The crowd pushed of the train as if their life depended on it. No one looked up to even think to apologize or to just look at the person that they jammed in the ribs. Adrienn struggled to keep her balance in her heels as the people of Gotham used her as a dummy to be pushed around. The brunette pushed the thought of stopping and screaming at the people to the back of her head. It was very hard to resist that action, but the last thing she wanted was problems.

Ducking behind one of the pillars, she waited out for the people to leave and only then did she make her way to the small restaurant located in the nicer part of the city. She glanced at her watch, noting that she was already late. Her heels also stopped her from going at her normal pace. The few of blocks that would usually take her less than a couple of minutes took her a relatively longer period of time.

After what seemed like a life time to Adrienn, she finally reached the small Italian restaurant that she and Alfred had agreed on the previous night to catch up and talk about things. A small smiled made its way onto her lips as she spotted the grey haired man in the restaurant, sitting in the far end of the corner. She pushed the door open in haste, quickly trying to tuck some strands of hair behind her ears. The bun on the top of her head wasn't holding up very well especially after all that running.

"I am so sorry I am late Alfred!" She apologized as soon as she was in earshot, "I got held up at the bank, there was a swarm of paparazzi there…" She waved her hand dismissively before tossing her purse down onto a chair and collapsing into one herself as well.

"It is quite all right Adrienn." He smiled at her warmly. The relationship between the pair is very father-daughter like. Adrienn was brought up by her mother and so she never really had a father figure growing up. That is why she looked at the Waynes' and Alfred as her family.

"How is everything Alfred?" the brunette asked, still smiling as she flipped open the menu and looked at the offers that the restaurant had.

"It has all been well. Rather dull, but I can't complain." He smiled. Adrienn listened intently as the old butler told her about the holiday to Florence and the amount of dust that is piling up at Wayne Manor. Adrienn snapped her gaze up from the food and found the butler smiling cheekily. She knew immediately what he was implying.

"Alfie!" She chuckled shaking her head, "I know I haven't been around but the bank is… tough." She got a headache from the mere thought of the corrupt things that go on inside that building. Her ass was on the line not once before because she attempted to make the bank a normal … non-corrupt place. The mob didn't really enjoy her motives.

"I know what you mean Miss, but a year is a long time, even in Wayne terms." Alfred teased good heartedly. He knew more than anyone else how much this girl had worked for her position, and how much she still works in the attempt to better the city. As he has mentioned in the past, good parenting goes a long way.

"A year?" Adrienn choked on her food and was red in the face. She was shocked that she could neglect someone for so long, but then again her social life isn't too alive apart from the social events that she had to attend. And those she didn't bother to mingle and actually enjoy her time with people. She only gossiped enough to get information for her job and what not.

The pair spoke a little longer, catching up with what has went on. Well mainly with what has went on with Alfred. The butler knew most of Adrienn's life. She was a regular in the tabloids and with all the gossip. Adrienn laughed at the jokes that Alfred cracked and she also enjoyed listening to all the travel experience he got into. Her heart ached as soon as she remembered how long she hasn't spoke to him. Her mind instantly went to Bruce and she felt more like a jerk.

"I have some rather interesting news for you by the way Miss." Alfred smiled, as the waiter brought over the bill. Their lunch date was nearing an end, to Adrienn's dismay. Adrienn pulled out her wallet and quickly put some money in the waiter's hand and ushered him away. Alfred glared at her, shoving his wallet back into his coat jacket.

"So what was the exciting news?" Adrienn smiled, completely forgetting about the news that had Albert all giddy the previous day. She didn't give it much thought, since her guesses weren't that good usually. Adrienn was more of a facts and numbers kind of girl.

"Master Bruce…." Alfred watched her expression change. The young brunette was looking at the butler like he was from an alien planet. A small smile tugged at the side of his lips. "Is coming back."

"WHAT?" She shrieked loudly, making a few tables turn to face the pair. "When!" Adrienn demanded her voice still a little shrill. A million questions were zooming around in her head. She and Bruce have shared the occasional letters, but that wasn't enough for either of them. Adrienn was excited to hear that her best friend was coming back to town. She couldn't help smiling.

"I am actually leaving tonight to pick him up. I believe your presence will be greatly appreciated…"

"Of course I will come!" I smiled happily grabbing my phone out of my purse and dialing Joel's, a fellow bank manager's, number. She quickly arranged with him to cover for her for the rest of the week, also making sure that he will keep her updated via email about the banks business.

"I am glad to see you are excited." Alfred smiled, observing the young woman who was glowing from joy.

"I am fuc-… I mean freaking stoked!" The woman bit her tongue quickly, before Alfred would threaten her with the soap again. He narrowed his eyes at her slightly but decided to keep his lecture to his self and not rain on the woman's parade. Adrienn practically bounced out with joy and the smile never left her lips.

"So when do we leave?" She inquired stopping at the black Rolls parked out by the restaurant.

"Tonight. I will pick you up at your apartment at six." He smiled, opening the door for Adrienn. "But for now I will just drop you off."

"It is fine Alfred I will just walk." She smiled gratefully none the less.

"None sense child. Now come." Alfred gave her a little push and she got in the car shaking her head. "Plus you can't walk in those death sticks for a long distance."

"Hey!" Adrienn smirked looking down at her black stiletto heels. "They look lovely."

"They look lovely yes, but painful."

"Oh Alfie beauty is pain." She chuckled lightly. The rest of the drive they were in a comfortable silence. Her apartment complex came into view and Alfred slowed the car near the door. Adrienn turned to look at the butler, a huge smile still on her face. "Thank you Alfie, I will see you tonight at six." She smiled and left the car. Alfred waved until she entered the building and then drove off to make some arrangements at the manor.

Adrienn trotted up the stairs, as fast her heel clad feet could take her. All she wanted to do at this point was to shower, pack a few things and then head to Wayne Manor. Adrienn was not a stupid person, she knew that Alfred would have to clean and tidy up most of the things, and a helping hand was always welcome.

In less than under an hour, the young woman was getting into her car and tossing her long brunette locks into a messy bun at the top of her head. She started the ignition of her car and sped off to one of her favorite places in the world. Wayne Manor. She missed that place dearly. The happiest time of her lives happened there… those memories she treasure gratefully, unlike some others that were buried deep in the back of her mind…

The magnificent architecture came into view and she couldn't help but smile just at the mere thought of having Bruce back soon. Even it is only for a day, it was better than nothing. Adrienn pulled up by the door and rushed up the stairs to be greeted by a rather shocked Alfred.

"Help is always welcome." She smiled. Alfred gawked at her, his lips moving but not actually being able to form words. The young woman chuckled, knowing that he wasn't used to any company or help for that matter.

The two of them got to work, Adrienn taking the top floor, while Alfred went to get the ground floor. Adrienn worked quickly and efficiently. Soon she was heading to the last room in the house. Bruce Wayne's room. She pushed the door open hesitantly. It looked the same like the last time she was here during her senior year at high school. One of the last days of her happy life. A small shiver went up her spine as she dropped the bucket of her cleaning supplies and made her way into the room and over to the desk.

Bruce had left many pictures on the table. Some of his parents and some of Alfred and Adrienn and of course there was Rachel. He always had a thing for Rachel, he tried to deny it though. It was rather obvious though, but I kept my mouth shut. Rachel and Adrienn were good friends, they worked together on some cases and have some girls night out. Rachel however isn't a big fan of all the tabloid appearances that she had to go through while hanging out with Adrienn. Rachel seemed to have diva fits then, but Adrienn always gave her the benefit of the doubt. She was her oldest girlfriend after all.

"Miss Mercer?" Alfred said walking in,

"At times I really regret growing up Alfred." She muttered under her breath. "You never used to call me that before. How many times have I told you to call me Adrienn."

"I am sorry Miss." Alfred chuckled, stepping up beside Adrienn. He looked down at the pictures she was looking at and a sad smiled appeared on his features. Alfred as well missed all the good times. Now it was just him alone. Everyone has left. Having Adrienn back made him feel like someone again. Alfred knew that she didn't intentionally disappear but he was always scared when it did happen.

It was sometime after her senior year, when she was sent to boarding school because of her mother's death that she completely disappeared of the face of the earth. If someone asks her about what happened during those two years, she would snap at them. It wasn't a pretty sight. Alfred has learned from his previous mistakes.

"We need to leave now Miss." Alfred said checking his watch quickly and snapping out of his daydream.

"Alfred…" Adrienn began. Alfred turned to look at the woman, a little hope appearing on his face. He didn't know if she was going to reveal some things from those two years to him or not. His hopes were soon flushed as she continued, "How on earth are we gonna bring Bruce back from the dead?"