A few hours later and Jade was wide awake and whimpering quietly in the bathroom of whatever room she had woken up in. She had IV's running and tape and gauze over various parts of her body, a wrist brace on her left hand. Sitting up carefully she grabbed the clipboard that was at the end of the bed. The doctor clearly wasn't a native English speaker, there were pages of notes in a language she didn't recognize. Replacing the board where it was she ran her hands over her body. Pain coursed through bone and muscle. Looking at her arms there were bruises and cuts. Being careful to not make much noise she removed the IV and slid out of bed. The gown was a standard hospital gown and yet Jade knew she wasn't in the hospital.

"No, I haven't told him yet. He's been out at the courts all day and I wasn't calling him back until I talked to her." Barsad's voice drifted in through the wall and Jade held back tears. For some reason she felt nervous. Seeing another door and peeking into it to find a bathroom she stepped inside and closed the door. The darkness was peaceful and a serene calm fell over her. She clicked the lock and listened.

"She's asleep just i…well she was." The doctor sounded amused. "Be gentle with her."

"Jade." Barsad's voice came suddenly on the other side of the door and Jade startled back a little. "Jade, Riley and Stiles are upstairs. We won't let you out of our sights again."

She backed up and leaned against the wall, hot tears sliding down her face; one hand covering her mouth to silence her soft cries and the other to hold he legs close to her. She so badly wanted to fling herself to them. To safety. But were they safe? They were mercenaries. People who killed anyways. What was she to them?

"please go away." It was barely audible through the door but Barsad put on a small smile. She was still fighting.

"Jade if you don't come out, I'll unlock the door and come in." The key already in his hands, the smile never leaving his face.

"Remember what I said Sir." The Doctor left after a nod from Barsad.

The room was quiet. Barsad could hear her muffled breathing and gasps. Unlocking the door slowly with his key he reached in with his hand and turned the light on first. She was huddled under the sink, leaning against the wall, her face buried in her lap.

Moving slowly Barsad took a knee in front of her and held his hands, palms up, out to her to show he meant no harm.

"Let's get you upstairs yeah? I'll have the boys put a movie on for you. I can heat you up some food, although since you've been gone it's been lacking." He chuckled a little but stopped when it didn't have the desired effect. "I have to ask you something, will you answer my question?" She nodded without taking her head out of her lap so Barsad continued. "When you left, did he hand you over to the men who did this? Did Bane," he paused, not wanting to think about his leader sanctioning something like this.

Jade shook her head no deliberately and the gentleman gave a huge sigh of relief.

"They left me in the park." Barsad moved some of the hair out of her forehead and tucked it back. She flinched away and Barsad put a hand gently on the crown of her head. She felt warm as the doctor had made mention of it. Shrugging, she made no indication she wanted to get up.

"Riley, Stiles, and I will trade out sleeping in your room with you if you like. Or outside the door if you want." Jade shook her head violently at his words. "Now now come on. Bane wants to talk to you. He's been worried…"

"BULLSHIT." Jade spat the word on the ground and it made the mercenary laugh.

"He won't say it but, he's been angry enough to spit nails. He's been worried about you. He went to the library a few times. Yes he found out where you were going." He added after seeing her face shoot up in shock. "He almost got the muscle beat out of him some weeks back. Joker and his crew." Barsad pet her face with the back of his fingers and she closed her eyes; warm tears spilled down. "Look, you have to understand his position. Any slip ups and it's his hide. He's taking orders from the top and is trying to do his best but, if things don't go smoothly he gets upset. I've been fighting along side him for years, he hates not getting his way." Barsad kept gently stroking Jade's hair, she kept turning into his hand; a wounded animal seeking comfort.

"He died." Her eyes blinked open and closed, her breath came raggedly.

"I know about Tyler."

"Not just…"

"I know about Andrew too."

The silence was thick. Jade just stared at the tiles on the floor; lip quivering, silent tears pooling underneath her form. Barsad gave her little time to ponder on her thoughts, he held her arm and gently helped her up. She surprised him by standing swiftly and leaning into him.

Holding out some different clothes, Barsad closed the door and let her change quickly before helping her change some of the gauze pads and then heading to the door.

"I don't want to go outside again Barsad." He nodded with a smile on his face and started to lead her to the hallway, not without grabbing a bottle of pain killers first.

Jade's steps were clumsy and difficult to manage. She started to become visibly frustrated with herself as they entered the hallway. As she headed towards the stairs Barsad steered her into the elevator.

"Not yet champ." Sliding his card in and pushing a button, the doors closed and the box began to move. Facing her, Barsad cleared his throat. "I haven't told Bane what happened or where you were. Only you can tell him what happened while you were away, you don't have to." He added hastily seeing her worried expression.

The door dinged and opened. Barsad took a few steps out but Jade hung back in the metal elevator. Holding an arm in the electric door, Barsad waited patiently for her to step into the apartment. Looking towards the balcony he made a grimace and turned to Jade.

"I thought he would be gone longer, but he's home now." Barsad pointed upstairs and Jade shook her head.

"You know we have to go see him first before I just let you go. You've been for a ride, and on his watch. He'll want to know details. And I have a feeling you know if you don't go to him, he'll come to you." He winked as Jade scowled but nodded reluctantly.

"Can I get something to eat first?" Not waiting for an answer, Jade drifted into the kitchen and took an apple from the bowl on the counter. Her shakes did not escape Barsad, who took a knife and cut up the apple for her to eat. Putting it in a bowl he held it out like a carrot before a horse, he walked a step ahead of her up the stairs before handing her the bowl to take the last few steps to Bane's door.

Motioning for her to stay put, Barsad knocked and was greeted by Bane's voice telling him to enter. Leaving the door open Barsad walked in to find Bane stretched out on his bed, one hand behind his head, the other reading a book above his head.

"I have been informed the first two nests of Joker militia were accurately given to us. Let us hope the last remnant will be handled quickly." Bane rose from the bed with all the practiced fluidity of a panther about to strike.

"Good to hear. I won't have to kill that blockhead then after all." Barsad handed Bane his back brace when asked. As he was adjusting the brace, Bane stopped to face Barsad full on.

"Any other news, brother?" Barsad motioned for Jade to come in. Leaving the now empty bowl in the hallway, Jade took a step into the room behind Barsad. Putting him between herself and Bane. She felt very raw and almost primal in her trust, and Bane liked to teeter from one side to the other.

Bane's breath caught and he held out his hand for Jade which she did not see.

"Slowly." Barsad mouthed, holding his hands out towards Bane. With the slightest of nods that he understood, Bane rescinded his hand as Barsad moved Jade around to the front of him.

She stood with her head down, biting her lip, he could see the bruises on her arms and legs. He could see her shaking. Bane's chest tightened and he became angry in a way he thought had left him a long time ago. Taking one step forward he easily crossed the small distance between them and stood in front of her.

Jade was watching his boots so she only felt, not saw, Bane gently pet her head. There was no talking. Bane pet Jade lightly as if he was about to break a paper boat in the water. After a few moments he stopped and let his hand come to rest on the back of her head. Applying just a little pressure, he pulled her closer to him. Unable to fight back much harder than saying 'no' due to the painkillers, Jade moved easily into Bane's chest.

The man was all muscle and gave off enough heat to keep anyone warm on a cold night. His chest was littered with scars; marks of honor, badges of bravery. Jade put her hands out lightly on his chest as if to stop herself from falling. Bane wrapped his massive arms around her and she closed her eyes tightly.

Bane stroked her continuously as he felt the tears fall down her face.

His heartbeat was music to her ears.

"Tell me what happened." His voice was almost a growl in her ear that he tried to sooth into a purr.

Shaking her head Jade tried to push away from him gently but he wouldn't have it. Instead he took her arm gently and led her to his desk chair. Sitting down he turned another chair towards himself and pulled Jade down on it. He moved her arms around and inspected every scar, scab, bruise, and discoloration. Barsad stood behind Jade and kept an arm on her so she would try to relax.

"Up." Barsad helped Bane stand her up quickly and Bane ran his hands over her stomach and legs. His fingers traced the shiny white scars, and the fleshy pink of the brands they had given her on her thighs. He let out a deep breath that Jade didn't know he was holding. He then let out several more deep breaths as he inspected her.

Stepping closer to Jade he wrapped his arms around her, differently this time. He wound his fingers lightly through her hair, his other huge arm wrapped around the rest of her body. Laying the mask against her forehead he closed his eyes.

"Leave us, brother."

"I don't think that.."

"Leave US." Bane spoke firmly but quietly. The door clicked as he left and Jade almost wished he hadn't; she remembered the last time she was alone with Bane.

They stayed embraced for what seemed like hours. Bane move Jade to the chair and had her sit down again. The shorts Barsad had given Jade to wear were loose and Bane easily moved his gloved arm up them to put his hand on one brand in particular. A large star encased in a circle.

Jade tried to squirm out of his touch but he pulled her seat closer. She avoided his gaze until his hands made her do otherwise. Staring at him eye to eye she could see the steel grey of his iris' and the small wrinkles where he smiled.

"THIS." Bane put some light pressure on the brand, "Will never happen, again." Jade stared at his hand underneath her shorts and after a minute he removed it and placed it on top of her clothes. "I am sorry. For the part I played in what happened to you."

"It wasn't anything to do with you. Well I'm sure you ordered the hit on the school but you weren't there. You couldn't have known I was there. I think it's monstrous what they did but…you didn't do it." Jade's head shook and he was amazed at how clearly she had thought about this.

"We are as we were?" Bane sat up and placed both hands on her shoulders, she responded by putting her hands on his. She looked up at him briefly before looking away and nodding.

Bane got up and opened the door to the hallway. Beckoning her on, Jade followed obediently. They went into her old room. It seemed as if she had been away a lifetime. Bane lead her to the bed and lowered her gently down on it. She sat quickly and watched as he pulled the desk chair closer to her before sitting down.

"I cannot guarantee that you will live." Jade's brows furrowed as he continued. "I would however be remiss in my duty if I didn't at least extend the same offer to you that we give most everyone else. Join us. Join the league and serve our purpose. You may not fight but there are other uses for intelligence such as yours. If you do not follow us then I cannot promise what will happen to you." Bane spoke firmly, his hands clasped together lightly.

Jade's lips quivered and tears threatened to spill out of her eyes but she wiped them away quickly. She didn't know how to respond to him, she could only stare straight ahead in silent contemplation.

"To be honest the only thing I can think about is the last month and a half." Her voice was sure but Bane could feel how heavy it was for her to admit.

"The doctor downstairs is well versed to counsel you through this if you'd only…"

"NO." Bane's eyed found her still looking slightly down and not paying any attention to him but he could see the fury behind her gaze.

Sighing, Bane lowered himself to a knee in front of her, "I would like you to go, I have questions but feel they would best be asked by someone a little less abrasive." His gloved hand raised her face just a few inches.

It is as if any time he looked at her eyes now, they would be on the brink of tears. Pursing her lips she shook her head in refusal again but with less gusto this time.

Smirking behind his mask he placed her head in his hands and lifted her face to meet his. Her eyes were glazed and hazy; her skin pale, lips thin and cracked. Bane rubbed at them gently and he felt tears hit his hands. He could see she was shaking, though he didn't know why, and felt about her head to make sure she didn't have a temperature.

"You WILL go see the doctor, or he can come up here to you, it is your choice, but that is the only choice you get." Bane stood quietly and calmly, leaving Jade staring at the carpet. "For now, it's late in the day. Sleep would benefit you." Jade shook her head and Bane turned to leave.

"I don't want to be alone right now." Her honesty stopped him short but he did not know how to react to her needs. His eyes scrunched up as he stood immobile by her comment. Not knowing what else to do, he held his hand out and she rose slowly and took it. Letting his fingers rub the back of her hand gently, he led her back into the hallway and closed her door. He had not anticipated going to bed just yet so he took his time walking down the stairs.

Sitting her on the couch and throwing a large blanket over her, Bane went through the movies they had and regretted this decision. There weren't many movies he approved of and even less he thought she would appreciate.

"Put in something you'll watch." He dropped his head in amusement as her voice reached his ear. He could hear the smile in her voice and turned his head to see her watching him carefully. Turning back to the television he put in The Godfather and walked back to the couch. Settling in next to Jade, he put one arm around the back of the couch and the other he laid on his leg. Jade wasted no time in putting her head on his shoulder and pushing herself closer to him.

Bane didn't know Barsad was still awake and he peered in around the corner much to Bane's embarrassment. Barsad leaned into the doorway with his eyebrows raised, staring at Bane with enough silent amusement to make Bane give his brother and friend a very sincere, very rare, flip of the bird. Barsad answered by pointing at Jade then at Bane and mouthing, 'BE NICE TO HER' with a look of seriousness crossing his face.

Bane lowered his finger and nodded solemnly, returning his attention to the movie, and more so, the young lady curled into his chest and lap. He used his other hand to move hair out of her face and to trace above her eyes. The gesture was not lost on her and she looked at him quizzically.

"You don't have to be like that to me Bane." Her voice was sad and distant. Bane focused on her more than the movie and tried to put into terms what exactly she meant to him. He did not want her to leave, he enjoyed her presence when she was with him. He didn't even mind her being with his men really. He had trouble placing her in his life, or in any of their lives.

"Will we be gone before the bomb goes off?" Her sudden question brought Bane back to reality and the apartment.

"I and a few others will have to stay till the last minute, but then yes little one, we will go." He pet her again gently and she closed her eyes, clearly appreciative of the gesture.

"Do you have anywhere to go tonight?"

"I have an associate I should go see too." They had taken Talia and all the puzzle pieces were ready to fall into place, she was safe at a local house nearby; not as if Talia needed anyone protecting her. Jade nodded and settled back down to finish the movie. "May I inquire as to why you needed to know my schedule?"

"This is comfortable." A yawn interrupted her thought and she covered her face with the blanket before going on. "I wanted to take a nap but I don't want to trap you."

Bane chuckled and pulled her closer.

"I promise if you fall asleep, even if I have to leave, you will not be alone here alright?" Rubbing her arm through the blanket she yawned again and laid her head against his chest. With his promise in ear she closed her eyes intermittently until she fell fast asleep. Bane smirked through his mask and carefully took out his phone and messaged Barsad. The man could direct someone to lay with her when he had to leave. The thought of Talia stirred him but not like it used to. He was not sure she was the same girl she was before he father got a hold of her.

The movie ended with Jade sleeping peacefully and Bane mouthing commands to Barsad and Riley both. Barsad to get her medication and some water for when she woke up; Riley to be prepared to take Bane's place, a riot had erupted and Bane's presence was required in the courts. He was going to have to have a talk with Crane.

"She isn't to leave. She isn't to train. She isn't to get angry or upset. If she wakes up in the next hour she is to go to bed at 4, it's late but I know her schedule is all off." Bane checked his watch quickly before pulling his boots on while talking in the kitchen with Barsad, Jade safely tucked away in Riley's arms.

"She allowed to wipe her own ass?" Barsad chuckled when Bane stopped handling his boots in order to glare at the other man.

"I want her safe. I want her back to health. She's coming with us." He finished with his boots and shrugged his vest on before his large coat.

"Have you told her yet?"

Bane stopped, "Of course I did, I asked her before we watched the movie." Barsad followed Bane quietly to the elevator.

"I mean Talia, your highness." Barsad held the elevator even after Bane jabbed the floor button.

"What do you think I'm going to go discuss with our fearless leader?" Swatting Barsad's hand away the elevator shuddered down to the ground floor and Bane took a truck to where Talia was being held, supposedly against her will.

When he arrived she was lounged on a couch and looking lovely as ever; not a hint of unpleasantness or disdain for her situation. The guards at the door saluted him and were dismissed just as quickly.

"It is almost time my love." She stretched her hand out and he went to her as he always did. Lifting Talia up to meet him he brushed her hair around her ear and looked into her face like he used to. The lines on her face were deeper somehow than before. They had not seen each other in so long. Before Gotham there were so many travels that kept them apart, so much distance. Her father had ensured Bane was kept out of her life; that is until Ras al Gaul died, and left the League to his daughter.

"Everything is in place, the people are rebelling, it is coming to a perfect head. There are a few more things I would like to discuss with you." Bane played with her lips and hair, she allowed him to but did not return the intentions.

"What more is there my sweet?" Her voice was silky but there she was a viper in the grass. She struck silently and waited patiently until the right moment.

"I wish to be free of this place. I wish to be free with you. We will take our men and we shall leave Gotham to the bomb they cannot stop. The small army we amassed here can take care of the bomb until it goes off, their lives are of little consequence to our plans." Bane pulled her closer but he saw Talia's eyes were wandering off.

"Blow the last tunnel. We are done with this my dear. That is an order." Her hands dropped and Bane was given the impression he should let go and did so. "We are going to finish this once and for all my love." She tried to cover herself in kindness and once again pulled Bane's arm towards the couch. "Come be with me one more time my love."

"Like he had before I broke him and locked him away in the pit?" Talia froze and Bane was left standing with his eyes locked on the ground.

"What?" Her voice was surprised but it was an angry surprised, a hostile surprised.

"I know that's not what you told him, but how many times were you with him before the last time?" Bane's voice was cold.

"You have never grudged me for perpetuating our purpose. I have slept with others before for business," she kissed his cheek, "and for pleasure." Bane's fingers twitched. "But my loyalty to you has never waned. I still hold you dearest. Wouldn't you do anything for me Bane?" She kissed the corner of his mask and for a moment he was lost in her scent. But at once he rolled her words over and over in his head, he snapped back.

"Wouldn't you do anything for me? A life in the darkness, another lifetime of war, true that is all I know but there can be change." He tried to keep his voice even and clear. "I would do anything for you my love, but what of my wants as well? If we destroy Gotham and are able to survive the day? Could we not be together as we wanted to so long ago? I agree, rain down destruction on Gotham but my love,…"

"NO MORE BANE." She almost spat the words as she turned away, leaving Bane cold and alone in the middle of the floor. "It is done. I want the tunnel sealed, the time is drawing near. I want your men assembled in front of city hall on the day the bomb goes off, you will stave off any attacks and will keep the bomb safe."

"I understand and it will be done as you wish."

"You may go." She waved him off and he stalked out of the room, slamming the door behind him as he went.

Jutting his head in her direction he prompted the other guards to go back to watch over her.