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

Chapter 28 Prep

III   

When Alex goes into work her entire team is too afraid to greet her and she doesn't blame them, her appearance is rather ruffled.

Allison Gray's absence is noted by the other members of the exec team but none of them breathe a word; the last they saw her she was fleeing the tower in tears. Alex bas been detached from since Monday, barely leaving her office.

Things are still getting done but they lack that Allison Gray spark and the hands on work of Alexandra Aldridge.

The Gotham City Sentinel misses it's metal duo.

III Thursday Night III

Bruce spends a few hours cradling a sobbing Eirene, hitting a punching bag with Dike, and watching The Hobbit with Allie later that night.

Allison Gray feels much better after venting all possible emotions and especially better after hearing the voicemail Alex left her. Alex still loves her and that's what matters the most.

After seeing Eirene to bed he patrols by himself before staying up the whole night engineering three lightweight kevlar vests.

He wore a brave face for Alex and Allie but by himself in the darkness he allows a few tears to fall and seethes in his own trepidation. He can't lose his family again, he couldn't stand it.

Neither Bruce Wayne, Alexandra Aldridge, nor Allison Gray sleep; they all remain awake and staring emptily at the ceiling, contemplating each and every worst case scenario.

III Friday III

Bruce delivers a kevlar vest to Alex in the morning before he stops by Allie's brownstone to gift her a kevlar vest.

Any other time Allie would have argued against wearing a bulletproof vest under a ballgown but this time she sees the necessity of it. It doesn't much matter anyway Allison has decided to wear a long sleeved dark red gown. The dress has gold detailing but other than that it is very simple. Tonight isn't about fashion for Allison Gray.

III

"What is Alex wearing?" Dike queries to Bruce.

"A pantsuit so she can hide the vest and small guns in the pockets," Bruce replies and Eirene lights up.

"Does she want to protect us?"

"Alex may be conflicted about her feelings but she still loves you more than anything and she will do anything to keep you safe," Bruce assures and Eirene smiles.

"We just have to be patient," Allie murmurs and Dike crosses her arms over her chest defensively.

"I'll be here for you both as long as she needs," Bruce declares and Allie pats his cheek.

"My boyfriend," Allie hums and Bruce leans in to kiss her sweetly. After a few minutes they pull away and Dike intercedes.

"Now you have to go so Allie can get ready. We will see you at seven sharp," Dike remarks and pushes Bruce out the door.

When the lock is clicked Allie sighs, she could take an eternity to get ready and still would not be able to cover her heartbreak.

"We're strapping a gun to your right thigh, a knife to your left, and hiding a small knife in your hair by the way," Dike announces gruffly. "Also you should text Oliver-"

The landline to the brownstone suddenly rings loudly and Allie raises an eyebrow, barely any people know that number. Dike, being the closest, picks up with a brash greeting.

"Who is this and how did you get this number?"

"Allie? It's Oliver."

"Oh speak of the devil and he shall call," Dike jokes and tosses the phone to Allie.

"Oliver, hi, I'm pretty sure we both know what you're calling about."

"Bruce Wayne invited me to this ball tonight, mind you I was going to come anyway, and I was wondering how you're feeling? There is a pretty big chance he'll show up," Oliver expands and Allie flinches.

"I know..."

"Allie I don't think you need to worry, he's a different guy now," Oliver says and Allie bites her lip, tears welling again.

"I have to worry, I have to protect Alex and Bruce," Allie asserts. "After all it is my love for them that's putting them in danger."

"Allie it is not your fault, it never was," Oliver tells her, repeating it for what must be the seven hundreth time. Oliver so badly wants to tell her that it wasn't Slade's fault either, that it was the fucking Mirakuru but he can't. Her best friend was killed in front of her and an evil drug won't erase the rage and anguish it caused.

"It is not your fault."

III Friday Night III

"Alright mothers and fuckers let's crash this gala," Dike declares, stomping down the brownstone steps with a done up Allison Gray behind her. Eirene and Bruce are waiting at the bottom of the steps patiently. Bruce holds out his hand and Allie graciously takes it leaving Dike to stand beside Eirene.

Getting used to Allie being three different bodies who all respond to Allie and another name specific to each double has been a challenge. They're all Allie, well pieces of her personality.

Dike is fierce, possessive, blunt, confident, and insanely protective of Allie. Eirene is softer, generous, shy, kind to a fault, polite, forgiving, and highly empathetic. Allie is her normal self, a combination of the two, unaffected by the split.

"We aren't crashing, we are guests of honor," Allie corrects enthusiastically and Dike sighs. Wayne Industries and Gotham City Sentinel are big supporters of Commissioner Gordon so of course they're guests of honor.

"You take all the fun out of things: Dike complains and Eirene giggles. Bruce shakes his head, a fond smile on his face, and moves to hug Dike and Eirene goodbye.

"Bye Bruce," the doubles chime and kiss both his cheeks. "But not really because we're still going  technically."

"Yes, yes, I know," he murmurs. "I also know it would be a different experience with each of you."

"Sap," the girls say with blushing cheeks.

"Enough! Your limo awaits," Dike chides after the flirty silence goes a minute too long, and claps her hands.

Promptly the glamorous couple exits Allison's brownstone and heads off into the night.

Allie's relationship with Alex may be a trainwreck right now but she is choosing to be happy about her relationship with Bruce tonight and to try and have as much fun as possible.