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Of course, because Lady Luck hated them, there was a rogue attack. Thankfully, it was a pretty minor one all things considered, but it still required all the Bats help. Barbara had had to excuse herself, leaving the kids in her apartment while she made her way to her emergency ops center in the basement of the apartment building.
She had told the kids that she needed to check on some family to make sure they were okay.
But unfortunately when it was over, Alfred had let her know that he wouldn’t be able to come over until the next morning because he needed to treat the Bats’ injuries and Leslie was busy treating civilians.
She started heading back up to her apartment. Maybe she should order some takeout. There was a little pizza shop a couple blocks away that stayed open and delivered even after rogue attacks.
Pizza sounded really good right now. Though that might just be because she didn’t feel like cooking. She’d just have to ask what toppings the siblings wanted.
She opened the door to her apartment. “Danny, Jazz? I’m back. I was thinking of ordering pizza. What kind of toppings do you guys like?” she said, wheeling into the apartment. She looked up, after dropping her keys on the small table by the door.
She paused, seeing Jazz carrying a bowl of what looked like ice water.
“Oh, umm, hey Babs.” Jazz said, staring at her with wide eyes. “I hope you don’t mind, I’m using some ice.”
“I don’t mind.” Babs said. “But, umm, what do you need ice for?”
“Oh, umm, Danny’s not feeling very well.”
Babs sat up straighter. “What’s wrong?”
“He’s just got a slight fever, you don’t need to worry about it, I’ll take care of it.”
“Jazz…” Babs trailed off, across from her Jazz stiffened. Babs took a moment to close her eyes and take a deep breath. “Jazz, I’m not mad. I just wished you would have called.”
“You were busy.”
Babs felt her heart twist in pain. She wheeled forward and took the bowl of ice water from Jazz, setting it on the side table. She took Jazz’s hands in hers.
“Jazz, listen to me. It doesn’t matter if I’m busy, you can call me whenever. I know you haven’t known me long, but I need you to know that you and Danny are important to me.”
Jazz’s eyes watered, but her expression still seemed hesitant. “I’m sorry.” she muttered.
Barbara suppressed a sigh, reminding herself that they had really only known her for about a day. And they didn’t realize that adults should always prioritize the kids under their care. She’d just have to keep showing Jazz and Danny that she cared. “There’s nothing you have to apologize for. I just want you to know that next time something happens you can call me, even if it’s something small.”
“Ok.” Jazz said, hesitantly.
Babs knew it would take her time to accept it, to realize that there was someone that could help, that wanted to help. Because if she was right, Jazz had been the one taking care of Danny for most of his life. It would take her time to learn that there was someone who wanted to not only help take care of Danny, but to also take care of her.
“Now,” she said, “what’s wrong with Danny?”
Jazz picked up the bowl of ice water again, biting her lip. “He’s got a fever. I think…” she looked away. “I think his wound might be infected.” She finished quietly.
Babs sat up straighter alarmed and followed Jazz into the guest bedroom. Danny was laying on the bed, his face flushed and his skin damp with sweat.
Jazz stepped closer to her brother, dipping a wash cloth into the bowl of ice water and wiping down his face and arms.
Babs wheeled herself closer. “Can I see his wound? I have some first aid training.”
Jazz glanced at her, biting her lip before glancing back at Danny worriedly. “It’s…” she started, “it’s not a normal wound.”
“That’s fine. I can at least get an idea of how we can treat it or if we need more immediate medical attention.”
“I need to ask him.” Jazz said, placing her hand on her brother’s shoulder. “Danny? Danny, I need you to wake up for a second.”
Danny groaned and his eyes fluttered open. “Jazz?” he said blearily.
“Hey, Danny. Barbara’s back, she says she has some first aid training. Is it okay if she looks at your wound?” she said with a strained smile.
Danny’s eyes circled the room for a second before landing on her. They seemed much too clear for a second before Danny slumped further into the mattress. “Ok.” he said, closing his eyes.
With another wary glance at Barbara, Jazz lifted up Danny’s shirt.
Babara had to fight to keep her expression neutral even as everything inside of her wanted to either rage or throw up.
Across Danny’s torso was a Y shaped incision. It was poorly stitched closed, inflamed, and leaking a greenish puss.
She needed to call Alfred.