Chapter 26

Please read, review and enjoy!

After their last conversation Bane decided there was no longer any point in staying away from Lauren. He couldn't take back what he had said. Couldn't take back what had happened. It was better to embrace this strange new truce. Though what it was, he didn't exactly know.

Since then he began returning earlier. Usually arriving just as Lauren was eating and spent the evening sat at the table playing card games and talking until the late hours. Sometimes they spoke about him. Other times they spoke about her. He preferred it that way. Fascinated by a life that was a world away from his own. Intrigued, he delved into her past asking questions about her upbringing which she answered obediently in exchange for answers of his own about his time in the pit. How he was banished there as a young boy. Forced into a life of suffering, begging for scraps. He told her of his promise to Melisandre; vowing to protect her baby as she lay dying in his arms. Reliving those bitter cold nights where they would huddle together for warmth. Whispering stories to the child of a life beyond the circular walls.

Sometimes it was too much and he'd have to stop. Usually such touchy topics would have sent anger coursing through his veins but now he found it - easier. Finding a strange comfort in her presence as she sat listening quietly, though he was always careful with how he answered her questions. Holding back details that would keep her awake at night.

"So this organisation you're apart of -"

Bane noticed her tone but didn't look up. Her voice an octave higher than usual.

"Yes?"

"Who are they exactly?"

"It doesn't matter who we are. What matters is our plan."

"Which is to wipe out the Crawlers?"

Bane nodded, throwing a card down on the table; "Your move."

They were sat at the table in their usual spots. A deck of cards between them playing a game Lauren called 'suits.' It was a simple game. Something he would have liked to known how to play back in the pit. But it passed the time and the distraction seemed to make her bolder with her questions.

"I still don't understand why"

"I told you. As a repercussion for Gotham."

She laid down a card.

"But you said that Gotham wasn't your plan."

"It wasn't. But the failure still lies with me"

"Because she -?"

"Yes" He answered quickly. Too quickly. Not wanting to hear the words out loud.

"So they sent you here?"

"Yes" he said placing another card on the table "I was lucky to have been granted another chance. The League does not take failure lightly."

"Then why did they give you one?"

"Because I am the rightful leader."

That was what he used to think anyway. During his years there the League had never given anyone a second chance. Failure meant only one of two things. Death or exile. He assumed he had been granted his exception because of Talia - her last command for him to become Demon head. It would be an insult to her honour and the code should Raghoul have disregarded it which would not have sat well with the other members. There would have been chaos. Perhaps leading to a challenge in leadership. Something which Raghoul wanted to hold onto. No, it was easier for him to send him here to carry out his dirty work. 'To prove himself worthy' as he called it so that the members would have no objection to command should he succeed or fail. But now he wasn't so convinced. Not with Arman on the scene and all the other coincidences. Things didn't add up and the idea there maybe a bigger plot involved had crossed his mind more than once.

"So what happens next?" she asked "You're here. The Crawlers are here. When is this big battle going to happen?"

"Saturday. At dawn."

She choked in surprise. The answer catching her off guard.

"Saturday? But that's in two days time…"

He could see the fear in her eyes. Her face clouded with worry. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. Leaving the unspoken question of what was going to happen to her hanging in the air. He was grateful she didn't ask because the truth was he didn't know.

Picking up his last card he placed it face up on top of the pile.

"Game over."

XXXXX

This was it. The final day.

Everything was ready. The men were armed and prepped. Their instructions clear and precise but Bane needed to be certain. There was no room for mistakes this late in the game.

Getting out of bed he dressed quickly and made his way down the hall. Barsad had returned during the night and he was keen to hear his report when he spotted Lauren sat at the table, tucked away in the corner.

"What are you doing up so early?"

"I'm not feeling so great" she replied.

He knew that already of course. Her skin was pale, with dark bags beneath her eyes. Her hair matted from a restless night. She was worried about what was going to happen to her but didn't dare voice it. Too afraid of what the answer may be.

"I'll be gone most of the day. Why don't you try rest?"

"I'll be okay."

"Alright. I'll have food brought to you shortly" he said heading towards the door.

"Bane?"

"Hmm?"

"You're coming back – aren't you?"

A stab of pain shot through him. She sounded just like Talia used too. Her voice lined with the same worry hers was whenever he had to leave. As though she feared he may never come back.

"Yes" he said firmly keeping his eyes on the door "I'll be back."

XXXXX

"It wasn't easy. But I managed to get him to accept."

Bane let out a sigh of relief. It had been a tense few days awaiting word from Barsad but now everything was coming together. The final piece of the puzzle now in place. Barsad stood before him. Still dirty and unshaven from days of reconnaissance. He looked tired and in need of a good meal.

"I scouted the place for days without any sign of him" Barsad said "I'd almost given up when a patrol rolled in."

"Where they armed?"

"Yeah. A couple of assault rifles and heavy vehicles. You were right someone is definitely arming them."

"Did anyone see you?"

Barsad shook his head.

"Just the patrol man I caught on the perimeter. He didnt recognise me though."

"Good."

Whilst he was glad that Arman had taken the bait he was under no illusion that like him, Arman would have another plan up his sleeve. He'd sent Barsad out under the false pretence that Bane wanted him to meet one on one and prevent any further loss of life. They both knew this was a lie. But it was a way of getting Arman to agree to meet him in a place of his choosing which he had done all too easily. Too tempted by the thought of killing Bane to see the bigger picture.

"Are the bombs ready?"

"Yes. I had two men set out with them this morning" Barsad replied pulling out a beaten map and spreading it out on the table. It was a blaze with various colours. Each circle, cross and line specifically coloured and coded for a different reason so not to give away any information should it fall into enemy hands.

"We've got two. Here and here" he continued, pointing to two red circles in the centre of the map "they will come from the west side of town. Near to the base I was scouting."

"So, we wait for them here– to the north" Bane said tapping the green square "that way they'll have to bypass the explosives in order to reach our rondeavu point."

"We box them in. Wait for the right moment and boom."

Bane smiled. He liked the sound of that.

"You have served me well my friend. Now, go rest. We have a big day tomorrow."

"Actually Sir, there is one more thing we need to discuss."

Bane rose a brow in questioning.

"What is it?"

Barsad rubbed a hand over his beard. Something he only did when deep in thought or concerned. He had a feeling it was the latter.

"The girl sir" he said softly "You still haven't told me what it is you wish me to do with her."

Bane turned away, not wanting to answer for he didn't have one. What was he supposed to do? To let her go was dangerous. She knew things that no-one else knew. Things that no one could ever know. She had information that would damn them all. Information that he had killed for. But keeping her here, against her will was becoming – difficult- and put her straight into the line of fire.

"I don't know" he answered honestly "But there is something I need you to do"

"Sir?"

He came to stand before his lieutenant so that they were eye to eye.

"If we should fail. If I should fall. I want you to promise me that you will protect her with your life."

A flicker of surprise crossed his face. This was not a usual request. This was personal and he knew it.

"I swear." He said his voice thick with sincerity.

Bane nodded once. An unspoken understanding hanging over them before turning on his heel.

"Tell the others we leave at dawn. I do not wish to be disturbed for the rest of the night."

XXXXXX

He arrived back later than he would have liked. Inside the apartment was already dark. The plate of food he'd sent for her left cold and untouched. Shrugging out of his coat he strained for any sound of Lauren but heard nothing.

"Lauren?"

Silence.

He made his way down the hall heading towards her room. She hadn't been in a good way this morning. Ever since he announced the attack, she had become increasingly anxious, only ever seeming to settle when he returned. But now he worried that maybe he had left her alone too long.

"Lauren?"

Her door was open but shut over. Pressing his hand against the wood he gently pushed it open, just enough so that he could see the small lump hidden beneath the sheets. He couldn't see her face but judging by the way her chest fell he guessed she must be asleep. He watched her for a moment. Wondering if this was the last time he would see her. Suddenly he was filled with urge to wake her. To say something – anything. But what? Their relationship had been complicated but it had still been a relationship. Probably the closest he'd had since Talia and just like with her it was all about to over.

He tore his eyes away. Pushing the thought aside and headed to his room. Now was not the time to be dwelling.

Wanting as much rest as he could he quickly checked his vest for any sign of damage. Running his fingers across the cold metal breastplate as it hung ready and waiting. Next he checked his mask. Usually he would have had Lauren assist but he didn't want to wake her from what little sleep she could get. He didn't need much, just a top up to sustain him during combat. Pulling off the mask he quickly grabbed a bottle of the deadly concoction from his side draw. Struggling with the small vial he took the syringe, already aware of the dull ache in the bottom of his spine and quickly inserted a small amount into one of the valves before pulling it back on and climbed into bed.

Usually he would have been feeding off the prebattle buzz. Keen for the thrill of the fight but as he lay there, he just felt- restless. He never usually felt this agitated before a fight, and there had been many. He lied there for what seemed like hours but still sleep evaded him. His thoughts betraying him just as he was on the brink of sleep when his door suddenly creaked opened.

Lauren stood in the doorway; her expression uncertain as she glanced around his room. Her face chalking slightly at the sight of his armour laid out ready and waiting. She looked how he felt. Tired and confused with deep bags beneath her eyes. He felt uncomfortable with her here and yet he felt relieved. All the stress and worry suddenly fading away her eyes found his.

"Are you okay?" he asked, hearing the strain in his voice.

She said nothing. She didn't need too. They both knew why she was here.

Taking a deep breath, she entered the room. Keeping her eyes on him as she approached the bed. He knew she would stop if he told her too and although his mind screamed for her to leave, he kept his mouth shut. Wrestling with indecision, his throat tight as she came to sit beside him. His breath hitching as she silently slid a hand through his.

For a moment neither of them moved. Her skin cool and smooth against his as they sat there in silence their breathing shallow and laboured. He knew he should pull away. This was dangerous territory but the pull towards her was too much to ignore. He had fought it for so long. Fought it for both their sakes but he was tired of fighting. For once he just wanted to give in.

He waited a moment longer. Before closing a hand around hers.

Hi guys!

Are you as surprised as I am that this is up? That there hasnt been a 5 month wait this time? Because I know i am!
I'm really trying to stay consistant with us being this close to the end and so far, so good!
I hope you enjoyed reading and thank you for the reviews on my last upload I've missed hearing from you all.
Keen to hear your thoughts on how you think this is going to end so feel free to leave a guess!
I know some of you are wanting Bane and Lauren to get married and have children. Maybe they will? Maybe they wont? Maybe it'll be in the sequel?
You'll have to stay tuned and find out!
Hope you are all safe and well.
Stay positive.
Until next time!
xxxxx