Chapter 7

Chloe cracked open the bottle of scotch before pouring herself a glass. She was drinking a lot. Something she wasn't happy about. Before she even brought the glass to her lips she poured the gold liquid down the drain. She wouldn't become a statistic. Her heart was broken but she wasn't dead and she wouldn't wish for that. Not even passively.

Moving to the couch she picked up her latest obsession. World War II first place narratives. Heroes from another time writing of their experiences. She admired their independence and self reliance. The way they didn't see themselves as heroes. In a time where everyone was so quick to blame someone else these men held themselves to a different standard. They truly believed each man had the ability to be anything.

For the first time in a long time she fell asleep instead of passing out. Of course it was short lived when the doors to her balcony came swinging open. She leapt from the couch ready to defend herself only to sigh as she realized the identity of her guest.

"What the hell are you doing here?" She hissed the words.

He took a step forward and collapsed. Rushing over to him she ran her hands over his suit. They came back sticky with blood. He was badly wounded.

She went into auto pilot. This wasn't the first time she had patched up a wounded hero. She grabbed her kitchen shears and started cutting him out of the suit. It was the only way to assess his injuries. As she pealed back the Kevlar she was met with more blood. Wiping it away she was found a series of deep gashes across his abdomen. That wasn't what had caused him to crash into her living room. A dark purple bruise covered most of his chest. She gasped as her fingers ghosted over the skin. Searching for anything immediately life threatening. She didn't want to violate his privacy but this wasn't something she was going to be able to handle herself.

She pulled back his mask and wanted to laugh. So many things made sense now. Stupid billionaires and their nighttime habits. At least she had someone to call now. If she had to guess Lucius was well aware of their CEO's penchant for rubber but she was sure Alfred had to know. There was no way he could live in the same house. She thought about all the times the loyal butler had made excuses for Bruce's hard partying ways. She needed to get him patched up and then she could figure out how to contact backup.

She was glad he was unconscious when she poured the antiseptic over the cuts. She knew from experience it wouldn't be pleasant. Once they were clean she bandaged them as best she could. Stitches were probably in order but she was no longer equipped to handle that.

Removing as much of his suit as was necessary she checked him over. Looking for anything else that might be an immediate threat. With every inch of skin she exposed there were more scars, more cuts and bruises. Some fresh, some weeks old. Holding his hands in hers she looked over the callused and scared skin, warm and large they dwarfed hers. For a moment she felt a sense of déjà vu. Something familiar and then a panic washed over her. She wasn't sure why but she needed to save him. Whatever happened he had to be okay.

When she was satisfied there was nothing else she could do she pulled out her laptop and hacked into the phone company's records pulling up the unlisted number to the Wayne mansion. Glancing at the clock as she dialed the number she grimaced. She knew how she used to cringe when the phone rang when Ollie was out on a mission. It was never good news.

"Wayne manor." The voice on the other end spoke with a crisp English accent. Despite the hour she knew he had been awake.

"This is Chloe Connolly." She paused not sure what to say.

"Miss Connolly. Is he there?" He waited for her to answer and when the silence stretched he spoke again. "I'm so sorry that I don't have time for pleasantries. Under other circumstances… I know everything he knows so I can only assume that he went to you for help after I lost track of him and I can also assume that you are calling me because he is unable. Is he okay?"

As he spoke the last words his voice wavered and Chloe realized he was much more to Bruce than a trusted employee. She smiled sadly at that. "He's here, and okay. For the most part. He isn't going to be walking out though."

"I can be there in 15 minutes. "

"I'll be with him." She didn't bother to ask how he knew where she lived. She didn't think that was the first time he had swung by her apartment late. She was suddenly sure that he had been keeping an eye on her to. She was annoyed but she could understand his position. She moved towards Bruce's head and wiped at his brow. She could already feel the rise in his temperature and his body fought to repair the extensive damage.

For the first time since she met him she was struck by his appearance. Chloe knew handsome men. Had been surrounded by them for as long as she could remember. She had built up a layer of protection to their charms. Maybe her natural defenses were down because he was unconscious? She found herself staring at the perfect cupids bow of his lips. She noticed the stern line of his jaw. Even in sleep he appeared a force to be reckoned with. She squeaked when his eyes shot open and he grabbed her hand.

"Shhhh, you're okay." She whispered the words to him and felt his grip on her wrist loosen. "Alfred's on the way."

Bruce chuckled under his breath and triggered a coughing fit.

"You're secret's safe with me. Just relax."

His eyes locked hers, she felt a spark of recognition before he spoke. "thank you." She just smiled at him and watched as he passed out again.

AN

So much for a chapter a day. More like two. But I haven't heard any complaints.

THANK YOU to everyone who is being so kind. Keep the reviews coming. I love them!