Dick Grayson one shots

Cave in P2

I like the idea of doing a writing challenge, but I have very much no time usually, so imma start Whumptober... I'll do my best, but don't expect daily chapters :)

Whumptober day 1: Race against the clock

Shadows of people passed in and out of Dick's vision, some sort of lantern illuminating their shapes from behind. They seemed familiar, as if he knew them somehow. The smallest shadow knelt by his side, holding his hand.

A vague vibrating buzz told him there must be someone talking... Arguing? Maybe they were arguing. The static that filled his own ears wouldn't let him decipher what exactly they were saying.

A small hand came to rest on Dick's cheek, causing him to realize that he'd allowed his eyes to slip shut. The light was much closer to his face now. He could now see that the little shadow who'd been clinging to him was Damian.

Damian's hand was warm, and Dick turned his face slightly to get closer to the contact. He was cold, almost unnaturally so.

Maybe sleep would help...

Bruce had to stop and check to make sure Dick's chest was still rising and falling with breaths when the acrobat's eyes drifted closed again, remaining unopened even when Damian tapped on his cheek.

"Why don't I keep an eye on him for a bit," Tim said, gently removing Damian from his post at Dick's side when he noticed the distressed look that had slipped onto his face.

Damian shifted nervously as he stepped to the side. "We have to find an exit," he stated.

Bruce nodded, his gaze flicking over to Jason.

Jason sat staring at the two men they'd captured just after the collapse. The red mask covered his face, but his posture betrayed the turbulent guilt he was feeling inside.

A heavy silence hung in the air for a moment.

"Wait a minute," Tim muttered suddenly, reaching for the wrist computer Dick typically brought with him on missions. "I remember Dick talking about a function he was developing for underwater rescues... It's supposed to mimic some sort of sonar echolocation thing. Theoretically, with a few adjustments, it could help us find a way out."

Tim slid the wrist computer into place on his own arm, tapping on the screen for a few moments. He froze suddenly, cocking his head at what he saw on the screen. "It's not very clear," he mumbled, disappointment clear in his voice.

Damian peered over his shoulder. "I can read it," he said matter of factly.

Tim gave him a quizzical look. "You sure?"

Damian nodded. "I trained in caves with lesser maps than this," he said, holding his hand out for the gantlet. He didn't add the fact that the stakes had never been this high... at least not for him.

"This way," he said, starting off down one branching tunnel.

"Wait," Bruce called. "Someone needs to follow the route first, make sure it actually leads out... and that it's passable with one injured and two unconscious. It would be easy to get lost."

"Dick doesn't have time for that," Jason said, his voice raw as if he'd been crying.

"He's right," Tim said softly.

Bruce squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. "Alright," he finally said. "I'll take the perps, Jason... Jason will carry Dick."

Jason stiffened for a moment before nodding. He walked over to where Tim was sitting at Dick's side. Bending down, he scooped the acrobat up in his arms as gently as he could.