It's been long! So, I left you with a cliff-hanger which is one of the most evil things a writer can do … mwhahahahaha. Anyways, on with the story.

Chapter 10: Stronger (What doesn't kill you)

Cora's P.O.V.

I don't know how long it's been since I've been able to hear my thoughts and let me tell you … I've missed thinking a lot. When you black out your just empty, dead almost, but breathing at the same time. To be honest, I don't remember anything. But I feel too weak to open my eyes, so all I could do is hear.

And now that I was awake, there was nobody in my room, or at least I don't think there is.

"Hey, Rob," I heard someone whisper, it was Wally. Dick must have been sleeping next to me on a chair or something. "Come on Robin, wake up," he whispered.

I heard Dick groan and sigh. "I can't, not until Cora wakes up," he said.

"But Rob, it's been two whole days. You haven't eaten a thing, and you haven't slept that is until an hour ago. Why don't you go home, eat, get cleaned up, rest, and come back?" Wally asked calmly.

"No!" I heard Dick growl. I knew he could be cranky when he didn't sleep but I've never heard him like this. "I'm staying by Cora's side no matter what!" Awww, that's so sweet, but I don't like it when he worries, especially like this.

"Calm down, Rob, she's not going anywhere," Wally said calmly again. I heard Dick sigh.

"I know, sorry," he said.

"It's okay. Do you want anything?" Wally asked.

"No, just leave me here, I'll be fine," Dick sighed. I heard Wally slowly walk out of the room. 2 days? 2 days?! He's been here for 2 whole days with no food, or sleep (until recently), or a shower, or anything?! I have to do something to show I'm alive.

I felt Dick grab my hand and I gave his a squeeze. I felt him jump.

"Cora," I felt his lips at my ear. It sent chills down my spine. "Can you hear me?" he whispered.

Now was my chance. It took all the energy in me to get out just one word. One word that would help Dick sleep at night. "Yes." It came out barely a whisper, but I know he heard me, he was close enough. I felt him give my hand a squeeze and I felt his soft lips press against my hand.

"I love you," he whispered.

"You … worry … too much," I whispered as I tried to open my eyes. I heard Dick chuckle. I finally opened my eyes to see Dick looking at me. The second after I opened my eyes, I saw Dick give me a relieved smile.

"Dick," I whispered. He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a fierce hug. Oh, how I've missed his touch. He gently placed a kiss on my forehead and let me go.

"So, what'd I miss?" I asked weakly. He smiled.

"Nothing, we didn't really get any new missions these past 2 days. Even evil can't do it's job right when you're not there," he said in a slight jokey tone. I gave him a soft smile. Dick got it worst than the rest of them.

"Where's Sam?" I asked remember him.

"He just left 20 minutes ago to get Quorra," he said, "He's been visiting 5 hours for the past 2 days, or whenever he gets the chance. You know what it means to be a Justice League member." I sighed, but I didn't blame him. Sam cared for me, but his work got in the way, and that's something he can't ignore. At least he visits me, just not as often as Dick. He probably got it worst than the rest too, second to Dick, of course.

"I know, but I'm glad he took all the chances he had to come see me," I said. Then I started feeling like myself again. "Where is everybody? Doesn't anyone care?!" Dick chuckled.

"You actually woke up just as everyone went out to eat something," he said. Then I remembered why I wanted to wake up so bad.

"And you didn't go with them?" I asked.

Dick hesitated before answering. "No, but it doesn't matter. I'm not hungry."

"When was the last time you ate?"

"I don't know … it's been a while, a few hours."

"Like about 48 hours, maybe." He looked down a bit guilty and I knew I got him.

"Yeah, I haven't really done anything in 2 days," he said. I grabbed his hand.

"Go, eat and get cleaned up," I said. He looked like he was about to protest but I cut him off. "Come on. I'm fine, and you can tell the others I'm awake. Please."

"Okay, okay," he said defeated. Before he left he quickly planted a kiss on my lips and then ran off. I sighed. What did I do to get such a caring boyfriend?

Dick's P.O.V.

I walked out of the hospital and called Alfred to pick me up. I'm so happy and relieved that Cora was okay. I don't know what I would do without her. I got to the manor and actually looked at myself in the mirror for the first time in 2 days. I looked like a monster. My hair was allover, I had dark circles under my eyes, and my face looked a little bit skinnier than normal. I just showered, got dressed, and called Wally to see where they were.

"Hello," Wally said when he picked up the phone.

"Hey, Wally, where did you guys go to eat?" I asked.

"We went to eat at a diner, but wait, is Cora awake?" He asked.

"Um … yeah. How did you know?"

"Because you wouldn't leave her side unless she woke up and told you to leave." I blushed. I guess it was true.

"Um … yeah … so I'll be there and after we finish eating we can go visit her, okay?"

"Yeah, sure. Sam will be happy to hear about this. See ya."

"Yeah, see ya."

I sighed. I got to the restaurant and saw Wally, Connor, M'gann, Kaldur, and Artemis sitting together. I walked up to their table and sat down.

"So Rob, is Cora okay?" M'gann asked.

"Yeah."

"What did she say when she woke up?" Artemis asked.

"Well … um …" And soon everyone started asking me questions on how Cora was doing. While they were shooting questions at me, I ordered my food and ate it. Even after I was finished they were still asking questions.

"GUYS, guys, guys! Calm down, let the man rest," Wally said finally. Thank you. "You guys can see how she is when we go back to visit her." I smiled. Good ol' Wally.

"Okay, let's go now and visit her while she's still awake," I said. Everyone nodded and we all left the diner. You know, I didn't realize how hungry I was until now.

Cora's P.O.V.

I layed in the hospital bed just looking at the ceiling. It's been only a few minutes since I was fed for the first time, but I didn't really feel like eating. I hated hospitals. It reminded me of my real family. My dad, my mom, my older brother. The only memories I have of them were from ages 3 to 5. Sam adopted me a week after they died. I can't stand the small, white room, or the smell of medicine, or the smell of sanitation in this room. I want out!

"Cora," I looked up to find a nurse. "You have visitors."

"Who?" I asked.

"Your friends, um … Artemis, Megan, Wally …"

"Oh, yeah, yeah, bring them in." She nodded and went to get them. Finally, some company.

"CORA!" I saw the door open and Wally zooming in, almost bumping into the bed.

"Hey, Wally, I missed you too." I said with a laugh.

"Cora, how're feeling?" M'gann asked.

"Fine, just fine," I said, "In fact, I want out."

"The doctor said that you can leave in 5 days." Kaldur said.

"What!? 5 days. Why?" I screeched.

"Well, you might not feel it now, but you have a pretty deep wound in your mid-spine," he said, "The doctor wants you to rest or else you might make it worst. You were lucky that thorn didn't cut into your spine."

I tried sitting up but I felt a sharp pain enter my mid-back.

"Woah, calm down," Dick said as he gently pushed me back to lying down.

"Okay, I get it now," I said, "but I still want to leave sooner."

"Well, you would have stayed longer but because you're healing so fast, you're only staying for 5 days and then you can go home to heal out the rest of the days you were supposed to stay in the hospital," Artemis said. I just nodded. Why! I'd die in 5 days.

"Don't say that, Cora!" Dick snapped.

"Sorry, I thought I said that in my head," I said, "but it's true, I can't stand hospitals."

Dick just gave me a curious look. It's a good thing he was wearing sunglasses, or else I would have spilled out my whole story to him. I can't refuse those blue eyes. It was silent in the room for a while.

"Why do you hate hospitals?" Wally asked breaking the silence.

"Wally! That's not something you ask!" Artemis snapped. "What if she doesn't want to tell you, you idiot!"

"Hey, I wasn't the only one thinking it, right M'gann!" he retorted.

"Well, everyone was thinking it but that doesn't me you have to say it out loud," M'gann said.

"HA!" Artemis said in victory. Wally just made a face and turned the other way. Everyone laughed. Good ol' Wally sure knows how to make us laugh.

"Well, I think it's time to get going," Kaldur said. Everyone but Dick agreed.

"Robin, will you be coming with us?" he asked.

Dick just looked at me. "No, I'll stay and wait for Sam with Cora," he replied without taking his eyes off my.

"Okay than, feel better Cora." Everyone said their good byes and just left leaving me and Dick.

"So, what happened exactly after I passed out?" I asked. Dick stiffened up and pulled off his shades.

"We rushed you to the nearest hospital," he said while looking at the floor. "I thought I lost you." He whispered.

"Dick," I said as I grabbed his arm, "Don't worry, I'm fine …"

"No," he said and pulled away, "I almost lost you, I don't want that happening again!"

"What!? You're being unreasonable, I can take care of myself," I said.

"You can't even sit up straight," he growled.

"Maybe if you just gave me a chance, I can show you that I am stronger than you think …" I started.

"No, Cora," he said sternly.

"But I …" I cried in protest.

"CORA I REFUSE TO LOSE YOU! I SAID NO!" He snapped. I felt tears threatening to spill. I quickly blinked them away. He's never talked to me like that.

"FINE, THAN I DON'T NEED YOU TO PROTECT ME!" I yelled back. I closed my eyes. I didn't want to see his face and I was getting a headache. Why does he have to be so overprotective? I heard him sigh and walk out the room. I felt a warm tear roll down my face as I slowly started drifting to sleep.

The Next Day

Today, I got way too many visitors. Uncle Bruce stopped by and so did Sam and Quorra. I didn't get some alone time with Sam, though, or at least not yet. I always feel like I can tell him anything. They guys came over to say hi again, too. Dick was with them, too, but he didn't stay behind like he did yesterday. I know he was the one who was being unreasonable, but I still miss him.

"Cora, your father wants to see you," the nurse said. I just nodded. Today was a busy day. People coming in and out of the room just wears me out.

"Hey, kiddo," Sam said while walking in, "how are things?"

"They're okay," I said, "could be better though."

"Look I know you don't like hospitals because of your family, but you're okay," he said.

"I know," I was debating whether or not to tell him about my fight with Dick.

"Is something else wrong?" he asked.

"No, I'm just thinking about them," I lied, "I miss them a lot. And to think that all they wanted to do was go to Hawaii for a weekend while I stayed with my brother and a babysitter."

"Don't think about it," he said, "But I know that's not the only thing on your mind. You seemed upset all day, and it can't be just because of what happened that day."

I sighed. I guess I have no choice. "You're right, that's not the only thing," I said while biting my lip, "It's also about Dick. He … I … We kind of had a fight yesterday and now we're not really talking." It felt good getting it off my chest.

I looked at Sam to see his reaction and he seemed deep in thought. "Well," he started, "what where you guys arguing about?"

"Dick, doesn't want me getting hurt again, but he doesn't understand that I can take care of myself perfectly."

He seemed to hesitate before giving me his response. "Look, I don't want you getting hurt either and I know how capable you are of protecting yourself. Dick just doesn't know yet."

"So, maybe I could prove it to him," I said.

"You could …" Sam said, "But you'd have to train twice as hard and not go on missions."

"I could do that," I said.

"Yeah, but Cora, I think it's best to give Dick some time, okay," he said. I sighed.

"Yeah, okay, I will," I said, "But that's not stopping me from getting stronger. I'll show him that I could be just as strong as I was before, maybe even stronger!"

I heard Sam chuckle. "Alright, kiddo," he said while messing up my hair. He gave me a kiss on my forehead before saying goodbye. As he walked out the door, Dick walked into the room alone.

"Hey, Cora," he mumbled after Sam left.

"Hey," I said.

"Look, I'm sorry for yelling at you yesterday, and avoiding you today …"

"It's okay, I'm sorry for what I said."

Dick sat in the chair beside my bed and we just sat there in awkward silence. I then felt his hand grab mine and he gently rubbed his thumb over my palm.

"I have to go soon," he whispered.

"But you just go here," I said. I tried to make it as obvious as possible that I was disappointed so he could stay.

"I know," he said, "But we have a mission." Of course.

"Well, in that case …" I reached over and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. "Good luck." I saw Dick's cheeks turn a slight pinkish. He kissed my hand before leaving and said goodbye.

I sighed. I would die in 4 days in this hospital. I just know it.

Okay, so Cora survives, but there seems to be some trouble. Not only does Cora have to recover from her injury but she has to recover from the argument she had with Dick.

Hope you like. Don't worry things will get better.