This chapter is a little shorter than the others, but I think it turned out better than I expected. Thanks to those following the story: Andromedaspearprincess18, lunamoon99, squidoge, , waterdragon1123, and unkownRyder and also all the other who have taken the time to read it. I'm thinking the next chapter will be from Dick's perspective to wrap things up. Happy Reading!
"So . . ." Dick began. He was drumming his fingers and tapping along to inaudible music. It was so familiar and painful to watch for Barbara, but she had just mastered her first wash of tears and was trying to maintain a level of control over her emotions. Especially since it was just her and Dick at this moment.
He gave her a slight smile that seemed so perfect for this moment, but then said, "Were we just good friends or were we dating?"
Barbara answered his smile with a faltering grin of her own, "Somewhere in between." She lied, but how were you supposed to explain that they'd always been good friends and even when they weren't officially together, they knew they could rely on each other? There was no way to explain the bond between them from back when there wasn't the expansive vigilante network, but only Bruce and a couple of headstrong teenagers in over their heads. He'd been there when she was learning how to live with her paralysis and he'd been there when she'd been fortunate enough to have her implant then struggled to walk again. Even when they were seeing other people, there was friendship in some form. His smile was completely gone now as if he knew how much she was holding back.
"Ah, well, I was a lucky guy to even get that far." Dick said in a quick recovery of some of his usual charm.
Barbara laughed, "Maybe so."
"It's weird hearing all these stories about me. I wish I could remember it. It sounds like something out of movie: orphaned circus acrobat adopted by billionaire, dating a gorgeous red-head."
"You have no idea." Barbara said. He was flirting so he must have physically been feeling well. They had not broached the issue of the night work yet so Barbara did not want to do it now. Bruce would have had a panic attack if such a discussion were had without him. The only reason he had stepped out now was to locate Damian who had stormed out shortly after Dick woke up.
Dick leaned back on the pillows and looked at his hands where they rested on his lap, "I wonder if I'll remember any of it."
"I . . . Dr. Thompkins will be here soon. She'll know more about it. And there's experts on this sort of thing that can be consulted."
Dick nodded, "And I guess Bruce can afford them."
"Yeah. He definitely can."
"It's . . . nice that everyone was here when I woke up. I mean I don't know anything for sure, but I know that at least people cared about me."
"Care." She corrected, "People care about you. A lot of people."
"Yeah." He agreed with a smile. Barbara almost hated to see that quick and easy smile since it almost made her believe that he did remember.
"Even if it takes a while for everything to come back to you, we'll be here." She leaned forward to grab his hand, "I'll be here."
He smiled still, but it wavered like a flickering flame, "Thanks, Barbara."
"I mean it, Dick. We've . . . we've made it through a lot together. This is just one more thing."
"Doesn't feel like it right now. It feels like a big thing."
Barbara nodded, withdrawing her hand, "I guess that is pretty crappy advice. When . . . A few years ago, I . . . had an accident and it damaged my spinal cord. I was never supposed to walk again. I was in a wheelchair for a year and while I was learning to live that way, people would give me that sort of advice all the time. 'Don't worry, you're strong enough to overcome this' or 'I know it's tough now, but'. Sometimes that recycled motivational poster garbage made me want to hit someone. Sometimes it felt like pity. Then I had to go through it all over again when I got the implant so I would walk again." Memory or no memory, Dick's eyes still seemed to broadcast his emotions and dig deep into hers. He nodded now, "What did you do? To actually help yourself get through it?"
"Well, I just kept throwing myself into it, I guess. Whenever I found something I couldn't do, I figured out how I could. And like my dad is always fond of saying: Gordons never give up! It's cheesy, but it's kind of what you have to do. Even when it's hard."
Dick laughed and again it was so familiar that her heart ached, "It is cheesy, but it's good advice."
"Thanks." Dick nodded, but covered a yawn.
"Get some rest, Dick." Barbara said, standing up, "Leslie's gonna be here in less than an hour and she's going to poke and prod so you should get some rest."
"Yeah. Good idea."
"I'll be here though. I promise."
"Thanks, Barbara. See you later."
"Yeah. Later." Barbara left the room and as soon as the door shut behind her, she took a deep breath. She knew no one would've faulted her for a few tears. Not even Dick. Especially not Dick. He had never needed her to be strong. But Barbara did.