OLD WOUNDS

Three years ago.

Barbara is standing on her balcony late at night, looking up at the stars. Dick then joins, wrapping his arms around her. He kisses her head and looks at the stars with her.

"The night sky is beautiful." Barbara says.

"Yeah it is. You never really notice when you're fighting dangerous criminals." Dick replies.

The two chuckle for a moment.

"I wish our lives could always be like this." Barbara says.

"Me too."

Dick then gets an alert from Bruce about two face.

"But sadly it can't. Sorry, Barb, I gotta go. Trouble."

"Well it was fun while it lasted."

The two heroes smile at each other as dick grabs his Robin suit.

"You know I would stay, right?"

"It's ok, boy wonder. Besides, I have to go visit my dad anyway."

"Alright, give the commissioner my best."

Dick hops on the balcony.

"If you want, I could come with."

"Nah, it's just two face. Go see your dad, and we'll pick up where we left off when I get back."

"Ok. See you then."

As Barbara turns around, Dick calls her name out.

"Hey Barb..."

She quickly turns around.

"I love you."

When Barbara hears this, she starts to blush and smile uncontrollably. Dick smiles back at her and jumps off the balcony, ready to fight crime.

That was the last happy memory the two shared. Later that night, the Joker shot Barbara through the stomach, presumably killing her.

Dick stands before the grave of the woman that he loved, dropping a rose by the tombstone. He is then joined by Jason Todd.

"How are you doing?" Jason asks.

"I'll be alright." Dick replies.

"Are you sure?"

Dick doesn't answer the question.

"Look, you and Bruce took me in when I was just some stupid kid, trying to steal the wheels off of the batmobile. You've been like a brother to me, and Barbara was like a sister. So if there's anything I can do, just name it."

Dick holds back tears, allowing one to drop from his face. He then puts his hand on Jason's shoulder.

"Thank you...brother."

The two smile at each other, then Bruce Wayne walks over to them.

"Jason, could you leave us alone for a minute?" Bruce asks.

Jason nods and walks over to the car where Alfred is standing.

"Are you ready to go out, tonight?"

Dick looks at his mentor in shock and anger.

"Are you kidding me? We just put her in the ground."

"The jokers still out there and dangerous."

"She's dead, Bruce."

"People die every day, you of all people should know that. This is the life we chose. It's who we are."

Dick grits his teeth and clutches his fist so hard that blood begins to run down his hand.

"You know, I am getting so sick, of your stupid mission! You expect us to be like you, be machines, to be numb to the pain and keep fighting this never ending battle that you have. And look at the results!"

"Careful what you say next, Dick."

"Why did you do it Bruce, huh? Why did you bring us into your life? Was it for us, or was it for you? So you wouldn't have to suffer alone?"

"Listen to yourself. You sound like a child. Barbara knew the risks of putting on that suit, so do you, so suck it up and man up.

Dick snaps when he hears Barbara's name again and punches Bruce in the face. His mentor wipes the blood from his mouth and faces Dick again.

"I'm done, Bruce. I hope you treat Jason better than how you treated me."

Dick then gets on his bike and rides away as Alfred walks over to Bruce.

"Did you tell him, sir?"

"He'll figure it out."