So so Sorry for it being so long since I last updated, I managed to get a job and it has been kicking my ass :L I will try to write more and more when I get time :)! How are you all liking the romance between Clara and Eddie :P? Do you want more?

Thank you everyone for your lovely reviews and PM's to me I do love every single one it makes me all that more motivated to write the next chapter knowing that people are reading them :) Special shout out to Sketch1997, pyroleigh, MisaxRyu, Kaida Fury and naturalbornsynner for your reviews on my last chapter :)!

Now onto the next chapter :P

Review please :)!

Stretching out my legs underneath the desk I try to hide the yawn that wanted to show the world my tonsils; Cobblepot was keeping me extremely busy. Turns out he really expects the whole hundred yards when he gives out promotions. Looking down at my heels on my feet I thank who ever that was up there that I don't actually have to walk around a lot.

Carrying on putting Cobblepot's appointments into the document I check the time and see I only have about ten minutes before I finish; smiling to myself I carry on quickly making sure that everything was correct. Perhaps Edward would be at home when I go back?

Pushing that thought back I sigh gently, after that amazing goodbye kiss in his car I haven't seen hair nor hide of him since then and it was over a week ago; 9 days but who's counting? Shaking my head out of that thought process I carry on typing in the appointments; he was probably busy any way. You know running away from Batman and stealing stuff. Just not enough time to see his 'girl'. Wow I sounded like a whiney teenager.

Saving the work I print it out, slipping on my heels properly I stand up and smooth out my black pencil skirt and red vest top (imagine blouse material) and slide the printed documents into a folder. Grabbing the folder, my blazer and bag I walk out the doors into the restaurant area and head towards the back table; where I will admit to still feeling extremely nervous going towards.

Spotting Cobblepot I cautiously make my way over to the spot where he was sat with various Rogues and criminals around him, looking to the left I can see Doctor Crane whose eyes were glued to my ass. Rolling my eyes I set my friendliest smile on my face and gently tap Cobblepot on his arm, he grins up at me when I place the folder on the table in front of him like he taught me to do on the first day of training to be his assistant/receptionist.

"Ah thank you my dear, gentlemen this is my new assistant Miss Clara, Clara I believe you know most of the men around the table." Glancing around I recognised every single Rogue and criminal, keeping the friendly smile on my face I nod while ignoring Cranes eyes glued to me.

"Yes Sir, it is nice to see you gentlemen. Sir I have put all the information you inquired about in the folder as well as your appointments for tomorrow; Mr Dent will be arriving earlier than first thought tonight so be ready for around 1am for him. Everything else is taken care of." His smug and proud smile made me beam a little; at least I am a better assistant than a waitress/

"Thank you my dear, are you heading home now?" He asks as I slide my blazer on.

"Yes Sir." I reply as I slide my bag on.

"Mace and knife?"

"In both my pockets Sir." I grin at his amused grin as well as the other Rogues confusion.

"You know to use them if you have to, you can't just run away." Rolling my eyes slightly I grin down at the strange man who has really taken me under his wing.

"When have you ever known me to run away from trouble?" He laughed and slapped my shoulder affectionately.

"Very good my Dove, now fly home and be careful!" His eyes slid to his left where Crane was sat, nodding at him to show I understood I smiled at the rest of the man sat at the table and start walking away towards the exit door, looking back I see Cranes chair is empty. Gulping slightly I try and conjure up a bit of courage. If I didn't have to pay bills I would so be getting a taxi.

Walking the usual route, making sure to stay in the light from the lamp posts I try not to glance behind me whenever I hear a noise. Slipping my hand into my pockets I feel the smooth can of mace … please please whoever is up there do not let me have to use it. I didn't even touch the knife that was in my pocket, there was no way in hell I was going to use a knife on someone.

A loud clang about two metres behind me made me jump slightly; walking faster I still will myself not to look behind me but glance across the street at the windows. Seeing a lean dark figure mirrored in them I start to tremble. Crossing the street I make sure to stay in the luminous lights, hearing light footsteps from behind me I grasp the can of mace hard and slide it out of my pocket.

Walking faster I realise I am only about two minutes away from my apartment, wow time really flies when you have a stalker following you home. Trying to swallow my nerves as the footsteps get louder I glance over my shoulder and see the lean dark figure about a meter behind me, gathering every bit of courage in me I know I can't run so the next best thing is to fight fire with fire … or rather a crazy guy with mace.

Turning round quickly I point the mace directly at Cranes face while sliding my hand into my pocket to grasp the knife. Okay I said I wouldn't use it but surely flinging it at him when he least expects it doesn't count as using it surely?

"Stop following me Crane!" I snarl out as the figure comes to a stop when it spots the can of mace in my hand.

"There is no Crane at the moment, only Scarecrow." A dark sneer escapes him, exhaling carefully I try to not let him know I am absolutely terrified. Scarecrow can't be reasoned with I remember Edward telling me, Crane maybe but never Scarecrow.

"Okay Scarecrow, stop following me!" I emend my first statement. A small chuckle escapes him as he steps forwards slightly so I can see him in the light. His chocolate hair looked black and the usual piercing blue eyes of Crane were instead two black holes where his iris has taken up the whole of his two eyes.

"Oh but why must I stop?" He asks and steps forward again.

"Because it is creepy!" I growl out at him and raise the mace higher so it was actually pointed at his face and not just his neck. Damn all these stupid Rogues being so tall!

"I am curious." Confused I tilt my head and watch what he is doing with his hands. There is no way in hell I am becoming another experiment for him.

"If you are curious why not walk beside me and talk instead of following behind like a deranged stalker?" I ask, it was his turn for his head to tilt in confusion.

"What?"

"If you are curious about something, e.g. about me, then please come and talk to me and not follow me!" I state. We were at a standoff for a few seconds before he raises his hands so I can see them, they are empty. Was he trying to show me he wasn't a threat? Slowly lowering my arm with the mace and slide the knife I had taken out back into my pocket I motion with my head for him to walk beside me.

"So what is it that you are curious about?" I ask as we both start walking, nervous I make sure there is a slight space between us.

"Why you have managed to catch the attention of two Rogues and have not ended up dead yet; instead you have occupied a rather high up position in Penguin's business and with Riddles I can only assume he is trying to woo you." An amused chuckle escaped him as I let a small smile escape.

"I have no idea how Scarecrow." His black eyes looked down at me as we carried on walking.

"Be careful 'Dove', we Rogues are quite loyal." Confused I look up at him.

"What do you mean by that?" I was suddenly slammed into the brick wall, smacking my head I let out a small whimper as I see small stars darting around my vision as both my arms are locked in a furious hold.

"Betray us and they'll never find your body." My heart started thudding at the dark snarl.

"Do you really think that I would betray Edward? Or Oswald?" I glare up at the enraged Rogue.

"Yes." Snarling at him myself I quickly knee him where the sun really doesn't shine and raise the mace again.

"Then you know nothing about me!" I growl out as he takes a few steps back. Smirking he tilts his head in amusement down at me.

"A little fight in you, you are going to need that in the end." Confused, he talks in more riddles than Edward does. "It seems we are back at your apartment Miss Clara, always a pleasure." I watch as he stalks backwards into the darkness letting it encase him. "I knew there was a reason I rooted for you". What the fuck was that about?!

Sprinting for my building I don't stop until I am safely locked behind my front door, shaking slightly I slump down the door and land like a puddle at the bottom of it. Breathing heavily I close my eyes and try to take calming breaths.

Opening my eyes I see two concerned emerald eyes looking at me closely, letting out a small scream I launch myself backwards and throw the can of mace at the figure, who I then realised was Edward.

Holding my hand against my chest I could basically feel my heart trying to beat its way out of my chest.

"Song Bird?" Breathing heavily I see a slightly wounded look on Edwards face as he runs his shoulder which my mace can must of hit, sheepishly smiling at him I mumble an apology. Holding a hand out to me I place my hand into his and let him pull me up against him as his arms wrap around me tightly. Burying my face in his chest I try and get my breathing back under control, bloody Rogues are going to be the end of me at this rate!

"Clara? Are you okay?" Edward whispers into my ear, wrapping my arms around his waist I cling to him as I nod my head.

"Just need a minute." I mumble into his chest as my breathing gets back to normal and I don't feel like my heart is going to come out of my chest.

"Who has got you so scared?" Blushing I peek up at him and see those concerned eyes looking down at me.

"Scarecrow." I whisper up at him; seeing those eyes darken I cling onto him tighter. "He is just worried that I am going to betray you all to the police or something like that. I made it pretty clear that I wouldn't he just shook me up a little is all, I'll be fine." I quickly try and sooth him as I see a muscle in his jaw start to jump which usually meant he was mad.

"Bloody Crow needs to keep out of business that doesn't include him." Seeing him start to get angrier I lean back from his body slightly and keep my eyes focused on him. Smiling at his protective side I stand on my tip toes and gently let my lips brush across his stopping his furious rant in its tracks.

His hands on my hips pulled me closer as I let him deepen the kiss and slid my hands up his chest and around his neck I pull him down more close to me and grin into the kiss as he softly bites my bottom lip.

"Hi." I whisper against his lips softly. Feeling his lips twitch against my own I open my eyes and see a gentle look on his face.

"Hi." He repeats back tenderly stroking his thumb across my cheek, blushing at his touch I lean into it and watch those emerald eyes soften at my actions. "Perhaps we should move away from the door?" Moment ruined. Giggling I nod or I was giggling until Edward scooped me up in his arms making me shriek a little bit.

"My, my Song Bird, your neighbours are going to think you are being murdered if you scream again." His teasing grin made me relax slightly against him.

"Well try not to give me too many more heart attacks and we should be fine." I tease right back at him as he sets us on the couch, wrapping an arm around my waist he yanks me towards him so I was flush against his waist and side.

"Perhaps I want you screaming in a different way?" Shocked I can actually feel my eyebrows rise into my hairline as I turn towards him ready to give the scolding of a lifetime when I see his shoulders shaking and eyes crinkled in the most handsome way as he holds in his laughter.

"You bloody scoundrel!" I abolish while laughing and playfully slap his chest as he lets loose a peal of chuckles.

"Sorry Clara, I couldn't resist." He states through his chuckles. Rolling my eyes I bend down and slide off my heels which amazingly didn't break or snap when I ran up the steps of the apartment: new favourite pair of heels! "So how did you get away from Scarecrow Clara?" Looking over my shoulder I can see him looking at the back of my vest; shit there must be scratches against it from when Scarecrow pushed (more like slammed) me against the brick wall.

"I kicked him in a place that I'm told was created to only be treated nicely." I muse to him as I sit back up. Seeing his shocked face it was my turn to grin.

"What? You think I'd let him rough me up without any consequences?" I smirk as I stand and saunter to my room to get changed.

"No, I am just surprised Crow would let you go without spraying his fear toxin at you." Unbuttoning my vest at the back I turn and see Edwards gaze directed at my ass. What is it with men today? Clearing my throat I see his eyes flicker up to my face, blushing slightly he gives me a sheepish grin.

"Enjoying the view?" I tease as I turn back round so I was facing the wall and let the vest fall to the ground as I grab my large football jersey and slide that on.

"That skirt is certainly attention worthy." Edward mumbles, grinning I look over my shoulder and wink at him.

"Yes because it's the skirt you are admiring nothing else?" I let said skirt drop to the floor and step out of it, quickly stepping into my small booty shorts I hear Edward gulp slightly and smile to myself. Grabbing the dirty clothes off the floor I quickly throw them into my laundry hamper, I am going to have to do washing very soon.

Two hands grab my waist and pull me against a muscular chest: "You my Song Bird are quite the tease." Edward whispers into my ear as he kisses directly under it making my knees weak and breath catch in my throat.

"I don't mean to be." I murmur as he carries on his kissing down my neck I let my head lull back against his shoulder. Humming against my throat I feel his lips twitch into a smirk.

"Which is why I adore you." Shocked once again; why is everyone trying to shock me today? I look sideways at him and see a sort of taken back look on his face, I wonder if he has ever said that before to a person. Pulling my arm up I tenderly stroke his cheek and kiss the opposite cheek.

"It's a good job I adore you too then isn't it." I smile against his cheek. Rolling with these feelings I turn round in his grasp and look up at him, those green eyes looked a bit foggy.

"You adore me?" He asks quietly. Worried I slide my arms up and clasp his face between my hands while I tip toe so I can look into his eyes better.

"Of course I do Edward." I kiss him affectionately on the nose then his cheek and leave a lingering one on his lips. Thinking things would continue I go back to kiss him again until a sharp shove sends me reeling back away from him. Confused I look up at those eyes and see them blazing, pulsing angrily at me.

"Do not lie to me!" He snarled out as he stalked closer; okay this was definitely a mood killer.

"Edward I'm not lying to you." I exclaim holding my hands up in a surrender movement, what on earth was with him.

"Yes you are." He shoved me again until I was backed against the wall and both his hands slammed down beside my head making me flinch. "You are only doing this to help your worthless brother." Surprised I glare up at him. He seriously can't think that?

"You can't be serious?" Sneering down at me I could actually feel a trickle of fear dance down my spine.

"Deadly!" Looking into those furious emerald eyes I could slowly feel a shard of my heart break for this man; can he really not believe I like him, would he really think I'd let him take my first kiss just to try and help Jason?

"For someone so clever you can be ever so dumb Edward." I glare up at him and quickly shove against his chest, not that it did much good. The bloody man was like a statue. Feeling tears prick at the corner of my eyes I push harder against his chest to try and get away from him before he could see.

"Excuse me?!" He snarled and wrapped his hands around the tops of my arms and squeezed slightly, holding in a whimper I twisted and turned trying to get out of his grip.

"Do you really think I'd let you take my first kiss if I was doing this to help Jason?! Do you think I'd let you in to my heart or let you touch me if it was just for Jason?!" I punched against his chest as my voice went shriller with every word. "Do you think I would seek comfort in you after being terrified by Scarecrow if I was only doing this for superficial reasons? Or when you've not been here this past week missed your on-going commentary and your snarky comments and riddles all the goddamn day!" I lashed out best I could against his chest as the tears did start to fall down across my cheeks and stick to my eyelashes.

"Clara i-" I scowled up at that softening face and those gentle green eyes and thrust my hands against his chest again to get him away from me.

"Save it, it's obviously I am only doing this for Jason so let go of me! I mean why would I adore you after all of that?" Letting go of my arms I expected him to walk out; it would have been the more logical thing. Instead I felt two arms yanking close against a warm chest and clutching me close. Trying to pull away feebly the arms encased me like two bars of iron; burying my face in his chest I let loose a small sob.

"Clara I am so sorry!" He whispered in my ear and rocked me gently as a few more tears dropped from my eyes into his black shirt. "I am so so so sorry love!" Letting my arms wrap around him I nod slightly to let him know I heard.

"Why can't you accept that I could and do adore you? Or that maybe I actually like you?" I ask his shirt and hope he heard as my cheeks were blushing furiously after all that I admitted. Had I really told him I let him into my heart? Erg I am an idiot!

"My father never loved me or my mother; to be honest Clara no one ever really has loved me let alone liked me. The only time I've been told it was when I was being manipulated and used, I try to not let myself get hurt." He murmurs into my hair as he clutches me tighter, I could honestly feel my heart break for his poor broken man.

"You think I'm trying to hurt or manipulate you?" I pull my face away from the sanctuary of his chest and look up back into his face which looked so broken I let my own arms tighten around him.

"It was an automatic response to assume that's what you were doing." He sheepishly gave me a small smile and exhaled softly.

"I'd like to think if I was manipulating you I would be able to do a better job than have me at the end of the day crying." I try and joke, seeing his lips twitch slightly into a bigger smile I let one minor smile respond to his.

"I'm sorry Clara." He set those beautiful green eyes on me in the biggest puppy dog look ever; huffing gently I let out a watery chuckle.

"It's okay Edward, just let's not do this again huh? My back is starting to hate walls." I tease him, smiling he smoothly sweeps me up in his arms and carries us to the bed. "Uh what are you doing?" I ask as he places me on my side of the bed.

"Well I'm tired and just want to chat in here if it's alright?" He asks worriedly. Smiling I nod while sliding under the covers.

"Shoes off." I tell him as I settle against the pillows. Quickly shoving his shoes off he slips under the covers and pulls me up against him and his chest, sighing in content I lay my head over his beating heart letting the sound relax me.

"I'm sorry Clara." His voice shook with sincerity and he brushed his fingers against the top of my arm where the redness was slowly fading, please don't bruise!

"It's fine Eddie, just try and believe I am just as terrified I am going to be hurt too." Two fingers lifted up my chin until I was facing him.

"I swear I will never lay a hand on you again and I promise I will never hurt you." He spoke so passionately I couldn't help but melt slightly.

"That's a big promise Eddie." I whisper.

"It's one I will always keep." Smiling properly I lean up and kiss his lips lightly, his deepened the kiss.

As I laid there in his arms after we had kissed I snuggled closer into his chest letting his hands rub soothing circles into my back relaxing me more and more.

"Do you want me to leave?" He whispered in my ear; smiling I shook my head and leaned up so it was resting on his shoulder while draping an arm over his clothed waist.

"No, but I think you are a bit over dressed to sleep." I giggled slightly, smiling he softly slipped out from under me and tugged his shirt over his head and folded it neatly placing it on the floor, glancing at me he reached for his buckle on his trousers and I could see a small blush form. Grinning I leant back against my pillows and watched him quickly yank off the black trousers and slip under the covers again and fold them up.

Patting the spot next to me he stretched out fully against the mattress before pulling me against him again, something tells me he's not going to let me out of his arms or sight for a while. Leaning my head against his shoulder I draped an arm back over his waist and tangled his legs with mine, so thankful that I shaved my legs this morning.

"So how come you haven't been by much this week?" I ask and draw lazy patterns against his side and stomach feeling the muscles contract whenever I slip over it.

"Batman and Robin have been patrolling more and more recently, I don't want to lead them to you." He states as he gets comfy against the pillows.

"Oh, thank you?" I ask confused, peaking up at him he grins down at me with his usual humour.

"Oh darling you wouldn't be able to handle Arkham, and fraternising with me they would definitely say you were crazy." He chuckles and kisses the top of my head, giggling gently I shrug against him, perhaps I was crazy.

But at least I had a great tutor.

So SO SOOOOOOOO sorry about the wait for this, it didn't come out as well as I planned but I hope you all liked it :)? REVIEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW PLEASE!