You head back to your motel room, a takeout bag dangling from your left hand as you fumble with the keys in your other. The dull fluorescent lights of the hallway cast long shadows on the cracked walls, and you’re halfway through muttering about which container to open first when the door suddenly bursts open.

Before you can react, a very angry Dick storms past, shoving a startled Kory back toward the hall.

“Don’t ever try that again,” they snap, voice low and sharp, every word charged with barely contained fury. Kory freezes, eyes wide, clearly shocked.

Dick turns immediately to you, grabs your hand, and pulls you into the room with a force that sends your takeout bag tipping dangerously. The door slams shut behind you, the lock clicking into place, cutting off the world outside.

“Dick, what happened—” you start, your voice tight with concern, only to be cut off.

“Kory tried to come onto me,” they say flatly, pacing back and forth, fists clenched. Their voice trembles slightly, betraying more emotion than they intend to show. “I didn’t even know how to—what to do…”

You set the takeout down carefully, freeing your hands to reach for them, placing a steadying hand on their shoulder. “Hey,” you say softly, meeting their stormy gaze. “It’s okay. You’re safe now. That’s what matters.”

Dick stops mid-step, blue eyes blazing but jaw tight. “Safe?” they echo, running a hand through their hair. “I don’t feel safe when someone thinks they can just—just waltz in and—” They swallow hard, frustration mixing with vulnerability. “…I don’t know what I’d do if anything had happened.”

You step closer, letting your fingers intertwine with theirs for a moment. “Nothing happened,” you reassure them, your voice calm but firm. “I’ve got you. No one’s crossing that line again—not while I’m here.”

They exhale slowly, tension easing slightly, though their jaw remains rigid. “I hate that they…” they mutter, voice low, almost to themselves. “I hate that they even thought—”

“I know,” you interrupt gently, pressing a soft touch to their arm. “But you’re here, with me. You’re not alone.”

Dick blinks, eyes meeting yours for a long moment, chest rising and falling as they allow themselves to relax a fraction. The anger hasn’t vanished entirely, but the edge softens under your quiet presence—your steadying, unwavering presence.