Gotham Hospital

[dbattyones.livejournal.com]

Leslie sighed as she entered the automatic doors of Gotham's major hospital, turning her nose away from the filth and smell of blood wafting in from the waiting room. She hated this place, hated being here, hated having to go see who she'd been calling in for.

Not that she hated Brenda, but the woman was going crazy, firing Alfred and chasing away those she loved most. And Leslie just knew as soon as she walked into the room she'd be hailed with some angry remark, or be ignored. If Brenda was even conscious, that was.

Still, she'd been called in for a reason. And even though her name as Brenda's doctor had obviously been an overlooked error on Brenda's behalf, Leslie was glad to know she'd be able to help her in some way. She wouldn't trust Brenda's health to some overworked, preoccupied and underpaid doctor who was at the end of a 36 hour shift.

"I'm here to see Brenda Wayne," she said to the receptionist, who blinked and drowsily nodded, giving her the room number. As she walked to the elevator Leslie sighed. In a place like Gotham there were never enough doctors.

Arriving at Brenda's door Leslie took a deep breath, took a moment to ask God for some help, whopeed Brenda would be a little less hostile, and knocked. after a moment she opened the door, and slipped inside.

"Brenda?"

Comments

[random_xtras]

"She's been sedated," said a weary young nurse from where she stood next to the array of life-support equipment that was hooked to the pale form in the bed. That Brenda needed sedation while attached to all that was a testimony to the woman's iron will.

The nurse checked a gage, then looked up. "Who are you?"

[dbattyones.livejournal.com]

"Dr. Leslie Thompkins," Leslie sighed, walking over ands looking at Brenda. "I'm Brenda's personal doctor and friend. Can you tell me what happened to her and what's wrong?"

[random_xtras]

"We don't know what happened," the nurses manner and voice were respectful: Dr. Thompkins' name was well known in the Gotham medical comunity. "What's wrong... Total collapse brought on by over exhertion and neglect." Her face went grave. "The prognosis isn't good."

[dbattyones.livejournal.com]

"Brenda," Leslie sighed, head bowing slightly as she shook it and went to check he chart. "When will you learn.... When was she admited?"

[anotherbwayne.livejournal.com]

Those eyes flicked toward her, remaining blank though a raging struggle could be seen in their depths.

[dbattyones.livejournal.com]

Leslie knew Brenda well enough to not be fooled, and picked up the needle from the table. "If you don't calm down at once I'll make sure you don't wake up for a good long time. If you calm down now it will wear off. If you don't, you'll be going back to sleep."

[anotherbwayne.livejournal.com]

A slight furrow appeared between her heart daughter's eyes. Then recognition flickered.

-Dr. Leslie,- Brenda tried to say, but was prevented by the tube down her throat. She choked and struggled weakly to breath to her own rythem, then faded back under the darkness.

[dbattyones.livejournal.com]

"Shh," Leslie sighed, then stood and started making adjustment before looking at her cellphone, wondering if she should call Alfered. Finally she stopped, sank into a chair, and prepared to wait until the young woman woke up.

[anotherbwayne.livejournal.com]

Brenda's eyes flew open, the ice in them mixed with fire. Then she would have sighed if she could as both ice and fire faded back to dullness and she blinked once in aknowledgement.

[dbattyones.livejournal.com]

"That's right," Leslie said, pursing her lips. "Now stay still and take the time to heal. And try to not flinch every time you find out that somebody still loves you."

[anotherbwayne.livejournal.com]

Brenda didn't hear her for the mantra of failure playing in her mind. She knew she couldn't do anything; that she'd finally pushed too hard. She'd failed her city, failed her mission. Bruce had been right.

She'd let them win.

Her eyes went dead.

[dbattyones.livejournal.com]

Leslie turned and went back to Brenda's side, then sighed and sat by her, starting to stroke her hair.

"You're far too hard on yourself. You drive yourself to failure and crimes because you expect too much. If you are going to do that vigilanty what-do-you-call-it work at least, at least remember the morals you fight for. And take care of yourself."

[anotherbwayne.livejournal.com]

She couldn't feel the squeeze and didn't realize it had happened, but blinked her eyes once in lieu of the nod that she couldn't give.

[dbattyones.livejournal.com]

Leslie nodded and dialed quickly, grateful when Alferd picked up.

"Hello, Alferd. Brenda's awake. She's asking for you, too," she said, relief obvious in her voice.

[batwmnsbatman.livejournal.com]

"I will be there shortly." he says with relief in his voice. "Tell her I am on my way."

[dbattyones.livejournal.com]

"Will do," Leslie smiled against the phone as she gave him the room and wing numbers. "See you soon, Alfred."

Hanging up she turned to Brenda and smoothed her hair again out of habit. "He's on his way."

[batwmnsbatman.livejournal.com]

There was a knock on the door and than it opened slowly. Alfred walked inside and stopped, taking in the scene for a moment. He sighs sadly with a shake of his head and turns to close the door.

He turns back and walks over to Leslie and takes her hand, but looks at Brenda with sad eyes. "How is she?"

[dbattyones.livejournal.com]

"Stubborn and exausted, but I think finally starting to realize some of the errors of her ways," Leslie said, getting up and nodding, smiling to him. "She's been doing better as well."

[batwmnsbatman.livejournal.com]

He smiles softly. "That is good." he states with a nod. "I would how long this one will last."

The worry could be heard in his voice even though he was trying to hide it.

[batwmnsbatman.livejournal.com]

Alfred smiled when he sees that she is awake. He takes her hand. "How is our girl?" he asks in a soft voice.

[anotherbwayne.livejournal.com]

She hasn't heard that tone from him since she was small, before her parents were killed, and it makes her vision cloud further as she blinks rapidly to try and clear her eyes. Her hand, limp in his, makes the barest of tiny twitches, though she still can't feel it.

Then the blinking stills, and she begins again with the Morse. KID?

[dbattyones.livejournal.com]

"Haven't you ever heard you never grow old in the eyes of those who love you?" Leslie asked, smiling.

[anotherbwayne.livejournal.com]

She frowned slightly in impatience, but there really wasn't anything she could do when she wasn't even breathing under her own power. Icey blue eyes closed, and then relaxed as sleep snatched her back.

[dbattyones.livejournal.com]

"Yes, that's good," Leslie smiled softly, tucking her in and looking at Alfred. "See? I believe she's becoming more reasonable by the minute."

[batwmnsbatman.livejournal.com]

He chuckles. "Always the optimist." he says before turning and sitting down in a chair.