When Love Is Turned Into A Weapon

Chapter Eleven: Souls Departed

It has been 1 whole day since the departure of the speedsters.
Jaime and Dick on duty spent the last 24 hours helping towns repair the damage done by the ghouls with Batman. They did not get any sleep at all, they even managed to find the time to morn quietly and individually on their loss on their way back to the tower.

“Jaime, have dinner with us tonight at the manor, you’re also more than welcome to stay for the night.” Batman comforted Blue Beetle.

“Yes, that would a great idea.” Nightwing responded for Jaime.

“I would love to sir. But losing Bart..." He paused, saying his name must have hurt him. "I want to familiarise myself to a loved one at home for the time being.” Jaime responded devastatingly.

“Please come by and stay with us for tonight, you were the closest to Bart, like us with Wally and Barry.” Dick pleaded grabbing onto Jaime’s shoulder. “Were going to celebrate and toast their victory. Alfred will prepare a feast for us.”

“They pretty much died for the world! Why would we celebrate their death.” Jaime scolded.

Dick looked away from Jaime before speaking again. “They’re not dead. They’re just... not here with us.”

Jaime surrendered his anger and also pulled away from sharing stares. They fell silent for a moment until Jaime looked up at Dick and Bruce. “Dinner sounds... lovely.”

....

Jaime humbly accepted Mr Wayne’s and Dick’s offer to spend the night at their manor. He spend most of the remianing hours mourning in his room, ignoring his mother’s calls for snacks and foods. His mother was in a relationship with a crazy man who does not appreciate his own son, Tye Longshadow. Tye was good friends with Jaime, they go way back. He thought of looking for him just to talk, but he did not seem to be the right person to talk to for what he is experiencing anyway. His mother was busy keeping her boyfriend company throughout the day as well, he wanted to leave home and see Dick and Bruce straight away.

It was finally nightfall, on time he arrived at the manor and pushed a button which he knew was the doorbell. It may seem that Alfred was expecting his arrival, the door opened momentarily after the bell was sounded.

“Welcome master Jaime. We’ve been expecting you.” Alfred greeted and gestured him inside.

Jaime greeted Alfred politely and followed him inside. The first time he walked within the Wayne manor walls was one of the last places Bart and Jaime share a memory. Jaime began to feel uncomfortable and uneasy once more at the fact that it reminded him he's gone.

Before Alfred left Jaime, he was lead to Dick. Finding Dick sitting in the living room, Jaime noticed his face reflecting on the glass shielding the fire, it was completely illustrated with sorrow and sadness.

Jaime approached him. He was sitting, facing away from the hallways he walked through, on a couch by the fire. The fire was the only thing providing light in the room and the only thing making sure he doesn't shock Dick if he were to break something or stumble across any furniture. Jaime just took a seat beside him slowly which eventually, it startled Dick. “Jaime!” He gasped. “I didn't hear you come in.”

Jaime was not surprised at the fact that Dick missed the door bell. He figured Dick was in an intense trance of mourning and he interrupted it. It was a good thing for Dick, he finally stopped thinking about his partner for a moment. And for Jaime, he’s finally not alone. They both hoped that each others company could comfort one another, and it did.

“It’s good to see you, Dick.” Jaime smiled to see the familiar face.

“It’s good to see you too.” Dick smiled back. “So, are you hungry yet?”