Chapter 3

(Nightwing POV)

It is quite embarassing when you can barely stand up on your own, even more so when you need help getting onto a bed. My head was spinning and throbbing at the same time and my limbs felt like noodles, after they've been cooked. I was just ready to hurry up and get this over with so that I could go to sleep. But, of course, Alfred was taking his sweet and precious time, which was strange for him to have considering his age. Just as my eyelids were becoming too heavy to hold up someone approached, but it wasn't Alfred much to my dismay. It was Tim. Great, what did he want?

"I was to apologize for, you know."

"For almost killing me? You don't have to apologize for anything. It was an accident, and besides, you were only trying ot help me out."

"I know, but I feel so bad about it, and I want to make it up any way that I can. Just let me do something for you to show you how sorry I really am. I know it wasn't on purpose, but-" Why is he talking so much? I really wish he would just stop talking. Please, just stop. Ugh, by ears feel like they are going to bleed and my brain feels like it's going to delf destruct. Wait, is he still talking? "-should do something about that. You know what I mean?"

Shit! I have no clue what he's talking about. Quick, come up with a vague answer. "Do whatever you want if it will make you feel better." Perfect.

"Um, are you alright? I said they should do something about the security at Arkham. What did you think I was talking about?"

Well, so much for that. "I don't know. You said so much I think you covered just about everything." I heard someone else walking up. Fianlly, Alfred entered, followed by Bruce. "What took so long?"

Bruce Stepped forward until he was standing in front of me, "We had to discuss the situation, as well as what we need to do about Joker. Yu're right, we can't let him roam around the city for too long, but we are in no position to search tonight."

"Hey, you can't say I'm the reason that no one will be looking tonight. You two can easily go out there without me. Just leave me here with Alfred and go, I'll be fine."

"you're not the only reason we're not going. The other reason is that we have no leads as to where his current location is." The longer we sat around talking the more the throbbing in my head increased in intensity. My vision bagan to fade in and out and all noise was covered up by a defening ringing that grew louder with each passing second. I could see Bruce's mouth moving, but couldn't make out what it was he was saying. I saw him place his hand on my shoulder, but my body was numb, and I couldn't feel it touch me. In no time the corners of my vision became bordered with black that was slowly crawling towards the center. I closed my eyes momentarily to try and regain my bearings.

I opened them back up and all senses returned back to normal, but, why was I lying down on my side? "Why am I lying down?" I hope my words weren't as slurred as they sounded.

"You were out of it for a few seconds, and just fell over." Tim was standing over me and staring down at my face. It was starting to creep me out. I forced myself into a sitting position and ignored the dizziness that it brought with it. Alfred approached me and started examining the small puncture wound above my left temple. He began pressing his fingers around the edges, his fingers were rather cold, but it actually felt quite soothing.

"There is minor swelling, but it's not too severe. It should be completely gone within the course of a few days. You should take it easy until then."

I couldn't believe this was happening, all because of something so small. I couldn't do nothing for a few days, that was absolute torture for me. "Come on Alfred, you know I can't do that."

"You can and you will unless you want to cause more damage. You are in a fragile state right now and pushing yourself would not be in your best interest. You don't want to risk harming yourself permanently."

"I thought you said it wasn't severe."

"It's not, but it has the potential to be and can easily cross over that borderline. If that does happen then there's a chance that you could slip into a coma. That means you can't be doing anything that requires a lot of exersion. You need a couple stitches. Stay here while I get the equipment." I watched as he went to the other side of the room and began searching through the cabinets.

Tim was now sitting next to me on my right, fumbling around with his fingers. He must have been thinking about something. He noticed my gaze and turned hi attention towards me instead. "What? Is something wrong?"

"No, it's nothing. I'm still exhausted though and ready to finish up here."

Alfred returned holding the needle and some rubbing alcohol. It took him no time to quickly close and clean the cut. The headache was still very much there though and showing no signs of letting up. "Tim, what the hell are in those bird-a-rangs of yours?"

"Mainly gun poder, and maybe little magnesium for stunning. But, there isn't very much of that."

"It was a rhetorical question. You need anything else Alfred, or can I go now?"

"No, I'm all done Master Dick. Do you need further assistance?" I really didn't want anymore help for anything, but the need overpowered the want in my situation. I doubt I could walk on my own yet, I mean, I passed out while sitting still, something that takes no effort or energy. I hate to think about what tomorrow will be like. I will probably still be out of it and will be sore. Bruce put his arm under mine and around my back while I leaned on him, depending on him for some balance.

He led me up the stairs and into my old room. Everything was just how I had left it. I sat ont he bed as Bruce released his hold on me and stood in the doorway. "I'll be back with a change of clothes for you, and Alfred will be up soon with some pain relievers." I hate to admit it, but I felt like I really needed them. I needed something to prevent the non-stop pounding. And the fact that I was still worried about Joker's whereabouts didn't help any, if anything, it only made it worse.

"Here you are Master." Alfred stepped into the room holding a couple of pills in one hand, and a glass of water in the other. "It won't completely stop the pain, but it will help you sleep at least." Bruce entered just as Alfred turned to leave. "I'll leave the two of you alone." He closed the door behind him, leaving just Bruce and myself to each other.

"I want Tim to stay in here with you tonight. To keep an eye on you."

"I don't think that will be necassary. I'm fine." Yeah right, like he would believe that. I don't even know why I bothered saying it. He is one of the most stubborn people I know, once he makes a decision he sticks by it. During short moment of silence I took the pain killers that Alfred had given me.

"Sorry, but, it's not up to you, you have no say in the matter. Tim will be in here shortly." Honestly I thought he was being a bit extreme. I was fine, not the best I've been, but well enough that I din't need to be watched over. He stepped out wothout another word after he placed some clean clothes on the bed next to me. A pair of sweatpants and a white tank top, the usual sleeping attire of the Wayne estate.