The lights were switched off and the room was dark speaking of a terrible loneliness. There was utter silence in the area except for the sharp jagged breaths of the sole occupant in the room. Dim light filtered in through the partially open window that allowed the cool breeze to pass through as well ventilating the otherwise suffocating room.

The knock on the door took Neal by surprise and he lifted his head up from the pillow wearily. His eyes flickered towards the clock that was striking eight, reminding him that he hadn't eaten anything since breakfast even though night had approached.

Willing himself to get up, he slowly made his way to the door because the wound in his leg hadn't fully recovered hindering his mobility. Unlocking the door, he pulled it open to reveal Richard Grayson standing outside. Ocher irises widened in surprise seeing the Officer still in his uniform and it seemed as if his shift had just ended but instead of going home he had dropped by at Neal's place.

"Won't you invite me in?"

Neal shook his head, stepping aside so that he could come in and then switched on the light as well. But no words passed Neal's lips for he was still considering what to say to him as their previous meeting had been anything but pleasant.

"I grabbed pizza on my way here and I don't know about you but I'm starving," he placed the pizza box on the small slab jutting from the wall by the closet, "and I hope you haven't had dinner yet because even though I'm starving I can't finish it all up on my own. I would require you to share."

Neal looked at him in disbelief, his lips parting slightly as if not able to comprehend why exactly would Richard reach out to him even though he had been so cold and rather indifferent towards him in their previous encounter despite all he had done for him.

Guilt struck him hard though there was nothing in the former's demeanor that could hint at making him feel guilty. But Neal felt a sudden urge to apologize for his earlier behavior towards him because he could clearly see that unlike what he had expected Richard hadn't kept any grudges and was definitely the sort of person who deserved to be treated much better than that.

"Richard... I'm sorry," he let out the words at last, eyes glancing down as if reluctant to look into his clear blue irises. He knew he would not have to elaborate further because Richard would already have a clear idea on why he was apologizing.

There was a short while of silence in between the two and the uncertainty on Neal's features was proof that he was getting rather anxious on how Richard would react. But he was taken by surprise when Richard stepped forward and hugged him instead.

Neal froze momentarily but then as a few minutes passed and Richard didn't let go, he relaxed and hugged him back, eyes watering slightly for he couldn't recall when was the last time someone had taken him in a genuine and comforting embrace like that. 

"It's okay," he patted his back comfortingly as he pulled apart, a smile playing upon his lips, "and who would have thought Neal Hastings could apologize too?"

A small smile broke out on his features too as he shrugged, "limited edition experience reserved only for special people."

"I feel honored to be in those special people then," his smile widened as the blue eyes twinkled in amusement, "anyhow, the pizza will get cold if we keep it waiting any longer."

Neal nodded, "I am afraid I don't have much furniture around so we'll have to use the floor or the mattress, your call."

"It's okay. We could use the mattress, no problem."

Neal straightened the sheets and fetched the scarce cutlery he had while Richard brought over the pizza as the two sat down on the mattress. 

Richard had made no remark regarding the worn out condition of Neal's place that contrasted strikingly with his outward demeanor and the reputation with which he was known in the rest of Gotham City. And to be honest, Neal was relieved that he had made no such remark because he did not want to explain why exactly was there such a huge contrast between how he appeared to the people and how he fended in reality.

He had cut off the slices and took a bite, ocher eyes flickering towards Richard momentarily who had eased himself as if he had been quite a frequent visitor there. That sort of adaptability and courtesy in his nature had always fantasized Neal, making him wonder whether he really was a human being or some angelic entity that strived to do the best for everyone around him.

"I heard you got roughed up in the attack at The Iceberg Lounge," Richard started the conversation at last, his eyes stopping at the bandage on Neal's leg.

"I had taken up an event there," he answered, "but some assholes decided to fuck up my night."

A short chuckle escaped him, "be grateful you're still alive. Me and my squad had cleared up the area later and there had been quite a number of casualties."

"I would have been one of them too if it weren't for Batgirl," he mumbled and though his voice was low, Richard had heard him clearly.

"Don't let this get infected," he remarked instead, pointing at the slightly reddening bandage, "because I know you won't let me take you to the hospital but at least make sure to take care of the wound yourself."

As expected, the word hospital sent a slight shudder through Neal but he composed himself rather well, "I've patched it up quite well. In fact by now I've grown accustomed to minor injuries. This is nothing, to be honest."

He shrugged, "just keep it minor then and don't do anything that will threaten to get you hurt majorly."

"Richard, you know me, I can't make any promises for that," the small smile on his features widened, ocher eyes twinkling as he watched the slight chuckle escape his friend again.

To others their acquaintanceship might seem weird for Richard was a GCPD Officer while Neal was a frequent name on the suspects list. But to them both, that strange acquaintanceship had evolved into a sort of friendship that neither of them wanted to break off.

"Thanks a lot for stopping by," Neal spoke up at last looking straight in his gentle blue eyes, "I really needed some good company at this moment."

"If you ever feel the need to have my company later on as well, just call."

"Thank you."

"Oh come on, you're making me think this injury messed up a little with your head as well," Richard remarked lightly, "who would have thought gratitude existed in your dictionary too?"

A mischievous glint shone in his ocher irises, "well, it does exist. I just don't show it often."

"Limited edition experience for special people, I presume?" He had raised an eyebrow skeptically though an amused grin was playing upon his lips.

Neal nodded in affirmation, "indeed."

***