AN: Sorry I haven't updated in a while. My computer decided to rebel, and needed to be repaired. Fortunately, they recovered all of my documents, including all of the plans for this story, and for that I am very thankful. Anywho, on with the story!

Standing outside of a stylish Gotham apartment was not the way Bruce spent many of his Saturday mornings, yet here he was, rapping on a door, waiting for it to open. He sighed and checked his watch for the fourth time since getting out of the car only minutes ago. 9:43. Bruce knocked again, then decided that his patience was wasted. But before he could turn away completely, he heard a shuffling coming from behind the door and a series of clicks, followed by the swinging open of the door to apartment 27.

Katherine stood on the other side, having obviously been awakened by his knocking. As she registered who was at the door, Bruce took in her appearance. Her long brown hair was thrown into a messy bun piled on top of her head, strands rebelling any order she attempted. Her only clothing seemed to be an extra large black T-shirt, with the Hard Rock Café logo printed on her chest. Once his perusal was done, he raised his eyes to meet her annoyed blue ones. "Is there any reason to wake me up on a Saturday morning Mr. Wayne, or did you just miss me?"

His eyes were sparkling with laughter at her sleepy face, but answered by pulling the pen she had dropped at their lunch out of his pocket and offered it to her.

Her eyes instantly were devoid of any sleep as she snatched the pen from his outstretched fingers. "Where did you get this?"

Bruce shrugged. "You dropped it at lunch and, being the gentleman that I am, I figured it had sentimental value and should be returned immediately. I also wanted to let you know that Wayne Enterprises is officially a partner of Stuart Pharmaceuticals in developing this vaccine."

Katherine now just stared, jaw slightly open. "In that case, you should probably come in," she said quietly, moving aside to allow him to do so.

When Bruce stepped inside, he was struck by two things: 1) the incredibly tasteful and unique decorations, and 2) how said decorations were virtually covered with papers and files, strewn all over the moderately-sized apartment.

"Sorry about the mess. All nighter finishing up some more work on the vaccine," Katherine apologized, attempting to clean up, inadvertently informing Bruce that she was, in fact, wearing black boy shorts in addition to her large T-shirt. Raising his eyebrows, he smiled and busied himself with helping her organize the mass of papers.

Once a decent area had been cleared, Katherine straightened and noticed Bruce's business attire and flushed when she realized she was still in her pyjamas. "I'll be right back. Go ahead and help yourself to breakfast," she called over her shoulder, making her way to her bedroom before slamming the door shut.

He took the opportunity to examine his surroundings. From the mahogany paneling on the walls and floors, to the interesting pictures hanging on the walls, which appeared to be some intricate designs, he was very impressed with her elegant but simplistic style. Little furniture, all in plain black leather, matching the frames on the walls, only enhanced the formal, yet lived-in feel of the place.

Hearing a door shut, Bruce spun around from his inspection of a picture to find Katherine, fully clothed in dark-wash jeans, a crisp white button shirt, hair brushed and pulled into a clip. He gestured towards the pictures. "These are exquisite. What are they?"

Katherine joined him facing the wall of three distinct black and white pictures. "You like them? They're magnified pictures of spores and viruses. An ex-boyfriend of mine is a forensic anthropologist, specializing in microscopic organisms (see AN). It's hard to believe that a few of these in your system could kill you in a matter of weeks." She sighed deeply, looking almost wistfully at the paintings. "Is it odd to find comfort in just looking at them?"

Bruce shook his head. "It's hard to see the negative part of something when it appears so beautiful."

"Well, enough of this. Thank you for returning the pen. You were right; it does mean a lot to me. But did you also say that you talked to my father?" When Bruce nodded, she smiled and stuck out a hand. "Guess we'll be working together then, huh?"

He shook her hand firmly and grinned. "Guess so. Speaking of which, I have a business meeting in a little bit, but would you like to come to the Manor later this evening to discuss more plans?"

Katherine hesitated, but then shook her head gently. "I have a previous engagement for tonight. But I'm sure we can arrange for an appointment during business hours that won't interfere with either of our schedules."

Bruce was a bit put out, but did his best to hide any emotion. "That would be fine. I'll contact your office and arrange it. Until then, Katherine."

She ushered him to the door, waiting to close it behind him, he turned back to her. "Can I call you Kate now?" he asked with a grin.

Katherine rolled her eyes. "No. Goodbye Bruce," she laughed, shutting the door. Both heard the other chuckling on the opposite side of the door.

An hour or so later…

Once Bruce returned to the Manor, he called up William Stuart. "Bruce! So good to hear from you so soon. I trust everything is going well?" William's friendly voice made Bruce smile on the other end of the phone.

"Yes it is, quite well. In fact, I was hoping that I could make an appointment to speak with Katherine in depth about the project for next week."

William scoffed on the other end. "next week? Why wait? I'm throwing a charity ball this evening for the American Cancer Society. Kate hates those things, so I'm sure she'd be more than happy to escape and talk business for a while. It's a little last minute, but won't you join us?"

So that's what her plans were. "You know what, I'd love to go. When and where?"

AN: Ok, couple of disclaimers: 1) I am in no way associated with the ACS, it was the first charity that popped into my head that a pharmaceutical company would sponsor. 2) the photographs mentioned were an idea from one of my favorite shows, 'Bones' on FOX. It's pretty awesome, and they really are beautiful pictures.

Well, I know this one's a little short, but the next one is the big chapter (I hope), so you have that anticipation to hold you over.

And I hope this isn't too cheesy for some of you, but I write freestyle usually, and clichéd is what I get. Sorry, but that's what I got.