Snippet #19

[gilascave]

Dick Grayson

Bludhaven isn't far enough. Nowhere is far enough; Dick knew that before he picked this city as his home. He's traveled before, lived in New York the first time he lead the Titans, and generally spent most of his adult life elsewhere than the Cave.

It's not possible to be far enough away. Parallel universes, distant edges of the galaxy -- at times he's toyed with the idea of asking. Kyle or Clark could probably get him there, leave him someplace where the air was breathable and the people needed someone with no fancy powers but a lot of skill and determination.

He's pretty sure it still wouldn't be enough, so he doesn't bother going to the trouble of finding out. Bludhaven is close enough that he can go home once in a while -- even though he freezes inside every time he realises he's called it that again.

It isn't home. It isn't meant to be. Not anymore. Not after everything that has ever been done to show him that no matter how badly he wants it, there will not be a place for him where he wants to be. There is a place, but that place is too high, too demanding.

All Dick wants is his love -- and all he's going to get is inheriting the cape.