This Is My Future

Chapter 21

Dick's P.O.V

Arty and I road the elevator down to the garage and walked to my ferrari.

"Do I get an awesome badass car too?" Arty asked getting into the car, holding two plastic wrapped plates of food for young Robin and Artemis.

"I can get you one," I said turning in the seat to back up.

"Really?"

I chuckled, "No...not now at least. If I ever work things out with Bruce then we'll talk."

She smirked and rolled her eyes.

We got to the base in a few minutes.

"Don't forget your charm," I sighed.

She nodded and plucked the charm out of her pocket. I watched her clip the necklace around her neck, I could feel her appearance change and I sighed heavily.

She put the plates on top of the car and cupped my face in her hands, "It's okay Little Birdy; it's still me."

"I know..." I sighed and tugged out of her grip.

She grabbed the plates and followed me to the exterior door. I punched in the security code and held the door open for her.

She nodded her thanks. I followed her in, flicked on the lights and walked to the door that blocks the main room from outside.

Tigress backed into the door and walked in the room.

"Morning kiddies," Tigress said.

I walked in and saw Artemis sitting at the head of her bed and Robin hung off the side of Artemis's bed.

"Morning," they said simultaneously.

Tigress handed Artemis a plate and told Robin to sit up, which he did. She handed him a plate and he put it in his lap.

"Is it poisoned?" Artemis asked.

"No," Tigress said. "It's my own personal recipe."

"So it might have poison," I said with a snicker.

Tigress flipped me off. I returned the gesture with a grin.

"Is it poisoned?" Robin asked sounding skeptical.

"No," I said. "I ate the exact same thing; it's safe."

Robin nodded and started eating.

"So how long have you guys been here?" Tigress asked walking to the computer.

"This is our third day," Robin said with a full mouth.

Tigress nodded.

I looked at Artemis, who was only staring at her food.

I frowned, "I was only kidding about the poison Artemis; it really is okay."

She nodded, but still didn't eat.

"Is something wrong, Artemis?" I asked.

She sighed, "Are we going to find a way home?"

I pulled a chair next to the bed and sat in it backwards, "Of course...it's just going to take some time..."

She nodded and gave me the full plate. "I'm not hungry," she said.

I sighed and put the plastic wrap back onto the plate, "We'll save it for later. Okay?"

She nodded, "Sorry..."

"Don't be," Tigress said before I could respond. She walked to us. "You're in an unfamiliar place with someone you feel you need to protect," she looked at Robin who finished eating.

Artemis nodded. She looked at Robin and nudged him with her bare foot.

He looked at her and smiled faintly.

"Some protector I'll be..." she muttered.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Her injured arm flinched faintly, "How am I supposed to protect someone when I can't even fight?"

I patted her good shoulder.

"It'll get better soon, sweety," Tigress said putting her hand on Artemis's knee. "Don't let it get you down."

Artemis glanced at her and nodded.

"Y'know what," Tigress said slapping her own thighs.

Both Robin and Artemis looked at her.

Tigress smiled glad to have their attention, "You've been trapped in this dump for three days."

"Hey..." I said defensively, "It's still my base."

Tigress rolled her eyes, "Anyways, how about tonight we take you guys on patrol?"

"What? No!" I growled.

"Yes. They need out of here."

"You said you took Artemis shopping yesterday!" I countered.

"But Robin hasn't been out," she said matter-of-factly.

"Like I give a damn," I grumbled.

Tigress raised a brow at me, "Okay, then do you want to go on patrol...alone...with Robin?"