---- Dick ----

When Dick's eyes slipped open they were dull and fixated on the familiar empty space beside him. He bit his lips harshly, nipping away the taste of Jason, and rolled over with new angry energy. He growled to himself, bringing his knees to his chest and resisting the strong urge to bite his nails. He humorlessly laughed to himself, wondering why he was feeling this way until it was the only torturess thought his mind could manage.

The space beside him had been filled by dozens of people in his life, he'd woken up next to Wally- one of the few who had the privilege of waking up with Dick- drifted off with Barbara at his side, Shifted in Roy's arms, and countless more. He'd done this before- hell, he still did this- so why? Why did every night with Jason feel like he the world had come to a screeching halt so that they could kiss? Just until last month- before he started this stupid routine with Jason- he'd wondered if he was in love with Wally.

Now he was just getting sappy.

Taking an angry breath Dick threw the covers off, swaying through the clutter of his room and into the built-on bathroom. After a much needed and burning shower, the water pelting his skin rhythmically, Dick was back to buzzing with a sense of anger and confusion, aggressively securing a towel around his waist. Dick ran his fingers through damp and messy dark hair, sweeping it out of his face, only for a few stray strands to fall back over his eyes. 

He let his hands settle on the cool counter, crowded with duel toothbrushes belonging to him and Wally- the only other person to have a toothbrush in his bathroom and a drawer in his dresser- cloths, and a spare razor. Brushing his teeth and skipping shaving took most of his energy and by the time he was collapsing back on his bed, a few water droplets falling off his sore shoulders and soaking into the sheets, he wanted nothing more than to curl up and fall back asleep, preferable for a few days.

But, the life of Nightwing was not to lull and just because he had the day off didn't mean there wasn't work to be done. Lazily raising his hand and retrieving his cell phone from the shaky bedside table he checked his calls, both hero and civilian.

He had a spare message or two from friends, one from Alfred, reminding him about dinner the coming Friday, and Wally asking if there was anything he wanted to do that night. But, no emergency alerts, which meant that, at the moment, Gotham, Blüdhaven, Jump, and the world were all safe. No wonder he was out of his mind stressed.

With a heavy sigh, Dick pulled himself away from his bed and dressed in loose-fitting clothing, preparing for a day of finishing case's, emailing with Tim, and listening to police chatter.

Alone.