So this chapter was supposed to go with the other ... but it was too freakin long! They way I broke it up didn't really help the chapter length situation... pour a cup of tea... have a glass of wine... and enjoy this chapter... still looking for a beta :)
Oh and I own nothing from Nolanverse or Criminal Minds :)
Back at Arkham
Penelope was rinsing out her mouth when she thought of his scars again.
Crap, she ran back into the stall.
There goes this morning's breakfast.
His scars merged with the cracks in his skin… right into his laugh lines actually.
As she rinsed her mouth again she remembered the sadness in his eyes.
Holly.
She hadn't thought of Jack in forever. Her heart, there were parts she knew the team wouldn't understand—they fought with passion and they loved even harder. He was always her fearless protector ever since they were kids.
1 year after she left college and moved to Gotham
"Ohmigod, is this new. I mean it has to be new... but it's wonderful."
Jack smiled, "I couldn't have you watching the classics like, The Fly, on a bean bag."
She took off her doc martins and plopped on the plush burgundy sofa.
"I so love this," she said bouncing her bum on the sofa cushions.
"I so love you," he said crawling on top of her.
"I kinda think I love you more," she teased as she ran her fingers through his blond hair. His hair was blond with a few streaks of brown and gold – his bone straight hair came alive with product and Penelope loved playing in his hair.
"Where were you?" he asked as he nuzzled his face between her neck.
"At Mally's"
Jack groaned, "I can smell the relish," he said as he nipped her earlobe.
"Cannot,"
"Can to."
"Can not—Lucius gave me gum"
"Lucius?" he asked as his head rose from her neck to look squarely into her eyes.
"Mal's friend." She said with a mental shrug, "He's cool."
She leaned up to kiss his neck. Light butterfly kisses.
He looked down at her and said, "Lucius." He always acted like someone or something was going to swoop down and take her away. Didn't he know how much she loved him?
"Don't be paranoid he's like 50 or 60 …old enough to be our techie fathers."
"Hmph," Jack said looking down at her with a smile.
"Plus I only have eyes for you."
She kissed him urgently and began to unbuckle his jeans. His tongue eased into her mouth as his hands crawled up her skirt.
He heard his a pan sizzling on the stove.
"Shit," he said jumping up
He ran to the kitchen and attempted to save his ginger shrimp.
She groaned.
"We can continue after dinner—" he said playfully "but, we just put this kitchen in and I don't want to burn it down."
They'd been renovating their dilapidated town house since she came to San Fran. The rent was cheap 200 bucks but the house need work – like a gut reno. But Jack and the guys made it livable before I arrived – but privacy was a figment of their imagination. Jack tried though—he made their living quarters feel like an apartment – he put up walls and she put up decorations but the hoods often met in our quasi-apartment- because it was the homiest part of the house. The guys who lived with us – lived like most guys sustaining themselves on beer and Doritos.
"Fine- Fine," she said as she opened her computer at the dinning room table with a pout.
He quickly came over to her and kissed gently. His hands ran through her hair—"I have a treat for you—so no pouting," he said as he kissed her nose.
"I love treats," she said as she logged in to her computer.
She typed away as he cooked- when dinner was almost done he called clear as if they were in ER.
"I'm in the middle two minutes."
"What are you working on?"
"The program I created for Mal works perfectly but he's scared of going all digital so Lucius gave me this idea of creating a report he can print so he has something tangible. But I had to re-write the assumptions."
Jack walked behind her and looked at the code she was revising, "you could just add the ending script here —does he have an email? I have a script on the Gen Drive that does that automatically."
He thought about where it was on the Gen Drive and added, "I think it's under Gotham Equity – Closing file."
"Thanks babe," she said blowing him air kisses.
"I still have to re-write a few things."
She quickly added "I'll do it after dinner … which smells amazing!"
"Should I get the guys upstairs?" she asked as she removed her work from the table.
He placed plates and wine on the table.
"Just us," he said as he kissed her forehead.
She smiled adoringly at him.
He poured her some wine—"I'm trying to educate your palate," he teased, "so this is a Malbec from south Africa—you like Syrah so you should love this and it blends well with Asian food."
She took a sip, "it is good."
"Ok, what's going on – it's not my birthday, or our anniversary… so what gives."
He placed the food on the table and joined her, "don't over think it brainiac—it's just dinner."
They enjoyed their meal and then broken in their new couch
3 years after that dinner… give or take a month and a few days
Penelope added a touch of lip-gloss to her lips and fluffed her hair once more—Bruce should be here soon. Well in an hour—why was she eager? She'd been to the mansion at least 4 times now for dinner and was sure that tonight would be the night for closing the deal. Bruce had always been a gentleman but her curiosity was killing her – what was he like in..
Her cell rings.
In the sack she wondered as she answered Bruce's call, "Hey."
"Lulu?"
"The one and only."
"I have bad news— I have to cancel tonight. We have a shareholders presentation and we're going late."
"No problem—I just walked in the door—you're lucky I didn't start getting ready."
"I'll make it up to you."
"Ok," she said smiling she learned long ago people could hear a smile across the phone lines. It helped hide her disappointment but what would she do when all call were video calls.
"Well I should let you go—and it's a blessing in disguise I can go shopping for Holly's BBQ. Crap I should ask Charlie to play grill master… "
"Grill Master?" Bruce asked
"Yeah, man the bbq—Holly being a vegetarian is accommodating all of her meat eating friends by having a BBQ but I don't know the first thing about that kinda thing."
"I could," Bruce offered.
"Really?" she asked wondering if he would really show up.
"Yup," he said too cool for school
"Ok," she said slightly reluctantly, "We'll see you Saturday."
"It's a date," he confirmed with a smile that she could hear.
"Bye Bruce."
She dropped the phone on the couch and groaned.
He was becoming king of the last minute cancels. So what we made out a couple of times at the mansion—nothing big, she thought. He sees three women at a time on a regular basis. God, what if he asked her to ménage… Maybe he could only have sex with multiples.. that would match the billionaire bad boy persona she saw in the paper. What she really needed to do was date—and sleeping with your ex doesn't count. She and Jack had a lot of break-up sex. Sometimes he was different, he was rougher and his stamina was like the energizer bunny. She liked the new Jack – he wasn't new... just more explicit. Jack liked kink and she knew that—she didn't mind the bites, the hair grabs, and the role playing but since they broke up the sex has been even more amazing… he acted as if it was his last time every time so he would be all macho and Grrr… then be all cuddly—well cuddly for Jack – which means holding me while I slept. Jack loved to mark her with love bites to show who ever came after him that she was taken. But alas there wasn't anyone.
She was hoping for something to do since it was Parker's birthday and they hadn't spoken since their parent's funeral. She found his number but was positive he would hang up before she finished saying hello.
She took off her shoes and headed to the fridge well freezer
"Mr. Daz would you like to play?"
She grabbed the pint of ice cream and a spoon and sat on the couch.
She opened the container and she saw only two tablespoons were left.
"Holly," she groaned.
She put the container back in the fridge and threw on her boots.
She made a quick list and headed to the door.
As she opened the door Jack was knocking.
"Hey" she said completely surprised
"Hi" he said quietly
There was an awkward moment that they both quickly filled,
"I was just heading out—"
"I wanted to invite myself over—I come bearing treats—Tito's tequila from Mexico, cupcakes from Orlins, Thai from Sea, and Butter Pecan."
"Jay," she said in a sing songy way.
Jack cleared his throat, "Today's Parker's birthday and I figured you would want company, but" he said looking at her outfit. High heels, floral A-line dress and freshly applied make-up, "if you have plans I can just…" his voice trailed off and he gestured towards the car he drove in.
"No plans", She opened the door and let him in. He kissed her forehead and headed to the kitchen.
He made her a tequila gimlet her parent's favorite drink and they toasted.
"How are you feeling?" she asked him
He shrugged
"You have to tell Dr. Alice what works and what doesn't." she said like a broken record he never listens to.
"Me without you doesn't work—but we not here to discuss that."
"Jack I care about you—I always will," she began.
"No," he placed a finger on her lips— "we used to be able to slow down and relax. I brought over your mom's favorite - The Big Chill for an after dinner screening."
Penelope's eyes lit up, he remembers the damndest things, "She loved that movie, and the moves she had." Penelope shook her head remembering her mom's two left feet.
"Is that what they're called—your dad had all the moves."
"Lol" Penelope said sarcastically.
"So what does old man Lucius have you working on these days?"
They fell into their old rhythm and she missed this. Him normal. He rubbed her feet as they watch The Big Chill and she was in paradise.
She sat up when the credits started to roll. She placed her legs across his lap and rested her elbow on the back of the couch between their faces.
"Thank you," she began, "Thank you for remembering – it means a lot to me—you mean a lot to me and I …"
"De nada," he said as he let her fingers played in his hair.
"I wish we could have more moments like this," she said remembering the best of times.
"I doubt Bruce would approve," he snarkily replied.
"Did you see the picture too?" she groaned
"You are a member of the billionaire club," he confirmed as she placed her head on the couch.
"It was just a dance …" she whined.
"And a dinner," Jack added
He massaged her calf, "you shouldn't trust him—his reputation – he is the definition of a player Penny Bear."
"I don't want to talk about Bruce, Jay. We were having such a good night and I don't want to."
He grabbed her head and kissed her ferociously, her hair firmly in his hand on the verge of too tight when she is pulled to his mouth. She's missed this—her hand ran through his hair pulling him closer and the taste of lime and tequila played on her tongue. He kissed her jaw and bite the flesh on her shoulder blade. You're mine he growled. He left wet kisses on her neck as a moan escaped her mouth. He claimed her mouth again and this time gently and bit her bottom lip—mine he said.
He picked her up and carried her to her room.
"Are you mine, Penny Bear?" he asked with a hint of worry in his voice
He tugged her hair so she was looking into his eyes and "I love you Jack but this is a bad idea."
His hands slipped into her underwear and between her folds as he massaged and explored the moist skin.
His hands brought her body to ferocious boil and moans of pleasure escaped her mouth between gasps of air.
Mine he whispered
Yours always, she promised.
He claimed her body that night and stole the remaining pieces of her heart.
She woke up in the middle of the night holding him tightly—as she looked out the window to the stars. God please watch over him and heal his mind. I love him. Don't take him from me too—Amen. This prayer she recited often when he was in a deep sleep but this was the first time Jack heard it.
She woke to the smell of French Toast at 7am.
"is the rugrat here too?" he asked as she stepped into the kitchen.
"Holly slept at a friends house—Holly is not a rugrat."
She showered and was dressed for work—"look at you Ms. J Crew."
"Stop it," she smiled as her phone rang. It was Bruce—
"You can answer it," Jack ordered, "—I don't care."
"Morning – How was your cram session?"
"Good—sorry about last night."
"No Problem," she murmured out of Jack's hearing.
"What did you wind up doing?" Bruce asked.
"A friend came over and we watched movies. Pretty mellow."
"You free for lunch today?"
"I think so – maybe a late lunch like 2-ish. Lucius has us on a deadline."
"Ok."
"See you then."
"Sorry," she said to Jack as soon as she hung up the phone.
"You don't have to apologize," he said placing her plate in front of her.
"Last night wasn't the best idea we've had." She said regretfully, "I mean –"
His nostrils flared and he glared at her, "if you had a choice me or Billionaire Bruce…. who?
"Jack" she chastised.
"Who?" he screamed
"If you were normal and no hoods and no mood swings like now—you. I'd always choose you but I need you to be better. Sometimes, like just now- you scare me, and I don't want to be scared of you – or think you might hurt me like you did before."
"That was an accident – I would never," he whispered. It felt like she slapped him whenever she brought up the fight that broke them up.
"I'll get better I promise – will you wait for me."
"Jack," she said tired of having the same conversation.
"You can see whom ever you want – but don't fall in love," he warned her.
"Your heart belongs to me."
"Sex always confused things, Jack I," she began to explain.
"Just say yes," he said in his Bossy Jack Napier voice.
"You promise to work with Dr. Alice?" she asked as she took a bite.
He nodded
"Yes," she said with a smile, "Now stop being so bossy. I only like you bossy in one place." She squeezed his hand.
"This is delicious," she said eating the fresh fruit topping.
"Oh and stop dating Bruce," he said in mid bite, "he's no good."
She rolled her eyes and said "I don't need boy advice."
"Penny Bear, he's a player,"
"he's a friend," she countered
"If he hurts you,"
"He won't," she said cutting off his threat.
In Paris
"I like this one."
She said as they looked around the space. It was an older apartment building in the artist arrondissements in Paris. The apartment was on the 5th floor which required an elevator ride on a lift that reminded them of Blade Runner.
The apartment itself was at the end of the hall. It had been vacant for a while… or that's at least what the dust told them when they entered. The apartment had good light and was bigger than he expected. But they didn't expect much since it was in the 8th Arrondissements.
Bruce groaned, "I knew you would like this one."
"The one in the 2nd Addr. Is so much better."
"Bruce, it was a condo not an apartment. We might not even like Paris. Plus that one felt like a hotel."
"I like hotels," he said reaching for her waist.
She looked around – "it just needs a deep cleaning but its perfect."
When he didn't chime in, she looked up at him, "I mean we can keep on looking if you want. I don't want to force my taste on you."
She quickly added, "Ellen has a list of places and this wasn't even on it.
"Can we renovate?" He asked the Ellen the broker.
"I can ask the management office... but what were you thinking?"
"Maybe painting and buying a new fridge… that one looks like it expired. And the tiles in the bathroom are all mismatched."
"I like the tiles being all mismatched."
Bruce raised his eyebrow quizzically, "Really?"
"I'll give you two a minute," she said walking towards the main entrance.
Bruce turned towards her, "if you like it – I like it."
"No," Penelope protested, "we both have to love it."
"Do you think we're moving too fast?" She asked as he played with her hair and shook his head.
" I mean," she continued, "We've been together for a year – maybe we should get our own places and let this happen naturally."
Her ramblings continued, "I mean we might only be here for 3 months…I might get over all of this chocolate and bread business and we could go back to Spain."
"I love it," he blurted. He meant I love you but they weren't allowed to say it.
She shook her head, "You don't and it's fine. In NY they would say it has a prewar feel but you like modern and that's cool."
"But for someone who has no cooking skills I think it's funny that you hate the kitchen but then again… it could use a new fridge, stove, and counter," she added regretfully.
"Ellen has two more places downtown," Penelope took his hand but he refused to be led.
"I love the way your face lit up with surprise when we came up on that rickety lift. And I can imagine the sun kissing your face in the morning… an image I love. And you love the mismatched Moroccan tiles in the bathroom. I'll miss sharing the Jacuzzi with you at the Plaza… but I'm pretty sure the clawfoot tub could give us hours of fun. Seeing your face everyday in a place you love is all I need."
He pulled her close to him, "So Mrs. Garcia—I think we're going to have to take it," he said playing with the ring she wore around her neck.
"Really?" she asked like a kid on Christmas.
He nodded and kissed her temple.
"Mr. Garcia I can't wait to show you how happy I am."
She took his hand in led him to the bedroom.
"The exit is that way," Bruce said innocently.
"I saw this in a movie once. I think it will take about 20 minutes... you should text Ellen."
She pulled him into the closet.
3 years later…
She walked back into the penthouse – she didn't want to wake up Alfred who was already looking at her wondering where she was spending her nights.
Last week, he caught her coming in at four when he was rising. She was sure he would tell Bruce but he never confronted her and she was grateful every day for that. She wasn't a good liar and heck she wouldn't lie—but she feared the truth would make him bring the batman out of retirement and that was a slippery slope.
See, Holly was missing and she was following leads and nuggets she found online but every club she went to she would just miss her—it was like she knew Penelope was looking for her but refused to be found.
She made it to the bedroom holding her leather high-heeled boots in hand. She didn't know how these club kids did it, the heels, the clothes, and they still managed to dance. She was wearing a conservative pair of hot pants in leather with a matching black shirt with a plunging neckline in the back with fuchsia stockings and a matching lace gloves circa Madonna 1989.
She closed the door and let out a sigh of relief. She put her shoes on the floor when she saw her broken cell phone on the floor.
"Where were you?" Bruce growled, which made her jump out of her skin. Her heart started to race as she tried to decide what pieces to tell him.
"I - I was out with friends and I lost track of time. It was punk theme night so I dressed accordingly … you know Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson both who have never been my favs…" she said as she noticed the dent her phone made in the wall, "I'm more old school."
"Bruce", she began
"Who?" he asked as he stood up from the chair and made his way towards her in the darkness.
Silence filled the room
"Who?" he growled
"I—I was with friends," she paused, "no one you know"
"Indulge me."
"Trust me," she said not liking the fact that she was about to be interrogated.
She searches his face in the darkness. She knew this wasn't going to go well. She bit her lip, which was still painted a shade of ox blood
"How can I trust you when you 're forwarding you calls to a secret phone pretending to be in the office."
"I wasn't pretending," she began her counter, "you assumed."
"When actually you are staying out all night with god knows who – dressed like.
Who is he? This man who loves seedy punk bars," he stepped closer "whiskey, cigarettes, and my wife. I mean there must be someone—you barely let me touch you and we haven't had sex in months."
"You have Wayne business and have been here for like two days since I thought – I mean we thought," She took a deep breath, "Not months…" she said walking towards him but stopping abruptly when she heard
"Yes, 2 months and 8 days, you barely sleep in our bed, you choose any room but this one - so I think I deserve to know. I guess we should be happy that you aren't pregnant right?"
His words hurt her more than any slap. She was late and they thought they were for a week – and they daydreamed about this magical little boy or girl and the test said yes but it was a false positive. The doctor said we could start trying but they weren't ready … Baby Martha was a whoops that almost became something more. They were excited by it weren't they?
"I know thank god I'm not pregnant and stop calling me your wife you and Alfred only do that when you're angry with me."
"And let me guess being with me is punishment enough." He said turning towards the window.
"Not everything is about you Bruce – I know it must be crazy…"
He cut her off, "Don't lie to me," he said crossing the bedroom, to look in her eyes. "Do you not want this any more… I mean there are better ways to go about it— then to regress."
"Bruce, I know how this looks but I need you to trust me —I'm – I just have a lot of things going on with and I need to leave it at that."
She stepped closer to him, "I don't want to lie and," she shrugged, "I just need you to respect my privacy and have some faith in us or me."
"Faith? Trust? You spout these words as if your actions have done anything to earn them."
"We've been together for like 3 years and.." she began to defend herself when he cut her off.
"Why are you renting cars, hotel rooms, and going to clubs all around Gotham?"
"I'm not... but I did – stop glaring at me. I can't think when you are pointing your angry vibes at me"
"Is it the age difference?"
"What?" she asked breathlessly.
"Or was it that I hoped you were pregnant? And you were relieved that you weren't."
"Hey," she said grabbing his arm, "hey, I wasn't relieved"
"You danced," he muttered.
"Faith, trust – what about truth Penelope? Maybe we want different things," he said walking towards the mental end of this conversation.
"I'm telling the truth—we're both tired and you're angry lets just," she said caressing his face.
"You smell of cigarettes, and alcohol," he angrily acknowledged.
"Bruce," she said trying to reach out to him again.
He turned his back on her, "we're done."
"Bruce," she said walking over to him but he wouldn't turn around after a few moments she said.
"I'll go sleep in the guest room and cooler heads will prevail in the morning."
She woke up showered and went to their bedroom.
Empty.
Bathroom
Empty
Kitchen - Alfred.
"Morning Alfred have you seen Bruce? Is he in the gym?"
"No ma'am, would you like me to prepare you breakfast Mrs. Wayne?" with and emphasis on the Mrs.
"I can make my own breakfast," she snapped.
She grabbed the kitchen phone and walked toward the windows in the living room. She called him but he sent her straight to voicemail.
"I'm ready to tell you everything but I need your word that you won't interfere—I don't want you to go all cape crusader on me. I know you're free from 10-1130 call me then or better yet have an early lunch with me at home. I'm playing hooky today."
She hung up the phone and returned to the kitchen, "I'm sorry for snapping, Alfred."
She made a coffee and sat by the window.
Six hours later when Alfred returned back to the kitchen - he found Penelope in the exact place he left her. Waiting by the phone.
"Have you heard from him?" She asked hiding her face.
"No, but his schedule was full today—Maybe I could," he began but she tuned out
She started to feel claustrophobic—Alfred is Bruce's person, this is his house, and all of a sudden her world felt so small.
"I should go."
She said finally rising from her seat—"Penelope don't be rash," Alfred said trying to calm her nerves.
"I didn't realize he was being definitive," She shook off her shivers and a grim smile appeared on her lips, "This is his house, he needs space, and I should give it to him."
She packed a few items of clothing, her 2 family photos, and fished her personal credit card from her overstuffed wallet plus her id, and her computer. She threw them all into an overnight bag.
She walked a few block towards the center of town—close to work and checked into the Sofitel hotel.
She bought a lush bath ball from the shop in the hotel and drew a bath. She plopped the ball in there and tried to relax in the tub but all she did was cry.
I just have to find Holly she told herself and all would be right with the world.
She paced the hotel room…should she call him and tell him where she was? But how many times could she get his voicemail in one day? He could call her—he should call her. Yes, she wasn't calling.
She returned to work the next day, they had a presentation due next week and she hadn't made any progress on any front. It was so hard for her to focus on work when she hadn't heard from Bruce and Holly was MIA. But she threw herself into the on thing she could control… work.
A week and a couple of days later... team awesome emerged from the guest elevator at a fortune 500 company.
"That went pretty well," Charlie said to his team of techs.
"Better than well, we're going to Surf Bar for drinks."
"I don't think," Penelope began.
"Plans with Wayne?"
"No I'm just exhausted,"
"Come for one and that's an order," Charlie said to Penelope as he put his arm around her shoulder.
"Your not the boss of me" she said smiling.
"Technically I am… well until 6pm."
"Fine one, I have to wrap up a few things and I'll be there in 20."
As Charlie and his team of winners headed to the Surf Bar he called back to her,
"Bailing is unacceptable Garcia!"
"Yes, Sir!"
One drink turned into 4 - that coupled with no lunch caused her to need her bed more than life itself. Holly hadn't used her card anymore and it just seemed like everything was in a holding pattern. As soon as her face met the brisk air she sobered up quite nicely.
She decided to walk home. Well take the long way home that involved walking past their apartment. It had been 10 days since their fight and neither of them budged. She knew she was stubborn but maybe she should call… see how he's doing. But she knew nothing had changed. Sushi instead.
"Penelope?"
She looked up from her Green tea and smiled at Alex.
"Hey what brings you here?"
"I'm starved and too much beer. Charles must have got an A in peer pressure."
"Can I?" he asked as he gestured to the chair at the sushi bar.
"Sure, I just ordered the veggie tempura and steamed dumplings."
"Mr. Wayne?" Wantanbe, the sushi chef asked
She shook her head and he smiled and bowed.
Wantanbe sent over a small hot sake and she and Alex shared it. This was nice she thought, she didn't think about her messed up life for an hour. She was actually smiling she thought—those muscles still work.
When Alfred mentioned he saw Penelope at Gem he assumed she was alone. So this was the guy, he thought. Agh that smile he would miss that the most and her laugh. He didn't mean stare so long but when Mr. Wantanbe waved him in and then they turned towards him he knew he was busted.
"Mr. Wayne," Wantanbe said proudly "sit," he said as his wife created a place setting next to Penelope. Alex's hand left the back of Penelope's chair as he stood up. Garcia stood up.
"Bruce this is Alex colleague from work and Alex this is Bruce." Alex extended his hand and Bruce removed his coat instead. Alex awkwardly sat back down.
"We had a big pitch today and you know how Charles is he's never been in a fraternity but he goes 100% frat style after new business pitches… and we are forced to drink our weight in tequila or beer Alex's vice of choice."
"So is this like a private after party? I hope I'm not interrupting," He looked to the chef and ordered in Japanese. As the waitress refreshed their glasses of water.
Alex tried a few more times to exchanged pleasantries with Bruce who became colder with each attempt.
"See Bruce what the.."
"Mr. Wayne," Bruce corrected
"Mr. Wayne what the technology does is pinpoint a location and can communicate to a satellite."
"Like an RSD chip. What they give pets in Europe?" Bruce said snidely sizing up Penelope's new beau.
"Similar but more sophisticated."
Bruce put a piece of sushi in his mouth and nodded.
"I should head Penelope," he said giving her hand a squeeze.
He reached into his wallet.
"No I'll pay," she insisted.
"No," he said smiling down at her, "I had a great time."
As he put more than enough bills to cover their dinner, he said, "Next time Mexican," and kissed her cheek.
"Nice to meet you Mr. Wayne."
When the door closed, "Bruce, you were mean and rude."
Bruce watched him go, "He doesn't seem like the punk rock type."
"He's been a friend of mine since before your Bruce – you didn't have to be rude."
He pushed his plate away and took a deep breath; looked at her and arched his eyebrow "should I just embrace your new and patient paramour?"
"I," she groaned, "I should go- long day and I'm tired."
"No. We should settle this – I have to travel for a few weeks," he said as if one talk could neatly end their relationship.
"Ok," she said meekly not wanting to argue just trying to figure out how to get back home…. To get back to him. She missed him but as she looked at him – it seems like she's the only one.
"Alfred can send your things or,"
He was perfect with slapping her with words, he didn't even want to talk - he wanted her out. She felt the tears brimming in her eyes and stupid words filled her heart. Stupid words like love, forever, I'm sorry, I need you … but they were just stupid words and she was just a silly girl who thought this was more than it was. He was cold and unreadable and she was silly and hopeful.
She cleared her throat, "I can go now."
"Are you sure you're not too tired?" he asked condescendingly.
She glared at him as he put on his coat.
They walked across the street and rode the elevator is silence.
When the arrived to the main floor, Alfred was there smiling. As if they just won some prize. Maybe he was happy to see her gone too.
"Hi Alfred."
"Welcome back," he said smiling until he noticed the coldness between them.
"I'll go grab a few things, everything else you can donate," she said as she hustled up the stairs.
"Hmm," he said looking at Mr. Wayne perplexed.
She walked quickly up the second flight of stairs; Bruce went to follow her -Alfred held him back.
"You go up there and make her stay. Apologize for you foolishness and make her understand you," Alfred ordered
"What's done is done," he uttered sadly. Remembering the first time he heard those words Penelope was saying it to him.
"She is the best thing that ever happened to you and you shouldn't want to live in a world without her."
"She's," he began but his voice faltered, "She's with someone else Alfred. It's done."
"I don't believe that," Alfred said surprised by his reasoning, "Don't let your fear make you miss the truth, son."
"You should stay out of it," Bruce said in a low grovel as he went to meet her upstairs.
Alfred put his hand on Bruce's chest, "For 36 years I've let you lead the life you wanted and kept my opinion to myself because I'm not your father and maybe if the Waynes were here they would of taught you to believe in things unseen and the magic of life instead of the monsters and the boogey men—but she loves you."
He shook his hand to stop him from interrupting
"I watched her sit right there - crying and waiting for you. Now whatever you young people do or don't do is none of my business but she loves all of you –" he waited for that to sink in before he repeated it, "all of you and you have to have faith in that ...in love… in the unseen."
Alfred returned his hands to his sides, "Now if she comes back down here and walks out that door – you are not the man I raised you to be or the man your father wanted you to be."
Alfred looked him in the eyes, "You're not a coward!"
She walked pass the living room to the bedroom. She took a bag and tried to figure out what to take. She looked around and saw their life so molded together that it seemed impossible to separate. She took her books and the first pair of heels she and Holly bought. She caught her reflection in the mirror by the bathroom and realized she should take off the necklace that held her ring. She placed the bag on the floor and her hand began to shake, it was a fake marriage Penelope. this is like any other break up. I should not have moved in – I broke all of the stupid freakin rules. She took a deep breath and calmed down her quivering hands. She caught the clasp of her necklace and she was ready to remove the fake wedding ring. The most real bit of love she'd ever known.
"Penelope," he called
"Hmm," she answered as she finally got the necklace off her neck.
She walked into the bedroom and put the necklace on the dresser as she took out her glasses.. She needed the eyeglass collection and put them in her bag.
"I don't know how this works... do I sign something – I mean, I know this is a fake marriage but our reason should be irreconcilable differences – I mean I'm not with Alex—he's a friend and a coworker. I don't need to be branded with a scarlet letter."
He was just watching her and she realized they are so far apart from where they started but that's what happens when things end.
"Ok, I've got everything," she said as she put her last pair of glasses and her Pearl Jam T-shirt in the bag, "Alfred can donate the rest of the stuff ok and I'll sign whatever you want."
"You don't have to rush," he said.
She looked around the room one more time wondering what other parts of their life should she hold on to. She would trade everything for one more year with him. They didn't work here... in Gotham. She could let go, she encouraged herself.
Just let go…. and she did.
She finally looked at him, "ok."
She said fighting to keep the tears in her eyes.
She closed her half packed bag of mementos and placed it on her shoulder. As she walked past him, he caught her arm
"Bruce, I'm not fighting you. I'm giving you exactly what you want."
"I want answers – not," he cleared his throat
"Why the hotel rooms? The cars? The clubs?"
She realized that no reason was going to be a good reason… they were over. Nothing else mattered. The reasons seemed so small. She didn't understand why she cloaked them in mystery. She just needed Holly and the world would be ok again.
"It doesn't matter," she said stepping out of his grasp.
"Why did you leave?"
"I – I need—we needed space—I needed a change of scenery. I mean this is your home, Alfred is your person, I felt—it doesn't matter," she said readjusting her bag. Why couldn't he just let her go?
"What matters then?" He spat out.
"You can't tell me about your nights on the town, why you left our home, why you've been coming home at the crack of dawn for months, or about Alex?"
"My home? You asked me to get my things, Bruce. Not talk—or," she looked up at him.
"We didn't stick to the rules—I should go."
She began to walk past him and he grabbed her arm and bag. "Rules? I need to know how you feel – what's going on. I've done this your way for three years and I want—I deserve the truth."
He grabbed her arm and bag so hard that the snap on the bag open and everything fell.
Her carefully placed mementos were all over the floor. She just wanted to get out of here – nothing was going according to plan!
"I didn't think this would get so drawn out and –" she said trying to begin from the beginning.
He bent down to help her.
"I don't need your help," she snapped.
He resigned to watching her repack her bag.
"I've just been dealing with a lot and I didn't want to involve you in my mess. I should've done this properly and I want to apologize for—I should've told you but I didn't want you to jump in and go all batman cape crusader itching to solve a problem… and I'm just being a worry wart thinking the worst about Holly. But you said we're done and left—wouldn't take my calls and I thought maybe I wasn't getting the hint. Maybe you need space or maybe we," her rambling stopped when a chard of glass pricked her finger.
"Freakin Frakity Frak," when she realized her parents picture cracked.
Bruce took her hands, removed pin sized piece of glass, and then applied pressure with a handkerchief to stop the bleeding.
"What's happening with Holly?"
Her lip quivered, "I can't find her and I've been tracking her but I seem to have lost my hacking touch or she doesn't want to be found... or the master has surpassed the apprentice," she said in a Darth Vader voice.
"She used all the money in our shared account and now she's using my credit cards hence the hotels, bars, etc. but I've been trying to find her – she can be a hellion once backed into a corner so I was trying the nice oh we happen to be here at the same time approach. A bouncer told me she was doing blow in the VIP area and I hope against hope that he mixed her up – he said she was blond and gave me this picture."
Bruce looked at the picture, "which is definitely her," Penelope said.
"And I can't help but feel bad because when she contacted me when her fellowship in NY was over I was in were having a baby world excited as all heck and scared that I missed a few calls – then when we weren't… I wasn't," tears began to hit her bag. She willed the tears to stay in her eyes but they started falling faster and faster and her vision was blurred.
Bruce took her in his arms.
"I wanted the baby," she said as he stroked her back. It was the first time she let herself say the truth. Her tears continued to fall, when they subsided she found it hard to put on her happy Penelope hat after she vocalized she wanted something that you promised herself she would never want.
She straightened her back, "So this being over is good thing," she said nodding to convince herself… tears fell but she didn't want to be held by him anymore – or her legs would turn to jelly and she would beg to stay.
"I should've kept things simple."
"God, I'm so tired of crying." She shook off the wave of emotions that were trying to overtake her.
"Good news, Holly bought a new phone. So when she turns it on I'll have her and we can talk."
"Have you thought about telling Gordon, he's a friend or going to the mansion and using the main computer for facial recognition? I don't have to put on the cape to help you"
She shook her head, "she's my person I know I can find her –Plus I have a similar facial reco software and I couldn't find her."
"I just hope she isn't in a bad way—I dug into her past and her mother was a heavy user of heroine and cocaine… and if she thinks I abandoned her she might... I can't even thing about it."
"Fixed the bag," she announced, "sorry for getting mascara on you"—she sighed heavy and willed her legs to rise.
"No," he said pulling her back down.
"You can't do that," he said as a tear sailed down he cheek, "I don't work without you and we may argue and fight but we are in this together—no one leaves."
"But you just asked me too," she whispered.
"I thought you were out growing us—me. I've missed you, I could feel you withdrawing from me, and I didn't know what to do. And when you came home dressed like a pop tart – I figured – I don't know guys like me don't get happy endings – but I thought it would be different—I thought we could but then when I came home and you left—I knew I lost you. I don't want to lose you so promise me – you'll never leave."
"No one leaves," she repeated
"No matter what," he added
"No matter what," a slow smile crept across her lips. "I would never leave you – ever – even if Keanu Reeves proposed to me right now I would..."
"But you're already married," he said smiling at her weird logic; He loved this woman he thought.
"We're not really married we are fake married and I wish you would remind Alfred—when ever he's mad at me he call me Mrs. Wayne as if it's a curse word."
"He does not"
"He does so."
"Alfred is one of our people," he said smiling as they stood up in front of each other.
"Yes but he should call you Mr. Garcia," she said smiling.
"I'm so sorry Penelope," he said caressing her face.
"Me too."
"Since Brooklyn, I've always put your happiness above everything else and when I thought you wanted someone else – I didn't want you to feel – I wanted you to be happy even if it wasn't with me," he said trying to make her see his logic.
"What about what you want? Bruce you put every one, every thing above you,
My dad used to say—my dad used to say he loved my mom ferociously and unselfishly—you have the unselfish part down pat but what about ferocious? I've seen you champion so many things but when we couldn't talk and you were gone – I expected – part of me wanted –"
"What?" He asked as he stroked her chin
"You to," she shook her head, "it silly—but to fight not just – I don't know" walk away she finished in her head.
"But, promise me you will let me handle this Holly thing—if she's doing something sketchy—I don't want to draw attention to it if it can be you know contained."
"I promise no help- not from Bruce Wayne or the 100% dead batman."
"Deal," she smiled.
She began to unbutton her blouse and she let it drop to the floor. She walked over and kissed him as he unzipped her skirt.
"You are Mr. Garcia technically."
"Yes, I am," he said removing his blazer-
She was standing before him in a lace purple bra with matching panties holding a garter belt with her stockings.
She began to unbutton his shirt, when his shirt was off she kissed his chest and worked her way up to his neck.
"You are one of the most important people in the world to me… in the universe and I'm sorry that you doubted that."
"You're my person," he said smiling.
He rested his forehead on hers and reached for her lips she backed away.
"I," she said looking into his eyes as his lips reached for hers, "I," she began again when a clarity and a warmth came over her. She could say what she'd been hiding forever it seems—"I love you."
He smiled.
"I love you Bruce Wayne and I know we promised – well I promised not to say those words because of this childish belief of when ever I love someone they die but I've been loving you since you kissed me after the ball—"
"You kissed me," he corrected.
"But you kissed me the 2nd time and I felt fireworks all over my body and I knew in that moment that you were going to be something special."
"So, I love you," she said a bit louder as she pecked him on the lips.
She jumped on the bed and screamed at the top of her lungs, "I love you Bruce Wayne—that feels so freaking good. I should've said it years ago."
Her breathing was slightly heavy and he pulled her down to the bed with him.
"I," he began—"no don't say it now," she pleaded, "say it another time when you feel inspired but not now – I just want to be selfish—I haven't said that in years and I"
"I get it and I'm going to spend the rest of my life making you happy."
"You already do," she said looking at him in wonder.
"Well , more happy," he said tickling her ...mimicking her voice—"like the happiest."
She splashed some water on her face that was the last time they touched each other. The next day would be saddest day of her life—she would lose them both… Holly and Bruce.
It would take her a year and a half to realize it.
It would take Alfred.
"Mrs. Wayne he's buried by your parents."
"What?" she said surprised.
"No," she pushed past Alfred and ran to the gravesite.
Penelope was shocked. She could still feel him in her heart. She could feel him in her bones. As she read his headstone—she shook her head—this can't be real.
No she murmured, NO.
The tears poured from her as she repeated to herself no one leaves. No one leaves she said as she cried.
"Everyone I love – How am I supposed live without you? How am I – how can I have this life that," she stopped abruptly. "I should've never said those words. If I kept it to myself you would still be here. Everyone I love…" she shook her head as the tears flooded out of her eyes.
She looked up to the sky and asked "why not me? We should've been in that building together—no one leaves."
She crumbled onto his headstone and whispered things only their hearts knew.
She sprinkled water on her face, rinsed her mouth, and fluffed her hair. She was fine.
She dialed Derek.
"Hey," she said softly into the phone
"Hey Garcia."
"How did it go?"
"Are you guys heading back to base camp?" they asked simultaneously.
"We are heading back now."
"Any news?" Penelope asked
"Jack was a smart bomb maker—no two devices were the same. The lab is putting together the fragments we discovered in the bomb. He had a compartment where he put something in it… not sure what it was until the lab gets back."
"Oh," she said trying to find an appropriate follow-up question.
"Baby Girl what's wrong?"
"Nothing. Well something. I don't know how you guys do it on a daily basis. I had to do one thing and my heart breaks and I'm in the bathroom hiding because I can't pretend to be all tough and together."
Where is that restroom? Bruce asked Dr. Grey.
As he headed for the Penelope, Reid informed Bruce, "I'll be waiting right here."
Reid felt confident that pairing Bruce and Penelope together in the field was going to be ok. He was worse than Derek when it came to her. Bruce took Derek's protectiveness and raised it exponentially. He was in love with her… still. Even though some may see that as a problem – he saw it as a bonus. Penelope would be safe.
As Bruce approached the bathroom door her heard her voice.
"What happened?"
"Nothing – well lots. He spoke and he was sweet and sour… well more sour than sweet. He can slide so quickly between the land of irrational and rational. It hurt so much. I just wanted to fix him. I just want this to be over."
"God D, I wish you were here."
"Hey baby girl," he began to sooth
"I know, I know, no crying in acronym city. I just wish my mocha Thor was here to slay the dragons invading Asgard."
He chuckled.
"Will you come tonight? "
"I'll insist," he said
"Good, I'm sure we can find you a tux somewhere and I don't wear a gun so you have to be my bodyguard."
There was a knock on the door.
"I have to go – see you on campus."
"One second," she called as she fixed her eyes and tossed a piece of gum in her mouth.
"Ok, Boy wonder," she said as she opened the door and to her surprise, It was Bruce.
"Are you ok?" he asked trying to raise her chin so her eyes met his. She didn't want him to know she was crying so she stepped away.
"I'm fine."
"You don't seem fine," he said closing the distance between them.
"I just had to interview an ex who went wacko…" Bruce began to touch her. She quickly stepped out of his grasp and said, "I'm fine—why did he ask if I could roll you in?"
He trailed behind her slightly as she power walked to Reid.
"You asked me not to tell you."
"You can tell me that one?"
"No, it will force us down a rabbit hole."
"But..."
"Make a list of your questions and I promise to answer them," he said as if that was the ultimate compromise.
"I'm not a child," she said as they approached the door leading them to Reid and Dr. Grey.
He captured her hand and stopped her, "I want to tell you but you asked me not to." He took a breath, "I don't want to make this harder than it has to be."
"Fine, I'll make a list. I just ache in places that I forgot existed and it hurts. I mean he wants shakes and burgers, he's not even sane enough to ask for better accommodations or like a TV."
"Maybe he has what he needs," Bruce said hesitantly, "He was always your blind spot."
"He's my family," she corrected, "Bruce even now and I feel all these things—I want to fix him. Which is so bad because he's unfixable right?"
She looked at Bruce who was at a loss for words and she groaned.
"I'm sorry to be dumping all this on you… I mean he could be involved and I'm all sympathetic… and weepy. I'm sorry… I wish Derek was here," she muttered as she walked through the door.
Christ that hurt, he thought. In his head he'd fantasized that if given a choice she would choose him over Derek. Alfred gave him that dream. But in this cold harsh sun he could see their love burning bright. She was happy.
He needed Alfred.
They need to save Alfred.
thank you for reading... now let's solve a few riddles!
I can't imagine what it's like for the BAU and the Joker to be on the same side... i mean is the Joker on any side besides his? we shall see.
Thanks for reading (i know it was long) feel free to leave a review :)