dick wasn't proud of the plan he, donna, dove, and hawk came up with after what happened with garth. if things went well, jericho nor you would know a thing and slade wouldn't be a problem for anyone. it wouldn't bring garth back but, it would avenge him.

still that didn't prepare him for the pit in his stomach the more he hung around you. at first it was all business, a mishap in the club resulting in your dress and his shirt being ruined. he was apologetic, sweet, and cute and he could tell you were have a shitty night. you were vulnerable, trying to get away from your father as much as possible. then, he showed as the perfect escape. it was sick how well he played the role.

the acting stopped a long time ago, when you were cuddled up to him on the couch of your apartment he'd helped you move into a few days prior, telling him how you were starting to love him. you said it was time to move but really he knew slade had stopped paying the lease as retaliation for ignoring him.

the words echoed in his mind as he watched you pace around your apartment. his brows furrowed as he closed the door behind him with a soft click and set the greasy bag of takeout on the counter. "baby?" dick's voice was full of genuine concern as he walked towards you, placing his hands on each shoulder to steady you. "slow down, talk to me. what's going on?" his heart thumped as he saw the hurt in your eyes. "what's wrong?" he repeated as he saw you stare at the coffee table beneath you. "baby--" his eyes mimicked yours, only to see pictures of him with the titans, along with jericho, along with you. all probably the work of slade trying to gain back power of you.