Disclaimer: You know the deal. I don't own Batman, I only own my characters.

Chapter 2

Tessa

Bruce has left for China a few days later. He said he would try to call when he can. Knowing that he's over there, I don't want to know what can happen.

I sat in class, just doodling along the side of my notes. I looked around the room and saw that a few people were dozing off and some of them were paying attention.

My phone buzzed lowly so it wouldn't be too loud in class. I took a glance at it and saw that Bruce texted me. I swiped my phone open to see he texted me to let me know that he got to china safe. After a simple 'okay' back to him, I tried to focus on the lecture.

"Okay we'll pick up next time and then the review for the midterm that's going to be in two weeks people," my professor said.

I got up slowly and gathered my things before I exited the room. Luckily I only had one class today and I couldn't wait to get home. I didn't have work tonight so I know that I get some time to work on for school; or at least attempt to.

My phone rang as soon as I got in my car.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey Tess."

"Bruce?"

"Yeah sorry, I had to use a different phone," he said.

That explained the weird number I saw for a brief second.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

"Yes so far and no. Fox tried to talk to him but it didn't exactly work out," he replied.

"Well, just be careful will you? The last thing I need is the ID your body at a morgue in China god forbid," I said.

"You have nothing to worry about," he said. "When I get back, we'll go out to dinner I promise."

"Sure look I got to head home and take care of things we'll talk later."

"Okay I'll talk to you soon," Bruce said before hanging up.

"I love you," I said into the empty line before I hung up myself.

It was Thursday night as I got off of work that Bruce came back. Of course he was fine but I could imagine that he had to have the batman suit with him for whatever he was doing.

We made plans to go to dinner tomorrow night since I only worked the lunch shift at the restaurant. He wanted to take me to dinner at another restaurant rather than going to my job which I didn't mind one bit.

I got dressed in a blue and black wrap dress with black heels and I did my hair in a low ponytail with very little makeup on my face. I fed the two cats before I left my apartment, only to meet Bruce, who was wearing a dark suit, white shirt and tie; standing outside his car.

"I feel underdressed," I said, getting in.

"No you don't," he said as we kissed.

"I'm assuming things went okay in China?" I asked.

"Yeah guess you could say that," he replied.

I rolled my eyes slightly. He sped down my street and almost throughout the city.

"No sighting of the Joker?"

"Nope he's been too quiet," I replied. "Knowing him, he's planning something big at any given moment."

"Not unless I'm here," Bruce said.

"Who knows how invincible he can be. For all we know, this is the beginning," I said.

"True but we won't know until something happens, right?"

"I guess," I said softly, staring out the window.

"Um are you sure about this place?" I asked.

"What's wrong with this one?"

"Oh nothing considering this place is almost packed," I replied.

Not to mention my wallet would be broken in half by the end of the night. I glanced around the place and it's almost packed to the brim.

"Mr. Wayne; right this way," the host said.

As we followed him, I couldn't help but get a few stares in our direction. I know I should be used to this by now, but sometimes it can get overwhelming. Suddenly I stopped short, almost running into Bruce.

"What is it?" I asked.

I looked over and saw Rachel Dawes sitting with Harvey Dent, Gotham's DA. I don't ever recall Dent seeing anyone.

"I see," I said. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, um; why don't we go over there and say hi?" Bruce suggested.

"Are you sure that's a wise idea? They look like they don't want to be bothered," I said, observing them from where we were standing.

"Is everything okay Mr. Wayne?" our host asked.

"Yes, everything is fine," I replied.

"Actually we'll be at our table in just a moment," Bruce said.

He then soon took off while I gave our host an apologectic smile as I tried to catch up to Bruce. I'm silently praying he's not going to do anything to get kicked out.

"Bruce," I heard Rachel's surprised tone as I got closer to their table.

"Hello Rachel, Harvey," Bruce greeted.

"I didn't expect to see you here nonetheless," she said.

"You and me both," I mumbled in a low tone.

"How's the business going? I heard things were a bit shaky," Harvey asked.

"Things are pretty fine now. Say, you don't mind if Tess and I join you as well?" Bruce asked. "We can put a couple tables together shall we?"

"I don't think its necessary Bruce," I said.

"Your girl is right. Besides, I don't think they can do that anyways," Harvey said.

"Nonsense, I own the place," Bruce said.

As the waiters, shifted the tables around and brought two extra chairs, I looked over and not only I saw people looking at us, but Rachel didn't look to thrilled that this was happening. After it was said and done, our order was taken and here's the four of us, sitting around like old friends catching up but that wasn't the case at all.

Then the subject of crime and Batman came up.

"Do you honestly believe that Batman can stop the joker and save the city?" Bruce asked.

"He's done it before I don't see why he wouldn't," I said. "Also he needs to know that what is at stake and how much he's willing to sacrifice too."

"I truly do believe it too unless he gets caught," Harvey said.

"Why say something like that?" I asked. "I mean don't you think that Batman helping you and Lieutenant Gordon isn't good enough for the city of Gotham? Of course there are going to be risks don't get me wrong but you should be at least grateful that he's heling your asses out."

Harvey looked shocked at my answer but he didn't falter his stance.

"All I'm saying is with great responsibility like that, you never know what might happen. You either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain," Harvey said.

"I'm sorry about tonight," Bruce said as we pulled up to my apartment.

"Honestly don't worry about it. But be honest with me about something," I said.

"What is it?"

"Do you still have feelings for Rachel?" I asked.

Bruce looked shocked. "Why would you think that?"

"For one thing, you were dying to break up her date with Dent. You guys have been broken up before I came into the picture," I replied.

"Tess, I told you I'm over her. Of course there's going to be history because we've known each other since we were kids. But I promise that I don't have anything towards her. Only just an old friend," he said.

I looked at him for a while after I grabbed my keys.

"I believe you but…"

"Tess, I love you. Always remember that," he said.

"I love you too. I'll call you tomorrow sometime," I said.

We kissed each other good night as I got out of the car. By the time I walked towards the door, Bruce waved and drove off into the night.

A/n: Sorry for that mini delay. Between the holidays and school ending, I've been busy.

Okay so someone did ask about a love triangle in this story between Tess, Bruce and Rachel. Yes there will be you'll just have to see how this plays out.

I did get a new laptop for Christmas so my next update won't be a while cause I'll be testing it out and getting used to a new laptop rather than this one since it's been running slow lately.

Anyways, enough of that. Thank you so much for the response I've gotten. I was blown away. Leave me some love on the way out! I'm forever grateful to have you guys support me!

Until next time,
Spike