Part Three: Threats Rising

"Ow!" I cry. I bring my finger to my mouth and suck away the freshly formed droplet of blood on the tip of it.

Stupid cooking shows. They always make everything look so easy.

It's Saturday morning and I'm trying my hardest to keep up with Chef Bobby Flay, who's on television trying his hardest to show unskilled people, such as myself, how to cook superb omelets.

He's failing.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch!" I whimper as I knick my finger with the knife yet again. I sigh and push what onions I have managed to chop up into the mixing bowl, with the rest of the ugly chopped veggies. Who knew that cooking an omelet could be dangerous? Not me. I should have worn protective armor for this.

I pour the freshly chopped veggies into the frying egg and fold it inside. I feel pretty proud of myself. For someone who one time burned white rice, making a Bobby Flay omelet was a big feat.

It's been exactly four days since the strange phone call. I had immediately called Detective Blake and let him know that some creep was harassing me.

"Just hot air" he had called it. That doesn't explain why they have my phone number but Blake didn't think it was that big of a deal. So, I swept it under my mind's carpet. I hope that he's right. I haven't even brought it up in any of my conversations with Bane, so he's in the dark. I don't know what he'd make of it. He'd probably just brush it off. I get the feeling nothing scares the guy.

"Congratulations!" Bobby is saying. "Your omelet is ready to serve!"

"Yay!" I cheer along with the crowd as I dig my burnt omelet out of the frying pan. It dangles off of my spatula like a wet bag of yellow, slightly-charred putty. For a first try, I'd say I've done quite well. At least it's edible.

I cut the huge, fluffy omelet in half and put my cheesy half on one plate while dropping the other half into the blender for Bane. I'm a girl who likes to eat so I can't even begin to imagine how Bane survives off of liquids. I feel bad for him.

I'm still not brave enough to ask him about the mask, though. I don't know if it was from an accident, a traumatizing event, or just some sort of costume. Whatever it is, I'm not going to risk being chopped in half like this omelet to learn the reason.

I whistle a tune from my favorite cartoon as I carry the blender to Bane's room. His door is closed halfway. I knock politely on it.

"Breakfast!" I call out, trying to sound chipper. It's still taking some getting used to concerning his presence in my home but it's been getting easier. He's still the big, slightly unnerving, make-you-want-to-strangle-him guy.

"Come in," comes his raspy reply. I push open the door. Bane is sitting on the couch in his black, long-sleeved shirt, messing around with something long and flat. He looks slightly preoccupied as I approach him with the blender.

I glance down at what he's holding. It looks like an IV drip, complete with the bag and needle. "What's this for?" I ask curiously as I sit his blender on the nearby table.

"Eating," Bane states as he stretches out the IV's cord. I cringe. Having to plunge a needle into your arm every time you eat... That's a nightmare for someone who loves to eat and hates needles. No wonder he barely eats.

"I can help you with that," I offer while holding out my hand and giving him a smile. "Just tell me what to do."

I know I seem a little too eager to help, but I feel terrible. Almost a week of living together and here I am thinking that he takes off his mask to eat. What kind of hostess am I?

Bane turns his head just enough so that he can study me from the corner of his eye. "That won't be necessary."

I don't give up. "I'll be careful. Let me give it a try. It can't be fun doing it yourself all of the time."

Silence meets my words. I'm completely surprised when he presses the tube with the needle on the end into my palm.

"Near the blue vein," he directs. I stare into his eyes in shock as I take the needle from his hand. Finally coming to my senses, I shut my mouth and nod, hopefully convincing him that I do not have brain damage. I swallow, suddenly feeling nervous. I gently push up the long sleeve of his dark shirt all the way to his elbow. I can't believe I'm even thinking this, but Bane has very toned arms. It looks like he works out on a daily basis, which is so not the case. He's barely lifted a finger since he's moved in.

The injection site is easy to make out on his tan skin. It's obvious he uses the same site every time by how distorted the patch of skin on his arm looks. It's swelled to the size of a small apple and throbs every now and then. I retain my gag.

"Okay. I'll just slide it in..." I murmur while placing the cool needle against his arm. I rub the skin on the inside of his elbow with my thumb a few times. Bane's breathing is the only other sound in the room besides the distant chatter of the television. I can feel his eyes on my face as I work. I feel self-conscious but I'm determined to not make a fool out of myself just because he's staring at me.

I plunge the needle into his arm with only the tiniest bit of a squeal escaping my mouth. "There," I say with an ecstatic and relieved grin. "I think I did it!"

Bane continues to watch me with his intimidating, dark eyes. "Very good, Miss Rose!" he drawls. "Such dedication for one so young."

I grin in spite of myself. "You're not that old, are you, grandpa?" I tease while climbing to my feet and putting my hands on my hips. For some reason, I feel a bit sad at the sudden distance between us. For just a moment, we had seemed to be on the exact same wavelength as I carefully guided the needle to his vein, instead of the tumultuous, chaotic routes that seemed to clash every other hour.

Bane chuckles and my grin grows. I got a laugh out of him! This has to be the first time that's actually happened! Score 1 for Team Rose, baby!

"How old do I appear to you?" he asks while craning his neck to watch me pour his awesomely made omelet into his bag.

"Hmmm..." I hum while emptying the last of the blender's contents into his bag. I pat the bottom to ensure I got all of it out. "Lemme think…"

I'd never really given much thought to his age before this moment. "I don't know! I'm twenty. You can't be more than...thirty-five, can you?"

Bane tilts his head. "Do I appear to be that age in your eyes, Miss Rose?"

I laugh again and shrug while clutching the empty blender to me. "I don't know! Maybe? Can't you just tell me or would you like to continue this game of 21 Questions?"

"I wasn't aware that we were playing a game," Bane admits in a playful voice.

"Fine!" I cry out in exasperation, still laughing. "Don't tell me. Enjoy your breakfast." I turn to leave his room but his metallic voice stops me.

"Thank you for your assistance, Miss Rose."

I look over my shoulder at him and find him staring at me with the kindest look I've yet to see on his face. My mouth quirks up into a smile as I shift the blender into one arm so that I can grab the door knob. "You're welcome. And you can just call me Rose, if you want."

His eyes continue to watch me up until the moment I shut the door. I walk into my kitchen and drop the blender into the dishwasher in a daze.

Did Bane and I just talk like two normal, human beings? It seems highly impossible, improbable, and illogical, but it certainly just happened. I have the empty blender and vague smile to prove it. I don't know what got into either of us, but I suddenly feel as though these six months will be almost bearable.

Wow, Bobby Flay must have put some magic into these omelets.

My phone vibrates, bringing me out stupefication. "Hello?" I answer while sitting on the couch with my delicious and now cold omelet. I poke at it sadly with my fork. What a waste of a thirty minute cooking show. At least Bane's was warm when he got it.

"Ma'am? Detective Blake speaking."

"Good morning, Detective," I reply in a surprised voice. "What's going on?"

"I have some good and bad news for you."

"Oh no, I hate it when that happens," I say while placing my omelet aside. "Which one should I hear first?"

"Probably the good news."

"Okay, let's hear it."

"Well, I just got it cleared with the department and Bane doesn't have to accompany you to class or work anymore."

I do a silent cheer of happiness. These two environments were just too much to handle with Bane there. I already didn't like them all that much. With Bane added into the mix, I was ready to jump from the nearest window.

"That's great!" I beam. "I guess you might as well hit me with the bad news now."

"The bad news," Blake begins, "is that a lot of people have figured out that you're the one giving refuge to Bane."

I sigh and bunch my knees against my chest. "What are they saying?" I force myself to ask him. I don't really want to know the answer but if there's some sort of hit out on me, I'd like to know.

"They're demanding for you to turn him over to the police. They're also demanding personal information about yourself such as your phone number, address, background..."

"Did you guys give them any of it?"

"No," Blake says a little too quickly. "Not me, at least," he repeats. He sounds vaguely angry and disappointed when he speaks again. "One or more of the police officers here also want Bane back in prison so they may have given out some of your information to citizens."

"What?" I nearly scream. "They handed over my information to a bunch of people who want me and Bane dead?!"

"Not necessarily dead," Blake assures me in a calm, authoritative voice. "We're working on finding out who these officers were and getting them out of the system."

"Thanks," I reply blankly. "What am I supposed to do now?" These insane people now know very sensitive details about my life. They could be anywhere right now. They could be outside of my apartment, just waiting for their opportunity to strike...

"It's confirmed!" The TV is suddenly blaring. I look at the screen just in time to catch a photo of me with the caption "Terrorist Accomplice" flashing across the bottom. My jaw literally drops.

"This girl," Candace Weaver is saying as she flips her blonde extensions, "has been confirmed to be the person currently giving refuge to Bane, the well-known terrorist who planned to blow Gotham City to bits with an atomic bomb."

"What the heck..." I mutter as I shake my head and hold the sides of my face. I clutch the phone tightly in my hand. "Um, they didn't release any information to the media, did they?" I ask Blake.

Blake clears his throat. "There's a slight possibility that they have-"

I hold the phone away from my ear and bang my head back against the couch. That's it. My life is over. Everyone and their granny will be headed to my apartment by the time this broadcast has ended, with pitchforks and torches in hand. I may as well pack up now.

Candace is still speaking. "Pure hysteria has erupted around Gotham. Clans of so-called "Abolishers" have risen out of Bane's ashes and say that they plan on killing Bane and saving our city. Although police are doing their best to quell the fire rising throughout the city, not much seems to be able to be done."

"I can't believe this," I whimper as I lower my head between my knees. I take a few deep breaths to calm myself down, ignoring Blake's pleas to answer him.

People are out to kill me! People who know exactly how I look and most likely where I live! What could Blake possibly have to say that will make me feel better?

There's only one way to ensure my safety in all of this: turn in Bane. But what kind of person would I be if I turned a man over to a group of bloodthirsty citizens, knowing they would kill him?

A smart one, a voice whispers in my mind.

I mentally squash the voice with my thumb and then rub at my temples. I'm stuck. I can't turn Bane over and I don't want to die.

"Ma'am," Blake is saying. "Keep your head up until this passes. And it will. Take Bane out every now and then, show the people that he's a changed man and they'll back off."

I contemplate his words. "You think they'll leave us alone?" I sniffle. That would be a bonafide miracle. Too bad Bane would actually have to want to change for this to work.

"Yes," Blake says in a firm voice. "I know it. Everyone just needs time."

"I hope you're right."

"Until then, I'll personally keep an eye on your apartment for you, just in case, alright?"

I nod even though he can't see me. Or can he? Is he watching me with the security cams right now? "Okay," I say anyway. A hopeful smile flickers onto my face. "Thank you, Detective."

The confidence in his voice reassures me. "You're welcome. Stay safe."

The phone call ends and I slip my phone into the pocket of my pajamas. A brief sigh escapes my lips. Maybe Blake is right. Maybe this will all blow over once everyone see what a great guy Bane is.

My mind travels back to Tuesday, when Bane taunted Trevor in class. That isn't a great example of the changes to come but it's a great starting point. I stand up, a determined look burning in my eyes.

Today starts the day that Bane really begins his rehab. By the time I'm finished with him, he'll be rocking a business suit and handing out flowers to children.

I take a bite of my cold omelet and frown. Okay, maybe too much, too soon. If I can just get him to hold his tongue, that would be great.

I want to be forceful and call him in here but my quiet voice would never carry all the way through this apartment. I get shy even speaking up in class so demanding for a criminal mastermind to come to me is a bit difficult. I heave a sigh and march back to his room. I give the door a few knocks. "Hey, Bane?" I ask. "Can we talk for a sec?"

"The door's unlocked," he replies from the other side.

I know that, jerkface. Maybe I just wanted to be polite instead of busting into your room like you do to me.

I push the door open and lean against the doorframe. Bane is in the same position that he was a few minutes ago, except now he had another novel in his hands. He enjoys reading, much like myself. It's no wonder he has such an extensive vocabulary.

Unsure of what to do with my hands, I simply cross my arms over my chest and screw my mouth over to the side. "Detective Blake just called. He says you don't have to go with me to class or work anymore." I've yet to go to work since I acquired my new roommate, but I already know that being stuck in a department store all day would be no fun for him.

"This must please you," Bane says. I'm glad that he's giving me his full attention. Whenever I talk to him, he usually pauses whatever he's doing to focus on me. It can be a little unnerving having him watch me so closely but it's nice having someone actually listen for once. I'm usually the one doing all of the listening in conversations, so it's a nice change of pace for me.

"I won't lie and say things won't be a little less tense in class," I admit. "I figured you'd be pleased, too."

"Oh, immensely," Bane says in a happy tone, the one where his voice goes up an octave.

I grin and shake my head. "Good, so we're both happy with this. Anyway, that was the good news. The bad news is that, apparently, groups of Gotham citizens are on the hunt for me and you."

This news doesn't faze Bane in the slightest. "It was only a matter of time before the people of Gotham decided to band together and fight. It is what I've taught them."

My mouth drops in disbelief. "You're not worried?" I ask incredulously. "They know where I live, where you live! They even showed a picture of me on the morning news!"

"Are you frightened?"

His question throws me off. I put my hands on my hips and look around, wondering if he's serious. "Well, yeah, I'm 'frightened'! There are people out there who want to kill me! I think being scared is the normal reaction for a person to have in a situation like this!"

Bane takes in a large amount of air. "Only the weak allow themselves to feel frightened. The weak cower in fear from their enemies. The strong stand against them."

This isn't some epic war movie! I don't need your moving speech before heading to battle! I want to scream this in his face but that would likely get me nowhere.

"Fine," I relent while rubbing a hand down my face. "I'm weak, then. But Detective Blake and I came up with a plan to ensure both of our safety so that there won't be any need to 'stand' against anyone."

When Bane doesn't speak, I proceed. "Blake thinks that if people were to see how normal you are, how not dangerous you can be, everyone would give you a break. It's a decent idea, I think."

Before Bane can utter a word, my phone blares out its ringtone.

"Hang on, please," I tell him while putting my cell to my ear. "Hello?" I ask.

"Did you see yourself on TV?" a familiar voice asks in disbelief.

"Yes! I don't even know how they got my picture!" I reply back, matching the disbelief in my mama's voice.

"Why didn't you tell me you were hiding fugitives in your house?"

"Mom, he's going through rehabilitation," I reply, trying to turn my back to Bane discreetly. "I'm trying to help him."

"You should come stay here for a few months, just until everything blows over," Mom says in what I like to call her "panicky, you-better-listen-to-me" voice.

"It's okay, Mom," I tell her. "We're going to be fine. If it gets really bad, then maybe I'll see if the Detective will let us come down."

I can just imagine the look on Mom's face. "Us? You're bringing that man, too?"

"We have to be together during the next six months. I'm kind of like his guardian." I cast a look at Bane and find him watching me with that unreadable expression that drives my nerves crazy. I wonder if he dislikes the idea of having a guardian.

"Well," Mom is saying. "I guess you both can come down, if that's the case. Just call me and let me know when. And tell that criminal he better not lay one finger on you."

"Okay, Mommy. I love you. Bye." I end the call and give Bane a forced smile. "My mom says hi."

"I can imagine her greeting," Bane replies dryly. "Extend my most gracious greetings to your mother next time."

"I'm sure you'll get to meet her before long," I say truthfully. I slide my phone into my pocket and place my fists on my hips. "So, what do you think of Blake's plan?"

Bane seems to mull it over. His eyes slowly crawl to the ceiling. He exhales before answering, "It's a necessary plan, for you. A woman living alone must always have a plan devised."

"Thank you for taking me back to the 1920's, Mr. Sexist. And it's a 'necessary' plan for you, too. How do you expect to complete your rehabilitation if everyone in Gotham City is afraid of you? The police will keep you locked up forever! You've got to show everyone that you're not dangerous and that you won't try to hurt another soul."

Silence always seems to be Bane's reply when he has no answer or agrees with me. I smile to myself. Score 2 for Team Rose! Whoop, whoop!

"I for one think that you can do it," I throw in while stepping into his room. I want to sit next to him on the couch and throw an arm over his shoulder but I'm afraid I won't get that arm back. Another example of why he needs to show everyone, including myself, that he is not dangerous.

"Do you now?" Bane's voice is tinged with a light playfulness. His expressive eyes study my face. "What gives you that impression?"

I feel my face heat up under his gaze. My eyes drop to the floor and I shift around uncomfortably. I can't tell him that our little friendly moment this morning had given me that impression. It's a little embarrassing but just thinking of this morning is enough to put a small smile on my face, even now.

I swallow and shrug, a platonic smile on my lips. "I j-just, um, know." I pause to clap my hands together and put a big smile on my face. "Now, where do you want to go today, Bane? I don't have to work until 5PM, so we can stay out for a good amount of time~! Doesn't that sound fun?" Okay, I sound like an overexcited preschool teacher.

Bane must have thought so too because his heavy breathing is the only reply I get.

I try again. "Alright, how about the library? You like to read, right? We can go check out some books to bring back here."

Bane's eyebrows shoot up and he gives a slow nod.

I grin widely. "Great! Just let me get ready and we can go!"

I hop out of his room before he has the chance to rethink his choice. I personally think that the library is a great choice for a nice outing into Gotham City. There's relatively few people there. The ones that are there are usually old and kind so I don't have to worry about some kind of riot breaking out. Plus, as a bonus for myself, I love to read. I can stay at a library all day if I pick up the right book and begin on it. I hope Bane will enjoy the outing as much as I plan to.

I hurry through a shower and teeth brushing before throwing on a pair of dark jeggings with a creamy lace top riddled with cool designs. It happens to be see-through so I'm sure to put a tank top on beneath it first. Hopefully it's not too much for an outing to the library. It's pretty casual for the most part, not to mention kind of cute. I can't stand getting dressed up for school, but I love dressing up when I go anywhere else. School is kind of uninspiring, isn't it?

I take a flat iron to my dark hair and put a few curls in with a couple of twists of my wrist. I spray a sweet-smelling sheen spray (try saying that three times fast) onto my hair before sliding on my sandals, grabbing my purse, and exiting my room.

"Alright, I'm ready! Let's show these people how sweet you are!" I shout as I head for the front door. It's a bit chilly for mid-August so I grab my dark sweater from the coat rack and throw it on. I tap my foot impatiently on the linoleum-lined floor beneath me. I'm ready to put these crazy threats to rest so that these next six months can pass relatively easy and preferably without death.

Bane finally walks into the room, walking as slow and deliberate as a hefty turtle. I screw my mouth up at him and force myself to look stern.

"We've really got to show everyone that you're a good guy. Please, hold off on all of that 'necessary evil, Gotham's reckoning' kind of stuff. We need people to feel comfortable around you."

"Have you grown comfortable around me, Rose?" he asks. His question throws me for a loop. Sure, I've grown a bit more comfortable around him but I'm still a little on edge having him anywhere near me. He's proven to me that he most likely will not hurt me but there's still the fact that he's a huge guy capable of breaking bones.

"Um," I state, unsure of how to answer. "I, uh... A little bit, I think. We've only been living together for less than a full week."

"And you expect the people of Gotham to change their opinions of me...without the luxury of knowing me personally?"

Well, darn. That's a legitimate question, one that I just might not have the answer for. People out here will only get to see glimpses of the man I'm "privileged" to get to see every day. Would their opinions of him really change with only that?

"We've got to give it a try," I say firmly while pulling the front door open. The chilly air hits me like a wet blanket. "It might take a bit but they'll change their minds."

Bane and I step into the chilled morning air of Gotham City and make our way to my ol' trusty Mustang. Although the air conditioning doesn't work, my car is fortunate to have working heat. As soon as I climb in, I turn the heat and radio on.

"Ooh, I love this song," I can't help but say as I rock my head from side to side. "Ain't it Fun" by Paramore is playing. This song was my anthem when I first moved out of my mom's place to join the meticulous crowds of Gotham City. It had been scary but exciting, all at the same time.

Sort of like living with Bane.

Bane gets into the car. He has to duck his head super low just to get inside. I feel a bit bad but it's the only car we have to work with right now.

"Alright, we're off!" I announce as I back my baby out of her spot and join the slightly crowded highway. Since it's the weekend and it's morning, not too many cars are plaguing the roads. For someone like me, who hates to drive, this is the perfect time to be on the roads.

"Ain't it fun...living in the real world?" I sing softly as we pass through a yellow light. I would sing louder but I'm way too shy. I've never been proud of my soft, quiet voice. Years of people telling me to speak up and that I resemble a chipmunk have pretty much demolished any chance of being prideful in my high-pitched voice. Hopefully, Bane doesn't hear me...

""What a lovely, lovely voice," Bane murmurs suddenly, nearly making me swerve off of the road.

I steady the car and shoot him an embarrassed look. He's watching me with a bemused expression twinkling in his eyes. "Y-Y-You heard me?" I squeak. This song usually released my inner singer and had me belting out the lyrics like Adele, but only if I'm alone. "Sorry, I probably burst your eardrums."

"Not at all," Bane assures me in a sincere voice. "Your voice is quite lovely."

Gosh, is he trying to make me get in a car accident?! My face is aflame as we speed down the road with me trying to keep my head turned from him. It's not every day that I get a compliment from someone. A compliment from someone of the opposite gender is unheard of in Roseland. My face is burning up over here and I'm pretty sure he can see my face darkening.

"W-Well, we're here!" I announce a little too loudly. This car ride needs to end—immediately. One more second of driving and I think my head might explode with embarrassment. The large, dark building of Gotham Library looms over my small car like a sinister castle. In fact, it originally was a castle. Everyone told stories of the royal family that used to live in it. They were each brutally murdered under their roof hundreds of years ago by some unseen force. Today, people didn't step foot into the place... without stopping to take a selfie at the front doors.

I tell Bane the library's history as we pull into the parking lot, mostly as a distraction from our earlier conversation.

"Interesting," is all Bane says. Killjoy. I happen to think creepy stuff is awesome. As a kid, Goosebumps was one of my favorite book series.

I turn off the car and hop out with Bane right behind me. I'm happy to see that the parking lot isn't very packed, meaning less people inside. We need to start this thing off like a video game—Level One. The library will act as our Level One. Not many people, everything's indoors, and the age group is usually 55+. Perfect!

We begin stepping up the ridiculously high stairs that lead to the library's front doors. "Stop me if you already know this," I say as we ascend the stairs, "but we have to be really quiet once we get inside. The librarians will eat you alive if you shout in here."

"These librarians must be a thing to behold," Bane says in a joking manner.

"Seriously, Bane!" I laugh. "They're pretty mean. Just make sure you whisper." I find myself pitying Bane just slightly. What kind of life has he been leading where he doesn't even know what a librarian is or how to behave in a library? It can't have been a great one.

We finally make it to the front doors. Using the last of my strength, I pull the double doors open and nearly fall back down the stairs. Of course, Big Bane, who isn't even out of breath like I am, doesn't move a muscle to help me. I guess I'll have to teach him about chivalry sooner or later. And no, chivalry is so not dead. Doing polite things for a girl is still cute in my book.

Speaking of books...Books! Gotham Library is filled to the brim with my dusty buddies. Millions of books line the great, towering shelves that are packed in the dark-themed walls of this castle. You'll always find something interesting in one of them.

The floors are made of a glossy, red wood while the walls are painted a lustrous black. Giant paintings from the Classical era are hung around the room, displaying proud monarchs, peaceful flower fields, and beautiful sunsets.

"Isn't it great?" I ask Bane. I get no response. When I look over at him, I find him making eye contact with the three horrified librarians behind the front desk. They're all clustered together like a flock of scared owls, mouths agape, glasses perched at the tips of their noses.

I clear my throat and tug lightly on Bane's sleeve. He pulls his eyes away from the librarians to look at me. I lean a bit closer to him and whisper, "Try not to intimidate the librarians, okay? They're only here to help us."

Bane barely dignifies me with a nod. His attention has been captured by the brilliant displays of thick, dusty books lining the walls.

I give him a smile. "Let's split up to find books and then meet up at that table," I point at a round table pushed in a corner. "We can check them out together."

Bane is off before I can even finish my instructions. I huff at his retreating back before spinning around and heading toward the young adult section. It's my favorite genre of book, followed closely by fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi. Anything that takes the normal, everyday life and warps it into a magical place is my kind of book.

I'm loaded down with books in less than five minutes. I always check out too many books. I usually grab a ton, knowing that some most likely won't grab my attention. Hopefully, I'll strike gold in one of these books.

That's when I see it. It's a new James Patterson book, one that I've yet to read. Did I mention that I just love crime/mystery books? Mr. Patterson is a master when it comes to that genre. His books have a way of sucking you into them, to the point that you feel as though you're running alongside the detective, struggling to catch a convicted killer, and awaiting the chance to throw out a few witty one-liners.

I stand on my tip-toes and try to grab it. Of course, it happens to be right out of my reach. Growing irritated, I stand on one foot and swing my hand around in a wild attempt to even touch the book. My finger doesn't even graze it.

Being short can be a curse.

With a huff, I lower myself back to the ground and glance around. Bane is nowhere in sight and I doubt he would even help me get it down. I suppose I could find a ladder but those things really scare me. After watching enough movies where people toppled entire libraries because of these things, ladders were a great fear of mine.

"Were you trying to reach something?"

My head swivels back around at the unfamiliar voice speaking to me. A grin filled with pearly white teeth nearly blinds me upon my turning.

"I can help you, if you want," the person says. And what a person he is. He is genuinely handsome. His honey-brown skin is perfect and unblemished. His smile is simply lovely to look at, like one of those male models in sales papers that always look to be having such a great time. He's like someone's masterpiece painting come to life.

Did I mention he's wearing a beanie? I love beanies!

"Um, yeah. Th-That book right there," I manage to stutter out once my tongue became untied. I want to slap myself in the face. I sound like a blubbering idiot. He probably thinks I'm one, too.

"This James Patterson book?" Masterpiece asks while pointing to it.

"Yeah."

Masterpiece reaches up to grab the book, causing his sleeves to fall back just a bit. Football-player arms are revealed beneath them. I feel like I'm going to puke. I always get nervous around guys I find cute, especially when they're showing me attention. One time, I nearly threw up over a guy trying to show me how to work my new laptop. Needless to say, he's never spoken to me again.

"Here we go!" Masterpiece announces while taking the book down. He studies the cover a bit, making me feel self-conscious and judged. I get that feeling a lot, believe me.

"You're into crime novels, huh?" he asks. He gives me a crooked grin. "I actually like them a lot myself."

My eyes widen with surprise and I can't fight the smile from my face. "Really? Me too!" I freeze, realizing my blunder. "I mean, uh, yeah! They're pretty awesome." Someone, just hit the "abort mission" button for me and get me out of here.

"I didn't know any people my age came down here. Do you go to GU?" he asks, the gorgeous grin still present upon his god-like features.

"Yep," I reply, while trying to inwardly calm myself down. "It's my third year attending. What about you?"

"I graduate in the spring. I'll be part of the real world before I know it." We share a laugh. Sigh...Even his laugh sounds perfect.

"Oh, right. Here's your book," Masterpiece says while handing me the thick novel. Our fingers brush just slightly while the book exchanges hands. I'm not sure how, but it feels like little bolts of electricity jump between our fingers as they separate.

I clutch the book to my chest and give him a shy smile. "Thank you for helping me."

"No problem. My name's Kole, by the way. And do you have a name to go with that pretty face?"

My face lights up like a red rose. Guys are just being charitable when it comes to handing out compliments today, aren't they? I give him my real name but add, "You can call me Rose, if you'd like."

"Rose, huh? Well, it's been nice meeting you, Rose. I hope I get to see you again soon." With those last few words, Kole walks off, leaving me clutching a forgotten novel in my hand.

Okay, it's been quite some time since I've actually been interested in a guy. When I say interested, I mean the guy's stolen my attention and left me breathless. I haven't had a boyfriend since the 12th grade and that only lasted a month. I have no clue what a real relationship with a guy feels like, what it's supposed to feel like. Whatever just happened between myself and Kole, I think it's supposed to feel like that.

Butterflies are dancing around my stomach as I gather up my books and head off to find Bane. I find him in the non-fiction section, leaning against the wall with a large book balanced in his gloved hands. I read the cover as I approach him. "Governments of the Middle East". Hm. Interesting selection. I notice that there are a few nervous people on the end of the section, just waiting for Bane to leave.

I go over and stand beside him, mimicking his position on the wall. He barely spares me a glance. I blow out a huff of air and decide to start the conversation. "Find any good books?" I ask politely.

"Of course! Libraries seem to specialize in providing them," he says in a voice dripping with sarcasm. It's always hard to tell how he's saying things with the mask on, but I'm getting better at interpreting him.

"Ha-ha. I see you've been reading some books from the comedy section," I say dryly. I push off of the wall and hold out my stack of books proudly. "I found some pretty great books, too! Ready to check out?"

Bane snaps his book closed and places it atop my stack. I nearly fall over from the added weight. "Yes," he replies. "Come." He begins walking towards the desk, leaving me with the giant stack of books.

I mutter a few choice words concerning a certain masked man as I make my way to the desk filled with terrified old women.

I drop the books on the wooden counter with a slam and smile at the women. "Good morning! We'd like to check these out."

"O-Of course..." One of the women begins to immediately scan our books. Poor lady! Her wrinkled hands are trembling under the weight of Bane's penetrating gaze. She's trying her hardest to get the books scanned properly and put into a bag, but she keeps dropping things.

Another woman, one known to be the meanest of the three, gives Bane a dubious look before glaring at me. The thin, bird-like woman curls her pasty lips up into a disgusted sneer. "So, you're the one giving refuge to the criminal, right?"

I blink at her, surprised. "Um, yes ma'am, that would be me. He's no longer a criminal, though," I remind her in as kind of a voice as I can muster up.

"You should be ashamed of yourself," the old woman hisses with narrowed eyes. "If you'd just give this little shenanigan up, Gotham City would be a peaceful place. How stupid can you get?"

My face burns with embarrassment. The woman's loud voice is drawing the attention of the rest of the people in the library. She's causing a scene, something I hate being a part of.

"And you!" The woman turns her scathing glare on Bane, who is watching her with unfazed eyes. "You should be locked in prison with the rest of the crazy animals!" she screams. "Gotham is a good city, a city that doesn't need monsters like you in it!" The woman's curly hair is a mess by the time she's finished. Her skirtsuit is twisted into a distorted array of gray wrinkles.

That does it. Confrontations have never been my forte, but this old hag is asking for it. Calling me names was enough but insulting Bane when he's trying to change and show people what he's capable of is crossing the line.

"Excuse me, but the last time I checked, Gotham City has the highest crime rate of any city in the entire world," I correct her while placing my hands on my hips. I raise one of my hands and gesture at Bane. "And this is a man, not an animal or a monster, like you keep calling him!" I can't blame Bane for looking surprised at my words. I'm surprising myself. "He's trying his hardest to show Gotham that he's a changed man and that the outside world can benefit with someone as smart as him in it. It's judgmental people like you that shouldn't be in Gotham!"

I push away from the desk, spin on my heel and head for the exit, leaving the librarians speechless. Darn it. I forgot my books. Oh well, I guess. The books aren't worth another second in that despicable woman's presence. Besides, I want to make this exit as dramatic as I can.

I step down the stairs as quickly as possible, trying to put as much distance as I can between me and the library. There's also the fact that I'm on the verge of tears. Arguing with anyone, even if they're in the wrong, is enough to drive me into hysteric tears for the next few days.

I manage to keep the tears at bay as I climb in my car and start it up. "Stupid lady..." I mutter. "She's stupid, not me. Who's she to call anyone a monster when she's the one judging Bane?"

"Monsters differ in every man's eyes."

I nearly jump through the roof of my car as Bane opens the door and climbs in.

"She shouldn't have called you that," I murmur while swiping at my eyes, which are filled with unshed tears. "You're trying so hard now and no one's giving you the benefit of the doubt."

Bane watches me with careful, calculating eyes. I'm ashamed in myself for even letting that old bag get to me. I can't meet his gaze.

He speaks. "No one accepts change without an ounce of fear. People will never trust a man that threatened their safety and brought about that change."

"I trust..." My mouth freezes. Bane's eyes widen a bit, his breathing rate shifting just the tiniest bit. My own breathing is still heavy from the altercation with the librarian. I let my sentence hang in the cool air between us.

I can't bring myself to finish it. To finish it would be to admit something I'm not sure I'm ready to yet. Do I really trust Bane? He's never once threatened me. Sure, he can be an egotistical jerk with no sense of chivalry or precaution, but the fact is that he's trying. He asked to be put on this rehab program. That meant something, right?

But do I trust him? To say I trust him would mean to put myself on the opposite side of every other soul contained in Gotham City.

I'm not ready. I lower my gaze to the mask swaddling his face and sigh. "I'm sorry she said those things to you."

Am I imagining things or was that the slightest look of disappointment that flashed through Bane's eyes? "She said them, not you," he reminds me. His voice sounds slightly deeper, as if he's sleepy. Does his mask need charging or something? It sounds like a toy that's running low on batteries.

"I know but I brought you here. And we didn't even get our books!" I realize with a sad pout. I'm shocked when Bane pulls out every single one of the books from the folds of his brown bomber jacket.

"Awww, you got them for us!" I squeal while grabbing my books from him. I'm tempted to leap across the seat and hug him but I'm not exactly sure how he would react. Violently? Most likely. I settle for giving him my biggest smile. "Thank you, Bane. That was nice of you." I know he probably stole them since he has no library card but that's fine by me. That old bat deserves it.

Bane surprises me with his reply. "You're welcome."

Well, that hadn't been the reply I'd been expecting. I'd expected some snarky comeback or maybe an epic quote or two, but YOU'RE WELCOME? Wow.

Maybe he really is changing.

(A/N: Hmmm... Seems like Rose is a good influence on her roomie!

Next time, it's a special three-part vacation episode in which our opposite duo travels outside of Gotham City to take a break from the hectic-ness. But a trip away from one problem leads right into another as Rose discovers that she might need Bane's protection as much as he needs hers.