So this chapter kind of focuses on Bruce being cautious. Wanting to spend a little time with Dick while hoping he doesn't get overwhelmed with memories.
Bruce sat across from Dick at the dining room table. He decided to take the day off to keep an eye on him. Bruce wanted to spend some time with him. After some arguing, Jason reluctantly decided to let him, opting to spend some time with Tim.
As nice as it was that Bruce was being more attentive to Dick, Jason didn't like how Bruce seemingly wanted to hover over him. Bruce disagreed, believing he was making up for Jason's previous neglect allegations. As aware of the statement that he was, Jason didn't expect Bruce to use it on him, but since he did, Jason decided to let him watch Dick this time.
Dick had caught a little of the disagreement, but chose not to get involved. However, with Alfred busy, everyone gone, and him and Bruce having breakfast, Dick though it'd be a good time to investigate a little.
"Why don't you and Jason get along?" Dick inquired.
"What makes you think we don't?" Bruce replied before taking a sip of his coffee.
"You guys don't seem to agree about how to handle my amnesia."
Bruce wasn't surprised that he overheard some of it. He didn't like the eavesdropping, but it wasn't a surprise. Dick always had an ear for those kind of things it would seem.
"Let's just say we've always had our differences. Even now as we help you out with your recovery. To put it bluntly, we have different ideas as to how your amnesia should be addressed."
"I hope your disagreement doesn't last."
Bruce loved Dick's hopefulness, though it was a little misguided. Something that the amnesia messed with. If Dick had recalled his and Jason's tension, he might not be.
"Me too." Bruce took a sip of his coffee. "So, do you remember anything?"
Dick shock his head.
"No. Nothing yet."
Thudding echoed through the Batcave as a training dummy was securely positioned in the open. Dick was practicing some basic techniques to help pass the time. Flips, kicks and punches were elegantly performed. He snuck away from Bruce while he dealt with a business call, hoping that Bruce wouldn't notice. Bruce didn't want him going into the cave for whatever reason, but Dick wanted to stretch his legs.
"Dick!" Bruce loudly called.
Dick stopped, looking towards the entrance. Bruce was making his way down the stairs. He didn't seem upset or like himself. Rather, he almost seemed nervous, which was a surprise. Dick didn't know why, believing that he wasn't doing anything wrong. Bruce grabbed Dick's upper arms.
"What are you doing?" Bruce lectured. "I told you not to come down here."
"I need to move Bruce." Dick complained. "I'm tired of sitting around. I'm an acrobat and I need room to fly. You know that."
Bruce could understand his request. Dick always needed the room to move. However, Bruce didn't want him down here. Especially on his own. If he unintentionally stumbled into anything he shouldn't or happened to remember anything, Bruce wasn't sure he'd be ready to explain.
"I could bring up equipment, give you the backyard to work in. Why do you need to use the cave?"
"The familiarity. Why does it matter?"
"I just don't want you near here right now. It may be familiar, but it's not a safe place on your own."
Dick looked at him puzzled. He couldn't see why it was a problem.
"Why isn't it?"
"I'm concerned about your memory. This place holds so many and as much as I would like you to remember them, I don't want to overwhelm you."
Dick begrudgingly sighed. Bruce gave him a reason, just not one that he liked.
"Fine, I'll go upstairs."
Bruce was pleased with Dick's choice. He released Dick's arms and placed one hand behind his back. Bruce guided Dick back up the stairs, wanting to make sure he got out.
Dick woke up from another nightmare about as vocally as the last. However, instead of Jason coming in, Bruce did. He sat beside Dick, observing him. Something felt different this time.
"What's wrong?" Bruce asked.
"I think I remembered something." Dick admitted.
Bruce was startled. What could be recalling, could have been anything. It could have been good or bad, but contemplating it wasn't going to help.
"What?"
"I was sitting on a roof top, tired and weak. I kept on saying how something was my fault, a death I think." Dick sighed, recalling the next event. "The next thing I knew, someone was talking to me, telling me I didn't do anything wrong and that everything was okay." Dick looked at Bruce distraught. "Did I kill someone Bruce?"
Bruce had a pretty good inclination as to what he was remembering. It was the incident with Blockbuster that Dick witnessed. Bruce recalled the anger at Dick for not stopping it since he could have. Also with that came a grim reminder that Deathstroke had stated during Dick's capture. Tarantula taking advantage of Dick's immobility for her own pleasure.
Those little details were things that Bruce didn't want to mention, at least not yet. However, he couldn't lie about the fact that it was a memory. A technicality was all Bruce wanted to mention. Especially with Dick looking pretty upset about the notion. Bruce knew he could give a basic explanation and expand upon it later if the situation called for it.
"No." Bruce denied. "You go pulled into a tough situation where a partner of yours killed someone, Blockbuster, right in front of you."
Dick was a little puzzled by it.
"Why would they do that? And why did I think I killed it?"
"Blockbuster was a criminal and she took matters into her own hands. You were unable to stop it, because you were beat up from fighting and were in a bit of shock."
"Wouldn't I try to stop it though?"
"Well, let's just say you were in a bit of a conundrum. You might have wanted to, but a lot was going on. If you recall anything else about it, or in general, let me know."
Thankfully, Dick seemed to accept that answer, laying back down. Bruce recovered him, running a hand through his hair. Bruce didn't leave his side, wanting to make sure Dick got back to sleep peacefully.
"Get some good sleep, okay?" Bruce requested.
"I will." Dick whispered.
Yes Dick does kind of recalls some of what surrounded the death of Blockbuster.
