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. 

“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.”  

 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.

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?" 


 

 “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.”

 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."

            “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.”

            “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.