Chapter 17
Author: I. AM. SO. SORRY. THIS. TOOK. SO. LOOOOOOOOONG. AHHHH. Thank you all for being extremely patient - and a special thank you to those that took the time to leave reviews! Your reviews are 100% a huge motivator for getting these chapters published. I love hearing what you think of the story - and I also love hearing complaints that I'm taking too long with the next chapter :D It makes me go, "Oh crap I better hurry!" Hahah! I apologize this chapter was CRAZY delayed due to life things happening. I hope everyone is hunkered down, healthy, and safe at home during these weird times! Also, a HUUUUUGEEEE thank you to Andrea for editing this chapter :3 I owe you so much! You're amazing! THE BEST EDITOR EVER!
Disclaimer: I do not own Batman or any of the characters within the franchise. I own the original characters of this story as well as the plot that are not directly tied to the movie.
Time to Neutron Bomb Explosion: 2 days
The tension that had permeated the air within the penthouse for the past several days had evaporated and was instead replaced with a sense of urgency mingled with an odd sense of relief from Bane. His relief, strangely, wasn't due to the fact that everything was going according to plan in regard to the neutron bomb explosion. While knowing he wouldn't have to urgently see to last-minute distractions that would take him away from the penthouse (specifically, Myra) did ease his mind, his mental state was strongly influenced by the dissolution of the emotional barrier between him and Myra.
Bane escalated in settling and resolving several of his business affairs so that he could spend more time with her as the explosive day loomed. On this particular day, Bane was determined to have all of his procedures and plans for the 'big day' run smoothly. This meant he had to excuse himself from the penthouse for a predominant portion of the day. This didn't prevent him from making quick periodic drop-ins back to the top floor luxury suite where both he and Myra cohabitated. He stayed just long enough for him to quickly hone-in on Myra's location within the suite, aggressively march towards her, and snatch her up quickly with considerable force and abruptness. He held her firmly in place against his chest while she settled from her startlement before eventually fully processing what was happening. He held her close against his body for several long moments, slowly breathing into the fine hairs at the top of her head before depositing her back down and making his way back outside to continue his work just as abruptly as he came. Myra blinked and resettled from her shock and confusion at feeling like she got caught up in a whirlwind tornado attack. She would stare at his departure point for a few seconds before going back to whatever activity she had been doing before being interrupted so spontaneously, displaying the same level of confusion and awe the next time he came in - usually only an hour or two later - to repeat his affections.
Myra loved these frequent, quick spurts of affection, but it also made her worry for reasons she couldn't initially comprehend. Then she realized what it was; he reminded her of someone who was diving underwater without oxygen and making quick periodic breaks to the surface to fill his lungs with air before diving back down. It was almost as if he were unsure of when the next time would be when he could fill his lungs with life-giving oxygen; as if he were a man who could feel water slowly filling his lungs because he was trapped underwater with nowhere else to go, but wanting nothing more than to keep living; to keep breathing. It made her uncomfortable though she knew it shouldn't. He certainly wasn't drowning.
Bane eventually returned late in the evening looking tired and exhausted. Not too tired to prepare dinner, however. As he was preparing them food in the kitchen, he spoke to her idly over his shoulder.
"Pack a few things for tomorrow. We're going away for the night," he said casually.
Myra's attention perked up from the light trance she had been in.
"What? We are? Where are we going?" she asked with mild skepticism.
She couldn't help the internal defensive barrier erupting around her. She knew what happened last time Bane had coerced her into the false pretenses of a 'trip'. She didn't want to be fooled again. At least she would be ready this time. She did already have all of her things packed in a bag just outside the front door.
Bane didn't look up from the food he was slowly stirring.
"It's a surprise. You'll have to wait until tomorrow," he said in a mildly teasing tone while he dished out their dinner on plates.
As Bane turned and put a plate in front of her, he saw where her mind was racing off to and nipped it in the bud immediately.
"This is not a ploy. I promised you that we would go someplace just the two of us, did I not? Granted, you desired for us to venture off somewhere post Gotham...I hope you will forgive me for altering that little detail," Bane said as he gave her an affectionate rub behind her shoulders before he went and sat down.
Myra looked up at him as he said this, feeling nothing but sincerity coming from him. This eased her mind considerably. She let out a tired but relieved sigh and dug into her food, curiosity consuming her brain as to where he was going to take them the following day.
After their meal, Myra urged him to stay seated in his chair so that she could go grab the first aid kit and change his forehead bandage caused by him planting his head into the hallway wall. Bane sat obediently while Myra ran from the kitchen to grab the first-aid supplies. When she came back, she stood between his spread legs, using her hands to assist in removing his mask before her fingers explored and prodded the wound searching for any signs of infection before changing the dressing. Bane stared at her with intent fascination as she did this, bringing both of his hands up to rest on either side of her hips. Myra did her best to try and ignore his intense gaze and the gentle periodic squeezes from his hands on her hips.
She finished cleaning his small wound and replaced it with a bandage before grabbing his head between her hands to cap the wound-dressing ceremony with a gentle kiss to expedite the healing process. Bane continued to stare with unwavering focus, his hands still planted firmly against her hips, his expression transitioning into passive laziness implying how he thoroughly enjoyed the special treatment and comfort Myra provided. When she was done and moved to take a step back, Bane didn't let her leave. His hands began to roam up her sides before ensnaring her, locking her in a loose hug and drawing her in close so that he could bury his naked face directly into her chest. Myra relented, wrapping both of her arms around his bald head and leaned down to shower the top of his shiny domed head with more soft delicate kisses while he took deep appreciative breaths against her chest directly between her breasts. She grinned at his grabby and clingy display, but eventually his need to put the mask back on became too great; his body suddenly became rigid and still with pain and he reached for his mask with unmistakable reluctance.
Time to Neutron Bomb Explosion: 1 days
Myra couldn't help but feel cautiously optimistic the following morning at the prospect of a trip with Bane out of the city. Bane, on the other hand, was experiencing what he could only perceive to be some level of 'anxiety'. He did not look forward to having to call Talia to inform her of the seemingly impromptu trip he had planned, particularly since the neutron bomb explosion was set to go off the following day and complications were expected to arise. Almost as if on cue, Bane received a phone call from Talia essentially easing the burden on him of having to contact her first.
"I'm meeting with Lucius Fox in an hour. Apparently, Commissioner Gordon is assembling individuals together and Lucius is bringing me to them. Now is the perfect opportunity to rid ourselves of Gordon," Talia said.
"What would you have me do?" Bane questioned with mild skepticism. Talia continued, appearing to either ignore or fail to detect his skepticism.
"I'm coordinating an ambush with Barsad and several of our men to help bring him in. They will need to be judged at the courthouse. You will need to be there for the judgement and to extract me from Crane's judgement," Talia said.
Bane was silent for several seconds as he processed what was being said to him. He had hoped to depart earlier in the day for his trip with Myra, but knew that was impossible given the news that Talia just gave him.
"Very well," Bane said, deciding now was not the ideal time to tell Talia of his intent to temporarily leave Gotham as he disconnected the call.
Bane left Myra several hours later in the penthouse building to go and attend to the sordid business of dealing with Commissioner Gordon and Talia. He wasted no time making his way straight to the courthouse to oversee the judgement proceedings. He stood back behind the crowd of onlookers and hecklers to rest comfortably against a large stone pillar, knotting a paracord string he pulled from his pocket with idle proficiency. It wasn't long before Commissioner Gordon, Lucius Fox, Talia, and several other officers made their way to stand in front of Crane for judgement at the courthouse.
"No lawyer? No witnesses? What sort of due process is this?" Commissioner Gordon shouted to Crane.
"Your guilt has been determined. This is merely a sentencing hearing. Now, what will it be? Death...or exile?" Crane retorted, lifting a brow.
"Crane, if you think we're going out onto that ice willingly...you have another thing coming," Commissioner Gordon said defiantly.
Crane nodded, taking in Gordon's words with seeming empathy.
"Death, then," Crane said almost reluctantly before lifting his shoulders up nonchalantly.
"Looks that way!" Gordon shouted back.
"Very well. Death...by exile," Crane said with a loud bang from his judge hammer followed by cheers erupting from the boisterous crowd of criminals, riff-raff, Bane's men, and thugs.
Bane's men rushed forward to grab hold of Gordon, Fox, Talia, and a handful of other officers under Gordon's command. This prompted Bane to speak up from his spot in the back against the cement pillar.
"Bring her to me," Bane said with a mild flick of his finger to indicate Talia, his concentration focused downward at the paracord knot he was idly tying.
Barsad grabbed Talia aggressively and dragged her towards Bane. Talia gave him a sideways glance as an indicator that he didn't need to be so aggressive. Barsad ignored her.
Bane and Barsad began leading Talia to a holding area further within the courthouse with other captives too valuable for disposal. They didn't say a word to each other, and the somewhat aggressive-looking shove by Barsad as he corralled Talia into the holding area marked by barbed wire, barriers, and guards was a bit too convincing. Talia gave Barsad a piercing glare that also seemed perhaps a bit too genuine as she juggled with playing the parts of Miranda Tate and Talia al Ghul.
Bane gave Talia one last glance before he and his men proceeded to exit outside. They made their way to the frozen water's edge where people were forced to grapple with the reality that they must walk across the frozen ice or get shot.
Bane was surprised to see that it was already dark out; time seemed to have slipped away from him. The day had dragged on much longer than he had anticipated. He had such precious little time left; he could almost feel the sands of time flowing down the back of his neck as if from a physical hourglass. He felt a slight chill that he didn't directly attribute to the cold brisk air. He made his way up to the roof of an abandoned building where he and several of his men could enjoy the spectacle of the 'judged' being escorted onto the ice from a distance.
Bane stood there occupied with his thoughts until he saw movement far below as Commissioner Gordon and his men were escorted to the edge of the ice. Bane waited patiently as several of his men prompted Gordon and his men forward onto the ice with fearful haste by spraying a burst of bullets over their heads.
Gordon was the first out onto the ice, eying it reluctantly but having the composure of a man who was resigned to his fate. The ice immediately began crunching underfoot.
Gordon and his men continued to walk reluctantly forward onto the ice, trying to keep a moderate distance amongst them. They slowly became more emboldened and sure-footed as it became apparent that the ice wasn't ready to give way underneath them quite yet.
Gordon spotted a red flare on the ice in front of him, and bent down curiously to pick it up. He handled it in his hands until suddenly he heard a gruff but familiar voice.
"Light it up," the Batman said.
Gordon quickly looked up into the darkness in front of him, squinting momentarily before obediently discharging the flare. The light of the flare helped illuminate the figure of Batman who slowly approached Gordon and his men. Gordon then dropped the flare onto the ground, immediately spreading a thin fire trail away from them on the ice until it began climbing the base of the bridge.
The large fiery shape of the bat signal that erupted was unmistakable.
"Impossible," Bane said with frustrated amusement as he saw the large fiery bat signal take shape on the bridge. He huffed out an aggravated huff before turning to one of his men to issue an order.
"Keep her close. He'll come for her," Bane said, not needing to indicate that he meant "Talia" when he said "her".
Bane paused to observe the bat signal for several moments as he processed the events playing out in front of him. He then let out a frustrated huff before he proceeded to make his way back to the courthouse to rendezvous with Talia, who was relocated to a private office within the courthouse.
"He's back," was all Bane said as he entered the room to the sight of Talia sitting comfortably behind an abandoned desk.
"I know," Talia said with just a subtle hint of pleasure in her tone, compulsively swirling back and forth slowly in the office chair she was sitting in.
Bane narrowed his gaze, absorbing her reaction as well as the fact that she already 'knew'. He decided it didn't matter how she knew; all he cared about was the agitation he was suddenly feeling at the dwindling hours left in the day. It had been dark out for some time and he wasn't even sure what the hour was. He allowed his agitation to propel his next statement.
"I'm going to be absent for the rest of the evening. I'll be back before afternoon tomorrow," Bane said.
This piqued Talia's interest.
"Oh? Where are you slinking off to?" Talia mused, the pleasure that had masked her tone previously now replaced with annoyance.
"I'm making an impromptu trip just south of here. I'll be taking a plane. It is not business related," Bane said, feeling that the less details Talia knew the better.
Talia looked him over before replying.
"With her?" she queried, her annoyance unmistakable.
Bane didn't hesitate with a reply.
"Of course," he said, feeling the sudden need to assert his confidence.
Talia's eyes narrowed as she processed what it was that Bane just told her. She continued to look him over for several long moments before she suddenly shrugged her shoulders as if suddenly indifferent to the whole ordeal.
"Fine. I'd like to see you off on your departure. Ensure everything is according to plan and to coordinate any last plans if needed," Talia said.
Bane gave her a glare. He knew there was no need for her to be at the tarmac to see them off. He could sense an ulterior motive. He also knew well enough that if he denied her request, then he would most likely find it much more difficult to follow through with his plans on leaving for the evening.
"Agreed. We will be there within the hour," Bane said before he turned abruptly from the room to make his way hastily back to the penthouse building.
It was just a short time later before Bane quickly stormed into the penthouse building, immediately diving for the travel bags that had been set next to the door.
"We're leaving. Now," Bane said quickly without so much as looking up at the very startled Myra who was looking shell-shocked from her comfortable position on the recliner in the living room, her neck craned to gawk at his sudden appearance.
When she didn't immediately move, he lifted his chin to give her a stern gaze.
"Now. Move," he said gruffly, shaking one of the bags in her direction for emphasis.
Myra complied immediately, but started fretting.
"I need to change quickly...I'm still in my pajamas…" she fussed.
"No. That doesn't matter. We need to leave now. MOVE, " Bane all but shouted.
Myra lifted her brows at his rudeness, and slowed her movements just slightly as a retaliatory gesture to his behavior as she shuffled her feet towards him to the door. He lurched forward and herded her out the door by pushing one of the bags at her back when it was apparent that she wasn't moving quite fast enough for his liking.
"Hey...watch it….I've been feeling nauseous lately…." Myra griped, referring to her bouts of recent morning sickness. Bane ignored her complaints, feeling that he was being ample gentle enough.
They made their way to a vehicle that dropped them off at a tunnel just outside the perimeter of Gotham. From there, they make their way to a secret underground cavern that had obviously been well hidden and isolated to prevent individuals from escaping in and out of Gotham freely. Myra realizes that Bane and his men must have used this tunnel system to get in and out of Gotham. Once outside of the tunnel, there was another vehicle waiting for them that they drove some distance before making their way to a private air tarmac. Myra recognized it from when she was allowed to make supply runs. She spots several planes, and sees one in particular that appeared to be ready for take-off.
As Myra exited the vehicle, she immediately recognized Steve the pilot who had accompanied her as her co-pilot when she did inventory runs for Bane. He was waiting at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the interior plane that was parked just at the end of the airstrip. She makes her way towards the plane with Bane leading the way with their bags slung over his shoulder. Her attention immediately gets diverted, however, when she sees another person intercept their path to the plane.
Talia.
Myra immediately hides behind Bane, peering around his body to look at her as if Talia was on the verge of simply lashing out and cutting her throat. Talia doesn't make a move to try and get closer to Myra; she just grins in amusement at Myra's seemingly cowardly and shy demeanor.
"I hope you two lovebirds enjoy yourselves," Talia offers.
Bane just stares at her, knowing that she didn't take the trouble to travel to meet with them just to tell them that.
Talia's eyes shift to Myra.
"Ahh. I was informed of the bruising you suffered on your face. I see they have healed nicely; it would have been a pity if Bane left permanent damage. I told Bane to go easy on you with his punishment over that whole 'Special Forces' fiasco. Bane can be so clumsy sometimes. Obviously he's never hurt me like that, but I can imagine...…"
Bane didn't speak up to shoot down the blatant lies. He instead narrowed his eyes at Talia. How did she even know Myra was wounded? Who was this creature in front of him, trying to stampede over him and create havoc and pain? Why was Talia acting this way? Why did she feel the need to assert herself in this manner? When did she turn into this? Did he nurture her into acting this way? Did he enable her into acting this way? Where was the little girl he saved in prison all those years ago for whom he would have ripped his heart out? For whom he had agreed to sacrifice his life?
Obviously, he's never hurt her like that? Why was that obvious? Because I don't matter? People don't hurt the people they love. Because he loves Talia - genuinely loves her - and only plays at loving me?
There that feeling was again. That feeling of being small. Second-hand. The exact opposite of special. Imposter.
Myra was already feeling nauseous, but Talia's comment was the small weighted grain that tipped the scale. Myra leaned off to the side to expunge her dinner onto the tarmac. Bane turned towards Myra quickly and tried to lean down and offer her some consolation by resting a hand on her back but his hand was promptly brushed away.
"Ah...morning sickness. Or should I say evening sickness? I hear it's one more of the more annoying aspects of being pregnant. Speaking of which, it's a shame I was never able to conceive when Bane and I were trying ourselves. After months of vigorous attempts, we eventually discovered Bane's medical handicap affected his fertility. Oh, pardon me; I apologize - I am correct in assuming it's your child, Bane?" Talia said, giving Bane a pointed seemingly lighthearted jovial look.
Myra's eyes bulged, quickly flicking to Bane. She had no idea Bane told Talia about her being pregnant. She assumed Bane had told no one. Barsad didn't even know. Bane continued to stare at Talia. She felt violated. Like she no longer had any sense of privacy.
Myra gawked. It sounded like a blatant lie. She quickly shifted her eyes to Bane for confirmation. Bane's lack of refute to her comment made her heart sink.
Bane knew what she was doing. Trying to instill doubt into his brain. Bane knew Myra wasn't free with her affections. It wasn't as if she had access to men to even make attempts at having an affair under his nose. It was usually only him and Barsad.
Barsad.
The culmination of inklings that perhaps there could have been an affair between Barsad and Myra suddenly flooded Bane's brain like the time nude photos of Myra were stored on Barsad's phone which at first he wrote off simply as remnants of Barsad capturing evidence of her antics to send to Bane so he could handle it accordingly. But what if there was more to it? Like the time Bane caught Myra and Barsad engaged in what looked like a romantic encounter while she was still recovering; he had sworn Myra was a second away from making contact with Barsad's lips. Her hands were even on his face in a very familiar manner. What if I hadn't walked in at that very moment? Or what about Barsad's heated and uncharacteristic indignant reaction to Bane attempting to spirit Myra away, even going so far as to try and intercede; something very uncharacteristic of Barsad, who almost always had a tendency to stand by and watch detached and unempathetic, regardless of the horror Bane was involved in.
Bane turned towards Myra to gauge her reaction. It was obvious her mind was preoccupied with processing it all. She looked like she was trying to hold back tears and more vomit so that Talia wouldn't see either reaction that could be misconstrued as weakness.
Medical handicap? Why didn't he tell me? Of course, she knows and I don't. He never tells me anything. I'm not worth it.
Talia gave both Bane and Myra one final glance, pleased with the results her words had on the two before she began to lazily saunter off.
When Talia was finally out of ear and eyeshot, Myra finally spoke. It was remarkable she was even able to speak coherently, despite the rage and tears ready to erupt from her eyes.
"You...you two talked...discussed...about what kind of punishment to give me? Like I was some pet of yours – like a dog - that defecated on the family room carpet?" Myra said, clearly uncomfortable and also very clearly upset.
Bane didn't respond, his eyebrows knitted together as he continued to internalize Myra and Barsad.
"That's...so..wrong," she muttered. "It's sick. SICK," she shouted as her eyes flashed in disdain.
Bane simply stared, unable to respond.
Talia knows secrets about me, but I don't know any secrets about her. It's like they congregate together to talk about me. Talk about how to 'deal' with me. How to punish me. How to 'handle' my pregnancy probably like I'm just a dumb, mute spectator who doesn't know any better.
"Why did you tell her I was pregnant? That was supposed to be between us. No one knows - not even Barsad knows," Myra mumbled, finding no real good reason for why Talia should have been informed of the news other than the fact that, of course, Bane tells her everything and Myra nothing. This notion made her livid like she was a third wheel in a bicycle that had no real need for it; it just ended up being a burden that got dragged behind.
Myra's question seemed to rile Bane into a reaction.
"Is there a reason Barsad should know?" Bane asked indignantly with his voice low and curt, giving her a heated glare.
Myra rounded on him, confused at his sudden indignation. His indignation made her angrier; he wasn't allowed to get angry or offended since he was the one very clearly in the wrong.
Then realization sunk in.
He thinks I slept with Barsad.
This implied that he was taking Talia's implication to heart. Myra wasn't sure if she should feel sad or angry. She ended up feeling both. She turned her head away from him so she could focus on the internal combustion of emotion currently taking place inside her head. She felt like she was going to explode.
"How. DARE. You," Myra suddenly burst out at him as she rounded on him, her emotional state clearly transitioning into outright rage. She had never felt so insulted, isolated, and alone in her life.
"You just made me feel so small, filthy, and insignificant. Like I was worthless garbage. You just stood there while she said those things - implied those things - about me. Like I'm some promiscuous whore. And you believed her. Believed her enough to pointedly ask me whether there was a 'reason' Barsad should know I'm pregnant. Because you would believe her over me without hesitation - without even THINKING. Like the culmination of our shared experiences means nothing to you. I know you have more shared experiences with her...and I'll never be as important as she is to you...but...still...I…." Myra suddenly trailed off.
Myra paused as if she were trying to find the words she wanted to say, but was unable to do so and ended up just looking defeated, angry, and frustrated.
"I can't believe you just asked me that. How dare you," Myra finally mumbled, turning away from him as if she couldn't stomach looking at him any longer.
Bane knew he had made a big mistake. He wished he could take a few steps back and retract his question. He knew he had dug himself into a hole that no words or affections could rectify. Going off of her anger, her reaction, and re-analyzing and possibility of Barsad being the father, Bane deemed it highly unlikely and even borderline absurd that Myra and Barsad were romantically involved. He then realized that Talia had only pointedly asked that question to instill rage and doubt in both him and Myra. She was, of course, successful.
Myra was visibly shaking with rage. She couldn't hold it in. She was ready to burst.
Her shivering and shaking eventually cooled down. I need to get a hold of myself. Get a grip. Fix this. Fix this situation. I don't need to be here. I don't need to be here. I don't need to be in this situation. With him. With her.
Myra released a strained breath through her lungs, bringing a hand up to rub her eyes as if she were rubbing the emotional exhaustion right out of them. She turned herself away from him, scanning the horizon as if she were on the verge of setting sail both physically and emotionally.
"This is not the life I want. This is so far removed from the life I had imagined for myself. The way you just treated me and made me feel...was just...too much. I hate the constant reminder that I'm only ever a second thought and not even remotely a priority in your life. I fall second - which in this situation, is last. I'm exhausted and tired of always being last in your life," Myra said.
When Bane moved to speak, Myra shot him down. "No more of your words. I'm done with you explaining and rationalizing yourself."
"She was right. I was only ever a plaything and...you actually wanted to have a child with her - tried to have a child with her. My pregnancy always seemed like an unfortunate burden to you. I thought I could overlook your indifference and perhaps focus on my own happiness instead, knowing you were pushing me into thinking of it as 'my' baby instead of 'our' baby...unlike...you and Talia...Hearinghow you were with...her...makes me realize just how low and insignificant I am," Myra said.
Bane's eyes grew sad at Myra's interpretation of his actions towards her pregnancy.
"You once made me feel stupid and ignorant for assuming that you and Talia had once been lovers, like that idea was ridiculous. I now know the only thing ridiculous is you and this situation," Myra continued.
"I can only imagine what other things you've managed to mislead me about. Do you and Talia have this sordid dance every city you two visit? Where you find a plaything, and flaunt her under Talia's nose and then just dispose of whatever girl you kidnap at the end like a discarded used up toy? 'I've only ever kissed you' I remember you saying. I ate that up like a blinded simpering IDIOT," Myra fumed, her teeth audibly clenching.
She continued to stare off away from him, working her lips, squinting her eyes, before she continued. Bane was, for one of the very first real times in his life, utterly speechless.
"I should have gotten into the car when you gave me the chance. I see now how stupid I was for missing that opportunity. I regret it. I regret it very much...," Myra continued to mumble.
Myra brought her hands up in a mock-defensive gesture as if she was perfectly capable of excusing herself from the crowded room that had one too many people.
"Don't worry - you don't have to 'dispose' of me. No car or plane is necessary. I have legs. I can walk," Myra mumbled as if she had just agreed to partake in a very great chore that no one else on her hypothetical imaginary team volunteered for.
Despite everything, Myra couldn't find herself maintaining her anger, just sadness. An immense amount of grief and sadness that almost took her breath away. She knew the look Talia gave her- a clear threat of "He's mine". Myra wasn't a competitive person, especially when confronted with a Goddess-like creature. And because she is pregnant, she didn't have the luxury of risking the life of her child in the hopes that Talia didn't end up killing her. She knew she had to leave; if not for herself, then at least for the child growing inside of her. She thought of Bane. The love of her life. She felt even sadder; wasn't she supposed to fight for him? Wasn't that how this worked? Why was she suddenly depleted of all will and energy to fight for him? Was it this newfound level of protectiveness she felt over something growing inside her; something that didn't even have a name, gender, or identity yet? Didn't she want to stay with him? He brought her so much happiness...but this wasn't happiness she was feeling. Despite what Talia said about him, she couldn't bring herself to hate him. She just knew she had to get away from him. But most of all, her. It was obvious to her that Bane and Talia were an inseparable unit and she knew she couldn't play that game.
She felt pathetic for giving up and rolling over so easily; but honest to God what else could she do? Nothing.Nothing that wouldn't risk her life - their life. She just wished Bane saw the threat in front of him and saw Talia as the true threat against Myra's life that she saw; or perhaps he saw it and just didn't care. The mere whisper of that thought in her mind propelled her feet into action. It propelled her into finally taking control of herself and not simply being a backseat rider with Bane always at the steering wheel.
Without another word, she walked off, not even giving him a second glance. Bane was still too shocked and in the throes of processing her words to realize her sudden departure. He quickly moved towards her, grabbing her arm.
"What are you doing?" he asked hurriedly.
Myra stopped and turned her head to calmly look at the hand holding her arm.
"Walking. I'm leaving. She clearly doesn't want me around. Why fight it? We all know she's going to win, with me probably dead. I know I might sometimes skim along the edges of having a lack of self-preservation, but my child doesn't deserve this. I know I can do better than this," Myra mumbled in heated sass before she began tugging to reclaim her arm from his grip, her lips working together as if on the verge of screaming into his face.
Myra felt surprisingly strong and determined despite the flow of water that seemed to stream down her cheeks. She stood erect and her eyes were shining and bright with her lip stuck out just slightly to emphasize her determined mindset. She was sticking up for herself amongst the presence of two individuals who could snuff her out in a heartbeat. She was taking back control.
Myra figured Bane had enough pride in his belly to not want her to scream for fear of Talia hearing it, which would of course incite some level of amusement out of her. She very clearly had a purpose for coming out here; and to Myra it seemed that she was successful in whatever it was she hoped to achieve. Myra didn't even care that she may have fallen into whatever emotional trapTalia had set out for her. She simply couldn't take the emotional strain of the ups and downs that seemed to be a constant the past few days. She could feel her heart putting pressure on her chest, screaming at her to run away and hide, to remove herself from the situation that was causing her so much distress and anxiety.
Bane couldn't respond; his mind was in a fog. Part of him swelled with pride, thoroughly impressed and grateful for Myra's swell of confidence and protectiveness concerning herself, her body, and their baby. The other part of him was utterly devastated that she thought he was one of the reasons why she needed to metaphorically raise her hackles, bare her teeth, and summon up the natural urges to protect herself in her vulnerable pregnant state. He could practically see the hair on her arms standing erect, her eyes flashing sharp daggers at him, taking on an unusually aggressive feral glint like a cornered cat. When Bane didn't immediately remove his hand from her arm, Myra's expression transitioned into a look that simply indicated she was one breath away from screaming. This, of course, incited the hasty removal of his hand. He stood there, shocked.
Bane felt the ground - his world - crumbling beneath him as Myra turned her head away from him and continued in the direction she had been so intently set on walking towards. Bane slowly clenched and unclenched his fists, his brain desperately scrambling to solve the complex puzzle of his circumstances. He knew he had very few options afforded him and even fewer still that could resolve this hellish nightmare. His focus was mildly diverted as he detected another set of eyes patiently gazing at him. He turned his head slowly back to Talia.
Talia had her arms crossed over her chest with one leg jutted out forward from her casual stance a dozen or so yards away. The faintest evidence of a pleased smile formed on her lips as her eyes took in the spectacle. Without another word, Bane stormed in her direction.
Talia stood her ground passively as Bane approached her, expecting him to simply fall in line and perhaps march past her in a huff as was customary in any of their past disagreements or disputes. The expression that coated Bane's face indicated he had business that needed to be urgently dealt with. Talia assumed this look was his attempt at refocusing on any business he needed to address; that he simply decided to dismiss Myra deeming her and her complications exhausting and pointless. She read him poorly.
Bane eclipsed Talia with his own body and wrapped his very large arm around her neck as he circled around her, giving her no time for a proper reaction. He squeezed his arm in a manner that secured his hold just above her collarbone and in front of her neck. His other arm actively repelled and blocked the vigorous onslaught that ensued from Talia's hands as Bane simply began dragging her in the direction of Myra's retreating figure.
This sort of manhandling, of course, was not pleasant. It was like being strung up to a noose considering how tall Bane was compared to Talia. It forced her to try and find her footing under her unless she wanted to begin choking and lose oxygen, which was exactly what Talia was experiencing. Bane's other hand continued to actively wrangle and deflect Talia's hands and arms, ignoring her verbal choking and sputtering as well as her attempts at disengaging from him. Talia's hands could have very well been pesky mosquitoes the way Bane seemed to be affected by them. He continued to casually smack and swat away her hands as they juggled between holding herself up and trying to disengage from his arm.
As Bane was dragging her, he whispered into her ear.
"There's no reason for this behavior of yours. I've done nothing to deserve this disgusting behavior from you. I've done everything you've ever asked me to you not wish me to feel some semblance of comfort and love as I experience my last days of life here on earth? What happened to you? Where is the Talia that I know and love? That sweet innocence that I saved and sacrificed everything for? Do you even remember the comfort I provided you? What I sacrificed to save you from? I've given you everything I have to offer. Everything. I've even agreed to sacrifice my life for you. What more do you want from me? Truly? Her? Well, you can't have her," Bane sneered and seethed.
Bane's questions were rhetorical of course, for the firm pressure he had around her neck prevented her from properly responding to his queries. She did respond physically, however. She wasn't simply someone with an average amount of defensive maneuvers; she was properly trained in the League of Shadows. After detecting Bane's head leaning in closer to her ear and following his statement to her, she quickly jabbed at him in one of his eyes and swung her leg back expertly to kick him in a location that would most certainly immobilize him.
If Bane were a lesser man, he'd have immediately let her go from the affect her strikes to his face and groin had on his nervous system. He didn't let go, instead, he fought through the throbbing shock and after clearing his mind, shook her aggressively as a clear indicator that if she tried something like that again he'd be less gentle with his handling of her. He also regained control of her arms and twisted them behind her back none-too-gently, giving out a very disagreeable grunt into the back of her scalp.
Bane was efficient and speedy with his efforts, catching up to Myra in no time. The hold he had on Talia seemed as casual as if he were simply dragging along a chopped-down Christmas tree ready to be placed into a tree stand and strung up with ornaments and lights. Despite the seeming pacificity of his actions and mannerisms, the hold he had on Talia and his expression was solid, fierce, and unwavering.
Myra had stopped in her tracks and turned around to determine what was the verbal coughing and sputtering sounds she heard behind her. Myra's eyes were red and puffy from her emotions catching up to her, but also large and curious. Bane gave Talia a massive drag and propped her up about a dozen feet away from Myra as if he were displaying the prized evergreen tree he found in the forest that would make the perfect addition to their living room decorations for the holiday season. He lowered his arm slightly so that Talia could find her footing. Talia immediately began coughing, her eyes watery and unfocused. While Myra was still most definitely angry and seemingly inconsolable, seeing Talia manhandled so aggressively did help. A little bit. Okay, a lot.
Bane only gave Talia a few seconds of recovery before he immediately began asking her questions.
"Talia. I am going to ask you several questions and I would appreciate an honest reply from you. Understood?" Bane asked.
When Talia didn't immediately respond, Bane readjusted his arm around her neck which constricted her windpipe, cutting off her oxygen. This caused her to sputter and choke out again, followed by the motion of her furiously slapping her hand against his forearm as well as wildly nodding.
"If you kill me, you both will die too. You'll be hunted," Talia spat out furiously after she had finally regained her breath, all of the sweetness and charm removed from her voice.
"Oh, I'm aware of the fail-safe plans and spying eyes you keep targeted on me. I would be disappointed if you hadn't set up such precautions. Regardless, I only have a few questions for you, if you please...," Bane responded with charming courtesy that didn't match his physical actions then got right down to it.
"Have we ever engaged in a kiss?" Bane asked curiously, lightheartedly.
Talia seemed to pause from that question, almost unsure of what to say as if confused by the question and the importance of it.
"No...you can't," she spat out.
"We've never kissed? Why's that?" Bane asked.
Talia seemed annoyed with the question, as if Bane were simply teasing her with annoying nonsense.
"Because you'd have to take your mask off," Talia responded, still seeming to find the questions ridiculous as if she were stating the obvious.
"Hmm curious," Bane replied, looking down at Talia before flickering his eyes to Myra's. Myra's eyes were large and confused, but she looked away somewhat bashfully when she noticed Bane studying her for a reaction.
"One more question. Who's idea was it to conceive a child?" Bane asked.
"Ours," Talia responded smoothly.
The grip around Talia's neck tightened just slightly, but it was enough for Talia to reconsider her answer.
"...mine," Talia sputtered out in agitation. Bane eased his grip after hearing the truthful, satisfying answer.
"When it was discovered that it was difficult - not impossible - for me to conceive children, did we continue with acts of intercourse?" Bane asked curiously.
Talia furrowed her brows, not caring for the fact that her web of doubts and uncomfortableness that she had expertly woven into Myra's brain started to unravel.
"No," she said.
"Hmm, curious. That almost implies that you were simply interested in having a child; not necessarily having relations with me. That would be a safe assumption, yes?" Bane said as he dug further with his questions.
Talia remained silent, simply glaring like a wet half-drowned cat. Bane eased his arm around her neck as if he were on the verge of letting her go, but quickly sucked it back in as if he just remembered something.
"Ah. My apologies. One more thing. Regarding the 'Special Forces' incident...you had ordered me to kill Myra, did you not?
"Yes," Talia fumed.
"It appears that I refused your order and instead diverted the majority of my aggressions to the Special Forces officers themselves. It is true, I punished Myra in my own way and there isn't a moment that I don't dearly regret it," Bane said as sadness filled his tone.
He peered up at Myra with clear shame, his eyebrows lifting as his features lightened, his eyes roaming over Myra's face. Myra gazed back at him bashfully, her eyes unable to maintain the same stoic hold of his as her eyes began to dart around in embarrassment after several seconds. His eyebrows eventually furrowed as he refocused on the task at hand.
"My account seems to conflict with your recollection of events somewhat. I even remember refusing to partake in this 'Gotham plan' of yours. If anything were to happen to Myra here in the event that you felt the need to deliver justice with your own hands after witnessing me...someone you consider your subordinate...being so brazenly and uncharacteristically disobedient," Bane continued.
Talia didn't respond with anything verbal, though the smugness slowly began to seep into her features as pride eventually took over, disallowing her to look like the victim in this scenario.
Bane waited several very long moments before he finally let Talia go. He knew there would be repercussions. The look Talia gave him as she peered over her shoulder when she stalked off was not pleasant. She was devious. Vengeful. Bane, however, was very limited with the options before him and he could think of no other way to resolve this situation. He knew he'd just have to deal with whatever repercussions Talia had in store for him when the time came. There wasn't anything he could do about it and he was at his wit's end, which was a considerable feat for Bane.
Bane turned towards Myra with an agitated huff. Bane observed the faintest evidence of a snicker on Myra's lips but it quickly vanished when Bane focused his attention on her. He let his eyes roam over her for a few seconds as if he were calculating his next itemized plan of attack. She was just shuffling her feet and fidgeting with her fingers in her customary show of mild embarrassment and awkwardness. Bane waited several more minutes of her shuffling and eye wandering before he transitioned into directing his energy into driving a very important message into her.
"Is your assumption that I value my time so little that I would go through such elaborate schemes to simply dispose of someone? I've seen the look you've given me; you know what I'm capable of. You've seen me act the villain. Would I not simply grind you into oblivion and discard your remains into the nearest dumpster if I truly wanted myself rid of you? I have no time for meaningless games with silly playthings," Bane sneered.
Myra's eyes flashed at his insinuation that he would perhaps dispose of her so unceremoniously and that he also perhaps thought of her as a silly plaything. Bane immediately picked up on her distorted internal misunderstanding, angry at the wrong narrative she always seemed to settle on. He continued on with his rant, fueled by his anger over Myra's disappointed look that settled over her face toppled with this whole situation.
"You. Are. Not. A. BLASTED. 'Plaything', he raged, emphasizing his point by bringing up a forefinger to prod Myra's forehead to emphasize each word. Myra swatted agitatedly at his hand, ducking her head away from his bullish behavior.
"Get that ludicrous notion out of that thick skull of yours or I will do it for you. Do you have the impression that I hold no feelings for you? Or perhaps that I only keep you around for a generous shag? There is more to us than simple primal urges. If that's all I wanted, why wouldn't I just go fuck one of those whores that frequently loiter our building and be done with it? Far be it from me to be logical, but wouldn't that be SIGNIFICANTLY more convenient for me to seek that type of feminine companionship if that was all I truly desired? Heaven knows things would be much simpler for me and less burdensome because despite the hundreds - thousands - of men under my command in a diseased city rife with citizens who'd love nothing more than to slit my throat, YOU by FAR are the most difficult to deal with and give me the most trouble. You seem to have a habit of selectively choosing which information to absorb and synthesize, failing to acknowledge and appreciate the full spectrum of the generosity and privilege I provide for you," Bane continued to rage, nearly out of breath but fueling himself with his own energy behind each word he spoke.
Myra just eyed him before slowly focusing on the ground as if she were bored with his rant and was relatively unphased, despite the feeling blossoming in her chest which were anything but. She also knew any retort at this point would just be wholly underwhelming and bumbling by comparison.
"You also seem to forget that you instigate intercourse with me far more often than I do you, hmm? Isn't that so? If anyone were to be labeled and victimized as a 'plaything' in this relationship then that honor goes to me," Bane finished with a sneer, arching his body forward and bending his head down to get into her face for emphasis while jabbing a thumb into his own chest. Myra just leaned her body gently away as he continued laying out his own grievances, doing her darndest to allow the faintest evidence of a smirk play at the corner of her lips.
Myra's face slowly turned red from embarrassment but remained silent and still mildly skeptical as she looked sheepishly away. Sure. If we count the times I wake him up for some quick late-night servicing, then yes. I'm the instigator. If we are only counting acts of penis penetration, then he's by FAR the instigator...
Bane could clearly detect her skepticism and train of thought as if she were writing it out on a chalkboard based on her expression, shifting of her eyes, and mildly stubborn expression. She was clearly not ready to refute him verbally, but he could tell she wanted nothing more than to tell him he had his facts wrong. This encouraged him to elaborate further to drive home his point.
"Do I not provide for you? Care for you? Do I not make attempts at alleviating any cognitive load off your dainty spoiled shoulders so that you may have more time to think about sweet and lovely things? Do I not satisfy your sexual whims when they arise even if perhaps I were tired or exhausted from the day's affairs? Do I not listen to you, regardless of how absurd or petulant your concerns may be? Do you feel ignored? Am I not adequate enough for you? Don't you think I know I'm far from perfect but I at least try to make reasonable sacrifices for you? That is the nature of relationships. I know you sacrifice for me; I have no doubt you'd be much better off without me and would be pursuing a successful trading analyst career had I not interfered, probably even rising to director level by now and overthrowing those buffoons that currently control the remnants of Daggett Industries," Bane said with an aggravated heated snort.
Myra just gave him a mild glare at the insinuation that she sometimes had absurd and petulant tendencies but couldn't think of a reason to refute it. She knew she could be a handful sometimes with her behavior and remarks often turning into being less than endearing. He also undoubtedly provided for her; he made her meals, cleaned up after her, provided her entertainment, all in a lavish penthouse suite to reside in. He had a valid point; there was no real sensible reason for her to feel so lowly. He did a lot, especially when she had a vague idea of how rare his tendency to 'accommodate' anyone truly was. She searched his face in an effort to detect any sarcasm in his comment regarding what she perceived to be an absurd level of elevated success in her own career pursuits had he not gotten involved. She found none. This just made her feel shameful and embarrassed that he had more confidence in her ability to be successful in life had it not been for the introduction of certain variables, namely Bane, than she did.
And for what? Why does he do all of these things for her? Myra knew she wasn't particularly special. She wasn't smart; at least, not on his level. She offered no real talent. Myra knew she wasn't 'phenomenal' at sex; she was merely participatory and average at best. If that was truly what he craved then he most definitely could find a far better substitute. Myra also knew she was far removed from a typical 'sex symbol' based on her habit of wearing very baggy sweat pants, having messy unkept hair that generally was swirled together like a rats nest on top of her head, and her tendency towards wearing shirts that were stained due to her clumsy eating habits. Myra's eyes flicked briefly up to settle on his face, noticing a look of deep reverie taking over his features after her own guilt started setting in.
Bane wasn't done yet.
"Do these actions of mine truly make you feel like trash? Because I most certainly can sacrifice these niceties I do for you if that is what you desire. Perhaps then you'd come to know the true meaning of contrition." He let out a heavy huff for emphasis before he finally straightened his back out, turning his head towards the plane and giving out a long, tired sigh while rubbing the palm of his hand right over the middle of his chest.
"It appears that I am but a man bound to suffer for those I care for. You women will be the death of me," Bane said with just the faintest hint of sadness, sarcasm, knowing, and self-pity. His words, perhaps unintentionally, couldn't have been closer to the truth.
Myra's face turned even redder, but this time it was from pure shame. She kept her mouth shut; any words that flew out of her mouth now would just sound idiotic and lacking in comparison to his. She marinated in that guilty feeling that also started constricting her lungs.
Bane slowly turned his body back towards the plane as if physically and mentally drained. He then gave out another beleaguered sigh before his eyes roamed over her.
"Any more hiccups will dampen our plans for this evening I'm afraid. So unless there's any other grievances against me you'd like to declare, I'd suggest we make haste…" Bane said with a heaving breath, directing his arm towards the plane as a clear indicator that he simply wanted Myra to start walking towards it.
When Myra didn't instantaneously start walking towards the plane, he found a second-wind of energy that materialized into a none-too-subtle direct order aimed at her beat-red face.
"...so get on that BLASTED PLANE," Bane quickly transitioned into an all-out shout as if the last air from a balloon finally got expelled and fully deflated into a high-pitched ear-curdling hiss.
Myra leaned away from his booming voice being projected at her, eyeing him with a mild look of disgust that implied that there was simply no reason to shout. Why must he be so angry? Why was he so loud and bossy? Calm down.
Myra didn't say anything as her face continued turning into an all but beat red shade. Her feet did start to shuffle forward towards the plane in a miraculous act of self-propulsion spurred by his outburst. Her lips started working together furiously and she crossed her arms over her chest as she slid across the tarmac towards the plane. As she passed him she gave him a very mild stink eye as if to blame him for the uncomfortable guilt that settled in her heart.
Bane let out a huge sigh of relief as he eyed her scooting forward towards the plane before he followed closely behind her.
"Cheer up. You won't ever have to lay eyes on her again," Bane said to the back of her head, his tone all but transitioned into a reasonable perkiness which was a stark contrast to the tone he had used just moments prior.
Myra didn't say anything or acknowledge she heard him. She simply continued shuffling forward contemplating his audacious and mildly dramatic outburst before the faintest of smiles slowly spread across her lips.
Author: AHHHHHHH T_T AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH 3 I don't what to say, honestly. I'm sorry this chapter took so long to publish! I hope everyone says healthy and safe at home - I love reading your reviews and comments - it definitely motivated me to get into action!