Laura walked back downstairs with Stephens and the gang. Rachel was there, trying to sort through things. She hugged Laura and said, "I'm so sorry, sis. I know you were very fond of him."

"He was my boss, Rachel. No, he was more than that to me. He was my father."

"Laura…"

"We didn't know our dad. It's only fair that we should be able to pick him." Rachel nodded and ran off again.

Laura went to Stephens. "I'm going home. Unless you need me."

He shook his head. "Get outta here, Dawes. After all you've helped us do, you deserve a 10 year vacation."

"Thanks, Stephens." She walked out and drove to Bruce's.

When she stumbled out of the elevator, Alfred was there to catch her and hold her while she cried, yet again. She got a hold on herself when her cell rang. The ID said Harvey. She sniffed and then answered, "Hello?"

"Laura, I just talked to the Batman. He's turning himself in tomorrow at my press conference."

"WHAT?!"

"He said something about how I needed to be Gotham's hero. And I didn't have to wear a mask to enforce justice. And… I don't know. He just walked away when he was done. He's being completely serious!"

"Harvey, calm down. I'll try to find him and talk some sense into him. I need to go. I don't really want you listening to me cry over the phone."

"Oh, right. Hey, I'm sorry about Jim. He was a great cop…though a little annoying sometimes, but…"

Laura barked a laugh. "Yeah. Guess you're right. You talk to Rachel?"

"Oh, yes! The Joker has named her next. She's on her way to Wayne's house."

"Alright. This is very overwhelming."

"Don't stress. I'll keep in touch." He was gone.

Laura went into the bed room and stared out the windows. She didn't turn when she heard footsteps behind her. She had heard Rachel come in earlier, but she was off in the entertainment room as usual, so the only person who could be approaching was Bruce. "Harvey called," she said. "Said Batman is going to turn himself in." He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I have no choice," he murmured into her ear.

She turned to look at him. "Do you honestly think that this is going to keep the Joker from killing people?"

"Maybe not. But I have enough blood on my hands. I've seen now what I would have to become to stop men like him. I can't." He stared deep into her eyes, willing her to understand. "You told me, that if the day came when I was done, we would tie the knot."

"Bruce, I know what I said, but Gotham still needs…"

"Did you mean it?"

"Of course I meant it! I mean it now. I want it like nothing else! But, don't give in."

"People are dying, Laura! What would you have me do?"

"Endure, Bruce. Take it. They'll hate you for it, but that is the point of Batman. He can be the outcast. He can make the choice that no one else seems to be able to face. The right choice."

"Today I found out what Batman can't do. He can't endure this." He smiled ruefully at her. "Today you get to say 'I told you so'."

"And today, I don't want to." He started to walk out. "Bruce, if you turn yourself in, they're not gonna let us be together." He turned and looked back for a moment. "And I did bloody tell you," she added. He sniggered and held out his hand. She took it and went with him.

They came out and Alfred was standing at the door. He said, "I suppose they're going to lock me up, as well. As your accomplice."

"Accomplice?" Bruce quipped. "I'm gonna tell them it was all your idea." Laura laughed.

Later that night, as Bruce and Laura lay in bed, he whispered, "I'm sorry about Gordon."

She rolled over to face him. "Me too. I miss him."

"I know. And I'm responsible."

"The heck you are! The Joker is responsible. Quit trying to take all the credit." He smiled that closed mouth smile she loved so much. She tentatively kissed him. "I'm going to miss you. Please, don't turn yourself in."

"Laura…"

"Please!"

"Laura…"

"I'm going to be the one having to take you into custody. I'm next in line after Gordon. His responsibilities fall to me. Don't make me do this."

He looked her over, quietly assessing her distress. "Laura, I HAVE to." She noticeably slumped, but nodded. He pulled her closer, wrapped and arm around her and said, "Enjoy the time we have. Don't fear the future. Savor the present."

"There you go. Trying to be a counselor again. You know, I love that about you though. The one thing Bruce Wayne can't do."

He laughed quietly and put his forehead against her own. "I love you. So much. You know I don't want to leave you."

"I know. I do. I understand why you are doing this. I just don't know how well I will cope with losing 2 of the most important people in my life within the same week."

"You can always come visit me."

This time she laughed out loud. "Oh, yeah! The people of Gotham will love me for that."

"I'll love you for it."

"But you already love me. I have to make a good impression on them."

"Point taken. Just know that I'll never ever stop thinking about you."

"Nor I you."

"Sleep. You have to be able to cope tomorrow."

"Yeah, no kidding." They fell asleep in each others arms; holding tight, knowing that it would be the last chance they got to do so.

What neither knew: Alfred was standing outside the door the whole time, silently crying.