He watched her. Her steady breathing and her heartbeat monitored by the machines. It all indicates that everything is normal, thankfully. But she hasn't woken up yet, not for three days, eight hours, and, he glanced at his watch, twenty-three minutes. No sign of life in her other than the beeping machine that tells him that she's alive.
He would exchange everything he had just to see her wake up and smile at him. Was it all a mistake? Did being Batman lead to her danger more than protect her? The Joker got to him more than he would ever care to admit. He had sworn never to kill and he had killed the Joker. He didn't feel all that guilty; he had saved Charlie after all. But he would never again don the mask, he was not worthy of it anymore. Harvey was right, you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.
In a way, he was grateful. He had been worried if he even had the power to stop himself from being Batman. It was like a drug, an unquenchable need to be Batman. When he faced his true adversary he had seen a future, his future – a future where he is Batman fighting Joker, and an unending battle between the two of them. It was tempting. It probably could have gone on for a long time, both of them, had he not killed the Joker.
So yes, he was grateful for the Joker. The Joker showed him what he could lose, what he wasn't willing to lose: the very person for whom he donned his mask for.
He remembered her words. Those words he had longed to hear her calling him. Those were the last words that he heard her say. His heart soared to the heavens only to crash back down when he noticed the blood. He was too late, and she was hurt. Had he only looked at her the moment he landed, maybe she wouldn't be unconscious right now, and maybe she would be in her bedroom playing with her dog instead of lying in bed with a machine monitoring her. But he didn't. He couldn't. He knew that that if he had looked at her, he would have taken her and revealed his cover. His stupid cover which would be worthless if she wouldn't make it.
He was glad for Harvey. Harvey had bravely rescued Rachel and Gordon's wife and daughter, leaving Gordon free to rescue his son. Gordon and his family were recuperating, as far as he heard they were all fine. Harvey, with the new hero status he received for saving the commissioner's family, went straight to work against the criminals that Joker was working with.
And Bruce? After he discovered that Charlie got shot, he rushed her back into his bat cave. He called Alfred asking him to pick up Lucius Fox and take him to the hideout. He decided not to take Charlie to a hospital, they've been crowded and disorganized since Gotham General was untimely demolished. Lucius arrived with Alfred, asking no questions, he stabilized Charlie's condition.
Anna Ramirez, on the other hand, was sent to prison after a short trial, after all who would go against the richest man in half the country? If he had not heard Charlie telling him not to hurt her, he would have and he would have relished it.
He squeezed his daughter's hand. Had it not been on Alfred's insistent that he eat, sleep, and take showers, he would not have left her side. She looked so fragile.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
I slowly opened my eyes groggily. Where was I? It took me a while to realize I was home, in my room. Even though it hurts to move, I feel an odd sense of serenity. But damn, did it really hurt to move.
Something twitched near me. There is something warm next to me, lying right next to me. I painfully turned and saw a familiar face. He is fast asleep, his body facing me, but I could sense it's an uneasy sleep. He looked like, for lack of a better word, shit. I felt guilty for causing him to be that way. I touched his face gently. His eyes snapped open.
"Charlie?" groaned as he sat up. He pulled me in a tight hug. Even though it hurt, I still relished in it.
"Dad," I sighed.
"Thank god you're alright," He held me tighter. I moaned in pain. He let go of me. "Does it hurt? I'm sorry,"
"It's alright dad, I'm just glad to be here that's all," I said light heartedly.
He caressed my face. "If I wasn't so relieved that you're alive, I would be very angry at you,"
"Not my fault," I retorted.
He chuckled and moved his hands to my sides to tickle me but he paused when he saw my bandages. His face turned grim again, and I wanted none of it.
"What happened? How did you get there? How are Jimmy and his family? How's Rachel?" I wanted to keep his mind off it.
Bruce put up a hand to stop me from rambling, "They're all fine," he chuckled sadly. Like he was forcing himself not to break down, because I was there and he had to be strong for my sake.
He then asked me what happened. I told him everything. I told him about being so afraid, about my jealousy over Jimmy, about the Joker taunting me, about how I thought I was going to die, about being so confused, about how I wanted to kill the man so much, about Jimmy pulling me to my senses, about how I felt when I saw Ramirez shoot the man, about how afraid I was when she pointed her gun at me.
He dragged me close to him and I shut my eyes as he pulled me into a hug. We stayed like that for a while, just listening to each other breathing. It was a calm tranquility to the aftermath of the storm. We all had burdens to bear, and we had people with us to help carry our burdens. I wondered just how much the Joker had to have gone through to finally snap. I didn't want to think about him too much, I just wanted to relish my time with my father.
"I also wanted to kill the man who murdered my parents," he confessed, breaking the calmness. "I had a gun and everything, but someone beat me to it. I was angry at first because I didn't get to do it, but then Rachel slapped me back to my senses. See, all my life I was plagued with the man who killed them. Nothing else mattered other than that event. So after that night I failed to kill him, I decided to leave.
When I left, I travelled around the world, to where no one even knew me. I had nothing with me but the clothes in my back, no money, no car, not even my own name. It was hell, but in the end of it I began to understand what had pushed the man to kill my parents. Perhaps it was to feed himself, perhaps it was to feed his family, perhaps it was just selfishness, the point it I understood. That's why when I came back. I swore to make things better for everyone, to protect the city and its people. Then, when I found out about you, I wanted to make sure when you grow up, you would be safe. Charlie, there's something you must know," he swallowed nervously. "I'm Ba-,"
"No," I cut him off. I didn't need to know, I didn't even want to know. "You're Bruce Wayne, you're my dad and that's that. There's nothing more to it."
He looked at me; confusion was evident in his face before it turned to acceptance. We all have secrets, yes, and sometimes it is better if they remain a secret. Besides, I'll feel like I'd also have to confess many things I've done or will eventually do that I'd rather he not know.
"You missed about two weeks worth of homework by the way," Alfred said appearing from a corner.
I groaned loudly, over exaggerating it.
Alfred started laughing.
I followed.
Bruce then joined.
We laughed, like, we really laughed. It was a stupid thing to laugh about, it was barely even funny, but I was laughing so hard I could hardly breathe. It was a laughter mixed with relief, joy, happiness and whatever other feelings we have been keeping inside. We were a family that was enjoying each other's company after a long time. I was just nice to laugh knowing whatever burden we had is now gone. It's like it's been raining for the past months, a constant pour of rain and it's the first sunshine. Like a cold winter only to come home to warm fire and hot cocoa. It felt good to laugh once more.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
It's been five years. Five years since the Joker died, five years since everything started heading for the better, five years since Batman was last sighted. Five years.
A lot has changed since then. Firstly I'm in my senior year of high school, in a few months I'll be headed off to Princeton like my mother and father had. Jimmy had gotten a scholarship there and will be going with me; also he had managed to hold a scholarship with Gotham Academy, with the help of my father. He's the only friend that stuck through; my other friends had gone off to other states or countries.
Dad now focuses his time on rebuilding the economy of Gotham. He had rebuilt the new Gotham General Hospital, and donated a lot of money to the Gotham Police. Dent and Rachel got married, with Alfred giving Rachel away for the wedding and dad as the maid of honor (yes I know, I was laughing too). Dent is also running for mayor, dad's sponsoring him. Gordon's commissioner now, oh wait he was commissioner before Joker died… well, he's still commissioner. Detective Ramirez was sent to prison for a while but was release, I had asked dad to help her mom out, which he did. Steve Rowsen was sent to prison and is currently serving a life sentence, thank to both the efforts of my dad and Harvey. Wayne Manor was rebuilt; it has the vintage old house look, but also a modern feel.
Though, for some reason, we occasionally visit the site of where Joker died. Dad bought the building so it's not all that strange for him to go there, but he built a really small barely-noticeable-if-you-didn't-know-it-was-there memorial. It had no name, and was located in the corner of the building and the only reason I found it was because I saw Dad there. I knew that was the spot the Joker died, because I also visited it on the first anniversary of the Joker's death. I found out that dad's been visiting that place yearly since the Joker died. I didn't ask why.
But that wasn't what was in my head today because today was the day of my senior prom.
I was on a limo, making my way to go pick up Jimmy. Yes, I know it's supposed to be the guy picking up the girl but we're not going to the prom together. We were supposed to go with our respective dates but I cancelled on mine last minute. I hope Jimmy's date won't feel too awkward with me not having a date and crashing in on theirs. When I arrived I smiled at the sight of his house. The Gordon house was just as it had always been. Jim Gordon could buy a better house if he wanted to, but he was always a humble man, this house was his home, his humble abode. I knocked on the familiar door, and smiled at the neighbors who were looking curiously at me.
Jim opened the door, "Charlie, wow," he said looking at me up and down. "You look wonderful,"
I blushed, "Thanks Mr. G."
"My goodness, Charlie you look gorgeous!" screeched Mrs. Gordon when I went inside. I saw Barbara, who was now thirteen, taking pictures of me.
I smiled brightly. "Is Jimmy ready?"
"I'm here," he called, coming out from his room. I had to stare at him in shock. In school he normally wore rugged jeans and any shirt he could pick up from the floor. He was often teased for not being in the same class as the others were but that never mattered to him. But damn did he dress up good. He looked a lot better that most of the guys in school. His hair, which was usually hastily brushed, was in gelled up in a suave wind-swept manner, his tux was hugging his form perfectly. He looked hot. I mean, damn.
"You dress up good Wayne," he teased awkwardly. He was still the same Jimmy Gordon I grew up with though.
"Not too shabby yourself Gordon," I replied. Inside, I was kinda jealous that he already had a date.
"Your father came over a week ago and practically dragged me and dad to his tailor," he answered. I was surprised; my dad never mentioned any of that to me. But was I glad my dad did, because Jimmy looked really hot.
"That he did," Mr. Gordon interrupted.
I snapped out of my reverie and realized we were not alone. The family took pictures of us, many pictures. Mrs. Gordon kept saying how much time has flown and how she can't believe we've all grown up, she was practically in tears. Mr. Gordon on the other hand had a proud look.
"I remember when you were just a little girl crying because she got lost," Mr. Gordon reminisced. "And now look at you. You sure do grow up fast."
"Thank you Mr. Gordon," I told him.
He took me in his arms and wrapped in a tight hug before giving me a kiss on my forehead. "You have fun ok," he whispered.
"I will Mr. G," I replied.
Mrs. Gordon then pulled me into a bone crushing hug as I watched Mr. Gordon pull Jimmy for some man-to-man talk. "Can't believe it. Next year you'll be out of Gotham and living on your own," Mrs. Gordon wept. "Why did you have to pick Princeton? That's so far! Oh, it's all too soon, I'm not ready,"
"It's ok Mrs. G," I told her, trying not to laugh.
She bid us good-bye and gave both me and Jimmy loud kisses.
"So, uh, what were you and your dad talking about?" I asked curiously as we rode the limo.
I saw him blush. "Nothing important. Where's Derek? I thought he was your date,"
I rubbed the back of my neck guiltily. "I kinda broke it off this morning, but I don't think it'll be too much trouble for him to find a new date."
Jim raised an eyebrow. "Why?" He looked shock. I don't blame him. Half the girls in school, scratch that, all the girls in school would be shocked when they find out too. Derek was easily the most popular guy in school; he came from London, his family was good friends with the royal family, and he was also extremely handsome.
"He called me princess," I said shortly. Jimmy understood. I didn't need any elaborate explanation. "How 'bout you? Where's your date? Where are we supposed to pick her up? I hope she doesn't mind me being the third wheel."
He didn't tell me who his date was; I just heard from others that it was probably either Kayla Mais, or Tish Arkas. Both girls were scholarship students too, and both very pretty.
"I actually didn't really plan on bringing a date. I was thinking of going stag," he answered.
"I thought you were going with Kayla," I pried, but inside I was very happy.
He half smiled, "She asked me out, but I didn't really want to go with anyone. I didn't want to tell you coz I thought you might have gone looking for someone I would go with."
"Well, I supposed we can just go together," I suggested. "I mean we're both dateless and we're both in the same limo. We can just go as friends,"
He shook his head, I was disappointed. He looked at me nervously though, "As was kinda hoping we wouldn't go as friends," I glanced in confusion, and a mix of hope. "I was hoping you would go with me as my, uh,"
"I'd love to," I cut him off when I saw he was having a hard time.
"I was going to say girlfriend," he said awkwardly. "You know, just so we're on the same page,"
I swallowed my nerves and took his hands on mine. I leaned towards him and closed my eyes as I saw him leaning towards me. I've kissed other guys before, but this, this was wow. It was just a kiss, but it felt right. It was like knowing, for the first time in your life, where you belonged. It was perfect.
"I know," I whispered as I pulled away.
We were both smiling like idiots for the rest of the ride. We didn't even talk; we just sat next to each other holding hands, grinning like mad. I was ecstatic inside; all I wanted was to jump in joy. I can't believe it. I've always known that I needed Jimmy in my life. I've had an on-off crush on him for ages but I've always been worried that he might not feel the same. I'm so happy he did.
When we reached the place, both of us gasped at how beautiful it was. Gotham Academy was well known for its proms. There were photographers from magazines taking pictures of us as we walked towards the building. The flashes of the cameras were something I was used to, but I could feel Jimmy squirming as people yelled questions at us. I pulled him away, this was our night.
"It's beautiful," I told him. We were both mesmerized by the grandness of the place. Gotham Academy rented the large City Hall, which was often used for important parties. The place was decorated with silver and purple decorations. There were giant ice sculptures in the sides. It was just magnificent. Times like this, I did appreciate being in Gotham Academy, even though most of the time it was just a snobby rich filled jail house.
Jimmy and I danced the whole night. I couldn't careless that Derek was flaunting Kristine, who by the way got a not so subtle boob job, whenever I was in the vicinity. I didn't mind that Kayla was glaring daggers at me. I didn't even bat an eyelash when people heard that I ditched Derek and started badgering me for a reason. The fact that Derek and Kristine were crowned prom king and queen was the last thing on my mind. If I looked back years later on that day, the only thing I would remember is how good it felt to be in Jimmy's arms.
"Why are you fidgeting?" I asked as Jimmy ran his hand through his hair as made our way to Wayne Manor after the dance.
"It's your dad," he answered as he fixed his collar for the umpteenth time.
I frowned. "What about dad? You've been with him so many times,"
"That was before you were my girlfriend," he told me. I grinned at how he called me his girlfriend, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"You'll be fine. He doesn't keep a gun… within arm's reach," I teased.
I held his hand as we walked to the front door. It had only been a few seconds since I rang the bell when Dad answered.
"How was the prom? Did you enjoy?" he asked as he gave me a hug.
"It was alright dad," I replied. We got inside and made our way to the living room. Jimmy and I sat on almost exactly the same chair I hid behind when I first saw my dad. My father sat across us.
"There's also something you should know," I said after, taking Jimmy's hand on mine. I gazed at my dad's face. He had changed in the past five years, not a lot, but still slightly obvious. His hair had a few white in them, his face had signs of upcoming wrinkles, and he wasn't as muscular as before.
"I would like your permission to date your daughter," Jimmy said with a brave face, though I could feel his hand fidgeting underneath mine. It was a bit old fashioned of him, but I didn't care, that's what I loved about him.
Dad blinked a few times, I thought he might go over protective on me, but he didn't. "I thought you guys were already dating," he said instead with a confused frown.
It was our turn to blink, and shook our head slowly.
Dad snorted. "Well it's about time! Took both of you a while to get to that didn't it? Well Jimmy my boy, you have my permission."
I was relieved and surprised. Where we that obvious? And was he really fine with me dating Jimmy? I remember telling him that I was going out with Mark Evanson; he hired a private detective to investigate Mark and his family. Hell, when I went out on a date with another boy called Justin, the papers reported a few people saying they saw Batman in the same vicinity as where my date took place. Maybe he trusted Jimmy because we've been friends since we were kids, or maybe he could see how much we loved each other.
"Of course, if you do hurt her, not even your father can find a place secure enough to protect you. And I will warn you, if your body ever gets found I doubt they would be able to recognize it" or maybe not. Damn dad's smile was very unnerving when he said that. I saw Jimmy look scared but held his ground and nodded.
After that, I told dad every detail about the prom I could remember. Of course I skipped the part of me and Jimmy ditching the event to go hid in one of the rooms, he didn't need to know that. After all, we all keep secrets.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
My name is Charlie Wayne.
Twenty-seven years ago, I was born.
Twenty-three years ago, my father went missing
Twenty years ago, my mother was killed her husband.
Eighteen years ago, my dad came back and coincidentally Batman appeared at approximately the same time.
Seventeen years ago, a manic killer appeared. He was called the Joker. He wreck havoc in the city and kidnapped me. Batman saved me. Also, that was the last time Batman was seen, aside from my date with Justin.
Ten years ago, I became the girlfriend of the love of my life, my best friend, James Gordon Jr.
Nine years ago, I, along with my boyfriend, went off to Princeton University, where my father and mother both studied and met each other.
Six years ago, I finished my pre-med course and continued on to study medicine in University of Gotham City so I could be with my boyfriend as he continued on to become a police like his father.
Four years ago, while visiting Jimmy in the police department I noticed that the whole office was empty. Jimmy came to me and he pulled me to one of the tables. He said, "This is where I was sitting when I first saw you." Then he pulled me to another table, "This is where you were crying the first time I talked to you." He sat me down, and knelt in front of me. He took out a ring from his pocket and looked up at me as I felt tears roll down my cheeks. "Charlyne Wayne, will you do me the honor of being my wife?" he asked. I could barely nod as I jumped into his arms and showered him with kisses. His family and mine appeared from the door, along with what seemed like the entire police department. I was so happy.
Two years ago, I finished my university studies and started working as an intern in the new Gotham General Hospital.
Yesterday, I was examining the poop of one of the kids in the pediatric ward.
Two hours ago, I was looking up at the sky, smiling at my mother, whom I wished was standing with me.
An hour ago, I walked down Wayne Manor with Alfred and my father next to me.
Twelve minutes ago, "Do you Charlyne Wayne take James Gordon Jr. to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"
Five minutes ago, "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be a faithful wife and best friend to you."
Two minutes ago, "If anyone objects to this sacred unity, speak now or forever hold your peace," Jimmy and I look at each other with a grin.
A minute ago, "By the power vested in me by Gotham City State, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the Bride,"
Five seconds
Four
Three
Two
One
…
…
…
My name is Charlyne Gordon Wayne, until recently I was engaged. Now, I just married my best friend.
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A message from TemperedRose:
Hmmm, this is much longer than I expected. Well, it was supposed to be two chapters but I decided to combine it since the last chapter was exceptionally short.
Fear not, there is still one more chapter. This was going to be the last chapter but when I was writing it I just couldn't stop it there and then out came another chapter.
To 502, I was going to send you a review reply but I wanted you to read this first. So yeah, the Joker did win because he technically got rid of Batman. I wanted Joker to win because then it would just seem too perfect. I hope the weird feeling you have would pass with this chapter.
Stay tuned for the next chapter and remember to leave a review before you go!