Second Chance

I Hear You

"Does it hurt?"

Wally had just finished unwrapping the gauze from his wrist, it's been a week since the stitches were removed.

"No..."

Well, they didn't physically hurt. But to see them--

Dick looked away, unable to look any longer. He couldn't help the feeling of shame and... something else he couldn't quite place. It was almost like an itch, one that was just barely out of reach.

Wally's eyes flickered up to Dick's face for just a moment before returning his gaze to his wrist. He sighed softly before gently starting to massage his wrist, as recommended by the doctor.

"They're not that bad Dick, and they'll probably fade even more in time. Honestly... they're pretty faint now."

Which was true. But still... it was odd to Dick. Looking at them made him feel sick.

"What are you thinking about?"

Wally's voice was soft and gentle, his gaze that was now directed back to Dick was the same, his hand still massaging Dick's wrist in gentle circles.

"Just... I feel like..."

Dick had to clear his throat and use his other hand to wipe budding tears from his eyes. But Wally didn't pressure him.

He wasn't going back on his promise. Not this time... and not ever again.

"Part of me feels ashamed but the other part of me wants to... it's like an itch Wally. And I'm just... I'm still so confused."

Wally's lips thinned into a hard line but he nodded his head. The doctors did warn them that he may feel this way. The medicine would help but it's not a cure. No, this would take time. And patience.

Wally carefully got up from his kneeling position beside the bed and instead sits next to Dick on the bed itself.

It's quiet for a moment, with Dick still refusing to meet Wally's gaze or look at his wrist, and Wally trying to figure out how to broach this next subject as carefully as possible.

After a few moments of silence and furtive glances at Dick, Wally finally clears his throat and reigns in his nerves.

"So... why do you feel ashamed?"

Dick's face screwed up and he lowered his head, his bangs obscuring his face.

"Wally I... I really don't want to talk about this with you."

Wally winced but nodded, both men startling a little when someone knocked gently on the door. A second passed before Artemis popped her head in with a nervous smile on her face.

"She's here."

Wally glanced back at Dick as he sighed before running a hand over his face, jumping just a bit when Wally placed a hand on his shoulder. He couldn't believe he actually agreed to this...

"Well... you may not want to talk about it with me. But there's someone here you can."

Wally gently pulled him up and started to lead him down the hallway.

"Yeah... sure."
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They had already brought a dining chair into the living room and had it facing one of the armchairs, one that Dick was currently occupying. His head was lowered slightly and he was nervously tapping his foot and rubbing his wrist.

Wally had already retreated to his and Artemis's bedroom while Artemis gave their visitor a quick hug before joining her boyfriend for a movie... these two needed to talk.