< just_muse_me - Alternate Universe - Just Once More >
Nadine Lewis
Batman (OC)
550 words
"You okay?"
Nadine Lewis stared at the paperwork in front of her, ignoring the fact that she'd been looking at the same page for five minutes. "I'm fine."
"Like hell, Nadine."
She finally looked up. Tears stood in her eyes, but she willed them back, wiping under her eyes with her thumb. "I'm fine, Harvey."
"Tell me what happened," Harvey Dent murmured. He spoke softly, his voice gentle.
Nadine attempted a smile. "Tomorrow's the big day. You know you'll win."
"I know." He focused on her, tone more dismissive than arrogant. Then, he frowned and came more into the office. "Tell me what happened."
As she spoke, the ADA rose from her desk, going to the window and looking out at the dark Gotham street. "I mean, they can't not re-elect you, not after all you've done--"
"Nadine." Harvey stood behind her and gripped one arm, forcing her to turn around and look him in the eye. "What happened?"
She turned away. "Bail was denied, thank God."
"Then why--"
"I froze."
"What?"
"I just-- The judge asked me if I wanted to speak, and I stood up. I-- I made the mistake of looking at him. I just... froze. I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. I couldn't think. All I could see was him, and all I could hear was him." She tried to hide a sob as she lurched forward, gripping the window sill. "It's been three years!"
"Nadine." He rubbed her arm, but she didn't notice.
"Three years, Harvey! And I still wake up some nights, screaming... I still wait to see it again, watching me." She ran a hand through her hair and he turned her around again, this time fully. When she looked up at him, fighting tears, he pulled her into an embrace.
"It's okay," he whispered. "He's gone now. Locked away."
"Until he gets out!"
"He won't. I promise. I will make sure that doesn't happen."
She cried into his chest, clutching his shirt as he rubbed her back. "I've gone to visit him," she whispered after some time.
"You've what?" Harvey sounded alarmed, but he didn't push her away.
"I've gone to see him-- stood outside Arkham for four hours a month ago, deciding whether I should go in and visit him or not."
"Nadine..."
"I know it's stupid. I don't know what the hell's wrong with me, but it's like I... I can't get him out of my head."
"It's okay," he sighed.
She began to pull away. "What are you doing here so late? You should be at home with your wife, celebrating the victory."
"Election's not until tomorrow," he pointed out, but he offered that same cocky grin and made her smile.
"You know you'll win." Even as she tried to laugh, a few tears ran down her cheeks. He pulled a handkerchief from his jacket pocket and wiped her eyes for her.
"Shh," he whispered. "You're okay. I won't let Crane hurt you again."
Nadine reached up, touching his hand. He looked down at her, and they reached an agreement. This was inappropriate. They were already going too far. They couldn't go further. They both knew that.
He leaned closer, and she caught his lips in a kiss. He returned it. His hand settled against her cheek while he curled the other around her hip. Nadine slid an arm around his neck, still clutching at his shirt.
Just once more, they promised themselves. This would be the last time.