AN: I still only own my OCs.

Chapter 6

By Saturday night Beth thankfully felt almost normal once more, the worst of the soreness from the attack seemed to have passed. There was still some tenderness in her hip, but she was relieved it hadn't been any worse.

The morning after the attack Bruce had been up early, gently waking her to let her know he was leaving before Alex found him there. In the two days that followed he had texted her regularly throughout the day to check in, offering to drop everything and come over if she needed him for any reason. Although she assured him she was fine, each text had brought a small smile to her face and a sense of comfort that if she had needed him then he would make the time.

She had worked a shift on Friday night, so it was late in the afternoon on Saturday before she started getting ready for the gala. Allie had agreed to simply stay at Beth's apartment with Alex from Friday evening until after the gala, allowing Beth to focus on getting ready for a formal event. Beth had chosen a dark blue strapless dress with silver embellishments for the event. It was fitted through the bodice and hips, hugging her curves perfectly, the skirt flaring slightly just above her knees. She had swept her hair up into a twist, allowing just a few tendrils to frame her face.

Allie had helped Beth zip the dress, admiring it for a moment. The younger woman had been Alex's sitter for the last three years, becoming almost an extended family member for the little boy. If anyone knew first hand the ups and downs Beth had experienced since moving to Gotham, it was Allie. She was also the closest thing to a sister Beth had ever known and they had become fast friends when Allie started watching Alex. There had been many times Allie had shown up early for a shift, two coffees in hand, just to chat a bit before Beth had to leave.

"Mommy's a princess!" Alex said from behind them, causing the two women to laugh.

"She certainly does look like one," Allie said smiling as Alex ran back into the living room.

"Thanks," Beth said, checking her makeup again in the mirror. "I can't remember the last time I got this dressed up."

"Well, dating a millionaire has its perks," Allie told her with a wink. "It's good to see you looking happy. Listen don't rush home tonight. I've got Alex...I want you to have a good time and just enjoy being out on the arm of a handsome man. If I don't hear from you by midnight I'll just plan on crashing on the couch."

"We'll see how the evening goes," she told her with a laugh. "Pretty sure my carriage turns back into a pumpkin at that time."

"Well then, Cinderella, you'll just have to find an alternate mode of transportation," Allie smirked before heading back into the living room.

Beth shook her head before heading into the bedroom to retrieve her purse and shawl for the evening. She knew Allie meant well, but she wasn't entirely sure she was ready for what the younger woman was implying. It was true she had already spent a night with Bruce, but nothing had happened between them. There was an obvious connection between them, she knew that, but they had been taking their physical relationship extremely slow.

She heard the knock on the door as she slipped her phone into her purse, taking a deep breath before making her way down the hall to greet her date.

"Bruce!" she heard Alex call, a small smile forming on her lips. "Mommy's a princess!"

Entering the living room, she saw that Bruce had crouched down to give the boy a hug and her smile grew as she looked at them. When Bruce looked up at her, he returned the smile as he took in her appearance.

"You're right buddy," Bruce told the boy, standing up. "She certainly is."

Beth blushed, trying to hide it by brushing away one of the loose tendrils of hair from her face. She had spent most of the late afternoon trying to look perfect for the gala, at least she had told herself it was for the gala. To see her date crossing the small living room towards her, his features softening as he took in her full appearance, made it worth the effort.

"I got you something," he said, and she noticed the jewelry box in his hand for the first time.

"You didn't have to do that," she said softly, feeling her blush growing as she spotted Allie across the way with a huge grin on her face.

"I know," he told her, "but I wanted to. What is it you always call me? Incorrigible?"

Taking the box with a small laugh, she opened it carefully. Inside was a beautiful diamond necklace. The delicate marquise cut gems caught the light, and Beth felt her eyes widen a bit as she looked at the gift. It was a stunning piece and somehow he had managed to find something that would go perfectly with her dress for the evening.

"Oh my goodness," she breathed, looking up at him. "I..this is…how did…"

Beth shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts as she found forming a complete sentence to be rather difficult as Bruce looked at her with amusement dancing in his eyes. It was an extravagant gift, and she wanted to tell him that it was too much. However he was looking at her with one of the rare smiles that actually reached his eyes, making his features seem as if he didn't have a care in the world for a brief moment, and any thought of protest died on her lips.

He took the necklace from the box, unclasping it as she turned around. She felt the metal of the necklace against her skin as his fingers worked the clasp on the back of her neck.

"I have to admit I had help," he told her as he clasped the necklace. "Allie sent me a photo of your dress and helped narrow down my choices."

Allie was grinning mischievously at Beth from across the way and somehow Beth wasn't surprised that she had helped conspire with Bruce. As his hands fell away from the clasp, Beth's reached up to brush over the diamonds that hung around her neck.

"It's beautiful," she said, turning back to him and placing a quick kiss on his cheek. "Thank you."

They had only lingered a few minutes longer, bidding good night to Alex and Allie, before descending the stairs to make the trip across town. It wasn't long before they were pulling up in front of Gotham's art museum that was being used to host the gala and Beth took a steadying breath as she spotted the press that lined either side of the entrance with their cameras flashing as Gotham's wealthiest citizens entered the building.

A valet driver had helped her from the passenger seat, but she found Bruce waiting for her at the front of his Aston Martin, arm extended for her to take. She did so gratefully, returning his smile and drawing from his quiet confidence as they made their way up the museum stairs. Various members of the press called out his name and he would occasionally wave for a photo as they walked.

"There will be a few senior reporters inside covering the event that I will likely have to stop and talk to," he told her as they entered the museum. "You are not obligated to tell them anything if you don't want to."

"Does this whole having the press try to invade every aspect of your private life thing ever get any easier?" she asked glancing back at the hoard of reporters who had turned their attention to the next guests to arrive.

"You learn to ignore most of it," he told her.

It wasn't long before both of them had a drink in hand as he introduced her to various members of Gotham's high society. Occasionally a member of the press would stop them and Bruce would answer a question or two, but they had been mostly left to socialize with the other guests.

The art museum was open to the gala's guests and once they had finished their drinks she took his arm as he led her down various wings to view some of the pieces that were housed within its walls. The museum had been on her list of places to visit and she allowed herself to get lost in just enjoying taking in the amazing works that were on display. When they reached the impressionist wing she spotted the familiar sight of one of Claude Monet's paintings of the Japanese Bridge. She paused for a moment, taking in the colors and the beauty of the painting before her.

"I'm guessing this is a favorite?" he asked.

"One of them," she admitted. "I got to visit Giverny once...a long time ago. It's so peaceful by the bridge that I think I could have sat there forever."

"Bruce!" a deep male voice called from across the way, causing them both to turn away from the painting.

Walking towards them was a tall man with dark hair and dark rimmed glasses. His press badge was clearly displayed around his neck, yet he smiled as if greeting an old friend.

"Clark," Bruce greeted as the two men shook hands. "I heard you and Lois would be covering the event."

She could tell there was some sort of history between the two men in front of her, although she hadn't imagined Bruce getting terribly close to a reporter. His public persona was too well known and the thought of him allowing someone in the press to see any aspects of the man behind that puzzled her. Yet, their body language suggested they knew each other well.

"Clark, this is Beth Andrews," Bruce said, drawing her from her musings. "Beth, this is Clark Kent from the Daily Planet."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," she said, shaking Clark's hand.

"Likewise," Clark said, before turning back to Bruce. "I should go find Lois. Just a heads up, she'll be looking to steal a few minutes of your time later."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," Bruce quipped as Clark disappeared back into the crowd.

They made their way back into the main rotunda where the band was starting to play, Bruce leaving her for a moment to get drinks. Standing on the elevated walkway above the rotunda Beth watched the party goers for a minute, trying not to feel out of place. The elite were mingling and gossiping, a few had started dancing to the music the band was playing.

Glancing towards the bar she saw a woman approach Bruce. She looked a few years younger than Beth, her black dress hugging every inch of her body. The front was cut low, leaving little to the imagination and her light hair hung down her back. Beth watched the way she smiled and flirted with Bruce, who had greeted her briefly before turning back to the bartender. The woman was not to be deterred though, leaning in suggestively as she spoke, her fingers trailing over Bruce's arm.

Beth drew her attention away from the scene at the bar, taking a deep breath. If she continued to go to these events with Bruce it was likely they would run into various women like the blonde at the bar who was trying too hard to get his attention. She couldn't be sure how many of them had been one of his conquests at one time or another, and how many would still be looking for any opportunity to throw themselves at him. It was part of what had scared her about even giving him a chance to to begin with.

She felt his presence next to her before he even said anything, holding out her drink for her. She took it before motioning in the direction of the blonde who was still at the bar and said, "Friend of yours?"

"Something like that," he said, taking a sip of his drink.

"I see," Beth responded, taking a sip of her own drink

"You have nothing to worry about," he said, causing her to glance over at him.

"Who said I was worried?" she asked, trying to sound as if she didn't care as she looked out over the rotunda once more.

She wasn't generally a jealous person, but the newness of being in a relationship again and feeling out of her element at a formal event had her questioning everything. The possessiveness she had felt over the scene at the bar had been embarrassing, and she did her best to ignore his stare.

"Beth," he said, "look at me."

She did slowly, feeling a blush spreading over her cheeks. When she had finally turned so she was facing him once more, his hand came to rest on her cheek as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I am here with the person I want to be with," he told her. With a smirk he added, "You're adorable when you're jealous though."

"Incorrigible," she said, shaking her head and laughing at her own foolishness.

As they sipped at their drink Alfred's words from almost a week ago played in her head.

"I suppose the question then becomes can he earn yours?"

It seemed this had been the first true test and she had failed. Opening up to another was frightening, yet in just a week he had shown a willingness to be there for her should she need him, not just when it was convenient. She couldn't help feeling ashamed at how quickly she had allowed herself to doubt him. She hated the very thought of being insecure, knowing she owed it to them both to move beyond her fears and doubts.

A short time later, their drinks finished, he had led her out on the dance floor. Beth had felt for a moment that all the eyes in the room were watching them as he pulled her close, swaying in time with the music, but it quickly passed as she became very aware of how close he was holding her. His cheek came to rest on the side of her head and for a moment she closed her eyes. Once again his presence was intoxicating for her senses, leaving her wondering how it was he could have such an affect on her.

"I'm sorry about earlier," she said softly, as they danced and she felt him shift slightly so he could look down at her.

"You don't have to apologize," he told her.

She bit her lip for a moment, weighing her next words before saying, "I do. This last week has been amazing….you've been amazing. I have no reason to doubt you."

He didn't answer, but simply pulled her closer once more. Beth felt her body relax against him as they swayed, her eyes closing once more. The world fell away as her mind focused on how her body fit perfectly against his and how in that moment she felt completely at peace. A sense of contentment washed over her and a feeling of safety similar to what she had felt a few nights earlier when he comforted her after the attack.

The song ended too soon and she pulled away slowly before joining the applause for the band. Her body missed the feel of his and she smiled as he pulled her close once more ready for their next dance, obviously sharing the sentiment.

"Mind if I cut in for a minute?" a female voice asked next to them, and both Beth and Bruce turned to look over at the intruder.

The woman next to them had a press pass around her neck and a few feet behind her Beth noticed the man from earlier. She took a step back from Bruce, knowing who this woman likely was and that Bruce would have to take a few moments to answer her questions.

"No, of course not," Beth said, offering a small smile.

"Lois Lane, Daily Planet," the woman said, offering Beth her hand which she shook. "You must be Beth."

"Yes, it's nice to meet you," Beth said.

"I'll try not to keep him long," Lois said with a smile before leading Bruce from the dance floor.

"Care to dance?" she heard Clark say next to her and she smiled appreciatively, accepting the invitation.

She quickly noticed he was the perfect gentleman, keeping a respectable distance between them as they moved to the music the band was playing. As they fell into a rhythm she mused a bit at how it didn't seem to bother him at all that Lois had stolen Bruce for some exclusive interview, earning him a little of Beth's respect. In her experience so many men were unable to handle a woman outshining them professionally, especially one they were in a relationship with.

"How long have you known Bruce?" she asked as they danced.

"A couple years," he told her. "We met at another of these parties."

"I suppose these events are sort of a regular thing," she mused.

"They come up from time to time," was the response. "We've also worked together on a few other projects."

She felt as if there was more to his statement, but she didn't press. Obviously her earlier assumption that they knew each other outside of public outings had been correct. It seemed an odd pairing though to work together, Clark coming across as more of an honest boy scout type as opposed to Bruce's quiet somewhat brooding nature. Yet, she had the sense early the two men respected each other.

"Honestly, I feel a bit like a fish out of water at this thing," she told him. "I feel like everyone is staring."

"You get used to it," he said with a smile. "They're all just trying to figure out who the woman is that has Bruce's undivided attention."

Beth felt her cheeks flush a bit at the thought as she told him, "I'm not anyone special. Just a nurse who happened to be in the right place at the right time to help a few people in need."

Clark seemed to study her for a moment before responding, "I wouldn't say that."

"What would you say then, Mr. Kent?" she asked with a smirk. "What does your keen reporter's eye tell you?"

He laughed before telling her, "That I'll be seeing you at more of these events."

As the song ended she spotted Bruce and Lois making their way back towards them. Lois linked her arm through Clark's when she arrived, and Beth couldn't help noticing the way he smiled down at her, obviously completely enamored with the woman on his arm.

"Thank you for letting me steal him away for a minute," she said to Beth in regards to her interview with Bruce.

"Certainly," Beth said, feeling Bruce's hand come to rest on the small of her back as he took his place next to her, the gesture starting to become familiar. Turning to Clark she added, "Thank you for the dance."

After a few more pleasantries were exchanged, Bruce led her away from the dance floor towards the sculpture garden. The night air was cool as they stepped out onto the overlook and Beth felt his jacket drape around her bare shoulders before she even had a chance to fully register the temperature change. The thoughtfulness of his actions brought a smile to her face as she turned to him.

"Thank you," she said, glancing around and realizing they were the only ones currently occupying the garden. With a smirk she said, "I question your intentions in bringing me out here, Mr. Wayne."

He laughed, an arm wrapping around her so he could draw her closer to him as he responded, "They may not have been entirely innocent."

Her hands came to rest on his chest and she felt her pulse quicken. It wasn't long before his lips found hers. The kiss started soft, his lips gently pressing against hers. Beth's arms slowly worked their way up his shoulders, wrapping around his neck, as he deepened the kiss, his arms tightening around her waist. When she felt his tongue brush against her lips seeking permission a soft moan escaped her as she granted it.

When the need for air finally overroad the desire to continue their exploration of each other's mouths they pulled away, gasping a bit for breath. His forehead came to rest on hers and Beth felt her resolve to take things slow once again waning. It was amazing to her how he had the ability to leave her breathless and wanting more every time he kissed her.

The sudden sound of a nearby explosion tore them both from the moment. Bruce reacted much quicker than Beth, pulling her with him as he crouched towards the ground and knocking the jacket from her shoulders. His arms wrapped protectively around her as her mind tried desperately to process what was happening. When everything suddenly went eerily silent, he started to pull away and Beth turned in the direction of the explosion. Behind her smoke poured from the roof of a far wing of the museum.

"Oh my God," Beth said, her voice just above a whisper as she stood with Bruce's help. She felt her eyes widened in horror as reality washed over her.

"Bruce, Beth!" a voice called from the door that led back to the rotunda and she turned to find Clark coming towards them with Lois not far behind. "Are you two alright?"

"Yes," Bruce said, turning towards them and Beth gave a small nod.

"I need to go see if there's anything I can do to help," Beth said, her mind switching gears as the shock faded.

"I'll go with you," Lois offered to Beth's surprise.

Bruce nodded and told her, "Be careful. I need to speak with the police commissioner. We'll find you two later."

Turning, Beth made her way quickly towards the site of the explosion, Lois walking along beside her into the chaos of the museum.

It was a couple hours later before Bruce reappeared as the last of those injured were being loaded into ambulances outside the museum. Beth had managed to get a text to Allie in the midst of the chaos letting her know they were alright in case she happened to be watching the news knowing the other woman would be worried sick if she saw the story and hadn't received word from Beth. She had also heard a rumor that both Batman and Superman had shown up to assist the police in trying to apprehend the bomber, but she had not actually seen either of them.

"Hey, there you are," she said as Bruce approached, removing the gloves from her hands and tossing them into one the emergency vehicle's waste receptacles. "Do they have an idea what happened?"

"They think it was mob related," he told her. "Someone likely trying to move up in the ranks."

"So all of this was just sort of a measuring contest then," she said, shaking her head. "It's so senseless."

She moved away from him, seating herself on the steps of the museum. The exhaustion of the evening finally catching up with her as she kicked off the heels that had her feet screaming in pain. While she was used to spending hours on her feet working with patients, it wasn't something she usually found herself doing in an evening gown and almost four inch heels. Bruce sat next to her, wrapping his jacket around her shoulders again as he did so. Once he had settled, her head came to rest on his shoulder, a small sigh escaping her lips.

"I heard your help was invaluable tonight," he told her.

"Who said that?" she asked, picking her head up from his shoulder to look over at him.

"I overheard someone telling the Mayor how you saved a man's life," was the response and Beth felt herself blush slightly.

"I was just doing my job," she said, dropping her head back to his shoulder once more.

He wrapped an arm around her, allowing her to nestle closer to him, and said, "You're not good at taking compliments are you?"

"No, not really," she said with a sigh. "I just...I was taught to be humble. My work has provided me with the knowledge of what to do in an emergency and I have an obligation to not just turn my back when someone is hurt. I didn't do anything that special."

"Beth, tonight I saw you go into that building just a few minutes after a bomb had gone off. You didn't waste time wondering if you should because it might be dangerous, you just did what you could to help, no hesitations. That is not just doing your job," he told her, and she bit her lip to stop another round of protests from coming out her mouth.

"Thank you," she said softly before a yawn escaped her, much to her embarrassment. "I feel like I need to sleep for a week."

"I'd say you earned it," he told her and she felt him place a quick kiss on the top of her head. "I should probably get you home."

Picking up her head again she spotted his car a short distance away. She gathered her shoes and belongings while he stood and gratefully accepted his help standing from her place on the steps. Every muscle in her body protested, and she couldn't stop the whimper that escaped her lips.

"This is why we don't wear heels in the emergency room," she said, feeling herself blush yet again.

He smirked at her and, before she could process what he was doing, he scooped her up into his arms. She let out a surprised squeal as he began to carry her from the steps towards the car. Beth wrapped an arm around his shoulders, trying to do her best to look not in the slightest bit amused but failing miserably.

"What are you doing?" she said, laughing a bit at the absurdity of being carried. "Put me down!"

He didn't listen, simply chuckling a bit at her protests, and when they reached the car he finally set her down before opening the passenger side door for her and offering her a hand to help her in. Before climbing in the car, Beth leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. When she pulled away she muttered, "You really are a stubborn, incorrigible man."

She heard him chuckle again as the door closed and she settled back into the seat, a small smile playing at her lips.