Chapter 4: Someday

Disclaimer: read chapter 1

Song for the chapter: Someday - Nickelback

The day finally ended, the sun was out technically, though work calls were over. Bruce cleared his schedules much to the board's dismay, so he can do something that needed to be done. Teaching Kathy Knightly how to fight. It took days of begging and insisting for Kathy to finally give the physicality a shot. Bruce as her sensei was the condition. The arrangement wouldn't have been made if it wasn't for Alfred's mouth. He had to tell her that Bruce possessed the art of ninjitsu. If he's lucky, Bruce will show Kathy that it takes more than a electric toy and pepper spray to defend herself. Maybe she might like it. Maybe she'll want more lessons for Bruce, and they'll get close. Who knows. Maybe they'll grow closer after this lesson for Alfred's delight.

"Mind I suggest you go to a gym and teach her, Sir?" Alfred suggested.

"I would, but we don't have a gym here, do we, Alfred?" Bruce asked, pushing the couch a few feet away.

"Well, you could always buy a gym. The same way you bought the Puccio's."

Bruce groaned at that snobbish, embarrassing memory.

"So you think arranging the furniture and fight on the hard ground is better?" Alfred asked.

"Well, if she faced punks on the street..." Bruce walked to the corner of the room and lifted up a large folded fitness mat, "Help me with this mat, would you?"

Alfred sighed heavily, removed his coat to help his employer lay out a ninety-six wide and seventy-two long mat on the floor.

"It'll be much simpler to spend a hundred dollars on a gym membership, instead of going through all this fuss on one lesson," Alfred said, unfolding a corner.

"Exactly why I didn't get a membership. There is a small possibility that Kathy won't enjoy it," Bruce pointed out, unfolding the other side.

"Or a big possibility that she will, Sir." Alfred panted as he lifted up a corner of the mat and dragged it back. "Who would dream to have a private lesson with Gotham's billionaire playboy also known as-"

"I get it, Alfred, but Kathy isn't like that. She's... different."

Once the mat was in place, Alfred turned to look at his master. Something that he has never seen in a while. A gentle flicker of light in his master's dark façade. It must be love. It had to be.

"To tell you the truth, I'm glad you ordered me to be her teacher."

"I simply suggested, Sir," Alfred argued with light amusement. "But go on."

"She is hiding something, Alfred. I saw her, the night in the room. Something that scared her into not telling me." Bruce released his hold on the other corner and looked at his butler with a serious look on his face.

The elderly man straightened, stretching his back, "To be fair, Master Wayne, the girl went through a terrible ordeal."

Bruce shook his head in disagreement, "No. No. Something is going on with her. Think about it. Her car broke down at the docks. Far away from the main road to her apartment and bridge of Arkham. Why would she go to the docks? Better yet, why did she decide to leave work two and a half hours early?"

"Why do you leave work very early?" Alfred challenged. Bruce didn't respond. "So this fighting lesson was a plan to force Dr. Knightly to crack?"

Bruce stared down at the mat, lowering his head sheepishly, "Not exactly force her to crack."

"Master Wayne, you are Bruce Wayne." Alfred scolded him. "Not Batman. That woman is a civilian, not a criminal."

"I get that, Alfred."

"No, you don't. I understand that you care for this woman, but you must remember to keep your personal thoughts and professional separate."

"And you think I haven't done that? I'm not dating her even though I want to!"

It took a moment for Bruce to realize what he had said. Alfred would've been grinning ear-to-ear, but it wasn't his place. He was going to save himself till he was alone.

"Forget it." Bruce ordered. "Forget what I just said."

Alfred bit his lip to suppress the unwanted laughter. He took a deep breath, regaining his composure, just as his master ordered. "As you wish, Master Wayne. Though if I may be so bold, Sir, that Doctor Crane has returned to torture Doctor Knightly is a bold accusation without scientific evidence."

Bruce glared at his butler in disbelief, "What? I didn't - When did I - I never told you that theory."

"You didn't have to," A small curl crept up the corner of his mouth. "You are lucky that I was cleaning the evidence, the afternoon you were asleep."

Bruce rolled his eyes.

"You should know better than to leave office work in the home, Sir." There was pause between them, until the butler spoke boldly again. "You're not going to confront the girl, are you?"

"I have nothing to confront her with. I can't honestly tell her that I parked outside her work to take note her changed routine. She was already weirded out when I bought Pascuale more space."

"Point well made, Sir."

"Good. Glad you agreed." Bruce grunted as he picked up a corner of mat to move it. "Help me with the mat, will you?"

Alfred scoffed but obliged, not complaining the mat's weight.

~000~000~000~

Bruce spent thirty minutes teaching PINK sweatshirt Kathy how to fight. Kathy was eager to throw a punch, but the way she fought was... amusing and adorable. Bruce can't have that. She's cute, but she needed to be aggressive.

Right now, Kathy was learning how to spin kick... trying to learn. Kathy tried to imitate a ninja doing a high spun kick, but end up falling onto her butt. Luckily, Bruce grabbed her arms to keep her from landing on her tailbone.

"Hey, don't try to get ahead of yourself," Bruce said with a laugh. "This is your first class." Bruce looked down to see Kathy moving her ankle around in circles, he chuckled some more, "And I'm guessing that hurt."

"It did," Kathy smiled while shaking her foot, before she regained her composure. "Show me how to kick."

Bruce raised her hands up, telling Kathy to stand back. Kathy took a few steps back and watched Bruce turned his front foot, showing off his ankle, and swung his back foot 180 degrees around. He raised his fists up, guarding his face.

She narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously, "Is that your best kick move?"

Bruce shrugged, "No, but I'm only showing you the basics. Like I said before, you can't get ahead of yourself." He stepped behind Kathy and placed his hands on her waist, "Now feet apart." Kathy made a wide stance that made Bruce bit his lip, holding back the laughter. "Too far." Kathy scooted her feet a little closer together, enough that she didn't look like she's doing squats.

"Better?"

Bruce smiled, "Perfect. Now bend your knees. Turn your front foot out and swing your back leg." He took two steps back to see her kick without getting kicked himself.

Kathy took a deep breath, then stepped her front foot forward, and swung her back leg with a grunt. Her kick made it around 45 degrees. "How was that?"

"Not bad, but you didn't turn your front foot. Make sure that your ankle is facing out front, otherwise your kick won't be powerful and you'll probably have a broken ankle."

Kathy nodded.

"Try again," Bruce commanded.

"Okay," Kathy sighed, taking a moment or two to prepare herself.

"Whenever you're ready," he whispered.

Kathy exhaled, bent her knees, took a step, and made the kick around 180 degrees. She finished by putting her fists up in defense. Kathy turned around to ask Bruce for his approval.

"Better?" she asked.

Bruce smiled and nodded, "It's perfect."

Kathy jumped and clapped happily, "Yay!"

"Try kicking with this pad," Bruce put on the straps of Thai pads around his arms and held them on his hips, blocking his chest.

Kathy took a couple breaths, one kick really stole a lot of energy from her. Kathy didn't want to be winey in front of Bruce, so she did what she'd done a couple times before, kick. When her shin hit the pads, Bruce's arms flew up and hit his face. Kathy gasped and covered her mouth in horror, watching Bruce covered his face and grunted in pain.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry, Bruce!"

Bruce raised his arm, while covering his face with the other, "Don't! Don't be sorry!" Bruce straightened up and pinched his nose, "It's my fault. It's been a while since I learned how to hold these. Good kick."

Kathy gasped again, seeing red drip from his nose, "Your nose is bleeding."

"It's fine," Bruce insisted. "Lets keep going."

"Alfred!" Kathy screamed out. "Alfred!"

"Kathy, don't bring Alfred into this. It's just a bleeding nose, no big deal."

Kathy didn't listen to him, instead she guided him to the couch and laid him down.

"Tilt your head back and pinch your nose," she ordered. "Stay that way, while I get you some tissues."

Bruce watched Kathy disappear from view and groaned in frustration. This was not how he planned this.

Ten minutes later, Kathy returned with toilet paper and kneeled by Bruce's lying side.

"Here, let me help you."

"I got it." Bruce tore the paper from him and pinched his nose again with toilet paper over his nose. He feel the blood back down through this nose, and taste it in the back of his throat, he can smell it without inhaling.

"Can I take a look?" Kathy asked, leaning over Bruce's face.

Bruce gave her a slight push away from his space, "I'm fine, Kathy really."

"No, you're not!" Kathy argued, "You just got hit on the face and your nose is bleeding!"

"It's not a big deal," Bruce insisted, sitting back up from the couch.

"Bruce, I see the blood, you don't. Now quit being so freaking stubborn and let somebody help you for a change."

"I'm a big boy, Kathy, I can do things on my own."

"True, but you can't do everything. You're just a man, not God."

Bruce froze still and stared at Kathy, taking in that bold statement, bold but true statement.

"If you want a friendship to work, there needs to be trust. Now do you trust me?"

'Not if you trust me first.'

Bruce wanted to make that smart comment. Oh, he so much wanted to tell her off saying that he knew, but he wanted her to trust him. He decided to swallow his pride, and do what the girl wanted.

"Now lie back," Kathy commanded. Bruce sighed and lied back on the couch. "Let me see." Kathy removed the toilet paper from his nose to see blood stains on his nose, and noticed a bruise around his right cheek, "Looks like someone is going to have a new shiner."

Bruce groaned, "Lucky me."

Kathy laughed hysterically.

Bruce frowned and sent icy glares at Kathy, "Did I amuse you?"

"I-I'm sorry," Kathy said in between giggles, "It's just you're so adorable when you blush."

Bruce scoffed, "Blush? I don't blush!"

"You are. Right now."

Bruce paused when he felt blood heating up his cheeks. Was he really blushing? The last time he blushed was when he was a kid, that day he handed Rachel a daisy from his greenhouse. Rachel giggled when she noticed his cheeks turning beet red, and said that it was adorable, that only made his cheeks turned bright red. Now he's blushing because he's embarrassed.

"Aw, don't worry about it, Bruce. No need to be embarrassed. Everyone has nose bleeds. Trust me. On the plus side, at least we're here and not in a public place, then your whole body would be flushed."

Bruce mentally patted himself on the back for deciding to train here in his home then Alfred's suggestion to go to a gym.

"To be honest, your blushing cheeks are actually kinda cute."

"Cute?" Bruce turned his head and uncovered his nose.

Kathy nodded, "Mm-hm. Cute." Kathy placed a hand on his bruised cheek and caressed it, "Your nose has stopped bleeding, but you need a steak for that cheek."

"Are you my doctor?" Bruce asked with amusement.

Kathy smiled, "Tonight, I am."

Bruce chuckled and Kathy joined the laughter. Bruce sighed pleasantly, "Anything else the doctor requires."

Kathy nodded, "Yeah. Make sure you don't pick your nose, or it may bleed again."

"I'll keep that in mind..." Bruce paused. Before he knew, he felt warm lips on his bruised cheek that lasted for a moment. He blinked and stared at her in disbelief. "What was that for?"

Kathy's eyes widened slightly, averting his gaze, "Uh, well... Ever heard of that a kiss takes the pain away?"

Bruce smiled, "Sure, I have." He stopped, almost reluctant to finish. "My... my mom sometimes do it when I'd done some crazy stunts that cost me an arm and leg."

"You broke an arm and leg?"

Bruce shrugged, "On different occasions."

Kathy giggled. A smile returned to her pretty face, right where it belongs. She caressed the man's cheek lovingly. He didn't know he was imagining it, but her face was inching close to his. Was she giving another motherly, boo-boo kiss, again?

Despite the bloody nose and the bruise on his face, she admitted that Bruce Wayne was handsome, one of the better looking guys she met, tied with Crane... almost tied with Crane. She recalled his toned muscles, his soft hair, and even his dark eyes. She felt, smelt, and saw him. She wondered what his lips tastes like...

Answering that question, she leaned forward, pressing her rosy lips on his own.

Bruce didn't process what was happening. He was still trying to shake off the kiss on the cheek, feeling sparks of electricity that radiated his whole body. Now, he can taste vanilla bean on her lips. It was delicious.

Before he could instinctively slip his tongue inside her mouth, he was pushed back on the couch. Opened his eyes to meet Kathy's horrified gaze, who couldn't believe what she had done.

She cursed her own morbid sense of curiosity. Why did she do that? What made her do that? What was she thinking? The truth was she wasn't thinking. One look at him and things happened without explanation.

"I-I'm so sorry!" Now it was Kathy's turn to be embarrass.

Bruce shook his head, and said breathlessly, "No. No. I - uh-"

"I have no idea why I just did that!"

"It's fine, and I don't think that's what you've came for."

"It's not!" Kathy raised herself up on her feet and grabbed her bag from the couch.

Bruce furrowed his brows in confusion, "What are you doing?"

"I'm going home!" Kathy stated, slipping the bag on her shoulder.

"Home?" Bruce sat up and stared at the girl questionably. "I-I thought we - what about your lesson?"

"This was a mistake! I shouldn't have talked you into this. You're right. I'll take some lessons at the police department... eventually."

"Nancy, listen-"

"I'm so sorry, Bruce. If you don't want to see me again that's fine with me."

"That's not-"

"Now I have to go!" Kathy dashed toward the elevator and frantically pressed the button.

"Nancy, wait!" Bruce rushed after the petite. "Don't go! It's just a simple kiss! Don't get worked up over it! Nancy!"

The elevator doors opened. Kathy ran inside and pressed the elevator door close just when Bruce reached it. Kathy pressed the button that was her exit to the penthouse.

Outside the elevator, Bruce slammed his fist against the doors. He had her. He was close to earning his trust, then it slipped from his fingers.

"DAMN IT!" He cursed loudly.

Outside the penthouse building, Kathy frantically waved for the nearest taxi. Once a taxi car parked her side, she went into the back with a slam. The cab driver didn't notice her distress, he just asked the address casually. When she told the direction to her apartment building, the cab driver turned the wheel, heading back into the street. She leaned her head against the window and pounded her thigh in frustration.

"Oh, Dear God, why did you have to be stupid?" Kathy whispered to herself.

'Do you mean what made you decide to be stupid?'

Kathy didn't need to look to see her hallucination sitting next to her with a suit, tie, and briefcase.

'Go away,' she commanded.

Jonathan sighed, ''You know I said the exact same thing to Scarecrow, and look how that worked out.''

Kathy squeezed her eyes shut, massaging her temples. She was trying very hard not to cry.

"If you really wanted me gone, you should've taken some medication." The fear doctor scoffed in amusement. "Of course, you already thought of it, but... you chose not to. And why?"

'I'm not insane,' Kathy weakly argued.

"Exactly my point. That's why you will never tell anyone about the voices in your head... especially Bruce, who no doubt takes a fancy to you these past few months."

Kathy scoffed, 'I don't know what you mean.'

Jonathan chuckled, removing his specs to pinch the bridge of his nose. She waited for him to finish, but he didn't. It was becoming obnoxious. She wanted to scream at him to stop, but what good would that do? The taxi driver was near. Jonathan's laughter force Kathy to cover her ears, it only grew worse when she heard another laugh. John Doe's laugh. She grunted and wrinkled her brows, seemed to be in pain. Her heart was racing, her breathing hitched from holding it so long. The second she'll open her mouth, she will scream. That's exactly what Scarecrow wanted. To drive his mistress insane. Just like him.

"Miss?"

The voices and laughter ceased. Her watery eyes opened to see a Kleenex in view. The driver was offering her an handkerchief. Was she really crying? Was she that obvious?

Kathy took the handkerchief, nodding her head with appreciation. The driver didn't say anything else, just resumed driving once the traffic light cued green. The doctor was relieved. She can't handle another conversation, especially mental ones.

'You seriously think that you can insult my intelligence by lying to me, Kathryn.'

Her hallucination was gone, but the voice was still there.

'Lying to me is like lying to yourself.'

Kathy wasn't lying. There was nothing going on between her and Bruce, only friendship. Except when they kissed. She kissed him, technically. She didn't know what came over her. Was it desire for companionship? She didn't know. She didn't know what she's going to say when Bruce calls her. She won't answer. That will be her plan. Cut off phones ties between her and Bruce, just to give him an idea that she wasn't interested. She can't be interested in him. She was still going through so much - work, bills, Jonathan's unannounced appearances, schedule changes to avoid a killing by an isolated clown psychopath. Having a relationship with a billionaire was the last on her mind.

Though, the kiss reentered her mind. That sweet, soft taste of the man who was capable of throwing a punch, even though he had the money to pay someone else to do it. He was handsome, charming, caring. A man that any woman dreamed of marrying. Maybe having a relationship won't complicate things, but make it better. Maybe he was the key to sending the voices away.

The wheels of her brain never stopped turning on the way home.

~000~000~000~

Tonight was the night for Harvey Dent's victory party, hosted by his blonde intern. Lacey left the apartment early to make sure everything was spot on at City Hall. She was lucky that the mayor agreed to host the party at its location.

Kathy was invited to tag along, but declined, claiming she was ill. That was partially the truth. Though, there were bigger reasons for her absence. For one, she didn't have a date. Not that excuse would matter, because Lacey didn't have a date either. Lacey was, no doubt, disappointed that she will be the only young, single woman to attend the party. Two, Kathy wasn't in the mood to party. Not just because of her newfound breakouts on her face due to stress and paranoia. She really wished that her sister can be the fairy godmother and massage the tension away.

The doctor was settling on the couch, watching 'Full House' while pigging out homemade cheesecake. Just when Michelle was about to say her classy line, somebody knocked on the door.

Kathy jumped at the sudden noise, whirling around at the sound's direction. She tensed up, raising her shoulders slightly.

She paused to make sure that this wasn't another part of her imagination. There was the knock again.

"Uh... W-Who is it?" Kathy called.

"It's me, Nancy. Bruce Wayne."

Kathy blinked. Bruce Wayne. He was here? She lowered the volume on the tv, and called again to make sure it was real.

"What?"

"Bruce Wayne. Can we talk?"

"Um..." Kathy rubbed the sleepy in her eye, "W-What about?"

"Uh... just to talk," Bruce replied uneasily. "Listen, Nancy, can you please let me in? It's really hard to make a conversation if I'm talking literally to a door."

A part of her - the paranoid part of her - said that it was a bad idea. Bruce was here to talk about the obvious - the kiss. The plan was supposed to cut ties from him. She can't have anymore complications.

Though the bigger part of her wanted the company. Having a friend in her home was a better scenery than a thousand at Lacey's party. If Kathy kept isolating herself, she will go mad. That's the last thing she wanted.

She placed the cheesecake aside to stand, only to realize that she wasn't wearing a bra. "Sugar - oh uh - Bruce!"

"Yes?"

"Just... give me a second." Kathy didn't hear his reply as she hurried to put on her bra, before putting back on her extra large Florida T-shirt. She narrowed her eyes at the mirror to see a chocolate stain on it.

"Sugar!" She removed it and opened her draw to find something more suitable. All she had was T-shirts. The fancy blouses and dresses were in the closets. She can't show that she wanted the billionaire, but she didn't want to look like a bum either. What to do. She didn't want to get started with the greasy curls hidden in her bun or her margarita breath.

She was surprised that Bruce's patience wasn't wearing thin. She opened the door, finally presenting herself in leggings, a PCC sweatshirt, glasses, and a bun on her hair. She almost looked to be a college student again. There were doctors who mistaken her as a fifteen year old playing pretend. A casual dressed youth facing a mature billionaire? That should be illegal.

Though, there he was. Standing tall and proud in a white button-up shirt and black pants. Wide brown eyes and agape mouth. His arm raised about to knock on the door again.

"Hey," she greeted breathlessly, forcing a polite grin across her lips.

Bruce lowered his arm, returning the smile, "Hey, Nancy."

"Um - yeah, sorry for keeping you out, I... I just didn't expect-"

"It's okay. I know. I would've called to warn you, but... somebody refused to answer."

Kathy lowered her eyes, embarrassed.

"That's why I called Lacey. Did she tell you?"

"Obviously not. I guess she was disappointed that I didn't go to her party - well, technically, Harvey Dent's party, but still-"

"May I come in?" Bruce asked.

Kathy blinked, mouth still opened from mid-speaking. She realized that Bruce was still out in the hallway. It appeared that isolating herself was not healthy for her mannerisms.

"Oh yeah!" Kathy shook her head, widening the door, giving Bruce room to enter. "Please. Please come in."

Bruce nodded, stepping inside.

Kathy realized how big a sty was the apartment. Facing lawyers and politicians was better than this.

"I'm - Ignore the mess. Lacey and I had little time to clean."

"It's okay," Bruce faced her with an assuring smile. "I am a pig myself."

"Yeah, but... I don't have money for maids like you do."

Bruce bit his lower lip, while Kathy averted her gaze. The awkward silence resumed. Kathy knew she should've sent this billionaire away.

"So... what is you want to tell me?" Kathy asked, keeping her eyes glued to the carpet.

"Lacey mentioned you two were supposed to party at City Hall," Bruce claimed.

Kathy blinked. Didn't she just asked a question, and he responded differently. This was so random, Kathy was having another migraine.

"Um, yeah, Harvey Dent's victory party. I don't see why you're here, and not over there."

"Because I wasn't invited."

That statement finally earned a look from the doctor. Bruce Wayne, prince of Gotham, not invited to a party? That's something Kathy didn't expect to hear.

"Really?" Kathy asked. The billionaire nodded. "Why?" She mentally slapped herself for asking. "I-I'm sorry. Scratch that. You don't need to-"

Bruce chuckled, "It's okay. Not a big deal. Let's just say that... Harvey and I are not in cahoots. Not that I blame them."

Them? Nancy Drew wanted to learn more, but must draw the line despite the curiosity. The tone of Bruce's voice showed that its final.

"What about you?" Bruce asked.

"Me?" Now it was Kathy's turn to be in the spotlight.

"How come you're not going?"

Kathy shrugged, "Just... not in the mood. I guess Lacey isn't too thrilled of me staying."

"To be honest, she wasn't. She sounded mopey on the phone. But honestly, why would a pretty girl like you be here, on a Saturday night, watching sitcoms and eat dessert... all alone?"

Kathy pressed her lips together, crossing her arms and averting his gaze. "Why are you here?"

"Because..." Bruce took a step forward towards her. Kathy tried her best to look away, only the task failed for Bruce pinched her chin and lifted her head up, forcing her to look. "I want to make sure I'm not losing another friend."

'Another friend?'

Kathy scoffed, "I wouldn't exactly call us 'friend's."

"Why not?" Bruce challenged her.

Kathy let out a disbelief laugh, "Bruce, are you trying to make this difficult. I kissed you."

Bruce pressed his lips together, shuffling his hands inside his pockets.

"And I know you didn't just come here to check on a 'friend'. I see the way you look at me. It's almost like Cra…" Kathy stopped herself from saying the name out loud.

"Crane," Bruce offered.

Kathy sighed, rolling her eyes. "Yeah." she nodded. "Just like Crane. I know we have grown close over these past few months. The dinners, the movies, the helicopter ride - it was great. All of it was fun and great. And I would love to see you like that, but-"

"Doctor Knightly, are you always this cocky?"

Kathy blinked. Her breath hitched. Oh no. Did she go to far? Did she read the signs wrong? Did Crane screw her in the head badly? Did she make a bigger fool of herself?"

"Cocky but oh, so clever."

Kathy nearly choked from the length of time she has been holding her breath. Her jaw drop, receiving the oxygen. For a split second, she thought about signing up for electroshock therapy, just to help her forget her delusions and hallucinations - despite the nasty side effects.

"Kathy, I don't want you to think I'm not interested. I am, honestly. I wanted nothing more than to ask you out on a date, something more exotic and romantic than Pascuale's. Offer a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on." Bruce stepped forward till he cornered her against the counter. Few inches apart. "But you're not ready."

Kathy remained silent.

"You're not the only one who is good with people. I see that you're still struggling, and having a romantic relationship is the last in your mind."

Kathy opened her mouth to offer her assurance, but he continued.

"And that's okay. For now, I will settle with being your friend. A friend who won't let you rot in solitary confinement." He gestured the small apartment.

Kathy wanted to argue, but couldn't find the words to say. Bruce basically stole the words that she planned out in her head. He was right. Surprisingly, the playboy was good with people. She was the doctor. She was supposed to be the adult, the more superior. What was wrong with her?

"Be honest, Nancy, you know isolating yourself is unhealthy."

Kathy breathed out her frustration, clearing out the clog from her throat. She had to say something, but it came out a 'mm-hm' in agreement.

"I thought so. That's why I, as your friend, am telling to get dressed."

Kathy blinked, "Wait what? Why?"

"Because... we are going to crash a party. As much I want to stay and keep you locked away with sitcoms and liquor, I would rather treat you with some fresh air and people."

Was he really thinking about crashing Harvey Dent's party? The one that he was not invited? The smart part of her thought this to be a bad idea. Though, she was invited, and Lacey allowed her to bring a plus one if she chose to. As long as it wasn't someone from Arkham. No more workplace romance. Kathy learned her lesson. Can Bruce be an exception?

"Will there be more of me downstairs?" Kathy asked with hesitation.

Bruce let out an embarrassed laugh. Kathy was still holding a grudge with the snobby hotel incident. If only she knew the real reason.

"A little insulted, Nancy... But yeah, I know I have a reputation for crashing parties, making a grand entrance, gaining the reporters and attractive girls attention..." Bruce paused, when he noticed Kathy raised a brow at him questionably. "But the attractive girls aren't as pretty as this lovely rose in front of me."

"Bruce!"

"Okay. Okay! I'm done," Bruce raised his hands up defensively. "But seriously. I promise to try and be normal. I mean look at me!" He gestured his choice of clothing. "No jacket and tie."

"Mm-hm. We still can't get away being fashionably late, or make an exaggerating grand entrance. You are a prince compared to city's district attorney."

"Please, Nancy?"

Kathy groaned, averting the puppy dog pout. Bruce lack practice from his spoiled childhood, but it was there somehow softening the woman's heart. Her other voice tried to talk sense of why it wasn't a bad idea. The last thing she wanted was to listen to him. He caused all sorts of trouble up to the point of her acting a hermit like her quiet sister. Though, she could never forget the incident with Pascuale's, running away from the paparazzi.

This really was a bad idea. An idea that she caved in.

"I'll get dress."

Bruce pressed his lips together tightly, suppressing the small victory. He kept the face as Kathy locked herself in the bedroom. Didn't see why for he would never walk intentionally to see a woman naked. He had seen too many those from models, dancers, actresses who kissed up and presented themselves like prostitutes. The sex may be great, but it didn't exactly feel his needs. It was a chore that Bruce had to prosper repeatedly. The cost of being the Batman.

Bruce took a look around the living room, until he faced a mirror. He adjusted his sleeves and collar, wishing that he did wore his suit jacket and neck tie. The habit of keeping up with the playboy act. He normally didn't care what people thought of him, but he's so used to looking his best for the public, wearing just a shirt and dress pants was a new style the public don't see everyday. But this wasn't about him tonight. It was about being a good friend. Crashing a party may not be the way, but at least he kept his friend from hiding.

He turned his attention to a CD play on a shelf next to the TV. There was dust on top of it, clearly haven't been used in a long time. Was it broken? Was there a song inside? Becoming the proverbial cat, he pressed the on button on the CD player, then the play button. There was a CD in the player, and a sound of a guitar was playing in the background before the lead singer was singing a verse.

"What day is it? And in what month? This clock never seemed so alive..."

Bruce listened to the song intently, trying to figure out the title of the song. He was playing this song as a guessing game, while waiting for Kathy to return. He hoped that he can guess the song before she comes back.

"I can't keep up, and I can't back down. I've been losing so much time..."

...

Kathy slipped on a sleeveless black and white pattern dress with a black dressy sweater and heels. She hurried to put on makeup, brush the margarita off her breath, and braid hair into a fancy bun.

"Cause it's you and me, and all of the people with nothing to do - nothing to lose."

Kathy stopped applying foundation in mid-pat, listening to the familiar song from the old CD player.

"And it's you and me, and all the other people, and I don't know why... I can't keep my eyes off of you..."

Kathy frowned, remembering the song all too well. This song hit Kathy like a tornado knocking down a brick house.

"Remember, Kathryn?" his voice asked.

Flashback...

"Any update on John Doe?" Kathy asked, putting two quarters inside the vending machine.

"Still isolated." Jonathan explained nonchalantly, pouring himself some coffee, "No visitors without my approval."

Once Kathy pressed the Coco-Cola button, the can came out of the vending machine with a bang. She opened the can and took a sip from it. "What about Arkham? Did he pay him a visit?"

"Few occasions to make sure he took his medication, and not up to any tricks."

"He should be in medication often. Maybe if he's drugged up or in a relax state, maybe he'll tell you a lot about himself truthfully."

Jonathan shook his head in disagreement, "No. Arkham and I tried those methods on him in the past..."

"And?" Kathy urged him to continue.

Jonathan sighed in frustration, "Either the clown is clever or just random and irritating. I'm guessing the latter."

Kathy took a sip from her coke, "From what I've been told, everyone has a weakness. The Joker has got a weakness, he's just good at hiding it."

Jonathan looked at her questionably, "You really believe that the Joker can be cured?"

"Don't you?"

Jonathan remained silent, not answering her question right away. He turned away from Kathy and took a sip from his coffee.

"You can't give up, Jonathan."

"I didn't say anything about giving up, Kathryn. You must know the Joker is making it difficult to believe that everyone can be cured. He's insane and unpredictable... He'll say and do things that will get to you."

"So I noticed from the interviews. You were always so... cold and emotionless with the Joker. I don't know how you cope it."

"I have to. If I don't, he might use my emotions as an advantage. Kathryn, I highly doubt you'll have the Joker one-on-one, but if you ever do, stand your ground and don't let him get to you."

"I already know that, Jonathan. I'm not stupid."

"I know you're not. Just giving you a fair warning..." Jonathan shook his head, "Let's not talk about that wretched clown. It seems when he's not around, he's already causing trouble..."

"Okay... how about... let's talk about our plans for tonight."

Jonathan arched a brow at her, "Why do you want to know my plans?"

Kathy shrugged, "Because... I was thinking that my apartment is homier than your office... and the janitor's closet." She tried not to blush of what transpired in that narrow room. "Why not come to my place and chill for the night?"

Kathy recalled the last time, Jonathan and Kathy had dinner and watch a movie at her place, after their third kiss in his car on a rainy day. Her heart raced and her stomach fluttered at the thought of their kisses.

"If your friend isn't home."

"She won't. She is covering a shift to catch up with the bills. It's just you, me..." She reached out to hold his hand, "And 'Friends'."

Jonathan silently scolded her with a frown, withdrawing his hand back from Kathryn. "Kathryn."

"What?" Kathy asked innocently.

"We talked about this."

"What? Nobody is here. We have done bolder things in the janitor's closet than this."

"Please, Kathryn, not today."

Kathy huffed, taking a long sip from her can, before setting it down on the counter. She knew better than to pick a fight with Crane. He maybe her forbidden lover, but he's still her superior at work. She walked around the room, gently teasing her fingers on the piano. Her eyes then lied on a small radio. She began to fiddle with the knob and pushed the on button. It started playing a loud, crashing noise. Jonathan's hand flinch, surprised to hear that awful sound, until he saw Kathy tuning different stations on the radio.

"What are you doing?" he demanded.

"I'm bored," Kathy replied. "I want to listen to music before my next session. Is that crime?"

Jonathan didn't reply, instead he just continued to drink his coffee. Finally, the crashing noises stopped and replaced by American Top 40 radio host, Ryan Seacrest. He announced the next song - My Happy Ending by Avril Lavigne.

Kathy began swaying and humming to the song, forgetting about the coke that was sitting on the counter. Jonathan was leaning against the counter, looking at Kathy in the left corner of his eye. He was watching her spin in rhythm while listening her hums change to mumbles. Kathy looked up at Jonathan, who stared back, smirking at him.

Kathy approached Jonathan, taking his coffee mug and placing it on the counter next to him.

"I was drinking that," he told her.

Kathy ignored his comment, taking his hand and leading him to the center of the room.

"What are you doing?" he demanded.

"We're dancing."

Jonathan blinked in confusion, not sure if he heard her right, "Excuse me?"

Kathy huffed and faced Jonathan when they were in the center of the break room, "I said that we. Are. Dancing."

"We're dancing?"

"Mm-hm."

"In this room?" he pointed at the ground in front of him, indicating the room.

"Yep."

"You do realize we are not in your apartment, correct?"

"Uh, yeah. But that doesn't mean we can't move it." She skipped her legs.

"Kathryn, we can't." Jonathan looked over his shoulder to check if anyone wasn't around, "Someone might walk in. Arkham will lecture us for being childish."

"So what?" Kathy asked.

Jonathan looked at her in disbelief, "Kathryn, this is Arkham, not a ballroom."

"Oh, come on. Just one dance. Dance with me, Jonathan." Kathy was pleading with a puppy-dog look, "Please. For me. It'll make me really happy. It wouldn't be fun if I didn't have someone to dance with."

Jonathan pressed his lips on a thin line, clearly annoyed by her attempt to convince him, "You know that doesn't work on me, right?"

"Please, Jonathan," Kathy begged, caressing his face with her thumb.

Jonathan received chills from her gentle touch. He had to admit, she was adorable when she begs. He smiled and replied in a polite way, "No."

After the song was over, Ryan Seacrest introduced a new song, performed by Lifehouse - 'You and Me'."

Kathy pouted then raised her hands in defeat, "Okay. Fine. If you want to be a chicken about it, then go. Go back to your coffee."

Jonathan scoffed, "Now wait just a minute. I'm not a chicken."

"I don't know. You really don't want people to see you dance." Her face grew into mock concern, "Are you feeling insecure? Is that what this is? You don't want people to know that you're soft?"

"I'm not insecure! I'm fine!"

"Oh, don't worry, Jonathan. It's okay to be embarrass or afraid."

"I'm neither of these things. I can dance when I want to. Just not now." Jonathan turned away from her, but stopped when he heard what Kathy said next.

"Oh, I know what's wrong!" She cried in realization, "You must have Chorophobia."

"What?!" Jonathan cried in shock.

"Chorophobia - fear to dance. See I paid attention to the teacher, Doctor Crane," she cooed teasingly, running a hand through his chest. Crane stepped back to keep his distance, attempting to pry her hands off that snapped out and back onto his chest.

"I'm not scared to dance! We danced at your ex's greet and meet party, remember?"

"And then you carried me outside over your shoulder."

Jonathan was narrowed his eyes at her innocent face, "You didn't seem to mind it."

Kathy inwardly smirked. Her plan to get Jonathan to dance was going to work. She just have to give him a big push.

"And you didn't mind dancing with me in public... but I understand you feel scared and intimidated, because we are in death territory. If you don't want to dance with me, it's fine." Kathy walked over to the radio to turn it off. "We can conquer your fear maybe... next month, maybe more."

Kathy reached her arm to press the power button only to have it yanked back. Her body was forced to turn, her chest collided with Crane's. Jonathan was angry to now amuse by Kathy's surprised expression. He wrapped his arm, that grasped Kathy's bicep, around her waist; then he interlaced his fingers with hers. Kathy's rosy lips stretched into a soft smile as she rested her free arm on his shoulder. Then, they began to slowly move to the music.

"'Cause it's you and me, and all of the people with nothing to do - Nothing to lose. And it's you and me. And all the other people. And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you..."

Jonathan spun Kathy around, then pulled her back to dip her. Kathy giggled as she leaned her back before she was pulled in an upright position. They both take turns stepping forward then back before they spun around till Kathy became dizzy. They gripped each other's hands stepping away from each other, before they pulled back into their arms, causing Kathy to stumble a bit, but Crane grasped her arms to keep her from falling.

"Something about you now that I can't quite figure out. Everything she does is beautiful. Everything she does is right..."

For a moment, Kathy was Cinderella, dressed in a white coat was dancing with her nerdy and uptight Prince Charming. Their fairy tale wasn't perfect, far from it. When she looked into Crane's dashing bright blue eyes, she felt light headed. It was like a dream. It sounded cliché, but Kathy felt like a princess, ready to have her happily ever after.

"...of you, and me, and all the other people with nothing to do - Nothing to prove. And it's you and me and all the other people. And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you..."

Kathy woke up from her fantasy to find her back was touching Crane's chest, and his arms wrapped around her waist and her crossed arms. Kathy smiled widely and giggled like a school girl, before leaning her head back and lightly pressing her lips to his. She no longer felt Crane's arms around her, but felt one hand behind her head and the other around her torso. Kathy let out a squeal as Crane dipped her one more time without pulling his lips from hers. Kathy didn't want him to stop.

"What day is it? And in what month? This clock never seemed so alive..."

They came apart and opened their eyes to look at each other, before they exchanged a sweet smile...

Present...

Kathy returned to reality, realizing that she's no longer in Arkham's break room, but in her bathroom. Bruce was waiting outside, and the song was coming to an end. Kathy looked at herself to see her mascara running, staining her foundation. She has been crying.

"Sugar," Kathy cursed, grabbing pieces of toilet paper to clean her face. That only made it worse. Her running makeup smeared the back of her cheekbones.

"You know..."

Kathy groaned, hearing that annoying voice appear in her mind again. She didn't need to look up in the mirror to see her hallucination right behind her.

"That song has brought so many good memories. Hasn't it, Kathryn? Looking back, I realized that you were provoking me on purpose just so I can dance with you. Clever girl."

"Leave me alone," Kathy grumbled, closing her eyes, praying that her hallucination would go away. Her prays had been denied when Jonathan chuckled wickedly. 'That laugh. I swear if I hear another evil laugh one more time, I'm going to scream.'

Jonathan's evil laughter grew louder, making Kathy cover her own ears. She was hoping she could block the annoying laugh, but it echoed inside her head.

'I keep telling you, Kathryn, you can't get rid of me.' His voice showed a lot of cockiness, something that Kathy didn't like. Bruce maybe a proud man, but he never gloats... at least not on purpose.

"Why can't you just leave me alone?" Kathy demanded with irritation.

"We both know why, Kathryn. I'm in your head, because you keep me there. You thought about me when Wayne was playing our song. You can't deny that you love what we had."

"I'm not, but that's all going to be in the past."

Jonathan smirked, "Is that what you really want?"

Instead of answering his question, she said coldly, "Leave me alone."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I said leave. Me. ALONE!" Kathy threw her fist at the counter, accidentally knocking over a perfume bottle. The glass shattered onto the ground and the liquid scent was stinking up the bathroom.

Kathy broke down in sobs as she lowered herself on the tile floor. Why was this happening to her? Why did Jonathan have to torment her like this? This was unfair!

To make matters worse, Kathy heard the CD player turned off and frantic footsteps coming her way. She really don't want to explain to Bruce why she had been crying, or how she had broken a perfume bottle. He would be mad then disappointed if he found out she couldn't stop thinking about Jonathan.

"Nancy, are you okay?" he asked filled with worry, "I heard shattered glass."

Kathy had her back turned to him. He has no idea how messed up she was.

"Um... Y-Yeah, sorry. I accidentally knocked over my perfume bottle. Now the bathroom is going to have a strong stench."

"Here, let me help you," Bruce grabbed a towel from the counter to wipe away the perfume.

"No, no, it's fine!" Kathy insisted, "I can handle-"

"Oh, Kathy, your leg is bleeding!"

Kathy looked down at her leg to find a small cut on the side of her calf, and found a piece of glass covered with a bit of her blood next to her shoe.

"Oh, it's fine," she dismissed it. "I'll tend to that. No big deal."

Bruce could tell almost immediately that something was wrong. No. He knew something was wrong before the broken glass.

"Nancy?" Bruce placed a hand on her shoulder, but Kathy jerked away from his touch.

"I told you it's no big deal!" she snapped.

"Well, obviously, it is, you're upset."

"If you don't make it a big deal, then I won't be upset over a broken perfume bottle."

"Nancy," he said sternly. He kneeled in front of her without touching the glass or the perfume liquid. He took his thumb and forefinger to her chin turning her face to look at him. Mascara was smeared below her eye lids and cheeks. She had been crying, and it's not because of a broken perfume bottle. "Nancy?"

Tears filled her eyes once more, turning her head away from his gaze. She hated this feeling of being weak. Why couldn't he just respect her wishes and let this go? Because he cared for her, that's why. She appreciated his concern, but there were things she couldn't talk about.

"Kathy, please tell me what's wrong."

Kathy shook her head, "I'm sorry." Kathy sniffled, "I'm sorry."

Bruce pulled her to his chest and rubbed her back soothingly, "Shh. It's alright. I'm here."

Kathy repeated the two words over and over again.

"Nancy, stop," Bruce commanded, "Stop apologizing. Just tell me why you're so upset." Kathy was silent, not answering Bruce or meeting his gaze. "You can tell me anything. You know that."

Kathy eventually meet Bruce's eyes, "The song."

Bruce furrowed his brows in confusion, "What?"

"The song you played in the living room. It was the song that Jonathan and I used to dance to. It was our song."

Bruce frowned, "Oh, Kathy, I'm so sorry. I didn't know-"

"It's okay. I just hate old memories coming back."

"But some were good memories. You don't want to forget the good times you've had with Crane."

"But those memories, I thought were good turned out to be lies!" Kathy snapped. "I'm sick of being tormented by this. I hate him, but I hate that I don't hate him, even when his... other half did to me!"

Bruce wanted to embrace Kathy once more, but Kathy pushed him away. Bruce was slightly hurt by this rejection.

"I'm sorry," Kathy apologized. "I don't want comfort right now. I just want to get this night over with."

Bruce sighed, "I wish I can make this go away."

"But you can't," she grumbled.

Bruce gave up the argument, knowing the longer they stayed, the sooner the party will be over. He merely looked at her with sorrowful sympathy, then caressed her cheek with his thumb. He was relieved that she didn't try to pull away this time, only picked up the glass.

Maybe someday, he'll tell the truth. Maybe someday, he'll save her whether as Batman or Bruce Wayne. Maybe someday, he'll put the cape away and hold onto this girl for as long as he wanted. Maybe someday he'll settle down and have a normal life with this girl. Maybe someday, they will have a special song to dance to; she'll shed happy tears, not sad ones.

"Someday," his whisper was overpowered by the girl's sniffles and sobs.

A/N: Thank you: Mich89 for adding this story to favorites.

whisperingeyes for adding this story to alerts.

The readers for taking the time to read this story, thank you as well. You guys, rock!