Broken Wings

1

Dick was in his room preparing a bag. Since Artemis just joined, M'gann proposed a sleepover to help bond more and get to know her better. Every mentor and Red Tornado as supervising den mother had agreed to it, so the team was put on break so they could have their bonding. It was the first time for the team to get a new member, so to prevent what happened with M'gann, it would be better to get to know each other a bit better in a safe place than out in the field.

He wasn't sure what he thought of Artemis for now. What he was sure of, is that he seriously disliked how rude and cocky she was, and that's heavy on the dis. In part he can't blame her though. Wally was dragging it out a bit, especially with the comments to preferring Roy over her. Not that he could say he disagreed, but at least it shouldn't have been thrown in her face like that.

As he packed, he made sure to get all his essentials but paused when it came to his preferred comfort items. He can't just take them with him, what would the team think? They already look down on him as he is the youngest, so it would be a horrible idea to bring his plushie or his own pillow. Can you imagine it? The protégé of THE big bad Bat can't sleep without a teddy? He knew Kaldur and Wally wouldn't think anything of it, but we wasn't particularly willing to take the risk with the others. M'gann and Superboy were nice, but he barely knew them, let alone Artemis. He decided against any of the obvious things and opted for his favorite loose shirt and a comfy pant to change into before he left.

At least he would physically be comfortable.

After checking one last time that he had everything, he went downstairs to the Batcave. He saw Bruce working as per usual with Alfred by his side. Though they don't advertise it a lot, the elderly butler is an important part in completing research from time to time as Bruce would have another adult to converse with. It did suck sometimes, but Dick did understand that he wasn't the best choice for every situation. Sometimes it simply calls for a more experienced set of eyes to help out.

He placed his bag near the zeta tube and walked over to the desk. On the screen were multiple files pulled up with reports of strange energy spikes. "What you working on?" He said, making sure the two older men were aware of his presence. Bruce waved a dismissive hand as he turned away from the desk. "Nothing for you to worry about right now. Weren't you supposed to be at the Mountain already?"

Dick awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck and he chuckled sheepishly. "Well, you see, I had some trouble packing everything and lost track of time. But I'm good to go now, just wanted to say goodbye."

Bruce looked at his ward and frowned as he rechecked the date. "Aren't you forgetting about something?" He asked as he signaled over to a large capsule. Dick sighed as he looked away from it. "I was hoping I could do it when I'm back? I'm already late and feel perfectly fine. Plus last time really hurt so it wouldn't be a good idea to do it now anyway." He looked at his mentor and pseudo grandfather in the hopes they would allow it. After a moment of silence, Bruce sighed, "Fine, but be careful. You are already overdue for another round." Dick practically jumped in joy as he yet again managed to procrastinate. He started to make his way back to the tube as he heard Alfred speak up.

"Master Dick, I do have to warn for extra caution tonight. I have been told Master Wallace will be in attendance, and well it can be rather chaotic. Do try to keep that shirt clean. I would hate for there to be any stains I wouldn't be able to remove." Dick looked down to his favorite shirt. It was black on the bottom corner, and white on the opposite top corner. In the middle the colors mixed as there were opposite colored stars scattered across the fabric. He laughed a little, "Yeah I see where you are coming from. Don't worry, I'll be sure to not let Wally handle anything near me that could cause a stain. But I'll be going now so please be safe, both of you! I don't want to come back to a destroyed Cave." He teased as the Zeta tube started up. With a final wave he was teleported to the hangar of Mount Justice.