Never Ending [Batgirl]

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Back in Gotham City. Not unusual for Nightwing of late. Missions and small work that added up for the Outsiders. Not like he had his own town to deal with.

He was finding himself pulling double shifts now with the new team around. Not that he minded all that much. He managed to juggle the work rather well.

Though, he was limiting his time in Gotham as much as he could. Which was having an effect on his close family members. In part, the bats. It was being coming more rare of him to be sighted in Wayne Manor to visit with his little brother.

And to Dick, spending time with Tim was on his top ten to do list when it came to current times. Tim could use all the fun he could get. Knowing what it was like to grow up in Wayne Manor, it was always nice to have an outlet of loss training.

As for Bruce. He saw him enough. That or he was mentioned a lot within the group talks within the Outsiders. The title of Gargoyle was the given name lately since Supergirl joined the team. He'd even caught Roy using it from time to time.

Then there was Barbara. Dick hardly got the chance to see her other than running into her at the cave. Every now and again, he'd hear Babs over the comm-links if he was in town. Though his work kept him at one end while she was on the other.

Tonight would be a chance for them to actually be in one spot. As for how long? That all depended on who showed up and how things go down.

Nightwing was perched on the highest building of the East block. And old warehouse in sight as well as many smaller local businesses.

The warehouse stored many goods, but it was the smaller storage facility that had his attention. Stolen goods and guns where the word on the street.

As for tackling these thugs, it wouldn't hurt to have some back up. And that was why Nightwing had contacted Batgirl to join him on this one.

Not for the help mainly, but for the company as well.

[Deleted]

Almost surprised that Dick had reached out to her to assist him on this particular mission, she couldn’t help but supply her tongue with several witty comments to throw towards her familiar friend once they pleasantly reunited. A familiar mix of excitement and adrenaline bubbled up inside the teenager as she slipped into her skin-tight batsuit and fastened her utility belt around her tiny waist. Her suit was so tight it almost appeared as though it was airbrushed on her fit frame. The mask that hid the upper half of her face seemed to restore a confidence that often vanished the instant it was removed.

Ditching her trusty motorcycle, she stuck to the empty rooftops of Gotham, quickly finding herself on the east in within a half an hour. Her heart raced as she scaled walls and used the night and shadows to disguise her as a smile played on her nude lips.

Noticing Dick’s silhouette, her smile only doubled in size. She wanted to give him a hug, but refrained and instead approached him quietly. “I’m surprised that you took a break from your new team to do something with little old me!” She teased, peering over the edge of the building. "How are they all doing anyway? I actually went out with Star the other night, don't worry... we totally did talk about you." She sent a playful wink from behind her mask. As much as she was overjoyed at their reunion, she knew that they were not here to engage in a bit of small talk. “Alright, you didn’t give me much detail earlier, what are we doing tonight?”

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick could hear the foot fall near by. Though was not alarmed. From the rhythm and pace, he could identify it as soon one light and trying to remain unseen. There was only one person he was expecting to pay him a visit on that rooftop. And he knew who it was.

He have a sideways glance in her direction for a moment. This was business at the time. They would have plenty of time for their bantering later.

He was always straight to the point when it come to his work.

"The two powerhouses are on patrol for most of the night," Dick replied.

Mainly referring to Supergirl and Starfire being able to handle things. But he was on call if he was needed. He had to give some attention to the individual work as well. And he make a point of that with Arsenal early on in the joining of the team.

"I'm sure there was a lot to catch up on," he retorted over the girls talking about him.

He could only image what they would talk about, he rolled his eyes.

"A well set strategy of thugs in the warehouse. All concealed weapons are within the cargo. The usual. Though these are weapons headed for my town from Gotham. The job is to shut them down, leave them with a message. And by far get those weapons out of their hands," he replied to Barbara's question.

"Think you can handle that," he teased. Finally giving her a slight smile.

[Deleted]

She couldn’t remember how long it had been since she had laid eyes on that particular pairing of black and blue. The smile was ever-present on her face as he silently approached him, following his masked gaze to the scene below them in order to get her own idea of what was going on. “Oh there was. It was a pretty good time though. I might have gotten a little out of control but it was all in good fun.” Though she wanted to recap the night and hold some secrets over his head, she allowed the subject to drop, knowing that it was much too dangerous to discuss personal lives given their location.

“Cute pet names. I'd love to hear what you call me” She bantered, fully aware of what he was saying. Kory and Kara. Hand on her cocked hip; she glanced below at his instruction, listening intently to the layout. She couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the enemy’s strategy, feeling as though it honestly never varied. This wasn’t going to be difficult as long as they both managed to keep their heads about them. One tiny mistake could result in a whole unwanted chain of events. However, with years of experience under both of their belts there was little room for doubt at this point.

With an almost devious smirk, she managed a chuckle. “I think I’ve got it. Same thing, different day...these guys really are not creative are they? It’s you I worry about.” With a playful wink, she started toward the edge of the building where they currently stood. "I’ll cover the left; you the right and we meet in the middle? Or go from the roof and work our way inside out?” She waited for his answer before they sprang into action; Babs was already able to feel her heart pumping and adrenaline racing familiarly through her veins.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Keep to the business Batgirl," Nightwing replied.

Which in translation meant, he has names but isn't going to say them. This was Dick Grayson. He had his different sides of affection toward people. He was usually laid back and had away to stay in control.

After the last few months, he had considerable returned to his usual self. Less stress and more relaxed. This was the Nightwing that would talk more. Unlike the brooding he had been going through. Main reason was for having Kory back and like slowly returning to some what of a normal schedule.

"They never are," Nightwing returned. "I didn't know you cared that way towards me." The teasing was only beginning between the two of them.

Nightwin heard her words and glance back down into the group. "Center out, but keep it a tag team. We'll be able to take them out faster and make our way inside," he commented.

By the word of 'our way' Nightwing was already on the ledge and had jumped down from the roof. He knew Babs wouldn't be far off beat wise. This was what they did.

They'd surprise them all. And in his free fall, he used his side gliders to help slow him up for the landing and pulled out his escrima sticks. "Now," Nightwing spoke as they would be on the ground. He would lunge forward into action.

[Deleted]

“Is that what we’re calling it now?” She muttered under her breath, but obliged. Despite how much she didn’t want to admit it, he was right. Batgirl was being highly unprofessional at the moment, something she wouldn’t have attempted with anyone other than himself. Her current attitude could result in a world of trouble for the two of them and could place anyone currently discussed in a world of trouble.

Rolling her eyes from behind her mask at his quip back, she couldn’t help but surrender at this point. “Oh, please.” She said with an undeniable smile. He was more like a brotherly figure toward her than anything – wasn’t he? Shaking her head, Batgirl wasn’t going to dwell on the idea any longer. Despite how much she did miss him, perhaps it was best that they weren’t working directly together anymore; it was putting her off her game.

Nodding at his plan, she opened her mouth to argue, but then fell silent. It was a pretty solid idea, though it differed from her own. Then again, he didn’t exactly give her time to reply before they were propelling down the length of the building, sticking to the shadows and allowing the darkness to conceal them as they approached their targets.

Her thoughts still semi distracted, she wasn’t sure how he kept such a level head. That hadn’t as much as spoken in weeks and he was simply acting like everything was back to normal? Perhaps she was just thinking about things too much, and was sure to affect her thinking. Rather than reaching for her belt and grabbing one of her trusty gadgets to assist her, she accidentally grabbed a handful of smoke bombs, tossing them into the direction of those on patrol.

She swore to herself, as the smoke bombs began to deploy, causing an unwanted scene to unfold. The undesired attention that neither of them wanted seemed to result in such a foolish action. She sent Dick a look before the smoke concealed both of him, her eyes apologizing without saying any words. However, there wasn’t time for regrets. The redhead jumped into the chaos, relying on her abilities rather than weapons at this point.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

It was a quick note that their cover was now blown as they had ascended into the alley. Nightwing just gave Batgirl a slight questioning look over her actions.

He could tell something was up with Batgirl. She was usually a little more well put together than this. Sure between the two of them they had their off moments. But he could tell something else was eating at her. Maybe he was over reading her?

Though it wasn't hard for him to pick up on others within the team. He knew strongly from working with Tim as well. Something might be up. He'd address it after the mission.

Nightwing would just roll with it as usually. Adaption was something Nightwing was good with. Always staying on his toes. He sprung into action as he landed within the clouded area and went in, escrima sticks ready. Right a way he took to the attack taking on defense mode when Batgirl was in close range with her goons.

"Batgirl! One o'clock," he called at her as he could see a figure through the smog coming at her with a crowbar.

He didn't have time himself at the moment to step in with his hands full blockage off a goon of his own with a tire iron being swung at him. He knew the guns had yet to come since they caught them so off guard.

[Deleted]

She was off her game, and she knew that he would be able so sense it as well.

She tried to tune out everything, putting her emotions on hold as she focused. Batgirl had foolishly hindered their situation by that addition of smoke, causing them to rely on their highly developed senses to carry on. Stealth had flown out the window as the smoke attracted the attention of other goons that seemed to be circling the perimeter. They pair were significantly outnumbered but thankfully they were not as keen as our pair of masked heroes.

Nightwing seemed to be handling himself rather capably. Dodging the attacker with the crowbar, she managed to trip him and send his large figure tumbling to the ground. With a bit of force she kicked the crowbar from his hand, sending it skidding across the dock and out of sight into the smoky abyss.

The pair worked in complete tandem, temporarily rendering each attacker harmless as the smoke slowly began to fade. However, the scene still managed to attract a great deal of attention. Only a few in the mix seemed to actually have some sort of skill or technique. Batgirl found herself surrounded, forced to disclose which of those around her would be the weakest link and easiest to take out first. She was still a bit out of it, not living up to her usual self.

She allowed herself to get lost in her thoughts once more, only to be ripped from them with a painful blow to the shoulder. The force alone caused her to fall to the ground. She winced in pain, but moved to get up. Most of the smoke had faded now, and she felt a large hand seize a handful of her red hair. Batgirl was more than qualified to free herself from such a position, until she felt the barrel of a gun press against her cheek. "Nightwing!"

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Nightwing could heard the near by commotion of his sparring partner at that time. The sound of movement and the collision with the goons they took on. Sure he had his own to deal with, but he was well alert to their surrounding in the blinding fog they created....by accident.

All a matter of mind over matter. Take advantage of a bad situations. Always think on your feet. Always have a back up plan. All the things he had learned long ago always played in his head like a broken record.

Left, right, side, side, kick, step, back, duck, Repeated motions between the striking of the thugs and Nightwing. It was almost a dance.

One Nightwing could keep easy pace to. All those years of training were't for nothing. And he was one of the quickest in the Bat-family when it comes to movement. Maybe at time in reaction time compare to Batman.

Acrobatic background pays off. But even the Bat knew him too well to let someone he trained slip through the cracks.

It continued on. In what felt like minutes, was only seconds. And his ears caught wave of sounds from Batgirl's fight. It was not fairing well when he heard a goon's slight laugh.

And within seconds, he heard his name being called by Batgirl.

Nightwing took out another thug near him before he had cleared space around him.

And as the fog around them started to disperse, Nightwing needed to take action. Taken advantage of the blind spots.

The seconds all seemed to plan in slow-motion to him as he charged in. He was closing in quickly. He threw a line out, getting it wrapped around Batgirl's one wrist. At the same time, a wingding was send at the gunman's hand. At this it would cause the gunman surprise and to let go of Batgirl. And hopefully enough pain to drop the gun.

Though Nightwing went charging in as he pulled as hard as he could on the line to pull Batgirl out of harms way. At least away from the barrel of the gun. Nightwing jumped at the thug to knock into him.

[Deleted]

She sent an elbow to the large man’s gut as he pulled tighter on her hair, his hand dangerously close to the hidden clasp on her mask. Batgirl winced slightly when her elbow collided with his torso, only to have pain blossom once more. He seemed to be wearing some sort of armor or padding that had gone unnoticed by the redhead. She blushed, feeling as though she was making a fool of herself. What was with her? She was sure to hear a lecture on this one later. The redhead felt another set of hands on her, then another.

This really wasn’t good.

As if that were not enough, the thread of the gun pressed against her face was terrifying, but not an unfamiliar feeling. She was not one to beg; instead she racked her brain for an escape. Calling for Dick seemed to be her only option, despite the fact that she had intended of escaping this one herself. Thankfully, he pulled through as always, gaining the attention of the two that had recently attempted to capture the redhead as they lounged for him.

The tight, wire coiled around her wrist, catching her slightly by surprise. With a harsh pull, she found herself ripped from the clutches of her captor. Feeling several hairs painfully detach from her scalp. She was flung toward Nightwing, the wire leaving thick marks encircling her wrist. Though she would surely deal with the questionable marks later, she didn’t complain. After all, he had just saved her. Giving him a look to indicate her thanks, she didn’t wait for him to retract it before she engaged in another fight.

Using the line wrapped around her wrist to clothesline one of her attackers and briefly choke another until he slipped into unconsciousness.

She was back.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

He acted first that time before thinking it through, but things seemed to be working out in his favor.

The gun was dropped to the ground. Batgirl was out of harms way. And now he his foot was in some thug's face.

He was relieved to hear the sounds of a brawl going on in the background again. Knowing instinctively that Batgirl was back on her feet. And showing that fiery side redheads tended to have. He should know.

After colliding with the first man, he had taken down the second with a spin kick, pushing off the man's face to flip over head of another thug. He was going bared handed for now. He'd pull out the escrima sticks if he through it was necessary.

Nightwing threw punch after punch. With ease, bringing those thugs to the ground. All in a night's work as usual.

It was during another movement when two men tried to take him on. It was hard to blind side Nightwing, but these guys didn't even tag team and seemed to know what they were doing.

He could tell they had more formal training by the way they were blocking him and returning attacks. But he was far beyond their training and experience in more than one way.

Thought these are street thugs so cheeping is to be expected. The one man managed to grab his arms from behind him when he saw the chance. And as Nightwing went to swing him over and off his back toward the other man, the other man came charging in.

Ducking the other now, thrown thug and took a swing at Nightwing, knocking the breath out of him and then their was a sharp pain in Nightwing's side.

He took no notice of it at first, his main concern being to get these two men out and away from him.

As soon as Nightwing could, he pulled out his escrima sticks and hit them together sending out a charge toward the first closest person to him. Then he leapt at the other man, turning quickly to hit him in the gut and shock him in the back.

That would keep those two out for a while.

And it looked like most if not, all the goons were out for the night.

Nightwing looked toward where he would have hopes that Batgirl had finished up on time as well. He usually wasn't disappointed.

He few a slight twinge in his side again. Dick knew something was wrong when he could feel the cool night air along the side of his ribcage. He ran his hand down along the lower part of his chest to the right side to find the man had managed to penetrate his armored suit.

And he wasn't surprised with the slight amount of pain, that he would find blood. There wasn't much coming through the suit at that time as the layer before the exterior of the suit would face that yet.

There was now a good amount of blood on the finger tips of his left glove. The one blue tips now show a slight crimson red to them.

It didn't feel like the knife the guy had pulled had been able to pierce far enough to cause any major damage. Another scar maybe.

Nightwing look to Batgirl. "Time to regroup on the rooftops," he asked.

Just his way to get them to carry on with any more work for the night she might want to accomplish.

[Deleted]

The moment she had mananged to free herself, she was swarmed with attackers who had all clearly underestimated her. She could hear the ongoing struggle with Dick and two goons that seemed much more experienced than some of the other attackers. Though she mananged to steal glances in his direction to make sure he was still okay, she prepared to step in if need only to be engaged in yet another fight with yet another thug. Where were all of these guys coming from? Heaps of unconscious attackers began to litter the ground, some stirring and preparing to get back up.

How much time had it been? It felt like they were going on an hour and her body was really starting to feel it. Regardless, she pushed through and mananged to fight until the end without getting herself contained or captured once more. The bright lights from Nightwing’s sticks grabbed her attention. When they finally had a moment to talk, she put her hands on her hips as she attempted to collect herself. Her wrist was bleeding from the wire that had wrapped tightly around her wrists, but it was that verse being shot in the face. At this point, she would rather be encased with the harsh wire than have her brains splattered all over the ground.

Batgirl simply nodded at his question, and started toward the skyline. In a matter of moments she found herself on the lonely rooftop and she knew he would be right behind her. “I almost forgot you have your glowstick Tasers...” She couldn’t help but torment as if a way to ease into her apology. “Thanks for that back there. You alright?” Batgirl asked, looking him over.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Nightwing hot on her tail. It was easy for these two bat members to scale a building in seconds. Not surprisingly given they had almost grown up working together for so many years.

So much had gone on between them, more than just teammates or friends. Regardless of what might have happened between them in the past, they always seemed to be able to put it behind them and carry on where they left off as teammates. They were like family.

Once they got to the rooftops, Nightwing took the bait. "It's call an escrima stick," he said, not all too seriously.

He wondered what she was up to. She should have called for back up on a gang like those guys down there. Sure they were a joke when Batman took them on. But that was Batman.

It wasn't that she was out numbered, but more the fact that she had gone into the mission with her mind on other things rather than the work at hand. Not a smart move on her part.

"No problem," Nightwing responded to the first statement.

At the next, he took his hand off his side again and saw slight bit more blood. "Eh, nothing a few stitches can't handle," he said.