Second Chance

Loving Touch

The nurse hummed sadly as she took the tray from Dick's bed.

He hadn't even touched his food.

She glanced up at his face and noticed he was once again looking out the window, watching a few birds fly across the horizon. The sun had just risen.

That's all he's been doing since he came to them yesterday morning.

He won't talk to them. He won't eat.

He just sleeps or looks out the window, lost in his mind.

That's not a good thing, not in this part of the hospital.

"Did you want to try something else?"

Dick's gaze flitted over to the nurse before returning to the window.

He didn't say a word. 

The nurse softly sighed before quietly exiting the room, nearly bumping into Wally as she did so.

"Oh, sorry ma'am!"

She merely smiled up at him before excusing herself.

Wally watched her go for a moment, his eyes mainly focused on the full tray she was carrying. 

'He didn't eat? James just told me he refused to eat last night too...'

A deep frown formed on his face as he opened the door to Dick's room, he was just as the nurse had left him. Staring vacantly out the window. 

When he heard the door open once again, he turned his gaze over to see Wally. Unlike yesterday, his face stayed blank. Indifferent. 

"Morning Dick..."

No answer, not even a twitch. 

"Um... how come you didn't eat anything?"

"Not. Hungry."

Wally's frown deepened and he slowly took a small step forward.

"Is it alright if I come closer?"

Dick's eyes closed for a second, a heavy sigh shaking his body, before he opened his eyes once more. He turned his gaze to Wally before nodding once.

"Whatever, you might as well sit down anyway."

Wally nodded, a soft smile on his face as he walked timidly forward and sat down in the chair facing Dick's bed.

"When are they letting me leave?"

"Later this morning, I already signed the papers saying you're coming with me."

Dick scoffed before a timid smile formed on his face.

"How mad was Artemis?"

Wally's lip curled and he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.

"... I slept in the car last night." 

'She's still on my side... she and Kaldur would be the only ones...'

But as quick as Dick's smile came, it was gone just as quickly.

"Let me guess, you two 'baby-proofed' the house last night, right?"

Wally's own smile vanished.

"Dick, you know--"

A knock was heard at the door just before James poked his head in.

"Excuse me Richard, but you have another visitor here to see you."

Wally's eyes narrowed and his head turned sharply to the doctor.