The Way We Fall | Bruce Wayne

CHAPTER 37 - Afraid

Now exhausted, Sara had no issues falling asleep that night. After washing and changing into her nightwear, she was out within seconds of lying in the bed. It had surprised even her when she awoke to early daylight after what seemed like mere moments of rest.

When she got changed that morning, she chose the hospital clothing that had since been washed, folded, and stored in a dresser.

Her strange attire caught Alfred's eye the moment she descended the staircase, too early for breakfast.

Mustering up the boldness, she cleared her throat. "Alfred, would you mind driving me into the city, please?"

He looked at her questioningly, almost as if he already knew her intentions. "Whatever for?"

"I think it's time for me to stand on my own two feet again," she said, lacking the confidence she thought she had.

"Ms. Carter, I don't believe it's the proper time for you to be seen in Gotham just yet."

She wasn't stupid to believe that he was wrong in his statement. But she had already considered it, and weighed the odds. "I'll speak with Sergeant Gordon."

"And where will you stay?" He continued to object.

"I'm sure I can get some aid."

His mouth thinned to a line as he knew that there was no convincing her. Every question could be met with a prompt excuse. "You're just as stubborn as someone else I know," he muttered. "At least stay for breakfast. I'm afraid we can't leave now, with the traffic I won't be back until lunchtime."

Knowing that he was likely right, she nodded with a sigh. "Alright, fine. But only because I'm hungry," she said, trying to lighten the mood. That made him smile before he turned to head toward the kitchen.

She had hoped to be out of there early enough to avoid the man likely still asleep upstairs. It'd be easiest to avoid the inevitable endless explanations and further excuses. And whatever was unspoken between them could be left to wither away with time, like the autumn leaves just outside the door.

Avoiding him completely would be impossible, she knew, even in the city. Eventually when she returned to work, they'd be back putting together the pieces of whatever was left of the business arrangement. At least they would no longer be staying under the same roof. And hopefully that would be enough.

Still, she didn't know quite what to think of him anymore, now that his other life had been made clear. Maybe he felt the same way. She understood now why his demeanor had changed so noticeably.

A heroic vigilante and a wanted criminal. Volatile as fire and gasoline.

Sara returned up the staircase, heading toward her room. She paused only upon seeing Bruce walking down the hall from the master bedroom in sweatpants, a bandage wrapped around his middle. His eyes fell on her almost immediately. "What are you—"

"Shouldn't you still be asleep?" She asked, deflecting the question. "You should be resting."

He arched a brow. "Alfred already made that clear, but it's easier said than done." His narrowed gaze upon her triggered a flight response. She wanted to disappear before he could question and protest. "You're leaving, aren't you?"