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.