“Rachel Dawes was a brave woman, she would no back down. No matter how this city tried trip her up along the way.” He paused to clear his throat; it stopped the feeling of constriction. She always fought for what was right and just.” He looked over the crowd and then dragged his eyes over to alter, and finally to her picture once again. “Finally, I know I speak for everyone who knew her, she will continue to live on in our hearts.” Tears flooded his eyes once again, he dapped them away with his handkerchief.

“And now a dear friend of Rachel’s, Bruce Wayne will say a few words.” He met the young man half to the steps. Looking at him, Wayne looked as sad as he felt. They shook hands and patted each other on the back. Carefully, he made his way back to Barbara. She gave him one of her brave smiles. As he sat down next to her, she took his hand and squeezed it. In this time when he felt hollow, the simple gesture warmed his heart, knowing he could stay strong with her by his side. It hit him, listening to Wayne’s words that he was glad knowing that Rachel, was in a better place and never saw what had become of Harvey, it would have most likely broke her heart.                          

            “Ok, ok! Let me go! I’m not going anywhere.” He angrily looked at the five of his men who were restraining him from the fiery blaze. He had already tried running in again but they had secured him in a vice like grip.

            “We can’t afford to lose you too, Commissioner.” One them said in stony voice.

            “This is an order from your Commissioner.” He said through gritted teeth.

            They finally let him go. He shook the feel of their hands on him off. He kicked the nearest piece of burnt wood beside him. He walked a short distance away but not enough to raise their concern, he hoped. 

            What the hell, were they going to do now, he asked himself angrily. None of those lawyers would be able to stand up to the plate like Dent and prosecute the underbelly of Gotham. They were all going to walk and he was going to have to watch them do it. Maybe Rachel could do it. He knew she could do it. Damn it, he had not been able to save her fiancée. Guilt unraveled in his stomach, he had promised to protect her, Batman had saved her and he couldn’t even get here fast enough to save her fiancée. He had let all of Gotham down. At least they had all worked together and got that maniac the Joker.

            A crackle from over the radio broke into his thoughts. The office closest to him answered it. He saw the man, swallow visibly. That was not a good sign. He nodded, he caught the look in the man’s eyes, they looked grim. The man got out of the cruiser.

            “What’s the news officer?” Gordon walked the short distance over.

            The man cleared his throat. “Dent, is alive but in serious condition at Gotham General.” The man cleared his throat and looked past him. “That means…” His voice trailed off.

            The news hit him like a ton of bricks, he whirled around and looked at the burnt out hulk of the factory. It was Rachel’s final resting place, no he screamed in his head. In actuality, he had failed Rachel. Sadness and anguish gripped him, angrily he looked down.

            “Dent is alive, Jim. Just.” He turned to look at the officer. “But back at M.C.U. the Joker’s gone.”

            “With Lau?”

            The officer nodded.

            “The Joker planned to get caught. He wanted me to lock him up at M.C. U.”

            “We better get back and see who is left.” The man said grimly.

            “Yeah.” He said flatly.

            Dawn was going to break in about an hour or two, he couldn’t go home again. Not yet anyway, there was so many things that had to be done. But now he had to, he had to say goodbye to her. He drove over to 52^nd street, emotions mostly anger and grief swam in his head. Pulling up the smoldering haul, he saw that there were some firefighters still putting out some of the flames. He went to the side that he knew they wouldn’t see him. He got out and walked the few short feet to the mouth of the building.

            He looked around all he saw was blackness and soot, he heard dripping water could be heard. His heart was racing, he felt sick to his stomach. He felt like he was going to be sick. He clenched his hands into fists. 

            “I’m so sorry, Rachel.” He whispered. “I’m sorry.”

 The streets were in chaos, shots were still filling the air. People were running like mad. Not sure what to do, she followed closely on Harvey’s heals. “Rachel, you gotta get out of here. Go somewhere safe.” He pushed her away.

“Ok.” Confusion was swimming in her head. Everything felt like it was moving in slow motion.

Turning around she saw some of the other cops surrounding Jim. What was going on? The Mayor seemed ok, did Jim take the bullets for him. Ice cold, panic seized her. She tried to get close to where she last saw him. He wasn’t among the standing among the crowd.

A cop she recognized, Michaels saw her and pushed her away. “You don’t want to see this.” He paused, “Is there anyway I can take you?”

“I don’t know, Harvey said to go to some place safe, umm the GMCU seems like the only safe place.” She said, she kept on trying to peak a glance around him but he kept on blocking her view. “Is Lt. Gordon, ok?”

“I’ll drive you there myself.” He paused, taking a glance behind them. “They’ll take care of him. He’ll be ok.”

“What do you mean? Of course he will be ok.”

Firmly he brought her to the car. She really didn’t have the energy to rebut him pushing her towards the squad car. Silently, they drove over to the GMCU. After walking through the doors, she saw a detective she knew that she could trust, Ramirez. She hurried over to the woman. It wasn’t till she was closer did she see the mask of distress she was wearing, along with the others.

“Ah, Rachel.” The woman spoke first, her voice shaking.

“What is it?” She demanded abruptly. “Don’t keep anything from me.”

The woman looked past her, took a deep breath then looked at her again. “Lt. Gordon,” The woman’s eyes became moist. “was DOA when they reached Gotham General.”

“What?” She closed her eyes for a second. “That can’t be.”

“I’m sorry Ms. Dawes it is.”

“Well, would it be too much, if I just have a moment in his office to say good and to compose myself?”

“Sure, go right ahead.” 

Her legs felt like they were going to give out at any moment. She didn’t know how she did but she managed to make it over to his office. Not hesitating, and not really caring how it looked, she closed the door. Stumbling, she made it over to his desk, and braced herself against it. Gripping the edges of it tightly and made it over to his chair, pulling it out she fell into it.

She put her head in her hands. How could he be dead, he was invincible, he was her hero. No, it couldn’t be true, just no, but a pang went through her heart, she it was. She slowly dragged her hands down her face, when she saw it laying across his the pile of papers in front of her, his handkerchief. She grabbed it, holding it to her heart. How could you be dead, you’re my hero. Heroes can’t die. You can’t be dead, she screamed in her head, as she hunched over holding onto the handkerchief. She squeezed her eyes shut.
 

~*~*~*~*~*~

“Thank you, very much for all of your information, Ms. Dawes.” He said, he gently rubbed her back. As he walked her out of the precinct.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be of anymore help, Sergeant.” Finally she was able to look at him. His voice was reassuring and his attention to details made her feel better. She was certain that if anyone could find her friend it would be him. “You’ll let me know if there are any developments.” She asked.

“As long as it doesn’t interfere with the case.” He promised.

His blue eyes, shined with dedication.

~*~*~*~*~*~

He turned off the engine, unbuckling he turned to look at her. “I know I suggested this but you don’t have to go through with it if you don’t want to.”

“No, I think I should know how to shoot.” She replied, she held her hands in her lap to keep them from shaking. She gave him his best smile. “With the way crime is going up in this city, I better learn.” She gave a shrug. “I might need to know how to do it.” She looked at him.

“Com’ere.” He gestured for her to lean in. Unbuckling her seat belt she scooted into his arms, they wrapped warmly around her. He gently patted her hair. She didn’t want to admit it but she was still very shaken over what happened the other day. It felt like miles way however when he held her like this. He was warm and solid, and the smell of his cologne just made it feel like they were worlds, way from Gotham. “Rachel I wish things were different in Gotham but it seems that it’s becoming the playground for all of these goons and thugs. No one should ever have to feel like this.” He soothed and he kissed her hair.

She looked up at him, his eyes were so deep and comforting. “Well, at least I get to learn with you.” She sneaked in a kiss.

A smile spread across his face. “You’ll be learning from the best.” He brought her mouth up to her gently. They shared a soft gentle kiss. Any apprehension she may have been feeling was melting away, especially with the gentle tickle of his moustache.

 
~*~*~*~*~*~

“As much as I love dancing to Sinatra with you, James.” She paused grabbing one of her CDs, opening it, she slipped it into the player. “I would love to dance with you to some of my music.”

“Oh really?” He playfully asked, a wicked smile played on his lips.

“I would.” She said with a smiling, she pushed play, then she hurried back to his arms.

His armed slipped tightly around her waist, holding her close to him. She wrapped her around his neck.

Let’s dance put on your red shoes and dance the blues

Let’s dance to the song

They’re playing on the radio

Let’s sway

While the colors light up your face

Let’s sway

“David Bowie, huh?” He asked, looking down at her. As they moved in time with the beat of the music

“Among, others yes.” She replied; delight filling her as she looked up at him.

“I may be, old.” He cleared his throat. “Older, but I know David Bowie’s music and Rachel believe it or not I happen to like his music as well.”

“I was going to say.” With a free hand she fluffed his hair which had fallen into his face. “Ah, you are so handsome.”

“Thank you,” He twirled her around.

The songs and the beats went up and down as the night went on.

“You’re really a fantastic dancer, Rachel.”

“My mother and the Waynes’ thought it was an excellent activity for Bruce and I to do on Saturdays.” She paused, smiling. “So better have some moves on you.” She giggled.

“I’m full of them.” He replied, with a wink, her heart, which was already racing with the dancing sped up even more with the wink.

 
~*~*~*~*~*~

“When it comes down to it, through all the bad and the good times as long as you can make each other happy it’s the most important thing in the world.” He said to her. His eyes looked moist just then.

She cleared her throat. “I’ll have to remember that, especially since we both knows how to swallow happiness whole.”

“Yeah, Gotham certainly has a knack of doing that.” He paused looked at her. “Thank you for telling me, Rachel. I’m honored to be the first one you told.”

“Jim, you are one of my best friends. How could I not?” She smiled.

“It is an honor, Rachel.”

Sometime later, she walked him to the door. “Jim,” She said as he had his back to her putting on his blazer. “Thank you, thank you for everything.”

He turned to her. “Does that mean I’m invited to the wedding?”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “Of course it does.”

“But no really, you’re welcome. I’m glad I could be there for you.” He sighed, he looked tired. It looked like all of this, the new wave in crime everything was weighing down on his shoulders. Impulsively, she hugged him again, he hugged her back.

“Goodnight, Rachel.” He said once he was in the hallway.

“Good night, Jim.” She closed the door, very quietly she opened the door and watched as he made his way to the elevator, and as he went in. “Don’t let Gotham swallow you Jim.” She whispered before closing her door again.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Slowly, she opened her eyes, everything was still there, and the world had not crumbled since her hero was now dead. Though, now there was a dull ache in her heart. She can’t keep on sitting in here; it won’t take the pain away. Might as well make herself, helpful. Maybe I can help them out there somehow, I used to intern maybe I can help with some paperwork.

Looking down at the handkerchief, she almost lost it completely again. She took a deep breath. Folding it, she placed it beside a photo of Barbara and their children. “You had a wonderful husband, a wonderful father.” She whispered, looking at it.

Taking one more deep breath, she made her way over to the door that led out to the precinct. She looked around his office one last time.
 

~*~*~*~*~*~

            He closed the door, and she was in his arms. Since she could reach it first she kissed his chin. She was grateful that he had his blinds in the closed position. They kissed in earnest, as he held her to him, it felt so right. She wished he would slip his hand under her sweater like he had earlier that morning, she loved the feeling of his hands on her.

            Then he broke off their, she had not wanted it to end. He was giving her one of his half smiles that made the butterflies in her stomach flap feverishly.

            “It’s great to have you stop by Miss Dawes.” He gave her a squeeze.

~*~*~*~*~*~

            She shook her head, she had to try and not think about him. She just had to stop. Clearing her throat she opened his door, a few heads popped up and looked at her, others remained focused whatever paperwork was in front of them.

            She walked over to Detective Ramirez who was looking in a filing cabinet. “Is there any photocopying or anything I can help with?”

            The woman looked unsure, then she looked down at the files then back up at her. “Sure,” She took out a file labeled “You could make copies of this file. The copier is over there.” The woman pointed over a gray machine that sat in the back corner, it looked so old and used that it looked older than she did.

            “Ok, thanks.” Rachel said determined.

            Time past in a blur as she copied one paged after next. When she finished, she made her way back to where Ramirez was. That’s when her phone started to chime, it was Harvey’s ringtone.

            “Harvey, where are you?” She juggled holding onto the phone, the folder and the papers. She made her way to an empty desk and put them down.

            “Where are you?” He asked in not a concerned voice but in tone she only hear when he was in the courthouse.

            “Where should I be, at the Major Crimes Unit.” She told him, it was no time to beat around the bush.

            “Rachel, listen to me. You are not safe there.”

            She swallowed hard. “This is Gordon’s unit, Harvey”

            “Gordon’s gone.” Hearing it again, caused the pain in her heart to expand, she swallowed back the tears that flooded her eyes.

            “He vouched for these men.”

            “And he’s gone. The Joker’s named you next.” Ice cold her crept up her spine at the sound of the Joker. She looked around, eyeing everyone who surrounded her. “Rachel, I can’t let anything happen to you. I love you too much. Is there someone, anyone in this city we can trust?”

            “Bruce. We can trust Bruce Wayne.”

            “Rachel, I know he’s your friend but”

            “Trust me, Harvey.” She cut him off, Bruce and Alfred were the last ones in this crazy city she knew she could count on. “Bruce’s penthouse, is the safest place in the city.”

            “Okay. Go straight there.” She heard him take a breath at the other end of the phone. “Don’t tell anyone where you are going. I’ll find you there."

 “That’s fine, she’s an old friend.” He said into the intercom, a moment later Rachel, a bit breathless, dressed in a formal gown entered his office and closed the door behind her. Her hair was partly falling out of the jeweled clips that had meant to hold it up. He got up and went over to her, she looked small, and frail he had never seen her like this. Except of course, the night when she had been mugged. “Are you ok?” He put his hand on her elbow while she caught her breath. “What’s the matter?”

He led her to sit down on his sofa she was trembling. He could feel the chill of the night air clinging to her but he knew she wasn’t trembling from the cold.

“I’m shaken; I was just thrown out of one of Bruce Wayne’s penthouse windows.” She continued to steady her breath.

“What?” He asked, his anger from the events earlier with Loeb in the night bubbled forth. He tightened his hold on her elbow; he didn’t realize it until she looked down at her elbow, his hand and back up to his face. He loosened his grip on her.

“The Joker crashed Bruce’s fundraiser party looking for Harvey.” She looked at him wild eyed. “The Batman showed up luckily but then the Joker threw me out of the window.” She blurted out; he tried to be reassuring and rubbed her back as she spoke. “Batman stopped me,” She squeezed her eyes shut, without thinking he took her in his arms and held her. “from becoming a smudge on the sidewalk.” She continued, giving a violent shake.

Pulling back, he looked at her. He saw that her eyes were moist, he handed her his handkerchief. He kept a protective arm around her. 

“What happened to Harvey?” He asked her, hoping that by distracting her it would calm her down. He was sure if anything had happened to Dent, him and his men would be the first to know.

“I guess he hid somewhere when the Joker and his good showed because some time later in mass I saw Joker and his men leaving. He looked angry.” She dabbed her eyes. “Shortly afterward, when felt steady enough on my feet I went back up to Bruce’s penthouse and he was there safely. Bruce was safe too; I suppose one of the goons had knocked him out when they spread out in the penthouse. Oh Gordon.” She compulsively, threw her arms around him, he held her back tightly.

“It’s alright,” He hated saying words to her that he knew were hollow. He wished they were true, he just didn’t know what to say.

After a moment, he felt her breathing had evened and felt her pulling away. “Oh Jim, what would I do without you?”

He smiled and gave a toss of his head. “What about Harvey?” Now, that it had a chance to sink it, he was rather surprised that she had showed up at his door. Why wasn’t she with him, he was glad to see that she had believed in the promise he had made her.

“Jim, I told you long ago. You’re my hero, you always will be.” She put her hands in her lap, looked down. She looked up at him surprised and she had a broad smile on her face. He had to admit it warmed his heart to see her smiling for a moment he caught a glimpse of the Rachel he knew seven years ago. “Jim,” She held up the handkerchief. “Isn’t this the same handkerchief you had handed me, that day you rescued me from the downpour? It has the same JWG embroidered on it.”

The downpour, the downpour he racked his mind. “Oh, yes I remember that day.” He paused, “That’s the one.” He chuckled. “Those are my initials.  

She bit her lip, before handing it back to him. “James…hmmm Gordon, I can’t think of what your middle name would be, mmm William?” She guessed.

“Nope. It’s Worthington.”

“Oh? James Worthington Gordon.” She said his full name slowly. “I like it, a distinguished name for a distinguished gentleman.” She said with a smile.

“Oh Rachel.” He gave a dismissive gesture with his hand. He would never get used to the compliments that she would pay him or anyone else give for that matter. He was just a man, who tried to do his best. “Would you like one of those horrible cups of coffee?” He asked her.

“After a night like I had, it sounds perfect.”

“I’ll be right back.” He went out into the pool of the GMCU; no one even looked up from their paperwork as he went and grabbed the two cups of coffee. He was relieved to know that she still trusted him. It was nice that they could still be friends after all the baggage the two of them carried since those; he didn’t know what to call it. Those memorable six days, he decided as he poured the coffee into her cup. He poured his and then went back to his office; he closed the door with his elbow.

“Here you go,” He bent and handed her the steaming cup. “It’s a bit better than it was the precinct but not by much.” He added with a smile before going to lean against his desk.

 “Thank you.” She wrapped both hands around the cup.

He noticed looking at her the seven years had been kind to her, she had grown into a really beautiful woman. And the green dress only heightened her beauty. “So what are you going to do now?”

“I don’t know.” She sighed and took a sip from her coffee.

“I really think you should leave town.” He paused and stopped leaning against his desk.

She stood up. “Jim, I can’t just desert Gotham because of this Joker.” She sighed, putting his coffee down, he grabbed her shoulders.

“I couldn’t bear the thought, if he had made a smudge of you on the sidewalk as you put it. Thank God, the Batman was there.” He looked into her brown eyes. “You can be so stubborn.” His shoulders slumped. “I tried to tell Barbara to leave with the kids, she won’t listen to me either.” Shaking his head he walked over to his window.

“I just can’t leave Gotham. I can’t let some thug scare me out of town. If I didn’t leave after the mugging, I’m not leaving now.” She told him, he heard her walking over to him, he didn’t turn until he felt her warm hand on his shoulder.

“I guess the last thing you need is me telling you what to do.” He patted her hand, he sighed.

Her shoulders slumped. “I know you only say it because you care. We live in a horrible city, but thanks to people like you, The Batman and Harvey one day this place be back to the days when people could enjoy the city park or enjoy downtown without any worry.”

“Rachel, the city owes a lot to you as well.”

“Yeah, maybe if I we can get this RICO charge to stick against all of those criminals.” Now she was the one who looked out his window.

“What with them Judge Surrillo and Commissioner Loeb we’re going to have see what is next for our side of things.” He said, not being able to cover it with his disappointment.

“I couldn’t believe how organized it was tonight, it’s just terrifying.” He watched as she stifled a yawn. It was pushing one in the morning.

“It certainly is.” He paused. “Why don’t I drive you home?”

“I can take a taxi home.” She replied.

“Rachel, after everything that is going on, let me rest easy knowing you got home alright.” He practically demanded.

“Sure, if you insist.”

“I do.” He grabbed his blazer that hung loosely on the back of his chair. Without even thinking he draped it around her shoulders, she looked at him surprised. “I bet it’s colder out there now.”

“It was freezing when I got here.” She slipped her arms into his blazer. It made for an interesting contrast to the dress, even for him who didn’t pay attention to trends this looked humorous. He suppressed a chuckle.

He grabbed his keys from his desk drawer. “I’m parked right out front, we won’t have a long way to walk.”

“That’s good to know.”

He told her as the walked out of the door, that led to the steps down the main entrance of the GMCU. Going down the steps quickly he unlocked the passenger and opened it for Rachel before running around to his side.

“It’s nice to see that with the promotion they gave you, they gave you a new car.” She said to him as he started the car.

“Oh this? In one of our many adventures with the underworld of Gotham, Flass totaled it one day when they thought he had fully recovered from Crane’s toxin.”

“Ah, I see.”

“So where to Ma’am?” He gave her wink.

“I am off of 27^th and 3^rd” She told him simply.

“Oooh, very nice neighbordhood.” He remarked while he merged into traffic.

“That’s the perks of being an assistant DA.” She smiled.

For awhile the two drove in silence, “I’m glad you were there.” She finally said some time later.

“It was going to be a late night with all that happened” He said grimly, what he didn’t want to tell her was that he was worried over who was going to be the new commissioner. Loeb may have been a thorn in his side but who could replace him could be even worse.

“I can imagine.”

He pulled up the curb. “Here we are.” He saw a moment of hesitation flicker in her brown eyes.

She bit her bottom lip, glancing out the window, then she looked over at him. He could see worry splashed across her face. “Can you come up with me?” She looked nervously down at her hands.

“If that’s what you want?”

“It is.” She said simply.

He turned off the engine.

The two quietly went up to her floor. He noticed her hands shaking as she got her key out.

She sighed upon entering. “So here we are.” She dropped her keys and her purse onto a table that sat beside the door. Shrugging out of his blazer, she gave it back to him. “Here you go. If you will excuse me one moment, make yourself comfortable.” She paused looking at him, he couldn’t read her expression but he knew she was still worried. “The kitchen is through those double doors; help yourself to something to drink.”

He looked around a bit; her apartment was as he expected it to be. Simple yet tastefully decorated with personal effects. He gazed at one bookcase, which held much-loved books that looked like they had all been read at least four to five times through. His breath caught when he saw the elephant statue he had won her had Mirth Corners. He couldn’t believe she still had it after all these years. Then it hit him that he may be intruding on her privacy, he went into the kitchen opening the fridge, he saw that she had some Dr. Pepper. He grabbed one and then he went and sat down on her sofa. He was almost certain it was the she had in the suite.   

“I’m glad you made yourself comfortable.” Rachel’s voice came from behind him. Turning he saw that she had changed into a baggy t-shirt that had Gotham U scrawled on it and a pair of jogging pants.

“You have a very nice place here.” He took a deep drink from his Dr. Pepper.

“Yeah, it’s not bad.” She ducked into the kitchen, a moment later she was back out with a one herself.

He looked her over as she came to sit beside him. He adverted her gaze when she noticed him looking at her, he was surprised at seeing her dressed so casually. “I’ve never seen you like this.” He finally commented, he had to admit she looked quite adorable.

“A girl can’t always be dressed to the nines.” She put her drink down on the table, and then turned to look at him, before looking off into her apartment sighing.

“Is something on your mind, Rachel?” He asked, gently.

“No.” She said too quickly and her voice was good few notes higher than usual.

“I know that tone of voice.” He eased closer to her, putting his drink beside hers. “What’s the matter?”

Her face crumpled, tears came flooding out. “I’m so scared.” She said in a rush.

Without thinking, he immediately wrapped his arms around her, he felt her arms wrap around him. Sobs racked her body but he continued to hold her. He didn’t know what to say so he just held her. He wished he could take her fear away. “I’ve never been so afraid in my life.” She said hurriedly into his shoulder. He just continued to holding her, closing his eyes, he rested his head against hers.

When he felt that she was calming down, he pulled back slightly and took out his handkerchief out his pocket. “Here you go,” He said gently, he still held her close as she wiped her tears away.

She giggled softly, “I’m so embarrassed.” Taking his handkerchief she dabbed her eyes and face. “This is certainly has been handy.” She took a deep breath. “I didn’t mean for you to come up and just deal with me blubbering.” She hugged him suddenly. “Thank you.” She said over his shoulder. As she pulled back, surprised shook him the core as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. 

As if compelled, he could stop himself from grazing his now flushed cheeks with his fingertips. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes. “I wouldn’t want you to be alone crying.”

“Oh Jim.” She held his hand to her cheek, turning she kissed his palm.

“Rachel,” He said hesitantly, he was surprised at how hoarse his voice was.

Their eyes met, with the span of a breath they were both holding onto each other desperately and sharing a kiss, it felt like all that they had pent up was released. He could feel her fingers as they coursed a path through his hair, it felt just as wonderful as it had all those years ago. He held her close to him and pulled her even closer if that was possible.

“Oh my god. What are we doing?” Rachel asked breathlessly, her arms dropped to her side. “I’m so sorry Jim. I shouldn’t have kissed you.” She paused.

“No, I’m sorry.” He mentally kicked himself, he didn’t know what had come over himself. “I just, I”

“No, it’s my fault I was upset and I don’t know,” She cut him off. “I guess back all those years ago, things felt oddly safer if that makes sense.”  She looked at him.

He took a deep breath. “In some ways they were.” He said simply feeling horrendously guilty, he had taken advantage of her and Barbara and the kids. What was wrong with him, he asked himself. He stood up, he was mortified that he would allow this to happen.

She stood up with him. “Where are you going?”

“I, I’m sorry. I should not have let that happened.” He couldn’t look her in the eyes, so he looked over the top of her head. “I don’t want you to think I came up here to…” His voice trailed off.

“Please don’t go Jim.” She put her hands on his arms, squeezing. “I need you here for a little longer, I need to talk you about something I’ve made my mind up about.” She paused, out of the corner of his eyes he could see her searching him out. Slowly embarrassed, he looked down into her pleading brown eyes. It melted all of the anger he had with himself.

“Alright,” He sighed. “I’ll stay. But I am sorry, I didn’t mean for that to happen.” He sat down.

“Thank you, Jim.” She sat down after him, curling one leg under her as she did so. She leaned over to get her soda. “Do you want yours?” She looked back at him.

“Please.” She handed him his, then she took a big gulp of hers. “Jim now, before I continue, please do not beat yourself up about this.” She eyed him. “It’s just this crazy situation, we are at our wits end.”

He made a grimace, before taking a breath. “I suppose you are right.”

“I am.” She smiled.

He wanted to chuckle but he decided against it. At that moment, she sounded like the old Rachel he knew. “So, what is it you need to talk to me about?”

“Well, I wanted you to be the first to know.” She paused and took another sip of her soda. “I’m engaged.”

“You’re what?” He almost choked, he couldn’t explain the surprise. “I’m so happy for you. To who?”

She smiled. “Harvey Dent.”

He paused. “Harvey Dent, that’s fantastic.”

“Jim, I know that tone.” Her initial worry she had over Harvey asking her unraveled in her stomach. “What are you thinking?”

He shook his head, sure he had thought the man was a rather arrogant sob but he had to admit if Rachel, cared for him that deeply, maybe it was the job that made him that way. “

He was surprised but he knew that he really shouldn’t be. Maybe there was more Dent than he had seen. If Rachel, cared this deeply about him, he must not be all that bad. “Does he make you happy, Rachel?”

“Yes, he does.” She took a sip from her Dr. Pepper. “He makes me laugh.”

“When it comes down to it, through all the bad and the good times as long as you can make each other happy it’s the most important thing in the world.”

Upon driving up to Arkham with Flass, he was surprised at how many others were already there. What surprised him even more however was no one was going inside.

“What are you waiting for ?” Flass asked Donovan once they got out of the car.

“Backup.” He replied looking worried.

“Backup?” Even Flass appeared puzzled over the hesitation.

“The Batman is in there.” Donovan, replied. “Swat is on the way.” He assured us quickly.

Gordon, had to repress a chuckle with the mention of The Batman, even Flass seemed to lose his resolve to enter the building. Not going to wait around for that bunch of trigger happy morons, he mused while drawing his gun. He started to ascend the entrance’s steps, he entered the building remaining in the shadows he walked down the first corridor. The staff must have already evacuated, he thought after not seeing any of them before reaching the main staircase. He started scaling it to the second floor. His heart had picked up speed upon entering.

What’s that, he thought while climbing one of the staircases that branched off on the second floor. Right as he was shaking the thought off something grabbed him and he was flying straight through the air. They stopped a few floors later, in the part of Arkham they were renovating, if his heart had picked up speed before now it was racing.

Then he realized he was practically face to face with The Batman, looking down his heart nearly stopped. Rachel, was laying at his feet. She was pale and her eyes were disoriented. He had only seen her in passing in the last seven or so years.
               "What's happened to her?" His chest felt tight, he hoped he would never see in a state like this ever again.  
               "Crane poisoned her with a psychotropic haullucinogen, a panic inducing toxin."
               "Let me get her down to the medics." He went to go pick her up, he hoped he could still do it after all these years. 
                 "They can't help her but I can."
                The lights snapped on, swat must be filling this place up. He watched as The Batman took a gadget out of the bottom of his boot. "Her her downstairs. Meet me in the ally."
                 Distantly he heard a distinc screeching sound filling the air, it was terribly annoying. Though he ramained focused on what the man was saying.  
                "Crane has been smuggling his toxin hidden in Falcone's drugs and they're dumping it in the water supply."
               "What was he planning?" As if things could possibly get any worse, he mused bitterly. 
               "I don't know." Man if Batman didn't know and he didn't that was not good. 
               "Was he working for Falcone?" He had to get as much information as he could before the gun happy swat fell upon them. 
                "He mentioned someone else, someone worse." He watched as Batman looked down at her. "I need to get her to the antidote the damage becomes permanet."
                "How long does she have?"
                "Not long."
                 The screeching sound was much closer than before and it was beginning to grate on his nerves. "What is that?"
                "Back up."
                After a couple more words, he picked her up and started slowly making his way down to the ally with Rachel in his arms. He came to find out that it was bats. They were swarming the place. He noticed they that seemed to bother everyone but her and him. What a relief, he thought as he made his way down the stairs. It was much hard than it had been all those years ago. He was older and family life had softened him over the years. 
                After a few minutes he finally made it down to the ally. "How is she?" The Batman asked as he took her from his arms.
               "She's fading." 
               "I'll get my car."
               "I brought mine." He heard the Batman say before bright lights blinded him, there was a loud purr of a car and then he watched as The Batman and Rachel, sped past him.
                
                "What's that?" 


 

 His emotions were still raging in head, the bourbon did nothing to calm his nerves. In a blur of words and scrawling something here and there he finished what was left of his paperwork. He screeched to a halt as he parked outside Rachel’s dormitory. He put his arms over his steering wheel and but his forehead on one of his arms. He didn’t realize he was gritting his teeth till he could hear his blood rushing in his ears.

Of course, he was happy that he was going to be a father; there was no doubt about that. For weeks, he’d wanted to work things out with Barbara, heck he tried before they even separated.  But now, Rachel was in his life sure it would be a week tomorrow, that their flirtation, affair of sorts had started. He knew he would have to end it with her. He felt ill in his stomach with the thought that this would hurt her. That was the last thing he ever wanted to do to her. In this short amount of time, he had really grown to care for her. His attraction to her was so intense. Sure Barbara had their share of moments, many in fact but never did he have someone like Rachel on his hands. Taking a deep breath, he got of the car and started to make his way to her suite. The night was frigid, the wind whipped at his face and coat. Strangely, he knew it was cold, freezing in fact but the flush that had consumed him made the wind felt fantastic as it hit him.

It didn’t take him long to reach the second floor. Walking down the hallway, a knot, a very tight knot formed in his stomach. He stopped halfway to her door, he needed to take a breath. Then walking the short steps over to it, he knocked. He heard some shuffling from the other side of the door, followed by her exciting saying through the door, “One minute.” It made him feel like someone hit him. A moment, later the door opened in a zip and there she stood, well more like leaned in the doorway. “Well, good evening sergeant.” She said to him, a husky tone that ripped the breath out of him, she looked amazing.

“Hello there, Rachel.” He said, he barely recognized his voice as he continued to look at her. Any trace of thought had been whipped away.

As if in slow motion, she grabbed his hand and pulled her to him, and into the room. She closed the door, with a push; she untied the belt that held his coat into place. Then she walking and pushing him gently back, his feet obeying then he felt that he was up against her door. He felt her body against him, he was staring straight into her brown eyes that were alight with something he had only seen flickers of, and they glowed with something. He could only reason that it was passion. Her hand drifted up his stomach as she undoing the buttons of his blazer, her arm was then around him pulling him close. Then he felt her mouth on his, she was kissing, he couldn’t stop himself nor did part of him want to. That’s when it hit him what was he doing, he suddenly asked himself, he squeezed his eyes shut. What was he doing, this time he screamed in his head.

She broke the kiss, he could feel her breath on his face. “It’s wonderful,” He heard her voice break, now he felt all the anguish he was feeling erupt in him, he opened his eyes. He immediately saw the confusion in her eyes, it was like a slap across the face. “To see you James.” She continued, in a shaky voice.

            “Rachel,” He said, his voice raspy. He brought a hand to her soft cheek. “I have to talk to you.”

            “Ok, lets have a seat on the sofa.”

            “Sounds good.” He shrugged out of his coat and placed it on her chair as the passed it.

            She sat down first and looked up at him, her eyes still filled with concern. “Is everything alright? Has something happened at the precinct?” she asked him.

            If only it were that simple, he mused solemnly. He sat down beside her and turned to look at her. “Rachel,” He took her hands into his. His heart felt heavy having to tell her what he was about to say, even his throat felt constricted. “Rachel,” He began again. “Barbara, came by the precinct.” He paused, she didn’t say anything, so he continued. “She told me we’re going to have a baby.”

            He watched what was clear to be worry, which changed to happiness, he was certain of it.

            “James that is truly fantastic news, you will make a wonderful father.” She said a bit strained but was cheery she then squeezed his hands.

            “I’m glad you think so,” He took a breath. “There’s something else, she wants to work things out, she wants us to be a family.

            “James, you can not imagine how happy I am for you.” She cleared her throat. The sound of it made the anxiousness he was feeling make his own throat itch.

“You’re not upset that we’ll,” He looked away.

“James, I will always, always care for you.” Softly she touched his check and pulled it so he would look at her again, he didn’t fight her. “But she’s your wife, I couldn’t dream of coming in between the two of you and putting up some type of fight. It just wasn’t meant to be. The two of you deserve to be happy, Gotham eats happiness all the time. Don’t let it eat the happiness the two of you could have together.”

He could feel his eyes moistening. “Rachel, you are a remarkable woman. For a brief period of time the two just looked at each other.

“Would you still like to go to dinner,” She paused, smiling. “as friends?”

“I would be honored.”

                Sure, on the inside it hurt that James would no longer be in her life.

“If you ever need anything, call me. Anytime.” His promise echoed in her mind, as she pulled her blanket around her. And she went to sleep knowing it was true.

“So are you ever going to tell me how Gordon, puts such a smile on your face, Brownie?” Harley asked her as they were driving back to their suite.

 “I’d rather not. Well, not till there something more concrete to tell you.” She paused smiling, remembering how he looked with the whipped cream in his moustache. She knew the fluffy blonde would not give up so easily. “Well, what I can say is he is really sweet.”

Harley just shook her head. “I knew he would be sweet, you go after the good guys. I go after the bad boy types.”

Bad boy types, Rachel’s interest was peeked, since when was Jack a bad boy type. Sure he had given her the creeps when she saw him in the hallway but nothing Harley had said over the last few days seemed to give that kind of indication. “Harley,” She looked at the girl. “What do you mean you go after bad boy types? Is Jack a bad boy type.”

Harley’s cupid bow mouth formed an O, she quickly replaced it with a smile. “Umm he’s,” She paused. “not. I meant just usually.” She added quickly.

“Ah, ok.” She wasn’t convinced. “So how are things with Jack?”

“Oh he’s wonderful. Every time we get together he brings me a long stemmed rose. Isn’t that the sweetest thing? So romantic.” She announced once they pulled into the parking a lot.

“Yes, that is incredibly so.”

She sighed contently. “Guess what, besides having a passion for cracking jokes, he has a side that is crazy for science and things one can do with chemicals. He never ceases to amaze me.”

“That must make for an interesting person to be around.”

Rachel’s mind began to drift especially when she noticed that in a mere two hours she was going to be back with James. It filled her with joy. Once in the suite, she brought her clothes from the other day to the hamper, after doing so she collapsed onto their sofa. Stretching she watched as her roommate flittered about the place.

“So will you be out all night with Jack?” She asked.

“Actually, yes.” She exclaimed. “He’s picking me up after my late class, he says he has plans for tonight.”

“I hope you two have a wonderful night.”

“I’m sure we will. You have a great one as well.” She watched as the girls blue eyes scanned the room.

“I will.”

“Ok, I have everything I need. See you, later Brownie.” She waved before going out the door.

What am I going to do now, she asked herself. She sat there and nervously strummed her fingers. She picked up the magazine that sat on the coffee table. She flipped through it, trying to find and article that caught her interest. She felt antsy and reading wasn’t doing the trick. She tossed her clock a look, still an hour and a half before he was going to arrive.

Going over to her CD player, putting in her favorite CD and turning it up she danced about. Then the thought hit her, I better freshen up a bit. She headed to the bathroom; she grabbed a towel on the way. She took a fast shower afterward she perfumed herself. Feeling refreshed and wrapped in her towel, restarting the CD, she walked over to her closet and was torn over what she could possibly wear. Then she eyed, her black spaghetti strapped dress, much too dressy. Then her straight-line black skirt and black turtleneck, caught her eye. When she wore that outfit, it made her feel like some super spy, especially when she wore her knee high boots with it. It was causal and it made her look good, she couldn’t resist snickering at that thought. With about an hour till he arrived, she got ready. She made her hair was fell in soft waves and didn’t look like a mess. She touched up her eye lashes with a touch of massacre and decided on some lip gloss that gave her lips a touch of color. Going over to her dresser she chose her favorite pair of scarlet and black unmentionables. Then she chose a pair of sheer hosiery, then slipped into the skirt and turtle neck. She’d wait with the boots till he was at the door. She still had a good thirty minutes before he was due to arrive. Turning off her music, she paced back and forth before she realized what she was doing. Feeling foolish she went over to her desk and sat down. She grabbed the elephant sculpture he had won her the other night. She smiled.

Then a thought hit her, everything was fantastic now couldn’t be any better. How long were James and her going to be together? What would happen if Barbara ever wanted him back? Well, that was easy she thought, she wasn’t going to stand in the way. She had James first, and if he wanted to work things out with her, it was not her place to stand in the way of him being truly happy, he deserved the best. James had taught her in these last few days more than she had learned from the one or two boyfriends she had before. If she could call Bruce a boyfriend, they had been close when they were teenagers. She shook her head, she couldn’t think about Bruce right now. All she knew was he was out there somewhere and no one could convince her he wasn’t.

James had taught her about passion, tenderness, she had never had any of that before. Well, maybe some passion but none like the two of them shared, she had only read about that, when out of curiosity she read on one those cheap dime romance novels.  She had never felt like she could playfully tease much less seduce anyone like she had been doing with him, she had never known she had it in her. She wrung her hands and tapped her foot, she couldn’t think about it. She was going to take this one day at a time, and if it ended, it ended. Sure another side of her said she should fight what the two of them have been sharing, she shrugged it off when it came to him, she did not want to cause him any pain. He would be her hero for as long as she lived. The memory of the mugging hovered like a gray storm cloud.

A knock at the door, interrupted her thoughts causing her to jump. Looking at the clock she saw that it was seven, butterflies flapped furiously in her stomach. Walking over to the door, looking in the peephole she saw that it was him.

“One minute.” She hollered. Rachel grabbed her boots, putting one foot in she zipped it to the knee. Then she did it with the boot.

Taking a deep breath, she swung the door open, she leaned in the doorway, she rested one hand on her hip. “Well, good evening sergeant.”  

Sighing, he sat down at his desk back at the precinct. He eyed his paperwork glumly. He took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes. Putting them back on he did an hour of paperwork with no interruption, he was closing in on two hours when he was finally interrupted, there was a knock on the door.

“Yeah,” He said blandly. The door opened it was Flass.

“Hi Jimbo, we missed you yesterday.”

He looked back down at the paperwork. “I’m sure.” He paused, “I see you did not do much of the paper work.” He eyed it before looking at the greasy form that was Flass.

“Well, you know how it is.” He chuckled, it was wet and thick sounding, making Jim’s stomach do a flip flop or was it Flass’s body odor, Jim couldn’t be sure.

“Yeah, so is there anything I can help you with?” He absently scrawled some data down on a piece of paper.

He watched as Flass’s eyes slid from side to side. “I heard you had dinner with that Dawes chick a few days ago.”

“Yeah, we did.” He told Flass in the curtest voice he could muster. “We ran into each other at the DA’s office. Why?”

“No reason. I guess, there’s just a bunch of us guys who are envious as all hell.”

“Really?” He said as blandly as possible. Inside though he could not stop laughing.

“Oh yeah, didn’t you notice what a sweet piece she is?”

He shrugged, he thought about how she would playfully tug on his tie and pull him into a kiss. He had to bit his tongue hard so as not to let the smirk that was itching to spread itself across his face. “Is there anything else you need?”

“No.” Flass he noticed tossed him one more look before leaving and closing the door behind him.

He waited a short while before finally allowed himself to snicker. Turning, in his chair he looked out the window. A sweet piece, he ended up chuckling. She was so much more than that. Looking at his watch, he saw that it was a few more short hours and they would be together again. The thought tickled him with delight.

Another ticked by and he was finally seeing the bottom of the pile.

A buzz from the intercom interrupted him this time. “Yes.” He pushed the button.

“Jimbo,” He could hesitation at the other end. “Someone errr…Barbara is here to see you.”

He felt like someone poured ice-cold water down his spine. He swallowed. “Tell her to come in.”

            He ran a hair through his hair. What could she possibly want, he asked himself. They had not talked since the day he decided to give her space and move into the hotel. That was well over six weeks now. He went over to his door and opened it. As he looked at her as she made her way over to his office he noticed that her brow her was furrowed, that only happened when she was really upset about something. I hope nothing is wrong with her family.

            “Hi Jim.” She said, when she was closer to him.

            “Hi Barbara.” He closed the door behind them.

He watched as she paced back and forth wringing her hands as she did so. She looked quite fretful. He came up behind her.

“What’s the matter?” He asked.

Stopped and looked at him wide-eyed. “I have something important to tell you. Can we sit down?”

“Sure of course.”

They both sat down on his sofa. She looked down at her hands.

“I know, I was the one who wanted the separation but well, I got some news.” Her voice trailed off.

“News?” he asked, he was puzzled, did she draw up divorce papers, he wondered.

“Yes,” She said fairly high pitched. “And now, I know how wrong I was.” She said in a rush, grabbed his hands, they were icy.

He looked at her knowing surprise was washing over his face.

“I want us to have the life we were planning on. The one we dreamed of when you were still a student at the academy.” She paused squeezing his hands. “And now we can be, we can be a real family. I found out I’m going to have a baby.”

“What!” He exclaimed. “That is fantastic!” He hugged her. He could feel her hesitation, and he pulled back, looking at her.

Her eyes were watery. “So you would want to work it out?” She asked.

An image of Rachel, popped into his head. He felt as if someone was wrenching his heart in two different directions.

“Of course, I want us to work it out.” This time he grabbed her hands. “And we will. Why don’t I come over tomorrow and we can talk about this.” He suggested.

“That sounds wonderful, I’ll make you your favorite. Call me to let me know when you can come over.”

“I will, I promise.”

“Oh, Jim.” She gushed. “I was being so foolish. I’m so sorry.” She hugged him, he hugged her back, he patted her back reassuringly.

Right now he didn’t know how he felt. He was at a loss for words, he didn’t even know how he was truly feeling especially since the initial joy of becoming a father was beginning to subside now, that he had to think about all of this. What was he going to do?

He felt her pull back. “Well,” She looked down for a moment. “I better let you go back to your work.”

“I better.” They both stood up. Trying to put their minds at ease, hers more than hers he hugged her again. It did little to ease his. “We are going to be parents. I’m going to be a dad, wow!” He squeezed her.

“And I’m going to be a mom.” She added cheerily. He had not heard her that happy since he made sergeant.

            “Let me walk you out.” With his around her, he opened his door. A hush had fallen over the precinct, a breath later the clatter of voices and papers being shuffled filled the air once again. He suppressed the urge to roll his eyes, these guys were more gossipy than his Aunt Trudie had been when he was going up on the south part of Gotham and she was infamous.

            “I would come over tonight but we have an organized arrest planned and I don’t know when or how long I’m going to be involved in it.” He told her once they were outside.

            “Oh, it’s ok. I know how busy you are. Gotham is lucky to have you fighting for her.”

            “Now, I’m not only fighting for her but for out family too.”

She opened her car door and she turned to look at him. She touched his cheek. “With you, I know Gotham will be a safe place to raise our family. I just wish now I would have never doubted it.” She gave him a peck on the cheek. He didn’t know how that made him feel. “Well, see you tomorrow, Jim. Good luck tonight.”

The kiss left him startled. “Thank you.”

She got into the car. “Good-bye.”

“Good-bye, Babs.” She smiled and started her engine.

He watched as she drove away. Walking back to the precinct a storm of emotions were raging through his mind. Once back in his office, he took out a small bottle of bourbon he kept in his bottom drawer, he had only opened it once. That was when he found out she wanted a separation, now it was because he knew that he was going to hurt Rachel. Opening it, he took out the glass that kept it company. Pouring a finger worth, it course a path of fire down his throat as he drank it. He had and never would be a drinker, he had seen it wreck families and men on the police force, but he kept it there, he mused for just one of those moments. Knowing he was about to hurt Rachel was one of them. 

             She looked over her shoulder and waved before entering the building. She sighed as the door closed behind her. Lunch, heck the whole day had been so wonderful, she mused to herself. Then the dark thought of how he will be part of a group going after the Chechen worried her.

            “Earth, to Rachel, Earth to Rachel.” Chirped the voice of Harley. The girls blonde hair bounced into view before she could see the girl’s pixie face.  

            “Oh, Hi Harley.” She greeted her. “Would you mind if I ask you a favor?”

            “Sure what’s up, Brownie?” She asked brightly.

            “Could you drop me off at the dormitory after this class?”

            “Sure! I can drop you off there before I go my gymnastics session. Yeah, that would be great. I could drop off the stuff I don’t need any more and then I could get all of the stuff I’m going to need.”

            “Great, thank you Harley.”

            “It’s no problem, girly.”

            “Well, here I am. I’ll meet you at the steps when class is over.”

“Sounds like a plan, Brownie. Tootles.” The girl gave a tiny wave before bouncing away. 

“You, know they have really wonderful pie here.” Rachel remarked as they pulled into the parking lot.

“Really? I’ve never had the opritunity.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Maybe today you should try some today.”

“Perhaps I will.” He smiled at her. “But I know something that is more wonderful tasting than those pies.”

“What?”

“Your kisses.” He placed his hand over hers before she unbuckled her seat belt.

“That’s very true, they have less calories.” She giggled.

“I’ll have to remember that.” They both walked in, the place was fairly empty. The lunch rush was over. “It will be nice to eat here with having to a testimony hanging over my head.” It was hard to retrain himself from putting his arm about her while when they were waiting to be seated. 

“I bet, I was going to add I’m glad I don’t have to worry about how many Xeroxes I need to make how much highlighting I have to do.”

“Two?” Asked a hostess.

“Yes.” He straightened his glasses.

“Right this way.”

“Your waitress will be right with you.” She handed them their menus and walked away.

They both opened them up, he shot her a glance over his, she smiled. He noticed her quickly scan the menu.

“Well, I know what I’m going to get.” She said and closed hers she looked out the window. He liked her profile. There was something rather elegant about it.  

“I know what, I’ll get too.” He told her.

A sour puss of a woman with a wispy bun ambled up to their table. “What can I get you two?” She looked at him first.

“Ladies first.” He gestured to Rachel.

“I’ll have the roast beef sandwich on rye and a cup of coffee.” She handed the woman her menu.

 “And for you sir?”

“I’ll have the club and a coffee as well.”

            “Very good, great choices.” She remarked and walked away.

            “So, do you think they will let you start up your internship again?” He asked, he wasn’t sure if he liked the idea of her starting it up again.

            “Only time will tell.” She paused. “Thank you.”

            The waitress, put their two cups of coffee in front of them. He nodded.

            “With the dedication you had for just this internship, I’m sure you I will see you prosecuting one day.” He assured her.

            “You think so.” I’m sure of it. Not being able to help himself he patted her hand.

“I hope so.” She paused and looked at their hands. “Oh hi Carl!” She said brightly. He took his hand away.

            “Gordon, Rachel fancy seeing you here!” Exclaimed Carl, from behind him.      

“Finch.” He nodded.

Finch nodded back and ran a hand through his thick black hair.

“We ran into each other and since we both hadn’t had lunch I thought we’d go here. Would you believe I missed the place?” She told him with a warm smile.

“Order up.” Announced the waitress.

“I suppose I got you hooked on their desserts that’s why.” He smiled. “Well, that’s me. I must run. Rachel, we all miss you down at the office.”

“Tell everyone, I say hello and that I hope to be back soon.”

“I will. Gordon.” He smiled again, Gordon noticed he couldn’t take his eyes off of Rachel.

“Finch.”

The two watched as he ran across the street to the courthouse, paperbag in one hand, briefcase in the other.

“I was right about to say, at least I’m glad I’m not here with Carl.” She shook her head. “That would have been a major foot in mouth moment.” He watched as she laughed.

“Yeah, that would have been a bit awkward.” He paused, he snickered. He imagined, the dopey look falling from Finch’s face if he had heard her say that.“You know he’s crazy about you.” The moment the word left his mouth before he could stop himself. He didn’t know why he had said that.

“What? Are you kidding?” Rachel asked, surprise tingeing her voice. What makes you think that?”

“It’s the way he looks at you.”

“Don’t be silly, he only likes how much I’ve helped him out.”

“I mean,” He paused. “How can he not be?” he added in a low tone.

“Well it’s not like any of the matters.” She patted his hand it felt warm and soft.

“You are right there.”

The waitress came with their food a moment later. “Is there anything else I can get you two?” He shot Rachel a glance, he shook his head. “We’re good here.”

“James, are you ok?” She asked him, after the waitress was gone.

He cleared his throat. “Why do you ask?”

“You’re hand has grown clammy.” She looked at him, he could see a trace of something in her eyes, was that worry, he asked himself. He looked down at his food, then out the window. “To be honest, I am a bit worried about going after the Chechen tonight.” He admitted not only to her but to himself as well, he looked at her once again.

 “I can imagine.” She bit her bottom lip. “You promise me to be careful. I heard his dogs can be quite vicious.”

“I promise.” He tried to give her a reassuring smile. It didn’t do much to make him feel any better.

“So, what kind of pie do you recommend?” He asked looking over the choices. He was relieved that they were able to get off the subject of the Chechen, he may have been a cop for years but it still made him feel uneasy to go after people like the Chechen who appeared to have no boundaries.

She looked from side to side, then gave him the sly smile he had really loved seeing over the last few days. “All of them.” She whispered.

“That’s no good,” He chuckled.

“Well, I’m going to have a piece of the strawberry rhubarb.” She told him confidently.

“If you are going to have that, then I will have a slice of the apple pie then.”

“You will not be disappointed.” She promised, she pour some fresh coffee into their cups.

A short time later, the waitress came up to them again, they told her their order and she ambled away again. “You know, this place isn’t half bad.” He told her after the waitress had walked away.

“I was hoping you would enjoy it.” She paused. “I meant to tell you, I will get a ride back to the dormitory with my roommate.

“Good, just be careful. When shall we meet for dinner?”

She pursed her lips. “Let’s just say seven. How does that sound?”

“Sounds good.” He paused. “Thank you.”

The waitress brought their generous slices of pie.

“Enjoy.” She told them and walked away

They enjoyed their desserts, conversation continued to flow between the two of them.

“This pie is definitely one the best apples I’ve had.” He remarked take a bite. A tiny giggle came from Rachel and she nervously looked out the window. “What?”

“You a bit of whipped cream on your moustache.”

“Oh.” Taking his napkin, he whipped it. “Better?” He asked smiling broadly.

She slid him a glance, she nodded.

Pushing his sleeve to the side, he realized how late it was getting, he had better drop her off soon. “We better be off.” He sipped the rest of his coffee.

“Oh class, I almost forgot that I had to go.” She snickered. “There are so many other things I can think I would like to spend my time.”

“I feel the same way, at the moment I have a fairly large pile of papers waiting for me on my desk.”

“It’s never nice to go back to grind after having such a wonderful time, like we had yesterday.” She laid a hand over his.

He resisted the urge to cover hers. “I would love more than anything to have another day like that.” He said quietly.

Rachel, grabbed her coffee cup and drank the rest of it.

“Here is your check, unless of course the two of you wanted something else?”

They both shook their heads no. She grabbed their empty plates and left the check in their wake.

Rachel grabbed it, she eyed him over it. “Let’s get going.”

“Sure.” He agreed, he watched as she left the tip on the table. They walked up the register where the hostess was waiting for them. “How was everything today?” She asked brightly.

“Fine.” He said.

“Great.” Chimed in Rachel.

She paid, they walked out rather quickly to his car. He enjoyed watching as she made her way to her side of it.

Traffic wasn’t too bad yet, he could still maneuver easily around and was at the university rather quickly. He turned off the engine once he parked and turned in his seat to face her, she was doing the same.

“You, know when you got that whipped cream on your moustache I was very tempted to do something.” She remarked playfully.

“Oh really, and what could that have been?”

“You want me to show you?” She said playfully, looking at him from under her eyelashes.

“I don’t see why you couldn’t.” He said just as playfully.

“Well, if you insist.” She unbuckled her seat, and looked at him again like that. It sent butterflies in his stomach. Scooting over to him, she placed both hands on his cheeks and tilted his face down hers, she did so he was able to snake in around her. Smiling, looking him in eyes, he swore he could feel the power of her gaze, then very gently she brushed her lips against his. She did the same to his moustache, followed by a rather soft kiss on his lips. “So that’s what I had wanted to do.” She said breathlessly inches from his face.

Not being able to contain himself, he pulled her close suddenly and kissed her with all that he had been holding back while they were in the diner. He loved the feel as she arched against him while he kissed her. They both broke from it sometime later both were out of breath, she took his hand and brought it to one of her cheeks and she closed her eyes. Neither of them spoke.

“Good luck, putting a dent into your paperwork.” She finally said.

“Thanks, I’ll need it. It’s one of the more tedious things about the job.”

“I can imagine.” He cupped her face in his hands.         

            He kissed her gently. He wished that the two of them could escape their obligations behind and even leave Gotham behind them. Though, that would be impossible at least in the foreseeable future. Breaking the kiss, he looked deeply into her golden brown eyes. “As much as I would love to keep on kissing you, you better head on in there.”

            She grumbled. “I don’t want to.” She pouted, he wasn’t used to the look but he had to admit it looked awfully cute on her. He watched as she sighed. “I better go. I’ll miss you.” She pressed her lips against his before grabbing her satchel.

            “I’ll miss you too.” They hugged.

            “See you later, for dinner.” She said, then turning tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear she opened the car door.

            “You two be careful getting back to the dormitory.”

            “I will.” She assured him.

            “See you later.” He watched as she turned and got out of the car.

Rolling over, half-awake and half-asleep Rachel hit touched something that felt unfamiliar. Rubbing her eyes, she saw a notepad with a rose behind it. Stretching, Rachel sat up; disappointment tugged on her when she realized it was from Gordon. As she read it she could his voice in her head, she picked up the rose she sniffed it. It was beginning to wilt but its musky scent was still pleasant. She looked over at the clock it read 11:30. Well, I had better take a shower, afterwards I could possibly reread some of the chapters in the book, she mused. Swinging her feet out of the bed, she noticed that James had brought over her satchel she smiled. Picking up her satchel, she opened it. She grabbed her hairbrush, toothbrush, and her deodorant, then taking out her clothes she laid them on the bed beside her. Sleep still clinging to her, she made her way to the bathroom.

Finding an empty spot on his counter she put her stuff down, grabbing a bottle of James’s aftershave she opened and inhaled deeply, it smell like him she smiled to herself. She put on the water for the shower. After brushing her hair out, the relatively hot water felt great as it rained down on her, she just stood there for awhile. Then, she grabbing the bar of soap that she saw sitting in his soap dish, she rolled rolling it in her hands till the bubbles came forth. I think it’s a Irish Spring, she mused. Leaning over, she began washing her legs, she when she heard a door close with a clang.

Through the glass door, she could tell who it through the shower door. I certainly hope it’s not the maid. Would a maid go clean these extended stay rooms, she wondered. She didn’t realize she had wrapped her arms around her, what she should do, she continued to be unsure. Rinsing her hands, she crept over to the shower door opening it she peaked out.

Relief flooded through her, she put a hand over her heart. “Oh, it’s you. I was worried.”

“Hello, there beautiful.” James with his sleeves rolled up, was making his way over to her. Rachel shook her head. “In these extended stay rooms there’s no maid service.”

“Well, that’s a relief.” A sly popped into her head as she grabbed his tie and tugged gently. “Com ‘ere.” She said, allowing an equally sly smile spread across her face.

“It would be my pleasure.” He said, his voice was distinctly deeper.

Balancing herself on the shower wall, she leaned out and kiss him thoroughly on the mouth.

“That was very nice, I better be careful.” He chuckled.

 “I’m glad you could come back.” She said a moment later.

“I can’t get wet. It might look suspicious if I show up later in a different outfit.” He smirked.

“But wouldn’t it be fun to get the precinct talking?” She could resist herself, he looked just too good to believed.

“I suppose it would be better than the usual precinct gossip.” Rachel could tell he was considering it.

“You could join me, I bet when they called you this morning you didn’t have time to shower.”

“You’re right there.” He sighed, and then smiled. “It would feel good.”

A few moments, later James joined her in the shower. They embraced under the pelting water, they even shared a watery kiss. 

She asked leaning on her elbow, looking into his deep blue eyes. She liked how his arm draped across her hips. “How long do I have before I have to go to my class?” She ran her fingers through his wet tresses.

“I’m here till I have to drive you to class. We won’t be going after the Chechen until late into the night. We will be able to have dinner, if you would like?”

“That would be fantastic.” Leaning in she kissed him on his soft shoulder. “To think, I had planned to read a few chapters before class. You’re quite a distraction James.” She chuckled.

“You are just as distracting, Rachel.” He shook his head, he traced her arm with his hand.

It caused a shiver of delight in her. “Now, before it gets too let and if you would allow me. I would like to take you to lunch.” She offered, smiling.

“That sounds good to me.”

She rolled over but right as she was about to get out of the bed he pulled her close to him, she couldn’t suppress the gasp that it caused in her. “I said that sounded like a good idea,” He chuckled. “But I never said I was done kissing you yet.”

“Oh really?” She managed to ask him before he silenced her with his kisses. She was growing addicted to them. She broke the kiss, “I can deal with that.” She said before laughing and pulling him back down for a kiss. 

He watched as she pulled, zipped and button her slacks on her slim legs. Coming up behind her, he hugged her. Her warmth comforted him. “You are such a knock out,” He whispered in her ear, before kissing her cheek.” She turned in his arms to face him, she brushed a stray lock of his hair that fallen onto his forehead. 

“You make me weak in the knees, James.” She blushed at her admittance, and looked downward for a moment.

His heart sped up. “It’s nice to know that an old man like me still has it, to make a beautiful woman like you weak in the knees.” He half joked, smirking. He was pushing his mid-forties and it thrilled him to have her in his arms. Especially since he knew half if not more of the men he worked with would do anything to be in his place right now.

“Old man, you are not an old man.”

He chuckled, bitterly. “I’m probably twice as old as you if not older than you are.”

“Oh yeah, how old are you?”

“I’m will be forty five soon.”

“Pish. Pash.” She gave a wave of her hand. “That’s not very old.” She smiled at him.

“With you I have to admit, I don’t feel old.” He finally admitted to her.

“Good.” He felt her soft lips press against his. Then she flittered out of his grasp and he watched as she slipped into her sweater, which accentuated her curves very well. He put on his blazer, he would put on his holster later.

“I’m ready she exclaimed!” She walked over to him.

“So where are you taking me for lunch?” He asked looking her up and down, he pulled her close.

“You know that quaint little diner, Scotty’s, by the courthouse? I thought that would be nice place for us to go.”

“Yeah, isn’t that where all the hot shot attorneys go?” He smiled.

“Yup, especially when they’ve had it with Pizza or Chinese.”

“I’ve been there a couple of times before a hearing or two.” He paused and the thought struck him how others would see them there, together. “Rachel, if we go there” He paused, he pressed his lips together thinking of how he could put it. He cleared his throat. “we may run into people we know.”

She put a finger to his lips, then she took quickly took it away. “James, as far as they need to know at most, if anything is we are friends. They don’t have to see our, how shall I put this…” He grabbed her hand and kissed it, he didn’t want her to think that annoyed him, she smiled before she bit her bottom lip. She could do any time she wanted, he thought amused. “Our more romantic side while we are there.”

He didn’t know what to say or even where to begin.

“I wouldn’t want you to have to worry about anything getting back to Barbara.” She continued, then she was the one who grew silent.

“Oh, Rachel. I just don’t know what to say.” He paused and squeezed her. “How is it possible that no one has scooped you up?” He said over her shoulder.

“I had to meet you.” She replied.

For some time the two just embraced. He felt as she breathed against him. The thought he had earlier before drifting to sleep drifted into his mind over how long they would be together, how long would they have at this happiness. He didn’t know but he promised himself that he would enjoy it as long as he could and he would make sure she did as well. She deserved the best, and if he was going to be honest with himself, he wasn’t sure exactly if that was him. But he just couldn’t let her go, not yet anyway.

“Rachel, you steal words from me.” He admitted.

“James, you are a wonderful man.” She ran her fingers through his hair. “I’m just lucky that I’ve gotten to know you.” Then bringing his mouth down to hers, they shared a gentle kiss. 

 She awoke to sound of some puttering in the adjacent room, stretching she felt refreshed and blissful; making love with James was so wonderful. Seeing James wasn’t next to her in bed she wondered what he was up to. Shuffling out of the bed, she skipped quietly over to his closet, grabbing one of his button shirts, slipping into it; she walked on her tippie-toes to the louvered sliding door. On her way over, she smiled noticing that the clothes they had discarded in their passionate haste were still lying on the floor. She could hear clinking of glasses from the other room. Taking a deep breath, she tried to peek through the louvers; she could see a twinkle of candles.

“Rachel,” She heard him chuckle at the other side of the doors. “I can see you. Come in and join me.”

Pulling the doors apart, Rachel gasped at what she saw. She brought a hand up to her mouth in surprise.  

There on his small table was two slender candles lit. There was a small bottle of wine, two plates with little steaks on them with some trimmings; it looked delicious. In the center of the table was a vase it had a single rose in it. He came around to her pulled her close. “I hope you are hungry.” He whispered into her hair.

“I’m starved.” She whispered back.

Letting her go, she watched as he pulled the chair out for her. “If you would be so kind.” She watched as a playful smile spread across his face.

She went and sat down. When she sat down she, noticed a petite cake off to the side, tiny rosebuds circled its edges. She watched as he sat down, he had put back on his jeans. “I hope I’m desperately under dressed.” She kidded.

“My shirts suit you.” He raised a glass. “I would like to make a toast.”

The glass’s stem felt smooth and cool to her fingertips when she picked it up.

“To happiness.” He smiled, at her.

“To happiness.” Then she took a sip. “It’s quite good.”

“I was hoping it would be.”

They ate, their conversation flowed through their meal. Everything tasted wonderfully, from the steak to the asparagus to the mash potatoes. “So what class will you be rushing off tomorrow afternoon.”

“Elements of Prosecution 327.” She said before sinking her teeth into the delicate asparagus.

“That would be perfect for you.”

“Yeah, it’s not bad. But I have to admit I’ve learned more because of my internship than my classes.”

“Nothing beats experience.”

 Rachel couldn’t believe how wonderful this day had was, she had never been so romanced. Before they were going to tackle the dessert, she thought that she had better freshen up.

“James, if you will excuse me a moment.”

“Of course.”

Walking through the louvered doors, she made her way to the bathroom. After closing the door, looking in the mirror she noticed that her hair looked a bit rumbled which was to be expected but otherwise she was glowing. Distantly she heard him put on some music, after finishing, she took a deep breath and went back out to James. Even after all that they had shared, he still caused her butterflies in her stomach. He had turned on some Sinatra she realized once she was closer to the doors. When she went into the other room, he was standing by the huge picture window. The city lights reflected in his glasses. He turned and smiled at her when she got closer, he spread his arms wide.

“Care to dance with me?”

“I would love to.”

She felt giddy and bubbly all over, she was certain, it was being with James and the bit of wine she had with dinner. She eagerly went into his arms. He wrapped one arm around her and held her hand, which he kissed. For a moment, they two simply swayed to the beat of the song.

Then she smiled up at him. “You really know how to romance a girl.”

“You’re an inspiration.” He smiled down at her. They shared a brief kiss.

She was in a dreamy haze, swaying and twirling to the music. He was so warm and solid, to hold onto.

 Her head was swimming, things couldn’t get any better than this she mused and she idly allowed her fingers to trace shapes on his chest as the cuddled in close to each other. A warm, deep chuckle came from him. Taking a hold of her hand, he kissed her fingertips. After enjoying the dessert, they had made love again.

She sighed and cuddled closer, and she felt him kiss the top of her head.

“You are so intoxicating.” He murmured into her hair.

“I could say the same thing about you.”

She couldn’t suppress a yawn that bubbled forth.

“Why don’t,” He yawned. “We try and sleep.” He suggested.

“Sounds good to me.” She looked up at him. “It will be great to sleep in your arms again.”

“I enjoy having you there.”

They shared a soft kiss, before she rested her head on his chest. She could feel shifting slightly, then the familiar tiny clink of his glasses going on the nightstand. Before she had a chance to say goodnight, sleep enveloped her.

For a while, he stared into the inky black of the room, listening to Rachel’s steady breathing. He caressed her arm idly that rested across his chest. Today had been great. Worry crept into his sleepy mind. He couldn’t help but wonder how long their happiness would last. Gotham tended to sate itself on happiness; he already was concerned for her welfare. She was a mere intern and she had been attacked. 

He knew was sure that she could accomplish and exceed any of her goals but if she got to enjoy them, was another story. This city seemed to thrive on the good and innocent. Heck still didn’t know how he managed to make it all these years. He knew he wasn’t as innocent as she was, honest and good yes but he couldn’t afford the innocence she had in her heart. He could see her doing wonderful things for the city. Maybe in turn she would be able to enjoy that. He hoped that no matter what happened he could keep her from harm, he mused. He sighed; he gave her a soft kiss before finally surrounding to the dark current of sleep.

He awoke with a start his phone was ringing. Shuffling over, squinting he grabbed his glasses and managed to hit the right button to accept the call.

“Gordon, here.” He grumbled into the phone. He noticed that it was five in the morning.

“We need you at the precinct, Sergeant.”

“Alright, I’ll be there in fifteen.” He clicked end.

He couldn’t suppress the grumble of disappointment. Looking over at Rachel, he saw that she was still soundly asleep. He sighed back beside her. He didn’t want to leave her side or his warm bed. But he had too. Easing out of bed, he was careful not to wake her.

He shrugged into a white t-shirt and a button down brown shirt, along with a pair of olive green pants. Grabbing a tie, he ambled into the bathroom that always had a cold tiled floor, he snapped the light on, he squinted but it did the trick of waking him up more. Grabbing his toothbrush and putting some paste on the bristles, he grumpily brushed his teeth. Rinsing and then looking into the mirror, he knotted his tie, a grimace plastered across his face. He snapped the light off on his way out.

He looked down at Rachel, she looked so peaceful so beautiful. Opening the drawer beside her side of the bed, he grabbed the hotel paper pad.

Rachel,

I was called to precinct. I’ll be back as soon as I can. I will be back no matter what to drive you to class. Maybe we could have dinner tonight? I hope you slept well. See you as soon as I can.

James

He scrawled onto the pad, he placed it on the pillow that had been his. Walking fast, he went over where they had dinner. He grabbed the rose that was in the vase, shake the drops of water off he placed it beside the note. He leaned over, lightly pulling her hair from her cheek, he kissed it, and she sighed. The sound warmed his heart. Then pulling on his socks, going over to where he kept his gun, he put the holster on and his blazer after that. Quickly he picked up Rachel’s satchel & shoes she had discarded beside the door, he placed them on her side of the bed so she wouldn’t have to trek all the way over to the door to retrieve her incidentals. He slipped into his shoes; he gave Rachel one more glance before heading out the door.

Right before the elevator stopped at the garage, he turned up his collar. He already knew it would most likely be cold. The weather didn’t disappoint, a fidget blast hit him hard in the face. After turning on the engine, he turned the heat up high. It did little to ward the freezer that was now his car. Luckily since it was so early there was no traffic.

Parking by the curb like always, he ran up the steps, it warmed him a bit. He couldn’t help but wonder what was up. He hoped it wasn’t just for some tedious speech that Loeb felt he needed to give him. He pushed open the door,  Michael who sat the desk during the night was still there, the man most likely had an hour or two left of his shift.

“Sergeant, Loeb has called on you and some of the others in devising a plan to arrest The Chechen. They’re around and in the conference room.” Michael informed him.

“Thank you, officer.” On the way over, Gordon grabbed a cup of the infernal coffee they had in the station.

Things had been going wonderfully for her and James. She had never been so happy. Sadly, because of the mugging, the school put her internship on hold. As if he had predicted Carl also took her off the case and wanted her as a witness but because of one crooked cop, the trail was dismissed because one thing had been done improperly. At least since she had all this time off she had more time to work on her class assignments and even hang out with Harley. It was nice to have some girl time.

What was also nice was it gave her more time to spend with him, not that there was much. Being one of the best cops on the force, he didn’t have all that much time on his hands. However, he had been able to take her to the gun range, he was right; she wasn’t sure exactly how though it had certainly boosted her self-confidence since the mugging. One evening had been wonderful, he had taken her to his apartment where he surprised her with a home cooked meal. It was such a bachelor’s pad, it was a good thing it was one of those long stay suites at Gotham’s Continental Hotel or she was sure he wouldn’t have much furniture.

Today, he promised was going to be special. Her excitement had been bubbling over since she woke up. He said the whole thing was going to be a surprise, which tickled her to no end, knowing that he was taking the time to do something so elaborate. He had advised to dress warmly, so she put on her favorite maroon cable knit sweater and jeans. Autumn, had really caught up with them in the last few weeks. Today was no exception, the sun was high in a clear blue sky, a chill hung in the air. 

She ran her brush through her hair, while looking in the mirror. He liked when she had it down, so she had to will the waves to corporate. When she heard a resounding knock on the door, with a burst of excitement she put her brush down and ran to the door. Looking through the peephole, she saw him standing there, dapper as can be.  Smiling she opened the door.

“Hi James, come in come in.” She ushered him in. The door was barely closed, and they were in each others arms. His cologne tickled her senses and made her feel just as good as being in his arms. “Mmmm. How are you?” She asked over his shoulder.

“I’m good, now that I’m with you.” He replied into her hair.

She pulled back and gave him one of her winning smiles. “I’m happy you are here.”

A moment, later the two were sharing a kiss. She loved kissing him. When the two of them were together, she was able to forget that there was a world outside the two of them and all that mattered was them.

Some time, still reeling from their kiss, she looked over her shoes. She wasn’t sure which she should put on since she didn’t know where they were going. Putting her hands on her hips, she looked over at Gordon, leaning against her desk. The sight sent butterflies through her stomach. She had never thought he would look so good in just a pair of blue jeans and a black turtleneck sweater. She had since him wear that once when they wanted him to go with swat unit.

“Can you, at least tell me what shoes would be suitable?” Rachel asked him, placing a hand on her hip.

He walked the few short steps over to her and looped his arm around her. “Hmm…, I suppose I suggest some good footwear.” He gave her a half smile. “Anything that doesn’t have any major heels, you will want to be comfortable.”

“Good to know.” She smiled and gave him a squeeze. “Hmm…” Finally Rachel settled on and slipped into her favorite loafers. “I’m ready!” She exclaimed smiling.

“You certainly are.” He pulled her close into a kiss.

She couldn’t repress the giggle that welled up in her as his moustache tickled her upper lip and simply over how happy she was. She had not felt like this in too long of a time.

“You always manage to make me smile.” She said when they on their way out to his car.

“It’s part of the job.” He gave her wink before going into the car.

She just shook her head, smiling doing the same.

“So where are we going?” She asked for what seemed like the millionth time.

“I’ve told you it’s a surprise. But we are almost there.” He gave her a sideways glance.

Excitement was building in her, they seemed to be heading out of town, but she just couldn’t be sure. All she could be sure of was that as long as she was with him she knew she would have a good time. As the drove around the corner, a Ferris Wheel could be seen turning in the distance.

“You’re taking us to Mirth Warf?”

“You’ve found me out.” He said pulling into a parking spot.

She enthusiastically wrapped her arms around him. She have him a kiss on the cheek. “I haven’t been here in years.” She smiled. “It will be so wonderful to see it with you.” This time she brought him into a deeper kiss. She could feel him unbuckle his seat belt and wrap his arms around her.

“If we keep this up, we won’t actually get into Mirth’s Warf.” He chuckled deeply.

“I suppose we better.”

As they walked side by side up to ticket counter, Rachel’s hand tingled. She wanted to hold hands with him. Sure she knew that was child’s folly to want to hold hands with the one you care about, she wanted to. Though Rachel, knew it wasn’t something could assume would be alright with James, so she instead she busied them to get out some money to help chip in for the tickets.

“Here you go.” She handed him a twenty.

“I told you, today I’m surprising so I’m paying.” He said with a smile. “How much for the works?”

“Thirty, Buddy.”

“Sounds good to me.” She watched him fish the thirty out of his wallet as she put her twenty away.

 “Ok! If you insist.”

“I do.” He gave her a wink. Then pushed the money towards the man, a moment later the man pushed back fair amount of tickets towards him.

“There you go buddy. You two have good day.”

“We will.” A broad smile spread across his face while he folded them so they were more manageable and then he stuffed them into his pocket.  “Shall we?” Turning to smile at her.

“We shall.” She smiled back.

A moment or two after they passed the ticket counter, surprised shook Rachel to the core. His warm, soft hand took hers and their fingers interlaced. She couldn’t suppress the gasp that escaped her lips; she looked at him, squeezing the hand that held hers.

“Isn’t this what couples do when they go to Mirth Warf?” He said with an easy smile.

“Yes, yes they do.” She couldn’t stop her heart from speeding up when he said that. 

“So what shall we do first?” He asked her before bringing her hand to his lips and giving her a kiss.

“Hmmm, we could go on the tea cups and work our way up.”

“Sounds good to me.”

The rest of the day was like something out of a dream for Rachel. She was having so much fun going on all of the rides with him. They did the bumper cars, the music express, the Ferris wheel, the rollercoaster a couple of times and even the carousal.

“I had forgotten how much fun this place can be.” Said Rachel breathlessly after they got off the rollercoaster for the second time.

“Same here.” James agreed.

The sun had begun to sink in the sky.

“The day will not be complete if we don’t get any of this.” Unlooping her arm, Rachel ran a few steps of ahead of him.

“And what would that be?” He asked.

He noticed the setting rays of sun light brought out some beautifully coppery tones in her hair.

“Fried dough!” She exclaimed.

He smiled, seeing her happy made him even happier. He watched as she got a plate of the golden brown dough sprinkled with powered sugar and cinnamon. “That would make it pretty perfect.” She back into step with him.

She giggled. “Yeah.” She took a bite.

He couldn’t help chuckling when he noticed some cinnamon stick to her cheek.

“It’s delicious.” She cooed.

“I bet it is.” He agreed.

“Here have a bite.” She offered him some. He took a bite, then sneaked in to kiss away the cinnamon that was on her cheek. The tiny gasp it created in her sped up his heart. Both were delicious.

“Thank you,” He winked at her. “But you know what would be really perfect?” He asked her.

She raised her eye brows and shook her head, while enjoying another bite of the dough.

“If I won you a prize.”

She swallowed. “Oh, that would be awfully nice.” He steered them in the direction of one of the shooting games.

“Five shots in a row and win a prize!” Announced a man in bright red suspenders.

“Sounds good, how many tickets?”

“Three sir.”

He handed the man three and the man gave him the gun.

“Shoot the clown in the nose to knock him down.”

“Alright.” He paused. “Give me a kiss for good luck.” He offered Rachel his cheek. She surprised him with a sugary kiss on the lips.

He smiled, then crouching he aimed at the first clown.

“The man has lady luck, has lady luck on his side.” He paused. “Five clowns and get a prize.”

He narrowed his eyes and in one breath took two clowns down. He could feel Rache’s excitement grow, with another breath he got the other three.

“The man’s lady luck won him a prize. He paused again. “Would you like a small plushie or a statue or if you knock down five more you get a bigger prize.”

He looked at Rachel. “Should I go for a bigger prize, lady luck?”

He watched as her glance went from him to the prizes and back again. “The statue would be perfect.”

“If that’s what you want.” He looked at them.

“Which one would you like lady luck?”

He watched as she adorably bit her bottom lip. “I’ll have the one of the two little elephants.”

“Wise choice, lady luck.” The man with the red suspenders handed it to her.

“Thank you.”

They walked a short distance, then she threw out her plate. Then on either side of them were two looming structures. One claimed a haunted house and the other was a house of mirrors.

“Would you like to go into either?” He asked when she looped her arm with his.

“Actually, why don’t we walk down the board-walk.” She suggested.

“That sounds very nice.”

The sky was darkening and the stars were beginning to twinkle above them. They walked arm in arm along the boardwalk.

“James,” She said after some silence, the sound of the crashing waves surrounded them. The rides and other amusements of Mirth Warf were a distant murmur. “Today was a perfect day.” She squeezed him tight and laid her head on his shoulder.

“That was all part of the plan.” He gave her a squeeze back. He walked them up to a railing. “I’m glad you had so much fun.”

“I did, I certainly did.”

The two watched the ebb and flow of the ocean waves. Sighing he turned to look at her. The lights danced in her hair, he let his hand glide over its gentle waves She gave him a warm smile. A moment later, they were holding onto each other and were sharing a kiss. Her lips felt so warm and soft. He enjoyed how the kiss had started slow, and then soon the passion between them heightened. He could barely control himself when he kissed her it felt so right.

“Would you like to go back to my place tonight?” He asked sometime later.

“Yes, I’d like that.”

The two walked hand in hand through Mirth Warf. They had to maneuver between quite a few small families and other couples. He supposed it was so packed, since it would be closing for the season soon, most likely in a week or two. Hmm, I wonder if I should just order up tonight or cook something, he mused. Well, I’ll decide when we get there.

“Maybe we should stop by my place so I can get a change of clothes. I have an afternoon class, at 3:30.”

“That would be a good idea.”

As he drove back to her dormitory they shared smiles as he made his way through the traffic that was starting to build up.

“Here we are. I’ll keep the car running.” He told her when he parked beside the entrance.

“Ok,” She hopped out. He watched as she sprinted up the stairs.

“Hi Brownie,” Harley greeted as she came in the door.

“Hi Harley.” She placed the elephant statue beside the Precious Moments Rabbits. Grabbing a satchel from her closet, she opened it and put in on her desk chair. Tossing her roommate a glance, she noticed the girl was wearing a black pencil skirt with red diamonds up one side of and rather nice red blouse. That wasn’t what she would normally where to one of her classes. “Don’t you have class right now?” Something was up she mused, when she got a whiff of Harley’s perfume, sometimes she put on too much.

“It’s just another lecture on the insane mind and the people who are attracted. Believe me, Dawes if you’ve heard one you’ve heard them all.” The girl chuckled. “I have something more important schedule tonight.”

Rachel didn’t even have look at her roommate to know that there would be a huge smile spread across her face.

“I have a date with Jack tonight!” She exclaimed.

“Oh, I’m so happy for you. I hope you two have a wonderful night.” Rachel grabbed another sweater and a pair of slacks and her favorite pair of kitten heals. She carefully folded the clothes into the satchel, then put the other materials needed for the class beside them. With a couple of other incidentals before heading to the bathroom for her toiletries.

“Looks like I’m not the only one who is going to be having a good night as well.” Rachel suppressed a giggle knowing she wouldn’t need pajamas, since she would most likely just slip into one of his shirts if the need arose.

“I plan on it,” She smiled looking in the mirror, her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were shining with happiness. She had never seen herself like this. She tossed what she needed into her satchel.

“Well, you two have a good evening, Harley.” She wished before exiting their room.

“You too, dear.” She heard Harley wish her.

She made a mad dash for the staircase.

He watched as she skipped down the steps satchel on one shoulder, shoes held in one hand.

“I’m all set,” She said breathlessly, after getting in the car. Then she planted a kiss on his cheek as she buckled up.

“Looks like it.” He smiled at her while revving the engine and driving them out of there.

Sometime later they were in the hotel’s parking garage. He parked near the elevator so they wouldn’t have far to walk.

Once in the elevator, she leaned over and pushed the button for his floor. He couldn’t help but smile.

 “What?” she asked nervously.

“I just like watching you move.” He paused; watching hints of blush flush her cheeks. “I’ve discovered today, how red is really your color.”

“Oh James.” She waved her hand dismissively. He grabbed her hand and kissed it. He could hear her inhale sharply. Sliding her a glance, he saw her looking at him from under her eyelashes. Man, he loved when she did that.

“I love when you do that.”

He kissed her hand again. “Do what?” Her voice tremenbled.

“When you look at me from under your eyelashes.”

“Oh really?” She asked doing it again, this time it was accompanied by what he had come to determine was her sly smile. Sill holding her hand he pulled her close.

“You have no idea.” He wrapped his arm around her and was leaning in to sneak a kiss on her cheek when she turned and it became one that they could share. She giggled against his mouth.

The elevator chimed when they reached his floor.  Hesitantly, they parted. Taking a left and a few doors down they arrived at his door. He took his entrance card out of his pocket. He slid it in, it beeped and a red light flashed in response.

He shook his head, grimacing. “You’d think I would have the hang of it by now.”

“You needed a kiss from your lady luck.” Rachel said simply.

He tilted his head giving her one of his sly smiles. “Oh do I?”

“Yes, you do.” She leaned towards him; her perfume filled his nose followed shortly by the feel of her soft lips. His heart sped up more but she made him feel so good.

“I think, that will do the trick.” He smiled.

He slid the card in. It flashed green and pulling down on the handle, the door opened. The door closed behind them and they were in each other’s arms. She had slid her satchel to the floor; put her shoes on top of it along with her purse.

They fell into his door kissing each other. All of the passion that they had been holding onto through out the day was bubbling to the surface. She gasped as into his mouth when he slipped one of his hands under the hem of her sweater. It made him feel powerful and invigorated.

Their tongues were dueling in each other’s mouths, as their hands explored as much of each other as they could. With her back against the door, he felt her pulling him closer to her soft frame. Her hands went up and down his back.

Her skin was so soft and smooth to his fingers, as he caressed the small of her back. She arched into his hands, as he felt the fervor of her kiss intensify. He began kissing a path down her throat, the smoothness of it and the scent of her perfect sent bursts of pleasure through him. Distantly, he could hear her exhale raggedly as he kissed her.

“Oh James,” She breathed, smiling he couldn’t resist nibbling on her shoulder when he reached it. Then he was kissing her fully on the mouth again, he could feel her hands going lower until they were under his sweater. Her caresses were like fire igniting more of the flames of passion he felt for her.

Kissing her cheeks, her throat he felt her wiggling against him, casting a glance downward he realized that she had kicked off her shoes and somehow had undid her jeans, they were sliding the to the floor. It only took a moment before she wrapped one slim leg around him holding him firmly against her as they kissed. He couldn’t suppress the groan that welled up in him as he kissed her. He let one hand slip from under her shirt to caress her leg that was wrapped around him.

Then he broke the kiss as much it tortured him to do so. “Hold on.” She almost immediately wrapped her arms around his throat. He bent and grabbed her other leg and wraps it around him, turning, he starts making his way to the bed that was little off center in the room. He becomes a bit unsteady on his feet, “Careful,” when she let go of him and slipped out of her sweater and tosses it behind them. She nestled in close holding onto him and kissing him wherever she can reach, she had somehow managed to pull slightly down on his turtleneck and kiss his throat. It sent a shiver of joy course through him.

He placed her softly on the bed with the full intention of undressing and then joining her. She scooted into the bed till she was more in the center of his bed and she pulled him on top of her wrapped her legs around him. “I’m not letting you go just yet.”

He managed to kick his shoes off before coming to rest between her shapely smooth legs. “Whatever, you say.” He said darkly, leaning on one elbow.

It was oddly erotic to be still clothed, while she was clad in only her bra in panties. Before he could have another thought, she overpowered him so that she was sitting astride him and she sat up, stretching. The sight took his breath. He allowed his hands to rest on her hips, as he soaked up the sight of her. Her hair tumbled around her shoulders she was radiant. She dragged her fingers over his sweater-clad torso.

“James,” The she leaned, her back arched. “You are,” He squeezed her hips gently. He enjoyed that the small sound she made. “fantastic,” She finally managed to say. She sat back, and looked down at him again. That’s when he decided to make his move. He sat up; he enjoyed the tiny squeak that came from her as he did so, now she sat across his thighs. Quickly as possibly, he took off his sweater off and tossed it behind her.

“It was about time I took that off.” He told her.

“I suppose,” She retorted playfully as she ran her hands over his arms, before he wrapped his arms around her.

He kissed her, their tongues sparing as their passion was urgent between the two of them. With all the restraint he could muster, he kissed his way down her throat, and nibbled on her shoulder. 

“I love when you do that.” She said breathlessly, she put her hands in his hair, it felt great feeling her finger tips course a path to his scalp.

He delighting in the feeling, when distantly she felt her placing her legs around him, the best she could from the position he had put her in. He felt her shiver as he allowed his fingertips run ever so lightly over her legs.

“This is in my way.” She said suddenly. Before he had time to react, he felt her hands go between the two of them. She undid his belt, pulling it from the loops she tossed it behind them. The metal buckle thudded upon hitting the ground. She then managed to pull him even closer to her, it felt delicious.

“This is in my way as well.” Not wanting to wait any longer he unhooked her bra, kissing her shoulder. Slowly and deliberately, he dragged the straps down one arm, in its wake he trailed kisses to the tips of her fingers. He did it with the other arm, before throwing it behind her. “Much better.”

“James,” She breathed, eagerly. “I can’t take this anymore. I need you.” He relished the sight of her she was so beautiful.

Leaning he enveloped her in his arms, taking her face in his hands. “I need you too.” He kissed her, ever so softly.

 That Morning

She awoke with a start and instantly curled up closer to James’s sleeping form. Sighing, leaning up on one elbow she gazed at him. All of his features were relaxed he was deeply asleep. Idly she traced his mouth with her finger; she couldn’t help but giggle softly when his nose twitched. She could not help but wonder when he was able to sleep so thoroughly, tossing her alarm clock a glance, it was almost noon. She couldn’t even remember herself when she had.

 Careful not to wake him she gently eased out of the bed. I never would have expected for any of this to happen, she mused while tying her robe around her waist. She ran her hand under the water to test it before going into the shower. He was only separated, not divorced as much as she knew she should be somewhat upset this she couldn’t be. She cared for him, he had come to her rescue last night and had been crushing on him for months without even realizing it and she just wanted what was best for him. If that was her, perfect but if he one day would have to go back to Barbara.

She held herself and closed her eyes as she remembered what happened the night before. Even with the hot water raining down on her, she could suppress shiver that shook her to the core.

After wiping some of the mist of the mirror, she was relieved to see that the bruises on her arms did not look as bad as she expected them to be, the swelling of her lip was going down. Picking up her favorite pair of turtle shell chop sticks, she put her hair up into a tight bun. Walking quietly behind her screen, she picked up her clothing that had been thrown amidst their passion and put them in the hamper. She slipped into a pair of jeans and one of her emerald v-neck sweaters. Smiling she saw that he was still fast asleep.

Making her way to the kitchen, she decided to make some coffee first. Leaning on the counter, she grabbed two mugs. Looking, in the fridge she decided that she would make them fried egg sandwiches. She hoped he liked fried egg sandwiches. After putting the ingredients on the table she felt two warm arms encircle her waist and a soft kiss on her throat.

“Is that coffee, I smell?” He purred into her ear, a tickle of delight shot through her.

She smiled at him. “Yes, and it’s the best this side of Gotham.” She boasted.

“That’s good to know.” He chuckled. “I’m going to have to remember that.” He gave her a squeeze. “Oh? And what are you making here?” He said, letting her go. He picked up the loaf of bread.

“Fried egg sandwiches.” She paused looking at him. He looked boyish with his hair in disarray and falling in his face from sleep, his white t-shirt wrinkled. “Do you like them? Or would you like me to make you something else?”

“They sound perfect.” He slid his arm around her waist and kissed her cheek. “Do you think I could use your shower?”

“Sure you can, be my guest. And by the time you get out everything should be ready.”

 “Those were fantastic.” He got up and collected their plates. “Of course you were right, I may not be able to drink any other coffee than yours when I’m on this side.” He gave her a wink.

She got up and stretched. “I still can’t believe you were able to sneak in a change of clothes and I didn’t notice.” She just shook her head.

He raised his eyebrow and smirk slid across his face. “It is all part of the job.” He sighed. “I better take you to the precinct so they can take your statement.”

As much as she didn’t want to, she knew she had to. She part of her wished they could stay tucked away from Gotham, just like they were right now.

“I’m going to have to call Carl and let him know what happened.”

“They may take you off of the case for a confliction of interest.” He paused. “He may call you as a witness.”

She couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “That’s what I was afraid of.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “And after all that hard work I did for it too. Gotham’s first major case against Maroni, and I have to take a seat at the side lines. Fantastic.”

“Rachel, if it’s one thing I’ve observed about you, this will not be your only opportunity to work a major case like this one.”

He had come closer to her. “Do you think so?” She looked up at him expectantly.

“I know so.” He assured her.

                                              Later that night

Half-asleep with her eyes still closed, she rolled over. Rachel encountered a cold and empty portion of where she thought James would be. A pang went through her heart.    "James?” She called out, rubbing her eyes.

“Yes.” She detected a stillness in his voice, that she had only heard when he was around others, especially at the precinct. Clarity flooded through her, she looked and saw him sitting at her desk.

“What’s the matter?” She asked sitting up, holding a blanket to her.

 
~*~*~*~

He watched her sleep for a while. What had he done, taking advantage of her after all that she had been through, she was attacked a few hours before, he asked himself angrily. He felt sick to his stomach over his actions.  As if it was bad enough he was still technically married to Barbara, sure they were separated and it had been her idea. He could never tell her about any of this, even if they end up getting a divorce. How did the prospect of that even make him feel, he wasn’t even sure.

But one thing he did know, he had never felt like this. She did something to him. He was pushing forty and she made him feel like he was twenty again.

He watched as Rachel rolled to one side. “James?” He heard her call out, the sound of her voice calling his name pulled on his heart strings or when she kissed him. He couldn’t deny that feeling. 

“Yes?” He had not meant for that to sound so cold, so detached. But it hurt him deeply to think that he could have taken advantage of her.

“What’s the matter?” He heard her ask.

He watched her sit up her long brown hair tumbling in a wild wavy mane around her shoulders. He didn’t know what to say to her.  

 “I, I’m sorry.” He mumbled not looking at her.

Taking a deep breath he got up and sat beside her on the bed, he finally looked her in the eye. “I didn’t mean to take advantage of you.”

“Oh, James you didn’t.” She threw her arms around him. “You didn’t,” She murmured into his shoulder, he hesitantly wrapped his arms around her. He felt her tighten her grip around him. Then he felt her pull back, her eyes looked misty. He hadn’t meant to hurt her. “I wanted us,” Her voice grew shaky, he saw her bottom lip tremble.

He pulled her close.

“Didn’t you want to?”

He rubbed her back. “More than you could ever know.” Then he kissed her shoulder.

 Slowly the tension seemed to ease from her. Pulling back, he cupped her face in his hands, “You are so beautiful.” He showered her face with kisses. He felt her warm breath on his face as she sighed.

“Oh James,” She mumbled, her arms tightening around him once again.

 “That would be a good idea,” she said followed closely by a yawn and a kiss on his chest. He gave her a squeeze.

Shortly afterward sleep claimed the two of them.

From Behind The Screen

She slowly made her way past him, she wished he would encircle her in his arms and kiss her. She missed already the uninhibited kisses they shared in his office. But instead, she walked behind her screen without incident. Rachel’s heart still beat wildly against her chest thinking about, how she had stripped down to her underwear so that he could clean her off. However, gentle he had been with her, it did not ease the shivers of joy being with him created in her. She had to think of some way, to get her mind off of how much she wanted to be in his arms. Then it dawned on her.   

 “I was thinking since I know the two of us didn’t have anything to eat, I could whip us up something.” She suggest to him from behind the screen.

“That sounds great.”

She couldn’t help but wonder if, he felt the same way. Maybe now because of those, animals attacking her, he was going to be a gentleman and treat her with kid gloves. She looked through her drawer on something she could wear. Something that would let him know, that was the last thing she wanted but nothing tacky. She shook her head, as if I owned anything tacky, she mused. Then on the bottom of the drawer, she spotted the perfect garment. She took out a cream-colored baby-doll with soft pink and violet flowers it had a lacy hem. Rachel allowed the towel to fall to the floor at her feet.  Rested on her thigh half way to her knees, she gave a tiny twirl behind the screen with delight she watched as it billowed out slightly.

“Is everything alright, Rachel?” He asked.

“Yes.” Rachel could hear her voice shake. “One moment.”

Then she slid in a complimentary pair of underwear. She took a deep breath, came out from behind it. She watched as she detected surprise register over his face. She smiled inwardly at that. Was he biting his lip, she asked herself, did that mean he was just as affected by her presence as she was of his.

She put her hands on her hip, “Well, let’s see what I have in the kitchen,” She began to make her way over to it. When distantly she felt her one ankle give out, and she was beginning to fall forward. Next thing she knew, she was in his warm solid arms.

“I got you.” He breathed huskily. She had not realized she had closed her eyes. She opened them and stared into his blue ones. There was an expression, she had not seen in them before.

“Oh James.” She placed a hand on his cheek.

He righted her but then he leaned in and kissed her full on the mouth, she could feel a incredible intensity behind it. As the passion of their kissed built, the more weak in the knees she grew.

She broke off the kiss to gain some sense of composure but after looking into his deep blue eyes, she was reeling. “Take me to my bed.” She whispered.

Soon she was in his arms, it felt so right so perfect. She sneaked in kisses, she especially loved kissing the smoothness of his throat.

He laid her lightly down; she could see a spark of hesitation in his eyes. “Come here, I want you to be with me. I” Her voice began to falter. She knew what she wanted to say but the words stayed in her throat. Slowly, gracefully he came to lie beside her. For a moment, the two of them just looked laid there looking at each other. Gathering her courage, she leaned in and kissed him.

He pulled her close, pulling her into his arms. The passion the two had been holding back flooded forth. They soon became one allowing their emotions to fuel them. Then in exhausted glow of pleasure, the two holding onto each other fell asleep.

 Across Town….

What was going on? Why was Rachel acting it like this? In the pit of his stomach, he knew something was wrong. He could hear some slurred, murmured words, a smack of some kind and the jingle a bell that would jingle from a door when it opened or closed.

He was already taking the steps, two three at a time listening to the garbled voice, that belonged to Rachel.

“Hi, ah sir, Ms. Dawes is in really bad shape. She looks like she fell down or something. She wanted me to tell you she’s going home.” The boy sounded desperate. Dread filled him; she’s hurt what could have possibly happened he thought putting his keys into the ignition. He pulled out, making u-turn; he made a sharp screeching left in the direction of the Gothman’s Newsstand, and her dormitory.

“What direction did it look like she was going in?” He demanded, switching the wipers onto full capacity.

“Umm, she seemed to be continuing to go straight up the street sir.”

“Thank you.” He said, and clicked end on the phone.

 He stuffed the phone in his pocket. It didn’t take long getting to the neighborhood. He watched the sidewalk; he didn’t see anyone walking much less stumbling. Then he saw something dark in the middle of it, fear gripped him. Double-parking near by, he ran over to the dark shape, the closer he got to it, he saw her smudged face, kneeling down; he gently brushed wet strands out of her. A purplish bruise was forming on one cheek.

“Rachel, Rachel,” He yelled, his heart was racing. He watched her chest rise and fall, evenly, relief filled him.” Rachel answer me.” A small moan came from her. “Rachel, it’s going to be ok.” Without another thought he scooped her up and carried her to the car, he placed her carefully into the front seat. He saw that her purse was slung around her, if there were anything was still in there it would be a miracle. But he would deal with that later.

He gunned the engine and drove the short distance over to the dormitory. He parked in the lot, as he had done earlier in the morning. Had it been just the morning? It felt so far away. Her head lulled to her right side.

Opening the passengers’ side, he realized he didn’t have a key to get into her suite. I could bring her back to my place, maybe her keys are still in her purse. Leaning over, he over he and unzipped it. Surprise hit him that when he saw it still held what he guessed were her belongings he even spotted her cell phone. Maybe all of her stuff was still in there, then fingers felt keys, taking them out, in the dome light he determined that he saw one that must be the suite key. He stuffed the keys in his pocket, taking a deep breath, he put his arms under her and picked her up once again, he kicked the door shut behind him.

“Huh what is,” Her voice cracked, she cleared her voice. His eyes got moist with relief when he heard her voice, however gravely it was. “What’s going on?” Asked Rachel in a hoarse voice, it echoed since they were between the first and second landing. She struggled a bit, in his arms.

“Rachel, just hang on we’re almost at your suite.” He said huffing, trying to hold tightly onto her, climbing the steps.

“Alright.” Her voice trembled, a cough was close on it’s heals. “What are you doing here? You’re all wet.” Her voice was beginning to regain, it’s smooth resonance. He felt as her arms, came to hold onto him. They were silent as he made it up the second flight and down her corridor. He was relieved there was no one in the hall.

He stopped outside her door, “Rachel, I’m going to have to put you down. Do you think you will be able to stand?”

“I think so.” Bending at the knees, he eased her feet down on the floor. Her legs shook but he held her tightly around the waist, as he fished her keys out. Looking at them, again he found the one. He had determined was the one to her suite. Turning it in the door, it popped open. He was grateful for that. Opening the door enough to stick his head in he noticed it was empty, but the lights were on.

“Lean against the wall, I’m just going to look around in there.” He unhollstered his gun.

All she did was nod.

Holding the gun in front of him, he pushed open the door. In quick, silent strides he looked into all corners of the room, under the beds and closets. It was clear. He holstered his gun before going on to Rachel. Gordon, could his anxiousness finally started to ease in his body, though anger bubbling forth.

“It’s clear, no one’s in there.” He came over and put his arm around her waist. “Put your weight on me, we’re going to go over to the sofa.”

“Ok.”

They shuffled over to it. He placed her where he had been sitting earlier. She looked daze. He kneeled down in front of her, he examined the contours of her face. The bruise was getting darker, now that he could see her in the light her bottom lip looked swollen.

“Rachel, I know this is going to be hard.” He gently caressed her soiled her cold hands with his. “But can you tell me what happened?”

He continued to look at her. Her cheeks were scarlet most likely from slaps. Anger surged through him replacing the anxiousness in its wake.

“I, I was in a taxi,” She swallowed hard; tears blossomed in her eyes and feel down her cheeks.

Impulsively, he got up and hugged her. He could feel her hugging him back. “Oh Rachel, Oh Rachel.” He murmured into her still wet hair, on his lips he felt fine pieces of stone and dirt. He did not care; he placed soft kisses wherever he could. Sobs racked her body but it didn’t lessen the grip she had on him. She felt small and frail in his arms. He couldn’t hold them back any longer and a few of his own tears fell into her hair.

 “Maybe, we should get you cleaned up.” He said, after she seemed to calm down and her breathing was even. She nodded. He looked around the suite. He sat a small table in the kitchen nook chairs. I’ll have her sit there and we could clean her up, he determined. “I don’t think you should be in a shower right now. You may still be too shaky on your feet. Let’s first take off your coat.”

He saw her soiled hands tremble while attempting to undo the buttons with little success. He grabbed both of the, and turning them over, he saw tiny scraps, he gave each palm a soft kiss.

“Let me do it.” He said looking her in the eye, and mustered the most reassuring smile he could.

He undid each button, and then carefully they eased her arms out of the coat. Wincing, they managed to get her arms out of her sleeves, but he could not determine yet what may be the cause, though he was able to rule out broken bones. He got up and hung her coat up on the hook he had seen it on; he placed his own over it.

“I don’t think I could stand in the shower right now, even if I wanted to.” She said finally. She sounded almost like her normal self. “I just don’t understand why this happened.” She continued.

“Let’s not think about that just now,” As much as the cop side of him wanted to hear about it and start tracking down the scumbags that did this to her, he wanted to, he had to make sure she was alright. “We have to make sure you are not badly hurt.” He was grateful that he had renewed his first aid and trauma training early, instead of waiting for next year to do it. He placed his suit jacket over his coat, he pulled off his gun holster, he placed that on a small table near her desk, then yanking he undid the knot in his tie.

“I’m just so glad,” She fell silent; he could hear a sniffle coming from her. He tossed his tie on her desk before rushing back to her side. She looked at him with those breathtaking warm brown pools that were her eyes. He sat gently down beside her. “I got a hold of you.”

“I promise you, Rachel, no matter I promise to always keep you safe.” This time, ignoring any pain she could be, she hugged him. He held her tightly; he rested his cheek against her hair. 

He felt her pull back gently she looked up at him, seriousness darkened her eyes. “James for the first time living in Gotham, I feel safe. Because of you.” She then leaned in and gave him a soft tender kiss.

He couldn’t stop himself from He felt her pull back gently she looked up at him, seriousness darkened her eyes. “James for the first time living in Gotham, I feel safe. Because of you.” She then leaned in and gave him a soft tender kiss.

, since the guilt in him raged because of what just happened to her. “But Rachel, I wasn’t able to protect you from what just happened.”

“Yes, but you are here now. You’ve saved me now.” She said firmly. “I know you will never let anything else ever happen to me.” She kissed him with such urgency that anything he could have said to reply vanished, she had kissed them away. Very gently, he kissed her back.

She was the one to break off the kiss. He could have stay like that longer. “I think, we better get me cleaned up.” She made a disgruntled sigh, “I really smell.” She giggled then. It warmed his heart to hear that sound come from her.

“That would be a good idea.” Not letting her have a chance to react, he picked her up, she easily wrapped her arms around his throat.

“You know, I may get used to you carrying me around.” She grimaced at him, before sneaking in a kiss on his throat. “I think I like it too much.”

Her kiss on his throat shook him to his core again, and couldn’t help but groan softly. “I think I may be beginning to like that too much.” He gave her finally smile with all of him behind.

“What this?” She asked coyly, her breath lightly caressing him before he felt her warm lips, press against his throat again.

“Yes, that.” He said hoarsely, it pleased him that she was able to bounce back so fast, he mused before he felt her plant another kiss on his throat.

Making the short strides to the kitchen nook, he determined it would probably be best for her to sit against the wall for support. “Now, no distractions.” He felt her kiss him again, followed closely by a tiny giggle. “I’m being serious.”
               “Anything you say, Sergeant Gordon.” She said, her voice artificially deep and playful.

He could only shake his head. “I’m going keep on holding onto you while I position a chair so you can sit down with the minimal fuss.”

“Ok.” She replied simply.

            “Alright,” he said shortly after he placed her in the chair. “You’re going to have to tell me where you keep a bowl, some wash clothes, and your first aid kit.” He told her.

She told him, while he was letting the hot water heat up, he went got the wash clothes, he grabbed a fresh bar of soap that was on the counter as well. On the way to them, he grabbed the first aid kit. Putting it down, he unbuttoned his shirt, and put it over the chair that was beside her desk, before grabbing some wash clothes from her towel drawers. He went back to the nook with the stuff in hand.

When he came turned the tiny turn that brought him into the area fully, he felt the wind go out of him completely, when he took in fully what he was seeing. While he had been getting the washcloths and first aid kit, Rachel had managed to strip out of her sweater, slacks, socks, and shoes. They were in a dark wet heap in front of her. She was clad on in a purple and black lacey bra and panties to match. He had thought she was going to be incredibly beautiful under her clothes but nothing prepared for just how much. He let his eyes travel over her curves, noticed bruises on her upper arms, and her knees looked red but otherwise her body remained flawless.   

“I figured it would be easier to clean up with those, off of me.” She pointed to her discarded clothes, with her mouth twisted in disgust; he looked back up at her face and swallowed.

“Yes, I would have to agree with you.” He said carefully placing the stuff near her on the table.

Going over to the sink, he filled the huge bowl with the hot water. “James, you look very nice in a white T-shirt.” She commented from behind him, looking over his shoulder at her he was surprised again at how beautiful she looked. “Why thank you, and you look quite beautiful yourself.” He winked at her and swallowed hard once again.

His head was swimming. He was only a man, not that man that Metropolis claimed to have. Turning off the water, he placed the bowl beside the other stuff. Grabbing the soap, one of the wash clothes he immersed them in the hot water, which felt cool compared to how much hotter he felt looking at her. He felt her hand on his, he looked down at it and then at her.

“James, come over here.” She said softly.

He went over and kneeled beside her. “Yes, Rachel.” Was all he could say looking at her.

“Hug me.” She told him.

Back in the office…

The rest of the day, dragged on. She hoped that everything would work out for Jim. By the evening, her hand had started to cramp from all of the highlighting and underling she did.

Taking a moment, she remembered that she wanted to check the food situation at the suite. On the off chance, she could whip something up for him there. After two and half rings, she picked up.

“ello.”

“Hi, Harley.”

“Hi, Brownie.”

“I was wondering how well stocked our fridge is?”

“Well, umm, we could use some milk, and that’s it.” She could hear the refrigerator door close.

“Ok, I’ll pick those up on my way home.”

“Is there any particular reason?” Rachel could imagine the playful expression on the girl’s face.

“Nope. Just curious.”

“Sure you are.” She paused, chuckling. “Well, you have a good evening and I’ll be home sometime tomorrow evening.”

“You too.”

They then both hung up. The rest of the day crawled on.

“Rachel,” Carl said as he came over to her a few hours later, while she was sorting their papers according to witness’s and their testimonies.

“Yes, Carl.” She answered, not looking up.

“You’ve been a real trooper…I mean you’ve been really great these past few weeks.” He stumbled. “Why don’t you go home? We’re mostly done here.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, why not. I can finish up here.” He smiled.

            “Thanks, Carl.” She smiled at him.

            She put what papers she had left in her hands into their respective piles. Then going over to her desk she took her purse out of her bottom drawer, she slipped on her coat and made her quickly to the elevator before Finch randomly found something he couldn’t do without her. She took it to the first floor; I hope I can manage to find a taxi at this time she mused. Rachel quickly went down to the curb and hailed one. Surprisingly one stopped not long afterward.

            “Where to ma’m?” said the cabbie.

            “Gotham’s Newsstand, please on the corner of 27^th and 3^rd.” She told him.

            She watched the lights glitter from the offices and buildings. She decided to check her voice mail sadly, there were no messages, from Gordon, Rachel hoped if went after The Chechen that he was alright. There was a bright and cheery message from Harley that dimly cheered her up. Before putting her phone back into her purse, her eye caught a glimpse of the white card Gordon gave her the other day. She took it out and looked at it, instead of putting it back in her purse; she slipped it into her pants pocket. Oddly, enough it made her feel safe.

            “Something wicked this way comes.” Rachel looked into his rearview mirror and saw a rotten smile spread across the man’s oily face.

             “Um, excuse me what did you say?” A chill coursed down her spine, maybe, my imagination is getting the better of me. He couldn’t have just said that, she reasoned with herself. Reaching in her purse, flipping her phone open again she dialed Gordon’s number. The seconds started to tick by as if in slow motion.

            His yellowish green eyes stared back at her in the mirror. “Something wicked this way comes, or should I say something wicked comes your way.” He sneered.

            Fear gripped her stomach, without thinking, she realized she ended the call. Looking out of the window she saw where she was, she had to get out of there. She noticed he was staring straight ahead. Slowly she looped her purse strap over her head. Then holding onto her briefcase as tightly as possible, she opened her door with the other hand and she jumped out.

            She ended up falling to the ground; it hurt her knees something awful. Her blood pounded in her ears; distantly she could have sworn she heard two pairs of tires screeching to a halt. Without further thought, she blindly ran down a street. The chill in the air caused her eyes to well up. She heard the thudding of footfalls behind her. With all of her strength, she tried to run harder and faster.

             When a pair of vice like hands encircled her upper arms, as if she was a mere doll, someone was picking her. Closing her eyes, she tried to wiggle and kick free. Right about to put her energy into a scream, a gloved hand closed over her mouth. Looking around wildly, she realized that someone was taking her to an alleyway. 

            Then with no warning, dropped her on the ground, it knocked the wind out of her. Coughing, pain blossomed on the left side of her body. The stench of the ally, made her sick to her stomach.

Then someone grabbed her, by her upper arms again. “Something wicked has arrived girly.” Someone snarled in her face.

“Wha? Huh..” Was all she was able to mumble, before the person who was holding her by her upper arms banged her against the brick wall, she was too stunned to struggle, much less scream. Or say anything further. 

“Did we say you could speak?” That voice sounded familiar, but she couldn’t place it.

She didn’t say a word. The person holding let her go, all she could do was slide down to the ground. It wasn’t long before two sets of hands from either side held her up, she didn’t think she could stand, she felt like she was about to collapse like an over stuffed sack of potatoes. She felt the breeze of it before a rainbow of color and pain, made her eyes well up. Anxious she tried to look around before the second, third she closed her eyes by the time the forth visited her, each time the pain intensifying.

“Now you listen good,” She wearily opened her eyes, the person in front of her wore a black ski mask. “Are you listening?”

She attempted to nod but her head felt as if water was sloshing around; nausea struck her hard in the stomach. She hoped that her brief would be enough of a yes.

The person if front of her squeezed her bottom lip forcefully; she couldn’t restrain the wince that welled out of her. The ones who hands were holding her against the wall and the man in front of her appeared to enjoy that because shortly afterward she heard them cackle.

“Drop the case against Maroni. And we won’t have to have you visit ever again.”

The person banged her against the wall again, things began to feel velvety and warm, let her drop a moment later. She allowed her head to lull forward, her chin drooping on her chest. Footfalls then stumped away. Viscous acid welled up from her stomach, turning her head; she didn’t hinder its flow. 

“I have to get home,” She mumbled to herself, trembling she pulled herself up on the wall till she could stand. 

She almost tripped making her way to the sidewalk. Groggily she looked up and saw a street sign, squinting she made out what it said. “Just two blocks, two.” She said to herself.

Somehow, she didn’t know how but then she was in front of Gotham’s Nightstand. The bright light from the store forced her to close her eyes as she leaned heavily on the door. The metal of the handle and glass felt good, it gave her the strength she need to open the door, she weaved in.

“Ms. Dawes is that you?” Rachel with heavy lids looked in the direction of the voice. After some deliberation, she realized it was the son of the owner.

“Yup,” She managed.

Staggering she made it to the counter, several candy bars rained down on her feet as she held herself up by putting both hands on the counter. It upset her when she saw how filthy she was.

Sometime Later…

He pulled up in the parking garage near the elevator, after they had both grabbed a coffee to go at the quickie mart near where she lived.

“Maybe we can grab dinner, a late dinner, tonight if you would like?” He asked.

“That would be nice. I know tonight Finch and I will be working well past any normal dinner time.”

He nodded. “I’ll call you.”

“Great, that would be a good reason to get out of there,” She paused raising an eyebrow. “if I’m still stuck there.”

She smiled and gave him her cell phone number, since all he had was the number to her suite. “Well I better be off.” She leaned in towards him as he reached out and touched her cheek. They shared a soft but brief kiss.

“Ok.” He finally said, almost dreading having to go back to deal with the criminal element that filled his city, being with her, made him forget. “Try not to work too hard.” He joked.

“You too.” He watched, her full lips curl into a smile. “Have a good day, James.” She breathed his name. He loved how she said it.

“I’ll try.”

Then she got out of the car, their eyes met when she looked back at him before going into the elevator. Then he drove his car over to the precinct. As he walked up the steps, he couldn’t help but think how he relieved he was that the two of them had gotten that discussion out of the way. It still amazed him how someone as beautiful as she was would want to be with him. Seeing her with her hair down was amazing. He really hoped the two of them could spend some time together later in the evening.

Walking, into the precinct, he eyed his office as an oasis. Sighing he sat down at his desk. Finishing his coffee, he tossed the cup into the bin. He tried to focus on the various perp files he had pulled earlier to see if they matched up with any of the evidence they had gathered at the muggings but nothing was matching up. Going over his papers, he found a memo from the DA’s office. They wanted all the information Flass and him had gathered during a stakeout on one of Maroni’s cohorts known as The Chechen. He was on his way up the food chain of the underworld with Maroni; they had to try to stop the two of them. They had already tried to pick him up but nothing would stick. Sadly, at least one people took pity on him since he's known to be such a lover of animals, dogs mostly. Damn it, he wished that they could have gotten to the area that he maintained and gotten evidence to prove to people that the dogs were used as a crucial and cruel tool in intimidation.

Wandering over to the fax machine, he sent all of the information. Shortly afterward, he picked up the phone and called the office; hopping Rachel would pick up the phone.

            She picked up after two rings. “Good Morning, assistant DA Charles Finch’s office how may I help you?” Her melodious voice filled his ear he smiled.

            “Hello, Rachel.”

He could hear her take in a breath. “Hello, Sergeant Gordon.” He guessed that Finch was probably nearby he wished he were.

“I’m just calling to let you know that I sent all of our information on The Chechen.”

“Thank you, sergeant.” She paused; he could envision her biting her bottom lip, looking adorable. “That will be very helpful.”

“You’re welcome.

            Knowing he had to be professional. “Well, have a good afternoon. Alright, you too. Let us know if there is anything else we can do to help you out.”

            “Thank you very much, Sergeant.” Good bye.”

            “Goodbye, Rachel.” The two hung up.

            The rest of the morning dragged on, not much was going on since Maroni was behind bars and ever since Falcone was a suspect in Bruce Wayne’s disappearance, they assumed he was doing things under the radar. His mind kept on drifting back to kissing her, feeling earlier. His head spun, just thinking about how she sneaked in that kiss on his throat.

            A few hours later, when he was tempted to go down to grab a hot dog from the stand, his intercom buzzed to life.

            “Jimbo, Rachel Dawes is here from the DA’s office to see you.” Relief washed over him that it wasn’t Loeb at the other end. He couldn’t stop his heart from picking up speed when he heard that Rachel was out there. His happiness uncoiled from with in his stomach.

            He pressed the button to reply. “Send her to my office.” He tried to say evenly.

            “Alright, Sergeant.”

            Gordon got up running a hand through his hair. He smoothed his tied, he could still feel how traced it with her finger as he opened his door.

            They shared a smile, as she made her way over to him. He also had an opportunity to watch as everyone obvious or subtle looked in her direction as she walked by.

            “Hello, Ms. Dawes how nice to see you again.” He said as she walked past him and into her office. He watched as she put her briefcase down. “I’ll close my door, so we can discuss the particulars,” He continued, closing the door.