Happy Belated Birthday _parttimeninja!

[rocaw]

Title: One Last Time
Characters: Catwoman/Batman (post-Hush), Rogue/Gambit (during X-treme X-men), Lex Luthor,  Oracle, various X-men
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 3948
Disclaimer: Marvel owns the X-men.  Everyone else belongs to DC.
AN: For _parttimeninja.  It was between a batcat fic or a Romy fic and it kinda turned into both. I know it’s two days late, but I hope you like it anyway!  =)

“Thank you, Storm.” Hank stood up at the end of the large dining room.  He looked around and waited for his fellow X-men to stop eating and give him their full attention.  When Wolverine finally put out his cigar, Hank began, “I dislike being the bearer of bad news, but somehow someone has managed to combine Shi-ar technology with Thanagarian weaponry-”

“Thanagarian, Hank?” interrupted Storm.

“Yes, Ororo.  Thanagar is a highly advanced society.  They are the individuals who discovered Nth metal.  If you recall, I was trying to explain their principals a few months back while-”

“Cut to the chase, Hank.”

“Yes, of course, Logan.  An extraordinary weapon disguised as a small grandfather clock has been created using these two different technologies.  This individual, who has managed to remain anonymous despite Professor Xavier’s best efforts, is storing the grandfather clock in the same building where a benefit to raise capital for Stem cell research will be held tomorrow night.”

“How can ya’ll be sure, Hank?”

“Well, Rogue, Professor Xavier can pinpoint the location of any Shi-ar technology, thanks to the bond he shares with Lilandra.  He believes the person or persons responsible for this are not mutants, which is why he is having difficulty discovering their identity.  You and Gambit will go to this benefit and retrieve the device.”

“Hold on there, Hank.  If it’s as dangerous as you say, shouldn’t we all go?”

“Actually no, Logan.  We cannot be sure the power this new weapon can wield.  It would be in the best interest of all parties involved if we did not wage a full scale war when we can accomplish the same goal under the radar.  Our Cajun friend can go virtually unnoticed if he wishes.”

Wolverine simply grunted in reply.

“Don’ worry, homme,” Gambit grinned while shuffling his cards, “Gambit bring ya back a nice souvenir.”

Snikt!

“Where we headin’, sugah?” Rogue asked after giving Wolverine a deadly glare, causing him to retract his adamantium claws begrudgingly.

Beast’s brow furrowed.  He looked from Rogue to Gambit, then replied, “Metropolis.”

…

Gambit waited out in the terrace for Rogue to finish getting ready.  He looked out at the Metropolis skyline thinking it looked similar to the one in New York, but this sky was somewhat brighter.  Even though the sun had set more than two hours ago, the sky still held a soft golden hue.  He was only glad they were in Metropolis and not Gotham.   He didn’t even want to think about Gotham.

He’d already memorized the building’s blueprints and devised various exit strategies.   His one concern was that both he and Rogue were there without their powers.  He’d done this many, many times before, but she…she wasn’t a thief.   She was…she was…

“Belle…” he whispered.  Gambit was unable to finish his previous thought when he turned around and saw Rogue standing in the doorway.   She wore a strapless, emerald green, full length gown with matching gloves reaching just above her elbows.  Her white streaked chestnut hair was in a messy chignon and when she twirled slowly to give him an all around view, he noticed the slit that exposed her left leg and most of her thigh.

“Ya look belle, Roguey.”

“Thank ya, sugah.  Ya don’ look so bad yaself.”

He walked up to her and placed his hands possessively on her waist.  The one good thing about not having powers, he could do things like this.  He pressed his lips softly to hers.  There wasn’t anything he enjoyed more than having her lips on his.  After having to wait so long, he still appreciated every single time he was able to touch her.  Slowly, he moved to trail kisses along her neck, “Ya shouldn’… be lookin’ like dis…” skin so soft, tasting so sweet, “ if ya wan’ Gambit to do his job tonigh’, chere.”

“Mmm, Remy…” she moaned, “Don’ havta leave right this here minute, now, do ya’ll?”

She felt him grin against her bare shoulder as he pressed himself closer to her body and she was incredibly tempted to simply arrive late to the benefit, or not show up at all, but there was a serious matter at hand.  Reluctantly, Rogue pulled herself away from Remy and avoided his lustful gaze, “We have work to do, sugah.”

…

The fashionably dress couple entered through the main doors and most people paused to see who Bruce Wayne had brought as his date.  There were many envious stares directed at the raven haired woman along with a few hushed whispers.  When Bruce flashed his best playboy smile, Selina could have sworn there was a collective sigh.

Bruce wanted to tell her how amazing she looked; how he loved her in a short, black dress because it gave him easy access to her long, powerful legs; how he wished he’d handled their relationship differently; but when he leaned in to whisper in Selina’s ear, he didn’t say any of that, “Have you finally chosen a name.”

“I am not changing my name, Bruce,” she replied, squeezing his forearm tighter, but being mindful not to dig her nails in.  Since she’d gotten into his car, the one time he spoke, he asked what name she would use tonight because too many people were familiar with Selina Kyle.   He would turn to look at her like he wanted to say something, but never managed to and she was getting tire of their awkwardness.

“Selina, we’ve been through this.” He said softly, his voice almost pleading.

She looked up and caught a glimpse of his eyes.  He appeared to be more uncomfortable than she’d ever seen him before.  Perhaps it was because it was the first time they had seen each other since that whole Hush mess.  Perhaps it was due to the note he sent asking for her help this evening.  Perhaps he was just playing the part.  She shrugged a little.  None of that meant she couldn’t have a little fun.

“Wayne.”

Bruce turned to see the evening’s host approaching them, “Luthor.”

Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor exchanged the expected greetings and hand shake.  Selina would have been temporarily blinded by all the flash bulbs had she not been anticipating it.

“And who’s your lovely date, Wayne?”

Bruce looked at Selina, his hand finding the small of her back, “This is-”

“Selina Bradley,” she offered as she extended her right hand.  She felt Bruce’s hand slip away after she said that particular last name.

Luthor looked at her closely as he took her hand and while the penetrating gaze was uncomfortable, Selina never looked away, “Bradley.  As in Bradley Steel?” Lex asked.

“I’m afraid not.” Selina replied.

“Well,” Lex continued looking at her intently.  He knew this woman.  She looked very familiar.  The name, however, was not, “I must make the usual rounds.  Enjoy your evening.”

When Lex was out of hearing range, Bruce heard Oracle’s voice.

:.I’m in their security system.  Have a pretty clear view of every floor.  There’s nothing out of the ordinary on any of them.

Bruce took a step closer to Selina, his arm encircling her waist.  He leaned in, pretending to whisper in her ear, “Is there any door heavily guarded?”

:.None…except…there’s one on the north side of the 80th floor.  It’s the only one requiring two keys and a passcode to open.

“Thank you, ‘O’.”

Selina quirked an eyebrow.

:.Well, when you asked nicely, how could I refuse?

“Let me know when you see anyone who shouldn’t be here.”

:.Will do.  Oh, and Bruce, it’s okay if you have a bit of fun.  Just don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.

Selina tilted her head at Bruce’s curious change of expression, “Everything all right?”

“Yes,” he replied through a forced smile, “It’s the door on the north side of the 80th floor.”

Selina nodded and he opened his mouth to speak, but seemed to think otherwise and closed it hastily.  When he tried to pull away, Selina stopped him.  He turned to face her and ended only inches away from her, “What?”

Selina laughed, tilting her head back slightly.  When she did so, Bruce couldn’t help but stare at the smooth, pale skin of her neck, remembering the feel of it, the taste of her.  She stopped laughing and turned her gaze towards him again.  She could feel his breath against her lips, but she didn’t let it distract her, much anyway, “What do you mean, what?  You’ve been acting strange all night.  You want to be close, then you change your mind.  You want to talk, then decide not to.   What the hell, Br-”

He leaned in quickly and kissed her.  They were standing near the middle of the hall and for a moment he forgot he was kissing her to make the two reporters suddenly standing next to them disappear.  He could not waste time with any foolish interviews.  Not tonight.

When their lips broke apart and she was able to catch her breath, she momentarily forgot her anger and thought the night might not be a complete waste after all.  Then, she saw his foppish smile, realized he kissed her because he had to, not because  he wanted to and it took every bit of self restraint not to slap him.  But then she figured Bruce Wayne, billionaire playboy, had been slapped on more than one occasion and she let her hand fly with all her fury.

The loud smack was heard across the large hall and after a short silence, the hushed whispers commenced anew.

Selina stalked off, furious with Bruce and herself.  She walked out of the hall and towards the elevators.  Well, at least now, she thought bitterly, if everything went according to plan and Bruce Wayne left with someone else, no one would bat an eye.

…

“Did ya’ll see that, Rem?”

“Everyone saw dat, petite.”

“She slapped Bruce Wayne.  Bruce Wayne.  Ah read about ‘im.  Didn’t think he was like all those stories made ‘im out to be.  Guess ah was wrong.”

Gambit pulled Rogue in closer as they started to dance, “Dat’s only b‘cause ya want to believe one and all are good deep down.  Ain’t always the case, chere.”

Rogue watched as the woman with the short black hair walked away.  She watched a bald man walk close behind her and whisper something to the blond woman at his side.  She watched Bruce Wayne shrug his shoulders and make his way to the bar.  She considered giving that smug, rich man a piece of her mind, but then she’d call too much attention to herself and Remy.  And they definitely didn’t need that.

“Someone should make sure she’s alrigh’.”

Remy twirled her once again, then asked, “Who, Roguey?”

“That poor woman.  Ah’m gonna go check on her.” Rogue stopped dancing, determined to help in any way she could, but Remy stopped her and shook his head.

“Not here to be noticed, chere.  Don’ worry, she be fine.  But mebbe, it be time to move, non?”  He laced his fingers with hers and led her off the dance floor casually.  They walked down the elegantly decorated hallway and saw the woman waiting for an elevator.   The device was somewhere on the top five floors, that’s as accurate a location as Beast could give them.  They could take the stairs, but if anyone was watching, they might draw suspicion.    They moved toward the elevator and Remy smiled, it looked like Rogue was going to get her chance to check on the woman after all.

…

Bruce was at the bar pretending to finish his second drink.

:.Thought you might want to know that a couple is making their way towards Selina and the elevator.

Bruce waved the bartender over, “Might as well go apologize,” he rolled his eyes in an exaggerated manner, “Give me two more.”

The bartender gave a sympathetic smile, nodded, and poured two drinks.  Bruce left a very large tip, picked up both drinks, and walked towards the door leading out to the hallway.  When he stepped outside the hall, he spotted the couple standing behind Selina.  They were taller than her, holding hands, and the woman seemed to have white streaks through her hair.

The elevator doors opened and Selina stepped inside.   The couple stepped in after her.

“Selina, wait!” Bruce yelled, quickening his pace.

“Ya’ll don’ havta wait for ‘im, sugah.” Rogue said, stepping forward to press the close-door button.

Selina didn’t stop her and smiled inwardly.  Bruce actually ran and slid in between the closing doors just in time.  Bruce leered at Rogue, “Thank you for your help,” then he turned to Selina, “Your drink.”

Rogue actually wished she had her powers at that moment so she could punch this smug bastard.

The elevator started to move up even though no one pressed any other buttons.  Selina cast a quick glance at Bruce.  Remy held Rogue’s hand a little tighter.  Something was wrong.

The elevator stopped on the 80th floor and when the door started to slide open, Bruce stepped in front of Selina.

“Hello again.” Lex Luthor greeted them.  Mercy and a dozen armed gunmen stood behind him with their guns aimed at the elevator passengers.

“Luthor…” Bruce stepped forward, his playboy voice in place, “…is this how you get your guests to donate larger contributions?” an obnoxious laugh followed,   “Our check was sent prior to tonight.  This has certainly been thrilling, Lex, but we won't take anymore of your time.”

Bruce moved to press the down button, but every gun was cocked.

“I don’t think so, Wayne.  Please, follow me.”

Bruce’s hand reached back as Selina’s came forward.  He was trying to figure out how to salvage the situation without giving himself away.  He walked closely behind Luthor with Selina at his side.  The couple followed a few steps behind.  Bruce realized they we heading to Luthor’s office.

“You.” Lex pointed at the couple, “I’m afraid you shouldn’t be here.” He spoke to Mercy without looking at her, “Dispose of them.”

Mercy’s sinister smile sent chills down Remy’s spine, but he was ready to fight this woman and anyone else who tried to lay a hand on Rogue.

“No!” Selina yelled, “They’re with me.”

Lex smiled and motioned for Mercy to stay in place, “Are they, now?” He turned to look out at the city before him.  He folded his arms behind his back and took one slow breath.  He thoroughly enjoyed being victorious and currently, he was definitely winning.  He turned back around and looked at Bruce, “Perhaps you didn’t know this, but you’re girlfriend has lied to you.”

Bruce looked at Selina and he knew she was trying to come up with ways to get out of this mess as well.  He turned back towards Luthor, “What do you mean?”

“She’s using you, Wayne.  She only needed you to get into the building.  The famous, or should I say, infamous Catwoman would know there is no way to get into any of my facilities beside the front door.” Bruce pretended to be shocked when he looked at Selina.  Remy raised an eyebrow; he’d heard of this thief before.  Lex continued, “Because of our…previous encounters-you remember don’t you, Catwoman-I had to have every building I own secured and reinforced to prevent any outside entry.”

“So, you caught me.” Selina stepped towards Lex, “Doesn’t mean I have to listen to your crap.  Let them go, you’re problem’s with me.”

Lex ignored her and continued addressing Bruce, “She was trying to steal this.”  Out of the side wall, a metal square box slid out.  Luthor walked over and opened it.  He took out a small grandfather clock, which fit on the palm of his hand, and returned to his desk.

While the bald man was talking, Gambit figured he could take out about half of the gunmen, but it was the other half that would be a problem.    He’d never wanted his powers more that at that moment.

Rogue stood next to him wishing for the same thing.  She gave Remy’s hand one last squeeze and then released it.  She closed her eyes and tried to focus.  Sage informed her that her powers could return at any moment, but she could help them along if she focused hard enough.  Rogue had not attempted to do this before because she guiltily thought she had earned the right to be a bit selfish; she wanted to enjoy some time with Remy.  However, lives were at stake now and if she had her powers she could prevent any losses.  She tried to focus on the voices-the psyches-in her head.  She easily remembered the feel of draining someone, having their thoughts, their feelings flowing unwanted, but  freely through her.  Whenever she touched anyone, her mind went back to when she first touched Ms. Marvel.  She remebered how wrong it felt, how she knew something different was happening in that moment, and how she ended up with stolen powers entirely hers to control.

Bruce looked on as Lex moved one of the hands on the face of the clock when he heard Oracle’s voice.

:.Get ready to move in three, two, one.

The lead shutters slid down over the windows and the lights went out.  The room was now completely dark.

“Stop them!” Lex cried.

Now, free to move, Bruce jumped over Lex’s desk, punched and kicked his target until the bald man fell unconscious to the floor.  Selina moved towards the grandfather clock, but a strong leg stopped her, making her to stumble back.  Then, gunmen started shooting aimlessly.

“Stop that you idiots!” Mercy cried, but a chair breaking at her back, courtesy of Selina, silenced her.  Selina pulled out a small flashlight from her heel, but it was difficult to search with bullets whizzing by continuously.

When the lights went out, Rogue felt her feet rise from the floor.  She felt several bullets strike her back and she flew towards them.  She punched everyone she could.  Pretty soon the firing ceased.  She saw a small light begin to move through the room.

“Gambit!  We gotta get outta here.”

“Sure do, chere.”Gambit replied, making his way through the darkness and over bodies to stand next to Rogue.

Selina found Bruce, “Let’s go before they get up.”

“Not yet,” he replied.

She reached for his hand, “Trust me.”

Rogue walked over to the large windows and punched a large hole through it, illuminating part of the office.  She flew back and grabbed Bruce and Selina, “We gotta get going.”

“No.” Bruce pulled his arm away.   He looked at Selina and nodded once, “You go.  I’ll be fine.”

“De sole, petite,” Gambit reached for Selina, “Rogue says is dat time.”

“Ya’ll hold on.” Rogue advised as she grabbed Remy and Selina and flew out of the office into the Metropolis sky.

…

The cool air flowing through the large hole in the wall seemed to revive Lex.

“Mercy!” Lex yelled as he started coming to, “Get the lights!”

Mercy staggered over to the desk when the lights happened to come on of their own accord.  Lex rubbed the back of his head and cursed when he realized the clock was gone.  All his armed men lay unconscious on the floor and the only bit of satisfaction he got was that Bruce Wayne was lying motionless among them.

Lex didn’t look at Mercy when he ordered, “Get them all out of here and leave Wayne, hell, I don’t care where you leave him.”

…

They had been quiet the entire flight.  Rogue landed softly on one of the dingy roofs on the outskirts of the city.

“Thank you,” Selina said as she pulled down the hem of her dress readjusting it.

“Sure thing.”

Remy moved towards Rogue.  He wasn’t sure at what point in the evening her powers had returned, but it was quite evident they were back.  He was glad she had ignored his pleas to leave the gloves off.  Now, he took her gloved hand in his, “Ya shoulda tol’ me, chere?”

“Remy…”

He wrapped his arms slowly around her, ever mindful of all her lovely and deadly exposed skin.  He pressed his lips softly to the top of her head and once again wished things could be different.

Selina looked away, feeling she was intruding on their private moment.  She walked as far away as she could on that rooftop.  She looked towards LexCorp and wondered how Bruce was faring.

…

Mercy placed Bruce down on a loveseat in the lobby.  Bruce stirred and when he opened his eyes, he offered his trademark playboy grin to the tall, blond woman, “Well, hello.”

Mercy blushed momentarily, but then cleared her throat, turned on her heal and walked away.

Bruce sat up straight once the woman was out of sight and he wondered where Selina could possibly be.  He pulled out his phone and called Alfred.

…

Rogue approached Selina, “It was nice meeting ya’ll.”

“Same here.”

“Should we drop you off somewhere?” Rogue asked.

“I’ll be fine, thank you,” Selina answered, then turned to look at Gambit, “but I would like the grandfather clock.”

Gambit grinned, “Don’ know what ya mean, petite.”

Selina raised an eyebrow as she took a step towards him, “Really?  So, you’re not the Gambit from the Thieves Guild?”

Rogue’s hands balled into fists.  She looked at Selina through narrowed eyes, “How do ya’ll know-”

“Simply professional interest, I assure you.  A girl has to know her competition.”

Rogue looked from Remy to Selina and took off one of her gloves, “Only one way ah’ll know for sure.”

…

Selina woke up with a very bad headache.  She lifted her head slowly and looked around.  It was dark and cold.  She sat up and got off the cot cautiously.

“I see you’re awake.”

She followed the voice and stopped when she saw him.

“You’re new friends dropped you off here.  Apparently, she’s a metahuman who can fly, has super strength, and possesses the ability to steal your memories with a single touch.  She knew about the cave, so they brought you here.  And he, well, it seems you already know about him.”

If they knew about the cave, Selina figured they also knew about his identity.  She felt she should apologize, but she didn’t.

“They know who I am.  Could be why they left the clock.”

He still had not turned to look at her and Selina was tired of waiting, “You have what you wanted, so, I’ll just get out of here.”

She turned to walk away.  She wasn't wearing her shoes and didn't see them anywhere, so the walk back home would be a long one.  She considered taking one of his bikes, but that would mean she actually needed something from him and she didn’t need anything from him.  Suddenly, his hand was around her arm.

“Don’t go.”

His grip loosened and his fingers slid gently  down her arm until they reached her hand.  He laced his fingers with hers and she tried to ignore the heat he gave off and the way their hands seemed to fit so perfectly together.  She turned around and his usual hard blue eyes softened, “Please.”

She wanted to yell at him for his callous behavior on Arnold’s gravesite, for his cowardice every time they manage to get close, for his stubbornness that locked away his feelings, but she was tired of fighting him, tired of fighting every reason why they couldn’t or shouldn’t or simply wouldn’t come together.

She turned towards him.  Sad green eyes looking up into sad blue eyes, “I can’t.”

His hand fell to his side and he watched her walk away.  When he was able to move again, he turned to face the weapon posing as a grandfather clock and he wanted to break it against a cave wall.  Instead, he walked over to his computer to contact J’onn and inform him that the stolen Thanagarian technology had been recovered and was no longer a threat.