The bird and the cat (conversation)

Chapter 7:very atypical

Okay. Halo was halo. There was no Gabrielle daou. They learned that today. Sometimes violet would like it when Artemis and Dick would sit with her until she slept. Still being new to the idea of nightmares and such. Dick and Artemis were both on their phones texting as they waited for the girl to go to sleep.

Artemis: so Gabrielle's really dead?

Dick: yeah.

Artemis: what about her family?

Dick: I don't know.

Artemis: we'll have to figure out something.

Dick: I still ant believe we just now realized.

"I know you guys are sorry. Don't be." Violet spoke up, surprising Artemis and making her drop her phone on the bed. "Violet..." Dick began, but he just didn't know what to say. "We're going on a mission soon, right? Maybe that'll get your mind off of it." Violet said, sitting up, but Artemis pushed her shoulders down. "Sleep." She smiled, the meta girl sighed then closed her eyes. After she was asleep they had quietly left to their room. "We are going on a mission though, right?" Artemis asked. "Yeah. We're going to save Tara Markov." Dick nodded. "Tara... are we sure she's working with the bad guys though?" Artemis asked. "Unfortunately, we're positive. I was thinking we could take her in." Dick innocently smiled. "I mean... well, we have the money and resources so... I don't see why not." Artemis shrugged.

They had finally saved Tara and brought her home. They didn't want her overwhelmed, especially not by Brion who would absolutely overwhelm her, so they brought her home as soon as they rescued her. They had given her as much food as they had wanted, and even let her and violet socialize. Then they went to bed. "You're not worried?" Artemis asked, putting on a jersey from behind the closet door where duck couldn't see her. "Oh no. I'm pretty worried. But we can't let it show. Any sign that we're worried could alert them." Dick corrected, as he also put on a shirt. "And who is them?" Artemis asked coming out and slightly adjusting the shirt. "So far? We think deathstroke. We're not 100% on that though, and we're still convinced there's more players." Dick explained as they both got in their respective beds and called it a night.

Violet had been laughing at her phone when suddenly she heard the little toddler say "Not me!" And Artemis groan. "Violet! Lian spilled her juice!" Artemis and Dick had offered to take care of Lian while Will was on some bow hunter security business. "Coming!" Violet said as she flew over. "Tara! It's time for Brucely's walk! Oh, you got him. Thanks." Artemis yelled as Tara left with brucely on a leash. Dick had walked over with a tray of coffee in the living room that Jefferson and Helga, the other occupants, took a cup each. "Full house, huh?" Jefferson asked. "Yeah, yeah. Never a dull moment. But, the girls pull their wait so we make due. Caffeine me?"Artemis asked, taking Dick's cup of coffee and taking a sip. "We'll be right back right after I clean up this juice monster!" Artemis joked, taking Lian away to clean her up. Helga sighed, "You've built a home full of love, Richard. It is nice to see." She looked down sadly. "Helga?" Jefferson asked. "I... I feel so useless." She sighed. "Helga—" Jefferson was about to begin. "Hear me out! You've all done so much for these children. Yet I also wish to contribute. Victor refuses to return to his father or star labs. And I believe I would be to service to him. But I wouldn't need a fully equipped laboratory to provide any assistance at all. I know it's a lot to ask. But how else could I repay the kindness you've shown me?" Helga explained. Jefferson and Dick just looked at her."I could get it for you." Dick spoke first. "What?" Jefferson asked. "I mean, I am the ward of Bruce Wayne. I could totally get him to pay for it." Dick smiled. "Thank you so much Richard! You will not be disappointed!" Helga smiled back.