The Ties That Bind Us

CHAPTER 18: Reunions

Notes:
Hey everyone! This update came quicker :)
This chapter has a lot of references to Selina's past, so if you ever feel lost you should come back to Chapter 10 (maybe 9 too). Enjoy it!

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"I can't believe you had never been on the subway before," Selina muttered still in shock as they stepped out of the train.

"Well, if you remember well, I have been here before, I just never used it for transportation."

"That's even worse."

Selina had insisted on them using public transportation so as to not attract any unwanted attention by being dropped at the East End in a Lamborghini by a driver. They were going to get a cab, but when Bruce casually mentioned he'd never taken the train before she just had to put him through it at least once.

"Why couldn't they have gone to our place anyway? Wouldn't it have been easier?"

"No. I just think it's safer for them to keep them out of our bubble. Besides, no one's going to bother us here. The moment you step foot in Old Town you realize everyone here's sketchy and so no one cares what you're up to."

"But what if someone recognizes us?"

"They might. But I think you mean recognize you. Everyone around here already knows me, and so they know better than to ask questions."

Bruce smiled amused as they walked up the stairs leading out to the sidewalks. As they paced through the streets and crowds, Bruce noticed eventual stares and chitchat, and at first he got apprehensive thinking people might be finding his presence there odd, until he realized they were actually paying attention to Selina. Well, not actually paying attention, but more like tensing up around her, always stepping out of their way and looking away when she stared back at them.

"Okay... so why is everyone here acting like they're terrified of you?"

She laughed at the same time as this guy opened his door to the street and then shut it immediately after he saw her, looking like he had seen a ghost.

"A lot of people hate me in this city. I had to create a bit of panic around the neighborhood to keep me safe," she said, then continued talking on a more serious tone, "These people here aren't the problem, but they're very easily bought off. Couldn't have someone sniffing around on me for the bigger guys."

They stopped at a bodega and the owner seemed to be the only one inside that didn't flinch when they saw her coming in. He complimented her naturally, warmly even, and even commented that she'd been MIA. She had picked a bottle of red wine that made Bruce raise eyebrows, and even more so as she paid an entire seven dollars for it.

"Are you sure that's drinkable?", he joked as soon as they set foot outside of the store.

"We used to drink this practically every day. If it wasn't I wouldn't be standing here today talki—", a guy bumped into her and she got interrupted for a second.

"Sorry, Miss..."

"Hey, watch wher..."

She turned to look at the man and noticed his face for the first time. His familiar baby-blue eyes caught her off guard and she struggled to make the words come out of her mouth.

"T-Ted?"

"Selina," his eyes widened in surprise, then he eyed her quickly from head to toe like he couldn't believe what he was seeing, "Wow. I haven't seen you since..."

"I sprang out your window, yes," she said embarrassed, "Sorry about that."

They both laughed nervously and Bruce moved on his feet uncomfortably. She'd been so shocked she'd forgotten to introduce him for a moment there.