Sick Bird.

67. Safe

_-_

Dick sat comfortably with Sebastian, deciding to stick with him for the whole dinner. The mask he wore seemed to be a perfect fit because he didn't notice it much after it was on. It was metal, he was sure, but it felt like paper.

As he chewed silently on the food Sebastian had passed to him, he thought about the situation he was in. There was no way his food was poisoned because Sebastian gave him only food he had tasted, smiling and saying those were his favorites.

It was weird, but only a fool wouldn't know what he was up to. It was sort of nice to have someone looking out for him even though the guy was most likely a killer. He didn't seem like one.

Suddenly Dick was happy that Sebastian been the one to capture him.

Everyone in the room seemed to be waiting for something, and because of the reason Dick found himself staring at Sebastian.

Why?

Because everybody else had settled on doing it. Maybe it was because of him sitting beside the older man, or the fact that Sebastian was the only one that didn't wear a mask.

Did he give me his?

Strangely enough, Dick didn't feel like getting the man in trouble. He was nice enough.

Nice enough to help me escape, hopefully.

It was a naïve thought but it was the most he could do for now. This whole kidnapping was strange to him. He wasn't tied or gagged, tortured or starved. His wounds had been well tended too and there was no mention of a ransom.

Though guards lined the hallways they didn't seem on high alert. If anything, he was more guest that prisoner.

"Master," one of the masked women started, her voice low, "who is he?"

Master? Dick looked up in shock, only to see Sebastian smiling down at him. Right, the bird chastised himself, it doesn't matter.

"He's my shadow, nothing more." Sebastian answered, his tone clipped. "All of you can vacate the dining room now."

No sound was made as twenty or so masked men and women stood and bowed toward Sebastian as they made their way out of the room.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I'm so nice to you," He paused and wiped his mouth with the edge of his napkin, "after all, I did poison you."

Dick watched as Sebastian pulled a blood red mask from his pocket, a chill going down his spine.

"Like I said before, I admire you," the man said from beneath the mask. "Being able to tame the Bat is quite a feat."

Dick's mouth suddenly felt bitter as he kept his gaze fixed to the empty plate in front of him. "I didn't do anything." he whispered.

"And that makes the fact all the more impressive." Sebastian agreed.

"What do you want with me?"

"Power," the man stood and grabbed the boy's hand. "A poison is useless without the antidote."

Dick clenched his jaw but allowed himself be dragged away. "You're the reason I'm going to die in two weeks."

"Not if you get the antidote." Sebastian smiled. "And trust me, nothing else is going to save you."

They both walked to the ornate doors in silence before Sebastian signalled to the guards. "Take him to his room."

Bending to Dick's ear, he whispered. "Don't let anyone see your face, Richard." He nudged the boy forward. "And remember to stay safe."

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