Nightwing: Heartless

Part 28: Cave Invasion

"Aqualad! You'll never get away with this!" Nightwing bellowed.

Aqualad crossed the Cave's floor. "I already have." Then he socked Nightwing in the gut, using the position to slip him a flash drive.

It better give some answers, Nightwing thought. He hadn't heard from Aqualad or Artemis since Artemis went under and now they show up and ambush the Cave, kidnapping members of Nightwing's Team and sticking inhibitor collars on everyone. It was a mess. And now there was a bomb. He had to get everyone out before it went off. Hopefully Kaldur gave him enough time.

**

Wally was furious. Rightfully so, but Nightwing couldn't let Wally know how worried he actually was. He was the rock. This was his idea. Artemis being in constant danger weighed heavily on his best friend but the thought that Kaldur had actually turned and Artemis didn't know was terrifying. Nightwing couldn't think like that. He had to trust in the plan. But he needed to get out of here. He was going crazy just sitting in here after Wally was finished yelling at him. He felt guilty and in pain. He had managed to get everyone out safely but they got caught in the rubble. His whole body felt sore from the blast. He changed and headed out before anyone else could question his actions.

"Hey man, you need to talk?" Mal caught his arm by the front doors. "You good?"

"I'm fine, Mal. Thanks."

"For real, man, you shouldn't be alone tonight. It was a lot. Why don't you come by Karen and I's place?"

Dick clapped his friend on the shoulder, "I appreciate it, but I'm okay, really."

**

Willa opened the door, surprised to see him. He hadn't called first and just snuck in. Her surprise turned to concern and she reached a hand up to touch his cheek. It took everything not to lean into her hand and fall asleep just like that. "Are you okay? You look exhausted."

"I'm good. Just wanted to see you." It was obvious she could tell there was more to the story but she studied his face again and decided not  to press for details. She opened the door wider to let him in. "Thanks, Will." He slipped off his shoes.

"Abby went home early for break. Do you want to sleep here?"

When he was driving over, he had wanted to see her, see some light, but as soon as she offered, Dick sagged with relief. He nodded and realized she must have been about to go to bed when he showed up. She was even wearing one of his t-shirts with her pajama shorts. She held out her hand which he took gratefully.

"Nice shirt," he teased, always loving her cute little blush. Plus the sight of her in his shirt was a welcome one. He gripped her hips and lifted her onto her bed, making her laugh. He climbed up after her, laying on top of the covers with her.

She turned to face him. "It's okay if you're not okay. You don't have to pretend with me."

She looked at him with such sincerity, such pure kindness it made his throat close up. "I don't think you can ever grasp how grateful I am for you."

"Aw, don't go all mushy on me, Grayson."

He smiled, "so I shouldn't tell you how good you look in my shirt?"

She pretended to think about it then snuggled closer, "I'll allow it." He extended his arm on her pillow so she could close the distance. She leaned her head on his shoulder, "you're not going to tell me what happened tonight, are you?"

"Will," he couldn't think of words. Then a thought occurred to him, "it's not anything, like- I would never see anyone behind your back-"

"I know Dick," she stroked his bicep, relaxing tension he didn't know was there, "I know."

He wrapped the arm she was stroking around her waist and pulled her close, leaning his forehead against hers. "I can't right now. Can me telling you how much you mean to me be enough for tonight?"

Instead of answering she tilted her head up and pressed her lips against his in a sweet kiss. They continued like that for a few moments until all the tension was gone from Dick's body and his only thoughts were only of her. They only stopped when Willa yawned, causing Dick to laugh.

"Let's get you to bed," he said and lifted himself up enough to open the covers for her. He climbed in after her.

"No funny business," she teased and crawled into his arms again.

"I wouldn't dream of it."

"Well, you're allowed to dream."