Getting Her M. R. S.
Title: Getting Her M. R. S.
Author:Beriaearwen
Crossover: Buffy the Vampire Slayer / Batman
Characters: Buffy, Bruce (mention of others)
Rating: Suitable for those over 13
Word Count: 1724
Disclaimer: The characters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer belong to Mutant Enemy, etc. The characters of Batman belong to DC Comics, etc. All are used here without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.
Previous/Related Stories: Expanding The Family
Notes: Yes, this does sound like a romance novel plot, but what's an author to do when the muse won't shut up about the idea? So, anyway... Someday (that mythical day that almost never comes) I have a much more detailed, logical plot/full story for this and I might write it. But don't hold your breath. A continuation of yesterday's entry, but hopefully able to stand on its own as well.
Warning: does not match canon for Buffy season 7
“I understand. By Giles.” Buffy disconnected the call and folded her arms as she looked out the window of the conservatory where she'd gone to take the call. Dick and Dawn were splashing about in the pool outside with Alfred nearby working on the plantings while keeping an eye on the duo. That was for the best because she wasn't seeing them or the beautiful formal garden, the lawn, the trees or the rare (for Gotham) blue sky. Her mind was engaged thinking through the information Giles had just shared and trying to piece it together with the dreams she'd been having and the other whispers she'd caught in the supernatural world.
That something big was coming wasn't a surprise. Between her dreams coming more frequently and demons slowly migrating away from the Hellmouth, it all pointed to something Glory level or bigger headed Sunnydale's way. And she needed to get back there to prepare. A loud splash followed by a cry of indignation drew her attention back to the present. She watched the two D's, as they'd labeled themselves, laughing and having fun.
She had been contacted ten days ago about Dick, about the death of her Aunt Mary and Uncle John and Uncle John's brother's family. She and Dawn were the only family Dick had and it had taken child services months to track them down. She knew Gotham was corrupt, but, having asked Willow to put her hacking skills to use, she had discovered that no one even attempted to do anything for her little cousin until after Bruce Wayne had taken him in as a ward and started asking about the adoption process.
And hearing that it was Bruce Wayne she would be fighting for her cousin had been more terrifying to her almost any creature she'd faced in slaying. The fight to keep Dawn had been hard enough and they still had visits frequently. She had almost no chance to fight Bruce Wayne. Money talked, especially in Gotham.
Again she had to thank Willow for giving her the information she needed to confront him. Giles had even hit up several of his Watcher contacts for information. The story it told was surprising. She'd felt compassion for the man until Giles sent along some information that Willow had confirmed via facial recognition software - Bruce Wayne was Batman which meant that her little cousin Dick was Robin. Bruce let her cousin go out every night to fight thugs and villains.
A sigh escaped her.
The negotiations, the back and forth she and Bruce had done had been intense and dragged on for hours, neither willing to give an inch. Buffy knew that if he really wanted, Bruce could crush her, ruin her and get Dawn taken away as well as the house and gallery, but, for whatever reason - and she suspected Dick had asked him not to - he avoided that threat.
What had stopped them and what she had been thinking about ever since was his solution to their problem - marriage.
He hadn't presented it as a romantic thing, hadn't even shown any interest in her. He proposed it as a business deal, something mutually beneficial.
She'd been offended for the rest of the night, but the next morning, while working out in the in-house gym, she began to see some of the benefits. The more distance she gained from it, and a few comments from Alfred, allowed her to think of it in business terms.
The obvious benefits was that married couples had a much easier time with guardianship and adoption than single people. It would instantly erase one of the greatest concerns about Buffy raising Dawn - money. Given Buffy's expected lifespan, which she'd already exceeded several times, it would, hopefully, ensure someone was there for Dawn when the inevitable happened and she passed away. Of course, given Bruce and Dick's night work, there was no guarantee they would out live her.
The major drawback, for Buffy, wasn't that she would have to reveal the Supernatural to Bruce as well as her role in it, it was that she needed to be in Sunnydale and he lived on the opposite coast. It wasn't like she could just pick up and move. That was one argument that she'd been happy to have Dawn and Dick stop. It had been five days ago.
(five days prior)
“It's really that simple. I can't move out West, Dick is already established here - “
“And Dawn and I are established out there. She has friends, school, a life -”
“As does Dick,” Bruce countered. “Look, we can hire someone to handle the gallery for you and even keep the house, rent it out if you want.”
“Why are we even discussing this?”
“Because both the kids have been through trauma and one of them is about to be uprooted again.”
“No. I never agreed -”
“You know it's the best solution.”
“Look you -”
“Buffy! Save me!” Dick cried as he ran into the room, giggling as Dawn chased after him.
(present)
Neither of them had broached the subject since. On the surface it made sense if you didn't know about their night jobs, but knowing about that, it was impossible.
The call she just received from Giles, though, changed things.
The something big that was going to happen had begun, but no one on their side or in the demon or magic communities had any idea what the end game was to be.
Her dreams were coming true. Each dream was of a teen girl and an adult being murdered, frequently mutilated, but she hadn't been able to see by what. The dreams were disturbing her sleep more than usual.
And Giles had just confirmed that something was killing potentials, had been for several weeks, since about the time her dreams started. Several of the watchers had been able to get their potentials away from the threat. Most of the watchers hadn't been so lucky. But, then, per her dreams, neither were the potentials.
The Watcher's Council had little to no leads, but wanted to get the girls somewhere safe. They had decided on Sunnydale. They'd never be safer than with one of the active slayers.
They were waiting for two other girls that they'd been notified escaped. Once they were gathered, they would be setting out for Sunnydale to stay with Buffy. Word was being passed to all the Watchers to get the potentials to Sunnydale.
Buffy needed to get back, soon.
But, she had a very bad feeling about this time. This time wasn't going to be like the others. This time people would die, there would be no winning without sacrifice. Not that there ever was, but this time would be more than her being injured, having her innocence stripped or even dying. This time she wasn't sure they would win and she still didn't know what they were fighting.
The one thing she did know for sure was that she needed Dawn away from the fight. She needed Dawn safe. And Bruce had presented her with a solution.
“There you are,” Bruce greeted, drawing Buffy out of her thoughts. “Even if you don't want to go swimming, I'd suggest getting outside. Sunny days in Gotham are rare.”
Buffy turned and offered a small smile. She saw Bruce's brow furrow as he studied her face and knew she hadn't fooled him into thinking nothing was wrong. Still, she would do anything to keep Dawn safe. She'd already died for her sister, this shouldn't be quite as terrifying. “Walk with me in the garden?” she asked.
“Of course,” Bruce agree, offering her his arm. “May I ask what is on your mind?”
Buffy laughed softly. “Far too much,” she admitted. “But I think we need to talk. You need all the facts about my life, what you're really getting into even if we don't get married.”
Bruce looked interested and concerned. “What's happened?”
Buffy shook her head as they passed by Alfred toward the formal gardens. “Tell me,” Buffy began, “what do you think of Vampires.”
Eyes narrowing, Bruce studied her face for several moments before drifting to the scars at the side of her neck, something that showed in the bright sunlight of the day despite the cover-up she used on them to make them invisible indoors. “Best off as dust.”
Buffy's lips curved slightly in a genuine smile. “Have you heard of a Vampire Slayer.”
“Yes,” Bruce automatically responded. “In Tibet there was a monk I met who introduced me to the supernatural and then told me to stay far away.”
Buffy took a deep breath and let it out. “I was called as the latest Vampire Slayer when I was fourteen, almost fifteen. She stopped and turned so she was facing Bruce and locked eyes with him. I was dead by sixteen - bitten then drowned. A good friend used CPR to bring me back. I was dead again at twenty. This time for 147 days before I was brought back. I'm twenty-two, Bruce and something bad is coming our way, something beyond what I've ever known and I don't know what it is.”
“Buffy...” Bruce began not knowing where he was going to go with his words.
Shaking her head, Buffy looked off across the lawn for several seconds before turning back. “I know how this works. I don't have the option of sitting out whatever this is. But Dawn does. I don't want her in Sunnydale with me for this. Its... It's too dangerous this time.”
“What can I do to help?” Bruce asked, his voice firm, resolute.
“Keep Dawn safe.”
“You know she can't stay here with Dick and I . She could for a little while - spending time with her cousin and all, but I have not authority, no standing with her.”
“Yet.” The word had been uttered with determination and resolve.
Bruce stood and watched her for several seconds. “Are you saying you have an answer with regard to the marriage idea?”
Buffy studied his face, tried to read his eyes. She knew this was the best course of action, but it didn't make it any easier. “I do.”
End.
Author:Beriaearwen
Crossover: Buffy the Vampire Slayer / Batman
Characters: Buffy, Bruce (mention of others)
Rating: Suitable for those over 13
Word Count: 1724
Disclaimer: The characters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer belong to Mutant Enemy, etc. The characters of Batman belong to DC Comics, etc. All are used here without permission. No copyright infringement is intended.
Previous/Related Stories: Expanding The Family
Notes: Yes, this does sound like a romance novel plot, but what's an author to do when the muse won't shut up about the idea? So, anyway... Someday (that mythical day that almost never comes) I have a much more detailed, logical plot/full story for this and I might write it. But don't hold your breath. A continuation of yesterday's entry, but hopefully able to stand on its own as well.
Warning: does not match canon for Buffy season 7
“I understand. By Giles.” Buffy disconnected the call and folded her arms as she looked out the window of the conservatory where she'd gone to take the call. Dick and Dawn were splashing about in the pool outside with Alfred nearby working on the plantings while keeping an eye on the duo. That was for the best because she wasn't seeing them or the beautiful formal garden, the lawn, the trees or the rare (for Gotham) blue sky. Her mind was engaged thinking through the information Giles had just shared and trying to piece it together with the dreams she'd been having and the other whispers she'd caught in the supernatural world.
That something big was coming wasn't a surprise. Between her dreams coming more frequently and demons slowly migrating away from the Hellmouth, it all pointed to something Glory level or bigger headed Sunnydale's way. And she needed to get back there to prepare. A loud splash followed by a cry of indignation drew her attention back to the present. She watched the two D's, as they'd labeled themselves, laughing and having fun.
She had been contacted ten days ago about Dick, about the death of her Aunt Mary and Uncle John and Uncle John's brother's family. She and Dawn were the only family Dick had and it had taken child services months to track them down. She knew Gotham was corrupt, but, having asked Willow to put her hacking skills to use, she had discovered that no one even attempted to do anything for her little cousin until after Bruce Wayne had taken him in as a ward and started asking about the adoption process.
And hearing that it was Bruce Wayne she would be fighting for her cousin had been more terrifying to her almost any creature she'd faced in slaying. The fight to keep Dawn had been hard enough and they still had visits frequently. She had almost no chance to fight Bruce Wayne. Money talked, especially in Gotham.
Again she had to thank Willow for giving her the information she needed to confront him. Giles had even hit up several of his Watcher contacts for information. The story it told was surprising. She'd felt compassion for the man until Giles sent along some information that Willow had confirmed via facial recognition software - Bruce Wayne was Batman which meant that her little cousin Dick was Robin. Bruce let her cousin go out every night to fight thugs and villains.
A sigh escaped her.
The negotiations, the back and forth she and Bruce had done had been intense and dragged on for hours, neither willing to give an inch. Buffy knew that if he really wanted, Bruce could crush her, ruin her and get Dawn taken away as well as the house and gallery, but, for whatever reason - and she suspected Dick had asked him not to - he avoided that threat.
What had stopped them and what she had been thinking about ever since was his solution to their problem - marriage.
He hadn't presented it as a romantic thing, hadn't even shown any interest in her. He proposed it as a business deal, something mutually beneficial.
She'd been offended for the rest of the night, but the next morning, while working out in the in-house gym, she began to see some of the benefits. The more distance she gained from it, and a few comments from Alfred, allowed her to think of it in business terms.
The obvious benefits was that married couples had a much easier time with guardianship and adoption than single people. It would instantly erase one of the greatest concerns about Buffy raising Dawn - money. Given Buffy's expected lifespan, which she'd already exceeded several times, it would, hopefully, ensure someone was there for Dawn when the inevitable happened and she passed away. Of course, given Bruce and Dick's night work, there was no guarantee they would out live her.
The major drawback, for Buffy, wasn't that she would have to reveal the Supernatural to Bruce as well as her role in it, it was that she needed to be in Sunnydale and he lived on the opposite coast. It wasn't like she could just pick up and move. That was one argument that she'd been happy to have Dawn and Dick stop. It had been five days ago.
(five days prior)
“It's really that simple. I can't move out West, Dick is already established here - “
“And Dawn and I are established out there. She has friends, school, a life -”
“As does Dick,” Bruce countered. “Look, we can hire someone to handle the gallery for you and even keep the house, rent it out if you want.”
“Why are we even discussing this?”
“Because both the kids have been through trauma and one of them is about to be uprooted again.”
“No. I never agreed -”
“You know it's the best solution.”
“Look you -”
“Buffy! Save me!” Dick cried as he ran into the room, giggling as Dawn chased after him.
(present)
Neither of them had broached the subject since. On the surface it made sense if you didn't know about their night jobs, but knowing about that, it was impossible.
The call she just received from Giles, though, changed things.
The something big that was going to happen had begun, but no one on their side or in the demon or magic communities had any idea what the end game was to be.
Her dreams were coming true. Each dream was of a teen girl and an adult being murdered, frequently mutilated, but she hadn't been able to see by what. The dreams were disturbing her sleep more than usual.
And Giles had just confirmed that something was killing potentials, had been for several weeks, since about the time her dreams started. Several of the watchers had been able to get their potentials away from the threat. Most of the watchers hadn't been so lucky. But, then, per her dreams, neither were the potentials.
The Watcher's Council had little to no leads, but wanted to get the girls somewhere safe. They had decided on Sunnydale. They'd never be safer than with one of the active slayers.
They were waiting for two other girls that they'd been notified escaped. Once they were gathered, they would be setting out for Sunnydale to stay with Buffy. Word was being passed to all the Watchers to get the potentials to Sunnydale.
Buffy needed to get back, soon.
But, she had a very bad feeling about this time. This time wasn't going to be like the others. This time people would die, there would be no winning without sacrifice. Not that there ever was, but this time would be more than her being injured, having her innocence stripped or even dying. This time she wasn't sure they would win and she still didn't know what they were fighting.
The one thing she did know for sure was that she needed Dawn away from the fight. She needed Dawn safe. And Bruce had presented her with a solution.
“There you are,” Bruce greeted, drawing Buffy out of her thoughts. “Even if you don't want to go swimming, I'd suggest getting outside. Sunny days in Gotham are rare.”
Buffy turned and offered a small smile. She saw Bruce's brow furrow as he studied her face and knew she hadn't fooled him into thinking nothing was wrong. Still, she would do anything to keep Dawn safe. She'd already died for her sister, this shouldn't be quite as terrifying. “Walk with me in the garden?” she asked.
“Of course,” Bruce agree, offering her his arm. “May I ask what is on your mind?”
Buffy laughed softly. “Far too much,” she admitted. “But I think we need to talk. You need all the facts about my life, what you're really getting into even if we don't get married.”
Bruce looked interested and concerned. “What's happened?”
Buffy shook her head as they passed by Alfred toward the formal gardens. “Tell me,” Buffy began, “what do you think of Vampires.”
Eyes narrowing, Bruce studied her face for several moments before drifting to the scars at the side of her neck, something that showed in the bright sunlight of the day despite the cover-up she used on them to make them invisible indoors. “Best off as dust.”
Buffy's lips curved slightly in a genuine smile. “Have you heard of a Vampire Slayer.”
“Yes,” Bruce automatically responded. “In Tibet there was a monk I met who introduced me to the supernatural and then told me to stay far away.”
Buffy took a deep breath and let it out. “I was called as the latest Vampire Slayer when I was fourteen, almost fifteen. She stopped and turned so she was facing Bruce and locked eyes with him. I was dead by sixteen - bitten then drowned. A good friend used CPR to bring me back. I was dead again at twenty. This time for 147 days before I was brought back. I'm twenty-two, Bruce and something bad is coming our way, something beyond what I've ever known and I don't know what it is.”
“Buffy...” Bruce began not knowing where he was going to go with his words.
Shaking her head, Buffy looked off across the lawn for several seconds before turning back. “I know how this works. I don't have the option of sitting out whatever this is. But Dawn does. I don't want her in Sunnydale with me for this. Its... It's too dangerous this time.”
“What can I do to help?” Bruce asked, his voice firm, resolute.
“Keep Dawn safe.”
“You know she can't stay here with Dick and I . She could for a little while - spending time with her cousin and all, but I have not authority, no standing with her.”
“Yet.” The word had been uttered with determination and resolve.
Bruce stood and watched her for several seconds. “Are you saying you have an answer with regard to the marriage idea?”
Buffy studied his face, tried to read his eyes. She knew this was the best course of action, but it didn't make it any easier. “I do.”
End.