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 Cassandra, 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 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.
AN 2: I somehow forgot to include the second half of this chapter when I uploaded it the first time, so here it is in its entirety.
Disclaimer: the cat, the bat, and everyone else are property of DC Comics and are used without permission. House, M.D. is property of the Fox Broadcasting Company and is also used without permission.
"Ready?" Selina asked.
Cass nodded.
Selina took a southpaw stance, knowing most people were used to right-handers and had trouble with it. Not wanting to waste any time, Cass lunged at Selina. She threw three consecutive punches with remarkable speed. Selina blocked the first two, but the third landed powerfully on her stomach. Selina stumbled back and tried to retrieve some of the air she'd lost.
Almost immediately, Cass charged again, but Selina ducked avoiding two more punches. She grabbed Cass's arm, flinging the girl over her shoulder unto the mat.
Dick walked towards Bruce. Upon hearing the thump, he turned to see Selina and Cass fighting.
"Are they..." Dick didn't finish. He simply looked at the two women.
"Sparring? Yes. Cass wanted to practice." Bruce replied without looking away from the screen.
Dick smiled, "Cool. Girlfight."
"No. Practice."
Dick rolled his eyes, "Right. Oh, Alfred said to tell you Tim's on his way. Should be here soon."
Bruce grunted in acknowledgment, but Dick didn't pay attention. He was enjoying the highly skilled catfight.
Selina, who had learned quite a bit since first training with Ted all those years ago, spun and landed a backhand across Cass face. Cass stood frozen for a second. No one had ever hit her face so easily before, the pain throbbing from her lip didn't hurt as much as that realization. Cass narrowed her eyes. She threw two high reverse roundhouse kicks at Selina, barely making contact with the first, just grazing Selina's elbow, but landing the second one square on her chest throwing Selina to the mat on her side.
Dick grimaced, "Ow...that looked painful!"
"Wanna come over and make it better?" Selina retorted, lying with her back on the ground and one hand on each breast.
Dick smiled, "Well, if you—"
"Dick." Bruce growled.
"She offered," Dick chuckled.
Selina sprang up and lunged at Cass. She tried a side kick, but Cass caught her foot and flung it away. Selina used the momentum to throw a butterfly kick, striking Cass's shoulder and back. Cass spun in mid air, yet managed to land on her feet. Selina almost smiled. Almost. This girl was too good. She didn't need any encouragement.
Tim walked towards Dick and opened his mouth to speak, but Dick silenced him, "Shh!" and pointed over to Cass and Selina.
"Why are they fighting?" asked Tim.
"Practice." Dick replied happily, his smile was wide, arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the side of the computer, "Nice, girl-on-girl practice."
Tim looked uncomfortably from Bruce, who was still looking at the screen, to Dick, whose smile had grown bigger, covering most of his face. Tim turned in time to see Selina take off the top of her Catwoman costume, leaving only the leather pants and a tight, white, spaghetti-strapped shirt underneath.
"Whoa." Dick whispered. Tim gulped and noticed Bruce had stopped tying.
Bruce looked solely at Selina. His eyes were glued to her figure. He'd seen her fight many times before. Usually against men, so she could use her sex appeal to distract them, but against Cassandra that would not work. It would have to be entirely based on her technique.
Bruce knew Selina was good. As he looked at her block Cassandra's attack, he realized Selina had picked up a few new moves, many he had never seen anyone outside his team attempt before. He wondered who she had been training with. He felt a pang of jealously, but dismissed it quickly when he remembered Selina's unique mind. She could learn and memorize a move on the spot and use it against the attacker that had just tried it on her. That's what she was doing now, using some of Cassandra's own maneuvers to her advantage.
Cass was getting upset. She unleashed a flurry of kicks and punches, landing most of them. Selina pulled off her gloves and threw them aside in anger. Cass did the same. Bruce was about to stop them, but Dick intervened, "Let them finish, they'll both be angry at you if you don't."
Bruce knew he should intervene, but was only the least bit curious to see what would happen.
Cass threw a high kick towards Selina, who easily blocked it. A series of punches and kicks were thrown and landed by both women. Both got up from the ground and took a moment to catch their breath. Ever unrelenting, Cass charged again, but Selina managed to land an elbow to her jaw. She grabbed Cass and pinned her to the mat.
Selina sat on Cass's stomach, holding her hands down with her own.
Tim's ears were getting hotter by the minute. Dick was happy he came down to he Manor right after Alfred called. Bruce tried to speak, but failed to do so when he noticed Selina's top had suddenly become see-through.
"Oh, my!" exclaimed Alfred upon seeing the women sweaty, panting, and one on top of the other.
Cass and Selina turned to see Dick with the biggest smile they had ever seen, Tim's face bright red, Bruce with his mouth slightly open, and Alfred looking down at his shoes.
Selina shook her head as she got off of Cass and helped her up. She winced when she saw Cass's lip very bloody and getting larger and more swollen. Selina thought maybe she had let her anger interfere and had gone a little over board, "Sorry."
Cass felt her lips, then pointed to Selina's left eye, which was starting to swell and turn purple. "Even," she replied. Selina realized that's where the pain was shooting from. She got as good as she received.
"Well, that was...interesting," Dick walked towards the women, "So, who won?"
"Wasn't it obvious?" joked Selina, walking past him.
"I am afraid you will both need to ice your injuries to bring down the swelling." Alfred spoke to the women as he went towards the medical bay, returned, and handed each an ice pack. Selina placed the ice on her eye and Cass on her lip.
Tim walked over to Cass and Dick, while Selina sat down on a chair next to Bruce.
"She's good." Selina said to Bruce.
He nodded. He wanted to ask her to patrol in his stead so he could speak with Jason. He knew she wasn't doing anything tonight. Jeffrey Harrison had not had the opportunity to invite her to the Black and White Ball.
"I need to see someone," Bruce began and Selina looked at him, "I can't patrol tonight and I don't want both Batgirl and Robin alone."
"And?" she grinned knowing what he was hinting at.
Bruce gave her an icy stare, knowing it wouldn't work, it never had any affect on her. "You can go with Batgirl, if you want," his voice low, barely audible.
"You know, that's the second favor you ask of me today."
It was. Bruce grunted.
"Now you owe me twice." she pointed out smugly. After a moment, she asked, "Why not Robin?"
"I need him on the south and west sides. Batgirl will take the north and east side, which you know well (and it's safer if two people cover them). She would be more comfortable with you, especially since she knows you can handle yourself."
"Is that why you had me fight her?"
"No. That was Cassandra's idea. I simply allowed it—"
"Thinking then that she would be comfortable with me out there." Selina frowned. Was there anything he did that didn't have an ulterior motive? Then she thought about Bruce never asking for help. So, if he was asking her for help, he really needed it...unless it's another kind of test...
"Fine." she spoke before she let her mind run away, "I'll be back by...what time?"
"Where are you going?"
"Home. In case you haven't noticed, I'm all sweaty and sticky."
I noticed.
"Anyway, I have to take a shower and change."
"You can do that here." Bruce replied.
Selina looked at the screen and almost laughed, but before she did, she pointed out the mistake to Bruce, "I don't think you want anyone to look for the 'breast vantage point'. Or, maybe you do."
Bruce quickly corrected it to "best." Then he continued typing, ignoring Selina's laughter.
Alfred approached them, "Dinner is ready, sir."
Upon hearing "dinner" the other three people in the cave walked towards them.
"You will be dining with us, Miss Kyle?" Alfred asked looking directly at Selina.
Dick and Tim looked at each other. Bruce noticed the exchange.
Dick shrugged and Tim looked concerned.
"She will, Alfred." Bruce spoke before Selina had a chance to, "We'll be right up."
Bruce nodded for the others to go upstairs. He wanted to finish typing up all the information for the night's patrol. Selina waited with him.
"I don't think I should stay for dinner."
"Why not?"
Selina looked serious, "I don't want to interrupt your...usual ritual or— "
"We don't always do this before we go out." Bruce looked at her, "Today, all of us simply happen to be here."
"Exactly. You're kids are here, Bruce," her voice was low, "I'm sure they would prefer I wasn't."
"It'll be fine." he replied, trying to believe it himself. He looked up to see Alfred walking towards them.
"I'll show you to your guest room, Miss Kyle, whenever you're ready."
Selina stood up and followed him.
ooo
Alfred opened the guest room door for Selina,"If you need anything, please let me know."
"Thank you, Alfred."
He nodded and closed the door behind him.
Selina noticed that the clothes she had worn to the manor in the morning before going up to the Watchtower, were laid on the bed, clean and pressed.
She took a quick shower and changed into her black sleeveless blouse and black skirt. She looked around the room and looked out the window. She could see the manicured, green lawn extend for what seemed like miles. The sun was still bright, but would disappear within an hour. She paced the room again, then sat down on the edge of the bed.
What the hell am I doing here? What the hell is wrong with me? He asks for a favor and I simply do it because he never asks for help. What the hell is that about? He says let's go to the Watchtower and I say okay. Practice with Cassandra. Okay. Patrol with Batgirl. Okay. Stay for dinner. Okay. So he gives orders and I just follow? Well, he didn't order me to do anything, he asked. Well, he didn't actually ask, he never asks...but that's not my problem, right?
Selina stood up angrily, then sat back down.
So he asked me for help. So what? He could have asked anyone...well, I suppose not just anyone. But...ugh!
Alright, alright. What's the problem? That he asked for help? No. It's good he asked, shows he's growing or something. That he asked me? No. I want him to come to me. Hmm? Selina smiled. Is that it? I want him to come to me, not as a friend or colleague... It's always me going after him, which I usually don't mind, but...why is this bothering me?
If you don't want to chase him, then don't.
I like chasing him. I guess, once in a while I'd like him to chase me, when I haven't done something he considers illegal.
Since when do you need a man to chase you?
I don't need him to, I'd like him to. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be wanted.
How many times are you going to have this argument with yourself?
What? I haven't even thought about him in a while...but it does seem somewhat familiar.
Selina shook her head. Arguing with herself was never good. She was determined to keep away from Bruce and Batman. After today anyway, she was in his house at the moment. Both allowed her to get close only to push her away. She always went after what she wanted, but she didn't have to want him. She didn't. Really.
The knock at the door startled her.
"Come in."
Bruce opened the door, he was wearing a navy sweater and a pair of black dress pants.
Why do you have to be so damn handsome? Selina smiled faintly.
"Alfred sent me to get you." He could hardly see the black eye Cassandra had given her. There was little swelling, but she concealed the discoloration very well.
Selina got up, "Let's eat." She waited for Bruce to move aside, but he stood there, his massive frame blocking the doorway.
Bruce studied her face. This was not what he expected when he came up here. He had actually volunteered to call her, saving Alfred a trip, he said. An excuse. He secretly hoped to spend a little time alone with Selina. What did he expect her to do? Something. Anything. She usually did. Tease him, flirt with him, maybe even kiss him, but now, she hardly even acknowledged his presence. Has she finally gotten tired? Given up?
She always tries something and you encourage her, but never follow through.
I've followed through.
Only once. Maybe twice. Yet, she'd try again. Maybe she's tired of it. You would have stopped trying a long time ago. You let her get worked up, you got worked up, and then you put an end to it. What used to be your excuse? She was a thief, a criminal. And, you had to stop her, right? What's your excuse now?
He had let her in. She had helped him against everything Hush set in motion, but in the end, he was afraid he couldn't trust her. But was that really it? Maybe he was too afraid to trust himself...to trust himself with her. He could have been happy. He had been, if only for a short while.
"Bruce?"
Why can't I just do it? Do what I want? He sighed. Too much is at stake...
"You okay?"
"Yes, I—I'm fine."
They walked down in silence. Before entering the dining room, Bruce turned to Selina, "I haven't told you, but...you look very nice today." Before she could do or say anything, he led her through the entrance and all eyes were on them.
What was that? Selina walked to the other end of the table and took her seat. She looked across at Bruce who sat down and looked at his napkin as Dick spoke to him.
Didn't you want him to make the first move? He just did, or tried to.
Yeah, but he didn't give me a chance to respond.
After Bruce finished the one-sided "conversation" with Dick, he said little else. He avoided Selina's gaze, constantly looking down at his food and occasionally at his glass of water.
This is more awkward. What's wrong with him? Hell, what's wrong with me? Somethings definitely wrong with us. Well, I can't just sit here quietly, brooding like him, pretending to eat.
Selina turned to Dick and asked about his work. When Bruce heard Selina's voice, he dropped a mouth full of chicken off his fork and onto his lap. Tim almost spit out his water when he saw the chicken fall, but instead forced the water down, causing him to cough profusely.
Selina and Dick turned to Tim, who tried to smile, but that only made him cough more.
"Down the wrong pipe?" Dick asked.
Tim nodded, trying to calm his throat. Once Tim could speak he joined Dick and Selina's conversation about House M.D. Tim didn't have time for television, but when he did, he tried to catch that show.
Bruce was unaware of what exactly they were discussing. He made a mental note to research this House that everyone at the table, except for Cassandra, found so intriguing and amusing.
Cass was too busy struggling with her food to pay attention to the conversation. She had to cut her food into small pieces because half of her mouth was swollen pretty badly and she couldn't open it all the way.
"I don't know how Wilson is friends with him." Dick managed to say between bites, "That guy's too nice."
Selina looked at Dick, "They're best friends."
"I don't get that either," Tim wiped his mouth with his napkin, "They're so different. House is rude to him all the time and Wilson's still his friend."
"Some thing's don't have to make sense."
"I hate that he always ignores everyone else," Dick said, putting half a roll in his mouth.
Tim nodded, "And why does he have to be so grumpy?"
"He disparages the three doctors that he has working for him, I couldn't work for him," Selina looked at Bruce, then added, "How can anyone be so self-involved?"
Dick threw the other half of his roll in his mouth, "That lady, what's her name, Catty, I think—"
"It's Cuddy," Tim shook his head.
"—yeah, her. She keeps him in line, though."
Selina smiled, "Yeah, the right woman will do that."
Dick and Tim looked at each other. They looked at Selina who only offered a smile. Were they still talking about House? Neither the former Robin, nor the current one, wanted to look over at Bruce. They were sure he'd be looking like he was planning their demise.
Bruce was eating his food thoughtfully. He chewed slowly and methodically. It sounded like they were talking about him. He really needed to see that show.
"He is smart, though." Tim spoke first, angry with himself for not realizing the similarities sooner.
"He solves every case." Dick added, who also failed to notice the parallels between the man on the show and the one sitting at the table, until Selina's last comment. Had she done this on purpose? Actually, no. He had brought up the show. He really liked it and was surprised to find out Selina did, too. He had never pictured Catwoman as the tv-watching type.
"And, he's so handsome." Selina said without looking up, playing with what was left of her food.
"Eewww!" Tim and Dick gagged in unison.
"He's so old."
"Not old. Just right." Selina smiled at Tim, who couldn't help, but wrinkle his nose. Gross! House was old. She was talking about House, right? Tim looked around the table and everyone, except Bruce, was smiling. Wait...did I just say Bruce was old?
ooo
I was in the cave giving Robin, Batgirl, and Catwoman all the information that was typed up on screen. They all asked me how I could possibly know everything they were going up against. I simply replied it was what Batman left for them. I also wondered how Batman had gotten such accurate information. Tips given by apprehended thugs were never this precise.
:.How did you know that guy had a sword?
"Batman had it right here. Same guy with a detonator, right?"
:.Yeah. How could he know?
"I'm not sure. Hey, can I ask you a question?
:.Sure...hold on.(Catwoman incapacitated two more guys.) Alright, what's up?
"Why do you always have to get him angry?" I asked thinking back to the scene earlier in the cave. Batman had asked if we all understood our roles. We all nodded except for Catwoman.
"Is there a problem?" Batman growled at her.
Catwoman narrowed her eyes.
"Do you understand—" he asked her.
"I heard what you said." Catwoman hissed.
"Then—"
"Alright." I was reluctant to step in, but I knew Tim and Cass wouldn't, "We have to get going if you want us to stick to the schedule."
Catwoman shrugged and Batman turned around without a word and jumped in the Batmobile. It roared away louder than usual. She has always been able to get under his skin. I wanted to ask her why she didit, but I figured she wouldn't reply with the others there. Now, if she spoke in a low voice, only I could hear.
I waited for her answer. There was no sound from her communicator.
"Catwoman?"
:.I'm not sure I should tell you.
"Why not?" Now, I really wanted to know.
:.It'll change what you think of me. Who goes up? Batgirl or me?
"Batgirl goes high. You go low. So tell me."
:.Can he hear this?
I typed a communicator security code into the computer, "Not anymore." No one would be able to listen in on our conversation, especially not from the Batmobile, where I'm sure Batman was impatiently awaiting her answer as well.
:.He usually responds with anger.
"And?"
:.Anger's an emotion, right?
"Yeah? Oh, there should be two muggers down that alley."
:.Got it. If he's angry, he's allowing himself to feel. If he allows himself...hold on...
I heard loud noises, like pots being banged together. The muggers were probably thrown against some trash cans.
:.Alright, where was I?
"Hold on. Go ahead Robin."
:. After 8th Street, should I head further south or start on the west side?
"Go to Oak and King. It's an attempted rape."
:.Got it. Robin out.
"Good luck." I hated those types of crimes the most. Theft was wrong, but it was property. Physically assaulting a person, especially a little girl, only sixteen years old...it was just wrong. I stared at the screen, waiting to hear from Robin. I should be out there. Yeah, my leg wasn't a hundred percent, but I could help even if Batman said, "No. It's not like a broken arm, you need two good legs out there." My leg did hurt and I couldn't run or jump like before, but I would soon.
:.Nightwing. Where's the nearest hospital?
"Is she hurt?"
:.No, I got here in time, but she looks a little shaken, she might need some counseling.
"You can go to The Mercy Clinic. It's actually just around the corner.
:.Thanks. Robin out.
She was okay. Good.
"Catwoman?"
:.Go ahead.
"You were saying...'allows him to feel'."
:.Right. He always tries to be cold and detached to keep from being affected by anything. If he allows himself to feel something, even if it's anger, it's easier to get him to open up. Emotions are usually like Pandora's box, once one is out, more want to follow. With the right coaxing, the right emotion can surface.
"So you get him upset so he could eventually be what...happy?" It was odd that Catwoman would have Bruce figured out in a way we would have never thought.
:.Something like that.
Despite trying not to laugh out loud, I did and she heard me.
:.What?
"You're just a big softie."
:.WHAT?
"Nothing. I—"
:.You're so lucky I'm here and you're there.
"I sure am." I turned off my end of the communicator and laughed louder.
ooo
The Batmobile pulled into the cave.
Dick had fallen asleep at the computer waiting for Bruce.
"How did it go?" Dick asked.
"How did what go?"
"Whatever it is you went to do?" he smiled.
"Fine," Batman replied, "Where's...everyone?"
Dick tried not to laugh, both Catwoman and Batman were the same, never wanting to admit how they felt, "Well, Alfred's asleep. At least he should be. I told him I'd wait up for you. Tim's working on his sociology paper and Cass is playing video games."
"With who?"
"No one. Um, Selina went home."
Batman didn't reply.
"Bruce—"
"Don't." Batman growled.
Dick sighed, "Alright, jeez. I won't say anything else about a certain goggle-wearing someone, but...um...I did want to ask you," Dick paused for effect, "how did you know everything they were going to encounter tonight?" Dick waited for a response, when he didn't get one, he continued, "Everything was there on the screen, how many thugs, what weapons, from what direction. They had no problems at all. How did you know all that?"
Batman removed his cowl, "I'll tell you tomorrow."
Dick knew he wasn't going to get any other answer so he nodded and walked away. He yelled from the stairs, "Night, Bruce."
"Good night, Dick." Bruce whispered, but Dick was already up in the manor.
ooo
"Good Morning, Master Bruce," Alfred began as he walked over to the window and pulled open the curtains.
"Is it Friday?"
"Yes, sir."
"I'm not going to the meeting, Alfred. Call Lucius and let him know. Call Dick and tell him I need to talk to him as soon as possible." Bruce went into the bathroom.
Alfred was stunned. Bruce didn't like attending meetings, but to invite Master Richard to the manor, well, nothing would be more shocking than if he'd call himself.
When Bruce got out of the restroom, Alfred was still standing in the same spot.
"Is something wrong, Alfred?"
"Yes, sir. Rather, no, sir. Would you—"
"I'm not hungry. I'll be in the cave."
ooo
"So, what's up?" Dick asked happily.
Bruce came down to the cave to type up the information needed for tonight's patrol. He wanted it to go as smoothly as it had the previous night. He had also been contemplating how to tell Dick what was happening. Since he came down he thought of possible ways to phrase this...thing...that he was going through.
Bruce looked at Dick, "There's something I need to tell you."
Dick's smile disappeared. Bruce's face revealed nothing, it was neutral without a hint of worry, but his voice...it was off. What did Bruce need to say? He began imagining the worst possible scenarios. Bruce was sick. Alfred was sick. Maybe Tim? Cass? Babs? He hadn't talked to her in a while. What if something happened to her. Oh God.
"Bruce tell me," Dick pleaded not wanting to keep imagining the worse.
"I...I'm..."
"Bruce! Please tell me." Dick closed his eyes waiting for the terrible news.
"I'm reliving the same day over and over."
"What?" Dick looked at Bruce.
"This is the fourth Friday I wake up to."
"What?" Dick asked again. He expected to hear about fatal accidents, serious illnesses, not extra days. Wait! What? Extra days?
Bruce took a deep breath. The men looked at each other.
"This is the fourth consecutive Friday I will experience. I talked to J'onn—"
"You're joking, right?" Dick interrupted. He had always hoped Bruce would develop a sense of humor, but this wasn't funny, it was just weird.
Bruce shook his head.
"Why is this happening?"
Bruce clenched his jaw tighter, "I haven't figured that out yet."
Dick spoke slowly, "So, you're reliving the same day...over and over?"
"That's what I said."
"Like in Groundhog Day?" Dick managed.
"What?" It was Bruce's turn to be confused, "Groundhog Day? February 2nd?"
"No," Dick smiled, "the movie."
"There's a movie about Groundhog Day?" Bruce asked incredulously.
"Well, yes and no. It takes place on Groundhog Day, but it's about Bill Murray's character and how he's stuck in the same day. It's really funny."
Bruce looked surprised. Dick had never seen him so surprised, it was scary, "Bruce?"
"So there's a movie about what's happening to me?"
"Well, I'm not sure it's the same thing, but...okay, what happens today?" Dick tried to sound as calm and reasonable as possible.
Bruce looked at Dick, he was...testing him? I suppose do have to prove it to him. He would have to prove it to me.
"I've typed in everything that happens tonight on patrol," Bruce said as he pulled up the screen.
"Well, I can verify that tonight, but there has to be something else. Let me see...Oh, what was I going to do today?"
"On the first Friday you came over, but I went to the Black & White Ball and missed you. On the second Friday, you dropped by and asked if you could stay at the manor." Dick raised an eyebrow, "And yesterday Alfred called you to come over. You gave Robin, Batgirl, and Catwoman the information of what to expect on patrol."
"So, Catwoman is going on patrol, now?" Dick grinned.
Bruce ignored the amusement in Dick's voice, "Yesterday I went to see Jason Blood, so I asked Catwoman to accompany Batgirl."
"Why did you go see Jason?" Dick became serious.
"To rule out magic as a cause for this."
"And?"
"He could find no traces of magic...he couldn't explain what was happening. He only said..."
"What?" Dick asked impatiently.
"I don't agree with what he said."
"Fine," Dick chuckled, "but what did he say?"
"He said it was a possible...gift." Bruce mumbled the last word.
Dick smiled. Seeing the unknown as a positive would be difficult for Bruce, "You know, he could be right." Bruce stopped typing and looked at Dick, "Hear me out." Bruce didn't look away, so he took it as a sign to continue, "If you have an endless number of the same day—"
"I don't know that they're endless."
Dick tried again, "Okay, but it could be many—"
"Or just these four."
Dick sighed, "Maybe you'll get more of the same day and maybe you won't, but you don't know which it'll be and you can't definitively rule out the possibility that you'll experience today a few more times."
Bruce didn't reply.
Dick thought about the movie for a moment, then he asked, "Did you get hurt on any of those days?"
"Yes."
"Do you still have those injuries?"
"No."
"I don't remember being here yesterday, like you said I was. My guess is no one else does either, except for you."
Bruce nodded.
"See, it is a gift. Nothing that you do today matters. There's no consequences. You can do anything you want Bruce!" Dick was excited.
"No, I can't. I don't know when this will be over and the natural progression of days will return. I still have to carry on as before."
"Look, I'm not saying to do something drastic like reveal to the world that Bruce Wayne is Batman, or anything like that, just...live a little." Dick smiled, "Do things you've wanted to do but never had time for."
"Like?" Bruce thought he usually did what he wanted, which was one problem everyone always seemed to have against him. He had heard an endless number of "You always do what you want, damn everybody else." or similar variations.
"Go see a Vegas show, go to a football game, learn to play the piano, or ice sculpt. I don't know. What have you wanted to do, but couldn't because you had to go on patrol?" Dick was excited for Bruce, "Today is the day you can do it because you know nothing will come up. Gotham will be safe. We'll take care of it, you take the night off."
"Dick, I—"
"Bruce, you have no excuse." Dick smiled triumphantly and turned to look at Alfred coming down the stairs, "Hey Alfred, Bruce is going to take the night off. What do you think he should do?"
"In regards to what, Master Richard?" Alfred was beginning to get very worried about Bruce. First, he invites Dick over and now, he's going to take a night off! "Are you sure you will not be going out, sir?" Alfred looked at Bruce.
"Do you want him to go on patrol, Alfred?"
"Of course not, Master Richard. I only want to ascertain that everything is well."
"Everything is great!" Dick was practically giddy, he knew what this could mean for Bruce. He would finally have a chance to try and have fun, "Batgirl, Robin, and I will take care of the city and Bruce can do something else."
"Very well, sir. Would you like me to call and make a reservation—"
"No, Alfred. That won't be necessary."
"Bruce you have to—"
"I am. Like you said, I have no excuse."
"Cool." Dick laughed. This could turn out to be a really good thing for Bruce.