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Secunda Fortuna	By : angelwarrior1 Category: Harry Potter Crossovers > Slash - Male/Male Views: 43890 -:- Recommendations : 7 -:- Currently Reading : 15
Disclaimer: I do not own Batman or Harry Potter. I make no profit from writing this.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
Secunda Fortuna

By: Angelwarrior1

Rating: M

Pairing: Bruce Wayne/Harry Potter

Disclaimer: I do not own Batman or Harry Potter. I also make no profit from writing this.

Summary: He had survived the final battle, but he carried something with him. Fearing the reaction the wizarding world would have, Harry Potter left and traveled to Gotham City…

Unbetaed

Chapter 6:

Another week went by with Bruce still acting oddly. He was a little more frosty towards Harry, and he still seemed so tired and run down. Harry wasn't really sure what to make of this behavior, being at work all night couldn't be leaving Bruce that ragged looking. He looked exhausted sure, but he also looked worn. The kind of worn Harry had seen and felt during the war. He'd witnessed that weariness on Hermione and Ron's faces. This was something he was well acquainted with.

What would leave a playboy billionaire looking like that, though? It made Harry curious about the man's others secrets, which he knew he still had to find out. In the past, he usually went and investigated. Harry had certainly learned his lesson with looking into things he wasn't supposed to, though, having looked into two men's Pensieve's and feeling rather rotten afterwards for doing so. Snape's had been the worst, as the man had never forgiven him for it, not that he'd apologized properly either. Harry always felt regret towards his relationship with the sour man. He wouldn't jeopardize his fledging- whatever he had with Bruce over an insane bout of curiosity.

Harry would just have to be patient.

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He hadn't meant to start ignoring his new guest, but Bruce just couldn't take being around Harleen for long. Those odd feelings he'd experienced when near Harleen seemed to be growing much more quickly than they had been when he was simply visiting the man.

It made him feel guilty to be away so much, he was supposed to be Harleen's friend. He knew he wasn't being a very good one at the moment. It wasn't exactly like Alfred was lying when Bruce instructed him to tell Harleen he was working, he was a very busy man after all.

Alfred had started giving him looks when he stayed out just a little bit later. Just a few more criminals, just one more check around the city, just a few more minutes watching a lead... They all added up and eventually he ended up staying out an hour or more longer than he'd meant to.

Every morning he woke up a little more tired and bruised and would rush through his morning rituals getting ready for work to beat Harleen before he came down to breakfast.

He knew this was hurting Harleen, and that was the last thing he wanted to do in regards to the young man. This couldn't work, though. He was Batman, and Harleen was not only pregnant, but running from something or someone. How could he form any real connections to Harleen and his child if he had to worry about his enemies possibly learning of the young man and his baby?

He knew this was only a temporary solution. Distance couldn't be kept for long when he was living in the same house with the person he was avoiding.

Eventually he would have to face this insanity and find a solution.

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Harry hadn't been actively searching for Bruce when it happened. He'd respected the man's privacy and given him the space he obviously wanted. It did hurt that the man who had saved him and brought him into his own home didn't want to be around him for some odd reason, but there wasn't much Harry could do about it. He was a guest, after all.

He'd been spending much of his time either exploring the manor, reading in the very large library, or helping Alfred with some of the man's easier tasks. Due to his getting closer to the end of his pregnancy, he was advised to rest as much a possible. He was a bit reluctant, Harry had never been one to lay about, but Alfred had been very strict about the matter and made Harry take a nap during the afternoons.

If he had still been in his old apartment, he would've had to quit his job at the bookstore and stay there alone. Alfred had ended up taking Harry to the bookstore so he could quit, it would've looked odd if he'd suddenly just vanished. So all in all, Harry was very grateful to be staying in Bruce's home, even if he only had Alfred for company most of the time.

Harry was actually heading to his room when he ran into Bruce. The hour was quite late or perhaps early, depending on perspective, around four in the morning. Harry had woken due to a nightmare, a usual occurrence given his past, so he'd headed to the kitchen for some warm milk.

He'd never really considered the whole warm milk thing, but after Alfred found him awake in the kitchen on one late night, he'd put a glass in front of him and had him drink it. Harry didn't know if it was the milk or the gesture that had helped, but afterwards, as he laid his head on his pillow once more, he found himself drifting off to sleep.

So, he'd picked up the habit of getting warm milk whenever he couldn't get back to sleep after one of his many nightmares, and this night had been no different. Except it obviously was, as Bruce was heading down the hall to the stairway, just as he was.

Taking in Bruce's appearance in the darkened hallway, Harry's concern grew. It wasn't obvious, as he couldn't see much in the darkness, but Bruce's form was rather tense.

"Harleen? What are you doing up at this hour?" Harry stayed still as Bruce approached him.

"Couldn't sleep, was getting a drink. How about you? Working late?" Harry's green eyes took as much of Bruce's face in as he could in the lightless hall.

"As usual, I'm afraid. Come on, we should head to our beds. You especially need your sleep." Bruce moved around Harry and made his way to the staircase.

"I believe I could say the same for you, Mr. Wayne. You're looking rather terrible at this point." Harry eyed Bruce in both parts amusement and concern.

"The business world can be particularly grueling, Ms. Riddle."

"Have a lot of ruthless cut throats to deal with, do you?" Harleen raised a brow in amusement as he and Bruce climbed the stairs together.

"Of course, but there's also other worries."

"Such as?"

"Well, two of the secretaries broke out into a nasty fight in the break room."

"I can see why you're so tired all the time, then. Fighting women can be very tiresome to deal with."

Bruce didn't reply, but Harry could feel that the man was rather tickled at the conversation, as there was a lightness in the air.

The conversation waned and the two separated and gave nods of good night to the other. Harry began walking down the hall to his room when a fluttering sensation began in his stomach, making Harry gasp in surprised delight.

"What's wrong?" Bruce was immediately by his side, Harry hadn't even known he'd heard him.

"It's nothing Bruce, really." Harry blushed in embarrassment.

"Oh? So I didn't hear you gasp in pain just now?" Bruce looked down at his stomach as he took Harry's right elbow gently to make sure he was steady.

"Actually, it was more a gasp of surprise." Harry definitely felt foolish at that moment, as the man was practically radiating worry.

"Surprise?"

"Er, yes. He kicked. He's still doing it right now." Harry smiled and placed a hand on his large stomach to feel Tom's movements.

Bruce was silent and eventually Harry looked up to see Bruce's head turned towards his belly.

"Would you like to feel?" Harry offered nervously.

He wasn't sure if the man would feel comfortable, but he didn't know what else to say.

"If- you're sure?" Bruce cleared his throat after his first attempt, he sounded nervous himself.

"I am. Just place your hand on my stomach where mine is resting." Harry removed his own hand when Bruce's came to rest in the same spot.

Harry gently took Bruce's hand and repositioned it into a better area. The man beside him startled slightly when Tom suddenly gave a hard kick. It didn't hurt, but it tickled, which in turn, made Harry laugh.

"What?" Bruce's quiet voice questioned.

"Tickles." Harry whispered back.

"Bruce?" Harry questioned so softly Bruce barely heard.

"Yes?"

"I don't know what you're doing that's making you so tired, but please remember to rest every now and then. It would pain me to know you've gotten hurt due to exhaustion."

Bruce didn't say anything, but Harry knew he'd taken his words to heart.

The two stood there for many minutes in that position; Bruce feeling the life he'd helped to protect moving and Harry quietly laughing when the tickling sensations caught him by surprise.

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Bruce didn't stay away from Harleen anymore after that night. Not only had the isolation not solved anything, but he really hadn't been taking very good care of himself and had ended up accumulating more injuries than he normally would've due to the fatigue.

It also just hadn't been fair to Harleen. He'd already felt guilty about the time he left Harleen alone for a few days when the young man was still living in his apartment. There really wasn't any excuse for ignoring him as Bruce had for the last couple of weeks. As a result he ended up spending a little more time with Harleen. He did it gradually, so Harleen wouldn't notice. Meeting Harleen in the library, checking up on Alfred, which meant checking up on Harleen too, and eventually escorting Harleen around the grounds again.

Harleen didn't say anything, something he was very grateful for. Bruce found he was constantly being surprised by this man. The depth of understanding from Harleen was something he'd never seen in another person. He'd been forgiven pretty much instantly whenever he messed up, which was really annoying for him as he wasn't used to making mistakes so many times with one individual.

It was getting to the point where he wasn't sure that even if he found out Harleen's big secret was that he'd killed someone, he wouldn't forgive the young man for it and still try to help him. Bruce couldn't really picture someone as sweet and shy as Harleen killing anyone, but he knew that everyone had darkness in them. Even if he found out the man had killed someone, he would listen to the man's reasoning and then figure out what he was going to do. Bruce really hoped that wasn't Harleen's big secret, though.

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Harry was a bit surprised when Bruce suddenly started showing up a bit more. He wasn't sure what had changed for the man in his brief absence, but it wasn't made so obvious, as the owner of the manor only started showing up a little bit at a time. It did bring that warmth that had been absent with the man back into Harry once more, though.

He still didn't let Bruce into his check-ups for Tom, which he knew brought a bit of awkwardness to the two of them once he came out of the room. Bruce had been kind enough to set up the equipment needed to monitor Tom's progress, and Harry felt bad that he couldn't let the man in to see the life he'd helped protect. Harry wanted to show Bruce a picture from the ultrasound, but he was nervous about it.

What if Bruce asked who the father was? What could Harry possibly tell the man? If he told Bruce he didn't know, that would make it seem like something bad had happened to result in the pregnancy. If Harry told him the man was dead, then he'd still have to come up with a believable story about the father. He didn't really feel comfortable with lying and saying he'd had sex with a man when he was still a virgin. It felt wrong on so many levels. Maybe he'd be able to show Bruce the pictures of Tom's growth one day, but Harry didn't think that day would be coming anytime soon.

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It was Christmas time, and while Bruce had never really celebrated the season too much in the past, this year was a little different. He paused to watch Alfred and Harleen putting up some lights over the fire place. There was a large tree over near the big window. The atmosphere was relaxed and held a warmth to it helped by the glowing fire that burned softly.

He stared at Harleen, with his messy hair up in it's usual bun that had the wavy ends of his hair hanging over it. Bruce wondered how long that hair was when down, he'd never gotten the chance to see it. There seemed to be so much of it. Would it reach all the way down to his waist? How thick was it? Could he bury both of his large hands in it and still have hair flowing over them?

Maybe he'd been drinking too much eggnog. Harleen looked over his slim shoulder and gave him a smile as if he'd heard Bruce's last thought and agreed with him.

Bruce put his glass down and went to help the pair.

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Harry hadn't had many good Christmases, the few good one's occurring at Hogwarts, so having the Yule Holiday happen at Wayne manor was certainly a treat for him. Alfred took him around and together they put up all kinds of decorations. He especially loved decorating the tree with a bunch of shiny silver orbs. They kept the lights white. It was simplistic, but no less gorgeous. Alfred had to put the star up, as he and Bruce didn't want Harry that high up.

Bruce lingered in the background for the most part, just watching. Eventually, he set down his drink and approached to help them himself. Alfred, of course, decided the kitchen needed him more, since Bruce and he had things under control.

Harry couldn't help but glare mildly at the man for running off and leaving him with the man. There seemed to be this growing- something- between them. He'd swear it was tension, but he wasn't sure why. Then again, he'd never been very good with figuring out his feelings, oblivious was the word Hermione used to describe him. She claimed he wouldn't know if someone were interested in him unless they smacked him upside the head with it.

He didn't think he was that bad, though, he'd realized about Ginny liking him after all. Well, eventually.

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Christmas morning came and with it, the opening of gifts. Bruce received the usual amount of gifts, some nice clothing from Alfred and many gifts from business associates, employees, etc. Basically the same thing that happened ever year. While he usually didn't put effort into Christmas at all, Bruce had done it this year purely for Harleen's benefit.

Once he'd seen the young man's expression of delight in helping Alfred decorate, Bruce was very glad that he'd decided to celebrate it properly. The excitement that made those green eyes simply spark and glow with life, was truly beautiful.

He watched with a warm feeling as Harleen opened some of the gifts Bruce bought for him. The look of gratitude and affection sent his way from Harleen as he held up the clothes for his unborn child was better than any words the young man could have spoken. Alfred had given a few baby oriented presents for Harleen as well, which he was thanked adamantly for.

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Harry couldn't believe the amount of gifts he'd been given by Alfred and Bruce. So many baby items! They'd also given him a few sets of clothing, along with the most beautiful dress he'd ever seen from Bruce.

Eventually Alfred left the pair to go into the kitchen and Harry figured it was best to give Bruce his gift then. He was nervous though, what if Bruce didn't like his gift?

"Um, I have something for you." Harry pulled out the tiny package from his sweater pocket and stared at it, rather than at Bruce.

"Oh? You didn't have to get me anything, but I very much appreciate it."

"It's nothing great or anything." Harry thrust the present out quickly at Bruce, still looking down at his hand.

"I'm sure I'll like it just fine, Harleen. I have something else for you too. Here." Harry looked up at that announcement and watched as Bruce took out a small box from his pocket.

They both stared at each other as Bruce's finger lingered as he was handing over Harry's gift. Finally, Harry broke the connection and looked down at the wrapped box he was holding. He opened it after a moment of silence passed.

"Oh, it's beautiful." Harry breathed as he held up a lovely hair comb.

The comb was made of silver, encrusted with jewels of emerald. The emeralds surrounded an H made of onyx stones. It was simple, yet very stunning to the eyes.

"Bruce... This must have cost a small fortune. You didn't have to get me such a lavish gift." Harry looked up at Bruce, his cheeks slightly red from the attention the other man was giving him.

"I know, but I wanted to, and a small fortune isn't going to put me into the poor house anytime soon Harleen." Bruce just continued gazing into Harry's eyes, until finally Harry had to look away from those intense shades of blue.

"Well, thank you Bruce. This is very lovely. Open your gift now, and before you ask, no, I didn't have to go anywhere to get this for you. It's a family heirloom. It doesn't get any use from me, but maybe you'll find it somewhat helpful." Harry looked expectantly at the small wrapped box in Bruce's hand.

Bruce looked at the box with curious eyes before finally opening it. Inside the box was a small silver pocket watch. It had a few odd carvings surrounded by diamonds on the front, and when he opened it the face was lined in a circle of diamonds as well. What struck Bruce was how small the watch was. Usually pocket watches were larger, to make it easier to grab and see the numbers. This one was not very large, though, and the numbers were in roman numerals. All in all, a very unique gift from his guest.

"Harleen, this is unlike anything I've seen before. Do you know how far back in your family this goes?"

"No, I found it in a family vault before coming here."

"I can't accept this Harleen, this is a part of your family history."

"The items in my vault are to be used how I see fit Bruce. What better use could I have for that item right there than making sure a certain billionaire always knows the time where ever he is. You're always rushing around all over the place, so I figure having that might help. As you can see, it's not exactly an ordinary time piece. That little dial there can be wound and set for a certain time, like an alarm. It'll give a tiny chirp three times." Harry didn't bother listing its other capabilities, as it would likely frighten his host.

"Harleen, thank you. It's a wonderful gift."

"You're most welcome Bruce. It's the least I can do after everything you've done for us." Harry rested a hand on his stomach and gave it a soft rub.

"And I'll keep doing more for the both of you, Harleen. You don't owe me anything."

Harry just smiled softly at Bruce on the outside. Inside, however, he was wracked with terrible guilt by all the secrets he was keeping from this generous man.

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"Well, I'd better head upstairs." Harleen heaved himself up by clutching the armrests of the chair.

"Of course." Bruce rose and walked with Harleen to the entryway of the arc.

"Thank you for the lovely gift, Bruce." Harleen peeked up shyly and smiled softly at Bruce.

"You're welcome, Harleen. Your gift is wonderful as well." Bruce gazed down at Harleen and felt the inexplicable urge to... just lay his lips upon the soft looking ones that belonged to the glowing young man.

"Good night." Harleen whispered, turned, and began walking to the staircase.

"Good night." Bruce replied, just as softly. A flutter of green hit his shoulder and landed near his feet.

Looking down, Bruce frowned at what appeared to be a... leaf? Blue eyes lifted and landed upon green and red. Mistletoe. Surprise took his features momentarily, until he looked to where Harleen had gone up the stairs, his petite frame shadowed by darkness.

What would it have been like? If he had simply given in and fluttered his lips against Harleen's for just a moment? Moments. There was always only a moment. Maybe someday he would get another one.

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Apologies for how late this is coming to all of you. I've been ill lately, still am, so I've not really had much energy to write. Writer's block also hasn't helped. There should have been more for this chapter, but as I was taking so long, I figured it would be best to just find a stopping place and give this as is to you patient people. Your reviews as always have been far too flattering, and I truly appreciate the many kind words of praise and wonderings of the story. As we're into Harry's seventh month, expect Tom's birth to be approaching soon. I won't spoil the plot anymore than that, so please don't ask when that event will be happening. Thanks for reading, and have a splendid holiday.

-Angelwarrior1
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