"The belt is amazing, Lucius," Adriana told Lucius after trying on her new suit. "This suit is incredible. You're the best."
"You may want to familiarize yourself with some of the new equipment," Lucius said and handed her a book.
"You put together an instruction manual for me?" she asked.
"You may find it surprisingly useful," Lucius told her.
"Thanks so much," Adriana said and gave him a hug.
"You are very welcome," he said to her.
"You've done so much for me," Adriana said. "I feel bad asking for a favor now..."
"Well, after the bourbon cake you made for my wife's birthday last week, I owe you," Lucius said with a laugh.
"It was just a cake," Adriana laughed.
"The best cake she's ever had according to her," Lucius said. "What can I do for you?"
"It's kind of a big favor," she said.
"Name it," Lucius said.
"Okay," Adriana said. "So, Jack and I were talking about Harri and her incessant questions...and we decided she should know the truth. About everything."
Lucius nodded. "She is very inquisitive."
"Yeah...a pain in the butt really," Adriana said.
"So, how can I help?" Lucius said.
"Could you be the one to tell her?" Adriana asked.
Lucius nodded once. "Yes."
"Really?" she asked, and he nodded again. "Thank you and I...one more thing...I can't be there when you tell her. I just...I think she needs to process it without-"
"I know," Lucius said. "I have a couple hours free tomorrow afternoon."
"Tomorrow," Adriana said.
"Is that too soon?" Lucius asked.
"No...not it's fine. Great actually," Adriana said.
"You're aware that I may need to tell her about your vigilantism," Lucius clarified. "As well as Bruce's."
Adriana nodded. "I talked to Bruce. We're both okay with it."
"Then tomorrow it is," Lucius said.
.
.
.
The suit made Shade feel protected but stronger than ever before. It was lightweight, breathable but also sturdy. It looked exactly like her previous suit, aside from the utility belt, but felt so much better. She felt that perhaps it needed breaking in and waited for something to happen in the city. It was a quiet night as she stood atop an apartment building in downtown Gotham. The sun was just beginning to set over the city.
"Nice suit," she heard a voice behind her say.
Shade turned quickly. It was the Catwoman. Shade had not seen her in months.
"I must know," the Catwoman went on. "Who your designer is."
The Catwoman's ivory skin glowed under the moonlight, her eyes were rich, brown and intense.
"What do you want?" Shade asked her.
The Catwoman looked straight into Shade's eyes, unblinking as she walked closer very slowly. She pursed her lips slightly and continue to come forward unafraid. Close enough to touch Shade's face. She touched Shade's cheek with her fingertips.
