The present…
"You can't do it alone, you know." Catwoman said matter-of-factly.
The wind picked up, and a new chill had recently hit the air. Autumn was coming. She could almost smell the crisp, dry leaves it would bring with it.
"I understand that this city is under your protection and that you don't want anyone getting hurt or killed on your watch, but there are those of us who will help to still keep it safe despite your wishes."
He didn't look at her, but she knew he was listening.
"Yes, what happened to Robin was horrific. That's why we can't allow any other child be traumatized in such a manner again." She gripped his arm and forced him to look at her. "You may not have Nightwing, Batgirl, and Robin at your side, but I'm here. Huntress and Black Canary are out there too."
Batman didn't give any hint of a reaction, good or bad.
"I know you're not one to accept assistance, but if the time comes and you need to, I'm here for you to lean on." She kissed him, rising to her tiptoes and pulling his body to hers. His hands gripped her waist, tighter than he had ever held her before, and he reciprocated the kiss. He pressed his lips to hers harshly, as if he couldn't get enough of her.
When they separated, he left her breathless. Batman jumped off the building's edge without faltering, leaving the Catwoman to her thoughts.
The kiss was the first and last time the Batman had truly shown how much he needed the Catwoman at his side, and she somehow knew it would be.
She hoped she could live comfortably knowing that she came second to his Gotham.