𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐍

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟎- 𝐍𝐎, 𝐈 𝐃𝐎

SONG: Dagger by Slowdive

Clara woke up several hours later in the evening to Bruce sitting up in the bed next to her, watching her quietly. Clara sat up as well, "How long have you been awake?" she asked, rubbing her eyes. "Not long before you. Sorry I woke you up." he replied, placing his arm around her shoulder. "You didn't." she smiled at him before falling into his chest for a hug. "Are you feeling any better?" he whispered down to her, running his free hand through her hair. "A little, it's just sore." she responded, breathing close to his chest.

"I've got to go home soon." Bruce spoke after a moment. "I need to get some things. I have a feeling tonight is going to be chaotic since Falcone is gone. There's gonna be a power grab." he continued, sighing. "And who knows what any of the Riddler's supporters might try and pull. Even though he's gone, it's scary to think there's still people out there who supported him." Clara sat up, frowning. "Look at you." Bruce gave a sly smile, rubbing her back. "Hey, I was a criminal justice major for two years." she laughed in reply, "I could be Batwoman."

Bruce frowned, "No. I need you stay safe." Clara rolled her eyes, "I'm just teasing."

Bruce studied her and placed a kiss on her forehead before getting up. "I'll be back tonight, out by your window." he said, grabbing his backpack. "You're coming back?" Clara stood up too, confused. "Why wouldn't I? I won't if that's not what you want." his deep voice sounded kind. "No, I do." she replied quickly, reassuring him.

He walked around the bed to her, "I need to know if this is what you want- the life that you want. If it is, I'll give you everything Clara. And if it's not, I'll leave when you say the word." he spoke in a whisper, close to her. "I told you- Bruce, Batman... I want it all." she whispered in response, placing a hand on his chest. "Okay." he sighed, sounding relieved. "I'll be back tonight and we can talk more then."

"Take whatever you need. And be careful, Bruce." Clara said before Bruce kissed her. After a few moments, she pulled away smiling, "Go."

And so Batman left.

Clara was unsure what this new chapter of her life would look like. There was so much unknown. But she did know that she was happy to be with Bruce. He made her feel like no one ever had before. Whatever the journey was, she wanted to be on it with him.

So some things had to change as long as the two were staying at the Creed house. She called her maid to tell her about the new changes she wanted.

From now on, no one would come to the house during the daytime. The maid was to arrive an hour after dark and leave an hour before sunrise. She would cook and clean at this time while Clara slept, and Clara would do other chores during the daytime. No one could know that Bruce was living with her. Her life was a secret now.

Too anxious to sleep, Clara stayed up all night that night. She took a bath, read, drew, did laundry... anything to pass the time.

It was around 6am when Batman knocked on her window. She was sitting in her bed, reading as the sun came up. She walked as quickly as she could to let him in from the balcony.

His face looked cold, like the first time she met him. "What's wrong?" she asked, closing the door behind him. "Why were you still awake? You need to rest." he replied, shutting the curtains and taking off his cowl. "Couldn't sleep. What's wrong Bruce?" she repeated, sitting on the bed. "I'm sure it's nothing, but it hurts." he grimaced, removing his cape. "Let me see." Clara said worriedly.

It took a moment for him to take his gloves and chest piece off, but when he turned around she saw a large cut on his back. His back was muscular and covered in scars. "You're cut." she sighed, getting up to get things to treat him with. "Sit down, you're hurt." he insisted. Clara, however, ignored him and went to the bathroom to get a towel and bandages. Luckily the cut wasn't deep- his armor must have taken most of the hit.

She took the towel and soaked it in alcohol. "Okay, it's gonna burn." she announced as she applied the towel, and he tensed up. She finished cleaning the cut and then bandaged it.

"Thank you." he said, turning back around. She admired him as he sat beside her, his pale skin in the faint light of her room. The black paint around his eyes, with his messy hair, and ever-tired expression, not to mention his muscles.

"Of course." she snapped out of it. "Are you hungry?" she asked, walking to the bathroom, "There's food." "Yeah." he smiled faintly, getting up. Clara came back from the bathroom and handed him another black t-shirt. "I'll be in the kitchen when you're ready." she said, and he nodded.

Clara went to the kitchen and took the food out of the oven while Bruce showered. When he was finished, he came down to the kitchen. Over dinner, the two talked about his night in the dim light of the kitchen.

Bruce insisted on taking their plates. "So, uh, I've been thinking, and when you're ready, would you want to come live at Wayne Manor?" he asked as he rinsed their dishes. "Yeah, I mean how soon were you thinking?" she asked, leaning against the bar on her elbows. "As soon as you want." he looked up at her. "Well yeah, I mean since we're together now, right?" she asked, feeling awkward.

Bruce sighed, "I'm sorry Clara, I know this isn't how a relationship would normally go... but yeah, we're together... I want a life with you." he came and sat back down next to her. "I do too. How do we do this though? Do I start staying up at night?" she asked genuinely. "I don't want that for you. I want you to have as normal of a life as you can." he protested. "Bruce, that's not an option for us. Even if you were just Bruce Wayne we wouldn't be able to really go out in public with each other. Everything is going to have to be secret. It's okay." she replied, furrowing her eyebrows. "We'll do whatever you think is best. If you want to stay up, you can do that. I just want you to be happy." he said, looking at the ground.

"Thank you." she leaned forward and kissed his cheek, "Now let's get some sleep."

...

Days went by and Clara and Bruce became more comfortable with each other. Clara was starting to get used to their schedule, and Bruce started sleeping under the sheets with her. It felt good to have someone to wake up to, and each looked forward to hearing about the other's day.