CHAPTER 50:
"From Start To Finish"
It was a week later when all the loose ends were tied up and reports were written. Dick Grayson, however, wasn't looking forward to typing his, because even after seven days, he still wasn't finished. There was just so much to put down.
Bruce wanted him to write down everything. All the his experiences that he had had, or could remember, when he had amnesia, and what happened during the time no one but Dick could describe. Especially those times when he hung out in bars, was playing pool, gambling, anyone he encountered, and the such. Anything that went against the grain of who Dick Grayson was.
Bruce said it was for Dick's psychoanalysis profile, just in case any mental issues arose at a later date that needed addressing. This way, there could be a reference as to why. It made sense, but writing it all down was a pain.
He had reservations about writing some things down, because at one point Dick felt he didn't want to return to crime fighting. He wanted a life without stress, and he remembered he had thanked whomever had shot him for doing so, because the act had taken the weight of Nightwing off his shoulders, even though he didn't remember much in being the crime fighter, only told. Barbara had told him about his past experiences and that was before Damian dragged him back into the fold. He, at one point, didn't even know his name, saying that he only knew what to call himself because people had told him later going by Ric Grayson, instead of Dick.
When they returned back from the mission battling Bane and everyone was in the Batcave, Dick hugged Damian, and thanked him for doing what he had done, bringing him back to where he belonged. Damian wasn't one who liked to be hugged, but he allowed it to happen. And in sequence, in Dick-like fashion, Dick hugged everyone in turn, thankful that he was with his family again. He also thanked Arkells, who was now a full-fledged member of the Batfamily.
Dick remembered Barbara had asked him what he thought he would be doing right now if he still had his amnesia, and he said, he would probably be wandering around aimlessly in the wintery cold. And he thought, through a distance memory, that he had had done that very thing, with someone…a friend he had made. But he couldn't remember who.
On another note, they later learned through Gotham forensics testing, that the man whom everyone thought was Bane, and who had exploded, was in fact Dr. Marx Helfern, that Tim told them about. Apparently, in reports written by Helfern, he had tested his own DNA markers and found out that he, too, was a good match as a beta-tester for Bane's Venom Drug. But never told Bane.
Why Dr. Helfern used the drug on himself and attacked Batman was a bit of a mystery. But after they had found Bane unconscious in the back alley, beaten to an inch of his life by someone who had fled the scene, it was hypothesized that Helfern had merely been a distraction to allow Bane to escape. He was possibly threatened with an explosive device much like Tim had described when he was forced to pretend to be Bane. It eventually detonated, adding insult to injury to Helfern's already blown-up body, caused by an excess overdose of the Venom Drug that Harley Quinn had accidentally injected him with by way of a dart gun meant for Nightwing.
Bane tried to escape in the chaos, but failed.
Stephane Brown's explanation as to why she and Mariana Garcia, a friend of her and Tim's from an old case file, had escaped his clutches was simple. Bane no longer had any use for her and left her locked up to later be found by Batman and company. She had been given her clothes back, she said, and Dr. Helfern said he would be back for her, but never did.
It was also learned that when Harley Quinn was hit by the flying piece of wood after the explosion that blew the remainder of Dr. Helfern's body to bits, dislodging itself from the door frame of the room Batman had thrown Helfern in, she had lost her memories of all events related to Bane. For a time, she couldn't even remember her name.
The same went for Bane. Before taking him to Arkham Asylum, he was given a heavy dose of Tim's short-term memory gas that erased his memory of everyone's secret identities.
There was one small glitch, KGBeast had escaped. He was not where Batman had left him, laying immobile with a broken neck after a fierce battle—being one of two snipers who originally shot Dick in the head in Jake Handles' assassination plot. The mercenary was half-android, so it was theorized, he may have been able to repair himself. Batman had not fatally injured him, as he thought.
With everything wrapped up, it was time celebrate, and a party was held in Dick's honour, or so he thought. Some people RSVP'ed unavailable, others sent cards of congratulations on his engagement and also welcome home.
Dick had been missing in action for weeks and there was a lot of talk since he was a member of one of the prominent family's in Gotham where he had been, so an explanation had to be put together about his hospitalization and disappearance, for those who didn't know, and for those, like the media, that wanted to know the facts. He lied, and said that it had been involved in a random drive-by shooting, and hence his head injury. But for those who knew the truth, they were glad he was back with all his memories.
One person invited to the party thought he saw Dick in Bludhaven acting really weird. Dick admitted he had not been himself after he was shot. He was in shock with what had happened and tried to get away from things to recover. But he did ask the person what he saw Dick doing, so Dick could fill in some gaps—to add it to his report for Bruce later.
The person said Dick had been seen once or twice with a beautiful black lady with dreadlocks, and they seemed close. Dick said he kind of remembered her from a distant memory and he would have to get in contract with her later. He'd tell her that he was okay, recovered his memories, and to thank her for whatever part she had in his recovery. If he had to guess her name, it began with a B.
After mingling with a few people, a small orchestra playing music in the background to serenade the guests, and plenty of alcohol served, although he wasn't a drinker, he finally got to catch up with his best friend in the world—Wally West, who lucky was able to attend. He did a "Dick Grayson" and hugged him in full view of everyone and he didn't care who saw.
He hugged tight, then said, "Missed ya buddy. Wouldn't miss this for the world. Unfortunately, everyone else couldn't come, so I came in their stead. Family only or not, I insisted I be here for your first Welcome Back Party."
"Thanks, Wally," Dick said.
He noticed his friend looked uncomfortable in a suit and tie as he stuck a finger in his collar and pulled it loose. He was known as The Flash, and he wore tights, so it was strange that a suit would bother him. Maybe it felt like a choker, Dick wasn't sure, but he felt the same way. He preferred his own black and blue tights and the freedom they brought.
And on the first night he got back to Gotham, he was swinging from building to building with his gun line. He felt so free. No more vertigo, as he once felt.
Dick wanted to tell Wally about the dream he had of Captain Cold when he was recovering in the hospital after his second surgery, but thinking back, he thought Barbara was right about how it may have been interpreted, and it was probably a factor of his mental state at the time. How his brain was telling him that his head was cold without his hair, shaven bald.
"I'm glad you're here," he continued. "Frankly, most of the people who attended this party, other than the immediate family, are elites. I don't know them. It's not much of a Welcome Back Party. More like a fundraiser. The Mayor is here, Commissioner Gordon is here, and a few politicians, and others, but none of our friends."
Wally nodded. "Okay, you got me. Tell ya a secret. Bruce told me about this fundraiser ahead of time and called off the crew, he forgot the fundraiser was booked on the same night as was your Welcome Home Party. There was no way to get out of it. That's the reason why none of the others are here. He says he's going to throw you a proper bash later when things have simmered down a bit more. This fundraiser is for the elites to help get money for the Rebuild Bludhaven Project Wayne Enterprises is undertaking."
"Why didn't he tell me? Why keep me in the dark? That isn't far."
"He said you'd probably wouldn't have come and he'd probably be right, so I offered to come to support you. He said he wanted the whole family at this fundraiser, said it presented a better appeal factor. I also heard that people are donating to the Wayne Foundation for Brain Research and Studies because of what happened to you, thanks to the doctor who fixed you up."
This was supposed to be a very special day, but now after hearing all this, Dick Grayson felt a little used.
"Also, it's all over town now that you and Barbara are engaged. Way to go. I knew you two would finally hitch the wagon. Next thing you know, they'll be a bunch of little Grayson's running around." Wally mused for a moment. "A whole army of…Nightwing Junior's," he laughed, saying the last part quietly and only within their earshot. "Hopefully, none of them will act like you-know-who."
Dick laughed. "Yeah," he said. "But kids are a ways off at the moment."
Wally briefly mentioned that he had spoken to Arkells, Drake's future self, and they discussed a few things about metaphysics and alternative timelines, and that Arkells could have been resurrected from the dead after Wally use the Speed Force to travel back in time to prevent an accident, the death of a little girl, from happening by Mirror Master. As time was not linear, ripples of change could have happened not only for future events but also in the past. Wally wasn't entirely sure.
So, he could have changed something, albeit it small, like stepping on a plant.
Time variances had a way of changing things. Hence, in this timeline, while things turned out for the best for Dick, in another timeline however, he perhaps, had been shot in the head, through and through, instead of Jake Handles faking it the way he did.
Dick agreed, and he was thankful for that.
They both also wondered if Jason had an alternative timeline, where he and Bruce had never made up? And what would he be doing right now instead of getting drunk at the party? Maybe being an outlaw someplace else and in some new funky costume. Jason had said once that he wanted to change things up a bit. He even sketched a few new ideas. But the moment Damian remarked that one of his ideas made him look like a Mortal Kombat reject, he opted to stick to what he had been wearing. He had several different helmets, so the one Bruce smashed to bits was just tossed.
Just then Wally elbowed him. "Speaking of your sweetheart…" Wally pointed to Barbara Gordon who was standing out on the open terrace seen through a set of open French Doors in the most beautiful long flowing gold dress. Despite it being winter, it was a warm night. "Go to her, lover boy. Your Princess awaits."
Dick thanked him, and walked through a crowd of people, saying brief hello's to those who spoke to him, congratulating him on his recovery and his engagement, and then walked straight out onto the stone terrace with its balcony overlooking the rear grounds.
Barbara saw him coming and smiled. She held a slender wine glass, half full.
A waiter came over with a silver tray and asked if Dick would like a glass of champagne or wine. He took a glass of champagne, one of four on the tray, if only to be courteous. The waiter left. He sipped it and the bubbles tickled his nose.
She chuckled at his reaction.
"I'm not used to it, I prefer beer," he said jokingly. She smiled and then sipped her wine. "You look stunning, Babs." He used the familiar nickname he always called her. "Wally explained to me what this party is really about. It's not for us. Bruce never told me."
"I sort of figured that since none of our friends are here, other than Wally," she said. "But I suppose we have to hobnob anyway."
"Yeah, if only to be nice. Besides, now that I'm back, and now that the media has had their full of me, I need to get back to into grove of things." He sipped the champagne despite the bitter taste. "But Alfred's told me I should take it easy for a while."
"You should. You're still recovering." She approached him and sifted her fingers through his hair. "Feels like silk. It seems to be growing in thicker than before, if that's possible. But you've always had thick hair. The doctor did a nice job in minimizing the scars, not like the first doctor who made things appear worse than they really were. Your hair is hiding them nicely."
He took her hand in his and then kissed it. "I know, but hair doesn't matter to me. You do. And even if I was bald, it wouldn't change how I feel about you. I love you, Barbara, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I wanted to say that properly."
He took the sides of her face in his hands and brought himself forward. Then he kissed her on the lips. She did not resist.
After what seemed like a long moment, he broke the kiss. Then he reached into his right pants pocket and pulled out a purple velvet box. He opened it and inside was a diamond ring. Barbara inhaled surprised as he slipped it on the third finger of her left hand.
"I know I kind of asked you on Treasure Island, but I want to say it again, properly, and I believe there's no better time like the present. Barbara Gordon…Will you—"
"Holy fugnuckers!" Jason's voice was suddenly heard, holding a champagne glass. "Look at that rock!"
Dick stopped and turned, he was about to go down on one knee when he heard Jason. He saw Jason wobbling slightly, obviously drunk. Jason liked to drink, and when there was free booze, he was never one to turn it down, especially when Bruce was fitting the bill. Wally had told Dick that Bruce said this party was actually a fundraiser. It seemed Jason was never told either. Unless he had been told and he opted to come anyway, just for the alcohol.
Jason was a heavy drinker and after he had a few too many he became really obnoxious, and more so than usual, according to Damian. Jason was watched closely when he attended social functions. If this was supposed to be an important fundraiser, why ask him? This question was on Dick's mind. But since he was a member of the immediate family, he had to come.
"Sorry, was I interrupting something?" His speech was a little slurred and his cheeks were red.
YES! Dick screamed in his head.
He opened his mouth to say it, but not as loud like he heard it in his head, when Roy Harper suddenly burst onto the scene, and grabbed Jason. "I'm so sorry, I lost him for a moment. Bruce asked me to watch him, looks like I failed. Jason, why do you have to drink so much?" Roy Harper then saw what was taking place, and said very apologetically, "Oh god! I'm so sorry! Come on, buddy," he then said to Jason, "let's go pester someone else. There's some cute ladies over there."
Jason said sure, and then Roy Harper said, in leaving, "Congratulations, Dick; Barbara. When I heard about the change in plans about the party, I was sworn to secrecy. Jason was told to come. He swore, he wouldn't drink so much. Damn lying fool."
Jason was turned on his heels and they both walked away.
Dick turned back to Barbara. She raised her brow and followed it with a sigh. They both felt drained.
Suddenly, they received another visitor. Damian walked onto the terrace. Unlike Jason, neither Dick nor Barbara were bothered by him, not engaged in their previous conversion. He was dressed prime and proper and it made him look very handsome, and even a little older. He held a crystal champagne glass in hand and took a sip.
"Hello, Damian. Aren't you a little young to drink alcohol?" Dick queried.
Damian smirked. "Father is being a little lax with the rules tonight due to the fundraiser. Relax, it just ginger ale." He paused with a sudden realization. "Forgive me, I'm disturbing you; I'll leave. You obviously wish to be alone."
Dick and Barbara smiled.
"No, please don't go. Join us," Barbara said. Dick agreed.
She showed Damian her engagement ring. He leaned in and nodded with approval. "Looks expensive, Grayson. Glad you didn't scrimp out, only the best for…" He cleared his throat. "Sorry, that was rude. It's very nice."
"Thank you, I love it," Barbara said.
Dick then put a hand on Damian's shoulder. "How many times can I thank you for everything you did for me, D? Saving me from a life of misery, isolation and amnesia, with your relentless pursuit to see me back home."
"Once more time shall suffice," Damian said, smirking boyishly. Dick then thanked him again and once more after that. Barbara also thanked him and gave him a small peck on the cheek. Damian's cheeks flushed. Damian restored his calm, and said, "If you'll excuse me. Father wants me to mingle with the guests and to try to drum up some more support for his charities. I wanted to say congratulations on your engagement. And, um, I know that idiot Todd called dibs on it, but…can I be the ring bearer?"
Damian gave Dick puppy-eyes.
Dick looked at Barbara, he then cocked his head slightly, and looked back. "Jason many be a little miffed about it, but we'd be honoured, Damian," he said. "And tell Jason, that he can be the flower girl instead of Tim."
"With pleasure," Damian said with a thin smile. "Although, I doubt Todd'll look good in a dress, and frankly, just the image gives me the chills," he further said humorously. He gulped down his ginger ale with a single swig of his glass, and then left.
"Speaking of Tim, I haven't seen him nor Stephane around in a while," Barbara remarked.
"I think they're spending some alone time together," Dick said. "I had that talk with him, and after he explained to me what happened, and what Harley had referred to, I understood completely." He briefly whispered what Tim had told him in Barbara's ear. After she had heard it, she snickered. She said, "Oh my!" And Dick agreed with her. "And I gave him something just in case something arose." He winked. "In fact, I once filled his wallet with condoms because he was dating this nice girl at the time. He was angry, but he got over it. I also asked him if he needed any Viagra from Bruce's hidden stash and he said no way!"
They both had a laugh.
Dick then had a wonderful idea. "Speaking of spending some time alone together, and since this party isn't for us, let's just leave it, and let Bruce hobnob with all these bigwigs on his own," he said. "I'm not a fan of these gatherings anyway."
"Dick Grayson, you've read my mind," she said.
They crossed through the crowd with their white and black penguin-like attire, as the fundraiser was known as a "white tie" event, which was another way of saying tuxedos, and made their way to the main staircase. Alfred was serving guests, and saw them leaving the party. Dick was holding Barbara's hand and put his finger to his lips as a quiet single to Alfred for Don't Tell Anyone. Alfred winked and nodded.
They made their way up the stairs and down the long hallway to a private area, where they burst through the door of a Guest Room—since neither had a private room of their own, both residing in Bludhaven—and took each other in their arms. They began to kiss.
They began to undress quickly and Dick locked the door. He didn't care if the Manor was filled with guests, all that was on his mind was Barbara, and the here and now.
With everything that had gone on over the past little while, and with the media hounding him over his recovery and return, questioning him about his "accident"—although the drive-by shooter was still at large—they hadn't had proper time together.
Now, he'd make all the time in the world for her.
Barbara crossed the room to the bathroom as he began to unbutton his shirt, then tossed it aside. He was now bare-chested. He momentarily looked at all the scars he had on his body and recalled how he had gotten a few of them.
Barbara was quicker undressing than he was, and said, "Let's finish what we started at the hospital, lover of mine."
He had to think about it for a moment, but then recalled that they had not finished their shower at the hospital, because Alfred had suddenly arrived, and caught them acting like horny teenagers. Just like now. Only now, there will be no disturbances.
"Lead the way, sexy dearest…"
She wiggled a seductive finger as she entered the bathroom with very little on.
He got his pants off, almost tripping over them, and quickly followed her into the bathroom with its en-suite shower, and shut the door.
To be continued...
