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"Good morning. I brought you breakfast."
"Anything?"
"No, he hasn't responded yet."
"It's been what, a week?"
"Yes."
"Alfred, what do we do?"
"There are some things we must all wait for, ma'am."
…
…
…
"Hey! You haven't been over in a while!"
"Yes, I've been taking care of… things."
"Well, take a load off. You're still recovery from the surgery, right?"
"Physical therapy starts next week."
"Look at you!"
"Is he…"
"No."
…
…
…
"You moron. It's been a month. At least get up on your own!"
"Shut it twerp."
"Hey, where are you going!"
"To see a friend."
"You should be here, with us! With him!"
…
…
…
"Happy Birthday!"
"…"
"um…"
"Let's just go."
"I'm sorry everyone. I was hoping this might help him…"
"It's cool. We want to help too."
"Can't the Martians do something?"
"According to them, he's just grieving, his mind is sound, but locked away. They can't get at it, not without serious damage."
"Happy 27th man."
…
…
…
"So, divorce?"
"Yes."
"This seems rather sudden, eh?"
"It isn't, really."
"…"
"Should we be speaking about this in front of him?"
"That bastard is so out of it, he won't notice."
"Jason!"
"It's the truth. You fucking bastard! It's been nine months! You've got a kid! Wake up, dammit!"
"Wait, come back!"
…
…
…
"Were are you going, Drake?"
"A friends."
"Who? Hey! Don't ignore me!"
…
…
…
"Hey, chum. Wanna talk?"
"…"
"What am I even trying to do here, Doctor?"
"The best is hope we can bring him back slowly and surely. A concussion that severe at the same time as the tragedy… I'm not surprised he's become so withdrawn."
"But he'll get better."
"I… I just don't know."
…
…
…
"Pass the popcorn."
"…"
"I've got it."
"No, you sit. I heard the therapist, you need to take a break; you've been pushing yourself too hard."
"I'm fine."
"This bastard should get it."
"No… he's fine."
"No he is not! He's just given up on us! He's gone. Who would have thogutht, just a little sadness could destroy you so much? We've all lost our families! You don't get some special pass card! Just wake up dammit!"
"…"
"Fuck you! I thought you said you'd always be here to help us! Don't… don't leave me."
"Jay…"
"Shut up. He didn't even react. I'm done. I've spent the last year catering to him. I'm done. I'm done."
"Jason!"
"…"
"Gaddamn! Please, wake up! Wake up!"
…
…
…
Dick looked long into the mirror. It was still dark outside On the small dresser was a couple of picture frames, spotless and polished wood reflecting the light from the bathroom light. One frame held a picture of a gorgeous black haired woman and Greek looking man holding a lovely baby. The baby had glittering blue eyes and a tuft of black hair atop its head. Another frame had so many read heads in it, the people almost blurred into each other. The new Wests were already in grade school, or toddlers entering preschool. Artemis, Lian, and Jade along with Iris were pops of color about the picture. Dick didn't pay the pictures much mind as he stared at his reflection.
A thin film of sweat covered Dick's skin. He had just returned from a midnight run, or maybe it had been a nightmare. Dick could barely tell the difference between his life and nightmares anymore. That wasn't true, Dick actually was very aware of being awake. He just remembered the horrors of his life when he slept.
The house groaned and an owl hooted, covering the sound of the garage holding the Batman related vehicles opening and closing. They had just finished a patrol, Dick reasoned. He had four hours then. Alfred would wake and begin breakfast, and an hour after that Bruce would be up. An hour after Bruce, Tim would sneak into the house, Damian would catch him and the long practice shouting match would begin again. Jason might stop by, same with Barbra. Stephanie and Cass would video call around noon, looking sleepy and proud of their accomplishments. Today would be just like yesterday.
Except it won't be.
Dick turns to his bathroom, and closes the door after he enters. There are no longer locks on his door, though Dick thinks no one should have been worried about him in such a way.
After digging around, Dick found the scissors he had snuck in a few weeks back under his sink. A calendar on the wall told him it was December. Ten months since… since the tragedy. Dick mused. He would have to say it eventually.
"They're dead." He whispered into the air. The only answer was the light steps of Tim, Damian, and Bruce going to bed. Maybe Tim would stay in tonight. A few minutes later, the sounds of one set of feet proved Tim was leaving once again. Dick turned on the light over the sink.
"They're dead." Dick told his reflection. His face didn't move. A smile climbed onto his face, but in the mirror, it looked like a grimace.
"They're dead." Dick said forcefully. His face was determined. "And they want me to live." The words tasted like acid. Dick said it again. And again. He couldn't see his face through his tears by the time he stopped. Dick was breathing heavily and wiped his eyes.
"Master Richard, if it so pleases you, please join us for breakfast." Alfred's cool voice was muffled through two doors. Dick didn't answer. After a minute, Alfred seemed to leave. Dick stared into his eyes and picked up the silver shears. Very carefully, Dick pulled at hair, twisting his head and keeping a handheld mirror on hand. It took a few minutes, but soon, the dull lifeless hair that had once reached Dick's shoulder blades was now barely brushing the tops of his ears. Using the many mirrors, Dick thought that Alfred might touch it up a bit, but he had done a pretty decent job.
"Shouting from below indicated Tim's return. Dick listened and decided Jason must be home as well. Dick turned on the shower and quickly washed his head. Going through his clothes, Dick found some dark blue jeans and a black t-shirt. Dick threw on grey socks and ran his fingers through his newly shorn hair, making it stick up a tad. Dick stopped at the dresser. He picked up the picture of the Greek couple.
Jacky wants to meet you!
Dick smiled at the message in the corner. Jacky was almost a month old. Dick sighed as he shook out his hair and opened his door. His life was terrifying, it was a nightmare, but he needed to return. He had finally woken up.
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Love, Burning Bright