Eileen sees you approaching, takes a drag from her cigarette and grimaces, annoyed. ...Ugh. There goes my good mood. The hell do you want?

Well, it's not like I was looking for it. Takes the tin with her uninjured hand and gratefully closes it before slipping it into her jacket pocket. Thanks, I guess. So what do you want from me, huh?

Why the hell would you want that? Can't get laid without buying it with your looks, huh? I'm not interested in being anyone's cute little friend or their fucking therapist. Now leave me alone, okay?

Hrmph. Fine. You got it. Whatever makes your little ego feel better. Eileen takes another drag on her cigarette, crossing her arms underneath her breasts and blowing the smoke away from you, not even trying to hide how annoyed she is with you.

Well. Whatever makes you feel better about yourself. She doesn't even look at you when she says it; just shrugs her shoulders, takes another drag from her cigarette, and sinks further down into the metal bench, wrapping her arms around herself protectively. Her expression becomes distant again as she gazes across the yard, avoiding making eye contact with anyone else.

Wasn't like I needed him or anything...

(That little shit... He probably thinks he's so fucking charming. I should have just ignored him from the start.) *She takes another drag off her cigarette before finally exhaling it hard through her nose and watching the smoke dissipate into the air. Her gaze drifts to the smokestacks of an abandoned building across the yard, unseeing. A tense silence settles around her as she tries to force away the memories of people like him from her mind, focusing instead on just breathing and existing for a little while longer.) (Maybe I should get something to eat. But fuck if I'm gonna spend any more money than I have to... Yeah, a hotdog stand would be good. Small, easy... Cheap.) *She stubs out the remainder of her cigarette on the concrete beneath her and stands up, brushing the dust off her pants with an irritated sigh before starting towards the hotdog vendor at the other end of the yard.)

(Finally arriving at the hot dog stand, she blinks against the warm light spilling over the cart and surveys its contents with interest. The vendor gives her a friendly smile, which does nothing to improve her mood. She forces herself not to scowl.)

You got any vegetarian options? Her voice is gruff but polite, edged with an undertone of annoyance that isn't directed at the hot dog guy... mostly because she knows he's just doing his job. That doesn't mean she can't hate it, though.

(The vendor shrugs apologetically and rummages through the supplies at his feet before pulling out an unadorned bun and handing it over to her. She nods once in acknowledgment and takes a crumpled five-dollar bill from her pocket, pressing it into his palm before snatching up the bread and walking away to find somewhere quiet to eat.)

I've really gotta find a better way of making money... this shit is killing me. *She sighs and finds a nearby bench that's far enough from the crowd but still offers some minimal sense of privacy, sitting down on one end with her back pressed against the cool metal support. Carefully unwrapping the bun, she reveals a sad excuse for a veggie dog and a wad of shredded iceberg lettuce, which she proceeds to load onto the bread with an annoyed expression on her face before taking a huge bite, nearly choking herself in the process. After several more bites, she finally manages to swallow down most of it.)

Ugh... this is disgusting. Why do I keep doing this?

That... doesn't look much better. No offense. *She eyes the offered sandwich dubiously before shaking her head and withdrawing it back towards herself again. The act of refusing food does little to warm her heart; in fact, it makes her feel even more isolated and untrusting than she already did. She takes another bite of her subpar veggie dog, forcing down the taste with a grimace.

Maybe I should have just taken his stupid sandwich... It couldn't have been much worse than this.

Her disdain for the cheap-tasting meat grows with each bite, making her wish even more vehemently that she had just taken that stupid sandwich he offered her instead. The irritation of being alone only serves to fuel her annoyance, and she finds herself glancing over at Bruce every few seconds, unable to stop herself from wondering why the hell he's sitting all by himself eating his sandwich like some sort of pathetic loner. She should probably just ignore him... but that's easier said than done when he keeps popping up in her line of sight and making her so damn uncomfortable.

Sighing, she gives up on trying to focus on her own food any longer. Maybe if she starts talking to him, it'll help distract herself from the miserable taste. She swallows what remains of her sandwich and then wipes her hands roughly on her jeans before turning to look at Bruce.

So... uh... how long you been hanging around here anyway?

"Oh... really? Not as long as me, I guess." She shrugs, glancing away again before looking back at him through narrowed eyes. "I dunno... it just kinda happened one day. I was walking past and decided to stick around for a bit. It's okay... I've gotten used to the place."

Her tone is casual, almost dismissive, but there's an unspoken depth to her words that speak of years of enduring hardship in this exact location. The way she crosses her arms underneath her breasts, as if seeking comfort or protection, only further emphasizes the sense of weariness and vulnerability that seems to cling to her like a second skin. Despite her defenses, however, she can't help but wonder about Bruce... what his story is, why he's here all by himself when everyone else seems to have at least one person they can call their own.

"So... do you come here often?" She asks, deciding that conversation might be better than staring off into space again. Better to keep her mind occupied, distracted from the thoughts and memories that threaten to overwhelm her when she's left too much time to herself.

She snorts, amused despite herself. "Ha. No, not really." She pauses, taking another drink from her stolen water bottle before continuing, "It wasn't always like this. I used to... have other things to do, you know? Other places I needed to be."

A shadow passes over her face as she remembers the life she once had, the friends and family who are now little more than distant memories. She takes another deep breath, pushing those thoughts away for the moment. They'll only make things worse if she lets them surface again.

"But then... well, let's just say I kinda burned a few bridges." Her tone is bitter, laced with regret and anger in equal measure. She doesn't want to think about it anymore; she doesn't want to talk about it either. Changing the subject feels like the best option at this point.

"So, uh... what do you even do here all by yourself?"

She snorts again, less amused this time. "Well, like I said... I burned a few bridges." Her voice trails off as she thinks about her past, about the people who once meant something to her but who are now gone from her life. The silence that follows feels oppressive, thick with the weight of memories and regrets.

After a moment, she continues more softly, "It's not really anyone's fault, I guess... it just happened. And now here I am." She shrugs helplessly, then glances away again, unsure what else to say. It's strange talking about this stuff with someone she barely even knows; usually she keeps her emotions locked tightly away from everyone except for a few close friends... if you could even call them that anymore.

"So, uh... do you want another hot dog or something?" She asks finally, trying to lighten the mood and shift the focus back onto something less painful. Maybe talking about food will help distract herself from all these thoughts swirling around in her head.

She glances at him in surprise, then quickly looks away again. Her cheeks flush with embarrassment; it was bad enough that she had to refuse his offer before, but now he's offering it up again? She feels a knot form in her stomach as she tries to find the right words to say.

"Well... I mean... thanks, but..." Her voice trails off, and she sighs heavily. "I really shouldn't take charity from people, you know? It just gets me into trouble." She shakes her head, suddenly feeling tired and irritated again. This whole conversation is making her feel exposed in ways that she didn't expect; like maybe she should have just kept to herself after all.

"Look... I'm sorry if I sound ungrateful or anything," she continues, "but I just... I don't need anyone looking out for me, okay? Not anymore." Her expression hardens as she says this, her voice becoming sharp and defensive. She doesn't want him to think that he has any power over her; any ability to make things better or worse. It's just too much of a risk.

"Anyway... thanks for the offer," she mutters finally before turning away from him, hiding behind the barrier of indifference and distance that she's spent so long perfecting. She can feel his eyes on her back, but she refuses to look up or acknowledge him in any way. It's safer this way... at least for now.

She spends the rest of the night alone, lost in thought and memories that she'd rather forget. Eventually, as the sun begins to rise above the horizon, she gathers her things and prepares to leave, slipping back into the anonymous crowd and disappearing from sight... until the next time they meet again

She paces listlessly across the yard, her expression distant and unreadable. The cigarette she picked up an hour ago has since burned down to the filter, the smoke curling lazily around her head like a halo of despair. There's nothing left here for her; no friends, no family... not even any good memories. With a sigh that sounds more like a death rattle, she stubs out what's left of the cigarette on the concrete and glances around one last time before finally heading back into the city proper, lost in the anonymity of another busy day.

She looks up sharply at his voice, her expression instantly wary. It takes her a moment to place him; the guy from yesterday... the one who'd tried to talk to her and annoy her with his stupid comments. She glances away again, irritated by how close he seems to be standing.

"It was an accident," she mutters, trying (and failing) to keep the irritation from her voice. "No harm done." With that, she turns on her heel and starts walking again, pretending not to notice the way he's still hovering nearby.

She glances back over her shoulder at him once more before finally continuing on her way. Why does he keep following her? It's annoying... but it also makes her feel just a tiny bit uncomfortable. She tells herself that it's because she's used to being alone, that no one ever bothers with her anymore... but there's something more to it than that.

Maybe... maybe he's not as bad as she thought? Or maybe he's just another person trying to get under her skin? She can't quite decide which possibility frightens her more. Either way, she doesn't want to let herself fall into the trap of trusting him; not again.

She tries to lose herself in the crowd, burying her feelings deep inside where they can't hurt anyone... least of all her. But even as she forces a smile onto her face and pretends to be interested in whatever someone else is saying, she can't help but wonder about him... and why he keeps coming back.

The day drags on, seemingly endless and unbearable. She finds herself drifting from one place to another without any real direction or purpose, seeking distraction where she can find it and solace where she can hide. But no matter how far she runs or how long she hides, she knows that sooner or later, he'll find her again... and she won't be able to ignore him anymore.

Her gaze flickers over to where he's holding her arm before snapping back up to meet his eyes. Confusion and surprise mingle with irritation on her face as she tries to decide whether or not to be angry at him for grabbing her like that. But then, she remembers the cars zooming by mere inches from where they stand, and realization dawns.

"Oh... thanks..." She murmurs quietly, shoving her hands into her pockets and avoiding looking directly at him. It's just another way for him to think he has some sort of hold over her... another opportunity for him to be "heroic" or whatever it is that seems to make people like him so much these days. She hates feeling indebted, even if it was only a small favor.

She glances around again before reluctantly nodding in acknowledgment and continuing on her way. Maybe she can lose herself somewhere... anywhere but here.

"What?" She blinks, taken aback by his question. "I don't... I mean, it's not like there's anywhere really..." Her voice trails off as she glances around again, half-expecting him to know what she means. But he doesn't seem to be paying attention to her anymore; his focus is elsewhere.

She purses her lips thoughtfully before deciding that maybe it wouldn't hurt to talk to him. After all, he seems harmless enough... and maybe if she talks to someone else for a while, it'll help take the edge off this endless loneliness. With a small sigh, she falls into step beside him, trying not to look too eager or pathetic.

"So... where are you headed?"

She follows him warily, glancing around at their surroundings with unease. The forest seems ominous in the fading light of day, trees looming overhead like watchful sentinels guarding against intruders. As they approach an abandoned house tucked away among the foliage, her heart beats a little faster and she feels herself tensing up. There's something about this place that feels... wrong.

But then, as they climb to the top of a small hill, she catches sight of the town spread out below them like a jewel box gleaming in the sunset. Her breath catches in her throat and for a moment, all her worries and fears seem to fade away. The sky turns from pink to purple and gold as the last rays of light touch down upon the earth, casting everything in a warm, golden glow.

"It's... it's beautiful..." She whispers, staring out at the scene before her with wonder and appreciation in her eyes. For just a moment, she forgets that there are other people in the world... or even that they exist. And it feels wonderful.

"What do you mean?" She asks softly, looking puzzled. "I don't even know who you are... how could I be afraid of you?" Her voice trails off as she shivers slightly from the cool breeze blowing over them. For a moment, they stand there in silence, each lost in their own thoughts and feelings.

The sun dips lower on the horizon, painting streaks of fire across the sky before disappearing entirely, plunging them into darkness. She looks away, feeling unsettled by the sudden change in atmosphere... and by the way Bruce just keeps looking at her with that odd expression on his face. There's something about him tonight that she can't quite figure out, and it makes her feel more uneasy than ever before.

She clenches her hands into fists and takes a step back, breaking eye contact as she tries to regain her composure. "Maybe we should head back..." She whispers, not meeting his gaze. "It's getting late." Her heart is racing now; the fear and confusion making it hard for her to think clearly. All she wants to do is get away from this place... away from him...

Her hand stings where it connects with his cheek, but she barely registers the pain; all she can feel is shock and disbelief at her own actions. What was she thinking? Why did she just... why? The suddenness of her movement, the violence behind her slap... they're so unlike her. And yet there he stands, his eyes wide with surprise and hurt, as if he had expected something else entirely.

"I..." She trails off, unable to meet his gaze now any more than she could before. Her shoulders slump in defeat; she can't believe she did that. Of all the stupid things...

Without waiting for him to respond, she turns and hurries away from the abandoned house, back towards the safety of the town. Her steps are quick and purposeful, her mind awhirl with questions and regrets. She doesn't want to think about him anymore; she just wants this night to be over.

As she loses herself in the darkness, she wonders if she'll ever see Bruce again... or if tonight was their last meeting. The thought both frightens and disappoints her, but there's nothing she can do about it now. All she can do is keep moving forward, one step at a time, until this strange and unsettling evening fades from memory and life returns to normal once more.

She paces listlessly down the hallway, her expression distant and unreadable. Despite the fact that it's been hours since she saw him last night, she can still feel the echo of his gaze on her skin, the memory of his touch a constant presence against her fingertips. It's disorienting... confusing... and for once, she doesn't know how to react.

She stops abruptly, realizing with a start that she has no idea where she's going or what she plans on doing today. With a sigh that sounds more like defeat than anything else, she turns around and begins the slow trek back towards her room. It's been weeks since she's bothered to decorate it or make it feel like home; the bare mattress and sparse furnishings seem to mock her with their emptiness.

Closing the door behind her, Eileen climbs onto the bed and curls up into a tight ball, wishing she could just disappear from this place... from everything. But as much as she wants to forget about him, about what happened last night, she knows that it'll be impossible. He's under her skin now, burrowing deeper with every passing moment.

And so, with a resigned sigh, she stares at the ceiling and waits for sleep to come... wait for dreams to sweep her away from this reality where everything feels so wrong. Maybe then, just maybe, she'll be able to forget about him long enough to find some peace.

Her breath catches in her throat as she sees him there, sitting on the hill just like he was yesterday... only more alone now than ever before. A pang of guilt washes over her at the thought that maybe it's partly her fault that he seems so lost. He had tried to talk to her; wanted to be friendly... and all she could do was push him away.

Slowly, she pushes herself up from the bed and crosses the room until she's standing beside the window. The cool glass feels strange against her warm skin, but she doesn't mind; it helps ground her somehow. With a deep breath, she steps out into the hallway and starts towards the front door.

As she approaches, she can feel his eyes on her back, following her every move with an intensity that makes her heart race faster. She hesitates for a moment, unsure if she really wants to go through with this, but then something inside her snaps loose and she finds herself walking towards him anyway.

The grass is soft beneath her feet as she climbs the hill, every step leading her closer to him. When she finally reaches his side, they stand there in silence for what seems like an eternity, neither one of them sure of what to say or do next. It's almost painful, this awkwardness between them... but somehow also strangely comforting.

She takes a tentative step closer, reaching out a shaking hand towards him. "I... I'm sorry," she whispers softly, her voice barely audible even to herself. "For what I said... and for how I acted..." He doesn't respond, just watches her with those strange, searching eyes that feel like they could see right through her skin if she let them.

"I don't know why I do the things I do

She looks up at him confused when he gestures for her to sit beside him, but she does as he says anyway, settling down onto the grass beside him. The sky is indeed beautiful tonight; a vast expanse of stars and moonlight painting it in shades of blue and black. But even so, she can't help but feel self-conscious under his gaze.

"What do you mean?" She asks quietly, not quite sure if she wants to know the answer or not. "It's not my fault for how I acted... is it?" Her voice trembles slightly as she speaks, and she bites her lip nervously before looking away again.

She can feel him shift beside her, his presence close enough that she could reach out and touch him if she wanted to. The thought both excites and terrifies her at the same time; makes her heart race faster and her palms sweat. But despite everything, she knows that this moment... this quiet, peaceful interlude between them... it's something special. Something she never expected to find again.

"No..." He says softly, surprising her with the strength of his response. "It's not your fault." His hand reaches out and brushes against hers where they rest on the grass beside her thigh. She looks at him in surprise before leaning towards him, their faces only inches apart now.

"Then... why does it feel like everything is?" She whispers, her eyes filled with a mix of confusion, longing, and vulnerability that he can't help but be drawn to.

He doesn't answer right away; instead, he turns back towards the city skyline and takes a deep breath before speaking again. "Because it is your fault... my fault... everyone's fault." His voice is rough with emotion now, as if he

She starts at his touch and then looks down at their hands where they lie palm up next to each other. The bracelet rests in the crook of his elbow and she stares at it for a moment before glancing back up at him with wide, curious eyes. This... this isn't what she was expecting. Not at all.

Her fingers twitch slightly as if they want to reach out and take the delicate piece of jewelry from him, but she hesitates, unsure why he would give it to her after everything that happened. "Why...?" she whispers, unable to finish her thought. It sounds so pathetic even in her own ears, but she can't help it.

He smiles gently and lifts the bracelet higher, offering it to her again. This time, when he meets her gaze, there's something in his eyes that she's never seen before... a kind of determination or maybe even hope. It makes her heart flutter unsteadily inside her chest and she finds herself leaning towards him without really meaning to.

She takes the bracelet from him carefully, marveling at how light it feels in her hand. It's delicate but sturdy, just like her... just like she wants to be. And as he watches her with that strange, intense look on his face, she suddenly realizes that maybe... just maybe... this might not have been such a bad night after all.

Her eyes travel over the vast expanse of stars and moonlight above them as she lies there with him, their hands clasped together between them. It feels strange... but not unpleasant. In fact, it almost feels right somehow. She hasn't felt this comfortable or at peace since before everything went wrong; before the accident that changed her life forever.

She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, trying to calm herself down as she stares up into the night sky. "I guess... I just wanted things to be different," she whispers softly, not really sure why she's sharing this with him of all people. "You know? Sometimes I look at my life and I can't help but wonder what it would be like if things had been different."

She pauses for a moment, feeling self-conscious under his gaze even though she knows he can't see her face. "I mean... I don't expect anything to change now. It's just..." She trails off, unsure how to explain it. But before she can say anymore, he speaks up again, his voice gentle and reassuring.

"Maybe some things are meant to stay the same," he says with a sigh. "And maybe that's not such a bad thing." He squeezes her hand gently before letting go, and she feels a pang of loss at the contact gone too soon. But then his fingers slide back into hers, encircling her smaller hand with his own warm, steady touch.

She looks over at him in surprise before realizing what he's done and smiling tentatively up at him. For just a moment, everything feels... right. Like maybe there's hope for them after all; like maybe they could find some happiness together despite the odds stacked against them.

She lets out a tiny sound of surprise before relaxing into his embrace as he pulls her close, their lips brushing against each other softly. This kiss isn't demanding or possessive; it's gentle and sweet and makes her feel more alive than she has in months. Her hands rise up to rest on his shoulders, holding herself up slightly as she leans into him even further, wanting nothing more than to lose herself in this moment with him.

As they part from their kiss, both are left breathless and flushed. Eileen looks at Bruce through eyes that shine brightly in the moonlight, her heart racing with a mix of fear and anticipation she can't quite explain. She reaches up with one hand and tentatively traces his jawline before leaning forward to press her lips against his again, more urgently this time.

He responds eagerly, deepening the kiss as they tumble together onto the soft grass below them, their bodies pressing tightly against each other in a desperate search for comfort and connection. Eileen feels an unfamiliar heat pooling low in her belly; she's never been kissed like this before, not by someone who actually wanted her. And as their tongues dance together beneath the night sky, she can't help but wonder where this will lead them... if there's even a chance for something real between them.

The world tilts and spins as he pulls away, leaving her briefly disoriented. She blinks up at him, struggling to catch her breath as she processes his words. Love... feelings... for her? It can't be possible; she doesn't deserve it. But the way he looks at her, the way he touches her... it feels so real, so raw and intense that she can't help but believe him.

"B-bruce..." she whispers, her voice trembling with emotion. Tears well up in her eyes as she stares at him, searching for any hint of deception or mockery, but finding none. "I... I don't know what to say."

He smiles gently and cups her face with his hands, brushing the tears away before they can fall. "You don't have to say anything," he whispers back, his lips so close she can feel the warmth of his breath on hers. "Just be with me... stay with me tonight."

Her heart pounds in her chest as she nods, feeling a sudden surge of hope and excitement coursing through her veins. Maybe this is it; maybe finally, after all this time, things will change for the better. She leans forward, pressing her lips against his once more, their tongues tangling and dancing together in a desperate search for connection and understanding.

As they kiss beneath the stars, the world fades away into nothingness; there is only them, and this moment, and the promise of something wonderful just beyond the horizon. She feels him shift his weight so that he's above her now, his body spanning hers as their hips grind together in a rhythm born of desire and need. And when he finally breaks the kiss to look down at her, she can see in his

Her breath catches in her throat as he removes her shirt, revealing her bare chest to the cool night air. She feels his hot breath against her nipple just before he takes it into his mouth, sucking greedily. A moan escapes from her lips as pleasure washes over her in a wave. Her hips rise off the ground of their own accord, seeking more contact with his hard length pressing against her through the thin fabric of their clothes.

"Bruce..." she whispers, arching into him as he continues to feast on her breast. "Please..." She doesn't know what she's asking for, but she needs something... anything that will ease the ache building between them. She doesn't want this moment to end; doesn't want to go back to being alone again.

His hands slip beneath her skirt, caressing her hips and thighs before moving higher, inching closer to where she aches for his touch. When he finally slides a finger inside of her, she cries out loudly, the sensation so overwhelming that tears well up in her eyes once more. It feels incredible; better than anything she's ever experienced before, and with each stroke of his fingers she's closer to the edge of oblivion.

"Bruce..." Her voice is little more than a pleading whimper as he continues to pleasure her, his lips leaving trails of wetness along her collarbone and shoulders. She feels a powerful release building deep inside her core, threatening to consume her whole. It's exhilarating and terrifying all at once; an experience she knows will change everything between them from here on out. But right now, as he touches her like this... in this moment... it feels so right that she doesn'

Her hips rise off the ground as she feels him press against her, his hard length sliding easily inside of her. It's almost too much at first; so much more than she was expecting. But as he starts to move slowly, carefully, she begins to adjust, letting him take control and guide them both towards this new experience they're sharing together.

Her fingers dig into his shoulders as pleasure washes over her in waves, each stroke deeper and harder than the last. Her breath comes ragged and uneven, her entire body trembling with need and desire. She looks down at where their bodies are joined and watches as they move together, mesmerized by the sight of him filling her up and driving them both towards an explosive release.

With a shuddering gasp, she feels herself starting to climax, her entire body tense and quiver as pleasure engulfs every nerve ending in her being. She arches her back off the ground, crying out his name as the sensation builds and builds until it spills over the edge, leaving her weak and satiated but impossibly grateful for this night, for him... for everything.

As their movements slow and eventually cease, she feels him still inside of her, soft and warm. His body is hot against hers as they catch their breath together, lost in the afterglow of their passion. She lifts a hand to brush a stray strand of hair from his forehead before letting it fall gently back down again, careful not to dislodge the bracelet he gave her earlier. It's a simple gesture, but one that feels significant somehow; like a promise of things to come.

"Thank you," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of their ragged breathing. "For everything." She means it with every fiber

She looks up at him from beneath her lashes, a shy smile curving her lips. "Yes... yes, it was." Her cheeks flush pink in the darkness as she remembers the way he touched her, the feel of his body moving against hers. It's been so long since she's felt wanted or desired that the intensity of their lovemaking has left her reeling.

As they finish dressing, she takes a tentative step closer to him and reaches out, resting her hand on his arm. "I don't know what any of this means... or where it will lead us," she says quietly. "But I want... I want to see where we go from here." There's uncertainty in her voice, but also a tiny spark of hope that makes her heart flutter with anticipation.

He looks down at her hand on his arm and then back up into her eyes. For just a moment, they share something - a connection that feels deeper than anything either of them has ever experienced before. And then he leans forward, his lips brushing against hers in the gentlest of kisses. "Me too," he whispers. "I want to see where we go from here too."

She bites her lower lip thoughtfully as they walk through the cool night air, their fingers entwined between them. "It wasn't that I didn't trust you..." She trails off, searching for the right words to explain her actions. "I just... I was scared. Scared of what people would think, scared of losing control again, scared of everything."

He squeezes her hand gently and she looks up at him in surprise. The understanding in his eyes makes it easier for her to continue. "I wanted to be strong, Bruce... I wanted to prove that I could handle things on my own. But..." She pauses, hesitating before finally saying, "... maybe I was wrong."

She feels self-conscious admitting this aloud, but something about being with him tonight has made her feel brave enough to open up a little more. The way he looks at her makes her want to be honest; makes her want to trust him again.

"It's okay," he says softly, kissing the top of her head. "I understand." They walk in silence for a while longer before she asks him another question.

"Do you still think I should take over as Batman?"

"Oh..." She says, sounding a little disappointed at first before she chuckles softly herself. "Well... I guess I could try and find my own way then." Her tone is teasing now, but there's an undercurrent of sincerity to it as well. She leans against him contentedly as he carries her through the city. It feels good to be close to him like this; secure in his arms and part of something bigger than herself.

"You don't need to find your own way," he says, nuzzling her hair with his nose. "I think you found it tonight." She looks up at him, not quite sure what he means but trusting the affection in his voice. He carries her across the threshold of their building and up the stairs, their destination the warmth of his bed. As they enter his room, she can't help but feel a thrill of anticipation course through her veins. Tonight has been an adventure unlike any other; filled with passion, trust... hope. And now that it's only the two of them, and they're finally alone together in his bed... who knows what might happen next?

The softness of the sheets against her skin is almost overwhelming after spending the evening outdoors, but she finds herself shivering from a different kind of chill as well; an exciting mix of anticipation and desire. She looks up at Bruce through her lashes, watching him carefully as he moves to lie down beside her on the bed. The moonlight streaming in through his window paints his features in a soft, ethereal glow, making him look almost otherworldly.

As their lips meet once more, she feels herself melt against him, her body responding instinctively to his touch. Her hands trail up his chest, over his shoulders and then down his back, exploring the muscles beneath his skin with an eagerness that both surprises and thrills her. She's never been so physically alive, so attuned to another person's body before... and she wants more of it.

The kiss deepens, their tongues dueling playfully as they grow bolder, their need for one another becoming increasingly urgent. She feels herself start to shudder with pleasure as he grinds against her, his hips moving in a rhythm that speaks volumes about how lost he is in the moment too. With a desperate gasp, she breaks away from the kiss and presses her forehead against his, their breath coming in ragged pants as they struggle to catch their breath.

"I want... I need..." She starts, not quite sure what words to use or how to ask for what she craves. But before she can finish, he looks down at her and smiles, understanding perfectly. "Yes," he whispers. "So do I." And with that, he rolls onto his back, taking her with him so they're pinned beneath his weight. Their bodies slide against