Unsteady, cold grey eyes surveyed the room. Leaning back against the wall, Bane watched his fellow inmates as they took advantage of their short allotted time within the communal area. Each seemed to be giving him a wide berth thus far.

'You will release my cuffs.' His mechanical voice had commanded smoothly, as the guards led him to the common room.

'I will, will I?' The guard sneered. Bane could feel the nightstick reverberating off of his back. From the guards sharp yelp of pain, he had attempted to strike him with some force. 'What the hell are you?'

Bane's eyes crinkled, the only outward sign of the smirk beneath his mask.
'I am your salvation.'

The bars slid open, catching Bane's attention once more. His arms remained cuffed behind him. He would have to earn their release, apparently.

This will hinder reparations of my mask.

His common room privileges had been revoked, in favour of returning him to his cell for 23 hours a day, seven days a week.

The sound of heels clicking steadily across cold concrete echoed, momentarily drowning out the pain that still clouded his head.

Slate grey eyes coolly watched as the guards shifted from one foot to the other. He could see the one on the left – his finger twitching on the trigger. Would he give in to his rage, to his baser instincts, and shoot? Or would he remain ensnared by societies' expectations of him – restraint. Order. Rules.

Weak. Pathetic.

'That will be all, Tim, John. I will bang on the door if I need anything.'

Slowly, he turned his head to face the newcomer. Golden blond hair; rounded spectacles perched atop a small, upturned button nose. Carefully arched eyebrows. A white coat.

'Mr. Bane, isn't it?' She smiled at him in what appeared to be an attempt at warmth. His eyes focused on the subtle hint of mascara coating her eyelashes, the subtle yet clear, once spotted, rogue painting her lips.

'My reputation precedes me, I see.' Bane's steady, mechanical voice boomed throughout the room. Little more than a cell, he shifted in his seat, hands cuffed behind him as she took a step closer. He watched as she jerked. She had not been expecting his voice to sound so...inhuman.

'I am Dr. Quinzel.' Her smile faltered as she held her hand out to him, taking in his motionless form.

'Charmed. I would stand to greet you, were it not for these unfortunate decorations your staff deem necessary.' He lightly pulled on his restraints, highlighting to her his position, chained to his chair.

He saw her face change the moment she truly caught sight of his face. Her breath caught in her throat; her eyes shone. In fear? One hand reaching to cover her own mouth, as though by instinct.

'You have no need to fear me.' He stated, tilting his head to one side. 'Not yet.'

She coughed nervously, perching herself on the chair opposite him. 'I am here to start your treatment. All new inmates are given the chance to talk things over with one of the Doctors here...'

Snorting, Bane turned his head away, dismissing her. What could this foolish girl hope to achieve through speaking to him? He had more important things to concentrate on.

I must fix my mask. Leaving shall take little effort once it has been restored. Then I can find you, my Talia...

'Is it on right?'

Bane's head shot up as he was brought crashing out of his thoughts. 'Pardon?'

Dr. Quinzel took a step forward, then another, and another. She seemed to forget herself, forget her fear; her fingers fluttered, as though she wanted to reach out and touch. He hadn't even registered her standing.

I am slipping already. I cannot allow this to continue.

'Some of these tubes look different to the rest. Are they damaged? Shall I call someone to fix them?'

The silence between the two of them hung heavily in the air. A low, deep chuckle, mechanical and sinister startled Dr. Quinzel. Bane's shoulders shook, his body trembling as he was unable to contain his mirth.

Harleen glanced between Bane and the door. Perhaps she should have had the guard with the sedative stay after all...

'I do believe I shall like you, Dr. Quinzel.' Bane announced, his eyes crinkling the only sign of the smile lying beneath the mask. 'I shall allow you your attempts at 'analyzing me'. For now.'

He watched as she retreated to her seat, unsure of herself, fingers still clenching as though she wanted to reach out.

'Where shall we begin?'