Bloody Reunions

◇□ Chapter Eight □◇

The young boy woke in a cold sweat. Sitting up in his large bed, barely taking up any of it. His room was dark, the light from the moon shined through his windows as the breeze made the thin curtains dance. He grabbed at his chest breathing heavily, his gray tank completely drenched in sweat. The tips of his black hair hanging in his eyes. His head immediately popped up as his bedroom door creaked open. Another young boy peaked his head in, opening the door a little further as he stepped inside.

"Did you have another nightmare?" He asked, making his way over to the bed. The boy nodded, not bothering to look his brother in the eye. He took a seat on the bed, crossing his legs. A long sigh released his lips. "He says it's going to be different here." He said almost with a scoff, as he pulled his knees up to his chest. The other boy glanced his way, with a curious look in his eye.

"You don't?" He signed.

"I'm not sure, haven't decided. But what I do know is he doesn't actually care. He's supposed to be our father, but how do we know if that's even true. For all we know mother found the first rich guy on her contact list and informed him of his four sons. She was just tired of us, she had more important things to do than watch over us." He slumped his shoulders. The other boy placed his hand firmly on his shoulder, giving him a genuine smile.

"Dick," he paused, "We can't rely on anyone but each other. Remember that. It's just us. I'll always be by your side, and I'll never give up on you. I promise." Dick smiled, wrapping his arms around his brother, who had stayed the rest of the night in his bed. Not being able to leave his brother alone.

Jason woke up with a sharp breath, which was quickly followed by a hiss of pain. He grabbed at his shoulder and arm, swiping his sling off of his dresser. He sat on the edge of his bed, his hand dragging down his face. He took a deep breath, releasing a whisper. "I promise."

Jason shuffled down the hall, his free hand rubbing through his bangs. He wore a red tank and light gray sweatpants. As he passed the room, he immediately took a few steps backwards. He had noticed a figure out of the corner of his eye. It was Barbara. She sat on Dick's bed, her hands holding a picture of the two of them. Jason cautiously entered the room, Barbara jumped a little, quickly wiping the tears from her face.

"Jason? You startled me." She forced a smile.

"Sorry-"

"Oh my God..." she jumped to her feet rushing over to him. "What happened to you? You look like you were hit by a truck." Her hand lightly grazed over his swollen cheek.

Jason laughed dryly, "I feel like I was hit by a truck." Barbara let her hand fall back to her side, she took a step back letting her eyes fall to the ground. It was silent for a moment. Barbara returned to the bed, picking up the picture frame.

"I know we were just kids. And people say kids can't be in love, that they don't know what it is. But I know. I didn't just love Dick, I was IN love with him. People don't understand how much I miss him-"

"Holy shit she doesn't know!" Jason screamed in his head. He slightly began to panic as Barbara continued on. His hands were beginning to get clammy and sweaty.

"I wish I could tell him how i feel. I never did get too..." Jason scratched the back of his neck nervously. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be rambling on like this, you probably know better than anyone." She sat the picture back on the dresser, sliding past Jason. He waited for her to exit the room before bringing his palm up to his forehead. He sighed, scratching his head, how could he forget to tell Barbara Dick was still alive? He could of sworn she knew. The better question was, how was he going to tell her that he was alive AND tied up in the basement? He shook his head as he continued on his way down the hall. Hearing a loud thud, he stopped in his tracks, turning his attention to the room he had just passed. He opened the door, seeing Tim laying on the ground next to his bed, his eyes were wide as he held on to the sheets.