Catch me - {Dick Grayson}

chapter seven

Chapter seven - Words, words, words.
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Going back to the tower was the mature thing. Apologising, talking about feelings, meeting the team would've been the right thing to do, of course. But unfortunately I do not have the strength to hand over my dignity so easily.

Headlights gleam as they come closer, signalling his arrival. My eyes on instinct look over to the source of the sound, the black jeep I was once familiar with arriving next to my bike.

He stands beside me, looking out at the bay with a small nod. "Have you been back here a few times since you got back?"

I shrug. "A few times. It's quiet here."

His presence alone is enough to flood my mind with memories of before. I wasn't used to it all. Being back here has hit hard and fast, and with Ian being a douchebag about my brothers whereabouts, it's impossible for me to feel secure here.

"I'm sorry about how today went." He admits, still avoiding looking at me. "How are you feeling?"

A small smile graces my lips as I glance over at him. Bruises, scars and wounds have littered my body for years, anything new from earlier wouldn't have made much a difference. I tear my gaze away, looking back out at the water.

"I feel like someone has broken all my ribs." The confession slips out of me easily. "That's putting it mildly."

A chuckle escapes his lips. You should know better. But I can't force myself to look away while he shakes his head in disbelief. "Yeah, well.." He drawls. "I've seen you take it worse than Rachel."

My eyes roll back in annoyance, but there is no real fire behind it. "I guess you're right. Doesn't mean it sucks any less to lose like that. My ego took more of a blow than anything."

"Right, I should've guessed." He adds, his charming grin appearing on his lips.

Before I can stop it, my elbow involuntarily hits him in the ribs in a joking manner. Judging by the cocky look on his face, he's amused at my actions. I watch as he lifts his own arm, preparing to strike back at me.

Lifting up my hand allows me to send small warning sparks out my fingertips, my brow raised as I look over at him. "I wouldn't."

He raises his hands in defence, his dimples on display as he looks back out at the water. "So..." he begins. "Do you need somewhere to stay tonight?"

I swallow and look down at my hands, pulling up my sleeves to hide the burn scars that are beginning to get more visible by the second. I consider his question. A million thoughts running through my mind all at once.

He's trying to help.

You need to get closer for your brother.

He doesn't care.

It's for the better.

After a brief moment of hesitation I squeeze my eyes shut. "Yeah. That'd be great."

Now all I could do was hope this was the right decision.

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The room around me fills with a dark liquid, red, everywhere. The smell of blood consumes me, an overwhelming sense of panic beginning to settle in my chest. My eyes dart around, desperate to find the reason behind this.

My body is taught, bound between thick ropes. All I can do is squirm as the liquid begins to rise.

The voices.