The Sick and Dying

A.N.: Sorry this is so late. I've had writer's block out the wazoo. Enjoy, nonetheless!

Dick hadn't been on the street for too long. A week, really. Still, a couch in a warm house was definitely a nice change from concrete or church floors.

THUD!

Unless, of course, someone was really, really mad at you. Then, those floors were pretty nice.

"Alright, spill, Grayson." Loop pile carpets, heaters, if you're lucky…

"Dick," At least he didn't sound angry, anymore. "Look at me. I know you're awake."

Begrudgingly, he opened his eyes to see jason sitting on the coffee table, his backpack, open beside him.

"Bruce just called and asked if I'd seen you. He told me to keep you locked up, if I did."

"What'd you tell him?" he groaned, examining the metal splint on his wrist.

"That I'd keep an eye out." Dick breathed a painful sigh of relief. "Dick, what happened?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, why are you living on the streets? Why did Bruce tell me you keep you caged? And why in Hell did I find you naked in the woods?"

Dick dragged himself up on his right hand so he could sit against the arm of the couch, clenching his teeth.

"Would you believe I was at a rave?"

"No."

"Kidnapped by pirates?"

"Dick, I'm serious." The tone of his voice, short and clipped, gave him pause and made him hang his head.

"Alright. I'm a werewolf," he said, shrugging as if it were no big deal.

Jason, of course, rolled his eyes. "If you're just gonna-"

"I'm for real, Jay. Last night was a full moon, and I didn't have anywhere else to go. I figured it was at least safe to change out there."

"Looks like you were wrong." Jason sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, reeling himself in. "Alright...alright, so let's say I believe you; how does that lead into you being homeless?"

"Bruce found out I was hiding it from him and all but kicked me out."

"How'd he find out?"

"Changed in front of him. He freaked out, benched me indefinitely, and stopped talking to me. I left, but it was pretty clear he wanted me out."

Jason nodded, looking down at the floor. "Alright. You can stay here, at least for now."

Dick breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, man."

Jason nodded absentmindedly. "So, what do we do about your wrist? If you change next month, it won't be healed by then, which might end up breaking it more."

"I'm more concerned about location. There's a pack of wolves, outside, so that's a no-go. Anywhere else would be too close to the city."

"I don't know, man. We'll cross those bridges when we get to them." He stood up with a deep sigh. "Get back to sleep. When you feel well enough, get dressed and pick a room. The whole upper floor and most of this one is free." Dick nodded, wincing as he dragged himself back into lying on his side.

The first three bedrooms on the first floor were taken, obviously. He only needed to see the scrawling crayon for Bizarro's room, neat label for 'Artemis' (if it was the Artemis he was thinking of, maybe it wasn't so taken, but he wasn't taking chances), and dripping, red spray paint of Jason's name and helmet to know it.

He wasn't taking chances on the next few rooms, either. He was too dangerous to risk changing near anyone, just in case he broke down the door.

He was just about to pass a door halfway down the hall when he heard the faint beeping of an ECG behind it. His curiosity got the better of him.

He had to admit, it was a shock to see Black Mask like this, wearing a hospital gown and laying, motionless, in a bed. His eyes were open, watching him, but he didn't make any motion to do anything.

Still, maybe it was best to find a room on the other side of the building.

A.N.: Sorry to end it like this, but I didn't want to make you guys wait any longer than you had to. Great news, however: I've gotten a FictionPress account. I'm still TheInvisibleGurlz, so check me out there. I already have one piece up, and there will be more in the future. I also keep my facebook page active, so you can find that, too. Thank you for your time.