Why We're Here

Saving Dick

I nervously sat in the living room, my head in my hands and my feet tapping the floor. Dinah had left hours ago, but I hadn't moved from that spot. Dick was still injured, and Alfred had yet to come out of the bedroom. Barbara came over to give me some company, and because she was just as worried about Dick.
"He'll be fine," I could tell Barbara didn't believe herself, "Alfred's the best in the business, if anyone could make Dick better, it's him."
I nodded, "He's kept the rest of us alive all this time, he has to be good."
Alfred truly was the best medic I've ever known, and we all had full faith in him. Even so, that didn't stop us from worrying. As I told Dinah, you don't live the life we do without worrying.
My ears picked up on the sound of footsteps climbing down the stairs. Barbara and I both watched as Alfred came down. He looked exhausted. Glancing at us, he smiled, "He's going to be fine."
"Oh, thank God," Barbara muttered.
I jumped up and rushed to hug Alfred. Alfred was shocked at first, but accepted it. When we pulled apart I smiled at him, "Alfred, you're a badass."
"I wouldn't go so far as to use that kind of language, but thank you."
"I should be thanking you," I replied, "Go, get some rest, you deserve it."
Alfred smiled once more before making his way to his room. I glanced back at Barbara who nodded, "Go check on him, tell me how he is."
I nodded, heading up the stairs. I did my best to stay silent as I slipped into Dick's room. To my surprise, he was wide awake.
"Hey, Lucy-Lu," Dick smiled weakly.
I crossed my arms, "I don't know wether to be pissed at you or relieved that you're okay."
"Let's go with the latter."
Both of us smiled at each other. Honestly, I was just relieved that my brother was alive. I had to resist the urge to run forward and hug him. He was bandaged pretty thickly, and my hug could hurt him.
"This is the sixth time I've saved your ass," I said, "And I'm never letting this go."
Dick grimaced, "I'll forget saving you from muggers if you forget this."
"Only if you forget that time you saved me from Harley Quinn."
"Deal."
Both of us laughed. Hearing his laugh made me swell with joy, he truly was alright. His eyes were fluttering making me believe he was tired.
"Get some rest," I smiled, "I'll bug you more later."
He didn't reply. I slithered out of the room, silently shutting the door behind me. When I was outside, I went downstairs to inform Barbara.
"He was awake and laughing," I told her.
She breathed a sigh of relief, "That idiot, nearly getting himself killed."
"True, he's an idiot, but he's our idiot."
Barbara laughed, "I'm going to make some coffee, you want some?"
"Yes please."
She wheeled into the kitchen to start her pot. When she was gone, I pulled out my phone to call Bruce. He was still off on Justice League business, but I figured he would want to know.
"Lucille," he answered.
I smiled, "Dick is fine, Alfred patched him up."
"He's awake?"
"He was, and laughing."
Bruce didn't reply for a moment. When he finally did, it was the stereotypical Batman reply, "Good."
"I knew you'd be worried," I replied, "How's the business going?"
"Fine, should be home soon."
"Good, you can lecture Dick then."
Had Bruce not been Bruce, he probably would have laughed. Instead, he hung up. I rolled my eyes, glad to know he hadn't changed. At all. Ever.
"Lucy, the coffee's ready!" BArbara called.
I shoved the phone in my pocket, "Coming!"