Despite the hour, Alfred was awake and waiting as we arrived. He notified Dick and I we had hot baths awaiting us, and then left with Bruce to his rooms. I gratefully shed my armor and slipped into the steaming water in my bathroom. The hot water just ebbed away my stress, and a bonus was when it got cold I just heated it up with a wave of my hand, feeling a twinge of anger as the heat leaked out of my skin.

I seemed to be full of it these days. Ignoring the pun, I was a bit of a hot head ever since the Joker had experimented on me. Everything set me off. I was angry at the situation, angry I could never defeat the Prince, angry the Prince could control his powers better. In truth; I was jealous. I was not jealous the Prince was a bad guy or that he had to put up with the Joker: I was jealous he got to know what to do. He seemed to have no problem controlling his abilities and got better every time we encountered him. It took all of my focus not to set someone on fire when I stubbed my toe. If in some alternate universe I could have been the Joker's sidekick, I might be better.

I climbed out and toweled off, walking into my empty room. I half expected to see Rin lounging on the bed but he was nowhere to be found. I turned to my bed and slipped under the covers alone.

Alfred woke me up on time and we went to school. It was all we could do to drag through the day. Neither Dick nor I knew what the party was for, and we hated not knowing things. There was nothing new on the internet, newspaper, or gossip sites about either Bruce Wayne or Batman. The company was fine and Dick would have known if it was something to do with Wayne Enterprises.

We told the driver to race home and when we arrived a party set up was in full swing. Alfred refused to let us enter the Ballroom and instead let us know outfits that Bruce had chosen himself were laid out. We were to bathe, get dressed, and look presentable. I took note of the outfit he had chosen, sleek but modest. It must be for Bruce Wayne then, wanting to send a good message about his daughter. Three hours later the first guests began trickling in and we were standing in the foyer to greet them. First was Bruce of course, and then his heir. I was last in the line of welcomers and most didn't give me any special attention. I wasn't the important person here, or the person that would matter in a few years. Of course no one showed it outright, and everyone shook my hand and commented how nice I looked. My pile of homework was beginning to look appealing when Roy Harper and Oliver Queen entered.

"Bruce, how nice to see you." Oliver shook his hand.

"Likewise. I'm glad you were able to make it."

"It was quite the last-minute notice but you promised it would be worth it."

"I can guarantee it will be. These are my wards, Richard Grayson and Lissa Wayne."

Oliver shook Dick's hand and turned to me. "Ah, the famous Lissa Wayne, beautiful as always. I hear you and my youngest branch manager are quite the acquaintances."

I allowed a sophisticated blush to color my cheeks as he took my hand. "I have enjoyed his company at the Academy very much, he is quite the businessman. And our wrestling team has enjoyed having his excellence."

"Well, just so you know, I very much approve. You a very talented young woman and I believe you two will get along rather well." Something in the way he regarded told me he knew.

"Thank you." I smiled and turned to Roy. "It's so good to see you."

"It's good to see you too. You look stunning by the way."

I blushed against my will this time. "Thank you."

"It seems both of our…superiors approve of our match."

"It seems they do."

"I want you to know how happy this makes me." He leaned in to kiss my cheek "You look much better without the mask."

They moved inside and we continued to greet until no more guests we coming. We joined the party, sipping champagne with the most powerful people in Gotham. The mayor was there, as well as a few justices and the Attorney General. Of course Commissioner Newton was there along with a few of the higher-ranking officers. All of the rich families were there, and oddly enough two of the mayoral candidates running in the election in a few months. A news crew stood to the side along with a slew of reporters, but they weren't actively pursuing anyone yet. They were waiting for something.

This was a press conference.

I grabbed a drink and moved to talk with Roy. Of course any interaction between us would make the news, but now we were allowed. It was nice to be able to talk openly and receive his small compliments in person. Every since Rin's eloquent compliment at the theatre, he seemed to be making a marked effort to impress me. It was an adorable action, and I grew more fond of him with every attempt. For once business never came up, but of course we couldn't talk about anything too personal. We mostly kept the talk geared towards school and our lessons, with some casual conversation sprinkled in. Bruce still hadn't addressed the crowd, hoping to stir up some anticipation. Roy left to refill our glasses when someone tapped me on the elbow.

His hair was no longer vivid purple, but a black-as-night ebony. But his eccentricism wasn't completely killed as a bright purple dress shirt peeked out from behind his tailored black suit. He looked the image of a young and rich businessman.

"Rin?"

"Good to see you, Princess." He kissed my knuckles lightly but kept his distance.

"What did you do to your hair?"

He shrugged. "I thought this fit Wayne Academy a little bit better. Plus I am told it makes me look more mature."

"Why are you here?"

"Bruce invited me of course, he sent me a message last night saying he would appreciate my attendance. It seems he doesn't completely despise me yet."

"Well, I'm glad you could make it."

"Javrin?" Roy walked up with our glasses.

"Ah, Roy, nice to see you again of course." Rin resumed his cocky demeanor and smirked. "Didn't think I'd see you here, thought this was a Gotham event."

"Mr. Wayne and I are close friends, and he invited me and Mr. Queen personally."

"Ah yes, Oliver Queen." Rin looked at the man who as across the room. "Yes, I suppose he would. You guys do run in the same circles."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Roy scowled

"Easy Harper, don't want to go making a scene. All the rich and successful know each other. It was a compliment really."

"Then why are you here?"

"Roy!" I chastised. "Bruce invited him, if you must know. Rin is right, now is not the place to be waiving anything around. The press are here."

"Of course, darling." He handed me my glass, emphasizing the name.

Bruce tapped his glass, calling the attention of everyone in the room. The chatter immediately ceased and all eyes turned toward him. Finally, what we had been waiting for. The reporters whipped out their tape recorders and the news crew flipped on their camera.

"As you all know, the purpose for this gathering was not directly stated in your invitation. The news I have might come as shocking to a few of you, although I know a good number was expecting this. It is common knowledge our great Mayor is retiring in a few short months and passing on this city to a worthy successor. I have been consulting with my most trusted advisor, Mr. Lucius Fox, and have made the decision to enter the mayoral race as a candidate.

Of course it would be nearly impossible for me to run a city and a company so if I am elected, I will pass the Wayne Company onto my heir, Richard Greyson."

Silence greeted this news. Bruce Wayne, mayor of Gotham? As was their job, the reporters were the first to react in a tumult of questions. They rest of us simply enthusiastically applauded. Mayor Wayne was a success.

"Wow, congratulations, Lissa!" Roy hugged me "This is going to be great for you guys."

"Yeah, the richer the better."

Roy practically growled. "Not everything is about money, you know. Bruce cares about this city and as mayor he would be able to continue the gentrification Mayor West began when he first took office. He could make Gotham a better place for everyone, as his company has been doing for years, since the first Waynes."

"Don't jump my throat, Harper, it was a joke. Of course I want Gotham to be a better place. Unlike you, I live here."

"Stop." I hissed as a reporter came over. Roy made it a point to step closer to me, leaving no room to guess who my date was.

"Ms. Wayne, your comments on your keeper's intention to run as mayor?"

"Bruce has always cared deeply about this city, and I know if the people of Gotham elect him he will do all that is in his power to help better our community. Gotham has seen some dark times, but with a Wayne in the courthouse, it can see some bright ones too."

"Do you think his dedications with his families' company will interfere?"

I shook my head. "Not in the slightest, Bruce knows the city comes first. As he said, if he is elected he will pass the company to my brother Richard. I am confident both of them will fill their roles superbly and will lead this city to a better place."

She nodded and left to question some more important people. Dick came over to run away from the reporters.

"Well, Mr. Greyson, moving up in the world." I swirled my drink before taking a sip.

"I suspected he was announcing something big, but not this big."

"No one could deserve it more." Roy shook Dick's hand warmly. "Despite our competition in a few markets, there is no one I would rather go up against when it comes to business. We will have our work cut out for us."

"My only concern is school, if he is elected I will still have a few more months before I graduate. I can't divide my time between my studies and the company."

"I am sure Mr. Fox will be understanding of the situation, and it will only be a few months."

"Probably, I'm going to go talk to him and see what he thinks." He waded off in the crowd.

"Goodness, this is all happening so fast. After the past few days, and now this? I think Bruce is trying to kill me."

"It'll be alright." Roy squeezed my shoulder. "You're a Wayne, you can handle anything. And you know you have me here. You don't have to handle it alone."

"Yeah. You know the key to stress relief is a good time." Javrin somehow managed to make me blush again.

I rolled my eyes. "Bruce will probably want me to be really careful over the next few months. Any bad publicity on me is on him too, and candidates can't afford bad press."

"You always keep your nose clean though. You've not had any scandals, which is very impressive for a girl your age that has been a Wayne. Half the rich girls in Gotham have been the focus of some expose or another."

"Same for you, business man. You only got good press with your early promotion. Not even an illegitimate child yet. You need to step up your game." I chuckled

"If I need a bastard kid, then you need to make a disgrace of yourself at a club, underage drinking and everything."

We laughed and Rin cleared his throat. "You socialites find the weirdest things funny."

"I'm sorry, were you feeling left out?" Roy snapped. For a split second he reminded me of Rin himself, delivering a jabbed comment.

"I didn't mean to not make you feel included. Scandals are a common part of life we have to deal with. Anyone who lives in the public eyes has to be careful of the image they make. The press isn't known for being gracious."

"That's the understatement of the year. I finance the wrong interest group and suddenly I support slavery in the Himalayas or something, it's outrageous the things they come up with." Roy drained his glass and picked up another one from a passing waiter. "But that's part of the game, you have to do your research. That's why Lissa and I have been hesitant to announce our relationship. Only tonight did we get the blessing from Mr. Wayne and Mr. Queen."

"They've been at this game a lot longer than us, and if they think it's a good idea then it probably is."

"And I'm glad, it isn't often being with such an amazing woman is allowed." He took my hand

"It also isn't often you get to keep those things very long either. Usually something better comes along."

"Well nothing has yet." Roy shot back, giving Rin a challenging glance.

Rin scowled and I smelled a fight. "Enough you two, you are not going to make a scene here. Roy, honestly, you'd think you'd know better."

"Since when have I ever know better?" he gave me a playful smile. I rolled my eyes and turned back to Javrin but he was gone. Even scanning the crowd turned up with nothing. He'd just disappeared.

I shrugged and we stood next to Bruce, the image of the perfect couple, as he answered the slew of questions the press threw at him. Mr. Fox stood there as well, as did Dick of course. Oliver Queen remained with the stragglers of the party but didn't engage the press and they left him alone for the moment. It wasn't until after eleven that the reporters packed up their cameras and left, leaving the small party alone.

"Well, you indeed did make this worth my time Bruce. If there is ever anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask." Oliver shook Bruce's hand

"Of course, and hopefully we'll be seeing each other again."

Oliver glanced at Roy and I. "Something tells me we will."

Roy kissed me goodbye and they both left, bringing the party to an end. We moved into the office to talk strategy.

"Mr. Fox isn't my campaign manager, but I'll be hiring someone soon to take care of the finer details. Of course both of you need to keep your noses clean, especially you Dick. The eyes of the public and the company are going to be on you."

Dick nodded. "I spoke to Mr. Fox already, and if you do get elected I'll be ready."

"Very good. The next few months will be busy. There will be lots of fundraisers and parties, and of course the press to deal with. We need to ensure we stay clean and don't let anything slip. Absolutely everyone will be digging around in my past to surface anything they can use against me."

"Do you think you'll win?" I asked

"I have no doubt he will." Mr. Fox smiled. "Although the people don't know it, he has taken a considerable risk in running. Politicians can be even more persistent than reporters when it comes to slandering names, a lot is at stake here. But we have a good base to build off of."

Bruce nodded. "The first fundraiser is at the Cremini Hotel next weekend. It will be the same people that were here tonight plus a few others you may not know. The board meeting to discuss the possible changes will be tomorrow afternoon."

Dick nodded and the meeting ended between us. Mr. Fox and Bruce stayed in the office for hours talking strategy while Dick and I turned in. As I suspected, Rin was waiting for me. I took my time taking down my hair and jewelry while he sat silently on my bed. I changed behind my privacy screen into a silk nightgown and sat next to him.

"So you and Harper got the blessing?"

"Yes, both Bruce and Mr. Queen think it is a good idea. There is no reason it isn't."

"I don't understand why you stay with him."

"I do care about him, and he is a powerful ally especially with the election now. It makes sense, plus he cares a lot about me. He brings a lot to the table. Bruce specifically told me to keep my friendship with you a secret, he doesn't want the press knowing how close we are."

"Because I'm not a wealthy asshole."

"Because it would affect our image. I'm sorry but the reality is you don't present the polished superficial aspect Roy does, which is what we need."

He sighed heavily. "I knew it would be difficult to win you over from him, but I never thought it would be this difficult. But he did bring up a good point today, you will need a lot more stress relief as the elections drag on. Dick will be handling the company, and Bruce will be running the city."

"There is no guarantee he will win."

"I'm not the press; you don't have to be politically correct with me. Everyone knows he will. He's Bruce Wayne, no one in their right mind would refuse him."

"I'm sorry about Roy tonight, but you really need to stop antagonizing him."

"Never." He grinned "If I don't get under his skin, who will? It's also my job to get under your skin." He pushed me back onto the bed.

"It is Roy's job." I corrected.

"Please, he probably doesn't even know what to do with so much beauty." He looked at my face, drinking in every detail.

"You were going to tell me something last night, what was it?"

"Oh, I don't remember. I've slept since then, doll. Probably just how much I care about you. I've never felt this way about anyone."

"Me either." I blushed and looked down. "It's not going to be easy. I can't lose Roy, for the sake of the family."

"I know. That part doesn't bother me. The part that bothers me is that you like him. If you hated him it would be better."

"He's a good person."

"We'll see." He kissed me "No more talk of him, in this room only we exist."

"Yes, your Majesty."

He kissed my neck and moved down to my shoulder, pushed the strap of my nightgown down and revealing a bruise I had gotten fighting the Prince.

"Where did you get that?"

"Gymnastics, I fell off the beam." I wrapped my legs around his waist and sighed. "Thank you for coming by the way, I missed you last night."

"You missed me?"

"Yes. I mean I understand you left after I did but I had hoped to see you here. I was lonely."

"I'm sorry, next time I'll stay." He grinned and fell into my embrace.

I woke up and he was gone. I sighed but got dressed and went downstairs to grab breakfast with Dick before they left for the board meeting. Bruce said I didn't need to go and there were some things that needed to be done on the home front while he was gone. He had enlisted me with maintaining his website for the campaign. I created the website and added all the information he wanted, updating the server to make sure it could handle a lot of internet traffic. Afterwards I lounged around the library and did my homework, even getting around to some work that had been stacked up for a week or so. Alfred served me a lonely lunch in the Batcave as I designed my new suit.

I didn't fit in as the Batgirl anymore, and I was determined to create a new identity.

The Phoenix.

It was simple and stayed inside the bird theme, and embodied what I felt was important. I hadn't been dealt the best hand with my powers, but I was determined to make the most of it. My design was finished and I left it on the desk for Bruce to order from Mr. Fox. I trained for a few hours and then showered for dinner. The men had returned and were discussing some boring details about the company. Dinner was excellent as always and as Alfred was clearing the table, Bruce addressed me.

"I would like you to invite Roy to the fundraiser next weekend. It would be a good time to reinstate the image of you two."

"Of course." I nodded "I'm sure he'll be excited to go."

We finished dinner and I headed to my room. Dick caught me just as I opened my door. "Would you mind if I took patrol tonight, Lissa? I need some time to think alone."

"Yeah sure, everything okay?"

"I just have a lot to think about."

"Okay." I gave him a quick hug. I walked in and called Roy.

"Hey, what's up?"

"I just needed to talk to you real fast. There's a fund raising party next Saturday and Bruce was wondering if you would be my date."

"You know I'd love to."

"Awesome! And if you're free tonight, do you want to catch a movie or something?"

"Um well I'm at the office at the moment but I'll be free in an hour or so."

"I can meet you there, our driver got back this afternoon."

"Cool, see you in a bit."

I threw on a skirt and blouse and let Bruce know where I was going. He nodded in approval and said I could take the car. It was a thirty minute drive from our house to the office in downtown Sterling City and I was directed by the receptionist to his office.

It might not have been as elaborate as Dick's but it was impressive all the same. It was on the fifth floor and had a lovely view of the park. It was a lot more functional than Dick's, it had more paper piled everywhere and two other people where in there when I entered.

"They're doing well , I think we should invest in the Wayne company." One man said

The other immediately disagreed. "In a few months it will be run by the son, and we don't know what he'll be like."

Roy pinched the bridge of his nose. "Richard is a very capable business man; I think it is in our best interest to invest. Many other companies will be pulling their support, we could take this opportunity."

"It could be a very bad move, especially with your newfound interest in the Wayne girl."

"Hopefully I'm not a bad move." I laughed

They both looked panicky but Roy smiled. "Lissa, you're here!"

"Is this a bad time? I can go file my taxes or something."

"Of course not. Gentleman, go home. I'll see you tomorrow. Come on, our movie starts at 7." He grabbed his suit jacket and quickly herded me out of the door. "You saved me, I hate arguing with them. They never agree on anything."

"Well, glad I came in handy. Where are we going?"

"A cinema a few blocks away, we can walk if you'd like."

"Of course, it's a nice day." We walked out of the building and down the sidewalk. It was a little after 6:30 and the city was bustling. Teenagers walked the streets and businessmen were getting off of work.

He laced his fingers through mine and told me about his day, how the company was pushing to drop all Wayne stocks behind Oliver's back and he was trying to keep it together. "Oliver is really good at what he does, but sometimes he lets it get in the way of his work. He really doesn't get involved in the company much anymore."

"Well, I'm sure he is glad to have you there looking out for it."

"I don't know how Bruce does it. Looking at his life you see no free time."

"That's because he has none. Every second is spent doing something."

"Does he push that on you guys as well?"

"A little." We waited at a crosswalk "He doesn't like us to be idle. School or work, and in Dick's case more work. But it keeps us on our toes."

"How many training hours do you guys log?"

"Generally three or four on school days, around six or seven on the weekend not counting my gymnastics courses."

"Wow, that's impressive. I've always tried to use my wrestling courses as training but you can only do so much. And most guys I face on the mat aren't trying to kill me."

"No, otherwise the sport would be much more fun to watch." I laughed and we walked up to the theatre.

We got tickets for a comedy, and it was a blissful two hours of holding Roy's hand and laughing. Afterwards he took me to an Italian restaurant in the modern district followed by a walk around the park under the star light. It was beautiful and just a little chilly. He took off his suit jacket and draped it around my shoulders.

"You know, tonight has been one of the best nights I've had in awhile." I sighed and rested my head on his shoulder.

"Better than the hospital room? I put a lot of time into that."

I giggled. "Much better."

"I guess I'll have to start taking you out more then." He tilted my head up and kissed me. "Although I half expected Javrin to hop out somewhere. He always tends to ruin our moments."

I couldn't meet his eyes. "Oh no, he lives in Gotham. It would be quite the chore to get all the way out here just to bother me."

"I'm glad it was just us. I enjoy spending time with you."

"And I enjoy spending time with you."

"You know, now that we're public, that does merit us certain privileges."

"Such as?"

"Combining our interests. You're a Wayne, and I work for Oliver Queen. Maybe we could do something to see each other more often."

"Excuse me?"

"I know you don't work for your Father but maybe we could get some kind of joint operation. You could head it so we could see each other more often."

"Are you trying to use me to get to Wayne Enterprises?"

"No Lissa, you know I wouldn't do that. It was just an idea. Please forget it."

"Yeah, I think I will." I shoved his coat at him and stormed off.

"No Lissa please, you know I didn't mean it like that."

"Get away from me."

"Lissa, please." He reached out and grabbed my arm.

My body ignited as I threw him back and he was slammed into a tree. Fire poured out of every inch of me. The flames pushed against the ground and carried me into the sky at the speed of a comet. The city flashed by in an instant and miles of forest passed before I started slowing down. My anger seemed to consume me, filling my very soul. I couldn't get away from it no matter how hard I tried. Every calm and soothing thought I had was vaporized by my hate and anguish. I was tired of being used and judged because of my name. Just because I was a Wayne did not mean I wanted to spend every second of the day being reminded of that fact. Roy must have only been interested in me first because of my connection to Batman, and then to Bruce when he found out who we were in the day. He must have only been interested in me because of what I was, not who I was. He had used me all along.

Eventually, after a few hours, my anger gave out. The second I was completely consumed by negative emotion, all of my hostility seemed to leave me in an instant and my flame fizzled. I crash landed in the woods, finally coming into a stop by ramming into a huge oak. I felt the leaves crunch as I fell and the world began to slip to black. Someone ran up to me panting, kneeling down to next to me.

"You're not ready for this yet…" they whispered.

I couldn't even remember to be afraid as I passed out.

I awoke on a cot in the Batcave. A heart monitor was hooked up to my finger and an IV ran into my wrist. I shuddered at the feeling of the needle in my arm and looked around. No one was down with me; they must be at school and work. I pulled out the IV and stood up, shaking slightly. My head swam a little as I pulled on some training clothes and went upstairs.

It was quiet and I couldn't even find Alfred in the house. I checked the date and time on my phone but it was nearly 5 at night on a Saturday. Where were they? I could clearly tell something was wrong with me. Just walking around the house was making me feel like I had run a marathon, and climbing the stairs to my bedroom was a nearly impossible feat. I didn't make it halfway up without having to take a break, and at the top I was puffing so hard my lungs hurt. I didn't make it to my room and instead crashed into Dick's door. I opened it and collapsed onto his bed, breathing heavily. I gratefully greeted sleep to soothe my tired muscles.

I woke up by Dick opening the door and coming in. He seemed surprised to see me but didn't jump.

"How are you feeling?"

"Like I was run over by a bulldozer. What happened?"

"Not sure. We know you went on a date with Roy but he called me flipping out and saying you flew away. We searched the nearby area for you all night but when we came back home there you were lying on the steps. You were out cold. We have no idea where you went."

"I remember fighting with Roy, and getting angry. I think I had an episode or something, I couldn't get away from it. I was just so angry. Then I remember flying over the town and a lot of trees before crash-landing somewhere in the woods. That's all I remember."

"Hm, I don't like that."

"Why?"

"It means that someone was around you while you were venerable, and that someone could possible know about your true identity."

"I'm sure it was just a bystander. Has anything popped up on the news?"

"No, we've been checking. We're hoping whoever brought you here is on our side because they haven't released anything to the press yet. But none of our surveillance shows anything. One second you're not there and then boom, there you are. Not even a shadow."

"Pretty sneaky."

"They'd have to be invisible to get past our measures. We're checking into it now. Why don't you get some sleep?"

"Alright." I slid to the edge of the bed and mentally braced myself to get up. I didn't even make it a foot before I hit the ground.

Dick caught me and returned me to his bed. "Just stay here, you're no bother. I'll tell Bruce where you are and get you something for dinner. Don't move."

I groaned, fighting the nausea that was racking my body. He returned ten minutes later with tomato soup and grilled cheese, and made me eat half of it before allowing me to stop. He then pulled the covers to my chin and nestled me in bed.

"I'm taking a shift tonight but make sure you get some rest. I'll be back in a few hours."

"Alright." I smiled, closing my eyes and inhaling the scent of his after shave.

I was in a cell with no windows and doors and there was a fire. It swirled around and crawled on the walls like a snake, then turned into a loin and roared at me. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't control the fire, it seemed to push back at me. It turned into a fiery image of me, beautiful but deadly.

"Just accept it and we'll be more powerful than the Prince will know what to do with. We'll melt him into oblivion." She laughed and flames absorbed me.

A hand shook my shoulder.

"Lissa?"

I gasped and shot up, sweating despite the chill in the room.

"Hey, it's okay." Dick was still in his Nightwing get-up but pulled me into a hug. A dusting of snow covered his shoulders and soaked through my shirt.

"I couldn't control it."

"Yes you can, just calm down. Keeping a level head is the key." He stroked my hair and waited for my breathing to even out.

Once I assured him I was alright he got up and quickly changed into pajama pants and a loose shirt before crawling in next to me. I knew sleep was out of the question for the rest of the night and he needed to wind down so we talked for a while.

"Have you talked to Roy yet?"

"No. The reason I got so angry with him was because he asked me to make a joint branch between our company and his, he said it was to 'see each other more' or something."

"Sounds reasonable?"

"I thought he liked me, not the company."

"Roy is just trying to be impressive. Don't take it to heart, it's clear to tell he cares about you."

"Ugh." I buried my face in a pillow. "I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Okay, you need your rest anyways."

"I'll go to my room."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure you don't want you're little sister hanging around all night. Sleep well." It took me longer than usual to hobble up the hall but I made it closing the door and falling into the soft plush of my comforter.