Hello all! Here is chapter four! I hope you all enjoy it! Be prepared for Nicolette and Bruce time! WOOO!
I AM SO SORRY.^ Trufax. This update took way longer and I am truly sorry. I was stuck in a rut halfway through and it took some time to break through it. But now, here it is. Enjoy.
Thank you to my reviewers. Really, you push me to continue.
Please, I ask you to review. Just a smiley face would make me feel pushed to write and write. Anything more is loved.
NICOLETTE ANDERSON
The sun was barely awake when Nicolette began to rise. Her alarmed blared at 4:45 a.m. and she struggled to awake. Around five minutes later she dragged herself from the warms confines of her bed and into the bathroom, where she slugged through the morning routine. It was only fifteen minutes later when she emerged, now clad in workout pants, a tank top, and gym shoes. Nicolette picked through her room, throwing together a bag in which she had: formal clothes for work and her ballet gear for later. It was nearing half past when Nicolette left, bagel and coffee in hand.
The train was fairly empty, minus a few sleeping vagrants. Nicolette sat by herself, watching the few streaks of sunlight appear low on the horizon. A few butterflies were hopping around inside her stomach, letting Nicolette know of her slight nervousness. Bruce Wayne didn't seem particularly intimidating, but Nicolette had been too long without any sort of male interaction on more than a platonic playing field. It'll be fine…
When her stop finally arrived, her watch told her that she had twenty minutes until Bruce was supposed to show up. Nicolette walked leisurely down the street, her breath visible and curling in the cool Gotham air. Her presence on the streets this early was routine by now. Between workouts, work, and rehearsal, Nicolette felt used to the bustle of the city. She took in the semi-quiet surroundings as she walked, and she soon found herself outside the studio.
Nicolette entered the building, turning on the lights as she went. She felt more at home here than she did at her actual house. Nicolette went back to the yellow room and dropped her bag on the floor.
"I should probably put out the mats… just in case." She mused, looking around the room. Nicolette made way for the supply closet and starting pulling out dark blue, padded floor mats, trying to quell the few butterflies roaming her stomach. Once she had them properly placed around the room she started a set of push-ups, determined to not become flustered.
"I'm-acting-like-such-a-ditzy-teenager." She muttered in between each 'up.' "He's just another guy." Yeah, one that has a playboy reputation. Something in her didn't agree with that thought though. I guess I'll just have to find out…
BRUCE WAYNE
"This better be worth it." Bruce grumbled, slouching out of his bed. He had purposely come home early that morning, around one-thirty, because he knew that getting up at five would be brutal. His room in the penthouse was warm and extremely dark when Alfred entered to pry Bruce out of bed. Thankfully Bruce was actually complying this morning, so the task wasn't such a feat.
"I've taken the liberty of laying out your clothes, Master Wayne." Alfred flicked on the lights, causing a blinded Bruce to trip.
"Thanks Alfred." Bruce muttered, sitting down as his eyes adjusted to the lighting. Alfred stifled a chuckle and left the room, leaving Bruce to shower.
The hot water of the luxurious shower cleared Bruce's mind and soothed the bruises scattered along his back. Something was making him almost… nervous. Am I giving too much of myself away? He pondered, letting the rushing water slick his hair back. I'm already past the façade with her… Though, I was never really in it either. Bruce finished his shower with these thoughts permeating through his mind. Once out, he dried off and dressed in what was 'proper' workout clothes.
"Hopefully she won't ask about these." Bruce said, examining the few ghastly bruises decorating his forearms. He barely even felt the bruises anymore, since he was used to them. Finally noticing the time, he towel-dried his hair and let it hang loosely, not feeling the need to slick it back. With twenty minutes to spare, Bruce left the grandiose bathroom.
"Sir, may I suggest you eat something?" Alfred stood in the large, window-filled room, a tray of food in his hands. Bruce rolled his eyes and grabbed a piece of toast and his coffee.
"I'll eat later Alfred. I promise." Bruce laughed as he looked out onto the waking city of Gotham.
"You say that now…" Alfred muttered under his breath. Bruce ate his small meal and finished up his coffee in silence.
"I better be off." He walked towards the elevator, avoiding Alfred's stern eyes. Once the doors began sliding shut he heard Alfred call,
"Don't let her beat you up too bad Master Wayne. I'm afraid the Batman doesn't need anymore bruises!" Bruce laughed and the doors finally closed. The elevator took no time in getting to the parking garage and Bruce casually slid into an already running car. He drove out of the complex, having only a few minutes before six o'clock. Now the streets of Gotham were beginning to fill with the early workday rush and Bruce had to wait for pedestrian crossings, so it was a few minutes after six when he pulled up to the studio. He parked on the curb, and slipped some money into the parking meter as he passed.
The door was unlocked, just like Nicolette had promised. She really shouldn't be keeping her doors unlocked…not now. Bruce pondered as he walked through the main hall, much like yesterday. Towards the back of the room one door was opened, and light was emanating from inside. Bruce took a deep breath and stepped inside.
"Knock knock." He called, a small smile on his face. He watched as Nicolette fell out of her push-up and whipped her head around to meet his eyes.
"You showed up." She muttered, standing. Bruce laughed and walked towards her.
"You thought I was going to stand you up?" Bruce feigned a broken heart. Nicolette rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Well I wasn't sure how difficult these hours are for you." You have no idea. Bruce shifted a little uncomfortably at her statement.
"Something about a chance to see you fight me dragged me from my amazing, heated bed." He smirked and walked towards Nicolette, watching her almost-transparent blue eyes flicker with annoyance. As he got closer, his feet now sticking to the blue mats, he watched as her posture changed, stiffened. In response, his own muscles tensed up and he had to remind himself to not put too much effort into any sparring that occurred. The Prince of Gotham was definitely not known for his strength and wrestling capabilities.
As his circuit around Nicolette came to a close, the first strike was delivered, by Bruce himself. A lunge to the right sent Nicolette into a defensive position and then the sparring began. Bruce did seem to have the upper hand in strength, but Nicolette was much, much faster. She danced circles around him, getting in quite a few good punches. Whatever Bruce lacked in speed and flexibility though, he made up for in being able to anticipate Nicolette's next move. He was able to block her and get a hold on her arms from behind.
"Tired?" He murmured in her ear when Nicolette stopped struggling.
"You wish." Bruce was stunned for a moment, and that was all Nicolette needed. Before he could even register her movements, Nicolette had Bruce pinned on the ground with one foot. With one fast movement, Bruce's arm hit the back of her kneecap, sending Nicolette to the ground in an exhausted heap. Bruce sat up, breathing a little heavier than usual.
"It was a good match." He laughed, extending his hand for her to shake. Nicolette turned to him and grudgingly placed her hand in his.
"You're stronger than I expected." At this they both laughed. Bruce glanced at the clock on the wall and it proclaimed 6:30.
"So what now?" He asked, looking over at Nicolette. He could tell she was tired, but not so much from the sparring. She just looked tired in general. Bruce watched as she brushed the loose hair from her face and stood up, stretching her muscles. Nicolette extended a hand towards Bruce and smirked.
"Are you up for a workout pretty boy?" Bruce accepted her hand, a smile tugging on his lips.
"I think the accurate question is: Are you ready for a workout Miss Anderson?"
An hour later, Bruce collapsed on the floor next to Nicolette.
"You do this every morning?" He asked, somewhat breathless. He had to admit, her workouts were intense.
"Every morning." Nicolette stretched her legs out in front of her and laid her head back on the wall. "You kept up though. I guess I underestimated you." You're walking on thin ice Bruce. She's already catching on.
"Well, we still have thirty minutes officially left of our date, so would you like to go get a bit to eat?"
"Oh why not. Just give me a moment." Nicolette stood up and walked towards a back room, leaving Bruce on the floor.
NICOLETTE ANDERSON
Nicolette entered the locker room and immediately thoughts started racing through her head. Did that really just happen? I just… It wasn't even the fact of who she was with that astounded her. Just the fact that she had spent more than an hour with a man that she enjoyed. Nicolette made her way to the mirrors in the back of the room and wiped the sweat off of her forehead. Her hair was wet with perspiration, but she just brushed that back into her usual ponytail. Once she was sure that her appearance was tolerable for the public eye she emerged back into the mirrored-room.
"Alright let's go. But I don't have too much time." She heard Bruce mumbled something like 'of course you don't,' and then they exited the studio. On the street, a different chemistry erupted between them; something that felt a little more commercial. Nicolette glanced at Bruce, who's face now held that smile she had seen on the front pages of the tabloids. In all the time they had just spent, she had not seen that smile once.
"This place is fine." She said, pointing out the same small café that her and Marina had eaten in the day before. The duo quietly took a small table towards the back, as Bruce tried to appear nonchalant and inconspicuous.
"They will notice you. You know that right?" Nicolette muttered, her eyes glossing over the menu. Bruce sighed and ran a hand through his slightly damp hair.
"I was hoping that maybe they'd just stop paying attention." Nicolette laughed.
"Sorry Bruce ol' boy. But you do remember who you are?" She waved a hand at him. "One lousy date with moi isn't going to bring your social status down that much."
"That's not what I meant and you know it." He rolled his eyes, but suddenly something on the flat screen t.v. in the back caught his attention. Nicolette turned, her eyes grazing the screen. It was another news report.
"Another body has been found, badly burned and almost past recognition. This is the second time in less than two days that something of this nature has been discovered. We're here with Commissioner Gordon to get a take on what is going on.
'Commissioner?'
'I'm sorry, but not much is known yet and many leads are coming in. This body has been identified as another young woman, between the ages of sixteen and nineteen. No names yet I'm afraid. I will pass along a warning though. It seems we have a new threat in Gotham. Women, and young women especially, watch yourselves in these streets."
The broadcast ended and the other people in the café turned back to their own conversations. Nicolette watched Bruce's face. He seemed angry, and strangely… grim. His face was a contortion of hard lines and a grimace.
"Bruce?" Nicolette patted his hand and he turned back to her quickly.
"I'm sorry, but I just remembered a meeting that I have this morning. Very important." He smiled, but it wasn't the smile that Nicolette knew. It was fake.
"I understand. Please, I know how important work is." Bruce stood and leaned towards her, quickly giving her cheek a kiss.
"I really am sorry." He left as quickly as his mood had shifted and Nicolette sat at the table, slightly confused. A waiter sauntered up to her now and asked her if she'd like to order. Nicolette declined and left the café, a knot tugging in her stomach.
Nicolette practically sprinted down the street, wanting to get back in the studio. By now Marina would've arrived and she needed to speak with her. When she got back outside the building, Bruce's car was gone.
"Work meeting my ass." She muttered. One thing she knew for sure was that Bruce Wayne was notorious for being late. Nicolette entered the building and was relieved to see the light on in the office.
"Mar!" She called, sliding into the room.
"Olette, details now." Marina pushed Nicolette into a chair opposite her desk and then sat, needing to hear the story.
"There's really not that much to tell Mar."
"Oh ha-ha. Olette, you invited Gotham's sexiest man to our studio at six in the morning to work out with you. Sexy man plus equally fabulous woman plus working out alone, does not equal 'not that much.'"
"Well… besides the sparring…"
"You fought him! Jesus Olette, are you trying to ruin any chance of a relationship!"
"Hey now! He was extremely adept at fighting. More so than I could've even imagined. I think he was actually holding back." She muttered.
"Nicolette, what I am going to do with you?" Marina grumbled.
"It went well, I swear. He's really nice and strong…" Nicolette remembered the instance when he thought she was giving up. The way his hands felt, tight on her arms. She let her mind start to wander, that is, until Marina cleared her throat.
"So…? Are you going to meet up again?"
"That's actually what I was going to talk to you about. We were at the café down the street and the news flips on."
"I heard it on the radio. Terrifying yeah?"
"Yeah it really is… but, Bruce, he just got all… I can't even aptly describe it. His face hardened. Then he turned to me, told me he had an important business meeting, and left."
"Are you sure you just didn't smell bad?" Marina asked, wrinkling her noise.
"Mar! God, I can't even do this right now. I need to get to work. I'll talk to you later."
BRUCE WAYNE
After seeing the news report, Bruce needed to get back to the manor. Needed to. He felt horrible having to leave Nicolette, who was most likely very confused, but he had a duty. I learned my lesson with the Joker. If only I hadn't told Gordon that the mob was more important to take down. If I had just started that case earlier… maybe… she would still be here. Maybe Harvey would still be alive. This whole mess…
Bruce drove towards the Palisades, his mood far grimmer than it had been in the past months. In his head he was already thinking, plotting. Obviously there's a new serial killer on the loose. The last thing that Gotham needs. Bruce pulled into the driveway, quickly shut the car off, and started walking up the steps into the house. He started a mental checklist of things he knew. Each of the bodies have been disposed of with fire. The first, complete disintegration, the second, full body burns. Now Bruce was in the house, making his was towards the study, and his destination: the cave. The Phoenix are most likely the source, though the grunts seem to be clueless or brainwashed. Gunpowder and weapons are their main imports.
Bruce entered the hidden elevator, and stood with his back rigid. As the lift descended his mind shifted over to the Batman. He had research to do. And tonight, he knew that he had plenty of work to do.
Hours later, Alfred finally found him. Bruce was sitting in front of the computers, his eyes glossing the documents and photos that he had dug up from encrypted files and emails. He was silent, but Alfred could tell that there were a thousand things running through his mind.
"Did your date go well sir?" Alfred asked, coming up to stand next to him. Alfred was merely trying to ease the biting tension in the room.
"I believe so yes." Bruce murmured, his eyes still glued to the screen.
"Will you be seeing Miss Anderson again?" Alfred prompted, trying to get some sort of emotional response from Bruce.
"I don't know. Seeing as I practically ran out on her today…" Bruce pulled away from the monitors and looked at Alfred, his eyes clearing as if he had just woken up.
"And may I ask why exactly you left her Master Wayne?"
"Alfred, I can't let this murderer get any farther. Already two people have died. Two people too many. If I don't act now, it could end up exactly like last time." Bruce set his elbow on the desk and placed his head in his hand. Alfred had no response for him this time. He knew from experience that nothing he could utter would bring Bruce from his internal battle.
"I've made dinner," He said at last. "I do implore that you eat before you go." Bruce nodded, knowing that his stomach was fairly empty.
"I'll need the energy tonight." Bruce rose and followed Alfred back to the lift. Once the gates closed and the elevator started to rise, the layers of intensity started to melt away.
"So how was Miss Anderson today? Did she whoop Bruce Wayne into shape?" Alfred chuckled.
"She was fine Alfred, thanks for the concern." Bruce had a good laugh himself before he continued. "I didn't really know what to expect going in this morning, but she was extremely well-trained. Quick too." Flashbacks of the sparring match this morning replayed in his mind. No wonder she does well at ballet, he mused. She's as lithe as a tiger and fast as well.
"You should call her before you leave. Make another arrangement." Alfred suggested as they walked out of the study and towards the kitchen.
"What time is it exactly?" Bruce asked.
"Around eight now I believe." Damn, I've lost the whole day. I wonder what Nicolette thought when I left… or if she thought of it later. No, I bet she was too busy. Bruce laughed at his own thoughts, earning a 'look' from Alfred. They arrived in the kitchen and Bruce grabbed the phone and went to sit at the table. It was almost completely dark, almost time for him to leave. Alfred brought a plate full of food and for once Bruce actually started eating, not just picking at it. Once he finished eating, he picked up the phone and dialed Nicolette's number, hoping she was at home.
"Hello?" A tired-sounding voice answered the phone.
"Nicolette? It's Bruce."
"Oh, Bruce hi." She sounded a little unsure, but it could've just been annoyance.
"Listen, I just wanted to apologize for running out on you today. It wasn't very gentleman-like." Bruce heard Nicolette laugh on the other end. He liked her laugh; it was solid and made him want to laugh along.
"Bruce really, it's not a problem. You have a company to run and meetings are important." There was a slight pause and Bruce was about to reply, but then Nicolette kept speaking. "But if there's anything wrong… it's really not any of my business, but you seemed a little, distressed. You can talk to me, if you really needed to." Bruce sucked in a sharp breath. So she did notice. Damn it.
"Thank you for understanding." He rubbed his jaw line. "I want to make it up to you though." Nicolette began to protest, but Bruce cut her off. "Dinner, Friday night. Will you be able to make it?" On the other end Nicolette sighed.
"Give me a moment." Sounds of movement drifted through the speaker and into Bruce's head. She's probably checking her day planner. Bruce smirked. "I can fit it in on Friday. Does seven-thirty mesh with your schedule?"
"Well I don't know… my life is just so hectic. With the parties and the-"
"Eh-hem." Nicolette coughed.
"Yes, that works for me. Where should I pick you up?"
"I suppose my condo will have to do. Will it damage your ego to drive to my side of town?" Bruce laughed.
"You think I actually drive?"
"What?" Nicolette sounded shocked.
"Relax I'm joking. Give me your address." Nicolette relayed the information to Bruce and the two hung up on a good note. Bruce checked the time. Nine. Time to suit up. Bruce exited the kitchen and went back down to the cave. His suit was waiting for him and soon Bruce was slipping on all the pieces. Alfred came down, right before the cowl was placed on his head.
"Be careful tonight Master Wayne. These problems cannot be solved in a night." Bruce looked at Alfred, nodded minutely, and covered up the last piece of Bruce Wayne.
The night was oppressive over Batman. He was slinking through Gotham, sometimes avoiding the few police cars that he came upon. Tonight's first objective: check the crime scene that was discovered this morning. It was likely that a few officers would still be around, but it wasn't too troublesome. Batman came across the street and stuck to the shadows that clung to the alleys. He was right in his assumption that a few guar would still be around, but they weren't too vigilant. He easily climbed back onto a rooftop and then zoomed in on the actual scene.
The pavement was slightly discolored, but only where the chalk on the ground depicted the body had been. Other than that, there were no other signs of a struggle. It seemed the body had been dumped here, after it had been burned. Batman turned and started for the Narrows.
Why does it always have to be the Narrows? The black form soared from the upper-middle class section of Gotham like a predator, on the prowl for one thing. The moon hung faintly in the background, partially covered by grey-black clouds. It was definitely a gloomy night.
It didn't take too long for Batman to reach his destination. The Narrows were actually abuzz tonight. Local bars were alight, people streaming in and out. Neon lights flickered from the pubs and restaurants. He'd have to really watch the shadows tonight. Batman headed towards the building where he'd found the first girl. It was in a quieter and darker section of the Narrows, but he hoped maybe there would be something for him to find. Luck, was in fact with him. As Batman closed in on the same alley, he also closed in on a subdued brawl.
Below him a large male probably early to mid twenties was struggling with a girl, younger, probably around seventeen or so.
"I said I just want to go home." The girl sounded scared. Scared and exhausted. "I've had enough of all this. Caddie was my friend." Now her voice began to crack and the guy pushed her ever closer against the wall. Batman was preparing himself to intervene, but he needed to hear if the girl was going to say anything else.
"Luce, come on, you know that wasn't my doing. Caddie did what she wanted." The man's voice was attractive, but held a bit of steel in it.
"Liar." She hissed. "You let them have Caddie. And now she's dead."
"Caddie made her own decisions. She chose what her fate ended up." The girl slapped the man hard across the face with such force that Batman startled a bit.
"They did something to her. Caddie was my best friend. This is some weird cult and I want to go home." The girl broke away from the guy and that's when the shadow descended into the alley.
"Shit." Batman stepped from the shadows and the man suddenly stepped away. "Well if it isn't good ol' Batty."
"Run." Batman growled at the girl. She took no time and was soon sprinting towards the lights of the bars streets away.
"The Phoenix. What do you know about them." Batman stalked towards the man and was soon pressing him against the grimy brick wall.
"I don't know anything." The man smiled a full set of white teeth. He was a good-looking guy; tall, shaggy brown hair, nice face, and a tad inconspicuous.
"How are you connected to Caddie Everman?" Batman rasped, shoving the man even harder into the stones.
"I'm not." The man smirked. "I met up with her friends and her, did some shit together. She did her own thing and broke apart from the group. Not my doing."
"She seems to think it was a lot more of your doing that you're owning up to."
"Lucy? She don't know anything. Little prude, no fun in her case." Batman released a punch, one that connected straight with the man's gut.
"I know you know more." The man just coughed and smirked.
"Batman, you don't know anything." And then, things went south. The man pulled a gun from the waistband of his pants and four others slunk into the alleyway.
"How about we give you a little lesson?" The sound of gun's being cocked filled the silence and internally Batman sighed. One quick movement forward, he disarmed guy number one, but sent the other men into a shooting frenzy. The bullets were whizzing past and it wasn't soon before one actually made contact. Thankfully the suit lived up to his standards and the bullet didn't connect with any skin. Batman flew across the alley, throwing guns to the ground and mashing fist with faces. These guys were persistent though, and one after another they kept getting up.
"Haven't you had enough?" He growled, pounding another guy in the stomach, sending him to his knees. He was surprised no one else had shown up.
"The Phoenix are ever-lasting." A bloodied man wheezed. Batman bent down and looked at his face. It just so happened to be guy number one.
"What's your name?"
"They call me Red." 'Red' laughed, blood spattering on the pavement. "Don't think you've heard the last cry of the Phoenix, Batman. Because we will keep coming." With those parting words, everything went ablaze. The ground, the men, everything. Even Batman himself was burning.
Up, get up. Up he went. Soon he was atop the closest building, working to put out the little fire that was still covering him. Batman was coughing, the ash and smoke was rising from the scene below. What the hell just happened? His mind was muddled, though it was usually exceptionally clear and focused. First thing, get the fire out. Gordon. He dialed the encrypted cell that he had Gordon supplied with.
"I have information. But first get the fire department to the Narrows." Gordon didn't hesitate. Within minutes Batman heard the sirens coming down the street, which meant it was time to move. He signaled for the Tumbler and was on his way to the cave.
Bruce was soot-covered when he released himself from the suit. It was well past two thirty and he has plenty of work to do. He had already briefed Gordon on every word the man and girl had spoken during his encounter. The Phoenix were now being tracked by both the police and the Batman. Next, the girl. Lucy. It took no time for him to identify her as the girl that had been reported missing only a few days ago. Tomorrow he'd find out if she made it home. Hopefully she was there now, sleeping peacefully. I'm going to need to find a way to talk to her. Somehow.
All the information that he had gathered tonight confused him, but helped to open this case up. Red… he suspected that he was a higher ranking gang member. Bruce researched it on the computer, but came up with no plausible references to the name. Perhaps I can get Gordon to relinquish some DNA results… if there are any left. Bruce just didn't know where to go with this. He shut down the computer systems and entered the lift. The smoke was still clinging to his clothes. All he wanted was a shower and a peaceful sleep.
Alfred was awake in the study, and was duly shocked when a blackened Bruce entered the room. Bruce held up his hands in a 'no questions now' gesture.
"In the morning please, Alfred." Bruce was sore, aching from the deep bruise the gunshot left, and exhausted.
"As you wish, Sir." Bruce clapped Alfred on the shoulder and left, needing to find some sort of solace in sleep.
So there you have it. Chapter four. Please please review. It really helps me to get these chapters out faster.
And, if there is anything you are confused about or you just have questions, feel FREE to ask~
Until next time, K.