GSOG 25
It's Thursday, January 13th, 2011, the day before his date with Wally, Dick is at his desk, meticulously painting a small box, which is harder with his dominant hand in a cast. He hears the snap of the window lock and perks up, ready to attack if need be. The window opens and a familiar figure enters his room, dressed in all black, ears on their head. He smiles widely.
"Selina!" Dick shouts excitedly. He gets up from the desk, running to her, hugging her. She hugs him back tight.
"Hi, sweetie!" She says happily. "Oh, I've missed you!" She rubs his back gently then pulls away. She kneels so she's more level with him. "How're you doing, baby? Any better?"
"You heard about all that, huh?" He asks.
"I did. And I'm sorry I didn't see you sooner, I was super busy. But that's no excuse and I'm sorry." She explains softly, gripping his upper arm gently, looking over his injuries, which are easier to see since he's wearing a tank top. "You poor sweetheart… So banged up…"
"I'm ok, really. Everyone's been great, even Bruce is more affectionate." He explains. Selina smiles widely.
"Well, I'm glad." She stands up straight. "I got you something!" She reaches into her pouch, pulling out a little necklace. "Don't worry, I actually bought this, I didn't steal it." A piece of shined lapis in the shape of half a heart, cut in such a way that it fits with another. "I heard you were seeing someone, so I thought I'd give this to you, and you can give the other half to that special person." She pulls out the other half, it being a tiger's eye that's also cut to fit the other heart half. She places both halves into his hand. His eyes widen, mouth gapping a bit, looking up at her. He then smiles widely.
"Thank you!" Dick says, looking at his half, the lapis matching his stormy blues.
"Of course, sweetie! Anything for my most precious treasure!" She says sweetly, ruffling his hair. "Where is Bruce anyway?"
"You can probably guess." He answers.
"Patrol?" She asks further. Dick gives a sharp, quick nod.
"Yep! And with my wrist in a cast, I'm benched…" He explains. "Not so bad though, I have a date tomorrow, I'd rather not be exhausted."
"Oh! Wonderful! Where're you two going?" She asks, smiling sweetly.
"We're going to see a movie and then dinner, then a walk in the park. We're going to Central city for this since Gotham isn't exactly the safest place for two teens to go on a date…" He explains. "Though he won't tell me where we're eating at. He wants that to be a surprise." He sets the necklaces on his desk.
"Surprises can be really fun sometimes. I'm sure he'll do his best." She remarks, placing a hand on his shoulder. "And if he doesn't, just call me. I'll put my whip to good use." She smirks devilishly. Dick smiles playfully.
"No whipping my boyfriend." Dick half-reprimands.
"No promises." She leans in, kissing the top of his head. "You take care, mon chaton (my kitten (french). If you need anything, you know how to reach me."
"Naisares, mami (Thanks, mama (Romani)." Dick says affectionately, she ruffles his hair again, then turns. She leaves the way she came, out the window, of course not tripping any alarms. Dick walks to the window, shutting it, latching it and goes back to his desk to finish painting the little box. It's nothing crazy, just a hinged trinket box with a snap to keep it shut. The base is yellow, while he paints the Kid Flash symbol on top, being very careful to get the points just right… This is his and Wally's first date, he wants to give him something! And the necklace will be a fine addition to it as well!
He sticks his tongue out ever so slightly as he focuses on the very last detail. He had already done an acrylic pour on the inside the other day, so that part was completely dry. It had the yellow, white and red with some gold to add that extra little something. After he's done with the main symbol up top, he paints more of the lightning bolts on the side, making a sort of band. He had taken the hinges and clasp off to paint the box, so he was able to paint the zigzags easily. Once he's done, he sets it aside to dry, then stands, stretching.
He decides to go down to the kitchen to get a snack, a bowl of cereal probably. He heads down to the kitchen, opening a cabinet and reaches for the box of cereal. It's been put on a high shelf as Dick tends to have a habit of sneaking downstairs and eating cereal before dinner and not being hungry for dinner. He curses his shortness, even with trying to climb the wall, his arms are still rather short and can't quite reach it. He can't climb the shelf as it could break.
"And what do you think you are doing, sir?" Alfred questions. Dick shouts in surprise, having been hyper-focusing on getting the box to have noticed the ninja butler. He of course lands on his rear when he hits the floor, nearly making the off-duty butler laugh.
"I thought you were in bed…" Dick admits.
"I always know when someone enters my kitchen." Alfred mentions.
"Sooo… I'm guessing that means no cereal…?" Dick asks.
"It is nearly midnight, so no. Aren't you to be in bed?" Alfred asks. Dick bows his head in defeat.
"Yea…" He admits. "I'm trying to finish a box I've been painting all week, I don't want to show up to my date empty-handed."
"While I can appreciate the sentiment, I highly doubt Master Wallace would appreciate you dozing off in the middle of said date. Off to bed, young master, please." Alfred sort of demands, but sort of asks at the same time. Dick nods and stands up, leaving the pantry.
"You know, when you call me young master, it reminds me of a demon butler from an anime." Dick mentions.
"Well, I am one hell of a butler after all." Alfred teases, knowing exactly what he's referring to. Dick smiles widely. Alfred pats his shoulder a couple of times. Dick leaves the kitchen, heading back upstairs. Once he's gone, Alfred steps into the pantry, using his crutch to knock the box of cereal down, catching it, smirking. When Dick enters his room, he glances at the clock on the wall, it's a quarter til twelve… He sighs. At least tomorrow's Friday… He makes sure his alarm is set, that his paints are put away and the water is dumped out. He switches out the lights and climbs into bed, curling up in the familiar warmth of it. He tries to sleep, but he can't seem to drift off, his mind is still a little busy…
School has been somewhat normal the rest of the week, that one kid who was bullying him was suspended again, so he didn't have to deal with him. There were others that tried, but he handled them easily. Somehow, someway, he wasn't feeling so afraid anymore. The nightmares still occur, he still gets panic attacks, but he's able to settle himself down easier. He hates to admit it, but panic attacks aren't too uncommon for him at all. He's on medicine for anxiety, so that helps, but doesn't solve the issue. Though, no one has really triggered his massive panic attacks again, they're probably just…
There's a buzzing sound as Dick's alarm goes off. His eyes crack open and he sees his clock flashing at him as it buzzes. He groans and hits his hand down on top of it, not wanting to get up, but he has to get ready. He has a reputation to uphold after all… He can't usually stand the stuff, but maybe he could get a cup of coffee on the way out. He gets up before Alfred tries to wake him, going to the chair he has his uniform set on to prevent it from getting wrinkled. He dresses and heads to the bathroom to do his hair. Getting it to lay right is obnoxious… But he's done it this way for going on five years, so he's used to it. Hair gel helps. He'll get to fluff it up later though!
After his hair is done, he goes back to his room for his bag and heads downstairs. Melinda is already up and she's helping Alfred out with breakfast since he's far from well enough to work. She's taken up a number of the responsibilities as a way of repaying Bruce Wayne's kindness. Aaand she's proven herself to Alfred and allows her to cook. She had made scrambled eggs with crispy bacon, hashed potatoes and toast. Dick looks around at the spread, finding it amazing.
"Alfred two-point-oh over here." Dick teases, smiling playfully. Melinda giggles.
"I appreciate the compliment, even if it's false, no one can outcook Alfred." Melinda says. "Or out-tea him…"
"True, but you're still a good cook, which is a relief because I don't know what Bruce and I would have done if you weren't here." Dick remarks. His sister glances at him, before checking the potatoes.
"Is he really that bad?" She asks.
"Welll… Bruce has a permanent ban for a reason…" Dick half-answers. Her lips curl in, stifling a laugh. "Speaking of, where is he? Do you know?"
"Probably in his study. I noticed he spends a lot of time there." She mentions.
"Well, he can be really busy with work, but he'll make time to eat usually. Especially if I give him the puppy eyes." He grins ear to ear. "Care for a demonstration?" She looks at him to indicate her curiosity. He softens his features, curls his shoulders up a bit, fidgeting his fingers and looks at her with a slight glisten in his eyes, brows knit a bit. "Please come eat, I miss you." His voice is light and melodic, sounding child-like. He relaxes his shoulders, stopping the fidgeting.
"Yep, nope… Time to go eat." Melinda teases. Dick smiles widely again.
"It's too powerful to use all the time, only when he's being particularly stubborn." Dick explains. "But I know my adorableness won't last, so…"
"What do you mean your adorableness won't last? You'll always be adorable!" Melinda disagrees vehemently, though makes sure to turn off the heat and slide the hashed potatoes onto a serving platter. She starts filling a plate with every food.
"Well, one day I'll be really tall and handsome and have a deeper voice and have massive muscles!" Dick daydreams, gesturing with his arms.
"Uh huh… to the table, squirt." She teases, handing him the plate. He looks up at her, playfully scowling. She pats his head. "Aww, baby is angy!"
"Hey!" Dick protests. Both laugh at their banter and then he heads to the table to eat. Having her be part of the household has been really awesome, feels almost like she's always been here with how well she fits in. Bruce does end up coming into the kitchen, suspecting food was about ready. She goes to serve him, but he holds a hand up as a means to stop her.
"Get what you want, I'll serve myself and Alfred, alright?" Bruce offers. Melinda nods, grabbing a plate and taking what she wants and leaves. Bruce fills two plates and takes them upstairs, going to Alfred's room. He knocks of course before entering, finding the man is lying in bed, reading. Alfred looks up, seeing him enter and shuts the book, setting it aside.
"Good morning, sir." Alfred greets. Bruce smiles and makes sure the door is shut before walking in further, handing the plate to the old man.
"How's the motored chair working for you?" Bruce asks, having had a moving chair installed on the stairs to provide easier access for Alfred due to his broken leg.
"It is quite slow, though it works as intended. Though I apologize that you had done this for me given how often you and Master Dick are injured." Alfred mentions.
"Dick and I aren't in our sixties." Bruce mentions. "Not that you're incapable of conquering the stairs with a broken leg, but you have that and a concussion. I'd rather not risk anything happening, especially if we're all away. Melinda starts her new job on Monday."
"Yes, well… I know it is for the best, though I despise this weakness." Alfred admits. He gently takes a bite of food, humming in satisfaction.
"Believe me, I get it." Bruce says. "There are times where we can't afford to appear weak…" He trails off, picking at his food.
"Something troubles you, beyond the Court." Alfred mentions. Bruce sighs, setting his fork down on the plate, having not really eaten any of the food. He sets it on the nightstand, leaning back, resting his arms back on the bed.
"This Slade Wilson… Have you heard of him?" Bruce asks.
"Unfortunately, not. I was well retired from the military by the time you said he joined." Alfred explains. "I could reach out to some contacts and see if there's any information they can provide, though they may not be able to provide more than what you already found."
"If you could, I'd appreciate it. I really don't trust him, something in my gut is warning me not to let him anywhere near my boy, but… Dick made his choice. He's not a child, I have to remind myself of that. Small, yes, young, definitely, but he's not overly naïve… I have to trust he knows what he's doing." Bruce explains, more or less just voicing what's on his mind. "Still though, between this and the Court of Owls, I can't help worrying. I would worry even if he was a grown man. But the fact he is so small and can be overpowered by those with more experience worries me."
"Your worries are valid. Trust is a fragile thing, it takes time to build and can be shattered in an instant. You trust the young master however, allow him to show you why. He is strong." Alfred reminds. "If at least his will and determination is extraordinary. He's not one to give in easily."
"No, he's not. And that makes me proud, and a little scared. The stronger you are, it seems the more suffering you'll endure." Bruce mentions.
"It is easy to see it that way as when you have moments of weakness, to a point where not much matters to you, all the bad things seem less as you have already been beaten down, they seem less potent. The stronger you are, the more you will feel the weight on you attempting to pull you down." Alfred explains, sharing his wisdom.
"You're pretty smart for an old man with brain damage." Bruce teases a bit, trying to bring levity to the conversation.
"Keep in mind, I have a fork and you are within range." Alfred threatens playfully.
"Right…" Bruce says. He takes the plate again and starts eating at last. Downstairs, after breakfast, Melinda and Dick are cleaning. Bruce comes down with empty plates and has them stop cleaning so he can take Dick to school. With Alfred being out of commission and the Court still a perceived threat despite Slade's promises, it's safer for Bruce to take Dick to school rather than him walk, which is what they've been doing since Tuesday. Dick grabs his bag and heads out to the car. Melinda farewells them both, wishing them safe travels and they leave. Things are a bit silent in the car though as Dick stares out the window, just thinking. Lost in thoughts and daydreams.
"Dick." Bruce starts. Dick turns his head to look at him. "This date you're going on, where all are you going?"
"Well, we're going to Central Cinemax to see a movie. Then he's taking me to eat, I don't know where though, he wants that to be a surprise. Then we're gonna walk through Central park near his house. We shouldn't be out no later than ten." Dick explains. Then he pauses a moment, feeling like he already explained a lot of this, then he remembers… "Oh, I forgot to mention, Selina came by for a visit last night."
"Oh…" He trails off a moment. "Did she say why?"
"Checking in on me, she heard I got hurt. She did ask about you though." Dick explains. "What exactly is going on between you two? On again, off again. Why can't she just stay?"
"Stuff like that is a bit complicated, especially being a celebrity." Bruce explains.
"I know… but… She makes you happy. And I really like her too." Dick admits. "I know you have this reputation of being this billionaire playboy, but, there's also nothing wrong being with someone you love regardless of that." Bruce sighs through his nose, though doesn't say anything. Dick returns to looking back out the window, he fidgets a little. "I just think she'd be a good addition to our family is all…" Things are silent the rest of the way to school. Dick climbs out, grabbing his bag from the back.
"Dick." Bruce calls him before he's too far. Dick looks back at him. "I'll be here to pick you up at 3:45 like usual." Dick nods, tossing his bag onto his shoulder and starts walking up to the school. As he walks toward the doors, one of the kids standing nearby sticks his foot out, hoping he'll trip, but he's not so lost in thought that he falls for it, stepping over it. The bully then grabs his arm, making him turn to look at him.
"Mornin', short stack." He taunts. Dick just looks at him, unamused. This is the same bully from Monday, guess he's been cleared to come back to school. "Didn't like you ratting on me like that."
"I didn't rat on you, the cameras literally caught you attacking me. You're the idiot who got caught." Dick remarks. The kid growls and aims a punch at Dick's jaw, but he ducks back despite the bully's grip on him. A new hand grabs the bully's that holds the smaller teen's arm, squeezing it tight so he lets go. The kid yelps out, looking at the man, eyes wide in fear.
"What the hell?! What are you!?" The kid wonders.
"Just your local assassin who doesn't like self-entitled brats who can't keep their hands to themselves." Slade states. "Run along, and if I ever see you attempt to harm another person, we will be having so-called 'words', is that understood?" He asks.
"Y-Yes sir…" The bully says. The man lets him go, he bolts off immediately, shouldering Dick along the way, but his friends quickly follow.
"Are you hurt?" Slade asks.
"I'm fine… I could have handled that." Dick says.
"I know, I simply wanted to remind you that I am here, ever observant." Slade says, though it sounds more like a warning… either way, it makes him feel uneasy.
"What, are you Sebastian or something?" Dick questions. Slade doesn't say anything, seemingly confused. "Nevermind… Anyway, I better get into school."
"Have a good day, kid." Slade says. Dick nods his thanks and then continues walking toward the building, though he's a bit tense. He doesn't trust Slade at all, but he's hoping that something good will come of this. He continues into the school, finding his locker and putting his bag away, taking his things to his classroom and dropping them off to join the rest of the kids in morning free time in the courtyard, waiting for Barbara. Artemis approaches him when she sees him.
"Hey, I heard you had another scuffle on your way in. Is that kid still bothering you?" She asks.
"Yea, but I think he's gonna stop. Slade threatened him." Dick explains, having told her and the rest of the Team about Slade, more of as a warning not to visit in their hero identities.
"Hopefully that gets through to him, but it's kind of unnerving…" Artemis mentions.
"Yea… I don't like having a hidden bodyguard, but that's part of the deal I guess. He's supposed to be protecting me from the Court." He explains. He checks his watch, it's almost eight… Barbara isn't here yet. His brows narrow in concern and he pulls out his phone. He had to get a new phone since his went missing, thankfully he was able to transfer his old phone's information to the new one. He texts Barbara.
D: Hey, everything ok?
He waits for a response, biting his lip a little.
"So, Wally told me you guys are going on a date this evening. Excited?" Artemis asks, noticing his tension.
"Yea. It's my first actual date." Dick mentions, smiling a little.
"If it makes you feel any better, I've never been on a date either… But Zatanna and I are planning to do something ourselves sometime." Artemis explains.
"Cool!" Dick responds. His phone dings in response.
Babs: Yea, I just felt a little too under the weather this morning. Girl problems…
D: I'm sorry to hear that! Do you need anything?
He asks.
"Everything ok?" Artemis asks.
"Yea, she's just not feeling well. I might get her some chocolate on the way home, if you catch my meaning." Dick mentions. Artemis nods slowly, definitely knowing as she too suffers from that problem. "I'm glad I'm not a girl, I don't think I could ever handle something like that."
"You learn to manage." Artemis mentions. Dick nods. His phone dings again.
Babs: No worries, I'll be ok. Thanks though!
D: I'm still bringing you chocolate!
Gotta go now though. Feel better soon!
He shuts the sound off so it doesn't go off in class, sticking it in his pocket. Bette comes over, finally finding Artemis.
"Hey, Artemis. Ready?" She asks.
"Yep! See you, Dick." Artemis farewells. Dick smiles and waves. They walk off, Dick decides to head in through another door, somewhere closer to his class. Please let today be a good day…