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Nothing ever really changes that much between every alternate version of reality. Sure you can end up in a few worlds where the sky is not really blue. But it is hard to erase ALL of the existing reality patterns at once. Like a sudoku, once you found the set variables it made understanding the multiverse easier. And Gotham is a constant example of that. It doesn't matter what world you go to, the city is crime ridden and dangerous. With something even more sinister at play, the place is cursed after all. And you hate having to come here. Especially after barely escaping the vampire's in the other world...
As much as you want to forget it ever happened, you know the dark worlds will always haunt you. Forever most likely. Despite your feelings about this city, it doesn't change the fact it holds something you need. And if you want to get home you have to find it. Before you die alone in a universe where no one knows you. Where no one could ever understand let alone love you.
-
At roughly 9pm one of the two face goons knock's on your door, letting you know to get your ass ready before you are left behind. "I'll be ready in a damn minute". You yell back before throwing on your cheap shoes and coat. If you have something valuable, chances are you would have to fight to keep it. Which isn't something you want to be doing in this world. It's upsetting to you that you've gotten used to working with thugs.
You wonder if you didn't end up in this situation what would you have done with your life? Become a doctor like your family wanted? Could they even recognize the person you were now? Only a sliver of who you used to be left, you felt like the husk of a damaged teddy bear. Even if you've changed in every possible way. They would still love you right? That's what families were supposed to be at the very core right? Filled with unconditional love.
If you find the reactor's missing piece tonight maybe you can test out if that sentiment is true or not. When your name is brought up you begin to pay attention to the gang again. "The kid has got to go tonight". One of the men says pointing to you.
The newest Robin isn't an easy mark. But this is a test- it's not about your skill levels actually. A tactic to see if your loyalty is up to their standard. If not, you're out of the gang and swimming with the fishes.
The group needs to know you are willing to kick the quite literal hornets nest. Or rather bat nest, you suppose. Do bats even have nests? You keep pondering alone in your thoughts. Waiting for the kid to show up. When there finally is a noise coming from the alley way you look towards the shadows.
"It's about time Robin, did Batman finally set up a curfew?". You say hoping it's enough to gode him into coming at you angry enough it's easier for your to dodge him. But it isn't Robin who shows up the spot tonight- no it's Nightwing. "Sorry but Robin and Batman are off planet- you are stuck with me".
And before you can continue off of his little banter. You run away from Nightwing so fast it makes your head dizzy. All you can think of is escaping from him… but in your hamster mind somehow that equates to hiding in a spot where you think no one can reach you.
-
Nightwing has never had someone hyperventilating at the mere sight of him. It's not a pleasant experience to say the least. He tries to coax you out from under the desk. But nothing is working, he calls for backup after he realizes there's no way he can help you.
It doesn't take his brother's very long to show up to see the person who fled from Nightwing. And it usually would be worth a laugh as they helped you recover from your fear, and sent you on your way even if it's clear you are a part of a gang. But tonight is different. Red Robin almost instantly gets on your level in the crawl space. He holds your hand, his gentle touch is not new to you. In most universes you come across he's sweet- even if he has all but lost his own mind. That's still not something that ever really leaves him.
"Follow my breathing pattern ok?". He tells you and it works. Likely because it's not the first time he has had to do this with you. In another world he found you terrified, probably on the verge of death if you couldn't calm down enough to think.
Now isn't too different, you suppose.
All you can think about is how you watched what that world's Nightwing had done to him. Unable to stop anything that happened after that. All you could do was abandon that universe before it came crashing down. But you listen to his breaths and soon enough do you really calm down. He guides you out from your hiding spot with ease. But he doesn't ever let go of your hand.
"Any clue what that was about?". Nightwing asks. "What are you hoping some fear toxin is to blame?". Red hood asks, thinking the situation is finally payback.
"No toxins or pollen involved. I already checked their vitals- they just aren't from here". He tells the others, before they can start arguing. Red robin still is looking you over. For what you can't guess. It's a little unsettling how quickly he always figures out about you..
It's sort of a blur after that. All you really know is that you get wrapped in a blanket like a malnourished kitten.
And what's even worse is that you don't fight any of this even once. Even if Nightwing is still in the room- as long as he doesn't make sudden moves and keeps a reasonable distance you are fine. Rationally you know he isn't really him. And besides the few rotten Apples, Nightwing's often are always just as lawfully good as a person can get- besides Superman. Usually. But your mind can't make sense of that logic sometimes. Your pain is still too fresh.
You take another sip of hot chocolate and slowly come back to reality. "I don't know why you both have to rub this in my face". Nightwing says, all but glowering in the corner of Hood's hideout.
"It's not like we are trying to rub this in. It's not our fault that they obviously are still scared of you Dickhead- so no cuddles". Red Hood says, mockingly. You fall asleep soon after their voices are a
-
Your cellphone's chiming noise goes off, waking you. You know what exactly what that sounds means. The final piece of the reactor is close by- which doesn't make sense… Your nerves are a mess once more trying to figure out what that could possibly mean. Before you can jump to conclusions, someone's voice calls out to you. "You awake kid?". Nightwing asks so softly it makes some part of your chest hurt. You hum in response. "How long have I been out?".
"Only few hours- we did go through your phone just so you know. We know that all you need to go home is the reactor's energy source". He says it all like it's not much of an important task, Nightwing might as well have gotten you groceries from the store. You can't stop yourself from reaching out your hand to his shoulder. He is a good person- one who shouldn't have had to deal with you behaving like that.
"I am really sorry about what I did earlier".
"You don't have to explain yourself if you don't want to". He tells you and honestly, it shocks you. How easily you can accept his words. never once considering the fact they could be a lie. In any other world, you would have been made to recount your pain. No one has ever trusted you enough to accept silence before.
-
It feels like time is moving slowly. But it's only been about a week of you being kept busy by building the reactor that will send you home. Once you have the machine set up, all you have to do is kick the power on and you get to go home. But part of you really, really doesn't want to leave. Though you know you have to go. Unless you wanted all that pain and bloodshed you faced to have been for nothing.
"We are gonna miss you, so much". The boys all hug you tightly, they almost don't let you go. And a part of you can't blame them.
You have never bonded to anyone like this before in your entire miserable life. For a week you got to spend time with your found family in the truest sense of the word. The only group that understood you, the real you- broken parts and all. After having a moment to breathe- like Tim taught you, you are focused and in the moment once more. At least you are collected for that quick moment before you see Batman lurking in the shadows by the door. Batman has never been someone you have run into in your many multiverse travels. He is a lot scarier than you ever thought him to be. You know that look in his eyes, the one that means you don't get to leave. You turn to your boys hopeful. And for a moment they are defensive of you. Ready to fight if there's a threat to be made against you.
"They can't leave". He says, giving them a look that quickly ruins what was a fairly sweet moment. Dick is the first to get a hold of you, Jason helps him hold you down without being too rough. "That isn't any of your choices to make! I am going home". You yell, rage building up inside of you. "Yes it is. I'm not damning you to return to a world that doesn't exist anymore". You hear the words- but any way of understanding what he means is lost on you. That can't be right. Or even a possibility. Batman has to be lying.
"Let me go home". You keep crying, trying to get away from the tight grip he has on you. You fight tooth and nail to get away from the touch had your whole being feeling safe for the first time in years. They don't let you go.
In the end it's Tim who destroys the reactor. And you can't look away from the mangled mess it was reduced to.
"I just wanted to go home".