AN: Okay, so as I was working on this chapter I realized that it's surpassed what was my longest fic, an Avengers one, in page numbers and words, so wow! Awesome! It's also funny that I've had that fic up for a few years whereas I've been working on this one for a few good months and it's already much longer. I really just want to get to where I can keep up with the episodes as they air and seeing as I got behind with that because of college, summer is the perfect time to get caught up. Enjoy and please review!

Playlist:

The Lumineers-Charlie Boy

Skylar Grey-Words

Chapter 25

It had been a day since Oswald's visit and it weighed on Isabelle's mind. She kept going back and forth, wondering if she should have just shown Oswald what Fish did since he now knew something had been done, but then she'd change her mind, sticking with what she did.

It was early in the morning and Isabelle was sitting against the headboard in her room, reading, when her cell phone rang.

"Uncle Jim?"

"Hey, Izzy, look I've been reassigned to Arkham Asylum and I might not be able to get out there to visit you for a bit."

"That's okay, as long as you can call."

"I'm sorry that all this has happened. I've been so wrapped up in things happening in the city I haven't seen you much."

"It's okay, I understand. As long as you're being careful."

"Of course. Thank you for understanding…Alfred tells me Oswald came by."

Isabelle closed her eyes for a moment before answering. "He did. I didn't even let him through the door."

"What did he want?" Jim asked, sounding pleased at Isabelle's last answer.

"You know what. He wanted to know why I left the city."

"Did you tell him?"

"Of course not. I thought I would but I told him to leave."

"Good. You did the right thing."

"I hope so," she sighed.

"It's for your own good," Jim insisted.

"I know."

"Okay, well I have to go. I love you Izzy."

"I love you too."

~O.o~

Isabelle spent the rest of the day hanging out with Bruce while Alfred ran some errands. They started off after breakfast with a The Lord of the Rings movie marathon in the theater. Bruce had never seen the films so Isabelle grabbed her extended editions from her room and Bruce showed her how to set them up on the projector. Every now and then during one of the films Isabelle would look over and see a smile on Bruce's face. She'd bite her lip, holding in a chuckle when Bruce would lean forward in his seat or bring his legs up to his chest during intense scenes. After The Fellowship of the Ring he declared Sam his favorite character and she told him Aragorn was her personal favorite.

Midway through the The Two Towers they paused the film so Isabelle could make their lunch which consisted of PB&J sandwiches, glasses of very cold milk, carrot sticks, and apple slices.

In The Return of the King when Sam picked Frodo up to carry him the rest of the way up Mount Doom Bruce jumped up and cheered. Throwing a fist in the air he yelled, "Go Sam!" and Isabelle couldn't help but laugh and cheer along with him. She was glad Bruce was enjoying the films as much as she had when she first saw them. They even sat through the credits of the final film before Bruce turned to her.

"Wow," he said. I can't believe I haven't seen those before. They're amazing."

"I have all of the books if you'd like to read them. And the prequel, The Hobbit."

"There's a prequel!?"

She smiled at his wide, excited eyes and nodded.

"I'd love to borrow them, if you don't mind."

"Of course not."

"What shall we do next?" Bruce asked.

Isabelle shrugged. "Whatever you want."

"Let's go to the game room."

"You have a game room too?"

"Yeah," he grabbed her hand and pulled her out of her seat. "Come on!"

When they got to the game room Isabelle took in the room. Bruce went over and started some music, which reverberated through the whole room.

Bruce turned to Isabelle. "You have a ball pit," she said, staring at the rather large pit she just mentioned.

Bruce nodded. "I haven't played in it much in years."

"I've never been in one."

"Really?"

Isabelle nodded.

"Race you!" he yelled, taking off.

Isabelle laughed and ran after him, jumping into the ball pit with a yell. When she came up she felt a light smack to the side of her head.

She looked to see Bruce getting ready to hit her again.

"You'll pay for that!" she warned, picking up a bright red ball and tossing it at him.

Bruce dodged the ball and threw the one he had at her.

It turned in to an all-out war. Plastic, colorful balls were flying back and forth, hitting and missing their targets, as music blared around them. The room was filled with the sounds of the sea of plastic balls moving, laughter, and playful threats.

Finally, out of breath, Isabelle let herself fall backwards into the sea of color. Bruce came over to her and did the same beside her.

After they caught their breath Bruce spoke, "I'm really glad you're staying here Isabelle. I didn't think it was possible to be happy when you've lost people you love."

Isabelle found his hand and wrapped her fingers tightly around his. "It's possible, Bruce. Your parents would want you to be happy. And it doesn't mean you don't feel their loss, that you don't still grieve, you just…keep on living."

Isabelle heard sniffling and she sat up to see Bruce was crying.

He looked at her, "Will it stop hurting?"

Isabelle's eyes saddened. "A little, but not completely. You just…get used to it is all, you allow room for it."

Bruce nodded in understanding, tears still flowing. Isabelle pulled him into her arms and he rested his head on her shoulder. She rested her cheek against the side of his head and ran her hands repeatedly through his dark hair as tears of her own escaped down her cheeks as she held him. In that moment he felt absolutely fragile in her arms and she wanted to do nothing more than protect him, for him to just be a kid in that ball pit, laughing and smiling and playing forever.

She waited for Bruce to decide when to pull away. When he did he wiped his eyes and smiled at her.

"How about I make us some hot chocolate, from scratch? That always makes me feel better," Isabelle suggested.

Bruce nodded and followed her out of the ball pit.

As they sat in the kitchen, sipping on their hot chocolate, Alfred came in.

"Alfred!" Bruce jumped up from his chair and wrapped his arms around the man.

Alfred hugged Bruce back tightly as Isabelle's smile met his own somewhat surprised one with the sudden gesture.

Bruce pulled back. "Did you finish all of your errands?"

"Yes, busy day. You two go get washed up, dinner will be ready in an hour."

Alfred went to enter the study to tell them dinner was ready. Peering in to the room he saw Bruce, curled up on the sofa, his head on Isabelle's lap as she read to him from The Hobbit. He got a little bit choked up at seeing the pair of them, immensely glad that Isabelle was there. He was glad to see Bruce at peace for once, not worrying over all of the pictures and clippings on the wall.

Alfred cleared his throat and the two looked up at him. "Dinner is ready."

~O.o~

Isabelle was laying down, the floor hard. The places where her scars were on her body were burning in pain. She realized there was a weight on her and she focused on the figure above her. She couldn't make out the face but she saw light glint off the knife they were holding. Immediately she began to struggle against them, clawing and hitting. She froze when the face above her came into focus and she suddenly realized how familiar the hands felt on her skin as they fought to restrain her.

Her eyes went wide and all the fight in her left. "O-Oswald?"

He simply smiled at her.

"Oswald what are you-?"

He cut her off. "You think you can protect me," he sneered. "You can't even protect yourself."

He pressed his lips to hers and she kissed him back.

A scream escaped her lips when she felt the knife carve into her arm.

"I don't understand what's going on, why are you doing this?" Isabelle asked, her voice rising with panic.

"You knew I was going to hurt you at some point."

She shook her head. "No, no, I worked for Fish. She hurt me. Not you."

"Because of me! You blame me. I know it!" Oswald snapped.

She shook her head. "No."

Instead of saying anything Oswald pressed the blade of the knife into her arm again and she screamed. "Please! Oswald, please!"

"Isabelle!? Isabelle!?"

She bolted upright, her heart racing. "Bruce? Alfred?"

"It seems you were having quite the nightmare," Alfred said. "I'll bring you some tea, decaf."

"Thank you Alfred," she breathed out as she scooted back to sit against the headboard. She pulled her knees up to her chest as Bruce climbed on to the bed next to her. Her night shirt was sticking to her, full of sweat, and she ran a hand through her tangled hair.

Bruce put an arm around her. "You said the name Oswald. You were dreaming about him, the guy from earlier?"

Isabelle nodded.

"Did you tell him what happened to you?"

"No."

"Maybe you should."

Isabelle shook her head. "I almost did."

"You miss him?"

"I don't know how I feel about him right now Bruce."

He sighed. "It'll be okay. And you can stay here as long as you like."

"Thank you Bruce," she smiled down at him. "What would I do without you?"

Bruce beamed at her and rested his head on her shoulder. "I'll stay up with you if you can't go back to sleep."

"Don't you have your studies in the morning?"

"They can wait. I'm sure Alfred will understand. You're my guest and I don't think you should be left alone right now." She'd comforted him earlier and he wanted to return the favor.

Isabelle smiled and rested her cheek atop his head. "I know I said it earlier but I'm glad you're back, safe and sound Bruce. That must have been terrifying."

"It was but I enjoyed getting to spend more time with Selina."

"That's good, but don't do it again."

When Alfred returned with her cup of tea he saw that his young charge and Isabelle were sound asleep, resting against the other. He smiled at the sight and set the tea on the nightstand.

"Well, I suppose Master Bruce may know something about the ladies after all," Alfred whispered.

"Very funny Alfred," Bruce mumbled.

Alfred chuckled. "Goodnight Bruce."

"Goodnight Alfred."

When Isabelle woke the following morning she was wrapped up in the blankets. When she rolled over she saw Bruce curled up, his back to her, breathing softly. She smiled at him and promised to pay him back for his kindness towards. Bruce had a lot to give and Isabelle hoped he'd stay that way.

She rose from bed just as Alfred entered the room. "Ah, Isabelle. I say we let Bruce rest and you and me spar for a bit?" he suggested.

"That sounds…perfect. I'll meet you out back in five."

Alfred nodded and Isabelle pulled on a pair of black yoga Capri pants and a blue tank top.

She and Alfred had been sparring for the better part of an hour when Bruce showed up, still in his silk pajamas.

Isabelle was immensely enjoying sparring with Alfred this morning, blocking any thoughts that didn't have to do with their present activity out of her mind. Alfred commented several times that she was doing an excellent job. Each time she smiled in thanks but continued to focus.

"I'd say that's enough for today Isabelle," Alfred said. He checked his watch. "Ah, 7:55, what say we head to breakfast?"

She nodded, taking off her gloves and following him inside.

"How are you doing this morning Isabelle?" Bruce asked.

"Much better Bruce, thank you. Thank you for last night. Did you sleep all right?" She asked as she took a seat at the table.

"Yes, fine. The last time I slept with someone else in the bed was…Alfred. The night my parents died."

Isabelle glanced at Alfred who tried to hide a pained smile. "Master Bruce doesn't snore, thankfully," he teased.

"No but you certainly do," Bruce smiled.

"Watch it," Alfred said as he buttered his toast.

"So any plans today Isabelle?" Bruce asked her.

"Um, well I might meet a friend for dinner."

"A friend? Who?" Bruce asked, curious.

"His name's Edward, Edward Nigma. He works at the police station with my uncle."

"Oh, well have fun and please tell your Uncle Gordon I say hello."

"I will."

She got up from the table to head to her room and shower when Bruce spoke up, "Wait, I'm hosting a charity ball in the city, tomorrow night, you should invite Mr. Nigma, if you want."

"I think that's a great idea."