Dick and Babs, A New Chapter In Life Part 4
On the gymnasium floor of the Titans Tower, Dick sat. He looked up at Victor Stone. The man known as Cyborg had arrived minutes earlier and announced that they needed to have an overdue talk. "Wally tells me that you are doing well in Central City."
"Checking up on me, Batboy?" Victor asked with a hint of anger.
Speaking with soft shame, Nightwing replied, "No Victor, I was checking on you not checking up on you. I just wanted to see how you were doing, that's all."
"You're trying to change the subject, short pants."
"I. I know."
"You know, nobody expects you to have all the answers. The Titans have always looked to you fer leadership. You have always put so much pressure on yerself to be perfect. To be like Batman but at the same time not be Batman. Yer humanity has always been what sets you apart from him. You make decisions for us in battle, but that don't give you the right to make decisions for us in life."
"You're right Vic. Please let me explain something to you. The day after Wally, Roy, Garth, Donna and I decided to reform the Titans, I was approached by Batman and Superman.
"Stone is a threat," Batman said with a cold icy steel voice.
"He's changed. His mind was mostly machine. We helped his consciousness regain its humanity."
"He tried to take over the Earth."
"Listen, Bruce.." Nightwing said with anger.
"Dick, we are just trying to voice our concerns about Victor," the regal voice of Superman said. "Please understand that we have a great responsibility here. People entrust us with their lives."
"Clark, you're talking about locking one of my friends away. What about our responsibility to individuals?"
"Stone is not human anymore. He is a machine," Batman said.
"He is one of the most human people I know, dammit. He may not have a human body anymore, but he has a human spirit," Dick responded looking straight at Superman. Dick hoped that the Kryptonian who considered himself human would understand.
"He's right Bruce, we can't just lock him away," Superman said.
"Look, Vic rejoined the Titans. I will take responsibility for him."
After a grunt from Batman, Superman spoke up, "I think that is acceptable. We trust your judgment Dick."
"Thanks, Clark. I was hoping you would understand."
"If Stone gets out of control, I am holding you responsible, Nightwing." Batman growled.
"I know Batman. I know."
"You should have told me from the beginning, Dick." Victor said with aggravation.
"I'm sorry. I thought it was best not to tell you. I didn't want to upset you. I thought you would feel even less human if I told you. I couldn't take what humanity you had regained away after I failed to help you before."
"What are you talking about?"
"The Titans Hunt. You were nearly brain dead and I couldn't save you. I should have been able to save you dammit. The Tower was destroyed with your plans. I let the Titans get kidnapped. I should have done something different. More security. Something to safeguard my team."
"Dick. It's not yer fault. You did everythin' you could do. I don't blame you fer any of that. You did fight to bring me back from Russia. If you hadn't, I'd still be a walking can of vegetables. You also helped me when I returned to Earth. You have always done the best you could do. You always strive to be perfect. Get a clue, Dick. Nobody is perfect not even Batman. I know I was angry with you fer a while. I do want to tell you thanks fer getting me a new body. I am still adjusting to it, but it looks like I do get a happy endin' after all."
"Vic, we have been friends for a long time. All I ever wanted was to help you. I thought I had gotten past everything with the Titans Hunt, but it still haunts me from time to time. Not having our friendship has been the one regret that hits me everyday. I hope we can be friends again. You are one hell of a man."
"Dick, the Titans have been like a family. We are entitled to get into fights from time to time. Doesn't mean we aren't still a family."
"You know Vic, I know I was a big reason why you left the Titans. You are always welcome to come back. We could get a transporter from the JLA to help you commute back and forth from Central City. Of course, with the Omegadrome you could probably fly."
"Never tried to fly. I guess there's a lot about this thing, its capabilities that I have not tapped into. I'll think about yer offer. Even if I don't rejoin, I'll still come and visit from time to time. You want to talk to me about Barbara?"
"How do you know about Barbara?"
"Well, I couldn't help but overhear some of yer talk with Harper. I know who Oracle is. Couldn't help but find out with my abilities."
"So you heard about the cloning procedure?"
"Yeah. I can tell you from experience that she is hurt and scared. I don't know what she said to you to get you this upset, but I know she probably still cares for you. If you give her a little time and patience mebbe she will come around. You should go talk to her."
"I think I will go talk to her. Hopefully she has calmed down by now. Thanks for the talk Vic. It is good to see you. We need to get together sometime. I have some ideas on how you can utilize the Omegadrome."
"We'll do that. I will think about yer offer. Mebbe we can see what this new body of mine is capable of. Good luck, Dick."
"Thanks. Take care of yourself Victor."
After Victor left, Dick showered off again and decided to head for Gotham City.
Tim Drake, the current Robin flew through the air of Gotham. Beside him swinging from a jumpline was Cassandra Cain now holding the title of Batgirl. They had just finished up a patrol with Batman. They had caught up with the Dark Knight earlier in the evening when they responded to the batsignal. It was an easy enough task for the three of them to handle. Tim was worried. Batman had just left them to head to Oracle's. He was sure it had something to do with Dick. He had not seen much of Dick in the past few months. Restrictions at Brentwood and Dick's plan to take down Blockbuster had kept them from getting together. Tim didn't like that. He missed hanging out with his "brother". This situation between Dick and Babs had been hard on everyone. Batman had been more on edge Oracle was a nightmare to talk to. He thought back to his conversation with Dick a week earlier. Dick had told him what was happening between Barbara and himself. Tim felt bad for his "big brother". Barbara was obviously severely hurt by Dick's actions.
"Batman see Oracle," Batgirl stated, bringing Tim out of his thoughts.
"Yes, I think it is about Nightwing," Tim replied.
"Oracle hurt. 'Wing dummy."
"Oracle is very hurt right now, but so is Nightwing. He's not a dummy. They hurt each other."
"Wing dummy."
Tim sighed as they flew into the night.
"Oracle," Batman called out.
"Come in, Batman."
"You wanted to see me," the voice of Bruce Wayne came from Batman. He removed his cowl to look face to face with Barbara.
"Yes. Tell me all you know about this procedure of Dick's."
Bruce removed his cape, utility belt and gloves. He knew it was going to be a while. Sitting on Barbara's couch he began to tell her the whole story. She wheeled over next to him. He had to pause several times to comfort her. He was uncomfortable being supportive to someone. It was almost foreign territory for him but he could not just sit there while his fallen friend, his son's love was hurting so. She was almost crying hysterically as he held her close. His instincts kicked in and he knew they were not alone. He turned to her balcony to catch a glimpse of Nightwing flying off the ledge.
"Tell me," Roland Desmond said to his accountant.
"It is nearly all gone sir," his visibly terrified accountant responded. "Your legitimate empire has been lost in the proxy fight. I am afraid the fight has brought the stock price critically low so you cannot recover by selling the stock. Your private accounts have been wiped clean. I have my best people looking for the money but they have been unable to explain what has happened. Your other smaller companies are still owned by you but the holding companies that control them have been lost. I am afraid sir, when you set up the holding companies to control your smaller holdings you made contracts between them that will not allow you to make changes. You can surely sell your stock but you cannot take control away."
"Without control those companies are worthless to me. RRAAAARRRR!!!!" Blockbuster fumed. "Without funds, I am losing this rotten city. Damn that interfering vigilante."
"Sir?" a well-dressed man asked as he entered the room.
"Speak."
"We lost the last shipment. The deal with Diego fell through. We could not fill his order. I am afraid they are now dealing with Minh. It was the Titans sir."
"The Titans. NIGHTWING!!!! I swear I am going to destroy you if it is the last thing I do," Blockbuster cursed as he grabbed the man delivering the unfortunate news to his employer. "CRACK!" Blockbuster dropped the man to the floor. He was quite dead with his head turned around backwards. Turning to his accountant, he said, "FIND MY MONEY OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE SAME FATE. GET OUT!!" The man swallowed hard and left as quickly as he could. Desmond went to his desk and sat down. He picked up his phone and dialed. "Contact The Demon. Tell him I need more men." After hanging up the phone, Blockbuster lifted up his desk and smashed it into the floor, shattering it to splinters.
The sun was shining brightly over Bludhaven as Bruce Wayne drove his Jaguar towards his son's hometown. He remembered the conversation he had hours before sunrise that morning. After telling Barbara the details of Dick's plan and seeing his son leave, his conversation took an interesting turn.
"Bruce, if I am going to go through with this procedure, I am going to need something from you," Barbara said.
"Name it," he replied.
"I want you to go to Dick. Tell him how you feel about him. Tell him how proud you are of him."
"Barbara.. this is not about my relationship with Dick."
"No, Bruce. This is about Dick. As I told you before, we both have hurt him. We both have pushed him away. I will go through with this procedure. I am not stupid. I know something could go wrong. I want to make sure somebody is there for Dick. He loves you and considers you his father now. I know you love him too. I think it is about time you tell him that."
"I..will do as you ask."
"Good. Now there is one other thing I need...."
Arriving outside Dick's apartment, Bruce brought his attention to the task at hand. Climbing the steps and walking to Dick's apartment, he knocked. He knocked again. Finally he heard someone cursing as they fell. Bruce smiled as he could imagine Dick tripping over a stack of pizza boxes. The door opened and Bruce studied his son. He had bags under his eyes. His hair was disheveled, and he had a small amount of beard growth. Looking closely he could see the despair in Dick's deep blue eyes.
"Bruce? What are you doing here?" Dick asked with a confused look on his face.
"I thought I would stop by this morning and see you."
Dick opened his door wider to allow passage for his adoptive father, "Come in, please."
Bruce stepped inside the apartment. He choked on a laugh when he looked over to see a pile of pizza boxes spread out in the middle of the floor. "It looks like your plan is going well, Dick. Oracle Investments has taken control of Desmond's companies."
"Yeah. It's going well. I spoke with King Faraday this morning. The information I have provided has given them enough to go on. He tells me that they should be ready to move in on Blockbuster and the Bludhaven PD within 72 hours. I convinced him that the Titans should arrest Blockbuster."
"That is excellent. The Titans are more capable to handle Desmond than government agents, especially with you in command." Dick's eyes widened at Bruce's last comment.
"Thanks Bruce."
"Dick I want to tell you. I'm pr-proud of you.son."
"Bruce.."
"Also that you are an excellent leader and a fine man. I do consider you my son and I.I love you. I love you, son."
"I don't know what to say, Bruce. For so long you have been my father, even when neither of us would admit it. Thank you for all the years, all the guidance and even the unspoken love. I do love you too."
The two men who were now in all consideration father and son, stood in silence for a long while. Finally Dick spoke, "How is Barbara?"
"Dick, she is hurting. I know she still loves you. I saw you last night. Why didn't you stay and talk to her?"
"I had every intention to stay and talk to her. I saw her in so much pain and I couldn't bare it. I feel so guilty for hurting her."
"Barbara is a strong woman. She will pull through this."
"I hope so. I love her so much, Bruce."
"Then tell her."
"I don't know if I can face her. I will try. Maybe I will detour through Gotham tonight on my way to New York.."
"Good. I have some business to take care of this morning. How about a late lunch? Give you a chance to get some sleep.".
"Sounds good."
"I will meet you here at 2:00," Bruce said as he walked to the door.
"2:00 it is."
Bruce closed the door to Dick's apartment. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "It is set. 2:00, Dick's apartment. Ending the phone call, Bruce allowed himself a rare grin.
"Man, what's gotten into him?" Dick asked himself. "Oh great Grayson, you're talking to yourself again. You backed yourself into a corner though. You agreed to go see Barbara tonight." Not relishing the thought of facing the love of his life he decided he needed to get more sleep if his day was as big as he expected it to be.
Dick awoke at noon. He placed a call to the Titans to confirm their meeting that evening. They needed to come up with strategy for taking down Blockbuster. Dick hoped that 72 hours was enough time to prepare. He did his morning ritual of limbering kata and stretches. He grabbed a quick bowl of Sugar Flakes thinking that he would be hungry again by the time Bruce returned and they found a place to eat. He frowned at the sweet tasting cereal. He wished he had some Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs. Maybe he could call Wally. He could get a box here in 2 seconds. Deciding against it, Dick finished the bowl of cereal. Dick went to his computer and sat down. He moved his mouse to the Oracle icon. Not being able to force his finger to double click on the mouse button, he screamed in frustration. Noticing the time, he stood up, pulled his shirt off and tossed it into the corner of his living room. He walked into his bedroom and pulled down his pants. He removed his pants from his feet and folded them clumsily and put them in the chair beside his bed with his other pants. Now dressed in only his underwear, he flipped his body and walked on his hands until he reached the bathroom. Relishing his shower, he stretched his body. Allowing the almost scalding hot water to massage his sore muscles, he grunted. He knew he had overdone it the previous day. He stood in the shower until he ran out of hot water. After drying off he managed to find some clean clothes to wear. He styled his hair and gave himself a quick shave. Walking into his living room, he looked at the clock. 1:58. He heard the knock on his door.
"I'm coming Br-...," he started as he opened the door to find the most beautiful redhead sitting in a wheelchair waiting for him. "Barbara!"
"Hello, Dick."
"Dick," he thought to himself, "She must still be really mad at me." He opened the door and she wheeled herself into the apartment. She rolled over to his coffee table and placed a box down that she had in her lap.
"I'm supposed to be meeting Bruce for lunch. Please come with us. Maybe afterward you and I can talk," Dick said hopefully.
"Bruce is not coming. I'm not hungry. However, I am here to talk. We need to clear the air between us once and for all," Barbara stated flatly.
To be continued...
On the gymnasium floor of the Titans Tower, Dick sat. He looked up at Victor Stone. The man known as Cyborg had arrived minutes earlier and announced that they needed to have an overdue talk. "Wally tells me that you are doing well in Central City."
"Checking up on me, Batboy?" Victor asked with a hint of anger.
Speaking with soft shame, Nightwing replied, "No Victor, I was checking on you not checking up on you. I just wanted to see how you were doing, that's all."
"You're trying to change the subject, short pants."
"I. I know."
"You know, nobody expects you to have all the answers. The Titans have always looked to you fer leadership. You have always put so much pressure on yerself to be perfect. To be like Batman but at the same time not be Batman. Yer humanity has always been what sets you apart from him. You make decisions for us in battle, but that don't give you the right to make decisions for us in life."
"You're right Vic. Please let me explain something to you. The day after Wally, Roy, Garth, Donna and I decided to reform the Titans, I was approached by Batman and Superman.
"Stone is a threat," Batman said with a cold icy steel voice.
"He's changed. His mind was mostly machine. We helped his consciousness regain its humanity."
"He tried to take over the Earth."
"Listen, Bruce.." Nightwing said with anger.
"Dick, we are just trying to voice our concerns about Victor," the regal voice of Superman said. "Please understand that we have a great responsibility here. People entrust us with their lives."
"Clark, you're talking about locking one of my friends away. What about our responsibility to individuals?"
"Stone is not human anymore. He is a machine," Batman said.
"He is one of the most human people I know, dammit. He may not have a human body anymore, but he has a human spirit," Dick responded looking straight at Superman. Dick hoped that the Kryptonian who considered himself human would understand.
"He's right Bruce, we can't just lock him away," Superman said.
"Look, Vic rejoined the Titans. I will take responsibility for him."
After a grunt from Batman, Superman spoke up, "I think that is acceptable. We trust your judgment Dick."
"Thanks, Clark. I was hoping you would understand."
"If Stone gets out of control, I am holding you responsible, Nightwing." Batman growled.
"I know Batman. I know."
"You should have told me from the beginning, Dick." Victor said with aggravation.
"I'm sorry. I thought it was best not to tell you. I didn't want to upset you. I thought you would feel even less human if I told you. I couldn't take what humanity you had regained away after I failed to help you before."
"What are you talking about?"
"The Titans Hunt. You were nearly brain dead and I couldn't save you. I should have been able to save you dammit. The Tower was destroyed with your plans. I let the Titans get kidnapped. I should have done something different. More security. Something to safeguard my team."
"Dick. It's not yer fault. You did everythin' you could do. I don't blame you fer any of that. You did fight to bring me back from Russia. If you hadn't, I'd still be a walking can of vegetables. You also helped me when I returned to Earth. You have always done the best you could do. You always strive to be perfect. Get a clue, Dick. Nobody is perfect not even Batman. I know I was angry with you fer a while. I do want to tell you thanks fer getting me a new body. I am still adjusting to it, but it looks like I do get a happy endin' after all."
"Vic, we have been friends for a long time. All I ever wanted was to help you. I thought I had gotten past everything with the Titans Hunt, but it still haunts me from time to time. Not having our friendship has been the one regret that hits me everyday. I hope we can be friends again. You are one hell of a man."
"Dick, the Titans have been like a family. We are entitled to get into fights from time to time. Doesn't mean we aren't still a family."
"You know Vic, I know I was a big reason why you left the Titans. You are always welcome to come back. We could get a transporter from the JLA to help you commute back and forth from Central City. Of course, with the Omegadrome you could probably fly."
"Never tried to fly. I guess there's a lot about this thing, its capabilities that I have not tapped into. I'll think about yer offer. Even if I don't rejoin, I'll still come and visit from time to time. You want to talk to me about Barbara?"
"How do you know about Barbara?"
"Well, I couldn't help but overhear some of yer talk with Harper. I know who Oracle is. Couldn't help but find out with my abilities."
"So you heard about the cloning procedure?"
"Yeah. I can tell you from experience that she is hurt and scared. I don't know what she said to you to get you this upset, but I know she probably still cares for you. If you give her a little time and patience mebbe she will come around. You should go talk to her."
"I think I will go talk to her. Hopefully she has calmed down by now. Thanks for the talk Vic. It is good to see you. We need to get together sometime. I have some ideas on how you can utilize the Omegadrome."
"We'll do that. I will think about yer offer. Mebbe we can see what this new body of mine is capable of. Good luck, Dick."
"Thanks. Take care of yourself Victor."
After Victor left, Dick showered off again and decided to head for Gotham City.
Tim Drake, the current Robin flew through the air of Gotham. Beside him swinging from a jumpline was Cassandra Cain now holding the title of Batgirl. They had just finished up a patrol with Batman. They had caught up with the Dark Knight earlier in the evening when they responded to the batsignal. It was an easy enough task for the three of them to handle. Tim was worried. Batman had just left them to head to Oracle's. He was sure it had something to do with Dick. He had not seen much of Dick in the past few months. Restrictions at Brentwood and Dick's plan to take down Blockbuster had kept them from getting together. Tim didn't like that. He missed hanging out with his "brother". This situation between Dick and Babs had been hard on everyone. Batman had been more on edge Oracle was a nightmare to talk to. He thought back to his conversation with Dick a week earlier. Dick had told him what was happening between Barbara and himself. Tim felt bad for his "big brother". Barbara was obviously severely hurt by Dick's actions.
"Batman see Oracle," Batgirl stated, bringing Tim out of his thoughts.
"Yes, I think it is about Nightwing," Tim replied.
"Oracle hurt. 'Wing dummy."
"Oracle is very hurt right now, but so is Nightwing. He's not a dummy. They hurt each other."
"Wing dummy."
Tim sighed as they flew into the night.
"Oracle," Batman called out.
"Come in, Batman."
"You wanted to see me," the voice of Bruce Wayne came from Batman. He removed his cowl to look face to face with Barbara.
"Yes. Tell me all you know about this procedure of Dick's."
Bruce removed his cape, utility belt and gloves. He knew it was going to be a while. Sitting on Barbara's couch he began to tell her the whole story. She wheeled over next to him. He had to pause several times to comfort her. He was uncomfortable being supportive to someone. It was almost foreign territory for him but he could not just sit there while his fallen friend, his son's love was hurting so. She was almost crying hysterically as he held her close. His instincts kicked in and he knew they were not alone. He turned to her balcony to catch a glimpse of Nightwing flying off the ledge.
"Tell me," Roland Desmond said to his accountant.
"It is nearly all gone sir," his visibly terrified accountant responded. "Your legitimate empire has been lost in the proxy fight. I am afraid the fight has brought the stock price critically low so you cannot recover by selling the stock. Your private accounts have been wiped clean. I have my best people looking for the money but they have been unable to explain what has happened. Your other smaller companies are still owned by you but the holding companies that control them have been lost. I am afraid sir, when you set up the holding companies to control your smaller holdings you made contracts between them that will not allow you to make changes. You can surely sell your stock but you cannot take control away."
"Without control those companies are worthless to me. RRAAAARRRR!!!!" Blockbuster fumed. "Without funds, I am losing this rotten city. Damn that interfering vigilante."
"Sir?" a well-dressed man asked as he entered the room.
"Speak."
"We lost the last shipment. The deal with Diego fell through. We could not fill his order. I am afraid they are now dealing with Minh. It was the Titans sir."
"The Titans. NIGHTWING!!!! I swear I am going to destroy you if it is the last thing I do," Blockbuster cursed as he grabbed the man delivering the unfortunate news to his employer. "CRACK!" Blockbuster dropped the man to the floor. He was quite dead with his head turned around backwards. Turning to his accountant, he said, "FIND MY MONEY OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE SAME FATE. GET OUT!!" The man swallowed hard and left as quickly as he could. Desmond went to his desk and sat down. He picked up his phone and dialed. "Contact The Demon. Tell him I need more men." After hanging up the phone, Blockbuster lifted up his desk and smashed it into the floor, shattering it to splinters.
The sun was shining brightly over Bludhaven as Bruce Wayne drove his Jaguar towards his son's hometown. He remembered the conversation he had hours before sunrise that morning. After telling Barbara the details of Dick's plan and seeing his son leave, his conversation took an interesting turn.
"Bruce, if I am going to go through with this procedure, I am going to need something from you," Barbara said.
"Name it," he replied.
"I want you to go to Dick. Tell him how you feel about him. Tell him how proud you are of him."
"Barbara.. this is not about my relationship with Dick."
"No, Bruce. This is about Dick. As I told you before, we both have hurt him. We both have pushed him away. I will go through with this procedure. I am not stupid. I know something could go wrong. I want to make sure somebody is there for Dick. He loves you and considers you his father now. I know you love him too. I think it is about time you tell him that."
"I..will do as you ask."
"Good. Now there is one other thing I need...."
Arriving outside Dick's apartment, Bruce brought his attention to the task at hand. Climbing the steps and walking to Dick's apartment, he knocked. He knocked again. Finally he heard someone cursing as they fell. Bruce smiled as he could imagine Dick tripping over a stack of pizza boxes. The door opened and Bruce studied his son. He had bags under his eyes. His hair was disheveled, and he had a small amount of beard growth. Looking closely he could see the despair in Dick's deep blue eyes.
"Bruce? What are you doing here?" Dick asked with a confused look on his face.
"I thought I would stop by this morning and see you."
Dick opened his door wider to allow passage for his adoptive father, "Come in, please."
Bruce stepped inside the apartment. He choked on a laugh when he looked over to see a pile of pizza boxes spread out in the middle of the floor. "It looks like your plan is going well, Dick. Oracle Investments has taken control of Desmond's companies."
"Yeah. It's going well. I spoke with King Faraday this morning. The information I have provided has given them enough to go on. He tells me that they should be ready to move in on Blockbuster and the Bludhaven PD within 72 hours. I convinced him that the Titans should arrest Blockbuster."
"That is excellent. The Titans are more capable to handle Desmond than government agents, especially with you in command." Dick's eyes widened at Bruce's last comment.
"Thanks Bruce."
"Dick I want to tell you. I'm pr-proud of you.son."
"Bruce.."
"Also that you are an excellent leader and a fine man. I do consider you my son and I.I love you. I love you, son."
"I don't know what to say, Bruce. For so long you have been my father, even when neither of us would admit it. Thank you for all the years, all the guidance and even the unspoken love. I do love you too."
The two men who were now in all consideration father and son, stood in silence for a long while. Finally Dick spoke, "How is Barbara?"
"Dick, she is hurting. I know she still loves you. I saw you last night. Why didn't you stay and talk to her?"
"I had every intention to stay and talk to her. I saw her in so much pain and I couldn't bare it. I feel so guilty for hurting her."
"Barbara is a strong woman. She will pull through this."
"I hope so. I love her so much, Bruce."
"Then tell her."
"I don't know if I can face her. I will try. Maybe I will detour through Gotham tonight on my way to New York.."
"Good. I have some business to take care of this morning. How about a late lunch? Give you a chance to get some sleep.".
"Sounds good."
"I will meet you here at 2:00," Bruce said as he walked to the door.
"2:00 it is."
Bruce closed the door to Dick's apartment. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "It is set. 2:00, Dick's apartment. Ending the phone call, Bruce allowed himself a rare grin.
"Man, what's gotten into him?" Dick asked himself. "Oh great Grayson, you're talking to yourself again. You backed yourself into a corner though. You agreed to go see Barbara tonight." Not relishing the thought of facing the love of his life he decided he needed to get more sleep if his day was as big as he expected it to be.
Dick awoke at noon. He placed a call to the Titans to confirm their meeting that evening. They needed to come up with strategy for taking down Blockbuster. Dick hoped that 72 hours was enough time to prepare. He did his morning ritual of limbering kata and stretches. He grabbed a quick bowl of Sugar Flakes thinking that he would be hungry again by the time Bruce returned and they found a place to eat. He frowned at the sweet tasting cereal. He wished he had some Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs. Maybe he could call Wally. He could get a box here in 2 seconds. Deciding against it, Dick finished the bowl of cereal. Dick went to his computer and sat down. He moved his mouse to the Oracle icon. Not being able to force his finger to double click on the mouse button, he screamed in frustration. Noticing the time, he stood up, pulled his shirt off and tossed it into the corner of his living room. He walked into his bedroom and pulled down his pants. He removed his pants from his feet and folded them clumsily and put them in the chair beside his bed with his other pants. Now dressed in only his underwear, he flipped his body and walked on his hands until he reached the bathroom. Relishing his shower, he stretched his body. Allowing the almost scalding hot water to massage his sore muscles, he grunted. He knew he had overdone it the previous day. He stood in the shower until he ran out of hot water. After drying off he managed to find some clean clothes to wear. He styled his hair and gave himself a quick shave. Walking into his living room, he looked at the clock. 1:58. He heard the knock on his door.
"I'm coming Br-...," he started as he opened the door to find the most beautiful redhead sitting in a wheelchair waiting for him. "Barbara!"
"Hello, Dick."
"Dick," he thought to himself, "She must still be really mad at me." He opened the door and she wheeled herself into the apartment. She rolled over to his coffee table and placed a box down that she had in her lap.
"I'm supposed to be meeting Bruce for lunch. Please come with us. Maybe afterward you and I can talk," Dick said hopefully.
"Bruce is not coming. I'm not hungry. However, I am here to talk. We need to clear the air between us once and for all," Barbara stated flatly.
To be continued...