Mazes Of Red

CHAPTER 34 : Don't Make Me Laugh

I bristled at the taunt the sting of truth cutting deeper than I cared to admit. 

"Enough," I snapped turning away from the window in a futile attempt to silence the relentless voice in my head.

But even as I tried to push the thoughts aside they lingered, a constant reminder of the vulnerabilities I sought to bury beneath layers of steel and determination. 

With a heavy sigh I resigned myself to the fact that for better or worse Lauren had managed to crack the façade I had spent years constructing.

And as I prepared to face the night once more the weight of uncertainty pressing down upon me.

 I couldn't help but wonder if perhaps in the midst of the chaos and darkness that defined Gotham's streets there was room for a glimmer of something more.

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LAURENS POV

days seem to pass from my last encounter with the Redhood each the same.

wake.

run.

eat.

sleep.

work.

work till god know what hours staring and getting more and more deeper into the mystery that is Redhood.

Humming softly to myself I moved gracefully around my living room preparing my late-night snack with practiced ease.

 The radio provided a steady backdrop of music as I indulged in spoonfuls of cookie dough the sweetness a brief respite from the relentless quest for answers.

Lost in thought I stood before my web of clues my fingers tracing the interconnected threads in search of any overlooked details. 

"Hmmm," I murmured, hoping that a change in perspective might reveal something new.

Suddenly a sharp tapping at the window shattered the quiet of the night causing me to jump in surprise.

 Before I could react, Nightwing and Robin materialized in my apartment their sudden appearance sending a jolt of adrenaline coursing through my veins.

"Hey  Lauren," Nightwing greeted with a smirk his blue eyes twinkling mischievously. "Didn't mean to startle you."

I steadied my racing heart a mixture of relief and annoyance flooding through me.

 "How did you two get in here?" I demanded my gaze flickering between the masked vigilantes.

Nightwing flashed a grin. "Trade secret," he replied cryptically with wink .

 "Window."  Robin chimed in with a more straightforward answer

I made a mental note to lock it in the future before turning my attention to their reason for being here. 

"What brings you both to my humble abode?" I asked crossing my arms over my chest.

Dick's expression grew serious.

 "Bruce sent us to see if you've made any progress on the Red Hood case" he explained his tone indicating the importance of their mission.

I shook my head disappointment coloring my voice.

 "No I haven't found anything substantial yet " I admitted frustration tingeing my words.

Tim sighed his features creased with concern. 

"We haven't had much luck either," he confessed his tone somber.

After a brief catch-up the boys  informed me that they needed to return to patrolling the city.

 With a nod of understanding I watched as they disappeared through the window leaving me once again alone in the dimly lit room.

I drifted into a fitful sleep on the sofa the weight of exhaustion pulling me into its grasp.

 As my mind teetered on the edge of consciousness a faint tapping intruded upon my dreams pulling me back to reality.

 Groaning softly I shifted hoping to drown out the noise and return to the embrace of sleep.

But then came the unmistakable sound of a loud knock jolting me fully awake. 

Irritation flared within me as I stumbled towards the window cursing whoever dared to disturb my precious rest at this ungodly hour.

"What the hell?" I muttered under my breath frustration coloring my voice as I yanked the window open fully prepared to give Nightwing and Robin a piece of my mind.

"Wounded and bloody, just what I needed," I muttered sarcastically, my annoyance evident in my tone.

Red Hood's battered figure stood before me, his helmet smashed to reveal a glimpse of his injured face. Blood trickled down his temple, staining the edges of his mask.

"What do you want?" I demanded my irritation giving way to concern despite my best efforts to remain aloof.

He smirked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh you know just thought I'd drop by for a friendly chat" he replied his words laced with bitterness.

Rolling my eyes, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at my initial dismissiveness. "Fine come in" I relented stepping aside to let him enter.

I watched as Red Hood limped into my apartment and  sink into the nearest chair his wounds a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked in the shadows I knew that this unexpected visit was just the beginning of a journey that would challenge everything I thought I knew.

AUTHORS NOTE

HIII IM BACKKKK

hope you enjoyed this chapter.

dont get your hopes up for regular updates haha.