"So long as you understand that, McGinnis." Bruce said, neatly closing the matter. < That's the most adult observation he's made in some time. Too bad he'll probably end up wooing her away from Kenny by way of his own bed. Seems as though Dana isn't enough for him. If he were mine, he wouldn't have the strength to look elsewhere. Not when I was in my prime, anyway. Maybe it is just as well this way. >

With that, they turned their minds to crime fighting. Part 4/? Two days later The Bat cave Bruce looked up from the computer to watch his prot�g� work through a kata. Terry was wearing a loose fitting sleeveless shirt and black cotton workout pants rather than the bat suit. Bruce could see beads of sweat on the younger man's arms and neck as he watched strong muscles flex effortlessly beneath smooth, glistening skin. As Terry progressed through his routine, Bruce felt a distantly familiar warmth spread through his body. After who knew how long, he realized he was staring, open-mouthed. He managed to stop himself just short of panting. < He is magnificent, built like Michelangelo's David. > Bruce thought as he noted the grace and power with which Terry moved. < He is also a kid who looks up to you. Get your control back and focus on the job. > Bruce turned back to the computer, shaking his head as though to clear out the vaguely improper thoughts in his mind. A few minutes later, Terry finished. After grabbing a towel, he walked over to stand behind Wayne at the computer. No matter how hard he tried to focus on the kata, he couldn't stop his mind from wandering to the remarkable man seated so near < What is it gonna take to get him out of my mind? > Terry silently wondered. Careful to maintain a respectful distance, Terry spoke. "Find anything yet?" "No, I gave up. Now I'm researching some new technology Wayne Industries is developing. I think we may be able to adapt it for our purposes." "Sounds technical. I thought I'd get in some practice maneuvering the boat." Terry suggested praying to any and all deities that he wouldn't be required to spend the evening in tortuously close proximity to his intriguing boss. < I just don't have that kind of self-control. > Knowing how difficult it would be to concentrate with Terry around, Bruce agreed. "Okay; but remember it isn't a toy." "No kidding. I just want to get accustomed to its handling so I can use it properly when I need to." Terry responded, knowing that asserting he wasn't a kid would merely prove Wayne's point. "Then what are you waiting for, go." Bruce approved without looking up from his work. Later that evening Gotham Harbor Terry worked through some practice turns and speed maneuvers almost mechanically. � His mind was elsewhere, in a mansion far above the river to be precise. < I wonder what he looks like under those dark suits and concealing turtlenecks. If its warmth he's looking for, I'm available. > He tried to recall seeing Bruce after his time in the Lazarus pit. < Things may not work as well as they once did, but the body is still muscular, almost sculpted. There wasn't an ounce of loose flesh on the man. What wouldn't I give to run my hands along his strong arms, solid torso and trim hips? > Suddenly, the vision faded just enough for Terry to figure out he was headed straight for another boat. He was moving at top speed and only narrowly missed the pleasure craft loaded with people. < Holy... How did that happen? What was I thinking? You know what you were thinking. > Little did Terry realize he had been making fast, violent and decidedly unsafe maneuvers for nearly an hour. Meanwhile back at Wayne Manor, Bruce picked up the incessantly ringing phone. "Wayne, here." "Bruce, what the hell is going on?" Commissioner Gordon implored. "Barbara? What are you talking about?" Bruce questioned in return while trying to suppress his own anxiety over the fear and anger in his old friend's voice.