Chapter 15 – Paradise
"Cannonball!" I yelled jumping into the pool right next to Dick. He was relaxing on an air mattress, enjoying the sun and I just couldn't help but ruin it. He seemed way too peaceful not to take advantage of it.
He fell off the mattress swearing as the cold water covered his heated body.
"Lorelei Grayson you're so going to pay for this!" He yelled gasping.
I chuckled, getting out of the pool with a tingling sensation in my stomach. Lorelei Grayson. It was my name for two months now, but still made me smile like an idiot.
I ran into the house as I've heard Dick chasing me close. I wasn't kidding myself, I knew he's faster, but a girl has to try. I reached our bedroom and I was about to shut the door when he stepped in, putting his foot right in the way.
"Got you" He said grabbing my arm. He entered easily pinning me up on the wall tight.
"Hey, the fresh painting" I giggled.
We bought this house a little before our wedding and we just moved in recently as we arrived back from our honeymoon.
And now the new grass-green colour became all wet...
"You should've thought about it before disturbing the beast" He husked not releasing me, holding my wrists above my head. His eyes darkened with unfathomable lust as he hovered over my mouth. His erratic breath was a hot caress on my moist skin as my legs went weak like a jello. I tried to close the gap between us to claim his lips for some release but he held me tight in my place with a merciless grin. He enjoyed being in control, as always, yet it only fuelled my passion. Every inch of me lit up with a burning, urgent need to possess him.
I leaned back offering him my neck, moaning deep in my throat, being perfectly aware he wouldn't be able to resist.
He groaned frustrated, loosening his grip for a moment and that was just enough for me. I disengaged myself now pushing him hard on the wall. For a moment I saw a proud smirk on his face before I crashed my mouth on his, ravaging his lips with fierce kisses. He picked up the pace understanding me completely without a word. My fingers ran through his hair as he stroked over my ass, gripping it, pulling me closer. His hard arousal pressed against my pelvis viciously and I couldn't help a longing, breathy moan escaping my lips.
He lifted me up, his lips moving down on my throat as I folded my legs around him instinctively. He carried me to the bed, settling me down then being atop me in an instant. He was in charge again but this time I surrendered to this delicious excitement, letting him having his way with me.
I really hoped this newly wed lifestyle would never end.
DDD
"Are you alright, Angel?" Dick asked concerned. I stood up too fast and got so dizzy that I had to sat back on the bed.
"Yeah, it's probably just my blood sugar" I sent him a smile still resting. I haven't eaten in a while.
"Then I'm gonna make some food for you quickly" He ensured me placing a soft kiss on my forehead before leaving the room.
I decided to lay down a few more minutes then I joined Dick in the kitchen. He seemed so busy, he hasn't even noticed me first. I smiled at his concentration as he stirred whatever was in the frying pan. Then the scent reached my nose.
"Garlic?" I asked feeling nauseous.
"I thought you like it" He frowned seeing my troubled expression.
"I do" I nodded hesitantly. "I did, at least" I murmured confused. I had no problem with it before then why was my stomach acting up?
Yet we had no time to finish the investigation since the laptop went off signalling a face-time call.
Rach and Gar! I smiled hurrying up to the screen.
„Hey guys, how are you?" I asked them forgetting about my sickness. "Everything okay at college?" I asked as Dick sat down next to me.
"Yeah!" Rach nodded happily.
"Nah, things are great." Gar added too. "We're four weeks in and Rachel hasn't been expelled yet, so..." He teased giving a quick kiss to Rachel.
"Oh, yeah, and Gar hasn't been to class. So..." She retorted as we chuckled. They were too cute together.
"You guys are doing great. I'm really proud." Dick said smiling genuinely.
"Hey, um, I know maybe it's a little early, but it's getting very cold in Chicago." Gar started the real topic. "Maybe we can come visit you guys for Thanksgiving?"
"Of course!" Dick nodded immediately.
"Yes! We'd love that." I agreed joyfully. We haven't seen them awhile, it was a great idea.
"Well, it's either that or Christmas, so you can choose which holiday you want Gar to ruin." Rachel explained. "Totally up to you."
"We'll take both." I ensured them getting excited.
"Miss you guys." Dick said accepting my decision.
"Miss you too, man." Gar answered.
"But mostly Rory." Rach winked as I chuckled. I knew how much she loves Dick too, they had a special bond. "We have to go, just wanted to check in. See you guys soon!" She waved as we said goodbye.
"They're so grown up now." I noted as the line broke.
"I know. I still worry about Rachel, though." He pressed his lips together getting lost in his thoughts.
"She's doing good. She's doing great." I squeezed his hand to get his attention. "She made it."
"Yeah." He finally turned back to me. "I guess we all did." He added leaning in for a kiss.
"Yeah." I folded my arms around his neck to keep him in while pecking his lips. "Someone is in the doorway" I frowned letting Dick go as I noticed the figure. He checked it too as we walked up to see the guest.
"Jason?" I asked in disbelief as I recognised the man. He was in a wheelchair.
"Been five years." He nodded. "Do I look different? It must be the haircut." He joked bitterly as I smiled sympathetically.
"What are you doing here?" Dick questioned being on guard.
"It's Batman." He looked him in the eye seriously. "He's in trouble."
I suggested to go in having a hunch that it wasn't going to be an easy conversation.
"Do you want anything? Coffee, or tea?" I asked as we settled in the patio.
"No, I'm okay." He refused, looking around in the garden. "This is really nice, man." He started a bit surprised. "I knew you lived out here and you became a family, but this... Good for you, guys." He noted with a hint of sadness and I really felt for him. We found true partners in each other and eventually managed to get a normal life, but none of us would achieve any of this without the other. And I was truly grateful for Dick. I even got a real job for first in my life. I worked as a detective too in Dick's department.
"Jason, what happened?" I asked softly.
"Ah, I was stupid." He shrugged. "Totally my fault. The Riddler and some guys were hitting jewellery stores late at night." He explained. "Batman and I staked one out, caught 'em coming in. Should've gone down real simple, but I got too cocky. Big surprise." He noted with a scoff. "Went straight for him. Thought I could take him down on my own. You know how the Riddler never uses a gun?" He asked Dick as he nodded in agreement. "Well, now he does. Bullet hit my T5 vertebra. It's still there."
"Jesus. I'm sorry." Dick said as I swore under my breath.
"Gotham's gotten worse, man. Way fucking worse. Commissioner Gordon's dead."
"What?"
"Three days ago." Jason added. "It was the Joker, and it was bad. Kept him alive for almost a week. Texted pictures of what he was doing. By the time Bruce figured out where he was, it was too late." He told us with a tortured expression. "Never seen him look like that. He's going to kill the Joker."
"He would never do that." I reacted without thinking. I haven't knew Bruce that well, but he had a moral code for sure. That's what kept him on track.
"Bruce has a line he'll never cross." Dick confirmed my announcement.
"Things have changed, Rory." He shook his head in despair. "First, Alfred dies, and then this, and now Commissioner Gordon. It's like something inside of him just snapped. Whatever was holding him together is gone."
"So why come here and tell me?" Dick folded his arms in front of his chest.
"Because you're the real Robin, man, okay?" Jason declared it simply. "You always were. Not me." He ensured him. "The truth is, he was never the same after you left." He said as I looked down at my hands, fidgeting nervously. I knew he was right and I also knew the emptiness Bruce must've felt. "Alfred said it. Barbara said it. Even heard Superman say it once. I just didn't wanna believe it, but it's true. You were the only one he ever listened to. Maybe the only one he ever cared about after his parents died. You need to come back to Gotham and convince him not to do it." He dropped the bomb. I felt the panic arising in Dick as he was about to lose his composure. I reached for his hand to squeeze it, but he tore it away jumping up from his seat.
"I can't. I swore I'd never go back." He shook his head to make sure Jason understands. "Besides, I haven't spoken to Bruce in years."
"Dick, the whole thing with Tony Zucco." Jason started to plead. "Look, you know what he's going through. If he does this, there's no coming back. He's the only hero that Gotham has left. The only one left with some sense of justice. If he goes bad, the city goes down. Dude, you're the only one that can save him." He put the pressure on him as Dick scoffed, turning his back to us. "Rory, please…" He whispered to me as I'm his only hope. I nodded slightly, beckoning to him that it's time to leave. Dick needed some time to digest these new information.
I accompanied Jason out as he turned back forlornly.
"I'll do what I can" I promised which he finally accepted and left.
I sighed heading back to our house as the urge to vomit slowly crept back into my stomach. Great, like I wasn't stressful enough…
"If Bruce wants to do something, he's gonna do it. We both know that." Dick started reasoning as soon as I entered not even waiting for me to speak. "He dresses up like a bat to fight crime. That works for him." He noted pacing back and forth like a lion in its cage. "But this, this idea that I'm the only one who can save him is bullshit."
"Then, who?" I only asked hopping down on the couch, taking a deep breath.
"What?"
"Jim Gordon's dead. Alfred's dead. Barbara's missing. He fell out with Superman years ago. He's alone." I explained calmly yet tiredly. I had no energy to fight him, it was hard enough to hold back my sickness.
"He's always alone." Dick argued not wanting to admit his importance in the story.
"Not when you're around." I closed my eyes for a moment, clearing my throat. Nope, I refuse to throw up. Rory, you're better than this. "How're you gonna feel if you don't at least try?" I questioned gazing at him finally and I knew I hit a nerve.
"Bruce Wayne's not my responsibility!" He raised his voice now attacking me. I gave him a look as he eased up a bit, coming closer to me, regretting his loss of temper. "I'm sorry, Angel" He crouched down in front of me, caressing my hand with his thumb. "I know you mean well, it's just…" He casted his eyes down, ashamed.
"We can do it together" I lifted his chin up. "I'm here for you, remember?" I reassured him as I saw a half-smile in the corner of his mouth. "We fly out there, check the situation and come back. Only a few days, hmm?" I suggested and I think he was close to give in when a sudden wave of nausea hit me. I jumped up from the couch without any explanation and ran to the bathroom, hoping it won't be too late.
Puking only the acid because your stomach is empty… I didn't wish it upon my enemy.
"Ror, let me in" Dick knocked on the door for hundredth of times. "Rory, come on"
"No, Dick, I don't think our marriage is strong enough to bare you seeing me like this" I managed to say a whole sentence as I hugged the toilet bowl for support. I felt exhausted.
"Ror, baby, I'm sure I've seen you worse"
"Is that supposed to comfort me?" I frowned gaining some strength as I've heard him chuckle on the outside.
"It can't be that bad if you can joke around." He noted as I smiled. He was right, I did feel better.
"I'll be out there in a minute, I promise." I said getting up slowly approaching the wash basin. I looked into the mirror. I was pale, my skin was covered in cold sweat, but otherwise, I was kind of okay.
I washed my face and my teeth then opened the door.
"Angel" Dick pulled me into a hug as I rested my head on his chest. I felt extremely tired and sleepy. "Come on, lay down" He helped me on the couch covering me with a blanket, then he brought a thermometer. He scanned my forehead with it then raised his brows.
"99,3" He said. "You have a higher temperature, maybe you caught something" He thought out loud.
"It's nothing, don't worry" I shook it off, checking my phone. I was sure I'll be alright in no time. I already felt better. "There's a flight we can catch in the evening"
"Rory"
"Or there's another in the morning"
"Ror"
"Do you think it's too late?" I considered our options as now Dick took away my phone. "Hey!"
"You need to see a doctor"
"I told you, I'm fine. We need to leave as soon as possible. Many lives are on stake." I insisted as he sighed.
"Look, let's make a deal." He started. "I'll go to Gotham today" He said then raised his hand to stop my interruption so he could finish. "You check on the doctor and join me when you're really fine"
I rolled my eyes. It wasn't the best deal, but it was fair enough, so I nodded.
"Good." He gave me a small kiss in relief.