I knew Batman

Chapter 13 -- The Wayne Manor

Alfred was in the Batcave when we arrived. I still was a bit shaking when I got out of the car. 

"I prepared a room for you, Miss Judy. And there is tea and a sandwich in the kitchen if you feel like it," said Alfred while we were lifting from the cave. 

"Thank you, Alfred. But I need a hot shower first."

My guest room had its own bathroom and the room itself was bigger than my apartment. It made me realize again the huge difference between Bruce and me in our circumstances. Everything in the room was modern, tidy and comfortable. Simple clothes in my size were laid out. How did Alfred manage all that?

I took a hot shower and cleaned myself from all the blood. I redressed some of my wounds. These scars on my face and my side definitely will need time to heal. I carefully touched my lower ribs. And this rupture also requires time. Otherwise, I felt fine but exhausted.

I wasn't really hungry but I decided to find the kitchen. I followed the stairs down. Soon I heard the voice of Bruce and Alfred and I went in their direction.

I heard Bruce talking from behind a door. His voice was angry.

"...Alfred, they were beating her to get to me! I cannot..."

"With all due respect, Master Bruce, you can. Miss Judy is a smart and brave woman. She knew the risks when she joined you in your endeavour. I believe, she also knows that Batman stands for something much more than Bruce Wayne..."

It seemed that Alfred had more faith in me than I did. "Did I really know the risks?" I wondered in myself. 

I didn't want to eavesdrop on them so I cleared my throat intentionally and opened the kitchen door. They stopped talking and turned to me.

Bruce pulled out a chair for me by the huge kitchen table.

"How are you?" he asked.

"Much better after a hot shower, thanks."

"Do you want some tea, Miss Judy? I can prepare some food if you are hungry."

"I'm not hungry but tea would be nice, thank you."

Alfred continued while he put a cup of tea in front of me. "I heard the details of tonight's events. I have to say you were very brave."

"Hardly," I said and faintly smiled.

"We will catch this guy soon," said Bruce with confidence.

We talked a bit more about the events in the Amusement Park, then I decided to go upstairs. I was tired.

"I go up now. Thank you for the tea, Alfred."

Bruce jumped up from his chair so suddenly that he knocked over his teacup. "I go up as well."

We walked up the stairs in silence and stopped before my room. Our eyes locked, but he just stood before me, seemingly frozen and helpless. I just couldn't stand that. I stepped closer, put my arms around his neck, my forehead touched his. "I don't want to be alone tonight," I said and kissed him. He kissed me back and our kiss turned out to be quite a passionate one.

He put his arms around my waist and pulled me even closer. "Are you sure about this? You are injured."

"We will be careful then," I said and dragged him into the room after me. 

I couldn't remember the last time I gave in to longing and passion like that, if ever. And I had the feeling that he neither. 

After more rounds of making love, we lay next to each other with my head on his shoulder and his arms around me. It was already morning but because of the thick black-out curtains, the room was still dark.