Arlee grimaced as she ran down the maze of empty hallways, the newborn Prince of Gotham tucked away in her arms squirmed but made no noise as if sensing the precarious situation he had been born into. Barely five minutes in this world and already you've gotten a taste of your home town. She rounded the corner, nearly sobbing at the flashing red and blue lights waiting outside the ER doors. The cold Gotham air smacked her in the face but she hadn't been more relieved in her entire life. The doctor and baby were instantly surrounded by cops, paramedics and flashing cameras all eager to find out the status of the child.
An older man stepped to her side, gently guiding her by the elbow, "This way Doctor"
Too tired to protest, and she let him lead her into a dingy blue tent. "Commissioner Gordon" he offered extending his hand.
She nodded, "Doctor Arlee. Have you evacuated Chloe out?"
His brown eyes flashed with worry, "We've sent in a team for her and the butler. I'm hoping this is the child?"
Sitting down, she peeled back the blankets and for the first time got a chance to take in the site. He was still, shockingly green eyes staring deep at both.
Gordon smiled, "His mother's eyes." The infant remained quiet.
Arlee smiled, "His father's demeanor. And hair" The jet black tufts contrasted against flushed skin. He had full lips, an elegant nose and dark lashes.
"Welcome to Gotham, little one" Gordon whispered.
Chloe winced at the throbbing tenderness in her lower half, frustrated at being reduced to small, slow movements. The young officer appeared with a wheelchair, "Please?" She nodded her pride unimportant. Her thoughts were on the baby and Bruce. Alfred took over and pushed Chloe out the doors, surrounded on all sides were SWAT officers guns drawn.
"I want my son Alfred" her tone edged with steel. Fear and numbness had begun to melt away as anger made its way into her bloodstream. If I ever get my hands on that clown, I swear to god…
The circle of people moved as one being, with Chloe and Alfred cocooned safely inside. As they made their way down the halls towards the nearest exit, she heard the sound. A single gunshot ricocheted off the walls. Her blood ran cold, and a single word ripped itself from her throat painfully, "Bruce!"
The team moved faster, half running to deliver her safely outdoors. Alfred didn't complain at the pace, relieved only when the chilling air shoved itself into his lungs. He shut his eyes breathing deeply. Safety.
Bruce ran his body hyperaware of all sights, smells and sounds. The hospital was deserted. This was a huge relief, knowing Gotham PD had removed all innocents as well as his new family from the Joker's radius. Faintly, he remembered Arlee's surprise when the baby has cried out. It's a boy. The words haunted him. He dared to pause for a moment, searching for a plan. Batman took over his brain, and studied his surroundings. He has ended up in the pharmacist wing. There were waiting rooms, soda machines and a pick up counter. He jumped over the counter easily, hoping to find something to buy him time. The Joker wanted to see Batman. But that wasn't possible. His suit was at home, Bruce would have to work double time and make sure that the Joker was injured enough so that Gordon's men could catch him easily. Joker loved to talk and draw out his plans in an effort to better savor the fear. It didn't help that his whore, Quinn was involved. She was more of an inconvenience than a threat.
Bruce ran his hand over the countless drugs currently at his disposal. He almost let out a sob of relief as he spied what he needed. Chloroform. The vial offered him salvation. He didn't hesitate to snatch a pair of gloves, and a couple of newly packaged needles before slipping away into the maze of rooms and hallways the hospital offered.
The child wailed, now that the air was full of chaos and noise his screams informed everyone of his unhappiness. Arlee rocked him gently, making comforting noises but nothing helped. She understood. He wanted his mother.
Gordon made his way over to her once again, relief flooding his kind face. "Chloe and Alfred have been escorted out. Follow me. She's just getting cleaned up and checked for injuries."
They made their way into another tent, this one far larger and a bit quieter. A couple of cots were lined up, and Chloe rested on one of them as paramedics took her vitals. Alfred was at her side, a true guardian angel. She locked eyes with her, "My son!" Arlee smiled, and Gordon motioned for the paramedics to leave. This strange family needed time alone.
The baby immediately howled louder, sensing the comfort of his mother. Chloe reached out for him, grateful for the weight pressed against her chest. "My son. My beautiful boy" she whispered soothingly. He quieted instantly at her voice, and blinked as if confused to find his eye color reflecting back at him. She was aware of tears streaming down her face, but didn't wipe them away. "He looks just like Bruce" Alfred said softly, an ache forming in his heart.
"His name?" Arlee asked.
"Jason Thomas Wayne" Chloe said, thinking back on the late night conversations Bruce had with her. Thomas was in honor of Bruce's father, and Jason was a name both had loved.
"Wonderful" Alfred smiled, tears brimming as he remembered Bruce's infancy. "Martha and Thomas would have been so proud of you Chloe."
"He's still in there Alfred. I need Bruce. His son needs him." The young blonde woman smiled as her son began to make irritated noises. He fussed with the blankets and wailed. "He's hungry" Arlee offered her another blanket and escorted Alfred away giving the mother a chance to bond with her newborn.
Gordon looked up from the screen as Arlee and Alfred stepped inside the tent. "How is she?" he asked. Arlee sighed, "She needs Bruce. The baby is fine. He's just hungry"
"What of Bruce?" Alfred asked worried to have the family portrait complete once again.
"He's in there somewhere. We haven't yet accessed the entire camera's live feed but we've sent several teams to search for him."
"Let's hope the Joker doesn't try anything stupid" Arlee spoke, her eyes glued to the screens observing the movements.
A/N: Hey guys! Long time no see. I've been on HIATUS for a long long while. And suddenly I was just inspired to continue this fanfic. My apologies for the long delay. Have faith in me! It's the holidays and we need a little update. R&R ...please don't hate me for going away!