Ok, here's my try to the next chapter…

Bruce was standing there, in front of the bed and he felt horrible. Unfortunately the spinning didn't stop like the last time on the meeting-room-table. So he had to grab on something, because otherwise he would have fallen forwards. And again unfortunately this something was Diana's arm which was next to him.

He knew, that he was near to pass out again and exceptionally he was glad to have the other arm of hers too now, which supported him.

"See? I'm right, you'll go nowhere without a good time resting until you're feeling better."

Bruce wanted to grumble, but it sounded like a groan, because the strong headache troubled him. But as Diana looked at him not angry, but with an understanding look, he sighted and sat decently down on the edge of the sickbaybed. Afterwards he was glad, that the sigh has been almost inaudible. But at this moment it wasn't just any more strength left to argue.

With a glance to Superman, who was standing on the other side, with crossed arms and trying to look severely, he got back on the bed.

He don't wanted and couldn't say anything more, so he lay down extra stiff and closed his eyes. But only for a second, then the whole incident was followed by a rough coughing.

Diana was worried. If Batman was no longer arguing, he must be REALLY sick.

In the meantime there were little sweat drops forming on Bruce's pale face. But she didn't dare to remove his mask.

And she knew that he was cold, because he was shivering. He tried to hide it although. Diana glanced at Superman, and he realized it. In no time he was back with a blanket and placed it over Bruce.

"Is it okay?", he was asking.

"Mhm….", was all Bruce could answer. The headache was getting worse and the fever did the rest.

Superman exchanged a worried glance with Diana. They were not used to see the Batman in such a was completely different, when he was injured. Then he wouldn't take any help and wouldn't stop arguing. At least he would talk with them.

It was difficult for Batman not to have the full control over his body.

But, yes, he needed the blanket that Superman kindly brought. But he never would have admitted that, though.

With that pleasant warmth he suddenly just wanted only one thing: to sleep. Through his feverish eyes he saw Superman talk to Diana and then without intention his eyes closed and it went all black.

Diana woke from her thoughts. Batman seemed already half drifted into sleep again as Superman whispered to her: "Okay, I'll leave you two. I anyway have some work to do. See after you later." And with a grin he added: "And don't let him out of bed…" With that he was gone.

Diana sighed and got nearer to the bed. Gentle she placed her hand over Bruce's now with the blanket covered shoulder and said softly:

"You have to rest now."

And with a quick glance around her and a brief hesitation she gave her caped crusader a tender kiss onto his forehead. But Bruce seemed not to hear or feel this anymore. His head was slowly slumped to the side and on the regular up and down of his chest Diana could see, that he had finally fallen asleep. For some moments she was just watching him. Batman. Him, who was always kind of their leader. And yet he was the most vulnerable amongst them all. And she knows he hated it to play exactly that part. But it was how it was and now he was sick. And they would take care of him, if he liked it or not.


In the Batcave Batman sat over the big screen as Alfred appeared behind him.

"Good evening, Master Bruce. How was the meeting? It was a long one this time, wasn't it?"

"Aam….Yes, there were a lot of really important things to discuss…"

"I've made a little dinner, or should I say breakfast, for you." He put the tray in front of Batman.

"Thanks but I….." he began, but Alfred insisted:

"I'd prefer to fetch an EMPTY plate, Sir." And with a light squeeze of Bruce's shoulder he went away. Bruce, who was still fixed on the screen, rolled his eyes. But on the half way back Alfred shouted kindly:

"And don't forget the soup, Sir!"

With these words, a smile passed over Bruce's face.

His butler just was unique.

Some work and several glances at the, without doupt, tasty meal later, he picked the cutlery up and began to eat. Despite the few hours of sleep at the watchtower, his condition was far away from 100 per cent. So he thought it would be better to eat something before his next patrol.

As he had woken in the watchtower a few hours ago, Diana had fallen asleep in the nearby chair. So it wasn't difficult to sneak away.

As he finished the meal he went coughing to the car and began his nightly work.

Fortunately it was a calm night. Calm but could he found. Batman waited on a high rooftop. One foot placed on a wall and the arms shored on his knee he was looking at his city. His cape was fluttering in the light breeze and now and then a cough shook him.

"This damn…."

In this moment something caught his attentive eyes. Quite closely he could see a woman who was surrounded by some dark figures. They didn't look like if they were her friends. She was dressed as if she came from a party. She was pretty. Long brown hair, short skirt, a top and a light jacket over the shoulders. The young lady clung to her handbag and was staggering backwards right into the wall behind her.

This was a scene often seen in Gotham. Seen by him at least.

"Please… let me go."

"Oh nooo, that would be a waste, don't you think, huh?"

And another voice said: "We'll have a lot of fun together."

"There you're right."

But this voice was unfamiliar to them, and it came out of the dark, and it startled them.

He had counted them. He always counted the criminals. This way he could keep the full control. There were five guys in black leather jackets. Obviously they had their motorcycles standing somewhere around.

"Who's there?"

"Show yourself!," it sounded with already a little fear.

Now it was the time to act.

to be continued