GSOG Chapter 31
All was silent in the house at 2 in the morning. Batman was off for the night, for his Robin's sake… Neither he nor Selina could sleep, they just sat together in the library, staring at the fire.
"Bruce…" Selina breaks the silence after a while. "I…" She sighs. "I wanted to talk about something." Bruce turns to her, giving her his full attention. She hasn't turned from the fire. "I… I want us to be something again." She bows her head a bit. "I want to be with you, and Dick, and I absolutely adore Melinda. I want to be here, to watch your backs, to see you all come home safely. Whenever I think of family, I think of you and our boy…" Bruce sits forward, taking her hand.
"I was thinking the same thing." Bruce admits. He shifts closer to her. "I can't keep up the reputation of a Playboy anymore… It doesn't feel like me, it never has. Especially when one beautiful cat has caught my heart."
"Was it Isis? Darn sneaky kitty…" Selina teases. Bruce chuckles a bit, giving Selina's hand a small squeeze. "She misses you and Dick, you know. I find her curled up on the pillow Dick would use to sleep on when he'd visit. Only that pillow."
"That's honestly very fascinating. I've only ever had luck with dogs liking me, never cats."
"Except me." She smirks.
"Except you, yes." Bruce says. "Selina… I love you. And I would love for you to be by my side. And just the other day, Dick was telling me how much he likes you, he asked why you can't stay. I didn't have a proper answer for him, because I had no other reason than fear." He reaches a hand up to her face, placing it gently on her cheek. "I'm terrified I'll lose you too, I'm terrified of hurting you, or being hurt. But… If you want to be here, and I want you here, why don't you stay?"
"I'll get my things in the morning." She says softly, looking into his cobalts with her emeralds. "Because I want to stay. I want to stay with you. With Dick, Melinda, Alfred, all of you. You're my family. To be without you is like being without a home." She brings her hand up, brushing the back of her fingers along his cheek. "You've always meant everything to me. And the moment you brought Dick into your life, I've adored him. And Alfred is like the uncle I never had…" Bruce leans into her touch.
"Then, we'll make it official. We'll tell them tomorrow." Bruce says. Selina nods, smiling softly. They lean into each other, and start kissing, passionately, deeply. Even making small noises that probably don't entirely sound appropriate, but everyone else is asleep, so it doesn't really matter... Not until they hear screaming. Bruce and Selina pull away from each other, listening. That sounds like Dick… Both of their parental instincts kick in and they get off the couch, going full sprint out of the library, heading upstairs and down the hall to Dick's room. They see the door's already open and a light is on.
"No! No! No! Don't touch me! Get off me!" They hear Dick scream. Bruce and Selina enter the room. Melinda is by Dick's bed, but he's flailing around too much for her to approach with out fear of being slapped or punched. Her eyes are wide and tears stream steadily.
"Night terror." Bruce states, going to his bed.
"No! No please! Stop it!" Dick shouts. Bruce sits and places a hand on Dick's forehead. Dick takes a sharp, shaky breath in. He then starts breathing heavily and erratically. "Sh-she won't stop… she won't stop!"
"She isn't here. What you see is not reality. You're dreaming." Bruce says. He runs a hand through his hair, running the strands in between his fingers. "You're safe, Dick. I promise. The security is on, we're here. She can't get you."
"S-Stop it! Don't touch me!" He cries out, moving his head away from Bruce's touch. "Please…" He sobs, turning over. Selina steps to the other side of the bed, placing a hand on his cheek. He opens his eyes but he's not really there.
"Mon chaton, listen to me. Everything is ok. You're ok. She will not come near you again, I promise." Selina says. "I'll be staying around from now on."
"I want her to stop… She won't let go…" Dick mumbles. "It's my fault… It's my fault…! I should have paid more attention… I should have fought harder!"
"Baby, it's not your fault… None of it is your fault. Sometimes bad things happen and no matter how hard we fight, we just can't stop it. It's not your fault…" She says, she wants to run her fingers through his hair, but she's afraid that'll trigger him again.
"I feel so dirty… and violated… I just… want my life back… I want my life back…" Tears fall from his eyes.
"I know, baby… It's not fair… It's really not fair… But no matter what, you will get through this, even if it's by the skin of your teeth, you'll get through this." Selina says. Bruce places a hand on Dick's arm. Dick turns his head, looking at him.
"We're here for you, chum… We're all here for you." Bruce says softly. Alfred comes in on his crutches.
"Is everything alright?" He asks. "Is he hurt?"
"No, just one of his night terrors. He'll be ok." Bruce says.
"Understood…" Alfred says softly. He swings over, then sits on the bed too. "Young Master?" Dick lifts his head more to look at him, his little nose is twitching slightly.
"M… safe…?" He asks, starting to really wake up.
"Indeed you are, sir. Perhaps a cup of cocoa to ease yourself." Alfred suggests. "Mistress Melinda, care to assist me?"
"Of course." Melinda agrees. The two head for the stairs, Alfred of course having to take the electric powered chair to get down but they manage to get down to the kitchen.
"I'm sorry…" Dick mumbles. "I… I don't… want to be scared… I want to be strong…"
"Everyone has moments of fear and weakness. You know that even Batman has those moments." Bruce says to him, cradling him now. Selina climbs onto the bed and sits beside Bruce, bringing an arm up around Dick. "You are strong, but you've been through so much and it's understandable that you'd be feeling weak and vulnerable. You'll take time to recover, to feel better again. And no matter how long it takes, Selina and I will be here. So will Alfred, so will Melinda, Wally, the rest of the team. They're all here for you. You're not alone, and that's where you'll find your strength when you can't inside."
"We're here for you, baby." Selina says. "Give yourself grace, you've been through hell lately." Dick nods a little, leaning against Bruce's arm a bit.
"I-I know… I'm… fourteen, but… Can… Can I sleep with you guys tonight…?" Dick asks softly.
"Of course you can, Dickie." Bruce says. "Hey…" Dick looks up at him. "Selina and I are together again. I don't know if you heard her, but she's going to be saying with us. She's even going to bring Isis over."
"I love Isis…" Dick says softly, smiling a little.
"I know you do. Which is why I'll bring her, and she'll love cuddling up to you at night." Selina says. "She's missed you."
"I missed her too… and you… I love you…" Dick mumbles.
"I love you too, sweetie…" She says softly, brushing the bangs off his face. He smiles a little at her. She smiles back, trying to hide her concern and sadness. Her baby is traumatized again… He's probably going to have nightmares for weeks. And there's nothing she can do about it…
"I think you're going to take school off tomorrow… Take as much time as you need." Bruce mentions.
"But… I've already missed a week total this semester… I'll be so behind…" Dick mumbles.
"That's not your fault. If any teachers give you any flack for it, they'll have bigger problems to deal with, but I doubt they'll be too horrid about it." Bruce says, he tries again to run a hand through Dick's hair and it sooths him this time.
"Ok…" Dick agrees. "But… Only tomorrow… I… I want to try Wednesday…"
"You got it." Bruce agrees. It isn't long before Melinda is bringing in a tray of hot cocoa for everyone. Alfred can't really carry it, and he hates that one of his charges is doing everything on his behalf, but there's not much he can really do about it. She holds the tray out for the others to take theirs. Bruce doesn't right now, wanting to continue holding his son for the time being. Selina takes hers, but sets it on Dick's nightstand for now. Melinda hands one to Dick which he takes with both hands, letting the heat from the cocoa warm his colder hands. He gently takes a sip, it's still hot, so he doesn't drink a lot, just enough to test it. It does bring warmth to his body though.
"How're you feeling?" Melinda asks.
"I'll be ok…" Dick says softly. "Sorry for the scare…"
"It's ok. You're traumatized, I get it." Melinda says. "It's not your fault." After their cocoa, Melinda and Alfred take care of the cups. Bruce stands up, still holding Dick to him and carries him out of the room. Selina follows, closing doors and turning off lights, opening doors and turning on lights, only to shut more doors and turn off more lights once they're done getting ready for bed. Bruce sets Dick down in the center of the bed before climbing in beside him, keeping a hand on him for reassurance. As stated, Selina turns off the light and climbs in on the other side, snuggling in and too bringing a hand to rest on Dick's belly. Feeling so safe, warm, and secure, he drifts off to sleep quickly. Sleeping peacefully for the rest of the night.
And in the morning, Melinda and Alfred are working on breakfast, though Alfred is mostly instructing rather than physically doing it, having to continue relying on crutches, especially in the event of a dizzy spell. He's considered requesting a wheelchair, though that'd be harder to manage going upstairs on the motorized chair. Crutches are easier to hold.
Selina is the first to wake. She opens her eyes and sees her two favorite boys in the world. They're still cuddled up to each other, though Dick's now laying on his chest rather than his back. And Bruce looks so calm and peaceful. Sometimes she forgets he's Batman when she sees him like this. She can't resist, grabbing her phone and taking a picture of them cuddled to each other. Father and son. She giggles softly and turns, leaving the room, going to the bathroom before heading downstairs.
"Good morning, Mistress Selina. How are you this morning?" Alfred asks.
"Oh, it's good. I got the most adorable picture." Selina says. She pulls out her phone and shows him. He grins widely.
"You must send this to me." Alfred says.
"Can I see?" Melinda asks. Selina turns her phone to show her. "Ohh they're so cute!"
"Aren't they? My boys…" She says softly, turning her phone to look at it again. As stated, Dick is lying on his stomach, both arms up, his left hand resting centimeters from his face which gives him a more innocent appearance. Bruce is also laying on his stomach, facing the same way, but an arm lies across Dick's back, resting by Dick's shoulder, as if shielding him. His hair has gotten rather messy in his sleep, having completely lost the sleek, combed back look he was known for, making him look almost younger. Less 'stern businessman' and more 'gentle father', especially with an arm around his boy. "Bruce agreed to let me stay here on a more permanent basis."
"That is wonderful news!" Alfred remarks. "Oh, I am happy for you both."
"It'll be nice having another girl around." Melinda mentions, smiling playfully.
"And I'll be happy getting to know you." Selina says. "I'm sure Isis will adore you, she's my little kitty."
"I love cats!" Melinda says.
"Good! She'll pick up on that." The kitchen door creaks and both Bruce and Dick step inside, looking at the three of them. "Good morning, cuddle bugs!" Both look at her, a bit confused. She shows them the picture, which makes them both grow wide eyed. Both go to reach for the phone, which she pulls it well out of the way.
"Selina!" Bruce half-reprimands, though he doesn't mean it seriously.
"Already sent it to Alfred, so it's not like deleting it will change anything!" Selina states.
"And I shared it with Master Clark." Alfred states.
"I will never live with down…" Bruce mutters.
"He will adore the photo, I am sure of that." Alfred remarks.
"He'll send it to the rest of them…" Bruce continues muttering. "Barry and Ollie will be relentless."
"Not your fault you have a sound relationship with your child." Alfred remarks.
"It's really cute! I couldn't resist!" Selina says, smiling widely.
"Well, nothing we can do about it now, chum." Bruce says, patting his shoulder. "We'll face the music eventually." Dick nods, accepting it.
As the day goes on, the Wayne household spends most of the day together. Bruce, Melinda and Selina took the day to be home with Dick as he's still rather withdrawn and quiet, still not really eating very much.
As planned, Dick tries to go back to school Wednesday morning, to try and find some semblance of normalcy, Bruce pulls up along the sidewalk as usual.
"Are you sure you'll be ok?" Bruce asks.
"Yea, I'll be fine…" Dick says.
"Ok, if you're not, just call me, I'll come get you, no questions asked." Bruce says. Dick nods a bit, grabbing his bag. Melinda reaches from the back, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Good luck, munchkin." She says. Dick looks at her and nods. He climbs out of the car and walks up toward the front of the school. Artemis is suspended, so he doesn't have her to talk to, but Barbara is back. She's waiting at the front for him and the moment she sees him, she runs up to him.
"Dick!" She calls. "Hey, how're you feeling?"
"I'm fine." He says softly. Though he doesn't go any further than that, just heads in so he can go to his locker. Barbara walks by his side as she usually does, but branches off to go to her locker. Dick arrives at his, and his mouth gaps in horror. It's… been spraypainted… words that are just abhorrent and horrible… Words like "Slut, whore, Bitch" all over in black. In pure rage, he punches into the locker with his left hand since obviously his right is still in a cast, caving in the door and breaking it off its hinges. The paint was still wet, so some of it rubbed off onto his hand. He can hear giggling and he looks down the hall to see a group of boys snickering at each other. He bites his lip to keep himself from crying and just turns, storming off in the opposite direction.
He goes out one of the side doors, setting off an alarm that the door was opened, but he doesn't care. He just walks away. He doesn't normally ditch school, but, he just… How could they do that?! Do they just have no morals at all?! He wanders aimlessly though, not sure where he's really going, but he doesn't really care. He knows Slade is watching his back… Speak of the devil… he appears behind him.
"What are you doing out here, Richard?" Slade states. Dick turns and looks at him.
"Do you even know what's happened to me…?" He asks softly. "I was nearly r*ped the other day…"
"I do know. I found out at least. I'm sorry I couldn't intervene. Once you're in the building, I don't see much." Slade says.
"Then some bullies wrote words on my locker…" He says. His phone starts ringing, he takes it out of his pocket. Barbara… Should he answer? He doesn't really want to… He knows she just wants to help, but… He doesn't want to talk. He just turns off the screen which silences the ringer. He puts it back in his pocket.
"Come on, I know a place we can go." Slade says. He places a hand on his shoulder and then starts walking. They walk for a while, Dick is silent the entire time, and with Dick being silent, Slade doesn't say much. Eventually though, Slade brings him to a car. "Get in." He says. Dick nods and climbs into the passenger side. Slade climbs in the driver's side and he starts to drive away. Dick just stares blankly out the window. He receives another call, this time it's Bruce. He ignores that too. Immediately after it stops, Bruce calls again. He puts his phone on silent. He feels his watch vibrate and he looks at it. Bruce is trying to track him, so he rolls down the window, taking the watch off and throwing it out, curling up on the seat, breathing heavily. "Richard, stop. You're panicking."
"I don't care… I don't care! My life is fucked!" He snaps. He grips his head. "I just want to be normal again!"
"I know you do, but-"
"But nothing! Nothing you could say would make me feel better!" Dick says. "It's all the same crap I've been told over and over again and I'm sick of it!" He uncurls, his face is red from tears and anger. "It doesn't help!" He gasps in a bit, turning his head away, eyes closed tight. "Nothing… helps…"
"I can't understand what you're going through, you're so young and seemingly so fragile, but I remember seeing you in that maze, you kicked ass for a kid who has a broken wrist against highly trained assassins that have way more experienced than you do." Slade explains. "It's why I feel you're worthy of being my apprentice."
"Oh, I'm worthy, huh…?" Dick mutters, looking back out the window. "I shouldn't have to be…" He laughs a little. "No kid should have to be. I just turned fourteen, what the fuck am I even doing? I should be having fun, enjoying life, but no. I'm hunted by my ancestor, I'm being used by the Light to get to Bruce, and I can barely have a full week of school without something happening. I'm over it!" He explains all of that in a sort of erratic, shaky tone. "What do I have to do for my life to be normal again? Because no matter how strong I get, the stronger something else out there is going to be." Slade isn't entirely sure what to say, what Dick will listen to. The silence makes Dick open the door to the car and climb out.
"Hey!" Slade shouts. Dick didn't even take his bookbag, he just walks down an alley that Slade can't drive down and just hides in the shadows until Slade leaves. Which Slade does come down the alley on foot, searching for him. Dick purposely exited here as there's a Zeta teleporter here. He waits for Slade to pass by him before going to it, going inside and teleports to Central City. He knows the way to Wally's house easily, but the town is covered in snow, so it'll be harder to traverse. It's currently snowing heavily, almost as if one of those weather machines from November of last year had been activated again. He pulls a scarf and earmuffs out of his coat pocket and bundles himself up more. Already he's shivering heavily.
-about thirty minutes ago-
Barbara empties her bag of her things and grabs what's necessary for first and second period. She closes it up and brings it to class to set it down and spend the morning with Dick, it's been a minute and he could really do with a friend right now. She just feels bad that she wasn't there for him. Maybe if she was, this wouldn't have happened… She rubs her eyes and walks to her class, setting her books down, though she sees Dick hasn't left his stuff yet. His locker is closer to their first period than hers, so he should be here by now…
She steps out of the classroom and goes to his locker. Her eyes widen when she sees it's been punched in. Her eyes trail around the black marks around it, can make out a couple of them… Her mouth gaps a little, but she pulls out her phone and calls him. It rings, and rings, and rings, then voicemail… Her brows knit in concern and she then texts him.
Babs: D, where are you?
She waits impatiently for a response, feeling like seconds are minutes.
"Looking for your little boyfriend, Gordon?" A familiar voice asks. She looks up, seeing that one bully from the other day. She glares at him.
"What did you do…?" She questions, her voice is low.
"He didn't seem to like our little joke, so he ran off." He explains, smirking.
"You think this is a joke…?" She snarls, she grabs the front of his blazer and pins him to the lockers. "Do you have any idea what shit like this can do to a kid who's already suffering?! Do you even care about anyone else but yourself?! Of course you wouldn't… You're a selfish, ignorant brat who doesn't deserve an ounce of respect or care. You better pray to God Dick is ok or I will make sure you suffer beyond measure…" She lets him go, looking at the other bullies. "And shame on you, too. You're just as accountable." She walks off the way she suspects Dick went, sure enough, as she approaches, she can hear the little buzzer. When it's been opened, but closed, it just gives a low hum to indicate it had been opened. She turns and heads toward the office to report what happened, but also calling Bruce.
"Yes, Barbara? Is Dick ok?" Bruce answers
"I don't know. He's disappeared." Barbara answers.
"What…?" Bruce questions.
"Some assholes painted words on his locker and he must've stormed out because of it. Western emergency exit. I'm going to the office to report in." She explains.
"I'm on my way back to the school. I'll start my search from there." Bruce says.
"Ok." She hangs up, praying her best friend will be ok. "Dick, I will kill you if you leave me!" She shouts in her mind, as if she could telepathically communicate.