Her Purpose, His Feelings

Part 2

Chelsea didn't have the slightest clue what to wear on a night out with Gotham's finest playboy. She tried on three different dresses before nearly ripping her hair out. She finally decided on a teal dress with a swoop v-neck. She hoped it didn't reveal too much, but it was hard not to. She was pretty well endowed for her small frame, but did her best not to show it off and look inappropriate. She had flesh colored pantyhose on with white high heels that were an extra inch tall. Beside her, Bruce was already a whole head and a half taller than her. She got lost in thought momentarily thinking about his muscular build and then shook it off quickly.

She put on enough make-up to enhance her features instead of take away from them like some girls did. Before today, Bruce had never seen her with make-up on. She usually went natural. It was just easier that way. She sorted through several different hairstyles and ended up just leaving it down with its natural curl. Between arm wrestling a curling iron and arm wrestling Superman, she'd pick the Man of Steel anyday. As she checked herself in the mirror, she heard a knock at the door and almost tripped on her way to the door.

She opened the door to find Bruce standing there with a black suit on. His tie was crisp, his hair gelled just enough to make sure it held in place, but not enough where it would be a solid piece of crunchtastic black mess. His eyes shined with a deep blue hue. He smiled, showing off his perfect teeth. Perfect, perfect, perfect. Right down to his perfectly shined black shoes.

Chelsea looked down at herself, "Well don't I just look like I've been plucked from a dumpster," she joked.

He begged to differ, "I would have brought you flowers, but thought it was a bit cliche. You deserve better than ordinary." he insisted.

"Oh trust me," she shook her head, "nothing about this is ordinary."

When they got to the limo, Alfred started to open the door for her when Bruce motioned him with his hand, "I've got it," he nodded. Alfred smirked as he went to the driver's side and got in. Chelsea sat down in the seat and Bruce sat beside her. Her nerves crept back in as she wiggled her leg with nervousness. Bruce took note of this, "You seem nervous."

She looked at him, "I've never been in a limousine before. Really, I'm not used to being around the wealthy either. I know there's this stereotypical way you're supposed to act, but I've never been good at being anything other than myself so… I'm torn."

"I admire that about you," he said, "You treat me like I'm… human. There isn't a single thing dark or fake about you. It's refreshing, really." he folded his hands in his lap and looked at her.

Chelsea stared at his eyes for a moment. He had the slightest hint of bags under his eyes. The muscles in his face were tense, like he had a hard day. Those eyes, they reminded her of Batman.

His eyes nervously turned away from her, "What's a day in the life of Chelsea entail?" he wondered.

"Depends on the day," she replied, "At school I'm pretty quiet and keep to myself. I spend a majority of my time in the art room, pouring my heart and emotions into a piece of work. It's my therapy I guess…" she wondered if that made her sound a little crazy, "Otherwise," each member of the Justice League flashed into her mind, "I'm surrounded by a very interesting group of friends."

"I imagine they feel lucky to have you…" he watched the buildings go by outside.

"What about you?" she wondered, "How was your day?"

He had his cheek rested against his knuckles. His lovely eyes turning back to her, "I had a rougher than average experience today." he admitted, and let the conversation die there.

"You going to let me in on where you're taking me, Mr. Wayne?" she joked, exaggerating the mister.

"You'll see soon enough. I have a couple places in mind." he watched her for sometime, as she fidgeted in her seat. She looked so beautiful tonight. There were so many things he wished he could say. How was this so easy for Wally? He could laugh with her. Expose himself, and yet, still keep his mask on all at the same time. Bruce was only exposed like a nerve, "You're beautiful, you know?"

She looked at him, caught off guard by his words, "I'm not sure that's how the passerbyers will see it," she looked him up and down, "I don't know if you've noticed, but you're carved like a God."

He'd never heard that one before. His head tilted slightly.

"Too forward?" she asked, "I apologize. I tend to do that. It makes people uncomfortable."

"I appreciate the honesty," he told her, "You never have to apologize for who you are. I happen to like your bold approach."

"Sweetheart," she leaned back and smiled nervously, "you haven't seen nothing yet."

His face instantly lit up with enthusiasm, "Good to know." he smiled, and placed his large hand overtop of hers, running his thumb across it gently. His fingers had such a sandpaper feel. She felt such sympathy for him. He worked so hard, "Ah, we're here." he said.

Bruce got out of the limousine when Alfred opened the door. He then held his hand out to Chelsea to help her out of the vehicle. It was a large restaurant, with a velvet red carpet leading up to the front door. "Fancy," Chelsea murmured.

"It's actually pretty low-key. I didn't want to overwhelm you on the first date." Bruce admitted, as he placed his arm around her waist and guided her forward.

His words echoed in her mind, "First date?" she thought to herself.

The moment Bruce walked in everyone's eyes were on him. Women shot glares at Chelsea like daggers. There was obviously an age difference between her and Bruce. From what she calculated, probably almost an eleven year difference. She started to feel a little bit like a hussy, but shook the thought off. Bruce was a better man than that. He didn't see her that way. She knew better. As for the rest and what they thought? She could care less. As they took a seat at a small table for two, their waiter scurried off to fetch only the finest champagne for Bruce Wayne. It arrived already chilled, with two glasses.

"Woah," Chelsea murmured, looking at the prices in the menus instead of the meals themselves, "No dollar menu here…" she joked.

He tilted his head, "Does it make you uncomfortable? We can go elsewhere," he poured each of them a glass of champagne.

"Oh no, it's not that I'm not grateful, it's just going to cost you a small fortune to pay for this…" Chelsea said biting her cheek. Not to mention half the menu was in French and she had a hard enough time with English. She was more fluent in sarcasm than anything, but that certainly wouldn't help here!

Bruce chuckled as he took a drink, "I've got to admit, none of my date's have ever acted concerned about the amount of money I spend on them."

"It's not your job to lavish me with such things. I just want to spend time with you." She said sincerely.

He reached across the table and tucked some hair behind her ear, "I don't mind when it comes to you. Humor me?"

She blushed, "Only if you can help me read the menu."

He leaned over closer to her to help her, pointing to each thing, saying it in French and then translating it in English. Almost like he was giving her a small lesson. She was captivated by his low, gentle tone. She watched his eyes the whole time, not really hearing a word he was saying. She tapped back in to catch the last half of what he was saying. By this time, her face was intensified with feelings she had not felt before. Goose bumps coated her arms. Perhaps she could request a phone book and he could read her that as well.

The waiter walked up to take their order, "Yes, I'll take the roast duck," Bruce inquired, "and she'll take the slow cooked turkey, served with a side of boiled vegetables." when the waiter walked away with the menus, his eyes turned back to her.

"How did you know what I wanted?" she asked.

"I didn't," he leaned forward, a grin on his face as he took another sip of his champagne, "but I figured it was more than you knew."

Chelsea hadn't touched her glass yet. She was afraid she'd break the glass or something. It felt like there was liquid gold inside. She swirled the liquid around in her glass and took a sip. The taste started out smooth and ended bitter. She wasn't much of a drinker, but it was champagne. If Bruce could finish a whole bottle of this on his own, they'd have some problems. When Chelsea looked up from her glass, Bruce watched her every move carefully and curiously. Like everything she did was something he was learning about her.

She couldn't speak. She wanted to say something, but she was too wrapped up, taking it all in. The whole atmosphere around her was so romantic. That's when a pair of breasts walked up to the table. Legs was probably her name, "Brucey! I didn't know you were coming here tonight!" she made sure she was loud enough to draw attention to herself. Which really wasn't necessary, "I see you're doing some charity work. Perhaps from the Make a Wish foundation?" she asked, her eyes cutting into Chelsea as she laughed this obnoxious laugh.

Chelsea set her glass down quietly and started to mock her incessant laughter, then smiled, "You're too funny." She raised her glass to the woman, "Tell me, how much charity did you have to do to buy those two ladies you're lugging around on your chest?" she gestured toward her chest and tossed back the rest of her drink with a bold confidence as she gently set her glass down and flashed the girl a large smile.

"Well I never!" cried the woman, placing her hand on her chest.

"Speaking of which, one of them is coming out to say hi!" Chelsea said, lacing her fingers together and placing her chin on them innocently.

The lady embarrassingly readjusted her top, but it really didn't make much of a difference, "My daddy could have your ass!" she barked.

"Quite the mouth on this one," Chelsea said as she looked to Bruce who was so blown away by what was going on he couldn't speak, "And now," she looked to the woman with a fake confused expression, "how many daddy's have had your ass?"

There was some laughter being heard from the surrounding tables. Most of the people in the room were glad to see the snobby lady get a taste of her own medicine. Bruce finally stepped in, as he snapped his fingers at the waiter, "Make sure she's never allowed in here again." he instructed.

The girl was kindly escorted out and Chelsea waved to her as she went by. She then looked at Bruce, "You can do that?" she asked with a laugh.

"Of course I can," he said, his eyebrow arched, "I own this place."

Chelsea let that thought settle in her brain and instantly filled her glass with more champagne. She held her glass up to the table nearby theirs and took another sip. A man walked up to the table shortly after, "My, my you have quite the firecracker here, Bruce." he winked in her direction and looked back to Bruce, "She's a keeper."

"We'll see," Bruce joked as he winked at Chelsea.

Her heart instantly melted when he winked at her. She was turning to mush. Of course that girl was jealous. Who wouldn't be? She was out on a date with Bruce Wayne! When the man walked away after some witty banter and business discussion with Bruce, Chelsea tilted her head at him.

"What?" he wondered.

"You poor thing… you have women clawing at your heels and men trying to make deals with you, when all you want to do is eat a meal." She looked at him saddened.

"Why do you think I'm out with you?" he asked, "You're the sanest individual here," he said refilling his glass.

"I'm sorry if I embarrassed you before. She was asking for it though…" she huffed.

"What did I say about apologizing for who you are?" He shook his head, "I thought it was amazing. Most girls would have gotten offended and retreated to the restroom while I sat here handling it on my own, choking on her…" He stopped himself from saying something vulgar, "charming personality." He corrected, grinning.

Chelsea grabbed his hand from across the table and ran her fingers across the back of it. Her hands were so soft. He felt enticed by this tender gesture. As he curled his fingers around her hand in response he looked into her eyes, a more natural smile taking the place of his cocky, sarcastic one from before, "Oh where have you been?" he murmured. Before she could really respond, he stood up and helped her to her feet.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"Well," he said, guiding her elsewhere, "if your dancing is as good as your French, this should prove to be quite entertaining above everything else." he lead her out onto a wooden floor. There was some singer on the stage. Chelsea recognized him. She had a very vast recollection for music. Being a very avid fanatic of the art of music she knew many artists. The man could best be described as a reincarnation of Frank Sinatra himself. The big brass ensemble really brought out the magic of "Fly Me to the Moon". Surprisingly Chelsea kept up with Bruce's footwork fairly well.

"And you thought I'd be bad at this. The joke's on you. As an art major I was required to take a dance class," she wasn't graceful in the least bit, but she could hold her own without making herself look anymore terrible.

He chuckled at her statement, "I stand corrected then," he pulled her in close when the last line of the song was sung, "In other words, please be truuuuee," the singer stretched the word, "in other words, in other words… I, looove…" there was a couple taps on the piano, "you!" Their faces were inches apart now, looking into each others' eyes. Chelsea opened her mouth to speak, and Bruce pulled back, letting a smile reappear on his lips.

As they made their way back over to their table in silence, their food was being delivered, "Perfect timing." Chelsea said to break the silence.

As they ate Bruce felt himself wanting to ask her questions, "Tell me about your interesting friends…"

Chelsea swallowed her bite, "Well, while I'm close to all of them, I consider two of them to be of the utmost importance."

"Oh really?" he wondered, "Tell me about them."

"Well, they're both boys." She started.

"Competition," he joked, taking a sip of his champagne.

"They're total opposites," she shook her head, "One is sort of obnoxious and silly. His name is Wally, but he's a real sweetie and has a great heart. We do a lot together. He's my have fun and hang out sort of friend." she took another bite of her food.

Bruce expected Wally's name to come up. Any member of the Justice League who didn't would be considered a fool, "And the other?"

Chelsea laughed, just now realizing the irony, "Well he probably doesn't see it the same way I do, but ironically his name is Bruce as well," she informed him. Bruce wasn't expecting his name to be brought up in the least bit, "he means so much to me. I think I value his opinion over everyone else's. He's quiet and reserved. Probably the dark horse of the group… but I'm just so amazed by him. He's like a work of art."

Bruce lost his grip on his fork momentarily and caught it before it made too much of a clammer on the table, "You speak highly of him."

"I admire him," she nodded, thinking of Batman, "He's been hurt so much…" she shook her head, "I wish I could help him… but he doesn't want anyone's help. He prefers being alone."

Bruce stared at his glass thoughtfully, "If he spent more time with you, I bet he'd change his mind…" it was almost like he came to a realization just now about himself. He quietly finished the rest of his meal.

As they exited the restaurant and got back into the limousine, Chelsea wondered where they were headed, "Where to now my knight in shining armor?" she joked.

The dark knight smiled at her, "Some place I think you'll really appreciate." They pulled up to a building about ten minutes later. When they got out, they entered the building in silence. Chelsea wasn't quite sure where they were going. When they entered the building the lights flashed on. They were the only ones here. It was an art gallery.

"Wow," Chelsea was amazed she had never been here before. As she examined each piece quietly she was awestruck by all of the detail. When they entered another room, Chelsea paused, her eyes widening from what stared back at her. Plastered on a canvas, was a photograph of her piece Gotham's Guardian stretched all the way across the wall in one piece. She gasped, unable to speak.

"I should have asked you first I know," he told her, "but I thought it might work in my favor if I showed you instead."

Chelsea looked back at him, her eyes sparkling with the hint of tears, "I… I never expected this. I'm so honored." she was humbled by what Bruce had done for her.

"I had hoped it would gain you some recognition." He admitted.

She wrapped her arm around him and rested her head against his arm, "Thank you…"

Bruce breathed as he ran his fingers through her long, golden locks, "No… thank you."

When they got into the limousine, they both had the same emotion. Emptiness. They weren't ready for the night to end, but it was getting late, and soon reality would set back in for the Dark Knight who wished upon Starlight to guide him. As they sat in the silence, Chelsea tried to break the ice, "I'm still up for coming by sometime to watch Gray Ghost with you."

"Perhaps if you give me the honor of a second date, I can have that arranged," he smiled, taking her hand in his once more. He couldn't remember the last time he smiled this much. Guiding her up to her apartment he tilted his head, "Home sweet home," he said, unsure of what to say. Thinking it over as he continued to hold her hands, he stared at them thoughtfully as he suddenly grew serious, "I have to thank you…"

"For what?" she asked.

"It's going to sound… pathetic…" he admitted, "but I've never had this much… fun before. You treat me like a person. No one has ever-" he couldn't find the words, "Well except for Alfred no one has ever-" he couldn't form the words. He sighed and looked into her eyes, a saddened expression appeared on her face.

Chelsea saw his face fall and it shattered something in her, "Bruce, you're wonderful. You're a great person. If anyone says any different they don't deserve even a glance from you."

He started to pull away, "You should get some rest." he nodded, "Goodnight… Chelsea." he said her name so softly, like he was speaking poetry.

Chelsea grabbed for his arm and pulled him back, pulling his head roughly against hers she claimed his lips with a warmth and wetness he didn't expect, but without any hesitation felt himself push her up against her door. He was submitting to this rush he suddenly felt. His heart was pounding in his chest. He knew in that instant that this was what being alive felt like. He ran his fingers through her hair, down to her hips and pushed her roughly against the door as his lips nibbled and teased hers. He heard his mind telling him to stop, but everything else wanted more. He wanted all of her right now, and it took everything. Every fiber of his being not to make this the single most romantic evening of his life. His consciousness stepped back in as he released her lips.

Their eyes were searching inside each others as he started to lean forward and go another round when the visions of Batman and his parents flashed in his mind and he pulled back. He stood there, trembling for the first time since he could remember. He didn't know what to say.

Chelsea touched his cheek, "I was hoping… I could get you to smile."

He kissed her palm, then nuzzled at it weakly, "I should go…" he said to her, while he still had control over his actions again.

"Alright," she stood on her tip-toes to kiss his forehead, "Goodnight… Bruce." she entered her apartment and closed the door behind her. Falling against the door she felt stupid. She shouldn't have kissed him. It seemed to only make things worse.

Bruce stared at her door for a few minutes. His hand reached for the doorknob, but he pulled his hand away and walked off.

The whole car ride home he didn't say a word. Alfred kept looking at him through the rearview mirror. He had such a great time, but now looked even more miserable as he stared out of the window in silence. Alfred wanted to say something. He wanted to tell him to be with her. He wanted Bruce to be free. Free from this cage he put himself in. Free from this life he chose. He deserved so much more than to feel so lifeless day in and day out.

The next day Chelsea returned to the Watch Tower. She still had so much on her mind, but she didn't want to be alone anymore. When she came into the monitor room, Wonder Woman stood behind J'onn as he showed her something on the monitors, "Welcome home, Chelsea." She smiled.

Chelsea half smiled. It was nice to hear that, but she was really conflicted. Perhaps some girl talk would ease her mind. She motioned for Wonder Woman to come over to her and they escaped to Wonder Woman's room to speak one on one, "What is it, hun? Did something happen?"

"I went out on a date last night," she told her.

"Is that why Wally didn't come back until late?" she asked.

Chelsea's heart sank. She hadn't even thought about how Wally's date went, "No," her eyebrows scrunched, surprised Diana just assumed it was Wally.

"Oh… with who?" Diana was shocked.

"Bruce Wayne," she told her.

Diana was awestruck. She went out on a date with Batman? Why did she look like her puppy had been hit by a car? Did he perhaps break it to her who he really was? "Yeah?" she asked.

"We had a great time…" Chelsea admitted, "he was charming, romantic… perfect."

"But?" Diana frowned.

"We kissed," Chelsea admitted, "it was amazing…" she shook her head, "but I think I messed things up somehow…"

Diana stared at her shocked, "Chelsea… I think there's something you should know about-" Diana bit her tongue.

"About what?" asked Chelsea with concern.

There was a knock at Wonder Woman's door, "Diana, are you in?" asked Clark. He didn't use his x-ray vision on a constant basis. He had enough respect to everyone's privacy.

Diana sighed, "Yep, be out in a second." She smiled at Chelsea hopeful, "We'll continue this conversation later, k?" with that she walked out of the room and wandered off with Superman. Chelsea exited the room shortly after and started down the hall to her room. When she turned the corner, she bumped into someone. He caught her before she fell.

She looked up to see Wally, "Hey Wal," she greeted.

"Hey," he smiled, pulling her back up to a standing position, "Good to see you home."

"How was your date?" asked Chelsea, biting the inside of her cheek.

"Eh," shrugged Wally, "she turned out to be a real bore. She really didn't have much of a personality. I started to feel bad. I shouldn't have left you by yourself after the day you had, had." he read Chelsea's expression, "Or maybe you weren't alone last night?"

Chelsea half-smiled at him.

"Look at you!" he laughed, "Who's the lucky guy?" he wondered.

She shrugged it off, "I went out to dinner with Bruce Wayne. It was just a simple dinner. No harm."

Wally's expression fell, "Bruce Wayne?" he asked. Something in him grew envious. He wasn't quite sure why.

"Yeah," she nodded, acting like it was no big deal.

"Did… something happen between you two?" he wondered, "Not that it's really any of my business…" he looked away, still curious to hear her answer.

"We shared a kiss," she admitted.

Wally's eyes grew with shock, "A kiss?"

Chelsea tilted her head, "I don't think I should have kissed him… I think I upset him so… I might not hear from him again." she looked at the floor, "So I guess neither of us had successful dates in the long run." she laughed it off, "You wanna play a game? I'm willing to put my faith in your partnership against the walking dead." she nudged him.

"Sure," he said softly. As she walked passed him, his eyes darted back and forth. It was like someone shed some light on his dimwitted thought process. Suddenly he knew, "Chels," he said into the open air, "could I…?" he turned to her, "could I take you out sometime?"

Chelsea looked at him with some surprise, and then smiled, "Sure."

He couldn't breathe. Why didn't he notice before? Was he really as dumb as everyone said? No, he had never felt this way before. How was he to know? He was so in love with her. It hit him all at once. His body practically melted into the floor when she agreed to give him a chance. A chance to prove he was better than some rich dude who could lavish her with gifts and green. When he came up beside her, he took her hand in his and smiled. This Bruce guy was missing out on the woman of a lifetime. He would not make the same mistake.