Chapter 4: Bruce Wayne

Ali sat up in her bed and stretched both arms up over her head while letting out a yawn. Then the memories of what happened that night flooded back to her, Ali shook her head half wanting to forget it. "Was that all a dream?" She asked herself the sun catches the bat logo on her night table and it glittered in her eyes she leaned over to take a closer look. "Oh, so he leaves gifts too?" Ali picked up the metal bat logo and she smiled to herself. "What no flowers? Nice first date batsy." Ali also saw the note and unfolded it, it read. "Commissioner Jim Gordon will be at your club tonight could you please introduce yourself to him." Ali suddenly remembered she needed to call Amy, she grabbed her cell and dials Amy's number.

Amy "Hello?"

"Hello, before you say anything more you will never believe in a million years what happened to me last night." Ali blurted out all at once.

Amy frowned. "What happened to you last night? Are you alright?" Amy felt a bit worried for her friend. Amy had Ali on speaker while she applied her make up looking in her bathroom mirror.

Ali tells Amy almost everything except; for her visit to the bat cave. "I still can't believe it myself." Ali was extra careful of telling Amy about the bat cave she wasn't a stupid girl and didn't want to jeopardize someone's secret who was trying to help her.

Amy was quiet for a few moments before she could think of something to say. "Ali, this is huge, are you going to share your story with the press?"

"NO!" Ali said almost too loudly. "Sorry, but I don't want the press finding out about this. Besides, with no photo's to prove anything, who is going to believe my story." Ali looked at the metal shaped bat in her hand, okay there was that.

Amy was feeling excited her best friend hung out with Batman last night. "This is so way beyond cool Ali, you hung out with Batman."

Ali laughed. "I'm still processing everything that happened last night, and it really wasn't hanging out." Ali paused remembering The Joker. "But that clown guy called The Joker felt that I had some information he wanted to know, he wants to know who the owner of my club is."

Amy sighs. "Ali this Joker guy is a serious threat, are you sure you're okay? What about batman how do you feel about him?" Amy knew about batman and she like the rest of the citizens of Gotham she also thought of him as a dark knight. But Ali was new to all this and learning about the caped crusader could be a bit of a curve for anyone new. Amy felt thankful that Batman was there to help her friend.

Ali inspects the metal bat shaped gift that Batman left her. "Yeah, I'm fine, actually after spending a bit of time with Batman I wasn't scared so much after I got to know him better. He really does seem to care about the people of Gotham. I just don't fully understand as to why yet." Ali then just remembered. "Oh, and I have another date with Bruce Wayne this afternoon for lunch." Ali realized she just called it a date, she meant seeing Bruce Wayne.
Amy laughed. "Damn girl, when will we get to go out and have some fun? You seem to be getting busy at night with Batman and now through the day with Bruce Wayne."

Ali chuckled. "Well the Batman thing last night was unplanned, and well I do have time before I meet up with Bruce let's go do some shopping."

Amy laughs. "HA! I love it when you speak my language. Let's do it."

Ali laughed with her friend. "Meet you in an hour at the monorail." Ali hangs up with Amy and rushes for the shower; she blow dries her hairs and applies her makeup. Deciding to wear blue jeans and a pink T-shirt. Ali checks the time, damn she had to haul butt. She had 15 minutes to get to the monorail. Ali grabbed her purse and her keys and rushes out her door; she quickly locks the door and races down the stairs.

At Bruce Wayne Enterprises, Bruce was doing some work at his desk when a beeping sound came from his computer. He looked over at it and switched it on then typed in his pass code for Ali's phone tracker. Bruce could tell that she was moving rather quickly, but he couldn't tell if she was being chased or not. Bruce picked up his phone and calls Lucius.

Lucius was busily working on Batman items when he was interrupted by a ringing phone; he stopped what he was doing and answered the phone. "Lucius Fox, what can I do for you Bruce Wayne?"

"That tracking app you invented for Ali's phone do you think you can also have it show people that maybe around her as well?"

Lucius gives it some thought. "I might have a solution, but don't you think you're in enough trouble with the girl with what you have now?"

Bruce's eyes remained fixed on the computer monitor. "As I said before Batman can handle it, thank you Lucius." Bruce hanged up the phone and continued watching the monitor, Bruce leaned back in his chair. "Where are you going Miss Marylin Alice Rose?" Bruce had learned her full name by more digging in his bat cave she was born in Iowa to the name of Marylin Alice Rose.

Lucius shook his head and hung up with Bruce and continued to work on what he was doing. Bruce continued to watch Ali's movements till he realized they were heading to the mall. He had unfinished business there and decided to take a trip there himself.

Ali arrived at the monorail all out of breath; she had to run most of the way to be there on time. Ali spotted Amy waving to her from the platform. Amy smiled at Ali. "Ready to go and have some fun?"

Ali smiled back. "Oh, I am ready, let's go." The monorail arrives and the two girls wait for people to get off before they got on and sat together. "Have any ideas of where you want to go and shop?"

Amy did have an idea of where she wanted to go. Yeah Gotham Plaza, been wanting to check that place out, I hear it's huge."

Ali looked at her friend. "You've lived here in Gotham all your life and you've never come here to the shopping mall?"

Amy shrugged. "I always stuck to the smaller places, besides visiting the mall with a friend is more fun."

"Maybe we won't be able to afford anything." Ali commented.

Amy looked at her friend with a smile on her face. "Oh please, just call your rich boyfriend."

Ali rolled her eyes. "He's not my boyfriend, we are just friends and we only hung out once."

"Yeah, but Ali, there is going to be a second hang out today, don't you think that makes it a little more serious? Besides, why would it be so bad to have Mr. Wayne as a new love interest?" Amy gently bumped Ali. "He's not hard on the eye either." Amy added.

Ali thought about the near kiss and how it made her feel. "I don't think I'm ready for another relationship just yet, Jack and I parted on good terms because of separate interests in our careers and Marcus because he wasn't the right man for me. Now Bruce Wayne is walking into my life, I don't know that much about him other than being Gotham's playboy I just don't want to get hurt from his wild side of life."

Amy listened to her friend and sympathized with her, but she did want to see her happy. "Well, don't count the Billionaire out completely give him a chance to prove himself there is no rush." Amy advised. "Besides, there might be more to him than meets the eye."

Ali sighed at the thought of going through another possible failure of a relationship. "I'll think about it, is all I'm going to say." Ali agreed with Amy he was a handsome and powerful rich man, money wasn't what interested her in Marcus and it wasn't interesting her in Bruce either.

The monorail comes to a stop at Ali and Amy's destination, both girls got off and headed for the mall while the both of them chattered on about the club and some of the different dance routines and even came up with ideas for new ones. Ali then says. "The numbers we have now will last a long time, but they will eventually get old, we have to keep it all fresh with new routines."

Amy then had an idea. "We should have special theme nights, such as doing stuff from the 80's and, or have a Hawaiian night where we serve Hawaiian pizza, and have the servers in grass skirts.

Ali liked the idea a lot. "Great idea Amy, I'll look into doing that." Ali then had an idea of her own. "We should do a charity auction; we could auction the dancers to the highest bidder for a date."

Amy's eyes lit up. "Oh, going to try and find me a Mr. Right?" Amy teased. "Great idea, but couldn't that be a bit dangerous not knowing who some of these men are?"

"Before anyone can do bidding, they will have a police background check on them done and proof of their clean history before they can take part in the bidding." Ali had already thought of the safety of her employees. "Then the winning bidder will leave details of where they will be going and what time they will be back, of course, those details will remain private with the club to make the night special for the couple. Who knows, maybe more relationships could come from it."

Amy couldn't stop thinking if Bruce Wayne would show up and how much would he bid on Ali to keep her out of the hands of another. "Well, it sounds like you have already thought this through; it will be interesting to see who shows up."

Amy and Ali visit different shops, some of them were out of their price range, but they tried on things that they could never afford just to say they wore the popular brand names for the rich. Other shops had things that they could afford and bought some new clothing and jewellery. Amy and Ali leave a shop they walk down a long hallway when Amy points to an electronic shop. "Check this out Ali!" Amy rushed over to where there was a karaoke machine on display.

"Would you like to give it a try miss?" The shop attendant that was standing there asked.

Amy gave him a big smile. "Not me so much, but my friend over there would be great at it." Amy looked over at Ali.

Ali just stood there watching her friend. "Amy, what are you doing?"

Amy motioned for Ali to come over. "Come on, it'll be fun, I'll do back up."

Ali walked over to Amy. "You want me to sing here?"

Amy grabbed the microphone and thrust's it into Ali's hand. "Come on, what are you chicken?" Amy mocked.

Ali narrowed her eyes at her friend, one thing Ali wasn't afraid of was performing, but this wasn't normal for her to just sing in a mall. "Fine! But just one." Ali wasn't going to turn down a challenge. Ali and Amy go over a song list till they find one that they wanted to try.

The male shop attendant smiled and turned on the machine soon the music began and Ali started singing her first song.

Fifteen minutes later, Bruce reached the mall and went inside to meet the old owner. "I'm glad that the mall will be in capable hands Mr. Wayne as you can see I have kept it in top shape."

Brice shook the man's hand, and signed a paper. "I will keep it in great shape." Buying the mall was good business sense it was bringing in millions a year. Finishing up with the business deal Bruce headed out into the mall and heard a familiar voice singing, he followed the music and soon came upon a small crowd of people dancing and having a good time, and there was Ali and her friend in the middle of it all. Bruce smiled and makes his way through the crowd till he stood out in front.

Ali was singing Dark Side by Kelly Clarkson when she spotted Bruce Wayne as she sang.

Everybody's got a dark side
Do you love me?
Can you love mine?
Nobody's a picture perfect
But we're worth it
You know that we're worth it
Will you love me?
Even with my dark side?

Like a diamond
From black dust
It's hard to know
What can become
If you give up
So don't give up on me
Please remind me who I really am

Bruce Wayne smiled at Ali; he did wonder if she would one day love his dark side, he shows Ali his watch pointing at it showing her it was soon time to go.

Ali nodded at Bruce and continued the song she was singing.

Don't run away
Don't run away
Just tell me that you will stay
Promise me you will stay
Don't run away
Just promise me you will stay
Promise me you will stay

After Ali finished singing she speaks in the microphone. "Sorry everyone, but I have to get going." Ali picked up her bags and Amy followed suit, and followed Ali as she walked up to Bruce. Bruce looked at the two girls. "Well usually when there is a crowd around in a public place like this it's usually because of me."

Ali shrugged, and looked at Amy. "She challenged me to try out that silly machine." Ali then looked back at Bruce. "This is my friend Amy, Amy Bruce Wayne."

Amy extended her hand to shake with Bruce's. "Nice to meet you."

"Well, that machine didn't sound too silly to me." Bruce responded as he looked at Ali. "I should get one for the manor?"

Ali looked back at the Karaoke machine then back at Bruce. "I hope you're a good singer, or poor Alfred will have to get some ear plugs." Ali joked. "I don't need a Karaoke machine, got a club that I can use for song and dance." Ali reminded Bruce.

Bruce smiled at Ali. "Oh, I am well aware of your club, and so is the rest of Gotham." Bruce hands her a newspaper he bought earlier that has a picture of Batman from his last night's adventures, and Ali's picture is on the front page with a write up about her club. In big bold letters it read, "Watch out Batman a new bad has come to town." With that title Ali was almost afraid to read the rest. "Not everyone makes the front page with Batman."

The article read; champagne clinks, laughter and cheers tickled my ears as I was sitting in the front row, waiting for the show to begin. The Gotham Burlesque club opened to a full house on Friday night. A bevy of beautiful renowned burlesque artistic performance on stage, including the ravishing Ali. A long time friend of Ali's, Tess premiered a majestic act which the audience couldn't get their eyes off of. Each and every number was bold, sexy, fun and unique. The entire time I was sitting there, I felt like I was transported in Vegas, watching a show on the strip. If any woman or man didn't appreciate the art of Burlesque after watching Ali's performance, they never will.

Amy reads along with Ali and she let out a little squeal of delight. "Oh my god, they loved us and they really loved you Ali."

Ali couldn't stop smiling. "I was so worried over what they were going to think of my club." Ali quickly re-read the article. "Well, at least they see Burlesque as it should be."

Amy chuckled. "Yeah and in your face you nay sayers."

"Well, I think this calls for a celebration." Bruce responded. "How would the both of you like to join me back at my manor for some champagne?"

Amy thinks about it. "Hmmm I wouldn't want to interfere with anything." She looked at the two of them.

Ali looks at her friend. "Amy, stop that! No you would not be interfering with anything."

Bruce was amused by Amy, she was being straightforward about what she thought of him and Ali being together, or was that pushing them together? "It's settled then, perhaps the two of you would like to come back to the manor tonight after your show and spend the night, we can continue the celebration."

Amy once again speaks out before Ali. "Of course we will."

Ali smiled and shook her head, at the same time nudging her friend then she remembered. "Oh, wait I can't got a meeting with someone tonight."

Amy gave Ali a confused look. "With who?"

Ali lets out a little breath. "With him." She points to the picture of Batman on the front page of the newspaper.

Bruce remembered the meeting he had with Ali later that night he wanted to see how much info she shared with her friend. "You can call me after your meeting; I'm usually up pretty late."

Amy gave Ali an excited look. "Yes... Please, please, please."

Ali laughed at her friends' childish behavior. "Alright, I'll call you after the meeting is done, I don't think it should take too long anyway. But I'll need time to gather up an overnight bag."

Just then a couple of reporters rush up to the three Gossip Gerty was holding out a recorder at Ali when she asks. "How does it feel to be on the front page with Batman?"

Ali just looked at the woman not sure what to say as her approach was rather out of the blue and sudden. "Well, the article about my club was amazing and to be on the front page with Batman was completely unexpected, and an honor." Was the best answer Ali could come up with.

Gossip Gerty gave Ali a big smile she was pleased that Ali was answering her questions. "You earned that spot Ali, so do tell me what is your full name?"

Ali couldn't get over how interested everyone was in her full name, but she did keep it a secret which made for juicy gossip. "That is to remain anonymous." She answered.

Bruce was standing close beside Ali to her right when Gossip Gerty then turns her attention to Bruce. "Bruce, as Gotham's playboy are you and Ali going to be an item?"

Bruce then wraps his right arm around Ali his hand rested on her arm, then he pulls Amy into his left arm. "What do you think?" He asked, as cameras began to flash.

Amy could feel herself blush and wanted to run, but she knew why Bruce did what he did, he was keeping up that playboy image for the reporter. Gerty looked at Amy and smiled. "And who might you be?

Amy responded. "I am Amy Scot; I am a dancer at the Burlesque club."

Ali was thinking, oh my god, what a display, she then adds. "We need to get going now." Ali was amused at Bruce for grabbing Amy into his other arm, she knew he was protecting them from being gossiped about and she still considered her and Bruce as only friends.

Bruce looked at his watch. "Ah, yes the lady is right, we must be going." Bruce nods at Gerty. "Have a good day." Bruce started to walk with both the girls still in his arms till they were out of Gerty's view and he lets them go.

Gerty doesn't chase after the three of them, she knew from experience that once Bruce was done talking that there was no chance in getting any more information from him, and possibly the girls. Gerty had enough to gossip about in the gossip section of The Gotham Times. But she was very curious about Ali, her and Bruce would make a good match. The Playboy of Gotham city dating an attractive Burlesque dancer, that would make for some really good gossip.

Bruce called Alfred to pick up Amy, he couldn't take all three of them in his Lamborghini because it only had room for two. Bruce and Ali wait for Alfred to arrive with Amy so that she wouldn't be alone. Alfred pulled up in the Rolls Royce and got out and looked at the three. "Nice to see you again Ali, and who might your friend be?"

Amy offers her hand to Alfred to shake. "I'm Amy, Ali's friend."

Alfred gave Amy a warm smile and shook her hand. "Pleased to meet you Amy." Alfred opens the back door for Amy.

Amy laughed. "Oh hell no, I call shotgun!" Amy walked up to the front door of the car and opened it then got inside.

Ali started to head to the car as well when Bruce gently captures her arm in his hand. "You're not going to let me drive home alone are you?" Bruce gave Ali an innocent look that made her feel a bit guilty.

"You do lay it on thick don't you?" Ali smirked. "Okay, fine, I'll go with you." How could she say no to those blue eyes? "Okay, fine, I'll go with you."

Amy winked at Ali from inside of the front seat of the Rolls Royce. "Will be seeing the two of you there, oh and take your time take the scenic route."

Alfred climbed into the front seat beside Amy and looked at her. "If I didn't know better, one would think that you were trying to give your friend and Bruce some alone time together."

Amy gave Alfred a confused blank look. "Me? Whatever gave you that idea?" Amy tried to sound innocent by her actions, but she knew she wasn't fooling Alfred.

Alfred gave Amy a smile he started the Rolls Royce and drove off. Meanwhile, Ali and Bruce walked into the parking garage to his car. Ali's right eyebrow lifted once she saw the car he was driving. "That is what you're driving?"

Bruce gave Ali a smug look. "Yup, that is my baby." Bruce opened the passenger door for Ali to get inside. Ali looked inside at the expensive interior of the car and walked over to get into the passenger seat.. One thing was for sure she was having her share of riding in fancy cars. Ali found the bucket seat to be incredibly comfortable. Bruce closed the door and rushed around to the driver side and got in beside Ali. "So what do you think? Is this the best car you have ever been inside of?" Bruce asked her as he turned the key in the ignition and the engine roars to life the car began to move forward till they drove out of the parking garage.

Ali smile at Bruce. "Well this is a really very nice car Mister Wayne, but there is one more that was more impressive that I have ridden in."

Bruce looked at Ali; he knew she meant the tumbler. "Please, always refer to me as Bruce." Moments later Bruce is driving past the gates of his manor, the Rolls Royce was already parked out front. Bruce drove the Lamborghini into a large garage filled with cars old and new.

Ali looked at the other cars as they drove past them. "Holy moly Bruce, is this a garage or a car museum?"

Bruce smirked. "Told you I enjoyed collecting things." Bruce responded in amusement to Ali's reaction at seeing the other cars. Bruce parks the Lamborghini and got out, he was about to go over to Ali's door and open for her but she had already gotten out. So instead he closes the door she left open to go and have a closer look at older cars sitting in his garage.

Bruce caught up with Ali and started walking with her through the garage she appeared to be admiring some of the classic cars he had on display. "So, do they all run?" Ali asked him.

Bruce nodded walking closer to her his hand brushes against Ali's and was surprised when she opened her hand to take his into hers, he had to focus on answering her question. "Yes, they all work I have restored most of them myself." Bruce spoke while he continued walking with Ali hand in hand, aside from the hug this was the first time she had shown any affection towards him.

Ali wasn't aware of their holding hands, she was caught up in the moment looking at the old cars. Ali began to rush toward a car that caught her eye, but was stopped by her hand being tugged on in Bruce's hand. "Oh, sorry about that." Ali apologized before letting go."

Bruce felt a little disappointed that their hand holding came to a quick end. "That's alright." Bruce responded with a little white lie, he followed Ali toward the car she spotted out. "I didn't know you had such an interest in cars."

Ali looked back at Bruce then back at the car in front of her. "I don't, I just admire the old craftsmanship of the classics." Ali walked around the care eying up a pre-war Cadillac. "This is like the holy grail for a car collector. This is a 1932 Cadillac V12 Victoria Convertible."

Bruce smiled admiring her knowledge of the vehicle. "I am inclined to agree, especially considering that the car itself is exceptionally rare, this one spent more than 40 years living dusty quarters in Texas." Bruce ran his hand along the hood of the car. "I bought this beauty at an auction." Bruce walked up to Ali and turned her around to look at him. "What about you? What do you like?" Bruce was fishing to know what Ali liked so he would know what to dazzle her with.

Ali looked up at Bruce with a serious look on her face and spoke. "Bruce a little while ago, I met someone amazing who left me with a gift it was a small bat shaped piece of metal and it was the most thoughtful and nicest gift anyone ever could ever give me."

"Batman?"

"Yes, it was Batman." Ali answered.

Bruce became a little more amused, if only he could just tell her his little secret right here and now. He knew that even Batman wanted more than friendship, the joys of living a double lifestyle. "Sorry, continue." Bruce gave her a defeated look.

Ali struggled not to laugh, he looked so darn cute and his blue eyes didn't make it easy on her. "Listen to me carefully Bruce I will only say this once. I know that there are women out there that would so very easily fall for any guy who bought her expensive gifts and promised her the moon. I'm not that shallow, and if you're looking for a schoolgirl kind of crush it won't happen with me. I have already done all that and for a moment it made me happy but then I realized that he wasn't for me I broke it off, and I ended up being with someone who had nothing to offer but himself and that was enough for me. I know all the expensive gifts and toys that you have comes as a part of being a billionaire but it's not what will win me over, and Bruce I'm just a small town girl who has nothing more than a club that is still in debt. I mean look at you, you're Bruce Wayne who is Gotham's playboy I cannot risk taking a chance with someone who is only going to end up hurting me, I'm not a toy to be played with." After Ali stopped talking she began to walk off toward the manor a head of Bruce.

"Marylin Alice Rose! Get back here and listen to what I have to say!" Bruce called after Ali, Bruce slipped out her full name by accident but it did make her stop.

Ali stopped dead in her tracks and gasped at the sound of hearing her full name and spun around, she had an angry look on her face. "You found out my real name?" She said in a raised voice. Ali felt a small rage grow inside of her she didn't like people poking their noses into her private life. "What are you doing? Spying on me now? How did you find out?"

Bruce approached Ali. "I have a powerful friend who looked it up for me. I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that, I know it's your secret and it still is I haven't told anyone." Bruce placed both of his hands on Ali's arms. "But now you listen to me." Bruce's eyes bore into hers he could see that she was shocked by the directness of his reply. "I do not want to hear you say to me that you have nothing to offer again, you have more than I could ever buy with money. Do you think that just because I am Bruce Wayne and you're a small town girl from Iowa who thinks she has nothing doesn't deserve to be in the same league as me? I have only known you for a short time, and it is I Bruce Wayne who feels like he has to struggle to be in your league. You have more class, style and grace than any other rich women I have ever met." Bruce lets her arms go she was free to run if she wanted, and he hoped she wouldn't.

Bruce's words had extinguished the rage that she was feeling inside, damn him. "I didn't know you felt that way about me." Was all Ali could say in her moment of shock.

"What I do fear the most is not having a chance with you, that someone else will sweep you off your feet and I would be devastated seeing you with someone else." Bruce felt she needed to know how he felt. "Those women you saw with me were just arm hangers I hired for publicity."

Inside the manor Amy has her face glued to the window watching Ali and Bruce, while Alfred worked in the kitchen behind her putting together refreshments. Wow they seem to be in a pretty intense conversation." Amy informed Alfred who pretended not to be interested.

Alfred puts a few items on a tray. "I do hope it works out for those two Master Wayne has not had much luck with the ladies."

For the first time in her life Ali felt speechless. "Bruce, I really don't know what to say right now. I have been so out of touch with that side of me for so long I have just never have given romance a thought, but I am starting to feel close to you as a friend for now till I figure out what it is that I want."

Bruce took her hands into his. "Friendship is a good place to start, while you are sorting out your feelings promise me this. You will give us a chance before anyone else."

"Done."

Bruce gave Ali a surprised look. "Done? You didn't need to think about it?"

Ali chuckled. "I can't think of anyone else who deserves a chance with me than you." Ali let go of Bruce's hands to head inside.

Bruce started to follow behind Ali. "So does that mean you forgive me for finding out your real name?"

"Don't push your luck Bruce!" Ali spoke in an amused sarcastic tone as she walked back to the manor ahead of Bruce.

Amy and Alfred sat at the kitchen table, Amy had a coffee in front of her and Alfred had a cup of tea in front of him when Bruce and Ali walked into the kitchen. "Oh, this is where you two went." Bruce spoke. "Sorry we were looking at some old cars in the garage."

Amy brought her cup of coffee up to her lips and raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, was that all?"

Alfred looked at Bruce and Ali. "Is everything alright?" Alfred asked with a bit of concern.

Ali puts her right arm around Bruce and gives him a side hug. "Everything is fine Alfred."

Bruce gives Ali a smug look. "All is forgiven then?" He placed his arm around her in return.

"Pushing it." She scowled at Bruce a little.

Alfred and Amy didn't know what the two were talking about but they laughed at them anyway. Amy looked at Bruce and Ali together, they looked good together oh how she hoped her friend would let her guard down and just let Bruce in.

The afternoon went by with a tour of the manor, a second time for Ali but she didn't mind it was fun watching her friend being impressed with the manor. Alfred laid out a light supper for the girls, they told him that they don't eat much before performing but after they pigged out. Bruce understood that after being out as the Batman he was pretty hungry when he got back sometimes.

There was a bowl of whipped cream sitting out on the dinner table Amy takes a strawberry and dips it into the whipped then takes a bite. "Mmmmmm." She moaned.

Bruce dips his finger into the whipped cream and then puts his finger into his mouth to clean the tip of his finger off then he moans. "Mmmmm..." Amy and Bruce continue to exchange groans back and forth.

Ali stood at the other side of the kitchen she started laughing. "Oh come on it can't be that good." Ali walked up to the table where the bowl of strawberries where. "Okay, let's see just how good these really are." Ali then takes a strawberry and takes a bite then she groans. "Mmmmmmm."

Amy in turn nods her head. "Mmmm hmmmmm..."

Ali takes another turn "Mmmm hmmm hmmmmm..." Ali rolls her eyes for effect.

Alfred stood there not knowing what to make of this craziness, then suddenly the girls take each other by the hand and race off to go upstairs. Leaving both Bruce and Alfred with a confused look on their faces. "I don't know if I liked that joke." Bruce responded in an amused tone.

Alfred started laughing. "Those two do have a very different kind of friendship." This had to be Alfred's favorite part of the evening. "You are going to have your hands full with those two tonight."

Bruce mumbles quietly. "Yeah like Batman doesn't have enough on his plate at night." But Bruce had a better understanding of how Amy was Ali's partner in crime.

Once the girls reached the top of the stairs they let go of their hands they looked at each other and laughed, then they high five each other. The girls headed into their rooms to get ready to go to the club.

An hour later Ali is finishing up with her makeup when she hears a gentle knock at her door. "Come in." Ali watched the door to see who it was; she smiles when she saw Bruce enter. Ali was dressed in her I'm A Good Girl number outfit.

Bruce looked at her as if he were photographing her with his eyes. "No matter what you wear I will always think of you as beautiful, Alfred has the car waiting when you're ready." Bruce walked up beside Ali and looked around the room. "This room isn't yours for just one night. This is your room for whenever you need to get away from the city, or need someplace to go for quiet space."

Ali put down her blush brush, and looked at Bruce. "You're giving me a room in your manor?"

"Is it too much? I didn't have to go out and buy it, it came with the manor." Bruce smirked with a worried look on his face, he wasn't sure if it would be overstepping with Ali.

Ali shook her head. "No, it's not too much it's very generous of you and thank you. It will be nice to know I have someplace else to go when I need it." Ali stood and grabbed her coat. "It's show time." Ali wasn't going to push away everything he wanted to give her, it would be rude and she knew that he was coming from a good place. Their serious talk earlier helped her to understand him better; she also realized that their friendship just became a little more serious.
Later on that night at the club Ali is in the dressing area for the dancers, she had just gotten herself ready for the next upcoming number that would be up in about twenty minutes. Sean walked up to her with a puzzled look on his face. "The police commissioner is here."

Ali looked up at Sean she was amused by the puzzled look on his face. "Well, it is unusual for the police commissioner to be here. But I should go and greet him and make sure everything is okay." Ali got up off her chair and smiled at Sean. "Don't worry about it." Ali remembered Batman's note about introducing herself to Jim Gordon.

Even though Sean was a bit confused he responds. "Well, I hope he tips well and is enjoying the show. Better to keep the important customers happy."

Ali was walking out of the dressing area and looked back at Sean. "Don't worry everything is alright." Ali walks out into the main area of the club where all the tables were full once again, the sight made Ali proud of all her hard work. Ali stopped walking and looked around to find Jim. She had only seen him in the news and in the newspapers. Then she spots him, she walks up to him and introduces herself. "Hello, I am Ali."

Jim gives Ali a warm smile, and takes her hand to shake it. "Real nice place you got here Ali, can we talk a minute?" Jim asked her in a raised voice so that she could hear him above the music that was playing in the bar.

Ali looks around for a table and then remembered the VIP table was free for the evening. "Over here." Ali began walking in the direction of the table with Jim following her.

Batman was there hiding up in the darkness of the rafters, he watched Ali talking with Jim. Good phase one is in progress. He thought to himself, he was using his position to get a better scan of the club watching for Sal's men.

Ali sat down on the chair at the VIP table; Jim sat down across from her. "So, I hear you have met Gotham's Dark Knight."

Ali wondered how Gordon knew, but then she realized that he must have been talking to the man in black. "Yeah, there I was about to have a really weird night with this guy calling himself The Joker and baam there he was just came out of nowhere and next thing I notice I'm on the roof of my club."

Jim was looking at Ali with a serious look on his face and nodded. "Yeah, well you were a very lucky young lady that he was there. The Joker is someone you don't want to be in company alone with; he's a cold hearted killer. Batman paid me a visit and told me that there may be some sort of trouble beneath your club."

Ali listened to Jim with interest she worried about what was going on at this moment underneath them. "Yes, he somehow got blueprints of my club. I'm worried about the club's reputation if something like this got out in the media."

Jim saw the worried look on her face. "Don't worry this will be kept out of the news, it will be better that way to keep you safe as well. You won't get caught in the middle of this I will make sure of that. I understand that Batman is supposed to be meeting us here tonight." Jim looked around wondering if Batman was already there watching them from someplace.

Ali lifts her arm to check her watch. "Yes, but after the club closes." Ali had enough time to ask Jim a couple of questions. "What can you tell me about this Batman? I know this sounds silly of me to say after he saved my ass, but can he really be trusted?"

Jim loved talking about Batman he was a favorite subject of his. "All I can tell you Ali is that he is a friend that you can trust. I know I had troubles in trusting him in the beginning as well. Although he possesses a great hatred and anger towards criminals, he has proven himself a very caring and selfless person; he constantly puts his life on the line to save innocent lives. He's brought in the most dangerous of criminals to justice. Batman's strongest character has been his strong moral code to never kill, believing all men deserve a fair trial."

Ali leaned forward as Jim told her about Batman all she could think about was who is this guy? "So then the two of you work together?"

Gordon fiddles with his glasses a little. "At the beginning of Batman I was the only good cop on the force who couldn't be bought out by the mob, we believed in the same cause for Gotham. I couldn't do it alone and he was there when I needed him in a pinch."

Ali sat back in her chair with a smirk on her face. "So that makes you the unmasked hero."

Jim felt a bit uneasy about her compliment. "Well, it was mostly Batman who did most of the work." A waitress brings Jim a glass of water and he takes a quick drink before continuing. "Batman is also highly intelligent, being a brilliant detective himself, and an expert planner. He has proven himself exceptionally good at stealth being able to disappear in the middle of sentences and sneaking up on others unexpectedly. Something like what happened to you Ali the night he rescued you from The Joker. Batman is a force greatly feared by Gotham's underworld, and if he has taken an interest in looking out for you and your club you should feel privileged. Although he would do it for anyone." Jim picks up the glass of water and took another drink.

Ali had a feeling that what Jim told her about Batman was true, the information Jim gave her about Batman seemed to match from what she had heard about him and what happened on her first encounter with him. "Would you like something to eat Jim?" Ali asked.

Jim shook his head no. "The water is fine thanks, I'm on duty, did you have any more questions for me?"

Ali looked around for a moment to be sure nobody was listening. "Has anyone come to you to do a background check on my name?"

Jim looked at Ali with a concerned look. "No, has someone been harassing you?"

"Oh, no nothing like that it's just I keep my full name private, it's sort of a safety net for me the less people know about me, the less they can find ways to do wrong to me, but someone recently has found out what my full name was, and they told me that they had a powerful friend to check it out for them." Ali lifts her arm to check the time again.

Jim could tell that Ali was a bit uncomfortable of whoever this person was. "I can assure you Ali, I would never do something like that for anyone." Jim was very curious if Batman had done some digging of his own.

"Anyone except for Batman?" Ali asked Jim giving him a quizzical look.

Jim's face remained expressionless. "I wouldn't have to do any digging around on anyone for Batman; he is somehow capable of doing it himself."

Ali remembered Jim telling her that Batman was a detective, why is he taking such an interest in her, it's her club that has trouble and she's got nothing to do with it. Aside from being the owner, which could prove a problem for her concerning the mob. But what was with needing to know her name? "Well, I just hope nothing comes of it, is all. I do need to get going my next number is coming up." Ali got up off the chair and Jim followed suit.

"I have to go back to work, I'll see you and Batman here after closing then." Jim turned and walked out of the club.

Ali was left standing there feeling like she got her answers. "Yeah, see you later Jim." Ali kept remembering what Jim told her about Batman being a skilled detective. "Looks like Batman and I need to have a little chat." She thought.

Batman was at this point not far behind Ali hiding in the darkness, and overheard what she just said. "That's alright Miss Rose, I can handle myself." Batman whispered, he watched Ali head off to the dressing room, Batman turned to find someplace private to change, he wanted to make an appearance as Bruce Wayne. After hiding his Bat suit Bruce walks out of the men's bathroom and almost runs into Amy.

Amy gives Bruce a surprised look she spoke as she moved away from him to avoid colliding with him. "Bruce, I didn't know you were coming here tonight."

Bruce looked at Amy. "I changed my mind."

"The VIP table is free, can I walk you there?" Amy offered.

Bruce nods at Amy. "I would like that; your friend Ali is very interesting."

Amy suddenly looked at Bruce with a smirk. "That she is, so glad she moved here but she's had her troubles. I hope Gotham will treat her well, even though she has gotten off on a bit of a rocky start."

Bruce continued to look ahead as he walked with Amy through the crowded club. "Is that why I am having a hard time getting close to her?" Bruce asked, he was curious about what Amy knew about Ali and how much she was willing to share.

Amy waited till they got the VIP table before answering; she sat down across from Bruce, her back facing the crowd. "Ali doesn't like not being given a fair chance, being judged by others badly, and most of all being heartbroken. Which is why you're having a difficult time getting through to her, I don't know what she told you about when she was with Marcus but when Ali worked in LA tensions arose between Ali and Jack when she and Marcus grew increasingly infatuated with Ali, making Jack jealous. Jack's fiance at the time was in a play and one night at her friend's wedding, Jacked called off his engagement, and got drunk. That night Ali and Jack slept together, but the following morning Jack's fiance, Natalie returned unexpectedly from her play in New York and tells Ali that the engagement was still on. Jack denied this, and while he was trying to fix things, he asked Ali to leave."

Bruce shook his head. "What a putz, he didn't even deserve Ali."

Amy chuckled a little and continues. "Well feeling heartbroken and betrayed, she ran to Sean for support, who advised her to go with Marcus after he called her. But while spending time with Marcus, Ali found out about the plans Marcus had for Tess's club and she learned about air rights." Amy frowns. "What are air rights?" She had not heard of such a thing.

Bruce knew the answer to this one all too well. "Air rights refer to the empty space above a building and what can be done with it. Tess's club was in trouble of foreclosure so when Ali found out what Marcus was up to she broke things off with him after she saw his plans to build a skyscraper on the property of Tess's club. Ali told Tess, and together they informed the owner of the new million-dollar condos across the street, fearing the loss of business that would result from obstruction of his prospective tenants' view, he purchased the air rights to the club's property. Which gave Tess the leverage she needed to save her club." Bruce remembered that part of the story Ali told him when she joined Lucius, Alfred and himself for lunch at the manor.

Sean pointed out Bruce to Ali just before her closing number; Ali made sure she was going to do Tough Lover Bruce's favorite.

Ali saw Bruce and Amy deep in a conversation making her very curious as to what they were talking about. Later Ali does the last number for the night.

Bruce waited for her to finish and then taps Amy on her arm to get her attention. "Tell Ali that Alfred will take the two of you home when you're ready."

"You mean to your manor?" Amy corrected him.

"Yes, I meant to my manor." Bruce corrected himself, he really wanted it to be Ali's home too, and he wouldn't mind having Amy around often the two of them were fun together even when being a pain in Batman's ass.

Amy left the VIP table she wanted to catch up with Ali at her make up table and sat next to her. "So do you think I can meet this batman too?"

Ali looks at her friend through the mirror. "You have lived here how long? And you've never seen him?"

Amy shrugs. "Never got that lucky, I know seems weird right? You move here and not two months later your being whisked away by him getting your ass saved."

Ali raised her eyebrows at Amy. "That Joker guy was not a fun character to meet at night; I really don't want that to happen again."

"Oh come on Ali, you were saved by Batman that has to be just about every woman's dream here in Gotham to get close to the caped crusader. You can't tell me that wasn't just a little bit exciting." Ali refused to believe that even Ali didn't find that a little exciting.

Ali shrugs her right shoulder up and says a little bashfully. "Okay so it was a little exciting, but scary at the same time. I don't like to fly and swinging around Gotham like being in a Tarzan movie wasn't too thrilling." Ali remembered the car and the Bat cave those were interesting.

Amy suddenly stood up. "Well time to go and wait for our masked friend." Amy let's out an excited squeal. "I finally get to meet him!"

Jim had gotten back before the doors to the club were locked, he was checking out the inside of the building for any security breaches that the mob could use in secret. He came up with nothing and joined Amy and Ali who were sitting on the edge of the stage chatting with one another. "Your place seems to be secure from what I have seen. Batman and I will do a sweep before heading down into the basement."

"Already done." Came that deep throated growl from the darkness behind Jim, Batman walked into the light, he plays stupid when he looked at Amy. "Who is this?" He asked Ali.

Both girls were sitting on the edge of the stage, Ali hopped off the side and looked back at her friend. "This is my employee, friend and my partner in crime Amy." Ali didn't know why she said that last part to him again but it seemed funny at the moment. Ali couldn't tell if she saw a slight smirk on Batman's face.

"Nice to meet you." Batman responded looking at Amy then he turns his attention back to Ali. "The basement."

Being in his presence made Amy a little speechless, it was so much different than seeing him on the news and papers being in front of Batman made her feel small. Ali seemed very at ease around him.

Ali breaks the silence. "This way." Ali began to lead the way to the basement door, somehow she had a feeling that he already knew where it was. Once in front of the basement door Ali opens it and turns on a light, she was about to take her first step forward when she felt a gloved hand gently taking her arm and pulled her back. Even though she gave some resistance Batman still pulled her back without hesitation she frowns and looked at him. "Hey! What was that for?"

Batman quickly turns the light back out and he looked at Ali with extreme intent. "You wait up here with Amy." If there was anyone down there they would have fled with the light being turned on but they could return if they thought things were clear again.

Ali stood back with Amy as Batman started down the stairs followed by Jim, Amy leans in to Ali and whispers. "Let's just see how good this guy really is." Amy had a wicked gleam in her eyes.

Ali pauses a moment. "I don't know Batman seemed pretty serious about us staying up here."

Amy takes off her high heel shoes. "Come on partner in crime, let's sneak down there and check it out for ourselves."

Ali felt every fiber of her being scream out. "Bad idea!" But oh the challenge was too much to pass up, Ali removes her shoes. "We are going to pay for this." Ali warned her friend.

"Hey come on no guts no glory." Amy responded as she quietly walked to the basement door Ali follows close behind her friend. The steps were cement so there was no worry of creaking sounds from wooden steps, it seemed to take them forever but they reach the bottom of the stairs. Both girls look around the darkness but couldn't see anything. Amy then says in a quiet whisper. "Why do you think he wanted the lights out?"

"For the element of surprise." Came the throated voice from the darkness in front of them, batman had anticipated that they might try something like this.

Both women gasped and were startled dropping their shoes onto the floor. "Well color me surprised, I nearly wet myself." Amy responded holding her hand to her chest,

Ali could now make out the outline of Batman coming closer to them and she quickly grabbed both her and Amy's shoes off the floor.

"Thought I told the two of you to stay upstairs." Batman glared at the two.

Amy was nervous and just responds without thinking. "Oh you meant for us to stay up stairs the whole time you're down here?"

Ali struggled not to laugh, at the same time she thinks shut up Amy. "Told you we were going to pay for this."

Batman places his arms around both of the women and started leading them back up the stairs, Batman almost carried them up the steps both of them barely felt the steps underneath their feet. Back up onto the main level Batman walks both the girls to the front door and opens it, he gives them a little push outside. "Now stay here and out of trouble." Batman spoke and quickly went back inside of the club closing the doors behind him.

Ali's mouth dropped open. "I just got kicked out of my own club... Again!" Even though Ali knew it was pointless she tries the door just to confirm that it was defiantly locked, and she didn't have her key on her it was inside in her purse along with her cell and money. Ali handed Amy her shoes and put her own on. "Great now what are we going to do?"

Amy looked up at Ali as she fixes her shoe on. "Let's go to that all night bar down the street."

"Don't know if that's a good idea either, Batman has already shown that we really should cross him, and he did tell us to wait here." Ali tried to reason with herself and Amy. "Besides my purse, money and everything is locked inside."

Amy frowned and placed her hands on her hips. "We have a name to live up to, partner. Besides Batman can't tell me what to do and get away with it." An evil type grin crossed her lips. "Come one." Amy reaches out and takes Ali's hand into her hand and began to pull her down the street. "I have my wallet on me; I'll buy us a drink."

Ali walked with Amy to The Cocktail Bar feeling like this was going to backfire on them again. They find a table and both sat down once the waitress took their order and leaves Ali says. "I wonder what he's going to do when he finds we've left."

"Well, he shouldn't have kicked us out of the club now should he?" Amy responded back smugly, and sat back in her chair when the waitress brought the drinks.

When Batman went back down into the club's basement he rejoined Gordon who was shining a light along the wall looking for the hidden entrance. "Sorry bout that." Batman apologized to the Commissioner.

Gordon smirked a little, his eyes not leaving the investigation. "Those two are proving to be a handful for you."

"I can handle them." Batman responded. "Over here." Batman remembered the blueprints and turned his attention to where the door should be located and he successfully finds it. Batman ran his gloved hand around the wall till he finds a brick that pushes inward, and the door opens. To a dimly lit tunnel.

Jim joined Batman they walk along the tunnel as far as they could go, Batman takes pictures of the tunnel and immediately sends the pictures off to Fox. "I'll come back later to set some traps that will notify me if anyone attempts to use this tunnel."

Both Jim and Batman head back into the basement and Batman turns on the lights again. Jim saw some crates and immediately began to inspect them taking the lid off one it was filled with weapons. "Looks like they have already started using her basement for illegal activity."

Batman looked at the weapons and his right fist clenches. "They are storing their merchandise here cause they plan on taking the club away from Ali. I just don't think I like the methods they may try to use to get it."

"Are you going to leave them a message?" Jim asked.

"No, if they think Ali is working with me it'll put her and the others in even greater danger. It'll be better to catch them red handed and shut down Sal Maroni all together." Batman explained. Gordon and Batman headed out and back upstairs, Batman turned out the light and then looked at Gordon. "What I need to do next you shouldn't be here for."

Jim waved at Batman. "I have to go anyway, good luck." Jim said as he unlocked the door to quickly go outside, once outside Gordon saw no sign of the girls. "Oh, he's not going to like this." Jim smirked.

Batman walked over to the security alarm control panel and dusted for fingerprints, reaching to his belt for a black device with a number keypad on it he types in the numbers that were visible to him. Looking around he goes behind the bar noticing Ali's purse and grabs it to get it back to her. His device beeps alerting to him that it found the right combination to the security code he cleans the numbered buttons off cleaning the evidence of any dusting away, Batman then quickly types in the code activating the security alarm he tucks Ali's purse under his arm to hide it under his cape he quickly leaves locking the door behind him. Looking around he couldn't see the girls anywhere and let's out a breath, he was going to have to stop underestimating those two. Batman runs to the tumbler and takes it out on patrol, to try to find the girls or any other crime being committed. Since Ali's cell was in her purse he had no way of tracking them.

Amy sat facing the door at the Cocktail Bar her eyes look over a young man who walked in he is about 5'10 with black hair and blue eyes her eyes meet his for a moment till he started looking around for a place to sit he finds an empty table next to the girls table and he nodded at them with a pleasant smile. "Good evening ladies." He spoke.

Ali smiled back. "Hello." She responded.

Amy kept staring at him and responded. "Hello." She wanted to say well hello handsome, her eyes meet his again and she looks away blushing a little.

Ali saw what was happening and she shook her head. "We should get going."

"Huh, oh yeah sure." Amy responded, she didn't want to leave dammit why now? Amy pays for their bill then Amy called Alfred. Alfred arrives and picks up the girls he already had a call from Bruce to let him know when they called, as he was unsuccessful at finding them.

At the manor the girls sat in the living room chatting up a storm when Alfred walked in and clears his throat, both girls look at him. "What is it?" Ali spoke.

Alfred's attention was on Ali. "There is someone here to see you." Alfred was amused at the ladies for giving Batman the slip, Bruce had filled him in on what happened.

Amy and Ali looked at each other, who could possibly be here to see Ali? Ali got up off the couch and followed Alfred down a hallway where she saw Batman standing there not looking impressed. Alfred walked off into another direction. Before Batman could say anything Ali racks her brain to come up with an excuse. "I really did mean to behave, but there were just too many other fun options."

Batman hands over her purse with everything inside it, Batman found it hard to keep a stern look at Ali her excuse was a bit amusing. "I should turn you over my knee and spank you for pulling a stunt like that." He spoke with a stern tone in his voice.

Ali just wanted to be away from that glare she was getting so she responds. "Oh, don't excite me." Ali had opened her purse and was checking everything out.

"Don't tempt me." Batman retorted, as he quickly turned and walked off.

Ali's mouth dropped open in shock that he had said that, when she looked up he was gone. "Yeah well you have to catch me first." She felt confident that he didn't hear her until the lights go out, Ali's eyes grow larger than quarters and she says softly. "Oh shit..." Ali places her purse over her shoulder and began to run as fast as she could back to the living room, there was enough light coming from the room to help her see where she was going. Quickly she rounds the door runs into the room throwing herself onto the couch laughing.

Batman stood in the darkness watching Ali run, she could really move but he would not have a problem catching her if he wanted, perhaps if Amy wasn't here he may have had a bit of fun. Batman smirked hearing her laugh in the living room he turned the lights back on and headed for the secret entrance to the Bat Cave. He was interested in knowing just how well could she outsmart Batman, it could be practice for him if he were to meet up with others such as Ali and Amy. But their days of pulling fast ones on him were narrowing, he has been paying close attention to their behavior.

Amy looked at her with a confused look. "Well I see you got your purse back, what happened? Was he mad?" Amy had assumed that Batman was just here, would explain the lights going out in the hallway, plus Ali had her purse.

Ali had to calm herself down from laughing before she sat up. "Well he wasn't happy, he wanted to spank me, so I challenged him that he had to catch me first."

Amy gave Ali a surprised look. "Ali, I can't believe you said that."

Ali looked out into the hallway again to find the lights were turned back on, she realizes now he just did that to give her a scare and it worked. "If he really wanted to do that I don't think I would have made it to the door."