This Is My Future

Chapter 59

Dick's P.O.V

"Bruce..." I breathed.

Bruce bowed his head in a faint nod.

I looked at the wheelchair. "This is temporary," I said quickly.

He didn't respond, looking down at me.

I looked back at Arty and Tim.

Tim was still frozen in his position when the fork fell out of his hand.

Arty stood there, her eyes wide.

"How is everyone's morning?" Bruce asked as if none of us seemed shocked to see him.

"W-What are you doing here?" I asked instead.

"Are you here to pick me up?" Tim asked, already standing up.

"No Tim," Bruce said. "I came to talk to your brother."

"Me...?" I asked, pointing at myself.

"Well, you're sure not Artemis."

My jaw dropped a bit. I wasn't shocked he wanted to talk to me; I was mortified that he saw me like this.

"Do you have an hour or so?" He asked.

Why isn't he saying anything? I thought to myself.

"I-" I stopped and looked back at Arty.

She shrugged.

"Um...I-I guess..." I said, trying to control my panic.

Bruce nodded.

"Come on in..." I said, moving out of the way.

"Actually, I was thinking we could go out for coffee," He said.

"Oh, um...okay..." I said.

He stepped aside and I went into the hall. I looked into the apartment, "See you guys in a little bit..."

Tim nodded faintly and Arty waved.

Bruce pulled the door closed and headed for the elevator.

I followed him silently.

He hit the button and the elevator opened immediately.

Bruce let me in then stepped in himself.

I looked up at him.

He looked at me and I averted my eyes away from him.

I watched the floor numbers count down over the doors.

"It's good to see you after these passed months," He said.

"Yeah..." I muttered, "You too..."

He nodded.

I bit my lip and glanced at him again.

He didn't notice, staring ahead.

We hit the lobby and the doors opened.

Bruce let me out before following me. He walked ahead and opened the front door for me.

"Thanks..."

He nodded and let the door swing closed behind me.

We headed down the street.

"How have you been?" He asked.

"Fine...you?"

"Busy and a bit stressed," He said. "Fine nonetheless."

I nodded faintly, "That's...good."