After the ordeal at the bar yesterday, Kamal gave Raul and I a day off so I went shopping as a token as my gratitude for him letting me stay with him, I thought about going back to pick up some things but thought better of it. I really didn't feel like facing Bane right now, not yet. I picked up some toiletries and bought some extra clothes, I don't know how long I will be staying with Raul, but hopefully, what I've bought will last me.

I decided to go by the riverside market, hopefully I could see mom there so I could explain what happened. Sure enough, I spotted her sitting by the well, she looked right at me and smiled as I approached her.

"Hi." I said sheepishly.

"Bane told me what happened," She said.

"Are you alright?"

"Apart from the bruising, I'm fine." I replied, pulling down my scarf so I could show her Bane's handiwork.

Mom frowned and shook her head, "I can't believe he put his hands on you! I was furious when he told me what happened. Arabia, you stay away as long as you need to, I'll bring your things round if you want me to."

"I should be okay with what I have right now, I will come back when things have calmed down." I said, hugging her.

"If you are sure," She replied.

"Are you safe where you are?"

"Yes, I'm staying with my boss's son right now, he is really kind." I nodded.

"Good." Mom said, looking around her.

"I can't stay, since you left Bane has had some of the members look for you, I think if they found you, it would only make things worse."

I nodded again in agreement, that sounds like a Bane thing to do, best keep my head down until I'm ready to face him, I just can't see him right now...it's too soon.

"You better go," Mom said.

"You never know who might be watching."

"Okay, can we meet here if I need to see you?" I asked.

"Of course, I'm really glad you're safe, I hardly slept a wink when he said you were gone." She sighed.

I looked away, I feel bad for leaving her with Bane, but I know she can handle herself and that Bane would never hurt her, I just wish he had the same respect for me.

"How is he?" I asked.

Mom shrugged, shaking her head. "Delved right back into work as usual, I haven't seen him since your argument last night."

I rolled my eyes, seriously Arabia, get a grip, this is Bane, when are you going to wake up and realise that he is void of feelings.

"Right…" I said.

"I'm gonna go now, I'll see you around."

And with that I walked off, I really don't know what I expected, maybe I was expecting mom to say that he cried himself to sleep or drank himself to sleep or went out to the garden and broke stuff, I don't know, I just expected him to show that he cares. I walked the long way back to Raul's, hoping that I lost anyone following me in the winding streets, it was safe to say that I was pretty pissed and feeling hurt when I slammed the door shut behind me. Raul came out the garden, wiping the sweat off his brow, I almost dropped the shopping when I saw him standing there, topless and sweaty; his marble like abs glistening. He smiled at me and pulled off a pair of garden gloves.

"Hey, I got the shopping in like I said." I said, trying hard to keep my voice even.

Raul walked over to me and took the bags from my hands, our fingers touching as our eyes met. His eyes were different to Bane's they were warm and genuine, Bane's eyes were indifferent and sometimes cold.

"I will pay you back." He said, moving away from me to put the bags on the table.

I sat down in the nearest chair as my knees nearly gave way on me. I shouldn't feel like this, but I really, really can't help it.

"No I said I'd get the food in, consider it as a thank you gift." I said, avoiding his gaze.

"Okay, if you are sure." He replied, putting the things away into the cupboards and fridge.

Raul stood up and rolled his neck slightly, he looked over at me and shook his head.

"Did you see Bane on your travels? You looked rattled.

If I looked rattled it wasn't because of Bane, the fact that Raul was stood there shirtless, glistening like a seal really didn't help.

"No, I saw my mom though, she said that Bane is still the same as he was before the argument." I sighed.

"I can't believe you are with him!" He exclaimed, banging his fist down on the counter.

"What am I suppose to do!" I exclaimed.

"In case you haven't noticed, this is Bane we are talking about! The very man who put Batman out of commission and singlehandedly brought down Gotham!"

"That is no excuse!" Raul cried.

"What he did in the past makes no exception for what he did to you! So what, he ruined a country that means nothing to me; if he was any kind of man he would apologise for harming you and walk away so you could live a life of your choosing."

"And what about me? My mother? We owe Bane our lives." I replied.

"You live with me, for as long as you need to, you know I have the room." He said simply.

"No, I couldn't do that. I couldn't impose." I sighed, shaking my head.

"I understand you can't make such a big decision now, but think about it. Do you want to be spending the rest of your days in fear of when he is going to get angry again? Or do you want to live a happy peaceful life?" He said, walking out into the garden again.

In a way he was right, what is it going to take for Bane to snap like he did again? What if he doesn't just lash out at me but at Mom as well? I couldn't bare it if he hurt her. I don't know what I'd do, I'd want to kill him...and that scares me. But Bane isn't like that; not really, yes he is aggressive, he doesn't mince his words, he is strong. And I love him. I gave up everything I knew and owned to be with him. Could I just up and leave my saviour? The man who stirred up a revolution in my life? If I don't get the answers I seek. I may very well have to.