Hey guys! This is a continuation to the last chapter, I had an idea for it and couldn't help myself. I hope you all like it, I tried to get everyone in character. Personally it feels a bit rushed, oh well...
I fumbled, trying to get my phone out of my purse before I missed the call. Finding it just in time, I grinned as I saw who it was.
Dick Grayson.
We'd been dating for almost four months and I was having a great time with him. Ever since the benefit we'd really hit it off and had been seeing each other ever since. Although I hadn't yet introduced him to my family, I was trying to put that off as long as I possibly could despite his pushing to meet them.
It wasn't that I thought they'd scare him off, it was just that I wanted to take things slow. But I don't think that mattered anymore.
I think I might be in love with him, no I was pretty positive that I was. But I didn't want to freak him out, so I was just going to let things progress and see where it took us.
It was funny, at first Tim really didn't like us together, for some reason he thought Dick was gonna break my heart. But over time he seemed to be just fine with it, I think he just liked pissing Dick off when he said something about it. And since I was Dick's girlfriend we saw each other all the time.
Although I had a feeling even if I wasn't dating Dick, Tim would find a way to see me. If Robin showing up on my fire escape sporadically was anything to go by. At first I was worried he was hurt again but as it turns out he was just in the area and wanted to drop by, whenever there was major criminal activity nearby he would come by and warn me to be careful and not go out at night.
I really liked Tim he was so sweet, like a little brother. And while I thought it was hilarious how he tried his best to butt in on our alone time, Dick did not. It made for interesting times.
Picking up the phone, I smirked.
"Hey you, just couldn't wait to hear my voice could you?"
He laughed.
"Yeah, that's it. No I just wanted to make sure we were still on for tonight."
I frowned and opened the bank door with my other hand.
"Oh course we are, unless something came up."
Something always seemed to come up with Dick, not that it was all that surprising. Heroes tend to be busy. I'd figured out the secret identity thing a while back, I mean once you knew one of them it wasn't all that hard to put together.
And Bruce knew I knew, because in his roundabout kind of threatening way, right out told me he appreciated my not saying anything. Something about how a person with integrity was something he admired. I of course pretended to have no idea what he was talking about, which I think made him feel a little better about me knowing. Although I got the feeling he would've felt better if I didn't know at all and would be keeping an eye on me.
He had been out of town for the last two weeks, some big business deal in Japan. So Dick had been 'busy' a lot, his usual excuse was his friend Wally. It made me wonder if he was a hero too and they were teaming up. Bruce was expected to get home in the next few days, so maybe then I'd get a full date and not an 'I've got to go sorry babe' date. Oh well, he always made up for it.
I think the only one who didn't know I knew was Dick, and I never said anything so as far as I knew he had no clue. I wonder how he'd react if I told him?
Because I have to say, if he wasn't darn near irresistible normally, in his Nightwing suit he was almost sinful. Someday I wanted to see him up close and not just on TV. Like what girl can say they date a hero and a bad boy at the same time?
Dick's voice tore me out my musings.
"I'm sorry about the other night, Wally needed help moving his stupid couch and I promised him I'd help him out."
I rolled my eyes and got in the teller line.
"You know I think it's about time I meet this Wally, I'm beginning to think you just made him up."
Dick chuckled and I wished he was here, I loved his laugh.
"Believe me, no one could ever make up Wally. He says the same thing about you actually, thinks I made up a girlfriend so I'd have a good excuse to ditch him."
Snickering at that, my lip curled in a smile.
"Maybe we should both ditch you and exchange stories, I'm sure your best friend has some dirt on you."
I could practically see his blue eyes widening and shaking his head.
"No way, I can't even imagine what he'll tell you. All of it would be lies of course."
Huffing, I realized I was next and had to hang up.
"Of course. Well, I'll have to meet him sooner or later. Hey, I've got to go I'm next in line."
There was a slight pause.
"Wait, where are you?"
I frowned in confusion.
"Um, the bank I told you I had to get some cash for my aunt's birthday present."
Tasha's birthday was coming up and I was getting her a set of Russian calligraphy pens. But the seller only took cash, hence my visit to the bank. It was a big pain because the seller demanded I send the money to him, in Russian rubles. So I had to withdrawal the money and then switch it over before I could even place an order.
But the worry in his voice made me wonder what was wrong.
"Which one?"
This wasn't even my regular bank, but it was the only one that kept rubles on hand all the time. Apparently the Russian mafia did all their business here, well that was the rumor going around anyway.
Glancing at the sign above the teller, I repeated it to him.
"Gotham National, is something wrong Dick? You sound upset."
He sighed, almost in relief.
"No, everything's fine. I just thought you went to First Bank of Gotham and, uh there was a fire right next door."
Wonder what was up with him? Because that was obviously not the truth, I'd have heard about that. News travels ridiculously fast in Gotham.
"No fire here, nice smoke free boring old bank."
He hummed.
"I'm just glad you're safe. Pick you up at seven alright?"
I grinned.
"Wouldn't miss it, see you later."
I could tell he was smirking just by his voice.
"Yeah you will, until then sweetheart."
He hung up before I could say anything else. How did I end up with a charming but equally full of himself boyfriend? Yet I wouldn't change a thing about him, I really had it bad.
Shaking away thoughts of Dick, I walked up to the teller and quickly withdrew my money eager to leave.
It should have been a quick in and out thing.
And at first glance it was, I was putting the envelope full of cash in my bag and turning to leave when there was a loud bang behind me.
Whirling around, I saw several green clad men with guns rushing in the bank lobby followed by a tall lanky guy in a sharp green suit with purple accents.
Oh great, it was the Riddler and his goons.
How do I always get myself into these situations?
I mean really, all I wanted to do was finish my errands, enjoy my day off and then go get ready for my date with Dick tonight.
But my life is never simple and the universe just loves to overcomplicate things.
Who attempts armed robbery in broad daylight? How is that a good idea? I thought the Riddler was supposed to be the smart criminal in Gotham.
His head snapped around and his piercing blue eyes found mine.
Oh no, surely I hadn't said that out loud.
But judging the way the people near me looked horrified and he was looking right at me, I had indeed said it out loud.
Stalking over to me with a sinister grin on his face, I backed into the wall behind me.
"I know us redheads are fiery, but surely you didn't say what I thought you did. Would you care to repeat yourself my dear?"
He was dangerously close to me now, I could feel his breath on my neck and it made my skin crawl.
Trying my best not to let my voice shake, I leaned even closer into the wall.
"Not really, I don't want any trouble."
The smirk on his face made me nervous.
"Oh really? Riddle me this, what do you own but others will use it more than you ever will?"
Oh that was easy, Tony and I used to ask each other riddles all the time. Looking him right in the eyes, I confidently answered.
"My name."
A delighted grin crossed his face as he leaned on the head of his cane.
"That was an easy one. Tell me, what is your name darling?"
I shivered at the way he said darling and started to inch away.
"Uh, I'm Anna."
Before I could get any further from him, he grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the wall into his chest.
"And you already know who I am, obviously."
Struggling, I tried to escape his grasp but he put an arm around my neck and squeezed just hard enough to make breathing slightly harder to do. So I stilled and let him lead me over to the middle of the lobby.
"All of you good people will cooperate with my associates here and nothing will happen to the lovely miss Anna, if not well then…I don't think any of you want to see her come to any harm now do you?
There was no sound except that of his henchmen collecting the money from the safe.
With a catlike grin, the Riddler spun me around and hooked his cane behind my back trapping me in his arms.
"Let's try something a bit harder shall we? The Bay of Bengal is in which state?"
Oh I hadn't heard this one before. But I did know that Bengal wasn't in a state so it had to be talking about the water itself.
"It's in a liquid state."
He smirked.
"What does an Island and the letter T have in common?"
I frowned, this was another one I'd never heard and I had no clue.
"I don't…"
I trailed off at the victorious look on his face and thought harder.
"Wait! Both of them are in the middle of water! The T, it's in the middle!"
His eyes widened and he chuckled.
"Not just a pretty face I see, try this one. No matter how hard you try, I can open what you can't. If it wasn't for me, on your front porch you would stand. What am I?"
Back to the familiar at last, I remembered this one.
"A key."
Nodding he grinned and leaned in closer to me.
"If you have it, you want to share it. If you share it, you don't have it. What is it?"
I looked down and bit my lip worriedly.
I really hated that I knew the answer but at the same time I was glad. Who knows what he'd do if I got one wrong, but continuing to give him the correct answer would only keep his interest on me longer.
This was a lose-lose situation for me.
I started when he tipped my face up to look at him, a smirk on his lips.
"I'm waiting."
Scowling at him, I barked out my answer.
"A secret."
He nodded at me and then turned to one of his thugs who seemed to be finishing up.
"Hurry it up, we don't have all day!"
Then he looked back at me with a smile.
"Quite right. Since you guessed right I'll let you in on one."
My eyes widened and I shook my head.
"Ah, no that's alright. You don't need to tell me anything."
Man I really hoped the cops got here soon, or better yet my favorite heroes.
He huffed and rolled his eyes.
"Ah but I want to. You see, I started a rumor, a tip if you will that it was the First Bank of Gotham that was going to be robbed today. So all of Gotham's finest are on the other side of the city waiting for a crime that isn't going to happen. You see, I am the smart one!"
I felt my face pale. So that was why Dick was asking which bank I was at, he must be waiting for the Riddler at the other bank. This was just wonderful.
Maybe if I could just find a way to contact Dick and tip him off that he was in the wrong place…
Swallowing hard, I looked back at my captor.
"Of course, how could I have ever thought otherwise?"
Before he could say anything else my phone started ringing.
Freezing, I glanced up at him and instantly wished I wasn't so close to him. He had narrowed his eyes and was sneering.
"Anna dear, I've another riddle for you. I am very easy to get into, but it is very hard to get out of me. What am I?"
I knew this, it was one of Tony's favorites. Breaking eye contact I looked at my hands.
"Trouble?"
Grinning maliciously, he nodded.
"Yes, very good! And that is what you'll be in if you even think about ratting me out. Now go ahead, don't let me stop you."
Then he let go of me and started barking at his men, with one last warning look at me. His eyes telling me not to go far or it wouldn't end well.
Quickly before I missed my chance I hurried to pick up my phone. I didn't even check to see who it was before I answered, thinking it was Dick calling me back.
"Hey babe, still at the bank the line was longer than I thought. What's up?"
Instead of the familiar voice I was expecting a rather excited sounding person answered me.
"Oh my god he wasn't lying, you're a real person! It's Anna right?"
I kept a neutral look on my face, so not to attract unwanted attention. But I was confused, not a lot of people had my number and this didn't sound like a wrong number. I mean they knew my name.
"Um, what?"
I bit my lip as the Riddler looked over at me and smiled menacingly, telling me he was listening to everything I was saying.
"Sorry, I'm Wally, Dickey boy's best friend. I lifted your number off his phone last week when he wasn't looking, didn't quite believe him when he kept talking about this amazing girl he was dating. Had to check for myself."
Amazing huh? I'd have to ask Dick what all he said about me. Later though, right now I had to get out of here.
"Oh, I've heard about you too. Not to be rude or anything, but why are you calling me now?"
He laughed, it was a carefree happy sound.
"I'm in town, planned on surprising Dick. But I was wondering if you wanted to meet up for lunch or something, I figured telling his girlfriend some embarrassing stories would be fun."
In spite of the very unnerving gaze I felt on my back, I smiled. I had a feeling Wally was someone I would like. Maybe he could help me…
Thinking fast, I tried my best to tip him off that something was wrong with actually saying it.
"I'd love to, really I would. But uh I'm in a bit of trouble, I mean the lines are really bad not sure when I can get away. The hold up here is taking forever, you know how Gotham is. Always something."
There was a beat of silence, then his voice suddenly sounded much more serious.
"What bank did you say you were at?"
Seeing the Riddler look in my direction, I gulped and tried to tell him without really telling him.
"Oh you know, it was a matter of national importance apparently. I really should keep up with the news shouldn't I?"
Hopefully Wally would make sense of my random babble, realize where I was and call someone, like the cops. Or better yet my boyfriend.
Someone clearing their throat behind me startled me and I made this pitiful squeak sound. Of course it was the Riddler looming over me, with an irritated expression on his face.
"Are you okay? Anna!?"
Hating how scared I was right now, I sucked back the urge to cry.
"Oh I'm fine, really not a big deal."
The Riddler crossed his arms and looked down at me in a placating manner.
"About done?"
I nodded quickly and stepped out of his arms reach but wasn't fast enough and he grabbed my wrist, pulling me closer to him once again. Gosh he was such a creep! If I didn't know it was a really bad idea, I would've slapped him.
"Uh hey, I'm gonna have to call you later. They opened up another teller and can help me now. Talk to you later."
Then I hung up without waiting for him to say anything. I could only hope Wally would get help and soon because the Riddler's men seemed to be done.
"Who was that?"
Sliding my phone in my back pocket, I tried to tug my wrist out of his grasp but he was much stronger than he looked and it was no use and it only made him tighten his grip. I'm sure I'd have bruises there later.
A bit short with him a bit out a reply.
"Just a friend."
He smirked meanly and his grip tightened to the point of where I gasped in pain. Okay I really hate this guy. Glaring at him, I tried once more to yank my wrist away from him.
"Ow, that hurts! You know, you don't need to keep grabbing me. I'm not exactly going anywhere."
Instead of getting mad he grinned, and only slightly loosened his grip.
"No you aren't are you? My apologies miss Anna."
Just as he was about to say something else, his attention was diverted to something behind me. I turned to see what it was and instantly felt my hope plummet as the Riddler stalked over to the poor guy with a furious look on his face, dragging me along with him.
"What did I say about cooperating?!"
He snatched the cell phone that the terrified looking man had been in the process of using and crushed it under his heel. Then with the end of his cane he knocked the man unconscious, and when I tried to help him, I was only pulled back towards the green clad goons by an irate Riddler.
One of the bigger ones, looked at us.
"Boss, we're ready to go."
And then I heard it. If there was ever a sound I'd never wanted to hear more, it was police sirens. Help was on the way!
And getting closer if the loudening cries of the sirens were anything to go by.
Snarling, he jerked me over to the door. I whimpered in pain and forgot about resisting, he looked mad enough already I didn't want to make him any angrier. I don't think my poor arm could take much more.
"Good, we may be having company soon."
Fully expecting him to dump me with the other poor unfortunate people and be on his merry way I sighed in relief. I even took a tiny step closer to the other frightened citizens, only to have the Riddler stop me.
"I'm afraid my dear, for that blatant uncooperative behavior you are going to have to come with me. Insurance you see."
My eyes grew wide, this was not happening!
"What?!"
He raised a brow and pulled me over to the door as the police cars got even closer.
"What eats crow, yells uncle, and tosses sponges?"
Really another riddle? Well I don't know why that would surprise me, he was the Riddler. Luckily this was also one I knew.
"A loser."
Eyes cold and a frown on his face, he nodded.
"Yes, right again. And I'm sure you don't want to come out as the loser in this situation now do you?"
Shaking my head, I looked away from his hard gaze.
"Good girl, just be quiet and this'll go smoothly."
Who the heck did he think he was calling me that?! And for who was this going to go smoothly? Ugh, from now on I was doing all my bank business online.
Without a word he pulled me outside with him and his thugs toward the van they'd just loaded with money. No pretense of being gentle, the Riddler roughly jerked me toward the open car door.
But now flashing lights could be seen and then I full out grinned as Robin and Nightwing's motorcycles raced into view. Just maybe this nightmare was close to being over.
I was wrong.
He moved so fast I barely even realized what was happening, in seconds he had my arm twisted behind me painfully, while my other arm was limply hanging my side still stinging from when he jerked me around earlier.
It shouldn't really have surprised me but the head of his cane came detached and was a very sharp dagger. One that was now at my throat, just hovering over my skin, making every movement dangerous.
My eyes darted over to the arriving police and a very pissed looking Nightwing and Robin, there was about three or four yards between us but I could still see Dick's death glare. Oh man he was really angry.
"Let the girl go Riddler!"
A thrill of terror crept through me as I felt the cold edge of the blade touch my neck.
"Now why ever would I do that? No, I think I'll keep her."
He jerked my arm even further behind my back making my eyes water from the pain.
Tim…um Robin took a step forward, fists at his side and fury all over his face. But as he did, I felt the knife press harder into my skin. My eyes grew wide and I let out a tiny whimper of fear.
Instantly Dick…I mean Nightwing, grabbed Robin and yanked him back. The Riddler cackled, while waving the dagger at them and wrapped his arm around my neck again making me gasp for air.
"Riddler me this bat brat! How do you keep a bird from singing in the morning?"
I watched as Nightwing thought for a moment, then grimaced and clenched his jaw.
"You kill it the night before."
I was the bird in this riddle. And I can't remember if I had ever been this scared in my life.
Another crazy laugh from the Riddler and I coughed as he loosened his choke hold just the slightest.
"Very good! I suggest not coming any closer or this little bird won't be singing ever again."
We were at a standoff, if any of them came any closer I was a goner but if they didn't I was stuck with The Riddler until he didn't need me anymore. Squeezing my eyes shut, I let one lone tear fall, absolutely terrified.
Then suddenly a gust of wind, accompanied by a…streak of yellow and red…whooshed by us.
"Sorry I'm late, I don't really live around here. You guys really need to work on zoning, it'd make getting around a lot easier."
Opening my eyes, I saw a guy with shocking red hair wearing a yellow and red body suit standing next to Nightwing.
Wait, I'd seen him on the news before! That was Kid flash, well I bet he wasn't much of a kid anymore. But there was already a big Flash so I guess he was just stuck with the name. Wasn't really something he could change, like say going from Robin to Nightwing.
Brandishing the dagger at the newcomer, the Riddler growled in frustration.
"A speedster! What are you doing here? This isn't your city!"
That must have been just what they were waiting for, because Robin's arm lashed out, throwing a boomerang looking thing and knocked the knife out of the Riddler's hand. It went clattering forward and before one of his men could reclaim it, in the blink of an eye Kid Flash was twirling it in his hand.
Somewhere in the back of my mind I smiled, I'd always wanted to see one of them in action.
But I was too busy screaming in pain to think about much of anything.
Snarling, the Riddler had twisted my wrist until there was a crack sound, either breaking or dislocating my wrist.
Then everything seemed to speed up and slow down at the same time.
I heard Tim yell my name, Dick bark out something and then chaos. As fighting broke out all around me, I cried out as the Riddler started tugging me towards the van by my now agonizingly pained wrist.
A blur of yellow zipped past us and before I knew what was happening, the Riddler was on the ground, dazed.
"I'm sorry, did that big head of yours knock you off balance? Oh wait, that was me."
I looked up at the grinning redhead and blinked owlishly.
"Thanks."
The intense throbbing all throughout my right hand was making it hard to focus on anything, I just bit my lip til it bled, trying not to cry out from the pain again.
I glanced behind him and saw both Robin and Nightwing beating the crap out of the rest of Riddler's men, while the police just kind of stood back and watched.
"No problem, hey I'll be right back."
Then he dashed off and I watched him wiz around cuffing all the unconscious or nearly unconscious bad guys that had already been taken down.
I tried to smile at Nightwing as he finished off the last thug and started over in my direction, but it came across more like a grimace.
"Don't even think about it!"
I jumped at the harsh very angry tone in his voice and turned to look behind me, which was where he seemed to me looking.
Behind me was the Riddler about to grab my arm, a look of fear in his eyes at the sight of a pissed Nightwing stalking towards him. I stumbled backwards, wanting to get as far away from the green suited creep as possible. What was with him and grabbing me anyway?
The moment Nightwing reached him, he wasted no time in clocking the Riddler and knocking him out.
Only when the Riddler was secured and no longer a threat, did he look back at me a torn expression on his face.
"Are you okay…miss?"
I nodded silently, wishing I could just run into his arms. But I couldn't do that no matter how much I wanted to.
He frowned when he saw how I was cradling my hand and nodded at me to Kid Flash, who must have understood what that meant because he turned to me with a smile.
"Let's get you out of here sweet cheeks."
And faster than I could see he scooped me up from under the knees, it was very disorienting and with a sharp intake of breath I used my other hand to cling to the speedsters arm. The next thing I knew he'd gently set me down and handed me off to one of the paramedics that had arrived on the scene.
Turns out it was a guy from my hospital that had showed up, how ironic is that? We didn't really know each other per say but we'd passed each other in the cafeteria a few times. But he gave off this shady vibe that was kind of unnerving, so I didn't initiate conversation. That and I was in too much pain to talk about much anyways.
Turns out my wrist was dislocated with a hairline fracture and severe bruising all around it, he was shocked I wasn't on the ground screaming. He was really great about it, being very careful when he was splinting and wrapping up my wrist.
"Ah!"
I winced as he shot me up with a large dose of something I didn't recognize which threw up red flags immediately. I knew there was a very strong pain killer that was still too strong for the average public going around, and I think that might have been what he just gave me.
Wonderful, never trust someone with a needle in Gotham.
The only reason it had gotten out before clinical trials were finished was because people were always in some kind of horrible pain due to some catastrophe or another.
He just smiled. I'm sure he genuinely thought he was helping and I could feel it working instantly, but I wasn't able to take too much of any pain med without it knocking me out. Benefits of being small I guess.
"Believe me, you'll be thanking me in a few minutes."
I was gonna be loopier than a hula hoop when it kicked in, until I passed out that is.
Then he finished up and gave me a shock blanket, saying I needed it.
A glance at the sky told me that much later in the day that it had been when I first went in the bank. I glared at nothing in particular, stupid riddle obsessed villains ruining my afternoon and fracturing my wrist. I guess it was just a hazard of living in Gotham.
So there I was leaning on the side of the ambulance, while the guy who helped me out was checking out the other people in the bank. I hissed as I pulled the blanket closer, accidently bumping my hand. Honestly I liked having the blanket because I was still shaking, whether from fright or pain I wasn't sure.
I looked up at the sound of hurried footsteps and saw my very worried looking boyfriend sprinting towards me. His hair was tousled and his eyes were wide, as he skidded to stop in front of me.
"Anna, are you okay?!"
I sighed contentedly as his hands lightly brushed over me, searching for any other injuries. Looking up into his concerned eyes, I finally felt safe.
Using my undamaged hand, I pulled his face down to mine and murmured into his lips.
"I am now that you're here."
Whether it was me or him that closed the gap between us, I couldn't tell you.
His arms wrapped around my waist pulling me close, hands coming to rest on my back and I tangled my fingers in his hair, smiling as he deepened the kiss.
This certainly wasn't the first time we'd kissed, not by a long shot. But it felt different, there was a sense of desperation coming from Dick that hadn't ever been there before. His hands were gentle, just barely ghosting over me but there was an urgency in the way his lips moved against mine.
And it was over all too soon.
He looked down at me, chest heaving and his blue eyes dark.
"I was so worried, I thought…"
I let my hand fall to his cheek, blinking sleepily as the meds started to affect me.
"Hey, I'm okay. You saved me."
He smiled and put his hand over mine, intertwining our fingers.
"Yeah I guess I did. Wait a second…"
I giggled at the shocked look on his face.
"You look really hot in that suit just so you know."
He ran his hand through his hair.
"How did you know?"
Then he furrowed his brow.
"Better question, how long have you known?"
I shrugged.
"I recognized Tim that night at the benefit and then it wasn't much of a jump from there. It only took me a couple days after that to put it all together. Playboy billionaire really is a perfect cover, makes sense if you think about it."
He blinked and shook his head.
"So this whole time…you knew? All of it?"
I smiled innocently.
"Yeah, pretty much. But I didn't want you to feel pressured to tell me or anything, so I just kept it to myself. I figured if you wanted to tell me you would."
He just looked at me for a second, an unfathomable look in his eyes.
"God I love you."
I felt my eyes go wide and I just knew there was a ridiculously huge grin on my face.
"I love you too."
It was a perfect moment, everything else faded away. It was just the two of us standing there and nothing else seemed to matter.
Dick smirked playfully.
"Yeah you do."
Then he moved to kiss me again, or he would have if we hadn't been interrupted by a rather amused voice.
"There you are!"
Dick sighed exasperatedly.
"Go away Wally!"
I hummed and untangled myself from his arms, much to his displeasure and looked around him to see who had interrupted us.
I almost laughed when I saw Wally, the red hair and his bright green eyes would've been a dead giveaway even if I hadn't recognized his voice. How the general public didn't figure out their identities was a mystery to me. I mean Dick's mask only covered his eyes, you could see his entire face.
I walked over to him, while Dick kept ahold of my arm never breaking contact.
"Hi, Dick talks about you all the time so it's nice to actually meet you."
He seemed a little surprised at my enthusiasm but grinned at me.
I knew it was the pain meds kicking in and they were beginning to make me a bit...happy.
I probably would have noticed it earlier but it wasn't drugs making dizzy and weak kneed a minute ago.
"Yeah, same here."
In the back of my mind I registered that the last time I was on pain meds this strong I acted like I was totally wasted and that I should probably stop talking before I said something stupid.
But I brushed it off and smiled brightly.
"Thanks for getting me here by the way, If I'd of had to wait my wrist could've been worse off. That whole speed thing is pretty cool. How fast can you actually go? Like supersonic?"
It was kind of funny watching him sputter and look at Dick in a panic.
"W-what are you talking about? Speed, whaaaaat?"
I rolled my eyes.
"Oh please, if the red hair and green eyes weren't a dead giveaway I could recognize your voice. Maybe you should consider a voice modulator. And I figured out Dick months ago, so don't worry I'm not gonna say anything."
He just stared at me while Dick snickered at the look on his face.
"Wait, hold up, you just figured out boy wonder's most guarded secret?"
I nodded, leaning a little more heavily on Dick because I was beginning to feel lightheaded.
Wally doubled over laughing at that.
"That is priceless! You forgot to say that not only is she totally out of your league but she's smarter than you! I don't even care that she knows, this is so great. I'm never letting you live this down!"
I gripped Dick's arm tighter as I suddenly felt really dizzy. He looked down at me and frowned, ignoring his friend.
"You okay?"
I closed my eyes, feeling sleepy.
"He gave me something really strong, I think it was that new drug going around. Still a bit too strong for the average person and I can barely take Advil without getting sleepy. I don't know what it'll do to me, but I should be fine. I think."
Then I yawned, and rubbed eyes.
"Mmm so tired."
Then I was in Dick's arms, he picked me up bridal style making sure my hand wasn't in the way.
This caught Wally's attention and he looked over at us having finally stopped laughing.
"Hey is she okay?"
Dick just continued to walk away from the ambulance and towards his motorcycle I'm guessing.
"She's hopped up on pain meds and it looks like she's gonna pass out any minute now. I'm taking her back to my place."
In my becoming fuzzier by the moment brain, a thought came to me.
"Hey, where's Tim? He's s'okay right?"
Dick nodded.
"Oh he's fine, I told him Wally was taking you to the hospital and that we'd meet him back home."
I giggled and my words started to slur together as I was slipping further and further into a medicated bliss.
"He gon be maaaaad! Ooh I should call him!"
Wally snorted.
"Your girlfriend is soooo drunk right now. We should totally let her call him."
Looking at his friend, Dick shook his head.
"Um no, you'd end up videoing her."
Then he stopped walking, we must have reached his bike because he set me down and I head the roar of the engine. I swayed where I stood and it was only Wally catching my by the arm that kept me from face planting.
"Whoa, I gotcha."
I smiled sleepily at him and put my hand on his face.
"You hava lota freckles, like stars on your face. Dick, Wally has a galaxy on his face!"
He chuckled and moved my hand off of his face.
"Yeah, look Dick. I have a starry face."
Dick scoffed and shook his head.
"More like you're always seeing stars from running into walls."
Muttering under this breath Wally handed me back over to Dick. I was basically like a limp noodle at this point and in the back of my mind wondered how he was gonna hold onto me and still be able to drive.
But I should've known he'd come up with something.
Instead of having me sit behind him and hold on like I normally did, he put me in front, facing him and draped my arms over his shoulders.
Vaguely I registered we had started moving and I waved at Wally as he disappeared from sight.
The thought of scolding him for not wearing his helmet briefly passed through my mind but I got distracted by the way his hair whipped around in the wind and I started playing with it.
"Babe?"
"Yeah, what is it?"
Snuggling closer to him, I hummed contentedly.
"Mmm just glad you got here."
He kissed the top of my head.
"I've always got you."
Then I closed my eyes and let the steady sound of Dick's heartbeat lull me to sleep.
When I woke up I groaned, a throbbing pain in my hand and wrist. All around my wrist were dark purple bruises but that was to be expected, I can't heal overnight. The wrist brace was new though, someone must have put it on while I was out.
Sitting up I realized I was in in a big comfy bed and for a second I didn't know where I was. But then the door to the room opened and I relaxed at the sight of an older white haired man come in.
It was Alfred.
Of course, Dick had brought me back to Wayne Manor.
He smiled once he saw that I was awake.
"Hello my dear, how are you feeling?"
Blinking the sleep out of my eyes, I winced as I bumped my hand against the side of the bed when I moved to get up.
"I've been better that's for sure. What time is it? I feel like I've been sleeping forever."
Alfred offered me his hand, helping me to stand.
"Well Master Dick brought you here Saturday around five in the evening. It's Monday afternoon now."
I looked at him in shock. I can't believe I was asleep that long!
I was definitely going to be having a word with someone about making sure the dosage was adjusted before shooting up people with amounts meant for quarterbacks when they were actually petite nurses.
Noticing how disoriented I was Alfred cleared his throat.
"Why don't we go get you something to eat, you look a little pale."
I took the arm her offered me and followed him out of the room.
"Thanks Alfred, I am a little hungry."
He chuckled and led me downstairs.
"I thought you would be, so I had something ready for when you woke up."
As we reached the kitchen I inhaled the heavenly smell of something apple baking. Seeing the look on my face Alfred smiled.
"Apple pie is the young Masters favorite, he requested it for dinner tonight. I was thinking you might enjoy some tea and scones for now?"
That was one thing I was always up for, tea was my coffee. Sitting down at the little table in the corner of the kitchen I sighed and rubbed the bridge of my nose. My hand was really beginning to hurt.
"That sounds wonderful, nothing a good cup of tea can't fix."
I watched as he pulled out a plate of delicious looking scones and set them in front of me.
"I knew I liked you Miss Anna. Shall I get you some aspirin as well?"
I smiled tiredly.
"These boys really don't know how lucky they are to have you Alfred. That would be great, thank you."
He must have already had a kettle on because he came back rather quickly with two cups and a couple of aspirin. After downing about three of them, I slowly sipped the tea and looked back at Alfred.
"So what happened last night? I must have passed out on the way here."
Passing me the sugar, he hummed.
"Well, Master Tim arrived here just before you and was in quite the state when he went to the hospital and couldn't find you."
I frowned, of course he would ignore Dick and go anyways.
"That's right, but we never went to the hospital. I don't really remember everything though, everything from yesterday is a little fuzzy. Besides the obvious that is."
Amusement colored his expression.
"Oh yes, I believe Master Dick received quite the earful last night. Apparently he didn't tell him that you were coming straight back here. Carrying you in unconscious gave Master Tim quite the fright, He's grown very fond of you."
I didn't want Tim to worry. I should go find him. But first I was going to finish this lovely cup of tea and take my time doing it.
"That sounds like him, I don't know why those two can't just get along."
A smiled played at his lips as he took a drink of his tea.
"Oh they do, quite well actually, just not when it comes to you."
I laughed.
"I guess heroes have more of a competitive streak than the average guy."
He raised a brow.
"I can't tell you how true that is."
Nibbling on the scone, I glanced at the door.
"Where are they? I don't want to worry them."
"Well, both of them were going to stay with you until you woke up, but I banned them from the room when they started fighting. I had a doctor come check on you, he said we just needed to wait it out and he gave you that lovely new brace. You are expected to make a quick recovery. But both of them are of the opinion that they could've done more and you getting hurt is somehow their fault."
I frowned and picked at the black wrist brace.
"But why are they fighting? It's not like either of them are at fault. The only person to blame is that crazy Riddler!"
Sighing he stirred his tea.
"Conflict gave them something to think about, they know it wasn't anyone's fault. Both of them care for you in very different ways, Master Tim looks at you like the sister he never had but always wanted. The boy talks about you all the time. And Master Dick, well I think you know how he feels about you."
Letting my thoughts drift to yesterday, or Saturday I guess, I felt a warm sensation run though me as I remembered Dick telling me he loved me. That was one thing that I remembered with perfect clarity, I'd never forget it.
Sitting there with him was nice, very peaceful. I always loved talking with Alfred, he had such a caring air about him. I never knew my grandparents but this is how I imagined spending time with my grandpa would have been like.
After a moment I smiled shyly and looked down into my cup.
"Can I tell you something Alfred?"
He nodded.
"I'm very good at keeping secrets."
I set my cup down, just bursting to tell someone.
"It's not really a secret but you'd be the first person to know. Yesterday, Dick finally said it, he told me he loved me."
A wide smile broke out on his face.
"Well, it's about time! That boy is head over heels for you, I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner."
I was about to reply when I was cut off by a loud yell that seemed to come from upstairs.
"ALFRED! ANNA'S GONE, WHERE IS SHE?!"
I snickered as he rolled his eyes and followed him as he headed toward the distressed sounding voice. As we made our way out of the kitchen and into the massive sitting room, Tim came running into sight.
"Alfred, did you move her? Did Dick do something? I didn't see her and I-"
I stepped out from behind Alfred and waved.
"Hiya Timmy."
I very rarely called him that, only when I was being especially affectionate or when I was trying to cheer him up after a bad day.
His eyes lit up and taking me off guard he darted over, practically tackling me in a hug. But he was very careful to make sure he didn't bump my hand.
"Anna! You weren't in your room and I…"
I tried to pull back so I could smiled and tell him I was fine, but he just held on tighter. I always seemed to forget how young he was and the way he clung to me only reminded me of that fact.
Hugging him back, I smiled into his chest.
"It's okay."
He pulled back and frowned at me.
"No is isn't! You didn't see how you looked the other night, when Dick carried you in I thought you were…and then you weren't waking up."
I knew that in some of the heavier pain and sedative medications slowed breathing and pulse rate wasn't uncommon. In some cases it could produce an almost coma like state until it wore off. And I had been given a large dose of a new, probably unsanctioned, very strong one.
The shoddy medical procedures of this city never ceased to amaze. Taking away pain safely never seemed to be a priority, just as long as it got done then people were happy.
I shook away the lecture I was planning on giving whoever was in charge of stocking the ambulances and dosage checking. Then I smiled at Tim, trying to reassure him.
"Hey, I'm fine really."
I looked for Alfred to back me up, but he had conveniently disappeared. And Tim was still frowning, looking at me like I was going to break into pieces at any moment.
He was really shaken up, I'd only ever seen him like this once before. After a very close call with the one of the mob bosses that banged them all up pretty bad. I knew he had a fear of losing people he cared about after he lost his dad when he was little. So I did the same thing now as I did then.
I grabbed his hand and put it over my heart and took a deep breath, letting him feel my heartbeat.
"Look at me. You feel that?"
I felt so bad for making him worry like this but forged on with a firm look as he met my eyes.
"I'm fine Tim. Things happen, and I will get hurt. That's life, especially life in Gotham. But I'm a tough girl and I don't want you blaming yourself for something that isn't your fault. Okay?"
He looked at me for a second and then nodded slowly, a small smile making its way onto his face.
"I was just so worried about you, I mean you're kinda tiny."
Glaring playfully, I put my hand on my hip and took a few steps back.
"Dynamite comes in small packages Tim, it would do you well to remember that."
He laughed for the first time since he'd come in the room.
"Like I ever could. I feel sorry for Dick if he ever does."
I grinned.
"Good that. Speaking of where is he?"
He rolled his eyes.
"Down in the cave, been there ever since Alfred banned us from your room. Which was so not cool by the way, but at least I got to see you first. Take that Dick!"
I snorted and looked back at him, the gleeful look on his face making me smile.
"You know you don't have to try and one-up him all the time. Dick may be my boyfriend but you're my brother."
He smirked.
"Good to know sis, brothers come before boyfriends anyways. And…I saw you first, so yeah I have to mess with him whenever I can."
Laughing at his skewed reasoning, I shook my head.
"I'm not even gonna try and argue with you."
Looking at me triumphantly he nodded.
"Smart move, you would lose. Now go find lover boy, he's been unbearable without you."
He must have been satisfied that I was okay, because before I could tell him I had no idea where the 'cave' was he ran off, most likely looking for Alfred to ask about that pie.
Shrugging I wandered off in the other direction, not that I thought I'd find it but maybe I would run into Alfred and I could ask him where the heck they had hidden a cave in the manor.
After about ten minutes of l halfheartedly looking, I found myself in the main entryway just gawking at the grandness of it all. I really should be used to it by now, but it always seemed to amaze me each time.
I jumped when I felt hands slide around my waist.
"You're awake."
Leaning into Dick's touch, I sighed.
"Yeah, I am."
Smiling at him, I put my uninjured hand on his arm.
"Are you okay? Tim was real upset and I felt bad for worrying him. I hope I didn't worry you too much."
He looked at me in disbelief.
"Of course I was worried, Anna you were out cold for almost two days! When you didn't wake up yesterday, I went back and tracked down that EMT and made him tell me what he gave you."
I raised a brow, curious.
"What was it? I've never passed out like that before."
His eyes tightened, and I could tell he was pissed.
"It was a highly concentrated version of your run of the mill hospital grade pain med. He thought he was doing you a favor, but if you'd of had too much more it could've been really bad."
Before I could say anything he kept going. His gaze now on my wrist, gently tracing his fingers over the brace and deep bruises all round my wrist.
"And seeing that sleaze ball with his hands all over you…hurting you. I haven't been that mad in a long time. Knocking someone out hasn't felt that good in years."
I shivered as his hand brushed the small of my back, pulling me closer.
"I knew you'd get to me before anything could happen."
He clenched his jaw and his grip around me constricted ever so slightly.
"But I almost didn't. And I will never let it get that bad again, you're too important to me."
He closed his eyes as I put my hand on his cheek, humming as I did so.
"I love you."
Opening his eyes, they were dark with something that made my heart race.
"Say it again, I want to hear you say it again."
I smiled up at him.
"I love you Dick Grayson, so much. Your turn now."
He smirked and leaned down where we were eye to eye.
"Annalise Banner, I love you."
Wow I could really get used to that. Something about him saying my full name made me breathless.
His smirk turned predatory and I gasped at he trailed his lips down the side of my face, breath hot on my neck.
"So, you think I look hot in the suit huh?"
Oh so he remembered me saying that, I had hoped he forgot.
"I hoped you wouldn't remember that. But yeah, it's a good look on you."
He chuckled and pulled away to look at me, there was a heated gleam in his eyes.
"Oh no, I'll hang on to that."
Feeling my face flush from his closeness, I tried to duck out from under his arm. But he wasn't having any of that and caught me around the middle. My hands splayed out on his broad chest, I looked up at him and stood frozen in his gaze.
"I don't think so sweetheart."
Then his lips were on mine and I forgot about any notion of escaping his hold. Arms wrapping around his neck, I felt his hand tangle in my hair and the other keep me pressed against him.
I lost myself in the kiss as he deepened it, making me sigh into him and try to get even closer. I drank in the way he made me feel, like I was the only girl who had ever been loved like this, like I was the center of his world.
Just as I was running out of air he pulled back at the sound of someone yelling.
"Hey! No making out in the hallway or anywhere I might see you for that matter."
Blinking to regain focus, I saw Tim standing there with a disgusted look on his face. Behind him was an equally grossed out Wally, who had his arms full of what looked like the contents of the entire refrigerator.
"Really man, one snack run and I come back to see that? I mean good for you and all but come on!"
Running a hand through his now messy hair, Dick licked his now somewhat red lips with an irritated look on his face.
"If I wanna kiss the woman I love then dammit I will!"
I would never get tired of hearing him say that.
I smiled at Tim, still in a bit of a daze. If Dick wanted to kiss me then I sure wasn't gonna stop him.
"Uh, I found him."
Tim rolled his eyes and I could tell he was trying to hide a grin at my blushing face.
"I can see that. Wish I hadn't but…"
Groaning, I buried my face in Dick's chest. PDA was never really my thing, I was an easy blush and I liked things better when it was just me and him. Tim always seemed to take great pleasure in catching the two of us in a private moment, making me blush and ticking Dick off. I think that was his favorite part of us being together.
I felt Dick's laugh wash over me.
"Aw, she can't help it if I'm irresistible. Right babe?"
I pushed him away and huffed, hoping my face wasn't as red as I thought it was.
"You know I'm right."
He was totally right, I had fallen for him so hard. Just one look and I was gone, putty in his hands.
But so was he, I knew exactly how to make him crazy and I was going to use that information to my gain.
Looking up at him, I swept my fingers though my hair and dragged my teeth over my bottom lip, biting it.
"Hmm, is that so?"
His eyes widened as I walked my hand up his abdomen, slowly making my way to his collarbone.
I leaned forward, my voice breathy.
"I think you need to reevaluate who the irresistible one in this relationship is, babe."
Then I turned on my heel leaving him hanging, as I walked across the hall to Tim and Wally, both of whom had been watching us like a tennis match.
I smirked when I heard him call after me.
"Tease!"
I laughed, it was always fun to get one over on him. I'm sure he'd get me back later though.
Wally was looking at me like I'd just done something rather spectacular.
"You are amazing! If you can out snark Dick then it was meant to be."
I raised a brow and smiled at him.
"It doesn't happen often."
Tim scoffed.
"You thinks that's great? You should see how stupid he acts when she's not around, it's priceless."
Wally grinned and glanced at Dick, who was now standing behind me.
"I bet it would if you knew even half of the dirt I've got on him."
Before I could say anything, Dick came up beside me and I didn't even have to look to know he was glaring at the redhead.
"Yeah, no way kid mouth. Not unless you want me telling Artemis about the lake incident."
All of us looked at Wally, who seemed to be weighing the consequences.
"Fine, you win."
Suddenly shoving all the snacks into Tim's arms and moving faster than any of us could process, he scooped me up in his arms with a smirk.
"Changed my mind, it's time I got to know Anna and what better way than embarrassing you?"
Dick took a step forward to stop him but it was too late, the hall blurred and we were gone.
When we stopped he set me down and grinned at me.
"I was thinking we'd start with the time boy wonder got ca-"
He was interrupted by an angry shout.
"WALLY!
In the distance, I could hear Tim laughing.
Looking back at the speedster, I smirked.
"You were saying?"
Okay, I just thought I'd give you an idea of what's next one-shot wise. These are the three I have upcoming.
More of the Supernatural AU, I'm thinking Anna/Cas at the moment with a appearance from Crowley.
A Flash one-shot with a cute Anna/Barry pairing. I've already got an idea for it and am loving where it's going.
And how could I be a fanfic writer without a Harry Potter one-shot? Focus on the twins, with Asgardian!Anna/Loki pairing. Something with trickster gods and mischievous Weasley twins. Probably a time progression through the series.
So that's what is up next for the one-shots. Once again I'm always open to ideas/requests, it just may take me awhile to get to them. And I am working on the next chapter of TTAD, its just going a little slow. I just started working and school is super busy so I'm trying.
Thanks so much for reading, let me know what you think! =D