Authors Note: Thank you Sin City, wiki, and tumblr. You're my best friends.

TTTTTTTT

Kori saw him off at the airport, just like she said she would. Grayson was never happier. Rachel was teary eyed again, though he assured her he wouldn't be out of touch, he told her she could come and visit anytime she wanted. Garfield and Victor didn't show at all, he couldn't blame them. He hated himself too.

He gave Rachel a nice firm hug full of sorrow and affection all in the same, whispering words of friendship to her, kissing her countless times on the cheek before moving to Kori.

He took her small hands in his, his thumb caressing the back of hers gently. They stared into each other's eyes, not really wanting to say goodbye again. Grayson was first to speak.

"You're everything a man could ever want. It's not just your face, your ..figure, or your voice." He lifted her chin up slightly with his index finger, "it's your eyes, and all the things I see in your eyes."

"What is it you see in my eyes?" her accent threatened to surface, words lost.

Grayson smiled, smug he had that type of affect on her. "I see a crazy calm. You're sick of running, you're ready to face what you have to face, but you don't wanna face it alone."

She shivered beneath him as he tugged her into his embrace, her palms flat against his chest. She sighed, "No, I do not wish to face it alone."

TtTtTtTtTt

The wind rises electric.

She's soft and warm and almost weightless.

Her perfume is a sweet promise that brings tears to my eyes.

I tell her that everything will be alright, that I'll save her from whatever she's scared of and take her far, far away.

I tell her ..I love her.

A final kiss before my departure.

I hold her close until she's gone.

I'll never know what she was running from.

It took nearly five and a half hours to arrive back in Gotham, and when I did it already felt like hell. Not to mention the rain that'd began pouring down on the city, it's already cold enough to be mistaken for winter in mid-October. Growing up in this place only made the weather slightly bearable.

The chauffeur was nice, he kept trying to make light conversation with me but I politely decline each time. He asked me mostly stuff about how Jump was progressing and how my stay was and who I stayed with, I knew better than to answer any questions. That's what they all do. Make you talk and feel comfortable with them then turn around and twist up your words with the press for a small wad of cash. Cash ..a friendly tip'll shut 'em up.

At the end of the ride I was dropped off at Wayne Enterprises. Hn, typical. Bruce would put me straight to work.

I walk in, checking my watch along the way, 12:56, nice. I glanced up to find a new receptionist eyeing me like a piece of candy.

I raised and eyebrow at her and made my way to the elevator shaft.

It was unusually busy today, most likely due to the lack of work coming from my branch.

I went straight up to Bruce's office. Personal and top floor, floor number 131.

"Hey Helena." I greeted her, Bruce's personal secretary.

She looked up from her computer with a sweet smile. Helena Bertinelli is a sweetheart. She's a fairly short Italian girl who always sported her legendary curly hair around the office. Thought it was only shoulder length, it is very beautiful. It has a nice bounce to it when she walks, I always like to mess with it all the time, it makes her mad but hey. Oh, I have never seen a day pass when she isn't smiling, she's just friendly by nature. The nicest friend you could ever ask for.

"Hello, Mr. Grayson. I assume you had a good holiday?" she chimed, tossing her hair over her shoulder.

"Could've been better." I answered honestly with a sigh, "And ew, don't call me 'Mr. Grayson', sounds weird coming from you." I set my briefcase down and leaned over her desk.

"Bruce in a good mood today?" I whispered to her, using the back of my hand to form a makeshift sound barrier.

"Oh, just peachy." She rolled her eyes and typed away at her computer. She flicked her eyes up at me for a moment then returned her attention back to her desk of paperwork. "You know, he isn't expecting you for another thirty or so minutes." She stroke something off of a piece of paper in red ink.

"Ooo, you seem busy." I chuckled, earning me a playful glare.

"When am I not?" She droned, blowing out a puff of air.

"Need some help?" I perked up, she did look quite over run.

She tapped the red pen against her chin for a second, most likely pondering over my request, her eyes darted from me to Bruce's office door, back to me, "I ..sure."

I grinned as she passed me a stack of paper, "I need you to approve these financial statement and copy down the recap of our shareholders for this coming AGM, in two weeks I mind you." Helena smirked.

"Alright, I can totally do that in thirty minutes." I replied sarcastically, maneuvering around her desk with a chair in hand.

"Oh, Bruce wants you to attend the AGM, by the way."

I stopped dead in my tracks and turned to look at her with a horrified expression, slack jawed, "What!?"

She nodded, "Yup, looks like there's a promotion coming your way."

I sputtered a cough, "Wowowowow, um, I need a glass of water."

Helena laughed, "Aren't you happy? We might even start working in the same building." She elbowed me in the ribs.

Hm, I wouldn't mind working with her, not to mention the new office I'd be getting if she was right, that's always a plus. Bruce has been hinting at how over qualified I am for the job I'm holding now, so do I really want it? My job is great though, I ove the Biotech center. I love teaching and I love learning. Is it worth it?

Wayne Enterprises is a conglomerate business, consisting of many divisions, all under the Wayne umbrella and branching off into sister facilities. I work under Wayne Biotech and Medical, we educate and train a huge amount of people annually. We have always maintained our relationship with Gotham University and Drake Medical, after all, our youth is our future. Qayne Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals work very close with our branch to develop new medical vaccines and medicines for the treatment of different diseases. Much of the present research at Wayne Biotech is focused on finding the cure for cancer. And since the human genome has already been unlocked, my branch s also studying cloning to produce feasible human organs for future transplants. The division is involved in research into neurosurgery methods, the fight against AIDS and HIV, and reconstructive plastic surgery. We run many hospitals in Gotham City too, and help the Wayne Foundation with orphanages. Needless to say, a promotion would be nice, but I actually like my job. What would there be to promote me to anyways?

I sighed softly and scratched the back of my head while skimming the first page of paperwork.

"Something on your mind, Dick?" Helena asked, her eyes never leaving he computer screen.

"I don't really feel like I earned a promotion, that is, if you're right about it." I circled a miscalculated number, "I mean, I am his son after all."

"Hey, don't sweat it, we don't even know yet. I might just be wishful thinking, I could have the wrong idea." She frowned slightly. Damn.

"Maybe you're right," I chuckled a bit, "I'm over thinking things is all."

She snorted, "Per usual."

I turned to her to share a smile before I got back to work.

It was only twenty minutes later when a tall man exited Bruce's office, his face downcast. Welp, my turn to be chewed out.

"That's your call." Helena took my words from my mouth.

I stood up with a grunt and picked up my briefcase. "I'll be right back."

I maneuvered back around her desk, leaving the chair, and made for the two deadly double doors.

'Wayne' was inscribed on the doors, different font than I remembered. Looks like the receptionist wasn't the only thing he changed.

I puled the door open and walked in silently, the leather seat groaning slightly under my weight.

I cleared my throat, he didn't make a move. He stayed in his seat, back facing me as her stared out the window at the good side of Gotham, the wealthy side.

After a few agonizing moments he turned around in his chair, his face hard, all business as usual.

"Dick." He addressed.

"Bruce."

"I think you have an idea as to why I needed you back so early." He stated simply.

"Yeah, my branch probably needs a lot of reorganization due to my—"

"Dick, a few papers from Jump publish here. I have eyes everywhere. The type of behavior you displayed while away was completely unexceptable. You represent Wayne Enterprises, therefor you cannot go of partying every time you're with your 'friends'." He emphasized the word 'friends' as if he disapproved the word. "You do realize your reputation is slowly deteriorating, right? And Kori?" he spat, "The accusations better not be true." His tone softened now. "Listen, I know how you used to be, but you have a lovely young woman just waiting on you to pop the question. Do not—" I turned my head away from him and scoffed, crossing my arms across my chest. This only served to make him angrier than he already was, the reaction I had expected.

"Richard John Grayson, you better be listening to me." His voice was so harsh and sharp, "Do not be like me—"

"Wouldn't dream of it." I muttered under my breath.

"What did you say, punk?" Bruce narrowed his eyes at me.

I snapped my head in his direction, "I didn't say nothin'."

"Have you even been listening to single word that has come out of my mouth?"

"Yes, and I'm so sorry I'm ruining your image. You're right, I will not be like you, ever, and I'm getting a little sick of everyone getting on my ass lately. I am not the only one in this place that makes mistakes! I'd appreciate if everyone'd just lay off for a while, give me some fuckin' room to breathe—"

"I tried to give you room to breathe and all you did was join the filthy night life of Jump!" He slammed his fist against his desk, shutting me up just like it ought.

I relaxed my shoulders and took a deep breath, closing my eyes and pinching the bridge of my nose to try and soothe this headache that was coming on.

"Will this happen again?" He asked, his tone falling back into business mode.

"No." I answered, borderline meek.

"Good, I trust it won't." He sighed frustrated, swiveling in his chair to his computer, "Onto more important matters, I'm transferring you to Blüdhaven."

"What?!" I screeched, flabbergasted.

I saw the slightest smirk on his face as he typed away. Oh Bruce, always disturbing that peace in my life. Actually, I take that back.

"Why?" I asked, honestly confused as hell.

"The board of directors has relocated to Blüdhaven."

"Wayne Enterprises needs a CAO, Dick. I think I found my guy." He turned to me with a toothy and rare grin.

The color drained from my face almost instantly, this was a huge promotion! A huge opportunity. Have I earned it?

"Bruce, I-" I was at a loss of words, "Isn't there someone a little more qualified for that position? I don't feel comfortable accepting unless I really know that -"

"You're the best?" He finished for me, leaning forward as his arms braced against the desk. "Son, I've watched you work. I've studied the way you work, the way you strategize. You work more efficient and advanced than most of my employees with qualifications, they're all satisfactory compared to you."

I cast my gaze downward, "It still feels like I'm cheating .."

Bruce's sighed again, this time agitated. "Just give it a try. If after a few months you still don't like it then I'll give you back to the Biomedical center."

Judging by his tone, it seemed I had no choice. Well, no use in arguing any further, he always wins.

"Fine. Is that all?" I stood up, smoothing out my suit.

"Yes, you may take the day off, think this over." Cool, "I'll email you the details on the position as soon as I can." I picked up my breif and walked out of his office as calm as possible.

Helena's head popped up from behind her computer, "Well?" She exclaimed, cheerful.

"You were right." I chucking lightly in disbelief.

She jumped up from her desk and engulfed me in a tight hug, crushing my arms at my sides in the process.

I squeezed out a breath, wheezing in response.

When she finally eased her grip on me she looked up at me with a jovial gleam in her eye.

"Oh yeah, we'll working together, huh!?" Helena jumped up and down in never ending circles, her heels creating quite a ruckus, squealing in excitement.

"Um, about that .." I rubbed the back of my neck, tilting my head back, "the board of directors is stationed in Blüdhaven, not Gotham." I shrugged, my smile weak.

Her face lit up, not the reaction I'd anticipated, but not unwelcome either.

"A C-level job?! Wow! Congratulations Dick!" She playfully shoved me, causing me to stagger back a bit to regain balance as I chuckled.

"Thanks, maybe you could be my secretary, I'm sure Bruce wouldn't mind if I stole you away." I flashed her my signature smile with a wink, earning me a lighthearted giggle.

"I'm sure he would mind." She checked her watch, walking back to her desk to retrive her coat, "Hey, you up for a late lunch?"

"Sure, I'm famished. Flying really takes a lot outta me."

She smirked, "Since when, aren't you a Flying Grayson?"

I rolled my eyes at her, "You know what I meant. Now let's go get something good to eat, shall we?"

TtTtTtTtTt

Lunch was delicious, as always. When me and Helena go out she always knows all of the good places, hole-in-the-walls, if you will. It didn't last long though, she had to get back go work and I still had to get back to the Wayne Manor, I really don't have the nerve to go to Babs' just yet.

TtTtTtTtTt

The cool weather came it, cool for Gotham at least. Which meant it was nearing the mid 50's, but the temperature has never stopped Bruce and one of his annual October festables. A masquerade to be exact, one of which Grayson was growing very bored of, he wasn't interested in high society, never really as been. After meeting more young women with 'similar interests" as Bruce says, Grayson decided he needed to breathe, the air in the ballroom was filled with expensive perfume and chardonnay, not really the ideal candidate for oxygen. There was only so much fawning and fake adoration a man can take. Quickly excusing himself, Grayson saundered over to the balcony of the ballroom, but instead of the cliché 'looking over the railing in deep and meaningful thought', he leaned back against the it, taking off his festive masking and tossing it carelessly beside him on the top of the rail, he looked through the double glass doors at the people scattered about.

In the crowd, he noticed a familiar shade of red coming his way, her navy blue dress shimmering in the light of the room. Unconsciously, he began to smile, a lopsided grin plastering to his face. He'd missed her so much.

Grayson's cold façade withered away as soon as her steel blue eyes peeked through the white, almost sheer fabric of her sparking mask and found his.

It was nice to see the familiar sway of her hips as he remembered; normal, rather than forced and unnecessary. Then again, that was her. Natural and and unflawed, unchanged, perfectly ro-

No, stop! Grayson shook his head in disbelief of his thoughts. He wasn't supposed to think of Barbra that way, strictly friends. The way it's always been, the way it always will be ..

He frowned, hanging his head low as she approached, hands clasped together over her as she leaned against the railing, withdrawn mask next to him.

"Hey." Her appealing tone caused him to glance up at her, his grin finding it's way back onto his face.

"Hey." He replied, now standing up straight.

"Are you as bored of that crowd as I am?" She laugh softly, tossing her Italian waves over her shoulder to cascade down her back.

"Yeah." He sighed, shoving his right hand into his pocket. He turned towards her with his left hand on the concrete railing.

"So.." She started feeling a bit uncomfortable with his lack of conversation, "What made you come back to this hell-of-a city?"

"Oh yes, the people. Definitely." Grayson rolled his eyes sarcastically with a hint of playfulness. "No, Bruce wants me to go to Gotham University, I just couldn't refuse the offer."

"Hn, no one can refuse Bruce." She giggled softly.

They stood in deafening silence for a few moments, taking in the quite therapeutic air. An unsettling feeling settled in the pit of Grayson's stomach, suddenly realizing what was coming.

Barbra broke the silence and Grayson with one sentence: "I heard about and and Kori, I'm sorry Dick."

He'd been on the edge of another mental breakdown all day, all week actually, and he'd only been in Gotham that week so far. He was so tired of all the sympathy and all these people touching him, trying to reassure him that everything was going to be alright. Everything wasn't going to be alright, he knew it, that knew it. He just wanted to be alone, that's how he coped, but with Kori it was so different. She was how he coped with everything and she was gone. He was alone again and couldn't remember how. How to cope with anything, he was helplessly lost. He couldn't be alone anymore.

All the events that had taken place that week were all leading to this point, he knew all his bundled up emotions couldn't stay hidden, he couldn't hold it off much longer.

He bit down on his lip and braced both arms against the railing, the crowd couldn't see him and, quite frankly, he couldn't hold himself up without support. Without Kori.

Barbra watched as a few tears made themselves know and slid down his cheeks, staining the concrete. She moved towards him and places her hand atop of his, squeezing reassuringly as he freely let the tears flow, embarrassed that she had to see him in this light.

He turned his head to her with pained eyes and did his best to smile and laugh it off. She frowned as he failed miserably, his laugh turning to that of a choked sob. Barbra felt the only thing she could do was be there for him and hold him close, she knew she was one of his only friends there in Gotham.

She wrapped her arms around him and he clung to her as if his life depended on it, to him it did.

They left the party early that night and headed back to Barbra apartment, where she held Grayson all night long, listening to him mumble in his sleep and stroking his hair to soothe him. She didn't get much sleep, he would wake up at odd hours of the night and cry. He was so vulnerable, he was so ashamed. He was so glad she was there.

If anyone'd ask Grayson, that's when their relationship really started.

During the next couple of months in Gotham the healing process was beginning, slowly, but surely. He felt alright when Barbra was around. She was like his distraction, no, his best friend. Well, in Wally's words, girl best friend. She supported him all the way through his heartbreak, never asking for anything in return, only for him to be there for her too.

They began falling for each other, or, they felt they were. Neither of them wanted to admit it, but they had strong feelings for one another. Stronger than he'd even imagined he'd ever have towards her. Grayson decided it was time to stop being so stubborn, it was time to tell her how he felt, or even better, show it.

They'd been at the sea shore all day, it was cold and bitter there, the blue sky was hardly ever seen in Gotham City. Barbra was seated on a rock in between Grayson's legs, tossing a few pebbles into the sea just to see the splash. Grayson was seated behind her, an arm snaked around her waist and under her coat, his bare hand against her skin. It wasn't awkward for either of them, they did this kind of thing often, the feeling wasn't foreign to them. Plus, he'd just use the excuse his hands were cold and she was warm anyways, so she made no matter of it, she made no effort to remove his hand.

Grayson was very relaxed, as was Barbra.

Once all of her pebbles had been tossed, rather than scooping up more like he had expected, she leaned back against him, snuggling against his chest.

This action was not unwelcome, just surprising was all.

Barbra sighed contently as she took in his scent and closed her eyes. After some adjustment, Grayson wrapped both arms around her, sliding his hand around to her stomach rather than her side and placing his free hand against her skin as well, she jumped in response.

"Sorry, I'm cold." He assured her sheepishly. "Are you shivering?" He asked, resting his chin atop her head.

"Your hands are cold." She laughed softly, shifting a bit.

He pushed some of her bundles of hair out of his face, "Your hair keeps getting in my mouth, gross."

She playfully glared up at him, "Stop trying to eat my hair then." She slid her hand over his, "Do I look like a pillow to you?"

"You make a good pillow."

They both laughed and setted back onto one another for awhile in blissful silence, the only sounds were the sea beating against the shore and the occasional seagull passing by. All the while, Grayson was psyching himself up, butterflies twirling in his stomach.

"Babs?"

"Mhm." She snuggled even closer, her eyes closed.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Mhm."

"Can I, uh, kiss you?" He stammered, "Its okay if you don't want to. I mean, it was just an idea and I've liked you, I mean, yeah I have liked you for a really long time but I don't know how you feel about me ..you know what, never mind. That as stupid of me. Just a stupid idea, I'm-"

Barbra turned sideways in between his legs and pressed her lips against his lips.

Grayson only had a few seconds to register what was happening and kiss her back before it was over.

A lopsided and goofy grin found its way onto his face, stuck from the lack of words as he watched the same effect take hold on Barbra.

"Babs." He breathed, satisfied, "You're really amazing, you know that?"

She just continued to grin and stood up on the rocks, holding out her hand for Grayson, to which he happily obliged to.

The rest of the day they walked along the rocky shore, hand in hand, sharing light little kisses and letting everything take its course.

TtTtTtTtTt

"Timothy Drake, please come down to the front office, you have a here for you."

I've never seen Tim walk faster in my entire life.

Timothy Drake, my little brother, or Mister Sarcastic I call him. He's currently enrolled in Gotham High, though probably not for long. For a smart kid, he's pretty clueless. Timmy always misses school, always. He stays at the manor most of the time, he has a thing for technology. I've tried to convince Bruce to enroll him in some kind of technical school, or even take courses online but he declines ever time. He says he has 'bigger plans' for Tim apparently.

"Dick! I missed you! The manor is hell!" Tim laughed, wrapping his arms around my midsection as I ruffled his hair.

I patted his back affectionately, "You wanna get out of here?" I asked, not really sure if I should check him out early.

"Yes, please and thank you." He grinned, nearly bolting to the front office desk to sign himself out.

"Oh yeah," he added as he wrote, "I rode my bike to school so I'll just follow you, or we could race."

"That's cool with me." I chuckled.

As we exited the building we both parted ways, I hopped into my black Mercedes and Tim disappeared in the cars of the parking lot to find his motorcycle.

I listened out for the low rumble of his bike before I sped out for the Wayne Manor.

When we arrived, Alfred had already prepared a light snack, I swear he has a sixth sense sometimes. While Time and I chatted about my trip, I could vaguely hear blaring music coming from upstairs. I already had an idea as to who it was but I just had to be sure.

"Jason's home isn't he." I stated matter-of-fact.

"Yep, him and Damian got into this morning." I shot him a glance, he held up his hands in defense, "After I left of school, I mean! I think they're ignoring each other again." he explained through a mouthful of turkey.

"Hn." I nodded, "Where's Damian?" I asked

"How am I supposed to know?" He shrugged, dismissing me.

I got up and walked upstairs to Damian's room, which was down the hall from Jason's.

Once at his door, I knocked loud to try and drown out the music, yelling over it in fact, "Damian, it's Dick!"

The door slid open at the mention at my name, I could've sworn I saw the slightest little smile on his face.

"Hello, Grayson."

"Mind telling me what Jason did to piss you off this time?" I let myself in and sat down at the edge of his massive bed, bigger than mine.

"When am I ever not pissed at that mistake. Hmp, Jason Todd" he scoffed, "Once tolerable, always an ass." he closed the door behind me, crossing his arms from the base of the door.

"Hey now!" I scolded, raising my voice slightly for effect, then softening. I hate it hen anyone in the house is angry, well, Jason's always angry. "No one's a mistake, alright? Now, would you let me in on the dilemma?"

Damian didn't move, he just rolled his eyes with a puff of a breath, looking up at the ceiling.

Welp, time to use that warning tone again.

"Damian."

He puffed another breath and shuffled to sit next to me on his bed, hesitating a bit, "He thinks he's the boss when he's around, I'm the boss in this place! And father seems to not care whatsoever, he even let Jason call me a demon spawn, the immaturity in this place is too damn high."

"What did I tell you about cussing.", this earned a grumble from him.

I placed a reassuring hand on his back, "I'm sure he didn't mean it, he's just having another pissy fit." I flashed him a warm smile.

He looked up at me with bored eyes and a frown, "And that's supposed to make it right?"

"Look, I'll go talk to him real quick."I stood up with a sigh and made my way to his door again, "I'll be right back."

I walked down the hall and tried Jason door, locked, alright. That's fair, typical, looks like I actually need to knock, no grand entry this time.

Before I even began to knock Jason opened the door, a big cheshire like smirk on his face.

"Heya Dick." he glanced behind him, seemingly paranoid for some odd reason, "Wanna go for a smoke?"

Hmm, obvious distraction, plus, I hear a distant giggling in his room.

"How about you cut the act and tell me what's going on-"

"We can't talk and smoke?", the mischievous smirk grew. "C'mon bro.", he tried to usher me away from his room.

I pushed passed him, "What are you-"

"Gah!", I squeaked out, unable to avert my eyes from the two laughing girls in Jason's bed.

Jason was in fornt of me in an instant, he grabbed me by the shoulder and forcefully shoved me out of he room, away from the now screeching women.

"What the hell was that?!" I asked as I felt my face redden with color, my mouth gaping.

He laughed nervously, holding his hands out in front of him as if he was ready to defend himself, "I can explain!"

"Go for it!"

"Well, uh ..you see-" He tugged at the collar of his shirt.

"I don't even want to hear it right now, what ever this is," I gestured to his room behind him, "it's over. I want them out by supper, don't let me catch this again." I spun on my heel and held my hard expression as I walked back down the hall to Damians'.

"You act like you've never done this, asshole!" He called after me, stopping me in my tracks only for a moment.

My cheeks were flaming by the time I got back to Damian's room, he greeted me with his usual stony face.

"Well?" He asked, expecting an answer that wasn't coming, "Tt, should've guessed you wouldn't get the job done. I'll fight my own battles from now on, Grayson.", he sneered, making his way for the door. Uh oh, gotta stop him.

I placed a hand on his shoulder, "Might not wanna 'fight your own battle' right at this moment." I stammered, he was still persistent. "Seriously."

He brushed my hand off of him, "Out of my way, I'm gonna kick Jason's sorry ass-"

"Damian, no. C'mon, let's go eat with Tim, m'kay?" I chuckled, "I'll even let you beat the snot out of Jason later." I ruffled his hair, earning me a smack on the hand.

"Tim's back?" He asked.

"Yup, let's go."

TtTtTtTtTt

When Jason snuck the girls out later that day I pretended not to notice, he was all smug that he'd gotten them passed me without any trouble, I let him glode in the glory. I only stayed at the manor until super time, I got to witness a pretty heated name calling session that ended as soon as it started, it was hilarious to watch. I wish I could've stayed for dinner but I still had yet to get home to Bab's, I'm sure she's worried sick.

I still haven't called or texted, but neither has she so I guess I'll just surprise her today. I wonder why she hasn't though, it's been bugging me all day.

Alfred prepared me a two doggie bags for Barbra and myself. I thanked him and bid a goodnight to every one just as Bruce had made his way through the front doors, barely making it home from work. We shared a nod before I made my way to my car.

The ride to Babs' was pleasant, no loud phone calls (save Wally), no paparazzi at the gas pump or even when I stopped by the neighborhood flower boutique for a bouquet of red roses for that special someone.

When I arrived at Babs' apartment, I spotted her car in the parking garage and silently smiled to myself. Looks like my dear girlfriend beat me home.

I made my way to her apartment at calm and leisurely pace, greeting some of the resisidents I knew all the journey to her door.

Before I began to unlock the door, I held the bouquet in front of me for her to see when I walked in. I was sure she was probably lounging out on the couch, the television sounded like it was on.

I could picture it now, he hair would be all messy already, her cute little glasses sitting on her cute little nose, probably wearing sweats and a t-shirt, probably one of my t-shirts. This is too perfect.

I was surprised to find the door unlocked, but figured she just forgot to lock it when she came in. Still, a bit odd.

The toothy grin that'd been on my face when I walked in vanished upon seeing and empty living room, the television on along with a burnt pizza in the oven. I rushed to turn the pizza off and took out its chalky remains as I set my belongings on the table and glanced around the room.

Something's definitely not right, Bab's is a firm believer in energy saving, and she would never leave her laptop open and lying around next to a full glass of water.

I stalked down the hall to her bedroom, the sound of groaning and movement in the room beyond filled my ears. My hands began to ball into fists, a new sound found its way to me, the sound drowning out all others.

Ringing was the new sound, anger engulfing me in it's wake.

To say I nearly knocked down the door was an understatement.

"Barbara-" I roared but the rest of the words got choked up in my throat as my heart stopped.

There was Babs, lying on the floor with blood gushing from her stomach, she was grunting and moaning with every stretch she made as she tried to reach for the cell phone on the opposite side of the mattress. The room was a mess, signs of a struggle evident with all the blood and broken items, all strewn about and mangled.

I rushed to her side in an instant, her name the only thing leaving my mouth, I took off my shirt and bunched it up in my hand to try and slow the bleeding.

She winced as I placed my shirt against her wound, "Di- Dick ..help ..", her voice was so weak and small, so so fragile, it broke me completely. I pulled her into my lap and I suddenly noticed how hard I was breathing, my hands shaking as my tears dripped down my chin. Oh God, what do I do?! Stop panicking!

"Baby, hold on, I got you .." My hands were trembling violently as I fished my cell out of my pocket and dialed 911, I did my best to tell them everything.

I nearly yelled at the emergency dispatch operator, before I did I resolved to just dropping the phone on the crimson stained carpet and sobbing into Barbra's neck, she'd been drifting in and out of consciousness the entire time I was on the phone.

I stoked her face, wiping away the blood from her mouth and nose, bruises making themselves known on her porcelain exterior.

I kissed her softly and told her everything was going to be alright, trying to convince myself most of all.

Please make everything okay!

The sirens are close now, she'll be safe ..

She'll be safe.

"You'll be fine, talk to me. I love you, m'kay? Please, just talk to me .." I pleaded as she sputtered and coughed up more blood.

She gurgled in response, clutching at my chest and shoulder, her eyes welling up as her unique light in her eyes flickered, clinging to life.

It's all my fault.

It should've been me!

This isn't fair, she didn't deserve this!

She didn't deserve this ..

"I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you ..baby just hold on ..I'm so sorry I did this .." I cried, buring my face in her neck, both of our bodies shaking for different reasons.

"Please stay for me." I raked my hand into her hair, staring down in her soon to be empty shells.

"No .."

TTTTTTTT

Authors Note: Too soon?