“Hey Wingster, what gives with the Bat?” Roy Harper asked sharply. Abruptly the red headed archer grabbed Nightwing’s arm, turning the raven-haired hero to face him.

“What’s your problem, bow head?” Nightwing retorted. Shrugging his arm away from his friend’s grasp, Nightwing stood waiting for the proverbial hail of bullets to start from Roy’s verbal attack. Having no idea what his friend was angry about did little to keep Nightwing from getting his back up. The mention of Batman in Roy’s heated inquiry was more than enough to put his adopted son on the defensive.

“I just came from Ollie’s. Seems the Bat is trying to steal away his best girl.” Roy growled accusingly.

A small light of recognition shown from Nightwing’s blue eyes, he too had noticed that Batman seemed more than a little preoccupied with a certain Canary. “Okay, two things Harper. One, IF the Bat were trying to steal her, he would have done it already and Queen would never have seen it coming. SO, if Ollie does know that Batman is in the running, it simply means that Batman has finally decided to stop ignoring his own feelings for their friendships sake. You can bet that if the situation were reversed, Green Arrow wouldn’t have waited in the shadows for Batman to get his act together. At least his feelings and intentions are out in the open. Second, you said “Ollie’s best girl”. Just how many girls does Ollie have, exactly?” Nightwing asked dryly.

“About as many as that dufus playboy Bruce Wayne, I suspect.” Roy answered coolly. Nightwing stiffened at the insult, his eyes narrowing.

“Let’s just let the Bat and GA solve their own problems Roy. Otherwise, this could get really ugly between us.” Nightwing warned.v“I can do ugly…” Roy warned back. The two stood eye to eye, both determined to make their point. The sound of Lian’s laughter as she ran passed chasing after her ball snapped both men back into pleasantries. Neither wanted to upset the young girl who loved both men dearly.

“Come on baby girl, Daddy’s gonna take you to the park.” Roy promised as he scooped his excited daughter up and onto his hip.

“YAY!” Lian cheered. “You wanna come Unca Dick?” Lian asked sweetly.

“Not this time honey. You and Daddy go have fun and tell Daddy to lighten up, ‘k?” Nightwing answered as he reached over and gave Lian a kiss on the forehead. Roy glared at his friend for his remark but just as Nightwing had known he would, Roy let it pass.

“We’ll finish this conversation later…” Roy growled.

“Yeah, I figured.” Nightwing replied coolly as he watched the two leave.

"Okay, I give.” Dinah said smiling. Her night with Batman had been invigorating. Together they had busted up Rupert Thorne’s organization. Thorne himself had evaded them but all his top generals now had a new residence at Blackgate Prison. After their capture Batman had seemed pleased. He even went so far as to make a joke. Well, it was a small joke and lame at that but the attempt was made. And, Canary had to admit, he looked damned cute making it. Now, they were on the rooftop of the Clock Tower and he was being downright sheepish for some reason. She had been trying to guess what he had behind his back for three whole minutes. He had taken out a long, slender box that he had clipped to the back of his utility belt. If she guessed what was in it, it was hers. She had guessed everything from canary earrings to Bat accessories to no avail.

“Too bad.” Batman answered as he returned the box back to its place on his belt. “Maybe next time.” Without another word Batman walked to the edge of the building preparing his grappling gun.

“Hold on a minute buster!” Black Canary fussed and grabbed Batman’s cape. Holding it tightly, she reached to Batman’s waist. Feeling blindly and letting her hand roam a little more than was necessary, Canary eventually brought her fingers to rest on the box. Unclipping it, she then brushed by Batman’s backside with the back of her hand before she brought it from beneath the massive black cape. Batman stood silently, enjoying the close contact and making no attempt to stop her progress.

“Let’s just see what we have in here…” Canary mumbled and gasped as she flipped the golden lid off the box in question. “Oh gosh, it’s beautiful… I’ve never seen one quite this color.” Dinah elated as she brought the exquisite rose to her nose.

“Alfred…he grows them.” Batman explained in an almost boyish voice.

Dinah smiled. The simple gesture spoke volumes. What was it about this man that made her feel so…free?

“Tell Alfred he has outdone himself this time. And, I might add… so have you.” Dinah took the Batman’s handsome face in her hands and turned it completely towards her. Standing on her tiptoes she placed a simple kiss on his awaiting lips. The kiss was meant to be a short thank you for a pleasant evening. Instead, Batman’s arms went around Canary’s tiny waist, pulling her into him. His mouth became more insistent as the heat and wetness from her full lips excited him. Although shocked, Dinah did not pull away. Her arms went instinctively to his broad shoulders, coming to rest around his neck, pulling it downward so she could reach him that much better. The kiss went on as if the world had stopped and there was only the two of them. The Bat and the Canary…

Oliver Queen sighed as he looked at his watch again. It was almost dawn. Where could she be? Pacing inside Dinah’s apartment, Queen ignored the ringing telephone, knowing full well that it wasn’t for him. His pacing stopped abruptly as he listened to Oracle’s message as she talked excitedly into the answering machine.

“Dinah are you there? Come on girl! You’ve got to give me details about tonight! What happened after he gave you the rose? I can’t believe you turned your communicator off!” Oracle half scolded, half laughed. “Still not going to answer? Maybe that means you aren’t home yet… hmm, I like that! Call me when you get in and be prepared to spill all!” The answering machine clicked off half a second before Oliver sent it flying through the room. His suspicions had been confirmed.

“Out with the Bat? I can fix that.” Oliver growled his promise, exiting the apartment, slamming the door behind him.

Dinah Lance squealed her disapproval as her entire bedroom was thrown unexpectedly into light. Turning over to see what evil being had interrupted her ever so sweet dream, Dinah made out the outline of Oliver Queen standing by the window, pulling the curtains back.

“Get out!” She cried and threw her pillow at his head. Missing it by only a fraction, the pillow managed to knock out a lamp before it crashed to the floor.

“Now pretty bird, calm that temper. I was worried about you. It’s three in the afternoon and you’re still asleep.” Oliver chimed sweetly.

“Don’t call me that.” Dinah snapped.

“What? Pretty Bird? I thought you liked it when I called you that…” Oliver said with a seductive tone. Without waiting for an invitation, he climbed onto the messed up bed, coming to lie directly beside her.

“That was then…this is…” Dinah attempted to explain. His gentle touch as he began rubbing up and down her arm was making it extremely hard to concentrate.

“This is?” Oliver asked as he nestled his nose and mouth in the crook of her neck. Gently he kissed and nibbled as chills went all the way down to her delicately polished toes.

“This is… NOT going to happen.” Dinah declared and pushed her former lover back.

“I see. Well perhaps I need a Bat emblem on my chest…” Oliver snapped and removed himself from the bed.

“This has nothing to do with him.” Dinah defended.

“I’m sorry. Who you are seeing now…is none of my business. I get that. I just… miss you pretty bird.” Oliver stated softly, not turning to look at her.

“You always ‘think’ you miss me Ollie. Until some skirt walks by and then you forget I even exist.” Dinah answered bitterly.

“It won’t be that way this time Angel. I swear it.” Oliver promised with all the sincerity he could muster. Dinah cursed herself for wanting to believe him.

“And what’s different this time?” She asked. Why she was even allowing him a chance to explain was beyond her.

“I’m different. Before…I messed things up for us on purpose.” Oliver confessed. Surprised and intrigued, Dinah encouraged him to continue. “Why? Why would you do that? I thought you loved me.”

Oliver let out a heavy sigh and sat down on the bed beside her. Looking into her imploring eyes he took his best shot.

“I was scared pretty bird. But I’m not any more. I know what I want and even more than that, what I need, and it’s to be with you.”

Tears glistened down Dinah’s cheeks. It might be insanity but her heart couldn’t help but believe him…just this one last time. He reached for her gently and she found herself snuggling into his chest. Closing her eyes she listened to his heartbeat as he held her close. There was no one else on earth, just the two of them, the Arrow and the Canary….

“Your party is this way sir.” The waiter announced as he showed Dick Grayson to the table for two that Bruce Wayne was waiting at. The table, more secluded than the rest at the exclusive restaurant, offered only a single candle for lighting. Soft music filtered through the air as the band played a mixture of easy listening instrumental music. Dick took a deep breath as Bruce turned around. The look of disappoint on Bruce’s face wouldn’t be apparent to anyone that didn’t know him. Dick however knew him too well.

He registered a quick glimpse of hurt in Bruce’s eyes as he explained that Barbara had called him earlier. Seems Dinah had called all bubbly that her and Oliver Queen were back together.

“I see.” Bruce said quietly.

“For what it’s worth, I think the chick is whacked.” Dick answered angrily.

“Thanks for telling me I was stood up in person.” Bruce replied. “You didn’t have to, you know. I probably would have figured it out in an hour or two.”

“Come on.” Dick offered. “Let’s go get a pizza and shoot some pool. It’s been a while since Matches and Robbie Malone did the town.” To his surprise Bruce actually smiled.

“Sounds like youse’ got a plan.”

“So how are ‘things’ with you?” Barbara asked her dearest friend. She did her best not to include a judgmental tone to her voice. It was no secret that Barbara was less than thrilled about her friend reconciliation with Green Arrow. No need to emphasize the point every time they actually found a few minutes to talk.

Dinah Lance sat flopped down on Barbara’s couch. She always felt at home here. The one place she knew she could always be herself.

“Well it’s been a couple of months now and he’s still being a ‘very’ good boy.” Dinah reassured her friend with a smile. “Who knows, maybe this time he really has changed.”

“Uh-huh.” Barbara answered in a monotone voice.

“Babs, you could, I don’t know… TRY…to be happy for me.” Dinah snapped. The hurt in her voice was obvious.

Barbara Gordon searched her heart for an answer. Yes, she did want Dinah to be happy. It wasn’t up to her to pick the man her friend should be with. She knew that. Still, if you’re best friend is standing on the railroad tracks and a train is coming…well, it’s pretty damn hard not to scream for her to get off the tracks…

Barbara rolled her wheel chair along side the front of the couch. Using the conditioned strength in her arms she managed to pull herself from the chair and onto the couch easily.

Now, side-by-side, Barbara turned to look at her friend. What she saw broke her heart. Dinah could claim she was happy until the cows came home but if it really were true, then why did she always seem so sad?

“You know what I think?” Barbara asked.

“No. But as sure as I’m breathing, I’m sure you’re going to tell me.” Dinah growled.

“I think you’re missing something.” Barbara stated firmly. She watched her friend’s reaction closely.

“I haven’t got a clue what you’re talking about.” Dinah answered in a tone that warned Barbara not to ‘go there’. So of course, as any true friend would, that’s exactly where Barbara went.

“You say he’s being good. All is right with Arrow. And still you always seem so completely down. Like you’re missing something. Or…could it be…someone?”

Dinah opened her mouth to protest but found that she could not. Just what color exactly was that rose? She wistfully wondered. Barbara only smiled as she noted Dinah’s pleasant far away look. So her instincts had been right. There was something between Canary and Batman. Even if it was only a spark, Barbara was determined to make Dinah fully evaluate it before she went any farther with Green Arrow.

“Hate to but I’ve got to get back to work, Dinah.” Barbara announced suddenly bringing Dinah crashing down from the memory of her night on the rooftops with Batman, crashing, back to harsh reality.

“Anything I can do?” Dinah asked hopefully. A little action as Black Canary might be just what the doctor ordered to get her out of her ‘funk’.

“Well if your game for it there is something going down tonight…” Barbara baited.

“I knew I could count on you girlfriend!” Dinah exclaimed. “Details if you please.”

“Nightwing reported in just before you got here tonight. He and Batman are helping out Green Arrow and Arsenal.”

“Helping them? Do what?” Dinah asked, surprised that Ollie would work with the Bat voluntarily. Seeing the look, Barbara explained.

“I know. I was surprised too. Seems one of Roy’s informants got word to him about the arsonist gang that has been burning buildings, seemingly for kicks, first in Star City and now Gotham. Anyway, he told GA and then later Nightwing. Nightwing of course told Batman who insisted on being part of the bust since it’s going down in his city. So… you want in?” Barbara asked nonchalantly.

“Well of course. Can’t have psycho’s burning down the place can we?” Dinah asked. Barbara noted that Dinah seemed particularly interested in her fingernails, never bothering to look Barbara directly in the face.

“Hey, if you have a problem seeing him again…” Barbara started.

“I don’t have a problem. He might though. I did kind of stand him up…” Dinah mentioned with a wince.

“So… make it up to him. I’m sure you can find a way…” Barbara teased.

“Babs!” Dinah scolded.

“Yes…” Barbara asked innocently.

“I’m practically an engaged woman.” Dinah reminded her.

“Practically is what separates the old maids from the married women. If Arrow had any intention of marrying you D, he would have done it by now. Of course, hey, it’s your life. I’ve got a great idea! Why don’t you hang with that loser for the best years of your life and watch how fast he dumps you when you get a little age on you? OR, you could wake up and see that there are some men, one I can think of in particular, that are dying for the chance to treat you right. It’s so totally up to you girl. Either way, I’ve got work to do.” Barbara stated coldly. She half expected Dinah to go off on her. Instead Dinah reached across and pulled her into a warm hug.

“WHAT would I do without you Babs?” Dinah asked sincerely.

Barbara smiled and handed Dinah a slip of paper. “Here’s the address. I’m not going to give them a heads up that you’re on the case until you decide what you want. Just let me know.”

“Hit the comm.-link Oracle. Tell the boys, Black Canary is in the HOUSE!” Dinah shouted and was out the door. Barbara laughed at her friend’s enthusiasm. This was the first time Dinah had shown any joy in months.

“I’ll do that BC. Hey, be sure to wear that perfume he gave you…” Barbara responded with a giggle just as the door to Black Canary’s past slammed shut.

Black Canary landed silently down on the rooftop directly across from the address she had been given. Eager to get to the party before it was over she quickly checked in with Oracle.

“I’m across the street. Going in now.” Canary reported.

“NEGATIVE! Hold your position Canary. Stand-by.” Oracle warned.

Confused and annoyed, Black Canary waited twenty full seconds before she complained.

“Come on Oracle. I’m already late here. I wait much longer it’s going to be over.” Black Canary huffed. Silence greeted her transmitting. Worried, Canary tried again.

“Oracle?”

“BC the tip was a trap! Arsenal has been hit. Nightwing has secured him in the back parking lot. Something’s else is wrong though, I can’t get through to Batman.” Oracle explained into Canary’s comm.-link while updating Nightwing on the situation and still trying to get through to the Batman. Multi-tasking was just one of many parts of Oracle’s job.

“Understood. I’m going in.” Black Canary informed her.

“Copy that BC. Be careful.” Oracle ordered.

Black Canary swiftly made it to street level. Just as she attempted to cross the street she was relieved to see Green Arrow running from the building. At least he was safe! Maybe she could get some answers from him. Before she had that chance, the whole world was blown to pieces, or at least, the part of the world right in front of her. Thrown to the ground by the force of it, Black Canary attempted to push herself upright but wound up with broken glass imbedded in her hand for her trouble. Immediately her eyes searched for Green Arrow. He too had been thrown to the pavement. When she saw him moving a wave of relief rushed over her.

“Ollie!” She cried out and was moving toward him before her mind even registered it.

“I’m okay pretty bird.” Green Arrow told her as he gave special attention to his twisted and blooded knee. Her eyes frantically scanned the burning building for any signs of life. A knot gripped her throat tightly as the realization hit her. She had not seen Batman exit the building.

“Where’s Batman?” Black Canary screamed.

“How should I know?” Green Arrow growled and continued fussing with his leg.

“Oracle! The building blew! Arrow is out but no word on Batman. Has Nightwing seen him? Did he get out the back way?” Black Canary asked quickly and held her breath awaiting an answer.

“Negative BC, Nightwing reports seeing no signs of Batman. He still is not answering his comm.-link.” Oracle reported solemnly. “Nightwing is attempting a search from the rear of what’s left of the building.”

“Oh my God!” Canary yelled. Her heart in her throat, she attempted to run to the building.

“WHOAH! You can’t go in there Dinah!” Green Arrow screamed as he grabbed Black Canary’s arm. From behind him the fire raged inside the condemned multi story apartment building. The building was now completely engulfed.

“Batman…he’s…” Black Canary looked at the building and knew the answer. Her knees gave way on her as the memory of his warm kiss and the smell of sweet roses swirled through her mind. “Oh God…please NO!” Canary cried as she sank to the ground.

Green Arrow looked down at his ladylove in confusion at first and then as her tears began to flow, he understood. He had only thought that there was a competition between him and Batman for the Canary’s affections. Now he knew he had been wrong. She had made her decision. And it wasn’t him.

“Easy kid, the Bat’s resilient.” Arrow whispered as he put his arm around her.

“Ollie, I’m sorry…I’m so sorry.” Black Canary sobbed as she realized that he now knew of her hidden feelings.

“It’s okay pretty bird. If I hadn’t left the barn gate open the horse couldn’t have gotten out. My mistake.” Green Arrow reassured her softly.

“She’s not a horse, Arrow.” The Batman’s grim voice interrupted them.

“I beg to differ. She’s the prettiest damn filly I ever saw.” Green Arrow answered wistfully as he watched Black Canary jump into the Batman’s arms.

“Are you alright? I thought…” Canary said excitedly. Her blue eyes carefully scanned the length of him. She told herself it was only to look for injuries; still, she couldn’t seem to stop staring at him.

“I’m alright. The boys are around back. Arsenal took a hit to the shoulder but Nightwing reports he’s in good spirits.” Batman answered and waited as Green Arrow took out running towards the back of the building to check on his surrogate son.

Black Canary and Batman stood facing each other as the fire trucks whirled in pass them. The silence between them continued as the fireman exited their trucks and pulled out the water hoses. Only when a fireman approached them did either speak.

“Are you two alright?” The captain asked. He studied Batman carefully as he talked. He couldn’t wait to get home and tell his seven-year-old son whom he ran into on his shift.

“Yes, thank you. As far as I’m aware, the building was vacant. Please inform the police that Nightwing has left them a gift-wrapped package in the rear parking lot, filled with pyro gang members.”

“I’ll do that. Thanks Batman. It’s good to finally have these guys under wraps.” The Captain commented as he went back to his men.

The fact that Batman had not left the scene told Canary all she needed to know. He did still care about her. With a shaking hand she reached out and touched Batman’s face. She was relieved that he let her.

“I’m…sorry. About that night I stood you up. I wish I had handled it better. Truth is, I was afraid to see you again.” Canary confessed. To her frustration Batman made no reply. With a deep breath, she decided to give it one more try.

“Could we…maybe…start again? She asked hopefully.

Batman stood silent so long she thought he wasn’t going to answer. When he finally did, his voice was soft and to her delight, incredibly sexy. “Want to make rounds with me?”

Black Canary smiled. Being included in the nightly rounds he made to protect Gotham City was one of the highest compliments Batman ever paid anyone. Understanding that and its significance she couldn’t agree fast enough.

“Does a Canary sing?” She asked sweetly.

“We’ll see…” Batman answered as he shot his grappling hook upwards to an awaiting streetlight. Grabbing her by the waist he hoisted the two up and into the Gotham night…