After what felt like just two fleeting minutes since Stephanie had finally succumbed to sleep, the golden rays of sunlight streamed through the wide-open window, casting a warm glow across the room. The morning chill nipped at her skin, prompting her body to instinctively inch closer to her girlfriend, seeking the familiar warmth that was Cassandra.
Cassandra lay peacefully asleep, her dark hair spilling across the pillow like ink on parchment. One of her hands was lazily hooked onto the hem of Stephanie's sleep shirt, almost like a gentle anchor, while her other arm clutched her pillow as if it were a lifeline. The sight tugged at Stephanie's heartstrings; how could someone so powerful and fierce express such vulnerability in the quiet hours of the morning? It struck her how a seemingly small act—a hand resting lightly on her shirt—could convey so much intimacy. A mere tug from Stephanie could free her, yet here they were, wrapped in a world of their own.
Squinting against the sunlight, Stephanie’s gaze wandered around the room, taking note of the remnants of their playful night—costumes strewn about like forgotten treasures. The purple gloves lay discarded on the floor, while Cass's black mask sat perched on a chair, a silent testament to their escapades.
For a moment, she considered getting up, but the thought slipped away like the sun's rays filtering through the curtains. Instead, with a soft shake of her head, she took the pillow from Cassandra's arm and nestled herself against her girlfriend's side. Instantly, she was enveloped in a cocoon of warmth, the comforting scent of Cass’s hair wrapping around her like a favorite blanket. A smile blossomed on Stephanie's lips as she rested her cheek against Cass's chest, feeling the gentle rise and fall of her breathing. Today promised to be special—one of those rare days when Cass had agreed to take a break. The coaxing from Stephanie, Barbara, and even Bruce had finally convinced her. After a grueling night spent dealing with the Penguin, they deserved this moment.
Minutes drifted by in blissful silence, the world outside fading away. Stephanie could feel Cass's fingers weaving through her blonde hair, each stroke tender and deliberate. Cass's other arm tightened around Stephanie's waist, as if she could sense the chill creeping through the still-open window.
“I think it’s time to get up,” Cass murmured, her voice thick with sleep.
“No,” came the soft, defiant retort from Stephanie, which earned her a light chuckle from Cassandra, who kept her eyes shut, unwilling to abandon their cozy nest just yet.
“You promised we would go out together today,” Stephanie sang, her tone playful and teasing. It was enough to coax a laugh from Cass, who finally cracked her eyes open, the hint of a smile playing on her lips.
“Yes, I promised that,” Cass affirmed, her voice steady and resolute as she fixed her gaze on Stephanie, those piercing eyes filled with warmth. “Today you decide.”
In that moment, time seemed to suspend. Stephanie’s heart raced at those words, her own smile widening, almost threatening to split her face in two. She felt a flutter in her chest as she held Cass’s gaze, the world around them fading into nothingness.
The corners of Cass’s mouth turned up in a smile that mirrored Stephanie’s, and she reached out to tuck a few stray strands of hair behind the blonde's ear. Then, with a fluid motion, she sat up and leaned in, capturing Stephanie’s lips in a soft kiss. The warmth spread from their lips to the tips of Stephanie's fingers as they traveled across Cass’s toned body, brushing over her abdomen and finding their home on her shoulders.
The kiss was brief yet electrifying, igniting a playful spark between them. When they finally pulled apart, a silly grin adorned Stephanie's face, while Cassandra wore a satisfied smirk, leaving a gentle kiss on the blonde's cheek before fully withdrawing.
How was it possible that Cassandra could evoke such a whirlwind of emotions with just a single kiss? The thought sent shivers down Stephanie’s spine, a delightful thrill that coursed through her.
Cass moved with an effortless grace, as if she were choreographing their intimacy. She knew precisely how to touch Stephanie, always ensuring that the blonde would lean back, sighing with happiness, no matter the hour.
Admittedly, Stephanie thought, having a girlfriend who was a master of body language had its undeniable perks.
"Where are you going?" Steph almost growled, her voice a low rumble as she abruptly grabbed the forgotten blanket from the corner of the bed. She sank into the cocoon of warmth created by the tangled sheets and various blankets, relishing the comforting embrace of fabric that shielded her from the chill of the morning.
"Barbara. We need to give the report about last night," Cass replied, her tone matter-of-fact yet softened to a whisper, aware of how the harshness of early morning sounds could drag her girlfriend into a dark mood. She didn’t want to start the day on a sour note.
“Uhggg, I had forgotten about that…” A groan slipped from Stephanie’s lips,
"It won’t take long. I can do it by myself without any problems, but you owe me breakfast," Cass pointed out, feigning annoyance while secretly enjoying the playful banter. She reached for her leather jacket—a thoughtful gift from Steph on her birthday last year. The cool leather felt reassuring against her skin as she exited the room, likely heading to the training area, which was adorned with a massive Wayne-style computer and an array of exercise machines.
As Steph finally felt her body waking up, she let her feet drop onto the cold floor with a small complaint escaping her lips. The morning chill prickled her skin, stark against her black sports bra and blue shorts—an outfit she had probably pilfered from Cass's closet at some point and never returned.
With a resigned sigh, the blonde grabbed one of her girlfriend's loose training shirts, its fabric soft and slightly oversized, wrapping it around her body like a comforting hug before padding barefoot to the kitchen.
The apartment was quiet, the kitchen standing out as the one room they maintained with a semblance of order amidst the delightful chaos of their lives. Steph lazily scratched her head, glancing into the fridge as she searched for breakfast options. The usual suspects awaited her: orange juice, scrambled eggs, and sandwiches—breakfast staples that never failed them.
As she arranged plates on the table, she felt a familiar presence behind her—Cassandra, who had mastered the art of moving silently through the apartment. The soft sound of her footsteps was almost ethereal, a skill honed over years of training. Yet, despite the stealthy entrance, Steph didn’t flinch. After so many years of being together, she had come to expect her girlfriend's quiet approach.
"It smells good, thanks for breakfast," Cass said sincerely, a warm smile spreading across her face as she took her place beside Steph.
The blonde was already devouring her meal hungrily, the effects of a long night catching up with her.
"It's nothing," Steph replied nonchalantly, the corners of her mouth quirking up in appreciation for her girlfriend's gratitude.
"Have you decided what you want to do today?" Cass asked after finishing her plate, her expression calm and her fingers absentmindedly playing with the glass that still held a few drops of juice.
"I think I have something in mind, yes," Steph replied, trying to maintain an air of mystery. Her coy smile and teasing tone drew an inquisitive look from Cass, who leaned in closer, curiosity dancing in her eyes..
"At first, I thought a nice restaurant or a bike ride to the park wouldn’t be bad, you know," Stephanie began, her voice trailing off as she contemplated the day's possibilities. Images of laughter shared over a meal or the wind whipping through her hair on a sunny ride danced in her mind. But then the reality set in, that nagging feeling creeping up again. "But the last thing I want to do today is exercise, much less go out in the sunlight."
Cass smiled at that, her eyes sparkling with understanding as she looked attentively at her girlfriend. She could sense Stephanie's reluctance, the way her shoulders slumped slightly as if the weight of the world rested on them. "But it seemed better to me... I don’t know, to take a bath together and watch a silly movie in our bed today. Nothing luxurious, just you and me."
The words came out almost timidly, and Stephanie could feel her heart racing. She averted her gaze, her cheeks warming under the weight of the suggestion. Would Cass think it was silly? Would she want something more exciting? The thought of being so close, sharing that intimate space, made her stomach flutter nervously. She knew the stories behind many of the scars on Cassandra's body and it made this kind of vulnerability feel even more significant.
With Cass, every moment was steeped in intimacy, from the gentle brush of their lips to the soft caress of a hand. It was a connection that transcended the physical, and it both thrilled and scared her.
“Really?” Cass asked, tilting her head with a playful glint in her eyes, her voice laced with amusement. She was seeking that connection, trying to lock eyes with Stephanie, who felt a blush creeping onto her cheeks, flushing hotly in the absence of food and the presence of her feelings.
“Yes,” Stephanie finally breathed out, lifting her head to meet her girlfriend’s gaze. In that moment, the world around them faded, and all that mattered was the sincerity in Cass’s voice as she spoke. “I would love to.”
A smile broke across Cass's face, genuine and bright, as she moved one of her arms to gently place her hand over Stephanie’s. It was a small gesture, but it sent a rush of warmth through her, anchoring her in the moment.
“So what are we waiting for?!” Stephanie exclaimed, the shyness that had wrapped around her just moments ago evaporating in an instant. The dirty dishes on the table were forgotten, overshadowed by the thrill of the idea. With a burst of energy, she took off running toward the bathroom, laughter bubbling up as she dragged a playful Cass along.
"Hey!" Cass feigned exasperation, but her eyes glimmered with delight.
_____________________
Steph had taken great care to create an atmosphere of pure comfort, transforming their bathroom into a serene sanctuary. Soft, soothing melodies floated through the air from a stereo tucked away in one corner, wrapping around them like a warm embrace. The dim lighting cast a gentle glow, and the large window was completely closed off from the world outside, cocooning them in their private haven. Steph gently nestled her head against her girlfriend's neck, letting the warm water envelop her body, save for her head, where her hair was tied up in a messy bun that bobbed slightly as she moved.
Cassandra sat behind her in the spacious bathtub, her head resting comfortably against the cool ceramic of the large tub. The rhythmic sound of water lapping against the sides of the tub mixed with the music, creating a tranquil symphony. Cass's fingers danced lightly on Steph's stomach, tracing small patterns that sent waves of relaxation coursing through the blonde. Steph sighed contentedly, her body sinking deeper into the warmth of the water.
“So, are you enjoying our date?” Cass's voice resonated softly in the steam-filled air, causing a flutter of warmth in Steph’s chest. She straightened up slowly, turning her head to gaze at her girlfriend, a relaxed, almost sleepy smile blooming on her face.
“Yes, the best date so far,” Steph replied without missing a beat, her heart swelling with affection as she leaned back against Cass’s neck once more, feeling the steady rhythm of her girlfriend's pulse.
“Better than the roller coaster?” Cass teased, her tone playful as she propped one arm on the edge of the tub, amusement dancing in her eyes. The soft laughter that escaped Steph's lips was muffled against her neck, a sound that made Cass's heart skip a beat.
“Yes, without a doubt,” Steph said, her voice light with mischief as she absentmindedly waved her arm through the bubbles, sending tiny frothy droplets shimmering into the air.
A comfortable silence enveloped them after that, punctuated only by the gentle splashes of water and the occasional soft hum of the music. Cass felt utterly at peace, relishing the moment with Stephanie. Every few seconds, Steph would open her eyes, stealing glances at her girlfriend, her heart swelling with joy each time she caught sight of the tranquility etched across Cass's features.
Wow, this bubble bath is absolutely magical, Steph mused, a content smile playing on her lips as she imagined the perfect evening they had created together. After a while, she slipped into her pajamas, watching in a daze as Cass prepared the bed. Various pillows from the armchairs had made their way onto the large mattress, mingling with Stephanie’s collection of stuffed animals, a whimsical touch that made the whole scene feel even cozier.
“Do you think we have enough pillows?” Cass asked, glancing back at Steph with a playful grin, the corners of her mouth lifting in delight.
“Never enough for a princess,” Steph replied with a wink, her heart fluttering at the sight of her girlfriend’s playful nature.
The only source of light in the dim room was the flickering glow of the large television, its screen illuminating the walls with soft, warm hues. Outside, the sun blazed in the afternoon sky, but the heavy curtains were drawn tight, creating a cozy cocoon that sheltered Cass and Stephanie from the world beyond. Cass had taken the time to tidy up while Stephanie changed, ensuring that the usual chaos of discarded outfits and empty chip bags—remnants of their late-night patrols—had vanished like shadows at dawn.
The cool air conditioning hummed softly in the background, wrapping the room in a refreshing embrace. Stephanie felt a shiver run down her spine as she hurried over to the bed, collapsing into the mountain of blankets. It felt like a sanctuary, just like it had that very morning when they had shared quiet moments before the day began.
"Hey, you’re not allowed to sleep yet. You owe me a bad movie," Cass called out playfully as she entered the room, the TV remote clutched in one hand, and two large bags of chips cradled in the other.
Stephanie's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I promise, right?" she huffed, amusement dancing in her voice. She opened her arms wide, welcoming Cass into the embrace, shifting slightly to make room among the clutter of pillows and blankets. The warmth of her girlfriend felt like a shield against the chill air, and she sighed contentedly as Cass settled in beside her.
As the credits rolled on an old spy movie with notoriously terrible special effects, Stephanie couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity unfolding on-screen. The fight scenes were a far cry from their own training—awkward, exaggerated movements that made even the most serious moments laughable. Cass’s laughter rang out, a bright melody that filled the room and made Stephanie’s heart swell.
"I must say you delivered," Cass giggled, resting her head gently against Stephanie's shoulder. The blonde’s fingers danced inside the chip bags, pulling out handfuls of snacks, each crunch punctuating their laughter like a joyful rhythm.
“Did you ever doubt me?” Stephanie bragged, a cheeky grin spreading across her face as she leaned back into Cass’s warmth.
Stephanie decided to set the movie aside for a few moments, her gaze shifting to her girlfriend nestled beside her. Cass's face was a portrait of serenity, perfectly relaxed in the warm glow of the television screen. Her arms draped around Stephanie’s waist, firm yet gentle, as if they were a safety net woven from trust and affection. Cass’s eyelids fluttered, heavy with the promise of sleep, though she stubbornly held on to the final credits of that silly movie, determined to see it through to the end.
'Look at her,' Stephanie thought, a fond smile creeping onto her lips. 'Who would have imagined this?' A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she recalled the day they first met. The vibrant spark in Cass's eyes had drawn her in, but now, those same eyes were filled with a peaceful softness, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions they had both weathered together.
Stephanie felt a warmth spreading through her chest, a sense of freedom that she had never known before. It was as if the stormy clouds of doubt and insecurity had finally dissipated, leaving nothing but blue skies ahead. In that moment of quiet, she decided it was the perfect time to act on the rush of affection swelling inside her. Leaning in closer, she brushed her lips against Cass’s, planting a passionate kiss.
Cass’s eyes flew open in surprise, the movie forgotten as she melted into the kiss, her initial shock quickly transforming into a deep, joyous surrender. The credits continued to roll, but all that mattered now was the two of them, suspended in a moment of pure, unfiltered bliss.
"You didn't expect that kiss, huh?" Steph said, her voice dripping with playful superiority. She leaned back slightly, a teasing smirk dancing on her lips as she curled a dark lock of her girlfriend's hair around her finger. The warm, golden light of the setting sun filtered through the window, casting a soft glow on their faces, highlighting the mischief in Steph's eyes.
Cass chuckled softly, her cheeks flushing a shade deeper than usual. "Well, you always manage to surprise me," she admitted, a hint of amusement lacing her words. She surrendered to the gentle tugging of Steph’s fingers, feeling the playful caress of her girlfriend weaving through her short hair. It was a familiar sensation, one that never failed to ignite a flutter of warmth in her chest.
"I know," Steph replied, her tone smug but affectionate, her gaze steady on Cass, as if she were unveiling a secret only they shared.