Chapter 2 – Status quo
"She killed someone. She's just a kid." I murmured trying to progress what I've seen. We walked up to the rooftop not to bother Dawn or Hank.
"Whoever they are, they've got people in the department." Dick said explaining as he took a sip from his coffee while Rachel discreetly occupied herself with the birds, giving us some privacy. "We needed somewhere safe to regroup, think about what I'm gonna do."
"What about Bruce?" I suggested. I wouldn't have minded him calling Bruce instead of us. I had no idea what was going to happen with the others, but I was sure that Dick's presence will stir the shit pretty bad.
He chuckled softly at my idea.
"He's no good with kids." He shook his head as eventually I had to nod. He was probably right.
"Cop, huh? That's one I never would've figured." I noted sitting down on the bench, sighing heavily. He took a seat next to me, a bit closer than it felt comfortable.
I stared at the busy Washington life. Partly because it always fascinated me and partly because I dreaded to look at Dick. It was still painful and I had no idea how to act around him.
"How are you?" He broke the tensed silence as I felt his examining gaze burning my skin.
"We're great." I said turning to him. "Hank's feeling the life a little. Age waits for no man and all that."
"How bad?"
"Two fractures, three concussions in the last year, and a herniated disk." I summed up. I knew how it sounded, but he was strong. He will be okay. We will be okay.
"Jesus, Ror." He shook his head fervently.
"We're still good out there, Dick." I ensured him. "Really good. Not one slip-up."
"You should quit." He told me strictly and for a moment I felt true concern in his voice. "You all should." He added quickly, noticing his mistake.
"That's the plan." I smiled against the sharp pain in my chest. He still distanced himself from me. But now it didn't matter. It shouldn't matter. "Soon as we take out these gun suppliers he's obsessed with. One more chance to do some good and he promised he's out." I told him pausing for a moment. "You could help us out." I started hesitantly but determined. With him on our side we actually had a chance to win.
"I'm out of that life, Ror." He refused it immediately as we locked eyes. He seemed sorry but adamant. I tried to read him again, but nothing. Not even a damn word.
Where have the Dick gone, I thought I knew?
"Hey." Hank's raspy voice echoed in the air as I jumped a bit. "The hell are you doing here, Dick?" He frowned, approaching us threateningly as Dick stood up fast, taking a step away from me unawares.
"Hank." I called his name softly as I stood up too, positioning myself between the two man.
"I had a situation." Dick started, but Hank cut him off.
"Nice little reunion you got going here."
"You know it's not like that." Dick attempted to reason.
"Sure looks like it to me." He retorted not wanting to listen to him.
"Hank." I gently touched his arm beckoning to Rachel's way. He finally turned around, noticing her.
"What the fuck?"
"Can we just go back inside?" I asked him. His eyes darted to me, still shooting daggers. "Please" I added as his expression softened.
A few hours later we managed to talk through everything. Hank was grumpy and didn't miss a chance to let Dick know how unwelcomed his presence is here, but eventually he agreed that they should stay.
"I put Dick on the couch and Rachel in my room" I told him as I arranged our guests for the night. "But now, do you know maybe a place I can stay?" I asked innocently, sitting in his lap. "I would be very, very grateful" I purred in his ear, folding my arms around his neck, but he hasn't even winced. "What's wrong?" I asked frowning. I thought he would be happy that we finally have some alone-time.
"It's goddamn summer camp." He muttered irritated as I sighed tiredly. I knew what was about to come. "What's he doing here anyway? Hell of a coincidence, him showing up here a night before a job."
"Coincidences happen." I answered calmly, running my fingers through his hair. "What, you think I called him?" I questioned in disbelief, reading his silence.
"Did you?" He raised his gaze at me tormented. I wanted to be angry with him for even the suggestion, but I saw how troubled he seemed. He didn't mean to hurt me, he was just scared.
"I'm with you, Hank." I cupped his face tenderly. "Dick is my past, I can't change that. But you, Big Guy, are my future" I kissed his nose playfully as I felt him ease a little. "I'm gonna chalk it up to stress that you don't know this." I excused him as he finally embraced my waist, resting his hands on the small of my back while he let out a deep breath. "But now that he's here we can use his help." I dared to bring up the topic.
"We don't need him. We've been fine." He barked curtly but at least he still held me tight.
"We have been." I agreed thinking. "But fine might not be enough to shut this gun op down." I started cautiously. "The four of us are unstoppable. We could go out on the win you want. And then you can heal, get better." I used logic and perspective. Anything that worked. "We can get better."
"He won't help us." He answered after a long, considerate pause. "He only watches out for himself. People don't change, babe." He told me being sure of himself as I smiled. Well it was a progress, even if just a little. Now I only had to convince Dick...
"We'll see." I said a bit more lightly, standing up, pulling him with me to the bedroom.
I cuddled him, pulling as close as it was physically possible. His arms were around me, but he was somewhere else. I knew it is hard for him. Heck, it was hard for me too, but I was positive we will get through it. I just had no idea how to help him and it killed me.
I love you, Hank. I confessed to him unawares, without thinking as he stiffened up immediately.
Shit! I cursed myself, biting my lip. I was such a moron!
He eventually eased back, relaxing again.
He remained silent, softly but confidently lifting my chin up to meet his eyes. His expression was warm as an affectionate smile played at the corner of his mouth. Then before I could realise, his lips were on mine steeling an ardent kiss.
I love you more, Rory.
"Yes, I've seen it. You're gonna love it, I promise" I chatted with Rachel about TV shows as we arrived back to the apartment. We went shopping in the forenoon for lunch.
"Yeah?" She asked eagerly.
"Yeah. Why don't you go watch it right now? And take your shoes off." I added as she disappeared in the living room.
"Okay. Thanks, Ignite." She answered shouting as I chuckled.
"I'm gonna check on her" Dawn excused herself leaving me alone with Dick. I watched her suspiciously. I was pretty sure the reason of her sudden left wasn't entirely our girl.
I sighed quietly, starting to pack out the stuffs, avoiding to look at Dick, even though I knew I had to. Hank was out, checking the location of our mission tonight and here I had my last chance to win Dick for our cause.
"What'd you do with Rachel?" He walked up to me amused. "You know, the sullen one?"
"I didn't do anything with her. I just didn't treat her like a kid. She's a good girl." I sent him a friendly smile. "Do you wanna take a look?" I asked then as I saw him puzzled, even horrified. "At the case." I clarified raising my brows. I didn't know what was he thinking, but that's maybe better. "The supplier's name is Bronson. He's moving small hand guns." I handed him a tablet as we settled down at the table. "He's trying to corner the pre-teen market." I continued as he opened a briefcase with a laptop in it. "Intel says they're making a new shipment tomorrow night on the docks, and we think we can break the chain." I finished while he typed on the keyboard fervently. I allowed myself a moment to admire him. He was always a tech-guy, loving the new prototypes of gadgets. "The famous Bird Computer. Wayne Enterprises tech?" I asked smiling involuntary as I earned his attention. He stopped, glancing at me with a shy nod. "What happened between you two, you and Bruce?" A questioned slipped my mouth followed by great regret. Silly Rory, he never let you in why do you think he starts now?
"Dragons? This show just got so much better." Rachel enthusiastic voice saved me. Well, yes, Game of Thrones was one of the best.
"It's a big responsibility." I changed the subject as Dicked looked at me questioning.
"What?"
"Taking her in." I explained the obvious. "I mean, I know how healing it must be, doing what Bruce did for you when you lost your parents." I continued seeing his still perplexed expression. "But taking care of a kid is complicated, you know that better than anyone." And I knew it too.
"I'm not taking her in." He corrected me. "I'm not good at the staying with people part." He added tearing the old wound open. "I don't have to tell you that." He murmured. Another dagger to my heart.
"No, you already did" I mumbled gulping hard, fighting back the tears. I thought I was good. That I healed and I was over him, but obviously I couldn't be more wrong…
"Ror" He called me painfully just like he realized only now how deep his words cut. His warm palm covered my hand comfortingly as he reached out for me, but it only made it worse.
"Well, isn't this cozy?" Hank entered mocking us, misunderstanding the situation.
Perfect timing!
"Hey." I turned to him pulling my hand away from Dick.
"Just like the old days." Hank continued with repressed rage.
"We were just talking things through, okay?" Dick said sensing the fragility of the moment.
"Come and go, take what you want." He went on, without listening to Dick. This could escalate quickly.
"Hank." I stood up, placing my hand on his chest to stop him.
"Don't touch me." He hissed, pushing my arm away firmly.
And that was the last straw.
Dick jumped up so fast I barely could follow and charged Hank, confronting him.
"You want my girl now?" Hank picked up a fight, channeling his anger and frustration. "Forget her. You had a chance but you decided to leave her in despair, broken" He dodged Dick's attack.
"Enough!" I yelled at them. This was nonsense…
"I didn't mean to hurt her!" He tossed Hank hard on the wall ignoring me completely.
"Well, that's a pretty shitty excuse… Dick" Hank taunted him attempting a punch in his stomach.
"I said, enough!" I tried again, with no success as Rachel appeared behind me.
"Stop!" She backed me up. "Stop!" She shouted this time. Or should I say that thing she had inside, shouted? Glasses shuttered into million pieces as Rach erupted.
At least it had its effect. Everyone stopped there stunned completely.
"I'm sorry." She excused herself also being taken aback by her own abilities as she hurried back to her room.
I exchanged a glance with Dick, who nodded barely visibly, following her.
"Jesus." Hank murmured looking around.
"What the hell was that?" I demanded, being mad at him.
"I don't know, ask your little friend"
"No, I meant this childish jealousy act of yours" I said folding my arms around my chest. "How old are you exactly?"
"You're taking his side again! I can't believe it!" He raised his voice being offended.
"I'm not taking anyone's side. Dick's behavior was just as much unacceptable as yours." I enlightened him as he scoffed.
"You think I'm jealous, but I'm not." He started after a moment. "I'm territorial. There's a difference. I'm just protecting what's mine" He explained, imagining himself very smart, but his statement only boiled my blood even more.
"I'm not a fucking piece of land to be owned or to fight over. I decided to be with you, I decided to let you close to me." I pointed my finger on his chest. "You never have to be afraid of Dick or any other man, because no one can take me unless I want it too." I stared daggers at him while we locked eyes. "Are we clear?"
He was angry too and I saw he was trying to fight the urge to retort, pressing his lips together, but for now he managed to stay still. I hoped that deep down he knew I'm right. I didn't want anyone else, I wanted him.
We gazed into each other's eyes for another moment as I saw his expression changing. I had no time to oppose as his lips crushed against mine hard.
I didn't want to give in to him yet. If he thought he would get away with it this easily, he was so wrong.
But damn, the overwhelming need of him slowly blotted out all reasons, blocking my mind totally as I finally returned his kiss with a quiet moan.
Raw, wild need passed between us as he guided me back to our room, not stopping the kiss for a second. His mouth worked mine telling me without words how loved I was. How could I be angry with him?
Our lovemaking was rough, holding nothing back. A brazen union over all the tension and frustration that built up in both of us.
Thinking back we probably could've been more discreet, regarding the number of people that lived in the house, but it was beyond our control then.