I still don't own them.

Finally the next chapter is finished tell me what you think.

Chapter 7

Sitting in the waiting room at the publisher's office I thought about the time that passed. It had been a few weeks ago that Bruce gave an interview explaining our relationship. After that the paparazzi had chased us for two week before their interest lessened. I had been offered gigs at TV-shows and papers wanted to interview me but I declined telling them that I wanted to be left alone.

I was relieved when they finally stopped approaching me. Still they kept their eyes open. Bruce and I attended some galas and fundraisers but mostly we kept to ourselves. The only exception was our weekly date.

The first time I opened up to him had been difficult for me. Now I didn't know why it had been so hard. We practically shared everything. He even told me about the years he had disappeared.

His schedule was always full. Being head of Wayne Enterprises during day and Batman at night didn't give him much free time. Because of that I enjoyed training so much. The sessions were hard and tiring but he was a great teacher. I found myself enjoying his touch every time he corrected my stance. Every time I prepared for a date I felt nervous. At first I dismissed it or thought it was due to the press but after some time I realised it was because of him.

"Miss Mouse you can come in." The assistant told me. I thanked her and entered the office.

"Good evening Mrs Moore." I greeted the woman sitting behind the desk.

"Good evening Miss Mouse, thank you for coming. I read your work and I'm enthusiastic. I love your style."

"Thank you. I was actually surprised by your call." I told her.

"Surprised? Honey, I'm surprised this is your first book. We will publish it. The contract is already prepared. . . "

Wow. I couldn't believe it. Since I couldn't work for a newspaper and loved writing I had decided to try writing a book. Bruce didn't know that. He just knew that I had started working on a project. When I finished my book I sent it to a publisher but didn't think it would be good enough. Now that I had signed the contract I didn't know what to say.

"Your book will be published in a month. I suggest we wait and meet again after that to discuss further actions." Mrs Moore said.

I left smiling. I couldn't wait to see Bruce's face when I told him about my book. Hurriedly I went back home. I wanted to be there before Bruce came home from work.

"Hello Alfred." I greeted the butler who had become a dear friend.

"Good evening Miss Chloe. How was your appointment?"

Alfred knew what I worked on and even read my book before I sent it to the publisher. I wouldn't have done so if he hadn't talked me into it. Smiling I told him the news.

"I am not surprised to hear that. I myself was impressed reading it."

"Reading what?" Bruce asked entering. I hadn't heard the door and neither had Alfred. It impressed me every time how quietly he could move.

"That master Bruce is for me to know and you to find out." Alfred said winking at me. Then he excused himself to prepare dinner. Bruce gave me a questioning glance.

"How was your day?" I asked ignoring his silent request.

"The meeting wasn't too bad." He simply stated. "Will you tell me what you did today or is that too a secret you share with Alfred?"

"Fine, since you are so curious I will tell you now even if I wanted to wait till dinner." I told him and sat on the couch. I waited for him to join me before continuing.

"I finished my project and asked Alfred for advice. Of course I listened to him and today I got my answer."

"I don't understand a word you say, Chloe."

"I wrote a book and it is going to be published in a month." I exclaimed.

"You wrote a book? What is it about?"

"It's about the Justice League and my life in Smallville." I explained.

"Chloe you can't publish that. Lex will find you and all our attempts to keep you hidden were all in vain." He worried.

"Don't worry about that. It's not exactly one book but a little series of children's books. No one will know." I explained and showed him the first printed exemplar Mrs Moore had given me.

He curiously took it. Bruce visibly relaxed while reading. I silently watched him observing his features.

"You wrote books for children. Wow. It's amazing." He said not looking up. When he finally met my eyes he smiled warmly at me. His smile sent butterflies to my stomach. I regretted not being outside right now. I could have kissed him without him noticing that I wasn't acting. If I kissed him now he would know that I was attracted to him. It wasn't love but I liked him and he looked quite good in a suit.

The spell was broken by Alfred informing us that dinner was ready. Not a single word was spoken during dinner. Soon it was time to leave for training so I packed a few clothes and met Bruce in the living room.

"Are you ready?" I asked. He nodded and we left.

"Where are we going?" I wanted to know when I noticed he took a different route.

"That is a surprise." He replied smiling.

"Ok." I said unsure. I wondered where he was taking me. I wasn't dressed for going out. He wouldn't take me on a surprise date at least not without telling me to dress up. So where were we going? As soon as we passed the city limits I got more confused.

"Close your eyes it isn't far anymore." He requested.

I did as I was told and waited patiently. Soon the care came to a stop and Bruce helped me out of the car. My eyes still closed I followed his lead.

"Ok. Now open your eyes."

I did. I was standing in front of a mansion.

"Wow, Bruce what is this place?" I wanted to know stunned at the beauty and the size.

"That is our home. They finished rebuilding it and I wanted to ask it you would like to help me furnishing it."

I must have looked rather stupid because I openly stared at him not believing what I heard. Bruce just grinned and extended his hand inviting me to take it. Then he led me inside showing me around. I was speechless.

"I grew up here with my parents. When they died I hated staying here even in college I couldn't stand coming back but after my seven-year absence things changed. I thought that I lost the last thing I had left of my parents when the manor was burnt down. I still had the construction plans so I had it rebuild and finally I can move home again." Bruce explained.

"Are you sure you want my input? I mean it's your family's home."

"I am sure." He said. "Come on I haven't shown you everything yet." He exclaimed leading me to an empty bookshelf. I had thought it was weird the shelf being the only furniture in the house. When Bruce used some kind of mechanism the shelf slid aside revealing an elevator. We stepped inside and descended into darkness. I had no idea what to expect but definitely not a cave.

"Welcome to the Batcave."

"Wow. That's amazing." I said taking everything in.

"I'm glad you like it because I wanted to ask you to help Batman a little. There is something off with the behaviour of the Mafia bosses and I could use some help." Bruce said.

"I would be honoured to help you." I replied.

"It's already late. I'm going to change and drive you back to town." He explained.

I looked around a bit more before he returned. We took the Batmobile and arrived at the penthouse in record time. I wished him good luck and reminded him to be careful. Alfred was already waiting for me. I couldn't help smiling at his obvious curiosity and told him how glad I was that Bruce let me help. We sat together looking for furniture until we were too tired.

The next morning I went shopping with Alfred. I found a lot of things I liked and Alfred talked me into buying everything despite my protests. Bruce should at least have a look at the things before paying for them. I tried to balance old and new styles in hopes to keep at least some memories of his parents. Alfred had shown me pictures of the manor, which helped me a lot.

It was late evening when we decided to call it a day. At the penthouse I made a list of our purchases and what we still needed to get. It would take me a couple of weeks to furnish the main rooms and Bruce would hire a professional for the rest of the manor.