Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“ Thursday, October thirty-first…

The streets are crowded for the holiday, but hiding in the chaos… is the element. Waiting to strike at the decent… the vulnerable…

But I’m there too. Watching.

Two years of nights have turned me into a nocturnal animal. It’s a big city, I can’t be everywhere… but they don’t know that.

We have a signal now. When that light hits the sky, it’s not just a call… It’s a warning.

Fear is a tool.

They think I’m hiding in the shadows… 

But I am the shadows.

I am vengeance.” 

———————————————————————————————

“Watch where you’re going, pipsqueak.”

The man who backed into you spat, grumbling as he stumbled away. Sighing, you rolled your eyes but kept your composure and continued on your way with a covered tray in your hands. Luckily the bastard didn’t make you drop it. 

The dim club obscured most features of a person, but the colorful lights revealed everything with a flash or blink. You were dolled up in your work attire: glamorous makeup, a slutty dress, heels, the whole works. Men and women alike found you irresistible—a real catch. 

You approached the table with a friendly smile as you set the tray down and revealed its contents: drops. The partiers cheered and clamored to get their hands on the drugs presented before them. With a wink you left the group, all while ignoring the stares and occasional whistles. Slipping behind the bar you saw the bartender waving to get your attention.

“What’s up?”

“Drops. Mr. Cobblepot wants these—“ He pointed to another tray, this time with a thick envelope and a fresh drink, “—delivered to him upstairs.”

“Sure thing,” you said as you gathered the item and sauntered out of the underground club. The almost calming blue light of the 44 Below was immediately erased by the harsh, flashing red lights of the club upstairs. If you weren’t so used to it, it would have given you a headache. You were almost there when suddenly-

“Selina?”

“Oh hey, my little mouse, haven’t seen you all night,” Selina purred with a smile. “Where’re ya off to?”

“Oz. He requested some samples from below.” 

She hummed in understanding. “Want me to come with? I’m not doing much.”

“Yes, please.” 

Your night just got slightly better. Selina was a friend of yours—your best friend, actually. You guys were sharing an apartment at the moment to save on some cash, but you didn’t mind. The only thing that drove you a little crazy was that she’d seemingly turn up with a new stray cat almost every few days. As long as they didn’t start stinking up the apartment, you didn’t really care. At least they were cute.

You guys linked arms and laughed as you made your way past the crowd and to his office, heels clicking on the cold metal floor. Selina took the tray from you to hold it herself—how sweet. Getting closer to his office, you could hear men talking in low tones. Making your way inside, the men silenced themselves. Oz was sitting on his couch while a man clad in a black suit stood in front of him. He looked very… menacing as he stared you and Selina down.

“Hey, it’s okay, baby,” Oz thankfully interrupted. “Mr. Vengeance don’t bite.”

Recognizing the man as the one and only caped crusader did not calm your nerves in the slightest. ‘The Batman’ was only a slightly new figure in Gotham, known for taking justice into his own hands—his reasons unknown. ‘ Maybe he flunked out of the Police academy,’ you had thought humorously at one point. Figuring it was only a matter of time before he tried to involve himself in Penguin’s business, it was still surprising to see him in your boss’ office. 

 He was still staring at you—no— into you . His harsh blue eyes never wavered from yours, even as your friend gave him a pointed look and delivered the tray to Oz. He finally looked away when he heard Oz ruffling through the money in the envelope and setting a stash of drops on the tray. As Selina set down the drink onto the table, you too had looked away from the dark man, and your eyes fell onto the photograph before her. It was Annika being escorted by Mayor Mitchel, no doubt, but you could also make out you, Selina, and Oz standing behind the couple talking. Selina gave you a look.

“Thank you, honey,” Oz said, breaking you out of your spell. You smiled hesitantly and turned to leave, daring to look back at the black crusader, but he was already looking your way. Linking arms with Selina again, you hastily made your way out of there and back into the main club area. Before you could though, she yanked you back and pressed herself against the nearby wall, urging you to do the same.

“That was Anni.”

“Yeah, I saw. Why’d he have a picture of her?”

“I’m not sure,” Selina said. “But it can’t be good. Shh, now listen.”

You couldn’t see what your friend saw, but suddenly she gave a sharp turn and started rushing away. 

“Go, we have to leave. He saw us.”

An indescribable feeling swelled inside you, but you obediently slinked away after her. After grabbing your belongings and coats from the locker rooms, Selina grabbed your hand and led the way outside.

“Taxi!” 

However, it wasn’t long after when you clambered in the backseat of the car that Selina got a phone call. “Hey, it’s me. What’samatter, baby? Slow down, I can’t—on the news? No, wait for us, we’re on our way home. We’re gonna get the hell out of here, I promise… if we have to go sooner, we’ll go tonight!” Selina gave you an uneasy look. “Look, sweetie, we’re just a block away, I‘ll be there soon. Love you.”

———————————————————————————————-

The rain pelted against the man’s back as he peered into some windows with his binoculars atop a nearby building. A woman with short, blonde hair was a wreck and sobbing at the TV. Not long after, two more women, the very same he saw earlier in the club, rushed in to comfort. The dark haired one stayed behind to reassure her as he watched you slip into the back rooms to pull out a bodysuit. You looked around, paranoid in your own home but saw nothing, so you hastily shimmied out of your club dress and into your new apparel–a catsuit. The man moved to get a better look; his eyes lingered a little too long before jumping back to the two other women. By the time you finished getting dressed, the other woman he saw you with was gearing up and you two were sliding out the window. The now-pixie haired woman flipped over the railing and onto the ground while you slid down a nearby pole. Reaching the bottom, you made your way to the garage and hopped on a motorcycle that the woman was operating. The man rushed after the pair, worried that he’d lose them. Climbing onto his own bike, he pursued the women and gave chase.

————————————————————————————————

The rope was thin and light, but just sturdy enough to carry a person. Once your partner in crime made it down through the skylight, you tossed down the lock picking kit to her and lowered yourself down. It took some investigating, but after a while Selina ran her hands along a rather large painting and managed to find a button. Pressing it made the painting retract and allowed the safe to eject. 

Silently working as one, you assembled the tool until it was completed and Selina could look through the scope. As she was deep in concentration, deciding to look around the room wouldn’t hurt. It was a nice, big office, only fit for a mayor. As your eyes wandered, you couldn’t help but notice a shadow flicker overhead. “Cat?” you whispered.

The split second it took to look over at her gave the shadow enough time to materialize just as Selina cracked the safe.

“You’re pretty good at that.”

Instantly your body went into fight mode. A flurry of kicks and spins forced the stranger to make space between you and the safe. As you were fighting, Selina rummaged through the iron box until she found what she was looking for—the passport. Interested in what was in her hand, the man made a bold move and grabbed your leg that was coming for him, twisting the appendage and throwing you away as he stalked after her. Leaping to your feet, Selina called out, “Catch!” 

Smoothly catching the book and zipping it away in your front breast compartment, you joined your friend in attacking the assailant. With his back facing you, you jumped on top and wrapped your legs around his face, choking him between your thighs. His breath turned ragged and he wheezed frantically; his hands went straight to trying to get you off. In return, he took multiple blows from Selina from the front. Finding it almost impossible to knock you off first without dealing with your partner, he delivered a calculated punch that rendered her breathless before he flung her across the room. Gasping, he finally got a hold and heaved you over his head and onto a table. One of his hands immediately went to your throat to hold you down; your hands met with it at once. His grip was strong and unrestricted; it felt like he could kill you if he pressed down a little harder. Seeing the fight leave your body as your eyes bulged and glistened in fear, he took a moment to examine you. Your hands were still furiously pawing at the glove around your throat as you struggled to gasp for breath. He wouldn’t budge.

Giving you a glare as he drank in air, his gaze fixed themselves onto the front of your suit. Sliding his free hand down, he unzipped the breast pocket and fished out the little passport. He struggled as you fought for breath. His hand on your throat disappeared, leaving you gasping as you collapsed to the ground, body hunched over itself as you started a coughing fit. He flipped open the book.

He stood in front of you, panting, “Kosolov, Annika… He hurt her? That’s why you killed him?”

He gave you a while to respond. Rising to your feet and rubbing your neck, you choked out, “What? We didn’t kill anybody.” Selina rose to her feet. 

A door creaked open just as you went to swipe the book in his hand. Effortlessly, he pulled you into his chest and spun around the corner, his hand covering the lower portion of your face. Panic swelled inside of you; was he going to choke you again? But the pressure remained consistently light as he shushed you, so you took the chance to take deep breaths to calm your racing heart. You could almost feel yourself melting into his embrace. Echoing footsteps slowly paraded around the room you had previously occupied—Selina must have hid. Thoughts trampled around in your mind until the sound of the door squeaking shut awakened you. You broke free from his grasp.

“Rat?” Selina whispered out as she crawled out of her hiding space. Whispering back, she slinked into the room.

“I swear, you’ve got the wrong idea, okay? We didn’t kill anybody-“

“He thinks we murdered someone?” Selina asked, even more pissed off at the accusation

“-We’re taking back what was stolen. Mayor Mitchel took it from her when all she’s trying to do is leave this dump of a city.”

“What does she know?” The Batman asked, face highlighted by the skylight from above. 

“Whatever it is,” interjected Selina, “it’s got her so spooked she won’t even tell me.” 

“She did seem upset.” Your eyes widened, ‘ What?’

“Back at your place,” he continued. “Let’s go talk to her.” Meeting hesitant looks, he offered the passport back to your friend who gladly snatched it out of his hand.

Sneaking out of the apartment undetected, he followed behind to where your bike was—his was parked right beside it. Climbing onto the passenger seat of Selina’s bike, you called out to him. “Hey…how much did you see at our place?” His eyes darted to your figure but failed to meet your eyes before busying himself with his own bike. Was that… bashfulness?

“ Perv.”

======================================================

Chapter Text

“Anni? Baby!?”

Selina marched through the apartment and quickly left you to search the rooms. The entire apartment was destroyed: furniture was flipped over, glass littered the floor, and the cats swarmed you as you entered. Unbelievable. Your friend’s muffled voice was calling out for her lover and growing ever more desperate. Staring ahead in mute shock, you pet the nearest cat numbly as Batman shuffled through some papers. 

“Jesus, what’re they gonna do to her? She didn’t do nothin’.” Selina sighed as she took her place beside you. “Shit, they took my phone…”

“ -the killer posted the following message on social media. We should warn you, the video is very disturbing.” Focusing your attention to the TV that was left on, it cut to a self recorded video with heavy breathing.

“ Hello, people of Gotham,” the video started. “ This is the Riddler speaking. On Halloween night, I killed your mayor because he was not who he pretended to be.” Batman was transfixed. “But I am not done… heeeree is another-” The camera flipped around to reveal a bound, naked man with a rat-cage contraption imprisoning his head. “- who will soon be losing face. I will kill again, and again, and again… until our Day of Judgment, when the truth of our city will FINALLY be unmasked.” The Riddler gleefully said goodbye as the news reporters started talking again. “ Commissioner Savage served a distinguished 30 year career-“

“Holy shit, I seen that guy too,” Selina shakily said.

“Yeah,” you noted, “At the club.”

“The Iceberg Lounge?”

“44 Below,” you corrected Batman.

“What’s that?”

Selina rolled her eyes. “The club within the club—the real club… It’s a mob hangout.”

“Is that where you work?” Batman inquired.

She paused for a brief moment. “No, I just work the bar upstairs so I see ‘em come in, but she,” gesturing to you, “works below.” 

The man glanced at you before prodding Selina. “Who?”

“Everybody. Lotta guys who shouldn’t be there, I can tell you that. Your basic, upstanding citizen types.”

“You’re going to help me on this,” he demanded, glancing back and forth between the two of you. “For your friend.” You and Selina shared a look. 

“You got a lot of cats,” commented the man after your lack of replies. 

“I have a thing about strays,” your feline roommate confessed.

Batman turned to leave, “You’re not safe here,” he concluded, giving you one last look before stepping out of the broken door.

Selina called after him, “We can take care of ourselves.”

“Can we?” you whispered.

“Of course. Wouldn’t be the first time.”

“ -with two public figures now dead in just the last two nights, and only days before the election, police and city officials are left searching for a killer, and hoping to find him before he kills again…”

————————————————————————————————

“Ow—I don’t know about these things.”

“I need to see in there, this hunting ground,” Batman mumbled to Selina, too engrossed in setting up his equipment in an abandoned diner. Putting in the contacts he had given wasn’t much of a challenge, nor too painful. Squeezing your eyes tight, you made sure that they slid comfortably into position. 

Selina looked bothered as she picked lint at her trench coat. You both were wearing your typical club uniforms, although you had on a full length faux mink coat over yours. “Why am I starting to feel like a fish on a hook? I’m just looking for Annika-“

“That’s why you’re staying upstairs,” Batman interrupted, only sparing a glance in her direction, “and she’s going down.” He pointed at you but didn’t take his eyes off his surveillance equipment.

“It’ll be just like a normal night, Cat,” you reassured. “Can’t be too different from what we already do. You remember the plan?”

“Yeah, yeah,” she waved off. “I stay upstairs and look out for trouble while you go downstairs and scurry around like a rat. Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome here will, uh, do whatever it is he’s gonna do.”

Done setting up his tech, Batman turned around with his attention directed to Selina. “Look at me,” he ordered. She faced him and he inspected the lenses very closely, checking for any imperfections. He nodded his head slightly. “Looks good.” He took a step in your direction, “Now you. Look at me.” Facing him, you looked into his eyes, trying to find anything. His hand cupped your jaw as he scanned them, although judging by the length of time it took compared to Selina’s, something had to have been wrong. 

“Everything okay?” you wondered. 

He tilted your head side to side before answering, “Perfect.” He took a few more seconds before finally looking away and reached into his pocket. Earpieces. You and Selina each took one and made your way to the building. 

“He better find Annika,” Selina growled. 

“I’m sure we’ll find her,” you replied. “We just have to get through this tonight.”

She sighed, “ Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Making your way into the club, you both strutted in silence until Selina broke it in the dressing room. “Rat?”

“Yeah?”

“Be safe, please,” she muttered, taking a hold of your hand and squeezing it. “I can’t lose both of you.”

“Oh, Selin—of course I’ll try. Stay safe too,” you soothed before taking a turn to the 44 Below entrance, leaving Selina. 

The bouncer, Kenzie, smiled at you, “Long time no see, baby, how’sit goin’?”

“ That’s one of the guys I got into it with the other night.”

Hearing Batman’s voice in your ear made you jump a little, you forgot he was there.

“Oh, I’m sorry honey, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“ Looks like I broke his nose.”

You played it off with a short laugh, “It’s alright, I was just spacing out. I’m here for my shift.”

“ Kenzie, Williams. He’s an off duty cop.”    

“Yeah, I figured,” he smiled politely. “Have a good night tonight. Drain those men of their tips, am I right?” Sharing a laugh, he let you into the elevator that takes you underground. The doors shut.

“Friend of yours?”

“No. He works here most nights so I see him often.”

“ Hm.”

The doors opened up to reveal the party; it had a relaxing vibe with the techno music and dim lights. Unfortunately, you had to pass by a valley of men who sized you up like meat.

“Don’t look away,” Batman ordered when your gaze lowered. “ I need time to make I.D.s—“

“Great,” you huffed. Lifting your head, you walked slowly and smoothly while trying to analyze all their faces.

“ These guys have a little trouble with eye contact, don’t they?” You noted the irritation in his voice. 

“What? You don’t like men lookin’ at you like candy?” He said nothing back. You strolled around the area a bit, not picking much up, before heading to a more secluded part. It was lined with booth tables and small lamps. 

Pausing to lean on a wall for a break, a man nearby called out, “Excuse me?” Following the sound led you to a tall, average man with glasses that sat at a booth. You’ve only seen him a couple times before–a quiet type–but you strolled on over. “I was, uh, wondering where the bathrooms were?” He played with his hands nervously; he looked as if this was his first time talking to a girl before. It was a little cute. 

“Parker, Patrick. A nobody. Leave him”

Ignoring the man in your ear, you smiled sweetly. It was literally your job, after all. “Of course, sugar, it’s down that hallway, second door on the left.”

He bashfully looked away, “Do you mind showing me? I went that way earlier but couldn’t find it.”

You gave it a quick thought. I mean, he didn’t look like a drop head—why not?  “Sure thing,” you volunteered. He rose from his seat and waited to follow you patiently. Hooking arms with him, you led him away. His face went a deep red.

The man pulled out $10 and tried handing it to you, but you gave him a weird look. “Oh, am I not supposed to tip you?”

“For showing you the bathroom?”

“Er, yeah?”

You laughed, genuinely. Poor baby must not get out much. “No, hon, you don’t need to do that. Keep your money.”

The man’s smile faltered before his awkward demeanor came back. Playing with his hands, he asked, “Would you mind keeping me company for a while? I don’t really know anyone.”

You entertained the idea before Batman intervened, “ He’s wasting your time. Leave him now.” 

“I’m sorry, but I have to go. I’ll make sure to look for you throughout the night, though,” you apologized. He was already starting to grow on you.

His face went a bit pink before responding, “O-oh, that’s alright. I’ll keep an eye out as well. Have a goodnight.” He slipped behind the door and into the bathroom before you could say anything else. Sighing, you made your way back towards the booths and perused the aisle, continuing to I.D. people. A man, mid-drop, looked at you starstruck so you quickly avoided eye contact.

“Wait. Who was that—?” 

“I got plenty a good look—“

“— Look back—“

“ If I do that, It’s not gonna—

“ I need to see his face—“

Sighing with an eye roll, you stop in your tracks and peered over your shoulder. The man took it as an invitation to stumble over. 

“That’s the D.A.… Gil Colson.”

“God, happy? He’s comin’ over.”

“Talk to him.”

“Hey, how you doin’? I’m Gil,” Colson said with a dopey grin.

Throwing on a plastic smile, you fawned, “Oh my— aren’t you the D.A.?”

“Yeah—!”

“—wow! I’ve seen you on TV!” 

“Is that right? I’ve seen you work here a couple times when I come in. It’s nice to see a familiar face ‘cause people are a little on edge.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I live on the edge.”

“That so? I like that,” he chuckled. “Do you want to come over?”

“Sure,” you purred. He led you to a group sitting at the table and offered a seat.

“This is Travis, Ritchie, Glen,” he started. 

“That’s half the D.A.'s office.”

“And you know Carla here, right? That’s Cheri—don’t mind her, she’s taking a break.” She had drops in her hand. “We’re just here to drown our sorrow,” he concluded before offering you some drugs.

“Oh, no thank you—but don’t mind me, sweetie, you go ahead and enjoy.”

“Thanks. I got a lot on my shoulders with that psycho running around.”

“He’s wasted.”

“No shit,” you blurted out in response. 

Gil Colson looked at you for a second before chuckling, “I like this girl.” He thought you were responding to him. You giggled. “I mean, this Riddler, he’s—he’s going after the most powerful people in the city. He knows so much—“

“He doesn’t know shit, man,” his buddy hissed.

“What’re you talking about? Yeah he does! What about that rat—“

“Hey, hey, Gil, come on. Think you maybe had a little too much. Slow down,” a different buddy chimed in.

“The rat. Ask him about the rat.”

Looking through your lashes, you placed a hand on his thigh and caressed it with your thumb. “Hey, you got a vermin problem? What’s goin’ on, honey,” you said, voice sultry.

He dragged a hand down his face before taking a deep breath, “I mean, there was a rat. We had an informant—we had big time information on Salvatore Maroni. That’s how we got him out of the drops business.”

“ He’s talking about the Maroni case.”

“ But if this guy knows, it’s gonna come out. And when it does, this whole city is gonna come apart.”

“Okay, I don’t want to hear this,” a girl said beside Gil. “This is the kind of pillow talk that got that Russian girl disappeared.”

“Hey, what do you know about that,” you demanded, your demeanor changing instantly.

“ Keep him talking.”

“Does anybody want a drink,” the girl asked as she stood to leave. You stood too, about to follow her, when—

“Stay put. I’m informing Selina right now.”

You seated yourself and smiled politely back at Gil. He took another drop; you started to feel uncomfortable. Just as you thought it wouldn’t end, a nerd in shining glasses appeared.

“It’s you again,” he exclaimed. He seemed less jumpy and a little more relaxed—confident, even. ‘Maybe he had a drink to calm his nerves?’

“Hi! Did you need somethin’, hon?”

“Uh, yeah, can you help me with something over here for a second?” He led you away from the D.A. and back to his original table. You both took a seat.

“What’d you need?”

“Oh, nothing,” he confessed. He went a bit pink again before continuing, “I was keeping an eye out and saw how uncomfortable he was making you.”

You gushed; how sweet was that? “Aww, honey, I appreciate that,” you thanked. “Been a while since someone decent showed up around here.”

Batman returned in your ear, “ What happened? Where’s the D.A.?” He sounded frustrated, but something told you it had more to do with Selina than you leaving Gil.

“Men these days don’t know how to treat a lady right anymore,” the man in glasses sighed. He extended his arm in greeting, “I’m Eddie.” You accepted his hand. “I can’t wait ‘til this city finally undergoes real change.” 

“Oh, you talkin’ about Bella Reál?”

“Even bigger than that. I’m waiting for some real, powerful, and lasting change—something that’ll really open the water gate. All the powerful people in Gotham just lie and deceit people. Aren’t you tired of that?”

“You’re wasting time with this clown. Go ahead and leave.”

“No.”

“No? You like corruption?”

“What?” You realized that you had responded to Batman instead of Eddie. “No—I mean—Yes, the amount of criminals out here are crazy. There’s almost more in office than there is on the street,” you scoffed with a grin.

Eddie mirrored your grin, “Exactly! Man, is it refreshing to find someone so like-minded. Say, what did you say your name was?”

You didn’t give him your name earlier, and you were about to when—

“Times up. Leave or I’ll come get you myself.”

Huffing, you smiled back at Eddie. “I’m sorry, sugar, I’m gonna have to call it a night. My feet are killing me.”

“Oh, did you need help walking back to your-“

“No thank you! I got it. You enjoy the rest of your evening,” you excused yourself with a wink as you left the table. Halfway to the exit you see Oz and Falcone.

“Hiya, baby.”

“Hey, Oz.”

“Hey…” Falcone crooned. “Been a while since I’ve seen you, gorgeous. How’ve ya been?” He reached out and caressed your chin with his thumb.

“I’ve-I’ve been okay… I was just, um, I was just finishing my shift.”

Falcone smirked, “Well… don’t be a stranger.” You left for the bathrooms after he walked away.

“You know Carmine Falcone?”

“I work at the mob spot, of course I know him.”

“You didn’t tell me you had a relationship with him.” He sounded angry.

“I don’t have a relationship with him. Never did. What’s your problem?”

“Well, that’s not what it looked like.”

“You don’t believe me? You really gonna be an asshole about this?” Your reflection stared back at a very pissed off self. 

“Are you going to tell me the truth? You seeing another one of these mobsters? Some loser nobody?”

“Okay, I’ve had enough,” you hissed. “I’m risking my neck down here—I’ve done everything you’ve said, and now you're turning on me?” You pulled out the contact case and reached for your eyes. “What’s it matter to you if I’m seeing some ‘loser’ anyway?”

“Wait—what are you—?

“I’ve had enough of your bullshi—“ Batman’s camera immediately cut out as you took out the contact lenses. Taking a long, deep breath, you calmed yourself and pocketed the contact case. He could hear you mumbling curses, up until you remember you had the bud in your ear and took it out. Surprisingly, by the time you left the club you found Selina waiting and leaning against a wall.

“ He piss you off too?”

“You could say that,” you mumbled. Linking arms with her, you set off to find a taxi. Before you could, the door behind you slammed open. It was the D.A.

“Hey! Lost you in there.”

“Yeah, I gotta go.”

“Oh. You—you need a ride? I’m right there,” Colson pointed to his car just off to the side.

“No, thank you, we’re good,” Selina barged. “Taxi!”

“Will I see you ‘round?” You glanced at him before rushing into the taxi cab that pulled over. The driver set off, leaving him in the dust.

Inside his car, however, was a very angry man in glasses. “ You just don’t know how to treat a lady right, do you?”

=======================================================

Chapter Text

“I mean god… he’s such a jerk.”

You had just finished telling Selina about what had happened down in the 44 Below as you sat in the cab. You didn’t even hear what place Selina told the man to drive to, you were so upset and instantly started ranting.

“An absolute asshole,” she said as she rolled her eyes. She started telling you about what had happened on her end of the line, before she gave a sudden gasp. “I just remembered!”

“Jesus, Cat, way to scare the shit outta me. What’s wrong?”

She gave a sly look and smirked. “While you were busy with bat freak getting info from that D.A. guy, I was getting info from some loud-mouth customers.”

You raised a brow, silently asking her to continue.

“Well, let’s just say we’ll be busy tomorrow night… hope you didn’t have any plans,” she said amusingly, before turning her gaze out the window.

You looked at her in silence, expecting her to continue, but she still looked on. You scoffed, “Um, hello? Are ya gonna clue me in on what’s going down?” 

She looked at you seriously, before a smirk crept onto her face and her facade broke. Laughing, she filled you in. “Okay, okay. According to some guy working in some narcotic lab, there’s supposed to be a drop going on—a score, if you will. I wrote down the place he was talking about. Anyways, we sneak there and steal whatever money they’re trading right from their noses. Come on,” she winked, “can’t be too hard.”

She gave you an eager look as you thought it over. On one hand, you guys could really use that money—living isn’t cheap. And it isn’t like this would be the hardest thing you’ve done; you’ve done way worse…probably. But on the other hand…the consequences of getting caught are much higher. These guys probably wouldn’t slap cuffs on you and send you to jail, they’d more likely shoot first and ask questions later, unlike that cop paroling the Mayor’s office. But the money…

“Yeah, okay,” you gave in. “Just give me the details-“

Your phone interrupted with a bzzzz.

Looking at your phone, you and Selina could see that it was your boss, Oswald Cobblepot.

Bzzzz.

You stared at the screen, panic filling you. Did he find something out? Are you in trouble? Maybe-

Bzzzz.

“I think you should answer that,” Selina whispered. You hastily accepted the call and put the phone to your ear.

“Heya doll, how’s it going?”

“Oh, it’s going alright. It was a busy night tonight, you know how it gets,” you laughed nervously.

“So me ‘n Mr. Falcone have been talking; he says he’s missed seein’ ya ‘round his place. He’s invited you to accompany him to the Mayor’s funeral tomorrow morning. Ain’t that nice of him?”

You held your breath for a second. Carmine Falcone invited you to go with him? You must have stayed silent for a beat too long, because Oz spoke up.

“Hon?”

“Oh, um, yes! Yes, thank you for the invite. I’m just not sure that-“

“-I think you should go. Wouldn’t want to upset Mr. Falcone, would you?”

“…no. Tell him that I’ll be ready in the morning.”

“Great, great. I’m sure he’ll be pleased. We’ll pick you up, darlin’, don’t worry about it. Have a good night.”   He hung up, leaving your eyes to linger on the dark phone screen. Selina’s eyes burned into you as she nearly died of curiosity.

“So,” she finally gave in. “What was that?”

“Oz was asking if I would accompany Falcone to the funeral tomorrow.”

“…you’re joking.”

“I’m not! I tried backing out, but… you know…”

“Nah, I get it.” Selina had a strange look on her face. “Just be back for the score, got it?”

“Of course,” you smiled.

“And hey,” Selina got serious. “Just be safe, yeah? You know Carmine Falcone…”

————————————————————————————————

“You know Carmine Falcone?”

“I work at the mob spot, of course I know him.”

“You didn’t tell me you had a relationship with him.”

“I don’t have a relationship with him. Never did. What’s your problem?”

“Well, that’s not what it looked like.”

“You don’t believe me? You really gonna be an asshole about this?”

“Are you going to tell me the truth? You seeing another one of these mobsters? Some loser nobody— “

“Pretty,” Alfred interrupted Bruce, causing him to hurriedly pause the recording of the night prior. He had been rewinding that last bit of conversation for quite some time now. Alfred continued, “New friend of yours? Although by the way you’re talking, it seems a little more serious.”

Bruce gave him a sharp look before sighing and looking back at the screen. “I’m not so sure.”

“Looks like you upset her.” The recording was paused and zoomed onto your face. Even with your angry expression and tears that threatened to swell, you still looked beautiful. Bruce casted him an annoyed look. “Shall I take this as a good sign?”

“What?”

“Your attire.” Alfred gestured to Bruce, who was dressed rather handsomely. He was wearing a nice black suit and tie. “Is Bruce Wayne making an actual appearance?”

“There’s a public memorial for Mayor Mitchell. Serial killers like to follow reactions to their crime,” Bruce said as if it was the most obvious thing. “Riddler might not be able to resist.”

“Oh, that reminds me,” Alfred jumped as he took a piece of paper out of his pocket. “I took the liberty of doing a little work on this latest cipher—the one from the rat maze.” Bruce turned fully to face him, his back now facing the digital you. He could feel your eyes burning into him. “I’m afraid his Spanish is less than perfect, but I’m fairly certain it translates to ‘You are El Rata Alada.’”

“Rata Alada…” Bruce pondered for a moment before continuing, “‘Rat with wings?’”

“It’s slang for pigeon,” Alfred informed. “Does that mean anything to you?”

“Yeah, a stool pigeon-“

“-Where are your cufflinks?” Alfred interrupted.

“I couldn’t find them.”

“Well, you can’t go out like that,” the older man declared as he started to undo his own links.

“Alfred, I don’t want your cufflinks.”

The man handed Bruce the small piece of jewelry. “You have to keep up appearances. You’re still a Wayne.”

Bruce scoffed, “And what about you? You a Wayne?” Your cyber eyes felt hotter against his back. 

“Your father gave them to me…” the man said solemnly. Bruce looked downwards, a little ashamed, but glanced back up to see Alfred giving him a small smile. “And besides, I’m just loaning them to you. I want them back!”

————————————————————————————————

Getting ready in the dingy, broken, and mess of an apartment you called home sucked. There was no time to clean after the break-in and unfortunately, it was hard to look at the place without seeing Anika. You kept your eyes on the floor for the most part. 

You picked what you thought was most appropriate for a funeral; it was challenging considering that most of your clothes were for your work. Simple was the key—simple black dress, simple makeup, simple boots. The fall weather was chilly, so you borrowed Selina’s black trench coat to layer over your outfit. A car horn made you jump away from the mirror.

The driver politely opened the door so you could make your way into the vehicle. Your boss was sitting in the passenger seat, smoking a cigarette, while Falcone was sitting beside you.

“Morning darling, you look absolutely gorgeous,” he kissed your hand, “let’s get this shit show over with.” 

You smiled, albeit uncomfortable, and stayed silent the whole trip. The men were discussing how much they did not want to go to this event but hey, gotta do what you gotta do, I guess. It didn’t take long to reach the church and with a look from Falcone, Oz got out of the car to deal with the crowd.

“Hold it,” he ordered, voice muffled through the car. “You good, fellas?” The crowd took the hit and backed away. He opened the door with a “ We’re good Mr. Falcone” and Falcone stepped out, but not before giving you a wink. He cautiously looked around before offering his hand to you. You took it.

Your black knee-high boots clacked against the wet pavement as you settled yourself into the crook of the man’s arm, making your way into the building. You were about to enter until-

“Hey—hey! Give us a wide berth here, will ya, Slick?” You turned around to see Oz yelling at a man, but he was already looking at you with a strange intensity in his eyes. Wait a minute… was that?

“Watchit, fellas. You got the Prince of the City there. Some event, huh? Brought out the one guy in the city more reclusive than me.”

“Thought you’d never leave the Shoreline,” Bruce Wayne fired immediately. “Aren’t you afraid someone’ll take a shot at you?”

“Why? ‘Cause your father ain’t around? Guys,” Falcone looked back at you and Oz, “you know Bruce Wayne?”

“Wow, is that right?” Oz was not impressed in the slightest, unlike you. Bruce Wayne never makes a public appearance; it’s a rarity. Honestly, if it weren’t for all of Gotham never shutting up about his parents, you would have thought him a myth. You had to admit though, he was a little handsome.

“His father saved my life. I got shot in the chest, right here,” Falcone pointed to the place on yourself, ghosting over your right lower rib. Bruce’s glare darkened. “I couldn’t go to no hospital, so we showed up on his doorstep. Operated right on the dining room table. Kid here, he saw the whole thing from up on the stairs lookin’ down.” Falcone lowered his voice and leaned towards Bruce. “I remember your face. You don’t think that meant something when he did that?

“It meant he took the Hippocratic Oath.”

Falcone looked taken aback before letting a small chuckle escape. “‘Hippocratic Oath.’ That’s good.”

“Excuse me,” Bruce went to pass by as Falcone laughed. 

“Hey.” One of Falcone’s bodyguards took him by the shoulder. “I was thinking, ya know, since I have my lovely assistant here,” he clapped you on both of your shoulders and gave them a squeeze. “Baby, you know I hate to share, but be a doll and keep Mr. Recluse some company, will ya? Help him loosen out of his shell a bit, I think he needs it,” Falcone laughed again. You expected Bruce Wayne to reject his offer, but he surprisingly obliged. Politely smiling and offering his elbow to you after sending Falcone one more glare, you took it with a shy smile and followed after him. The camera’s of the paparazzi exploded with light.

Bruce kept you nice and close to him as you both made your way inside. There were mourners all around; some cried, some looked bored, and some had a look of disdain. 

“ Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer started. “ Thank you all for coming to today’s memorial for our beloved mayor, Don Mitchell Jr. Our program will begin shortly. As a reminder…” 

“I’m sorry,” Bruce spoke softly after a while of silence. “I can’t figure out how such a gorgeous woman is hanging around a guy like Falcone. I’ve seemed to have forgotten my manners. My name’s Bruce Wayne, what’s yours?” He smiled slightly at you as he introduced himself. He looked slightly eager. You already knew who he was, of course because who didn’t, but it was nice to see him introduce himself. It was… kinda cool.

You bashfully smiled back. “Thank you, Mr. Wayne—“

“Bruce.”

“—Bruce.” Your smile grew as you played along. “My name is—“

“What good is a safety net if it doesn’t catch nobody?” A man interrupted. “Didn’t help my daughter when she needed it, I can tell you that. Guy was just another rich scum sucker. He got what he deserved.” The man looked Bruce in the eyes. “Know what I mean? Hey… don’t I know you?”

“Bruce Wayne,” another voice interrupted. Bruce looked a little annoyed. He pursed his lips and frowned before turning to Bella Reál. “Why haven’t you called me back?” She turned her gaze to you briefly and looked surprised. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware you had company. I’m Bella Reál, I’m running for mayor. I wouldn’t be bothering you here, but your people keep telling me you’re ‘unavailable.’ Will you walk with me?” Bruce followed the woman, tucking you into his side even more. Bella paused as she looked at you, but continued as she positioned herself onto the other side of Bruce. He gave you an apologetic look, as if he was trying to say ‘ sorry for dragging you into this.’

“You know, you really could be doing more for this city. Your family has a history of philanthropy, but as far as I can tell, you’re not really doing anything.” You rolled your eyes, but she couldn’t see. “If I’m elected, I want to change that.” The three of you found yourselves at the front of the session where the ex-mayor's son could be seen. “I’m gonna go pay my respects. Will you wait for me? I want to continue this,” she said adamantly before approaching the casket. 

The only thing not deeply depressing in the place was the music, which was lovely. You were going to make a comment to the man you were standing beside, but he was staring at the little boy. You could only assume what he was thinking, and you had a pretty good guess, so you squeezed his arm to try and bring him back. His eyes snapped to yours before squeezing you back with a small smile.

“‘Scuse me, Chief?” Being nosy, both you and Bruce shared a look before eavesdropping. “Gil Colson is missing.” Your grip on Bruce’s arm tightened.

“What?” The Chief asked. His badge name read ‘ Gordon.’

“He hasn’t been heard from since last night—“

“—Christ, not again,”

“—Hey, Mr. Wayne,” a new, friendly cop chimed in with a smile and wave after noticing Bruce staring.

Bruce sighed before turning back to you. “Hopefully no more interruptions,” he whispered to you. “Let’s start over. My name’s Bruce, what’s—“

The world hated you because just as he uttered those words, screaming and the sound of revving engines echoed in the church. People, you included, fearfully looked around. Following Bruce’s gaze upwards, a sinister presence of a lone person looked down at you. You reacted quicker than Bruce—you could see a car driving up the church steps before he could, so you made a beeline to the little boy looking curiously. The boy, however, refused to move. He was transfixed at the vehicle heading towards him. Luckily, Bruce dove for you both and managed to roll and take the brunt of the impact as you all fell away from the car. The boy’s mother quickly gathered her son and hurriedly left as you stared at where the car crashed beside you. You looked down at the man who saved you but his gaze was still at the place the lone figure was—although he was gone now. Bruce’s grip tightened on you as you laid atop of him. Helping  you to your feet, he saw the scared look on your face. 

Cops rushed in with their weapons drawn and pointed at the vehicle.

“Get out of the car! Get out of the car and show your hands,” Gordon ordered.

The car door slowly opened as the driver raised their hands above their head. The person stumbled out and, oh my god, was that…?

“Christ, it’s Colson.”

It was the D.A.! He was still wearing the same outfit from when you last saw him, but there was a bomb around his neck and an envelope taped to him. One of the other officers yelled about the bomb, which caused the funeral attendees to panic. Bruce tucked your face into his chest and backed away as the phone taped to Colson’s hand went off. He was oddly protective, but you appreciated it for the moment. 

“Let’s clear this place out now!”

Police began hurriedly ushering people out of the building for their safety, but Bruce stood still. The envelope was addressed to ‘ The Batman’ in handwriting that could only belong to a childs. Dragging Bruce to the exit after not wanting to spend more time next to a bomb, you looked for Falcone and Oz. Bruce also kept an eye out, but after about 5 minutes of looking from out the front steps, you gave up. They must have left after the first sign of trouble. 

“Those assholes,” you cursed under your breath. “Can’t believe they left me here. I didn’t even want to be here in the first place.”

“Well I couldn’t have met you if they didn’t make you come,” Bruce spoke up after a while. 

You softly laughed, “Yeah, I guess you’re right, although I would hardly call it a meeting. It could’ve been done with less bombs.” You looked helplessly at the road; your boss was your only ride and you didn’t want to pay for a taxi.

“Yeah, less bombs would be nice during a proper meeting, but ideally it would be best over dinner, wouldn’t you agree?” You looked at him with surprise as a taxi stopped next to you. Bruce, a little nervously, continued. “Listen, I’m sorry about all the interruptions from earlier. As you can probably tell, I don’t get out much.” He laughed bitterly and opened the door for you. “I would like to get to know you better under better circumstances, truly.” He took a notepad and pen from his coat pocket and scribbled. “Here,” he passed it to you. “I hope to hear from you.” You looked at the numbers he wrote down as he gave a wad of cash to the driver. Looking back up at Bruce, he gave a small, genuine smile before shutting the cab door and hurriedly retreating. 

You were mentally screaming but paused for a moment to reflect: You could tell that he was trying to charm you as he was laying it on rather thick, but you found it endearing. I mean, it’s not everyday that the Prince of Gotham lets you hang on his arm and accompany him. Besides, it really did seem like he wanted to get to know you. And most importantly…

He gave you his f-ing phone number!

======================================================

Chapter Text

“God, you look like a mess. What the hell happened?”

“Gee, thanks hon, hello to you too,” you rolled your eyes as you entered the apartment. It was slightly cleaner than the last time you saw it; Selina had made a noble effort at restoring it to its former glory. The cats swarmed to your feet. “Have you checked the news?”

“No, why?” The tv was shut off but the music was playing over the radio quietly. Selina was doing the dishes. 

“I had a very interesting morning. Let’s see: Boss man picked me up, we went to the funeral, I met a cute guy, I almost got hit by a car in the church, the guy who crashed into the church had a bomb on him, the cute guy paid for my taxi, and now I’m here.”

“What!? What do you mean there was a bomb?”

Filling Selina in on what happened exactly didn’t take long, although you did leave out some names, cough Bruce Wayne cough —not the D.A.s, however.

“So the D.A. was the hostage?”

“Yeah, he was wearing the same outfit from the other day, too. Remember when he asked if we needed a ride?”

“Yeah. I’m guessing he was taken not too long after that.”

“Had to have been,” you agreed. You opened the fridge to see what was inside. There wasn’t much, you knew that, but you hoped there was at least something. You closed the door, frustrated. After a moment of silence, you remembered something.

“What about that score you were talking about?”

“Oh, the narcotics one. Some guy at the club was talking about it. It’s apparently at Gotham Recycling.”

“Okay, cool. So do you have a way in?”

“…no,” she admitted. You rolled your eyes.

“How about this,” you said after a beat. “I’ll go check it out right now and see if I can find us some cover spots and places to hide. That way we aren’t taken by surprise.”

“Perfect,” she complimented with a growing smile. “Hey, while you’re at it,” she pointed to a pile of broken furniture. “Be a doll and take that with you, hmm?”

“You’re joking, right?”

She smiled and shrugged.

————————————————————————————————

“Can’t believe she made me take all that. I mean, how the fuck do you fit a broken dresser onto a bike?” 

Selina was, in fact, not joking about taking some items to the recycling place. It ended up being a good cover, though, because it gave you an excuse to look around the area without being suspicious. It was rather hard to find where you were supposed to drop things off at. Currently, you were complaining as you made your way home after securing the location; there were already some shady guys lurking around, but they didn’t pay you any mind. You had just passed Gotham’s Police Department when you saw something in the sky.

“What…the…fuck?”

The large object soared in the air, which made you slow to a stop in a side alley and get off your motorcycle. When it approached the ground, a parachute popped from its back. It hilariously hit the bridge over top you and crashed onto a bus, crashed into a parked car, hit some garbage, and then finally skidded to a stop at your feet. The masked man groaned as his eyes traveled from your feet to your eyes.

“Well hi there, stranger,” you greeted cheerfully as you crouched down. “How was the fall?”

Batman caught his breath before muttering, “It was shit.” You helped him to his feet. “What’re you doing here?”

“What was that about?” You ignored his question.

“…Nothing.”

“Didn’t look like nothing to me. Looked like you fell from the police building.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Fine,” you shrugged back. “Didn’t want to know anyway—by the way, you look like shit.”

He let out a surprise chuckle before coughing out, “Thanks.”

“And he laughs! Didn’t know you could do that.”

“I can laugh,” he said defensively. You two started making your way down the alley. “And more.”

“Can you now? Like what?” He said nothing, but his eyes held a bit of mischief. “So what, you taking a midnight walk or something to clear your head? Where’re ya going?” 

He gave it some thought before responding. It seemed like he trusted you more. “The bat signal.”

“You have a signal? Damn.” You let out a whistle. “So anytime I want to see you I just need to light that bad boy up?” Batman gave a small smile but made no comments or objections. “Anyways, need a ride? It’s the least I can offer after you ate concrete and groveled at my feet.”

Batman got your bike, behind you, and wrapped his arms around your midsection. “I did not grovel.”

“Uh-huh, sure, now tell me where to go.” 

————————————————————————————————

“Alright,” you announced as you barged into your home. “I found some spots—it’ll be a piece of cake. What time did you want to leave?”

“Now.”

“Now—oh shit, uh, okay. Lemme get dressed.” Selina was already in her catsuit and sitting on the counter waiting for you. You quickly got dressed yourself, not wanting to keep her waiting any longer. She seemed a little tense. Walking out of your room, Selina hopped off the counter and left the apartment. You followed after her to where your motorcycles were. Putting on your helmet, you asked, “One bike or two?”

“What took you so long?”

“What?” She gave you a pointed look before putting on her own helmet. “I’m sorry, I guess I was a little distracted, why?”

“I thought—“ she paused before continuing. “I thought someone caught you. You were gone longer than you should have, I was worried.”

“Oh.” You felt a little guilty now. You could see how she thought that. “The building was a little bigger than I thought, so it took a bit longer. On my way back, I went a little slow and enjoyed the ride.” Something told you that if you mentioned Batman that she would not be happy. So you shut your mouth.

“Two.”

“‘Scuse me?”

“Two bikes…and I’m sorry for overreacting.” You both got on your bikes.

Grabbing her shoulder, you squeezed it affectionately. “You don’t have to apologize, Cat. I’m the one sorry for making you worry.” She squeezed the hand that was touching her.

“It’s okay, Rat,” she said before riding off. You followed. 

As you approached the recycling plant, you moved in front of Selina and followed the path that you planned earlier. You stopped and signaled to her to shut off her bike between two large trucks. It was time to get to work. She grabbed a long chain from the back of her bike as you stretched—you didn’t want to pull anything. You even slipped on some brass knuckles, ya know, just in case.

Quietly making your way past where the trucks were parked, you surveyed the area. You held up a peace sign to Selina. ‘Two guards.’ Nodding, she slipped in front of you and whipped her chains around the first guy’s ankles. You quickly pounced on top of him and knocked him out as he hit the ground with a thud.

“Hey! What happened? You alright?” The man on the other side of the car that you were hiding behind started making his way over, but was stopped by Selina. He also hit the ground, knocked out. Quickly getting up, you followed Selina to the car’s trunk where two duffle bags were located. Unzipping them revealed the cash she had promised. 

“Dangerous crowd you’re stealing from.” 

Whipping around revealed Batman. You put a hand to your heart, startled.

“Jesus,” Selina sighed out. “Is this how you get your kicks, hon? Sneaking up on girls in the dark?” She was preparing the duffle bags. When she was done, she handed the first one to you. Batman made no move to stop you.

“That why you work in the club? It was all just a score?”

“You know, I would love to sit down and go over every gory detail with you, bat boy, but uh, those assholes are coming back—“ she let out a surprised gasp. You looked over her shoulder in horror and dropped the bag. 

Annika was laying in the back of this car in a body bag. Batman looked intensely at the girl and furrowed his brow. He was about to say something, but gunfire ruined it. Batman, almost thoughtlessly, let the bullets bounce off his suit as he instantly moved to cover you. Everyone dropped to the ground as the men making the drops deal moved forward. A nearby car revved and sped closer, gaining the attention of the armed men. An undercover cop stepped out of the car and gave you guys some cover, which gave you time to look over at Batman. He was knocked breathlessly onto the pavement from the barrage of bullets. 

“Shit, shit, shit!” You were terrified; your throat choked up on you as the men walked over to your location. You recognized one as Oz when he started yelling. 

“Hey, Vengeance!” A wave of bullets pierced into the car that you and Selina used for cover. “You think you can come after my money, huh?”

“What’re we gonna do,” Selina whispered, scared, as tears threatened to spill. You looked over to Batman again, but he was gone. ‘ What?’

You could feel Oz’s footsteps vibrate the ground from how close he was. A loud engine captured everyone’s attention instead, causing heads to turn. Daring to take a peek, you could see the silhouette of a car as the engine powered on. Gunshots fired and men started running for their own cars. You dragged Selina with you as you sprinted to where your bikes were parked, using the distraction as cover.

“ Kenzie! Get the money!”

Hopping on your bike, you quickly revved your own engine and made your way back to the action. Fortunately, all the cars were driving away after the mysterious car— ‘hopefully Batman,’ you thought—which left you with Kenzie holding the two duffle bags filled with money. Swerving your bike last second allowed you to knock the man onto the ground, making him drop the bags. You grabbed one and sped off without looking back as Selina grabbed the other one, following you shortly after. 

————————————————————————————————

Bruce was pouring over some ‘Renewal ’ files after he had spent the last hour trying to piece together everything that had happened. The orphanage he traveled to seemed to make more questions rather than answer them, and unfortunately lured him away from Wayne Tower when the explosion happened. He was a mess; Alfred was in emergency care, he learned that his father was more sinister than he appeared, and you disappeared after the fiasco down at the recycling plant. He found himself craving your presence after staring at you in the photograph that started it all for an uncomfortable amount of time; the one with Mayor Mitchell, Annika, and you and Selina with Oz in the background. 

His monitors flashed to life as a cat appeared through the contact lenses he lent you and Selina. It was your camera. Hope sparked through him as he made out a note that read ‘ Where are u?’ printed in neat handwriting.

“Rat?” He sounded a little pathetic when he whispered it. He wished he could’ve gotten your real name instead of your stupid little nickname. After a moment you appeared on the screen briefly, but only to move the cat away. You barely even looked at him–just one quick glance before you scurried away, scared-like. Selina’s face popped into view as you left.

“ Can you see me?”

Bruce, slightly disappointed that it wasn’t you, reluctantly answered. “Yeah, I can see you.”

“I need to talk to you. Where can we go?”

Bruce was quiet as he thought of a place. By the way this was going, he assumed that it would just be him and Selina. That wouldn’t do, he had to see you. He came up with the perfect place. “The bat signal. She knows how to get there.” He shut down his monitors, hoping that you would take Selina to his signal. He gathered his things and slowly dawned the bat suit—his mood improved a little bit.

=======================================================

Chapter Text

When Selina was done talking to Batman, you returned from the bathroom, took the contacts back and pocketed them. Selina’s face was hard to read.

“How do you know about this ‘bat signal?’”

You didn’t know how to respond for a second. “He showed me.”

“When.”

“…After I got done scouting the recycling plant.”

Selina let out a sigh and rolled her eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me? Are you hiding things from me?”

“What? No! Selina, I didn’t mean to—“

“To what? Make me worry? Not tell me the truth?”

“Okay,” you started. “I’m sorry I haven’t told you everything and for making you worry. To be honest, I was worried that you would have been mad about Batman. You don’t really seem to like him.”

“There’s hardly anything about him to like,” she huffed as a small smile crept onto her face. “Anyways, I know you didn’t really want to go, but now I guess you have to take me.”

“Why?”

“He wouldn’t tell me exactly where to meet him. All he said was, ‘The bat signal’ and that you knew how to get there.”

“I was barely there, he just told me to drop him off at the building it was in.”

“Well, that’s more knowledge than me, so I guess you’re coming.”

It scared you a little to see him. Batman almost died saving you. Nervously, you both got dressed in your suits again and shared a motorcycle to make it easier. Finding the elevator took longer than you thought, but seeing Batman’s silhouette along the tower’s edge was a pretty good indication that you were in the right spot. 

“Cat burglars pulling another score?” He was a little guarded.

“What?” Selina asked as you both pulled off your bike helmets. You stayed quiet and settled yourself a ways away from Batman. This was Selina’s situation; she was the one that wanted Batman’s help. 

The man lowered his voice and looked at you with a surprising softness. “Wasn’t sure I’d see you again.” You gave him an uneasy smile.

“I, uh, wasn’t sure you were alive,” you admitted. “I was worried about you…Scared, even.” Batman’s chest felt warm; ‘you worried about him?’

Selina was pacing back and forth, frustrated. “How could they do that to her? That piece of shit cop, Kenzie. Her body was in his car. I’m gonna find him and I’m gonna make him pay. You gonna help me?” 

“Help you?”

“Yeah. I thought you were ‘Vengeance.’”

“There’s no need.”

“What?” Selina looked pissed. “What do you mean there’s no need for vengeance? He killed—“

“—Because she’s not dead,” Batman revealed. You and Selina were stunned. “My sensors picked up a faint pulse on her. When I chased after Penguin, I had a… police friend tail Kenzie’s car. She’s in emergency care, somewhere safe and hidden.”

You couldn’t believe it. She was okay! Thankfully, Selina voiced your thoughts aloud. “Why didn’t you tell us?” Teary-eyed, she tried calming herself down.

“You didn’t think I tried? You’re not exactly the easiest to get in contact with.” You approached Batman and reached for his hand, but something within Batman quickly snapped and he snatched his hand away; his whole demeanor changed. It was as if he remembered something he was upset about. There was a beat of silence as Batman turned to you and got directly in your face, invading your space. “…was it worth it?”

“Excuse me?”

“Compromising yourself for money?” You didn’t know how to respond, but how dare he judge you for your actions. You needed that money and it sure as hell was gonna come from Oz one way or another. Selina joined you in glaring at him. “What’d you have to do to set up that score? How close did you have to get to Penguin? To Falcone—“

“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about,” Selina barged, but Batman ignored her. He was slowly taking steps toward you, making you back away cautiously. 

“—there is some kind of relationship, right? Back in the club. Why would his behavior be like that to you? Why else would he bring you along to Mitchell’s funeral?” He was getting angry, and your anger morphed into fear. He stopped walking when your heels grazed the edge of the building—you had to hold onto his shoulder to keep from falling back but his composure didn’t change. “Did you do something for Falcone to owe you?” He was intimidating; he was scaring you.

Selina had enough. “He owes me!”

“Owes you?” Batman backed away from you and approached Selina. You shakily released a breath of air that you didn’t know you were holding.

“Yeah, and a lot more!”

“Oh really,” he smirked. “Why’s that?”

“You know what? I can’t even talk to you.” Selina turned for the elevator but Batman grabbed her arm.

“No! I want to know why a guy like Falcone would owe you anything—“

Selina shouted, “Because he’s my father!” You took your place beside Selina, making sure to avoid Batman’s eye contact. Selina calmed down. “My mother worked at the 44 Below…just like Anni,” she met your eyes. “…and just like her. She used to take me there when I was a little girl.”

“…to the club?” Batman’s demeanor had changed; he was softer.

“Yeah,” she continued. “I hid out in the dressing room while she worked. Used to see him there. He scared the shit outta me,” she whispered the last part. “I could never understand why he looked at me the way he did. Then one night, my mother told me who he was…” The man glanced at you before studying Selina. “When I was seven, my mother was murdered…strangled. They never found out who—probably some creep from the club. Anyway, social services came to take me away and he didn’t say a thing. Couldn’t even look at me.” She looked away briefly before meeting Batman’s eyes. “He owes me that money.”

Taking Selina’s hand into yours, you squeezed it affectionately. She squeezed back.

Batman was silent for a while, studying the both of you. “…I’m sorry. For what I said.”

“Ah, it’s alright,” she said. “You assume the worst in people—-but it’s not me you need to apologize to.” She squeezed your hand again before dropping it and taking a step back. You avoided Batman’s gaze.

“I’m… sorry. For everything.” Your eyes flickered to his before looking away again. “I keep assuming that—“

“‘’s alright,” you interrupted. You didn’t want to have this conversation. Not in front of Selina. “It’s like you both said, you ‘assume.’” You took a step closer to the man, not daring to go any closer after earlier. Batman closed the distance for you. “Who are you under there?” Your hand ventured to his mask, just barely hovering over his face. His hand took yours and pressed it against his cheek.

“Who am I?” His lip twitched up briefly, ghosting a smile. “I don’t even know your name.”

“I guess we both have some secrets,” you chuckled. “You hideously scarred behind that mask?”

“‘I guess we both have some secrets,’” he echoed softly. He smiled at you before you smiled back. Selina rejoined the conversation and your hand dropped.

“If we don’t stand up for people like Anni, no one will. All anyone cares about in this place are those… white, privileged assholes—the mayor, the commissioner, the D.A.—and now Thomas and Bruce Wayne. Far as I’m concerned, that psycho’s right to go after those creeps. I think you’d be on his side.”

Batman’s tone changed. Solemnly, he asked, “What do you mean, ‘Thomas and Bruce Wayne?’”

“What, you live in a cave?”

“The Riddler’s latest,” you informed. “It’s all about the Waynes.”

“Listen,” Selina interjected. “If I can find that dick bag Kenzie, will you help me? Please?”

Batman made no moves. Sliding your hands up his armor chest, you looked at him through your lashes. “Come on, Vengeance… please,” you whispered.

The man seemed to have an internal struggle and lost whatever battle he was waging. “…Just don’t make any moves without me, understand? This is all more dangerous than you know—“

Your hands slid from his chest to his face, bringing him down to meet you for a long kiss. He closed his eyes and subconsciously deepened it, moving his hand to grip your waist. His lips moved to follow yours as you broke it and backed away, but he caught himself. “Don’t worry, baby,” you grabbed Selina’s hand and made your way into the elevator. “We can handle ourselves.”

He stayed staring at the elevator for a very long time after you left.

The ride down the elevator was silent as you spent the ride reflecting over what happened the past few minutes. “I don’t know how, but you have that man wrapped around your finger,” Selina mused. It was an intriguing thought, but something else was bugging you…

How does he know that Falcone brought you to the mayor's funeral?

———————————————————————————————— 

Bruce Wayne was a complete wreck after watching the Riddler’s latest announcement. His father was a murderer? Why would Thomas Wayne ever go to Falcone? It didn’t make any sense; Bruce decided to go straight to the source. 

The ride to the club didn’t help soothe him, if anything it made him feel worse. He felt—and looked—absolutely pathetic. He was soaking wet from the rain. 

“Do you know who I am?” Bruce asked one of the twin bodyguards at the door.

“You’re Bruce Wayne,” he said in disbelief. 

“I wanna see Carmine Falcone.”

The door shut on his face and stayed closed for a while. Bruce had a slight shake to him; he didn’t know if it was from the cold or his unstable emotions. 

The door opened to reveal both twins. “See?” The other twin scoffed, but he seemed impressed. The pair guided Bruce to the elevator that would take him to where Falcone currently was. 

When the elevator opened up, soft jazz music could be heard while the sound of billiard balls clattering together over a game of pool. The lights were dim, giving the illusion of a relaxing ambience. He picked up on some of the conversation as he made his way into the room.

“ Briscoe, do you know how much this sweater cost?”

“ No, boss.”

“$1,183. You know why communism failed, right?”

“No, boss.”

“ Austerity .” The men laughed but there was a quiet, feminine giggle among them. Bruce saw you sitting on the side of the pool table, dolled up next to Falcone, holding a tray of drinks and cigars. He sloppily brushed the hair in front of his face to the side, trying to hastily improve his appearance. He didn’t think you’d be here.  Everyone in the room stared at the intruder, the soothing atmosphere diminishing slightly. 

“Hey, Johnny Slick,” Oswald greeted, trying to size him up. “What’re you doin’ here?”

“Give us a moment here, fellas,” Carmine ordered. You looked at Falcone and Bruce, giving them both a smile.

“Come on,” Oz ordered the men as he lent you a hand so you could slide off the table. “See ya, Champ,” Oz said. You brushed your hand against Bruce’s shoulder as you walked past; his eyes followed you intently until you left the room. 

“Have a seat,” Carmine said. “I thought I might hear from you. This, uh, Riddler sonuvabitch is really stirring things up, huh?” He hit a billiard ball. 

“Is it true?”

“What? That reporter business? What do you wanna know here, kid?”

“Did you kill him? For my father?” 

“Look, your father was in trouble. This reporter had some dirt. Some very…personal stuff about your mother—her family history. He didn’t want any of that coming out, not before the election. Your father tried to pay the guy, but he wasn’t goin’ for it. So he came to me,” he admitted. “I never seen him like that. He said, ‘Carmine, I want you to put the fear of God in this guy.’ And when fear isn’t enough…” Carmine trailed off.

Bruce had a strange look to him; he was very unnerved—disturbed—frightened? He didn’t know, but there was a certain disconnect to him.

Carmine continued, “Your father wanted me to handle it, so I did. I handled it.” Bruce couldn’t get any words out, he felt something in his throat. “I know,” Carmine said with faux sympathy. “You thought your father was a Boy Scout. But you’d be surprised what even a good man like him is capable of in the right situation. Do me a favor, don’t lose any sleep over it. This reporter was on Maroni’s payroll—he got what was comin’ to him.”

Bruce’s throat bobbed as he choked out, “Maroni?”

“Oh yeah, he could never stand that your father and I had history. And after what happened with that reporter, he was worried that your father would be in my pocket. Forever.” Carmine stopped playing pool and approached Bruce. “He would have done anything to keep him from becoming mayor. You understand?”

Bruce lip twitched. “Are you saying…Salvator Maroni got my father killed?”

“Do I know it for a fact?” Falcone shrugged. “I’m just saying, it sure looked that way to me.” He decided to egg Bruce on, truly loving how undone the man in front of him was becoming. “This is what you wanted, huh? This little conversation here? It’s been a long time coming.” Carmine rested a hand on his shoulder. Whether it was for comfort or mockery, Bruce didn’t know. “I mean, you ain’t a kid no more. Now come on.” Carmine led Bruce to the elevator. “Unless you want anything else, I suggest you go home. Try not to let this get in your head.” Bruce wordlessly followed his order. 

When the elevator opened up, all the men that were previously with Falcone were waiting by the door. The guys all had snide faces and laughed as they brushed past him, going back onto the elevator to see Carmine. You were the only one that stayed behind. He stared at you, waiting.

“I’m..sorry,” you told him. “I saw the news. I can’t imagine how you feel.” Bruce gave a slight nod, not exactly sure on how to respond. “I heard that the Riddler targeted you. Wayne tower was smoking for quite some time—you’re lucky.”

“Yeah,” he said quietly. “Lucky.” He looked at you as if he was a lost boy. Choking out a dry laugh and brushing his hair back, he said, “God, you must think I’m such a mess.”

“Hey,” you grabbed ahold of his hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. “I don’t know what Carmine said, but don’t let him get inside your head. Trust me, I’d know.” Bruce squeezed your hand back. “If you need anything, and I mean it, don’t hesitate to reach out. I know we haven’t known each other long—“ Bruce’s lips burned at the thought of your searing kiss, ”—but I care about you.” He tilted his head inquisitively, curious. “You remind me of someone I know,” you admitted, your face feeling a little warm. You wrote your number on a notepad, like he did for you back at the church, and gave it to him.

“Thank you,” he said after a while. You gave him a parting smile before you passed him, walking away from the elevator and into the club.

Bruce had much to do when he got back to Wayne Tower. 

=======================================================

Chapter Text

Finding Bruce Wayne at your place of work was rather surprising. You felt bad looking at him; he was a total mess after what the Riddler revealed to the public about his family. Although it seems like the Wayne’s deserved it, you still felt bad for the surviving Wayne. Before, you thought Bruce might have thought himself too good for the public—he was never out, never did anything with his money, didn’t do anything. Now, things were different. The way he interacted with you at the funeral changed everything. He was not above anyone; he treated you, someone who people like Falcone take advantage of, with respect and kindness. The assumption that he didn’t want to be out in the public because he was too good for anyone was wrong; you could see that he was just slightly awkward and introverted. ‘Maybe I’ll have to give him a call later,’ you thought. ‘ But not right now. I have to find Selina.’

Selina was supposed to find Batman—she had thought of a plan that they could use to find Kenzie, so she was grabbing him. ‘ Just don’t make any moves without me,’ Batman’s voice echoed in your head. You touched your lips as you remembered your kiss that you shared shortly after. As you were heading out of the building to meet Selina at the bat signal, you found her leaning against the alleyway outside of the building. She was fuming.

“He’s not there,” she shouted, frustrated. “I’ve waited for hours—he never showed!” 

“Maybe he’s just busy—“

“I say we do this without him,” she decided. “Probably easier too. That asshole has to pay now.”

Honestly, you thought that you really should wait for Batman. “Selina,” you said gently, hoping to calm her down. “Remember what happened last time? At the recycling plant?” Selina arched her brow. “Last time we did something without him, we almost died.”

“Yeah, well, you live and you learn. So what, you backing out too?”

“No—“

“Then come one, let’s go. I’ve already thought up an alternative plan while I was waiting for the dick to show up.”

You found yourself back into the club and applying a fresh swipe of lipstick as you approached the 44 Below entrance. Kenzie was there guarding the door, eyes already on you and staring hungrily. 

“Hey, sugar,” he greeted cheerfully. “Haven’t seen you for a while. You working tonight?”

“No, I just got off,” you giggled. “I was hoping on catchin’ a ride home…”

“Well if you need a ride, I can pay a taxi for—“

“…with you.” You batted your eyes and picked at his sleeve. “Please?”

Whatever internal battle Kenzie had with himself was short lived because he gave in rather quickly. “Ah, what the hell. Just let me grab my keys and ask one of the guys to take my place. I get off in 15 minutes anyways.” He returned to you, eagerly. “Let’s go, baby.”

Taking his hand, he followed as you led the way. He was getting rather handsy. The twin bodyguards let out a whistle as they saw you leave with Kenzie; you flashed them a smile. The alley was pretty dark—no street lights—and you were gonna ask him something before he suddenly pushed you against the wall.

“I don’t think I can wait that long,” he huffed. “I’ve been eyeing you for a loooong time now. Be a good girl and—“ His feet slid back from beneath him, causing him to drop to the ground hard. He let out a wheeze.

“What—!”

Before he could make another remark, you quickly covered his mouth and wrapped your arm around his neck. You only let up once he passed out. 

“Nice job,” Selina complimented while coming out of the shadows. She was retrieving her chain from around his legs. You shrugged and started going through his pockets. A watch, his phone, his gun, another phone—wait…

“Selina, I think this is your phone.”

“What? Give it here,” she demanded before immediately grabbing it from you. She swiped on it for a few seconds before letting out a chilling cry. “I—oh my god. She called me! Annika called me!” Crying, she clutched her phone to her chest. You had to pry her fingers away so you could grab it back. Pressing play started a horrifying voicemail.

“ Help,” Annika pleaded into the phone before a man yelled at you to get back. 

“ Hey, hey, what’re you doin’, Kenzie? You’re scaring her.” It was Carmine Falcone. You paused the recording. 

“I really think we should wait for Batman,” you told her.

“Play it.”

“Selin—“

“I said play it, goddamnit!” 

Staring at her, you thought for a moment. “Not here,” you said slowly. “We’ll listen to it but not here.” Selina nodded curtly after a while. “Help me with him, would you?”

Selina tied him up with some zip ties that she had brought and you both heaved him onto your motorcycle—not before she took his gun, of course. You handed Selina her phone, which you were sure she listened to on the way to the bat signal given the tears going down her face. She helped you carry him into the elevator, albeit rather roughly, and dropped him onto the ground by the ledge. You turned on the light to signal Batman hoping that he would see and put on your catsuit that Selina brought with her. She was already in hers.

You sat against the building near the elevator; you were waiting for Kenzie to wake up or for Batman to show up—whichever came first. Your phone buzzed once in your pocket. Fishing it out, you saw a text from an unknown number. 

Hey, it’s Bruce.

You totally forgot to text him with everything going on. Under better circumstances, you would have loved to talk to him; you’re a little busy at the moment. Kenzie was still down though, so you tapped your finger on the keyboard as you replied. 

Hey… How’re you doing? You feeling alright?

I’ve been better.

Sorry about earlier, I was a total mess.

It’s okay!

Don’t worry about it, I’m sure there’s enough on your plate

Yeah, haha.

I was thinking maybe we could meet up sometime?

I really need a break, it would be nice to relax after everything that’s happened.

Coffee, lunch, or dinner? Your pick.

Bruce Wayne asking you out? Say it ain’t so! As you thought up a reply, Kenzie soon woke up dazed. He groaned as he sat up. Quickly pocketing your phone—and leaving Bruce on read—you stood up and made your way to the man.

“Get on your knees,” you ordered. He spat at your feet so you kicked him hard in the ribs. “Now!” He let out a pained wheeze as he shuffled into position. 

Everything was rather quiet as you waited. Kenzie’s labored breath and the bustle of the city were the only things you could hear as you stared at the bat-shaped light in the sky. Your phone buzzed once again after a while, but you couldn’t check it as you were watching Kenzie. Selina, however, was growing in frustration, gun in hand.

“What do you want? Please, don’t—“

“Shut up,” Selina shouted as she punched him from under his chin, causing him to reel his head back. She let out her anger by assaulting him, causing him to cry out. This lasted for a while before the sound of the elevator stopping to open caused you to turn around. Batman, as well as a police officer—whom you recognized as Gordon from the funeral—marched out. You stood by Kenzie, waiting. A memory of you  flashed in Batman’s mind; ‘So anytime I want to see you I just need to light that bad boy up?’ He was hoping you would have called him for a different reason…he also understood why you never texted him back.

“I found him,” Selina called out as she gave him a kick that made him bend over.

“I see that.” Batman’s guard was up.

“He had my shit and my phone. She left a message the night they took her. She called me—“

“—Gordon! Help me out, man! She got my gun!”

“Shut up,” you ordered as you smacked the back of his head. Selina aimed the gun at him.

“Put the gun down.”

“I’m telling you, god damn it! She called me,” Selina yelled at Batman. When he didn’t relent, she pulled the gun away and fished out her phone. “Listen.”

“ Help—“

“Hey, get back here! Where are you going? Come back here!” Annika cried into the phone.

“Hey, hey, what’re you doin’, Kenzie? You’re scaring her.”

“I’m—I’m sorry, Mr. Falcone—“

“—Please, please, please,” Annika begged. “ Please don’t hurt me, please.”

“Hey, don’t be scared,” Falcone assured. “ Come here.” Batman and Gordon leaned in closer, listening. A tear fell onto your cheek as you covered your mouth in silent horror. “ Now let me ask you again. What did Mitchell tell you?”

“No—nothing. He—“

“Don liked to talk, I know that. Especially to pretty girls like you. That’s why I made him take your passport, until we could have this little…conversation.”

“ All I want to do is get out of here, okay?” Between Annika’s voice trembling and her thick accent, it was a little hard to hear. “ You’ll never hear from me again, nobody will, please—!                

“ We’re gonna get you outta here, I promise,” Falcone raised his voice in frustration. “ But first, I gotta know…what did he tell you?”

“He…he just said that they all made a deal with you.”

“Oh,” he hummed. “ He told you about that, huh? The deal?”

“ He said you gave some information on some drops thing, and that’s how he became mayor. He said that you were a very important man.”

“Right,” he hummed again. “ Okay.” Annika’s piercing scream filled the air. More tears fell from your eyes as you could hear her struggling. “ Just take it easy.”

“Jesus, he’s strangling her,” Gordon said. A few more seconds of tussling played until the phone call ended. Batman was deep in thought.

“Rata Alana,” he said. “A falcon has wings, too.”

“Falcone is the rat?” Gordon asked. The men looked at Kenzie. Walking up to him, Gordon asked, “Falcone works for you guys? The mayor? The D.A.?”

Kenzie swallowed. “No,” he sighed shakily. “We work for him. Everybody does.”

Batman asked, “How?”

“Through Renewal. Renewal is everything.”

“The Renewal fund?” Gordon pressed.

“Yeah. After Thomas Wayne died, they all went after it like vultures. The mayor, Falcone, Maroni. Everyone got in on it. It was perfect for making bribes, laundering money—a huge charitable fund with no oversight. Everybody got a piece.” Kenzie took a labored breath before continuing, “But Falcone wanted more. So he orchestrated a play to take Maroni down big. He’d rat out his drops operation, make the careers of everybody that went after him, then install them all as his puppets.” Batman looked at you. “You think this goddamn election matters? Falcone’s the mayor. Has been for the last 20 years.”

“Come on, Vengeance,” Selina said. “Let’s go kill that son of a bitch…this creep too—“ you put your hands on Kenzie’s shoulders to hold him still. “—let’s finish this.”

“No!” Batman knocked the gun out of Selina’s hand. She readied herself for a fight. “We’ll get him. But not that way.”

“There is no other way,” you finally said. “He owns the city! Did you not hear him?”

“Cross that line, you’ll become just like him.” Batman’s gaze shifted from Selina to you. His eyes pleaded as he said, “Listen to me. Don’t throw your life away.” His attention went back to your feline partner as she studied his face. Her composure suddenly changed to a relaxed one; you knew what was about to happen. Batman was not with you.

“Don’t worry, honey,” Selina said as you rested your foot onto Kenzie’s chest. You smiled at him as she said, “I got nine of them.” Instantly, Selina shoved Batman away letting you kick Kenzie off the building. Both men lurch forward to save the falling man, letting Selina grab the fallen gun. Batman’s harpoon gun quickly fires around his ankle, allowing the men to pull him up. As they were distracted, you and Selina ran to some wires that were used to pull a crane, sliding down them gracefully. You could hear Kenzie screaming. 

Already speeding away on your motorcycles to the club, you couldn’t see Batman chasing you down the building.    

=======================================================

Chapter Text

There was no speaking between the two of you as you parked your motorcycles. You didn’t have to talk—it was like you could read her thoughts. Checking the clip in the gun that she took, she put it back into her bag after inspecting the rounds. Getting off the bikes, you undressed out of your catsuits, revealing your work attire underneath. Selina slipped on her wig that she had with her in her bag, taking only a few seconds to smooth it down. You made your way inside.

“Can you tell Mr. Falcone I’d like to come up?” Selina asked the man guarding the elevator door. He jerked his chin to the side and made a dismissive gesture to her.

“She can go, you stay. He ain’t seein’ nobody tonight,” he said, waving you forward. 

“Tell him it’s about Annika.” The man straightened his back, his face darkened. Mumbling into his ear piece, he finally let you both pass. Mr. Falcone greeted you both when the elevator doors opened to his floor.

“Heyyy, look who it is, huh?”

“Sorry to bother you, Mr. Falcone,” you apologized, placing a kiss on his cheek as you met him halfway.

“Nah, it’s fine, gorgeous. You’re always welcome, you know that,” he chuckled. “And please, it’s Carmine to you.”

“I was hoping we could talk to you for a minute?”

“Absolutely.”

Selina eyed the other men in the room. “Alone?” He snapped his fingers and everyone cleared. He led you both into the lounge area to sit. 

“What’s this all about, huh? You need somethin’? Cash?” Falcone sat across from the two of you. “I’ll get you anything you need, doll.”

“Actually, Mr. Fal—Carmine,” you gave him a weak smile. “My friend is worried sick and I didn’t know what to do, so I brought her to the only person I thought could help…” Carmine had a sly look on his face as he leaned closer. 

“Oh, is that right? Well you came to the right place. What you girls need?”

“We can’t find Annika anywhere. It’s like she just disappeared!” you exclaimed, faux tears in your eyes. Carmine leaned back into his chair. His face dropped for a second before he replaced it with a carefree facade.

“I’m—I’m just so worried,” Selina choked out, letting out a few fake tears of her own. “I don’t know where she is. I know you’re a very important man from what she’s told me—“ Selina gestured to you, “—and I was hoping you could help me find her. I mean she’s been gone so long, I’m starting to think she might be…” Selina let out a few sniffles as you patted her back comfortingly. “I’m sorry…” You looked at Falcone with pleading eyes.

“It’s okay,” he said. “I understand. Here.” He offered her tissues but she declined. 

“No, that’s okay, I have a tissue.” Selina slowly reached for the gun in her purse as you distracted him.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Carmine. Nobody knew anything or wanted to help—“

“Mr. Falcone?”

“Vinny!” Falcone yelled at the man who interrupted. “Didn’t I tell ya?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Falcone. I really think you’re gonna want to see this.” 

Falcone looked back at you. “I’m sorry, beautiful,” he apologized. “I’ll be right back so we can continue.” You and Selina gave each other a hardened look as he walked away into another room. So close. 

The voicemail that Annika had left Selina could be overheard from where you were sitting. As if empowered by her voice, Selina carefully strided over to the man, gun pointed. You placed yourself behind the wall, hidden from the men’s view, ready for whatever was about to happen.

“Hey, Dad?”

Falcone turned around to see her, mildly confused and surprised. “What?”

“I’m Maria Kyle’s kid…You remember her?”

“Yeah…Just—just put down the gun, honey—“

“This is for my mother.” The gunshot echoed as all the lights shut down and were replaced by shadows. The only thing to illuminate anything were the lights from outside peering in.

Quickly sneaking into the now dark room, you lunged for the guard that was about to attack Selina. With a yell, you managed to jump and wrap your legs around his neck, choking him. Selina went after Falcone as you fought the guard. More gunshots fired, each round making you jump in your skin. When you were finished with the man, you ran into the other room to see another fallen guard and Falcone choking Selina with a pool stick. Grabbing one off the table, you hit him in the back of the head as hard as possible. He shouted and got off of her, coming for you. Selina gasped for breath, blindly reaching around for the gun that was knocked away.

“You bitch!” Falcone yelled as he lunged for you. Dodging, you dealt him a few blows yourself and even managed to leave a nasty scratch along his face. “I’ll kill you!” He sent a powerful kick to your legs, sweeping you off your feet. He was on you instantly and wrapped his hands around your throat. “You made me do this, sweetheart. You were my favorite! You’re making me do this!”

“Help—“ you choked out, suffocating. Struggling, he had a hard time keeping his hands around your neck, but he managed. Your mind froze—this has happened before, hasn’t it? Instead of Falcone above you, digging his nails into you, the image of Batman with his own hand around you appeared instead…just like he did at the mayor’s house. Black was creeping into your vision as you let out shallow gasps before Falcone was harshly pulled away. Your eyes squeezed shut in anguish as you coughed out.

Your savior, the caped crusader, immediately reached for Selina and aimed her gun away when he noticed she was about to shoot. “He has to pay!” she shouted.

“You don’t have to pay with him.” He assured her. Selina, crying, looked at Batman. “You’ve paid enough.” She relents and drops the gun, defeated and emotionally drained. 

Batman was by your side in an instant, cradling you. He tenderly brushed his fingers against the marks on your neck made by Falcone. “Rat?” The way he said it reminded him of how he called out to you over the contact lens camera system: pathetic. Vision blurred, you recoiled quickly after seeing who it was, weakling pushing him away. 

“Please,” you pawed away at his hands, trying to get them away from your head. “Not again.” His eyes held a great sadness in them as he instead held you closer, moving his hands from holding your head to your lower back, waiting for you to calm down. Struggling more, your breathing quickened as you flung your hand towards his face. His hand caught yours quickly and held them firm against him. He looked anxious, eyes searching over your body for more potential damage as you calmed down. Realizing the situation after seeing Carmine on the ground, you raised yourself to hug your dark knight. He wouldn’t hurt you again, right? You were soothed as you felt him let out a heavy sigh into your hair.

“Please,” he whispered into your ear. “Don’t scare me like that, please…” Gingerly, he helped you up, arm wrapped around your waist. 

Reluctantly, he let go when Falcone started coming to his senses. Picking him up roughly, he led the man through the club where onlookers watched with curiosity. You and Selina followed.

“Jesus,” Carmine laughed. “Look at you. Whattaya think this is? You think you’re gonna scare me with that mask and that cape? I’m gonna start crying, and all of a sudden some big secret’s comin’ out? Let me tell you something?” Carmine stopped walking and leaned in close to Batman. “Whatever I know, whatever I’ve done, it’s all going with me to my grave.” Batman shoved him forward and into the hands of Gordon. “What, you with Zorro over here? Don’t you know you boys in blue work for me?”

Gordon took him outside to reveal the dozens of police officers waiting to arrest him. “I guess we don’t all work for you.” Gordon read Carmine his rights as another officer handcuffed him. “Do you understand?”

Carmine looked straight at you, almost admiring your tears and the marks he left behind on your neck. “Yeah,” he turned back to Gordon. “I’ll see you when I walk out.”

“Goddamn rat.”

“What’d you say?” Carmine asked Oswald. 

“Enjoy your night at Blackgate, Carmine. Probably be your last.”

“Oh-ho! So you’re a big man now, huh, Oz?’ Carmine scoffed.

“Maybe I am,” Oz challenged.

“Really, Oz? Because to me, you were always a gimp in an empty suit.”

Oz reached into his jacket, pulling out a gun. “I’ll spray paint your ass!” A single shot fired and Carmine hit the ground. The crowd roared as officers tried to get a handle on the situation. Oz was tackled to the ground. “I didn’t shoot! I didn’t shoot!”

You walked over to Batman as he hovered over Falcone, watching him take his last breath. You spat on his body, satisfied. Batman, however, looked above him to see the flickering street light. “Bring him into the light,” he muttered. “And you’ll find where I’m at.”

“There!” An officer yelled. “The shot came from up there!” Following where the man’s finger pointed, you saw an apartment window open with a gun pointed out. No one was there. 

“It’s Riddler!” 

Majority of the officers left Carmine’s body to get to Riddler; only a few stayed back. Selina strolled over and stared at his body for a bit. Also satisfied, she linked arms with yours and walked away. “Let’s go home.”

You made it to your motorcycles in silence. The only thing you mumbled after putting on your helmet was ‘Karma’s a bitch ’ before returning to your apartment.                                                                                    

Chapter Text

Selina went straight to bed after you made it home. It was over; Carmine Falcone was dead. You’d be lucky if you still had your job after a week. Sitting on the kitchen counter, you idly listened to the tv news broadcasting the events that just unfolded in front of you. Batman had given Carmine to the police, and if you looked in the background, you would be able to see yourself on the screen. 

Your apartment was quiet. It was a nice change of pace from the crazy that’s been going on. One of the cats started fighting with another over a toy before running away—that made you laugh. Fishing out your phone, you checked your notifications–one new message from Bruce Wayne. 

It’s okay!

Don’t worry about it, I’m sure there’s enough on your plate

Yeah, haha.

I was thinking maybe we could meet up sometime?

I really need a break, it would be nice to relax after everything that’s happened.

Coffee, lunch, or dinner? Your pick.

… 

Hello?

With everything going on, you didn’t have time to reply! You typed on the keyboard.

I’m sorry! Something came up…

Would dinner work? 

A ball rolled across the floor and hit the counter that you were seated on. One of the cats looked up at you and stretched his paws in your direction. Leaning down, you gave him a pat before he took off with the toy ball. Your phone buzzed again.

Dinner sounds perfect. I’ll let you know on the date soon.

Speaking of dates, am I finally going to learn the name of my mystery date?

Mmmm sorry, I guess you’ll have to find out at dinner ;)

Finally feeling like going to sleep yourself, you turned off your phone and went into your bedroom so that you could be done with this horrible day. 

You would not be going to bed that night.

Your room was still trashed from when they took Annika, but Selina had made slight improvements from when she cleaned the broken furniture. Other than that, everything was in place…except for a red envelope that presented itself on your pillowcase. It was addressed to no one, but there was a small heart drawn onto the middle of the paper. Opening it revealed a cute card with a cartoon surgeon performing surgery. It read, ‘What’s yours but cannot be held?’ Opening the card revealed the punchline, ‘My heart!,’ but there was extra writing inside. In sloppy handwriting was an address.                                                            

Paranoid, you started looking around your room for anything that could give you a hint as to how this got here. Nothing looked suspicious. Nothing was out of place. Checking the rest of the apartment yielded the same result. Looking back at the card, you stared at the little address for a very long time. You knew it was wrong and tried to talk yourself out of it, but you had already made up your mind.

Back in your catsuit and mask for the umpteenth time tonight, you crept out of the house and made your way to the address on your motorcycle with a navigation map telling you where to go. It ended up being an apartment complex right next to the IceBerg Lounge. Following the room number on the card led you to a police taped door—no entry. ‘Was this…where The Riddler was?’ Mind racing, you had to take a moment to rationalize this. Did he send you the card? Why would he want you here? Why would he want you? Making up your mind, you left the apartment complex and stood in front of the IceBerg Lounge to scope it out. Looking up to the building, you saw broken glass; it was the same window that Batman had propelled himself to. The area was dead empty–officers weren’t around–so you made your way around looking for a better way inside. Finding a fire escape led you to a conveniently open window that should be the apartment number listed on the card. Crawling inside, you stood in a dark, dingy bathroom. You could not have prepared yourself for what was on the other side of the bathroom door. Quietly opening the door, you saw the entire room filled to the brim with—I don’t know— nonsense?

Papers cluttered every surface, there were weird torture contraptions strewn about, photos were tacked onto the wall, and there was shit (literally mouse shit) all over the place. Not daring to touch anything there, you went into the next room, which happened to be his bed room…and what a psycho! The room was surprisingly clean, although the bed was messy, but his closet was a nightmare. Hidden behind some jackets was a shrine…with your photos. Some were printed from your various social medias, but most were taken from Polaroids of his point of view. There were pictures of you in your work outfit in the club, some were taken while you were out and about doing errands, but there was one of you asleep in your own bed. There were two more photos to look at. One was a selfie of the Riddler with Phil Colson, who had a bomb strapped around his neck, terrified. The last photo pinned up was a standalone selfie of the Riddler, unmasked, with the caption ‘Surprise! <3.’ It was the man that you helped that night in the club while you were undercover for Batman. The same guy that had helped you get away from the D.A. when he was making you uncomfortable. You couldn’t believe this…

“Hey! What’re you doin’ in here!?” 

A man’s voice yelled from the other room. Jumping out of your skin, you looked around the room. The bedroom was empty. You figured that the man hadn’t spotted you; crouching low to the ground, you listened. Lights from a flashlight flickered from behind the cracked bedroom door.

“ Hey man, I don’t think you should be touching that,” the same man said. Quiet rustling followed. “Boy, this guys a real nut job, huh? Killing Mitchell with a friggin’ carpet tool…not to mention his creepy shrine.” There was a pause and the light moved away, then, “My uncle’s a—He’s an installer. You know, it’s a…oh, you know. It’s a…a tucker.” The light shifted again, followed by frantic movement of furniture. Daring to take a peak, you saw Batman crouched on the floor; he was peeling back the carpet. The cop beside him tried to stop him, weakly, but ultimately let him finish. The lights focused on something on the ground, leaving the rest of the room dark. Gaining confidence, you stood up and slowly crept out of the room.

“Whatcha lookin’ at?”

The two men whipped around instantly, startled. The cop quickly drew his weapons, but Batman covered the barrel and tipped it down. The caped crusader let out a sigh.

“What are you doing here?” Batman asked.

“Wait—you know her?” The cop cut in. Both of you ignored him.

“Someone snuck in my room and left me a little present,” you said, handing over the envelope. Batman opened it and looked at its contents; his face darkened. “Have you checked his bedroom?” Batman shook his head but the officer nodded.

“Yeah, real weirdo,” the cop said. “Has pictures of this girl everywhere. Believe me when I say you do not wanna look under his bed.” You cocked a brow but dropped it. Batman quickly brushed past you to look inside the bedroom; you followed. You pointed out the closet and Batman broke the clothing rack with how roughly he moved the jackets. The shrine was on full display. Batman took his time analyzing each photograph—he looked angry.

“Man, I feel bad for whoever that girl is,” the cop whistled. You pulled your mask off and blankly stared at him. The officer looked as if he saw a ghost. “My bad, ma’am,” he apologized. You left the room and the two men followed.

In the main area, the carpet was pulled up to reveal a crude drawing of the city with the words ‘A REAL CHANGE’ scrawled out. You pointed out the small red heart that The Riddler had drawn—that was yours and Selena’s apartment. Batman turned to the computer and started typing in a box that asked for a password.

> A REAL CHANGE

… 

>>ACCESS DENIED.

Batman furrowed his brow and started typing more, but each entry yielded the same result. Placing a hand on his shoulder, you gently asked, “Can I try?” Batman took a step back, giving you space to type. You typed in your name that you gave customers at the lounge and…

>>ACCESS GRANTED.

A video immediately started playing. The Riddler was talking to some viewers; they left comments on the side. “Hey guys. Uh, thanks for all the comments and, uh, a special thanks to everyone for the tips on detonators,” he started, voice normal. “And a special hello to this…girl. You know who you are.” Batman put a hand on your shoulder protectively as you stared, eyes wide. “I just wanted to say…this will be my last post for a little while, and, uh…” He started getting a little choked up. “ What this community has meant to me…these weeks, these months…let’s just say that none of us is alone anymore. Okay?”

“ Jesus,” the cop commented.

“Tomorrow's Election Day,” he laughed. “…and Bella Reál will win. She promised real change. But we know the truth, don’t we?” Riddler grabbed his camera and got close to it. “ You’ve seen Gotham’s true face now. Together, we’ve unmasked it. Its corruption, its perversion, masquerading under the guise of renewal.” Batman stiffened. “ But unmasking is not enough… the Day of Judgement is finally upon us.” The camera flipped to show the floor that was just behind you; he was showing his viewers the map. “ And now it is time… for retribution.” Batman and the cop started examining the floor; you took a peek but continued to watch the video instead. “ I’ve parked seven vans all along the city sea wall…and on the big night, they will go boom.”

As The Riddler uttered the last word, a giant explosion went off nearby. Rushing to the window, clouds of fire and smoke erupted into the air. More soon followed. 

“When the vans blow,” he continued. “…the flooding will happen so fast, evacuation will not be an option. Those who are not washed away will race through the streets in terror.”

“Call Gordon,” Batman quietly ordered. The officer fumbled for his phone.

“As breaking news hits higher ground at Gotham Square Garden, celebrations will turn to panic as the venue becomes the city’s shelter of last resort. And that’s,” you turned back to the monitor to see that he switched it back to his face. “… where all of you come in.” 

The comments were filled with all sorts of horrible questions and suggestions; ‘what gauge? what caliber?’ ‘Rifles are good,’ and ‘don’t forget your Cling Wrap!’ were some of the ones you glossed over. 

“My dear—” he said quietly into the mic. “— I know that you’re watching.” It felt like he was looking through the screen and at you. “And I need you to do something very special for me, okay? Stay at the address I gave to you. I made sure that area would be safe just for you. Please, stay.” He had gotten a tad emotional but cleared his throat before continuing. “Now, when the time arrives, I will already be unmasked. The pigs will have me in their custody, but that’s okay. Because then it will be your turn. You’ll be there, waiting. It’s time for the lies to finally end—false promises of renewal? Change? We’ll give them reaaal, real change now.” His voice was booming into the mic, “ We’ve spent our lives in this wretched place suffering! Wondering ‘Why us?’ Now they will spend their last moment wondering ‘Whyyy them?’” 

Batman whispered, “Follow me,” as he slid his hand from your shoulder to your hand, pulling you along. You slipped on your mask.

“ I can’t get through! The lines are down—“ the office said, but it was only him in the room.

=======================================================

Chapter Text

You followed Batman on your motorcycle as he directed you to Gotham Square Garden. The streets were chaotic; water was everywhere, traffic made it hard to navigate, lights were flashing everywhere, and the screaming was almost too much to bear. As you were driving, you could see people staring and pointing at you and Batman. Was it a look of curiosity? Hope? Perhaps it was a third unidentifiable emotion—you didn’t know.

Batman didn’t take you towards the entrance of the building, but I guess you should’ve expected that. Instead, he parked his bike in an alley nearby and grabbed his bag from the back. Then he guided you towards the back of the building. As he was fumbling with something around his waist, he asked, “You ever scale a building before?” It looked like a gun.

“Can’t say I have.”

“Well you’re about to.” He finished setting up the gun and pointed it towards the top of Gotham Square Garden. “Here, hold this.” He tossed you the small back that he had grabbed from earlier.”

“Yeah, okay, suUU UREE–!” No sooner than you caught the bag, Batman wrapped an arm around your waist, fired his gun, and sent the both of you flying through the air. You made it to the top in no time. Collecting yourself briefly, you looked inside the building through the glass ceiling and gasped. “Batman, look!”

There were men dressed up exactly how the Riddler was in his video. They had guns and seemed to be setting up for something big. Men were focusing their scopes while some were loading their guns. “Give me the bag,” Batman whispered. Tossing it to him, he opened it to reveal tiny explosive devices.

“You–you had bombs and you tossed that at me?!”

Batman had a small smile on his face before taking half the explosives and tossing you the bag again. Jumping, you fumbled with the bag after learning about its contents. “Set these up along the perimeter of the glass dome. We need to create a distraction big enough to gain the attention of everyone.” Nodding, you scurried away and did as you were told as quickly as possible. Within a few minutes, it was done. 

“Here, this was at the bottom of the bag,” you said as you handed him a small remote.

“Thanks,” he pocketed the item. “This is what’s going to detonate the bombs when we need to.” Batman looked inside the building again and was lost in thought briefly. “You up for a fight?”

“How many people can say they fought alongside Batman before? I’m in,” you smiled. A moment passes and there’s a tenderness there that has returned. You open your mouth to say something but—

BANG!

A shot was fired from inside the building. Quickly looking inside, the newly elected mayor, Bella Reál, was on the ground while Batman’s cop friend dragged her off stage. Batman frantically dug into one of his many pockets and pulled out a thin rope. “Here!” He pushed the thin material into your hands. “Get ready!”

Batman used the remote and detonated the bombs. Systematically, the bombs went off and destroyed the glass. Not one to waste time, he jumped into the building and landed on a catwalk. You landed behind him and quickly got to your feet. As Batman was just starting to get up from his landing, you sprinted and used his back as a launching pad while he was still crouched. It gave you a boost into the air as you landed on the nearest terrorist, wire in hand. As you choked the surprised man, Batman used his grappling guns to suspend two more bad guys into the air. Clearing the top most level, you continued on.

As Batman descended, you followed. Making sure to stay at an appropriate distance, you let Batman take the brunt of the action. This allowed you to sneak behind unsuspecting victims and either knock them out with your wire or thighs, or kick them into the stadium below. As you were dealing with a particularly tough guy who was actually able to fight back, you looked around for Batman and saw two men dragging him from his cape. Angry, you kicked the shit out of your opponent, which knocked him over the edge and down below. Batman had managed to free himself from the assailants, but as you made it to the platform he was on, a rogue gunshot hit a support wire and sent the platform off balance. Batman tumbled over the platform while you were knocked to your knees. Crawling quickly to the caped crusader, you attempted to help him up, but in a surprising twist he brushed your awaiting hand away. He instead slapped a sticky charge onto a fire extinguisher that was nearby and detonated it. 

The tides had turned back into your favor as the battle was blanketed in a thick white smoke. Batman quickly got back up and went back into the fray with you following close behind. The smoke was an excellent cover–the feeling of being a genuine predator was exhilarating. As Batman swung from up high, you tag teamed and swung from below, making sure to knock them to the ground so Batman could finish them off. As you were choking a guy with the wire you had, Batman went to finish off another who was awake but on his back. Hearing a shot, you looked over and saw Batman roll away and hang off the side of the catwalk. That moment of distraction almost allowed the man below to knock you off him, but you refocused and tightened the rope until he stopped moving. Throwing yourself off him, you sprinted for the man aiming the barrel of his gun at Batman. Swiping your leg, he was knocked off balance. You kicked him hard in the face, stunning him, and went to Batman’s aid. Grasping his hand, you tried to pull him up but his weight almost sent you falling with him. Yelling with frustration, you tried again but to no avail–he was too heavy and weak to help you pull him up. 

A hand from behind frantically grabbed for Batman’s wrist and, with a lot of effort, helped drag Batman onto the platform. It was Selina! Batman unfortunately fell onto you, but with more effort you were able to flip him over so that he could rest on his back. He looked…tired. It was genuinely unsettling to see such a strong man at his weakest, and it made you swell with emotion. Selina stood behind and watched as you tenderly placed a hand on his cheek. He tried to get back up but he let out a pained wheeze. “No, no. It’s okay,” you smiled at him. “It’s done. It’s over.” Batman’s eyes looked unfocused as he tried to steady his breathing. 

Selina suddenly hit the ground hard. Turning around just in time to see your own attacker, a second man lurched for you and pulled you off Batman. His hands went straight for your throat as he yelled, “Let’s see how you like it!” Frantically, you kicked his legs but he was steadfast as his grip tightened. Choking you, he slammed the back of your head into the grated floor, making your eyes see black for a moment. A man screamed behind you, and Batman tackled the assailant from off you. Gordon had gotten there just in time to save Selina. 

“Hey! Hey, man, take it easy!” Gordon yelled to his vigilante partner. Batman was going wild and smashing the guys face in with no sign of stopping. As you stumbled to your feet, Gordon roughly pulled on Batman’s shoulder, which caused him to stop but raise his fists at him. His eyes looked animalistic and unfocused. “Easy,” Gordon soothed. Batman looked behind Gordon and saw you; you looked…disgusted–no–you looked horrified. Slowly, he cautiously stood up and faced you. You felt grateful, but the way Batman went completely feral…

“Jesus,” Gordon cursed as he took off the Riddler-like mask from the man on the ground. His nose was broken for sure, and the skin that was originally against the mask was now pink and red from being beaten raw. Blood oozed out from the broken skin located at the high points of his face. “Who the hell are you?”

Through labored breathing, he managed to answer in a whisper. “Me? I’m Vengeance.” Batman ominously turned to the man, and as the man reciprocated his gaze, the glass walls of Gotham Square Garden caved in. Water rushed inside the building as the lights went dark. People screamed from below as the weight of the water caused the stage and metal to bend and break. Electricity sparked wherever an open wire was found. 

You watched helplessly as Batman sprang into action one last time. Using his grappling hook, he flung himself onto a large wire hanging dangerously over the middle of the now flooded floor. Reverently, he used the bat symbol on his chest to cut the wire, falling with the piece he had cut into the water below. As he hit the water, all remaining lighting in the building vanished. Batman was illuminated briefly by the flashing lights of a cop car, but that too extinguished as it submerged into the water. Finally losing sight of Batman, you gasped and searched the inky black water. 

Harsh red light suddenly flashed, and Batman was holding a flare into the air. Wading through the water, he made his way to a group of civilians. Watching as they cowered away, a single brave boy–Mayor Mitchel’s son–accepted his helping hand. More soon followed in the boy’s footsteps as he followed Batman through the destroyed building.

____________________________________________________________________________

“Wednesday, November sixth.

The city is underwater. The National Guard is coming.

Martial Law is in effect, but the criminal element never sleeps. Looting and lawlessness will be rampant in the parts of the city no one can get to.

I can already see things will get worse before they get better. And some will seize the chance to grab everything they can.”

“We will rebuild.

But not just our city.

We must rebuild people’s faith in our institutions, in our elected officials, and in each other.

Together, we will learn to believe in Gotham again.”

“I’m starting to see now. 

I have had an effect here…but not the one I intended. 

Vengeance won’t change the past…mine or anyone else’s. 

I have to become more . People need hope. To know someone’s out there for them. 

The city’s angry, scarred…like me. Our scars can destroy us. Even after the physical wounds have healed. 

But if we survive them, they can transform us. They can give us the power to endure and the strength to fight .”

____________________________________________________________________________

“You’re leaving?”

You jumped as Batman seemed to appear out of thin air. Selina thought it would be a good idea to lay low for awhile and get out of Gotham while there was still time. You thought it would be easier if you did it without telling Batman, seeing as he’s been busy rebuilding Gotham, but that obviously didn’t work. He must have purposefully sought you out to find you and Selina at the cemetery; Selina was paying respects to her mother. 

You avoided his eyes as you came up with some half-hearted quip. “Would it kill you to say ‘hello,’ or do you just enjoy scaring us?”

Batman wasn’t in the mood to humor you. His demeanor was solemn. “Where will you go?”

Selina stood behind you, sensing that this was more of a conversation between the two of you. She went back to her bike; Annika was leaning against it, looking worse for wear. She was still injured, but for the most part she was fine.

 Looking between Selina and Batman, you finally answered him. “I dunno, upstate…? Selina was thinking Blüdhaven maybe…Why?” A smile smirk crept on your face as you tried to play with Batman. “...gonna miss me?” Your smirk slowly fell as his demeanor stayed the same. You sighed, “ You know this place is never going to change. With Carmine gone, it’s only gonna get worse for you. You know, with the power grab and everything. I bet Oz is thinkin’ of some plans while we speak…it’ll be blood–”

“I know. But the city can change–”

“It won’t–”

“I have to try–”

“It’s going to kill you eventually, you know…and I don’t want to be around to see it.” Batman’s gaze lowered as your face morphed to a saddened expression. Tearing up, you sniffled and wiped your eyes before forcing a laugh. “Why don’t you come with me? Come with us ? It’ll be safer for everyone if we just leave this place.” Approaching him, you lazily draped your arms over his shoulder and got close. “It’ll just be the Bat, the Cat, and the Rat…,” you smiled. Getting even closer, you whispered, “...or just the Bat and the Rat. Whaddya say?” you asked while looking up at him through your lashes. His eyes looked tenderly into your own. His hand moved to rest on your waist as his whole body seemed to relax under your touch. He dipped his head and caught your lips with his own. Enjoying the kiss, you deepened it for a moment before pulling away and looking at him through your lashes. Just when you thought you had him, he suddenly stiffened and his eyes looked into the sky. Following his line of sight, you saw the bat signal beaming. Your smile slowly disappeared and was replaced with a frown. You sighed, “Who am I kidding? You’re already spoken for.” Pushing off him, you turned your back and went to your own bike that was parked next to Selina and Annika. “You should go,” you called out to him, fighting to stop your eyes from burning with tears of disappointment. 

Batman broke the silence as you were hopping on your bike. “I…” Placing your helmet over your head, you looked to the man standing before you. “I never got your name.” Sadly smiling under your mask, you revved your bike and took off. Selina, along with Annika sitting behind her, followed closely behind. 

Racing along the various roads with Selina, you saw Batman on his motorcycle through your side mirrors. He caught up and weaved himself into the dance of the bikes. Finding yourself trailing behind your companions, you studied each of your friends closely. Selina, your best friend and whom you’ve come to treasure on your left, and Batman, your newest companion who you’ve found yourself falling for on your right. Selina turned left and drove down the road that would take her to Blüdhaven, like you’ve discussed. Batman stopped at the fork in the road and turned to give you one last look–one last plea–before turning right to follow the bat signal. 

Coming to the fork in the road you stopped and looked left and right. Selina was already on her way down the street while Batman looked to be slowing down, eager to see your decision. Shedding a tear over choosing between the two you love and fearing you betrayed the other, you sighed deeply and turned…

End.

Chapter Text

“Isn’t that just terrible? Him raining on your parade like that? What is it they say? One day you’re on top…the next, you’re a clown . Well, let me tell you…there are worse things to be…”

The Riddle shrinked to the floor after wailing over his failure. He cried and as he became unresponsive. 

“Don’t be sad,” the voice beside his cell cooed. “You did…you did so well. I heard you didn’t get the girl, but that’s okay . Because you know, Gotham loves a comeback story…”

The Riddler slowly rose to his feet and peered through the bars of his enclosure. “Who…who are you? How…” The Riddler’s face twisted in confusion. “How did you know…?”

“Well, that’s the question, isn’t it?” The unseen man paused before continuing, “ Riddle me this …the less of them you have, the more one is worth.”

The Riddler pondered for a moment before slowly brightening up. Hopefully, he answered, “A friend…?”

The unseen man began to laugh, and laugh, and laugh , and soon the Riddle followed gleefully while horrible ideas brewed in his mind.

The man’s words echoed in his head…

He didn’t get the girl, but that’s okay. Gotham loves a comeback story .

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Batman was busy helping rebuild Gotham. It helped to throw himself at his work, that way he didn’t have the time to think of you. He was currently exhausted and resting at Wayne Towers. He barely sat in his chair before his phone buzzed. Checking it, his heart swelled when your name popped up. It had been a few days since he last spoke to you. He still didn’t know your name, so he had you added as “Rat <3.” 

I’m sorry! Something came up…

Would dinner work?

Dinner sounds perfect. I’ll let you know on the date soon.

Speaking of dates, am I finally going to learn the name of my mystery date?

Mmmm sorry, I guess you’ll have to find out at dinner ;)

…

I’m guessing we aren’t going to get that dinner anytime soon…

So I thought I’d tell you my name, but only if you confirm something for me.

Got it?

Bruce raised his brow at the message, but he missed you so much that he’d be willing to say just about anything to continue a conversation with you.

Yeah, sure. Anything.

His heart raced as he watched the three little dots move to indicate that you were typing. He meant what he said too.

I just want to say that this will stay between us, okay?

Our little secret :) 

You sure you want to know? Because then you’d HAVE to tell me the truth…

Bruce smiled at your message before answering.

I promise to tell you the truth.

Bruce’s smile widened when you replied with your name. It was pretty and he thought it suited you nicely, which he made sure to message you. He quietly whispered it to himself to see how it would sound, but then quickly stopped upon realizing how cringe he was acting. He was Batman! Batman doesn’t act like he’s in love or anything… right? God, he was going crazy.

Thank you, Batman ;)

His heart stopped and he froze immediately. His smile fell just as quickly. How…what? How did you…? He took several minutes to think. He did promise that he would confirm something for you and tell you the truth, but that would be telling someone of his secret identity. It’s called a secret identity for a reason. But if he lied, then he probably wouldn’t forgive himself. Plus, it would be so much easier to just tell you instead of dance around it. He must have taken too long to respond, because he could see you typing again.

I know that it might sound crazy, but I’m pretty sure that I’m right.

I mean, there were a couple clues that pointed to you, but there was one big one.

…

You were oddly nice to me at Mitchell’s funeral, and even asked me out. That doesn’t seem like something a billionaire would do to just anybody.

And when the bombs went off, you were super protective. A normal person would have been running away, but you didn’t. 

And when Batman (yes, you) and I were on the tower, he asked why Falcone would take me with him to the funeral. Batman wouldn’t have known…unless he was you.

Bruce just stared at his phone a little numbly. He felt so stupid; how did he not cover his tracks better? 

The icing on the cake is that I’ve kissed both Bruce Wayne and Batman… 

They’re like the same, haha.

Bruce slowly started to laugh. It started quietly, but quickly he was actually laughing. He rolled his eyes in amusement. 

Alright, you’ve caught me Ms. Detective.

I’m impressed.

I knew it!!!

We really do need to meet up for dinner now, you need to tell me everything.

He smiled at your excitement. It felt strangely good for someone else to know his secret, someone other than Alfred. Maybe he could see you more because of it. Bruce quickly typed back, secretly excited and filled with content.

It’s a date :)