You were still asleep. Bane's eyes kept drifting over to you without even realising, distracting him from his work momentarily, before he refocused and the cycle repeated again and again. The small hand on the clock dragged along. Bane was struggling to concentrate when you were curled up on the small sofa like that, arms tucked under your head, legs to your chest, your eyes closed and your face relaxed with peace. You had offered to wait while he finished up, and fallen asleep instead. Not that Bane minded.

Rising slowly to his feet, his lumbering figure crept over to you, moving so quietly for such a giant guy. He gently set a blanket over you in the process, making sure you were warm. Ever so gently, his finger trailed down your cheek. You were precious to him. Too precious. Such a tiny body compared to his own, limbs that he could snap between his fingers or crack under the smallest of pressures. Bane huffed, peeling his finger away, just watching your chest rise and fall, your lips parted as you breathed.

You were far too sweet for him. You were an anomaly in this life of his, one he could not afford the luxury of hurting. He knew he would eventually, even if it was unintentionally. That was the most painful part. The best thing he could do, was let you go. Slowly, you stirred. Your eyes fluttered open drearily, and Bane leaned back, giving you space.

"Sorry," he grunted, his voice rough. Your eyes were so beautiful. "Didn't mean to wake you."