Repair your broken wings... [Dick/Bruce/Selina]

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

Tonight was a special night. It was a date night. Ok, so it was totally left of field or however these humans put it. Kory was gonna take the chance, whenever she could. As she finally picked out of her minor shoe collection. She wasn't generally in need of extra height, but they matched her red dress. Slightly different shade to her hair. Having struggled to twist and turn, she couldn't find any easier access to her zipper any more than a woman could. So thankfully her hero was there to save her from a massive disaster. She knew despite his words. The look in his eyes. Not to mention the extra depression, he needed to go through with this. It was his family and really. Would he give up the chance, a night to be with her? She had more or less used those words, hoping he'd find some comfort in tonight. She would be there every step of the way, for him. Besides her lack of trust in Bruce, he was at least trying. That had to count for something. Kory was getting a date out of it, the stars seemed to be in alignment. As she gave him a warm and comforting smile, as she was ready. Her natural instinct would have been to fly, but...

"If this is a date, we've got to do this right… Right?"

Kory had spoken kindly in her flirting way in reference that he may take the lead in the traditional human way. Sweetly looked to him, hoping she wasn't wrong. As with her bag, a gentle brush of her hair and a reassuring kiss. They left her place as they led to his chosen wheels. Awkward, but soon found her arms in place. Soon the wind came and so did that slight desire this would never end, but they had a destination to meet. As they soon fell into Gotham. The night was coming soon in a bit. The sun streak warmly on her cheeks what was left of it. With the last little bumps in the road. The looming Manor was at their feet. Kory as graceful as the princess that she was, stumbled ever so slightly from their ride. It generality had that rush feeling. She could only imagine what it felt for someone who could actually breathe air. Following along the path. With the slight rearranging of anything out of place.

"X'hal! Is my hair frizzy?"

Stopping for a short moment as her hand gently moved to her hair. Her eyes kindly looked to Dick as she asked. Showing the very hints of her nerves. For the most part she was excited. Still a little surprised Bruce had invited her. For all she knew he saw her as the thorn in Dick's life. Sometimes she just didn't think Bruce saw the heart that was inside Dick. As she felt his warmth closely. Her eyes didn't need to see, to know his mind ran, but in his heart of hearts Dick would never give up on Bruce, despite whether it seemed logic or not. Kory didn't want to see Dick regret and blaming himself. As always for things that wasn't his fault. As her eyes trailed up the path. She had motioned closer. To seek the affection of his hand and sweetly smiled. Climbing some steps. The door loomed before them. Kory could feel his unease. Almost a tension.

"Relax! I am here!"

As reassuringly and as comforting Kory spoke to Dick as she stopped closely by the door. Straightening his collar, though there was no need. There was never anything to fix. It was just all in his head. Perfection was overrated. Kory knew that, but she'd take him with every flaw. Every freckle and every scar, because deep down he was everything in her eyes. No one made her feel as he did. No one cared for her quite like he did. As her lips smiled sweetly to him. It was hard to look at him for too long sometimes, as if she stared for too long it might all escape her. It made her giggle thinking of such silliness. Her life was in her control and she wasn't going to waste any second of it. As moved her hand so it lightly tingled in his. She knew there maybe lesser chances with Bruce in the room. So she motioned in to offer him her lips. With the simplest sound of her heart struggling to continue. Her cheeks gently glowed and escaped another giggle. That she had to break and that in itself was a struggle.

"You're giving me goosebumps… Oh! Did I forget to mention? You look very handsome this coming night!"

Kory honestly joked as she motioned to playfully hit him. Still. As always. As she motioned a hand to her arm to getting rub, but they weren't escaping her anytime soon. Not that it was a bad thing. Just well. An intense thing. Her green eyes looked over him playfully as she hadn't complimented him yet, but to say he wasn't always handsome. Sexy. Hmmm, damn fine it well. That world didn't exist. As her fingers motioned sweetly by his jawline. With yet another smile. Kory motioned and moved away from him for a moment. To knock on the door. It just seemed the natural thing to do.

---

Music:MAROON 5 - LOVE SOMEBODY

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick stepped into the room shortly after Kory had disappeared from his view after he had arrived there a little while ago. He was all set. He was dressed in suit to fit the occasion.

Being one to never get overly dressed up for any event, Dick wore a nice tailored black suit and leather dress-shoes to go with it. The dress shirt he wore was a simple button down light blue color. Of course he wasn't going to wear a tie or something like that. The jacket left undone. It just didn't feel like him.

The whole suits and tie stuff just wasn't his style. To formal. And Dick wasn't they type for formal. Though Alfred had always had a way of getting the young Grayson to fit into the formal events with the slight deals they would make if he took one night to get away from the free style life he liked to lead.

After all he was a circus boy. And no one could ever take that away from him. You could clean him up and make him look like one of the elite of Gotham, but he was still Dick Grayson in the end. And that secret vigilante life always a part of him.

Dick came into the room to find Kory had been in some what of a struggle against her dress. He walked up behind her giving her a look in the mirror to signal to her to stand still a moment. He placed his hand on her waist and then the other hand on the zipper. His fingers taking in gentle and zipping it up.

"I guess so," he said.

He led them down to the waiting motorcycle. He felt kind of bad for Kory at the moment. But that was all he had with him in Bludhaven. He didn't have the choice between transportation like he had back in Gotham.

"Next time, if this wasn't so last minute and I had had some time, remind me to rent a car or something," he said. "I'll try and go as steady as possible."

As everything came and had gone, they were their not to long after they had left. Sure from Bludhaven, But he knew the short ways to get there. As they parked outside the Manor. Dick's mind recalled many times there.

His attention back on Kory at her question. "You're hair looks fine. Even if the wind blows it, it still seems to stay just about perfect," Dick said. Besides how many other time had she flown before.

The anxiety building in him as he led her up toward the manor. Right now he really wished he hadn't been there. He wanted to turn back and just go home and go out patrolling. Anything was better than this.

But he had Kory there. So what could be better. It would be better if they didn't have to be there. Dick wasn't exactly sure who it was Bruce was taking with them. He wasn't exactly sure if this was entirely Bruce's idea. He had a feeling Alfred was behind part of this. That and who ever was dating Bruce.

Come to think of it...Since when had Bruce gotten a girl-friend? Where had he been? Oh wait...he didn't live in Gotham any more. And by the sounds of it Tim just now have known much about this woman either.

Dick relaxed slightly at her words. But he was still on edge. After she had knocked on the door, Dick was still a bit silent. He gave an uneasy smile at her every now and then. He appreciated her being there. She always was. But he was still now wanting to be in this situation. He had wanted to maybe just go out with Kory that night, but when this had come up, Kory was so eager to go. How could he say no?

"I still don't know how you talked me into this," Dick said half jokingly. But what she had said was true and he would do this for her. He knew she was wanting him to face this problem head on as well. But he still didn't like having to. He had faced of against Bruce quite a bit lately.

"And now that we are here, we showed up...can we leave shortly after," Dick said once again uneasily joking over the situation.

[vigilant]

Invitations were sent. The law was laid. Dick was to join him in this double date. or else. Selina received a card and a bouquet of flowers. Tiger lilies and forget-me-nots, exotic and animal friendly, the exact vein of thought that had inspired him when he had visited her at the hospital, lifetimes ago. The card was written in flowing cursive, a formal invitation indicating that Ms. Kyle would be picked up by a chauffeur by seven. There was no information regarding the location of the event, or even what it was. It was ambiguous and mysterious, an enigma that Batman knew would prove irresistible to the thrill-seeking Catwoman. But to the average observer, it was just a rich boy’s play at being mysterious. He probably hired someone to write it for him! There was a picture of a cat. Jasper. Bruce had remembered. The cat seemed coy, poised as it smooched a frog. A frog in an expensive looking Italian suit, webbed fingers adorned with gold rings and a gaudy bracelet. At the bottom of the card was a question written in a slanted, lackadaisical scrawl: so is this a date?

Yep, it was Bruce alright. Clever and charming, yet somehow stupid. The enigmatic aura, ruined by the hastily written question and poorly chosen picture. It was Bruce Wayne's mark, alright.

---

Dark hair, blue eyes, light skin. A suit tailor-made to accentuate the bold, powerful lines of his figure. Dressed to the t, each detail precise, every nuance purposeful. The tie drew out his eyes, not in a gaudy, obvious way, but subtly. So subtle that most people would attribute the distinctive blue irises to a power all their own [which wasn't entirely untrue!]. Unlike his usual impeccably-dressed self, Bruce's tie was offset by a few centimeters. Something someone of Catwoman's caliber would surely notice. Then she'd feel the intangible pull, a needful desire, to adjust the tie herself, a byproduct of the fashion-savvy Selina Kyle. Most people would assume it was a result of strained nerves and anxious hands. After all, it was Bruce Wayne. Who would ever suspect otherwise?

Batman had prepared well. But there was only one thing missing from the equation: Bruce Wayne himself. He had done most of the preparations as Batman. It was Batman's ingenuity, Batman's detective work, Batman's scheming... But who he needed now was Bruce. Bruce Wayne, the fop. Bruce Wayne, billionaire playboy. Bruce Wayne, the womanizing imbecile. So, as though he was shrugging off one jacket for another, the austere expression gave way to carefree, light-hearted laughter. A smile blossomed across his lips, though, like always, it never quite reached his eyes. The tense shoulders went slack, as though a thousand pounds had suddenly melted off. He eased back into the sofa, stretched out his legs, and allowed his breathing to drift out breezily, like leaves in the spring.

Now we wait.

[Deleted]

She couldn't do this. That's all that kept running through her head; coursing through her veins like cold water. Bruce Wayne, solidifying whatever...they had at all those benefits, those gatherings where he would find her, or she would find him after a glass or two of whatever fine liquor they were serving.

It didn't seem to matter what the cause. The nights usually were fully of biting her tongue, drinking, small talk, and dancing. But sooner or later the pair gravitated toward one another, the haughty, jealous eyes of the other women nearly boreing holes in the back of her head. It never fazed her. He was in it for sport; just as she was. As much as she was running the circut; just like he was, throwing money at this cause or that, she wasn't too interested in a steady partner to attend with. She already had someone, and he had a night gig.

So when the rather..."interesting" card and lovely flowers arrived, she didn't know what to do. Everything from the carefully selected flowers down to the choice of card and lettering reeked 'Bruce Wayne." But beneath all the frippery and flattery, she knew it for a more familar aquaintance: Batman.

But even as she found herself selecting a new, hand tailored dress, appropriate earrings other assorted baubles; a coat of fresh paint on finger and toenails, she still was livid, her brain near fried by how she was supposed to act. Who was going to greet her; Batman, or Mr. Wayne? How was she suppoed to draw the line between the two drastically different personas, withing one being?

She had little time to answer that, considering she had mulled through so many other options hours earlier. Liv rapped gently on her door, announcing the arrival of her ride. So, as she had done many nights prior, she slipped on a cover, a small pocketbook gripped in her hand, and went to meet the ride he had sent for her at seven. At least the vehicle was on time as she slipped into the back of the luxury vehicle, a polite thank you to the driver. If he was thinking to play a game, she could easily do the same, even as she brought together all the small touches. The same flowers from her hospital visit, the picture of a cat similar to her own; the frog. The gems. Maybe Bruce Wayne wasn't as stupid as he really, clearly acted.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

There was defiantly little words to really describe upon seeing Dick all dressed up, but it was generally that way whenever he was in or near the room. After all it was just clothes. Pieces of fabric. Layers just trying to slow her down, but later. Later. She would be victorious. Certainly more than a giggle came at the thought. Really the time spent was going to be needed. Adored. As soon as she needed it, he did save her from zipper disaster. With the gentle smile and her already breathless body held her still. Having caught his simple words. There was always more caught in his eyes. On his tongue. As Kory very easily took a comfortable spot beside him to his motorcycle. There was something off. Then he spoke. As if he had been searching for the fault. A fault only he was seeing.

"It's perfect, really. Anything else and I'm not sure it be very you, Dick… Steady? Well, that would be a first… "

As sweetly as Kory could assure him that it was perfect. As she moved closer to the machine. For her it wasn't so much a matter of how they would get somewhere, just as long as they got there and even then it was mostly down with him just being there. She came from a world where flight was the only option apart of the general walking. Though the main reason she took to choosing this way of traveling, was because it was Dick's style more or less. As she stated kindly as took her spot on the back of it. It meant something to Dick. As she looked to him with a smile. Upon hearing the steady part, Kory could't help but be amused by that. Playfully teasing him for it. In the sweet way of course. As her arms took their place and soon wind blew through her locks. Until they reached the destination.

With firm feet upon the ground, despite that little stumble, but she was good. This whole thing was going to be good. She knew it. Felt it. They needed to do more things like this and Dick needed to resolve whatever problems he had with Bruce. Although she knew as well as he did, it wasn't an over the night kind of thing. There was so many things similar between them and yet so much that made them so completely different. Just as her fingers ran through the faint tangles in her hair, there were many ways to distract him, but that was a lot of kindness in those words. She knew he felt greatly for her, but it was always made it more surreal when he talked like that. Which led her take his arm more eager. As she let the flustered nerves come, they couldn't control her and besides Dick was here.

"You are truly very sweet... Particularly when the wind is replaced by your breath... "

Kory kindly spoke with a sweetened smile and a gentle kiss to his cheek for his compliments. Suddenly her fingers gently toyed through her hair slightly again, admiring what he had stated. Before rather speaking her mind, which happened more often than not. Softly laughing at the thought of the sensation. Nor the way his fingers felt through her hair, as she very slightly trailed in her mind, but not for long. A tamaranean enjoyed things more presently. In the moment and there would many tonight. It was something different for the both of them. A little scary, but a little exciting. No harm in seeing what happens. Maybe, just maybe this could help lead to something more in their relationship. Kory felt his unease, but calmer at her touch. In the way he tried to smile. In someway whether he knew it or not, a part of him wanted to be here. Falling before the door. As soon her hand rattled upon it. Rather amused by the way he joked.

"You'd regret it if you didn't. Bruce needs to accept you for who you are, but you have to meet him half way... And as much as I don't see eye to eye with Bruce, he does care about you..."

If as much as she could with her words to comfort him in this decision. Though she honestly didn't like to believe she entirely talked him into this. If he really didn't want to be here, then even Kory couldn't of stopped him and on some level. Dick knew that to be true. She knew the man he truly was. He was clear as day. How it was so hard for Bruce to accept, Kory couldn't quite understand, but perhaps it was the opposite in temperature. Dick was like Tahiti, where as Bruce seemed more like the south pole. Put them together on an off day and something is going to explode. As she enlightened on Bruce caring about him, Kory took a little more hold of his hand and at least one thing, Kory and Bruce agreed with. Just in a different way. With his words to leave shortly. She half gave him an amused look. His need for control. Who did that sound like? Kory very gently motioned her arms around his neck.

"Why? Are You planning to bed me tonight, my feathered friend? Don't think that hasn't crossed my mind... ALFRED! Happy Greetings!"

There Kory couldn't help flirt with him. It was generally hard not to. Especially when he was like this. All handsome and half undone. Trailing her finger along his jawline. Yes, that a slight teasing of a name. Playfully of course. Seemed only natural as he had started out as Robin in this place so many years ago. Only back then it was Kory making the moves. As she had spoken, the faint sound of the door had opened. It wasn't until she had motioned for a gently reassuring kiss, that Dick would get his wish by the end of the night. In her kind and joyous manor greeted Alfred. As if almost surprised he was there. She hadn't of heard. Was he blushing slightly? As Kory stepped back a little out of Dick's space and greeted Alfred with her friendly kiss to his cheek. At Alfred's own greetings of Master Grayson and Miss Anders. Wow. Miss Anders. It was very cute. Kory kindly said he could call her Kory, but yet as he agreed. He still called her Miss Anders. Kory sweetly eyed Dick with a smile. Before following Alfred inside. Could this place get any bigger? It seemed as though every visit, there was an extra wing added.

"Look... I'm sure they won't, but if things go badly. We'll leave. Though I may, have to lock my doors and windows, if you don't at least try."

As they entered in through the entrance. Alfred informed where Bruce was currently waiting. As they walked to the room. Kory agreed to leave if it truly took the wrong turn for the worst. It wouldn't be worth staying then. She did toy lightly that she may lock him out if he didn't at least try first, but Kory knew. Dick knew, she couldn't truly do that. If Dick needed her, she couldn't shut him out, but it was more just expressing it was important for him to do this. Eventually approaching the room. The sofa and Bruce Wayne become more visible. To late to turn now, he had probably seen them by now. There came a slight slow in her pace. As her green eyes fell upon Bruce. It was different to see him all dressed up like this. He was indeed a hero to respect and quite handsome. Still not a great feeling of joy, but perhaps it took a special kind of woman. Stranger things has happened. As they approached. Her demeanour increased.

"Hi Bruce... I apologise if we kept you waiting... Wow. Don't you look all tall, dark and dashing... How have you been?"

As with her growing smile, Kory with her bubbly self said hi to Bruce. It seemed the more normal and natural thing to do. As she motioned closer. Her eyes looked over where he sat. Waiting? Certainly they weren't late. Kory had made a point to always be on time if not a little bit early. As she very happily complimented his attire. It was very fitting as she smiled warmly and greeted him. With the kindness and confidence of a tamaranean princess. Certainly this was going to go smoothly. Her eyes looked for this Selina. This catwoman, but perhaps they were early. Before looking to Dick. For encouragement of course. So far it hadn't killed him, not that she would let it. She was a lot stronger than one would imagine. Her smiled brightened to hopefully see a greeting between the two. This date night would officially start soon. Where were they going anyway? Then Kory loved surprises. So far everything was perfect.

---

Music:MAROON 5 - LOVE SOMEBODY

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

As they stood there outside of the door waiting, they continued to talk. He looked over at Kory after her words.

"You know I know he has a strange way of showing it. I'm used to this. But this...," Dick said.

He was clearly stating the situation. A double date. Really? Bruce couldn't have gotten someone else to join him and his now girl-friend. Whoever that may be. He wasn't sure who Bruce had invited.

And right now, he really half wished he hadn't had to be there. But Kory's were calming. Though it was until she made the comment about what he might be planning for that night. And to make matters worse before he could answer her...The door opened to Alfred allowing them in.

Dick's cheeks went bright red at the comment Alfred had found himself walking in on. Oh, how embarrassed he could get when Kory spoke of what he might be up to and his little tricks. He loved her dearly, but the whole world didn't need to know what they were doing....

Dick greeted Alfred back and didn't say much. He feared Alfred might have heard more than he had hoped as he came to get the door. But Dick let it roll of and feel back into pace as they moved along.

As they moved on, following Alfred's instructions, it would take long to find Bruce. So it definitely seemed he was still waiting for his other guest then while he was waiting at home.

"Lock me out? Even if you tried...Good luck with that one. You know I know how to get in. Besides, you'd miss me too much," Dick spoke up to her as she did threaten to cut him off in ways if he didn't try.

Walking into the next room then, Dick spotted Bruce easily. He knew this place and he knew Bruce. It was a familiar sight to him at times. But now he really didn't want to have to do through with this. Sure he was there. But was he there for support, or just because it was easier to have someone else there.

color=Blue]"May I ask who else was invited? I think I missed that part of the letter because of someone was so excited they ran out the door without checking the date on the invite,"[/color] he started off by asking.

"Another question, what's with the double date," Dick asked curiously as to what Bruce might be planning for the night.

[vigilant]

"Glad you guys could make it!"

Bruce could be heard from across the room. Airy, light and chipper; the voice of an overzealous host. He sprang from his seat, dusted invisible specks from his already impeccable suit, and strolled over towards them cheerfully. There was a bounce to his steps, a floating weightlessness that gave him a distinctive sense of movement, of ongoing and ceaseless energy. He smiled. A flash of white teeth, the dazzle of bright eyes, complete with the slick black hair and chiseled jaw line. He was handsome, absolutely dashing, a top-class charmer, and he knew it.

"My, don't you just look..."

Then he stopped. Bruce watched, dull blue eyes suddenly sharp as steel, as Alfred left again to get the door. It was a short walk. In no more than thirty-five seconds, Alfred will return, with Selina. Catwoman. The thought of it brought a tingle down his spine. He could feel Dick staring at him, eyeing him suspiciously. Good thing he had turned his back on them as he watched Alfred leave. But clearly, Bruce was excited. Whoever this guest was, she was able to draw him from the midst of their conversation, disconnect him from his own protégé, and wait breathlessly for her, the same way a child stays up during Christmas Eve expectantly for Santa. Not that it was that dramatic. It was just Selina Kyle. Just Catwoman. Just a date that he happened to invite Dick and Kory to.

At least, that was what he told himself.

His hand reached for his tie, tugged at it anxiously. A nervous tic. One that, Dick would know, Bruce never had. It drew the tie off-center even further, and just as Selina entered the room, his hand dropped. But she'd see it. Of course she would. She'd see his hand drop from his neck, like a meteor as it plummets from the sky. She'd see the fingers press flat against his side, as though they'd always been there. As though he was hiding something. Then she'd realize he had been anxious to see her. That Bruce Wayne, THE Bruce Wayne, CEO of Wayne Enterprises, shameless womanizer, billionaire, became a jumbled bundle of haphazard nerves in the face of a savvy, beautiful, and intelligent woman. Not that he'd care for any of that except for the beautiful part.

Then again, he might just react like that to every pretty little bimbo that ever came his way. Who knows.

[Deleted]

Which he didn't. She'd been to enough fundraisers, balls, soirées and the ilk to know that Batman-er, Bruce Wayne was never nervous around women. They were merely something to conquer, to use, to have look pretty on his arm in social settings. The only man she knew of that went rigid like that was Batman. On rooftops, when Catwoman was around. But that wasn't the point.

Alfred had been nothing less than sweet when the driver had dropped her off in front of the Wayne Manor, trying to take the bottle of wine off her hands, which he did finally succeed in. A guest never came without a gift. She knew that. But what had been waiting for her when she arrived...well, there was no real shock, sadly. She was at the Wayne Manor. So Bruce would be in attendance. And as she had made note of the finely repaired motorcycle, one she had once ridden on....she knew Dick would be in on the ride as well. And...if she wasn't mistaken, there were marks of heels as well, scuffed in the walkway.

Interesting. Racking her mind in the short walk from car to doorway, minor conversation with Alfred, a bit of laughter, handing over the bottle of wine, and then, she was finally ushered in to where the other three...for this seemingly 'double date' were going to be. The players were all there. Bruce, much as he was at their benefits, Dick, looking mighty uncomfortable in a jacket, and his date. Even Selina couldn't stop her green eyes from widening mere millimetres at the tall redhead. Kori Anders. Model, sweetheart...and gorgeous. Good for him. Letting a smile blossom on her lips, she turned to the others, clearly giving each a turn at her attention before she acknowledged Bruce. There were such things as etiquette.

"Mr. Grayson, Ms. Anders. Nice to see you tonight." Offering her hand in kind to both, she let a flicker of a question pass across her eyes when she was face to face with Dick. It was only then, after any chit-chat or small talk with the taller woman, would she turn to Bruce with a smirk. She had to remember who the man was. He was not as dull as he seemed to others; she had always seen a glimmer of something else when the two had huddled over their drinks, whispering on the other attendees, or discussed other fiscal matters. Had it been a ruse? She had to remember who she was, and to not let it bleed through..as much as it already did. Sadly, most already knew of her adoration of the feline form, her dedication to her work and philanthropist causes.

Very few knew just how dedicated she was to them. Her green eyes flicked over his suit; custom cut, fitted, and perfect. Every detail was in place....save for his tie. The slightest purse of her lips, and she continued her walk toward him. "Good evening, Bruce." She said, using his first name. Considering Dick was his son..in a way, and she and Bruce were on speaking terms, why not use his first name? Keep them guessing, possibly.

Motioning behind her, she broke into a large smile. "I tried to bring the bottle of wine with me, but Alfred gently relieved me of that. Thought it would be a good addition for the evening." Finally offering her hand, she waited to see what he did, then ever so gently slid a finger behind his tie, straightening it as if it were like breathing, careful to not linger too much.

"Not like you to have something out of place, Mr. Wayne." She breathed, only loud enough for him to hear. She had taken care in her own choice of outfit for the night; a nearly formfitting silk crepe gown; she'd called in a favor for it. A pair of emerald drop earrings, a bracelet, a ring that matched. Her hair in loose waves that tumbled down her back, a bit of makeup. She didn't feel the need of having to impress tonight, nor had she wanted to go too over the top.

Now, she felt the games were about to begin. She knew, Dick knew. Did Kory? Would that even come up tonight? There were so many veins to follow, it was almost...just almost like untangling a ball of string, she thought to herself.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

Standing there. Still was hardly a impatient time. Kory could find little reasons to smile. He always did. The amazing thing was that after all these years. The times spent. There was always something to talk about. There communication and it was the one thing Kory very much thrived for. Even in the times there was little use for words. Those times were still very entertaining. Even sitting high above watching him through the night. There was alway something exciting about it. Perhaps it came from doing and seeing so much together. Either way it was friendship, firstly.

"I do know…. I have to agree, I was surprised by this. Maybe Bruce is just trying to see what I already know and love."

There was that small pause at her admitting to having known. Kory more than knew. However much she could, encouraged Dick to talk about it and she listened. There was a time when their relationship was just very open. Kory cherished those moments and still did. She also knew abuse. Having gone through it herself. From everything Dick shared with her, the main thing that seemed missing was love. It sometimes felt as if Dick didn't think he deserved it, Kory did as well as she could to prove him wrong and he didn't always go in this world alone. Thus Kory was here. Least to see where this was to lead and if there was ways to mend whatever laid between the two winged men. Of course her smile brightened, as if he didn't need to prove himself anymore to her. It was a little too late for him to do something wrong that would send her to the skies from something he did. Watching him and half feeling she was reading him about this whole double date thing. A little confused, but she felt joy in sensing he was happy she was here. It wasn't as if a date was easy to do, so Kory was taking it. As she sweetly eyed him.

They gently rolled playfully at his reaction to her comment and upon the door opening on them. The world didn't need to know, but Kory defiantly had no problem if it did. She couldn't be swayed from what she already know to be true, besides Alfred had sprung on her as much as he had on Dick. If Earth had in anyways changed her, there was things it just didn't and it was speaking her mind or more wearing her heart on her sleeves. If she had sleeves that is. Such like tonight. In her ruby coloured dress. It wasn't extremely long, so her legs felt bare against what was left of the sun… As Kory watched how his cheeks changed. It made her smile to see. Him feel. He often didn't realise how beautiful that was to her. Though little tricks? When were they ever little?

"Robin? Is that you?"

Kory couldn't help say it. Not trying to tease him, because that wasn't something Kory wool really ever did. It was more the sweeter tease. Upon the times, especially when they had first began dating and he brought her to Gotham. It suddenly seemed that whole 180 or what number was it, Kory was sure she was close. Knowing least he was cute now as he was then, but a little more brave.

"Apologises… I was lost in a moment…"

Sweetly and lightly Kory added. Not really a great apology as Kory doesn't apologises a lot. It was more in the playful sense. Realising in his blushes. That meant a definite yes, no matter how embarrassed he was. Kory knew that well. Kory took her hold of him with a light touch of her hand as they followed Alfred. As soon as they got further inside. Dick relaxed more. Which meant he had already forgiven her. At least it distracted him. He really was too cute. Really this place was massive. Her eyes scanned through the rooms in sight. Moving through and Dick's words. Kory could't hold back her little laughs. He was very amusing when he wanted to. Not to mention quite an imagination. Get in? If there wasn't a way he'd defiantly find one. He wasn't maybe super strong, but he was super smart when he wanted to be.

"With such determination, one would assume you consider it your home?… I know… I may just have to stay over at Donna's just so I'm restrained from going through any walls. Even then I'd be hoping you'd find your way to me… So please don't let me go through that."

It was playful tease more making more of what he said. Most of the time it felt as though he lived there. It seemed rather logic to her, but she was in no ways forcing it. As she was rather fond of the idea. There was no hiding the fact Dick knew her well. There was no doubt Kory would miss him. Even now she missed him thinking about it, mostly because she had been through. She needn't go through it again when she didn't have to. Not that she couldn't spend time away from him. She certainly had, but of course he was on her mind. As they were getting closer, it was a little harder to do, but she could when she had to. Tonight she didn't have to. She didn't want to… Looking to him sweetly as if playfully enticing him, it was up to him. It would make getting out of the dress easier, but when all else failed. Wiping it off, was a clear option. Which Kory was sure he'd prefer to do himself.

Finally setting into the space with Bruce. It was a rather put together room as was the rest of the place, but oddly not as put together as Bruce was. He was always made an impression. Whether good or bad, but with the slight ease in his eyes. Kory was sure he was trying. Smiling softly. She allowed him to take the touch of her hand, if it was comfortable. Happy he was himself trying. So far. He wanted to be here, more than he realised. Ok. This could go very well. Kory thought upon watching Bruce approach them. A rather hint of light to him. It was keen to see from a man generally surrounded in darkness. Wow. He smiled. Even his words. Causing her inner bubbles to rise a little more. Joy was here. Kory could feel it. Nodded happily to his friendly words, before Kory was assuming the someone was her whom Dick was talking about. So now this was her fault?

"I resent that… Besides I thought you liked surprises. Or is that just me now?"

When was she someone? Mostly Kory was picturing it slightly different, a little less dramatic. Was she really just jumping up and down until she almost took the door out? Well of course she was excited. An invite like this doesn't come around often, it never had for her. Well Dick may not know who was coming. Kory somewhat knew. Some cat like woman. She had questioned the woman part. Knowing the universe as Kory did. "My, don't you just look…" Kory was slowly moving to beam at the feeling of a compliment, but he stopped. Though at his eyes. Had he began speaking to her then or Dick?

"Handsome… Yes he does."

She took it that way either way as Kory finished Bruce's sentence. Not in a rude way. As politely as the tamaranean princess could. Her hand had moved for Dick's hand. Knowing she had already said it to him before, but saying it again didn't make it less true. Already her knees had trembled. It might just be a long night. Her attention moved as Bruce's was. Oh. As she was oddly finding him nervous? Even though he turned his back. Kory could sense faintly his emotions. Reminding her of Dick in a way, but still quite different. Looking to Dick. As Bruce made for his tie. Should she help? He'd just need encouragement? It was hard to really know. Just then a feminine voice cut through. Drawing Kory's attention to the attractive woman with the feline touch apparently. Could she really purr? Oddly it was a talent Kory didn't naturally have despite her own genetics. Anyways. Kory warmly smiled as Selina greeted them. She seemed friendly to Dick, which was nice to see. Smiling happily as she greeted Kory. As reached out her hand. Kory had gently shook it, before gracefully offering a friendly hug.

"Please, you can call me Kory. Its a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard quite warming things about you."

There were back and forth things Kory had been informed of the woman, but Kory generally wasn't the judging type until she was met with such people. So far from an encounter on a phone call and now. Selina seemed a lovely woman. Watching lightly as Selina greeted Bruce. It was rude to stare, but finding it very sweet. Not in anyway wanting to analyse it all, Kory preferred to take things as they come. Kory was tamaranean, so she would always look to honesty before anything else. Whatever there was between Selina and Bruce, Kory believed it to be true. She had no right to think any other way. If anything Kory encouraged love. It had a much stronger place on Tamaran than here on Earth. At Selina saying Bruce, didn't strike Kory as odd. Though it seemed sweet. How they acted. It didn't seem too out of order. Kory's hand calmly touched Dick's hand. Not sure she wanted him far from her this evening. Watching the affections between Selina and Bruce. Kory was happy her own relationship was slowly building again and hopefully this even would be yet another step closer. Keeping it slow was working, not that there was lack of passion. For a moment Kory's eyes mostly watched Dick. Amusing herself of silly thoughts. Assuring herself she would be kissing him again soon. If she did it now, maybe hard to stop. He had a room up there somewhere still, right? Thinking vaguely. Before Kory took to the closest couch. To be honest, Kory didn't know exactly how this date was going. Double dates was generally with other titans. Which generally meant, there be enough food and plenty of fun. Plus it was New York. Kory was sure tonight would be just as joyful, but for now she was just going with it.

"Oh, Selina… I wanted to ask you… Are you related to the Karnans in any way? You know, tamaraneans are descendants of an ancient feline race as well…"

Still on occasion. Kory gets confused with all these secrets. For the most part she keeps them well in check, but she's not human. Her tamaranean honest nature can slip out. Although there was still Kory didn't quite know about Catwoman. She was human. Kory could tell, but Kory also knew of the feline races on other planets. Most were ancient and all but forgotten. Like the Karnans. Perhaps it was just coincidence, but least it could start conversation. Hopefully in a positive way. Happily mentioning her own race of Tamaran was also related to a feline race. Way back of course. Though maybe there could be something they had in common or what ever it is the humans would say it was. Though Kory was sure they were very different. Kory still felt like the only alien in the room, but so far mostly welcomed.

---

Music:MAROON 5 - LOVE SOMEBODY

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Hey, in my defense, I only come over to keep you company," Dick replied. He knew she would get right away what he meant.

There were a few more reasons that he often stayed with her. Company was part of it. But he did have his own place to live at as well. He just often found himself visiting her possible a couple of times a week.

When they entered the room with Bruce, Dick gave Kory a look saying 'you know he'd never say that'. But left it at that. He was more on edge with the what and who of the subject at matter.

The what being, what was Bruce up to? And the who. Who was it that he had invited and why were they there?

At that he put on a calm demeanor to those around him. There was quite a bit going on that he noticed about Bruce. And he could tell the person had arrived. Within moments, he knew who it was.

Selina Kyle.

And the look in her eyes after she greeted them seemed to search his for an answer. To what question he did not want to answer. But he was sure he knew which on. "Good evening Miss Kyle. You're looking lovely as usual," Dick replied politely.

This definitely was not the first time they had run into each other. There had been other times. And Dick could not deny, she was a beautiful woman and knew what suited her best.

His attention wondered for a moment. He knew Kory would know he was only being polite. Taking that chance to back out of the conversation for a bit and the attention for others. He thought over the situation.

Wondering just what was going on? Selina and Bruce? Forget it. He dropped the thought. How would he wonder how long this has been going on for. She had hardly said anything about Bruce when they talked. The last time he knew she had worked any where near Batman was when they had gone off to China after the Riddler together. But Bruce wouldn't have told her who he was. Would he?

Dick shook the thought from his mind. Needing to keep in the mind set of what was going on.

It was then at Kory's words that he froze up. A bit shocked she would bring something like that up at this time. To him it was a suggestion toward who Selina really was.

Inside his mind was in panic over what had been said. Would Selina pick up on it? Would Bruce even make notice of it? But on the outside, he stayed calm and collected. He couldn't show that he knew something the others had not known. And that yes, Kory did know as well.

After all she was his girl-friend...But even then he wouldn't have told her if it hadn't been for her getting that one phone call on his phone. She had had some questions. And he had answered them. He could hide stuff from Kory, but she'd only press him for the information if she thought it was important. And Dick did hate lying to her.

But he hadn't expected her to mention anything with cats around Selina in this way. He wondered if either of the two before them would pick up on what Kory was saying. Or they would just write it off as one of her questions because she was still getting used to Earth's habits and culture. She always seemed to be finding something new she hadn't seen or understood.

[vigilant]

Clip-clip. She was here. He froze, like a doe in the headlights. Here, in the manor. Here, in the same room. Here, for the date. Truth be told, he wholly expected to see Catwoman strutting along beside Alfred, clad in purple leather and heels. Bruce still remembered the night he first saw her. The way she looked in the skintight leather, as though she was not a being of flesh and bone, but molten gold. It was as though she had been poured into the suit, so that every line and every curve molded around her like the arms of a jealous, possessive lover. As nonsensical as it sounded, he found himself envying it. The suit. The way it was allowed to press and wrap around her body, the way it was allowed to kiss every inch of her flesh... Those nights were the worse.

She offered him her hand. At first, he paused. Just for a millisecond. But she'd know. He knew she would. Whereas he had offered Kory a brief, and even offhanded peck, the intensity with which he took her hand was almost palpable. The air was suddenly thick with tension as his fingers gathered hers, and he turned them over to reveal her wrist. A most unorthodox gesture. His eyes was fixed on hers, steely blue against bright emerald, as his lips pressed fully against the soft patch of skin on her wrist, directly above her pulse. A strange gesture to most, but Bruce -- or rather, Batman -- was well-versed in Kinesiology. Upturned wrists often signified submission. Submission and openness. Would she understand?

Then he released her. Still, their eyes remained locked, like two rivals fixing to square off. Like two dancers, ready to spin pirouettes around the opposition. Bull and matador. Cat and mouse. [But who was who?] She stepped towards him, and began to adjust his tie. He felt a familiar tingle dance down the length of his spine; a sensation that he only felt when he was alone with Catwoman on Gotham's rooftops. He repeated to himself, over and over: This is Selina Kyle. Not Catwoman. You are Bruce Wayne. Not Batman. You are the charming, charismatic playboy. You are Gotham's Golden Child. You've done this a million times, with a hundred different women. You can do this.

"Maybe I did it purposely, so I can see you up-close."

His reply was a breathless wisp. Kory and Dick wouldn't hear it. But they'd see their lips move, the image oddly reminiscent of two lovers, whispering impassioned secrets to one another. When she stepped back, he offered a wry smile. Was he such an imbecile, that he'd go through the trouble of offsetting his tie, only to tell her his plan? Or was he messing with her head, letting her guess and wonder and second guess? But Bruce Wayne wasn't that clever. He was just experienced and rich and charming. He was just a dimwit that hid behind his money and notoriety... Right?

"Karnans? Tammaraneans? Are they some kind of... Indian tribe? Like the, uh, Aztecs? Mayans?"

The fop act was on. Bruce blinked confusedly at Kory, then turned his gaze expectantly on Selina. He seemed proud, chest puffed out and eyes aglow, at the fact that he had remembered. Aztec, Mayans... Same thing! All of which were descendants of the Native Indians. But little would she know that he was testing her, pushing her buttons, watching how she'd react. Perhaps, in his obsession with the 'game', he had failed to notice the strangeness of Kory's question. Lucky her.

[Deleted]

It was easy enough to murmur a thank you to Dick, and to beam at Kory. "Your work is quite well known too, Kory." Selina had to smirk at the next comment, not even missing a beat. "Well, considering my mother's grace and my father's business prowess, we may have been. Sometime you'll have to tell me more about this feline race, but I wouldn't want to bore the boys with Ancient Civilization histories. Myself on the other hand..." She smirked, acknowledging Bruce's flub.


Even as she had turned to greet him...he had given her the most interesting way to say hello. A kiss on her wrist. Not her hand, not her palm...but her inner wrist, something that caused her to hitch her breath in her throat ever slightly as it caught her off-guard. While she had seen Bruce Wayne, of Wayne Enterprises entertain women before..she'd never been quite on the receiving end like this before. Not even as she was more brazen, him more stoic on the rooftops, the flirtation less covert, had she ever had him do something like this.

"All you'd have to do is ask, Mr. Wayne..." She'd breathe back as the two finally disengaged, her eyes fully making note of his own readjustments once again to his tie. He seemed almost awkward to a degree, figiting, and playacting. Well, he'd crack before she did, and that was a sure fact.

Even as she turned back to the other two, she noticed Dick watching them, peering as his brain churned. And even Kory was such a doll, her mannerisms a bit...different, but heartwarming for someone not standardly aware of most Human behaviors. Standing next to Bruce, she was curious as to what this whole ...date endeavor was going to be.

"It was lovely of you to invite us all here, Bruce. Are we to be dining here, or do you have reservations up your sleeve?" She teased, her hand going to his forearm as she spoke.

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

At those words it was true it was hard not smile at, knowing he was very honest in them, though knowing in part he was probably here for himself as well, but Kory was happily to be his excuse if he needed one. She knew it was out of a sweet place. Not to mention this was a dinner with Bruce, It would of been a little out of place if Dick hadn't come. Kory was sure she could find a start of a conversation, because surely the outer space princess and the dark knight have things to discuss. Better yet things in common. At least one.

"Aw, Thank-you. It wouldn't of been the same hadn't you come, but I still think its kind of Bruce to do this. Must of been some leaf on his back.. Right?"

Kory thanked him as she did, taking as he wanted to put it, most happy to also be on a date with him, lightly cheering inside. Happily expressed she did think it was a kind gesture, it was not her to just assume there was more to it, that would be rude. As Kory toyed with the human saying, but she sure she was close or least Dick got what she meant. Before setting foot into the home of the bat and becoming face to face with the man beneath.

It was maybe light to say he was distracted. Kory smiled as when Selina popped in, it seemed to make that clear. Perhaps she was his Lois. It was sweet. At least to see the lighter side of the knight… to night. No wonder he was looking forward to this date. Maybe he needed more encouragement. Kory questioned. That Dick and Kory could do, she was sure. As she silently giggled inside, but she was sure Dick saw through her easily. This was truly rare, but oddly exciting. Kory looked to Dick. Could sense the questions roll over him, smiling softly that this is a good thing. It had to be. It was love? It of course seemed natural in the ways Selina and Dick greeted. They were just friends and Dick was being polite. Kind. Sweet. Kory blushed her sweet smile. Feeling the only one in the room spotting how truly handsome and loving he can be. Her eyes played upon him. As to say 'you look very cute tonight' or the general look to suggest she was flirting with him. Not soon after finding a comfortable spot on a couch. It seemed the natural thing. In hope Dick would follow as it also seemed the natural thing. Least have him close. This was after all a date night.

At her line of questions. It didn't take long to realise they weren't exactly taken easy or understood greatly, but Kory knew more of what she had asked it seemed. It was just a curious thing. This catwoman, Kory knew it was highly unlikely given the Karnans were more or less extinct, but this Selina seemed a bit more inviting than the other cat related humans Kory had met. Though realising there were always different species. Kory felt the silence of Dick as her eyes crossed over. Oh. Perhaps that was crossing that personal line, but looked at him a bit confused. At times it was hard to follow who knew what. Kory was sure Selina knew. Before Selina did, Bruce responded. At first Kory thought he was serious. Though even as pretend. His words caused a slight unease to Kory. It just didn't sit well with her.

"Tribe? Tamaran, really? For someone that's made a point to judge me, he doesn't know me very well… I thought you said she 'knew'?"

Kory questioned the tribe part out loudly. As she looked over Bruce. She wasn't overly angry about it, just not well pleased at comparing her planet as a tribe. The rest of her words Kory spoke mostly to Dick under her breath, but not in total whisper. As he would understand given he knew she was born royalty. It was just remarks like that whether meant to be fake was just signs one just didn't know what Tamaran was. Though looked to Dick confusingly she thought Selina knew who she was, if Kory knew who she was, then naturally wouldn't everyone know. As Kory sat back in the couch.

"But No… They're not related… It would be like comparing bats with birds. They may fly, but that doesn't make them the same."

Kory then simply responded to Bruce's questioning. She wasn't one to just lie and so greatly, but to simply say no seemed easy enough to do. To agree that Tamaran was just a tribe was just not in Kory's heart. It was a stretch to compare her planet to Earth. As Kory innocently made the example with birds and bats, because it sprang to mind easily, but said with no ill intent. She knew Bruce hadn't meant it to sound or anything by what he said. It was just with Tamaran gone… Some just couldn't understand… Kory soon as a tamaranean naturally would brightened up at Selina's warm words. Not sure what she meant by work.

"Really? Thank-you!

Modelling, Kory assumed Selina meant. Starfire. A warrior was what Kory was born and trained to be. Kory sweetly smiled which ever Selina meant she was still kind in her words and compliment. Listening in very interested in what Selina had to say from her questions. So no Karnan blood, it wasn't what Kory thought, but she curiously asked. Given her own feline background. One could never know. Though from the sounds of what Selina was saying it wasn't a gene.

"So its by nature? That's very fascinating... Sure. I would be honoured... Maybe over lunch sometime, could be fun... I'd love to hear then how you came connected with felines or cats as you'd call them... Its always nice to find a common ground even when worlds apart..."

Kory kindly questioned. Not that she was trying to be overly nosy. That would be rude, but it was interesting to her. For whatever reason it was it seemed something common and Kory was simply finding the way to being friendly. She was sure Selina knew she was Koriand'r or Starfire. Kory knew Selina was Catwoman, it was weird trying to dance around that. In as light of a way Kory hinted to it, that she was keen to know more of who Catwoman was, but in no ways wishing to step on anyones toes. It was defiantly a human thing. These secrets, having to remind herself as what Donna said. It was a safety thing. To keep her friends safe. To protect them. Though with Selina's light invite for a later time, sprung to Kory that she maybe open to know more of who Kory herself was and there was always plenty of room for more friends. As Selina motioned a turn and drew more attention towards Bruce. Kory turned to Dick. Having sensed his unease. She knew she had mistaken at something in her questioning.

"Let me guess, I'm the elephant? "

Kory curiously and jokingly questioned putting her hands up. Turning with a light gaze to Dick. Gathering she said something wrong or in her case assumed wrong. Though she knew the reasons she had asked. Given she a tamaranean came to Earth, there was a chance. Well a hoping chance she was sure, Earth really wasn't that old. Kory then smiled as she happily concluded this catwoman or Selina was human. So far a very warm human. As Kory had come to find that trait in quite a few humans. Her hand reached to Dick's hand. This was going to be a good night. Kory was sure of it. It was date night. Smiles added to Selina's words of why they were here.

"Gratitudes, Bruce. It was very sweet and thoughtful of you. When did you two become an item?"

In her natural bubbly self added in thanking Bruce for inviting them. It was defiantly adding to his sweet side. His softer side. Her green eyes looked between them as she asked. Although she felt more she had asked what was on Dick's mind, but Kory was always happy to hear the tales of love. It truly was wonderful to see, even if had been unexpected, but it seemed almost natural in watching them now. Then with the added presence, of her phone.

"Oh, its Victor... Excuse me... This should only take a sec..."

Half jumping to her feet with her phone in hand and soon answered it. As Kory politely excused herself from the room. It could be important. This was a certain fellow titans. In fact Kory was sure it was important, but not trying to show she was too excited. This was meant to be a surprise. The type of secret that Kory didn't mind so much.

---

Music:MAROON 5 - LOVE SOMEBODY

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick did decide to join Kory over on the couch. He let most of the conversation roll over him. Avoiding what he could and paying attention the the important details of the subject matters.

"She knows. A lot of people that know of you as a model would. I don't think she was trying to be mean or anything," Dick said under his breath to Kory.

"And Bruce does, but he isn't being really himself it seems," he mentioned quietly to her.

Dick was glad no one really caught on at all as far as what he was worried about. He relaxed a bit taking comfort in the fact. Though knowing Bruce after tonight. The man would review everything that was said that night in his mind. At least the important stuff that stood out.

Unless Bruce's mind was too focused on Selina. Which it seemed to be. And that was a good thing,

As the conversation went on. Dick sat back a bit and let it play out. His focus in between all that was going on. But he did pay attention to Bruce at times. He was curious just what was up. And he wondered about the two of them. Did she know?

If she did, Bruce is playing it out rather that she didn't. Then again, he didn't know that Dick already knew who Selina was. Same goes for Kory.

Dick looked over at her. Caught off guard by her questioning. He turned to her and was a bit surprise and a bit of sorry in his eyes if she had thought that was what he was thinking. "What? No, I never said you were asking anything out of place," Dick said.

He just wanted to reassure her that he knew who she was. And he was ok with her speaking her mind. Unless she did say something over the top would he try to pull her away for a moment to let her know. But he knew she was only trying to start conversation.

He let her take his hand. He knew she was trying to make this a better situation. It was just with this situation, it was rather odd.

At her mention of the name as she answer her phone shortly after, Dick was a bit annoyed over who it might be. But he wasn't sure which Victor she was taking about. As she walked off, Dick sat back. Not sure exactly what to do or say.

It was awkward between all of them. At least to him it was.

"So what brought on this ideas," Dick asked Bruce..

He knew he'd pick up on the question. And frankly, Dick was curious. It wasn't everyday Bruce invited him and Kory out for a double date. Come to think of it...he never had with any other of his relationships he held.

[vigilant]

Bruce caught every word, every inflection, every shift, from the pacing of her breath to the most infinitesimal twitch in her expression. He knew her. Knew her before she had ever removed that mask. Knew her when she had always said one thing and meant another. It had always been a game. Cat and mouse. Tit for tat. Cat and bat. A game that they threw themselves headlong into, because they felt nothing could come out of it. She was a criminal, a notorious thief. He was a crime-fighter, the greatest the world had to offer. But sometimes, when she drew circles around his emblem [the same way she ran circles around him] and whispered heatedly against his flesh, lush lips hovering millimeters from his own, her breath delicious and mesmerizing and feral and hot as it invaded his mouth and his brain and eventually his heart, he allowed himself to believe.

But Batman didn't have the leisure of delusions. Never have. Never did. And it wasn't going to start anytime soon.

"Elephant?"

Bruce snapped to attention, a droll smile curling lazily across his lips. He laughed. It was a light-hearted sound, foppish and air-headed and thoughtless. He gave Dick, who had remained silent for the most part, a good-natured push, urging him over towards Kory. There was a touch of arrogance in his tone. The self-assured conceit of a rich playboy who knew he could have any woman he wanted. And would. But it was Dick. Dick, his son and protégé and friend. Dick, who had somehow or another picked up on his womanizing charm. So it was no wonder that his boy, his very own boy, would bring home such a comely and exotic woman. Bruce seemed proud, smile dripping with hubris and teeth flashing with electrifying charm.

"You're way too beautiful to be an elephant. I might even take some credit for Dick bringing you home. Some of my skills with women must have rubbed off, no? Now I just wonder if some of my skills in the bedroom did as well..."

He gave a wink. Still the billionaire playboy. Still chattering incessantly, drunk, not on alcohol, but his own deluded sense of self-worth. But he had caught on. He had noticed the strange insinuations that Kory was making. All this and more was pushed to the backburner of his brain, left to be examined for another day. Then Bruce felt Selina's hand on his arm, and for a half-second, he stiffened. It had always been like that. Whenever Catwoman strutted up to him, as though she wasn't aware that he was a vigilante and she was a criminal, fingers toying with his emblem, his cowl, his chiseled jaw line, he'd tense. It was as though he was bracing himself for a blow. Not the kind of blow one would expect in any of Gotham's various dark alleyways, but something deeper, darker and more dangerous than any of the others combined.

"We'll be staying in. I thought you'd like it, Dick. You're always zipping from Gotham to Bludhaven and back. I figured it was a chance to spend time at home with Kory. And I get..."

Bruce had noticed the irritation that sparked in Dick's eyes as Kory left to answer the phone. Victor. Batman's eyes would have narrowed as he scoured his internal memory banks for information on this... Victor. But he was Bruce Wayne. So he smiled, seemingly unaware that his son, his own son, was sulking about something. Drawing Selina closer, the stiffness shaken off like snow from a hunter's pelt, he touched a hand to the small of her back. A back that he had never allowed himself to touch, save for the occasional 'accidents', on Gotham's rooftops. A back that he had touched numerous times, in various charity events, without realizing whose it really was.

"A chance to look into these eyes again."

The last sentence was said in an intense whisper, each word dripping with aching need and breathless wonder. It was so intense, so magnetic, that any instant, it'd seem as though electricity would leap from his body to hers. When he gazed into those swirling green pools, he couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't seen it before. All those charity events. All the times they spent huddled together behind their wine glass, whispering about the other guests, laughing at their vices and folly. The first instant he laid eyes on her. He had felt it, deep in his bones, that it was her. But he had refused to listen. For how many years? Seven! Seven whole years!

"I told you I wouldn't forget your face. ...Was it really seven years ago?"