A Sore End (Hard Time Sequel)

Twelve

"What are you doing here?" Damian asked as he entered into the library.

I push the book back into the shelf and look down at Damian.

"Reading. Why what's up?" I reply as I criss cross my legs. I was sitting on the top of the wood bookshelf with a great view of Damian below me.

He had walked in with Titus by his side and an annoyed look on his face.

"I'm not one to tip toe around the bush so I'm just gonna say it." Damian says. "When are you going to go on patrol?"

I stare down at Damian and felt suddenly grateful he was far enough away that he couldn't read every little facial twitch.

Patrol was one of those things that I would like to say I do all the time but I really don't.

"You train endlessly but don't do anything with it. When are you going to do something?" He asked.

I roll my eyes and stand up to walk across the book shelving.

"I do go on patrol." I reply shortly.

"Once a month at best." He retorted. "And even then you don't even go after any big villains. I'd be surprised if they even knew Crow was on the streets anymore."

"And is that so bad? It's stealthy." 

Damian scowled and followed me from the ground.

"We don't stay hidden because it's better if our names makes them hide from doing crime." He said.

I sigh. "I don't have an outfit Damian. My old one is outdated and too small anyway. I just want to train more so I'm absolutely ready."

I jump off the bookshelf and flip in the air before landing softly behind Damian who turns around to frown at me.

"Oh please, if you can do that without hesitation it's not a training problem." He scoffs before he frowned "And why don't you ever train with me or Drake? You never train with us."

I don't like training with anyone else. I hadn't before when I was away in boarding school. I was just used to being alone and training alone. I had to get used to it otherwise it was a horrible feeling every night. After I had gotten back it wasn't just that that kept me from training with them. I also didn't like the scars that were everywhere on my body. I didn't like looking at them and I really didn't like anyone else looking at them. When I trained I trained by myself. Not with anyone else and it would stay that way as long as I could help it.

"I'll train with you tonight" I lied, knowing full well he wasn't going to be here tonight.

Damian opened his mouth to protest but they door was kicked open. I flinch but turn to see Dick.

Dick stepped in with a smile "Come on Damian! I'm taking you on an outing!"

Damian turned to shoot me a knowing glare but I just shrug a smile a little before watching the kid get pulled off his feet and carried away to the door where Dick would take him to the Zoo, the very place Dick has been planning for a month to take Damian to.

When the door closed I let out a breath. Then I heard a sound in my head. A low chuckle echoed behind me and I felt everything get chiller. I see a silhouette behind me, the shape of Joker.

I spun around into a fighting stance, cold sweat already on my forehead as my arms shook but when my eyes focus all I see is a sitting chair and just like that the chuckle dissappeared.

I drop my shaking arms and curse under my breath.

"Stupid brain." I mutter before picking up a book and walk out myself.