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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2015 21:06:42 GMT -5
Barbara stopped her work and looked at her friend, feeling disheartened that she said something wrong about his past with Bruce. I'm sorry, Dick. That wasn't fair of me. We won't talk about Bruce anymore. God knows he can bring up a poor sentiment." She apologized in a solemn tone. It was this moment when Barbara decided she didn't want to be working anymore, despite that, she turned back to the computer and kept at it.
He was getting lighter, more talkative. She enjoyed it. Barbara even scoffed at the accusation that he had rubbed off on her. "Oh, in your wildest, dreams pixie boots! And I'll just keep calling you that until I find a more demeaning name for you." She smiled in a jest and balled her hand into a fist and playfully punched Dick's arm.
She needed this. Depression began to lift from her eyes, and Barbara felt at home for the first time in months. The fact that Dick allowed her to speak without judging her was liberating. At least it felt that he was, compared to Bruce who would only respond "Uh huh." Or "I see." She enjoyed her time with Nightwing. Even if it wasn't for very long.
"Well, now I can see you've been doing your homework. Can you blame me?" The hacker smiled, "The last time I saw you, you only knew minor C++, now this is super advanced by comparison."
Barbara's eyebrows raised. This started with Dick breaking into her housing, and her throwing books at him, now she was telling her deepest secrets to him. "Maybe you've heard of it. Maybe not. I've been trying to keep it on the down low." She took a deep breath and stopped typing to look at Dick.
"I am Oracle."
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Dick Grayson - Nightwing
Registered On: Nov 13, 2010 18:14:54 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 1,416
~ Relationship Status: Dating
~ Partner: Kory Anders
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Post by Dick Grayson - Nightwing on Jul 11, 2015 0:07:17 GMT -5
"Good luck with that. I know of several more from times with the Titans that you will never hear of," Dick retorted.
There had been a lot of names passed around between the Titans. And a lot of them like to use ones related to the old suit. Something that seemed to never be lived down. History was history, it had already come to pass. At least there were a lot of great times even with the nicknames that irritated him.
Dick looked at her as she complimented his work. "Can't go far in the vigilante works without knowing how to hack and reprogram a system without out being caught," he replied.
Barbara had really been opening up to him that night. He was glad to give her someone to talk to. She had not seemed in the greatest of spirits when he had first come across her that night. And at least the book toss had spotted for the night's events.
At revealing of the name, Dick just looked at her a bit puzzled.
"I can't recall if I have come across that name yet. I haven't run into the Birds of Prey of late," Dick gave a thumbs up point at the screen over his shoulder where he had seen the name appear earlier. "I'm assuming Bruce knew all this before me?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2015 18:37:09 GMT -5
"Ah, but for now I suppose Nightwing will do. You seem to think that's pretty cool, must make you feel all dark and gritty now, huh?" Barbara asked beaming up to him in confidence. "And I guess I'll have to ask them for one of those names some time. See which one sticks the most." Her persistant typing brought up several codes, ""Okay Nightwing.... these are the last few and I'll be done." When Barbara spoke the name, it just didn't feel right. Neither did Robin, but she knew she certainly couldn't call him "Grayson" through any intercom if she ever wanted to.
"Oh... the Birds of Prey. Yeah listen, that's just a project I'm working on. We haven't really took flight yet." Heh, took flight. Good one. "I only have one agent working internationally. Like I said, I can do more as Oracle than I could as Batgirl. Best part is, I'm not hiding in Batman's shadow anymore, I can use the internet as my mask. I'm sure you can relate." With mentioning her, she thought that she hadn't checked up on Dinah in a while, she had to make sure she wasn't dead, but that was after she was done dealing with Grayson's mainframe glitches. That is if he didn't decide to leave as soon as she was done. "Yeah, with the advent of technology, I'm sure everyone is getting into programming and hacking." Barbara mused in simple contemplation.
"Do you have a problem with that? I mean, he did pay for nearly everything here, so yes, I've been working pretty closely with Bruce lately." She was asking in the hope this wouldn't turn into a fight, "Bruce... was there for me. He blames himself.. even my dad blames himself. But they were around. They helped me get to where I am now. Where I'm comfortable with myself." Barbara almost said it in protest. In defiance and out of defense of her sharing her knowledge with those who she worked with, and was closest.
"There... you're all set, Grayson. I just hope this isn't the only reason why you decided to finally stop by and say hi." Barbara said pulling out from the computer desk and leaning into her chair as best as she could, given her handicap.
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Dick Grayson - Nightwing
Registered On: Nov 13, 2010 18:14:54 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 1,416
~ Relationship Status: Dating
~ Partner: Kory Anders
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Post by Dick Grayson - Nightwing on Jul 12, 2015 13:05:08 GMT -5
"Well, the name Bat-boy isn't exactly a name that was ever on my mind," Dick replied to her teasing over the new name.
He listened to her explain about the Birds of Prey. So there was someone on the team out there working for Oracle. This was going to be interesting. Up in this clock tower, Barbara had the perfect head quarters out of sight out of mind. The clock could be seen, but no one ever looked within the clock. The face of the clock looked out across the city. It seemed few people bothered to look up at the clock any more for the time. Not in this time with all the smartphones out there.
"At least it comes in handy. I mean of course in the right hands its best served," Dick commented over people learning the hack.
There was a lot of disaster that could happen from people using hacking for the wrong things. Society sees that day in day out. At least they were putting it to better use.
"No, no problem at all. Interesting he decided to keep this from some of us," Dick spoke a little bitterly over the fact that Bruce failed to mention that Barbara was still operating in the vigilante field. Though more so now behind a screen than on the street. He'd leave it at that. Dick and Bruce had there problems and past.
"Thanks Babs. An no, it wasn't my only reason for stopping by," Dick started in.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2015 9:37:12 GMT -5
Bat-boy? That was just mean, though Barbara couldn’t help from laughing. She thought it best not to prod on the subject any further, lest any other names happen to slip out. There was a possibility she could get use to calling him Nightwing on cases or missions, but there was no way she could ever get use to calling him “Bat-Boy.” Even as a joke.
She could sense the contention that Dick was promoting through his bitter voice, Barbara felt like she had to be the one to defuse the situation now. “We’re keeping this away from everyone, not just you. Timmy, Dad, the public. I said this is a low key op, even my Birds of Prey agent doesn’t even know my real name. If you ever wanted to see what I was up to, you knew how to find me. Just because I lost the ability to walk won’t keep me away from wanting to help.” The Hacker was felt herself puff up as a cat would in defense, she wanted to tell him how his absence hurt her, but felt it was a wildcard she’d hold onto if he decided to go rogue in the conversation.
”Alright so… what else are you here for, Grayson?”
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Dick Grayson - Nightwing
Registered On: Nov 13, 2010 18:14:54 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 1,416
~ Relationship Status: Dating
~ Partner: Kory Anders
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Post by Dick Grayson - Nightwing on Jul 22, 2015 7:22:00 GMT -5
Dick listened to Barbara's explanation as to why he had not been in the loop on this new series of operation she had taken up. Bruce was notorious for not updating them on new information. Then again, maybe he was right as far as the idea to protect those identities and line of work. Sometimes such information could jeopardize others.
That was common sense within the family to protect each others identities. Though when it came to what Barbara might be up to, that could be a sore subject as far as the how identity revealing.
Finding this out from Barbara himself was a better way to know what was going on. That and he needed to keep in touch with Barbara.
"I should have figured you'd be up to your old tricks. Can't keep you away from work like the rest of us," Dick replied jokingly.
The next question, he knew was coming. Business was not the only reason he had come to visit with...Oracle.
"I wanted to check in on you. Ya know, see how you were doing," Dick said.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2015 9:41:40 GMT -5
The commissioner’s daughter cracked a smile. She remembered the first year as Batgirl, so young, so brash, she had spunk above all. To an extent, she was still that girl who was defiant to the end. Barbara would make a bad decision every now and then, but it was always a decision she would never regret. “Batman knew that when you guys took me to the cave for the first time.” The redhead felt her defenses lowering, at the tone of Dick’s voice. He was probably doing it on purpose. It was the same tone he used when they were closer, more intimate with each other. Dick was probably doing it on purpose, because the first image that came to her in her mind’s eye was them together in bed. Half of her wanted to ask about Kory, the other half wanted him to just leave her alone and stop patronizing her with such involuntary memories.
“Well,” she said weakly, but keeping a smirk at the very least, “now you know, Grayson.” Barbara sat back as if to exemplify her wheelchair’s presence. Like an elephant in the room, it was something neither of them wanted to talk about, but her nature wouldn’t allow a decent conversation. Not if she could help it.
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Dick Grayson - Nightwing
Registered On: Nov 13, 2010 18:14:54 GMT -5 ~
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Post by Dick Grayson - Nightwing on Aug 17, 2015 19:22:31 GMT -5
"Kind of figured," Dick commented about how Batman knew what to expect from the beginning.
Bruce always tried to anticipate everything that was going to happen in everyone's lives in some ways. Not so much as protecting them as well. It was a game of Russian Roulette at time within the Bat-family. Almost seeming to have to watch your step at times as well around Bruce, or you might be the one on the chopping block. Dick could relate to that on many occasions.
At Barbara's display of her wheelchair, Dick wasn't sure exactly what to say at first. Though it had been plain to see from the start of his visit, the wheelchair, he had heard about this from Alfred. And he had kept tabs on her well being through the dear old man.
What was his reason for not coming sooner?
"Not exactly what I meant, Babs," Dick retorted.
Rubbing the back of his neck, his eyes had glanced over the wheelchair briefly and returned to Barbara's own eyes. "I wanted to know how you were adjusting to all of this," finally letting the true words out.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2015 13:14:10 GMT -5
Her wounds were still fresh, and he was asking how she was adjusting. How did he think she was adjusting? How would anyone adjust? It was a fair question, still it was something she didn’t like to dwell on it, but it seemed like it was all she did these days. “Grayson, I-…” She said before she couldn’t help but choke up. Get it together Babs, don’t cry in front of him; last thing he needs to see is your waterworks. “It’s different.” she said in a curt fashion and turned her head away to break the uncomfortable eye contact. The redhead could feel her heart rate increase; it was strange, when she would face thugs and monsters twice her size, it didn’t scare her as much as the question Dick had posed to her.
“I’ll find a way, but I’m adjusting just fine. You have to plan every move when you’re a cripple. Some things are harder than others, but I just miss the small things. Taking a bath and changing the dials of the faucet with my toes, I miss dancing, and rollerblading in Robinson Park. The hardest thing is letting that all go so suddenly, and coming to terms that I’m not getting that back.”
She didn’t like being long winded, and verbose; hell, Dick was barely speaking. Maybe he was taking in everything she was saying, but whatever the case, she just enjoyed his company. It had been a long time since she had that. Barbara’s glassy eyes and monologue made her tear up, still avoiding eye contact; she wiped her eyes before glancing back at him and his boyish charm. “Yeah, that’s uhh-… that’s pretty much it, Grayson.”
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Dick Grayson - Nightwing
Registered On: Nov 13, 2010 18:14:54 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 1,416
~ Relationship Status: Dating
~ Partner: Kory Anders
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Post by Dick Grayson - Nightwing on Sept 12, 2015 19:51:23 GMT -5
Dick had been silenced by her words. He hadn't thought about it on those terms. The adjustment from losing all the small things. The small things he would also take for granite as well as anyone else. This really set him back a bit. Now he was feeling like a jerk, not coming to visit with her sooner.
How long had she shut herself away like this? He had no idea when she had actually gotten out of the hospital. Some friend...
The hint of movement and her tone was enough to suggest she had worked herself up into tears. At least what tears she would let shed. Barbara was a strong woman. Possible one of the strongest he knew. Especially to be facing such a life changing event for her.
He was glad to see her glancing back at him as he had been standing silent.
"I never really stopped to think of it in those terms," Dick spoke honestly.
He didn't really want to stay on this subject. Though it was probably best for Barbara to let it out and have someone there to listen. And Dick was glad to be that person. Sure Bruce had been kind enough to visit and all, but his emotions could only go so far. Dick knew how to touch home on another level with Barbara. He knew her very well.
"I'll still find a way to let you experience the trapeze. I promised long ago and I will hold to my word," Dick replied.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2015 15:17:27 GMT -5
“I’m fine,” she said waving off the impression that she was at all emotional about it, “one of the first things you get taught as a kid is that life isn’t fair. I guess it’s cliché of me to say it, but it is what it is.” Barbara pondered out loud; something she didn’t really have the luxury of without looking silly. Though at times, it didn’t stop her.
The redhead scoffed at the promise Dick made; she couldn’t help but smile even if it might be an empty promise. The thought of the wind rushing through her hair once again was a good thought, who knows, he owned a circus, they both just needed to find the time to do it. He always did give the best gifts.
“We’ll see about that, Grayson.” Barbara smiled warmly at him, and just took him in, enjoying his company.
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Dick Grayson - Nightwing
Registered On: Nov 13, 2010 18:14:54 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 1,416
~ Relationship Status: Dating
~ Partner: Kory Anders
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Post by Dick Grayson - Nightwing on Nov 10, 2015 0:22:14 GMT -5
Dick knew "I'm fine" was just a cover up. Everyone said that when they didn't want people to know the truth of how one was really feeling. To try and convince those around that there was no need to draw attention to themselves.
Dick wouldn't believe her. He knew her better than that. Barbara had so much going for her with all these lesson and practice and new skills she was developing.
There was a sense that she didn't believe he would follow through with his promising. Well she going to be mistaken.
"You chose the day and time of which you want to head to the circus. I have some business I must to attend to when I get the chance to," Dick lied. Though he wanted to take her.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2015 10:46:55 GMT -5
The redhead smiled at him; she felt like even though they’ve been through so much, being around him was like being in a safehouse. You had to eventually come out of it. “Alright, former Boy Wonder.” Barbara smiled, leaning back into her chair and inhaling deeply before speaking again. “I’ll hold you to it, just remember: I never forget. Now… you go do your thing. You know where to find me if you need anything.”
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Dick Grayson - Nightwing
Registered On: Nov 13, 2010 18:14:54 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 1,416
~ Relationship Status: Dating
~ Partner: Kory Anders
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Post by Dick Grayson - Nightwing on Nov 10, 2015 19:06:27 GMT -5
"Now why would I forget," Dick commented.
He smirked. Barbara knew him better than that. It wasn't likely he'd forget her traits of memory. And he wouldn't anytime soon.
"And you know how to reach me," Dick replied to Barbara.
Dick smiled at Barbara at their agreement for a day at the circus. He had promised her long ago. And he would keep his word. He never wanted to let Barbara down again.
Maybe this was his way of making it up to her in ways for what he had done in the past. Not really. Barbara was like family, and he just wanted to see her happy.
"See ya round then," Dick gave a casual solute gesture with his hand as he started to walk away backwards at first toward a window.
And to think, that night had started off with Barbara trying to hit him with books (which she had slight success). Now, they were charting up a storm as if nothing had happened as usual between them.
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