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Of all the low priority rumors and cases to follow up on, Dick was not expecting a spa to be on the list. The case notes were incredibly sparse, just detailing how the spa, as many did, had too good to be true claims. What was unusual, was that they actually seemed to be true. That was it.
Dick blinked at it tiredly. A spa day would be nice. It shouldn’t take long to verify that these rumors were false, and then be on his merry way. After he’d gotten a massage and a facial. Stress was not good for his pores, it made him break out like crazy.
Fuck it.
This one was his. He assigned it to himself. He yawned.
Yup. Time for bed. But first. He had to text his family. If he was going to go to a spa on Bruce’s dime, he was taking along whoever wanted to go. They were vigilantes. They saved the world often. They deserved a day of relaxation. Plus, it’d been a while since he’d been able to hang out with his siblings.
Once the messages were sent, he flopped down on the bed, not even bothering to undress. He fell asleep nearly instantaneously.
***
Free Spa Day was apparently a siren’s call for his family. Jason, Tim, Steph, Cass, and Damian all wanted to come. Jason had been a bit of a shocker, as things were a bit awkward at times between him and Bruce. Dick figured the fact that it was being paid for by Bruce had been the deciding factor.
It was three weeks after Dick’s initial text to gauge his family’s interest, and here they all were, outside the resort. Madeline’s was an impressive two story, three building spa complex. Multiple indoor pools, saunas, private rooms, and a salon made up the business. What was weird was that it was in the middle of nowhere in Wisconsin.
Despite the fact that it was over an hour away from Milwaukee, the parking lot was packed. The spa had only opened an ago. He’d known it was popular, as it had taken him three weeks to get a reservation, despite the fact that he had dangled the fact that it was the Wayne family that was coming.
“Alright everyone.” Dick stated once he found a parking spot. “The rumors seem to indicate that there is possibly something magical being used here at the spa. Or it’s just nothing. Either way, we need to collect samples from a variety of different treatments. Jason, Tim, you will be checking out the pools and getting samples from there. Steph, Cass, you will be getting the facials and going to the salon afterwards. I will be going with Damian to get massages and inspect the saunas. Any questions?”
“Yeah,” Steph called, “Can we add extra stuff? Like if Cass and I want to get a daiquiri or something? Or you know, say I also want a massage?”
“If you’re going to drink, make it a virgin. We’re technically on a mission. Other than that, go for it. I’m not paying for it.” Dick said with a chuckle. “I’m planning on getting a facial with my massage. That’s if there are any time slots available. They were booked for two weeks solid, so there might not be any available. It took another week for them to have enough available passes for all of us to come.”
“Must you be so careless with Father’s money?” huffed Damian. Dick grinned, reaching down to ruffle his youngest brother’s hair.
“Awwww, Dami, think of it as a boost to team morale! And as a nice, family outing!”
“Can we hurry up? I’m looking forward to getting a massage and relaxing in the pools.” grumbled Jason.
“Right, let’s get going, our appointments are in ten minutes!”
One by one, they climbed out of the car and headed into the main building. The foyer was massive, with shiny white marble floors and sage green walls. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, over a round marble desk where the receptionist sat. There were two large glass jars with silver spigots. A small tower of cups was next to the two jugs. One seemed to be filled with water, interspersed with mint and cucumber. The other jar also had water, but had lemon, lime, and orange slices floating at the top with the ice. Patrons were milling about in the lobby, lounging on chairs in bathrobes and looking relaxed. Carefree.
“Good morning! How may I help you?” asked the receptionist.
“Hi, we have a reservation? Wayne party of six.” Dick answered with a blinding smile.
“Let me see… ah! Here you are. Welcome to Madeline’s Day Spa and Resort! I just need everyone to sign a few forms, and then we can begin the tour!” She pulled some papers from a stack, passing them to Dick along with a few pens.
“My name is Melanie, and I’m the receptionist here. Carol will be your tour guide. She should be here momentarily. I know that you have reserved a few of our different treatments. If you want to add any more, please let me or Carol know as soon as possible, as those slots tend to get filled quickly.”
Dick raised an eyebrow. “Huh, I thought there were no more available, as we got some of the last open spots for the day.”
“We only allow a maximum number of guests into the facility for the day. Due to how popular our spa is, and how often people want to add services, we always leave some available, so that they can be added should our patron desire it.”
“Smart.” remarked Tim. “That way you can charge higher for the entry free and still provide good customer service. It’s no wonder you guys have such great reviews.”
“Thank you, it’s also due to our incredible, all natural ingredients that we use in all of our treatments! Seaweed, Lemongrass, charcoal, jade, and more are used in our baths, scrubs, shampoos, and more. It’s what makes everyone leave here feeling healthy and refreshed!”
“Do you sell any of your treatments?” Asked Tim.
“Yes, there is a gift shop in the room to your right! We sell scrubs, lotions, soaps, bath bombs, masks, and more. Please be aware though that our products do have an expiration date due to the natural ingredients.” Melaine explained. A person was approaching from the left, her heels clicking on the marble floors.
“Ah! Here comes Carol, your tour guide! She can answer more of your questions. Have you signed the forms?”
Once they gave Melanie the affirmative, the family made their way to Carol.
“Good morning everyone! You must be the Wayne family! Thank you so much for choosing to come to Madeline’s Day Spa and Resort! I’ll begin with showing you the grounds, and then I believe some of you have some time slots reserved for massages and facials?”
“Yeah, that should be for myself, Damian, Steph, and Cass!”
“I see.”
“Excuse me,” piped up Stephanie. “I would also like a massage, and so would Cass.”
“Oh! Wonderful, there does seem to be some time available after your brothers.”
“I uh, I would like a massage as well.” offered Jason.
“Would all of you like a massage?” Carol asked. Seeing everyone nod, a brief weary look passed over her face before it smoothed over into a professional mask. “Awesome, just one moment as I add you all to the schedule.”
“Is there anything else you want to add? I currently have the following:
Richard Grayson and Damian Wayne are getting massages at 9 AM, followed by Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain at 10:00 AM, with Jason Todd and Timothy Drake at 11:00 AM
Stephanie and Cassandra will be getting facials at 9 AM, Richard Grayson is scheduled for a facial at 10:00 AM
Stephanie and Cassandra have appointments in the salon at 3 PM.”
“I’ll take a facial.” remarked Jason.
“So will I!” demanded Damian.
“Okay, so Jason for a facial at 10 AM with Richard. Damian, the only next slot available is 3 PM. Is that alright?”
Damian made a face, before crossing his arms over his chest. “I can go at 10 and Jason can go at 3.”
“No way you little demon, you’re getting a massage with Dick at 9. You don’t get to hog Goldie.”
“Spend time with Tim.” offered Cass.
“Did you want a facial Tim?” Dick asked
“I mean, I guess?”
“Is there an open slot at 3 for Tim to get a facial with Damian?”
“Yes.”
“Great, sign him up!” Dick said. Hopefully that would be the end of the arguments. For now.
“Anything else?” asked Carol.
“No, I think we’re good.”
Dick did not want any more squabbling. They were here to enjoy a spa day, spend some time with each other, get some samples, and then get out. Preferably all relaxed and happy, and not at each other’s throats due to some asinine argument.
The tour itself was pretty boring. Generic. The owner, Dalv, was in love with an incredible scientist Madeline aka ‘Maddie’ and had made the formulas for all of their products based on her and her research. It was either really sweet or really creepy. Dick wasn’t sure. Maddie had loved spirits and spiritualism, which was why nearly all of their products had ‘ecto’ in the name. Everything was fine, just fine, till they got to the pools and the hot tubs.
“Now, this building is dedicated to our soaking pools and our hot tubs. We even have a pool with fish. Most children really enjoy that pool!” She said with a wink to Damian. Dick could tell Damian was barely holding back from a rant in regards to caring for fish.
“Keeping with the spiritual theme, we call them the Lazarus pools!” Jason flinched, and the entire group became tense.
“Lazarus, of course, was raised from the dead. We like to think that our pools can refresh you and make you feel like you’ve come back to life! We have the main pool, the ‘Lazarus Lagoon’, which is green. We put a blend of seaweed, green tea, and mint in the water, along with our special ecto formula. This gives the water a green tint. We have two smaller pools, one is our cold ‘Core Cleanser’ pool which is blue and our warmer ‘Obsession Osmosis’ pool is red.” Carol prattled on, unaware of the tension in the group. “The small pond with the fish is located in the same area as the Lazarus Lagoon, and only so many people can go in at once.”
“Can we see pool?” asked Cass.
“I’m afraid that the pools are only accessible once going through the locker rooms. To preserve the privacy of those using them, we do not have any windows into the area.”
The group remained silent as Carol finished her tour.
“Now, here are your bracelets. Each one will allow you into the different areas and will be used for verification for your appointments around the spa. They can also be used to order any food or drinks. The pools are open for everyone to use. Should you need anything, please press this button on the side of your bracelet. These bracelets will also be used to lock and unlock your locker in the bathrooms. Inside the lockers, you will find a complementary robe and slippers. Please be reminded that swimsuits are required at all times unless you are in the bathroom. Have a wonderful day here at Madeline’s Day Spa and Resort!”
***
They didn’t have a lot of time before their first appointments. Changing into swimsuits, hiding some gear and their sample baggies in their robes, Dick and Damian made their way to the massage wing. The wide open halls smelled of lavender and lemon. Making their way to the small desk, Dick leaned on it casually, with a big grin.
“Hi! Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne here for our deep tissue massages!”
“Bracelets?” asked the man at the desk. Both lifted the arms. The man scanned them.
“You’re all set. Did you two want to be in a room together, or separate rooms?”
“Together.” blurted Damian.
“Gotcha. Okay, you two will be just down that hallway to the right.” he said pointing. “It should be the second door to the left.”
“Thanks!” Dick reached down, grabbing Damian’s hand and tugged him along. He grinned mischievously. “Didn’t want to get a message without me, Baby Bat?”
“Don’t be absurd Richard. We’re on a mission and in teams of two. It is not wise to separate.”
“Whatever you say.” Dick said with a laugh.
The room was clean, with sage green walls. There were two black massage tables in the center of the room. One wall had a set of cabinets with a sink.
“You gonna be okay, Dami?”
“Of course. Why do you ask?” The older boy shrugged.
“I just never took you as someone who enjoyed strangers touching you.”
“I will live through it. It will not kill me.” Dick kneeled down, his eyes level with the smaller boy.
“Promise me you’ll let me know if you’re uncomfortable at all during it. This is supposed to be relaxing. If it’s not, I don’t want you to suffer through it, just for the mission.”
Damian remained silent.
“Damian. Do you promise?” Dami sighed.
“Yes. I promise.”
“Good. Thank you.” Dick ruffled his hair, standing up once more.
Ten minutes later, Dick knew that Damian was a little liar.
The boy was facedown on the massage table, his entire body tense as his poor masseuse, a nice young man, was attempting to work on the tight spots. Only problem was his entire back was a tight spot. Dick sighed.
“Damian. What did we talk about?”
“I’m fine Richard.” No, no he was not.
“Hey, can you give us a minute?” Dick asked the two masseuses, sitting up. They nodded.
“No! Richard, I’m fine!” Damian argued, sitting up as well.
“We’ll be back in five minutes.”
“Great, thank you.” He waited till the door closed.
“Damian, it’s okay to not like it.”
“But I want to! I wanted to like it.” his voice trailing off into a whisper at the end.
“And that’s okay. I figured this might be tough for you. You’re not used to friendly touch, not from strangers.”
“I’m fine with yours! And Todd’s! And Drake’s! Brown and Cain too!”
“They’re your family, Damian. You’re familiar with us, with our touch.”
They were silent for a moment, sitting across from each other, towels moved to the side.
“You were looking forward to this. I wanted to see why you liked it so much. I didn’t mean to spoil it for you.” Daimian’s voice was tight.
“You didn’t spoil it for me, Damian.” Dick reassured gently. “I was looking forward to this. Yes, for the massage. But also because I get to spend a day with my family. We get to do fun things together. It’s no fun if you’re uncomfortable.”
“Tell you what, when they come back, how about you watch what they do, okay? Ask questions? There’s also this thing they can do with a towel and warm stones. That might work better for you.”
“Okay.”
It took a bit of explaining, but the workers were more than happy to give Damian a Hot Stone massage, and to touch Damian as little as possible while doing so. Dick smiled, relaxing into the table again, warm hands pressing into his back. This was much better. Both of them having a good time.
***
Thank goodness comms were so small and discreet. After the massage, Dick was able to pass a slightly less tense Damian off to Tim while he went off to meet up with Jason. It’d been a while since he’d gotten to spend some one-on-one time with his Little Wing. Jason was in his white robe, leaning against a wall. He was slightly wet.
“Jay!”
“Dick.”
“You checked in?”
“Yup.”
“How were the pools?”
“Well, there was no way I was getting in the Lazarus Lagoon, so I went into the Core Cleanser one. It was actually pretty good. I’ll probably go back after my massage with Tim. Still need to check out the Obsession Osmosis one.”
“Really? You went for the cold one first?” asked while checking himself in.
“Yeah. Wanted to clear my head. Was pretty surprised by the whole green Lazarus pool thing. I figured the cold would be the best thing.”
“Fair. Are you looking forward to this?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never gotten one before.” Jason admitted. Dick grinned.
“I think you’re going to like it. It’s basically a face massage. The last one I went to told me about my skin, and gave me suggestions on how to keep it from breaking out.”
“Can they provide recommendations for products to use after you shave? I have some lotions, but they don’t get rid of all the itchiness.”
“I mean, probably.”
“Sweet.”
They made their way to the room. Again, two massage tables were in the center of the room. Soft, piano music was playing. A humidifier was on, spreading the scent of lavender and honey into the air.
“Damn. Smells nice.” commented Jason.
“Thank you darlin’!” replied the esthetician, who was washing her hands in the sink on the side of the room.
“Why don’t you two lay down on your backs and get comfortable? I’m going to get some warm towelette to put on your faces to open up those pores! It’s nice to see two grown men here, it’s not often we see a man, let alone two! Be back in a jiffy!” she chatted happily before heading out the door.
“Well. That’s dumb. Facials are for everyone.” Jason snickered behind him. Dick glared.
“Really?”
“Hey, you’re the one who said it.”
“Well, at least I’m not the one with my mind in the gutter.” Dick retorted.
They fell silent when the esthetician returned with her towels, and another esthetician.
“Hop on up boys! You two are brothers, right? Which one is Jason, which one is Richard?”
“Jason”
“Richard, but you can call me Dick”
“Now are you older, Jason?” again, Jason snickered. Dick groaned.
“No, I’m simply cursed with a younger brother who’s taller than me.”
“I feel for ya hun. My younger brother is taller than me as well.”
Conversation flowed between the four, the estheticians kind and chatty. Dick was able to learn more about what Jason had been up to. He was probably more willing to open up to those who didn’t know everything. Who didn’t have all the baggage that Jason and Dick had in their relationship.
It was nice though, hearing Jason talk about his motorcycle, the most recent books he’d read. Simple, mundane things. Things they rarely got to talk about, since normally their double lives dominated their conversations.
The final ten minutes were supposed to be meditative, with the boys alone in the dark room, warm towelettes over their faces.
“Dick”
“Yeah Jason?”
“Thanks. For inviting me. This has been… really nice.”
“No problem Jay. It’s been really nice, hearing about your life.”
“You too Dickie. You too. You uh, you can invite Bruce next time.” Dick couldn’t help his smile.
“Okay.”
They lapsed into silence. Dick closed his eyes. There was a bone deep tiredness in him, one that getting a good night’s rest couldn’t cure.
It all felt so much sometimes. There was never an end in sight to all the madness, to everything they fought. He’d needed this day. A day where he didn’t have to fight anyone. Sure, it was technically a mission. They’d been collecting the samples easily. He’d done his part, time to relax. Dick let himself drift away.
***
“-ck. Dickie. Wake up!” came Jason’s gruff voice.
“Wha?”
“You fell asleep Dickie. Impressive, since we were only ‘meditating’ for ten minutes.”
“Uh, oops?”
“Well, you’re awake now. I’m off to get a massage with Timbo. Damian’s probably still at the pool. ‘M not sure where Steph and Cass are.”
“You and Tim will meet back up with us at the pools once you’re done?”
“Sure. See ya, Big Wing.” Dick gave a little wave, not that Jason saw it, as he was already walking off.
***
Cass, Steph, and Damian were already in the Lazarus Lagoon when Dick arrived. The Lagoon itself had not been what he expected. Then again, he’s basically been expecting a fancy Lazarus Pit. The room itself had a glass ceiling. One wall was made of glass as well. This let light spill into the humid, tropical room. There were palms and ferns, live ones, all around the deck of the pool. Lounges with umbrellas were placed around the deck. The side wall had a tiki themed bar. As promised, the water in the pool was faintly green, despite the fact that it was clear and sparkling.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a hand waving. Making his way over, he found Stephanie, Cass, and Damian relaxed on some lounge chairs, an empty one between Damian and Cass. Steph was happily drinking some sort of fruity red drink.
“Thanks for saving me a spot guys!”
“Tim.” said Cass.
“Oh, well. Has anyone gotten in the water yet?”
“No. Drake said that it seems as though the bottom of the pool is painted green. He thinks it should be fine.”
Dick hummed, processing the information.
“Anyone check out the Core Cleanser or the Obsession Osmosis? I know Jay checked out Core Cleanser and got in, but he didn’t tell me much else.”
“Cass and I just got here, I got my drink right before you showed up.”
“I have no desire to go into the Core Cleanser room and immerse myself in cold water. If I must investigate one, I wish to go to the Obsession Osmosis room.”
“We’ll stay here.” said Cass haltingly. He looked at her. She was having a harder time than usual speaking at the moment.
“Okay. Damian and I will go investigate in a minute. You okay Cass?”
She gave him a tired smile, switching to sign language.
I’m fine. Just drained. No one was rude, but others expected me to talk. It put more pressure to talk, making it harder. Thank you for sending Steph with me. She helped.
He responded in sign language
No problem. Will you two be okay while Damian and I head off?
Yes. Go.
Dick nodded.
“Let’s go, Dames.”
The younger boy stood up hastily, ready to leave the humid room. They made their way to the red side door, next to the bar.
***
The rest of the investigation and the day went rather smoothly. They’d checked out the rest of the pools, Damian even getting in the fish pond once it was explained to him that the fish would eat his dead skin. They’d all also taken a dip in the Lazarus Lagoon and the Obsession Osmosis pools. Jason was the only one who went in the Core Cleanser, saying something about the cold was relaxing.
Before they knew it, the spa day was over, and they had to head back to the hotel where they could analyze the samples, determine it was regular water and ingredients, then head back to Gotham.
Or so Dick thought.
He was not expecting the results from nearly every sample they’d taken from around the facility.
Lazarus Water.
This was no longer a nice, fun, spa day.