Mazes Of Red

CHAPTER 35 : Stitches And Secrets.

LAURENS POV 

 I couldn't help but scoff as I left Red Hood in the living room and headed to the kitchen to grab the necessary first aid supplies.

 "Seriously, they should start putting AirTags on these superheroes," I muttered to myself, half-jokingly. "At least then I'd have a heads-up before they decide to drop by unannounced."

Returning with the first aid kit in hand I approached Red Hood once more determination in my gaze. 

"Alright spill it" I demanded setting the kit down on the coffee table. "What happened to you?"

He remained frustratingly silent his what I imagine stoic expression offering no clues. 

I rolled my eyes refusing to play his game. 

"Fine," I retorted, crossing my arms over my chest. "I'm not patching you up until you tell me."

With a weary sigh, he relented.

 "I went to a warehouse full of mobsters, pissed a few of them off, got into a fight, and got shot. One of the bullets hit my helmet pretty good, which is why it's broken," he admitted  his voice tinged with irritation. "And I tore my stitches in my side while making a hasty retreat."

I nodded, understanding dawning on me. "Well let's get you fixed up then" I said, motioning for him to take off his jacket and shirt.

He hesitated for a moment before complying lifting his shirt to expose the wound on his side but keeping the rest of his attire intact the helmet still firmly on his head.

 I sighed inwardly, noting his reluctance to fully trust me.

As I disinfected the wound and began to sew it up I couldn't help but wonder why he had come to me of all people for help. 

"So why me?" I asked focusing on my task.

" because clearly your expertise in stitching up bullet wounds is renowned," he remarked sarcastically  a wry smile quirking the corner of his lips.

 His expression softened slightly. "Because you've got steadier hands than me" he admitted begrudgingly. "And you do neater and better stitches than I do."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his admission a hint of pride swelling within me. "Well that's what you get for sewing clothes for most of your life" I joked a fondness creeping into my tone.

However it was a half-truth at best. 

The reality was I used to stitch up Jason Dick and even Bruce when they came back battered from patrol. 

But I wasn't about to reveal that little detail to Red Hood just yet. 

After finishing sewing up Red Hood's side I stood up and went to wash my hands.

 When I returned I found him already putting on his jacket looking like he was about to make a hasty exit.

I stopped in front of him, a stern expression on my face. "Sit back down," I commanded, gesturing to the wound on his eyebrow that was still gushing blood. "That needs looking at."

He laughed dismissively. "I can handle it," he insisted, a hint of stubbornness in his voice.

I gave him a pointed look. "You've basically admitted you're rubbish at stitching yourself up," I countered, not backing down.

He sighed, mumbling under his breath as he reluctantly took a seat. I set up the supplies again, then turned to him, disinfectant in hand. "Take off your helmet," I instructed.