A Common Need

By J. Ruisu

Chapter One

"Is Rachel here?" Harvey's eyes glanced about the landing casually before training back onto Alfred, smiling slightly.

"I'm not sure; shall I go ask Mr. Wayne?" Alfred's voice was clipped as he looked at Harvey, but the District Attorney seemed not to notice.

"No need for that." Bruce's voice was deep and loud, coming from the staircase behind Alfred. Harvey raised his eyes to see the billionaire standing on the top steps, his arm rested on the railing, dressed in a luxurious house-coat. The D.A. smiled a little more.

"I was just asking about Rachel; she wasn't at home, so I was wondering if she'd stopped by," Harvey explained as Alfred moved away to busy himself elsewhere. Slowly, with a strange masculine grace, Bruce stepped down the stairs, his eyebrows knotted slightly.

"No, she's not here. But perhaps she's on her way? Why don't you just call her cellphone?" Bruce yawned slightly, running a hand through his hair.

"She's not picking up," Harvey explained liltingly, no trace of worry showing in his fair face.

"Hm. Guess she's busy. You really should keep better track of her." Bruce smirked crookedly.

"You'd think that for as long as you've known her, you would know that she can't be kept track of." Harvey joked, putting his hands in his pockets.

One of Bruce's eyebrows twitched upwards. "You're right," he agreed with a slightly darker tone to his voice. His eyes clouded for a few moments before clearing once again. "But, you're here now; why don't we have a drink?"

"Oh, I wouldn't want to impose - "

"You wouldn't be," Bruce shook his head and raised a dismissive hand before turning around, again. "Follow me; I just need to change and then I'll serve us something."

Author's Note: Yes, it's short. Yes, it's alternate universe. Yes, it's slash. Eat my shorts. :D This is for Jen, 'cause I love her and she wanted this. Haha