Adrienn blinked a few times, not exactly sure about what was going on around her. She was in a park, she managed to get that far. There were three people around her. Their lips were moving, clearly they were talking. She didn't have enough self control to comprehend what was going on though. Adrienn was lost mentally. Her skin burned where Bruce had touched her. Was this really happening? Was she dreaming all this? What was going on?!

Adrienn was confused. There was no better way to describe it. Her day had started off like any other. Work was the same old, same old until Bruce showed up with the cactus. Usually she never got visitors at work. Jake hardly dropped by. This was unusual to say the least. Alfred was the only one that usually drops by and that was for lunch, not just a random visit. Adrienn's mind was racing with thoughts. She wasn't used to the affection she was receiving.

Bruce was exceptionally weird. Jake was his usual self. It almost seemed like Bruce was… competing for her attention. She had to admit that her current relationship with Jake did have a certain strain on her bond with Bruce. It did help her forget about her feelings towards him and she never let him down. Adrienn was always present when he went out and was there when he came back. She was holding her end of the deal pretty well. Jake however consumed the majority of her free time. Well, Adrienn trying to get his attention consumed most of the time.

Jake had changed. Once they were exclusive, and he was a regular in the tabloids everything changed about him. Adrienn felt that he didn't even want to have something special without the fame. He would rarely hold her hand, he was usually on the phone talking to someone on their dates and Jake always seemed to be somewhere else mentally. He was always seemed… paranoid.

Adrienn crammed her brain to remember what had happened today. Bruce was usually fine with seeing her in a bathing suit… but today he ran out of the room as if she had a third eye popping out from between her breasts. That was fairly a new behavior to Bruce. His face looked almost guilty as he ran out the room. Adrienn knew she might be over thinking things, but she strongly believed that it was needed for this situation. Also once Jake has arrived, Bruce seemed quite strained. He seemed to be holding in something. Adrienn knew he didn't like Jake but she could sense that his urge to punch Jake was greater than usual. Also she couldn't help but recall all the times he was trying to get close to her and all the little touching gestures he made.

Throughout the day, Bruce was more like her boyfriend than Jake was. Then finally, Adrienn remembered the speech that he had said right before Rachel interrupted. He said he opened his eyes. Did he actually have more feelings towards her? Was the sisterly love finally gone? Maybe Alfred has spoken to him.

Adrienn blinked. Bruce had feelings for her. She was sure of it now. She knew it. He had to, people wouldn't have been acting the way he was. Adrienn didn't know if she should cry or laugh or both. A part of her was saying that finally, she would get what she was longing for throughout those long years. He would finally be hers. Another part was telling her to be cautious. Bruce would never intentionally hurt her, but this sudden show of affection may be from her lack of contact with him. Finally, the third part of her was starting to feel fear. What if she just set herself up for this?

Adrienn took a deep breath, coming back down to earth. A decision was made in her head. Adrienn will not push things and will stop thinking right there. If her theories were true, Bruce will prove it. A slight hint of excitement erupted in her. It was all unknown to her, but she had a gut feeling it was a good unknown. Adrienn looked up at the people around her. Bruce looked frustrated as he bit the inside of her cheeks. Rachel was babbling on about something to do with her personal life dating Harvey Dent. Harvey Dent was the other man with them. Adrienn quickly looked at him, flashing a smile as a greeting. He seemed like a nice man. He was not ugly, quite handsome actually. Adrienn had heard his name before at the bank. Some of the customers were not very pleased with the new D.A's activities. Adrienn could possibly see herself seeing eye-to-eye with him.

"Bruce your phone." Adrienn pointed out, feeling the vibrations next to her hand. Bruce was still holding her hand tightly. He looked down and grinned, excusing himself from the trio. Adrienn watched as his well built figure moved away and took a seat on a nearby bench. Suddenly, she felt Rachel grabbing her arm and pulling her away.

"One sec Harvey, I just need to sort something out." She called, yanking her towards a bench in the opposite direction. Adrienn kept her gaze on the ground, making sure to keep her heels intact. She didn't want to ruin them, just because Rachel decided to be a pain in the ass.

"What is it?" Adrienn asked frustrated as her ankle wobbled and nearly twisted out of place.

"You and Bruce?!" The shock in her voice was evident. It wasn't a happy shock at all thought. She was furious that Adrienn was with him. Not knowing how much Rachel has seen, Adrienn decided to play dumb. Unnecessary drama wasn't needed, ever.

"We were hanging out?" Adrienn tried to sound confident, but everything that happened between her and Bruce came rushing back. The butterflies simply erupted in her stomach.

"Hanging out?" Rachel asked, clearly not fooled by Adrienn's poor attempt of a cover up. Rachel narrowed her eyes at the petite brunette. "You don't just nearly kiss someone when you are hanging out!" Adrienn's temper was going to show if Rachel doesn't stop with her stupid comments.

"Rachel…" Adrienn warned, not wanting to lash out at her. She counted to ten before continuing, "You are here with your date… please do not make this any harder on me okay?!"

"You know Bruce likes me…" Rachel was not the woman that will give up. Quite the opposite actually; to Adrienn's dismay.

" … You don't like him though. Why would you torture him? He deserves someone that would be there for him." Adrienn began, really trying her best to stay calm.

"And you believe that person is you? You are a train-wreck Adri. You can't even be happy with Jake." Rachel was sounding like the teenage Rachel, that used to pick on Adri.

Rachel was beautiful. Even when they were younger, Adrienn was the ugly one. She had the glasses, the braces and the small acne problem. Her body didn't have the right curves and her awkward posture never really helped that situation. Over the years however Adrienn chiseled herself out. She began to work out, toning her body and acquiring the right curves. Her skin has finally agreed with her and contacts were also available. And thanks to the braces, Adrienn had a stunning set of pearly whites.

Her self esteem was really killed off from all of Rachel's verbal abuse. Apart from her Mother and Alfred, it was Bruce that told her to not believe in any of it. Since a young age he had looked out for her and protected her, assuring her that she was beautiful inside and out. Adrienn couldn't help a smile, knowing that Rachel was clearly pissed about all those times.

Adjusting her glasses she took a deep breath,

"Rachel I think you should back off." Adrienn sounded stern. She didn't care that she was nearly a head shorted than Rachel she was ready to put an end to all this shit, "I am honestly tired of all the bullying that I had to endure. Fuck I would've stopped talking to you after I graduated high school. The only reason I am still in contact with you is Bruce. He is very important to me… and I would greatly appreciate it if you wouldn't manipulate him so bad. It is a fucking skanky move… and I have honestly had enough. You have a good guy with you! So please stop trying to keep Bruce single and please don't chose men for me again? Like ever?"

Rachel blinked dumbfounded at her words. She wasn't used to this calm exterior of Adrienn. Usually her voice would be shrill and she would be shouting. Adrienn smiled weakly, turned and walked off leaving Rachel there. It felt like a weight has been lifted off of her shoulders. Her part was done in the deal. Now it was only for Rachel to fucking realize things.

Adrienn got back to Harvey, who was looking around calmly. He greeted Rachel with the happiest smile once she returned. The tall brunette didn't even give him any attention. She just stared at the ground in complete embarrassment. Adrienn knew her words had gotten to her, but the disrespect she was showing towards Harvey really sickened her. There he was, looking like a lovestruck puppy and all Rachel cared about was manipulating people.

"I am sorry, but we need to leave." Bruce said appearing beside Adrienn suddenly. Adrienn clutched her chest, feeling a bit frightened. She quickly said her goodbyes to the couple and allowed herself to be dragged through the park by Bruce. "Alfred called… I have some things to sort out tonight."

"I'll stay at the mansion then." Adrienn said quickly as Bruce hauled a cab. He held the door open for her and she slid in quickly, telling the driver the address they were headed to. "Bruce about what was about to happen…"

"Adrienn." He cut her off looking her straight in the eyes and holding her small hand in his, "I am not backing out. I will try everything, but … right now isn't the time. Let me just get this done…" Bruce looked pained and a bit worried. Adrienn knew he was scared of her rejection. A small smile appeared on her lips as she nodded her head, indicating that she understood the situation.

"I understand." Adrienn said a small smile still playing on her lips. "I am going to talk to Jake though…"

"Good idea." Bruce grinned, leaning closer and brushing his lips against her cheek. Adrienn's fingers traced her skin where there was contact. She could feel her cheeks heating up and her stomach doing flip-flops. Bruce had a sly smile on his lips. He was clearly enjoying the effect he had on Adrienn.

They reached the Manor and Bruce paid the driver before getting out quickly, closely followed by Adrienn. Bruce held her hand and they made their way to the Cave. He had installed some new things which Adrienn has not seen yet. A smile appeared on his lips, as he stopped dead in his track.

"What's wrong?" Adrienn asked, looking at Bruce worried,

"On my back." Bruce said. Adrienn arched her eyebrows, unaware of what is going on.

"Bruce I am wearing a skirt…" she protested. He didn't care one bit though. Bruce pulled her on his back, making her wrap her legs around him. He jumped of the road and headed for a small opening. Adrienn closed her eyes, a little frightened of where she was about to go. She felt the cold air against her skin and then heard a small thud. Peaking over Bruce's shoulder, she saw that they were in the cave. She let out a deep breath and got off his back.

"Full of surprises Brucey." She smiled softly, looking up at the narrow opening that they entered through. "Let's get you suited up…" Adrienn smiled, walking ahead to where he had his suit prepared.

She was not surprised to fine Alfred already standing there, with the cowl in his hand. The butler had dark circles under his eyes, but apart from that he looked like the happiest person to walk this earth. Adrienn didn't even have to ask if he had any part in Bruce's plan. Alfred gave her a quick hug and pushed a chair over for her to sit down in, while he went to help Bruce with suiting up. Adrienn watched the process and couldn't help but frown at the sight of all the bruises on his body. She sighed, getting the gauntlets and walking over to her best friend.

"Thank you…" He said softly as Adrienn fastened the pieces to his forearm. She gave him a weak smile and slowly let her hands slip away from his. Bruce pulled on the cowl, exchanged a few words with Alfred and left. Adrienn felt the usual worry pile up as she watched him go.

"Shit." She cursed at the loud noise. Looking down to her feet, she realized that the computer mouse was on the floor. "Damn…" She leaned down and picked it up placing it on the table again. Then something interesting caught her eye.

"So you have spoken to him Miss?" Alfred asked coming over to where she was standing. He sounded over joyed and just pure happy.

"Yeah… Alfred why does he have a file under my name?" Adrienn asked, pointing at the folder on the monitor. Alfred gulped. Clearly Bruce hasn't spoken to her about… everything.

"He was worried about your past Miss." Alfred decided to avoid beating around the bush and just get to the point. Alfred tried not to think about how she would react. He tried to just stay calm and wait for her to actually react. He knew one thing for sure, letting her out of his sight if she freaks out was not going to be an option.

"So he dug up the dirt?" Adrienn mumbled, not really wanting to believe what she was hearing. She opened the file and watched the screen in front of her intently. Her whole body began to shake and tremble. Adrienn slumped down on the chair, tears streaming down her face as the images took over the screen.

"We know everything." Alfred walked up to her, putting a hand on her shoulder. Adrienn sobbed and Alfred decided to just allow her to cry it out.

Adrienn couldn't believe that her past was right in front of her eyes. She did so well to cover it for two years, but now… it was all out in the open. Well, it was for two of the most important people in her life. Her mind was racing. They probably thought she was a monster. They couldn't understand why she had to do it. It was too complicated.

"I am so sorry…" Adrienn sobbed, leaning forward in her chair, "I didn't mean to hurt anyone…"

"It is all right. I know what you did. Master Wayne and I understand. Let us just leave it at that alright?" Alfred's heart was breaking seeing the young girl cry in front of him.

"… You are not going to judge me?" Adrienn asked bewildered. She turned around in her chair to face Alfred, "You don't think I am a horrible person? You would still associate yourself with me?"

"Yes Princess…" Alfred used her nickname, really not knowing what else he could do to make her calm down. "All of us have skeletons in our closet. Your closet may be just a little bit… bigger."

"Does Bruce know?"

"Yes Adri. He knows, he will talk to you about everything just give him time?" Alfred said. "Now… I will make some hot chocolate and you will tell me what happened today! No excuses!"