Chapter fifteen
The Cat and the Safety Net
Edward's POV:
It's been four days since Juno left my apartment. I'd leave her during the day to go to work and she was calling out of work. She'd been so freaked out about the mugging. I didn't know how many times she'd experienced that. It had happened to me quite a few times. Today was the same as the last four days. "I'm going to work, sunshine." I said. Juno looked up at me and said "Edward, don't go. I need to tell my dad. I just need to talk to him about it. I know it's too late for the police to do anything. But, could you come with me?" I bit my lip as I thought about it. The desperate look in her eyes was enough to make me tell her I'd go with her. "Get dressed and we can go, ok?" I told her. Juno nodded and changed into some clothing she had here. And it wasn't her usual outfits she'd wear. She pulled on a pair of sweatpants with one of my sweatshirts. I felt horrible for what happened the other night. She blamed herself and that's what killed me the most. "Come on, sunshine." Juno grabbed her phone and her purse. I pulled my windbreaker on that I somehow neglected to wear the other night. It was a gloomy rainy morning. Juno had only had a pair of heels so she currently sat in my front seat with a pair of socks. I had pulled up to the front of the building and she rushed into the car. As we made the drive to her house, she stared out the window. She traced the droplets of rain that fell off the car and onto the street. As we arrived at her house, I made sure to park close enough so I could carry Juno inside without her getting wet. I quickly rushed out of the car, scooped her up into my arms and the two of us now stood on the doorstep. "Eddie, you're all wet." She said. I shrugged and said "I'm ok. I promise." The door opened and Velma stood there. "Juno? Honey, what's wrong?" I set her down gently and Juno pulled me into the house. "I wanted to talk to you and dad about something. I just need dad to know about this." Velma looked at me and then looked at Juno. "You're not pregnant are you?" I felt my cheeks heating up and Velma gasped. "You are!" "Mom, no I'm not! You're making Edward blush. Quit it. We got mugged the other night. I need to tell you guys about it." Juno said. Velma nodded and said "ok. Well, now I'm a bit bummed. I thought you had made me a grandmother." "N-Not yet, Mrs. Gordon." I stuttered. Velma patted my cheek and said "and if you guys do have kids, they'll have the cutest cheeks ever. And please call me Velma, Edward." Juno looked at her mother and then at me. "Leave him alone, mom. Where's dad?" Velma motioned for us to follow her and Juno looked up at me as we walked. "You do have the cutest chubby cheeks." "D-Do I?" I said. Juno nodded and squished my cheeks and I giggled softly. We walked into a sunroom and James Gordon sat there, reading a book. "Dad.." Juno said. James looked up and said "Juno. Honey. It's been a while since I've heard from you." "I know. Edward and I have been spending a lot of time together. And work has also been keeping us very busy. Something happened to us and I'd like to tell you about it. It'll make me feel better. I just need to tell you, dad." James nodded as Juno and I sat on a couch. Velma tugged at my windbreaker and said "I can take this for you." I shrugged and unzipped it. Velma took it and hung it on the rack. The rain pattered softly on the glass. My eyes went up to the ceiling, watching the rain stream down the windows. "We were mugged." Juno started. James' eyes widened and he said "what?! When?" "Four days ago. I haven't been back to work since. Edward has gone to work and has been leaving me at his apartment. I've been such a burden for him because I've been too scared to leave the apartment." Juno looked down at her lap, small tears filling her eyes. I had no idea she felt this way. "Juno...you're not a burden. You could never be. I-I just want you safe. I'm so sorry about the other night. I should've done more." I told her. Juno shook her head at me and said "no. No. You did everything right. And he hurt you. You were stabbed." "Stabbed?!" James exclaimed. I looked at James and said "yes sir. He started with Juno and finished with me. He took her cash while holding a knife to her throat. I was able to get his attention off of her but he was mad that I didn't have much money. I barely had any cash that night. I didn't get paid until yesterday. He sliced my arm and then Juno jumped on his back and he threw her to the ground. He went to stab her. I shielded her, taking the stab." James sighed deeply and said "where were you stabbed?" "My shoulder. Juno's been taking care of it. I'm more sore now than anything." Juno scooted closer to me, taking my hand in her's. "Eddie, I'm so sorry." I cupped her cheek with my hand she wasn't holding. "It's not your fault. This city is awful, Juno. It chews you up and spits you back out. It's not kind to anyone. You're the sweetest thing in this city. I won't let it hurt you. Ever." Juno held my hand to her cheek and I felt Velma and James' eyes on me. I quickly looked at them and then looked back at Juno. "Sorry." I said softly. James shook his head. "No, you're fine. You take such good care of her. Juno is my world. If something happened to her I wouldn't..." Velma rubbed her husband's shoulder and said "you're so good to her, Edward. I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting Juno to bring you home. I wasn't expecting the two of you to get serious so quickly. And I shouldn't of made Juno reveal it to everyone." "It's ok." I quickly said. Velma shook her head at me. "No, Edward. It wasn't ok. I should've let you and Juno announce it when you were ready. At first I wanted Juno to date someone who had Harry's look. Rich and important. But, you're perfect for her. She needed someone like you. She needs you. I know my daughter and she's had shit luck with guys. And you just care about her so much. Thank you. For protecting her." I felt gratitude as Velma spoke those words. "Mrs. Gordon-" I began but was interrupted. "Velma. I told you to call me Velma." I nodded curtly. "Right. Velma, I'll always protect Juno. No matter what." James said "why don't you guys stay here for a couple of days?" "O-Oh. Uh, that's such a nice offer but I have to work." I replied with a frown. Juno nodded in agreement and said "I need to go back to work. I think I will tomorrow." James stood up and hugged his daughter. I watched how he held her, knowing she meant everything to him. Like me. We both wanted nothing but the best for Juno. We wanted her to be safe. James Gordon was the first cop I ever had something in common with. And who wasn't corrupt and who was an overall good person. "At least stay here for the day. The two of you could go upstairs and take a nap. Just relax." James said. Juno nodded as she pulled away. "Do you remember what he looked like?" Juno looked at me and then back at her father. "She hasn't been sleeping. Uh, she sees him at night and stuff." I said as I stood up. Juno buried her face into my chest and said "I'm sorry, Eddie." I rubbed her back and said "I'll get you through this. It's just some bad dreams. Just like you helped me, I'll help you." The slow clingy night sex was something I was beginning to love. The way I'd rock my hips into her and she'd moan my name softly. I'd hold onto her so tight, not wanting to let go. Juno's hands on my lower back, pushing on me as I thrusted. Last night she slept the rest of the night after. I had also been reading to her before bed and making her tea. I just wanted her comfortable. She had gotten up extra early with me today since she wanted to see me leave for work. I had to shower so when I got up, she did. "Do you wanna go nap?" I asked. Juno nodded. "Go ahead. You can tell me what he looked like later." Juno and I went upstairs and she guided me to her old room. She closed the door behind us and I slowly took off my button up shirt. Juno patted the spot next to her. I shuffled off my shoes and took off the khakis I wore. I stood in my boxers and a t-shirt. Juno pulled off the sweatpants she wore and I laid my head on her chest. I hummed contentedly and Juno stroked my head. "I'm sorry I kept you from work." Juno said softly. I looked up at her and said "no, sunshine. Don't do that. I need to make sure you're ok. I have to protect you." I sat up, Juno's hand still in my hair. "Juno, I..." She looked at me expectantly, awaiting for me to speak. God, how I wanted to say it. Three words. I love you. It wasn't that hard. I'd never spoken them to anyone before. I had never loved anyone. I was struggling to find the courage to say those three words. I looked down and tried my best to swallow my fear. I didn't want her to reject the feelings I had for her. Was it too soon? Would Juno catch on that I didn't want anyone else but her? How would she react to me being The Riddler? "I love you, Edward." I gasped softly at her voice, looking back up at her. "Y-You love me?" I asked in disbelief. Juno nodded. I shook my head. A million thoughts were running through my head. "Me? You love me? Me?!" "Yeah, of course, Edward. I hope it's not too fast." "No! Not at all! I'm shocked. Uh, nobody's ever said that to me before. It means so much to me that you feel that way." I quickly stood up and then knelt down by the side of the bed. Juno furrowed her eyebrows and I looked up at her. "I love you too, Juno. With everything. I want to protect you from all the horrible things in this city. I know the other night was hard. I wish I could erase the memory from your head. But, I was with you. I protected you from him. If you let me, I'll protect you from everything. I-I love you." I smiled meekly at her, my thoughts starting to tell me my speech was too much. "Edward, you're the sweetest man I've ever known. You care so much for me. It honestly blows my mind. I've never received the kindness and the stability in a relationship before. Edward Nashton, I love you." I grabbed her hands, holding them in mine. She leaned down to kiss my lips and then my nose. I climbed back up into the bed, laying my head back on Juno's chest. I felt her fingers run through my hair as she stroked my head. I wrapped my arms around her waist and Juno said "I'm not sure where either of us would be without each other." I nodded against her chest and said "I agree." "You're my safety net." She whispered. I nudged my nose against her cheek, Juno kissing my forehead. "You're mine too, angel. Mine too."

Juno's POV:
As the week went on, I slowly got over the mugging from the other night. I had given my father an extreme description of the man. Everything started to return to normal. Gotham wasn't for the lighthearted. And it definitely wasn't for people who were kind. Edward always said the city was out to hurt us. Hurt me specifically. Because he says I'm so sweet and kindhearted. I looked at myself in the mirror, making sure I looked ok. Robyn and Lena wanted to adopt a cat. What better person to adopt a cat from than Selina Kyle? Who had multiple stray cats who were just looking for a home. I had run into Selina a few times at the Iceberg Lounge. It was a sleazy club but was the only one in town that seemed to be exclusive. I never went alone and was always with Robyn. Lena wasn't allowed to set foot in there. Even though I had seen her dad in there before. I smoothed out my skirt and stepped out of the bathroom. "Where are you off to?" Edward asked in a playful tone. I smiled and said "Robyn wants to adopt a kitty so I'm taking her to meet my friend Selina." "Oh. Uhm, will you be gone long?" I immediately remembered Edward had the day off. I had thrown myself into work to ease the tension of the mugging along with Edward's sweet antics to help me forget. "No. It shouldn't take too long. I promise I'll be back soon, Eddie." Edward looked down and chewed on his bottom lip, a nervous habit he had. I cupped his cheek and made him look up at me. "Hey, you'll make yourself bleed." Edward sighed and said "I don't want you to go." He wrapped his arms around me, his head on my stomach since I was standing in front of him as he sat on the couch. "I won't be long. And it's during the day, Edward. I'll be with Robyn and Lena. And Robyn has a security guard." "Does he carry a gun?" I played with Edward's sandy brown locks and started to think about it. I wasn't a hundred percent sure. Edward's arms tightened around my waist and a whine left his lips. "Eddie, what's wrong?" "I just....don't want you to go. It's our day off. And you're leaving." He looked up at me, his chin digging into my stomach. I stroked his cheek and said "it's only for a little bit. I promise." I leaned down to kiss Edward's cheek. "We can go to the diner for milkshakes when I get back." Edward nodded eagerly and said "we can?" "Of course, Eddie. You've done so much for me. It'll be my treat." His arms fell from my waist and I kissed his lips passionately. "Does he carry a gun?" Edward said as I pulled away. "Who?" I furrowed my eyebrows at him. "Robyn's security guard." "Bob? Yeah. I think so." I quickly said. Edward sniggered and said "his name is Bob?" "Yeah." "Not a very threatening name, is it?" I shook my head and said "I guess not. I'll be back soon, Eds." Edward nodded with a sigh.

-

"Juno, hi!" Selina said happily as she opened the door. I smiled and said "hi, Selina. This is Lena and Robyn. They're here to adopt a kitty." Selina looked at Robyn and Lena, gesturing for us to come in. We walked inside her small apartment and Selina said "this is Ani. Well, Annika." A girl around our age said "hello." A Russian accent slipped from her lips. I nodded to her and Lena did the same. "You can have any kitty you want. They all deserve a good home. I hope you find one that you guys really like. No take backs." Selina leaned against the kitchen counter and I looked at all the cats wandering around her apartment. I wondered if Edward would want one. "Selina?" She looked at me. "Do you mind if I look as well?" "Go ahead. The more the merrier." I knelt down and looked at the cats in front of me. They came in all shapes and sizes. Lena walked into the living room and Robyn did the same. I pet any cat who came up to me and Selina said "how've you been? Haven't seen you at the club in a while." I looked up at her and said "oh. I'm in a relationship and have been working." "I'm assuming he's a new boyfriend since that rich asshole you were dating was killed by The Riddler." Selina said. I gasped softly and Annika said "that guy on the news killed your boyfriend?" "My ex boyfriend. Him and I weren't on great terms. I have a new boyfriend now. Edward." "Edward, huh? Is he rich?" Selina asked. I shook my head and said "no. I actually have more money than him. He's so down to earth. I've never met a man like him before." Bob stood by Selina's front door. Her eyes would flicker to him quickly and then back at me. "Bob won't bite." I told her. Selina looked him up and down and said "no shit." Annika looked at him and said "he is her security guard?" "Yeah. Robyn's dad got one after her mom was killed." "I was a bit sad to hear that. But, she was rich and giving money to the wrong people. The rich can be such pricks." Selina said as she petted a black and white cat that rubbed up against her shoulder. A small meowing sound was heard from next to me. I gasped softly as a small orange cat made it's way towards me. I picked him up and set him in my lap. He immediately wanted to play and I giggled. I hadn't had a cat since I was younger. He'd be perfect for Edward. Him and I could share him. I practically lived at his apartment anyway. "I think I'm gonna take him." I said. Selina nodded and went to grab a box. It was a simple box she had poked holes in. "You can put him in this. I'll also give you a food and water bowl. I have so many. I'm assuming you can pick up cat food." I nodded and heard Robyn and Lena's happy giggles. I walked into the living room, the orange kitty still in my arms. "He's perfect!" Lena gushed. Robyn held a small black cat in her hands. "We're taking this one, Selina." Robyn told her. Selina went and got another box for the two of them. I put the orange kitty into the box and watched as Robyn put her cat into her box. We bid Selina farewell and Bob said "we can walk you to yours. Edward's is closer." I nodded and said "I just need to pick up some cat food. I'll be right back." I handed Bob the box and rushed into the small corner store, getting a bag of cat food. We were then on our way to Edward's. I left my best friend and her girlfriend, going up the stairs. Meows came from the box in my hands. "I know, baby. You'll be free soon." I kicked Edward's door softly as I couldn't knock. He opened the door and looked at the box in my hands. "What's this?" He asked curiously. "A surprise." I replied as he let me inside. He locked the door behind me and we sat down in the living room. "Are you ready?" Edward nodded at me and I opened the box. Edward's eyes widened at the small cat inside. "A-A cat?" I scooted closer to him and said "I thought you could use an animal companion." The cat meowed at him and Edward slowly reached into the box, picking him up. Loud purrs came from the furry orange animal. Edward scratched it's head gently and smiled. "Awe, he's purring! He's cute!" Edward giggled. "What're you gonna name him?" I said with a smile. Edward looked at me, his lips parting. "I get to name him?" He looked at me with shock and awe. I nodded and said "of course. He's yours." "Ours." Edward corrected. I kissed Edward's cheek and said "ours. Now, you name him." "It's a boy?" "Mmm-hmm. I've grown up with cats all my life. I can definitely tell." Edward petted the cat in his lap who started to make biscuits on his legs. "Ow! You're claws are sharp! You can't do that, kitty." Edward laughed giddily. The smile on my face grew even bigger as I saw how happy Edward was. "You can always pick a name later. If you can't think of one right now." I offered. Edward shook his head and said "no. I've got one. He's chubby and cute. He reminds me of Gus Gus from Cinderella. Or Lucifer. The big cat." "You pick his name, Eddie." Edward held the cat in his arms, the cat rolling on his back. "I can't choose! It's too hard!" I rubbed Edward's shoulder and said "just choose whichever one you think is right." "Could we get another one?" There was a glimmer of hope in his eyes. He looked like a little boy, begging his mom for the one gift he'd been waiting his whole life for. I nodded at him and said "of course." "Oh, sunshine." He whispered as he pressed his forehead to mine. I cupped his cheek and kissed his lips passionately. Edward moaned against my lips, sighing as I pulled away. "Gus Gus." He exhaled. I smiled and said "Gus Gus it is." Edward giggled softly and looked back down at the cat. "Can we watch Disney movies?" Edward asked. I nodded and Edward reached up to cup my cheek, kissing me passionately. Our lips moved in sync as the two of us breathed heavily, gasping for air. Edward's hand went to my hip, pulling me closer to him. He whined as I pulled away. "We need to get him some food and water set up. Then you can kiss me all you want." Edward kissed my cheek and I stood up, setting up a bowl of cat food and water. Gus Gus jumped down and went over towards his food and water. I sat back down on the couch next to Edward and he pulled me into his lap. "You're so pretty, Eddie. My pretty boy." Edward stared down at me, his glasses falling down his nose. I pushed them back up gently and Edward started to blush. "You're such a pretty boy, Eddie." "Golly." He whispered.

Robyn's POV:
"I dub thee Chococat!" Lena giggled as she pointed to the black kitten. I smiled at my girlfriend as she interacted with the cat. The cat would be staying with me since her father definitely wouldn't want a cat around. "Robyn, I love him. I'm gonna come here every day to see him." "I hope you do. He's our cat. Chococat." Lena petted him and I set up a food and water bowl. He jumped down and walked over to it. I sat down next to Lena. "I've missed you. You're dad's kept you so busy." The mayor currently has his family by his side every time he made a public appearance. He was working hard to win the mayoral election. His campaign was going strong. But, so was Bella Rèal's. "I know. I hate it. I've just wanted to be with you." Lena said. I cupped her cheek and kissed her lips. The two of us barely got any alone time. I was grateful she was here at my house. My hand slid in between her legs, going up her skirt. Lena bucked her hips against my hand as our kisses got heavier and heavier. Before I knew it, the two of us were taking each other's clothes off. Lena laid on my bed, her blonde hair sprawled out on my comforter. Her hand went to cover herself and I stopped her. "Lena, you're beautiful. I'm going to make you feel good. I promise." I climbed on top of her, Lena gasping softly. I started to move my hips, our clits rubbing up against each other. Lena let small whimpers leave her mouth. I had dreamt of this moment, the moment Lena and I would engage in sex. All I had ever wanted was to be with her. My mother and her father absolutely hated the idea. But my mother was gone and her father didn't have a say in what she did half the time. I moved my hips at a steady pace, Lena wrapping her arms around my waist. "God, Robyn. It feels s-so good. Oh god." I smirked as I left kissed up and down her neck. Lena's hips thrusted up to meet mine. Her hands were on my hips, guiding me back and forth. I applied more pressure to her clit as I grinded harder. "Ah, Robyn!" She squeaked. "Who makes you feel this good? Who?" I said. "You, Robyn. Always you." This was something the both of us needed. I was enjoying it immensely but I think my girlfriend was enjoying it just a little bit more. The way she hung onto me and moaned, was beginning to push me to the edge. "Robyn...I needed you so bad. I need t-this." I cupped Lena's cheek and said "all you had to do was tell me, baby. I would've helped you." Lena whined and I could tell she was close just from the way she desperately moved her hips against mine. "Can-Can we..." I knew what she was going to ask. "Of course we can cum at the same time. It'll feel so much better if we do." Lena kissed my lips and my hips moved sloppily, trying to bring the two of us to our orgasms. "Robyn, yes! Yes!" I could feel Lena's legs shaking below me. Boom. I was finished. Lena's name left my lips as I collapsed on top of her, trying to catch my breath. The two of us held each other, the only sounds were our soft pants. I traced shapes into Lena's body and she seemed to hold me tighter. Being with Lena was something I didn't think would ever happen and it's real. I'm with the one I've always liked and cared for. I could feel a very strong love feeling starting to grow inside me. "Robyn..." I looked up at her. "That was amazing. I loved it." I smiled and said "me too. I'm glad I could make you feel good." "I don't wanna go home." I clicked my tongue and said "then don't. Stay here with me." Lena kissed my lips sweetly and said "I think I will." I laid down next to her, getting off of her. Lena laid her head on my chest and wrapped her arms around me. "It's us against the world." I whispered.

Here's the update!! I meant to have this up days ago but I started my new job so I haven't had much time.
~skylar🖤🫧🖤🫧