CONSEQUENCES

CHAPTER 20

Selina Kyle looked around the guest room of the Wayne mansion with a look of self deprecating amusement. She ran a hand along the beautiful oriental screen and the ornamental bowl an ewer on the chest of drawers. Her eye looked at the oil painting over the fireplace. She took off her eyepiece and hood and murmured,"An original Monet,for crying out loud. Selina, this is crazy. What do you think you're even doing here?"

She pulled off her gloved talons and sighed. Bruce had been kind enough to offer her a place to stay overnight. She had been fool enough to accept. She heard a knock on the door. She opened it. It was Alfred and he was carrying a box in his hands."Miss Kyle, Master Bruce had this brought in for you."

Selina took it and lifted the top."You have to be kidding me!" Inside was a dress and feminine undergarments.

Alfred said,"He did not believe you'd want to be in your leather outfit all night."

"So,what?He got me a dress and underwear?"

"Well,not exactly. He called in from Washington to say you were coming and had me speak to a female friend of ours...a Miss Gordon...who did the honours of ordering it on-line."

She seemed to relax at that."Oh,for a minute there I was a bit creeped out. Well,I guess I'm grateful for it. Wait, how does she know my size?"Selina checked the label to see it was a her exact fit.

"Er,that was Master Bruce. He's very perceptive,you see."

She said dryly,"Oh,yeah, I'll bet. Mr Wayne is very popular with the ladies."

Alfred said,"Be that as it may,ma'am,he has never invited anyone of those ladies to the Batcave before."

She frowned."No? "

"No. Dinner is served in an hour."He bowed and left her.

Selina Kyle was ready and made her way downstairs. On her way she stopped to look at the various pieces of priceless treasures around her. She smirked."He' s got good taste."

She entered the large living room to find Bruce already changed,kneeling at the fireplace,putting on more logs. Tim Drake was at his side. Both turned as she entered.

"I hope I'm not late. I took a couple of wrong turns initially."

He got up."Not at all. Come in."

"Quite a place you have here."She looked at Tim and put out her hand."So,you must be the little bird in training. How do you do?I'm Selina."

Tim looked at her a bit shyly."I'm Tim."

"Nice to meet you. Well,Handsome, I hope we don't have to stand on ceremony here,I could eat a horse."

Bruce smiled."The dining room is this way."

When Selina saw the large ostentatious room she shook her head."There is no way I'm eating 's like a tomb. Where's your kitchen?"

Bruce looked taken aback. Tim gestured."Over here."

Selina said,"Lead the way,Tim."

Alfred was nonplussed to find all three trouping into the kitchen."What are you doing here?I was about to bring up the soup."

Selina took the tray off him."Take a load off,Jeeves. We' re all tired. I bet you haven't even eaten. Sit down."

Alfred looked at Bruce,and protested,"Master Bruce,I cannot permit this. My function is to serve you and there is no sense of self in..."

Selina put the tray on the table in the middle of the room and pulled up a chair for him."Tonight is an exception. It was never Master Bruce's intention to entertain Catwoman. And tonight the butler can sit and eat with us. Come on. Sit down."

Alfred looked at Bruce in dismay. Bruce gave him a helpless shrug.

Tim sat on a chair,beaming, he hated the formality of the dining room and this novel idea had his approval."Yeah, let's eat!"

Soon all were sitting down and eating .Fifteen minutes later Alfred gave her a stern look as he rose to get the main course."No,I' ll do it."

She smiled."By all means,Al."

Alfred gave a rueful shake of the head. Al?Master Bruce must really be in over his head this time. She was as enchanting as she was attractive. Who would think that the leather clad feline could look like an angel in the green dress Barbara had purchased?Bruce couldn't take his eyes off her!

The main course was followed by dessert and coffee. Tim had milk. Alfred who had gotten over his initial surprise at Selina's open and frank manner found himself relaxing and telling stories of Bruce's youth. It was a pleasant hour and a half spent by all. Selina made Tim even happier by getting them to play Pictionary.

It was hilarious to find out that Batman couldn't really draw,making Alfred's guesses woefully poor. Bruce gestured impatiently, as they lost a fifth time in a row."For Christ's sakes,Alfred! It's "ants in your pants"!"

Alfred observed gloomily,"That looked like polka dot trousers to me, Master Bruce."

"Polka dot?Can't you see they have feet?"

"I thought you were giving them a frayed look,sir"

Bruce held his head in disbelief.

Selina laughed at Bruce."Sore loser. Face it,this is one thing you're not tops at. Ha!"

The team of Selina and Tim won easily. Tim jumped and high-fived her."We rule!"

She agreed."Yeah. They sucked though."

Tim grinned. It was ages since he had such fun.

It was eleven, when Alfred chased them out of the kitchen. Tim was sent up to bed whilst Selina sat with the master of the house in the living room.

"You know,I don't get you. Tonight you come across a far cry from the woman in the cat suit."

She smiled."I could say the same about you. Around the kid and old man you are nothing like the Batman."

Bruce shrugged."Alfred is the only family I have. He's like a father to me. And Tim...he' s an orphan...I know what it's like to lose all one holds dear."

"It's commendable, I guess. My life is probably the opposite of yours. I had my parents but they split and my step-father was an abusive alcoholic...He was not...kind..."

Bruce frowned."Tragedy that isn't sublimated is destructive. It's a fine line I walk between justice and revenge. I could easily give in to rage but where would that get me?"

"It's fine if you inherit a billion-dollar empire. People I know haven't always been trustworthy, Bruce. I sometimes think animals are far more loyal and agreeable... "

"Sure,but look who you jaunt with at times... a kid could tell you not to trust Penguin or Ivy."

"Not only them. Others. I learned to take care of myself and not reply on anyone. What I have, I work very hard for..."

"You steal,"he reminded her.

"I steal from those who steal. Big difference."

"It's no better. You're not a modern day Robin Hood...you don't rob the rich to give to the poor..."

She said whimsically, "Well,I'm poor... "

"Selina," he warned.

She sighed."Look, Bruce,it' s not like I don't understand why you say what you say. It's your job. You're a hero. Apart from being a respected businessman. Me,I'm just a thief in the eyes of many...even you...Why would you even care for me to change my life,huh?"

"Because I know you have some good in you."

"Oh that's so cliched. You see the world in black and white,you may not be as sunny as he is but you think like the Boyscout."

Bruce looked to protest. She laughed."There' s nothing wrong with it...but it makes those of us that are not like the crew in the satellite to fall short of expectation. There are some choices I've made I know I shouldn't have but I had few options..."

"People can change."

"Why would I want to change?I never expect it of you."She put down her glass and stood up."Bruce,I am who I am. I can't promise what I'll do tomorrow. But today I helped you do some humanitarian work and I don't regret it. Maybe I should retire."

He put his drink down and rose."Selina! ...If I offended you,I apologize... "

She smiled gently and walked up to him. Her eyes gleamed up at him."Thank you."

He gave a wry smile."I'm not good at this,but I want us to...Hell, we've done this dance for so long,I'm not sure what I'm trying to say..."

She quirked her brow."Oh come on. Don't expect me to buy that. You can charm the birds from the trees."

"But not the cat on the roof."

"Are you flirting with me again?"

"Is it working?"

She reached her fingers to his face."You know, you never really had to try with me,Handsome. "

"You didn't think so last time. My jaw ached for days."

Selina whispered,"I won't take a swipe now."

Bruce bent his head and kissed her mouth. Selina wrapped her arms about his neck and felt him pull her into an embrace. Alfred, who was coming in to see if they needed anything halted abruptly at the doorway. A tiny smile curved his lips. He quietly retreated,closing the ajar door softly.

Superman had gotten the all clear to leave to resume his duties. He also had to return to Metropolis to his reporting job. Perry would only so long accept the excuse of his mother being unwell. He was relieved to find out that Lois had gone to Washington,and wasn't going to be back for several days. He spent his time working late and trying not to think about a certain someone in Boston.

It didn't take long for Jimmy to work out something was up. He had seen Lois before she left,and her nonchalance regarding Superman spoke volumes,in addition to the fact that she didn't even ask to speak to Clark when she called from Washington to give Perry an update. Jimmy also was vaguely aware of something being off between them these last few months.

He came to sit before Clark."So,what do you have planned for the weekend?Going to fly to Washington?"

"Why would I fly to Washington?"

"I thought you'd be going to see Lois."

Clark was proof reading a story."Nope. "

"C.K?"

"Mmm?"

"You and Lois okay?"

Clark looked up."What exactly are you asking?"

Jimmy shrugged."It' s just I know something is up. Did you have a row?"

"No. We didn't have a row."

"Then...? "

Clark sighed."Look, Jim,I'm not in the mood to talk. Let's just say,things are not as they were."

He gasped."You broke up!Oh man!What a bummer!I'm sorry."

"Just keep it to yourself,okay? When she gets back there'll be enough gossip then."

Jimmy got up."Mum's the word. So,you' re a singleton once more,eh?"

Clark looked up."I guess I am."

"How about grabbing a couple of beers after work?A few of us tend to go to that bar two blocks away."

He shook his head."Sorry, Jim,I'm just not in the mood. Okay?"

Jimmy nodded."I understand. C. K?"

"Yes Jimmy?"He wore a look of resigned patience at the constant questioning.

"This doesn't have anything to do with a certain ex ambassadress? "

Clark frowned."Why would you say that?"

Jimmy said ruefully,"I kinda guessed...after I recalled all those years ago and put together some things Lois mentioned"

Clark sighed."Is it so obvious?"

"No...just makes sense,that's all. I wish you all the luck..."

Clark looked sombre."Thanks, but it's not as you would think."

He blinked."Oh. Well,if you ever need to talk..."

"I know,Jim."

He turned to walk away,then turned back."Say,you couldn't get her to pose for a ..."

Clark waved good natured."Buzz off."

He grinned."Sorry. Just trying my luck."

Wonder Woman was sitting in the galley,having a cup of coffee with Flash and Zatanna. The speedster was all excited about the recent scan of his twins and was bandying names that he liked. It appeared he and Linda didn't see eye to eye on their preferences.

Zatanna laughed."Can you blame her?Augustus? Napoleon? You've got a monarch complex!"

Diana shrugged."Elizabeth isn't bad though."

Zatanna remarked,"It' s the only normal sounding name."

Flash rejoined,"Okay, Smartie,what do you like?"

Zatanna sighed."Me?I' ve always been partial to John for a boy and maybe Kate for a girl."She looked at Diana."What about you Diana?What name would you put for your baby girl or boy...if you had one or two that is?"

Diana stiffened and said brusquely,"I' m not partial to anything really. You guys need a refill?"She got up and went to the coffee pot.

Flash hissed at the sorceress."Not a good idea asking her that."

Zatanna looked bemused."Why? "

"Trust me."

Zatanna whispered swiftly,"What' s happening with her and Superman?"

Flash shrugged."From the looks of it...nothing much."

"But he's single now...and I know she's not that serious about that architect...why don't they just get on with it?"

"I don't know. I've been trying for years. I give up...Sshh, here she comes...What' s that you say?Constantine? "

Diana sat down."That's an Emperor too."

Zatanna gave Flash a clout."Yes. It. Is."

"Ow. Come,Zee, it's a joke...Lighten up..."

The door to the galley opened and in walked Ray Palmer. He looked at Zatanna."There you are. You coming down to help us in the Infirmary?"

Zatanna rose and suddenly stopped. She turned to Diana."You busy?"

Wonder Woman replied."No...not right now."

She asked,"Would you mind taking up clinic duty with Ray?I forgot that I have a meeting with Dr Fate."

Diana shrugged."Sure. You okay with that Ray?"

Dr Palmer smiled."It'll be a pleasure to have you,Princess. "

Once they had gone,Flash looked at Zatanna."What are you up to?"

She looked innocently at him."Me?Nothing whatsoever."

Ray left Diana to help J'onn in the main sickbay. Ollie was still laid up with his broken arms;Shining Knight had recently regained consciousness since use of the purple ray on him; and there were several others who had to have burns and wounds cleaned and dressed. Whilst Diana did this with J'onn,Ray was seeing those who had just come back in for check ups. He was seeing them on the opposite end of the floor in smaller examination rooms. As he came out to get some specific medical supplies from the store room,he got a call from Zatanna.

"Yes,Zee,what' s up?What?Really? Okay...I'll try."

He came off the line with the slightest twitch of his lips and went to Diana in the sickbay.

"Wonder Woman,will you take some bloods from room 3 for me? Fire needs me in 1..."

Diana,who had finished treating Shining Knight,nodded and took the tray he was passing across the bed to her."Take bloods?That' s all?"

"Oh,yes .I've done the other stuff...ECG, MRI,blood pressure,blood glucose,..."

"Sure."Phlebotomy was something most Leaguers could perform. She walked slowly to room 3,her eyes on her tray. She frowned as she saw the syringe and needle in its pack. It was not a normal size nor made of steel. She frowned as considered it suspiciously, "Who?"

She pushed opened the door and saw,sitting on edge of the exam table,shirtless, with the lines from the ECG machine still stuck onto his chest ,was Superman.

"Clark!"

He glanced up in some surprise."Diana! "

She flushed."What are you doing here?I thought you were off duty..."

"I am. But Ray and J'onn insisted I come back for baseline tests to ensure I've not got any damage from the kryptonite. What are you doing here?"

She said wryly,"I guess I'm here to take your blood. Ray is busy..."

"Right. I wondered where he got to..."

She put the tray down on the table next to him and gestured lamely at the lines attached to his chest."Maybe we should take those off?"

Clark began to pull the lines from the electrodes. Diana did not watch him as he peeled the sticky bits off. It was unsettling to be in the small room alone with him,facing his broad chest and not be tempted to stare. She focused on preparing her needle and syringe and getting the right blood vials. He gave her an amused look as she took the tourniquet,clipped it about his bulging bicep said in her best school marm voice."Make a fist."

She gently prod his arm to find a vein and slid the needle in."Let me know if I'm hurting you, okay?" She undid the tourniquet as red liquid gushed into the vial.

He smiled."I should warn you. These needles don't always hold up."

She expertly filled three blood bottles."This time they are."

She straightened up and put a plaster on the site,he mused."Very gentle,very efficient."

She smiled and put the vials in the tray and turned to place them in a mini transporter that would beam it to the lab two decks down. She let out a murmur of surprise as she saw the back of him. He still had some bruising and the wound between his shoulder blades had not yet closed."It didn't heal!"

Clark looked up at her."No. Not yet. I guess that's why they're being so cautious."

She asked worriedly,"Does it hurt?"

"A little."

"Why did they discharge you?You shouldn't be allowed to..."

He smiled."Not you too. I had enough from Ma. Lying around isn't my idea of fun."

She began crossly,"But, Kal,if you are attacked,you are not up to full power and..."

He cut her off."Diana,let the chips fall as they may."

She sighed."You are a very stubborn man."

"Now that's pot calling kettle black."

"You are. When was the last time you listened to me or anyone for that matter?"

He stood up,rising to meet her gaze and eventually looked down upon her."I could ask you the same thing. Come on,Diana,this is one thing I can't avoid. We face the risk of death everyday. And you know what gets me through it?The knowledge that you're a great warrior and even better, a compassionate and intelligent woman."

She nodded self consciously, as she tried to focus on his face and not his physique. She was a tall woman,but this man dwarfed her with his width of shoulders and muscular chest.

"Thank you,Kal."

He mused,"How are things in Boston?"

"Better. We didn't suffer as many casualties,and the rebuilding has begun. I suppose Metropolis is on its way to recovery as well?"

"Well,Gog did a number on parts of downtown before Ares and Darkseid hit. There's still a lot to do. How is Themyscira?"

"I was there for the funeral of my sisters. It was a very sad spectacle. I wished I could have remained but time was very short...I... Hera...will you please put on your shirt?"

"Excuse me?"

Goaded, she gestured to his torso."You don't need to stand around like that now. We're done with all the tests."

Clark found his lips twitching."Certainly...I didn't know it was such an ordeal for you to witness me shirtless... "

She gritted."It' s very hard to concentrate with your chest in my face."

He said amused,"I could say the same thing. With better reason and being a long term sufferer."

Diana blushed scarlet."Kal- el!"

He laughed."Coming from the princess of a race of women who pray naked,you can be such a prude."

Diana picked up his blue shirt and pushed it into his chest."Stop teasing me and put it on."

He took it and as their fingers brushed each others,they stared longingly at each other. Clark took the shirt gently from her hands,and said ruefully,"I get the distinct impression that we've walked into an ambush."

"You think so?"

"Oh,Wally and J'onn has been trying for years,"he rejoined.

"It seems Zee and Ray have joined the effort. It's very sweet but misguided."

"Don't think this'll be the end of it."He strategically moved back and pulled his shirt over his head

She sighed."Would it make it easier if we were rostered on opposite shifts?"

He moved to retrieve his cape."What?You mean not work together?"He asked gravely,"Do you want that?"

She gestured impatiently. "It's the only sensible thing to do...It's just so very hard being near you and...and... maybe you are okay with that... but I can't get you or what I found out out of my head and it's the most annoying thing, not being able to control ones thoughts... ..I have never had to fight so hard to remember my training...Phillipus would be ashamed of me...I have my missi..."

Clark dropped his cape,went to her and cupped her face and kissed her into silence. Diana' s hands grasped at his shirt; this time his kiss wasn't like the one on Smallville all those years ago. It was all consuming and her senses seemed to spin. She gasped as he lifted his lips from her own."Clark.. ..what?"

He let her ago abruptly,his voice was low but controlled." Now you may roster us on opposite shifts."

Superman picked up his cape and walked out. Wonder Woman held her cheek."Aphrodite, help us."

Batman and Superman were on patrol several days later. They were in Gotham. Bruce had requested back up to deal with several escapees from Arkham.T hey had apprehended Scarecrow,Bane and Ivy. Joker and Penguin were still on the loose. They were atop a high rooftop that overlooked the harbour. Clark was unusually silent and his expression distant.

Batman knew,like all the rest of the League,that he and Diana were having a tough time settling things between them. It was bewildering to most people since it appeared that both were free to pursue a relationship. But Bruce knew about the child and Clark's fears. It was how he felt...or use to feel. Since letting Selina into his life,he had come to appreciate having someone who saw him with and without the mask and was not fazed by it. If anything she was the one who challenged his way of thinking and mode of life. There was such a vitality and enthusiasm and sensuality to her...it was charming him in spite of himself. Tim found her barrels of fun and Alfred,well, having gotten over his initial suspicion,seemed to think her the only one capable of getting Master Bruce to "lighten up".The thought of losing Selina played on his mind,but he was already too involved to turn back.

He asked,"How's Diana?"

Superman blinked."Pardon me?"

"You heard me."

"You were on shift yesterday...didn't you see her?"he retorted.

"Yes,but she didn't see me. She's very preoccupied these days, isn't she?"

Superman folded his arms."Where' s this going,Bruce? "

Batman was using his binoculars,scanning the horizon."Why haven't you two resolved things yet?"

The Man of Steel's brows quirked."You do fancy the blunt style these days, don't you?A bit of Selina rubbing off on you?"

"Don't avoid the question."

"No,but I don't have to answer the question."

Batman roundly took him to task."Look,Clark, it's clear to all of us that you and Diana have been in love with each other for years. Your and Lois parting ways leaves me in no doubt. Why aren't you doing something about it?"

Superman winced and said guiltily,"Gog. ..."

"That's the coward's way. The martyr's way. Being so crippled by fear that you deny yourself happiness."

"Since when is the Batman advocating romance?You didn't even want to get involved with Diana yourself when you had the chance!You disapprove of co-workers dating!"

"I didn't do it because I was afraid. I did it because I knew it would never have worked. Six months ago I'd be agreeing with you but since Selina,well, I'll admit maybe I was shortsighted. "

Clark cocked his head at him."You in love with her?"

He gave a hesitant smile."It's early days for us and we're dealing with some issues. She's very stubborn and just because she can wrap Alfred and Tim about her little finger,she feels she can do it with me...She also has this knack of making fun of me all the time...It' s really quite...promising ."

Clark shook his head in disbelief."Who would have thought it!You,Batman, would be hen pecked and loving it."

Batman gave him a dark look."Very funny. And I'm not hen pecked."

Superman chuckled."Not yet. You're just joining the long list of growing husbands and boyfriends. You know, nearly all of you are tied down...I swear Ollie would have been the last to go..."

Batman smiled."The farm boy of all people remains the stubborn one."

Superman sighed."Since you've been so forthright with me...Hippolyta found out about the child and made me promise not to let it come to that..."

"Oh, Clark,you didn't!"

He asked irately,"If you were in my position?What would you have done?"

Batman admitted soberly,"I guess that was part of the reason why I steered clear. You can't take on Diana without taking on a whole island of Amazons. It's a tight corner you've gotten yourself into. Does Diana know?"

"No,and let it stay like that. I won't encourage her to do anything that doesn't get her mother's blessing."

Batman queried,"How are you coping with it?"

Superman grimaced."It' s damned torture."

"Mmm,that's why you're on opposite shifts."He held his arm."Look,Clark, for what it's worth you're doing the right thing. I don't think I could have ever done it. It's what defines you from all of us."

Superman commented ironically," A true Boyscout,eh? "He remembered Batman calling him that years ago.

Batman replied sincerely,"Yes, and it's the Boyscout that has captured the heart of the Princess of the Amazons. Don' t ever underestimate that."