for watcheslanterns

[bildungsromans]

Dick Grayson (bildungsromans) and Rapunzel (watcheslanterns)

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[bildungsromans]

[ When Rapunzel's features soften in dismay at his words, Dick doesn't fail to notice. ]

Don't get me wrong, Rapunzel. There's still enough life out there worth protecting. I've made a lot of friends you can trust just by fighting for what's right.

[ And that gives him an idea. ]

...In fact, I'm actually surprised I was able to make as many friends as I did. After we see the lights, I can introduce you to them.

[ It also just seems like Rapunzel could use a bigger support network than 'Mother, Chameleon, and That Kid from the Circus Several Years Ago.'

Dick worries about digressing, though, and recalls Rapunzel's question. ]

That said, yes. I do this often, these solo outings.

It gives me time to... think. Process things. [ And occasionally perform reconnaissance on bad people. ]

These days, a lot of people rely on me.

[watcheslanterns]

[ Rapunzel studies Dick across the fire. She's still trying to connect the bright, sunny boy she had once known to the jaded man before her now. It's obvious now that it's still him, but something has changed for him, and perhaps not all for the best. ]

Your friends...are they from the circus?

[ She remembers her long ago outing to the circus and how much fun she had had together with Dick. Did he no longer find joy in the work his family pursued? Or had something worse happened? ]

[bildungsromans]

No.

[ He pauses, pensively staring into the glow of the firewood. He casually tends to the flames, before finally regarding Rapunzel with a somber look. ]

They're all outcasts who've lost their way in the world.

Life had other plans for them-- plans they couldn't agree with.

[ Despite all that, he manages a small smirk. ]

It was the same for me.

Not long after you left, and I presume that was your mother's doing, criminals killed my family.

I fled the circus and I've been out for vengeance ever since.

[watcheslanterns]

[ Rapunzel's hands fly to her mouth as she gasps. She's imagined such horrible things before thanks to her mother's tutelage, but to hear that something so awful has happened, and to someone she cares about, makes the reality so much worse. ]

I'm so sorry, Dick.

[ If there wasn't a fire she might have reached out to him, but as there is, she settles for her limited words. ]

That must have been awful. I wish...I wish I could have been there for you.

[bildungsromans]

[ Believe it or not, Dick senses Rapunzel's hesitation. His expression doesn't really soften, but he attempts a small smile at her kindness. ]

Likewise.

[ It's not like Rapunzel's out here in the wilderness because her life's been any better. ]

There's nothing we can do about it besides do right by the living. Do right by you.

After a night's rest, I promise to get you where you need to be. To something you deserve to see.

[ Dick's attended the lamtern festival before, back when his parents were still alive. To say it was anything short of beautiful would've done it no justice.

To prepare for the night ahead of them, Dick rummages through his backpack of supplies (he's had one this whole time, but simply brought no attention to it). He pulls out a folded cloth that unfurls into a large blanket... something for picnics, probably. Still, Dick spreads it out and lies down, deliberately occupying the edge furthest from the campfire.

Rapunzel, after all, might need the warmth more than he does. ]

It's not bedding or anything, but I hope it serves.

[watcheslanterns]

[ Rapunzel hesitates for a moment before getting up and walking around to the blanket. She sits down, with Pascal settling next to her. She glances over at Dick, uncertainly. ]

Are you alright over there? [ She pulls the bulk of her hair into her lap. ]

I know it probably sounds strange, but my hair will probably keep me warm, if you need to be closer to the fire...?

[bildungsromans]

Thanks, but there's no need.

[ He turns to look at her, but his eyes wander to the fire instead. Rapunzel can see that he's taken off his mask, and this will have been the first time she's seen his eyes in forever. ]

I'm quite used to the cold, and I can also--

[ He pulls the far side of the blanket around himself and rolls until he's bundled up like a burrito. From his position, he looks up at her with a whimsical grin - something like he'd worn when they were both still small. ]

--do this.