Chapter 52: Harley's crisis
Tigra's eyes snapped open and she tried to jump up but her body throbbed like it had never ached before; each muscle screamed in protest with each flex and every joint protesting as well. "What the...?!" She tried to raise herself but couldn't; her limbs were too heavy, almost immobile. A low beep came through the sterile room, and she found that she was connected to multiple monitors. Tubes went into her arm, and there was the faint humming of machines in the background.
"Where am I?" She mumbled to herself as she rubbed her blurry eyes.
She activated her sharp feline senses, fighting off weakness. The acrid smell of antiseptic assaulted her nose. The hum of electricity and the muffled footsteps implied a sophisticated facility. She looked around and finally noticed that she was in a hospital room.
The door slid open with a soft whoosh, and Tigra turned her head weakly. A striking red-haired woman in a sleek black suit entered, her sharp green eyes locking onto Tigra with a mix of curiosity and caution.
"Good, you're awake," the woman said, her voice smooth but firm. She approached the bed, arms crossed. "I'm Natasha Romanoff, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D."
Tigra blinked, her memory flickering back in disjointed flashes: Kraven, the hunt, the poison, the brutal fight. Her instincts kicked in, and she tried to move, but the restraints of her weakened body held her back. "Oohhh!" She couldn't help but grab her stomach and groan in pain.
"Relax," Natasha said, holding up a hand to calm her. "You're safe. You've been out for three days. We found you in the Amazon. barely alive."
Tigra's voice came out hoarse and rough. "The hunter. Kraven. where is he?"
"Dead," She came over, sitting down beside the bed. "But he didn't exactly make it easy for us to help you. His poison is still in your system. Our medical team is working on neutralizing it, but it will take some time, so do try not to use your transformation. It will only make your wounds worse."
Tigra growled low in her throat, her claws flexing instinctively. "I don't need your help."
Natasha arched an eyebrow, her tone sharpening. "Clearly, you do. That poison would've killed you if we hadn't intervened. Your body's strong, but even you have limits."
The room was quiet for a moment as Tigra stared down at Natasha, her pride warring with gratitude. Then she exhaled and her head lay back against the pillow again. "Fine. Where am I?"
"S.H.I.E.L.D.'s New York facility," Natasha told her. "We're checking on your condition. Keeping you out of view. Kraven wasn't working solo. It seems someone was really out to kill you... badly."
Tigra's ears twitched, her mind racing despite her exhaustion. "You think they'll come for me again?"
Natasha nodded. "It's a possibility. But for now, you're under our protection."
"Great," She muttered sarcastically. "From one cage to another."
Natasha smirked faintly. "You can call it that if you want. But unlike Kraven's cage, this one doesn't come with hooks and snares. Besides," she said, standing up and gesturing toward the window, "if you really want to leave, be my guest."
Tigra followed her gaze. A large pane of glass showed the sprawling NY skyline. She was in one of the tallest buildings in the city. The sun was rising over the horizon, the rays shining off the windows of skyscrapers and office buildings. Despite herself, Tigra couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. "It is beautiful..."
Natasha smiled knowingly. "It is. You know, we could use someone like you. Someone with your skill set."
"I've heard about the new recruitment of people with skills and power," Tigra remarked.
"And what do you think of it?" Natasha asked.
"I think it's a good thing. I'm not exactly team player material. I'm a loner."
Natasha chuckled. "Oh, I know. Trust me. I used to be a loner too, I know it's hard to work in a team. But you have the skills to be a hero. Well, you have even fought during the mutant war and the info says you alone defeated fifty armed men of Stryker while protecting the survivors, and then you defended that town against Magneto's goons. Even before the war, you used to be an independent hero. You know how it is to work out there as a hero... fighting and protecting people without any recognition or reward."
Tigra raised an eyebrow, impressed at her intel. "Wow. You must have done your homework."
"That's my job," Nat smiled.
"Wow! This is a big decision, you know? I mean, I take on small villains and all, but Avengers... I don't know about that."
"No pressure. I just wanted to open the door if you ever wanted to come in."
Tigra nodded, looking thoughtful. "Thank you."
"Now, get some rest. Meanwhile, I'll try to figure out who put the hit on you," Nat stood up. "Take some rest. And no need to worry about anything. As long as you are here, no one will be able to hurt you."
Tigra closed her eyes and settled back in bed. "All right, I guess I could use the sleep..."
Natasha gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. "I'll have some food delivered to you later."
...
[Meanwhile...] [Bruce/Tony's Office]
Bruce decided to take a break from his work. With Stark Industries expanding slowly after the mutant war, the workload had increased exponentially. He was already tired of handling all the documents and meetings. On top of that, he had to go out on a mission to save Ami, and then fight those demonic beings. So, he decided to leave the work to Selina for a day.
"You made another girl fall for you, and to think it'd be Harley," Selina chuckled as she sat on Bruce's lap with her arms around his neck. "Just how big of a harem are you planning on creating? Oh, I feel bad for Pam and everyone back in our universe."
"Well, you're still my number one," Bruce said with a grin as he gently stroked her thigh.
"Am I?" She shifted and sat properly with her legs around his waist, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And what would you do to prove it?"
Bruce smirked and pulled her closer, their faces inches apart. "I'm sure I can come up with something," he said softly before kissing her passionately.
Selina returned the kiss, enjoying the moment. She loved the fact that she could have Bruce all to herself like this. She could already imagine Pamela's or Diana's jealous face if they were to witness it. She wrapped her arms around his neck again and kissed him deeply, her tongue sliding into his mouth.
"So, you taking out our quirky Harl on a date or something?" She asked when they broke the kiss.
"That's the plan," He replied before licking her lips. "Mumm... Raspberry."
Selina laughed and got up from his lap. "All right, I won't keep you any longer then. But treat her well; she is special and fragile."
"Yup! I know. She tries to act all jumpy and happy but she is very delicate and sensitive. And a total sweetheart inside," He stood up with Selina still wrapping her legs around his waist. "You ok with me going out with Harley, right?" He asked, just to be sure. She didn't complain when Harley was masturbating while watching them having sex. But still...
"As long as I am your number one," Selina gave him a mischievous smile and hopped down from his arms. "Go ahead, I'll cover up for you."
He pulled her closer for another kiss, and this time they kissed deeper and more passionately than before. She was about to unbutton his shirt, but controlled herself, "Phew! Go before I lose control and jump on you again!"
He winked at her and left.
"Oh, God, I'm so fucking horny," Selina slumped on the chair with a smile.
...
[Back at the house]
Harley's heart nearly skipped a beat as she read the message from Bruce: "Looking forward to our date tonight. Can't wait to see you." She squealed loudly, her hands shaking slightly. This was really happening. A date. With him. She bounced on the spot, grinning from ear to ear as she read it again. Her mind raced—what was she supposed to wear? She didn't even know where to start. She had never really been on a proper date before. Her closet was full of her usual chaotic wardrobe, but nothing seemed right for a night out with Bruce.
She stood in front of her closet, pulling out hangers and tossing clothes aside in a panic. "No, no, no, this isn't right. Too casual. Too wild. Too... too Harley." She groaned, frustrated. "I need something that says 'I'm gorgeous, but also 'I'm not gonna throw a pie in your face, promise.'"
She flung another dress out of the closet and stared at it. "Ugh, this one's too bright. What was I thinking? He's not gonna take me seriously if I'm wearing a rainbow."
A long, ruffled feather boa landed on the floor. Harley stared at it for a second, then kicked it aside with a huff. "Not today, feathers. Not today."
Her eyes landed on a sparkly number in the back corner. "Ooh, this one's cute! But... too much? It's like 'I'm ready for a show, but not a date.' What am I, some kind of circus act?"
She picked out another tight-fitting red dress. "This one's perfect... for a heist! Not for impressing Bruce!" She tossed it aside and sighed dramatically, flopping onto the bed. "Why is this so hard? It's just a date! Not the date of the century. Just one dinner, right?"
She grabbed a sequined jacket. "Maybe this? No... too much sparkle. Too much glitter... What was I thinking? It's like the disco ball threw up on me."
Harley flung it across the room and buried her face in her hands. "I'm gonna look like a total mess... I mean, I am a mess, but I can't look like a mess for Bruce. He's... he's Bruce Wayne!"
Suddenly, she snapped up, her eyes wide. "Wait a minute. Maybe I don't have to change who I am... I just need to wear something that's... me—but, like, a little fancier."
Harley grabbed the sleek black dress with the red accent and held it up. "Ooh, now we're talking. This says, 'I'm wild, but I can behave. Maybe.'"
She stood before the mirror for a while, holding the dress...
"Ah! Crappy," She threw the dress and ran out of the room. "Morgan!"
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