"You honestly can't be serious?" Bryce asks dryly, even if a tug of small smile plays at the corner of her lips.
"Of course I am, Batsy!" Jane exclaims. Her acidic green eyes gleaming with pure joy as well as determination to make Bryce go through with this idea. "Unless, you really don't like it," she adds and Bryce knows it's a complete trap.
"That's not what I'm saying. I like it. I do. It's just, I'm not so sure about this." Bryce replies. Uncertainty coating her tone, but luckily for her Jane is willing to be patient with her.
It was a warm night in June as Bryce sat in her chair by the Bat-computer. Most of her Bat-suit was already on for her nightly activities of fighting the ever present crime in Gotham City. Except for her cowl and cape. As she had been distracted in that moment from finishing getting ready. Jane was now standing in front of her; excited over the gift she decided to give the Bat. A gift that warmed Bryce's heart, but still she wasn't so sure if she could oblige Jane this time around. It had been six months now since Jane left her rehabilitation at Arkham Asylum to live with Bryce after the incident at Ace Chemicals. Where everything between the two women had blossomed into a romance that was a long time coming. The tabloids would have had a field day with that information, but news hasn't reached that far yet. Only, Bryce, Jane and Tiffany currently knew of the relationship. This was for the better, she thought.
The two and a half year long stay that Jane was in Arkham hadn't been an easy one for either women. Where their only lines of communication was a weekly visit from Bryce or all the unauthorized phone calls Jane would make to the Bat. For a long time there, Bryce wasn't sure if things would ever get better for Jane. Wondered for many sleepless nights if the stitch between them was broken for good. Where emotions ran high and resentment was ever present in their friendship. It had taken a full year, before either of them could even talk about what transpired at Ace Chemicals. And, even then the moment was one of heartache and much needed embraces the felt like it only made things worse. Bryce nearly gave up her visits right then and there. But, she couldn't find it in herself to stay away and now she was glad she stuck through every single struggle they faced. The storm that had been over her life for a long time seemed to finally bring the sunshine out. Days, where all she had to do was watch Jane's quirky behaviors and her heart will melt. They made it to the other side together. Fought through so much just to be with each other. And, when the day finally came where Jane was released, Bryce didn't hesitate at inviting her to move into the manor. This was the best decision she ever made.
This was also the night that would prove to be the ultimate test for their relationship. One that Jane had been asking for the past month for until Bryce finally agreed. This would be the first time that Jane would go back to being the Vigilante she so desperately wanted to be. Even if the anxiety gripped around Bryce's heart that something might go wrong. That Jane might relapse into becoming the crazed Joker once more. It would no doubt be a challenge for them both, but when Jane strutted up to Bryce in a resemblance of her old Joker attire; presenting her with a gift. All those worries washed away into bewildered amusement.
For Jane held out a custom made cape for the Bat in her arms. From just observation alone, Bryce could tell that the design was almost the same as her usual one. Except, for the inside coloring. Where the cape's she wore was a usual black or grey all around. This time, the inside was three colors that Bryce recognized instantly at first glance. Three lines of pink, purple and blue. The colors of the Bisexual flag. It wasn't difficult to figure out why Jane had chosen this particular gift. For June was known for being Pride Month. A month Bryce had never celebrated before, despite her previous relationships or her own sexuality. It just wasn't a topic that came easily available to Bryce other than donations by Wayne Enterprise to cause's for the betterment of the LGBT community. So, she had been completely taken off guard when Jane presented the new cape to her.
However, the cape wasn't the only difference this night presented. For Jane had decided to take on a Pride Month look of her own for their first night as Vigilante partners again. Her coat was completely decked out in the Lesbian flag colors and Bryce could barely hold back her smile when she first took a glance at Jane. The things that her lover could come up with never ceased to amaze her. Never stopped the feeling of butterflies in her stomach. Made each passing day where she would fall in love deeper than the day before. Tonight was no exception to the rule as she looked upon her excited girlfriend. Green pixie cut hair was spiked on the sides, except for the middle that was combed forward. Kohl was all around Jane's eyes and forehead, just like it had been years ago. Her black lipstick that matched the Bats own shade. Even down to the green corset and purple slacks was the same as before. The only difference was the coloring of her coat and black Bat-themed choker she wore. In her opinion, Jane looked absolutely perfect. Beautiful in a way that not all could understand or appreciate.
However, the practical side of her mind; found the slight problems with the new attire Jane had in mind for both of them. Where they would have more difficulty blending into the shadows of Gotham City to avoid detection. Although, Jane's previous costume was still flashy, it had just enough of a dark edge to it to be beneficial in that regard. Now, Jane would stick out like a sore thumb and that thought terrified Bryce. She didn't want some low-life criminal with a gun to get the upper hand on Jane's first night back on the streets. Didn't want this night to be their last, because she couldn't allow herself to upset the woman she loved. Her thoughts must have been palpable, because like always Jane doesn't hesitate to bring up her higher caliber observational skills.
"Bryce, baby, you're doing that bad habit of yours and over-thinking again," She giggles as she moves forward. "Dr. Leland used to always tell me that over-thinking everything could be dangerous to a person's mental state," Jane leans down and places a small kiss to the Bats forehead. "Just relax, love," She places the cape on the Bats lap. "I made sure the new cape would be as effective as the old one. So, see! No worries!" Jane leans back. A proud smile on her countenance.
Bryce doesn't want to be worried. She really doesn't. But, her darkening thoughts won't leave her be. Tonight was risky enough as it is. She didn't even know if Jane could handle any of this mentally. Still, she wants to trust her. Wants to believe that everything will be alright. Blue eyes close for a moment as she takes a deep breath. Needing some time to recollect her thoughts. To chase away all the fears and uncertainty consuming her. Her hands play with the fabric absentmindedly and a much needed distraction makes itself available to her. When Bryce opens her eyes again, she can't help the slight smirk she gives the woman she loves.
"Did Tiffany help you out with making this or was it all her doing?" Her tone is teasing and she almost laughs when Jane's eyes go comically wide at that obvious correct observation. Almost. She does however let out a chuckle by Jane's following reaction a few seconds afterwards.
"You're ruining this, Bat." Jane crosses her arms letting out an over exaggerated huff. Being as dramatic as possible in an attempt to hide her embarrassment at being figured out.
"Duly noted. Good to know it was Tiffany then." Bryce continues her playful teasing and green eyes narrow down at her.
"I've changed my mind. I'm taking the gift back. Be all gloom and doom for all I care!" Bryce quickly moves the cape out of the way when Jane turns around and is about to leave. She stops her by softly grabbing her by the wrist and pulling her into her lap. Jane makes an audible oof sound when she falls and Bryce's only response is to wrap her arms around the woman. At least until Jane tries to pull herself out of the embrace.
"I'm only teasing." Bryce knows full well that Jane still had difficulty controlling her emotions. That no amount of therapy would ever change that in her personality. She also knows that Jane barely could handle much teasing at her expense. Others was fine, just not her. And, part of her feels guilty for even playing around in the first place. She's only stopped in a second before forming a apology, when Jane snuggles into her embrace. Bryce is also fully made aware that she got played herself in that moment. That Jane was never really mad at her in the first place. Manipulation was also a game Jane knew very well how to play. Especially when it came to getting her way with the Bat.
"Do you really like it?" Jane asks her with a tint of victory in her voice and Bryce knows then that she can't deny Jane this; even if she wanted to.
The Bat concedes to her fate with a simple response, "It's wonderful. Thank you." She place a soft kiss to Jane's lips when the other woman turns to face her with a smile. It doesn't take long for that one kiss to become many. Filled with passion and love for each other that held the stitch together.
Jane turns her body more towards the bat as her fingers run through Bryce's long black hair. In return, Bryce holds her tighter. Never wanting to let go. Content to always stay like this forever. Neither wanting to part at that moment. Not when they fought so hard to get to this place in their relationship. When all the odds were stacked against them from the very beginning. A lot has changed since they first met. Since, Bryce went undercover in the Pact using Jane's friendship to accomplish a mission. Where the results of doing so brought them closer together in a way she never saw coming. From their fight in Ace Chemicals that almost broke them for good. To countless visits in an insane Asylum to try and repair the damage caused by them both. None of that mattered now. Not when their tongues danced in harmony with each other. Where slender fingers ran through raven hair as their bodies pressed against them. When their love the women shared was stronger than it had ever been before. Or, perhaps, that was always the case. They earned this happy ending. Deserved the right to be together as every other couple who celebrated this month deserved happiness as well. Where there should be no shame for the love they felt, despite what other ignorant people might think. Bryce and Jane were happy and both would fight to preserve it.
When they pulled apart to get much need air. Jane let out a small giggle while Bryce knew they would need to fix both their lipstick's before heading out into the streets of Gotham City.
"Ya, know. I wonder what the tabloids will write about when they get wind of your new cape, my sweet." Jane comments in a teasing tone that borderline's on mischievous.
Bryce just shook her head as she placed one last kiss to Jane's lips, before they both stood up to head out and fight the criminal underworld.
Together.
As they were always meant to be.
Side by side, until the end of time.
"I doubt they'll ever know. It's not like every night that many people even see Batwoman coming and when they do it's far too late by then to report on it," Bryce responds. Her own amusement radiating off of her at the imagined scenario of reporters having a field day on the Bat's new attire. As she clips on her new cape. Causing Jane to give her a loving smile towards her. Jane cups the Bats cheek and Bryce leans into the touch. Debating with herself to take a night off and just stay with Jane. But, she knows they can't. Not when innocents were always in danger in this city. Besides, she'll still have Jane near her. Fighting by her side. Everything she had always wanted in her life since she first realized she loved the other woman with all her heart. Whatever happens next, well, they can handle it. As long as they are together.
"Who knows, Bats? Stranger things have happened." Is all Jane says as she makes her way to the Batmobile. And, Bryce has the sneaking suspicion that Jane knows something that she doesn't. However, she lets its slide. Her mind preparing herself for the night ahead. For the new debut of the formed Vigilante partnership between Batwoman and the Joker. This will hopefully change public opinion after last time. And, if it doesn't then Bryce wasn't going to concern herself with the thoughts of strangers. All she really needed was Jane. That would never change.
It isn't until two days later after the successful first night fighting crime together that Bryce's earlier suspicions on Jane's comment are proven accurate. For staring her right in the face on the first page of the morning paper printed by the Gotham Gazette is a picture of Batwoman and Joker kissing in an Alleyway. With the tagline all about this encounter and the new cape color scheme of Gotham infamous protector. It's only then that Bryce slightly remembers noticing what she thought was one of Jane's old bar buddies Willy near the scene. A thought that Jane quickly distracted her from, by her warm embrace and passionate kisses. However, Bryce doesn't find it in her to care one bit that Jane had planned this. In fact she's more impressed and amused if anything. Besides, now all of Gotham knew the dangers of messing with the Joker. Not when Batwoman wouldn't allow anything to happen to the woman she loved and very few would be dumb enough to even risk the Bats ire in the first place.
In the end this would be more beneficial for them both in the long run. So, when Jane arrives into this kitchen a few hours later. All Bryce does is place a kiss to her cheek before heading off to work. Handing Jane the morning paper as she does so. Laughter soon follows her out the door and Bryce lets out a small happy laugh of her own.