Batman

“Do you think I should take up crime-fighting?”

It had been a long time since I had gotten anywhere near so surprised a reaction from Patrick. I smiled, a bit smugly.

“That would… certainly be a new direction?” He sounded as if he wasn’t quite sure if I was joking or had gone completely mad. Possibly both. I certainly wouldn’t put it past myself if I were him.

“Well, look!” I indicated the room in a grand gesture with my glass of brandy. “The perfect picture of a fabulously wealthy gentleman of leisure. The mansion, the handsome young man attending all the best parties, his loyal manservant; in short, the epitome of Bruce Wayne.”

“… You want to be Batman.”

“You don’t need to sound so dull about it.” I grinned mischievously. “What do you think?”

He slowly closed his book, looking thoughtful.

The silence stretched out several minutes longer as I decided to simply wait for his answer. Admittedly, I was not exactly Bruce Wayne. I was, as usual, a blonde. My parents had not been murdered. I hadn’t inherited a massive technology-centric corporation – but who needs that when one can simply magic things into doing whatever one wants? The secret lair and costume would be simple enough.

I could even find myself a little sidekick, if I really wanted. Being a costumed crime-fighting duo could be an entertaining way to spend a few years.

“I think,” Patrick finally answered, speaking carefully, “you might prefer being Catwoman?”

“Theft!” I waved a hand dismissively. “Boring. I’ve already stolen all the interesting things.”

“Well… if you really want to try being a vigilante, I suppose you should.” He sounded dubious. I, on the other hand, was slightly irritated. Just because I had spent the past couple centuries thieving and defrauding European humanity on a grand scale didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy fighting against criminals!

In a fit of contrariness, his doubtful hesitation solidified my idle thought into a decision. “I will, then! And I will want you to make the costume, once I’ve designed it.” I jabbed a finger in his direction. “Meanwhile, there is a secret lair that needs to be made.”

Patrick stood up, quickly reining in amused resignation as he gave a small, butlery bow. “Of course, sir.”