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Celestial Sensations	By : FireCracker Category: DC Verse Comics > Batman Views: 3370 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Batman Franchise or character. Both are properties of DC Comics. No money is made from this fiction.

Chapter List
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submission dated 3/18/13-4/29/13
author: FireCracker
Archive? You'd better.
Warnings: Dancing with the Stars. Cosmic stroke and poke. Freaky, frightful, funky and weird! Considerable sleaze.
Pairings: Bruce Wayne / Phantom Stranger, Bruce Wayne / Nightwing, Bruce Wayne / Superman
Bruce Wayne finally meets his match. Omne male trumps Alpha male.
Celestial Sensations
PRELUDE
Ageless eyes glowed softly in quiet contemplation. Peaceful thoughts centered on a special companion. A companion snared with love, persistence and persuasion. Especially persuasion. Eons of experience could afford one a degree of patience.
Bruce Wayne, erstwhile billionaire and resident Dark Knight of Gotham City, stirred gently in sleep. Tousled hair darker than flint shaded handsome features. Features relaxed in repose. A quiet murmur suddenly heard.
Silken lips brushed the smooth forehead. “Sleep, my special one. No more bad dreams.”
“Hnn…”
Sculpted arms pulled the big man close. A cloak transformed into a field of stars warmed them in a cocoon. Bruce pressed against lightly bronzed flesh, once more at peace.
“Much better.” Gentle hands stroked solid muscle. Soft kisses on fluttered eyelids straining to wakefulness. “Fox?”
“Stubborn.” The rich voice responded. A finger traced across dense brows.
“I said sleep.”
Bruce was instantly out, snoring lightly. Stranger flashed a brilliant smile in satisfaction. The pet name Silver Fox never ceased to amuse.
I should’ve broken the rules more often. Eternity is far too long for nonsense. This one is mine and I will never let him go.
Immortal thoughts drifted back in time…
()
CHAPTER ONE: THE SNARE
Bruce had finished patrol in the Kaiser district of Gotham, over on the west side. As usual, Alfred had a hot meal prepared for his return.
“Will you be dining upstairs this evening?”
Bruce wiped a towel across his bare torso, still dripping somewhat from his shower. “I think I’ll eat in the study tonight, Alfred. Don’t have the energy to do anything but fall into bed anyway.”
“I noted your fatigue. The heat packs should help with muscle relaxation-“
Bruce slipped on a robe. “Stop fussing, will you? I’ll be fine. The debriefing with Dick took longer than I expected, but Tim should be back in about an hour or so.”
“Ah. I’ll be certain to set aside an extra plate. And Jason? Is he?”
A deep sigh. “He may come by. We’re still working out some things, but I think there’s been some progress.”
The older man nodded in satisfaction. “Most pleasing to hear, sir. Healing can be a tedious process, but ultimately most rewarding.”
Bruce stretched out in an overstuffed chair. “You’d make a good wise man.”
()
It was strange, he didn’t recall moving. The intent was there but no motion. He was almost too exhausted to even eat.
Bruce blinked to test his awareness. He was in the study. “The hell?!” he rubbed his eyes. Must’ve drifted off or something. But I don’t remember walking.
Suddenly alert, the big man sat up stiffly in his leather desk chair. “What is this? I know I didn’t come here on my own!”
“That is true.” A silken voice responded nearby. Startled, Bruce spun to the source.

”Phantom Stranger!!”
The mysterious man tipped his hat in acknowledgement. “Greetings, Bruce. It’s been some time.”
Razor blue eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Look, I don’t mean to be rude. But I’ve had an exhausting day. If there’s some universal calamity it’ll have to wait.”
The Stranger practically swept across the room, seating himself on the Ottoman with a flourish. In one smooth gesture he casually flipped his cloak over a shoulder, revealing an immaculately tailored suit.
Bruce stared momentarily, at a loss for words. This is odd, I can’t recall him doing this in prior visits. Maybe he’s easing up a little?
As if reading his thoughts, the Stranger smiled vaguely. “My mannerism surprises you? Of all people, you should realize I have many facets.”
Bruce leaned back in his chair, rubbing a sore arm. “I’m just shocked you haven’t erupted into one of your trademark speeches.”
An arched brow lifted. “Trademark speeches?”
Bruce chuckled. “The ones you give while making grand entrances and standing on mountain tops. Along the lines of reality breaking and multiversal calamity.”
The Stranger struck a seated pose, holding a hand up like a pledge. “And so forthwith, I arrive with dire clang. Celestial spire and universal ire alike mix in a conflagration of uncertainty. The eternal balance resides in precarious position. Events across time and space swirl, seeking favor of both dark and light. Retribution is nigh at hand without action. How do I know this? I am the Phantom Stranger. I come from nowhere! I am everywhere!”
Bruce strained to keep from laughing. “Much better.”
“I trust I didn’t disappoint?” The Stranger gave a shaded smile.
“Not at all.” Bruce was suddenly serious. “Why are you here? Is it really an emergency of some sort?”
Gloved hands rested across muscular thighs. “A visit. One that I hope will change the fortunes of us both.”
Deep blue eyes narrowed in suspicion. “You’re being more cryptic than usual. Should I contact the League?”
“No, this is a personal matter.”
“You? I never realized you had any down time.”
“You’d be surprised.” Stranger glanced about the room. “We have a frame of time. Yes, I sense it.”
Bruce was annoyed. “That makes one of us. Do I have to do twenty questions here?”
“I come to offer friendship.” The Stranger stood suddenly, cape flowing.
The dark knight stared in confusion. “I already consider you a friend. What are you talking about?”
Chiseled features were solemn. “And…love.”
Bruce blinked once, leaping up. “What did you say?”
Suddenly the Stranger was there, eye to eye, without moving. A gloved hand captured Bruce on the arm.
“I’m serious. I offer you everything.”
“Stranger.” Bruce backed up a bit. It was one of the rare times he couldn’t look down on someone. The Stranger was not a small man. And considering what he truly was, intimidation was out of the question.
“Listen. I’ve heard about the loneliness of your mission. And believe me, I can relate to it. Maybe not on the same scale, but I know it takes true commitment. But I also think you’re mistaken. Confusing loneliness and attraction with love is a common mistake created by need. And no offense, but I don’t go that way.”
Brilliant white teeth flashed in a rare smile. “Nothing can offend me, Bruce Wayne. The deception you speak of is on your part, not mine.”
“I don’t catch your meaning.”
Weirdly glowing eyes were intense. “Eons, Bruce. What haven’t I seen or experienced? And if something is new, I seek it out.”
“Do you always talk this way?”
Small smile. “I apologize. Sometimes my thoughts get ahead of me. But you aren’t being honest.”
“I am.” Bruce was tense, moving away. He stared at a window nearby. “What would you have me say, Stranger? More to the point, even if I was into men, why would I automatically start up with you? Bruce looked up sharply. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded-“
The Stranger followed his eyes. “How are you doing otherwise, Bruce?”
The angled jaw shaded against waning sunlight. “I’m coping. Each day gets a little easier. Things are strained with the family, but at least Jason and I are getting closer.”
A gloved hand squeezed a broad shoulder. Startled, Bruce looked up suddenly.
“How did you get over here-“
“I deeply regret the loss of your son, Bruce.” Rich tones were laced with sorrow. “It’s good you have others to help you through this. And Alfred?”
“Solid as a rock. Sometimes I forget he isn’t my real father.” Blue eyes were too bright, pinching shut in pain.
The lightest finger touch traced damp lids. “Let them flow, Bruce. There’s no shame in grief.”
“I don’t want to grieve, I’m tired of grieving!” Bruce blurted suddenly, his voice harsh. “Leave me be, Stranger. Damian is not open for discussion.”
“Nor did I wish to press.” The Stranger didn’t release his hold. “Regardless of tragedy, the result is always the same.”
“Meaning what?”
“Life force continues in all things, Bruce. It is the mortal body that leaves. The soul goes to its just reward, and the energy is recycled to the living. It has always been thus.”
Bruce heaved. “A universal certainty?”
“Balance. Which is why the living and unliving should never meet.”
Handsome features contorted in pain again. “Sometimes I wish I had the power to bring him back. No, most of the time. Early in my career I didn’t believe in things such as resurrection, but now I know differently.”
“Yes.” The Stranger said slowly, guarding his words.
Bruce stared into space, his face impossible to read. “Stranger, what would happen if everyone who ever died came back?”
The immortal paused to answer. “It would cause dissolution to reality, and the destruction of all.”
“But why? Many beings of power have returned, or brought back those they care for.”
Stranger didn’t like the direction of their conversation. “There are consequences-“
“Explain. I want specifics, not proclamations of Armageddon.”
Deep sigh. “Let’s just say there is a finite set of power in existence to maintain existence. It isn’t an amount any mortal could quantify or conceive of. Those who have passed on release their share of this power and return it to those living and unborn. Now if everyone is accessing this at the same time-“
Bruce nodded in understanding, his focus moving away from grief. “I begin to see. The supply gets exhausted and reality dissolves.”
“Yes, existence would become less and less real. Finally time and space would break, causing a catastrophic explosion mortals call the “big bang.”
Bruce smiled grimly. “Stranger. This has happened before. I saw it at the end of time during my run ins with Hurt.”
“I say too much.” Handsome features faded under a blue fedora.
“Don’t go blackout on me, either.” Razor blue eyes were wild now. “I’ve seen your power, Stranger. You could do it!”
“Bruce!”
“Don’t look at me like that. I haven’t gone mad.” Fists clenched. “But I am desperate.”
“I know, but-“
“You say you’ve come in friendship and ‘love’. If that’s so, prove it. Give me my son back!”
The Stranger was nearly angry. “You have no idea what you’re asking.”
“No lectures.” Bruce poked Stranger in the chest. “Or are you all show and no go?”
“Enough!!” Stranger’s explosion caught Bruce off guard momentarily. The immortal waved a gesture. “See the results of what you want!”
Mesmerized, Bruce stared at the vanishing reality around them. A figure appeared…
“Damian!” Bruce nearly cried with relief.
The shimmering form took shape. A confused Damian looked around. “Why am I back here? What happened?”
“You were summoned.” The Stranger’s tone was flat. Your father-“
Before he could speak further, Bruce nearly fell into his son, embracing. “It’s good to have you back, boy!” Powerful arms crushed the boy close.
Damian returned the hold. “It feels strange somehow. I don’t know if I’m real. I...died.”
“Yes.” The Stranger’s features nearly faded to black. “There is risk here, as I warned your father.”
“I see no risk.” Bruce choked, his eyes wet with relief and love. Damian smiled.
“Tt. You’re putting on a show, father.”
“I could care less, boy. All that matters is that you’re here.”
Damian’s smile faded. “I have to go back, father.”

”No!! I won’t let that happen.”
The boy stared at the Stranger. “You don’t understand. Mother is contemplating suicide as we speak.”
“I could care less at this point, Damian.” Bruce was bitter, dark.
“She…wasn’t responsible.” Damian looked down sadly. “It was Hurt.”
Bruce stood back in shock. “W-what?!”
“Leviathan…the assassins. All of it. It was him, controlling her. He thought it would be good irony.”
“Damian, how is it you know that now?”
“The dead have sight not given to the living.” Stranger answered tersely. “Conversely, their knowledge is hidden in eternity. They cannot share.” He paused. “Under normal circumstances. I repeat, this is not safe.”
“He’s right, father.” Damian looked around the bedroom. “I miss this so.”
“You’re staying right here!” Bruce insisted, grabbing him again.
The boy snuffled against his father’s robe. “I see things now. What you tried to teach me, and why mother’s way was wrong.”
“You couldn’t know the difference. You’re a child that was mislead and brutalized.”
“Was a child.” Damian sighed, wiping his eyes. A pause. “It’s happening already.”
“Damian? What are you talking about?”
The boy stared in space before glancing at the Stranger again. “That lady?”
“Lady?” Bruce turned in confusion. “Explain, Stranger. Who’s he talking about?”
The Stranger stood tall, resolute. “A woman who started to die the moment I returned your son.”
“What? Impossible!”
“See for yourself, Bruce.” A gloved gesture. The very air shimmered before forming a vortex. At the center, a woman lay in a hospital bed surrounded by family. She was on life support.
Bruce stared in anger and frustration. “A terrible scene. But what in God’s name does any of that have to do with Damian?”
“You don’t know her at all.” Stranger intoned. “Her name is Gloria Henderson, a mother of two young children. She was in an auto accident two weeks ago and has since been in a coma. This morning her vital signs improved and she regained consciousness.”
“Again, I don’t see the connection.”
“A world renowned detective, and you ask that? Think! What did I say earlier?”
“About the tradeoff of existing energies-“
“Yes. The moment Damian returned here she slipped into a coma once more.”
Bruce shook his head in disbelief and paced the room. Damian and the Stranger watched him in silence.
“I can’t…won’t…give up my son that easily, Stranger. Besides, why her? Why should Damian’s return affect her and not some creep or sadist?”
“The price is paid.” Deep tones were somber. “I warned you. To return someone not meant to live will cause a random effect. However, if someone is returned who was killed against fate, the results will be opposite A good soul for bad, bad for good.”
Bruce absorbed that. “That’s insane.”
“Balance. Without it, reality ceases. I cannot stress this enough.”
“No.” Bruce felt his heart go cold. “An innocent woman dying-“
“You don’t have much time to decide.” The Stranger’s voice was soft.
“Damian.” Bruce nearly choked, falling to his knees. He held out his arms. The boy flew into the hug.
“Don’t, father. It will all work out. I’m not afraid anymore.”
“I love you.” Tears fell across the boy’s left shoulder.
Damian sniffled again, his small frame shaking with emotion. “I love you, too. We can go on missions later.”
“Lots of missions.” Bruce kissed the small head.
“Yes. And remember, I am a Wayne. And an Al Ghul. Nothing will stand in my way.”
Bruce smiled against his pain. “Tear it up, boy.”
“I have new friends already.” Damian stood off, stiffly. He turned to the Stranger. “I’m ready.”
The Stranger lifted his hand, eyes glowing.
“Tell Dick I’ll miss my big brother. And Jason that I understand. Apologize to Tim, I’m sorry we didn’t have more time. And tell grandfather P goodbye. ” He lowered his eyes.
Bruce turned away sharply. “Do it, Stranger. Before I change my mind.”
“It is done, Bruce.”
Bruce blinked, checking his perceptions. Damian and the vision of Gloria were gone.
“Oh, God.” Bruce collapsed on the floor, rolling into a fetal position.
()
The Stranger stood over the big man, his own heart frozen in place. He’d seen more agony across time than any mortal could comprehend. Yet the sight of this large, powerful man coiled in despair stabbed his soul.
I cannot leave him like this.
In silence, Phantom Stranger sat next to Bruce, partially draping his cloak over the suffering form. Large forearms pulled away from tear stained eyes.
“Just go.” The deep voice was husky. “Leave me be, please.”
But the Stranger wouldn’t move. “Bruce, I cannot. Not like this, in your darkest hour.”
Teeth gritted. “There will be more. I’ll get through it.”
“This is different. We don’t have to talk, but I’m not leaving.”
Bruce covered his eyes again and lay still. “Fine, suit yourself.”
Light footsteps entered the room. In shock, Alfred surveyed the scene. “What occurs here?!”
“Alfred.” Bruce looked up sightlessly. “Don’t worry. It was just…a small incident. I’ll be going to bed soon anyway.”
The Stranger observed him silently, his face unreadable. And how I should have you in bed this night, Bruce. But it’s too soon. I can afford to wait.
“Stranger, did he have a fall?” a worried Alfred moved closer.
“He spoke with his son.” Stranger deadpanned.
Alfred flared in anger. “I don’t think that’s-“
“No, it’s true.” Bruce croaked, sitting up slowly.
“Master Bruce, that is flatly impossible.”
“You forget who’s in the room?” Bruce indicated his guest.
“Ah…but what happened?” a confused Alfred stared back and forth.
“I summoned him here at Bruce’s request.” The Stranger seemed oddly comfortable seated on the floor. His cape still partially covered Bruce.
“I’ve heard of your legendary powers, Stranger.” Alfred nodded in acknowledgement.
“I nearly made a tragic mistake, Alfred.” Bruce was still. “Damian’s return nearly caused the death of another. The Stranger made me understand why before it was too late.”
“Jungidsta Metasis.” Alfred nodded knowingly. The Stranger smiled his way.
“What?” Bruce was perplexed.
“An eye for an eye. Suffice to say, Master Bruce, it is a law of checks and balances.”
“Never heard the term.”
“It was coined by ancient philosophers in Persia, I believe. A variation of existentialism.”
“Hmm.” Dark brows furrowed. “Sounds reasonably accurate.”
“It is. Now come, you can’t stay there.” A pristine white glove reached down.
“I’ll be fine, Alfred. I just need to keep busy.” Bruce stood to his full height and stretched.
Alfred gently dabbed at still wet cheeks, turning his kerchief over. “You aren’t all right. No one could be, after what you just experienced.”
“It was a unique experience. And frightening.” Bruce noted the Stranger standing at his side.
Alfred placed a hand on his shoulder. “Did the boy say anything?”
Bruce hung his head, pain returning. “I…he called Dick his big brother. Said he understood Jason, and regretted not having more time with Tim.”
“I see.” Alfred felt his own voice drop.
“He called you “grandfather P”. I’d never heard that before.”
“It was…” Alfred’s voice cracked briefly. “Excuse me. A name the boy concocted while you were overseas recruiting for troops against Talia.”
“That’s so Damian.” Bruce smiled sadly. He went eerily quiet.
“I will not leave.” The Stranger said suddenly, his jaw set.
Alfred looked to Bruce in confusion. “Should I make arrangements for an overnight guest?”
Bruce hugged him quickly. “Give us a few minutes. It’ll be fine.”
“Very well.” With a crisp nod at the Stranger, Alfred took his leave. Bruce waited for the study doors to close.
“Stranger, I can’t express my appreciation for what you’ve done this night.”
The mystery man inclined his head. “As you demanded, actually.”
“Yes, I know. There was a moment where I thought I’d go mad…that my emotions would overwhelm me. But now I have some measure of peace.”
“That is my ultimate hope for you, Bruce. Grief can crush the strongest of people.”
Bruce sucked in a ragged breath, broad chest heaving. “This is difficult.”
“Trust me, it will get better.” The Stranger cocked his head. “But you have a question?”
“You anticipate me well.” Bruce eased over to a window, moonlight highlighting his features.
“It’s about Talia. Did she…follow through on her suicide attempt?”
“No, a servant stopped her. But she is devastated.”
“Good.” Bruce grated. “If it weren’t for her teachings, our son might be alive!”
The Stranger watched in silence.
Bruce covered his eyes suddenly. “Who am I kidding? I’m equally at fault. Damian should never have been in the line of fire. I wanted a normal life for him, one I never had.”
“You are being too harsh on yourself.”
“I deserve it, Stranger. But I need to know if my son goes to heaven, or…”
The Stranger approached him again. “It’s a process. Damian is currently at the antechamber, and will soon be sent to Onatt Valley for cleansing. Then it will be determined if he qualifies for purgatory or limbo.”
“But he’s a boy!!” Bruce pleaded.
“Which is why there are mitigating circumstances. Otherwise, he’d go straight to hell. Literally. It would merely be a matter of determining his torment.”
Bruce rubbed his eyes wearily. “That’s something, at least. He mentioned new friends.”
“They are others being judged. The company and perspective will do him good.”
“I need perspective myself. I must thank you again.”
The Stranger was silent a moment. Control. “You are exhausted, and need rest.”
Bruce nodded. “You’re right. But I feel so relaxed now, I can’t explain it.”
Yes, beauteous one. “I’ll return later to see how you’re feeling.”
Bruce shook his hand. “You’re a godsend, Stranger. I don’t know if I would’ve made it through this night without you.”
What nights I will show you! “Take to heart the positives, Bruce. He will be cared for, and I have no doubt fortune will favor his fate.”
“You seem confident.” Bruce stared, transfixed by those eyes. So mysterious, so bright.
Yes, look at me. “I’ve seen similar cases were souls were given leniency , especially children. They are not totally developed and much easier to redeem.”
Bruce released a slow sigh. “The last few days have been a roller coaster. And yet, I feel more at ease discussing this with you than anyone else. I’ve yet to understand why.”
The Stranger smiled serenely, tipping his hat. “Have you heard the expression, “it’s easiest to talk to Strangers?”
“You’ve got a point there.” Bruce looked about the room as if searching for a thought. “Thank you again.” A broad hand reached out.
The Stranger gripped it in his own. “You are most welcome, Bruce Wayne. And know that I always go where needed.”
“Tough job.” Muscle rippled in a stretch. “I need sleep, badly.”
“Then by all means go.” Stranger gestured at the door. “I have other things to do this night.”
“You’re more secretive than Mysterio.” Bruce started to go but paused. “And I meant what I said earlier.”
“About?”
“Your…attraction. I wasn’t trying to be brutal or abrupt but you’re mistaken.”
“Do you find me unappealing?”
“I didn’t say that!” Bruce nearly shouted before collecting himself. “Look, it’s been a life changing night to say the least. Maybe my fatigue is talking.”
The Stranger held an odd expression, impossible to read. “We will meet again, Bruce Wayne. Sleep well.”
“Wait!!” Bruce lunged at empty air. The Phantom dissolved into shadow and darkness.
()
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Celestial Sensations