AN: Thank you all for the follows/favorites/reviews and thank you to my guest reviewers as well! Note, this is a different ball than the one Barbara and Cat attend later in the season and this is the longest chapter I've written at four and a half thousand words! So, lots of fluff and some drama coming up! Have you guys SEEN the season 2 promos! Ah! I am getting excited! And that Suicide Squad trailer! Jared Leto as the Joker, I just, can't even with him (in a GOOD way!) Anyway please review and enjoy!

Playlist:

Van Morrison-Beside You (Isabelle and Edward)

Saint Motel-My Type (Isabelle and Bruce)

Bing Crosby-As Time Goes By (Isabelle and Alfred)

Taylor Swift-Never Grow Up (Isabelle and Jim)

Frederic Chopin-Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2

Iron & Wine-Flightless Bird, American Mouth (Isabelle and Oswald)

Bullet for My Valentine-Hit the Floor

Chapter 28

Oswald woke Isabelle up just as the sky was turning into a light purple, signaling the sun's approaching rise. Her voice was still drowsy with sleep as she spoke, "Good morning Oswald."

"Good morning," he replied, smiling. Oswald Cobblepot couldn't recall a better morning as he pressed his lips to those that belonged to the girl in his arms. He pressed his nose into the crook of her neck. "I really must get going."

"I know," Isabelle sighed but pulled him in for another, long and sweet kiss.

Oswald rose from the bed and after he was dressed he kissed her goodbye and quietly slipped out of the manor.

Isabelle, awake and unable to go back to sleep, opted for a shower. Dressed, her hair still damp and pulled up into a bun, she headed downstairs. For the first time in a week she didn't feel the need to pull on a cardigan or zip-up hoodie to hide the scar on her arm.

Isabelle didn't miss the look Alfred gave her when she sat down for breakfast and her cheeks reddened as the sudden thought of him possibly hearing her and Oswald the night before came to mind.

The three ate their breakfast in silence until midway through breakfast Bruce spoke up. "So, did you ask your friend to the ball?"

"I did. He said he'd love to go."

"Great, but it seems Alfred failed to tell me yesterday that the ball has been pushed back for a few weeks. It seems the three of us are going out of town. He doesn't feel it's safe with those assassin's out there."

"I thought they were only after Selina?"

"Well, we don't know that for sure, do we? Pack your bags Isabelle. Your uncle has been informed and was quite welcoming to the idea of us leaving for a bit. We depart in a couple of hours."

~O.o~

After a few weeks away Isabelle, Bruce, and Alfred had just arrived back at the mansion early in the morning. Before they left town Isabelle had called Oswald to tell him she would be staying in Switzerland for a few weeks with Bruce and Alfred. He agreed that perhaps it would be a good idea for her as well even though he didn't really want her to go, that opinion he kept to himself only because she was sounded so excited for the trip. Isabelle also called Edward to inform him of the ball's new date.

Isabelle got her dress for the ball while they were away, on Bruce's insistence. One night she thought they were going out and they stopped at a high-end dress shop.

An hour later, Isabelle had tried on several dresses and modeled them for Bruce, per his request. Alfred also put his two cents in but so far the one had not been found.

Bruce was browsing through the dresses when he spotted a black and gold satin dress. "What about this one?" he pointed.

The sales associate that was helping them pulled it down off the rack. It had a boat neck collar and the top half of the dress was covered in a gold filigree design which tapered off to the waist and down to the elbows of the long sleeves. The rest of the dress flowed down, solid black, hugging her waist and hips until it stopped past her feet.

"That's it! That's the one!" Bruce declared, smiling.

"You think so?" She looked down at the dress and back at herself in the giant floor-length mirror.

Bruce nodded, walking up to her, "Definitely."

Alfred swiftly agreed, "It's lovely on you Miss Gordon."

The sales associate came up to Isabelle with a pair of patent gold one-inch heels. Isabelle stepped into them and the sales associate immediately went to work, putting pins in the dress for where it would need to be hemmed.

Now, a day had passed since they returned home, and with the ball only hours away Isabelle braided four small sections of hair and then pulled those braids and the rest of her hair into a low bun. The sleeves of the dress had been shortened a bit and the length was hemmed so the tips of her heels just peeked out from underneath. She kept the make-up simple, swiped on a sheer red lip color, and spritzed on her perfume before she went to meet Alfred and Bruce in the study.

"Isabelle," Bruce said, turning to face her as she descended the stairs. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you Bruce," she smiled. "You both look very handsome," she directed at Alfred and Bruce. She was used to seeing Alfred in a suit but he outdid himself in this one.

Bruce held up a small square box. "I'd like you to wear these tonight, if you want, of course."

Isabelle took the box from his hands and opened it to see dangling gold earrings with small diamonds inlaid throughout the design. "Bruce, these are amazing."

"They match the gold design on your dress. They were my mother's. I think she would love for you to wear them."

"What? Oh, Bruce I can't wear these."

"I insist. It's my way of thanking you for being so kind to me these past few weeks."

"Are you sure?" Isabelle was afraid of losing one or both of them since they had belonged to Bruce's mother.

Bruce nodded, a bright smile on his face. She didn't want to disappoint him either so she carefully lifted the first one out of the box and put it on, then the other.

"Thank you Bruce, I'll take good care of them," she promised.

The doorbell sounded.

"Ah, that must be Mr. Nygma," Alfred said.

Bruce and Isabelle followed him to the front door.

When the door opened Isabelle's eyes went wide.

She stepped forward to greet him. "Edward! You look, so, so handsome!" And she wasn't just saying that.

"Thank you Isabelle. You look quite beautiful yourself. Everybody loves me, I'm pretty and smell sweet, look down and you will find me at your feet?"

"Flowers!" Bruce spoke up.

"Yes!" Edward said and he held out a wrist corsage made with black material, small white roses and baby's breath. "I wasn't sure if I was supposed to get one so I got one just in case. I know you get them for prom although I never went to prom," he explained, smiling at her.

Isabelle thanked him as he slid it on her right wrist.

After introductions were made they headed out and piled into the limo while Alfred sat in the driver's seat.

When they arrived at the venue in the city it was already filling with guests.

"Bruce," Isabelle asked. "Did you invite Cat?"

Bruce's eyes went wide. "No, I didn't think to. She probably wouldn't have come though."

Isabelle noted the look of disappointment on his face. She knew he was still upset over her not staying in the mansion and her going back and forth about knowing the Wayne's killer. Isabelle took his hand. "You don't know that for sure. Next time you should at least extend an invitation. Cat may surprise you."

Bruce's mouth twinged, hinting at a smile. "Okay. You'll save me a dance, right?"

"You can have as many dances with me as you like," she said and this time Bruce did smile.

Inside the venue Isabelle stood with Edward. Bruce had gone off to talk to some very important guests and Alfred trailed after him, keeping a watchful eye.

"Uh, perhaps I could get you some refreshment?" Edward asked, looking extremely nervous.

"How about we dance first?" Isabelle suggested with a smile as a new song started up.

Edward swallowed hard but nodded. He held out his arm and Isabelle took it, letting him lead her out onto the floor.

Isabelle placed one hand on Edward's shoulder and took his hand in the other while he placed his spare hand on her hip. She giggled as he twirled her around the room to the beat of the music. Edward's face practically glowed as he pulled her tighter against him.

"You look absolutely beautiful this evening Isabelle," Edward complimented.

Isabelle smiled. "And you look absolutely dashing this evening Edward," she smiled.

"You know I-I told Miss Kringle I was attending this ball with you," Edward said as he continued to spin her.

"Trying to make her jealous?" Isabelle quirked an eyebrow, clutching his shoulder tighter through the spin.

"Well, I heard it works…sometimes."

"Hopefully it will."

After their dance they stood near the refreshments each sipping a glass of non-alcoholic punch.

Bruce came up to Isabelle and held out his arm. "I believe I was promised a dance," he said.

Isabelle smiled and set down her drink. "I believe you were," she looked to Edward, "Excuse me."

"Oh, by all means. I think I'll go help myself to that table full of food."

The song playing was an upbeat one and Bruce gladly led Isabelle to the floor. She and Bruce danced around, laughing hysterically as they moved around. From time to time Isabelle would raise her arm holding Bruce's hand and he'd spin under it. Isabelle giggled when Bruce spun her in to him then back out again. She took both his hands in hers and see-sawed their arms back and forth to the beat. It started to develop into a game where Bruce would do a move, like raising his arms over his head and wave them in the air and Isabelle would copy him. Then Isabelle would do something silly, like the sprinkler, and Bruce would crack up when he copied her. When the song ended Alfred appeared behind Bruce and tapped him on the shoulder.

"I believe I would like a turn with Miss Gordon," Alfred said.

"Of course Alfred," Bruce acquiesced, placing Isabelle's hand into Alfred's.

"Thank you for the dance Bruce!" Isabelle called as he walked away and he turned and gave her a smile.

Isabelle and Alfred started their dance and she was led around the floor effortlessly by his lead.

"I really must think you Miss Gordon-"

"Isabelle," she corrected.

"Isabelle. For caring for Master Bruce as you have. I did not expect that when I consented to your stay in the manor. How long are you planning to stay?"

"I really don't know. Until I've overstayed my welcome I suppose."

"I don't see that happening. Especially if Bruce has any say in it. Although I would suggest no more nightly visitors in your bedroom," he looked pointedly at her.

Isabelle gasped as the people around them were a blur in her peripheral. "You…did you…" she stammered.

"Yes I heard a little bit when I passed your door on the way back to my room from the kitchen."

Isabelle's face was positively glowing red and she focused her eyes on his bow tie as he continued to lead her in a circle.

Alfred couldn't withhold a chuckle at the mortified look on her face. "Don't worry Isabelle. I understand. You are young and in love and your hormones are raging quite all over the place."

"Alfred!"

He chuckled. "My apologies Isabelle. I'm only teasing you lass."

"I think you are having entirely too much fun teasing me Alfred. By the way, you're pretty spry for a man your age," she smirked.

Alfred looked like he was about to stammer himself when Isabelle let out a laugh. "I worry Miss Kyle may have rubbed off on you, you cheeky little devil. I'll show you my age," he declared before twirling her out then back into his arms and finally, he dipped her down low, close to the shiny marble floor. Her eyes went wide and the breath whooshed out of her lungs. When he lifted her back up he had a smirk on his face as the song ended.

Isabelle and Alfred were about to part when she saw her Uncle Jim.

"What's Uncle Jim doing here?" she asked Alfred.

"Oh, Bruce didn't tell you? We invited him."

Isabelle smiled as Alfred released her. After thanking him for the dance she walked over to where Jim and a beautiful woman with chin length dark hair stood together.

"Uncle Jim!"

"Isabelle!" He stepped forward to pull her into a hug. "Isabelle I'd like you to meet Lee."

Isabelle shook Lee's outstretched hand. "It's nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you as well. Jim has told me a lot about you."

"Well I'm sure I would've heard about you if my uncle wasn't so busy trying to change Gotham and save everyone. My Uncle, Gotham's own superhero," she smiled.

Jim chuckled. "How about a dance Izzy?"

"Absolutely."

Out on the dance floor Jim smiled at how happy his niece was. "How are you doing Izzy? Are you happy staying at the mansion?"

"I'm good and I actually love it there. I've gotten used to spending time with Bruce every day."

"Good. I don't think you should come back into the city yet."

"Why?"

"I just don't think it's safe. I worry about you a lot less when you're at the mansion. I do miss you though. I hoped you'd be under my roof but I guess this city had other plans. I'm just so glad you're okay Izzy. That you're happy. You look beautiful," Jim said.

"If people keep saying that I might start to believe it," Isabelle said.

Jim smiled and tapped her nose with his finger.

"I-" she struggled for words. She didn't want to keep anything from her Uncle, not after what happened the last time she did that. "Oswald and I are back together."

Jim's eyes widened and he froze.

Isabelle blanched at the pain she saw in his eyes but she didn't regret telling him. "I just don't want to keep anything from you."

"When did this happen?" he asked, resuming their dance.

"After what happened yesterday at the station."

Jim closed his eyes and pulled Isabelle against him. She tucked her head against his chest and he rested his chin on the top of her head. Isabelle getting back with Oswald was the last thing he wanted but she was a grown woman and she could decide these things for herself. And she would, she'd proven that much. If she was going to continue making the same mistake all he could really do was talk to her, be there for her, and let her know no matter what he was there and he would do his damnedest to protect her, especially after what had already happened.

As they continued to slowly dance he was reminded of her junior prom. She'd found her pink dress at a thrift store and spent hours getting ready, only to have her date not even bother to tell her he'd decided to go with his buddies at the last minute. He'd found her crying on the steps to their apartment building and pulled her off the stoop and out onto the sidewalk after she explained why she wasn't at prom. He went to his car and unlocked it, rolling the passenger side windows down and after turning on the radio he bowed down, hand out.

"May I have this dance?"

Isabelle crossed her arms, tears still silently flowing.

"Izzy," he said, coming up to her and taking her hands in his. He slowly led her around the sidewalk under the soft glow of the streetlights.

"See? This beats any lame junior prom with some idiot boy any night," he said. "I mean he really is an idiot for ditching you Izzy. You look beautiful. You're so grown up now. What am I going to do huh? Where's that little girl that cried over her dove?" He got a smile out of her then. "Ah, there it is! See, you don't need some boy to make you smile when you've got your Uncle Jim."

Isabelle chuckled and when the song ended she hugged him tightly. "Thanks Uncle Jim."

"Anything for you Isabelle," he answered as he hugged her back. "Now, may I have another dance Madame?"

Isabelle stepped back, curtsied, and laughed holding her hand out, "You may kind sir."

Back in the present Jim regarded his niece as he continued to lead her around the floor. "Just promise me you'll be careful and I mean more careful than last time. And stay away from Fish and Falcone and Maroni."

Isabelle nodded as the song ended and Edward came up to the two of them.

"Edward," Jim smiled, shaking the young man's hand.

"Mr. Gordon. Nice to see you."

"Yeah, it's nice to see you too. Well, you kids have fun now. I'm going to ask Lee for a dance," he smiled happily at the two before heading off the floor.

Edward and Isabelle were dancing to their third song now during this turn on the dance floor. The first two had been upbeat and they had both danced ridiculously across from one another. That earned them a few glares and turned up noses from some of the more sophisticated guests at the ball. But Isabelle and Edward were in their own little world as they enjoyed the evening, enjoyed being out with someone and having fun for a change.

As Edward held Isabelle close while they swayed he heard a gasp leave her lips. He looked down at her and followed her gaze.

Oswald Cobblepot stood at the edge of the dance floor, dressed pristinely, his eyes latched onto the smiling pair. If Oswald clutched the champagne glass he was holding any tighter he'd shatter it. He. Was. Livid.

"Um," Edward stopped their dance. "Perhaps you should go talk to him," he suggested, although he didn't like the thought of his friend approaching Oswald when he looked at them in the way he was now.

"That might be best," Isabelle said. "Thank you for the dances Edward."

She stepped away from him.

"No, thank you Isabelle. I've enjoyed myself immensely this evening." He gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll escort you."

Oswald's eyes didn't stray from them once as they approached.

"Oswald," Isabelle said walking closer to Oswald. "I didn't-"

Oswald cut her off. "Tell me you were attending the ball with," he sneered, "Edward Nygma."

"Well you didn't tell me you were coming either."

Oswald took her hand in his. "How about a dance?"

She smiled, hoping the matter was dropped, and followed him out onto the floor.

Once they were out in the middle Oswald placed a hand on her hip and held fast to her hand in his. Isabelle automatically pressed herself closer to him, craving the proximity.

"You look amazing Oswald," she complimented, smiling up at him. Although their dancing wasn't as fluid as the previous one's Isabelle had, due to Oswald's leg, she preferred dancing with him. The odd lilt of their movement on the floor seemed to go hand in hand with their very relationship. They were vastly different and yet they complimented one another, melded together well, despite what anyone else thought.

He smiled, although it seemed a bit forced. "Thank you; you look like a vision. No wonder Nygma can't keep his hands off of you."

Isabelle sighed. "Oswald, please don't. You know Edward and I are just friends. I invited him that day I ran into you at the station, before I even saw you."

Oswald didn't look pacified with her explanation. Of course Isabelle had seen first-hand Oswald's violent tendencies and she would be lying if she wasn't worried for Edward's safety. "Promise me you won't do anything to Edward."

Oswald looked over her head at the man in question but she pulled her hand from his and placed it against his cheek, making him look at her. "Promise me Oswald. Edward is my friend. It would hurt me if you touched a single hair on his head. Am I clear?"

She fixed him with a stern gaze as he eyed her.

He nodded. "Of course. I only want to keep you happy. You know the last thing I want to do is hurt you."

"Thank you Oswald."

"But I will exchange words with him this evening."

"And what, exactly, will those words be?" She asked, already having an idea.

"That you are my girlfriend and he should drop any romantic ideas he may have about the two of you."

"Oswald, that's ridiculous, Edward knows you and I are back together and I know for a fact that while he does have romantic ideas they aren't geared towards me."

Oswald looked at her, awaiting further explanation.

"Believe me. There's a girl he works with he's very much interested in. I met her at the station when I was there. While she rejects his little advancements he hasn't given up."

"And that worries you," Oswald observed, knowing Isabelle.

"Well, yes. He's my friend. I don't want him to keep on and keep on. He should go after someone that will return his advances, or at least give him a chance. You can't tell me you don't know what that's like?"

Oswald sighed. "You're right, I do know what that's like. It's torture. Cruel, cruel, torture."

"And then you met me," Isabelle smiled.

"And then I met you," he smiled back and pulled her closer.

Isabelle eagerly pressed her lips to his, not caring who saw, and Oswald just as eagerly returned the gesture, his soft lips ghosting over hers before he broke away.

"I promise you we'll be happy Isabelle."

She tilted her head, "I thought we were happy?"

"We are. I just mean, I have Fish's place, all ready to truly become mine. I'll have a much better income. So much so I can even purchase our own place, just you and me."

Isabelle smiled at the thought of living with Oswald, getting to see him every day, go to bed with him every night.

"And I'll keep you happy Isabelle, always."

"You can't guarantee that Oswald. I'm pretty sure people aren't happy all the time in relationships. Sometimes you have to work at it. I've seen that with Jim and his relationships. You shouldn't make promises you can't keep."

Oswald's eyes darkened.

"I didn't mean-"

He cut her off. "I know. But that does not mean I don't still hold some of the blame. Sometimes I think I should never have rescued you from those boys. I mean, I could have held you for ransom as well."

Isabelle snatched her hand back, shoving his hands away from her. "What did you say?" she asked, shocked.

Oswald's mouth opened but nothing came out.

"I can't believe you just said that." She turned on her heel and headed off the dance floor.

Oswald quickly limped after her. "We should take this conversation somewhere else."

Isabelle hesitated but then nodded and went with him out of the ballroom and down a hallway.

They stood in the dim light of the hallway and Oswald turned around to face her, sweat forming on his brow. "I-I didn't mean…"

"Then what did you mean? Why on earth would you say something like that?!" She begged the question and he could see the pain on her face at his words.

"I wasn't thinking. I'm still upset over arriving and seeing you happily in the arms of Edward Nygma."

"That's no excuse. Is that what you really think? You would have rather held me for ransom than be in a relationship with me? You would have rather killed me like you were going to do to that guy anyway? You would rather be so easily rid of me than deal with a little, ridiculous, unfounded, jealousy? Just because I shattered your notion of the perfect relationship? I was just being honest with you Oswald. Even in good relationships people are still unhappy from time to time. It happens. That's life."

"No, I can make you happy!" Oswald said. "Don't you see? I HAVE Fish's place now and she's as good as dead! Her place is now mine! Next, Gotham!"

"Just because you'll have the city doesn't mean you'll be happy either." Isabelle said, surprising herself. She realized she'd become a bit cynical since coming to Gotham.

"Are you unhappy with me Isabelle?"

Isabelle watched Oswald as he grew frantic. She took a deep breath. "Oswald, you're being ridiculous," she said, her tone level.

"Am I?" Oswald stepped up to her. "I thought we were quite happy the night before you left for Switzerland."

"That's not even what we're talking about!"

"You know I've been wondering why you didn't come see me after you got back from your trip. Were you with Nygma instead?" he accused.

She stepped back, away from him. "What the Hell has gotten in to you?!"

"What's going on here?"

Isabelle turned as Oswald snapped his face to see Edward coming up behind Isabelle.

"Is…there a problem?" Edward asked.

"Yes. As a matter of fact there is. You," Oswald fumed.

"Oswald if you don't stop whatever this is right now-" Isabelle began.

"How about you stay here with Edward and just be the whore my mother warned me about," Oswald hissed in her face.

Isabelle stepped back, her mouth open, unable to even get any coherent thoughts to form into words.

Edward stepped up, his fist snapping back and quickly meeting Oswald's nose. A satisfying light crack met Edward's ears.

Oswald stumbled back and let out a shriek of pain. Clutching his nose he felt warm blood begin its descent over his upper lip.

Isabelle was observing the scene in complete shock until Oswald, completely enraged, dropped his hand and charged at Edward, surprising him and knocking him to the floor.

Isabelle ran forward, pulling at the back of Oswald's jacket to get him off of Edward and stop the fight. "Stop this! Both of you! STOP IT RIGHT NOW!"

"What is going on here!?"

Isabelle looked up to see her uncle and Alfred running down the hallway towards them. Jim grabbed Oswald and jerked him off of Edward. Alfred pulled Edward up to his feet next to Isabelle, his face covered in shallow, red scratches and Oswald's blood. Edward reached out and put an arm protectively around Isabelle's shoulders.

"So this is your choice then!?" Oswald asked, finally stilling in Jim's grasp.

Isabelle looked at him as if she didn't even recognize him and he sobered slightly. "There was never any choice Oswald. But if there were you clearly made it for me." She turned her back to him and took Edward's arm, leading him back down the hallway.

"Would you like me to take you back to Wayne Manor Isabelle?" Alfred asked, walking with them.

"No thank you Alfred. I want to make sure Edward's alright, seeing as I've ruined his night."