She fidgeted with the cup in her hands, her fingers tracing the flowery patterns. Her mind raced with memories, everything flashed before her.

"Miss Wise?" Alfred prompted.

"Before I begin, I want to ask, please don't share any of this with Bruce, I'd rather it all come from me when the time is right."

"Alright, Miss Chloe, so you said you were once a member of the League of Shadows. Please tell me more."

"Years ago I left an unhealthy home life behind me and ran off to travel. Hitch-hiking my way through most of Europe and then Asia, I happened upon the League in the midst of a training session. They were out in the field, practicing blending in to their surroundings; to outsiders, it just looked like madness if you actually watched closely, all of them running about, hiding, then reappearing somewhere else. But it piqued my interest. So I followed them back to their base, which was a mistake, because I somehow eluded their notice and when I walked through the door with them, I was not welcome. They sent me on a mission to retrieve the blue flower, once I came back successful they welcomed me. It wasn't easy after that though. I was the first woman to be trained, not to mention being one of the younger ones, being just shy of eighteen at the time."

"You were only seventeen when you joined?" Alfred started at the thought of such a young girl getting involved in the organization. Seeing how it affected Bruce was bad enough, but he couldn't even begin to imagine how much it had changed her.

"Yes, and I was painfully naïve and desperate for acceptance and kinship. So, I complied, with everything. I completed their trials, I served 'justice' were it was required. I murdered in the name of the League. As I aged and began to find my own voice, and myself, I realized that we weren't providing justice or peace, but rather wreaking havoc and terror. I became desperate with looking for a way out. We were on a mission in a small village when I decided I'd had enough; I sabotaged the mission and ran. I've been on the run ever since, trying to always stay two steps ahead. I have adorned many personas over the years. This one I've crafted for you and Bruce. I'm known in my professional world as Jennifer Young. I'm sure you're familiar with my recent work."

"Yes, Master Bruce and I are both quite familiar. So then how long will you be in Gotham?"

"I had planned on only passing through, but I caught word of another League escapee and when I tracked down information and found out it was Bruce, I decided to stay. Once I introduced myself and watched him work, I decided I could help as needed. I don't know how long I'll be here, but right now this is where I feel I'm supposed to be. I want to help Bruce save Gotham."

"I'm not sure if this is really the way to live, for either of you." Alfred advised, "I only hope the day will come that Bruce will put down the mask and truly live his life. And as for you, Miss Chloe, I wish a home where you can finally be at peace."

"I do too, I really do," she sighed.

Days went by with still no sign of life from Bruce. Alfred invited her to stay at the mansion and help monitor him during his condition. He was kept busy enough trying to get Bruce's upcoming birthday party in order, hoping he'd be awake by then.

She sat up each night, watching him sleep, knowing he was still in there. She couldn't stop thinking about how much she had overstayed her welcome in Gotham, she was really putting herself at risk, but she couldn't bring herself to leave Bruce.

Bruce's birthday had finally arrived, and she was starting to lose hope. Alfred had convinced her to rest in one of the guest rooms the night before; so there she lie that morning, her mind racing with worries. Any other circumstance and she knew she would have been enjoying her stay in the luxury of one of the Wayne Manor's guest rooms, but her mind was only on him.

Thoughts of Alfred's words still wandered through her mind on occasion. Would she ever have a home? Would she ever feel safe?

"Chloe?" Bruce's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

"You're awake!" She jumped from the bed and ran to him, pulling him to her in a tight embrace.

Bruce weakly wrapped his arms around her, "I've got Fox working on an antidote as we speak."

"Does he know?" she whispered, holding him to her was a relief like she'd never known.

"He knows as much as is necessary." The pair separated and Bruce took a moment to survey the room before him, "Seems you've gotten awfully comfortable in my absence. How long have you been here?"

"Here as in the manor, or this room?"

"Either will suffice."

"Alfred offered the room last night, I accepted." She gave the easiest possible answer, not wanting to confess to having been by his side since the night of the accident.

He nodded, clearly considering his thoughts, "will you be joining us at my party this evening?"

"I hadn't decided actually, I don't really have the proper attire for such an occasion." She gave him a coy smile; "I suppose I can find something suitable to grace your guests with my presence."

"Just so long as you leave your mask and hood behind," he gestured to the corner of the room where her equipment was haphazardly thrown on the furniture. "Perhaps you've been more comfortable than you let on," Bruce approached her gear.

"I was worried about you," she admitted quietly. "We all were."

He let out a low chuckle, "Maybe I should be the one worried about you. I didn't notice how much damage your suit has taken."

She watched him carefully pick up her well-worn armor, "I've done my fair share of upkeep. We've already discussed my interest in a few upgrades. I certainly have my eye on your cape."

"I'll discuss your upgrades with Fox, until then you should go get ready. I think we could both do well taking a night off."

"I suppose it is about time you meet Jennifer Young, her editor certainly wants to see a story on you soon."

"I think you have quite enough information on me to be front page worthy." Bruce turned to leave the room, a defeated look on his face.

She reached out a hand, holding his shoulder, "And give up our nightly adventures?"

He turned back, seeing a smirk on her face. She had a playful gleam in her eyes that made his stomach flip.

"Never."

"I know I'm a bit early, I hope that's okay." She greeted Alfred at the door, her brown hair cascading over her bare shoulders. She had never felt so uncomfortable, so exposed; her dark blue dress hugging her body more snuggly than her armor.

"Thank goodness you're here. Master Wayne just took off after Miss Dawes, she was headed to Arkham Asylum." Alfred rushed out, worry apparent on his face.

Her entire demeanor shifted, "He moved my suit to the cave. I'm going after him."