(no subject)
Title: The Last Time // A Broken Promise
Author: Me (Nectarousness/Nectarine)
Universe: Nolanverse
Character/Pairing: Harvey/Rachel
Rating: PG... maybe PG-13 for language.
Author's Notes: This first started off as a post in an RP I'm doing with a couple of people. I then decided to develop it into a full fledged short story thing. Enjoy.
Warnings: Spoilers for The Dark Knight.
-------------------
He stood up to the crowd; the podium seeming like it was miles above them. Flashes from the many cameras in the room went off in an unorganized symphony. His collar was just a little too tight and he raised his hand to the cloth to pull on it in a last minute attempt to try and feel as comfortable as possible. After all, this was the day that Batman was going to turn himself in. And once that happened, Harvey would be all alone. It was an incredible shame. The DA wasn’t even sure that Batman leaving his mask behind would even be enough to stop this madman, The Joker, anymore. What if it was all just a ruse? What if in turning himself in, Batman set up the entire chaotic downfall of the city? Harvey was beginning to doubt himself. He could no longer control his anger, his fear. The Joker had targeted Rachel and in doing so, had only forced her to hide out at Wayne’s mansion. God only knew what she was thinking. Harvey couldn’t afford to have anything happen to her; he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. He knew that much. Yes, as long as he was District Attorney, he wasn’t going to give up. Not now. And it wasn’t like he had much of a choice this far into the game.
He wiped his palms off on the back of his blazer without noticing and stepped up to the microphones, taking notice that he was on the news now; there was no going back. A false smile formed across his thin lips and his concerned stare was broadcast across the room. Everyone grew a bit more quiet as he nodded to the bull pit of journalists, cops, lawyers, and just about anyone else who was interested in taking part of this soon to be dramatic event.
“I’d like to thank you all for attending this press conference on such short notice. As you may have heard, it has been announced that Batman will be turning himself in to prevent anymore innocents from being murdered…” he then stopped, realizing that it was all wrong. The crowd began to stir again, some overjoyed at the mention of Batman turning himself in. Up until that point, everyone hadn’t minded the vigilante doing the dirty work for them. He remembered a time when people had been curious about the mysterious hero, when everyone had thought of him to be somewhat of a dark guardian angel. But now, now they only saw him as a device that brought danger to the world. They were all selfish. Frightened. Unsure. Harvey cleared his throat, and began to speak once more.
“But that’s not why we’re demanding he turn himself in,” Harvey boldly stated, staring down at the suddenly surprised group of press members and law enforcers. “We’re doing it because we’re scared. We’ve been happy to let the Batman clean up our streets for us until now-“
He was rudely interrupted by several members of the audience. They were in denial and felt insulted. A few called out, asking if Dent even knew how bad things were getting. He waited for a moment before trying to speak again. “Yes, things are getting worse, but the night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you,” he looked into the staring faces of the audience, reassuring them with his own conflicted blue eyes, “… the dawn is coming.”
Everyone grew silent, thinking among themselves. Harvey rested his hands on both sides of the podium, leaning into the space before him. It was very uncomfortable for him to try and settle people down by making promises he wasn’t even sure he could keep. He wanted with all his heart to believe what he had just said, but deep down inside, there was a sick feeling in his gut that filled him with guilt. “One day, Batman will have to answer for the laws he’s broken-but to us, not to this madman.”
A sergeant from one of the local districts called out from the back of the crowd. “No more dead cops!” His fellow officers all cheered on and agreed, making Harvey feel like an asshole. Soon, the whole crowd was making noise, drowning out any hope Dent had for trying to convince these people not to draw out Batman… not to take away Harvey’s own hope. His own hero. But it was no use. A woman in the front of the crowd stared up at Harvey, her eyes watery and her face red. She had been crying. He recognized her as Commissioner Loeb’s wife. He had met her once before at a dinner, never having seen her so depressed. As he looked at her, she spoke up. “Where is Batman!?”
Harvey didn’t know how to answer. He scanned the crowd, looking at all the attendees, trying to pick out the one person who would soon be standing where he was, admitting himself to be Batman, surrendering to these people… giving up everything he had. The young DA was surprised to see that Bruce Wayne had attended the conference. Perhaps he was just as concerned about the whole thing as Harvey had been. After all, Rachel’s life was in danger… and most likely, Harvey’s was too. Perhaps he had come to talk about matters with Dent after the whole ruckus was over. After quickly trying to find anyone who was making their way to the crowd, he shook his head. And then, a brilliantly dangerous idea popped up into his head. There was a way to stop Batman from turning himself in. Even if it meant that Harvey would soon be thrust into even more danger. He didn’t have much of a choice. He would probably be in just as much danger without Batman anyway. It was time to take action.
“So be it,” Dent spoke, the audience staring up at him with glances of relief. He turned to the group of police who were on the steps behind the podium and they moved from their idle positions, ready to arrest the mystery man. Harvey looked back at the crowd, removing himself from the podium, walking towards the officers. “Take the Batman into custody.”
A moment of silence swept of the crowd as they waited for the final moment. And Harvey smirked, feeling proud of himself.
“I am the Batman,” he proclaimed. Before he knew it, the boys in blue were standing around him, taking each of his arms, handcuffing him, and leading him out of the lobby and into a police van. His heart was beating faster than ever and the crowd rushed out of the building to try and take last second pictures of the now arrested DA of Gotham City. He wondered if they actually thought he was Batman. Whoever the real Batman was, he hoped that he was thankful. Regardless, it had happened and there was no way he could take back what he said. He’d done his part. Now it was time for Batman to do his. Deep down inside, he had a feeling that Rachel had been watching. Harvey desperately hoped that she would understand what was going on… and he also hoped that he hadn’t made a mistake.
~~~
It was a few hours later that he was sitting in the holding cell at the police department. They had taken the liberties of shackling his feet and wrists, almost as if they were reminding him that he couldn't back out of what he had just done. Even if he could reverse time, he wasn't sure he wanted to. He knew that this was what he had to do. He would be the bait for The Joker; Batman would save him. He was sure of it. He had to...
As he shifted himself a bit to try and feel comfortable, a few policemen approached the bars, staring at him. Did they think he was a fool for protecting a man he didn't even know? Whatever they thought, Dent only stared up at them with his clear blue eyes, a sly smile across his lips. He couldn't give away his inner conflict or reveal how frightened he was feeling at the moment. The officers stared a few seconds longer and walked by, making a few comments that Harvey didn't exactly catch from where he was. Within a few moments, he heard quick pacing coming from a nearby hall and the echoes of a female voice that sounded quite troubled. A very familiar voice. Rachel Dawes' voice.
She stepped into his view, grabbing on to the bars, a tear rolling down her face. Her brows were slanted, a desperate look of helplessness on her face. Harvey wished he could get up and give her a tight hug and a warm kiss. He hadn't held her since the night before the Commissioner's funeral. It had been too long.
"Harvey!" she cried out, her voice sounding weak and worried. She moved around the parameter of the cell, trying to get closer to where he was. A couple detectives and press members showed up to look on. Harvey sat up straight, trying not to make Rachel anymore upset than she was. Ramirez, a female detective from Gordon's unit came up to the cell door and unlocked it. Rachel quickly dashed inside and Harvey stood up, rushing to try and reassure her he would be alright.
"I'm sorry I didn't have time to talk this through with you," Harvey apologized, staring down into her wide eyes. He could tell that she didn't want him to go through with this. It hurt him to see her so angry, but there was nothing he could do now.
"What are you doing?!" she sternly asked him. Harvey didn't reply for a moment and then he finally swallowed to try and moisten his throat and gave her a subtle half-smile.
"They're transferring me to essential holding-- this is The Joker's chance and when he attacks, the Batman will take him down." Ramirez entered the cell and took a hold of Harvey's arm, implying that they were now going to transfer him. As he walked out of the cell and down the halls, cops and various press members watched and stared with various emotions plastered on their faces. Some were glad; others were not as pleased to see their shining DA get locked up. Rachel quicken her pace to catch up with Harvey, keeping to his side.
"Listen to me," she turned to him, her breath starting to become fatigued, "... this is too dangerous! He's using you as bait. He doesn't even know if he can get the Joker!" As they got to the end of the hall, they entered a large area where officers and swat team members were all gathered. A man stood on a raised platform, giving them the orders and directions that they would be taking in order to safely get to the county jail without harm. Harvey knew that there was no way in hell they would make it without The Joker stepping in. It was impossible since he was pretty much being watched like an ant in a magnifying glass. Not only that but the streets were so narrow that anything could happen. He wondered if Rachel was right. Maybe he was getting in over his head. And what if he did die? No-- he couldn't. It wasn't possible. Harvey didn't dwell on the subject. He was an optimist, or so he liked to think. He was led to a armored van, the doors in the back were wide open. Ramirez let go of Harvey's arm, giving him a few moments with Rachel before he was to be placed in the back of the van. The two of them stood for a moment and Harvey felt his heart sink. "He's failed so far," Rachel continued to say on the subject of Batman.
"How do you know what he's thinking?" Harvey questioned, his brows furrowing in curiosity. Cops all around began to give applause. Harvey couldn't tell if they were congratulating the capture of Batman or if they were proud of his move. It all didn't make sense anymore. He just wanted this whole thing to end.
"I just-- I do. Anyway, Harvey, this isn't about you! What about all the people who are depending on you to clean the city up and to do it honorably--" At that moment, without hesitation, Harvey leaned into Rachel, his lips meeting her mid-sentence. She was surprised at first but she surrendered to his kiss, the taste of him feeling so bittersweet in the moment, moving her hands to his face to keep him in her embrace for a little longer. After about a minute, the two of them pulled away from each other, knowing and having to accept what was going to happen next. Harvey smiled and hoped he had at least cheered her up a little bit. Deep down inside, he felt even worse about what he was doing. He damn hoped that Batman was going to be watching him. He had put his trust into the dark archangel. Harvey needed him now more than ever. With that, he somehow managed to slip his hand in his blazer pocket and fished around for an object in particular. Rachel finally regained her breath and looked at the young DA. "Harvey," she quietly spoke, knowing that she was begging now, "tell everyone the truth."
Harvey only gave her a scoundrel's grin and held out the item he had finally pulled from his pocket. His coin. He stood up on the ramp to the van and looked down at her, feeling like a sacred martyr. "Heads, I go through with it," he said, keeping his voice carefree and jovial. Rachel had given up trying to convince him to change his mind. He flipped the coin up in the air towards her and she caught it, clasping it between her cold palms. She didn't look at the result of the toss but instead closed her eyes, trying to hold back the tears that were now forming in them.
"This is your life," she spoke with a weak voice. She opened her eyes, the ocean blue pupils reflecting Harvey's image off of the center. "You can't leave something like that to chance..."
As Harvey took a seat in the back of the van, he gave her once last look-- the look of a foolish man, and smiled. The door was closing, yet he managed to slip by the last words, "I'm not."
Rachel could only remember what he had said many times before about his coin tosses and deals with fate. She gave a troubled stare in return to the now shut and barred doors of the armored van and turned away, not wanting to torture herself anymore with the thought of Harvey. Almost forgetting she had it, she stared down at her palms, opening them to reveal the coin. The profile of Lady Libery was showing, making her feel better. Then, out of curiosity, she slowly flipped the coin to see the other side.
She once again was met with the profile of Lady Liberty. She looked back at the van one last time.
"You make your own luck," she whispered.
Author: Me (Nectarousness/Nectarine)
Universe: Nolanverse
Character/Pairing: Harvey/Rachel
Rating: PG... maybe PG-13 for language.
Author's Notes: This first started off as a post in an RP I'm doing with a couple of people. I then decided to develop it into a full fledged short story thing. Enjoy.
Warnings: Spoilers for The Dark Knight.
-------------------
He stood up to the crowd; the podium seeming like it was miles above them. Flashes from the many cameras in the room went off in an unorganized symphony. His collar was just a little too tight and he raised his hand to the cloth to pull on it in a last minute attempt to try and feel as comfortable as possible. After all, this was the day that Batman was going to turn himself in. And once that happened, Harvey would be all alone. It was an incredible shame. The DA wasn’t even sure that Batman leaving his mask behind would even be enough to stop this madman, The Joker, anymore. What if it was all just a ruse? What if in turning himself in, Batman set up the entire chaotic downfall of the city? Harvey was beginning to doubt himself. He could no longer control his anger, his fear. The Joker had targeted Rachel and in doing so, had only forced her to hide out at Wayne’s mansion. God only knew what she was thinking. Harvey couldn’t afford to have anything happen to her; he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. He knew that much. Yes, as long as he was District Attorney, he wasn’t going to give up. Not now. And it wasn’t like he had much of a choice this far into the game.
He wiped his palms off on the back of his blazer without noticing and stepped up to the microphones, taking notice that he was on the news now; there was no going back. A false smile formed across his thin lips and his concerned stare was broadcast across the room. Everyone grew a bit more quiet as he nodded to the bull pit of journalists, cops, lawyers, and just about anyone else who was interested in taking part of this soon to be dramatic event.
“I’d like to thank you all for attending this press conference on such short notice. As you may have heard, it has been announced that Batman will be turning himself in to prevent anymore innocents from being murdered…” he then stopped, realizing that it was all wrong. The crowd began to stir again, some overjoyed at the mention of Batman turning himself in. Up until that point, everyone hadn’t minded the vigilante doing the dirty work for them. He remembered a time when people had been curious about the mysterious hero, when everyone had thought of him to be somewhat of a dark guardian angel. But now, now they only saw him as a device that brought danger to the world. They were all selfish. Frightened. Unsure. Harvey cleared his throat, and began to speak once more.
“But that’s not why we’re demanding he turn himself in,” Harvey boldly stated, staring down at the suddenly surprised group of press members and law enforcers. “We’re doing it because we’re scared. We’ve been happy to let the Batman clean up our streets for us until now-“
He was rudely interrupted by several members of the audience. They were in denial and felt insulted. A few called out, asking if Dent even knew how bad things were getting. He waited for a moment before trying to speak again. “Yes, things are getting worse, but the night is darkest just before the dawn. And I promise you,” he looked into the staring faces of the audience, reassuring them with his own conflicted blue eyes, “… the dawn is coming.”
Everyone grew silent, thinking among themselves. Harvey rested his hands on both sides of the podium, leaning into the space before him. It was very uncomfortable for him to try and settle people down by making promises he wasn’t even sure he could keep. He wanted with all his heart to believe what he had just said, but deep down inside, there was a sick feeling in his gut that filled him with guilt. “One day, Batman will have to answer for the laws he’s broken-but to us, not to this madman.”
A sergeant from one of the local districts called out from the back of the crowd. “No more dead cops!” His fellow officers all cheered on and agreed, making Harvey feel like an asshole. Soon, the whole crowd was making noise, drowning out any hope Dent had for trying to convince these people not to draw out Batman… not to take away Harvey’s own hope. His own hero. But it was no use. A woman in the front of the crowd stared up at Harvey, her eyes watery and her face red. She had been crying. He recognized her as Commissioner Loeb’s wife. He had met her once before at a dinner, never having seen her so depressed. As he looked at her, she spoke up. “Where is Batman!?”
Harvey didn’t know how to answer. He scanned the crowd, looking at all the attendees, trying to pick out the one person who would soon be standing where he was, admitting himself to be Batman, surrendering to these people… giving up everything he had. The young DA was surprised to see that Bruce Wayne had attended the conference. Perhaps he was just as concerned about the whole thing as Harvey had been. After all, Rachel’s life was in danger… and most likely, Harvey’s was too. Perhaps he had come to talk about matters with Dent after the whole ruckus was over. After quickly trying to find anyone who was making their way to the crowd, he shook his head. And then, a brilliantly dangerous idea popped up into his head. There was a way to stop Batman from turning himself in. Even if it meant that Harvey would soon be thrust into even more danger. He didn’t have much of a choice. He would probably be in just as much danger without Batman anyway. It was time to take action.
“So be it,” Dent spoke, the audience staring up at him with glances of relief. He turned to the group of police who were on the steps behind the podium and they moved from their idle positions, ready to arrest the mystery man. Harvey looked back at the crowd, removing himself from the podium, walking towards the officers. “Take the Batman into custody.”
A moment of silence swept of the crowd as they waited for the final moment. And Harvey smirked, feeling proud of himself.
“I am the Batman,” he proclaimed. Before he knew it, the boys in blue were standing around him, taking each of his arms, handcuffing him, and leading him out of the lobby and into a police van. His heart was beating faster than ever and the crowd rushed out of the building to try and take last second pictures of the now arrested DA of Gotham City. He wondered if they actually thought he was Batman. Whoever the real Batman was, he hoped that he was thankful. Regardless, it had happened and there was no way he could take back what he said. He’d done his part. Now it was time for Batman to do his. Deep down inside, he had a feeling that Rachel had been watching. Harvey desperately hoped that she would understand what was going on… and he also hoped that he hadn’t made a mistake.
~~~
It was a few hours later that he was sitting in the holding cell at the police department. They had taken the liberties of shackling his feet and wrists, almost as if they were reminding him that he couldn't back out of what he had just done. Even if he could reverse time, he wasn't sure he wanted to. He knew that this was what he had to do. He would be the bait for The Joker; Batman would save him. He was sure of it. He had to...
As he shifted himself a bit to try and feel comfortable, a few policemen approached the bars, staring at him. Did they think he was a fool for protecting a man he didn't even know? Whatever they thought, Dent only stared up at them with his clear blue eyes, a sly smile across his lips. He couldn't give away his inner conflict or reveal how frightened he was feeling at the moment. The officers stared a few seconds longer and walked by, making a few comments that Harvey didn't exactly catch from where he was. Within a few moments, he heard quick pacing coming from a nearby hall and the echoes of a female voice that sounded quite troubled. A very familiar voice. Rachel Dawes' voice.
She stepped into his view, grabbing on to the bars, a tear rolling down her face. Her brows were slanted, a desperate look of helplessness on her face. Harvey wished he could get up and give her a tight hug and a warm kiss. He hadn't held her since the night before the Commissioner's funeral. It had been too long.
"Harvey!" she cried out, her voice sounding weak and worried. She moved around the parameter of the cell, trying to get closer to where he was. A couple detectives and press members showed up to look on. Harvey sat up straight, trying not to make Rachel anymore upset than she was. Ramirez, a female detective from Gordon's unit came up to the cell door and unlocked it. Rachel quickly dashed inside and Harvey stood up, rushing to try and reassure her he would be alright.
"I'm sorry I didn't have time to talk this through with you," Harvey apologized, staring down into her wide eyes. He could tell that she didn't want him to go through with this. It hurt him to see her so angry, but there was nothing he could do now.
"What are you doing?!" she sternly asked him. Harvey didn't reply for a moment and then he finally swallowed to try and moisten his throat and gave her a subtle half-smile.
"They're transferring me to essential holding-- this is The Joker's chance and when he attacks, the Batman will take him down." Ramirez entered the cell and took a hold of Harvey's arm, implying that they were now going to transfer him. As he walked out of the cell and down the halls, cops and various press members watched and stared with various emotions plastered on their faces. Some were glad; others were not as pleased to see their shining DA get locked up. Rachel quicken her pace to catch up with Harvey, keeping to his side.
"Listen to me," she turned to him, her breath starting to become fatigued, "... this is too dangerous! He's using you as bait. He doesn't even know if he can get the Joker!" As they got to the end of the hall, they entered a large area where officers and swat team members were all gathered. A man stood on a raised platform, giving them the orders and directions that they would be taking in order to safely get to the county jail without harm. Harvey knew that there was no way in hell they would make it without The Joker stepping in. It was impossible since he was pretty much being watched like an ant in a magnifying glass. Not only that but the streets were so narrow that anything could happen. He wondered if Rachel was right. Maybe he was getting in over his head. And what if he did die? No-- he couldn't. It wasn't possible. Harvey didn't dwell on the subject. He was an optimist, or so he liked to think. He was led to a armored van, the doors in the back were wide open. Ramirez let go of Harvey's arm, giving him a few moments with Rachel before he was to be placed in the back of the van. The two of them stood for a moment and Harvey felt his heart sink. "He's failed so far," Rachel continued to say on the subject of Batman.
"How do you know what he's thinking?" Harvey questioned, his brows furrowing in curiosity. Cops all around began to give applause. Harvey couldn't tell if they were congratulating the capture of Batman or if they were proud of his move. It all didn't make sense anymore. He just wanted this whole thing to end.
"I just-- I do. Anyway, Harvey, this isn't about you! What about all the people who are depending on you to clean the city up and to do it honorably--" At that moment, without hesitation, Harvey leaned into Rachel, his lips meeting her mid-sentence. She was surprised at first but she surrendered to his kiss, the taste of him feeling so bittersweet in the moment, moving her hands to his face to keep him in her embrace for a little longer. After about a minute, the two of them pulled away from each other, knowing and having to accept what was going to happen next. Harvey smiled and hoped he had at least cheered her up a little bit. Deep down inside, he felt even worse about what he was doing. He damn hoped that Batman was going to be watching him. He had put his trust into the dark archangel. Harvey needed him now more than ever. With that, he somehow managed to slip his hand in his blazer pocket and fished around for an object in particular. Rachel finally regained her breath and looked at the young DA. "Harvey," she quietly spoke, knowing that she was begging now, "tell everyone the truth."
Harvey only gave her a scoundrel's grin and held out the item he had finally pulled from his pocket. His coin. He stood up on the ramp to the van and looked down at her, feeling like a sacred martyr. "Heads, I go through with it," he said, keeping his voice carefree and jovial. Rachel had given up trying to convince him to change his mind. He flipped the coin up in the air towards her and she caught it, clasping it between her cold palms. She didn't look at the result of the toss but instead closed her eyes, trying to hold back the tears that were now forming in them.
"This is your life," she spoke with a weak voice. She opened her eyes, the ocean blue pupils reflecting Harvey's image off of the center. "You can't leave something like that to chance..."
As Harvey took a seat in the back of the van, he gave her once last look-- the look of a foolish man, and smiled. The door was closing, yet he managed to slip by the last words, "I'm not."
Rachel could only remember what he had said many times before about his coin tosses and deals with fate. She gave a troubled stare in return to the now shut and barred doors of the armored van and turned away, not wanting to torture herself anymore with the thought of Harvey. Almost forgetting she had it, she stared down at her palms, opening them to reveal the coin. The profile of Lady Libery was showing, making her feel better. Then, out of curiosity, she slowly flipped the coin to see the other side.
She once again was met with the profile of Lady Liberty. She looked back at the van one last time.
"You make your own luck," she whispered.