A/N: I know it's been a long time since I've updated and I'm so sorry for making you wait. This chapter has become the bane of my existence but I sincerely hope you enjoy it. Please read, review and enjoy.

Disclaimer: I own what is mine.

Chapter Twenty-One

Wayne Penthouse

When Audrey finally came around she could barely open her eyes. She felt exhausted and she was distantly aware of a throbbing pain, but she couldn't tell which part of her hurt more as she took stock of her condition. She took a deep breath as she tried to find the strength to move or at least wake up a little further. The breath had been a mistake as she felt a shooting pain slide through her body like fire. Her eyes widen as she silently gaped in agony.

Fuck…

The only suitable word that would come to her mind as she felt the haze begin to descind again as the pain flared through her, but she fought it as best she could. She had no desire to be sucked back into the oblivion that was her mind. Not when she wasn't sure that it was really a dream. As if realizing that she was truly conscious, Audrey tried to focus on her surroundings as she looked around the room she was in. She didn't have a chance to make out much more than the bed and a door before a wave of nausea encompassed her. She gritted her teeth as she tried to ride out the noxious twisting as a cold sweat broke out on her skin.

It didn't matter where she was, she just needed to move…or more precisely escape her ailing body. She slowly untangled herself from the bed sheets before sinking to the floor. It seemed, however, that her strength had momentarily been sapped from her as she lay curled on the carpet. It wasn't until she took a few deep breaths and attempted to move again that sounds of movement caught her attention. Lazily, her gaze drifted to her right where she caught sight of a slumbering form in a chair by the corner. A smile twitched on her lips as she vaguely recognized the form to be Bruce. She was okay.

Another wave of nausea hit her and she forgot all about the slumbering man as she unsteadily clamored to her feet and staggered quietly out of the room. Her vision blurred slightly and Audrey found herself wishing that she hadn't moved so much. Her side was on fire, but she was afraid that if she stopped moving she would only be in more pain. It didn't take her long to find a bathroom as she quickly stumbled inside and unloaded the meager contents of her stomach. It didn't keep her from feeling completely miserable but the act did allow her some relief before she splashed water on her face from the sink and rinsed out her mouth. She steadily avoided looking in the mirror…not wanting to see how much of a wreck she looked.

That was when she noticed that she wasn't wearing anything that resembled the clothes that she owned. Her eyebrow rose absentmindedly as she plucked at the dress shirt that currently drowned her form. Expensive, she thought distantly as she felt the bandages that rested underneath the fabric. She unbuttoned the shirt and ran her hand over the faint tinge of red that came from her side.

"Don't."

The sound of gunfire echoed in her ears as she tried to grapple with the piercing pain that suddenly shot through her. Son of a bitch.

She was vaguely aware that the bandages needed to be changed but her sense of urgency for the matter was currently turned off as her eyes drifted up from the bandages and to the flesh of her wrist that peaked out from her sleeve. A bruise in the shape of a hand print.

"You killed him!"

A hand wrapped around her wrist and pulling something from her hand.

Audrey uttered a groan as the memory assaulted her and wondered what else she had done. The blurry memory of being restrained was humiliating enough. Her thoughts didn't linger long on the memory. Her head was pounding and all she wanted was to find some relief as she moved from the bathroom and out into the hall. Somehow, she managed to stumble out onto the penthouse's terrace. It was a welcome respite to her addled mind as fresh air filled her senses and cooled her skin. Unsteadily, her hand grasped the cool glass fencing as she slid down to the ground and leaned her head against the chilled pane. She briefly caught sight of the pre-dawn light encompassing the sky before her body finally caved into her exhaustion and she passed out.

Alfred was the one to find her an hour later as he rose to begin the day's chores. He had done a double take when he had walked into the living room only to see the door to the balcony wide open. He was fairly sure that his charge was sleeping, but on closer inspection he saw the battered form of Bruce's spy nestled in the corner. His gaze turned concern when he noticed that she was shivering again and wondered what she was doing out of bed. Surly, Bruce would have noticed her disappearance.

He quietly made his way to her trembling form and rested his hand on her forehead. To Alfred's immense surprise the action roused the poor woman. Bloodshot eyes blinked up at him dazedly, it near broke his heart to see the fear that flashed through her eyes only to be replaced by pain and then finally a blank wall. He mentally shook his head as he realized the woman before him was more like his charge than he realized.

"Morning, Miss. Douglas." He greeted quietly.

Audrey regarded him warily for a brief moment before greeting him as well, "Morning."

Alfred let her become a little more awake before he began questioning her, "Do you remember coming out here?"

"Mmhmm." Audrey mumbled as she nodded her head slightly, "I needed air."

Alfred nodded in understanding, "Do you think you're okay enough to come back in?"

She hesitated a moment as she gauged the distance to the door, "Sure…"

Alfred raised an eyebrow as the woman before him replaced her look of uncertainty with one of blank indifference. He knew that she was still in pain but he hoped that she wasn't too prideful to accept help. Luckily, she wasn't as she accepted Alfred's outstretched hand to help her stand. The two clambered inside and surprisingly made it into the kitchen. Audrey quickly sat herself at the table to quell the wave of dizziness that seemed to assault her every time she moved.

Alfred left her alone for the most part as he began to busy himself with pulling things from the fridge. She watched him silently knowing that all the while the older man was keeping a close eye on her. She didn't know his name, she realized distantly. It was surprising to her as she thought about it. She had done so much research on Batman after their last few encounters that she had never really bothered with Bruce. She knew what he was like in public and she had a fair idea of how his mind worked in private that she never bothered looking into anything other than the basics.

"I don't know your name." Audrey said softly.

Alfred looked up surprised at the faint tone of regret he heard in her voice that he answered her without thought, "Alfred Pennyworth, ma'm."

"I would say that it's nice to meet you but considering the circumstances it doesn't seem fitting." Audrey murmured distractedly as her attention drifted to the clock on the microwave.

"I should say not." Alfred replied gently as he began to wonder just how greatly the drugs had affected her.

A faint smile played on her lips at his dry tone. She ran a hand through her hair and grimaced at the oily feel it contained. She must look awful, but she didn't have the strength to care too much. In all honesty she was struggling just to stay awake. A deep weariness had seeped into her body that she was trying so hard to ignore it.

A small cup of tea was set before her effectively breaking her from her musings as she found herself looking up into a pair of mildly concerned eyes again. Audrey flashed him another faint smile as she silently realized the extent of Alfred's look. He knew just how badly she had been hurt and he almost seemed to comprehend what she needed before she did. A part of her wanted to know just what his relationship with Bruce was since it was obvious the older man was more than just his butler.

"Thank you." Audrey murmured almost self-consciously but sincerely.

Alfred eyes soften ever so slightly as he caught the vulnerable look in her eyes before it disappeared behind her calm mask and he knew she was thanking him for more than the tea, "You're more than welcome, dear."

She wetted her lips and grabbed her tea as she tried to distract herself from the awkwardness of the moment. It took her some time to gather her thoughts as she tried to bring herself back to her current situation, "How long have I been here?"

"Three days and four nights." Alfred answered as he watched her calm mask become thoughtful…almost calculating. He raised a brow and moved to sit across from her at the table sensing that she had more questions on her mind.

"My wound…how bad?" Audrey asked cautiously.

His eyes unconsciously drifted to where he knew the wound to be and bit back a sigh as he remembered the bloody mess that his charge had brought him, "Not as bad as you might think. A clean through and through from the looks of it, but to be truly sure a doctor will probably need to take a look. You haven't shown any signs of infection..."

He paused in his explanation when she brushed her fingers over her wounded area. He could just make out the red seepage on her bandage as the white cloth of the shirt was pressed close, "Though that will change if we don't replace those bandages soon."

"True." Audrey replied as she abruptly dropped her hand and met Alfred's gaze.

It was strange what his gaze did her. She felt like she was being silently chastised by a father. It was funny, she couldn't remember the last time she had felt guilty by just a look, but at the same time it was also oddly comforting and entirely off-putting. She wondered vaguely how many times Bruce had been on the receiving end of his butler's knowing stare. It wasn't until she looked closer that she took note of the curious glint in his eye.

"What?"

Alfred flashed her a polite smile, "Nothing, Miss."

Audrey raised an eyebrow in return, "That look isn't nothing, Mr. Pennyworth."

"Alfred. Mr. Pennyworth makes me sound old."

The dry tone of his voice had a smile twitching on Audrey's lips again though her questioning gaze didn't change.

"You know they say that curiosity killed the cat, Miss. Douglas." Alfred murmured pointedly as he took a sip from his own cup of tea.

Audrey merely shrugged, "This cat still has a few lives left in her. And it's Audrey, Alfred."

"Pull another stunt like the one you did a few days ago and that probably won't be true." His tone arched knowingly, "Master Bruce isn't very happy with you."

Amusement flared through her briefly at his words before disappearing again, "I don't think Bruce has been happy with me since we've met. But, which stunt exactly has him brooding this time?"

"Several. Would you like a list?"

Audrey stilled slightly in her seat as Bruce's smooth voice penetrated her ears. Alfred cast his charge a measuring stare before departing from the room. Audrey followed his exit silently before meeting Bruce's gaze and frowned. He looked like hell. Her eyes took in the circles underneath his eyes and the two day growth on his jaw. She took that back…he looked more attractive than he should have for an exhausted man. She didn't miss, however, his tense posture or the way his mouth had thinned in frustration.

Audrey tiredly raised a brow at him and responded after a moment of silence, "No, I think I can guess what's bothering you."

"Really? Because I don't think you do." Bruce said lowly as he did his own cursory overview of her.

The last time he had seen her, Audrey had been restlessly sleeping. He had awoken to find her gone and had rushed from her room in a flurry to find her. He hadn't been sure if she was still hallucinating and didn't want to risk her hurting herself further. As he studied her now, however, her pale skin had gained a slight flush and she seemed to be coherent. Though she still looked like she needed to spend another week in bed. It was taking all his energy not show his concern, but the frustration that had built up at her for getting herself into a situation that had hurt her severely was slipping from his control.

Alfred reappeared before she had a chance to respond. He was carrying a set of clean bandages and antiseptic that he placed into his charges hands as he turned to look gently at her.

"I took the liberty of getting a bath ready for you, Miss Audrey." The older man murmured kindly before tilting his head to his grouchy charge, "Master Bruce will have to assist with changing your bandages while I go get you some more suitable clothing."

Audrey shook her head in protest, "You don't have to do that Alfred. As soon as I can use a phone I'll be on my way."

Alfred cracked an entertained smile as he walked away. His mirthful eyes telling Audrey exactly what he thought of her response. As she turned her attention back to Bruce she noted that despite the impassive mask that now claimed his expression he too seemed slightly amused. She couldn't tell if his pleasure was directed more at her or his butler.

Bruce caught her gaze and sighed, "I believe that was Alfred's way of telling me to behave."

"Seemed more like a reminder that I'm not at a hundred percent." Audrey murmured back as she realized that Alfred had quickly diffused an escalating situation.

"It was that too."

Bruce set down the bandages on the table next to her. Audrey blinked, she hadn't really noticed him move and she found herself biting back her discomfort at her lack of awareness. She had felt frayed and scattered since she had woken up and she just wanted the feeling to disappear. She needed to feel normal and soon, there was too much for her to do.

"Audrey."

She looked up at the sound of her name and frowned as she noticed the concerned glint in Bruce's eyes. How long had been calling her?

Longer than he would have liked, Bruce frowned, "How are you feeling?"

"Insane?" Audrey replied uncertainly but tried to smile reassuringly at him, "I'm a little worse for wear, but I'm better than I could be."

"Hmm." He hummed doubtfully, "Are you okay to walk?"

There was a brief moment of silence and Bruce looked up when Audrey didn't answer him, but instead of finding the blank look she had sported earlier he saw frustration and uncertainty dancing in her eyes. He understood then that she was gauging what she could and couldn't do. He wished he had been awake earlier to see just how bad her condition really was. Silently, he held his hand out to her and tried to allow her some semblance of dignity as they slowly made their way towards the bathroom.

Bruce kept a careful eye on her as she quietly slipped to sit on the closed toilet. He could clearly see just how much the short walk had taken out of her and frowned in concern as he watched her fight it off. He grabbed a towel from beneath the sink and placed it on the counter before focusing more fully on her. Audrey was staring almost gratefully at the steaming bath and while the response made him smile he also felt a tingling of wariness in the back of his mind.

"Are you okay to be alone?"

Audrey glanced over at him then, "I think I'll be okay for this. I'll call you when I'm done."

Bruce nodded and made his way out of the room as he pulled the door after him. Audrey smiled in amusement when she noticed that he left it cracked a few inches. If she passed out she doubted that she would make any noise. It was a sweet gesture, though. she undreesed as quickly as she could before her fingers skimmed along the edges of her bandages. She didn't attempt to remove them until she had slipped into the tub. The water felt wonderful against her skin and she practically moaned as she felt the dirt of the past few days slide from her body.

It was then that she slowly began to undo her bindings. The water helped her gently peel away the gauze that had become caked onto her wound and within moments she was looking at just how much damage the bullet had caused. It wasn't much in the scheme of things. She would have a small scar once it heeled fully, but at the moment it looked ugly with the black wire of her stitches and the pinkish edges of flesh that were trying to fuse together. The water stung a bit as she distractedly watched flecks of dried blood descend into the water before pushing her thoughts to the soap that lay on the ledge next to her. She wanted to be clean.

By the time Audrey finished, she could feel herself staringt to dose and decided that it was time to remove herself from the tub. The towel was in her grasp in seconds, but she was embarrassed to find that she could only stand for a few minutes. The heat of the water had removed whatever strength that had been left from her body and she found herself tittering as she became slightly lightheaded.

Bruce found her resting on the edge of the tub a few minutes later when he came to check on her. She hadn't noticed his presence and for once he was able to see her with her defenses down. She looked so fragile to him. Her eyes were closed as she concentrated on taking measured breaths. She had wrapped herself in her towel and her hair hung loosely down her back still damp, but the paleness of her skin seemed to stand out in stark contrast to the various bruises that were exhibited on her flesh. She seemed to fold in on herself as pain etched into her visage and for a moment he felt like he was intruding.

Gently, he rapped his hand on the door and watched as she suddenly transformed. She quickly sat up straighter and her expression became impassive, as if nothing in the world was wrong. Bruce found that he hated her mask more than he hated his own. He silently regretted alerting her to his presence.

"Feel any better?" He questioned lowly.

Audrey nodded her head carefully as she flashed him a faint smile, "Much."

"Do you want to take care of your wound now or wait until Alfred gets back?" Bruce asked casually as if he didn't notice her state of undress.

Audrey raised an eyebrow at him and knew there was little point to modesty anymore. The only article of clothing that had been hers was her underwear and she didn't know why he had bothered keeping that on her.

"Now is fine." She bit out stiffly as she moved to stand. It was only two steps she could do that much on her own.

"Are you sure?" He was already moving to stand behind her, but if she said the word he would gone.

"Yes."

She didn't give him any warning as she let the towel loosen and fall to rest on her hips, though she had placed an arm over her breasts. Audrey smirked faintly when she noticed Bruce averting his gaze in the mirror.

"I'm pretty sure that you've seen everything there is to see." She said teasingly as she attempted to establish familiar footing. Taunting had been a game between the two of them since they had met and it was a game that she could easily manuever.

Bruce didn't find the comment near as amusing as his dark eyes met hers in the reflective glass before he raised an eyebrow, "Not everything."

She couldn't help the rush of heat that swam through her at those words but she shrugged it off, "Close enough."

Bruce snorted faintly as he pulled out the bandages that Alfred had given him earlier as he tried in vain to ignore the naked flesh that she presented him. He was satisfied to know that he wasn't the only one affected as he heard her slight intake of breath as his hands began to cautiously glide over to her injured flesh. His eyes met hers to make sure he wasn't causing any undue pain and saw the flicker of heat glinting in her blue orbs instead. It disappeared as quickly as it came, but try as he might he couldn't stop the twitch of a smug smirk at the sight of her desire.

"I didn't get the chance to ask Alfred, but I take it I was dosed with something?" Audrey stated as she tried not to focus on the warmth emitting from the man behind her.

Bruce nodded, "You were right about that…it's some sort of mystery compound. I have someone trying to figure out what it is as we speak."

His hand grasped her hip and he tugged her gently to let her know to turn. She did and watched silently as he began to apply more of the ointment to the front of her wound. He was always so careful.

"I need to use a phone….It would be better if it was untraceable." Audrey said as she caught his gaze as he briefly looked up.

He reached around her and grabbed a few pieces of gauze as he had her hold it in place over the wound while he grabbed a bandage and began to repeat the process to her back. He casted her a look that she didn't know what to make of and waited for him to respond.

"Don't you think you should give yourself some time to rest before you going running back into danger again."

His words were calm but she could hear the frustration that tinged his voice and felt a hint of guilt. He had risked his life to save her and he had taken care of her when he could have dumped her at a hospital.

"I have a job to finish. I learned a lot while I was down there." Audrey said softly as he finished his work and found herself staring into his hazel eyes, "I'll rest when this is over."

"You mean when you're dead." Bruce said coldly, "There has to be a safer way for you to do your job. You're taking risks that aren't necessary…do you even realize how close you came to dying?"

Audrey was stopped short when she saw guilt flicker in his eyes, "Bruce?"

He frowned looking away and Bruce knew that Audrey wasn't aware that he had noticed that she had stepped in front of that shooter's path that night. That he knew that he had been that bullets original target. She took too many damn risks and he would bet anything that she hadn't even thought before she acted either.

He shook his head as she placed a comforting hand on his cheek just like she had days previous. His eyes instantly found hers and he saw the confusion that danced in them but also her weariness. He could understand the weariness because he was tired to…of so much. He rested his hand over hers and it was in that moment he noticed the glaring bruise on her wrist.

Audrey noted where his attention lied and saw the faint look of horror in his eyes, "I was trying to kill you...I promise it doesn't hurt."

"You remember that?"

She shrugged, "Everything is a little vague right now…I don't want to talk about this now."

Bruce nodded and as if on cue he heard the door to the penthouse open, "Alfred's back. You should get dressed."

It was with that he left her to retrieve her clothes from his butler. She didn't see him again until nightfall.

A/N: So I wanted to say thank you to everyone that has kept on reading this story it means so much to me. To those who've reviewed: JainaZekk621, High Queen Crystal, Raefn, shadow-dog18, Wonderwomanbatmanfan, Anonymous2004 and klandgraf2007 thank you so much, your words keep me going. I would also like to thank: alligatorink, xLonexGuitaristx, becki2810, Dreamliner and Rankin for adding this story to their favorites list. Thanks again everyone.

Don't forget to review. : )