Title: Batman: Again and Again
Summary: This takes place after War Games, so everyone left Batman and he was alone once again. Part of the Batfamily, Dick, Tim, and Cass, start to make their way back slowly and eventually things are as "normal" as can be.
AN: I don't want to give away one of the major plot points, so I cannot say what inspired this fanfic. However, I will give credit where credit is due, once the main concept has been revealed. The quote is from Batman #610.
Disclaimer: the cat, the bat, and everyone else are property of DC Comics and are used without permission.
With the chaotic morning that had just passed, Bruce had been unable to figure out what he had set out to uncover. He sat on a couch in the den. He had just watched himself take down 4 paparazzi on television. Selina was still smiling because of it.
"Selina."
"Hmm?"
"What do you remember about yesterday?"
"Are we back to that again, Bruce?" she leaned back on the coach and looked up at the ceiling. His eyes were drawn to the creamy flesh of her throat. That was one thing he liked about her short hair, he had easy access to her neck. Last night, he had licked and kissed--he closed his eyes and forced himslef to focus. He couldn't afford to become distracted again.
"We didn't finish this conversation."
"That's right..." Selina sat up. She grinned lustfully at Bruce. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat and cleared his throat. She stood up and stopped in front of him.
Bruce looked up at her, "Alfred's in the--"
"Then let's get out of here." Selina suggested.
Her eyes were smiling and she was biting her lower lip. He reached for her waist and pulled her down to his lap. He looked at her waiting to see what she would do. Selina saw the worry in his eyes. She wanted to play, but there was still something bothering him. She moved the stray hair away from his forehead and kissed him softly on the side of his lips. She slid off of his lap and sat next to him.
"Okay. What did you want to ask me?"
Bruce was surprised, but didn't show it. He thought he would have to coax her to get her to partake in another of his interrogations, but she ceded willingly.
She looked at him, awaiting another endless line of questioning.
"Do you remember going to the Black & White Ball?"
"That's tonight, Bruce?" she studied him carefully.
"What if I told you we already went?"
She was about to laugh thinking he might not want her to go with Jeffrey, but his face never wavered. He was being serious, more so than usual. "We already went?" she asked, searching his face for any hint of change.
"Yes. We went yesterday." Bruce didn't know if he should go on. If he had been listening to their conversation, being on the outside looking in, he would have trouble believing himself. He would definitely be skeptical, which is exactly why he was telling Selina. She was much more open minded than he.
She took a deep breathe.
"Alright," she began, "If we went to the Ball yesterday, why don't I remember going?"
His whole body stiffened, his jaw clenched, eyes hard. Selina couldn't even tell if he was breathing. "I...I'm not sure," he replied.
She realized how difficult it must have been for him to actually admit he didn't know.
"Bruce, can I ask you something?"
He nodded.
"But you can't get angry and you have to allow for it to be a possibility, okay?"
He narrowed his eyes, but nodded again.
"Have you hit your head recently?"
Bruce sighed. He shook his head, she didn't believe him.
"Maybe you--"
"You wore a strapless white dress. Your hair was slicked to the side. You wore the diamond earrings and necklace I gave you more than nine years ago." He looked at her. And you looked amazing.
Selina stared at him. How could he know that? I haven't even bought the dress yet. I saw it a couple of days ago and thought it would be perfect. I was going to wear the earrings he gave me only to see if he remembered the day he gave them to me.
"How could you know that?" Selina asked incredulously.
"That's what you wore to the Ball."
"Yesterday?"
"Yesterday."
"Why don't I remember?"
Before he could reply, Cass stepped into the den.
"What did you find?" Bruce asked her.
Cass shook her head.
"There was nothing amiss? Irregular?"
She shook her head again.
"All right, Cassandra," Bruce dismissed her, but she remained standing at the doorway.
"Was there something else?"
Cass nodded and then glanced quickly from Bruce to Selina.
Selina understood the girl wanted to speak to him alone, so she stood up, "Nothing like a Bat for being subtle." She looked at Bruce, "Go ahead."
"Cave," Cass said and turned around. Bruce followed her.
ooo
Cass stopped at the computer and brought up the screen with all the information she had logged in for Thursday. She pointed at the screen, then at herself.
"My log," she said, "last one."
That was the most recent log she had typed up. It was for Thursday. There were no logs for Friday. Could it be possible he imagined the whole day? A long dream? He looked at the girl.
"Thank you, Cassandra."
She nodded. Bruce ran upstairs.
Cass now realized something was wrong, Batman never said "thank you."
ooo
Selina was in the kitchen talking to Alfred.
Bruce burst into the room, "I need to talk to you," he looked at Selina.
"Alfred and I were--"
"Now." he growled.
"Do you even know how to ask?"
"Selina." His eyes were pleading.
She got off the stool and followed him. They ended up in a part of the house she had never seen before.
"Do you recognize this room?" he asked, hoping that seeing his bedroom, being there once again, would cause her memories to return.
"No. Should I?"
Bruce sat down on the bed. We were here last night. We made love on this bed. I held you in my arms afterwards, until I fell asleep. Everything seemed so real.
"I may have injured my head. I need to see if I have a concussion or any other head trauma. The equipment is in the cave, but I can't access the panel and get the x-ray at the same time."
Selina walked towards the door, "So, let's go."
ooo
Bruce studied the cat scan. Everything looked normal. He wondered if he should call him. He had helped before with something human eyes and man-made equipment could not detect.
Bruce didn't want Selina in the cave when he came.
"I need to take care of some things before I go out on patrol tonight." his voice was low.
"Should you go out tonight?" she asked already knowing his answer.
"There's nothing physically wrong with me. There's no reason why I shouldn't."
"Well," she jumped off of the side table, "Guess I'll see you later."
"I'll walk you out."
They climbed the stairs up to the manor and he couldn't help but think that the last time they did, she reached out for his hand. Of course, yesterday, if it was yesterday, they were going upstairs for a completely different reason. He recalled her soft, supple body under his. Her legs wrapped around his hips.
He reached out and held her hand. Selina stopped.
"You don't have to leave."
"It's fine. I have to get ready anyway."
"For what?"
"The Ball...you're not going?" She asked with a small smile.
He shook his head and her smile grew. He let go of her hand.
"I was kidding, Bruce. I'm going home. You need to take care of some things, figure out why you're suddenly psychic, and I don't want to..."
"You won't."
"You've said that befo--" His mouth silenced hers. Selina was caught off guard. Usually, she made the first move. She remembered the last time he reached for her. He had saved her life, once again, and she had gone to thanked him, "We've done this dance for a long time. Too long. Aren't you at all curious?" (AN) He reached out and kissed her. For a brief moment, Batman had done what he had wanted to do for a very, very long time, give in. Shortly after, he revealed his secret identity to her. She had been pretty sure Bruce and Batman were one and the same, but never expected him to be the one to confirm her suspicions. They had grown closer then than at any other time they'd know each other.
Selina didn't want to remember his accusing eyes at the cementary as he doubted their relationship...doubted her. He didn't know what had brought them together, if they had finally succumb to their feelings or if someone had manipulated them into it. And he didn't like anything he didn't understand, so he ended it.
Selina couldn't help but wonder if the same thing was happening now. He kissed her earlier...and now...maybe someone was trying to mess with his mind again.
Selina pulled away. Bruce opened his eyes, surprised, but still held on to her tightly.
"Have you gone up against Ivy, lately? Scarecrow? Have you checked your computer for those subliminals?"
Bruce almost smiled knowing Selina had been thinking the same thing he had.
"That's not what this is," he assured her, trying to believe it himself. "It's not the same thing."
"It kind of feels like it is."
"The only constant, is you."
"Is that why you thought I had something to do with it?" she asked, trying to remain calm and not leap at him in anger.
"No," he replied, feeling the guilt creep in again. "You had been the only person, outside the usual ones, to have been in the manor and the cave."
"The last time I was in the cave or the manor was a while ago, if you exclude today."
"You were here yesterday."
"Really?" she moved in closer to him.
"After the Ball, you went along on patrol, and then we came back to the cave."
"So...when was I in the manor?" she whispered in his ear, licking his earlobe. She kissed him softly along his jawline and down his neck.
He wanted to taste her again. He reached and brought her mouth back up to meet his.
Before things could progress, Alfred appeared at the top of the stairs. He cleared his throat and spoke, "Excuse me, sir, but dinner is ready."
"Great timing," Selina mumbled.
"Thank you, Alfred," Bruce scowled at Selina, "We'll be right there."
Alfred turned around and walked back into the manor.
Bruce looked at Selina, "Wait for me upstairs. I have to take care of one thing and I'll be right up."
"No, I'll go. You have things to do and I hate waiting."
He nodded. He wanted her to stay, but he had to figure out what was happening. Selina was not involved, but he would find out who was.Bruce asked Alfred to drive Selina home, then he went into his study to place a phone call. By the time Bruce returned to the cave, he noticed the Kryptonian sensors had been activated and Superman was hovering above the computer.
"Do you have to do that?" Bruce asked the Man of Steel.
"Oh, sorry." Superman landed on the ground without a sound. "What can I do for you?"
"I need you to find anything in my head that shouldn't be there."
"Is it Hush, again?" asked Superman as he x-rayed Bruce.
"No," Bruce answered, he couldn't see how it could be.
"There's nothing out of the ordinary. What did you expect me to find?"
"Something."
"What's going on, Bruce?"
"Nothing."
"Does this 'nothing' have to do with the photographers you beat up?"
Bruce gave Superman a Batman scowl, "They weren't photographers."
"Lois said we shouldn't let Jimmy take your picture anymore."
Bruce sighed. Superman hid a smile. He didn't want to ask the next question, but Lois made him promise to do so and if he didn't, she would know, "So...you and Selina..."
"No."
"Look, you called and wanted me to 'take a look at something', which turned out to be your head. Now, I know you didn't just want me to see all your old skull fractures. So, what is it, Bruce?" his voice was full of concern.
Bruce knew that if he turned to look at the other hero, he would see a kind and worried face, which is why Bruce kept his eyes on the computer, "I'll let you know when I find out," he said as he typed.
"I hope you do," Superman sighed and flew out of the cave.
ooo
When Bruce returned to the cave, he read over the log he had typed containing the events of the night before. He wondered if the same things would happen again. Robin and Batgirl covered the south and west parts of Gotham. He had patrolled the north and east sides with Catwoman. He decided to cover those areas again in the same pattern to see if the same events took place.
If the same thing were to happen, he would be doubly prepared for the eleven guys that surprised him and Catwoman. Six went after him and the other five after her. She took two out easily, but the other three had some martial arts training, which wouldn't have been a problem, except one pulled out a samurai sword from nowhere. That's how he and Selina ended up needing Alfred's medical attention.
Bruce almost smiled as he thought back to Selina the night before once they returned to the cave. Obviously, she was in pain as Alfred stitched her wounds, but she refused pain medication. Just like he had.
Even after being hurt, she kept fighting. When she took away the sword, the guy held up a detonator, and still Selina remained undaunted. I knew she was trying to figure out a way to get the detonator away from him as she spoke in her sultry Catwoman voice, "I don't think that's what you really want to do."
"No, I'd rather do you, but since that's not an option...or is it?" His sinister grin still disturbing to Bruce. Selina simply slinked slowly towards him, despite the cut he'd given her almost from knee to hip, "Well, you want to show me a good time, you have to ask nicely."
Catwoman had her back to me, but I knew she was giving him her mischievous smile. I had been on the receiving end and it worked. The guy must have been lost in that smile because he didn't see her reach for her whip. She slashed the detonator out of his hand and had thrown him on the floor before he realized what happened. She handled herself well.
"Why are you so happy?"
Bruce cleared his throat, "What?"
"You've been staring at the computer, not typing, since I walked in the cave. And when I get here, you're smiling at the screen."
Dick looked over and managed to catch a glimpse of "Catwoman," "whip," and "detonator," before Bruce closed the screen.
"Alfred said Selina was here earlier."
"Was that a question?" Bruce growled.
"I guess." Dick shrugged, "I was just wondering if you two--"
"No."
"Have you beat up any other guys because they tried to talk to her? 'Cause Alfred said you didn't let him to talk to her when they were in the kitchen," Bruce looked at Dick, who was smiling, "and then I come down here and you're daydreaming. So--."
"I wasn't daydreaming."
"It sure looked like--"
"Why are you here, again?" Bruce tried to change the subject, not knowing if it would work. It usually didn't with Dick.
"Oh...um...well, I was thinking that maybe...since Bludhaven has been relatively quiet...if you wanted..."
"Dick."
"Maybe-I-can-stay-here-for-a-while?"
Bruce was a little surprised, "Sure." Dick wanted to stay here. Bruce was on his way to the vault when he added, "You never need an excuse to stay."
It was Dick's turn to be surprised, "Oh...uh...thanks." He scratched the back of his head, "I just didn't want to get in the way."
"Bro, you're always in the way," Tim yelled as he walked down the stairs.
"Timmy!" was all Bruce heard as he changed, then he only heard whispers. They didn't want him to hear what they were talking about, which meant they were talking about him. Bruce was able to make out the word "camera" and later "daydreaming." He heard some typing and figured Tim was trying to find the video footage taken in the morning.
Both started laughing and didn't stop until Dick greeted Cassandra with a loud, "Hey Cass! Long time, no see."
"Hi, Cass," Tim said, wiping tears from his eyes.
Batman exited the vault. Tim quickly closed the window on screen and went to change. Dick headed towards the stairs.
"Dick."
"Yeah?"
"Wait. I want to go over some things."
Dick walked back and sat down. Once Batgirl and Robin were ready, Batman began.
"I want you two," Batman looked at Batgirl and Robin, "to cover the south and west sides. Keep your trackers on. I want Dick to know where you are all at times. If you run into trouble, once you've secured the area, simply tell Dick the number of people you went up against and any weapons they had on them."
Batgirl and Robin nodded. Batman turned to Dick, "When we contact you make a note of our location and type up all the information we give you. I want a record of everything we come across tonight."
"Sure thing." Dick said as he and Robin looked at each other, "are you expecting something to happen?"
"Only the usual," Batman replied, "Let's go."
ooo
Batman crouched down waiting for Catwoman. He had an unsettling feeling something was wrong. His entire patrol had passed the same as the night before. Two muggers, the petty thief breaking and entering, the carjacker, and the eleven men he and Catwoman had disposed of yesterday.
This time Batman went straight for the man with the sword. Once he secured the detonator, he dispensed with the other ten men. One guy was able to puncture his leg, though, before falling unconscious to the pavement.
Since Batman had the same leg injured as the night before, he wanted to make sure Catwoman did not. He had already checked her apartment, but she wasn't there. He was waiting on the roof to make sure she was safe, or so he told himself.
"How long have you been here?" Catwoman asked.
"Just arrived."
"Sure you did." She saw him step out of the darkness, "I almost didn't see you."
"What gave me away?" He asked, no one ever saw him unless he wanted them to. At the moment, he had wanted to go unnoticed until he could verify she was not injured.
Catwoman looked away from his face to the spot on his leg that had reflected too much light and realized it was blood, "Bruce, you're bleeding."
"It's nothing."
"It's not nothing. Come inside, I'll clean it up."
"I only came to ask if you had any problems tonight?"
She walked past him and opened her skylight, "C'mon."
"Selina. Just tell me."
"I'll tell you inside."
They walked in. Batman was looking Catwoman over and she didn't have a scratch on her. She noticed him looking, "See anything you like?"
Batman scowled at her.
"Don't get all serious, Bruce. C'mon, take off your clothes." Selina told him as she removed her goggles. He clenched his jaw a little more.
She rolled her eyes, "Get over yourself Bruce. I'm not trying to seduce you. I can't clean the wound if you're wearing your pants." When he didn't move, she added, "There's nothing there I haven't seen before."
Batman just looked at her. He wondered if she started to remember yesterday, but even if she had not, they had slept together before last night. The most recent time took place after she went missing for three months. When she reappeared, he was so relieved and happy, he went out on a date with her and ended up in her bed. Actually, they didn't make it to the bed and simply took advantage of her couch. They had not been together since then.
"Fine," Selina said exasperated as she disappeared into her room. She came out holding some clothes, "Here, since you're so shy all of a sudden, you can change in there."
Batman went into her room to change. The shirt and the pajama pants fit well. He wondered if they were his and shuddered when he thought they might not be. He walked into the kitchen.
"Hmm, still fit. Roll up the pants leg and have a seat." Selina was out of her suit, which was thrown haphazardly on a chair. She wore short shorts and a muscle shirt. It looked like she was ready to go jogging. Bruce admired her physique. She had long, strong legs. Smooth, round hips. A tiny waist. Her arms were lean with muscle. Her breasts, perfect and peeking through her top.
"Not looking at me again," she teased as she moved a chair next to Bruce. She was holding a first aid kit. He wondered if she took care of her injuries with the contents of that small box.
Selina started cleaning the wound, "It looks kind of deep, Bruce." She looked up at him. He could see the concern in her eyes.
"It's not."
"You're going to need stitches. I could do it, but I'm sure Alfred would do a better job." She covered it with gauze and was starting to tape it up to prevent more blood from running down his thigh.
"Then do it."
"What?" Selina asked surprised.
"Stitch it up."
She shook her head, "I've only done it to myself. I've never--"
"Then I'll be your first."
Her lips parted slightly to make a witty comeback, but she wasn't sure what to say. She hated when words failed her...especially in front of him. Selina looked up and could see the amusement dancing in his eyes. The right corner of his mouth was turned up into what Selina could only describe as a sexy as hell half grin.
"Alright," she managed, not letting on about his affect on her, "but I have to warn you, it's not going to be pretty."
Selina got everything ready. Bruce looked at her arrangement. She approached it differently than Alfred. She didn't offer pain medication, she probably didn't have any.
Bruce wondered why she complained to Alfred the night before, when she probably stitched herself up numerous times and didn't take anything for the pain. Maybe she was used to doing it herself and didn't like people helping her. Or touching her. He knew it was difficult for her to be in a vulnerable position. It was difficult for him as well. So why was he letting her do this? To be in her apartment a little longer? To be next to her, seemingly forced into it? To see how skilled she was? Yes, that was it. It was to see what she could do.
Usually, when Alfred dressed his wounds, Bruce replayed the night's events in his head trying to come up with other methods to prevent the same thing from happening again. He attempted to do that now, but he was constantly brought back to the present by the faint scent of Selina's perfume in the air.
He focused on her hair. It was slightly dishevelled and a few strands of hair fell down onto her face. She tried to blow them away unsuccessfully. Without thinking, Bruce reached out and tried to place the hair behind her ear, but it was too short.
Selina jumped at his touch and pulled some of Bruce's skin with the thread. He grimaced and let out a quiet grunt.
"Oh, shit. Sorry, Bruce." She looked up at his face and it was neutral again. He had his lips pressed tightly, suppressing a smile. She slapped his arm lightly, "It's not funny. I'm trying to do this right. So, stop moving."
Selina continued closing the wound. Bruce looked at her long fingers as she held the needle carefully. She got off of the chair and knelt down between his legs. He held his breathe as she moved in closer.
Bruce closed his eyes trying to focus on how that kid was able to plunge a pocket knife into his thigh. The kid wasn't particularly fast. He wasn't strong either. Suddenly, Bruce couldn't focus anymore. He felt Selina's breasts press against his inner thigh. He didn't want to open his eyes, he didn't want to see her.
The side of her body leaned in slightly between his legs. She was touching him. He slowed his breathing. He could do it, remain calm and unaffected...but her scent in the air...he could feel her leaning against him, the most sensitive part of him.
Selina tied a double knot and cut the suture thread with a small pair of scissors. When she leaned away to place the scissors on the table, Bruce exhaled slowly and finally opened his eyes. She got the antiseptic ointment and gauze.
She noticed a few beads of sweat on his brow, but she didn't want to let on that it had actually hurt him, "Well, you're all done."
He nodded and went into the bedroom. He changed as fast as he could and walked back into the kitchen.
"Leaving?"
He nodded and made his way to the French doors. She felt a small breeze come in and he was gone.
She shook her head, "You're welcome."