Disclaimer: I own nothing

Rated: M

Bruce comes back next chapter!


"Rachel Dawes."

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"So, what brings you to see Dr. Crane's speech here?" Rachel asked as the two women settled into vacant seats while Kagome made sure there was one left for Houjo, "If you don't mind me asking, that is. You... just don't seem the type to come to one of these lectures."

It didn't escape both of their notices that the crowd mostly consisted of older men and women, probably already qualified psychologists and psychiatrists who were eager to hear the new theories of one of their colleagues.

"My boyfriend is majoring in psychology," Kagome answered, "He seemed quite excited to see Dr. Crane's lecture and asked me to join him. How could I say no?" She smiled, not giving her true reason for attending, "What about you?" She asked, directing the question back.

"Dr. Crane is the head psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum," Rachel said, "But he is very young to hold such a position," Her voice lowered, "I'm here to see just how competent he really is." She sighed quietly, not liking Crane at all because he kept diagnosing the mafia criminals that she had tried in court as mentally insane.

And she was sure that was simply a load of bull.

Kagome blinked at the strange answer, but didn't push any further because it wasn't any of her business what the woman was doing. She continued with small talk however, quickly taking a liking to Rachel because she seemed like a hard-working honest woman who wasn't superficial like many people were these days.

The world really could use more lawyers like Rachel Dawes.

She gave a text to Houjo, telling him what row of seats they were sitting in and he joined them a few moments later, smiling at her and handing her the water. She went on with the small talk until the lecture began with a loud round of applause from the audience as Crane finally stepped out onto the stage.

But it didn't escape Kagome's notice that Rachel was not one of audience who applauded...

-0-0-0-0-0-

After the lecture was finished, Houjo talked animatedly about it while Kagome only half-listened, giving him polite nods while they walked toward the exit of Gotham University.

"Kagome!"

The Miko turned, looking at the one who called her name and found that Rachel was walking quickly toward them, smiling at her when she finally caught up, "You didn't seem to enjoy Dr. Crane's performance." She teased lightly, not taking too much notice of Houjo.

Kagome rubbed awkwardly at her hair, minding Houjo's feelings, "Ah, well, I'm not majoring in psychology, but it was informing... at least, what I could understand." She smiled as Rachel gave a small laugh.

"I know we just met tonight, but I have a good feeling about you," Rachel said, "Would you like to join me for a drink at Puccio's? It's a hotel slash restaurant not far from here."

Kagome would have agreed quickly, but Houjo looked rather hesitant because she knew that he didn't drink (neither did she, other than those few times she unfortunately did), but the thought of having a female friend in America was pretty tempting.

"Sure, if you don't mind, Aki," Kagome made sure to say his first name to butter him up a little and her smile widened when he sighed and nodded his head, "We'll stay the night at the hotel since it's getting late. I'll pay for it, Aki," She would pay for it... on Sesshoumaru's credit card, 'Serves the dog right!'

"Oh, do you not live in Gotham City?" Rachel asked as the trio headed outside, though Houjo followed behind rather awkwardly.

"New York City," Kagome answered, "We came down to see Dr. Crane's lecture."

Rachel nodded, stopping at her car, "I'll show you the way to Puccio's." She said, waiting for the couple to get into their own car and headed out when the two followed right after her.

The lawyer knew she desperately needed a break from the mafia and Batman...