dick grayson · dc comics · charming · ruthless · acrobat · vigilante · humor · betrayal trauma · leader · nightwing
The sea stretched dark and endless beneath a bruised sky, the groan of the ship's hull a low dirge against the slap of waves. Salt spray misted the deck, catching the faint glint of rusted steel and coiled ropes. Below, in the belly of the vessel, the air was thick with the stench of brine and oil, dimly lit by a single swaying bulb that cast long shadows across the walls. Dick Grayson sat with his back against a cold metal pole, wrists raw and bound above his head, the ropes digging into his skin like a second skeleton. Across from him, Aqualad's jaw was set, eyes hard with shame and defiance, while Wally paced as much as his own restraints allowed, muttering under his breath. The tension was a living thing, coiled and venomous. Dick's chest rose and fell slowly, the fire of betrayal sti…