Gotham was a beautiful sight from above. City lights glittered against the velvety black sky, leaving Pantherette breathless from her perch on the Clocktower, which was nearly as high as Wayne Tower itself. She leaned against her companion on the ledge, a beastly gargoyle with vicious fangs that she had kindly dubbed “George”, and sighed into his pointy ear.

“I wonder if all cities are like Gotham,” she pondered outloud, imaginatively addressing the stone figure. “On the surface so gorgeous, it almost masks the corruption beneath...“

Pantherette trailed off as she heard footsteps approaching from behind on the stone roof of the ‘Tower. I know those..., she offhandedly thought.

“Robin,” she stated matter-of-factly, not turning to see if she was correct. Yes, it’s Robin, but...more than that?

The footsteps stopped abruptly. “How did you know?”

She shook the lingering question from her mind and answered simply, “It’s a gift.”

Standing to face the Boy Wonder, Pantherette found her breath caught in her throat. He’s..., she bit her lip as she really looked at him for the first time. He’s damn cute! She grinned a bit shyly to herself as her eyes wandered from his tousely black hair to his distinct jaw and trailed down his well-formed body, revealed in glimpses as his ankle-length cape flapped about in the wind. She felt the warmth in her cheeks rise as she realized that he was admiring her just the same.

Both teens attempted to non-chalantly regain their composure in a moment of awkward silence. Pantherette finally spoke up, “So, what brings you to, um…here, I mean, the top of the Clocktower?” She flashed an embarrassed smile.

Just as flustered, Robin replied, “Well...um, I was passing by in the neighborhood and I saw someone up here on the Clocktower and I was concerned so I came to check it out. And, well, it ends up it was you.”

Pantherette laughed, amused. “You thought I was a jumper, then?”

“Um...yeah.” He looked painfully embarrassed.

She smiled kindly. “It’s nice to know you’re so concerned.”

Robin’s expression immediately lightened, as he seemed relieved.

Pantherette filled the silence before another awkward moment befell them.

“So, where’s Batman tonight? I thought where one of you was, the other followed.”

“Well,” Robin said, “We tend to split up most nights when there’s nothing big going on. He trusts me on my own.”

“It seemed like Bats trusted no one. Guess it’s just me he doesn’t like,” Pantherette sighed, almost jokingly. “Not that I blame him,” she added, more to herself than to anyone else.

“Don’t take it personally. Batman just worries for your safety. And what happened with Richard Johnson could have happened to any--”

He cut himself off.

“Go ahead. Say it. It could have happened to any amateur.”

Robin paused a moment. “That’s not what I meant, Pantherette.”

“It’s alright. I know I screwed up big time that night.” She turned away, punching “George’s” wing in frustration. A moment later she turned back, her facial expression pleading for Robin to understand. “Look, I want Richard in jail more than anyone in this city. I can’t tell you why, but I know how much he deserves it. The police have their hands tied with the legal loopholes he throws at them constantly, but this,” she indicated her costume, “this is how he’ll be taken out. It’s the only way.”

Robin was slightly taken aback by her obvious passion, but didn’t question it. “You’re right, Pan – er, do you mind if I call you Pan?” he interrupted himself.

She gave a quick smile and shook her head.

Robin continued. “Pan, you’re right, though, about how Richard is going to have to go down. If Batman saw what you’re showing me right now, I know he’d trust you--“

“That’s sweet, Robin, really,” she interrupted. “But it’s not about Batman’s trust. I don’t need his approval to be out here on the streets doing what I feel is right, because as much as he’d like to think so, he doesn’t own this city.”

She noticed Robin trying not to look hurt. “That’s true,” he said slowly.

“I’m sorry if what I said bothers you in any way, but I didn’t decide to put on this outfit to become another one of his sidekicks. I’m doing this for my own reasons, not his. I do recognize that I’m not taking out the likes of Richard without his help, but that’s as far as I care for my relationship with him to go.”

This time Robin couldn’t mask his disappointment, as he muttered forlornly, starting to turn away, “Then I suppose you won’t want to be seeing any more of me, either...”

Pantherette firmly grabbed his arm. He was a bit amazed at her grip. “No, Robin, that’s not what I meant.”

He looked up at her, and she relaxed, letting him go.

“I...I’m sorry. I was just ranting,” Pantherette said quietly. She moved away from him slightly, almost fidgeting from her nervousness.

He, in turn, moved closer. “It’s alright. I understand.”

They both looked at each other intently, wondering about the person behind the mask. On impulse, Robin leaned in, kissing Pantherette softly as he held her. Only barely in passing did she feel it was familiar somehow.

They parted, and Pantherette immediately blushed. She turned suddenly towards the city skyline, leaning on the stonework of the aging tower.

Robin moved so that he was next to her. “It’s beautiful. Just like you.”

Pantherette gave a short laugh, much to Robin’s surprise.

“What is it?”

She took a deep breath, still smiling. “Nothing, nothing at all. You just reminded me of someone with your slick talk.” She laughed again, unnerving him further.

“It was a compliment,” he stated plainly.

She grinned. “I know. Thank you.”

P A N T H E R E T T E