Chapter Seven- Nightwing's Return…Almost
The hospital let Bruce go home a week later. Robin was very happy when he came back.
"Grandpa!" she yelled, presenting him with a picture drawn in crayon.
"Nice to see you, too, Robin."
"Come on Robin. How about we get an ice cream?" Terry took his daughter's hand.
Rachel watched the two, clearly enjoying spending time together.
"Daddy," she whispered. "Daddy."
"He isn't here, you know," Bruce said from behind her.
"I know. I just miss him, is all," Rachel said quietly.
"He would be very proud of you, Rachel."
"Thanks…I've got an article to finish. I'll be in my room if you need me."
"Right… I think I've got an idea as to what Corpus is up to…" Bruce began walking towards the Batcave.
Rachel went upstairs, flopping down on her bed. She buried her face in a pillow, thinking about her relationship with Terry. It has been so easy when they were teenagers: Save Gotham, exchange gifts on birthdays and Christmas, hold hands, and kiss. Then they got to college. Rachel remembered the one night they'd spent together…
Flashback
Rachel and Terry were sitting on his bed. Rachel was studying and Terry was…not.
"Terry, stop kissing my neck," Rachel mumbled. "We're supposed to be studying and I can't concentrate when you do that."
"I am studying," he replied.
"Last time I checked, Kissing 101 wasn't a class."
"I never said it was. I'm studying you."
"I'm not a class either."
"I'm aware," Terry replied, kissing her neck again.
"How about we get back to work?" Rachel asked.
"How about we take a break instead?"
"I could use a break," Rachel admitted.
"Good," Terry said. "Love you."
"Love you, too."
Terry cradled her in his arms, stroking her silky ebony hair. Suddenly, she moved and kissed him more passionately than she ever had before.
"Beautiful," he murmured after breaking the kiss.
"I love you, Terry."
"I love you too, Little One."
She kissed him on the cheek and snuggled deeper into his arms.
"Marry me," Terry said.
"I can't tell if you're joking or not."
"Of course I am. Bruce would never allow it."
"This is true," Rachel replied.
They were quiet for a while.
"Rach?" Terry asked quietly.
"Yes?"
"I don't know if this is because we're in college now or what, but I've been thinking…" His voice trailed off uncertainly.
"About what?" Rachel asked gently.
"Maybe…maybe we shouldn't wait until we get married. Because we can't even get married for at least another five years and with our night jobs, who knows if something will happen to one of us or not? I understand if you're set on waiting, but-"
Terry was cut off by Rachel's lips pressed against his.
"I agree, Terry. I've been thinking the same thing. I know I'll never love someone else enough to be so intimate. And something could happen, I know it could."
"So…it's OK? Because I love you, Rachel. I really do. I want to be with you."
"I love you too."
And with that, she began taking off his shirt…
End Flashback
Rachel knew she still loved Terry. She always would. And Robin…their baby girl.
"My angel," she murmured. "My angel."
Rachel had no clue as to what to do. Her first responsibility was to Robin. She was Robin's mother, after all. But what about Terry? Rachel loved him and he was Robin's father. Robin needed her daddy. And he was clearly enjoying being a father. Rachel regretted keeping her pregnancy from him. But Gotham was no place for a child, Batman and Firewing or not. There would never be a Firewing again, either. Robin had showed no signs of powers, which Rachel was extremely grateful for. Rachel…Rachel couldn't be a hero again, fearing something would happen to her and no one would take care of Robin.
Rachel punched the pillow in frustration. "I just had to go to Metropolis, didn't I?"
"You had to, Princess," said a voice in her head that sounded just like-
"Daddy?"
"It's me, Rachel. I just want you to know I'm proud of you. And baby Robin is so beautiful."
"Thanks…what do you think of Terry?"
"He's done pretty well by you. And his child. You're a beautiful mother."
"I love you, Daddy. Why did you leave?"
"It was unintentional, believe me. I love you, too. Mom says to say hi."
"Bye."
"Bye."
"You know, baby, talking to yourself is the first sign of craziness."
"This is coming from someone who dresses like a bat," Rachel replied sarcastically.
"Ah, my dear Firewing, you know you think it's sexy."
"Rachel," she corrected. "There will never be another Firewing and you know that."
"But Rach…Gotham needs Firewing."
"Firewing has a baby to take care of," Rachel reminded him.
"And a very beautiful baby," Terry said haughtily.
"True,"
"So…I'm unsure of where we stand. You've been home for three weeks and we've just started moving in the direction of romance again. I've missed you and I don't want to mess up again," Terry said quietly.
"I trust you, Terry. I don't think either of us wants to go through life alone. Again."
Terry collapsed beside her in the bed. "You trust me."
"Yes, Terry. And I want to be together again. We belong together. Besides, Robin needs us."
"Just because Robin needs us isn't good enough. I need to know that you really love me," Terry said seriously.
They looked each other in the eye.
"I do love you, Terry. I love you so much that it hurts to breathe if you're not near me," Rachel said softly.
"I love you, Rachel Grayson."
Rachel rolled over, landing smoothly in Terry's arms.
"So we're starting over?"
Rachel nodded. "Yeah."
Terry kissed her gently. "Forever," he promised. "Forever."
"Forever," Rachel agreed.
Robin toddled into the room, clutching her bear.
"Bed time."
"Sure, Princess," Terry said. He untangled Rachel from his muscular arms and scooped Robin up. Terry brought Robin over to Rachel, who took the small sleepy child.
"Princess Robin asks for a nap, which Queen Rachel accepts," Rachel joked, making her daughter giggle.
"Night Mommy. Night Daddy."
And with that, the three fell asleep, content at last.
Sorry this has taken so long. I had finals…grr…but I'm off of school until January 9th, so I hope to finish this up by then. Happy Holidays!
Love,
Robbie