It had been two days since the Joker escaped and the city was holding its breath, waiting for his next move. I had worked so many hours, I forgot what sleep looked like.

I got to the station, my coffee firmly in my hands.

"So you're really not an item, huh." Alex said, his feet resting on the desk as he smiled at me with a wide grin.

"You mean me and Wayne? No, we are not."

"I can see that." He smirked at me pointing his head towards the screens.

The images stung. They showed Bruce with the recent Miss Universe on a night out in town. He had told me he was going on a fake date last night to keep up his image, but seeing it made it uncomfortably real. Did it have to be Miss freaking Universe? Bruce was holding her in his arm as they exited the bar, his hand on her hipbone. I cringed but tried to act normal as I felt Alex studying my reaction closely.

"Miss Universe. He's getting a little more classy." I smiled at Alex while taking a sip of my coffee.

"So you guys are friends?"

I shrugged. "Friends might be a saying a little much, but yeah."

"I don't know Cat, the way he was holding you when City Hall came down... Didn't exactly read friendship to me."

"Am I being cross examined for my love life right now?"

"I'm just saying. He's certainly not holding Miss Universe like that."

"Well, you'd be delighted to know that I have a date coming up with someone very much not Bruce Wayne."

"Is that so?"

I nodded. "If you excuse me, I have work to do."

Great, now I had to find a fake date.


Miss Universe - it was Alfred's idea.

"If you really want the press to stop thinking you and Ms Hunter are involved, you need to give them something worthy to talk about."

Billionaire dates Miss Universe - that would certainly make headlines.

He had no desire to go with her on a date. She seemed nice but superficial. Despite her beauty, nothing drew him to her. He wished Cat would have agreed to go public, then none of this nonsense would be necessary.

The date was fine. He picked her up, went with her to some of Gotham's most expensive restaurants and bars, making sure the press was there to document. It was all a show for the press after all. He put on his fake persona, which was effortless around her. It irked him to this day how difficult it was for him to be the fake Bruce Wayne around Cat.

When they exited the last bar and paparazzi following them, he made sure he held her tightly against him.

As he drove her home, her sweet perfume in the air of his car, he wished it was Cat sitting next to him.


"Where am I going to find a date on such short notice?" I asked Sam.

She chuckled. "Well, this is just one of the stupidest things you've ever done Catherine Hunter - and you've done a lot of stupid things."

"I know..." I sighed. "I just wasn't ready to go all public on this yet."

"So instead you decided to go on a fake date?"

"Well he is."

"Because that is his image. You don't have a fake playboy image to uphold."

"Are you taking his side?"

She laughed. "If his side is telling you when you're being a moron, then yes."

"Well, too late. Now I have to find a date."

"I actually might know someone. He's my cousin's good friend and just moved to Gotham."

"Oh?"

"Lawyer. Really smart and good looking."

"You do realize I'm not actually going on a date with the guy."

"Yes, I am all too aware of that fact. But you can't go on a fake date with a loser. That wouldn't be very believable. His name is James, forgot his last name. My cousin speaks of him really highly though."


The date was set. James Douglas, mid-30s, dark hair, tall, handsome, smart. Why did I never meet guys like him when I was single? I told Bruce about the fake date, who still seemed rather displeased with the whole idea, but he didn't say anything.

"Where is he taking you?" He asked.

"The Empire Room."

It was Gotham's most sought-after restaurant. I had never been because it was too expensive and you needed a reservation months in advance to get a table.

"I'm going to cut the whole thing pretty short though," I assured him. "I thought that I am getting a fake business call after an hour and half."

"It's completely up to you."


As I was getting dressed for my "date" with James, I had a hard time deciding what to wear. It needed to be date-worthy, yet not too sexy. I chose a dark blue body-con dress with long sleeves and silver stilettos.

Walking to the entrance of the restaurant, I asked myself why I was doing this. I should have just gone public. But my career was at stake. Dating Bruce Wayne...it didn't exactly read credible journalist. Unless I was sure that Bruce and I had something worth risking my career for, I didn't want to try it out.

James was standing at the entrance, dressed in a dark expensive looking coat. Sam's description of him was very accurate - tall, dark hair, handsome.

When he saw me walking up, he smiled at me. I felt incredibly awkward.

"Hi Catherine, so nice to meet you."

What the hell was I doing?

The hostess walked us to our table. The Empire Room held true to its name - the enormous building looked like it was built in the early 1900s, marble floor mixed with modern lights and glass.

"This is impressive." I said as we sat down at our table.

"I have never been here before but I heard it's the place to go in Gotham."

"You heard correctly. How did you get a table on such short notice here anyway?"

"I had to pull some strings. My buddy works for the Health Department."

I laughed. "So, did you have to threaten someone with a lawsuit?"

He smiled and shook his head. "That was plan B."

"Sam tells me you're a human rights lawyer?"

"Yes, I've worked as an advisor for the United Nations on several cases in Nigeria."

"Wow, that's amazing. How did you get into that?"

"I was always interested in law as a way to help people. My professor actually got me hooked on international human rights cases."

"Where did you go to school?" I asked taking a sip of my delicious cocktail.

"Harvard and Princeton."

"How are you still single?" I laughed while shaking my head in disbelief.

He laughed. "Haven't found the right one yet."

James seemed perfect - but all I could think about was Bruce. What was it about Bruce Wayne that had me so spellbound.

"I hear you're resume is not any less impressive though." He said while smiling at me.

"I don't know about that. I'm just a journalist."

"First in her class at Columbia, quickly made a name for herself as an investigative journalist... I think that is very impressive."

"Sam makes it probably sound more than it really is. But I love my profession. To me journalism is a way of helping people as well, giving the voiceless a voice. That sounds probably incredibly naive to you."

"No, not at all. I couldn't agree more. In fact I worked with many journalists on different cases in the past. They're the fifth estate in our country. You wouldn't believe how many colleagues have called me naive in my life."

"Really? That's..." I froze. It couldn't be.

James turned around to see what I was looking at.

"Is that Bruce Wayne?" He asked me.

I wish the answer to that question would have been - no. Bruce walked towards us, holding hands with Miss Universe.

"Miss Hunter, what a coincidence." He said with a big grin on his face.

"Yeah. Small world Mr Wayne."

"Gabriela, this is Catherine Hunter."

She shook my hand and I felt like a an ugly duckling next to her. Her long, dark hair loosely curled, her skin flawless. She was wearing a short red dress. Her legs were as long as my entire body. I knew why Bruce did it - to show me how stupid this whole pretending-thing was.

"Um, this is James Douglas, James this is..."

"Bruce Wayne." He interrupted me. "Nice to meet you. And Gabriela...are you..."

"Miss Universe, yes she is." Bruce finished his sentence, pulling her closer to him. I was ready to explode.

"So, should we put a few tables together." Bruce asked.

"I'm not sure they'll let us." I said, hoping he would pick up on my cue that I didn't want them to join us.

"Oh they should, I own this place."

"You OWN this?" I asked and immediately regretted the tone of my question. I sounded more like his girlfriend, confused about not knowing he owned a restaurant. I felt all eyes on me.

This was going to be a long evening.


"So what is it you do Mr Douglas?"

"I am a human rights lawyer. Just moved to town actually."

"Gotham needs more lawyers?" His question sounded demeaning. I didn't recognize him at all. It was like he was a stranger.

James smiled. "I would say Gotham more so than any other city, wouldn't you agree?"

"Lawyers don't seem to get done too much around here. The whole city is in the mob's pocket."

"Aside of course from the Batman."

"You seriously believe a crazy guy in a costume can safe this city? Please tell me you're joking."

Who was this person? I was ready to slap him but of course I had to play along.

"I think the Batman has done more for this city than anyone else.."

"And you base this knowledge on ...what...a week of living in Gotham?"

"So what is your solution for Gotham?"

"The city needs a strong political elite. We need a mayor who can govern with power."

"Ah! Well I'm not surprised that is your answer. I'm guessing you already know which politician you're about to buy for the next election?"

A tense smile on Bruce's lips. This was the most uncomfortable situation I had ever been in.

"Money is power Mr Douglas. That should have been something they taught you at law school."

What was he doing? Why was he being a jerk to James? None of this sounded like him. I was somewhat flattered by his jealousy - coming here because he knew James was taking me here. But this was getting a whole new level of uncomfortable.

When Gabriela got up to go to the restroom, his eyes followed her closely.

He grinned at James and said : "Like I said, hardly anything money doesn't buy am I right?"

I felt like I was about to scream or vomit.

"Mr Wayne, we certainly don't want to interrupt your date any longer. I'm sure you two have better things to do than discuss politics with us." I said, trying not to sound angry.

He was avoiding eye contact the whole time. Not once did he look at me. I was about to say - I get it you can drop the act.

"Nonsense. I insist. Can we get another bottle of champagne here?" He asked the waitress.

This is exactly what I used to think he was like. Right now there was nothing left of the Bruce Wayne I knew.

An hour of extremely uncomfortable conversations had passed, dinner had been eaten and Bruce pretended the whole time like I wasn't there, just talking to James about politics the whole time. Even when I chimed in, he didn't look at me. If only I could just get up and leave without making a scene.

Gabriela leaned in and whispered something in his ear and giggling like a school girl. He grinned at her and nodded.

"Well my friends this has been great. But my girl tells me it's time to go home."

My girl. But at this point I didn't care as long as he would leave. I'd rather not be around him at all than spend any more time with his arrogant Bruce Wayne persona.

"Order whatever you want pal," he said to James. "It's on the house."

He threw a hundred dollar bill on the table as the tip and left arm in arm with Miss Universe.

I felt sick to my stomach.

"Well, I guess the tabloids got that one right." James said smiling at me.

"Yeah."

"At least I don't have to be threatened by the guy."

"Threatened?"

"Well, I read some rumors about you and Wayne... But after meeting the guy..." He laughed. "Let's just say he is a complete..."

"Jerk?" I filled in the gap for him. "An arrogant douchebag? A narcissistic maniac?

He smiled and nodded.

"What do girls see in him? I mean aside from the money and good looks?"

My stomach was in knots. Right now, I couldn't believe I was one of those girls...


James hailed me a cab.

"Well, I had a great time. Despite half of our date being hijacked by Wayne."

I smiled and nodded. How did Bruce get out of these fake dates he constantly went on? What was my next move?

"One of my favorite bands is in town next weekend. I would love to take you."

I could Sam shaking her head at me in my mind.

"Sure."

"Great. I'll call you."


He had never felt this jealous in his life and it bothered him how much the feeling took over. The second she told him were this guy would take her, he had to go. It was childish but he couldn't bare the thought of her on a date - fake or not - with anyone.

On the drive back to his apartment he had Alfred call him, pretending a business deal needed his attention so he got out of whatever Gabriela was hoping would follow next.

He dropped her at her apartment, not being able to stop thinking about Cat. The whole night he didn't dare making eye contact with her. As long as he pretended she wasn't there it was much easier for him to uphold his fake Wayne persona. It was effortless around Jeff and Gabriela - the fake grin, the arrogant attitude, the playboy image - it all came almost naturally to him. When he looked at Cat, he felt almost naked, like she could see through his act immediately.

He knew she would be mad at him for showing up uninvited to their fake date, but maybe it would convince her to go public after all.


I had just gotten home and took off my earrings still shell shocked from this evening, when I heard a knock on the door.

I opened the door, to see Bruce leaning against the door frame.

"Hi." He said, studying my expression.

I had my fists balled, still furious about his stunt. Without saying anything I walked into the kitchen, Bruce following me, closing the door behind me.

"Sorry for interrupting your date tonight."

I poured myself a glass of wine, really needing some alcohol right now to calm my anger.

"What the hell was that?" I asked staring at him.

"Was what?"

"You! Tonight! Who was that? First of all - why would you interrupt our "date"? And don't tell me you accidentally ran into us..."

"No it wasn't on accident. If you checked twitter, a picture of all of us on a double date is already circulating the web. You wanted to convince everyone we're just friends - this is the best way. If you went on a date with James - just the two of you - nobody would have known about it. Now everyone does. You're dating, I'm dating and we're having even a double date together. Look at us - we're such good friends."

I was so angry, I felt I was about to explode.

"I tell you we're going to the Empire Room and two days later, you BUY the restaurant? I looked it up, Wayne Enterprise purchased the Empire Room two days after I told you about it."

"So?"

"So? You don't find it a little...I don't know...over the top that you're buying a restaurant because I'm telling you someone is taking me on a date there?"

"It gave me better control. Otherwise your boyfriend wouldn't have been able to get a table there anyway."

"My boyfriend? Is this all a jealousy thing? Which brings me to the next thing - so if this was all a great PR stunt, why did you have to be such an ass?"

"I was?"

"You didn't notice? With the fake laughing and the staring at her ass..."

He smiled and raised his eyebrows. "Look who is jealous now."

"Ugh! You're so frustrating."

"I admit I may have been a bit jealous." He said walking towards me slowly, his eyes focusing in on me. "Very jealous actually."

"Why did you have to be such a jerk to him?"

"Are you kidding me? It took all of my self control to not knock the guy out. The way he looked at you..." He bit his lips together in a tight line, shaking his head as if he tried to erase that image from his mind. "You want me to stop going on fake dates, you say the word." He stood just inches away from me, his eyes piercing through mine.

My anger wasn't as strong as my desire for him. How did he do that?

He slowly leaned in, kissing my lips softly as if he was waiting for permission. When I didn't protest, he intensified the kiss, holding on to me tightly. Our tongues met as his hands wandered under my dress to take off my panties. He stopped the kiss.

"Should I be offended that you're not wearing panties on a fake date?" He asked breathlessly looking at me closely.

I shook my head. "Simple fashion thing." I said while pulling him towards me again.

Not interrupting the kiss, he lifted me on the kitchen counter. I wrapped my legs around him, sighing loudly as I felt him inside of me.

One arm supporting me, he placed the other on the cupboard behind me, his breath becoming heavier.

His hand pushed my hip even closer to him. I held on to him tightly, my face on his collarbone, smelling his cologne, the crisp shirt fabric next to my skin, my hand holding on to his neck, feeling the sweat on his skin.

I still had a hard time believing that this man was the same person as the one who I had dinner with just an hour ago.

His lips searched mine again. He held me closely as I collapsed in his arms, following me quickly over the edge.

We looked at each other breathlessly for a second. He smiled at me. He looked so different than he did at the restaurant. He looked kind and vulnerable. I kissed him again.

His lips wandered to my neck, before he sighed and holding me closely in his arms.

"I'm warning you," he said next to my ear. "I'm falling hard for you."

I froze. His words unleashed an emotional chaos in me. I felt an explosion of butterflies in my stomach, followed by a lump in my throat. I didn't know how to respond. For some reason his revelation took me by complete surprise. He had never talked about his feelings for me. He kissed me again gently before letting me go. I was still speechless. He didn't seem to notice, zipping up his pants.

"Are you seeing him again?" He asked, trying to sound casually.

"Who?" I asked still in shock.

He laughed. "James. Remember? Tall guy, dark hair, lawyer of some sort."

"Oh." I snapped out of it. "Yes, he said something about a concert next weekend."

"Huh." He nodded, straightening his shirt.

For the first time I could see the jealousy on his face. He tried very hard not to seem jealous but I could see the frustration in his eyes.

"You don't want me to see him anymore." I said.

He shrugged. "Not anymore than you want me to hang out with Gabriela I would imagine."

In this moment I felt he was bother way more by me going on a fake date than the other way around.

"Would you go public?"

His eyes met mine. "Yah." He nodded. "But I understand. You have way more to lose. My image is already down the toilet."

I laughed. "I'm not ready to go public yet."

"I understand." He said.

"But I guess it's my decision then and so I should be ok with you pretending to be a playboy without me going on fake dates."

He shook his head. "No it's only fair."

"No it isn't. You don't want this anyway. Plus I'm not good at fake dates."

"You looked very believable at it."

"Not that. It's awkward. I don't know how you do it. I'm not good at pretending I'm someone I'm not."

A sad smile wiped over his face.

"What happened to her anyway?" I asked.

"To Gabriela?"

I nodded.

"I pretended I had an important business meeting to attend to and drove her home."

"So how often can you go out with the same woman until she realizes that nothing is ever gonna happen?"

"Not very often. I give Gabriela maybe one or two more dates before I have to cut ties."

"What did she say to you at the restaurant?"

"When?"

"She was whispering in your ear."

"Oh. Nothing." He waved his hand.

"That bad?"

He laughed. "She...um... She just wanted to go home and have desert. Those were her words."

I felt the blood boiling in me again.

"It kinda scares me how good you are at lying and pretending."

He looked at me confused. "What do you mean?"

"It's so easy for you to pretend to be someone else, you slip into this other persona... It's a little scary. I mean I literally didn't recognize you during dinner."

He nodded with a serious facial expression. "Sorry if I seemed like a jackass. I sometimes don't know when to stop. It didn't help that I was ready to punch that guy."