Titans Tower, San Francisco

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

It's true, what Lilith said. He hasn't been here much since the incident with Light. He's retreated to the familiar shadows that he knows, that he spent most of his formative years and adult life in. Stayed home with his family.

Alcatraz is being pieced back together. For once, the Tower was spared. For that, he's grateful. Not as grateful as Cyborg, but still - another rebuild would have demoralized them further after their clash with the JLA.

On national TV.

There have been countless statements issued since then, and the others have really been putting in a lot of overtime helping S*T*A*R Labs rebuild their facility in New Jersey. He hasn't been there except to sign off on paperwork.

Well, he was the one who led them to that mess, right? He not only led the charge, but he later lost it with Shimmer in a manner he hadn't thought himself capable of since he pummeled Joker into -

Christ.

He feels severely unpopular at present. But there's other family he has to talk to right now, and he really can't put this off any longer.

Under the weight of all that has happened in the last month, Titans Island has rarely felt this oppressive.

Comments

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"No!" she shouts, whirling to face him as the window opens. "I--"

That jaw clenches again, and her lips move. She's counting to 10: in English, Tamaranean, and Romany. "No," she says in a more normal tone of voice. "I need space. I need space. I'll be safe there and I can go somewhere I won't hurt anyone."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

So this is what it is to be a parent. To be the emotional punching bag for the world's sins, and then, when spent, to be pushed away.

He just recently spent a day borne from hell worried for one daughter's life. Everything in his face says he doesn't want to face that worry again so soon.

But she's not a baby. Still a child in some ways, but she's not defenseless.

Softly:

Alright.

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

His worry gets through her turmoil. "I promise," she says. "I won't go far. I'll be back tonight. I just ... I need to hit something. A lot."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

He understands that all too well.

Okay.

He steps forward, takes her face in his hands, and plants a kiss on her forehead.

I'll be here. With...

He pauses, then continues.

With Selya. And Luum. When you're ready.

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

The tears are welling up in her eyes again as he releases her, but she manages a grateful smile. "Love you, Dadro," she says, then turns back to the window and streaks away into the sky.

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

He stands at the window long after she's gone far beyond his field of vision, the steady breeze from the Bay brisk against his face.

It's going to be a long night.