Harleen waited for a late Felicia outside a nearby cafe. She had arranged it last night with her over the phone after persuading a phone number out of her. It was chilly outside and Harleen had a red jacket on which covered her black skirt and white shirt. She noticed Felicia running up along the pathway and gave a wave.
"Sorry I am late." Felicia panted.
"It's fine. Don't you hate it when that happens?" Harleen laughed. "You're waiting outside and wonder if they are ever going to turn up."
"Again I am really sorry." Felicia smiled gracefully and kept patting her hair as the wind whipped it.
"No worries toots. Shall we go inside?" Harleen opened the door for Felicia and they both made their way to a seat. The cafe was packed full with people chatting about their daily lives, poor jobs and of course the Batman. Harleen noticed Felicia gazing around at the people who were having a conversation about the Dark Knight and a suspicious glint flared up in her icy blue eyes. However not noticing this, Felicia went up to order a hot chocolate.
"With whipped cream" she added as Harleen just stared. Her cold look turned into a widespread grin as she addressed the lady at the counter.
"Me too" she added.
The lady took down their orders and they both paid. Making their way back to the seat with their hot drinks, Felicia took off her white coat and settled down. She got a bit of cream on her nose and Harleen laughed.
"You got a little something something." She tapped and Felicia blushed.
"Sorry." She said laughing.
"Your a funny girl Felicia. What made you want to work at the amusement park?" Harleen observed Felicia's face closely to detect any hint of lies or deceit during questions. Felicia did not notice this and seemed pretty relaxed at the smiling woman.
"Well actually it was never my dream job." She chuckled taking another sip of her drink. "I just needed a job so that I could pay the bills. I really like Gotham and should be getting an apartment very soon. I am currently in a hotel. Just for now of course. Where do you live?"
"Downtown Gotham." Harleen lied. "So what do you think of the Batman?"
"He sounds interesting. Mysterious. I like that in a person." Felicia answered. "Though of course I don't know him personally. Ha ha." Felicia did not know why she had just said that last sentence and had regretted it. She had to be careful as this woman was asking too many questions. "My turn anyway. How are your therapy sessions going with my boss? He seems much better now."
Harleen took a swig of her hot chocolate and downed it shocking Felicia a little. "Yep he seems peachy. Strange. I always heard Batman was a little dull. But that is just me." Harleen laughed a little too loudly at this and Felicia took a sip to ease the tension. "But we can be great friends you and me. I know me and you can get along well. I admire your traits in a lady."
"What traits would that be?" Felicia asked with curiosity seeping into her voice. She watched as Harleen ticked off qualities using her fingers.
"Sweet, curious, tough, mysterious, secretive."
Felicia shrugged. "A girl has her own secrets."
Harleen grinned. "Oh you are so right. Anyways I was wondering if you would like to attend a therapy session so I can get to know you better."
"But I have nothing to hide." Felicia lied mumbling a little. "I have an idea. If Mr Riley agrees then I can observe you do your therapy sessions with him. Maybe act as a guide or support him."
"That sounds great. I will ask him. We should go out again soon Felicia."
Once they had both exchanged their goodbyes, Felicia watched as Harleen disappeared into a red car accompanied by two burly men who looked mean. Nevertheless Harleen smiled at Felicia as the window rolled up and the car sped away.
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Black Cat was out and about later that night. She was hoping to run into Batman again but could not be bothered to rob a bank this time. Instead, she went to the Ferris Wheel at Gotham Amusement Park and climbed to the top to get a good view of the city. Smoke puffed out from the old Ace Chemicals factory which Felicia passed on her way to the café. It looked pretty creepy with it's green lettering and spooky outline. She sighed and sat there thinking about her meeting with Harleen. She seemed like a very strange woman but Black Cat was growing to like her. Suddenly the bat signal shot up into the sky and Black Cat dashed to where it was shone. It did not take her long as she jumped across buildings. Sure it was not New York and she would have to get used to it but she would pick up the short cuts soon enough. There he was. The Dark Knight. Standing in all his glory overlooking the gothic city. She approached him smiling.
"Why hello there." She teased. All she got was a glare in return as the Dark Knight's eyes shifted slightly.
"What are you doing here?" He spoke finally though he did not sound menacing.
"Just looking for you. I thought we could have a little fun." Black Cat tried to take his hand but he growled at her.
"Not in the mood."
Black Cat looked a little hurt and turned away. On the other rooftop she could have sworn she was being watched but it was so dark she could not see. Instead, she jumped when she heard police sirens going. Without further ado, Batman dived off the roof and glided towards where the police were heading. Black Cat decided to follow and noticed a robbery heist occurring.
"No following me." Batman warned her as he saw her chasing him.
"I want to help." Felicia said playfully smirking. What a grouch. Nothing like Spider-Man at all. Black Cat's face hinted a look of sadness as she thought about Peter but she shook off those feelings when the robbers started shooting at them. Dodging she struck out at the robber and delivered a kick to one of their faces.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Batman creeped up behind her. He had a cross expression and Black Cat froze a little before regaining herself. Out of the corner of her eye she could sense a figure watching her and it creeped her out.
"I was just trying..." she started.
"No." Batman shot back coldly. "I make the rules around here. GOT IT?"
Black Cat sneered at him. "You think you're so tough? BULLY." She tried to kick him but Batman grabbed her foot and swung her around. Hitting the floor Black Cat groaned but did not give up. She went inside the bank and tackled another robber holding a jewel. She tried to make off with the jewel but noticed a look of approval on Batman's face as he approached her.
"Not bad." He muttered.
"Yeah well I did not need your help." Black Cat shot back. She was still cross with him for treating her badly. However he held out his hand and it felt warm.
"Good job but I want that jewel." He nodded when she handed it over and left him. The police came in and arrested the robbers.
"Thanks Batman." One of them muttered. Batman did not hear as he was staring after Black Cat as she departed. Black Cat went into an alleyway near the hotel and wanted to take her silver wig off. It was so hot. She was just about to when she had that horrible feeling of being watched again. She decided against it until she got back to the hotel and made her way home. Unknown to her, a person came out of the shadows when she disappeared and stared after her.
Once Black Cat had got home, she noticed herself on the news with Batman and a news reporter stating that "Is this a new hero in town?" Hero! Felicia chuckled a little but was too tired to think straight. It had been a long day and she was thankful to just dive under the covers to get a good night's sleep.
YOU ARE READING
Beautiful Anti-Hero
FantasyFelicia Hardy (Black Cat) moves to Gotham to start a new life. She starts work at an amusement park and finds out that her boss's daughter is having emotional problems. She also meets Batman as the Black Cat and notices how different he is to Spider...