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Slow. So, so slow.
I laid there on the ground and watched as the red liquid seeped down my arm and pooled around me.
I knew that I was dying. That was a fact. I suppose I always knew my life would probably end in the field, I just never knew it would be completely and utterly alone.
I had dreams when I started out. When I ran into Tim. Then Bruce. I had hoped that I could be part of the Legendary Bat Family. That was a mistake. Bruce made it very clear from the beginning that he wanted nothing to do with me. Which hurt.
I had grown up praying daily for Batman to come and take me away. He had been my hero. My hero rejected me without ever giving me a real chance. And what's worse, he had used me. Used me in hopes of having my boyfriend return to him.
Tim. Another failed dream. I had fallen hard for him. I had died not knowing if he ever truly loved me. Then I came back to life and reunited with him. But he had changed. Became more suspicious of those around him, angrier. Much like his mentor. Our relationship was never the same.
I never really got to know Dick or Jason, though I had wanted to. I felt me and Dick had similar personalities while me and Jason had similar life stories. But my time with Dick was unfortunately…. Not good, while I never really got a chance to talk with Jason.
And now I never will.
Drip drip drip
My blood has begun to run down the stairwell.
My breathing shallowed. I could feel the cold begin to seep in. I felt a familiar tug as the end neared. I wonder how long it will take for someone to find me? I hope they'll bury me beside mom.
I wish they cared in the end. I wish someone from this world cared for me. Stephanie Brown, the Spoiler.
At least I will have died saving those kids. I'm going to die having accomplished something, whether or not the bats agree. They can't take that away from me.
I closed my eyes and struggled to take breaths. They can't take that away from me….
“BROWN!!!!! NO!!!”
I managed to open my eyes. Damian?
“Hold on Fat girl. Alfred will fix you! He can fix anyone.”
I couldn't feel him, but he had my head on his lap, his voice was uncharacteristically shaking telling me he was crying under his mask.
How could I have never noticed before? Damian. He cares. He's always cared. And that's enough for me. I can go peacefully now.
With all the strength I have left, I speak my last words. “Thank you Dami. It's good to not be alone.”
Everything fades away. Including Damian's anguished screams.