From: "Van Handel, Nancy" Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 14:35:21 -0600 Subject: Story Submission - Dreams Can Come True - In A Bad Way Inside Mulder looked around for Scully. "Looking for someone?" Selena purred. "Not now." He took her back out on the dance floor. They danced a couple of more dances before retrieving a couple of glasses of wine from a passing waiter. "Want to go get some fresh air?" he asked leading her to the balcony. She smiled sweetly and followed him out. She seemed to glide across the floor before she perched herself on the railing to face him. "So what brings you to this boring party?" she asked as she reached over and played with this tie. "Invited, couldn't turn down free food and drink." He said smiling. "And you?" "Part of my parole." She smiled a cat like smile at him and he didn't know whether to take her seriously or not. He couldn't believe how good she looked. Boy, Frohike would die if he saw her. "So tell me, Fox," his name rolled off her tongue sexually, "what do you do for a living?" Mulder cleared his throat as he noticed he had been drooling, "Nothing you would be interested in." She could tell he really didn't want to say so she skipped the pressure of going further. "Well Fox, care to go for a walk?" She motioned down to the garden below them. Mulder looked over the edge where he thought he saw Scully. But when he tried to look closer there was nothing there. "Sure." he figured Scully could take care of herself for a while. But the thought of her lingered back in his mind. Down below, Bruce walked through the garden with Dana on his arm. They stopped in front of a small bronze plaque inset in a brick wall. Bruce reached out and touched it gently. "Someone you know?" She asked noticing a sad expression move across his face. "Martha Wayne was my mother. She loved gardens, so I saw it only fitting to donate this garden in memory of her. I loved her very much and miss her still." "Its a beautiful garden, I'm sure she would have loved it." Dana stared at the plaque before Bruce smiled a thank you to her and moved on. "So, Ms. Scully," he reached out and picked a rose for her and handed it to her, "what brings you to this party? Do you know the Commissioner?" "No not really, I've heard about him in D.C. He's done great work. My partner and I are in town on assignment." "Your a police officer?" "No, special agent with the FBI." "FBI, huh?" He motioned for her to sit down on a small stone bench. "Pretty rough job?" he asked. "Depends on the assignment." She looked down at the rose trying to avoid looking at him. "Well its great to know that women have equality in the FBI. I'm sure it's dominated by men, huh?" "Yeah." "So how do you like Gotham?" She couldn't help but notice how small the bench was and how close they were. "Beautiful city, interesting architecture." Bruce only smiled. "Gotham is an old city. Not like Metropolis." He noticed her shiver and quickly pulled his jacket off placing it around her. She smiled a quick thank you to him. She felt his arm reach around her and pull her to him to get her warm. "Sorry that I dragged you out here. It got pretty cold awfully fast." She felt his body heat flood over her and she wanted to just curl up in his arms but she resisted. He looked down at the small framed woman beside him. He never felt as comfortable with anyone except Alfred and Dick. Hearing giggling he turned to her, "We better get you back." Helping her up, he took her on his arm and began to lead her back. The night continued on with dinner and the ceremony. Bruce stayed with Dana all night till it was time to leave. He walked her back out on the balcony to take his leave early. Dana still hadn't seen Mulder but she knew he was a big boy. "It was a pleasure meeting you Ms. Scully." "It was a pleasure meeting you, too, Mr. Wayne." "Please call me Bruce." she smiled an acknowledgment to him and he continued. "Do you mind if I give you a call sometime?" he felt like a teenager asking her this question. "Sure, maybe we can do lunch." she responded. "I'd like that. Where can I reach you?" She handed him her number on a piece of paper. "That's my cellphone number. You can reach me anytime on that. Well it looks like your ride is here." she looked down and saw Alfred standing next to the car with the door open. "Till we met again." he leaned down and kissed her hand then her cheek. She watched him walk away and continued as the car pulled away. Just then she felt someone touch her shoulder. She jumped and turned to face who it was. Mulder smiled at her, "See, you had a good time. Nice jacket." He touched the material and whistled, "expensive too. Who was the guy Scully?" "No one you should worry about Mulder. Where have you been all night?" She looked at him and noticed lipstick on his collar. She felt a tinge of jealousy shoot through her. "No where. Met this woman after we got separated. All hands. Ready to go?" She shook her head and he soon led her to the car. Dana stood out on the large balcony that joined hers and Mulder's room. The moon was slightly covered by clouds now as thunder rumbled in the distance. She watched what she could of lightning dance in the sky. She pictured Batman swinging from roof top to roof top, guarding his city. She still wore Bruce's jacket around her as the air turned even cooler. Mulder heard her walking on the balcony and got up to watch her. He could see a sort of sadness in her face. Quietly he walked up to her and placed his arms around her causing her to jump. Without a word they acknowledged each other. She rested her head against his chest and felt his chin rest on top of her head. "What ya thinking?" he finally asked softly. "How different our live could be." "How different, what do you mean?" "You asked me once if I ever wanted children. I told you yes, but now I know I can't. I was just wondering if...." she trailed off sadly and didn't say another word. "If Emily was alive would your life be different." "Mulder, I probably would have quit the Bureau, got married and lived happily ever after. Don't you dream of that." "I just want a date first." He felt her jab him in the ribs and chuckled. "Dana, any man should feel lucky to get you." "Why, Mulder, I can't give him children." "But you can give a lot more." He turned her around and pushed a strand of hair from her eyes. He could see the tears walling up in her eyes. He pulled her to him and held her gently. "What brought this all up?" "Nothing Mulder, nothing. Thanks, you better go get some sleep." "Are you sure you're OK?" He brushed a tear from her cheek as it rolled down. "I can..." "I'm fine, now get." she tried to put a cheer in her voice and turned him around, pushing him to his room. Without resistance he walked away, only turning once to make sure she went in, too. Once she was inside, he walked back over and watched her climb into bed. She still had the jacket on. Morning rolled in loudly as thunder rattled the windows and jolted Mulder out of bed. Rubbing his eyes, he saw coffee and donuts sitting on his table with a card. Getting up, he grabbed a donut and opened the card. All it said was 'Thanks for Caring. Any woman should feel lucky to have you, too.' He smiled and placed it down while opening his coffee and swigging it down. Feeling the caffeine working, he jumped into the shower and dressed. Hearing Scully moving around next door, he walked in and held out a donut. She was already dressed and smiling as she took the donut. "I think we got some leads. The police raided a warehouse last night. It contained some strange kind of chemical. I'm going down to the lab to run some test. Maybe you should go check out the warehouse. Maybe they missed something." "Your sure chipper this morning. It's amazing what a good nights sleep can do for you." "And a large cup of coffee." They soon were on their way. Mulder arrived at the warehouse. Scully had been right. The police hand been there, the yellow tape was the proof. Slipping underneath, he walked around surveying the area. Some crates were broken or turned over, a fire estinquisher was laying on the floor, and other objects scattered about. He walked over to the crates where the police found the chemicals. He shifted through the rubble and debris before he found a piece of cloth. It must have been snagged and then buried under the rubble. He tucked it away in his pocket and continued to look around. In the corner he found an object made of light-weight metal and in the shape of a bat. In another part of town, Scully had her eyes glued to a microscope. The chemical was clear and odorless. It seemed harmless but yet it was reported that this Scarecrow person may have been after it. She hoped that Mulder was having better luck. Just then she heard her cellphone ring. "Scully here," she said as she answered it. "Hello Ms. Scully. Having a beautiful day." She recognized the voice of Bruce Wayne. "Hello Bruce. How can I help you." "Well, I was just wondering if you would care to have lunch with me today." "Well," she looked at her watch noticing it was almost one in the afternoon. She was hungry and her stomach growled at her. "Sure." "Great," she could hear the happiness in his voice, "I'll be there to pick you up in 30 minutes." She told him where she was and within 30 minutes a car driven by Alfred pulled up in front. She climbed in and they were soon on their way. They arrived at the restaurant and were escorted into a private room. The place was beautiful and intimate. Bruce sat across from her staring. She was just as beautiful now as she was last night when he first met her. "So Bruce, tell me. What do you do for a living." she decided to start the conversation to get his mind off of her. "I own and manage Wayne Enterprises and its various industries across the U.S. and internationally." "Wow." She took a sip of her wine wondering what to talk about next. "Name some of the industries, maybe I heard of one." "Wayne Chemicals is one..." He was interrupted by Scully choking on her wine. "Initials WC, correct." "Yes, why?" "Do you keep a record of all the chemical your company produces?" "Yes." "Do you think I could take a look at those? Last night a warehouse was broken into. The police found a chemical in there but it doesn't match up to anyone that the FBI or the local police department have on record. I also notice that on the side of one of the containers was a large WC on the side." "Sure, perhaps we could go there after lunch." He had no idea that a chemical was found. He was there that night with the police. But unfortunately he ran into the Scarecrow. At least this way he could possible get ahead of the game again by finding out what this chemical was. They both ate lunch and the conversation turned to pleasant affairs. They talked about the party, about where she lived, her mother and the death of her sister, he about his parents and how he was raised by Alfred, his butler and companion. As he talked she stared at him. Watching his lips move. Remembering how, in her dream, they felt against hers, the animal hunger in them and the passion. Jolting her out of her trance, her cellphone rang loudly. "Scully." she answered. "Scully, its me. I found something that I want you to analyze in the lab." "I'm chasing down some leads myself Mulder." "Where are you, I hear music in the background." "I'm at lunch with Mr. Wayne." She looked up at Bruce as she talked. "Who?" "Never mind Mulder, I'll met you late a the hotel." "Alright, I'll drop this off at the lab. See ya lata." "Bye Mulder." She hung up the phone and smiled at Bruce. "Was my partner checking in?" "Oh. Am I keeping you from anything?" "No," she responded quickly. A little to quickly for her comfort. "Shall we go to your lab?" Getting up, he led her out and to his car where Alfred drove them to Wayne Chemicals. There inside, he and Dana went through the database trying to match the chemical. "This is going to take a while it looks like. We have a big database," he told her. She noticed how close he was to her as he leaned over her to look at the monitor. She could feel his breath against her neck. He reached over her and punched some keys, like a pro, and narrowed the search. His hand brushed against hers. She leaned back bumping his chest but he didn't move. When the results came up, it indicated that there were three different compounds that could have matched. She skim read each one as he watched her. He couldn't help but get the feeling like he knew her somehow. He heard the printer roar to life as she printed what was on the screen. Handing her a copy, he tucked his away in his breast pocket. She spun around to face him and noticed how close he was to her. She had no place to move to. "Thank you for the information and lunch. I just hope it will do some good." "So do I," he said. "Can I drop you off back at your hotel?" She nodded in response and they where soon on their way. When they arrived, before she got out, he grabbed her arm. Stopping, she looked at him. She wanted him to kiss her. "Yes Bruce?" she whispered softly. "Would you care to met me for dinner?" "I'd love to," she responded before thinking. "I'll send Alfred to get you. We can have dinner at my place." He let go of her arm smiling. "I'll call you when I'll be ready, is that OK?" "Sure." He watched her walk away and turned to Alfred. "Don't say a thing Alfred. Just don't say a thing." "Yes Sir." Alfred kept his word. He drove Bruce home in silence until they reached the manor. "Sir," Alfred stood at the door of Bruce's study, "Will you be late on your rounds tonight?" "I don't think so, Alfred, why?" "Master Timothy, if you remember, was to join you tonight and I was just wondering if I should tell him not to expect you tonight." "Don't worry about it, Alfred, I'll take care of it." Scully walked in to see Mulder waiting for her. "Did you find anything at the warehouse?" she asked throwing her jacket on the bed. "What! No doggie bag?" Mulder looked at her and handed her the piece of cloth he found. "I found this. The lab is running tests on it now. It may be nothing but then again." She took the cloth out of his hand and examined it. Handing it back, she gave him the printouts. "When I went to lunch with Mr. Wayne, I found out that his company was the one that manufactured the chemical. According to the data, there a three types of chemicals they manufactured that match it. Our only problem should be narrowing it down to which one it is." "Could he be tied to all of this?" Mulder looked at the printouts. "I don't think so," she said with disgust in her voice. "Well we can't rule out that possibility. You should be careful." "I'm a big girl Mulder." "But even big girls need to be looked after. I'm serious, Scully." "Alright. Now if you don't mind I'd like to take a bath." "Need some help?" he asked, half joking, half not. She only pushed him out and he could hear the door lock behind him. He turned his attention to the printouts. He really had no idea what he was looking at, but he knew someone who did. Pulling out he cellphone he made a call, "Frohike, it's me Mulder, I need your help." Dana sat in the tub with the water running. She felt relaxed and decided to let her mind drift. Her thoughts drifted to Bruce. Bruce seemed taller in person but his handsome features were right on track. But she noticed today at lunch that he didn't have on the cologne that he wore in her dream. Thinking, she concluded he may not even wear cologne. That was when she felt foolish. Why was she comparing him, a real man, to a dream. Climbing out she dried herself and walked out. There was a note taped to her door that adjoined Mulder's and her room. Walking over she read it. 'Scully, went to do some more research on the chemicals with the guys. Will be back soon. Don't wait for me to join you for dinner. - Mulder' She sighed and placed the note down. Just then her phone rang. "Scully," she answered. "Scully, it's me." "What you want Mulder. I thought you were going over to see Frohike." "How'd you....never mind. Look I think I may have a lead. There was a robbery in the warehouse district. I'm going to check it out." "I'll meet you there." "No Scully, I want you to talk to Mr. Wayne. It was one of his warehouses. We need to know what was in it. The warehouse went up in flames leaving no clues." "Don't get too close, Mulder, the fumes could be deadly if it stored chemicals." "That's the thing ,Scully, there was nothing in it. Either it wasn't being used or the chemicals were taken out. The fire could have been set to cover some tracks." "Are you still going to see Frohike?" "Yeah, Scully. Why, want me to give him a kiss for you?" "Funny. Mulder. No, I just want you to see if they would mind running a background check on Mr. Wayne." "Sure, Scully" "I checked with the police but they didn't have much. He was arrested once but cleared of the charges." "Sure, I'll bring it back with me. Anything else?" "That's all. See ya later." She hung up the phone and dialed Bruce's number. "Hello, Is Mr. Wayne home?" She waited till she heard his voice on the other end. "Yes, Mr. Wayne, I would like..." she listened before she responded, "one hour then, I'll be there. Bye." she looked at her closet and quickly got dressed. Later that evening the cab pulled up in front of Wayne Manor. The property was larger than that in her dream. She climbed out paying the cabby. She hated taking a cab. For once she just wished Mulder would leave her the car. Walking up she stopped in front of the huge doors and rang the bell. Alfred opened the door. "Yes? Ah, Ms. Scully, Master Bruce has been expecting you. If you'll follow me please." He closed the door behind her and led her to one of the rooms. There she saw a fireplace with the fire going, a small table with candles and wine chilling. "Master Bruce will be with you shortly. He had some business to attend to. He asked if you would wait for thirty minutes. If you need anything just call." He turned and walked out leaving her alone. She looked around. Through the windows she could see thunder clouds rolling towards the house. It looked like the storm would be there by the time Bruce got there. She walked around noticing the pictures. She picked one up of him and Tim. She touched it, tracing Bruce's picture. She couldn't believe how much was true and how much was really different. She heard the thunder and the lightning flashed, lighting the room briefly. She walked over and looked out. The lightning danced in the sky. God's fireworks her mom used to tell her. From this view she could believe it. She held the picture close to her, not realizing she had. Just then she turned around running into Bruce's chest. She dropped the picture but he managed to catch it before it hit the floor. "Sorry I'm late, I was tied up at the office. One of my warehouses was set on fire, but now that is all taken care of. Care to eat? I'm sure Alfred prepared a lovely dinner." She only nodded as he led her back to the fireplace. He came up behind her so quietly she didn't even notice him. Alfred brought dinner in and poured the wine. They ate and made idle conversation. After Alfred cleared the table, he left the two alone. Bruce watched the glow from the fire glisten in her eyes. She had beautiful eyes. Realizing he was staring, he moved to stoke the fire. "So, Mr. Wayne, tell me about the warehouse fire." "Please, call me Bruce." He sat back down on the floor and leaned back against the couch. "The warehouse used to store all our dangerous chemicals that were awaiting shipment or disposal, but the strange thing is that the warehouse hasn't been used for at least a year." "What kind of chemicals?" "I'm not sure," but in the back of his mind he knew. "Do you mind if I get a report on that?" "Anything to help." He could see her rubbing her neck and decided to help. Dana couldn't get rid of the pain that shot through her neck. Suddenly she felt his strong hands pushing her hair aside and massage her neck. Chills traveled down her back. "I'm fine, really," she said, trying to pull away but his hands held her still. Without a word, he continued. She dropped her head forward, giving in to him. His hands worked their magic. A slight moan escaped her lips. She closed her eyes letting herself relax. Suddenly she felt his lips gently kissing her neck. They were warm and soft and they traced her neck working his way up to her chin. He place one hand under her chin tilting it back against him. Her eyes remained closed as he kissed her gently on the lips. She turned facing him, placing her hands on his chest. His arms wrapped around her pulling her to him. He rolled her on her back onto the floor. She looked up at him seeing the fire in his eyes. His kisses were as she dreamt, with animal hunger in them and the passion she had never know existed. He reached down to her slowly and began to trace her the edge of her collar. He followed the V line down then back up again. She watched him quietly until she heard a knock on the door. His head jerked up and looked at the door. "Yes, Alfred," he shouted. "Sir, there is a call for you that I really think you should take." Bruce quickly got up and opened the door, leaving Dana to gather herself. "What is it, Alfred?" he said quietly. Alfred only pointed to the window where the bat signal showed brightly in the sky. "I'll be right there. Wake Tim." "Already done, Sir." Alfred turned and left Bruce standing at the door. Thinking fast he walked back in and sat down next to Dana. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to go to the office. Something important has come up and I need to handle it." He took her hand and kissed it gently. "You can stay here the night if you wish. There are plenty of rooms, or I can have Alfred drive you back." He pulled her to him and kissed her passionately again. Not believing he was saying this, "I would really like you to stay." She could see in his eyes that he meant it. "I...." Before she could finish he kissed her again. Without her answer he got up and left her sitting there in front of the fire. She wrapped her arms around herself suddenly feeling cold. Mulder sat in his room looking over the files that Frohike gave him. Langly said the chemicals were harmless unless mixed with other chemical, then they could be deadly. They also had a helpful property. When combined with the right chemicals they produced and agent that could travel through the body and kill any germ, bacteria, even in some cases viruses that invaded the body. Mulder knew that this had to be why the chemicals were stolen. Someone wanted to mix this chemical with another to make a deadly cocktail. Spitting a sunflower seed out, he got up and knocked on Scully's door. Not home yet, he thought. He reached over to the table and began reading the file that the guys managed to pull together on Wayne. He was a very rich boy, billions of dollars, and an orphan. Due to the money his parents had left him when he was young, he never went to an orphanage. He was raised by his butler and a friend of the family, a social worker that worked in 'Crime Alley'. She ran a halfway house there for the unfortunate. After that, Wayne traveled the world for many years only staying a few months, a year in some places. He soon returned back to Gotham where he took control of Wayne Enterprises and was known throughout the city as a bumbling playboy. Mulder wondered how someone who traveled the world could be so stupid. This didn't seem right. He pulled the picture of Wayne out and looked at it. Good looking guy. Tall. Rich. Every girls dream, but something in his eyes told Mulder otherwise. He could see something in them. Intelligence maybe, but Mulder had been wrong about people before. His past relationships told the story. The only one he got right was Scully. She was the only one he really trusted, cared about. He heard the door open next door and ran over to see if it was her. "Scully, is that you?" he asked entering the dark room. She didn't say a word, only stood out on the balcony. He walked up behind her quietly and stood watching her. The rain trickled down in a mist causing a fog to blanket the city. Lightning flashed and thunder rolled above them. He finally touched her and she turned facing him. "So what did you find?" "A lot." He handed her the files to review. She took it from him and walked in turning on a light. She sat down on the bed and started reading it. The pain in her neck returned and she started to rub it again. Her mind flashed back to Bruce and she sighed. Mulder came up behind her and started rubbing her neck. She didn't move, scared to even say a word. "You're tense," he told her, "Relax." He continued to rub until she quickly got up. "I think I need a bath. You mind, Mulder. Maybe that will relax me." "Sure, Scully." He left her alone as she walked into the bathroom. She grabbed the file on Bruce and was soon in the tub. She started at the photo of him. The file said everything she remembered from her dream. Her hands began to shake and she quickly threw it away from her. After a while she finally calmed down and climbed out. The pain in her neck was still there. Placing her robe around her she walked over and knocked on Mulder's door. "Mulder, are you awake?" She heard grumbling and the door opened. Mulder stood before her in his underwear and a t-shirt. "Do you have any aspirins?" "Sure Scully." He rummaged through his bag and came back handing her two. He followed her in and watched her take them with a glass of water. "Are you OK?" he asked worried. She only nodded. "I can't seem to get rid of this pain in my neck." She saw a worried look come over his face. "It's not your implant is it." he asked "No, Mulder. Just stress I guess." She felt him push her down on the bed and climb behind her. His hands massaged her neck again. She closed her eyes to relax. She imagined Bruce's hands traveling over her. His lips caressing her. "Mulder," she said softly, "have you ever wanted someone so badly that it hurts inside." "Yes." he said. "What's wrong?" "Do you find me attractive?" God, yes!, He screamed in his mind. "Of course I do," he told her pulling her to him. He held her in his arms. "Why do you ask?" "Nothing Mulder, it's nothing. Sleep tight." Batman looked at the note. The Scarecrow was demanding fifty million dollars within a week, at least he wasn't unreasonable, or he will release his fear gas upon Gotham, and for a little sample of how serious he was, a little demonstration will be held tomorrow at noon. Robin took the note and read it quickly. "This guy is a psycho. So what do we do?" "We have to find out where this demonstration is being held. Where did you find this Commissioner?" Gordon pulled out the envelope it was in and handed that to Batman as well. "It was found on a Metro bus in one of the seats. A little girl handed it to her teacher at school who read it and then the school called us." Batman looked at the envelope. Nothing was inside. "Thank you Commissioner." He walked over to the window and stepped out. "Hopefully this won't happen where I think it will." "Where Batman?" he asked worried. "The school." In the Batcave, Batman sat in front of the computer punching in calculations. Robin stood behind him watching quietly. "You think it will really happen at the school?" "It's hard to say Robin. He left it on the bus as well. If he left a residue, it could be on all the people who rode that bus. Or if the agent was triggered when they opened the envelope, it could be in the school." The computer screen blinked at them. It read no residue was found. "Come on Robin, lets go check the school. We need to see if there is anything attached to the water supply, vent system, anything. And call Nightwing, we may need his help." They soon arrived at the school. Nightwing stood waiting on the roof. "Hey guys. Talk about night school," he joked. Batman only walked past him and entered through the door that was on the roof. Robin grinned and soon followed. They searched the school wearing gas masks. Robin thought they sounded like Darth Vader, of course Batman didn't get it. Nightwing searched the basement while Robin and Batman searched the vents and water coolers. They found nothing. Maybe his hunch was wrong. Just then, Batman decided to take an air sample. He pulled a small tube from his belt with a vacuum attached to it. He held it up in the classroom where the note was opened and pressed the button. A small pump activated and sucked till it shut off. Knowing it was filled he placed it back in his belt and motioned Robin that it was time to leave. Nightwing followed and they soon departed. At the Batcave, Batman pulled the tube out and attached it to the computer analysis. Nightwing sat punching keys to help it along. Alfred walked in carrying a tray of tea and coffee. Robin took the tea as Batman and Nightwing took the coffee. "Thanks, Alfred," Nightwing said. "My pleasure, Master Dick." Alfred set the tray down and walked out. "So what do you think, Batman," Nightwing asked. "I'm hoping that we find nothing and that the Scarecrow was only bluffing. He could be using psychological pranks. Thinking that once the news gets out that people will be to scared to do anything. That's why I asked the Commissioner to keep this silent." "That doesn't sound like the Scarecrow," Robin said. "In our past cases he's always used something." "Maybe he's changed Robin," Nightwing said. "As Batman always tells me, never underestimate your opponent." "That's right, Robin," Batman said as the computer beeped at them. "Analysis complete," he read, "air bound agent found in concentrated levels. Not enough data to calculate compounds." Batman turned and called the commissioner. "Well at least the school kids will be happy that school will be closed." "That's not the worst of it, Robin," Batman said to him. "If this agent was in the school, it could also have been on the bus. That bus picked up thousands of people. Those thousands of people breathed the gas, then took it with them and spread it to work, homes, everywhere." Commissioner Gordon set the phone down, irritated. His daughter Barbara looked up. "What is it, Daddy," she asked. "I just got a call from Batman. He wants us to close the school. He found an airborne agent in the classroom. Our only problem is that we don't know if or when it will effect anyone." They were working on a case without her. She wondered why they didn't call her. "Daddy, I need to go. It's getting late and I have to be at work tomorrow. You know how my boss hates me to be late." She nudged him in the ribs and winked at him. "See you tomorrow, sweetheart." He kissed her on her forehead and watched his little girl leave. She sure had grown. Barbara soon arrived at Wayne Manor. She rang the door bell and, as usual, Alfred answered. "Why, good evening, Ms. Gordon." Alfred motioned her in. "Are they here Alfred?" "Yes, Ma'am, you know the usual place." She smiled and kissed him on the check, "You sleep well tonight, Alfred." "Thank you, Ms. Gordon. And do stay out of trouble." She only smiled and walked into the study where the clock was kept. She noticed a couple of glasses of wine and the fire still burning. She walked over and noticed lipstick on one of the glasses. So Bruce had a date, huh? She thought. She turned and walked to the clock and was soon on her way down a flight of winding stairs. There she saw Batman, Robin and Nightwing. "Hey guys," she waved. "Batgirl," Nightwing said as she walked over to him. "Nice to see you." "What's going on?" she asked. "What's not." Robin commented. "The Scarecrow is up to his usual tricks," Batman commented in a low voice. "Why didn't you call me," she asked a little hurt. "We had it under control." Nightwing looked at her reassuringly, "I'm sure he would have called if we really needed you." "Well since I'm here, how can I help?" She walked over looking at the computer. She read the screen and tilted her head. "Have you tried running the program to match all know air agents that could possibly mix with the three chemicals that came up missing from Wayne Chemicals." "Yes. We're waiting for the results. It looks like the computer is going to take a while." Nightwing said, "Why don't Batgirl and I check out the bus. Maybe we can get lucky and find a clue." Batman only nodded. Robin sat down and looked up at him. "So what's our next move?" "We wait," Batman said sighing. Scully woke up alone in her bed. Suddenly the thunder outside crashed loudly causing her to jump. It seemed like Gotham always had rain. She pulled herself out of bed and took a quick shower. When she finally finished dressing, she left Mulder a note and went to the lab. The tech at the lab handed her the report on the fibers found. It had a trace of two agents found in the fibers. She recognized one but the other was unfamiliar. Pulling out her cellphone she dialed up Mulder. "Mulder, I got the report back from the lab." "Great, what did it say?" "One of the chemicals did come from Wayne's lab. The other I haven't heard of. I'm going to run by Wayne's office and check the list out. Maybe it was in the warehouse." "Good idea, I'll meet you there." Within an hour, Mulder met her at Wayne Enterprises. Once inside, they were escorted up to his penthouse office. There was a tall blond woman sitting behind a desk. Pulling her glasses down she looked as the two approached. "Is Mr. Wayne in?" Mulder asked. "Who would like to know?" she asked in a snobbish tone. "We're with the FBI, Special Agents Mulder and Scully." He held out his badge so she could read it. "Well, I'm sorry, but Mr. Wayne is not in today," she said sarcastically. "May we call him at home?" Scully asked. "I'm sorry, but he doesn't like to be disturbed at home." Mulder eyed her. "That's OK," he said pulling Scully out with him. "We'll just check back later." Scully pulled her phone out as they walked out the building's front door. Dialing Bruce's number she heard Alfred pickup the phone. "Wayne Manor." "Alfred, this is Agent Scully, is Mr. Wayne in?" "I'm sorry ma'am, but Mr. Wayne has stepped out. Would you like to leave a message?" "Yes, could you please have him call me as soon as he gets in." "Yes, Ms. Scully, anything else?" "No, Thanks." She turned to Mulder, "He's not at home either." "Alright," Mulder said thinking, "Let's go see the Commissioner, maybe he can help." Commissioner Gordon looked at the report, then handed them a copy of the note. "We found this yesterday. We already dusted it for prints, and had it tested. The report said there was a chemical agent but not enough to identify the compounds." "Where was this found?" Mulder asked. Gordon told them the same story he told Batman. Scully looked over the note again. "If the air bound agent was found in the school, could it possibly have been on the bus too?" Gordon looked at her. "We didn't think of that. I'll call Metro and have the bus brought in. We probably won't find much." "Commissioner," Mulder interrupted. "I think what she is trying to say is that this agent could have gotten on the people who were on the bus." "So what do you suggest we do?" Gordon asked. "I would suggest, for one, that you need to find out between what times this note was discovered and when it was opened. Then alert the people. Ask them to see the doctor. But don't send them into a panic, just tell them that it is the Measles or something. Then we can run a blood test and see if these agents are in their system. Hopefully, we can come up with an antidote," Scully said as she handed Gordon back the note. Gordon only nodded and started making phone calls. Meanwhile, Mulder and Scully waited for the bus to arrive. She had a terrible feeling about the whole thing. Something wasn't right. Seeing the bus pull up in the garage, Mulder and Scully entered in protective gear. Nothing was found and the air was safe to breath. She read over the list of stops where the bus had been. She noticed one of the stops was at the warehouse district. "Hey, Mulder, check this out." She pointed to the schedule. "This bus stopped here every day this week, but it wasn't on the schedule last week." "I wonder why. Maybe we should talk to the driver." Just then her phone rang, "I'll meet you out front." Mulder nodded as he walked away. "Scully here." "I got a message you called," Bruce said at the other end. He sounded kind of cold to her, "Yes, you told me last night that you had a list of chemicals that were stored in the warehouse. I would like to come over and get that list." "Why, did you find something more out?" he asked. She felt like he was fishing so she decided to avoid giving him all the information. "Well, my partner was just wondering. He has his theories." "Sure, what time do you want to come by?" "When can we meet at your office?" "Later this afternoon, I...have some other things to take care of." She could hear the hesitation in his voice, "Alright, lets say about five o'clock." "See you then." She walked out and met Mulder at the car. They drove to the Metro center downtown. There they talked to the shift manager. It was a young kid named Madison. "Here's the duty roster." She looked over the roster and noticed that the guy driving the bus wasn't on the roster for the previous week. "Hey Mulder look at this." She handed him the roster and pointed out the name. "This one, Jose Guemez. He's not on any of the other rosters." "Hey Madison," Mulder called, "Who's this Jose Guemez." "He's a new guy, started last week I think. I placed him on the new Warehouse route." "Can I get his address?" Mulder asked "Sure, is he in any trouble?" "No," Scully said, "We would just like to see if he noticed anything strange." "Guess you haven't ridden on public transportation," he said with a laugh. "The address," Mulder asked. Madison left and returned shortly with the address. "Thanks." They both walked out and climbed in the car. "Mulder, drop me off at Wayne Enterprises. I'm going to meet with Mr. Wayne to get the list of chemicals that were stored in his warehouse." "I'll go check Jose out. Meet you later." He dropped her off and headed for the east side of town. It took him an hour and was located amongst abandoned buildings. Mulder walked up to the apartment building. It looked abandoned alright. He carefully walked up the stairs and pulled open the door. He checked the mail boxes. No mail had been delivered for a long while. He looked down one of the halls. He looked at the paper and then headed to apartment number two. He knocked on the door and it swung open partially. He pulled his gun out and pushed the door open the rest of the way. The place was empty, only rats lived there. He placed his gun back and turned to leave. Suddenly, darkness engulfed him and he fell face down. All he heard was laughter. "I'm here to meet Mr. Wayne," Scully said to the smug secretary. "I told you earlier that Mr. Wayne will not be in today. Do you FBI people have a hearing problem?" "I don't think she does, Ms. Davis." Bruce walked up behind Scully and waved her to the door. "I'll talk with you later." He followed Scully in and closed the door behind them. He walked over to his desk setting his brief case down. He looked tired, almost as if he was up all night. Scully stood in the middle of the room watching him. He sat at his desk and placed a call. "Yes, I need that report right away Lucious. How long, alright I'll let her know. Yeah nice to hear you, too, Lucious. Talk to you later. Bye." He set the phone down and walked over to her. "Lucious just told me that he will have the report run over in about two hours. Would you like to wait." She remembered the last time he had asked her that, she didn't. "Do you mind?" "I really wish you would have the last time I asked you that question." He stepped very close to her before she backed up bumping a coffee table. "Would you like something to drink?" "Sure, coffee." "Ms. Davis, could you please send up two Irish Cream coffees please." He turned to her and motioned her to the couch. Keeping his distance he sat in the chair across from her. She looked around the huge office seeing pictures and awards. Strangely enough there was a picture of a little black cat. She walked over and picked it up. There was writing on it and it read 'Thank you, you are a purr-fect friend. Love Isis' "Who's Isis?" she finally asked handing him the picture. She noticed a smile creep across his face. "Like it says a friend." He placed it down when he heard a knock at the door. Ms. Davis walked in and set the tray down. She glared at Scully and left promptly. Bruce handed her the large cup and took his. It was the best Irish Cream coffee she ever tasted. "Bruce, about the other night." she looked down at the cup, "I'm really sorry. I know you wanted me to stay but I really needed to get back." "I understand," he said calmly. He got up and sat down beside her. She was already in the corner and no place to move to. "I just wanted to know one thing," he grabbed her hands and held it gently in his hands. He could feel them start to tremble. "Would you have stayed if you could have." She looked at their hands interlocked. He placed his hand under her chin and tilted it up. She started to feel warm as looked into his eyes and felt herself fall into them. "Yes," she whispered. A smile crept across his face and he let go of her hands. Just then the lights went out. He looked out the window and saw the lightning dance. Grumbling, he got up and picked up the phone. "What happened to the back up generator?. What? Great. Well, let me know when you have it up." He turned to Scully., "Looks like we're stuck." He looked at his watch noting the time. "It's past five-thirty now, no one is in the office except security. Lucious should be here shortly, but with this weather, it's hard to say." "Well, can we meet him downstairs?" she asked. "Nope. With the back up generator out, the elevators are dead, and I don't think you really want to go down sixty-five flights of stairs. It's just best that we wait." Scully sighed and looked out the window. "How long will the power be out?" "Its hard to say." He stood behind her looking out at the city. His city, Gotham, to protect and serve. She turned and looked at him. No matter how close the lightning seemed or how loud the thunder rumbled, he didn't flinch. He stepped back and looked down at her as he reached down pushing a strand of hair back. She closed her eyes as his hand brush against her. He reached around behind her and pulled her to him. That was when she noticed it, the cologne. It enticed her and broke down her defense. She looked up at him. His eyes were soft but yet there was something behind them that she had seen before. He leaned down and kissed her gently. Her lips parted, inviting him in. His kisses grew more passionate as he walked her backwards towards his desk. Picking her up, he placed her on top of it. Her arms were around him now, not wanting to let go. As she kissed him, she heard objects falling off his desk. Papers were sent flying as he laid her back. He reached down and slowly unbuttoned her shirt. His hand slipped inside her shirt and she felt him quickly unhook her bra. His hand slipped under it and cupped her breast. She moaned softly as he touched her. She felt his lips cover her nipple. His tongue teased her as his other hand undid her pants. She turned her head and something out the window caught her eye. A huge screen that had been flashing advertisements now had a face. The face of the Scarecrow. She jumped and pushed him off. He turned looking out the window and stepped back at the hugeness of the Scarecrow's face. The Scarecrow's lips were moving but he couldn't hear what was coming out of them. Leaving her behind he quickly ran to the roof. The wind and rain tore at his clothes. He stood listening to the broadcast. With an evil laugh, "Batman, if you are listening, time is running out. I can feel the fear in the air, can't you? You know the kind, the kind that makes foolish men do foolish things. Desperate things. Deadly things. The clock is ticking, and by the way, Batman, do you know where your children are? I do." The screen clicked off and then flickered the 'Coke' logo. Bruce stood staring at the screen as he felt the anger build in him. He was up to something. Something deadly. He turned around and saw Scully behind him. He walked past her and back inside. She followed him in and found him on the phone. She stayed away from him, not wanting to disturb him. The anger in his eyes was deep. He slammed the phone down and banged his fist on the desk. She jumped at the noise and walked over to him. "Are you alright?" she asked hastily. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "We're stuck up here. They can't get the back up generator running. So that means the elevators don't work." "Well, we can wait, can't we. Besides your friend was to meet us here right?" She could tell that something else was bothering him. He sat back in his chair and stared out the window. There wasn't much he could do. He turned and saw Dana shivering. Realizing that he too started to feel cold he walked over to one of the closets and pulled out an extra set of clothes. Handing her a set he said "Sorry that I don't have your size," he smiled briefly. She took it from him and looked around "Do you have a bathroom by chance?" "Through those doors." He pointed across the room. He walked over to one of the shelves and pulled a large candle off. Lighting it he led her to the bathroom and placed it inside. "You'll need this." He walked out and closed the door leaving her alone. The shirt was so large she could have made a dress out of it. Dana tied it at her waist and the pulled the pants on. She felt silly in them. Deciding not to wear them she untied the shirt and pulled it down. She pulled opened the door and walked out holding the pants in her arms. She stopped as she saw him standing before her with shirt in hand. His back was to her and he didn't hear her walk in. She could see cuts and scars on this back. Curious, she walked over and touched one, tracing her finger over it. He jumped at her touch and turned quickly to face her. She stumbled backwards from him "I didn't mean to scare you." The room grew darker so his face became half lit from the sign outside. "You scared me." He looked down at her. The shirt hung nicely on her. He admired her slim legs and traveled back up. He could see her nipples showing through the shirt. He stepped close to her and noticed she took a step back. Pulling his shirt on, he turned and walked over to the couch. She followed and sat down watching him carefully as he paced back and forth. He knew that if he had his Batman suit, he would be out of there and after the Scarecrow. He turned and looked at Dana. Her small figure was curled up in the corner of the couch. What was it about her that drove him crazy. He had been thinking about her since the night he met her at the party. He remembered telling Robin that distractions like this could be costly in this game. But something inside him, something he couldn't push away, drew him to her. He walked over to her and sat down beside her. She looked over at him not saying a word. Wrapping his arm around her, he pulled her to him. He felt her shiver and decided to get her warm. Scooping her up in his arms he placed her on his lap and held her to him. He reached over and pulled his jacket over her. He held her like her daddy would have when she used to play in the snow and would come in all cold. She felt his body heat through the shirt and his arms felt strong. He leaned down to her and kissed her tenderly. She felt his hand slowly move up to her neck and down her shoulder. He slowly unbuttoned her shirt as he kissed her chin. Her breathing grew deeper as his hand pushed open the shirt. He pulled it down off her shoulders as he kissed down her neck. His hand cupped her breast and she felt his tongue play over her nipple. She moaned at his touch as his hand moved down between her legs. He felt the heat radiating from her as his fingers traced her legs. Just then he heard a knock on the door. He looked over her at the door. Quickly kissing her, he yelled, "Who is it?" "Is me Bruce, Lucious Fox." "Come on in." Dana looked shock at him as he smiled at her. "Just pretend your sleeping. I'll think of something." He kissed her again but his hand continued to play with her nipple. Lucious walked in and noticed all of his papers, lamps and stuff scattered on the floor. He turned and saw Bruce sitting on the couch with someone on his lap. "Oh, I'm sorry Bruce I didn't know you had company." "It's alright Lucious. She's sleeping." His hand pushed between her legs and felt the wetness building. "We got caught on the roof listening to the Scarecrow's message to Batman." "Oh. Well here's the report you asked for. I would suggest you leave here soon. The roads are starting to flood. There are already several road closings." "Thanks Lucious." His fingers penetrated her and began to play within her. "Just leave it on the table. I'll be out of here shortly." Lucious Fox placed the reports down and waved bye to him as he closed the door. Bruce kissed her deeply and laded her back on the couch. He looked down at her and pushed a strand of her hair out of her face. "Have you ever wanted someone so bad that it hurts?" "Yes," she whispered as she felt his hand travel back down to her breast. "Me too." He kissed her deeply again. "Meet me at my house." He pulled her up as he stood up. "Shall we go before we get rained on and the power goes out again?" He kissed her again before she could respond. A few short hours later she found herself at Wayne Manor. 'What was she doing?' she kept asking herself. She knocked on the door and Alfred answered. "Mr. Wayne has been expecting you, Ms. Scully." He led her in and escorted her to the same room she had been in before. The fire roared in the fireplace and two glasses of wine were poured. Bruce turned to meet her as she walked down the stairs. He kissed her hand and lead her to the couch. "I'll be right back." Leaving her, he walked up to Alfred. "I'm going to take a few hours off tonight. If anything really important comes up let me know." Alfred nodded and left the two alone. "You have a lovely house Bruce," she said sipping her wine. "Thank you," he said sitting next to her. He watched her tongue play on the edge of her glass before she set it down. She turned and faced him with eyes locking onto his. "Tell me Bruce, you don't have anything to do with these chemicals coming up miss do you?" "No, what makes you think that?" he asked feeling a little hurt. "Well then, can you tell me why your secretary was so rude to us today when we came to see you earlier?" "She's just over protective. We had some past break ins and the last batch of people who came around asking questions wasn't, shall we say, very nice." "Well, I'm sorry that happened, but we were only trying to do our jobs. If we could get everyone's cooperation this wouldn't have to be so hard." "Believe me, you have my full cooperation. I've told you everything I know." In the back of his mind he knew he didn't tell her everything. She looked out at the rain falling against the windows as she held her glass. She wondered how Mulder was fairing in this weather. Just then, she felt his hand touch hers. "Penny for your thoughts," he said softly. She looked down at his hand as he pulled it up to his lips. He kissed it gently while pulling her to him. "Hum, Bruce..." before she could finish he kissed her softly. He felt her hand start to tremble slightly as he felt a slight resistance. He pulled back looking into her eyes. The fire reflected off her as soft shadows fell across her face. His fingers traced her jaw line. They both looked at each other, locked in a silent gaze. Leaning in he pushed her jacket off her shoulder as he kissed her neck. She closed her eyes as he touched her softly. She wanted him, badly, but she had to control herself. His hand traveled down her legs as he felt her stockings. Bruce reached over and took the glass from her other hand. Downing the rest, he dropped it on the floor and leaned over to kiss her. She tasted the sweet wine on his lips as her mouth parted slightly inviting him in. Breaking the kiss he stood her up in front of him. She looked down at him feeling a little vulnerable. His hands worked up to her blouse, slowly unbuttoning it. Underneath she wore a cream color camisole made of lace. As he pulled her shirt off, he threw it on the chair and then felt the material of the camisole. It was soft and delicate. He could feel her nipples threw it. Leaning up he placed small butterfly kisses along the edge. His hands worked around her and she heard the zipper of her skirt. The skirt fell to the floor easily revealing, in the same color, a garter. He ran his fingers along the straps admiring them. He always had women wanting or undressing for him but he always wanted to do it himself, this time he liked it. He sat back admiring her figure, eyes traveling over her, drinking her in. She stood silent before him not knowing what was next. He was a lot more gentler now than he was in her dream but she still felt a warmth brewing inside of her. With careful movement he reached up and slipped her top off. His hands cupped her breasts as he kissed her belly. He turned her around running his hands over her back. She closed her eyes as his hands traveled over her. With suddenly surprise she felt his breath against her waist. She looked down to see him pull her garter off with his teeth. He slowly worked it off till it hit the floor. She didn't even notice when he undid the straps. He pulled her down next to him and maneuvered her legs onto his lap. She watched as he slowly rolled off her stockings, one by one, tossing them into the darkness. He kissed her legs, running his tongue up and down them. She laid naked beside him watching his every move. He leaned down and kissed her again, pulling her up to him. She tried to help him off with his jacket before he sent it flying across the room. She worked on his buttons slowly. She could feel the heat of his body reaching out to her. Suddenly with no patience, he ripped his shirt off sending buttons flying. Her hands traveled over his chest, feeling his muscles. He pulled away from her kiss and whispered in her ear. "Does it hurt?" he asked. She only managed to nod as she undid his belt. He pulled it off and wrapped it around her neck letting it lie against her soft skin. She managed to undo his pants and watched as he pulled them off with ease. His socks followed suit and he was only left with his underwear. She ran her fingers along the edge of them seeing his throbbing erection underneath waiting to come out. She ran her hand along the full length of it, feeling the pulse. He reached down to pull them off but her hands stopped him. He watched as he saw her reach down in the same fashion he did and pull them off with her teeth. Tossing his underwear into the darkness, she kissed up his legs. She felt him fidget a little till her tongue licked up his full length. His skin was hot and smooth as he pulsed under her touch. She licked the shining tip and curled her tongue around it, cleaning him of his pre- cum leakage. Her lips soon covered the tip and bobbed slowly only a few inches at a time. She teased him slowly, curling her tongue around his shaft. Placing her hand around him, she worked him as she licked up and down his full length. He never had a woman play with him that way, teasing him till he thought he would break. She seemed to stop just in time to let him rest before she wrapped her lips around him again. This time she deep throated him. He watched as she bobbed delicately in his lap, sucking him in and out. She pumped his cock in unison of her lips. He felt like she wanted to suck him dry with every motion. Sensing Bruce's impending climax, she stopped and licked the tip. She could feel him struggling to regain control. A small smile crossed her lip as he watched him bring his head back up to look at her. He pulled her up to him and kissed her with animal passion. She knew she broke down his defenses. He pulled her up his body as he licked her nipples. His cupped them both and held them as he sucked, teasing her at times. Picking her up he laid her down on the couch and straddled her. He kissed her neck as he teased her by rubbing his cock against her pussy. He could feel the heat and her wetness. Grabbing the belt, he tied her hands together over her head to the table behind her. Her body arched over the pillows, exposing her fully to him. He played with her nipples again and felt her squirm with excitement. A soft moan escaped her lips and her breathing grew heavy. His kissed down her belly till he reached her pussy. Teasing her moist lower lips with his tongue, his fingers played with her opening. She shuddered as he inserted just the tip of a finger into her and running it along her slit. Her fires grew more as he pressed his mouth into her. He covered the length of her slit with soft kisses, savoring her sweet aroma. By the time his tongue made contact with her pussy lips, he heard loud moans. He used long slow strokes as his fingers slowly worked their way inside, exploring her. He explored every inch of her pussy with his lips, tongue and fingers, carefully avoiding her clit. Sensing her arousal and feeling her grip tighten around his fingers he stopped and looked up at her. Reaching up he released the belt from around her wrist and pulled her to him. He placed her carefully on his lap, pressing his cock between them. She rubbed up and down him as she placed her hands on his shoulders. He kissed her lips and felt a moan trying to escape as he slid inside her. Breaking the kiss he tilted his head back with pleasure as she surrounded him, taking in his full length. He moved her up and down slowly, wanting to make this last. She tilted her head back and moaned deeply. He reached up and pulled her to him. "You feel so good." he whispered softly to her, kissing her ear. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him passionately. He pulled out laying her down. He climbed on top of her, resting his weight on her. He penetrated her again, moving more slowly. She wrapped her legs around him pulling him to her. He worked her slowly at first. He kissed her holding her hands down to her side. His thrusts grew harder and deeper as he pulled one of her legs up onto his shoulder. Her moans grew deeper and louder, almost to a scream. He moaned loudly as he drove faster but before he could climax he pulled out. She looked up at him as he pulled her up to him. She didn't know how much more she could take. He ran his hand down her back sending shivers over her body. He picked her up and laded her down in front of the fire. He laid beside her running his fingers over her body. He kissed her as he rolled on top of her again. He penetrated her again, hearing a moan roll off her lips. Her nails dug into his back as he rocked her slowly. She could feel his full length slide in and out. He sat up and held her waist to him. He looked down at her as he moved in and out more quickly. She reached above her, grabbing the edge of the rug. Her moans soon turned into small screams of ecstasy. Driving harder, he laid back on top of her, rolling her over so she was on top. He cupped her breast as she bobbed up and down on him. She rode him hard, placing her hands on his chest to brace herself. Her screams were growing loader as she felt his cock harden. Sensing his impending climax, she leaned back and grabbed his legs. She felt him arch his back and as he exploded inside her. His moans were long and deep and his body shuddered with his force. She chimed in with him with a long scream before she collapsed on top of him. Her legs were weak as were his. Wrapping his arms round her he kissed her tenderly. "Feel up for another round." he whispered. She smiled at the thought. Later that evening she woke up next to him in his bed. The bed was huge but he was wrapped around her. She ran her hand up and down his arm that laid across her. She traced his muscles slowly and listened to him sleep. He woke and watched her quietly. He hadn't remembered the last time he slept through the night. He was usually out in the cold of the city chasing robbers or the Joker and his gang at Arkhum. He liked the way she felt in his arms. He pulled her closer and she looked at him tenderly. "When was the last time you slept like this?" she asked softly, touching his face. "A long time," he said softly. "Can I ask you something Bruce?" "Sure, anything." He kissed her forehead tenderly. "Are you Batman?" He looked shocked at her and pulled away. The first thing that ran threw his mind was how did she find out. "What ever gave you that idea." "Well it's a long story." She could see that she may have made a mistake. "We have time." She told him about her dream. He could see that she was embarrassed by it. "It seemed so real." She touched his cheek. Rolling over she grabbed her purse from the floor and pulled the glove out. She handed it to him looking into his eyes. He knew instantly it was one of his Batman gloves. He looked back at her without a word. "You told me you were Batman, and the reason you wore the suit was to keep your sanity and to fight the crime that killed your parents. You also told me something else." Taking her chin in his hand, "What was it?" She looked him in his eyes, "That..." she paused not sure if she should tell him but his eyes urged her on, "...that you loved me." She looked away not wanting to meet his gaze any longer. Turning her back to face him, "I can't lie to you. When I first met you, I felt like I met you before, now I know why." He cleared his throat to continue. "I, too, had a dream, about you, but I just racked it up to a dream, but now that I've met you, I know it wasn't. I am the vengeance, I'm the Dark Knight, I am Batman." He looked at her waiting for a response. She leaned up and kissed him tenderly. "Thank you for telling the truth." He pulled her on top of him, "There is one other thing," he pushed himself inside her, feeling her tighten around him. A soft moan escaped her lips as she looked down at him. "I do love you." Her eyes filled with tears as he kissed her and rolled over on top of her to finish making love to her. He woke in the morning, not remembering the last time he woke like this in his bed. The sun shone through the windows striking her face. He traced her chin softly, traveling down her neck and onto her shoulder. She slept silently next to him. She looked like an angel, but the way she made love to him, he knew she wasn't. He pulled her to him and cradled her in his arms. He heard a soft knock on the door and Alfred peaked in. Bruce waved him in as he pulled the covers up around her. "Good morning, sir. The night passed without an incident. I told you you weren't needed all the time." He placed a tray of coffee down next to the bed. "May I say, Sir, that this one is good for you. You look a hundred percent happier today." He turned to leave when Bruce touched his arm. "Thanks Alfred, me, too." He felt her stir as Alfred left. "Morning," he said as he kissed her. She smiled up at him, "It's wasn't a dream," she said softly. "Not this time." He pulled her on top of him. "Want to take a shower?" She smiled as he picked her up and carried her to the shower where Alfred already had the water running. He set her down as he closed the door pressing her against the tile. The jets sprayed a mist upon them as he licked the droplets off of her shoulder. She giggled softly as she ran her hands up and down his back. He moved lower, cupping her breast and licking the water off. Pushing her against the tile, he picked her up and slowly penetrated her. She wrapped her legs and arms around him noting the scrapes she left on his back from before. As the shower filled with steam, their heat and hunger filled each other. She could barely stand when they were finished. After cleaning up, he toweled dried her and walked out to dress. Alfred was right, he couldn't remember when he felt this good. All the other women in his life either loved him for his money or cause he was Batman. But she loved him for him, Bruce Wayne. Not a millionaire, not Batman, just Bruce Wayne. He turned, pouring her a cup of coffee, fixing it just the way she liked it, two sugars and a little cream. Taking it to her in the bathroom, he stood at the door and watched her dress and dry her hair. "What are you doing?" she finally asked. "Just watching," he said between sips. "Do you always watch women get dressed?" "Nope. Just you." Mulder woke with a pain in his head. He looked around not recognizing where he was. He couldn't move his arms as water dripped on him from above. Just then he heard footsteps. "Ah, I see our guest is awake." Straw poked his cheek as the Scarecrow tilted his head up. "You know, little FBI agents that snoop around alone get scared." Mulder jerked his head away, glaring at the man. "You won't get away with this. Someone will stop you." "Ah, and you're thinking that someone is Batman." His arms moved in a fluttering motion. "I think not, my boy. For you see, I have a plan. A plan only worthy of me and maybe the Joker, but even his small mind couldn't comprehend what I have in store for Batman. You see, I know his weakness. His heart. His mind." He leaned in close to Mulder. "And I will use it against him, as your people have used her against you." Mulder's eyes went wide, "What are you talking about?" "Oh, Mr. Mulder." He motioned with a bony hand for Bane to pick him up. Mulder felt two large hands grip his shoulders and pull him up like a rag doll. The large man walked him over to a chair. "You see, I know all about you. Yes, Fox." His smile sent chills down Mulder's back. "I know all about your sister, Samatha is her name." He saw the anger build in Mulder's eyes, and smiled, "No she's not it, you were much too young then to fully understand true fear, not like today. Ohhh how they rival my expectations. They are almost worthy of me, but much too simple they are." He walked around Mulder, sometimes speaking in his ear. Mulder struggled a few times but a large meaty hand checked him. "You see Agent Mulder, Foxxx," Mulder's own name seared his ears, "I know what your little friends in Washington are up to. They even came to me for help. I have all your answers, but as I told them, answers come with a price. A price sometimes too high for us to pay." He stopped and stood in front of Mulder. "They told me I was crazy. Hah," he laughed, "They, of all people, call me crazy." His voice rose with anger, "They were the ones who made a deal with the devil." He turned facing away from Mulder. "No, Agent Mulder, I make no deals with the devil, for he fears me. You see, Agent Mulder, I know what will keep you at bay." Mulder only glared on at him in silence. "They have been playing the game wrong, you see, they always gave her back to you, safe and sound, so to speak. They think they can control you, but as they will learn, they can't. She has a mind of her own. She could leave you and then where will they be. They have already taken your father, your sister, and your mother, well, she could go on her own. There is no one left. Well, Agent Mulder, I take, and never give back." His eyes cut through Mulder like a knife. He was talking about the one person he cared for the most. The one person he would risk his life for. "Yes, Agent Mulder, at this very moment, she will be here shortly to join you." He motioned behind him to a glass cylinder container. "This was left by Victor Freeze. A brilliant man I must say. You see he kept his wife in here. He wanted her alive till he could cure her. Once he had the cure, his beloved wife would be brought back to live and would join him forever. Well, his worst fears came true. Oh, Agent Mulder, stop looking at me like that, I didn't cause this. Batman did. He destroyed Victor's dream. He has struck fear in his last victim's heart." He smashed his fist on the cylinder causing an echo to ring out. "And your going to help. Now, isn't that fun." He turned angrily towards Mulder and stood in front of him. "I'll never help you, besides I'm tied to the chair. I'd look kind of silly don't you think." "Always the jokester. No wonder the Joker likes you." Mulder only glared at him, "You see, ahh, our other guest has arrived." Just then he heard struggling coming from behind him. Mulder looked over his shoulder trying to see. Bane approached with a small figure thrown over his shoulder. "Senor, I found her where you told me she would be. She was looking for him. And something more interesting as well." He walked over and whispered into the Scarecrow's ear. Laughter rang out as Bane place the figure into the cylinder. His massive body blocked Mulder's view. He tried to see around him but couldn't. "Well, that is interesting. Maybe we can get two for the price of one." The Scarecrow reached over and hit the blue button on the side of the panel. A bluish liquid started to fill the cylinder. He stepped away so Mulder could see. Mulder's eyes went wide with shock and fear. "Ah, yes, I love that look," the Scarecrow cooed. "The true look of fear. You can't hide it, though Batman seems to do a very good job," he snarled. "But never mind. You see this is what I was talking about Agent Mulder. They have been using her to get to you, just as I will. Now, if you want her back you have to do a favor for me. You see, that little threat I put out for Batman was just a decoy. The agents you found in the material. Yesss," he nodded to Mulder, "all planted. Even Batman's little school mishap, planted. It's all part of my plan. You see, as I saw the fear on your face when you saw Agent Scully, I want to see the fear on his face when his beloved Gotham goes up in flames, destroyed right before his eyes, with no way to stop it." His laughter grew louder with every word leaving his lips, echoing in Mulder's ears. "But I can't tell you everything, my boy, for I know you. Probably better than you know yourself. I want you to bring Batman here, to me. How you ask? Well, that is the easy part, all you have to do is find him. But this is the hard part. You can't just go up and tell him, you have to tell his light side. The side that walks amongst us during the day, the man behind the mask. I want you to find out who the real Batman is. Tell him then where we are. But let me warn you," he approached Mulder and leaned down to him, "If you even tell Batman, and believe me I will know, this pretty one will not leave here alive. You see all I have to do is push the red button and instead of life stubstaining fluids, acid will come pouring in to replace it, eating her away." He motioned for Bane to untie Mulder who grabbed his wrist and rubbed it. "What makes you think that this Batman character is even real?" "Oh, Agent Mulder, he is real. You may not see him, but I do. His signal is in the sky, ask your Commissioner if he is real. Besides Agent Mulder, you really shouldn't doubt me." He patted the cylinder where Scully was stored. Mulder walked over and touched it. She laded motionless inside. Her face so soft. "If anything happens to her, I swear, I will hunt you down and kill you," he said threw clinched teeth. "Don't worry, Agent Mulder, I keep my promises." Bane motioned Mulder to follow. When they reached the door Bane grabbed him, "He is not joking Senor. Find me the Batman. I want to break his spirit. Now go." Mulder was shoved out into the darkness. He stumbled forward and turned toward the door. He glared at it in anger. He had to save her, but first he had to find Batman. "Do you think he will really find the man behind the mask?" Bane asked. "Bane, my friend. He will." He turned and looked at Scully, "And we will also strike fear in the heart of the richest man in town. I wonder how much he will pay to see his beloved released safely. Will he pay with is life." He laughed loudly. "Mr. Wayne will feel fear again." Bane chimed in unison with his laughter. Now he knew why he joined up with his man. He feared no one, not even Batman. Bruce hated to see her leave but she told him she had to find Mulder. He hadn't reported in and then again, neither did she, but he couldn't blame her, not after last night. A smile crept across his face. He felt so relieved, so relaxed, so... in love. Alfred even noticed his change in mode. Bruce even noticed it in himself. "Good morning, Tim," he said walking into the study. Tim looked up from his books. He eyed him and wondered what he was up to. It wasn't April Fools day, and he wasn't in the same mode as he usually was in, like someone had pissed in his Wheaties. "What's got you so cheery today?" he finally asked "Can't a man be cheerful?" he asked opening his mail. "You...no," Tim answered honestly. Bruce smiled and patted him on the head as he walked past him to the clock. "I have a feeling things are going to change around here." Tim looked at him curiously and watched him disappear. Wondering what he had taken this morning, he followed him down into the Batcave. There, he saw Bruce putting on his suit. He noted the marks going down his back. He smiled. 'So, he finally got laid,' he thought. 'Man if anyone needed it, he did. Mr. Serious.' He only hoped this one would stay around longer than the others did. Deciding to join him, Tim threw on his Robin suit. The cape fluttered around him as he clipped his belt on. "So, what are we up to today." "The computer finally finished the analysis. They were from my warehouse. Now we can develop a vaccine." "That's great, but only one thing is bothering me." "What's that, Robin." "Didn't you think this was a little too easy?" Batman thought about it. It was too easy. He let himself get distracted. He sat down in front of the computer. Tim leaned against it watching him. "Do you want to know what I think?" Batman looked up at him. "I think it was a decoy. He's up to something else. He wanted to keep us busy for some reason." "You're right, Robin. And I think I figured out what it is." "Care to share?" Mulder sat on the curb wondering where to begin. He couldn't take the chance of just finding Batman and letting him know what was going on. He had to find another way. Just then he noticed something moving through the night, it had wings. Nightwing looked down at the lonely figure sitting on the curb. He thought he recognized him from somewhere but he couldn't remember. He watched him carefully until he saw him get up and start to move over to where he was. Did he see him? Nightwing couldn't be sure. Getting up he quickly moved into the darkness. Mulder walked into the building and up the flight of stairs to the roof. They told him not to tell Batman, but they didn't mention his friends. He threw open the door and looked around. "Hey, you. Man in the costume," he called out. No one responded. "Hey, I need your help." "What do you want?" Nightwing said, from somewhere in the darkness. "It's a matter of life or death. I need to talk." He looked around but saw nothing. "Alright," Nightwing answered as he stepped out next to him. Mulder jumped. "Don't do that. You could give a guy a heart attack." "That's the plan," Nightwing said with a smile. "I'm Agent Fox Mulder with the FBI." He held out his badge. "You expect me to believe that's a real name," he said a little irritated, "You said it was a matter of life or death." "Do you work with Batman?" he asked quietly. "Yes." "Look, I feel kind of strange talking to you like this." He looked at Nightwing's suit. "But here it goes, I know where the Scarecrow is." Nightwing stepped back and looked at him. "What, you know where he is? How?" "He brought me there." "Why you?" "He's a man dressed as a scarecrow, do you really need a reason?" Nightwing tipped his head to that. "Alright, tell me where he is and we'll go get him." "It's not that easy." "Sure it is, you tell me, I go get Batman, we kick straw butt, it's over." Mulder looked at him silently, this guy reminded him of himself when he was first in the academy. "But there are some other steps that need to be taken. Like rescue the woman, deflate the big guy, Bane, I believe is his name. You know the little details." "Go on." Now he was really listening. "He's got my partner. He put her in some tube, said it was left by some guy named Freeze. But, anyway, he put her inside of it and filled it with this liquid. Then he told me to find Batman, tell him where he is and he would let her go." "That sounds easy, so why didn't you find Batman?" Nightwing asked more interested. "That's the catch. He wants me to find Batman alright. He wants me to find the man behind the mask." Nightwing raised his eyebrows at that one. He was getting tricky. This sounds like something the Joker would do. "Ok, how did he expect you to do that?" "I don't know, he didn't draw me pictures, all he told me was that if he caught me telling Batman any of this that he would fill her cylinder full of acid." Yep, that was the Scarecrow alright, testing the fear of one man against that of Batman's. "So aren't you risking a lot by telling me this?" "He told me I couldn't tell Batman. He didn't say anything about you." "A loop hole, good idea." Nightwing liked the way this guy thought. "Alright, I'll go tell Batman. You just go on to what your doing or suppose to be doing. I'll get in touch with you later." "But how will you find me?" "Believe me, I'll know." Just then he stepped back into the darkness and disappeared. Mulder stood hoping he did the right thing. Well where should he start. Nightwing looked at Batman. "That's what he told me." Batman's anger swelled inside him. He had her and he doesn't even know he has Batman defenseless. Robin looked at him too, wondering what was going through his mind. His mentor walked away into the darkness. He always thought better alone, in the dark, with only the bats to talk to. Robin looked up at Nightwing who watched him disappear. "What do you think?" he asked. "He's clearing the distractions." Robin then understood. Mulder stood at the last spot where Batman was reported seen. He stood looking around for any clue. That's when he realized he had one on him. He pulled out the Batarang from his pocket. The metal shined in the moon light. Frohike looked at he metal. "Very rare." Langly and Bryers nodded in unison. "Where did you get this? It's beautifully constructed. Sturdy. And look at this edge guys." He held it to the magnifying light revealing a razor sharp edge that looked like it could cut through bone. "Where did you find this again?" "I didn't say guys. I just want to know where would one go to get one of these made." Mulder said spitting out a sunflower seed. "For this kind of craftsmanship, very expensive," Langly said cutting a metal tube in half. "That should limit the search right there," Bryers said as Frohike punched on the computer keys. "So how's the lovely Scully today? I haven't seen her in a while," Frohike said as he handed Mulder a cup of coffee. "Fine," he said irritated. "Uh-oh, did she piss you off again?" Langly asked, half laughing. "No. Look, guys, can we just get this report." Mulder sat remembering her frail figure encased in the cylinder. How could he had let this happen. He swore to himself that he wouldn't let anything happen to her, but this. He hoped that this man he met on the roof would get with him soon. Langly looked over at him and then bumped Bryers who smiled. Mulder was sound asleep. Batman stood on top of the roof of the library. He looked out at the city. He loved her so much that he was willing to give his life for her, but now he had an even bigger decision. Was he willing to give his life for her, the woman he loved. Yes was the first answer that popped into his head, but then the other one followed. A great teacher had told him once that the needs of the many outweighed the needs of the few or the one. Did this apply here, now. He could still feel Dana's lips against his. The way her body moved when he touched it. Her voice, so soft. Her smile, so kind and inviting. Then he looked down at his city, she was cold but yet she needed him. Dana didn't need him. Not like his city. She need him to protect her, guide her through good and bad times. Would he have to give up his identity for her, the one he loved or the city he loved. He knew what his decision had to be. Robin jumped up as Batman walked in. His steps seemed more assured. He had made his decision. Robin felt good about that, but was it the right one. "Robin, where's Nightwing?" "Up stairs with Alfred." "Get him." Yep, he was back to his old self again. Darn. Mulder slept a long time. When he woke his saw the reports on his lap and a cup of hot coffee. "How do you sleep like that and not get a crick?" Frohike said quietly. "I don't know. Lucky I guess." "Shhh," Frohike said pointing over to the other two sleeping. "I finished the reports. I gave you a hard copy, but it looks like only two places manufacture this kind of material. One is in Metropolis. Luther Industries. The other is Wayne Enterprises. In Gotham." Mulder raised and eyebrow. "Wayne Enterprises, huh?" "Isn't this the second time this Wayne guy has popped up?" "Yeah. Interesting, huh?" Nightwing watched as Mulder entered his hotel room. He looked tired and ragged out. Shifting his weight, he placed the binoculars back in his belt. Firing a cable across the way, he glided down and landed quietly on the balcony. He watched as Mulder threw the reports on the desk and his jacket on the bed. As if instinctively, Mulder walked over to the adjoining door and knocked on it. Realizing that no one was there he sat on the bed, staring at the floor. Nightwing tapped on the window door. Seeing Mulder jump, he knew he got his attention. The door opened and Nightwing walked in. "Got good news for ya." Mulder looked at him, silent. "We have a plan." "We, as in you and Batman?" "Yep," he said sitting in one of the chairs. "Want to hear it?" "No, I'll just wait for the book." Nightwing shook his head "It may sound dumb, but trust me it will work." "Isn't that what politicians say?" Nightwing knew this was going to be hard. A few days later, Bane stood in Mulder's room, waiting. He had been following this man for days. He went to very strange places. He met with no one. Worked almost night and day. This man had heart. A passion for finding the truth. He liked that. Another spirit to break. Just then, Mulder walked in. Startled, he started to reach for his gun but was stopped by a massive hand striking his head. He hit the wall and slide down it. "Did you find the Batman?" Bane asked calmly. "I think so. He's meeting me here tonight. I'm taking him to the warehouse. He has no idea." "Good Senor. You have done well." He turned and left. Mulder only hoped this plan would work. The two entered the warehouse. Mulder looked round and motioned to a door. Opening the door, they saw a single cylinder placed in the middle of the warehouse floor. The moonlight from the skylight illuminated it. Inside was Scully's figure. She lay silent, unmoving. The two walked in further, slowly. "That's far enough gentlemen," a voice mumbled. The two men stopped instantly in their tacks. "Scarecrow," the other man's voice shouted. "Where are you? Come out you coward where we can see you." "Ah, Batman," he said stepping out from behind the cylinder. "Why, Agent Mulder, you have done an excellent job. He is good at what he does. Wouldn't you say, Batman?" Only silence came from them in the darkness. Mulder stepped forward. "I kept my end of the bargain, now, let her go." "Patience, Agent Mulder, I have to see if the goods are any good before you get your payment." He strolled over to a chair and motioned for them to come out of the darkness. "Come Batman, sit and chat with me." He walked over, cape flowing behind him. He stopped but refused to take the chair. His cape flowed around him like a shield. "You wanted to see me?" The Scarecrow snarled at the mask. "You could say that. If you want her to leave here alive, you will take that cowl off." He stepped over and placed his finger on the red button. Mulder stepped closer to Batman, with anger, "Do it!" he ordered in a low voice. Batman looked back at him, then back at the Scarecrow. The Scarecrow's evil smile crept across his face. Reaching up, he pulled his cowl back. His face was young but hard from the years. His eyes held that of intelligence. His hair was pinned back neatly. The Scarecrow laughed loudly. "So, you are the famous Batman." He walked around him slowly. He stopped beside Mulder. "So, tell me Agent Mulder, the name of our Batman." Mulder looked over to Batman then down at the floor. "His name is..." he paused, wondering if he was doing the right thing, "Dick Grayson." "Dick Grayson. The ward of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Tisk, tisk, tisk. Does he know your spending his money like this." Dick only looked at him with no emotion. The Scarecrow danced round him, surveying him. He seemed shorter from the last time they met. Mulder watched, inpatient he grabbed the Scarecrow. "Release her." he ordered, pointing toward Scully. The Scarecrow eyed him then nodded. "Very well Mr. Mulder, I will release her. But first I want to make sure this prize doesn't get away. He threw a round ball in front of Batman. Almost immediately a red colored gas filled the air around him. Coughing, Dick hunched over and then dropped to his knees. "He should be harmless now, Bane, take him." Reaching down Bane grabbed Dick by the shoulders. He smiled when he saw the fear creep across Dick's face. Just then Mulder pulled his gun out and pointed it at the Scarecrow's head. "Now your going to let her out and your going to let us leave." The Scarecrow shook his head at Mulder, "Tisk, Tisk, Tisk Agent Mulder, I'm a man who keeps his word. Besides, if anything happens to me, Bane here will kill Batman. His blood will be on your hands." Mulder only glared at him. "And do you really think I care about some crazed lunatic who dresses in tights and thinks he can be our justice system. Then you really belong in Arkhum." Mulder kept the gun level, unmoving. "My, my, his is after my own heart." the Scarecrow smiled, "very well." he walked over, escorted by Mulder to the cylinder. Mulder placed his hand on it. Watching, he made sure the Scarecrow did his part. Pushing a series of buttons, the liquid finally started to drain. Just then Mulder felt a large hand grasp his. Bane squeezed tightly that Mulder was forced to drop is gun. The Scarecrow laughed but was interrupted as the boot of Batman connected with Bane's head, ramming it into the cylinder. The glass cracked. "No it can't be." the Scarecrow backed up. Mulder looked up and saw Batman coming down upon Bane again, throwing the large man towards Dick. Dick jumped up quickly and caught Bane sending him over his back and into a metal pole. Bane hit it with a force that the heard it creak with pain. Batman turned and faced the Scarecrow. He stood, mouth gaping, as he walked over. "It's over Scarecrow." he said in his deep voice. "No yet." He turned and ran into the darkness. "You get her out of here." he ordered Mulder and soon followed the Scarecrow. Mulder looked back at Scully, the cylinder was almost empty when Bane suddenly crashed into is knocking it over. "NO!!" he yelled and grabbed his gun. Dick was upon Bane in a flash. He hit him several time before he was thrown off and across the room. Bane turned and grabbed the cylinder like a toy. He lifted it over his head and looked around for Dick. Mulder fired his gun at Bane, point blank into his side. Surprised, Bane turned and dropped the cylinder. Mulder had to dive out of the way before it landed next to him. The glass was cracked all the way and the fluid shook around in it. He noticed her move before he was pinned under Bane as Dick knocked Bane into him. His gun flew out of his hand and into the darkness. Mulder struggled under the weight of the two. Scully opened her eyes. She could barely see as a film seemed to be covering her eyes. She could make out shapes as the moved about in front of her. She reached out carefully and found glass in front of her. She pressed her hands upon it and heard it crack. Quickly she pulled her hands way, fearing for the worst. "Mulder." She called out. Mulder looked up as Bane and Dick fought away from him. He pulled himself up felling a sharp pain in his side. Wincing he moved over to the cylinder, "Scully, can you hear me." She looked up and say a figure in front of her. "Mulder is that you?" "Yes, are you alright." "Mulder, I can't see. Where am I?" she placed her hands back on the glass. With fear he placed his on top of hers as if he could feel her. "Mulder, get me out of her." Angry he didn't know what else to do, "Close your eyes Scully, I'm going to break the glass." Obeying him she covered her eyes as she heard the glass break. Shards of glass cut into her skin and fell into her hair but she was able to feel the warm air rush in to her. Mulder reached down and pulled her out. "Are you alright?" He asked again, this time more tenderly. Just then she was thrown apart from him as Bane and Dick crashed into them. Mulder rolled away and started looking for his gun. Scully felt a hand on her shoulder pushing her away "Get out of here." Dick yelled and then was forced away. She stepped back into the darkness and tripped over Mulder's gun. Felling around on the floor, her hand finally made contact with the cold steel. All she could see before her was a mass, rolling and tumbling before her. "Shoot Scully." She heard as Mulder yelled across to her. "Which one." she shouted back, "they look like one big blob." Just then Dick reached behind Bane and pulled his tube out. Bane shouted with pain and grabbed his head. "The big one." Dick shouted to her as he rolled away. Only responding, she fired all the rounds into Bane. He shouted and roared with pains as fell backward. Dick looked in disbelief as she managed to hit him all in the chest. Mulder ran past him a grabbed Scully. Dick stood beside them breathing hard. His body was battered but he didn't seem to notice. Just then he heard an explosion. "Batman." he looked up and they all saw a cloud of smoke rising above the building. Pulling her up, Mulder and Dick helped her out and watched as the dock went up in flames. "Mulder, what's going on." she asked worried. "The dock is on fire." he said softly. "Batman went out there." Dick said as he pulled the cap off and wrapped it around her. He heard her gasp before a small No escaped her lips. Mulder pulled her close and started to turn to leave. "Wait." Dick shouted as Mulder turned to see what he was looking at. Out of the fire, a tall dark figure walked out dragging something behind him. His cape flowed in the wind, but he seemed unhurt. He dropped the Scarecrow down in front of Mulder. "Is he..." Dick asked. "Dead, no." Batman rolled him over and handcuffed him. "But he won't be remembering a thing." "Why." Dick asked. "He tried to blow us both up but instead gassed himself. He's so scared of everything right now, it may take years for him to even remember himself." "I hope so." Dick said turning to Mulder and Scully. "How is she." Batman asked touching her hand gently. Scully looked up at him and squeezed is hand. "I'm fine. I'm sure the sight loss is just temporary." Mulder pulled her up, "I better get her to a hospital." Batman nodded and watched as he placed her in the car and drove away. Later that evening, Mulder sat beside her bed. He was holding her hand as she slept. Why did these things always seem to be happening to her. He was starting to wonder if he should even have her around. "I always seemed to hurt the ones I care about." he said, thinking out loud. He pushed a strand of hair back from her face. "I care to much for you to see you get hurt like this." Bruce stood at the door listening. He never realized how deep their partnership had went. He never really let himself get to attached with his. But then again, he did understand. Scully blinked and turned her head towards Mulder, "Don't you think I have a say in this." she whispered. Mulder pulled his hand away, "Think about it Scully, you followed me across this land, chasing after this dream I have and all I managed to do is get you hurt. They gave you this cancer because of me. They shot your sister because of me. They were trying to kill you! They killed my father. Caused my mother to have a heart attack. What's next." She grabbed his hand again, "Mulder," she tugged on it to make him look at her "I chose to be here. Yes, what they did to me was wrong, but I don't blame you. We both take these risks. I stayed with you Mulder because, unlike other partners, you have taught me something." "What, how to chase little green men. Maybe I should have saved you the trouble and written a book." "No Mulder, you taught me never to give up. Mulder when you thought they had you, us, you never gave up. You never let me give up." she looked him in the eyes, "And I'm not going to let you give up." Mulder looked down at her. Her figure seemed small in the hospital bed. She was right. She always was. "Scully," he said softly to her. "Mulder." "You do," he hesitated but then continued, "You make me complete." he leaned down and kissed her cheek gently and turned to leave. "I don't know what I would ever do without you." He walked out leaving her alone in the room. Outside, Bruce watched him go down the hall. He looked like a man beaten. Pushing the door open, he saw Dana looking out the window. A tear was in her eye. Quietly he walked over and brushed it away. She turned startled. "Hi." he said softly, "Remember me, I Bruce Wayne." She smiled at him and grabbed his hand. "I remember you." Bruce handed her some flowers and she took the gratefully. "Thanks for saving me. You risked a lot for us." He smiled at her, "You forget that I have had a lot of experience in this kind of job." "What rescuing damsels in distress." "That too." he smiled and sat down beside her still holding her hand. "How do you feel." "Fine, just a little hibernation sickness. Luckily I wasn't in there long enough to get the full effect." Bruce looked at her, wondering. "Well I'm glad to see your ok." "I'm glad to see your ok." she pulled herself up and adjusted her pillows. "You could have gotten killed in that explosion. And who's Dick." "He's find, a couple of bruises, nothing serious. All in a day's work." She hated the way he made it seem like nothing. "You could have gotten killed. You know, your worse than Mulder." She turned away pulling her hand away from his. A twinge of pain shot threw him, "I guess he and I are a lot alike." she turned back to face him, "we both care for you and will do anything to protect you." She dropped her head down "But you're also different in a lot of ways too." "I'm taller." he joked. She smiled at his attempt, "No." "Then how." "You care for someone else. He has no one else." Bruce looked shocked at her. "What do you mean by that." "Oh come on Bruce, you know. She has always been there for you. She has never left you. She protects you, needs you most of all." He looked confused at her. "I on the other hand, can take care of myself. Mulder will be there to protect me if I need him to. I will leave you. As much as it pains me, I will have to. And You can't always be there for me." she placed her hand on his cheek. He closed his eyes at her touch and placed his hand over hers. "Gotham needs you, Batman." she said softly. Then he realized that she was right. She would have to leave him, to return back to Washington, back to her work with Mulder. He didn't want her to leave. He could have given her everything she ever wanted, but somehow he knew, only she could provide everything she ever wanted. Gotham did need him, she needed Batman. But somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew he needed her too. He leaned down and kissed her tenderly. When he tried to pull away she held him by his tie down on her and kissed him again. After a while she finally let him go. Tears ran down her face as she looked at him. "You will always be special to me." he whispered to her. Reaching in his pocket he pulled out a small box. "I will always love you and I will be here when you are ready to come back to me. Till then." he placed the small box in her hands and closed then around it. He looked into her eyes, "I love you Dana Scully." he turned and walked out, leaving her alone. Mulder noticed him leaving and grabbed his arm. "Hey, you must be Bruce Wayne. I'm Dana's partner, Agent Fox Mulder." he shook Bruce's hand. "I wanted to thank you for paying for her hospital bills. But of course you know the government would have gladly done so." "I know." he said facing him. "I wanted to do this for her." he looked back at the door. Mulder could see something in his eyes, he cared for her. Really cared for her. "Do me a favor." he said to him. "What." Mulder asked. "Take really good care of her." Bruce looked at him and the way he did made him know he was serious. "It was nice meeting you Mr. Mulder." he turned and walked away. Mulder watched him. Something about the way he walked reminded him of Batman. He looked in and saw her crying. He walked in and quickly went to her side. "What did he say to you. I swear if he..." "He didn't do anything but say good bye Mulder." she whipped the tears away. Mulder noticed the little box on the table. "What was in here." he asked opening it. It was obvious a ring box but nothing was inside. Scully looked at him then back out the window. "Nothing." she said in a dead voice. Mulder looked down at her hands. He noticed a ring on her hand that she didn't have before. It was a black amethyst, very rare, cut into the shape of a bat with a heart in the center. Reflecting off of it he could barely make out an initials, on one wing it had BW, on the other DW.