Celestial Sensations
3. New Confessions
CHAPTER THREE: NEW CONFESSIONS
The next day Batman returned to the cave after a run in with Penguin’s thugs.
Three arrests for arms weapons and cocaine smuggling. Not a bad haul for another slow evening.
But Bruce dreaded his upcoming conversation with Dick. Things had been strained after the Clark fiasco, and with Damian’s death it was worse. But he swore after Thogal he’d no longer run or hide from feelings and relationships. Dick deserved the truth.
Light footsteps approached in the dim lighting. Bruce didn’t turn.
“Dick.”
“It sounded important, so I came.” Dick was still in his Nightwing gear, sans mask.
“Please, sit next to me.” Bruce inclined his head at the computer station.
Dick noted the odd tone and disheveled appearance. Bruce had hair sticking in every direction.
“What’s your problem? Looks like you’ve been in a wrestling match.”
“This is really awkward.” Chiseled jaws set. “So I’ll just come out and say it. The Phantom Stranger is interested in me.”
Dick misunderstood. “Tall, dark and shady is recruiting again? What universe cracking calamity is in the works this time?”
Bruce shook his head quickly. “You don’t understand. He’s interested in me.”
Dick’s look of amusement faded. “Say what?”
“I know it sounds incredible-“
“It sounds insane. Is this some sick joke?” Dick stood abruptly in anger.
“Stop, please.” Bruce gripped his arm. “Don’t leave. This situation is out of control.”
“As out of control as you were with Clark?”
“I’ve apologized a hundred times for that, Dick. It was wrong. I’ll never forgive myself for lying to you.”
“Then why are you looking to repeat that mistake?”
“I’m not, don’t you see? That’s why I needed to see you-“
“To get my approval? Not in a million years. Besides, you and the Phantom Stranger makes no sense.”
Bruce sweated a bit. “Initially I thought so, but now? I may be out of my depth.”
Dick stared at the flush face, his anger fading a bit. He sat down. “You do look…off.”
“He’s done something to me, Dick. I can’t describe it.”
“Mind control or spell?”
“Maybe both. But it doesn’t feel like it. My mind is my own, I think.”
Dick was angry again. “So in other words, you’re attracted to him and won’t admit it.”
“Yes! No. I mean-“
“I have no idea what game you’re playing, Bruce. But I don’t like it.”
“This is no game. I think he’s a lonely immortal seeking comfort.”
“I see. And you’re the right mortal to give ‘comfort.’ ” Dick was icy. “I think I’ve heard enough.”
“Dick, before this week I had no thought of the man. Now, I can’t think of anything else. It makes no sense.”
“Why would he choose you, Bruce? Not stating the obvious, it seems random.”
“I thought so at first, but he explained our similarities. I think he’s using friendship to get close.”
“And in your pants. The question is, how close do you want to get?” Dick was instantly suspicious again.
“We’re supposed to have dinner Saturday-“
“You lying, two faced-“
“Dick!! Please…I’m going to get answers. He’s definitely trying to seduce me. But I need to know his motivations. If this is a trick or some kind of trap, I need to know what I’m dealing with.”
Dick thought that over, cast shadows highlighting pale blue eyes. “Why him?”
“I told you, he’s chasing me. Not the other way around!”
A snort. “Bruce, if it hadn’t been for Clark, I’d believe you in a heartbeat. But I know your weaknesses, better than anyone.”
“Have you seen him up close?”
“The Stranger? Not really.”
“What’s been your overall impression of him?”
A pause. “From what I’ve seen he seems powerful and mysterious. Not easy to know.
The Leagues generally regard him as a good guy, but no one trusts him. Gives off a funky vibe. Feels extremely dangerous at times.”“Even from a distance it’s noticeable. How does he strike you on a personal level?”
“You mean, if I were shopping? Well, he’s tall and dark. I get the impression he’s handsome, but his face is shrouded a lot. Big. Have no idea what he’s got under that cape. Probably has a flair for the dramatic with that getup. Has a great voice, I’ll give him that. Dude has presence. He arrives and everything kind of stops.”
“Yes.” Bruce brooded.
“Someone step on your alpha genes, Bruce?” Dick teased. “This is serious, though.”
“It is.”
“I have an idea. Why not contact Zatanna? She would know if you’re under any mystical influence.”
Bruce glanced up in surprise. “I overlooked the most obvious thing. It’s been that kind of week so far.”
“Call her up.” Dick tapped at the screen. “We need a solution to this mystery.”
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