The Black Cat normally didn't care about mob nonsense. But when he saw the Yakuza had a jade tiger statue... c'mon, he couldn't ignore that.

Hopefully the research he'd been doing on and off the past week would come in handy.

First. The exterior walls. Guards patrolled the perimeter... but Cat took advantage of the trees to leap over them and the wall without being spotted. He avoided the spotlights from the guard towers, making his way to a window. He tensed his hand, making the mechanical claws pop out. He double checked that this was a good blind spot before making quick work of the window, cutting a big enough hole for him to fit through. He caught the circle of glass before it could hit the floor and shatter, silently setting it aside so he could continue on.

Second. Find the hallway that led to the statue. Black Cat adjusted his goggles to see infrared light, just in case there were any laser tripwires on the way. Fortunately, there weren't many... until he got to the hallway.

Third. Get past the lasers, spy movie style. His favorite part. Cat grinned and moved to have his whip be more secured to his waist and leg, then did a quick stretch before launching himself through one of the gaps. This was a piece of cake. Until he flipped his way to the end, and saw how thin the gaps were between the laser wall and the statue.

Fourth. He got his hand through first, forcing his arm to relax. If he did this just right... He managed to grab the statue, but just as he gave a triumphant smile his arm tensed and hit the laser. The alarms blared overhead, the room flashing red as the startled thief pulled his hand back, just as a glass barrier rose up between him and the statue. He swore under his breath, pulling up his facemask and running out of the mansion while he still could.

Fifth. Figure out how the fuck to get past that.

Bdubs came back home much more huffy than before. "Stupid security system- Stupid Katsu."

He flopped on the couch, earning a few meows as he kicked off his boots.

"You should've seen it! Just barely missed it by a whisker, Muffin." He reached over to one of his cats to pet them. "Maybe I should bring one of you next time, huh? You would fit in that wittle gap, wouldn't ya?"

Muffin purred at that, the ragamuffin cat moving to climb onto the couch with Bdubs.

"Maybe I should focus on something else for a bit... let the dumbass lower his guard before striking again. Sharpen my claws before dealing with that again." Bdubs sighed, pulling off his gloves and grabbing the TV remote to see what the news had to say. Maybe they'd cover someone who could be his new target.

"-billionaire playboy philanthropist Doc Morggan is said to be at tonight's charity gala! With a lucky lady being able to bid high for the chance to go on a lovely night out with Gotham's own favorite bachelor! The money will be going to a wildlife preserve of his choice."

"Ooh~ Doccy, you've changed since high school." Bdubs purred, sitting up with a smile and getting a good look at the German. He'd matured physically since they first met, and definitely had been working out. "Look at you, handsome! ... maybe it won't be just ladies bidding for that date..."

Doc was admittedly a little uncomfortable trying to pose as straight in order to get a date like this- but it was for charity so he was willing to smile and laugh through it. He kept getting texts from Ren (who was watching from the comfort of his home) about how he looked like he was dying inside and Doc just had to try to hold back laughter.

"Starting at one thousand dollars! A date with our very own Doc Morggan!"

"Two thousand!"

"Do I hear a three thousand?"

"Four thousand!"

"Fifty grand."

The room went dead silent, glancing at the back of the betting room. Bdubs stood there in a stunning mix of a suit and a dress that made Doc's heart leap out of his body.

"Uh... Do- Do I hear fifty one..?"

Nobody spoke up.

"And sold-! To- to mister Bdubs Baklo-"

Ren started to cackle loudly at home. "Oh! Oh Doc- You poor, poor gay man-"

After the room had cleared, Doc approached the one who'd won himself a date. "Hey- heheh, that was... unexpected. Nice to see you, man."

"Oh, don't sweat it. I know you weren't actually gonna enjoy a date with anyone there. Besides, I get to make sure the local wild cats get a good home. Win win for both of us." Bdubs smiled up at him. "You've certainly grown up since I last saw you."

Doc couldn't help but smile. "So have you. Last I saw, you were stealing bullies' lunch money."

"Now I just do that to the bigger ones." Bdubs half-joked, but it made the German chuckle. Bdubs gently took his hand as soft music started to play. "May I have this dance? Since you missed out on prom?"

"Pfft... fair enough." Doc smiled at him, a smile he hadn't seen in years as he led him to the dance floor. The two danced together ignoring the odd looks they got as they dipped each other down, spun each other, faces getting tantalizingly close...

No. Doc knew better- Bdubs was just having his fun... right?

He could never tell.

"So... how've you been? Busy?" The smaller man chuckled as he was slowly spun around, then pulled back in.

"Eh. Not really, but... I've been good. Been keeping to myself mostly... city's been pretty hectic recently." Doc admitted.

"Mhm... but it's getting a lot safer. Haven't been nearly mugged half as much as when we were kids." Bdubs joked.

"Pfft... yeah." Doc couldn't help but smile. He really was making a difference...

The two continued to dance, talking quietly and occasionally hiding from the press, giggling like they were teenagers again... hiding from the school security to hang out on the roof and try to guess where certain stars were past the polluted skies of Gotham.

Later that night, the two departed from the party, promising to go on that date. Somewhere... quiet.

"Hey... I missed you." Bdubs said before going into his car. Doc's face flushed.

"I..." He watched the small car drive off before chuckling. "I missed you too..." 

----

Bdoc lovers: f e a s t /hj 

Next chapter will be p2 of this, then... well, we're gonna need help with chapter five, let's say :] 

If you know, you know

Anyway- have an amazin' day, evening, and night. Hope you enjoyed <3

- CinnabonSys (is glad summer is here/nearly here)