A Bat's Light of Hope (Closed)

"MMM very convenient." Slipping it into his wallet he took one of his business cards out and crossed out the number and wrote a different one on it instead. "Here, this is mine. Call it day or night and it will get to me." He smiled at her and as he put his wallet away he pushed the button on his watch to summon Alfred to his location.
"It has been a pleasant afternoon my dear and I am hoping it will be a more pleasant evening. I will see you around 8 this evening."
He watched as she drove off then patiently waited for Alfred to arrive.
 
She smiled and took his card before putting it in her wallet. "Until then." She drove off, holding her composure until he was no longer in her sight. Once she could no longer see him from her windows or mirrors, she squealed in excitement. She had a date with Bruce Wayne and she was excited. Once at her house, a humble little place, she got out the car and grabbed her bags before heading inside to start getting ready, her mind going through the different dresses that she had that would fit the affair.
 
Alfred arrived promptly and raised an eyebrow as he jumped in without waiting for him to open the door. The eyebrow was raised further as he saw the smile plastered on his face.
"I take it this afternoon went well then Sir."
"Very well thank you Alfred. I have a date for the charity ball who we will be picking up at 8 oclock so I will be wanting the Rolls tonight. I want to impress."
Alfred let a small smile creep across his face. He had not seen Bruce this happy in a long time.
"I take it we are heading to your suite's in the city then Sir to get ready."
"As always you are one step ahead of me Alfred. Oh and while I do could you order one dozen long stemmed white roses."
"White sir. I believe red are more traditional."
"I know Alfred, but I believe White are more appropriate for this lady."
"Very good Master Bruce. Should I have them delivered here or..."
"No have them sent here," He said handing over her card,"And make sure she gets them by 6 tonight."
"It will be done Sir."
Bruce leaned back and smiled. He was looking forward to tonight and for the first time in a long time it was as Bruce Wayne and not as the Batman.
 
One of the first things Serenity had done was taken a shower and washed her hair, her hair being down giving her an advantage this time. Once out of the shower, she had brushed and blow-dried her hair before pinning some of it in a bun in the back and letting the rest hang underneath.

She then headed to the closet to look through for the dress she'd decided on, smiling softly when she pulled it out. A silver, ankle-length dress with thin straps. As she hung the dress on a hook, she then pulled on her underwear and wrapped a robe around before putting on a simple pearl necklace and matching earrings.
 
Bruce was always fortunate about these things. He never had to think about what to wear. He had his custom made black tuxedo. Actually he had about ten of the things stashed around the world and in various cars but this one was in this suite. So he just had to have a shower, a close shave and get ready.

After his hot shower, he shaved with a straight razor. Nothing shaved closer than the old fashioned straight razors but you had to have a rather steady hand. Bruce had that. Splashing on some aftershave he felt the familiar burn and then he applied deodorant and walked out of the bathroom. Getting dressed in new Jockey shorts, socks and his Tuxedo, he added his platinum cufflinks, platinum Rolex and two rings. Inside the rings were a few tiny gadgets and the same with the watch. The cufflinks could be used as transmitters or homing beacons. Bruce was never far away from his Gadgets.

Finally he pulled on his shoes and making sure he had his wallet and check book he looked at the time. 7:30. He had judged it perfectly. By the time he made it downto the curb he would be met by Alfred and he could call Serenity from the car. Grinning he grabbed his phone and headed to the elevator.
 
Jewelry in place, she stepped into her gown and her slight heels. She also grabbed her purse, putting her brooch into it since it would clash with the dress, even if it was white and gold. She just hoped she wouldn't need to use it tonight.

At 6, she answered her door to find the box of flowers. She set them on the counter and smiled when she saw the white roses. Gently running her fingers over them, she went about setting up a vase with water and placed the roses into it.
 
As Alfred pulled up in the beautiful old Rolls Royce Bruce got in and the car glided off. Opening his phone he hit the already pre programmed button and listened to it ring. It was answered and he heard her melodious voice again. "Serenity it is Bruce. We are on our way and will be there in about ten minutes depending on traffic. I can't wait to see you."

Bruce hung up the phone and was surprised to find that he really couldn't wait to see her. Ten minutes later and Alfred glided up to the front of her place Bruce stepped out to get the door for her as her front door opened and a vision in Silver walked out. He was stunned into speechlessness and his mouth hung open a little as she locked her door and approached him. His mind went blank. What was he supposed to do..or say?
 
Serenity smiled at Bruce as she carefully made her way down the steps after locking the door. She thought it was a little cute that he was speechless and his mouth even hung open a little. Her smile remained on her face as she approached him. "I take it that by the look on your face that you approve of my choice of attire?"
 
Bruce finally snapped out of it. He was really ruining his jaunty worldly playboy image now. "Oh my yes. You look absolutely stunning. I was only half joking about being the envy of every man there, but now I am dead serious. You my dear are going to be on every front cover tomorrow." Helping her into the car he got in after her and Alfred drove off towards the event.

"Well you certainly know how to outshine a guy don't you. I don't think anyone will be looking at me tonight," Bruce laughed as he looked at Serenity. "I think even the moon and stars would be a little jealous of you tonight."
 
Serenity smiled as he helped her into the car and they drove off. "I'm quite sure people will just be wondering where you've been hiding me at all this time." She lightly teased.

When he mentioned his belief that even the moon and stars would be a bit jealous of her tonight, it brought a slightly bigger smile to her face. "I don't know about that. The moon and I have a special relationship. It smiles down on me quite often."
 
Bruce smiled at her and then saw the flashes of cameras ahead as Alfred slowed. "Well Serenity are you ready for this?"
Alfred finally pulled the car to a halt and a man opened the door. Bruce exited the vehicle and as the man went to close the door he stopped him and leaned back in and offered Serenity his hand to help her out. As she emerged the cameras surrounding them went off. He smiled and whispered "Told you so," as he offered his arm and walked with her inside. All the way down the carpet cameras were flashing and calls of "Bruce,Bruce" followed them.

Finally they made the relative quiet of the charity ballroom and they approached the check in desk. The lady looked up and smiled. "Bruce so nice to see you again, and this lovely lady is..?"
"My date Tanya, Serenity."
"A pleasure to meet you. Go right on in Bruce."
Bruce led her to the big entrance way and turned to her. "Well that was the easy bit. Now for the sharks. Are you ready?"
 
Serenity smiled and walked alongside him as the flashes went off repeatedly and reporters called to them trying to get their attention. She nodded in slight greeting to Tanya before being led to the entryway to the ballroom.

"If I'm not ready now, I doubt I'd ever be. " She laughed softly. "Let's go on in and join the festivities."
 
He gave her arm a soft squeeze of reassurance and then led her in to the shark tank. As they walked in the few people near the door turned a curious eye to see who had walked in and most turned away upon only seeing Serenity. The few that saw Bruce as well did a double take and then whispered to their conversation partners. Bruce could actually see the rumor flying around the room and smiled. Leaning into Serenity he whispered "Don't look now, but we have become the topic of discussion in the room."

Bruce saw the mayor and the organizer of this little shindig Kathryn Hardy and moved to great them. "Mayor, Kat nice to see you again. Allow me to introduce you to Serenity my date for this evening. I thought I better do so before the rumor mill caught up to you two. I see it is only three quarters of the way around the room," he laughed.
Both of them laughed with him and they looked at Serenity with admiration in their eyes. "You sure do know how to find the most beautiful of women Bruce," complimented the mayor. "So tell me Ms Serenity, Exactly what Modeling company do you work for? Or are you an up and coming actress that I haven't heard of yet?"
 
Serenity smiled softly back at Bruce as she noted he was correct at how quickly people were talking about them. She did a slight bow in greeting to the Mayor and to Kathryn as a slight nod to her Japanese heritage.

She laughed softly when the mayor asked what modeling company she worked for or if she was an actress. "Actually Mayor, I'm neither a model nor an actress. I'm really just a simple high school Japanese teacher."
 
Bruce couldn't help but chuckle at the looks on the two peoples faces in front of him. He knew his reputation would have prompted that question but the look on their faces was priceless. "So Kat when does this little soiree kick off. I have my check book with me and I want to dance tonight as well."
"Actually Bruce you have made it just in time. We are starting the auction in about ten minutes and then the dancing will be right after."
"Splendid. I look forward to it."

He led Serenity over to a table laden with drinks and took a orange juice for himself and looked inquiringly at her.
"What would my lady care to drink tonight?"
 
Serenity couldn't help but giggle herself at the faces that were given when she told her occupation as a teacher, even as she was led over to the table of drinks by Bruce.

"I have a feeling that I'll be fighting off reporters at the school in a couple of days once the fact I'm a teacher gets through the rumor mill. It amazes me at times how much like high school students that adults can be." She smiled. "I'll take an orange juice myself please."
 
Bruce handed her a glass of orange juice and surveyed the room. Already half the eyes were focused on them. Most of the men were casting envious looks his way while the women were casting looks filled with daggers towards her. "Don't look now, but if looks could kill I think we would both be dead by now. These high society types can be worse than any cheerleaders you have ever met," he laughed.

They chatted for a bit waiting for the auction to start and finally Kat got on stage. "Ladies and gentleman, welcome to tonight's charity auction in aide of the new mall being built in the new downtown district. The money will also go towards building a doctors clinic and emergency housing." She stopped as polite applause rippled across the room. "We have a range of items up for bids tonight that have been generously donated by the leading business's around town so without further ado let's get right to it."

The auction was going well. Items were going for a tidy sum, with paintings, sculptures, expensive watches and jewelry, even services being snapped up. Bruce bought a few things he didn't need and a nice necklace that he thought would look stunning on Serenity. He was having fun but he saw that she was not. " Serenity if you wish to bid go right ahead. This is for charity so if you see something you like do it, I will cover you. Heavens knows I have more money than I know what to do with and this is my way of giving back," he smiled.
 
Serenity giggled, having seen some of the looks the women were giving her. "Too late. Though maybe they should be happy looks can't kill. I'd just haunt them for eternity." She joked.

She watched as different items were put up for auction and even noted how Bruce bought a few things. She knew the money was going for a worthy cause.

She then widened her eyes slightly when he told her he'd cover her bids. If it was anyone else offering, she'd be a bit wary of the offer, worried that she would owe the person something in return. But something told her that Bruce was being honest in the offer and smiled. "Thank you. I appreciate it. If they show off something that I could potentially use in my lessons, I'd go for it. An old scroll or a special book even."
 
Bruce nodded his head at her impressed at her thoughtfulness. She did not want to spend his money on herself, instead she was trying to find something for her students. He was learning more about this woman every minute and what he was learning he was liking. A few more items came up that he bid on, especially the one that gave a full day with Gotham's own star pitcher. Bruce got into a bit of a bidding war with the channel 6 sports reporter on that one but he never had a chance. He was going to enjoy surprising people with that one.

Then as if by magic Serenity's wish came true. A 6th century Japanese book and scroll and a 12th century book and scroll came up for auction together. Her eyes lit up and she turned to him. "I meant what I said. Bid away but don't be surprised if you have stiff competition. There are a lot of collectors in this room."
 
Serenity grinned when she got the confirmed go-ahead to bid on the books and scrolls. Her mind was already racing with ways she could use the items in class as she started bidding. Though of course as Bruce said, the competition was stiff with the many collectors bidding on it, some doing it just to have it, others with genuine interest.

As determined as she had been at the start, the higher the bids grew, the less chance she thought she'd have of getting it and eventually just stopped bidding, not wanting to spend too much of Bruce's money. But her disappointment at the thought of someone else having the items showed in her face.
 
Bruce watched as Serenity;s face glowed as he gave her the go ahead to bid. It made him feel good to see her having fun as she began to bid on them but he saw her gradually become more and more disappointed as the price went up, He knew he had given her a basic blank check but she was such a nice woman she could not force herself to spend too much of his money. He smiled as she bowed out of the bidding war and he saw the bitter disappointment on her face. Well he couldn't have that now could he.

The war heated up between two parties with the sum approaching the $100,000 mark. Bruce could see that Kat was ecstatic at this turn of events. Finally one of the bidders dropped out and the other looking smug heard Kat begin the process. "Any further bids, going once, Twice.."
"A quarter of a million dollars," piped up Bruce.
The crowd gasped and the man's face crumpled. The lady beside him elbowed him but he looked at her with a what can I do expression and she stomped her foot and stalked off. He looked daggers at Bruce who just smiled and waved at him as Kat said " Ah any further bids, no then Sold to Mr Bruce Wayne for $250,000."
 
Serenity had quietly watched while the bidding war heated between the two parties. She watched as one bidder finally backed down and the other smirked. She was just as shocked as the rest of the room when Bruce piped in with such a large amount. When Kat made the declaration that the items were sold to Bruce, she looked to him and leaned close to gently kiss his cheek. "Thank you Bruce." Her smile was soft and her gratitude showed clearly in both her smile and her eyes.
 
Bruce just grinned down at her. "If it earns me that kind of reward maybe I should do it more often. Seriously though it was my pleasure. I am sure your students will get a kick out of those books and scrolls, although I would seriously think about maybe getting that 6th century one checked out first. It might be valuable you know."

The last few items up for bids did not interest Bruce or Serenity so he escorted her back to the refreshment table and offered her another glass of orange juice. Drinking his own he looked at her with an appraising glance. "So my dear, now that they have taken our money it will be time for the festivities to begin. I hope you can dance because even if you can't I am afraid I will be dragging you out onto that floor with me even if it is only to keep those predators away from me," he said pointing to a large group of obviously single women eying him off like a piece of meat.
 
Serenity smiled. "I will definitely see about doing that. They'll definitely enjoy seeing those." She giggled a bit when he mentioned dancing. "I've had quite the lessons back in Japan actually. So it'll be fine and we'll be on even ground. Some of those collectors have been eyeing me since I started bidding on those books and scrolls. Quite creepy the looks they've been giving me like predators staring down prey."
 
"Yes they will get like that. You are a new face so they are probably wondering just how big of a threat you are going to be for their own collections. They will warm up once they know you are who you say you are" he chuckled.

As they had been talking the floor had been cleared and a small orchestra had filed in and had warmed up. Several couples made there way to the dance floor and he offered his hand to her.
"May I have the pleasure of this first dance My-lady," he smiled cheekily.
 
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