Tonight wasn't going anything like what Terry had planned. A simple make out session with Dana, disguised as a study session (which had followed no one), was the entirety of his plans. Relaxation was an absolute Godsend. However, it had been cut short by Mr. Wayne's call. Predictably in response, Dana had huffed and Terry had done his best to console her as he ran out the door.

Already, he had stopped a group of Jokerz who had set up perimeter in the Gotham Park. They'd taken to charging people a fee to get in and out. It might have been good exercise, but he could have done without the joy buzzers of water. Not to mention the cream pie. After, he'd gotten a message from Max who was slightly put out as she'd ended up becoming Dana's sympathetic ear in her latest bout of Terry frustration.

As such, it came as no surprise when the alarm for the Gotham's art museum started to blink on his panel. It would be far too easy to actually get back in time with a bouquet of roses because relationships could never be quite that simple. At least that was the way it was when one moonlighted as a vigilante. It was getting to the point where Terry had to think about what he'd done before.

Making it to the museum in under five minutes, he drove to the front entrance. He paused but saw no sign of entry or movement. He circled the building, gradually ascending, until he saw a lone playing card hovering just above the roof. Terry landed alongside them and had slipped inside following their route through the skylight.

Since King and Queen had been imprisoned and Ace had been impounded, Jack could no longer see the point on maintaining the Royal Flush theme. After all, with only two of them they didn't even rate a decent hand. To give himself some credit, he had tried to go the straight and narrow like his sister. It just wasn't in him. He had been breed on money and was missed it more than his incarcerated parents.

The daily work drudge was insane. Not to mention boring and he had fallen on old habits (sans costumes) once or twice. There was a thrill in taking what you wanted not to mention the satisfaction money could bring. Melanie found out about it. That was only a matter of time.

It had taken a lot of convincing but Ten was now, joining him in his tax-free hobby. Jack no longer stole things associated with the playing card trade opting for the more universal currency of gems and jewelry which was exactly what he was pocketing when Batman tackled him.

They fell to the floor in a heap. It had happened somewhat sudden and with no witty remarks or comebacks. Jack fell hard against the floor and slid a few feet into a freestanding display that started to topple. Still in the air, Batman twisted stopping the column from falling. The slight lapse gave each a moment to regroup.

"So much for cleaning up your act, eh?" Batman said, his eyes flickering to the gemstones that had fallen across the floor.

"Been there, done that, hated the T-shirt." Jack rushed forwards intent on tackling Batman but was hardly successful.

Batman sidestepped and caught Jack with a sharp punch to the stomach. He faltered for a moment but was already swinging the bag filled with gold and other stones at Batman's head. Terry's display screen momentarily flickered and he staggered. Not hesitating Jack made to swing the bag again.

This time it didn't connect. A batarang shot out imbedding itself in the ceiling but not before slicing open the bag spilling the rest of its content across the floor. Batman barely hesitated advancing again on the other man.

Jack knew a losing situation when he saw one. He fought back but no avail and was quickly backed up against a wall. He snarled at Batman then his eyes flickered to the left and looked behind the hero. "Don't just stand there. Do something!"

Terry turned in time just in time to register two things. Ten was now in front of him and she was holding the vase he'd saved earlier. Then his vision blurred as he felt more than saw said vase explode on the side of his head.

"So you lost them."

Bruce Wayne sat the batcomputer, facing the cave and his protege with steepled fingers. Terry frowned as he started to get undressed.

"I didn't lose them!" he protested. "They just sort of kind of got away from me."

Wayne frowned.

"It doesn't matter. I'll go see her tomorrow."

"If she hasn't left town already," Wayne stated playing Devil's advocate.

"Cut and run isn't their style," objected Terry. "Besides they still have to fence the stuff. They'll be around."

"You're hardly an objective judge."

"I've been over her for a long time. This couldn't be any more cut and dry." Terry turned, climbing the steps content to have seemingly won an argument.

The young man's insistence wasn't comforting. He was trying to hard to convince one of them and Bruce couldn't be certain which it was.

Terry woke the next morning neither with ringing alarm clock nor a beeping phone. It wasn't a knock on the door nor sunlight streaming into his room but rather the sudden weight that could only be accomplished by younger brothers jumping atop the bed.

Terry grunted and pulled at the sheets. Matt tumbled off the bed. Each sat up petulantly glaring at the other. Terry broke the stare first forgoing the contest for a sudden immense yawn.

Matt mustered an expression made entirely of gloating. "Mom says you should have been up hours ago."

"Yeah, and?"

"She said you have to watch me," Matt grinned waiting for the reaction.

Terry instantly felt awake. "What? Why?"

"Because she has class. And I'm hungry. Buy me food."

Terry glowered at the clock. Past one o'clock... really a late time to sleep in unless you hadn't gotten to bed until six in the morning. He yawned again, finally getting out of his bed.

"Yeah fine. Give me a moment, twip."

"Cool. Oh, and I made you coffee," Matt offered. "At least I think I did."

Terry quirked a smile. "Thanks kid."

"Don't thank me yet. Dana called and she didn't sound happy."

Terry collapsed back onto his bed and groaned into his pillow. Matt tried to drag him off once more. "Come on, I'm hungry!"

Melanie Walker woke to the sound of voices. She shuffling into the living room to find her brother and his girlfriend draped across the couch. Or rather, her brother was draped across the couch and his girlfriend, Tracie, draped across him. Mel cleared her throat loudly.

They split apart, neither looking particularly embarrassed.

"Morning Mel," Jack said. Beside him Tracie waved brightly.

"Look what your brother got me," the girl said, lifting the gold necklace she was wearing slightly. "It's expensive," she gloated.

"Uh huh," Melanie deadpanned. "Nice." She looked towards Jack again. She could see the faint trace of bruises across his face. "So what are your plans for the day?"

"I've got to run a few errands," Jack said obliquely. "You?"

"Work," Mel huffed. "It's always work."

"Isn't it now?" Tracie added, arcing an eyebrow, sounding just a bit smug.

Mel walked out of the room to get changed. Stupid waitressing job. As she closed her door she wondered just what the girl had been inferring.

Matt looked at the building. He poked his head out between Terry and Dana. He looked through the window at the nice white tablecloths. "I don't want to eat here," he pronounced.

"I think it's romantic," Dana said, hanging of Terry's arm.

"Why couldn't we go to Chucko's."

"Because I said so twip. I could have left you at Max's."

"I bet they don't even have good food," Matt huffed.

Jack bounded in the pawnshop, casually swinging the canvas bag as if it didn't contain a multitude of wealth. The overhead bell chimed and the figure behind the counter looked up in casual interest.

"Jack," he greeted tonelessly, watching as the other man slid the sign from open to closed.

"Trevor. My man. How's business?" He arced the bag overhead and it landed on the counter with an audible thump.

Trevor's eyes glinted eagerly and he reached for the bag. "That all depends, doesn't it, on what's behind door number one."

"I can NOT believe you. You come into where I work and accuse me of--"

"Lower your voice before everyone hears you," Terry advised.

"Accuse me of stealing," Mel hissed harshly just inches away from Terry's face. "How dare you even think... You have some nerve Terry McGinnis."

"It was all over the news Mel. I thought you were through with that."

"So you came to rub it in my face. What I do is none of your business, okay?"

"You made sure of that didn't you?" he shot back.

"We wouldn't have worked, Ter. Even now. You're just too cookie cutter normal."

"And you're a criminal."

And that's when Melanie slapped him across the face. She turned striding angrily out of the kitchen and into the dinning area. "Just leave me alone."

"Look Melanie, would you just wait." Terry followed the blonde as she weaved through tables on her way out. "I just want to talk."

"Terry!"

"Not now Dana." Terry raced past her and outside, just in time to see Melanie flag down a taxi. He glowered and slunk back inside.

Dana stood her arms folded across her chest. Matt waited with wide eyes.

"Dana, I--" Terry started.

"Come on Matt," Dana stood abruptly and grabbed for his hand. "I'll take you to Chucko's."

"Schway."

"And you," she rounded on Terry. "Don't even talk to me."

"Have I ever mentioned you're an idiot?"

Terry opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling. He moved slightly on his bed to look at his friend. Max was smiling by the computer.

Terry attempted to glower. "I missed the part where this was supposed to make me feel better."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Great plan Ter, dragging your girlfriend to go confront your ex-something and accuse her of being a criminal."

"She is a criminal," he retorted wearily and closed his eyes again.

"Yeah, well with a family like her it's no wonder. Did you ever stop and think why she's still working?"

"Secret identity?" Terry tried weakly.

"Uh no. Her record's public and everyone doesn't have the same fetish as you."

"Fetish?"

"Kink. Quirk. Whatever you call dressing up in a suit. At any rate, if I were her I definitely wouldn't be working in Yuppieville."

"You'd be a terror to Tech stores everywhere."

"Damn straight."

"Is that list done yet?"

"Almost. Then you can start a run down of the fences."

The door to the pawn shop banged open, the overhead chime ringing loudly. The sign on the door was changed quickly to closed once again. Melanie Walker strode up to the counter, slamming her palms angrily on the smooth surface. Trevor started.

"He was here today wasn't he?" she demanded.

Trevor's eyes searched wildly around the room. The last thing he wanted to be involved in was a domestic spat. "I don't know," he stammered weakly.

"He was. Wasn't he?"

"Look. He's got the money. I'm out of the loop. I'm sorry if he stiffed you but I can't do anything about it. I'm just the middle man."

"Was anyone with him?"

"Like who?" Trevor paused. "No. No. Nobody. I'm sure."

Melanie huffed and whirled, her hair flying behind her. She strode for the door but found her path blocked as Batman turned off his cloaking mechanism to become visible. Mel gasped.

Batman folded his arms. "And here I thought I was in the wrong place all this time."

Trevor ducked under the counter, desperately searching for any weapon he could find.

"Look. I know how this looks," Melanie protested. "It wasn't me."

"Sure it wasn't. Same costume. Same tricks. Try a different one lady. You've tricked me too many times already."

"This time I'm telling the truth."

"And if you are then I'm sure the police will be happy to listen."

"Yeah, well listen to this!" In a burst of bravado, Trevor leapt up, aiming what appeared to be a grenade launcher at the doorway. Batman tackled Ten, knocking them both down to the floor as he pressed the trigger and flew forward into the counter while the back half of his store disintegrated.

While he struggled to turn the weapon around, Batman took action. A well placed Batarang sent the weapon to the floor and another shocked the man, electricity sparking all around the room. It ripped through bodies and short circuited all the electronics in the small room. Taking advantage of the confusion, Melanie ran out the door.

Batman took off after her. She didn't get far, in fact she stopped short in front of a news display. Before Batman could make a retort, she whirled on him with an unreadable expression. Melanie tapped the screen angrily.

"In breaking news, the Royal Flush Gang has struck again. Just moments ago, notorious thieves Jack and Ten robbed the Second National Bank of Gotham. Police units responded but were unable to apprehend the duo and according to last reports heading to last known residence. We go now to Autumn Gleason reporting from the scene."

"If that's not you…"

"Which is what I've been saying," Mel huffed. "I think I know who it is."

"Have I ever told you how much I love this shit!" Tracie exclaimed. She was holding on tight to Jack as their playing card landed atop a warehouse in the projects. "This is great!"

"It does tend to go much better without Batman skulking about." Jack grinned. "More profitable too."

"So what's next?"

"Eager, aren't you?" he said amused. Tracie flashed him a large grin. "We lay low at your place, wait a few nights and do it all over again."

"They won't find us."

"Mel's the only one who would know where we are. She won't talk. No one would believe her anyway."

"So this girl--" Batman started as he flew over the city.

"Tracie," Melanie supplied from the backseat.

"Tracie," he amended, "has been seeing your brother."

"Yeah."

"And you think it's her."

"Well she wears my size clothes," Melanie explained. Batman snorted. "And she knows what we do. She's a bit crazy too. Artist type. Has a whole studio out in the 'burbs."

"Hardly makes her a thief."

"What? She's not like me?" Melanie crossed her arms over her chest. "I thought you thought everyone was guilty until proven innocent."

Terry winced. "I guess it's worth checking out," he admitted begrudgingly.

The enviable happened, with Melanie's case getting completely proven. The flying card could be seen from Trace's skylight as well as the couple in an advanced state of foreplay. Batman paused on the roof rewardingly the blonde skeptically.

"You're going to interfere, aren't you."

"I brought you this far," she challenged.

Batman gave her a level stare.

"I'm going with you," she insisted.

"No you're not."

Melanie glowered at him, which Batman took for a sign of agreement. As she descended the car, he handcuffed her to the side. She tugged at the restraint glaring at him as he went inside.

After a few seconds of frustration, she realized that she could still reach into the car. Waiting until Batman disappeared, she set to work on the cuffs.

He crashed through the skylight without prelude, a witty comment already on his lips. They scrambled to their feet, shocked and surprised. Safe haven was apparently a bit more penetrable than they had thought. To say they were in a state of disarray was putting it mildly. Bits of costume were torn off and other parts significantly rumpled. They were in no position to make a stand, but damned if they wouldn't try anyway.

Jack was on his feet, flinging the closest object at the masked crusader. Batman dodged, and three batarangs flew into the wall behind Jack. Tracie attempted a flying tackle, managed to get a grip on Batman before he doubled over and tossed her forward. She landed amongst a heap of easels and art supplies. "Ow," she muttered annoyed. She tried to get up but a sharp pain washed over her and she decided that it was awfully comfortable where she was at the moment.

Jumping over some furniture, Jack tried to blindside Batman again. He wasn't fast enough and caught a punch to the jaw followed by a kick to the stomach. He stumbled backwards but recovered, tackling the other man below the knees. Batman fell back, but managed to get a firm grip. Terry somersaulted backwards and used the momentum to fling Jack into the wall. He hit it upside down and slowly slid down it, landing in a contorted heap.

Batman stood, dusting off his hand. It was quite easier to take on the Royal Flush Gang without the taser, the sword, and the insanely strong android. Quickly, he tied up Jack then turned to do the same to Ten. But she was gone.

Tracie ran panting up the steps. This was not the night she had been expecting. Jewelry slipped out of her grasp in her attempt to get away. Batarangs flew at her feet and she jumped into the air. She vaulted the banister and landed roughly, face down on the couch. It took her a moment to get her bearings. Confused she looked up, straight at the hovering playing card.

In mere moments, she had vaulted on it, and started her ascent up through the skylight.

Terry launched himself upwards, and broke into the night just in time to see his car take off and head after Ten. He gaped. Wayne was going to kill him.

The lead Tracie had wasn't significant in the least. She wasn't used to flying solo and could barely keep herself upright. Speed was not a priority, not falling forty feet was. Even so, Melanie didn't quickly overtake her. She had wrenched her wrist trying and successfully freeing herself and had only the vaguest idea how to operate the car it leveled the playing field.

It was a miracle that within the first two minutes they had already gone twelve city blocks. Even more important, both had managed not to crash into anything. They looped around architecture, buzzed HHH, and gone in a circle over the expressway.

Getaways, Tracie decided, utterly sucked.

Melanie was having a slightly better time, as she was enjoying the high-end electronic scope. She followed the girl out to the harbor, glad to be over open space. Tracie didn't seem to notice for a few minutes but when she did, immediately loped back towards the harbor. Melanie cut her off, mostly because she was coming straight at her. She dived at a frightening pace, catching the younger girl in a wind current. The card dipped and leveled and dipped again and Tracie, losing her balance, fell right into Gotham Habor.

She emerged a few minutes later sputtering. The perks were so not worth this, damn it. She would have lifted her hands in the air but was too busy trying to swim at the moment.

The car touched down somewhat safely. The door opened, and Melanie leapt out. Tracie was tied up and soaking wet in the backseat.

"Sorry I borrowed it."

Batman looked from the car to her and back again. "I think it's a good thing you did."

They stood in awkward silence for a few moments.

"I was wrong," Terry offered. "I owe you an apology."

"A lot of people do," Melanie greeted evenly.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay. You're only going with what you know. It's hard to forget who I was."

"I shouldn't have assumed."

"Everyone does. Even the people we want to believe in us. It's the chance everyone takes."

"Still…" he disagreed.

"Thank you."

"For what."

"For being able to change your mind. I wish all people could do that. I wish they'd believe me."

Terry's voice caught in his throat and he couldn't think of any response.

She half smiled. "So thanks." She started off down the street and towards the station.

"Where are you going?" He wasn't sure why he asked. He just didn't want her to leave just yet.

Melaine shrugged. "Someplace else. I'd like to try and start over. I think I deserve it."

Batman watched her go. When she had disappeared into the crowd, he set off. Later, he perched on a rooftop, watching the commuter transit lines come to and fro. Terry pulled off his mask. "Good luck Mel. You deserve it."