No, it's not the family you probably thought of first...
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"Ah, leaving already Mr. Wayne?"
James had stopped Bruce right outside of Dick's door.
He had a suspicion...
"Ah yes, important business to deal with--"
"Quite a bruise you have there Mr. Wayne, wasn't there last night I believe."
He was referring to a bruise covering part of his forehead. It was an angry looking one, usually seen on those who come in from accidents.
Or fights.
It would only make sense after all...
Bruce's face remained indifferent.
"Just a tumble down the stairs yesterday, I haven't slept very well lately. Now if you'll excuse me, I really need to leave."
James glanced to above Bruce's head to where a clock was.
It was 8:00pm.
"Of course, have a good night Mr. Wayne."
James watch him go before raising an eyebrow in thought.
Left every single night at the same time for a week now...
James sighed softly through his nose before entering Dick's room.
He was sleeping. He seemed to do that a lot lately.
Well, what else could he really do?
James quietly closed the door behind him so as to not wake him up.
Let him sleep.
Only time he looks peaceful now.
He walked to the foot of his bed before just gazing at him.
Gazing... at his problem.
What the hell was he going to do?
He was the only staff member who knew who this man really was.
A hero.
The pressure was already there. But now... he couldn't help but feel that if he couldn't find a way to help Dick...
That he wouldn't be the only one losing part of his life.
Physical therapy might help... but there's no guarantee he'll ever be able to regain control. The trauma was more than enough to be fatal.
Dick was given a week to rest. Well, the week's nearly done.
Time to figure something out.
He glanced toward the duffel bag.
They had already helped Dick change into his own clothes.
He couldn't help but notice how the young man's eyes followed their every movement so intensely.
He didn't want them discovering his weapon.
Well, too late for that.
He was about to check his IV bag when a buzzing came from his pocket.
It wasn't his pager, it was his cellphone.
He looked at the number sadly before hesitantly answering.
"Hey Mara--"
"Are you coming home tonight James?"
He closed his eyes tightly.
"No, I'm sorry Mara. It's a mess here. My patient is no longer critical but he is in a crisis state..."
"James... I know your work is important and you're helping people. But you're barely ever at home any more! I'm practically raising Danny on my own!"
There was a small voice in the background before Mara said she was handing the phone off.
"Dada! Come home please?"
James grimaced before forcing a sad smile.
"Hey buddy! I'm sorry pal, daddy can't come home tonight. There's a lot of people who need my help--"
"I need you Dada! It your turn for night story!"
"Let momma read you the story, okay? When I get home, I'll read you any story you want!"
"But--"
There were muffled noises on the other end as Mara took the phone back.
"I need to put Danny to bed James..."
James sighed and glanced out the window.
"I love you Mara."
"... I love you too James. Goodnight."
She hung up.
He slipped the phone back into his pocket before turning to his patient.
He nearly jumped in surprise, he was awake now.
His eyes were open and his hands had shifted to his sides.
He was looking right at James, a sad smile on his face.
"I'm sorry if I disturbed you Richard..."
Dick slowly blinked before groaning a little.
James came closer, worrying if his pain meds were starting to wear off too early.
"Fa... urgh..."
His face twisted into one of annoyance and frustration.
"Take it easy... don't force yourself."
Dick lightly glared at him.
"Foc... foc..." "Fire... fire..."
Now it was James's turn to sigh.
"I'm sorry Richard, I don't understand."
Dick thought for a moment before raising a hand to the burns on his arms.
"Fam..."
He groaned again and screwed his eyes tight in frustration.
But James finally understood.
"The family? They're fine... did you have a dream about them?"
He glanced to his heart monitor.
"You did, didn't you? Your heart rate is awfully high, just calming down."
Dick carefully raised his chin up in a pointed "yes".
"No one was hurt, Richard."
Dick gave him a blank look.
"You know what I mean."
Dick's frown turned into an amused smile.
James gave a small smile in return.
They've been working on communication.
Since Dick can only understand English and not be able to speak it, they've had to come up with other ways for him to 'speak'.
Writing wasn't an option.
For one, he could only write small, simple sentences. In English that is.
It was better with his first language.
Yet, writing as a way to communicate was quickly shot down.
The strain that his still injured arm and hand had was not worth it.
So, body language it is.
"Richard, I have had contact with the Rowan family. They are doing well, their new house is in progress of being built and everyone is in good health. But they do have a request for you."
Dick tilted his head slightly before getting a scolding look from his doctor.
He didn't mess with his head again.
"They would like to visit you. Their little boy is calling you his own hero. Because he knows you saved his family and especially his baby sister."
Dick's face immediately drained of color, and he was still for a minute. Considering it.
"I believe the boy's name is Dillon. And the baby's name is... Gwyneth."
Dick didn't react.
"The parents are Asher and Odelia... I understand you must be hesitant. But they are very thankful for what you've done. They want to thank you personally."
Dick bit his lip before smiling hesitantly.
James smiled back and sighed contently.
"I'll make the arrangements."
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There are reasons that I chose the names that I did.
Odelia means "thankful"
Asher means "happiness"
Dillon means "faithful"
Gwyneth means "blessed" or "miracle/miraculous"