Feedback would be nice. Thanks to those small few who have taken an interest. Things will pick up I promise.

I don't own Batman only my own characters.


Chapter 2

To say that was the first time a person ran away from him just after saving their life would be an understatement. Apparently the shock of it all prevents the recipient the sense of gratitude. Dusting himself off Jason leaped off the building and into the night.

The next morning everything was quiet. Except for the incessant beeping of her alarm clock, with a heavy sigh she rolled out of bed. Walking across the kitchen floor she felt a faint breeze. Turning towards the slight shiver she discovered the window was open. That fact alone wouldn't have bothered her except she hadn't opened the window.

Upon closer inspection she noticed a small piece of paper flapping back and forth. Reaching the window she found a pair of shoes. The same shoes she had forgotten atop the roof the previous night, when she ran away from the man in the red mask. She knew running away had been a childish action. If he wanted to hurt her he wouldn't have jumped off the building after her. She was actually quite grateful for his actions. However the red of his mask instantly brought fear to her mind. It was silly really, it had been years. She should be over it by now, the criminal who attacked her certainly was. So why should she be stuck in the past but the sight of red brought images of blood rushing to the for front of her mind. Even if it had been years the reflection in the mirror and the look in people's eyes was a constant reminder.

The sound of flapping loosened her thoughts realizing that the paper was indeed a note, opening it carefully there were only two words written.

"You're Welcome"

A small smile crept onto her lips when reading the small note. Perhaps it was her turn to show gratitude. Removing the shoes from the window seal, she closed the window and prepared for the new day.

Work had been hectic with so many of her coworkers on sick leave. She was needed to cover two shifts before coming home for the night. It was late almost as late as the night before. She knew how dangerous it could be walking the streets of Gotham alone. But perhaps her "guardian angel" would show up to save her once more. A smile appeared on her face at such a foolish thought. However the thought of seeing him again was interesting. If only just to thank him she would like to meet again. Reaching her apartment this night proved uneventful. Hanging her jacket up on the wall once more, her daily routines began again washing dishes, sweeping, mopping, watering the… that was certainly odd. The watering can was not in its usual spot. Searching through the kitchen cabinets for her lost item she found nothing, as she had been on her hands and knees looking throw her lower draws. The only indication that the window was open was the sound of paper flapping.

Lifting herself off the ground she could see white daisies painted on the bright blue metal of her watering can. Walking over to the window she once again found a small note attached.

"Forget something?"

Again the note was simple as was her smile.

She held the now filled watering can in one hand and a paper bag in the other. Reaching the roof she quickly watered the plants, left the paper bag on the ledge with an equally small note and left. Exhausted from the days work all she wanted to do was sleep. Whether he received the small gift or not didn't concern her at the moment. Reaching her home she went straight to bed not even bothering to change her clothing.

He watched her as she watered the plants with haste, this time making stealth a priority. She moved quickly from one side to the other and when she was done she left a paper bag on the ledge and left. When he was sure she was a good distance away. Jason grabbed the bag and looked inside. Within he found Chinese takeout boxes, it was obvious that food was inside but double checking couldn't hurt. A small piece of paper slipped out with the words…

"Thank You"

He smirked at the thought a small part of him had wanted gratitude. He just never expected to receive any, especially one that appealed to his hungry stomach. Ready to dig into his small gift, Jason realized something was missing. Climbing down the fire escape to reach her window, he opened the window slowly putting all his skills to use. Glancing around the small apartment everything was quiet; the only odd sign was the kitchen light that was still on. Searching through the drawers he found the object of his search. Taking a small peak into the bedroom he found her curled up into a ball. Arms wrapped tight around her pillow. She was still fully dressed, once again in a flowery dress, that Jason could only guess was to deceive her "opponent". With the condition of her clothing and her current position it all made her look even more like a child. Turing the kitchen lights off, he leaped thought the window leaving her to peaceful sleep.

Walking up that morning had proven difficult, her body still ached and the constant beeping of her alarm was providing an unwelcomed headache. But work would be starting soon and with all those sick coworkers she needed to get a move on. Moving around the kitchen she placed pots and pans back in their place. She almost didn't notice the window was open. At this point perhaps she should invest in better locks. Stepping towards it she noticed a small piece of paper. A note from her "guardian angel", opening the note the message was once again simple.

"Chopsticks ?"

Looking down she noticed a fork sitting on the window seal. She never left silverware out especially next to the window. She placed the fork in the sink and walked out the door. Making a mental note to prepare proper silverware next time.

Small notes going back and forth was how it began.

Working for several takeout restaurants provided her with a variety of choices. Each night would always be something different and each night a new note would be left behind. Always simple and always in regards to the food. Sometimes complaining or as she would call it begin inquisitive. Other times his words almost sounded like a complement but she could always read the sarcasm in them, even if it was in print.

One morning there was no note.

She didn't think too much of it, there were always some mornings that did not provide one. But as the days slowly started passing and the take out bags began accumulating.

He hadn't come...

She knew it was silly, that she shouldn't think too much into it. It was a simple arrangement really. She brought him food and he ate it. Perhaps he just hadn't had the time or perhaps he had moved on. Searching for more than just scraps.

Although never admitting it out loud she was if only slightly, worried.

It rained one night; she hated the rain or more accurately the thunder. The noise it created resonated throughout her small apartment. When she was a child she would always run to her parent's room climbed into bed with them and hugged them so tight it hurt. She still hadn't grown out of that habit; her parents were no longer there to hold onto but her pillow was screaming for dear life. The loud thundering crash once again forced her eyes to close tight, almost missing that it wasn't the thunder that made that crashing sound.

The sound accrued again, this time it sounding more like shuffling feet. The first thought that came to mind was an intruder, probably trying to make a few dollars. Lifting herself off the bed slowly she glanced through the door frame ever so lightly. The intruder was soaking wet and had taken a seat on her couch. The only thing that stopped her from whacking him upside the head with her polka dotted umbrella was the sight of red. Her so called intruded was wearing a red mask.

She began to walk towards him slowly, being weary of the situation. Standing at a close enough distance he lifted his head towards her, never saying a word. It was clear that he was in no mood for chatter; even with the mask she could tell he looked absolutely exhausted. She quickly ran back towards her room, leaving Jason to believe she had already forgotten him. Before he could get off the couch she came back into the small living room with a blanket in one hand and a pillow in the other. She placed the pillow at the edge of the couch and handed him the blanket. He slowly took the blanket from her outstretched hands. Was she really going to let a complete, well almost complete stranger stay in her home? The same question that came to his mind the first night they meet came back into question.

What is wrong with this chick?

She left him to his own devices; if he wished to stay it was his choice. She climbed back into bed and once again wrapped herself around the pillow for life support. The thunder continued to flash all through the night, however this night it wasn't completely unbearable.