maxe03: Er... why would there be no Robin's, Batgirl's or Batwoman?
Kamigami no akumu: Everyone loves Harley.
redfro: Technically, yes and no. After all the people of DC aren't the brightest. But they will be taking precautions later.
Tsuki Hanabira: Are you talking about the Joker? Because those are fake names he uses.
Here are a few reviews answered by Ghost:
redfro: Two words: Comic. Logic.
Tsuki Hanabira: We're glad you like the story and thank you for your patience.
Shadow Joestar: Yeah well...Who can predict the unpredictable? It's Joker's thing.
Co-Writter: GhostKaiser23
Disclaimer: We do not own Batman
Author's Notes:
Hey everyone, here is another chapter! And it is a big, long, important one today!
Hope you all enjoy!
Batman: A Different Path
Chapter 5: Falling Birds, Rising Bat's
"Nice to meet you Ms Quinzel." Pamela smiled as she sat in the therapy chair.
"So, I've been told about your...Recent development and I'm here to listen." Harleen spoke kindly "So...Where would you like to begin?"
"I don't know." She admitted
"Well...Why don't you start with your transformation? How does it feel?" Dr Quinzel asked
"Like... like I'm free." Pamela smiled
"Well that's good...I what way do you mean "free"?" Harleen asked as she wrote down her findings.
"Like... I can do anything. I can stop holding myself back. I can stop caring what everyone thinks. I feel more confident and self-worth." Pamela explained lightly
"So...with these powers...You feel whole? You feel unrestrained and just throw your moral code out the window? Is there anyone or anything you care about?" Harleen asked trying to be as careful and caring as possible
"... Bruce." She nodded
"Bruce...Is he your boyfriend?" Harleen asked kindly
"No...My lover..." Pamela smiled, sighing happily
"Is that not the same thing?" Harleen asked for clarification, wanting to look into Pamela's mind more
"I guess..." Pamela blushed, thinking on the time they made love "But... there... there is a difference."
"Well...we're making good progress." Harleen smiled taking notes, Pamela nodded lightly at that "Now, tell me about your past."
*With Bruce*
Bruce was currently driving back to the company, contemplating what could happen for the future. He wanted to protect Pamela but she wants to help him 'Damn...How can I help her while doing what we do?' He thought to himself. He sighed, annoyed at the thought. Bruce's phone began to ring and he answered it "Hello?"
"Ah Mr Wayne; how are things going with Ms Isley's appointment?" Lucius's voice spoke through the speakers.
"I think its fine." Bruce nodded
"We've already began preparations for Mr Fries' employment and the containment for his wife." Lucius added
"That's good." Bruce nodded
"Also the press are here, they're asking for you and your policies to rehabilitate Mr Fries." Lucius added
"Of course." Bruce sighed
"And Ms Vale is present as well." Lucius gave one last warning
"This isn't going to be easy is it?" Bruce groaned
"It never is Mr Wayne." Lucius admitted
*At Wayne Enterprises*
"Where IS Wayne?" A Gotham News reporter spoke
"He's arriving Mr Glick. Patience is a virtue." Lucius stalled
"Mr Fox, is it true that Mr Wayne is seeing a mental patient?" another news-reporter asked
"Doctor Isley is going to Arkham for weekly appointments to help her through the trauma of her transformation." Bruce frowned as he emerged from the building "I imagine anyone who's been transformed through such an event would either become distraught or go on to become a person of interest to the police."
The reporters where silent before they stated asking new questions "What about you attempting to rehabilitate Mr Freeze?" A reporter asked
"He is a man who was just desperate to save the one he loves. Tell me would any of YOU honestly act different if you were in his position?" Bruce answers with a question
Again the news reporters shut up. They actually began to feel ashamed, except for Vicki Vale who pressed on. "Mr Wayne, do you know of the affliction for Mr Freeze's loved one?"
"McGregor's Syndrome." Bruce said simply. The murmurs began to spread throughout the room, this disease was crippling to all and was just as deadly as cancer. As of yet, there was no cure "He was working on a cure and during his search he had an accident. He cannot survive outside subzero temperatures. So he had to create a cold suit in order to walk around. The problem? He ran out of money. He felt he had no choice in order to save his wife." Bruce said passionately
That immediately answered the next questions from the investigators and began to depart from the room, they had what they needed. Bruce stayed there, expecting Vicky to walk towards him "Hello Bruce." She spoke kindly to him
"Hello Vicki. I take it you're here for more than just a personal interview?" Bruce asked. Vicky nodded, a serious look in her eyes "Come into my office, we'll talk there." Bruce answered. She nodded, following. As they entered Vicki sighed and composed herself as Bruce asked his secretary not to let anyone in while he and Vicki were in a personal conference "So what's your first question Ms Vale?" Bruce smiled
"It's about...us...and you with Ms Isley." Vicki spoke. Bruce raised an eyebrow at that "Bruce...I miss you...I miss US...But...I can't help but feel jealous." Vicki spoke
"If I remember you left me." Bruce frowned
"I know...And it wasn't fair..." Vicki spoke "I never gave a decent reason to leave."
"I'm a 'playboy'. I expect it." Bruce shrugged, making finger quotes
"But seeing you with her at the press conference before...It made me realize something." Vicki spoke
"Which is?" Bruce asked
"You really care for her...Deeply and wholeheartedly." She answered
"I do." He nodded
"Which is why...I want YOU to break up with ME." Vicki spoke
"But...we AREN'T together." Bruce pointed out
"I broke your heart without reason...I'm okay with you being with Ms Isley...Let's just call this "Karmatic Balance"." Vicki explained
"Vicki you didn't break my heart. I was expecting it anyway." Bruce shrugged
"...Still friends?" Vicki asked after a brief pause
"Yes." He nodded
"Thanks Bruce." Vicki smiled
Bruce nodded in reply "Is that all? Do you need me to escort you out?" Bruce asked
"No...No thank you. Goodbye." Vicki waved and left kindly
"Goodbye." He nodded
*Back at Arkham*
"Times up Ms Isley. We've made some good progress." Harleen smiled kindly
"If you think so." Ivy nodded
"We will have to make another date to continue." Harleen answered
"Next week?" Pamela offered
"Hmm...Next week on Wednesday?" Harleen asked
"Okay." Ivy nodded
"Very well. Until next Wednesday Ms Isley." Harleen smiled extending her hand in good faith
Ivy shock it, smiling, making Harleen blush "Until Wednesday." Pamela smiled and went outside waiting for Bruce.
Harleen looked at Pamela as she walked out of her office. Her heart a slight flutter from seeing her but she knew she had to maintain a mutual and professional doctor-patient relationship...even IF Pamela was easy on the eyes. And that Mr Wayne was attractive as well 'N-No! I-I can't have these feelings for my patients...or their boyfriends! B-Besides... I-I don't swing that way... Though... Though back at University...' Harleen thought back to her days in school. She shuddered a bit as she remembered it 'Damn it...' She thought as she remembered her times. The 'experimenting' and fun… no! She just got this job! She couldn't lose it! She had to confirm herself! 'Why is it that I meet the most interesting people?' She thought. Well she had to get ready; her next appointment was with a guy called 'Joker' "Can you bring in Mr Joker please?" Harleen asked the guard
"Yes Doctor." The orderly nodded
*outside, with Bruce and Pamela*
"Hi Pamela; how was the session?" Bruce asked as they were now outside of the Asylum.
"I think it went well." She smiled
"That's wonderful." He responded "Because I've got news."
"What news?" Pamela asked
"I've got tickets to see Haley's Circus for Sunday night." Bruce answered producing the tickets from his jacket pocket
"That sounds nice." She smiled
"It's said to be quite the show." Bruce smiled. Pamela nodded with a smile "My lady..." Bruce spoke kindly as he escorted her to the car. She smiled, kissing his cheek lightly as they got in the car. As they drove out of Arkham's radius, inside the Asylum...A certain clown was working a plan that involved a blonde psychiatrist. Unfortunately it would take a few weeks, maybe months. But he could bind his time
*time skip, a few days later*
It was Friday afternoon, Bruce was on his way to go talk to Dr Quinzel about a review on Pamela's progress as well as to thank her "Name please." The Arkham guard spoke as Bruce rolled up to Arkham Asylum's gates.
"Bruce Wayne; here to see Dr Quinzel." Bruce spoke through the intercom. The guard's eyes widened and he nodded. As the gate opened Bruce went through and headed towards the Asylum. He was being protected by the orderlies who were taking the inmates outside. It didn't take long for him to arrive at Doctor Quinnell's office. And opening the door made said Doctor squeak and jump in her chair, mouth around a sandwich she was eating
"Oh I'm sorry Dr Quinzel. I didn't realise you were on your lunch break." Bruce apologised"... I'm not." She blushed
"Oh...Well sorry that I interrupted." Bruce spoke but he smiled, chuckling at the fact the blonde was sneaking an extra lunch
"Um...What did you want Mr Wayne?" Harleen asked
"I came to speak to you. And thank you for what you have done for Pamela." Bruce smiled, finding the blushing blonde very cute
"Well...It's my job. So… What did you want to talk to be about? Besides to thank me." She blushed
"I wish to talk about Pamela's progress." Bruce said gently
"I'm sorry, but that would break Doctor-Patient Confidentiality...But what I CAN say is...She's progressing nicely." Harleen answered
"I do not want to know specifics." Bruce smiled "I would just like to know how long she might need to come here, if there is anything I can do to help her day to day life and to let you know I am available if you need an assistant for any activities you think will help her."
"Oh THAT...Well, I think the best thing you can do with Pamela is: just continue doing what you're doing. And the rate she is with me...My guess just a couple of weeks, maybe a month." Harleen answered honestly
"That's good to know." Bruce smiled happily
"Mr Wayne..." Harleen began to speak but felt flustered around him
"Yes?" He asked
"I...Well I...Um..." Harleen blushed bright.
"It is okay, whatever you want to say I'll understand." Bruce spoke honestly with a smile
"I...Am just wondering...About you..." Harleen spoke normally then went quieter as she progressed
"What about me?" He asked
"Well...I err...it's kinda...no, never mind. It's not important." Harleen answered
"You can tell me, it's only fair." Bruce smiled
"I...think Pamela is...lucky to have a guy like you in her life." Harleen blushed
"Rich and entitled?" Bruce joked
"No! I-I mean...kind, caring...Handsome..." Harleen answered whispering the last bit
"Thank you." Bruce nodded with a smile
"D-Don't get me wrong; I don't have any intention to split you two up!" Harleen defended honestly but she couldn't help but feel a little jealous. Bruce chuckled softly at her actions "Oh...I'm just a fluster of nerves aren't I?" Harleen gulped
"It's fine. You're cute like that." He chuckled
'C-C-CUTE?!' Harleen screamed in her mind
"I will see you another day Doctor." Bruce nodded with a smile
"I-I-I...Sure, Mr Wayne..." Harleen blushed. Bruce stood up and shook her hand, kissing her knuckles gently, before he left. Harleen blushed brightly and squeaked in surprise and slumped into her chair, in a sort of dream like haze where she couldn't believe that just happened. She left her forgotten sandwich on the desk staring at the door as she held her kissed hand to her chest 'Oh my GOSH! Did that just happen?' Harleen asked herself in a fluster
*with Bruce*
'I think that went well.' He smiled to himself and remembered Dr Harleen Quinzel on his notes from the future but she was labelled as "Harley Quinn". True he wanted to capitalize on keeping her as a psychologist...but he had to admit there was an allure about her.
He also wanted to help her. To keep her from falling into the wheel of madness
He had made a promise to help the people who could be saved on the list...and he wanted to keep it.
He WILL keep it
*With Victor*
"Dr Fries, how is your research coming along?" a scientist asked Victor
"It is coming along. Do you have reason for coming here?" Victor asked
"It's lunch time. I thought I should tell you." The scientist answered
"I'm fine." He said simply
"Well, if you're sure. See you later Dr Fries." The scientist answered and left
Victor nodded, continuing his work 'Just hold on Nora...I will heal you yet.' Victor thought passionately
*the next day, with Bruce*
"Good Morning Master Bruce. Sleep well?" Alfred spoke as he was dusting the library
"Very well." Bruce smiled
"I believe that today is your date with Ms Isley, Sir." Alfred added
"Yes, yes it is." Bruce yawned
"And you have already tried twelve different ties." Alfred pointed out with a small smirk
"How...Can you blame me? It's Pamela." Bruce chuckled. Alfred laughed, smiling "It's an actual date and not a fake date." Bruce shook his head with a smile
"I know sir." Alfred nodded
That was when the phone called "I've got this Alfred. Bruce Wayne." Bruce told his guardian and answered the phone
"Ah Mr Wayne, I'm sorry to call you so early in the morning but there's a small distress with Dr Fries." a scientist spoke
"What distress? What's happened?" Bruce asked
"He refuses to take breaks. He spends almost all hours working on the cure for his wife." the scientist responded "I've told him about the breaks, but he's adamant."
"As you said: it is to cure his wife. Are you surprised?" Bruce replied
"It's just concerning. I mean Andre from Human Resources is worried about his physical and mental health...Aside from his condition." the scientist responded
"... I will be in tomorrow and ask for him to have a nap." Bruce sighed
"Thank you Sir. We'll document any updates for the cure. Have a good day." the scientist answered
Bruce nodded, hanging up "Trouble at work, Master Bruce?" Alfred asked
"Nothing that can't be handled tomorrow." Bruce answered and headed upstairs to change his clothes
Alfred smirked at that
*With Pamela*
Pamela was brushing out her hair ready for her date with Bruce. Even though she thought 'It's a little late for us to have a date after we made love...It's wonderful that he sees me as a beautiful woman.' She rubbed her neck happily, smiling "Now...what am I going to wear? Nothing slutty but something alluring...though my crowd pleasers do that job well." She looked down at her augmented breasts. Well they were naturally that size but they SEEMED bigger "I wonder what Bruce will be wearing...?" She wondered dreamily. She was not normally such a school girl but she was imagining being with Bruce for a long time and as more than just lovers. He had saved her from herself and helped her recover
She gasped when there was a knock on the door, looking at the clock. It was time for her date! "Oh err...Come in! I'll be just a second!" Pamela called back. She closed her bedroom door... before she realized she hadn't unlocked the door and Bruce didn't have a way to open it "Sorry, sorry...I forgot about letting you in." Pamela apologized as she opened her front door and quickly ran back to her room.
Bruce raised an eyebrow as he entered the house, closing the door behind him. As Bruce observed the room he saw various plants in pots and notes on flora compiled on her desk 'Oh Pamela.' he smiled
"Sorry, sorry about that...But I like security for my work and babies." Pamela apologized again without thinking on the last part.
"What was that?" He asked
"I err...It...It's nothing." Pamela responded
"It sounded like: you want to protect your baby plants..." Bruce answered
"I said it's nothing Bruce." She frowned, walking out of her room in a sleek red dress
"Wow...You look beautiful." Bruce smiled authentically.
"Really? You don't think it's too much?" Pamela asked
"No. It looks nice." He smiled. The dress was simple and plane and didn't show too much skin "Well then...Ms Isley; may I?" Bruce asked kindly and extended his arm like a loop
"You may." Pamela smiled, holding his arm happily
*Time Skip*
Bruce and Pamela were currently in a Tavern on the Green like restaurant and the two lovers were currently finishing their salad course.
Bruce and Pamela were currently sitting in the middle row of Haley's Circus; they were currently observing the trained animals. The crowd was cheering as the trained elephants and their trainers were showing the uniform and respect each had for each other.
"This looks entertaining." Pamela smiled
"And it's going to get better." Bruce smiled
"How?" She asked curiously
"And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, our final act: The Flying GRAYSON'S...!" the Ringmaster spoke working the crowd and the spotlights pointed to a family of three. A mother, a father and their pre-teen son. All wearing red leotards with golden wing designs and white trousers. They stood amazed at the sight of the crowd and smiled before them with not over-confidence but happiness.
Bruce's eyes widened as he remembered the last name from the files. The files where vague, gave no real information besides his name. Oh no... he had a bad feeling about this
"Now without further ado, here they are!" The Ringmaster spoke smiled and left the stage, having his hand shook by the Grayson's who seemed to thank him as they got into position for their show.
"Bruce, what's wrong? You look worried." Pamela spoke in worry.
"I... I..." Bruce muttered as the family preformed, unable to find the words
"And now for the grand finale! Mari and Johnathan Grayson will now preform their death defying triple Grey Hyper Dive... WITHOUT A NET!" The ringleader called as the son walked back and the net was removed with the parents getting ready for their next trick… And the crowd was going wild
Bruce wanted to do something to stop this. He KNEW what was going to happen! He didn't know what would happen but something bad was going to happen he could FEEL it!
"Silence! Silence please...This next part requires: ABSOLUTE...Silence..." The Ringmaster spoke hushing the crowd. The crowd went silence before the two parents ran and jumped, grasping hold of the trapezes to start their act... and they broke. The whole tent was silent as the boy saw his parents fall to the ground, the hearts and shock factor stunned all but two people: Bruce Wayne, because he knew what would happen. And the perpetrator who cut the ropes.
Bruce was just angry because he felt like he should have been able to stop this. The assassin grinned. He was standing atop the tent and began running. Bruce saw the man run and felt his body blood boil. He jumped from his seat and ran after the man, who slipped from the tent "B-Bruce? Bruce!" Pamela called out to him as he ran off
"Where is he?!" Bruce snarled as he skidded to a stop, looking around trying to see where the killer went. He lost him but he WON'T let him get away!
"Hands in the air!" a voice spoke behind Bruce, causing him to turn. "Mr Wayne? What are you doing here?"
"I saw the assassin. I saw him run. I... had to do something." Bruce explained as he held his hands in the air "I saw a boy loose his parents before his eyes just like what happened to me... I had to try and get the kid justice, something that never happened for me." With that he turned around to see the one who was pointing his gun at him, Commissioner Gordon
"Damn it...Damn it...Not again...Sorry I pulled my gun on you. All part of the job, I was here with my daughter and..." Commissioner Gordon explained
"It's alright...I just wish I caught the assassin." Bruce sighed regretfully.
"You go and give a disruption to a sketch artist later, come on." Gordon nodded, patting his shoulder as Pamela caught up
"Bruce! Bruce, thank god..." Pamela caught up and hugged her lover "What were you thinking?"
"I had to avenge them." He sighed, hugging her back "I don't want that boy to boil in rage."
*Back at the tent*
The young Grayson was crying in his family's trailer, he was shaking in anger, sadness and hate "I'm so sorry Dick..." The ringmaster spoke apologetically as he rubbed his back
"Why...? WHY did that happen?" Dick cried
"... this is all my fault." the ringleader sighed "Some... some stupid hang was trying to force me to pay them protection money, your parents were hiding outside. They were coming to talk to be and overheard what was going on. I was going to pay them, I wanted everyone to be safe but you parents... they were hero's. They stormed in and told me off, saying we should not bend to people like them who treated with violence to get their way. They gave me courage... and the gang swore to get us back. If I had been a coward... if I had played... your parents would still be alive
"They came...THREATENED OUR home...I-I'm going to kill them...!" Dick spoke with a saddened vengeance; it was his broken heart talking, not his clear mind.
"No Richard! No! Your parents wouldn't WANT that!" The ringleader frowned
"They...They weren't your parents..." Dick broke down crying more.
"Oh Richard..." The Ringleader sighed and rubbed the boy's back.
"Hello?" Bruce asked as he walked in
"Oh, I'm sorry but we're not allowing visitors at the minute." The Ringleader spoke "Wait...you're the man that ran after..."
"Yes...I am. Bruce Wayne." Bruce introduced himself. He knelt down in front of Dick, putting his hand on his shoulder "Look. I'm sorry for what happened." Bruce said sadly "I know how you feel."
"HOW? How would you know?" Dick snapped lightly
"...Because my parents were murdered in front of me too." Bruce answered honestly "I was younger than you when it happened." Dick sniffed and hugged Bruce "There there. I won't let this guy vet away. He will face justice." Bruce promised
"How can you promise that...?" Dick asked
"I am Bruce Wayne." He smiled
"Th-Thank you..." Dick sniffed, feeling better.
"If you want you can stay with me until the circus leaves or until the guy is caught, depending on what you want." Bruce offered with a smiled "Unless you have a next of kin."
"No...No-one else besides the circus..." Dick answered
"Dick was born into the circus Mr Wayne." The ringleader answered
"Very well. Do you want to live with me Richard?" Bruce nodded and asked
"I...I'll just be in the way." Dick frowned
"No...No you won't." Bruce reassured him. "It will be okay Richard, I promise." He smiled
Outside of the tent Pamela and Jim Gordon heard it all. Jim nodded with an understanding smile; Pamela was touched at Bruce's kindness that he showed her. She held her hands over her heart, smiling
"Never thought I'd see something like this again..." Jim spoke
"What do you mean?" She asked
"Bruce was only eight when his parents were killed in front of him...And now he's seen the same tragedy happen to someone else." Jim answered
"Where... where you the cop who first saw him after that?" Pamela asked
"Yes...Yes I was..." Jim nodded
"Damn." Pamela sighed
"But...With everything that's been happening, I'm glad he's like this instead of an ass." Jim answered reassuring her.
"Oh, he likes the ass." Pamela gave a small innuendo as she chuckled softly
'Pretending I didn't hear that...' Jim sighed
"Are you sure about this Richard?" the Ringleader asked kindly
"I...I'm sure." Dick nodded
The Ringleader put his hands on the young boy's shoulders "I wish you all the luck in the world, Dick." He gave an understanding smile
"Thank you Uncle." He smiled. As the Ringleader said; he was born and raised in the circus. So he saw everyone like family
"You look after him." The Ringleader warned Bruce
"I will. I promise." Bruce nodded
"As will I." Pamela nodded
"Pamela, how long were you there?" Bruce turned around
"You...You were in the stands with him." Dick spoke in awe
"I am his girlfriend." she nodded with a smile
"Wow...Cool." Dick answered. Pamela nodded, hugging the child
"I...Assume this is Mrs Wayne?" The Ringleader asked kindly and innocently
"... not yet." Bruce smiled; Pamela's green cheeks now a blushing deeper darker shade of green
"I should...Probably get my stuff." Dick spoke
"We'll come and help. It's the least we can do." Bruce offered
"Thank you." he smiled. Not long after, Dick had packed all of his clothes and personal effects in his bag and he was ready to go with Bruce and Pamela.
Bruce had his hand on his shoulder with his other hand holding Pamela's. The press had arrived and started taking pictures, Bruce waiting for Alfred to arrive in a limo. Bruce's sports car was a two seater and didn't have room for Dick's stuff. 'Never thought I'd be like this...Being on the front page for what happened...The way it did.' Dick thought as: he, Bruce and Pamela entered the limo with Alfred driving.
"Hello Master Richard. I am so sorry for your loss." Alfred said kindly, nodding back to the child as he drove through Gotham
"Thank you Sir." Dick spoke
"Oh, no need to call me "Sir" Master Richard. Call me Alfred." Alfred smiled
"You don't have to be formal with us." Bruce agreed with a smile
"Thank you." Dick nodded lightly
"You're welcome." Pamela smiled
As they were driven back to the Manor, Alfred opened the side door for them. "Here we are." Alfred nodded as he held the door open
"Thanks Alfred." Bruce nodded as the three got out of the car
"... wow..." Dick muttered
"That was my first impression when I came here." Pamela smiled
"It's less intimidating than it looks." Bruce told Dick.
"I doubt it." Dick muttered
"Come along now." Alfred spoke kindly as he opened the door to the house.
Dick grunted as he pulled his bag into the mansion. Or at least tried, before Bruce took it off him "Here, let me." He smiled
"I...Thanks." Dick answered
"You're welcome Richard." he smiled, walking in "Alfred can you show him around? And Richard, pick out any room you want. That'll be your room for as long as you want to stay here. Okay?" Bruce instructed his old friend/father figure and told the twelve year old
"Of course Master Wayne." Alfred bowed
"Thank you." Dick nodded
"You're welcome Richard." Bruce smiled, passing the bag to Alfred "And if I am not here when you get back it's because I needed to go to see the police or I was desperately needed at Wayne Enterprises, okay?"
"Okay. I understand." Dick nodded
"Well go on then." Pamela smiled
"I...Thank you." Dick answered...then quickly hugged the three of them. They were shocked for a second before they smiled and hugged him back
"Go on...Make yourself comfortable." Bruce spoke kindly to Dick. Dick smiled and ran up the stairs
"I think he's going to like it here Master Bruce." Alfred spoke kindly.
"I think so too. Bruce can I have a word please?" Pamela asked
"Sure, excuse us Alfred." Bruce responded. Bruce walked off with Pamela while Alfred followed Dick "What did you want to talk about?" Bruce smiled
"Saying "not yet" to my being Mrs Wayne..." Pamela answered and kissed him twice, the second one being longer and more passionate than the first. Bruce raised an eyebrow with a smile "Is that you really think?" Pamela asked kindly
"Is what?" He asked
"You love me enough for marriage...Or are you just being hard to get?" Pamela pouted
"Yes. I do love you that much." he nodded with a smile
"But...It's too early...Right?" Pamela asked in understanding
"We HAVE known each other for a month...It IS a bit early." Bruce nodded "Which is why I said not yet."
"I love you..." She hugged him
"I love you too." Bruce reciprocated "I need to head off to 'work'." He smiled "Do you want to come with or stay with Richard? Honestly I was planning adopting him if he wanted to stay after I catch the killer."
"Adopting him? Bruce Wayne...You're an amazing human being." Pamela beamed "I think...If he's here with friends...It'd be better for him."
"So you gonna stay while I catch this creep?" Bruce asked
"Just so he's settled...Unless you want me to come with you." Pamela answered
"It's your choice." Bruce nodded with a smile, kissing her forehead "I will see you when I get back."
"Okay. I love you." Pamela smiled as he left.
Bruce opened the grandfather clock and slipped in, closing it behind him. He walked down the stairs confidently, entering the BatCave. He went straight to the BatComputer and typed in what he remembered the scene and hacked into the Police database along with working on his own database on known criminals. Cross referencing the three to find the overlaying centre: the final suspect. Some random thug called Macony 'Macony's a low level thug...a grunt. He probably took orders from his boss.' Bruce deduced and looked for Macony's employer
Falcony. Of course.
He ran a protection racket. The circus turned him down. Simple
"He's not getting off that easy..." Bruce promised Dick, even though he wasn't in earshot. He stood up and took off his suit, going to the armoury to out on his suit.. The Bat was on the Hunt
*at the home of Commissioner James 'Jim' Gordon*
Barbara Gordon hummed as she brushed her long red hair, looking in the mirror. A costume as resting on her bed for a costume party one of her friends was having tonight and she was getting ready. She had applied some black eye shadow and mascara already and was making sure her hair was okay before she put the outfit on. She grinned and stood up, taking off her nightgown as she walked over to her bed to get dressed. First she pulled on a grey skin tight cotton catsuit with the hands and feet cut off, a yellow bat symbol sowed on the chest "There, that should do it." She smiled "Those costumes at the party are gonna pale in comparison to this beauty." She admired the feel of the outfit as it slid over her skin, twirling in front of the mirror taking in her appearance in skin tight suit "I'm gonna win that contest for sure." Barbara smiled happily taking in her costumed appearance.
She sat down on her bed and grabbed the dark blue leather ankle high heeled boots. She slid them on, making sure they fit firmly, before zipping them up and spinning on the spot to check her balance "Time to impress." Barbara smiled as she went out to the party.. She slipped a yellow belt around her waist, letting it hang off her hips at an angle, while pulling on blue wrist length gloves. Finally she grabbed a blue ankle length cape she tied around neck and ending her costume by pulling a short eared bat-esk mask over her head and left her lower face bare including her lips which her painted in a dark blue lipstick "Bye Daddy!" She called as she slipped her keys into her belt, waving as she headed towards the front door
"Bye Barbara. Be careful and don't stay out late." Jim spoke with a smile while reading the newspaper. He went home early today while Harvey Bullek and the rest of the GCPD dealt with the Grayson case. He had been working nearly two days straight and the others nearly FORCED him to go home.
"I will." She smiled, kissing his cheek before she left for her party while wrapping a large black ankle length coat over herself. It was night and cold and her costume was very thin. Barbara was taking the car to the party, their home was located near the nicer parts of the city and the party was near the outskirts. She had gotten her license a few weeks ago and was proud of herself. Driving through town she imagined how much fun she was going to have and couldn't wait. Maybe she'd find a cool guy and they could hang out, it's been a while since her last date because of her dad scaring them all off. Such is the love life of the child of the Commissioner of Police.
She soon pulled up outside her friend's house and looked in the mirror, touching up her make-up, when she heard noises coming down a nearby alley "What the hell?" She wondered as she turned around towards the alley. She ran out of her car and down the alleyway and saw a group of people mugging a group of girls. She wanted to run and get some people to help... until the muggers pulled out a knife and she had to help!
"Just give us your purses!" one of the muggers demanded
"Sod the purses...I've got a better idea..." Another mugger grinned darkly... But a blue fist hit his nose, sending him stumbling back with a broken nose, before a blue heeled boot hit another one in a jaw not only knocking few teeth out and cracking his jaw bone and finally the heel left a shallow cut on the man's cheek that drew a bit of blood
"What..." a third member of the gang asked as he threw a fist at the figure only to be judo-thrown over the person's shoulder and into the opposite wall which knocked him out
"It's the bat!" The second yelled, covering his nose before a one-two combo to his gut and chin incomes him out leaving just the second thug who was knocked out to another heel-kick to the temple which left another small cut
"Da...Da Baf? Ick camb be!" the broken nosed thug spoke in shock since he heard the Bat was on the opposite side of the city… And then he fell unconscious
"Are you okay?" Barbara asked, kneeling in front of the scared girls
"B-Bat...Y-You're not Batman." one of the girls shuddered
"No, no I'm not. But I AM here to get you out of here." Barbara answered
"So... you're Batgirl?" Another asked
"I...Yeah...Yeah I'm Batgirl." Barbara nodded, taking the moniker and smiling before she ran off 'I-I can't believe it! I saved people! In my costume! ...Oh my god I feel a little sick!' Barbara thought ecstatically, feeling the rush of saving people...then promptly felt the crushing realization that she was in a fight with thugs who were wielding weapons. And at the same time she had a face splitting smile on as she got back into her car. She had been taught to defend herself since she was a child, her dad being a police officer watering it.
She felt amazing after saving those people. It was dark so they didn't make anything out! 'Oh god that was insane!' she thought, panting in fear joy and excitement. She got rid of her make-up and replied it with different colours while taking her gloves and boots off and replacing them with yellow ones that nearly reached her knees/elbows. It would stop people potentially recognizing her "Okay...Okay...Do...Do I have time for the party?" She wondered. Looking at her watch she saw she still had time and sighed in relief. But that was a rush she had never felt before
And she wanted more