Hope had been back to work for a month, and her life was pretty much back to normal. Any thoughts of Penguin and Joker had slid to the back of her mind. Even Jason hadn't been around since the night she'd visited Dick at the circus.
Bruce was staying as long as he could, but was still getting called out, about various projects his company was immersed in.
One night, she was sitting on the bed, in her black robe, watching TV. The news was on. They were talking about Batman. She smiled. Batman was quite the force to be reckoned with, by the villains of Gotham.
A commercial came on, and Hope went out to the kitchen. They were still at the penthouse. The manor would be completed in a few days.
Alfred was putting an over coat on.
"I have something I've been asked to do. I'll be gone for a while. Will you be okay here?" Alfred asked.
She smiled.
"I'll be fine Alfred." She said.
"I could call Master Dick, if you would like company." Alfred said.
She shook her head.
"No, thank you, I think that I'm just going to make it an early night. I'll be fine. Don't worry about me." She said.
"You are a part of this family now, of course I'm going to worry about you." Alfred told her.
She smiled, and gave him a hug.
"Thank you Alfred." She whispered.
"Anytime. You are good for Master Bruce. I am glad you decided to give him a chance." Alfred said.
She laughed.
"He was stubborn, and wouldn't take no for an answer. At some point, he grew on me." She said.
Alfred laughed.
"I think it's safe to say you've grown on Master Bruce as well." Alfred told her.
"You believe so?" She asked.
"I know so, trust me, you've been starting to break through his walls." Alfred said.
"Thank you Alfred. You should get going, you have things you have to do. Be careful out there." She said.
"I will." Alfred said.
She gave him one last hug, then he left. Hope poured herself a small glass of water, and drank it. She quickly washed the glass, and set it out to air dry. She headed back to the bedroom.
She got halfway to the bed, when she felt as if something was off. She stopped in her tracks. She was on high alert. She noticed the window was open. Her brain started going through everyone that could possibly have opened it.
She felt the air move behind her. She spun around, and raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"This is a surprise. I haven't seen you in a while. I thought you weren't going to be coming around any longer." She said.
"I couldn't stay away from my unicorn any longer." He told her.
He closed the space between them, fairly quick. He had a smirk on his lips, and his eyes were locked on hers.
"Why are you here, Jason?" She asked.
"I needed to see you again." He whispered, as he tucked her hair behind her ear.
"Why? What do you want from me?" She asked.
He smirked.
"You don't want the answer." He said.
"Yes, I do." She said.
He smiled.
"Okay then. Let me show you." He said.
He put his hand on the back of her neck, and kissed her. She froze. She was having trouble thinking straight. She had been caught off guard. Her mind finally snapped on, and she pushed him away from her. She held her finger up.
"No. You can't do that. Not to me. If that is all you want, then you can just leave now." She told him.
"You have no idea who he is." Jason said.
"Maybe, I don't care, did you ever think that?" She asked.
"I don't believe that." He said.
She shook her head.
"I think you need to leave." She told him.
He took her hand in his.
"I don't believe you." He said.
"She told you to leave, Jason."
Hope looked past Jason, and saw Batman standing in the darkness. Relief washed over her. Her eyes went back to Jason's.
"Now Jason! Do not make me ask you again." Batman threatened.
Jason gave her a smile, and let her hand slip out of his. She took a step away from Jason. As she did, Batman lunged at Jason.
Batman threw Jason up against the wall, and pinned him there. Hope could feel the anger coming off of Batman, in waves.
"Never come here again. If you do, I will turn you over to Gordon myself." Batman yelled.
Hope's heart sped up. Jason looked from Batman, to Hope.
"Open your eyes." Jason said.
Hope blinked in confusion, as Batman slammed Jason more forcefully against the wall.
"Do not speak to her! If you come near her again, I will hand you over to Gordon. Am I understood?!" Batman demanded.
Jason didn't respond. Batman began punching Jason. Blood started falling from Jason's nose and lip. Hope was afraid he wouldn't stop.
"Batman! Stop! Jason, tell him you agree, then get out of here." Hope said, putting her hand on Batman's shoulder.
Batman stopped punching Jason. Jason coughed a couple times, then looked up at Batman.
"Fine." Jason said.
Batman let go of Jason.
"Now, leave." Hope said.
Jason wiped the blood from his nose off, and went over to the window. He looked at her. A moment later, he jumped out. She wrapped her arms around her ribs.
"How much did you see?" She asked, not looking at him.
"I saw enough to know that you didn't want him to do that." Batman said.
She exhaled loudly, and turned to face him.
"He's been trying to turn me against Bruce. He's insinuating that Bruce is cheating on me. He asked if I knew where Bruce went everytime he leaves me. He tells me that I don't know Bruce at all. He didn't believe me when I told him I didn't care." She said.
Batman studied her for a moment.
"You don't? Why not?" Batman asked.
"I know Bruce, and how he is with me. I trust him, and there's nothing Jason can tell me, that will make me change my mind." She said.
"Bruce Wayne is just a man, he has secrets, just like any other man." Batman said.
"Of course he does. Everyone does. I mean, you dress up in a bat suit, beating up the bad guys, and I trust you. Should I not trust Bruce?" She asked.
"I never said that." He said.
"Until Bruce gives me a reason not to, I'm trusting him." She said.
Batman gave a nod.
"So, where is he then?" Batman asked.
He studied her for a moment.
"He's working. I'm usually asleep when he gets in." She said.
He walked closer to her.
"He works alot." He said.
She nodded.
"Yeah, but he's Bruce Wayne. He has a company to run. It's not easy." She told him.
"It must get lonely at times." He said.
She sighed.
"Sometime, but when I start feeling lonely, I go to sleep. I sleep, because I know that when I wake up, he will be right next to me." She told him.
"Bruce Wayne is a very lucky man." Batman said.
She smiled.
"I've heard that one before, but I feel like I'm the lucky one." She said.
"Really? Why is that?" Batman asked.
"Bruce changed my mind about him. It was a surprise, and he's the opposite of who I thought he was. He surprisingly enough was everything I was looking for. I'm glad he was so stubborn." She said.
"You sound like you love him." Batman said.
She felt her face start to burn.
"Does he know how you feel?" He asked.
"I don't know. I haven't told him yet. I don't want to scare him off. He's never really been the relationship kind of guy, and I don't want to say it, then have him freak out that I'm moving too fast, and expect a ring, and kids." She said.
"Do you really believe that he would do that to you?" He asked.
"When people get scared, they do things emotionally. I just don't want him to think I'm pressuring him, into something." She said.
"Why would he get scared?" He asked.
"We're talking about Bruce Wayne here. He doesn't do relationships, and why he chose me for his first one, I don't know, but I don't want to jinx it, by telling him how I feel, and have him run away from me at whiplash speeds. I'm not going to push him into something he's not ready for." She said.
"Do you think he feels the same?" He asked.
She exhaled loudly.
"Bruce has some very tall, and barricaded, walls built around him, but I think he's let me in as much as he can. I was told that I've grown on him." She said, with a smile.
"Is that what you want?" He asked, studying her closely.
She frowned.
"Haven't I been clear? Of course I do!" She said.
She saw a flash of a smile.
"I apologise for questioning you. I did not mean to upset you." He said.
She shook her head.
"It's not your fault, I'm just feeling off from Jason's visit." She said, running a hand over her face.
"Jason will not bother you again." He told her.
She nodded.
"You were pretty pursuasive." She said.
He suddenly went rigid. He frowned. He put his hands on her shoulders.
"Hope, I apologise, but I must go." He said.
She nodded.
"I understand, go ahead, you have work to do." She said.
He put his hand to her cheek.
"Everything will be okay. I won't let anything happen to you." He told her.
Her heart dropped.
"What happened?" She asked.
"Just stay here, okay? Don't leave." He said.
"Joker broke out, didn't her?" She asked.
"No, but it's not safe to be on the streets. Just stay here, please." He said.
She nodded.
"Of course." She said.
He hurried out the window. Why did she feel like something bad was coming? She ran a hand through her hair.
She needed to go to sleep. Bruce would be back by the time she woke up. She changed into pajamas, then got into bed, after turning the lights off.
She'd left the TV on, to see what was happening on the news.
It was a couple of hours later, when she was starting to doze off, that she heard a slight disturbance, in the other room. She sat up straight, and looked towards the door. Was someone out there, or was it just her imagination?
She strained to hear something, anything, but couldn't. She heard a shuffling sound, right outside the door a moment later. She got off the bed, and looked around the room. She needed a place to hide.
She wasn't quick enough. The door opened. She relaxed, when she saw who it was.
"Thank God it is you!" She said.
She ran over to Dick, and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her as well.
"I'm happy to see you as well. Bruce asked me to stop in, and check on you, since Alfred is helping him. He figured you were bored, and would like some company." He said.
She nodded.
"Sounds great. I was just laying down, and watching the news." She said.
"News? It's kind of depressing though, isn't it? Let's watch a movie." Dick said.
She smiled, and nodded.
"Sure. Put in Cabin in the woods, and then we can get comfortable." She said.
She got back in bed, as he got the movie ready. Dick grabbed the remote, and kicked off his shoes, then got into the bed next to her. He started the movie, skipping the previews. He laid his arm out, and she laid her head on his chest. He wrapped his arm around her.
"So, how are you really doing, Hope?" Dick asked, after a while.
"I'm okay. Joker is still locked up in Arkham, Jason has finally gotten the idea that he can't change my mind about Bruce, so I'm fine." She said.
"Okay, and how are you and Bruce doing?" He asked.
She smiled.
"Bruce and I are fine. Why do you ask, Dick?" She asked.
"I just know how Bruce can get, and want to let you know that if you ever need to talk, or anything, really, call me, anytime." He said.
"Thank you, yes, I know. I appreciate it Dick, but Bruce and I are just fine." She told him.
"Okay." He said.
X*X*X
The next morning, she opened her eyes, and smiled. Bruce had replaced Dick next to her on the bed. She moved closer, and he wrapped his arms around her.
"Good morning." He mumbled.
"Morning. How was work last night?" She asked.
"Exhausting, Queen Consolodated is requesting my presence, at their facilities." He said.
She propped herself up on her elbows, facing him.
"Oliver wants you to go there? Are you going to?" She asked.
"I think I'll have to. Why?" He asked.
"Would it be out of line, if I were to ask to come, as well?" She asked.
He opened his eyes, and looked at her.
"You want to go to Queen Consolodated, with me?" He asked.
"Not exactly. I'd like to see Felicity and Thea again." She said.
"Thea?" He asked.
"Oliver's sister." She said.
"How well do you know Queen?" He asked.
"I got along well with Thea. Oliver was around alot. So, may I join you?" She asked.
He smiled at her.
"Of course. I will let Queen know we're coming." He said.
"Thank you." She said.
He put his hand on the back of her neck, and kissed her.
"Let me call Oliver, you should get dressed." He told her.
He kissed her, then they got out of bed. She went over to her closet, and picked out a hunter green sundress. She dressed in the closet. She left the closet, and went to the bathroom. She brushed her hair, then walked back into the bedroom.
Bruce just got back as well.
"Everything is ready. Oliver said that we can stay with him, if we need to." Bruce said.
"Will we need to?" She asked, wondering if she should pack more clothes.
"I'm sure I can move things around, so that we can stay, if you want." He said.
"What about work?" She said.
He walked over to her.
"Technically, this is work, and I'm sure Dick will give you some time off." He told her.
"Okay, I'll call him, while you get dressed." She said.
She went to leave, but Bruce grabbed her hand, and pulled her to him. He leaned down, and pressed his lips to hers. She threaded her fingers through his hair, as he pulled her closer to him.
"Okay Romeo, you need to get dressed." She told him.
"Would you like me to grab some clothes for you?" He asked.
"You do not have to do that, my hands are not broken, I can do it. I'll be right back." She said.
She left, and went over to the kitchen. She grabbed her cell from the counter. She dialed Dick's number.
"Hope, what's up?" Dick said.
"Hey, I wanted to thank you for staying with me last night." She said.
"Hey, it was no problem, it was my pleasure. Was there anything else?" Dick asked.
"A favor, actually. Bruce is taking me out of town, and I was wondering if I could have a few days off?" She asked.
"Bruce is taking you out of town? With him?" He asked.
She rolled her eyes.
"Yes Dick. Is that so hard to believe?" She asked.
"Oh, no, it's not, well, maybe, a little. Sorry. Sure, you can have time off. Have fun. Tell Bruce I said to have some fun, as well." He told her.
She laughed.
"I'll make sure he does." She said.
"That will be a feat in itself." He said.
"You have no faith in Bruce, do you? He does know how to have fun." She said.
"Well, you do know him in a different way than I do." Dick said.
She rolled her eyes, as she felt her face grow warm.
"Apparently, the fun side of him." She said.
Dick laughed.
"It sure sounds that way. Okay Hope, have fun, and I'll see you when you get back." He told her.
"Thank you Dick." She said.
"Bye Hope." Dick said.
She ended the call, and headed back to the bedroom. Bruce was walking out of her closet, with her rolling suitcase. She raised her eyebrows.
"Apparently, I have the fun side of you. Which side does he get?" She asked.
"How often do you and Dick talk about me?" Bruce asked.
She smirked.
"I think I'll plead the fifth on that one, on grounds it may incriminate me." She said, crossing her arms in front of her.
"Oh really?" He asked, walking over to her.
"Yes. So, what side does Dick get to see?" She asked.
"The more business side of me. Did he really say you got my fun side?" He asked.
"Yes. Did you pack my bag for me? I said that you didn't have to do it." She said.
"It's fine, I wanted to." He told her.
He held her face in his hands, and kissed her.
"Thank you. Dick gave me the time off." She said.
"Before, or after, you were talking about me?" He asked, with a smile.
"I'm still taking the fifth on that. So, when are we leaving?" She asked.
"Shortly, I have a couple more calls to make, then Alfred will take us to the air field." He said.
She nodded.
He left, and she slipped her black ballerina flats on. She put the necklace Bruce gave her, on. She put the matching studs in her ears. She made sure that she had everything she would need. When she was satisfied that she wasn't forgetting anything, she grabbed both hers and Bruce's rolling suitcases, and headed for the living room. Alfred was waiting by the door.
"I'll take those out to the car." Alfred said.
Alfred took the suitcases, and left. She went over to the window, and looked out at the skyline. A moment later, she felt Bruce's arms go around her, and he placed his cheek to hers.
"Is everything okay?" Bruce asked.
"Yes, I'm fine, I was just enjoying the view of Gotham. Are you finished with your calls?" She asked.
"Yes. We can leave at any time." He said.
She turned to face him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and smiled.
"I'm ready, when you are." She said.
He kissed her, pulling her closer to him.
"Maybe we should stay." She said breathlessly.
He smiled.
"As much as I would enjoy that, we can't. We'll have to finish this at a later time." He told her.
"If we must." She said.
He smiled, then kissed her again.
"Let's go, Alfred is waiting for us." He said.
She gave a nod. They headed down to the car.
X*X*X
The jet landed, and Hope got ready to exit. The door opened, and the steps were put down. She was right behind him as they descended the steps. Bruce got to the ground, and held his hand out for her to take.
She took it, and stepped down to the ground. Bruce gave her a quick kiss, then turned to face the two men walking towards them.
"Mr. Wayne, my name is John Diggle, and this is my associate, Roy Harper. Oliver Queen sent us." John said.
"Hello, Mr. Diggle, it's nice to meet you." Bruce said, shaking John's hand.
"So, where is Oliver?" Hope asked.
"He's running late. He told us to bring you to his sister's club, and we will meet you there when he can." John said.
"Of course he is. Oh well, at least we get to see Thea." Hope said.
"You know Thea?" Roy asked.
Hope nodded.
"She's a friend." Hope said.
"Do you have any bags we can get for you?" John asked.
"They're on the jet." Bruce said.
"I'll be right back." Roy said.
"If you'll follow me, I'll take you to the car." John said.
They followed John out to a black town car. John opened the door for them. Hope got in first, then Bruce got in after her. Moments late, Roy brought their suitcases to the car. He put them in the trunk, then got into the front of the car. John was behind the wheel, and headed for Thea's club.
It took a half hour, but they finally made it. They got out of the car, and headed inside. The club was amazing. Hope smiled, as a woman came up to them.
"Hope, is that you? Oh my God, I can't believe this!" Thea said.
Hope smiled, and hugged her.
"I know, right?! You cut your hair! It looks great!" Hope said.
"I figured that it was time for a change." Thea said.
"It looks great." Hope said.
"Thank you. So, what are you doing here?" Thea asked.
"Oliver didn't tell you we're meeting him here. Bruce has work to discuss with him. I figured he would have told you." Hope said.
"It doesn't matter, you're here now. How long are you staying for?" Thea asked.
"A couple of days." Hope said.
Bruce cleared his throat.
"Oh, Thea, this is Bruce Wayne, my boyfriend. Bruce, this is my friend, Thea Queen. She is also Oliver's younger sister." Hope said.
"Boyfriend?" Thea said, shaking Bruce's hand.
"Yes. It's nice to meet you Ms. Queen." Bruce said.
"We should probably talk. I can tell you some of the best stories about Hope here." Thea said, looking at Bruce.
"Let's not, and say we did. Don't even think about it Thea." Hope said.
"We'll talk later." Thea said, with a wink at Bruce.
"Don't believe a word she says." Hope told Bruce.
Thea laughed, and Bruce smiled.
"Thea, I think we should talk." Bruce said.
Hope rolled her eyes.
"This is not going to be good. I'm going to need a drink, if we're swapping stories." Hope said.
"You came to the right place, I own the bar." Thea said.
They followed her over to the bar. Hope sat on a stool, Bruce sat to her left, John to her right, Roy on the other side of John, and Thea went behind the bar. She poured them each a drink. Hope downed it pretty quickly.
"So, how long have you two known eachother?" Bruce asked.
Thea and Hope looked at each other.
"How long has it been Speedie?" Hope asked.
"It's been forever. Twenty years, I believe." Thea said.
Hope gave a nod.
"Sounds about right,. I used to babysit Thea. That's how I met Oliver, actually. He came home early one night. Thea was doing homework, I was helping, if she needed it, and he came in. He started showing up after that night. He wasn't very subtle at times." Hope said.
"Hope never gave my brother the time of day." Thea said.
"I knew his reputation. I was at your house alot back then. It was like a second home to me." Hope said.
"We were happy to have you there. Oliver, more than the rest." Thea said.
Hope rolled her eyes, and downed another shot.
"He was very persistant some times." Hope said.
"Not enough to change your mind though. So, Mr. Wayne, how hard did you have to work to get a date from her?" Thea asked.
Hope smiled.
"It was not easy." Bruce said.
"You were smart though. He got my boss to order me to one of his charity functions." Hope said.
"It was our first date." Bruce said.
Hope nodded.
"Yes, it was." Hope said.
Bruce gave her a quick kiss.
"Nice one. I'm surprised Ollie didn't think to do something like that." Thea said.
"What didn't I think of?" Oliver asked, walking up to the bar.
"Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. You never thought to use my boss to get me to attend one of your charity events." Hope said.
"It never even crossed my mind, back then. My loss, Bruce's gain, I guess." Oliver said.
"Hello Ollie." Hope said.
She stood, and gave Oliver a hug. Bruce shook Oliver's hand, as Felicity, and two men walked up to them.
"Felicity, I was just about to ask where you were. It's great to see you again." Hope said, giving Felicity a hug.
"You too. I have your dress for you as well. Oliver had it repaired." Felicity said.
"Great." Hope said, with a smile.
Bruce put his hand on the small of her back. She looked up at him.
"Oliver and I are going to discuss business. We'll be in the corner, if you need anything." Bruce said.
She smiled, and nodded.
"Have fun." Hope said.
He gave her a kiss, then walked over to Oliver, in the corner. Felicity was grinning at her.
The shorter man elbowed Felicity.
"Hope, this is Cisco, and Barry. They're friends of mine and Oliver's. Guys, this is Hope." Felicity said.
"It's nice to meet you both." Hope said.
She shook Barry's hand, then Cisco's.
"I have to know, what is Bruce Wayne really like?" Cisco asked.
"You do not have to answer that." Barry told her.
"What?" Cisco asked.
Hope laughed.
"It's okay. Bruce is different than what you see in the media. He's very private. Hope said, looking over at Bruce.
She smiled, when he looked over at her.
"Want another shot Hope?" Thea asked.
"Sure." Hope said.
Hope went back to the bar, as Thea poured her a shot. She downed it.
"Okay Speedy, I'm cutting myself off for now." Hope said, three shots later.
Thea nodded.
"So Hope, how long are you in town for?" Barry asked.
"A couple of days." Hope said.
"Do you have anything planned?" Cisco asked.
"Bruce is here on business with Ollie, so I came to see Thea and Felicity." Hope said.
"I'm sure that we can find something to do." Thea said.
Hope laughed.
"I have no doubt about that." Hope said.
Thea laughed as well.
*X*
About an hour later, Bruce and Oliver walked over to them.
"Oliver and I are going to Queen Consolidated, to go over some paperwork. Why don't you stay with Thea, until we get finished." Bruce said.
Hope nodded.
"Thea, why don't you take Hope to your loft." Oliver said.
"Sure. I'll have Sam open tonight. I have to make a call, I'll be right back." Thea said.
She left. Bruce pulled her out of earshot of the the others.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"Nothing. I'll try to make it quick, but have fun with Thea." He told her.
She smiled up at him.
"I'll try. Try not to have too much fun without me." She told him.
He smiled.
"I don't think you have to worry about that." He told her.
She laughed.
"You poor baby, I'll have to reward you later." She said.
"Don't forget, we have some unfinished business to take care of as well." He said.
"I haven't." She said.
He leaned down, and kissed her. She rested her hands on his chest, as she kissed him back.
"Have fun with Thea." He said.
"I always do." She said.
They walked back over to the bar.
A moment later, Oliver, Bruce, John, Roy, and Felicity left. Cisco decided to stay, and Barry stayed, to keep an eye on Cisco. Thea finished her phone call, and they all headed over to Thea's loft.
*X*
Hope had made her way upstairs, to Thea's bed, a couple hours ago. She had been dozing in and out of sleep, in that time. It was very late, when Bruce got there. He spoke with Thea quietly, then made his way up to her. She was half awake, when he climbed in next to her. He pulled her close, and she laid her head on his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her.
"How'd it go?" She mumbled.
"Interesting. Did you have fun with Thea?" He asked.
"Yes. It was great to see her again. Thank you for bringing me with you." She mumbled.
He kissed the top of her head.
"Thank you for coming with me." He said.
"Silly Bruce, I'd do anything for you." She mumbled sleepily.
He ran his fingers through her hair.
"Go to sleep sweetheart. It's late." He told her.
He kissed the top of her head again. She laid her arm across his stomach, and drifted off to sleep.
*X*
Bruce was gone when she woke up the next morning. She got out of bed, and went down the stairs. Thea had crashed on the couch. She found Bruce standing on the balcony, his cell phone was to his ear. He was talking quietly, to the person on the other end of the line.
She watched him for a minute, just admiring him. He had a black tank top on, and his pants. She bit her lip, to refrain from smiling like a schoolgirl, with a high school crush. She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. She opened her eyes, as Bruce ended the call. He dropped the cell in his pocket. He rested his hands on the railing. She watched him a moment longer, then walked up to him. She slid her hands up his back, and rubbed his shoulders. He turned to face her, and put his hands on her hips. He smiled down at her.
"Morning." He said.
"Good morning. You're up early. Did you get any sleep after you got here last night?" She asked.
"I got a couple hours of sleep. How did you sleep?" He asked.
"Pretty good. No nightmares last night, thankfully." She said.
"It did seem like it was more peaceful for you last night. I'm glad." He said.
He pulled her up against him, and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around him, and kissed him back. They only pulled away, when someone cleared their throat. It was Oliver.
"I haven't even had my coffee yet." Oliver said.
"Oh please, you've done worse." She said.
Oliver laughed.
"You're not wrong. The torture I used to put you and Thea through. Fun times." Oliver said.
"Oh dear lord, please don't remind me." She said.
He laughed.
"So, you met Cisco and Barry last night. That must have been interesting, especially Cisco." Oliver said.
"They were very nice, and polite. Cisco had a lot of questions, but was funny." She said.
"That's one way to put it. He's definitely unique." Oliver said.
They talked until Thea got up, then they got dressed, and went out to breakfast.
X*X*X