[ God knows how many times he's noticed her do that, biting the bottom of her lip. More often than not in excitement, to the point of becoming a trait that Dick would adore... but that was the past. Now, it's clear sign of trepidation. Anxiety. Dick's grown all too used to diving headlong into danger, whether in matters of exacting justice, or in matters of the heart. Believe it or not, he knows what he's doing right now, knows what he might jeopardize just by creating this situation with Hana, and yet--he takes this calculated risk. Can he not be more than what he is, thanks to his duties? Can they not be more?
But he's a hero. That's who he's always been, and always will be. Nightwing first, Dick Grayson second.
He just thinks he's given enough to Nightwing in the last fight. He's fulfilling his duty to Gotham City, and will continue to in the next fight. So in the meantime, can Dick Grayson fulfill his duty to Hana Song... knowing full well he relieved himself from it long ago? He wants to face this, and all its consequences. The consequences of things left unsaid, a life unlived. He seems to want to walk the tightrope between this and the mission, even though - understandably - this conversation must come as a shock to Hana.
Because a tightrope's all he's ever known. A suspension over danger, the ever perilous possibility of the fall. For better or worse, you really can't take the circus out of the boy.
Hearing Hana's words, his lip quivers slightly. Not from embarrassment, or resentment, but from the understanding of where she's coming from. The concern for his safety. The implicit lack of trust he demonstrates by taking on so much alone, despite literally inviting her here. The last thing he wants is to leave Hana more brokenhearted than ever by dying stupidly, even if it seems like the Magistrate has driven him to carry a deathwish. ]
No. You're right. We have bigger fish to fry-- I won't fight you on this.
Because I do trust you. I trust you enough to be my eyes and ears. To be my shield.
I just need to see myself the way you see me. The way you knew me.
[ He delivers a pained sigh, coming to an understanding of what he wants. Or better yet, what he needs. ]
I brought you here because I need to be reminded of the hero that I was.
The hero that was lost in the haze of all this conflict. All this death.
This city needs that... so it needs you.
[ And that's the last of his piece, of everything so far that he's been wishing to say to Hana, but simply couldn't. He's far from offended by her remarks, by her show of concern. She's definitely not the first person to chide him for self-destructive tendencies, for escalating just how much he can put himself through only to barely survive. The fight with Firefly and Electrocutioner doesn't even represent how closely he's come to dying in recent months, let alone years. A little facetiously, in his mind, he's relieved Hana only showed up now - she wouldn't be happy to learn what she missed. ]
So go ahead, Hana. Even the playing field. Only fair when I'm speaking to an equal.
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But he's a hero. That's who he's always been, and always will be. Nightwing first, Dick Grayson second.
He just thinks he's given enough to Nightwing in the last fight. He's fulfilling his duty to Gotham City, and will continue to in the next fight. So in the meantime, can Dick Grayson fulfill his duty to Hana Song... knowing full well he relieved himself from it long ago? He wants to face this, and all its consequences. The consequences of things left unsaid, a life unlived. He seems to want to walk the tightrope between this and the mission, even though - understandably - this conversation must come as a shock to Hana.
Because a tightrope's all he's ever known. A suspension over danger, the ever perilous possibility of the fall. For better or worse, you really can't take the circus out of the boy.
Hearing Hana's words, his lip quivers slightly. Not from embarrassment, or resentment, but from the understanding of where she's coming from. The concern for his safety. The implicit lack of trust he demonstrates by taking on so much alone, despite literally inviting her here. The last thing he wants is to leave Hana more brokenhearted than ever by dying stupidly, even if it seems like the Magistrate has driven him to carry a deathwish. ]
No. You're right. We have bigger fish to fry-- I won't fight you on this.
Because I do trust you. I trust you enough to be my eyes and ears. To be my shield.
I just need to see myself the way you see me. The way you knew me.
[ He delivers a pained sigh, coming to an understanding of what he wants. Or better yet, what he needs. ]
I brought you here because I need to be reminded of the hero that I was.
The hero that was lost in the haze of all this conflict. All this death.
This city needs that... so it needs you.
[ And that's the last of his piece, of everything so far that he's been wishing to say to Hana, but simply couldn't. He's far from offended by her remarks, by her show of concern. She's definitely not the first person to chide him for self-destructive tendencies, for escalating just how much he can put himself through only to barely survive. The fight with Firefly and Electrocutioner doesn't even represent how closely he's come to dying in recent months, let alone years. A little facetiously, in his mind, he's relieved Hana only showed up now - she wouldn't be happy to learn what she missed. ]
So go ahead, Hana. Even the playing field. Only fair when I'm speaking to an equal.