Ed didn't want to freak Olivia out or wake her up, but he was growing tired of staying in bed and he knew that he had to use the bathroom. Slipping from his bed, he padded barefoot to the bathroom, looking down to Olivia as she laid on the sofa, resting on her side with a blanket thrown over her. She was wearing one of his old shirts and joggers that he had given her the night before after she had showered.

Closing the door to the bathroom, Edward went about his business as quietly as possible, brushing his teeth and washing his face before leaving the bathroom to see Olivia still sleeping. Her hair had fallen into her face and the blanket had slipped down to her chest. Her eyes were firmly shut and Edward wondered what she was dreaming about. She looked so peaceful. She looked as though she had no problems.

Of course, she didn't have any problems. It was Jim who was dragging her into his problems. Edward picked up a book from his bookshelf before moving back to bed, pulling the pillows up against the wall so that he could sit up. He read his book silently, trying not to rustle the pages too loudly. Every now and then he would glance to his clock, wondering what he would be doing at eight a.m. on a Saturday usually. He rarely did anything. He would go to the supermarket and pick up ingredients for breakfast. Sometimes he would go for a walk or visit the science museum if they had a new exhibition.

But usually he would be alone when he wasn't working. When he thought about it he couldn't help but think how tragic it sounded. Maybe he did need a friend? Maybe Olivia was exactly what he needed, minus the 'her life being in danger' part.

"Ed."

Her sleepy voice drew his gaze from his book as he pushed his glasses further onto his nose and saw her peering over the top of the sofa, looking to him. Her eyes were narrow and her face scrunched up as she woke up slowly. Edward pulled out a bookmark from his drawer and placed it in his book, slipping from bed and tugging the white top he wore down from where it had ridden up.

"How did you sleep?" Ed asked from her.

"Surprisingly well when I drifted off," she said. "I'm sorry, Ed. Have you been awake for long?"

"Not long at all," Edward lied as he moved towards the small kitchen. "Would you like a cup of tea?"

"Sounds lovely," she mused and untangled her body from the blanket, standing up and stretching before folding her arms over her chest, the oversized clothing she wore almost slipping down her frame as she trod over to the kitchen, leaning against Ed's dining table. "Is there anything I can do, Ed?"

"What do you mean?" he wondered as he placed the kettle on the hob.

"I mean…did you want me to make the tea? Did you want breakfast?"

"No," Edward said hastily, shaking his head. "No, no, no. You are my guest, Olivia. I will cook and cater for you."

Olivia did let her lip curve upwards then. "I'm not a guest, Ed, I'm more of a refugee. I…I don't really know what to do, Ed."

"You wait here for Jim," Edward said, placing the two teacups on the side. "It is all that you can do, okay? No one is going to find out that you are here. No one is going to know."

Before Olivia could answer him, her cell began to ring and she looked over to it. Edward pushed his glasses further onto his nose as he moved closer to her. She bent down, picking the cell up and seeing that it was Barbara who was calling her. She suspected that Jim had told Barbara to get out of the city. Was she expecting a phone call from him? Did she know what had happened? Did she have any inclination?

"It is Barbara," Olivia said.

"I don't know if you should be answering calls," Ed said. "You know, that is how they track you, right? If someone has Barbara's phone then they might be tracking you."

Olivia gulped. "But that would mean that they have her. She is my brother's fiancée…I can't leave her out there. I need to find out."

"I am not certain that this is wise, Olivia," Edward said, his voice wary.

"Only one way to find out," she shrugged.

Placing the cell to her ear, she answered it. "Hello, Barbara."

"Olivia," Barbara sighed down the phone. "Where are you?"

Olivia chewed down on her cheek. "I can't say," she responded, remaining vague. "Barbara, did you get out of the city? Have you heard from Jim?"

There was silence for a moment and Olivia considered hanging up as Edward loitered near her, listening into the conversation. "There was a shootout at the GCPD this morning," Barbara spoke. "Jim was involved in it. We think he might have been shot."

Olivia felt her blood run cold. "We?" she responded.

"Yeah…well…me and my parents," she said, but Olivia knew she was lying. She knew that something was wrong. She could sense it. "He hasn't been seen since it happened. I wondered if he had called you?"

"I haven't heard anything," Olivia said. "Listen, Barbara, are you out of town? You should be…you need to be."

"I…I was," she said, "but I came back. I wanted to talk to Falcone. I needed to talk to him because Jim doesn't deserve this. He doesn't deserve any of this. He is innocent and I…I just need to talk to you, okay? I just need to talk to you and make him see. Do you know where he is?"

"Barbara, what is going on?" Olivia demanded. "You're scaring me."

"Just tell me where you are," Barbara said. "Are you with Edward? Jim said you were friends."

"No," Olivia lied. "Listen, Barbara, I have to go."

Before Barbara could say anything else, Edward had snatched the cell from her hands and tossed it onto the side. He looked to Olivia, worry in his gaze as he moved quickly. He rushed to the kettle and pulled it from the hob, placing it over to the side. "We need to go," Edward said. "If they were tracing that call then they will know where you are."

"Okay," Olivia agreed, tugging her boots onto her feet as Edward reached for his trousers, slipping into them instead of his pants. He placed his shoes onto his feet and grabbed his coat as Olivia slipped into her coat.

Grabbing his car keys and wallet, Olivia grabbed hold of her satchel, slinging it over her body before moving with Edward. They took the elevator to the lobby and Edward led her to his car parked on the side of the street. Unlocking it, he climbed in as Olivia did the same. Starting the ignition, he began to drive, wondering exactly where he was going.

…

Olivia didn't know how long they had been driving for before Ed's cell began to ring in his pocket. Tugging it out from his pocket, he saw that it was Jim calling. Pulling over, he put the car into park and looked to Olivia, holding the cell in his fingertips and in between the two of them so that they could see the ID.

"Answer it…please," Olivia pleaded with him.

"Okay," Ed said and placed the phone to his ear. "Hello?"

"Ed, it's me," Jim said, a sense of relief coursing through Ed at hearing Jim. "Where are you? Everything is fine…I'm fine. Is Olivia okay?"

"Pretty shaken," Ed responded, "but fine."

"Can I talk to her?"

"Roger Dodger," Ed said and handed the cell to Olivia, listening in as she began to cry in relief that her brother was safe and well. He put the car into drive again and began to move as Olivia conversed with Jim and Ed couldn't help but feel uplifted at her joyful tone.

…

Looking around the penthouse, Edward almost felt out of his comfort zone. He kept his coat around him as Olivia moved ahead, her arms wrapping around her brother who stood in the foyer. A blonde, striking woman stood behind him, her eyes glimmering with tears. She wore a black top and a beige skirt, her figure emphasised beautifully. Jim was still wearing his suit, his hair mussed up slightly and a cut to his face.

"Olivia," Barbara spoke, her voice breaking as Olivia untangled herself from Jim and looked to the blonde woman as Ed remained in the background. "I am so sorry. I never wanted to call you, but Falcone thought that you would be the one who knew where Jim was hiding and he had a gun…this man…Victor Zsaz…he had a gun on me."

"Barbara, it is fine," Olivia promised her, moving to offer her some form of comfort, enveloping her in a hug. "Honestly, it is fine."

Barbara continued to sob as Olivia pulled back and Jim took over, wrapping Barbara into his arms and Olivia did her best to comprehend what she was seeing. She had never seen Jim comfort anyone else. Jim had always been a lone wolf, but now he had Barbara. Sure, there had been girlfriends, but none of them had been keepers.

Looking back to Ed, she realised she must look a fright. Her hair was still mussed up. She hadn't brushed her teeth. She hadn't even washed her face. But Ed didn't seem to mind. He looked just as dishevelled as she did. Motioning to the kitchen off the foyer, she walked side by side with Ed into the room, leaving Jim to comfort Barbara.

"Thank you for bringing me here, Ed," Olivia said. "I mean…the past day has been pretty busy."

"Exhilarating," Edward said. "I have found it rather exhilarating."

Olivia chuckled. "Well, it was something," she said. "Hopefully Falcone will leave Jim alone so we won't be here again."

"Hopefully not," Edward said. "Perhaps we could have dinner under normal circumstances eventually?"

"That would be nice," Olivia said with a nod.

"Thanks again, Ed," Jim said, making his appearance known in the kitchen as he tugged his tie down his shirt. "Barbara has gone for a lie down. She's pretty shaken up."

"Is she okay otherwise?" Olivia asked from her brother.

"She will be," Jim said with determination. "Listen, Liv, the guest room here is all made up. I think for tonight I would just prefer it if you stayed here, okay? I will drive you back to your apartment tomorrow…but tonight…just stay here, yeah?"

"But you said Falcone wasn't after you?"

"He isn't," Jim responded. "But just humour me, Liv, okay? I only have you and Barbara and right now I don't feel like letting either of you out of my sight."

Olivia shrugged. "Fine, I guess," she responded.

"Thanks, Liv," Jim said, running his hand down his sister's upper arm before looking to Ed. "Are you alright, Ed? I really don't know how to thank you for any of this. I think this goes beyond your job description."

"Well," Edward chuckled awkwardly, "I wouldn't say that I enjoyed it, but it proved to be an interesting experience. You have certainly reformed the GCPD, Detective Gordon."

"Not enough really," Jim said. "But thanks, anyway."

"I'll walk you to the elevator, Ed," Olivia said and Edward nodded.

"I will see you at work, Detective," Ed said, waving awkwardly before following Olivia out to the foyer and then the hallway near the penthouse. She didn't push the button for the elevator, instead she turned to look to Ed, pulling her coat tighter around her as she bit down on her bottom lip and looked up to him.

"Maybe…" Olivia trailed off. "Maybe there is a reason why Kristen Kringle is in a relationship, Ed. Have you ever thought of that?"

Edward's brow furrowed as he wondered exactly what she was talking about. One moment they were talking about Falcone and the next they were on about Kristen Kringle. How had the conversation changed so drastically?

"I don't entirely understand what you mean…" Ed said cautiously.

Olivia waved a nonchalant hand. "Nothing," she spoke. "Ignore me. I'm just tired and…I don't know what I am talking about."

"Are you sure? It seemed like there was something on your mind and-"

"-Honestly, it is fine," Olivia interrupted. "Listen, are you free tomorrow? Maybe we can grab brunch or something? It will be my way of saying thanks for everything you have done. I have no plans…I never do on a Sunday."

"I would like that," Edward nodded. "Besides, I have your cell at my place. I will bring it by tomorrow."

"Excellent," Olivia said, pressing the button to the elevator. "So I will see you tomorrow? I'd say I would text you when and where-"

"-I can pick you up," Ed interrupted her. "I will be back here tomorrow at about eleven. I know the best place for brunch in uptown Gotham. And…it will be a pleasure to have a normal meal, so don't worry about paying me back a debt."

"But I should. It is only right."

Ed held a hand up to keep her silent. "I am a ship that can be made to ride the greatest waves. I am not built by tool, but built by hearts and minds. What am I?"

Olivia let herself smile despite the riddle as the elevator pinged and the doors opened.

"I don't know," she answered.

Ed stepped into the elevator as Olivia leant against the wall next to it, her gaze set on him. He pressed the button for the ground floor and his face lit up.

"Friendship," he said. "And I like to think that I have yours, Olivia, especially now."

"Of course," Olivia smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow, Ed."

"Have a good night, Olivia," he nodded his head and the doors closed.

Olivia let out a deep breath and turned on her heel, walking back to the penthouse and closing the door behind her. She locked it and bolted it, manoeuvring back into the living room to find Jim sat on the sofa, a glass of whiskey in his hands. Flopping to sit down next to her brother, she took the whiskey from his fingers and had a sip herself before handing it back to him.

"A trying day, eh?" Jim grunted and Olivia chuckled, pinching the bridge of her nose as she realised that she was still wearing her coat and Ed's clothes.

"Just a bit," she responded to him. "But Ed was really great. I get that he is an acquired taste, but honestly he was amazing during all of this."

"Was he really?" Jim asked, a teasing tone to his voice.

"Listen, there is nothing going on between us," Olivia said, nudging him in the stomach. "He's hung up over Kristen Kringle."

"But that doesn't mean that you don't like him."

"Jim," Olivia complained. "It's not possible. After everything I went through before I just want time to be myself and not rush into another relationship. I like Ed as a friend. Could I like him as more? Probably, but it won't get to that. Romance can ruin friendships."

"Very deep of you," Jim said.

Olivia shrugged. "But true," she said.

"You know that you could do ten times worse than Nygma, right? I get that he is annoying and loves riddles a little too much, but he's still a nice guy. What's wrong with nice guys?"

"So you're a nice guy, right?" she wondered from him.

Jim scoffed. "I'm complicated," he replied. "But I like to think that I'm a nice guy."

"Yeah, you are," Olivia promised him. "Listen, Jim, it's not my place to pry, but maybe you should go and spend some time with Barbara instead of sitting here and drinking and skulking. She seemed pretty shaken and she needs you."

"Yeah," Jim grunted, downing his drink. "Maybe you're right."

"I'm certain I am. I am your cleverer younger sister."

"Hah, hah," Jim muttered, placing the glass down on the coffee table. "Make yourself at home, Liv. Barbara told me she had put some spare clothes in the guest room before you got here."

"Do you mind if I use the washing machine? I should clean Ed's clothes before I give them back to him."

"Go for it," Jim shrugged. "And there's loads of food in the cupboards and fridge. Barbara might come down and make something later, but I doubt she will be hungry."

"I'll make a vat of something in case she does," Olivia said and pointed to the staircase. "Now go and be with her."

Jim saluted his sister and moved up the steps and towards his bedroom. Olivia remained sat in silence, folding her legs underneath herself as she laid her head down on the arm of the sofa. Closing her eyes for a second, she wondered back on what Jim had said. Ed was a good guy. He was a great guy and Olivia was slowly seeing that. But she knew that it couldn't materialise. They were bound to be friends and that was it. Friends were good. She hadn't had a friend in a long time. Not a friend who liked everything she liked or who she felt comfortable around. That had not happened in a long time.

…

Waking up in the large bed the following morning, Olivia almost didn't want to move. The mattress was plush, engulfing her body nicely and the duvet was thick and warm. Olivia had dozed on and off for an hour, finally admitting that she had to wake up at nine considering she was going out with Ed. She had managed to wash and dry his clothes the night before while cooking a vat of pasta with some tomato sauce. She had left some in a dish in the fridge for Jim and Barbara, but she hadn't seen the pair of them since the previous day.

She had spent the night on the sofa, a cup of tea in her hand while watching bad TV that she wasn't entirely focused on. She had closed her eyes and drifted off, only waking up to realise a show she hadn't been watching was on, indicating that she had been to sleep. She had managed to trudge to the guest bedroom, showering and brushing her teeth with thanks to Barbara and her hospitality.

"Good morning, Olivia."

Olivia turned her head over her shoulder as she finished dressing, tugging on a black long length skater skirt and white blouse that Barbara had leant her. She managed a smile as she saw Barbara stood in the doorway, a cup of coffee in her hands. Moving from the stool she sat on, she stood up, her arms by her side as she played with the pleats of the skirt.

"Morning, Barbara," Olivia responded. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"Better," Barbara spoke, a smile on her face. But it seemed forced. There were still bags under her eyes and her face was crinkling as she smiled. Everything looked fake. "Did you sleep well in here? I tried to make sure you had everything you would need."

"It was great, thanks so much," Olivia smiled back. "Thanks for the clothes too. I will wash them and bring them back as soon as I can."

"Don't worry," Barbara said, her hand dismissing her worries. "Anyway, I made pancakes if you want some? Jim is still sleeping and I don't think he intends to wake anytime soon."

"I'll have one," Olivia said. "I am supposed to be heading out with Ed later this morning."

"The riddle guy?" Barbara wondered as the two walked with each other towards the kitchen. "Jim talks about him sometimes. He said you two were pretty close."

"I wouldn't say we are that close," Olivia said. "I mean…he is becoming a good friend of mine, but we're not exactly overly close yet. Besides, he is just a friend. Jim knows that."

"I think he just wants you to be happy," Barbara shrugged. "You know how he was when you told him about Jack."

"I know," Olivia echoed. "But everything is fine. I am fine, really. Well, apart from being a bit worried for Jim's safety."

"You and me both," Barbara said as she entered the kitchen and indicated for Olivia to sit down at the island in the kitchen. She moved to pull out the pancakes from the top oven where she had been keeping them warm. Placing one on a plate, she set it down in front of Olivia at the already made place setting. "Olivia, I know we haven't entirely been best friends."

"I mean…you're nice, Barbara, I like you."

"But we've never hit it off," Barbara said. "And I know that might be because we are fundamentally different, but I need you to know that I really do love your brother, Olivia. Jim is everything to me."

"I know that," Olivia said, not picking up her cutlery as she suspected there was a tense conversation coming up.

"But he talks to me like I am not an equal in this relationship," Barbara whispered and Olivia sensed some fear inside of her. Fear that she was loosing Jim. "I know that he must have told you about our difficulties. He tells you everything…but…he just seems distant. I don't know what to do. Everything I say or do doesn't seem right or enough. Last night he…he was supportive…but he didn't feel like the Jim I fell in love with."

Olivia had to admit that she found herself growing uncomfortable with the direction of conversation, her appetite well and truly gone. She bit down on her tongue for a moment as Barbara continued to stare at her, seemingly longing for Olivia to have the answer.

"I don't know, Barbara," Olivia said as Barbara picked her coffee mug back up. "Jim is still the same man you fell in love with. He is just stressed. You know how his work can be. It is tough and difficult. He just…maybe he is taking that out on you? And I know that is no excuse and it isn't right, but it is the only thing I can think of."

"Maybe," Barbara agreed with her, shrugging her shoulders. "I just wish he opened up to me like he does to you."

"He should do," Olivia said. "I know that he should do, Barbara…and he will…maybe he just needs time."

"I just don't know how much time I can give him," Barbara whispered.

….

A/N: Do let me know what you think!