Crimson Flood

CH 12: Hug time

AN:

Okay, so the last chapter was not in fact the end. But there are only two chapters left after this one! I apologize. But also... it was fun? 

A disturbingly familiar beeping sound was what first alerted Dick to the fact that he was indeed still alive.

The angry whispers and excessive cursing were the second.

With a soft groan, Dick blinked his eyes open, gaze taking in the all too familiar white ceiling of the hospital room.

Great. Just great.

Even better was the fact that he could practically feel the angry and concerned stares burning into him. Reluctantly, Dick turned his head, giving his family a weak smile.

"Hi."

"Hi? Hi?" Damian snapped, tone harsh and cold as he stepped closer to the bed, eyes narrowing. "You try to kill yourselfand all you have to say about it is 'hi'?"

Dick grimaced. "Sorry?"

Jason let out an exasperated groan, tugging Damian out of the way to take his turn glowering down at the youngest Wayne ward. "Look, Dickie-bird, I get wanting to off yourself to escape these idiots, I really do, but seriously? Pain killers? They had to fucking pump your stomach. Do you have any idea how gross that shit is? At least do something that'll get you some cool ass scars."

"Seriously, Jason? He tried to kill himself and that's what you have to say?" Tim asked, joining Jason by the bed and reaching out for Dick, fingers starting to comb through the messy black hair. "We were so worried... I... you were having seizures and you wouldn't stop shaking, and..." Tim shuddered, blue eyes searching Dick's face. "You know you can talk to us, right? You... we're always going to be here for you. Always."

"Tim... I'm sorry I didn't mean to worry you." Dick whispered, guilt stabbing through his chest as he looked away. "I just... I had a nightmare, and I... I-I just wanted it to end..."

"That's why you're supposed to call for us... You've been hurting and we... we didn't do anything to help." Tim mumbled, guilt overwhelming his worried tone.

Dick looked back up quickly, shaking his head. "No. Tim, this isn't at all your fault. I just... I was stupid, okay? It won't happen again."

"You bet your ass it won't. I'm moving back in. Clearly these assholes can't take care of you properly."

"Todd, please. Shut up."

"Um... no? I'm not gonna shut up. You shut up."

Dick groaned. "Jay... Dami... I love you, but if you both could shut up, that'd be great."

Jason crossed his arms over his chest with a huff, turning away. "Fiiine. But I'm still moving back in."

"As if we'd actually let you do that. There is a strict no gun rule." Damian shot back, pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance and glowering at Jason. "You'd also be required to shower."

"Oh, fuck off."

Tim gave Dick a tired smile, and Dick returned it, honestly feeling so guilty for avoiding Tim for so long. It had clearly affected the other male a lot, especially since somehow Tim seemed to think that he was at fault for Dick's suicide attempt. Which he most certainly was not.

"Where's Bruce?" Dick asked quietly, Jason and Damian still arguing loudly.

Tim glanced over at the door with a faint chuckle. "Fighting with the doctors. Something about the ambulance being too slow. It wasn't... but he's stressed. I feel sorry for the staff."