Author's Note:

Again, "Batman Forever" and related characters don't belong to me. If they did, I'd be very, very rich.

On to the story…

Chapter 2

"How has your week been?" Bruce asked when they were seated on the lounge chair he had left only minutes ago, Chase to the left of him.

"Busy. Yours?"

At this he laughed "Hectic, to say the very least." But then his tone turned serious, "I need to apologise to you, Chase, about finding out about my going to Metropolis from Alfred and not m…" Chase placed two fingers over his lips, effectively telling him to quite.

"It's alright, Bruce, I understand. Alfred told me that you tried your best to contact me and let me know of what had happened yourself" Chase's blue eyes bore into his, urging him to accept that she had understood his situation.

Unable to resist, Bruce gently removed her hand from his face, slipped his fingers under her chin, tenderly brushing her painted lips with his thumb before leaning in to kiss her, removing his thumb before he passionately captured her lips.

When they finally parted for air, Bruce's head was swimming, but one thought still bugged him.

"What happened to your phone line? Why wasn't I able to get through?"

Chase shook her head "It was disconnected on Monday so they could make some repairs to the line"

Bruce couldn't help but laugh "Trust there to be a logical explanation for it"

Smiling, Chase placed a hand on his cheek and kissed him, but unlike their first, this kiss was gentler as the couple basked in one another's touch. They parted after a short while and sat in silence, enjoying each others company.

"You must be relived that the NygmaTech Boxes are finally being destroyed" Chase commented after a while.

"Mmm, but I'll be even more so when they're all gone" he grimly replied.

A fortnight after Nygma had been placed in Arkham, Bruce had made a statement to Gotham's citizens about the NygmaTech creation and its side-effects, urging them to destroy their Boxes. An uproar had sounded shortly after, and in the weeks that followed it had been difficult for him to go anywhere with out being mobbed by angry Gothamites yelling at him that he was trying to steal Nygma's thunder.

But no matter how bad things had gotten Chase, Alfred and Dick had remained steadfast by his side, giving him the strength to stay strong under the pressure that was being put on him to retract his statement.

Eventually the people of Gotham had come to their senses, to his immense relief, and had begun to destroy them. And with NygmaTech stocks plummeting, Wayne Enterprises was steadily reclaiming the top spot.

And with that weight off his shoulders there was only one thing left on his mind.

He couldn't help but smile to himself at that thought. Alfred had been right that night in the Batcave, Chase was the one… she just didn't know it.

But tonight she would. And if all went well, he would no longer be "Gotham's most eligible bachelor".

The only trouble with buying an engagement ring in Gotham had been the press. Something as big as this would have easily leaked into the news and his chance to surprise Chase would have been ruined. But the business trip to Metropolis couldn't have come at a better time, he'd been able to buy a ring there without anyone knowing any better.

"What are you smiling at?" Chase's voice penetrated his day-dream.

Instead of answering her query, Bruce pulled her close for another passionate kiss, sliding his hands onto her back so his fingers could begin to trace soft patterns there.

"Mmm, that's nice… but you still haven't answered my question" she stated, matter-of-factly, after they'd parted a few minutes later.

Bruce chuckled, one thing was for sure. Chase wasn't easily swayed when she was dead-set on finding something out. Even by his 'infamous Wayne charm'.

"I honestly can't remember" he stated back under her intense gaze, fighting the urge to smile.

If he wasn't careful she'd guess what he was up to.

Chase sharply eyed him once more before she gave up, relaxing back into his embrace. Automatically he rested his arms around her waist, settling back against the lounge. Their silence was broken a few minutes later by the chime of the grandfather clock in the corner, announcing that it was half past the hour.

7:30.

Batman's nightly patrol started around now. And nothing but pure instinct caused Bruce to look out the windows facing the city for any sign of the Batsignal. A large part of him felt guilty for taking the night off, dozens of crimes were no doubt taking place as he sat here with Chase, and Batman wasn't there to stop them.

But on the other hand, evenings like this were rare, and usually a result of him calling by her apartment after finishing the evenings patrol.

Most of the time they just talked, sharing anything and everything from childhood memories to dreams and fears to future hopes and aspirations.

A small smile played at his lips as he remembered a night when talking wasn't the only thing they had done.

The night had taken place a few weeks ago; he had called by her apartment earlier than usual because of the pouring rain. Chase had greeted him with a dry change of clothes and a hot cup of coffee.

Things had started out like normal but had turned intimate after Chase had kissed him with a similar passion like she had the night of Nygma's party. They made love for the first time that night, as well as twice more in the following hours. When Chase had finally fallen asleep, exhausted but content, Bruce had made a move to go.

But the moment he had left the bed, Chase stirred and had mumbled one word; "stay". Unable to leave her side, he had returned to the bed with Chase snuggling up to him as he fell asleep.

When morning had come, Bruce had left Chase still sound asleep. He had had an important meeting to attend later that morning, but he had called her when he had gotten into his office

"Dr. Meridian speaking. Hello"

"Good morning beautiful. How'd you sleep?"

"Beautifully. Would have been even better if you were still there when I woke up"

"Mmm, I know. But I've got a meeting with some investors this morning"

"Ah, yes. You said something about that last night"

"You can remember what we talked about?" he had teased.

"Are you fishing for compliments Bruce Wayne?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. Are we still on for lunch today?"

"Mmmhmm"

"1 o'clock at Rumours sound okay?"

"Perfect"

"Alright, I'll see you then." He'd paused before adding "I love you Chase"

"I love you too, Bruce"

"Bye"

"Bye"

Bruce gave a slight start when he felt a hand brush against his cheek. He turned his attention from the window to the beautiful woman in his arms, who was currently looking at him with a soft understanding look in her eyes.

Over the months they'd been dating, Chase had come to know the real Bruce Wayne, and she couldn't help but remember what she'd said to him when they'd first met;

"You're not exactly what you seem, are you, Bruce Wayne."

She'd been right, there was a lot more to his character, and only a handful of people knew the serious side of the playboy billionaire. And Chase was beyond honoured that she was one of them. And because of what she knew, she understood that a large part of him was feeling guilty for not being out on patrol.

"What were you looking for?" she suddenly asked, seemingly serious.

For a moment, Bruce just looked at her with a slight frown, but then he spotted the slight curve on her lips.

She was trying to distract him.

"Do I really need to answer that, Doctor?" he replied playfully. She paused, uncertain for a moment, but then her face lit up with a beautiful smile. He leaned forward to nuzzle her cheek and neck and whispered "Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere"

They then heard approaching footsteps and Bruce rose from the seat.

"Dinner is served" Alfred stated to the couple, who were now looking at him.

Bruce turned back to Chase and offered his hand "Shall we?"

Smiling, Chase took his hand as she rose and they followed the butler towards the dinning room.

TBC…