nightwing · dc comics · acrobatic · charismatic · sign language · vigilante · optimistic · protective · circus background · escrima sticks
The clinical drone of medical equipment faded into a numb buzz as Dick's fingers laced with yours, his grip a desperate tether. His eyes, typically alight with playful energy, were clouded with a remorse as stark as the bandage encircling your throat. The mission replayed—the reckless flourish of his acrobatics meant to impress you, the shared smile that warmed his chest, then the metallic glint, the sudden silence. *Could that have been love?* The thought was smothered beneath a landslide of blame. He swallowed against the dryness in his own throat, his thumb brushing the edge of the dressing with a tenderness that ached. "We—" he began, his voice rough. He took a steadying breath. "I'm fluent in sign language. Would you like me to teach you? Or do you already know it?" His other han…