Havoc (Black Dahlia #2) || Dick Grayson [Titans]

TEAM BUILDING

I spent the rest of that night practically glued to Dick's side, waking at even the barest move from him. He didn't ask me exactly what I'd seen but he knew in that way of his that it did a number on me. He didn't try to placate me and swear nothing would ever happen to either of us. Instead, he kept me close, keeping the fingers of one hand entwined with mine.

Eventually the exhaustion became too much for my nervous mind and I fell into a deep and blissfully dreamless sleep. When I woke again it was to Kypto nudging me from the side of the bed, nipping playfully at my elbow. I groaned and rolled over, expecting to run into Dick next to me only to find the space empty. For a sickening moment I felt that fear flash through me again before my brain worked to push the adrenaline back. I could feel the green all throughout the Tower trembling with anticipation for me to give an order as I took a steadying breath. Krypto barked from beside me and I turned back to him. "Do you know where Dick is?"

Krypto barked again, his head almost bobbing enthusiastically as he turned and headed for the door. I tried to shake the worried thoughts from my mind as i hurried out into the hall after him.

We were in the hall just outside the kitchen space when I heard laughter, Dick's deep chuckle among it. Relief flooded every space in my body as I came to a stop against the wall and let out a soft laugh of my own, feeling ridiculous. Because of course Dick was okay; I would know if he weren't. I had to.

I closed my eyes and pressed my head back against the wall behind me as I took a minute to breath and actually think. I could still hear chatter in the kitchen, sounding more lively than I'd heard in a few weeks since Jason left again. Krypto must've joined the others, leaving me alone with my scattered mind.

"Madds?" I opened my eyes to see Dick strolling towards me, his head tilted slightly in concern at my position. "Everything okay?"

"Couldn't be better," I answered truthfully, smiling. He still looked at me like he didn't believe me and I rolled my eyes as if to brush him off. Even with that, I let him close the distance, leaning against the wall next to me. His eyes roamed over my face as I stared back.

"Sorry if I made you worry," he said quietly. "You were finally asleep and I didn't want to wake you. Maybe I should've left a note or something—"

"Dick, it's fine. I'm fine," I insisted. "I'm not gonna lie and say I didn't panic for a minute there but that's no one but my sleep addled brains fault. You have nothing to apologize for so please stop before I am forced to slap sense into you." I smiled brightly with the threat and he laughed, shaking his head at me. I could tell he was still a little concerned but he let it go, pushing himself off the wall.

"In that case, go get dressed and meet back in the kitchen. I have an announcement for everyone." I raised a brow curiously but he just shook his head again. "You'll find out with everyone else, so if you don't want to stay curious for too long you better hurry."