Painkiller

▪FOURTEEN▪

Gotham was busy, as normal. People rushed through the streets, even pushing each other down when needed. This city is full of assholes. I tired my best to stay out of people's way, but I wasn't doing that good of a job. I tried my best to avoid people that might know me; Dick, Damian, Bruce, and all my friends that ditched me after I was put into Arkham, I don't blame them for leaving me actually.

I pulled over at a coffee shop, I wasn't always too big on coffee but I needed some type of caffeine to wake me up. I started regretting my choice on leaving the apartment, I should have stayed and took a nap or something. I strolled up to the counter and ordered the cheapest coffee they had. After gathering up all of the loose change in my pockets, I paid the barista and sat down at a table near a large window with my drink.

I took a large sip of my drink, not caring how much it burned my mouth. The smell of fresh brewed coffee and the sound of low, soft music that played over the speakers of the shop made me feel calm and like nothing was wrong. The place was sorta empty, only a couple people sitting at tables with their laptops using up the free WiFi.

I took another sip, glancing at the familiar stranger walking in through the door. I set down my cup and kept looking at the person, knowing how creepy I was being. From what I could tell, it was a lady. She had darker skin and her curly hair bounced as she walked to the counter. My eyes widened when an idea on who it might be crossed my mind,

'No, it can't be.' I thought to myself as the person turned around, holding her drink, and made full eye content with me.

I quickly looked away and mentally swore to myself,

"Warner?" The familiar voice of my ex girlfriend, Rain, came from the counter.

"Shit." I quietly breathed out to myself. I forced a smile and nodded, "Uh, hey." I awkwardly said as she walked over,

"Its been a while.. I wasn't sure if it was you at first. You look so different." Rain laughed a little, obviously trying to push away the awkwardness between us,

"Different? Like what kind of different?" I asked,

"You look older, more tireder, if that's even a word."

"I don't think it is. Uh, go ahead and sit, if you'd like." I said, motioning to the seat in front of me.

"Thanks," She smiled and sat down, "and don't worry, I haven't told nobody about you.. you know.. breaking out and being a masked vigilante."

"Thanks, I appreciate it." I laughed a little and took another small sip of my drink,

"So, where are you staying now a days? Are you back at Bruce's?"

"No. I'm actually staying with a few friends. They kinda just picked me up off the street and i'm really thankful that they did because I probably wouldn't have survived with out them."

"That's nice of them. What else have you been up to?" She asked

I didn't answer and i stayed quiet. Something felt wrong and whatever it was made my hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I shifted in my seat and glanced out the window before turning back to Rain, who looked confused,

"You alright..?" She asked,

"I..I'm not sure." I answered, my mouth suddenly feeling dry, "Its probably nothing." I said, shaking my head to try to get whatever that was off my mind.

Rain kept talking about what's been going on in her life, she's always been a talker. I didn't really listen much, I picked up a few things. Like that she's going to Central City for college and that my old friend, Kyle, moved to Star City. Ever since the whole thing with the fear toxin happened, I just kinda forgot about school. I wonder if I would have ever went to a big college and lived a happy student life. I dismissed the idea and glanced back out the window.

A large noise drew my attention. It was coming from outside and it probably echoed through the area. I didn't know what it was, it sounded like someone dropped a giant bag of bricks off of a building. I looked out the window and saw nothing. I shrugged it off and turned back to Rain,

"What was that?" She asked, raising an eyebrow,

"I have no clu-" another loud bang echoed and the window next to us shattered,

I froze, not knowing what to do, I was confused on what is happening. The people around me were screaming in fear. Another bang came from outside and a bullet hit my left shoulder,

"Ah SHIT!" I yelled and fell to the floor.

Rain screamed and so did everyone else in and around the shop. I moved out of the way of the window and looked at my shoulder and winced in pain,

"Warner!" Rain cried out, "Are you okay?!"

"I'm shot," I called out and peaked out the now shattered window. I saw someone dash across the roof across from us, holding a large bag, "Are you okay?" I asked, crawling over to her,

"You're shot?!" She yelled

"Yeah, not that big a deal. Can you check if there is an exit wound?" I asked, ripping my shirt so she can see,

"Y-yes. There is, we need to call the hospital and the polic-"

"I'm pretty sure they are on their way here. Stay here until they get here. I have to go." I said and ran out the door,

"What?! Where are you going?! You have to stay here, you're hurt!" Rain yelled at me,

"Sorry, I can't. I'm already out the door." I yelled and ran down the street.

I tried to stay in a crowd so no one will try to shoot at me again. I hoped Jason and Kayla were back at the apartment by the time I got home. It's probably a good thing to tell them that someone is probably trying to kill me.