(This was originally co-authored by my friend, and fellow fanfic writer, MinervaDeannaBond, who mysteriously disappeared from all her online accounts including email a few months ago. I have no idea what happened to her. This story is dedicated to her, and the first chapter is authored by her as well.)

"Of all the places they coulda sent you to promote your book, they had to pick the bowels of hell."

Jessica Fletcher's fingers nearly slipped as she tied a scarf around her neck. "Seth, I'd hardly call Gotham City that. Granted, it has gotten its fair share of publicity, both good and bad, in the last few months, but I wouldn't go quite as far as comparing it to the inner reaches of the underworld."

On the verge of raising his cup of coffee to his lips, Seth Hazlitt snorted, causing the creosote-colored liquid within to ripple. "That's because you're forever seeing the glass as half-full, Jessica."

"And you're forever seeing the glass as half-empty. For heaven's sake, Gotham has actually gotten its act together after that disaster with the Joker. The crime rate has dropped, more people are feeling safer in their homes and on the streets, and it's all thanks to Batman."

Seth shot her a cynical look. "Really, Jess? A homicidal maniac who looks like a Picasso painting and acts like he sucks helium on a daily basis plunges to his death thanks to a man dressed as a bat, of all things, and then this Batman plays vigilante for the rest of the city? Ayuh, that's very safe."

Jessica adjusted her scarf and glared at her best friend, placing her hands on her hips. "Seth, say what you will about Batman. I, for one, happen to think he's doing that city a great favor, risking his own life day after day just to keep the city safe. Of course, some might argue he has no business interfering in murder and crime, but he does it out of the goodness of his own heart."

"Gee, I wonder who that sounds like?" Seth ignored Jessica's next dirty look and went back to sipping his coffee. "Well, I guess I can't stop you from going to Gotham. 'Course, you'll go no matter what, stubborn as you are." His expression softened as he watched her check her two packed suitcases for anything she may have missed. "Just…be careful, alright? Gotham's a dangerous place, Jess. It'd kill me if anything happened to you."

Jessica straightened and turned back to her friend. Upon hearing the soft change in his voice, her frown had morphed into a look of open love. "I'll be fine, Seth."