"I can't help but notice that you didn't mention anything about your plans for Arkham in that press conference." Bruce said to Kate as they stood in her, formerly his, office after the conference.

"That seems more like something you don't announce until after it's a done deal." Kate pointed out.

"Fair point. And you saw Sophie in the crowd right?" Bruce asked, since they'd both seen Kate's ex in the crowd.

"Of course. Why do you think I rushed back to the elevators after the conference? I wanted to avoid talking to her, since I did not want today to be ruined by any unpleasant encounters, which is why I told security not to let anyone with a Crows badge up here today." Kate said.

"That's probably a good idea." Bruce agreed, since they both knew that Kate's father would not be happy when he saw Kate's announcement, right as the elevator doors opened and Kate saw Mary exit the elevator, but she was not happy about who she saw with her.

"Before you get mad, Sophie forced me to bring her up here with me." Mary said, seeing the look on Kate's face, which Bruce also did.

"So Mary, how would you like one last tour of the building before they lock me out." Bruce said.

"Gladly." Mary said as she let Bruce lead her out of the room.

"Cowards." Kate said before turning her back to Sophie and heading towards her desk.

"Really Kate, do I look like I'm here on behalf of your father?" Sophie asked, since she was not dressed in her usual Crows outfit.

"Do you really think I care? As far as I'm concerned, you have even less reason to be in this building than he does." Kate said coolly.

"Still, I thought that maybe you'd be in a good enough mood to at least pretend to have a conversation with me." Sophie said.

"Then you're clearly not as smart as I thought you were, since I'm pretty sure you said everything you needed to say that day five years ago." Kate said, not looking up from her work.

"You're still holding onto the past?" Sophie asked.

"What reason would I have to let go of the past? It's not like you've given me any reason too. Now please, get the hell out of my office before I have Wayne Security escort you out." Kate said.

"Kate." Sophie said.

"Sophie, you've never once given me an explanation for what you did or an apology for it and I know why. It's because you're not sorry you did it. You chose an academy that should honestly be shut down due to its homophobic policies, over what you had with me. Why the hell should I forgive you for something you're not sorry for." Kate asked.

"Because I am sorry Kate. I am truly sorry I hurt you." Sophie said truthfully.

"And how the hell can I believe that you're being honest?" Kate asked her.

"Because I have spent every day wishing that I could go back and undo what I did. But I can't. But I am truly sorry about everything I did. Including listening to your dad." Sophie said and even though Kate knew this, she still finally looked up from her work.

"What do you mean listening to my dad?" Kate asked.

"Your dad was the one who convinced me not to go with our plan. At the time I was so worried about keeping my parents from finding out and keeping everything I'd worked for from going down the drain, I listened to what he had to say." Sophie said.

"And you've been his loyal lapdog ever since." Kate said in disgust.

"I know you must hate me for what I did and honestly, you have every right too, but Kate, you have to know what that we had, it was real to me." Sophie said and Kate could hear her begging her to believe her.

"I believe you. But Sophie, that doesn't change anything." Kate said.

"I figured that much." Sophie said.

"Look Sophie, let's say I forgive you and it's not a done deal yet, but it just gives me another reason to ban my dad from the building. But even with this confession, you're not ready to come out yet are you?" Kate asked.

"You know that I'm not." Sophie said, regretting it.

"I know and you know I'd never force you to come out before you're ready, but that also means that at least for right now, I can't have you around here." Kate said.

"What? You're saying that you still hate me?" Sophie asked.

"Of course not, I never did hate you Sophie, I was hurt by you and every time I see you, I'm reminded of how much you hurt me, which makes it almost impossible for me to move on, something I think both of us should be doing. At least until you're ready to be out, since I don't want to just be your dirty little closet secret." Kate said and Sophie nodded sadly.

"I understand. But how long do I need to keep my distance?" Sophie asked.

"I don't know. It depends on how long it either takes me to move on or you to come out. Whichever one comes first. Then, we'll see." Kate said.

"What if Mary and I just happen to be in the same place as you at the same time?" Sophie asked, trying to establish some ground rules.

"As long as you aren't doing it intentionally to spend time with me and no sabotaging me if you see me out on dates. I respected your relationship when you were with that Tyler guy." Kate said and Sophie nodded.

"And if we run into each other at Crows HQ or if your dad is dumb enough to send me here on an errand?" Sophie asked.

"We act professionally. I'm not saying we can't work our way up to at least being friends again, but right now, I need to heal and I need you to give me the space to do that." Kate said and Sophie smiled.

"I understand. And should we discuss what happens when the time comes?" Sophie asked and for the first time, Kate smiled as she got up from her desk.

"We'll play it by ear. Just don't do it to sabotage me because you get jealous. You had your shot, it's not my fault you blew it. You need to earn another one." Kate said and Sophie chuckled.

"Fair enough. As long as you don't go out with anyone just to piss me off." Sophie said.

"I wasn't even considering that until you gave me the idea." Kate said snarkily and Sophie chuckled.

"I'm serious Kate." Sophie said.

"I know. But I do have one favor to ask you." Kate said.

"I've already decided to try and do some damage control for you with your dad, since I owe you that much." Sophie said and Kate nodded.

"Thank you Sophie. Not just for that, but for understanding what I need." Kate said as she held out her hand to Sophie.

"It's more than I deserve. I'll keep my promise." Sophie said.

"I hope you do a better job keeping this promise than you did your last one." Kate said.

"Low blow." Sophie said, though she was smiling.

"Did you really expect anything else?" Kate asked as she walked up back to her desk and Sophie chuckled as she headed for the elevators.