Inflorescence • Poison Ivy's Daughter

chapter twenty nine ~ old friends

Dick took a large bit of his sandwich, chewed a couple of times before swallowing, then took another bite. His eyes nervously twitching to the side throughout. Calla sat next to him as he leaned on the willow tree, her chin resting on her palm, watching.

Slowly Dick placed his sandwich down, 'What?' he asked cautiously.

'Hmm,' Calla muttered.

'You've been glaring at me all day, have I done something wrong?'

Calla blinked, 'oh,' with a nervous cough she dropped her gaze. 'Sorry just been spacing out.'

Dick smirked with a half chuckle, 'You can admit when you're memorized in my classic good looks, Calla. I won't judge, you're only human.'

'Dick... Dick... you have no need for flattery with an ego as big as yours.' Calla ruffed his gelled back hair with a grin.

Dick spluttered a laugh, 'Aye!' He dodged her grasped and looked back at her with eyes full of joy.

Calla's grin dropped from her face, his hair was messed up and half resembled its natural curl. Undoubtedly he was Robin, the boy she grew up with, her first friend was now her greatest enemy. 

Robin had first appeared up 8 years ago, he's been Robin since he was ten, he was carrying this burden of a second life for as long as she's known him. Maybe that's why they found each other? Without knowing it were they attracted to the danger the two of them held? kindred spirits? tortured souls? Whatever they were it was now a whole lot more complicated.

'Hey,' Dick started, catching Calla's attention again, 'the Wayne Gala's this Saturday. I know you hate those things but do you want to go with me this time, make it all around more bearable?'

Calla inwardly cringed, 'Sorry, I've got family stuff on... why don't you just skip this one?'

Dick scoffed, 'Have you met Bruce?'

'Yeah yeah, he's an ass. But surely he could cut you a bit of slack, just this once.'

'Yeah.. but I can't bail on - Oh,' Dick spluttered, 'I totally forgot! I have someone I want you to meet.'

'Oh?'

'She's been homeschooled but she's starting Gotham Academy next week. I'm pretty sure she has orientation today though, I'll be nice of her to have more friends than just me so I told her about you. That alright?'

Calla blinked while processing this, 'Wait, who is this?'

Dick grinned back like a child, 'Let's go find her.'

He jumped to his feet, pulled Calla up with him and lead her through the forest back to the building.

'You'll love her, I'm sure. You two are very alike, she reminds me a lot of you in some ways.'

'In what ways?' Calla asked, doubtfully.

Dick shrugged, 'I'm not sure.' He admitted sheepishly, 'I guess you've got the same heroic personality.'

Calla had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing harshly.

They were already inside the school, stalking down the hallway when they came to a group of people blocking the way.

'Ah, there she is.' Dick smiled, 'Oi!' he shouted at the crowd. Calla's eyes widened in disbelief at the entire scenario. This girl hasn't been there a day and shes already got a crowd of admirers all clamouring for her attention. At Dicks' voice she turned in a graceful movement and Calla's blood heated. 

She was stunning.

Round face, plump lips, round emerald eyes with thick lashes and thick strawberry blonde curls pulled into a high ponytail. She smiled wide at the sight of Dick crinkling the freckles around her eyes and revealing dazzling white teeth. She ran up to him throwing her arms around his neck, Dick laughed and held her close. Calla felt her stomach drop.

'Good seeing you, pixie boots.' She chuckled in his ear.

'Been too long,' Dick grinned, releasing his hold on her. He turned the attention back to Calla with a nod in her direction, 'This is my friend, Calla, I was telling you about.'

The red-haired girl turned to look at her for the first time, her smile still dazzling, pearly white. She held out her hand to Calla, 'Nice to meet you,' She chimed, 'I'm Barbara Gordon.'