Fly Away

Another One Lost

Blood was bubbling past his ex-partner's lips. And there was nothing that he could do about it.

Nightwing was laying on the cold ground, blood spilling from his mouth and countless wounds. He was shaking. But whether it was from bodily contractions or simply the cold autumn air Batman didn't know.

He was just standing there in a daze.

When he first received the distress call he was frankly irritated.

Dick had the nerve to call him after their fight, just because he probably needed help with a few scratches.

Oh how wrong he was.

Dick's uniform was torn and soaked with his own blood and the cold rain.

Batman, no Bruce, couldn't move. He still felt anger.

But... it was for whoever did this.

"Bru-- ungh..."

The sound of Dick's whimper finally put him into motion.

He ran and kneeled to his partner's side.

Without a second thought he ripped off his cape and covered him up.

It wouldn't do much but it was all he could think of.

The wounds looked much more serious up close and now it was dreadfully obvious-- nothing could be done. Too much blood was lost.

He was too late.

He shakily grabbed Dick's head and cradled the younger man's upper torso in his arms.

His mask was practically shredded. So Batman just tore it off.

His eyes were open. Staring directly at Bruce.

Bruce quickly took his cowl off.

Aged blue eyes met young, dulling ones.

Tears were falling from Dick's eyes, mixing with the rainwater.

His eyes said what his mouth couldn't anymore.

"I'm sorry Bruce..."

Bruce shook his head and rested his hand on Dick's cheek, slowly wiping away the tears.

"Oh God! Dick..."

Dick's body convulsed under his mentor's arms and a low groan passed his lips.

"Easy Dick... who did this to you?"

Dick stilled as even more tears seemed to spill.

"R-red... he didn't r-realize..."

Bruce quickly hushed him as another spasm racked his body.

"Hush Dick. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked you to talk..."

Dick's gaze suddenly shifted from Bruce. He was looking straight up. As if someone was on the roof.

Bruce looked up but couldn't see anything. Yet, whatever was up there didn't seem to bother Dick.

Dick soon looked back at Bruce, his eyes were now unsteady and he was fighting to keep his gaze on Bruce.

Bruce stroked Dick's cheek once more, both trying to offer comfort and in some way-- trying to atone for past mistakes.

But Dick started heaving, the spasms more intense.

He didn't have much time at all.

"Dick, listen to me. I'm sorry. I-- Dick?"

Bruce tilted Dick's head, getting him to blink at him.

"Remember when you first came to the Manor Dick?"

No reaction.

"Despite why you were there you were always trying to smile. You brought life back into that house Dick."

Still no reaction.

"And the first Christmas... you wouldn't put that game down for a month! Barbara regretted ever getting it for you!"

A slight twitch of the eye. But that could just be an ivoluntary reflex.

"When you first met Wally... when you left because..."

A small tear left Bruce's eye.

"Because of me. I was an idiot, I know that now. Everything was because of me. I constantly drove you away..."

He ran a gentle hand through Dick's hair. That was something that always seemed to sooth Dick when he would have nightmares.

"I stopped being a father to you. I made you into a soldier. Oh God... I'm so sorry..."

Dick's mouth slowly opened and then closed again. His mouth turned into a deep frown.

"Dick... I'm so sorry. I was supposed to be your father and I failed you--"

A groan passed Dick's lips as he moved his own bloody hand to touch Bruce's hand that was on his cheek.

A slight smile crept upon his lips. The message was clear.

But Dick's body started convulsing violently, more blood started flowing from his mouth. Horrific groans of pain echoed in the alley.

Bruce could only hold him close, clinging to the writhing man as Dick used to cling to him.

Moments passed and finally Dick managed a gentle whisper.

"Bruce..."

Bruce pulled back to look, just in time to see him fade.

He stopped shaking almost instantly and became heavier in Bruce's arms.

His heart had stopped.

Bruce remains frozen. There is nothing he could do.

There was no blood being sent to his failing heart.

He should have carried him to the Batmobile immediately. Or at the very least have covered him completely in the cape.

But Bruce couldn't stop staring at his face.

His eyes were closed. And...

Bruce felt a rush of tears.

Dick was smiling as he passed.

Bruce finally broke down, sob after sob escaping his body.

He didn't care who heard. He didn't care who saw.

My boy...

My son...

DICK!!!!

His son was dead.