Vigilante Struggles

Chapter twelve

Classified location 23:00hrs
"Leave the boy for now, our opportunity has passed. We must wait until their guard has lowered before we strike again" crackled a voice over Deathstroke's Holographic communicator. Slade Wilson listens silently as his employer speaks, a clear tinge of evident annoyance peeking through his calm demeanour. Wilson clenches his fists tightly in controlled anger as he realises he has missed his opportunity. Truthfully the objective would have been easily accomplished if he was by himself, however, he had been requested to 'partner up' with the world's most insane psychopath.

  "You may not execute the Joker, we can still exploit his existence in the near future" Wilson nods his head obediently, his coloured mask hiding his tense, frustrated jaw. "Do not worry Mr. Wilson, you will have your apprentice, but do not forget our deal. He was the Gray Son of Gotham first" The headmaster spoke dryly. The connection dies, leaving the mercenary in angered silence. "Yes" he gritted out to himself " the opportunity has passed but the boy is still young and foolish, he will not stay under the protection of the bat for long." His frustration dissolves quickly and his scowl is replaced with a menacing smirk. One will get what one works for, that couldn't be more true.

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Wayne manor 13:00hrs. Several days after apartment break in
Dick's P.O.V
"It's a pity you are out of town, I was hoping to meet up again"
A small smile graces my face as I read the text. I'm glad to have found someone to distract me from Barbra and her newest boyfriend.
"Well I should be back soon, although family matters tend to go on longer than intended ".
Honestly, at first I was a little too eager to go out with Lorna, not only because something about her pulled me in but regretfully, I was trying to distract myself from Barbra. The date was awkward at first, but as soon as we sat to eat, we clicked. Soon the feeling of unnecessary guilt diminished and I truly enjoyed myself for the first time in months.
"Yes, I suppose they do...I know too well😂" my phone beeped signifying a reply.
"Perhaps I could persuade Bruce to allow a visitor?"
Honestly I would love her company right now, I feel well enough to move around so it's not like I have to hide too many injuries. Plus the toxin is completely out of my system.
"Would that be hard considering your family matter?" Oh yeah. That.
"Well I wouldn't say so, it's not too big a deal to have someone over for a little while"
I place my phone down as I hear a knock at my door.
"Come in" The door opens slowly as Bruce steps in fully dressed in a suit.
"I came to see how you are doing" he asks. His hair slightly ruffled indicating a night lacking sleep.
" yeah, I'm feeling better....was always a fast healer." Bruce chuckles slightly before he composes himself.
"I am going to work now, but I should be back around four"
"Only four? That's early for you" I inquire.
"Yes, I must attend Mr. Whites charity gala, I know you are not up to it so I did not say you would be attending. Think you will be okay by yourself tonight?" I was genuinely surprised at this, Bruce leaving me by myself after the attack?
"Yeah I'm grand....I have a few TV series to catch up on" I grin.
"I know what you are thinking by the way" he starts "I have increased manor security by 100%. There is a targeting system I will have to train you all to avoid, not even Deathstroke should get past it, he is not agile enough. Before I leave I will set it to incapacitate " there's the catch. I am protected with the fire power of an army. Bruce turns to leave but I stop him.
"Hey... I was wondering if I could invite someone over to keep me company" I ask shyly, I have no idea of what his answer will be.
"That can be arranged, as long as it is not Deathstroke " he jokes, yet he keeps his face emotionless.
"Damn never mind then" I laugh " is that a yes?"
"Affirmative" he nods and leaves. Ever the joker. I quickly pick up my phone and text Lorna.
"I asked and it's perfectly fine for you to come over, and bring comfy clothes....6 too early?"
"No that's perfect. See ya then. Remember to text me that address of yours"
-------------TIMESKIP------------
"Master Dick there is a young girl waiting for you downstairs" Alfred's voice comes through the door. "Thanks Alf, I'll be down in a second". I grab a jumper and pull it on over my head before making my way downstairs.

I reach the last step of the wooden staircase to find Lorna standing nervously in the middle of Wayne manor hall. Her small hands twisting nervously before parting to brush shiny brown hair behind her ear. She is wearing black leggings with converse and a baby pink over-sized jumper. She smiles a beautiful smile as she sees me coming.
"I feel underdressed " she laughs" should I leave and come back in a ball gown?"
"No" I laugh "you look perfect besides, I was hoping to melt your brain with chick flicks and a crapload of unwatched TV series. Ice cream and popcorn sound good?" She smiles brightly at that suggestion. "Yup, perfect nothing like a good night in".

"Master Dick may I inquire about the name of your guest?" Alfred smiles politely. "Oh sorry Alf...This is Lorna, we meet a week ago" I gesture to Lorna who had yet to relax. "Yeah he is my knight in shining armour" she replies. Alfred's eyes dart to me, asking if I had been foolish enough to reveal to someone I just met, that I was THE Nightwing. I smile at him before confirming she didn't know. "I was heading to work when I heard someone shout for help, so I checked it out" Alfred relaxed at this. "Very good young sir" he beamed "I shall get refreshments"
I turn to Lorna who was gazing curiously at the grandeur of Wayne manor.
"It's a lot to take in isn't it?" I ask, hoping to create small talk. "Yeah, but do you know what would have made this all easier?" She begins while stepping before me. She stops directly in front of me, her head tilting up. "What?" I have no clue as to what she is implying. Suddenly she smacks me lightly on my shoulder, to which I had to hide my flinch of agony. Well maybe I am exaggerating but that's me, over dramatic, a performer at heart. "It would be easier if you freaking told me you lived with Bruce WAYNE" she hissed excitedly. I must admit though, she has a point. "Well you never asked so....". She laughs quietly" That is very true Mister Grayson" she smiles. We stand there for a moment before I suggest to go to the sitting room.

I pull some cushions onto the main couch before leaving the room and grabbing some blankets. I throw them onto the couch earning a disapproving glare from Alfred as he walks in with popcorn and ice-cream. "I promise to clean up afterwards Alfred" I smile nervously knowing the butler's annoyance towards his messy masters. Alfred's warm attitude returns as he places the treats on the coffee table. "Call me if you need anything else master Dick, miss Lorna" Alfred says before he nods his head and leaves the room. I turn to Lorna who was quietly standing near the couch. "So.....White Chicks or.." I begin only to stop when Lorna gasps, her eyes pleading and filled with delight of the mention of a classic. "Well then, White Chicks it is"
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Bruce's P.O.V
I look across the table at Barbra, the worry evident on her face as she chews lightly on the tip of her finger. "Dick is going to find out about this Bruce" she starts "telling him you are at a charity ball when you are not. These lies and secrets is what got him into this mess in the first place" she growls at me. "Look Barbra, he is in no condition to go out in the field, I don't want.." I am forced to stop talking as Barbra loses her cool " WHAT Bruce....you don't want what? Did you ever consider that maybe Dick wouldn't do what you think he would do if you spoke with him?" She demands. I sigh and grit my teeth. There is no time for this "We" I gesture to the both of us " do not have time to think about feelings" I growl. " Would you rather Dick to be dead or have his feelings hurt?" I look at her for a reaction. Her green eyes glaring back at me before they falter and look away. "Fine. We will do this your way. However, if anything goes wrong, it's your fault and I refuse to talk any blame" she grits out. I simply nod my head in acceptance. "Send me a message of any info you need, but honestly Dick knows more than I will ever find out. You should speak to him, I hate to admit it but he is still better with computers" she says while unlocking the wheel of her wheel chair. Ten minutes later and I am left alone in the safe house. My mind busy with conflicting thoughts...no. I can't afford to allow petty emotions control my actions. I will do this mission my way, no matter what Dick may think about it.

So...Bruce is being an ass again and......Sorry for keeping you all waiting, nothing too exciting in this chapter so I took it as a opportunity to build character relationships