Chapter 5. Daniel: Sleep and Screams

Daniel

I woke up in a bed. A real bed, mattress, sheets, pillows. I was covered in bandages. Well, this feels somewhat familiar.I saw Abby at the end of my bed, sitting in a chair, using her arms as a pillow, really

sleeping. It is quite rare for her to sleep. I think her record of staying awake is three weeks without caffeine. Her nightmares are vivid, and she won't really tell me what they are about, however I do have a general idea. I was trying to remember how I got here, when the door opened.

"You're up." Damian said glaring at me.

"Where?" I croaked. Noticing that it was Damian himself before me, not Robin, or anything like he was wearing during the tournament. Blue jeans and a sweater.

"Gotham." I glared at him, he elaborated after a minute, "A safe house. I am not disclosing the specific location."

I nodded, knowing this would be the only answer I would get. I looked more closely at Abby, there were tear tracks. Sighing I asked, "How much did she tell you?" I sat up slowly, out the window it was daylight, probably noon.

"How she got her name, Daniel." He emphasized my name.

I glared at him. I wanted answers but I didn't want to let him know that. I started to get out of my bed, a wave of dizziness hit me.

"Don't." A new voice said, I didn't recognize it. A man appeared from behind the door. He was tall, perhaps 6'2, broad, and physically intimidating. He had blue-teal eyes, pure black hair except for a streak of white like Ab's. I would put him in his mid-twenties at most. I held onto the bed, prepared to defend myself.

"You need to rest." The new man said.

"How long have I been out?"

"Around 10 hours." Damian said.

"Who are you?" I asked. Glaring at the newcomer.

"Jason." The man responded.

I stared, there was no way this was him. But the description Ab's gave me was dead on, except for the age. Then I noticed Abby was starting to shake and mutter, I knew what that meant. Our bags were next to us on the floor. I unzipped my bag and grabbed the cooking spoon. I managed to get it in her mouth.

"You are going to want to cover your ears." I stated, doing it myself, sitting closer to her.

"Why did you do that?" Jason asked.

"Just do it!"

They did just before she screamed. Man, she can scream. Her head came up looking around, then I put my hand on her shoulder. When she looked at me, it took her a moment to recognize me, the spoon fell to the floor with a clatter and some more indentations in the wood. Breathing heavily, she slapped me.

"What was that for?!" I yelled.

"If you ever do that again Daniel, I swear –"

"What the heck was that scream?" Jason yelled.

I looked at her, she nodded. I sighed, "We will explain in a few minutes. She just needs to calm down." They definitely weren't satisfied with my answer, but they left just the same. Closing the door behind them. Then I just held her, rocking her slightly, saying "You are not there." She kept shaking her head.

"We need to get dressed." I finally said.

Sniffling she said, "They left you some clothes. You want to clean up first?"

"I don't know if I can." I chuckled.

She helped me to the shower, placing clothes, fresh bandages, and towels on the sink.

"I will be outside, call if you need help."

I nodded. Once she left, I got up and stood in the shower. Letting the hot water soak me. I remembered last night. Some fat, weird bird looking man in a black suit had stabbed me, then Abigail dragging me. Damian in his costume, and Abby not trusting him.

When I got out of the shower and dressed, I found her on the bed, staring at the wall. Her hair was still a mess. There was rope holding it, her white braid undone. I am fairly sure she's never had a haircut because the few times I have seen it down, it's longer than her. I guessed I knew what she was thinking about, how much she has gone through, and –

A knock at the door, Jason stepped in. "Aren't you kids hungry?"

"Yes, we will be out in a minute." I said, Abs didn't move. I gently grabbed her arm and led her out to the kitchen.