Alice
After speaking to Lucius We headed home, dressed and then left for dinner.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, two things were made very clear to me.
One; Why Bruce picked this restaurant
Two; Rachel was sitting over in the corner, next to a man who looked vaguely familiar.
I'm guessing these two coexisted.
"Bruce. What are we doing here?" I asked him trying to put on my stern voice.
"Rachel, Fancy that." Completely ignoring me.
"Yeah Bruce…Fancy that"
I mouthed an apology to her.
"Bruce, Alice. This is Harvey Dent"
"The famous Bruce Wayne and his equally famous girlfriend." He reached out and shook both our hands. "Rachel's told me everything about you two…"
"Not everything I hope…" He told him slyly "So let's put a couple tables together."
"I don't think they'd let us" Harvey tried
"Bruce. I think they want to be on their own. Let's just go…" I tried in a last effort
"Nonsense. They'll let us. I own the place"
I just rolled my eyes and gave a silent apology.
We all joined onto one table, I sat between Harvey and Bruce; as peace keeper.
…
After dinner we all sat around talking.
"How could anyone want to raise children in a city like this?" Rachel asked
"We were raised here, and we turned out alright…" pointing to myself and Bruce.
"Is Wayne manor in the city limits?"
I and Rachel laughed awkwardly.
"The palisades? Yeah, Sure. You know as the new D.A. you might want to learn where your jurisdiction ends." Bruce said somewhat viciously
"I'm talking about a city that idolizes a masked vigilante." Rachel said trying to change the subject but also not knowing of Bruce's identity.
"Gotham city is proud of a normal citizen standing up for what they believe is right."
"Gotham needs hero's like you, Harvey. Official's, not a man who thinks he is above the law."
"Who appointed the batman?" Bruce asked sarcastically trying to not give away his position.
"We did. All of us who let scum take over our city."
"But this is a democracy Harvey"
"Take Rome for example. When their enemies were at their gates they appointed one man to protect the city. It wasn't considered a honour, but a public service."
"The last person they chose to protect the republic was Caesar and he never gave up his power." I pointed out
"Right, So you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become a villain. Look whoever the batman is, He doesn't want to do this forever. How can he? Batman is looking for someone to take up his mantle"
I turned to see Bruce staring at me with a calculating look in his eye. As soon as I turned to focus on him he diverted his gaze.
That had me seriously worried...
"Someone like you Harvey?" Rachel asked
"Maybe? If I'm up to it"
"Well, I'm sold. I'm going to throw you a fundraiser"
"That's nice of you Bruce, but I'm not up for election for three years"
"No, you don't understand. One fundraiser with my pals and you'll never need another cent."
"Okay then" I said overly cheerful. "Bruce I think it's time to go."
"I agree. I think we'll be leaving too" Rachel said standing and getting her coat.
…
..
.
Once we were in bed, we lay talking.
"What was that look about?" I asked
"What if one day I don't have to be batman? What if one day we could be normal, be together?"
"Bruce, I don't care if my life is normal or not, so long as you're in it."
He smiled at me and mumbled "Good answer."