~.:De's P.o.V. :.~
I looked up from practicing a few battle moves as Nightwing, Robin, Aria, and a girl that looked just like Aria walked into the hideout. Nightwing watched as Robin explained some coordinates to him and I paused in my training to approach the group, hoping to figure out what had gone on outside while I hadn't been paying attention. As I came near, Aria's look-alike glanced at me curiously and I shyly dipped my head at her in acknowledgement before turning to Robin and Nightwing, their heads together as they discussed things.
"What's happening?" I asked confusedly, looking at the computer screen that Robin was motioning to as Nightwing stressfully ran a hand through his hair and frowned.
"I found out where Acacia has been hiding at. She's been MIA in the company of a trained assassin who goes by the alias of 'Nightmare' and together they've been targeting every single one of Nightwing's squads because of the unfinished feud that Acacia has with Nightwing," Tim stated, matter of factly, not bothering to look over at me as he waited for Nightwing to come up with some sort of plan as to what they should do with this new information, "They've also got Isabella, Nightwing's daughter. We're trying to figure out whether we should go and get Bella or not."
I raised an eyebrow at them as Aria exchanged a worried glance with her twin, "If you try to take Bella back, won't that cause more trouble? Acacia has been trying to keep Bella a SECRET from Nightwing, hasn't she? So if she finds out that we know and that we want to take her away from them, won't that make her lash out at us even worse?" I reasoned, looking at the computer screen coordinates as Nightwing and Robin exchanged looks.
"My daughter would be much safer here. I'm doing this for Bella, not for Acacia. Whether she likes it or not, I'm taking Bella back. She's my kid, and even though I only just found out about her, I want her to be safe and happy," Nightwing slowly murmured, eyes narrow in thought at the screen.
"But Bella doesn't know you're her father," I said softly, putting a hand on his shoulder tentatively, "Who knows what Acacia has been telling her? Nightwing, are you sure you want to try and take Bella away from them? I know.. I know that Acacia and Nightmare are not the best people for Bella to be around-" My voice wavered as Nightwing looked down at my hand on his shoulder, "But they're the only people Bella has ever known. She'll be terrified of being taken away-"
"I just want her with me. I don't want Acacia near her and I really don't want Nightmare near her either. Nightmare is a murderer..." Dick's voice became dangerously low as he glared at the open files of Nightmare and Acacia that Robin had also pulled up. Both of them had criminal records currently. Acacia's criminal record was noticeably shorter than Nightmare's.
I pursed my lips, unsure of what to say as Nightwing turned to Aria and her newly discovered twin sister. /This isn't going to end well. There are too many complications and loose ends. If Nightwing tries to take Bella away from Acacia and Nightmare, who knows what will happen as a result. Is he considering the outcomes that might happen after he takes Bella away?/ These thoughts spun around in my head as Nightwing spoke to his siblings.
"Aria, stay here with Addison," Nightwing began, "Robin, De, and I are going to get Bella. I don't know what's going to happen, so just stay here until I get back. If something goes wrong, contact us through the com link. I'll send De back to the cave, if necessary," With that, Nightwing, Robin, and I left the hideout. As soon as we stepped out of the hideout, a feeling of dread washed over me. I prayed that Nightwing knew what he was getting himself into.
~~~~~~~~
~.: Jared's P.o.V :.~
I blinked open my eyes as the sounds of thunder outside greeted my ears. I grumbled, burying my face in my pillow as Acacia sat down on the mattress beside me, running a brush through her crimson hair. I looked at her from the corner of my eye, smiling gently.
"Morning, beautiful," I chuckled softly as she glanced down at me with a light sparkle in her eyes.
"Morning, did you sleep well?" Acacia asked me, placing her hairbrush on our bedside table as she spoke. I yawned, stretching as I sat up, scratching the back of my head as I did.
"Somewhat, did you? I figured the rain would've kept you up, since you're scared of thunderstorms~" I teasingly remarked, leaning over and kissing her cheek as she rolled her eyes at me.
"Hush, bedhead," She grumbled, pouting at my teasing, "I slept just fine, I'll have you know. Now get up and get dressed. You promised Bells that you'd take her on a 'patrol'." I chuckled then got out of bed, throwing on some civilian clothes and heading out of the bedroom to go wake up Bella.
As I approached Bella's room, I heard movement and humming from behind her door and I cocked my head curiously as I opened the door. The little raven-haired girl was spinning around in her room, dancing to some light music that was playing on her tiny radio. I smirked gently, clearing my throat as she straightened her ponytails.
"Are we going now?" Bella chirped, her eyes lighting up excitedly as she bounced over to me, her bright blue eyes shining. She looked like Nightwing.... I thought darkly as I swallowed, rubbing the back of my neck.
"Uh, yeah! If you're ready, we can leave in just a sec," I quickly said as Bella threw on her rain boots. While she threw on her boots, I walked to the kitchen to see Acacia making some coffee for herself as she looked up at me. I approached her, gently taking her coffee mug from her hands and stealing a sip.
"Rude~ get your own coffee," the red head huffed as she took the mug back and turned her back to me. I laughed softly and kissed her neck gently.
"I'm letting you share my apartment and you won't share your coffee?" I chuckled, pulling her backwards into my arms as I rested my chin on her shoulder and kissed her jaw, "That doesn't seem very fair, does it?" I teased softly as she giggled softly.
"Go make some for yourself if you're so thirsty~" Acacia chirped, kissing my cheek and walking over to the kitchen table, looking out of the window at the dark storm clouds outside. I smirked then looked over at Bella as she skipped toward her mother cheerfully.
"Be on your best behavior for Jared while on patrol, okay? Can you do that for mommy?" Acacia asked her daughter, setting her coffee mug down on the table as she hugged her.
"Yes, momma. I'll be good!~" I smiled at Bella's response. Such a good little girl. I thought to myself, pouring myself a glass of coffee. Drinking it, I headed over to the window that Acacia had been looking out of earlier.
"We won't be gone long, okay, Bells?" I said, frowning at the rain-swollen clouds in the sky. Looks like it's about to start raining pretty bad... I thought darkly.
"Otay," Bella chirped, taking a sip of milk out of her favorite cup. Once that had been settled, we left the apartment, leaving Acacia in the kitchen by herself.
~T.B.C.~
