This is a shorter chapter for usual (not counting the A/Ns), and for that I apologize. I honestly didn't plan anything out after chapter four except for something later on. Because of this, I cut this chapter short so I can make "Misplaced" the next chapter.
NOTE TO ALL WHO HAVE REVIEWED: You guys are literally the best. I checked my phone when I was waiting for my friend to see if anyone had reviewed and I almost started crying (I know, I'm dramatic. Oh well.) at the reviews. Twenty reviews for four chapters? For under ten thousand words? You guys have made my day - no, my week. I was having such a bad day and you guys made me smile, so for that, I thank you all.
I hope you enjoy!
"Robin." He heard M'gann's timid voice and ceased training. He turned to face her, not meeting her eyes. It had been several days since his first session with Black Canary, and each time he told her something that happened. There was no rhyme or reason to their sessions, he would just start talking and just open up. He had only told her about what had happened directly out of the explosion, and none of the more...sensitive topics.
"Yeah?" He asked, an air of false cheerfulness around him as he gave her a fake smile. All his smiles were fake nowadays.
"I was wondering if you wanted to come to a Halloween party at Happy Harbor High. I'm inviting the whole team." She then rushed to continue, "You don't have to decide now! I - just - uh - you can just show up tomorrow, here at the Cave, in costume if you want to." She finished awkwardly.
"Thanks M'gann. I'll think about it." He assured her, and seemingly okay with his answer she left the room.
Tomorrow is Halloween? He had forgotten what day of the week it was, as well as the month. It had been April in the simulation before he woke up. He knew it was October but he wasn't aware of the actual date.
Halloween.
"Dick?" The man in question looked up to see Damian hesitantly entering the study. He was slightly surprised that he had called him by his first name, but didn't show it. Maybe it was a sign that Damian was growing up and socially improving.
"Yes Damian?" He asked as the boy sat besides him.
"Brown said Halloween is coming up." He looked at the older boy with curious eyes, "What is Halloween?"
He gave a small start of surprise, "Well…" He explained to the boy what the holiday was. He was surprised in the boy's interest in the topic, but was grateful for a chance to bond with the boy. He had been feeling like he had been neglecting him lately in civilian form. They still went on patrol together, but it wasn't the same.
And when Damian fell asleep next to him, he was even more grateful. He'd have to remind Barbara to go easy on Stephanie later, for the girl had given him a great gift.
He turned, preparing to leave the room and head to his session with Black Canary. Before leaving, he made sure to clasp on his cape. He still didn't like it, but he would wear it to dodge questions for now.
That was until he could don his Nightwing costume once more.
He heard someone up ahead, and he soon found himself face to face with the young kryptonian.
"Robin." The boy said, coming to a halt. Robin stopped in front of him, looking directly next to his face. "I...uh, I wanted to say I'm sorry for what I said the other day." He apologized awkwardly. He knew it probably took a lot for him to say that.
"It's okay Superboy." He looked down, "I uh," He stumbled over his words, unsure if he actually wanted to say it or not, "I'm actually heading to a therapy session with Black Canary. I have been for awhile now. I haven't exactly gotten over the simulation." Over the thirty years of my life that are gone.
Superboy looked surprised, before quickly looking embarrassed, "Oh. I'm sorry I didn't know."
"It's fine SB." He gave him a fake smile. "I gotta go. Don't want to keep BC waiting." he was about to head towards the therapy room before saying, "Superboy."
"Yeah?"
"Can you, umm…"
"Not tell the others?" He guessed.
He nodded, biting his lip. "I don't want to be pitied and I don't want M'gann to feel bad. It wasn't her fault."
Superboy nodded, and he knew those words would make him keep the secret. It was no secret to him that Superboy and M'gann were in love, and Superboy would do anything to protect her.
He turned away from the other boy, a pang going through him. He forced the memories away as he went to meet Black Canary - or as she wanted him to call her in their sessions, Dinah. He had already been aware of her identity, but had still referred to her as Black Canary while in the Cave.
"Welcome back, Dick." That worked both ways, for she knew his identity as well. He gave her a polite nod, sitting down in his usual chair. "Dick." She reminded him, and he met her eyes. He would always not look at her at the beginning, but she would make him. He had to get used to meeting people's eyes. "Is there anything you would like to talk about?"
He bit his lip indecisively. Should he tell her about how much he truly changed? How much he had to change to protect the defenseless, "It was a bit after I recovered from the explosion." He stated quietly, the only other sound in the room from the waterfall. Dinah gave him an encouraging smile and he forced himself not to look away, "Batman was gone so I just…gave up being Robin. I didn't quit crime fighting, I just changed my name and costume to something new."
"And what was your new name?" Dinah asked carefully, not wanting to push him too much.
"Nightwing. It was after an old Kryptonian story Superman told me once."
"Nightwing huh? I like the name. Did you think it up?"
"No, it was from a story that...Superman told me when I first met him." He shifted awkwardly, "What are you changing to?"
"Arsenal. Black Canary would always joke about how archers carry an ridiculously large arsenal of different arrows. I know it's stupid, but it just popped up one day-" He rested a hand on Roy's shoulder.
"I don't think it's stupid." He said, and when Roy looked up he saw complete understanding in the other vigilante's eyes.
"Roy did something like that too." He added, only half aware of what was coming out of his mouth, "Arsenal. It was after something you said once about archers having a ridiculously large arsenal of different arrows. We both just couldn't…" He trailed off. He took a deep breath. Just pretend you're talking to Barbara. Or Roy. Or Jason. Or...anyone else.
He lagged slightly behind as Damian walked awkwardly up to Tim.
"Drake?" He asked, not meeting the other boy's eyes.
"Yeah?" Tim looked up from his laptop, obviously expecting another insult or complaint.
"I wanted to say…" He mumbled something unintelligible.
"Damian." He called from the doorframe. His tone was serious, but his eyes glittered with amusement.
Damian sent him a scowl, before looking back at a confused Tim. "I'm...sorry about my comments earlier, Drake."
"What?" Tim asked in disbelief, giving them both a surprised look. Damian was never good with apologies, but it seemed that someone was attempting to rectify that.
Damian glared, slightly embarrassed, "I will not repeat myself."
"Well, um, it's no problem Dem-Damian." He corrected himself quickly. If Damian was trying to be nicer (even though he was obviously being forced to apologize), then he would stop provoking the assassin.
"My Nightwing costume was black, with a blue bird on the chest. I ditched the cape, which is why I've been stumbling around with it for awhile." He played with the fabric in his hands, "I had gotten taller also." He added awkwardly.
Dinah gave him a warm smile, which reminded him of how Barbara would smile whenever he did or said something stupid.
"Stephanie? Where are...oh…" Barbara looked to see Stephanie sitting on the shoulders of her boyfriend. Neither had noticed her as she watched from the doorway.
"Okay, Steph, now just flip like I showed you." He encouraged the younger girl.
Stephanie looked indecisive for a moment, "What if I hurt you?"
"Don't worry," He assured her, "Just flip when I say go. Ready?"
Stephanie got into a crouching position, managing to stay balanced on his shoulders.
Three...Two...One..FLIP!"
Stephanie flipped backwards off of the vigilante's shoulders, but not before grabbing them with her hands. The purpose was for her to get the momentum to flip the older boy.
And it worked.
He landed with a thud on the mat, and Stephanie rushed over, "Did I hurt you?"
He gave her an easygoing smile, "No. You did great."
She smiled, practically radiating excitement. It was then that Barbara made herself known. "Are you trying to steal my partner?" She teased.
Stephanie bounded over to her, "Did you see me?" She asked excitedly.
She smiled at the girl, "I sure did kiddo. Who knows? Soon you might be able to do that and throw him into a wall."
"Babs…"
"Hey, you wanted to teach her the technique in the first place. I'm just helping her reach her full potential."
"I think that's enough for today." Dinah cut in, and he gave a nod. He had been getting more memories than usual today. Maybe it was the holiday, or maybe he just didn't try to block them out anymore.
He didn't know or care.
Not really satisfied with this chapter either. It's mostly because of the flip Dick was teaching Stephanie. I don't do or know anything about acrobatics or gymnastics so I kinda skimped on the details and I don't know if what I put is correct. Sorry!