Title: Batman: Again and Again
AN: This takes place after War Games, so everyone has left Batman and he is alone once again. I don't want to give away one major plot point, so I cannot say what inspired this fanfic. However, I will give credit where credit is due, once the main concept has been revealed.
Disclaimer: the cat, the bat, and everyone else are property of DC Comics and are used without permission.
"Ow."
"Please don't move, Miss Kyle. I would hate to have to start over."
"Sorry." Selina said in a low voice. She was sitting in a cot in the medical bay of the the cave. She wasn't wearing her Catwoman costume, only a spaghetti strapped white shirt and some shorts Alfred gave her. She had been cut pretty badly on her right shoulder and thigh.
"I offered you pain medication before I began and you declined it, Miss Kyle. It is true Master Bruce doesn't accept any pain medication either, but different people have different thresholds for pain."
Selina looked over at Bruce, still in Batman mode, but without the cowl. He was typing something quickly into the computer. He had also gotten some stitches, but he never made a sound while Alfred worked on him. She could only see the back of his head, but she could swear he was smiling.
"Well, Alfred, that's because he's dead inside. There's no blood running through—ow!"
"I apologize, Miss."
Selina was certain Bruce was smiling now.
Robin and Batgirl arrived through a side entrance Selina was unaware of. Both stopped in their tracks as they saw Alfred working on Selina. Robin had seen her in the cave before, but it had been a while ago and it was still very unnerving. He knew Catwoman had tried to help Spoiler during the madness of a few months ago. He had wanted to thanked her and told himself he would the next time he saw her, but now, he couldn't move, let alone talk.
Robin had told Batgirl about Catwoman's attempt to help Stephanie. Batgirl decided to show her appreciation. She walked over to the vault and took off her costume. Cass changed into a t-shirt and shorts and went to stand next to Bruce.
Robin glanced over to Alfred and Selina and offered a small, lopsided smile. He walked into the vault and changed as well.
"There we are," Alfred finished dressing her wounds. "Now you'll needed a tetanus shot, Miss." Before Selina could argue, Alfred continued, "Master Bruce already got his."
"Thank you, Alfred." Selina couldn't help but smile. She remained seated on the bed. She wanted to go over to Bruce, but she didn't want to interrupt the conversation he was having with the two kids. Tim stood with his back to her, but Cass faced her, occasionally looking at Selina.
Selina decided to head over. Cass gave her a slight nod. Selina was surprised, women usually didn't like her, but she smiled in return.
Alfred approached them, "Should I prepare a late dinner, sir?"
Cass and Tim looked at each other then at Bruce.
"No."
"I think you should eat something," Selina interjected.
Bruce turned and gave her the look everyone feared. Tim took a step back. Cass stood in place, but looked at the computer. Batman had only given her that look once, but Cass never wanted to be on the receiving end of it again.
"You haven't eaten anything all day. You should—"
"I'm not hungry." Bruce growled. He couldn't understand why Selina insisted on ignoring the look when everyone else understood it to be the end of discussion.
"You should eat something."
Alfred, seeing an opening, tried again, "Shall I prepare—"
"Fine." came Bruce's reply. He turned to look at Tim and Cassandra, "Since you two are so hungry, go with Alfred. You can finish this tomorrow morning."
They looked at each other and walked away without a word. When all three left, Selina turned to Bruce.
"You should go and eat, too." she tried again.
Bruce opened his mouth to argue, but shook his head instead.
"Well, you always know how to show a girl a good time, but I think I'll call it a night." She walked to where Alfred had placed her suit and started to get dressed.
"You don't have to leave," Bruce said still typing, "Alfred can get a guest room ready for you."
"Don't feel like sleeping alone," she grinned.
Bruce stopped typing and turned to look at her. She was smiling seductively, then she bit her lip. He was about to speak, but she beat him to it, "I have to get home to my cats."
After a while, she added, "I'll borrow one of your bikes."
Bruce didn't respond. Instead, he finished typing and turned the computer off. He went into the vault and came out wearing some casual clothes. He walked past Selina and headed to the stairs. At the base of the stairway, he called out, "You coming?"
Bruce waited until she was standing next to him, then they continued up the stairs together. Selina reached out to hold his hand. Instinctively, he pulled away, but then let her hand settle in his. It was soft and warm and suddenly he had the urge to touch her, all of her. But he would wait. He could wait until they were in his room.
Selina looked down as Bruce opened the way to the manor. She didn't want to make him more uncomfortable than he already was.
As they walked through the grandfather clock opening and the study, he held her hand tightly. They went into the hallway and up the stairs.
Selina had never been in his room before. The one night they had spent together they were in her apartment. She forced herself to wonder what it looked like, not really caring, but trying to keep her mind occupied with anything besides him. His hand was so strong. She couldn't wait to feel his arms around her. His lips on her neck, working their way down. She shuddered lightly. She wondered what he was thinking, how could he always remain so calm?
Bruce had never liked metahumans, but right now he wished he could fly or run lighting fast so he could get Selina into his room. Into his bed. The whole day she had been tempting him, teasing him with her presence. In the morning, he had desperately wanted to take her up to his penthouse, but as always, he never did what he wanted to. At the ball, he had wanted to make love to her on the dance floor, but he couldn't. On the roof, he had watched as she arrived. He admired her figure as she lay down and he wanted to unzip her suit and...
"Fuck." he muttered under his breath. As a rule, Bruce disliked cursing, discouraged it in his proteges, and didn't do it himself, but sometimes, like at the moment, he was amazed at just how bad, his bad luck was.
"What is it?"
"Tim and Cassandra are in there," he motioned towards the open door.
"So?"
"They cannot see us."
Selina tried not to roll her eyes, "Fine. You go first and I'll follow you in a few minutes."
"You don't know how to get there."
This is the World's Greatest Detective?
"Well, you'll tell me and then I'll know," she smiled.
"Go up the stairs and make a left. Down the hall and it's the second door on your right."
Selina nodded, but didn't let go of his hand when he tried to leave.
"Up the stairs--" he began again, but she kissed him. She didn't want him to change his mind as he walked alone to his room, so she gave him something to think about until they were in there together. She broke the kiss, but he held on to her. It was Bruce who kissed her the second time.
Selina had kissed him many times before, but this time his lips were hungrier than usual. His large hands held her tighter than usual. He pushed her against the wall and pressed his body against hers. She could feel his arousal.
When they heard the creaking of the door, they ended their kiss, but otherwise remained in the same position. They turned their heads to see Tim, pale, with his mouth open and his eye wide and frightened. Selina noticed Tim's face changing colors until it ended up bright red. She looked at Bruce, whose ears were crimson and eyes cast on the wall behind her.
Selina took Bruce's left hand with her own left, conscience to stay in front of Bruce, blocking any view of his excitement, thus preventing both men further embarrassment.
Everything happened in less than a minute, but time seemed to stop for Bruce and Tim. Selina figured Robin had been through enough, so she decided not to tease him, although she wanted to badly. All she said was, "Good night, little bird," and led Bruce up to his room.
ooo
"Good Morning, Master Bruce," Alfred began as he walked over to the window and pulled open the curtains.
Bruce grumbled. He reached out looking for Selina. When he didn't feel her, he sat up quickly.
"Is Selina already up, Alfred?"
"Pardon me, sir. I was unaware Miss Kyle had spent the night in the manor."
Bruce wondered if Selina had left after he had fallen asleep. "It was late. We were tired. Would you rather I sent her home?"
"Of course not, sir." I wanted to further question Master Bruce, but I decided against it. He had woken up a bit agitated, perhaps because the lady departed without his knowledge. "Your meeting with Mr. Fox and the board members will begin at 11am, sir."
"What?" Bruce looked at Alfred with a menacing look. "Another meeting? What time?"
"11 am, sir. I was unaware there was a meeting yesterday. Perhaps it was rescheduled without my knowledge?"
"Alfred...are you alright?" Bruce walked over to the older man and looked at him carefully.
"Yes, sir. I am feeling quite well."
"You told me there was a meeting with Lucius and the board members yesterday. You laid out my navy suit--" Bruce looked at the suit Alfred was preparing for him, "--that suit and you drove me to the meeting."
Alfred's face became a mixture of wonder and concern, but he kept his voice neutral, "Yesterday you wore your black suit and drove yourself to work. To my knowledge, the meeting was scheduled for Friday at 11," Alfred paused looking at his young master's face, it expressed exactly what Alfred was feeling. He continued, deciding it was better to discover what was going on instead of simply wondering, "Perhaps you received a blow to the head in your nightly activities, sir."
"Alfred...do you remember last night?"
"Quite well, sir."
"What is your recollection of it?"
"Master Richard stopped by hoping to speak to you before you went out on patrol. I prepared a small meal for Miss Cassandra before she headed out. At 5 am, you returned from patrol. Fortunately with nary a scratch on you--"
"Alfred, what day do you think it is?"
"Friday, sir."
"Today's Saturday, Alfred. The events you described occurred Thursday night...did you injure yourself? Did you hit your head?"
They looked at each other in silence, both thinking the other might be suffering from a concussion.
Bruce was the first to speak, "Tim and Cassandra are here. We'll question them." Alfred followed Bruce down to the second floor.
"Master Timothy is at school, sir. It was my understanding he would not go on patrol during the school week and only come to the manor on Fridays and the weekend."
"What are you talking about Alfred?" Bruce asked as he knocked on Tim's door. When no one answered, Bruce opened the door slowly and stepped inside. The bed was made and the room did not appear to have been slept in. Alfred was beginning to worry. Bruce walked over to Cassandra's room.
Cass opened the door. It was evident she had just woken up, her hair was disheveled and she was rubbing her eyes with her right hand.
"Where's Tim?" Bruce asked, a hint of a Batman growl could be heard.
Upon hearing Batman's voice, Cass quickly woke up and replied, "School."
Bruce turned around and headed back to the cave. Alfred and Cass followed him. He turned the computer on and it stated it was Friday. He looked for the information he logged in yesterday and he couldn't find it. There was no record of him having logged anything. It didn't exist.
"Did you and Tim complete your logs this morning?"
Cass looked confused. She had entered all the information she had yesterday. Batman had always required them to log in once they returned from patrol, so that no information would be forgotten. He would never had let them go to bed to finish in the morning.
Bruce stared at the screen. He started to go over possible scenarios. He mentally listed all his enemies who used mind control: Mad Hatter, the Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, even Hugo Strange through hypnosis. Maybe subliminal...like last time. Tommy? No, he was dead...but there was no body recovered. Even Superman couldn't find it. Perhaps a metahuman. Magic? Zatanna? J'onn? No. He shook his head.
Alfred and Cass looked at Bruce wondering what he was thinking.
Why would they go after Alfred, Tim, and Cassandra...those around him? Obviously to get to him, but why? How? They must have been in the Manor. In the cave.
Then the thought he had been trying to push out of his mind surfaced. Catwoman had been in the cave...and the manor. No. Selina had been...no, he shook his head again. He had to think logically, not allow personal feelings to get involved. He needed to talk to her in person.
"Cassandra, get on the computer and verify the last six months worth of log-ins. The last month should include yours, Tim's, Dick's, and mine. Before that there should only be mine. Call if you find anything."
Cass nodded and began typing.
"Alfred, get a car ready. I need to talk to..." he paused and ran up to change.
ooo
Bruce was speeding. He wanted to...no, he needed to talk to Selina. He needed to know she was not involved in whatever was happening. He reached her apartment in time to see her get into a cab. Her shades were on top of her head, holding the short, black strands back. She looked good. She wore her purple coat again. Bruce decided to follow the cab.
To his surprise the cab stopped in front of Wayne Enterprises. Selina got out and walked into the building.
Bruce looked at his watch. It was 10:15. Maybe she wanted to see him after last night. Maybe she wanted to apologize for what she did to Alfred... You don't know that she did anything.
He wanted to go in after her, but decided to wait outside and see what she did. He could go over the surveillance tapes from inside the building later. He parked the car and waited.
After a while, Selina walked out through the revolving doors and headed westbound. Bruce followed her. He noticed there were a lot of people on the street, far more than most Saturdays. She stopped at a crosswalk waiting for the light to turn green. A gust of wind hit them and her scent filled his nostrils. God she smells great.
Bruce closed his eyes and thought about her in his bed only a few hours ago. He made love to her. He had been able to lose himself in her sweet scent.
Someone bumped into him and he opened his eyes. The light was green and Selina was already on the other side of the street. Bruce noticed just how many men stared at her. One man turned to look at her as she passed by and he ran into a light post.
Bruce smiled to himself. He wondered how many light posts were injured because of Selina. Another man stepped of the curb as he stretched his neck to look at her. A taxi cab almost hit him, but the driver swerved and hit another car.
Bruce looked at the man who was almost hit by the taxi. It was the same man who was almost hit yesterday. Apparently, that man never learned.
Selina walked into another building. Harrison Acquisitions. Was she working with Harrison? Why? Were they plotting against him together? There was no reason for it. It didn't make sense. Bruce decided to wait until she came out. He sat on a bench close to the entrance doors. From this spot he would see her the moment she walked out.
What was she planning? Was last night part of it? I ran into her all day, was that the plan? Keep me distracted. He looked up and saw her. She turned and noticed him right away.
"Bruce. What are you doing here? We were just talking about you," she smiled.
At least she's honest about it.
"Really? What about me?" he was trying to keep his voice light.
Selina noticed he was upset, but was trying to hide it. "Are you okay, Bruce?"
"What were you doing here, Selina?" he demanded.
Selina took a deep breathe. She didn't want to start on the wrong foot with him. She had been thinking about him a lot lately. She had been wanting to see him, but now that she had him in front of her, she didn't like his tone. She decided to try once more before clawing his eyes out.
"Bruce," she took his hand. It sent shivers through his whole body. "Are you okay?"
He looked into her eyes. Her beautiful green eyes. They were welcoming and even...loving. He wondered how he could doubt her. But...she was a liar. A good one. He pulled his hand away from hers. He would be direct.
"Was that your plan? Make me doubt everything? Everyone?"
"What?" Selina yelled. What was he accusing her of? "What the hell are you talking about, Bruce?"
"You tell me," he managed without growling at her.
She took another deep breathe. Maybe he wasn't well. But, he was blaming her for his condition.
"I don't know what the hell your problem is. I don't know what you think I did, but I haven't done anything to you." she paused, "And I was actually hap—" she stopped and looked at him, "Go to hell, Bruce." She turned and walked away.
Was it possible he mistook her for whoever was responsible? She was the obvious candidate, she had been in the cave and manor.
"Wait!" Bruce reached out and grabbed her arm. Maybe she didn't do anything.
People walking by looked at him.
"Let go," Selina pulled away and got out of his grip.
"Selina, wait."
She continued walking away. I'm so stupid, wanting to see him. What the hell's wrong with me? He's never going to change. He's never going to trust me. Something's wrong and he automatically thinks it's me.
"Selina, wait," he said softly, walking behind her.
She was too angry to stop, she needed to keep moving.
"Selina, please!"
She stopped and looked at him. Don't make me regret this, Bruce.
"What do you want?"
She's angry. Because of you. Be nice. Say something nice.
"Can we start over?"
I don't know. Maybe.
"No."
I'm so sorry I offended you.
"What I said earlier...it came out wrong."
He's so cute when he's trying to be nice. His dark eyebrows in a knot, his blue eyes glowing.
"And?"
I usually hate the sun, but look how her eyes shine, her skin glows. She looks gorgeous.
"I've had a strange morning."
She felt hot all of a sudden, so she took off her coat. He looked at her outfit, it looked like the same one.
"Didn't you wear that yesterday?"
"No," she smiled, caught off guard by his question, "Why would I wear the same thing two days in a row? Besides, when did you see me yesterday?"
Bruce was stunned. How could she not remember yesterday? They had finally seen each other after such a long time. They spent the night together. She had slept in his room, on his bed, kept him warm all night.
His mind started to race. Had they gotten to her, too. She was an innocent bystander just like Alfred and the others and he was ready to blame her for everything. How could he doubt her? After everything they'd been through, how could he not trust her? He had shared his greatest secret with her and she had revealed it to no one...that he knew of. No. She had not betrayed him...yet. Dammit! What's wrong with me? Alright, stop. Just stop thinking. Maybe that's what she's counting on. I was afraid to take a chance before, can I do so now?
"Bruce?" she looked at him trying to figure out what was going on.
"I'm going to ask you some questions that may seem...odd. Answer them."
"Why?"
"I...Please answer."
Selina nodded once.
"What day is it today?"
"Friday."
Bruce's eyes narrowed.
"What were you doing at Harrison Acquisitions?"
"I had a meeting."
"At 11, with Jeffrey?"
"Were you spying on me?" her voice rose a little.
"Please answer."
She narrowed her eyes,"Yes."
"Did he ask you to go to the Black & White Ball?"
"Bruce, what—"
"Selina, please."
"Yes, he asked me to go with him."
"Why did you accept?" Bruce asked, knowing it probably had nothing to do with what he was trying to figure out, but he wanted to know.
Selina was quiet. She was tired of lying to him, but she didn't want to tell him her reason for accepting Jeffrey's invitation to the Ball. However, the look on his face led her to believe there was a serious and important purpose for his question. And an end he hoped her answers would lead him to.
He looked at her, awaiting her reply.
She spoke in a low voice, "To see you."
"Really?" he asked. She raised an eyebrow. There was a smile on his face.
She rolled her eyes, "Next question."
Bruce was still smiling. And it wasn't his fake playboy smile- she hated that one- it was a genuine Bruce smile. One she rarely saw, and when she did she thoroughly enjoyed, but right now it was making her slightly uncomfortable. She felt naked and exposed. She had revealed too much. They flirted, chased each other, fought, kissed, but they never actually said all that mushy stuff most people do.
"I'm leaving," she said.
"No, wait. I'm almost done." He tried to be serious, but his lip twitched and he kept fighting the smile that was trying to break out.
"Fine, but let's sit down." They walked over to a bench and sat next to each other.
Bruce was sitting too close and Selina felt hot all over. She was nervous. She was supposed to make him nervous. She did. Usually. She had gotten good at it. She could get him to do whatever she wanted, most of the time, more than anyone else, anyway.
You're acting like a schoolgirl with a crush? What the hell is wrong with you?
Bruce touched her exposed shoulder and Selina jumped.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'm...it's just..." she grinned, "I'm fine."
Selina raised her eyes and looked at his face. His handsome face. She looked into his eyes, those blue eyes that could be like ice, but not right now. Right now, they were warm and inviting.
He looked into those sparkling green pools she called eyes. He had never seen her like this. A bit unsure...embarrassed...nervous. He had made her feel that way. It felt...good. He understood instantly why on those rooftops she teased him the way she did. Played with him. And for once, the roles were reversed. She looked so...cute. He knew her to be sexy, alluring, dangerous, and seductive, but never cute. And now she was looking at him with those beautiful eyes. And that perfect face.
Bruce reached out and caressed her cheek. She snuggled into his hand, never breaking eye contact with him. He leaned in to kiss her and pulled her in closer.
Their lips met and they seemed to melt into each other. Selina stood up and sat sideways on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck, enjoying the sun on her face and his tongue in her mouth. Bruce placed one arm around her waist, the other stroked her thigh.
They had forgotten where they were. Nothing mattered except the two of them. Their kiss was soft and tender, their embrace full of longing.
Bruce became aware of various flashes of light . He opened his eyes and saw a crowd of men taking their picture. Damn Paparazzi! He grabbed Selina's hand and her coat. He headed to the street to flag down a cab. He still had his arm around her, trying to shield her from the cameras.
He didn't care if he was photographed with women. Most of the time, he let them do it. It helped his cover and kept people thinking of him as simply a playboy. But this time they had intruded on a private moment. He chided himself for having been so careless. He didn't want Selina thought of as another conquest.
They continued taking their picture. Most of them were ignoring Bruce now and were trying to get a good, clear shot of Selina. One man pulled her arm, trying to get her to turn.
Enough!
Bruce kicked two paparazzi with one swift motion. He punched another one in the stomach. He grabbed the man who pulled Selina's arm, tore the camera away and tossed it into the street. Bruce lifted the man by the collar with one arm and growled, "Don't ever touch her again!" He was about to punch him with his other arm, but Selina grabbed it.
"Bruce, stop! They're not worth it."
Bruce flung the man down hard to the ground. He looked around and noticed that aside from the paparazzi snapping away, there was a news team recording everything. Dammit!
Selina pulled Bruce into a cab and they drove away.
ooo
"That was stupid, Bruce," Selina said as she got out of the taxi cab. They had been quiet the entire ride to the manor.
"What did you expect me to do?" Bruce growled as he opened the front door and waited for Selina to walk in.
"Nothing."
"That guy pulled you."
"Bruce, he didn't hurt me. If he would have tried, I could have handled it. I can take care of myself, you know. Besides, he just wanted a picture."
"So, that makes it okay?" Bruce asked irritated.
"No, but...now they have worse pictures than just of us kissing. They may even have video of you beating the shit out of them. How are you going to explain your sudden ability to take down four guys without breaking a sweat?"
"I didn't want them to take pictures of you, Selina. Not you. Not like that." She followed him to the small den. Bruce sat down on the couch. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. This is why it can't happen. She makes me become another person...one that cares...one that forgets. I cannot allow myself care. I cannot allow myself forget.
Selina walked over and sat next to him, "Why not?" she asked smiling.
Bruce looked at her. Had he expressed his thoughts out loud?
"Why can't there be pictures of me?" she asked innocently, something glinting in her eyes.
Oh. She's asking about pictures. Not his inability to allow himself to be happy.
He didn't answer.
"C'mon, you made me answer all your questions. I'm sure they have other pictures of us...old pictures, but still. What's so wrong with them having pictures of us kissing? They have pictures of you and so many other women. Same thing."
He looked at her, "It's not the same thing. Those other women are...used...to enforce the playboy persona. That's how I want people to see Bruce Wayne, a spoiled rich boy. I wasn't using you. I was..." he paused, unable to continue and looked away.
"You were what?" she teased. Now they were back on track. "Defending my honor?"
Bruce looked at her. It was a cold glare, but Selina didn't seem to notice, "I think it's a little sweet, actually. A bit archaic and insulting, but sweet." She leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Alfred appeared at the entrance and cleared his throat, "Pardon me, Master Bruce, but you have a call from Master Richard."
Bruce walked over to the corner table and picked up the phone, "What is it Dick?"
:.Well, hello to you, too.
Bruce cvlenched his jaw.
:.Bruce?
"Yes?"
:.Look, I just wanted to apologize--
"For what?"
:.For any bad thing I ever said about Selina or Catwoman. I only remember hitting her once. It was a long time ago when I was still Robin, but she was going to get away with the Wellington Jewels and it wasn't that hard.
"Dick. What are you talking about?"
:.Well, you went off on those paparazzi for trying to take Selina's picture...
Bruce could tell Dick was trying very hard not to laugh, which only irritated him more.
"How did you know about that?"
:.It's on every channel. Look, I just wanted to apologize before you pounded on me like you pounded on those poor gu—
Bruce hung up just before Dick broke out laughing. He looked at Selina who was wondering about the conversation.
"Is everything okay?" she asked.
"It's on television."
"What is? Oh, no." She looked at Bruce, then started to smile. "I want to see."
"What?"
"C'mon. Don't you want to see yourself in action?"
"No."
Selina walked over to the television and turned it on.
: —cy Perez is live at the scene where Billionaire Bruce Wayne went berserk and assaulted four camera men trying to take pictures of the Gotham playboy with a raven haired beauty. Nancy, can you tell us what happened? Who is this mysterious woman?
"My word," escaped Alfred as he looked towards the television, "Are you alright, sir?"
"Yes, Alfred. That-- that's not what happened. They're giving a false and biased account of what actually took place."
"Shhh." Selina interrupted them, "they're going to show the footage."
Bruce saw his televised self kick two men, punch another, and slam Selina's "attacker" on the ground.
:Two men suffered broken ribs and one a broken nose because of Wayne's rampage. An investigation in underway—
Bruce turned off the television and sat down.
"You looked good." Selina joked, "Very...Batmanesque."
Bruce turned to her, he never understood her sense of humor. He massaged the bridge of his nose and hoped the day would end soon.