Cobblepot (otherwise known as the Penguin) and his right hand lady Tracey Buxton, Boxy (the bottom of the totem pole, but still considered a boss) who had brought two unknown and questionable women to the party, Old Falcone and his fussy son Alberto who would one day inherit one of the largest slices of the pie, and Two-Face- the newest Boss other than Boxy who had him beat by two years. All in all, it was quite the turn out; and the press had already gotten more pictures and footage than they would ever need.

The only two who had refused to take part in this social fiasco (giving interviews, statements, and lying while on camera or the odd portal recorder) were Black Mask and Two-Face. And for that, they had unknowingly gained some respect from each other. And as Roman and Kristina had been about to go out to the dance floor after the niceties were over, Two-Face had made his move.

"Sionis," he called out, making the Mask turn around to regard him. "You got a minute?"

"I was just about to dance with my woman. Can't it wait?"

Two-Face shook his head, making a stray lock of miss-colored hair fall onto the good side of his face. He wore no expression, but it was obvious that he wasn't willing to be patient.

"Whatever you wanna talk about: Kristina stays." Sionis said, but already his crime brother was shaking his head.

"Sorry, Sionis. But it's a delicate subject that should have limited access."

Kristina who had been silent up until this point, smiled despite herself. Two-Face obviously wanted to discuss a business proposition (most likely drugs or a bank job) and she knew that if Roman agreed to it, she'd be the one to carry out the deed in the end. And thus she should be able to hear the details from the horse's mouth. . . But deciding to play the sweet snake charmer that Roman had asked her to be, the woman pushed aside the part of her that wanted to slam-dance the duo personality, and patted her bosses' arm gently.

"I'm fine, Roman," she said aloud with a knowing smile. "Go talk, I'm not going anywhere."

The Mask looked down at her, seeming ready to protest, when he saw the twinkle in her blue eyes and nodded in understanding. Whatever he had interpreted from the look, he obviously had gotten her main gist.

"Be back soon, baby girl," he promised.

Kristina leaned up to kiss him, before he walked away with Two-Face, leaving her alone.

Nightmare stood at the edge of the dance floor for a long moment, watching the dancing couples sway to the gentle lull of the band, and felt a pleasant warmth creep up her spine. In truth, the woman was grateful to have a moment to herself. Though she loved Roman dearly, having a smile and careless air about her was beginning to take its toll . . . especially when there were so many loose-cannon's around. If she said the wrong thing it could mean more violence between the Mob Families, and that was the worst thing that could possibly happen right then. With Gotham just beginning to heal from the bombings, and the worst having just passed, it was unacceptable to have it start up again. So Nightmare had taken the utmost care to be the perfect woman (in other words keeping most of her opinions and thoughts to herself). So to be on her own was a sublime Godsend.

For another minute she stood gazing out to the dance floor, before she sighed softly and turned away. There would be time to dance when Roman came back. She would just have to wait a little longer than planned. . .

Or that was what she was thinking . . . until a soft clearing of the throat caught her attention. Kristina turned her head to see the person standing behind her, and felt her eyebrows lift.

"Hello there," the man said cordially, offering her a genuine smile. "Might I have this dance?"

Kristina had had some strange things happen to her in the past, but having Gotham's Playboy Billionaire ask her for a dance was surely in the top ten.

"Bruce Wanye?"

His smile tipped in humor at the surprised tone that came from her- a lopsided grin that made him seem strangely cuddly and sweet. "You've heard of me?"

Kristina nodded with a smile of her own. "Yeah. Besides the fact that you have world renown; my boyfriend talks about you from time to time."

He didn't seem perturbed by her hint of a boyfriend at all, which was kind of a curve ball- not that Kristina let it show.

"Oh? And who's your boyfriend?"

"Roman Sionis." Kristina knew that dropping her man's name would end this strange conversation, seeing as Roman Sionis and Bruce Wanye had been feuding for years. Though as the Mob Bosses' name slid from her lips, the woman felt somewhat wistful. Sure, she was happy with Roman and wouldn't ever leave him, but it was nice to have another man so obviously interested- even if it was only for a moment.

"Roman Sionis, huh?" Kristina nodded, waiting for him to turn on his heel and leave. But to her complete shock, he stayed sedentary. "Well, I suppose I'll just have to steal you away while he's busy."

"Sorry, hon," she immediately replied with an amused shake of her head. "I'm not the type of girl you steal. I'm content with what I've got."

Bruce leaned in conspiratorially and asked quietly, "Even for one dance?"

She laughed. "Even for one dance, Mr. Wanye."

"Oh come on," he said with a laugh of his own. "I promise to return to you unscathed. Just one waltz."

Kristina knew that she probably shouldn't, but it was just a dance after all. There was no harm in it. So she replied firmly with a no-nonsense face: "No funny business?"

Bruce held up a hand, his eyes shining merrily, "Scouts honor."

"Alright," the woman said. "Lead the way, Mr. Wanye."

"Bruce," he corrected, as he took her hand and led her to the dance floor where he brought her close with a hand at her waist.

"I thought you said no funny business." She chided mockingly as they began to step easily to the soft jazz that was wafting across the Lounge.

"Are first names considered funny business?"

"Last I checked," she teased, as he spun her out and brought her back in gently. "Though I can't complain as far as the dancing goes. You haven't stepped on my toes once."

Bruce laughed and shook his head, "I can see why Sionis likes you."

When Kristina lifted an inquisitive brow, he continued. "He's always been high-strung and impulsive." The way he said these words made it obvious he was talking about Roman's lawless activities, but Kristina didn't pay it any mind. "No regular woman could keep up with him. He's lucky to have you."

"Thank you. . . Bruce." She offered after a moment, making him dip his head in gratitude at the use of his first name. "I'm lucky to have him as well. They don't make men like him anymore."

After this, the two were silent for several minutes, merely dancing. And though the waltz that Bruce led her in was quite simple, he did so with authority and precise certainty, and Kristina followed in elegant succession. In her delicate blue evening gown that hugged her curves in just the right way, she was the belle of the ball- and the two made quite the picture as they spun around in time to the soothing melody.

But as all things must, the song soon came to an end and they began to slow, until they had stopped moving completely.

Then as Bruce gazed down at her, an unreadable expression overtook his face, and he lifted Kristina's right hand up to chastely kiss her knuckles. "Thank you for the dance, Kristina."

"My pleasure, Bruce Wanye."

Then, he led her back to the edge of the dance floor of the Iceberg Lounge, saying, "Roman doesn't know what he has."

Kristina gave a shrug before returning the smile, knowing what he was really saying. It was true that what she had with Roman Sionis wasn't normal or in most cases considered healthy, but it was what they both wanted, and Nightmare was contented with it.

"I know," she said finally. "But be that as it may, I'm still Sionis's girl."

Bruce's smile stayed in place, but Kristina could see that it didn't touch his eyes. . . They had turned almost sad . . . and it was then that the woman felt a niggling at the back of her mind. . . She knew those eyes somehow- though she was sure that she'd never met Bruce Wanye before tonight. . .

She knew them.

He knew your name without you telling it to him, her mind substituted as the woman lifted her intent eyes to the man's. He knew your name . . . he's familiar. . .

And then it hit her.

Like a ton of freshly lain bricks, the knowledge of where she knew Bruce Wanye fell into place, and a soft gasp flew from her lips. And for the first time that night, she truly looked at him. Wonder laced her expression as she pondered how she hadn't seen it before. True the suit was a different and the voice had changed somewhat, but the power and nobleness was still there- hiding beneath the surface.

Those eyes . . . his eyes.

Then, to her own surprise Kristina did something she couldn't quite comprehend. Leaning up into his personal space so that she was close to the billionaire's ear, she whispered, "Thank you . . . Batman."

It was exactly what she had said to him when he had brought Roman back on January the 22nd, and once again she spoke it was sincerity. Then, she placed a soft kiss to his cheek before pulling away completely.

In that moment, as Kristina once more looked at Bruce Wanye, a lot of things could have happened. He could have denied her assumption, he could have laughed it off, or he could have gotten offended or defensive. . . But the man did none of these things.

Instead, he inclined his head to the woman, and gave her a meaningful look. "Take care of yourself, Kristina."

There was a warning behind his words. He was telling her to be careful: with both her job as a Mob Bosses right hand, as well as being with Roman Sionis. There was no threat as far as what she had just discovered, nor any push for a promise that she'd remain silent about his true identity. And though Nightmare was aware that they'd never be on the same side of the scale, she knew that she wouldn't betray his trust.

"You too," she returned tranquilly.

I'll keep your secret. She told him wordlessly.

I know.

Then, without another word, Bruce Wanye turned and walked away- instantly getting lost in the crowd of the Iceberg Lounge, just as the band began to play Nightmare's favorite song. And the woman felt a strange smile grow on her face.

Batman had saved her and Roman when the bombings had occurred . . . and now she would save him by keeping quiet.

What a funny world we live in, Kristina thought to herself. What irony that the villain will be a keystone in saving the hero. . .

Later on that night, as Black Mask and Nightmare drove back to their side of town, Kristina cuddled into his side. Though the two were intimate with each other, and had been for quite some time, he looked down at her curiously.

"You cold, baby-girl?"

"Nah," she said sleepily. "I'm just right."

Roman chuckled as he placed a kiss to her hair and wrapped his arms around her. "Well don't get too comfortable."

"Hmmm? Why?" She said, playing along as she looked up at him with mock curiosity.

Roman gave her a mischievous glance that he reserved for her eyes alone- and it made her heart flutter happily in her chest.

"Well, you know that after being around all those slime balls, we gotta get clean."

"Yeah?"

"Yes, sir."

Kristina lifted her face so that her lips were hovering right below his and grinned. "Do I sense the need for a hot bath?"

Roman chuckled as he caught her lips for a kiss, passionately nipping at her nose as he came up for air. "See, my girl knows me! Simple things, Nightmare! Simple things, make me happy."

"Make us happy," she corrected as she nuzzled him contentedly, and once more brought him down into kiss- knowing that she was in fact happy in her choice. "Forever and always, boss."

His smile turned soft as he held Kristina close to him and the limo pulled into their parking garage. "You got that right, baby-doll. I don't want any other woman but yous."

Together they got out of the limo and walked past the hired thugs who stood watch, moving towards the penthouse flat they shared. "And I don't want any other man, Roman," she said sincerely with an affectionate smile. "Cause you're perfect to me."

A/N: For some reason my mind has created a love triangle between Roman, Kristina, and Bruce. Though Kristina has already chosen. . .lols I don't even known anymore. Carry on, my dear!