August 19, 0945

        "Well, at least your kidneys are doing something, Dick," Leslie
remarked, replacing the catheter bag hanging discreetly on the side of the
bed frame.  She sealed the used bag and glanced at Babs.  "I'll have to run
a urinalysis, but based on the last batch, I'd say they might even recover
to full function."
        Babs nodded.  "That's good news."  She ran a hand over Dick's hair,
still damp from the washing she and Leslie had given it.  Dick turned his
head toward the contact, his face looking almost as if he might smile.
        Leslie watched them for a moment.  "In fact -  No, maybe tonight."
        "Hmm?" Babs asked.
        "I was thinking we might be able to dispense with the catheter, but
I'd rather see how he does today first.  With his level of responsiveness,
I think we could trust him to control his bladder until someone told him to
let 'er rip."
        Babs snorted.  "That's an image.  It'd probably be more comfortable
for him, though."
        "Or you'll have a wet bed," Leslie pointed out, "but we'll see.
Now I should head back to Gotham -"
        "Oh, at least stay for breakfast," Babs interrupted, looking up
from Dick's face.
        "Well, I planned to, since my ride is cooking," Leslie teased
gently.  "But what I wanted to say is that I need to be back in Gotham for
the day, but I'll be back this evening.  Do you want me to look into some
nursing help for you?"
        Leslie's expression didn't change as Babs' eyes flared at her; she
maintained her cool professionalism.  Babs sighed.  "Not yet," she said
softly, cupping a hand gently against Dick's cheek.
        "Okay," Leslie agreed, "but think about it.  It's time for this
family to try to settle back into normal, or you're all going to be sick."
        Babs ignored the lecture, leaning over a little awkwardly to kiss
Dick's cheek as she slipped her hand into his.  "Alfred's making pancakes,
sweetheart," she said.  "You don't wake up soon, you'll miss them.  You
know how Spud eats.  I'll be back."
        She pulled back then, pausing for a moment as Dick tightened his
grip on her hand.
        "Dick," Leslie admonished, "Barbara needs to eat."
        There was another pause, then Dick's hold loosened and Babs
reclaimed her hand.  Leslie stepped back as Babs wheeled sharply for the
bedroom door, then shook her head as she was left alone with Dick to pack
her medical bag.
        That chore accomplished, she allowed herself a moment at his
bedside as concerned friend rather than doctor.  "She loves you, Dick," she
murmured.  "If you can see clear to come back to usŠ"
        She bit her lip and gave his hand a quick squeeze before heading
out to join the others for breakfast.