A/N:

So this is the end, I'm setting you free...

That was just a joke, but this is really the end of this story. After nearly 2 years of writing (1 year, 11 months and 25 days to be precise) I have finally written the end. I am, if I can say so, kind of proud of myself. That's not because it is a very amazing story, but because I have actually finished a fanfiction that contains so many chapters as this one does. That is why I am proud.

I would just like to say that it has been a pleasure to write a Fanfiction that has been liked by so many nice and wonderful people.
Thank you very much.

This is also my Christmas gift to all of you out there. :) Happy Christmas and New Year!

Chapter 36

Edward sighed heavily as he sat in the back of the police car and watched as the darkened scenery flew by in a blur. Lifting his head tiredly he gazed at one of the police men in the front seat, who was looking down at him with a slight glare.

"Where shall we take you?" Someone suddenly asked.

Lifting his head tiredly, Edward gazed at the police man sitting in the passenger seat. He was looking down at Edward with a slight glare.

"Wayne Manor," Edward answered dryly.

Nodding, the policeman cleared his throat and smiled wryly, still staring at the ones in the backseat. When he noticed that Edward was staring back, he turned and sat up straight in his seat.

Edward then looked at Lori who was snuggled in the young man's arms. Her head was lying on his shoulders and she was sleeping. He thought she had a peaceful look on her face, though she was shivering like a leaf in his arms. She had fallen asleep just after they had got inside of the car and driven away from the crime scene and he hadn't bothered waking her up.

The stars were shining bright and everyone was quiet as the police car pulled up in the driveway of Wayne Manor. The policeman got out of the car and politely opened the door for the two of them to get out. Carefully Edward rose, pulling himself away from Lori's sleeping body and got out. He turned around and gently lifted her up. As if it was the most natural thing to do, Lori wrapped her arms around his neck and snuggled her face to his chest. Edward smiled as he looked at her face. Not wanting to wake her up, he asked the policeman to wait for him to come back, telling him that he was just going to carry her inside.

The policeman grunted an irritated 'Okay' and Edward thanked him. With Lori in his arms, he walked up to the huge front door and rung the doorbell. Alfred opened the door.

"Mr. Nashton?" He asked, sounding a bit puzzled, but only until he quickly noticed the girl. "Is that Miss Lori?"

"Yes, it's her," Edward said, suppressing a yawn.

"Oh, my Lord! Are you both ok?" He asked, showing a great amount of concern.

"Yes, we're fine. A bit shocked, but fine. She just fell asleep on the way back. I guess we're both a bit tired." Edward said, shaking his head. "I think I should put her to bed." Alfred held up his hand to stop him.

"It's alright, I'll take her," he offered.

For a second Edward wanted to refuse, but when he saw what looked like a smile appearing on Lori's face he changed his mind. He smoothly handed Lori over to the old butler.

"You should get home, get some sleep. It's been a long, not to mention awful, day for both of you," Alfred advised.

Edward nodded.

"Good night and sleep tight," Alfred said.

"Good night, then," Edward whispered quietly and with that he turned around, quickly making his way down the walkway. The police car was still there in the driveway and he gently slid into the backseat, giving a sign to the policemen that it was okay to drive. The driver started the engine and as the car sped up, Edward glanced back for a moment before the manor disappeared in the darkness.

Alfred closed the front door and carried Lori towards the stairs leading up to her bedroom. He placed her on the bed, tucking her in and putting the lights off. He stood in the doorway, watching her sleep. He hoped she would have no more nightmares tonight.

"Sleep well," he murmured, closing the door behind him.

The sun was already high in the air and a cool breeze flew through the open windows, kissing Lori's sweet forehead and waking her up. She felt dizzy, almost as if her head was spinning around like a globe. Lori stirred and then slowly opening her eyes, she took in her surroundings seeing that she was in her room. She was about to think of Bruce and about where he had gone to, when she suddenly heard a familiar voice.

"You're finally awake."

She glanced and saw Bruce standing in the doorway. He shuffled over to the bed.

"Good morning, Bruce. What time is it?" She asked, yawning.

"About 2:30 PM," he replied.

"What?" Lori said in surprise. "I've overslept again!"

"Yeah, for a moment I thought you would never wake up again." Bruce grinned. "Don't worry about. You had a tough day, much tougher than people can imagine. It probably did you well."

"Yes, at least I feel much better than I did when Joker held me captive," Lori said sighing. "Thinking about what has happened the last few days, I hope that it will be a long time until I have to face trouble again, mostly not that kind of trouble."

"So do I, but that's another thing I don't want you to worry about. The Joker is behind bars, locked inside one of the most secure cell without anyone getting near him, except the guards – and Batman." Lori looked up at him and he grinned. "I followed the police to Arkham to make sure the psycho got locked in for good."

"That's good to hear," Lori said and she tried to smile, but her eyes showed nothing but sadness. "Even though it makes me feel a bit better, it doesn't change anything. The people he has killed – they are still gone."

Bruce shook his head slowly. "Don't talk like that. Yes, they are still gone, but at the same time the Joker won't be able to kill anyone anymore. No one will die like the way they did, at least not for now."

Lori got a little distraught by what Bruce said to her. She didn't like that Bruce described this time of peace only as temporary. Seeing this, Bruce put his hand over hers and tried to smile at her.

"It's going to be ok, one way or another." He kissed her softly on her forehead. Lori looked up at him.

"Thanks," she whispered quietly. "You're too kind to me."

"Only because I care about you so much," Bruce said smoothly and let go of her hand. "I would have liked to stay with you, but as Bruce Wayne I have work to do and meetings to attend."

"So when you're Batman you're not working, is that so?" Lori grinned.

"Work?" Bruce said in an innocent voice and added a smile. "Batman is my hobby. The beating and the explosions – it's pure pleasure."

"I knew you were a masochist!" She laughed in reply.

"Very funny," he said, amused, as he exited the room.

Lori smiled as she got out of the bed and she walked into the bathroom. After taking shower, she quickly got dressed and went downstairs. She strolled into the kitchen to find Alfred cleaning up and finishing his cup of tea. He instantly stood when he saw her and walked over.

"It is so good to see that you are awake," he said and smiled. "I assume that you are hungry or am I wrong?"

"Thank you, and no, you're not mistaking," she said and grinned as Alfred handed her a warm toast.

"I'm always prepared," he said winking. "What are your plans for today?"

Lori shook her head. "Not much. Right now I just want to forget everything and move on."

"That sounds sensible," Alfred said to her. "As long as we do it together."

"Yeah, I supposed that is the best way of doing it," she said and sighed. "Before I met you and Bruce, I used to believe that you did it best when you didn't harm anyone, when no one except yourself was involved. Therefore I never asked anyone for their help. You and Bruce have proved me wrong."

"Miss Lori, let me tell you a story," Alfred began. "There was once a man who lived together with his three sons. All three of them were hard workers, but the pity of it was that they worked very badly together. Each one of the sons only believed in themselves and when they worked, they rarely helped each other." Alfred paused.

Lori was listening intently.

"Then one day," Alfred continued, "the father held up a branch in front of them and asked them to break it. The sons did as their father said and succeeded. Then the father asked the sons to break two branches at the same time. Each son tried to do this, but no matter how much they tried, they were unable to break the branches. They all understood it now. One branch is easy to break, no matter how strong it is, when it stands alone, but when they are together no one can break them.

"Oh, I also get it now," Lori informed. "And the branches were a metaphor for humans?"

"Exactly! And from that day the sons worked together and cooperated with each other," Alfred said. "As long as we communicate together and live together, nobody can hurt us."

"I wish I had heard that story earlier," Lori smirked. "It's funny, because it was own ego that got me into this mess in the first place. It was my own ego that led me to where I am right now." She let out a sarcastic laugh. "When I helped Batman that one day in the park I thought I knew what I was doing, but apparently I didn't have a single clue."

"If I may say so, then I am glad you did not," Alfred said with a smile. "It was a pleasure to meet a girl like you, to see what kind of joy you have given Bruce and me, and I am proud of you." He chuckled. "I hope you now know that you can ask about help no matter what it is."

As time passed, February gradually turned into March before moving into April. The grass was becoming greener and the flowers were beginning to bloom. It had been a quiet period for the citizens, but also for Batman. It surprised Lori how little Bruce was out there catching bad-guys, and it felt good. It was like things were improving together with the seasons, as they were now leaving a dark time and getting ready for spring.

To Lori, April was an important, but also a thrilling month. She celebrated her seventeenth birthday. Even though how much she had refused and complained, Bruce had insisted on having a party. He told her it would do her good to meet people again, pointing at the fact she rarely went out. After a long discussion, she had finally agreed, but on one condition and that was that it was not going to be a big party.

Now the day had arrived.

Lori stood in front of the full-length mirror and examined her new silk blue colored dress she critically had put on. It had been given to her by Bruce the other day. The dress was simple, but still elegant. It had short sleeves and the long skirt brushed the top of her high heeled shoes, and it swung with every move she made. She took one last look before swinging herself around. In the doorway she met Bruce, who was dressed in a black tuxedo.

"You look dazzling," he complimented as he walked towards her.

Lori smiled. "Thank you, the dress is lovely." She looked up at him.

"I'm glad you liked it," Bruce said. "It's time to party and have some fun. All of your friends are here."

"All of my friends are here," Lori repeated. "I can't remember me having any friends."

"They are all so happy to be here and I'm sure you'll get along with them," Bruce assured. "It is your birthday."

Lori nodded with a smile.

"Excuse me, Miss Lori and Master Wayne," Alfred suddenly said, entering the room. "The guests are waiting."

Bruce smiled at Lori with a small wink. "Show time," he said as he placed her arm inside of his arm and they walked out of the room.

When they entered the great living room, they were met by many people greeting them and wishing Lori a happy birthday. Wherever she looked she was met by someone's gaze and she swore she didn't know half of the ones who were there.

"Look at you Lori!"

Turning her head, she noticed Edward making his way through the mass.

"Beautiful as a princess!" He laughed as gave her a hug. When they broke apart, he handed her a gift. "Happy Birthday!"

"Oh Edward, thank you so much." Lori smiled politely and put the gift on the nearest table. "I'll save it for later." She gave him a wink.

"Would you care for a dance?" Edward asked, gesturing to the dance floor.

"I–"

"She'd love to," Bruce answered for her and pushed Lori towards Edward.

Edward grinned as he took her hand. Lori glared back at Bruce who was smirking and drinking wine. Edward put his arms around her waist and hesitantly, she locked her hands behind his neck.

Edward snickered. "I like dancing with you, Lori."

"I like dancing with you too," Lori said.

They danced for a few moments. Lori looked up at Edward's smiling face and saw Bruce approaching.

"Mind if I dance with Lori, my friend?" He asked, tapping Edward on the shoulder.

"Okay," Edward answered, a bit reluctantly, before letting go. "I'll see you later, Lori."

Before Lori could say something he was lost in the crowd.

"May I have this dance, Miss Lori?" Bruce asked softly.

"Can we do it later? I need some fresh air," she whispered and let go of his hands. Sighing, she went through the double door leading into the garden. Looking around herself she spotted the just bloomed and beautiful daffodils.

"Is something wrong?"

Lori turned and saw that Bruce had followed her into the garden.

"Everything's fine. The party is amazing, more than I ever imagined. It's great, Bruce." Lori smiled a half smile.

Bruce walked over and wrapped his arms around her. She let her cheek against his shoulder and closed her eyes.

"Bruce, may I ask you a question?"

"You just did," he said with a grin. "Of course you can, about anything…"

"Even though Batman is no longer depicted as a villain, why are you still hiding?" She asked.. He was quiet for a moment.

"I'm not hiding, I'm just cautious," Bruce said hoarsely. "I know you probably think I'm hiding or letting the people down, but I'm doing this because I care about you."

Lori nodded and smiled. "Yes, I know. You've told me that before, but this is not only about me. I'm just one person and outside there are thousands. Batman cannot only shine a light in my life, but he must be there for Gotham. Batman is a hero, a symbol of hope and love. He must bring people hope, hope to live and hope to be loved."

"And who is going to give Batman hope? Give me hope?" Bruce asked, gazing into Lori's eyes. "How can someone give hope when he does not have hope himself? I can only do it when I know where to find it, which is why I have to take care of you. You are my hope."

Lori shook her head, still smiling. "Hope exists everywhere, if you can find it. You should not find it in me, because I am not the kind of hope you need."

Bruce cocked his head at the answer. "So you are not hope, but you still bring me hope that I can save people, that I can do good. Care to explain?"

Lori sighed irritated. "Okay! Let us say that I am hope, but in that case I am an egoistic, stubborn and naive hope, who also tends to have uncontrolled hormones."

"Well, you are right. That is a new version!" Bruce said and let out a laugh.

"Hey, keep teasing the contributor of Hope and you will not see it!" Lori said, ironically.

Bruce smiled. "I like it," he said before he gave her a hug. Bending down, he softly kissed her on the forehead and whispered, "Happy Birthday."

THE END

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