A/N: This is merely a work of fiction. I, do not in anyway, own the marvelous Batman (or Bruce :c ) All rights and ownership belong to DC comics. I DO own my plotline and Nicolette. Enjoy!
Hope you're all liking this fic so far! I know I am!
I'm so sorry for the delayed update. I had an extremely long week. I really dislike this chapter, but I felt guilty for not getting something out. Please bear through this chapter.
Thanks for all the kind reviews. c:
NICOLETTE ANDERSON
Nicolette muttered groggily when her alarm went off at exactly eight o'clock. She got up lazily from her bed, heading for the kitchen. All that she needed was a nice cup of coffee. Nicolette opened her door and picked up the paper that was laying in the hallway, just like she did any other morning. Except this was no ordinary paper. The entire front page was splattered with pictures of her… and Bruce Wayne. She grimaced as she read the matching article.
Bruce Wayne's new woman! Gotham's Prince was found strolling through the garden at the Gotham Business Banquet last night with a woman that was definitely not last week's girl. With a little research, she turned out to be Nicolette Anderson, co-owner of a ballet studio downtown. A few of last nights party-goers informed us that her and Bruce seemed mighty familiar, chatting at dinner and then leaving together to get some 'air'. Some aren't convinced that this will last though. They were seen separating with a chaste kiss on the cheek. Has Gotham's Prince finally decided to go for someone else or has he just lost his touch? Is Ms. Anderson just another fling? I guess we'll just have to wait and see!
Nicolette was disgusted by the article.
"I barely even know the man and they think we're dating!" She exclaimed, throwing the paper down on the table. The media had never appealed to Nicolette, and now it seemed even slimier. Nicolette grabbed her cup of coffee and then headed back into her room, to shower.
Some time later, Nicolette was riding the train to another section of Gotham entirely. Not downtown, but another portion of the suburbs, where Gotham Community College lay. Sure, with her parent's connections she could've taught at Gotham U, but she liked the feel of the community college much better. At her stop, she departed the train and walked the few blocks to the campus. Nicolette's lecture hall wasn't too far from the campus entrance, so she took her time walking there.
Once she got to her destination, she entered her class, seeing a few students milling around and chatting. She had ten minutes till class would start, so she headed into the back, where her office was. Nicolette draped her coat over her large, rolling chair and smoothed down her knee-length black skirt. On top, she matched a deep purple sat shirt, which was neatly tucked in. On her feet she wore a modest pair of flats. Heels were never Nicolette's thing.
She busied herself with the day's lecture notes until the campus bell rang at nine-thirty. Nicolette strode out into the large hall, greeting her class with a smile and 'Good Morning.' Internally, she counted the empty chairs, noting that five students were absent. That worried her. Still, she began the day smiling.
Nicolette's class went fairly well, despite the nagging worry about the missing kids. When the 90-minute period was up, she waved good bye to everyone and then went back into her office, having now till one o'clock off. Nicolette contemplated going home, but decided to head into the city and maybe pay a visit to Marina, who was doing clerical work at the studio. So off she went, catching an in-bound train. If only took a few minutes to get to her destination and Nicolette left the train, a slight bounce in her step. It was a rare, bright and sunny Gotham day. She walked down the block and smiled when she finally made it to her beloved studio. Nicolette pushed open the doors, called a 'hello' and walked into the office.
Boy, was it a sight to see. The phone was ringing literally every two seconds and Nicolette watched as Marina's annoyance flared higher as the phone trilled.
"Popular?" Nicolette laughed, standing in the doorway. Marina, finally noticing her audience, grumbled under her breath.
"No, but you sure are." Marina pushed the 'ignore call' button on the phone again. "Reporters have been calling all morning, asking for Miss Anderson please. They want details!" Marina stood up and put on a cheery, mocking face. "When are Miss Anderson an Bruce seeing each other again? Exactly how long have they been seeing each other? Has he bought her jewelry yet? Will they be eloping?" Her voice became more and more sarcastic as she spoke.
"Well… I was thinking June. Summer you know?" Nicolette said, scratching her head.
"Oh not even funny Olette." Marina warned. "I am up to here with this damn media." Marina's face was one full of aggravation.
"Hey now," Nicolette put up her hands in defense. "How about I take us out? Coffee on me?"
"Fine. I need some caffeine." Some of the tension in Marina's face lifted and she grabbed her coat to go. The pair quickly departed and locked up, the phone still ringing behind them. Nicolette and Marina headed off to a local coffee shop, the tension quickly melting away. When they reached their destination, they casually occupied a high bar table near the window.
The aroma in the shop was one that people would pay money to have bottled and sold. Nicolette inhaled the blend of coffees and spices as she waited for their server to arrive. When he did, she and Marina each ordered a large coffee and a bagel to go with it. The friends fell into an easy banter, but Marina's curiosity finally broke free.
"So exactly how handsome is he?" She blurted out, making Nicolette sigh.
"Extremely." She said sipping her cup of coffee,.
"Was he nice? I mean the papers-"
"I thought you didn't care for the media, Mar?" Nicolette said, interrupting her. Marina rolled her eyes and took a bite out of her bagel.
"It doesn't mean that I don't read Olette. I'm just honestly interested in my dearest friend's relationship life." At this Nicolette scoffed.
"Mar, I'm not going to throw myself at any man that happens across my life."
"Olette, how long has it been?" Marina prompted. Nicolette pursed her lips. "Exactly." Marina said after a moment. Just because she's engaged she thinks she's the expert… Nicolette thought to herself.
"I'm twenty-five Mar. There's plenty of time for men later. Right now I have my career to focus on." Especially since my dream just began.
"All I'm saying is, don't let an opportunity pass you." Blah, Blah, Blah.
"Bruce Wayne is not an opportunity. Weren't you entirely against this last night?"
"I never told you to not pursue this… I just told you to be aware of the press." Marina muttered, a glint in her eyes. Nicolette just took another gulp of coffee and looked out the window, only to wish she hadn't.
"Shit." She cussed, turning her head from the window.
"What?" Marina asked, looking around.
"There's photographers across the street." Nicolette said, trying to look comfortable as she sipped her coffee.
"Well then that's our cue to leave." Marina left the bill on the table and grabbed Nicolette's hand, heading for the door. Marina pulled her from the shop, but it wasn't long before a reporter caught up to them.
"Miss Anderson!" She called, tapping Nicolette on the shoulder.
"Please enlighten me, what is it that you want?" Nicolette turned on the reporter, a slight frown on her face.
"I just have a few questions!" The woman said earnestly. With that, she launched into her spiel. Nicolette barely listened to the buzzing questions that resembled the one's from that morning's paper.
"I met Mr. Wayne yesterday. There is no relationship, as there is barely a friendship. Now please, tell your offices to stop plaguing my studio with calls." At this, Marina shook her head fervently. "If you'll excuse me, I have a real job to get back to." With those parting words, Nicolette left Marina and a shocked interviewer behind, ready to catch the train back to the college.
BRUCE WAYNE
Bruce slept and slept and slept. He didn't get off easily though, as his sleep was plagued with nightmares. He tossed and turned, images of the last night rambling throughout his , around noon, Alfred decided to wake him up, to put him out of his unconscious misery.
"Master Wayne, it is nearly noon." Alfred opened the drapes of the bedroom, allowing bright sunlight to enter. Bruce whined from under the covers. "Your shake is on the nightstand and your breakfast and newspaper are in the kitchen." Alfred left, a smirk playing on his face.
It took a few minutes, but Bruce finally fell out of the bed and into the first pushup of the day. While he exercised, reflections from last night kept pouring into his head. The fire, the shirt, that god-awful heat. Usually, he wouldn't let anything from Batman's cases to leak into his normal persona, but last night was traumatizing. Bruce finished quickly, hoping that with breakfast, he could put these thoughts behind him.
At the table, Bruce was mostly silent as he ate and Alfred could tell he was doing some serious thinking. As he picked up the paper though, a lighter look appeared on his face.
"I see the papers believe you have a new woman." Alfred stated.
"The media jumps to conclusions." Bruce muttered offhandedly, scanning the article. Once done, he place is back on the table. "I did ask her out…. She seems…different." Alfred smiled and began cleaning up the breakfast dishes.
"And when exactly are you taking her out Sir?"
"Well you see…" Bruce chuckled. "I have to plan around her schedule. She's a very busy woman." Alfred laughed as well.
"Well I suppose it's a good thing." Bruce stood up from the table and stretched.
"Could you get a car ready Alfred? I think it's time to do a little…reconnaissance." Alfred was still laughing when Bruce left the room.
Bruce casually strolled through the halls of the Manor and eventually winded up back in his room. Standing before his very large and very full closet, he decided to wear some casual clothes. He picked out a pair of dark blue jeans- one of the only pairs he owned- and a black long-sleeved sweater. By the time he was finished dressing Alfred had appeared in the doorway, announcing that the car was ready. The pair left the Manor an Bruce climbed into the back of a shiny black Volvo. Alfred, capable behind the wheel, quickly pulled away from Wayne Manor and they left the Palisades for Downtown Gotham.
When they reached the heart of the city, Bruce asked Alfred to pull over and let him out.
"Whenever you desire to be pick up Master Wayne." Alfred said. God, he makes me feel like a three year old.
"Actually Alfred, I believe I'm going to be staying at the Penthouse tonight." In truth, Bruce was getting a little uncomfortable at the Manor. Alfred merely nodded and pulled away. Bruce started walking, hoping to blend with the crowds of people. He had an idea of what he was going to do, but he would have to be might lucky. You're just keeping up appearances, he reassured himself. As Bruce walked down Gotham's main street, his eyes searched the building on either side, looking for a ballet studio. I should've just gotten her number… but she probably wouldn't have given it to me. Bruce continued down the street, unaware of the sidelong glances he was receiving from the passing women.
As he was about to give up hope, his eyes landed on a sign declaring the building as a ballet studio. That must be the one. Bruce peered inside the large, floor to ceiling windows, but didn't seen any occupants. He decided to try the door for good measure, and was surprised when it opened freely. Here goes nothing. Bruce was taken aback by his recent nervousness. He put on his infamous 'smile' though, and slipped into his Prince of Gotham façade.
"Hello?" He called, walking through the empty main hall. Bruce came to a door labeled 'OFFICE' and he slowly opened the door.
"Excuse me-" A slightly Spanish voice called out, but abruptly stopped.
"I'm looking for a Nicolette Anderson. Is she here?" Bruce said, giving a charming smile. The woman stood up from her desk and started walking towards him.
"Does it look like she's here?" Her voice was sarcastic as she looked around the room.
"Well… no."
"Exactly. Now, you might think this is all a big joke Mr. Wayne, but this is a place of business. And because of your recent jaunt with my friend and associate, newspapers have been harassing my office all day and this visit will only encourage them further." Bruce's smile dropped a little bit.
"I'm sorry about the press, but I really am looking for Nicolette…"
"Well she's obviously not here." The woman said in a huff. She moved back behind her desk and sat down. "Nicolette is only working here on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays." The woman rifled through some papers as Bruce waited. He thought he heard her mutter something like 'yeah but she's here anyways running electricity and our water…'
"Would you be so kind as to tell me where I can find her?" He asked after a minute of silence.
"She'll bite my head off you know."
"Don't worry, I'll fend her off." Bruce laughed.
"She's halfway through her last class of the day as the community college. You better get their quick. Right after she heads to rehearsal and she will not tolerate being late for that." The woman repeated, glossing over what seemed to be a schedule.
"Thank you…?"
"Marina, Marina Santona." Bruce threw Marina another smile and started off for the door. Before he got there though, Marina called out again. "Hey Bruce! If you ever, ever, mess with her, or hurt her in anyway, you will have me and the entire Santona family against you."
"I understand." Bruce nodded and strolled out of the building. Quickly, he headed for the Gotham Lines.
It seemed like ages since Bruce had ridden the city lines, and as he boarded, he felt a sense of remembrance. He sat near a window, trying to avoid the ever-curious stares of the other passengers. Sadly, it wasn't working. A woman with two young children kept giving him the 'look' and Bruce's eyes kept meeting hers uncomfortably. When his stop arrived, he was more than glad to leave the train.
The campus of Gotham Community College seemed decent enough. There was a large grassy area leading up to the first few buildings. It was quiet- just a few people milling about. Honestly, Bruce had no idea where to start. He passed a small cluster of students and one of them whispered, 'That's him- Bruce Wayne. He must be looking for her.'
"Excuse me, Mr. Wayne?" One of the group spoke up. Bruce turned and plastered on a slightly-amused smiled.
"Yes?"
"Miss Anderson's class is in building one." So they do read. Tabloids… The group laughed as another girl muttered something inappropriate.
"Thanks." Bruce tossed, walking briskly towards the building labeled 'one.' To his amusement, his nerves started jumping as he walked down the corridor, looking for a door proclaiming the lecture hall as Nicolette's. Bruce, you are twenty-nine years old. You are Batman for God's sake. Calm down. As he consoled himself, a sudden flicker of Rachel happened across his mind, causing him to pause in the hallway. Rachel… It was true that he'd never forgive himself for what happened with the Joker. Though Bruce had never known what Miss Dawes had written in that letter, he would always wonder their fate. For now though, he had come to the conclusion that he needed to try to move on.
A sharp ringing brought him from his melancholy thoughts. Shit, I need to move. Bruce walked down the hall a little more, now weaving through the students who fled their rooms quickly. A name plate with the last name 'Anderson' caught his eye and he slipped into the large lecture hall. A few stragglers looked up and turned to each other, whispers leaving their lips. Bruce ignored them and continued through the room, noticing another door that seemed to lead to an office.
"Knock knock." Bruce said, rapping his knuckles on the door. Nicolette, who was currently stuffing papers and a laptop into her satchel, looked up and sighed.
"Yes?" Her question was left unanswered until she had gathered up her coat and other belongings.
"We still need to schedule our date." He said, following her out the door. Nicolette turned off the lights and waited for him to leave the hall. Once he did, she followed and began leading the way down the hallway.
"Now is really not a good time. I'm sorry, but I'm kind of in a hurry." She looked it too, Bruce noted. Her hair was up in a sloppy bun and strands were tumbling around her face. Splotches of red were thrown against her cheeks as he rushed to follow her down the hall and outside.
"Listen we can talk on the way to your rehearsal." He shot her a smile.
"You've talked to Marina." She muttered, sending him an even glance. Bruce only smiled. "Fine-fine. I guess it's unavoidable. I swear though, if I'm late on account of you…. The press will really have a story on their hands."
NICOLETTE ANDERSON
Nicolette felt hounded. First Marina, then the papers, and then even her students in class. And now, Bruce himself had appeared out of thin air. Her mind finally slowed down and she took in her current surroundings. She and Bruce were sitting across from each other on the train. She had her workout clothes… her college material… her purse, she checked.
"Nicolette?" Bruce waved a hand in front of her face.
"Sorry. Continue."
"Can you at least grace me with your phone number? If you're to busy to contact in person…" Nicolette rolled her eyes and jokingly slapped his arm.
"I'm just getting used to my new schedule. I have big opportunities ahead of me." Nicolette grabbed a loose piece of paper from her notebook and scratched out her cell and home number.
"So what are your huge opportunities?"
"Moving up in the ballet industry before it's too late." She muttered, looking out of the window. "I'm more in shape than any of those young girls in the company. Hell, I'm more in shape than most people."
"What type of martial arts do you study?" He asked, remembering her comment the night before.
"I started with a very simple form of Kung Fu when I was very young. I continued with that as it got more intense. Then during my late teen years I added on Ju Jistsu, which helps with ballet and vice versa."
"Interesting. You'll have to show me your skills sometime. I, too, have studied martial arts." Nicolette snorted.
"Sure, definite first date material."
"You think so?" Bruce countered.
"Oh yeah. I'll definitely call you about it. But this is my stop. And I need to get going." Nicolette patted his cheek as she stood and quickly left the train.
Nicolette did make it on time to rehearsal, and by the time she left, she felt like going home and sleeping for hours. When she did get back to her condo, she collapsed on the couch and turned on the television. The Gotham News blared out at her, depicting a horror scene.
"Last night, Gotham Police Commissioner was called to the crime scene by an anonymous tip. What he found is quite disturbing." A screen shot of a large incinerator, ashes still presumably inside, was placed on the screen. Nicolette felt her eyes widen.
"The victim of this crime is not yet confirmed, but clues and leads have led Commissioner to believe that this was seventeen year old Caddie Everman. The police have asked that if you or anyone you know has any information to go to the police right away." Nicolette's mouth was wide as the reporter droned on. Caddie.. Oh dear god Caddie. She's dead…
"Lucy and Krysten…I hope that they're ok." A ringing phone made Nicolette jump. She picked up the cordless phone next to the couch.
"Hello?"
"Nicolette?" It was Bruce.
"Oh, Bruce, hi." She sighed and laid back on the couch. "Listen, if you really want to, I'm free tomorrow morning from six until eight. I know, weird hours… but that's the best I can do."
"Six, gosh, you're killing me here."
"I know I know. I'm sure you're used to sleeping until noon. The fancies of being rich and powerful I suppose. If you're up to it, stop by the studio. I'll leave the door unlocked." She bid him a goodnight and then hung up.
Not five minutes later though, her phone rang again. This time is was her mother.
"Mom… hi," She said wearily.
"When did you start seeing Bruce Wayne?" Her voice was sharp.
"Mom, you of all people know better than to believe the tabloids. I distinctly remember you lecturing me on the falseness years ago." Her mother huffed and then clicked her tongue.
"You still didn't answer my question." Her tone became cold and calculating, which immediately set off Nicolette.
"Mother, I am a grown adult and can see and do what I please. Now goodnight." The call was ended and Nicolette retired to her bedroom, making sure the door was locked. Once settled in her cocoon of blankets it finally hit her. Bruce Wayne. Holy shit. She began to question the reality of her current situation. How strange…
"I guess I'll just see what tomorrow brings." She smiled and rolled over, thinking about the handsome man in a sparring match with herself.
Once again, sorry for such a shitty chapter. The next one will be better I PROMISE.
And hopefully I'll have it up within a week's time.
Reviews are appreciated!~