A/N: My first fanfic for the Dark Knight. Criticism is welcome! Especially on behaviors, and scenes borrowed from the movie. Feel free to correct me. I'd really like to get the story right, so please review.
Disclaimer: I do not own Batman Begins/Dark Knight.
Chapter 1
I remember what it was like before he came. Everything was a routine. I would wake up and get ready for my job as a personal assistant to Bruce Wayne, my close friend. I would eat breakfast and grab a quick coffee from Sour Lemon before going to Wayne Enterprises using a taxi or the subway. After work at five, I would head back the same way. Alfred, Bruce's butler, would bring me dinner even though I always told him not to. Occasionally, Bruce, Rachel and I would go out to a club. But like I said, that was before he came.
When he came, he changed everything. Bruce wouldn't let me take the subway or the taxi to work anymore. It became Alfred's job to drive me everywhere I needed to be. It wasn't safe to be out at night, even if you were in one of the most safest parts of Gotham. We didn't go out as much anymore, since Bruce and Rachael were so busy. Rachel being the assistant DA and Bruce being the masked vigilante known as Batman. Everyday, I waited anxiously for Bruce in the morning (Bruce graciously let me stay in his penthouse) so we could go to work together. I never slept fully anymore, only dozed.
And everyday, I would turn on the TV to watch the news for anything about the Joker or the Batman.
"I don't get it Kathy," my friend Mallory always called me Kathy, even though my real name was Katherine, "what's so interesting about the Joker anyway?"
"Oh I don't know.." I trailed off. I really didn't know what I found so interesting about the criminal. Rachel blamed it on the fact that I studied to be a psychologist, and was planning to be one, until Bruce offered me the job of being his personal assistant. The paycheck was hefty, and the job was easy. And since he was also one of my closest friends, I didn't refuse. I also tried to get him to lower my salary to what most other personal assistants get, although that plan didn't work. He even offered to let me live in his penthouse too. I think he just wanted some company because around the time he offered me the job, Rachel started to see Harvey Dent.
"You need a boyfriend."
"A what?" I asked, shocked. By myself, I was perfectly fine. I had friends, and a very busy job. Why do I need a man to make me happy?
"You know. A boyfriend. Face it Kathy, you haven't had a boyfriend since Jeff, and that was at least three years ago," Mallory said bluntly. Dating was never my thing. I didn't just "hook up" for one night. I wasn't like that.
"Four years ago," I corrected. Mallory groaned.
"Oh God, you need to get laid."
Sometimes I value Mallory for her honesty, but other times it was a bit frustrating. Just because she's been engaged to her boyfriend for a few months now, doesn't mean she has to butt into my love life.
"Just so someone else can have a chance to break my heart? I don't think so," I retorted. It was very tempting to press End Call since we were talking over the phone.
I heard Mallory sigh over the phone and someone yelling.
"Kathy? I need to call you later, my boss is being an asshole," she said apologetically.
"It's okay. I wouldn't want to get you fired," I said, understanding her situation, "I'll see you later."
"Kay. Bye."
I sighed in relief. I don't call people so they can bother me about my love life. I scanned Bruce's schedule. Shit. He was supposed to be at the grand opening of the new hospital wing for Gotham General. I dialed Bruce on my expensive iPhone that Bruce had given as a gift.
"Where the hell are you?" I asked as soon as he picked up.
"Uhh, nowhere. Why?"Bruce answered confused. I mentally slapped myself.
"You're supposed to be at the grand opening of the new hospital wing!" I yelled, already heading down to get a taxi or a ride from Alfred.
"Alright, calm down. Do you need a ride?"
I checked the clock before replying. "Yeah. How fast can you get here?"
"Never mind," I said quickly as I saw Bruce's car come into view. When he slowed down, I quickly climbed in.
"Hurry! We're so late."
Bruce looked at me amused.
"What?" I snapped. He turned back to look at the road.
"Aren't you supposed to make sure I get to these events on time?" he asked.
I rolled my eyes at him and replied, "Mallory was talking to me on the phone and I didn't realize that it was already this late."
When we got there, I had to apologize for Bruce for being so late. I was his assistant, and that was my job. The event took forever. First there was the official opening ceremony with a lot of important official people speaking that lasted 2 hours, and then there was an after-party. What was this, a movie premiere?
During the party, I walked around, greeting people I knew and making small talk. Doing all this didn't require much thinking. I sighed. Sometimes I regret taking this job instead of becoming a psychologist like I had always wanted.
I didn't pay attention to where I was going, and consequently bumped into someone.
"I'm so sorry," I apologized. People had turned to stare at the small commotion. I blushed from the attention.
"It's alright miss..?" the man I bumped into trailed off.
"Katherine Chang," I said quickly. He held out his hand for me to shake. I took it.
"Liuetenant Gordon," he said smiling slightly. He had a kind face, despite working for the corrupt police force.
"Nice to meet you," I said sincerely. There is a difference between being sincere and polite. We conversed for a while about the new DA, Harvey Dent.
"How good do you think the new DA will be?"
"Oh I don't know, I haven't met him yet. My friend Rachel Dawes has though, she's the assistant DA," I said. I wasn't bragging about my connections, just stating a fact. Most people seem to be surprised about my modesty and honesty. Just because I have friends in high places doesn't mean I have to be snobby. My parents raised me with something called manners and I use them.
Bruce texted me saying that Alfred was in the front and waiting for us. Thank God. These heels were killing me.
"I have to go now, but it has been a pleasure meeting you."
Then I made my exit, and made my way to the entrance where Alfred was waiting for me.
This chapter is mostly introducing my character Katherine and her slight cynical way of thinking. Again, this is my first time writing a Dark Knight fanfic, so I would appreciate any help. The Joker will come in, just not yet. It's too early in the story to introduce him in, plus I'm kind of nervous writing about him. I don't think I can capture his personality right. Argh, writing is so hard.
-c.h
