Getting to know you

The Court knows

Dick was curled on the couch, cuddling with Wally. The family was watching a movie, but Dick couldn't relax. He had that constant feeling of someone watching him. Wally had an arm around Dick's waist, holding him as close as possible.

A window crashed somewhere. Dick gasped, trembling. Someone had been watching them. The others leapt up, making a loose circle around him. Trying to protect him from the unseen danger. "Kid, get him out of here." Bruce whispered.

"I wouldn't do that. After all, he's the reason we're here." Dick paled. "No. No, not you. Anyone but you." Mary stepped out of the shadows, armed with a sword. "Hello, Gray Son. It has been a while since you nearly got me killed."

"I didn't do anything but knock you out." "Because of your actions, I lost my rank. I will be taking my anger out on you." Wally stepped in front of Dick. "Not happening."

The bats were surrounding the small group, no more than five full Talons. But Dick knew. These were the elite Talons, the ones only sent out to kill rogues. He'd never stand a chance in his condition.

Mary cocked her head. "What is wrong, Gray Son? You look a little thin. How are those hands?" "Nothing you have to worry about, and they're fine." He snapped back, feeling his blood boil. Everything that kept happening was because of the Court. "Well, I'm happy to say I'm not the only person with a grudge against you. Markus, an employee, is rather angry at you for landing him in jail."

"He should've thought of that before he kidnapped Dick." Bruce scowled, wanting to keep his son safe. These people had hurt him more than enough, and he was sick of it. The Court was the reason Dick was ill, they were the reason he wasn't eating, and they were the reason his nightmares were so bad.

"Get out of here, Dick. That's an order." Bruce barked. Dick knew better than to disobey fully, but he knew what to do. It might kill him, but he'd do it. He had to protect his family.

Dick raced through the halls, hearing fighting behind him. With each second, he feared one of his family was killed. He wanted to break down and sob, but he had to push on. He wouldn't be entirely powerless in this fight.

Dick finally got to the control room for the manor. He ran to the thermostat, taking a deep breath. Let's hope they can get this over with, and soon. Dick thought as he turned the temperature to subzero cold. He instantly felt the change.

Dick tried to walk, but collapsed, the cold was too much. His head rested on his arm, sheltering it from the cold ground. He could see his breath fog up as his eyes closed. He might die, but it would be to save them.

Just as he was about to go unconscious, the door was slammed opened. He was pulled into someone's arms, and wrapped in blankets. He cracked his eyes open to see Wally holding him, and the bats surrounding him. He sighed as he counted everyone, including Alfred.

"Stay with us, Dick. I know it's cold, but just a little longer. We've apprehended the Talons that attacked. Just a little longer." Bruce whispered, cupping one side of Dick's face. Dick leaned into the warmth, shivering.

"Get him to the cave. It'll be warmer than up here." Tim pointed out. Wally picked the shivering avian up and ran down to the cave, worried. "Hang on, babe. We're gonna get you warmed up soon, I promise." Wally muttered as he set Dick on a gurney.

Dick wormed his arm out and grabbed Wally's hand. Wally gave a gentle squeeze and kissed Dick's forehead. "Is everyone ok?" Dick whispered. "Yes. You froze the Talons before they could hurt us." Dick sighed and leaned into Wally.

Wally pulled Dick into a hug. "I got worried. As soon as I felt the cold, I knew you'd been stubborn again, which is good, but it meant you would be cold too. And I knew if you got too cold, you'd…die." "I know. M'sorry, but I couldn't let you get hurt. I couldn't let anyone get hurt. I risked that chance so you would be ok."

Wally wrapped the blankets more securely around Dick and sat on the gurney with him. Dick leaned against Wally, basking in the warmth. Wally sat the gurney up about halfway before leaning back, still holding Dick close. Dick hair was wet from the melted frost that had accumulated.

Before either realized it, Dick had fallen asleep. Wally smiled and pulled Dick closer. "Don't ever leave me, babe. I don't know what I'd do." Dick leaned into Wally, sighing. He was still there. The Court might've found him, but he was still safe. And so was his family.