SHIELD [Book 1 of Alex & Allie Save The World]

Chapter 13 Dream

III Present Day III

Tears roll down the cheeks of Allison Gray as Alex recounts that traumatic day, her gaze focused on empty air.

"That was that. Not one of my best days," Alex finishes and bites her lip. It's just as painful for her to remember but it's different for Allie.

"Unfortunately the whole thing was broadcasted live so it probably scarred a whole bunch of people watching too and now evidence of it is out there forever to haunt us."

"The video will never tell the whole story," Allie interjects, her tone meek and small.

"The whole story is a layered nightmare," Alex agrees. "There was another shooter who has remained unidentified and this random guy tried to fistfight Deathstroke as he walked away and my parents ran around the truck to see my body and the fight and the cameras," she rattles off and Allie's lowers her face in guilt.

"I was the random guy," Bruce reveals and Alex gapes. Allie's head shoots up and she stares with surprised and dread.

"You were there?" Alex splutters.

"A social obligation for any wealthy and powerful person in Metropolis's neighbor cities," he explains. "I was 25, well into my time as a vigilante so I rather recklessly attempted to apprehend Deathstroke."

"You brought fists to a gunfight," Alex deadpans and chuckles. Bruce half smirks but then earnestly looks to Alex.

"I am sorry I was too late to save you."

"Nah B, that's not on you," Alex says and shakes her head. "I appreciate the moxy."

"I'm a big fan of justice." The longtime partners crack matching 'I'm usually a very serious businessperson and vigilante but when I smile I really smile' grins.

"You know I'm shocked we existed in the same proximity before I moved to Gotham and that you were present for a crucial point in my origin story," Alex remarks in wonder. "I imagine we would have met if I wasn't killed in cold blood."

"You know that day has stayed with me," Bruce admits sullenly. "First thing to give me nightmares since my parents." Alex, unsure of what to say, rubs his shoulder and it is enough.

It's all too much for Allie, hearing what Bruce did and saw, and knowing what she does, it's all too much.

Alex notices the grief and silence from her friend and reaches out, placing a hand over hers and Bruce's.

"Allie? Are you alright?"

"That was such an awful, awful day," she croaks out and sniffles. Allison Gray feels such shame and guilt about the role she played in the murder of her shining sun and the utter massacre of her innocence. "I should have saved you."

"Allie, you couldn't have. My death is not your fault," Alex states sternly. "You cannot possibly carry what happened that day on your conscience."

In this moment Allie chooses to nod and to conceal her side of the story and the consequences that day had on her life. If she confesses the whole truth and nothing but the truth now, Allison Gray could stand to lose everything.

"Alright." Allie forces a weak smile and wipes her eyes.

"Besides I'm here now and we're together."

"Yes, we are and you're a superhero and so is my future boyfriend," Allie concurs and the trio chuckles together.

"Does this mean we've answered all your questions?" Bruce queries.

"I believe you have, yes. Thank you, the both of you for telling me, for the honesty," Allie says in an even voice and leans back, pulling away from them. "I don't know where this leaves us."