Hello readers new and old! Thank you for being so kind as to click on the link to my story, and I hope you all enjoy. :)

I do not own Young Justice.

Without further ado, I bring to you,

A Marshmellowtime Productions...

A Girl's Guide to Killing Heroes

Chapter One: Her end, his beginning

"Load up your guns and bring your friends,

It's fun to lose and to pretend."

-Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

Gun's N' Roses Club

April 1

"Can I buy you a drink?"

The sweet sugar glazed donut barely gracing smooth, slightly chapped glossed lips paused in its trip. I waited for a moment, blinking somewhat regretfully at the sweet treat as the presence beside me made itself, well, his self known.

The sudden hope that maybe if I remained still long enough, he'd saunter off flickered through my mind, but the bright, tight lipped smirk dashed all hopes and I sighed, setting down the fatty but sinfully delicious pastry. I'd felt eyes on me earlier, but I didn't think it was from this old sack. Eyes like jade, bordering a pale, cloudless blue turned to the side and I gazed thoughtfully at the male beside me, smiling warmly.

Most likely well above my own age, somewhere in his late twenties, eh, maybe early thirties, shaggy brown locks falling along his face until it was messily slicked back with gel, a small stubble on his chin. His eyes were a sharp brown, and he offered me a small smile, clouded, as he leaned against the counter, one hand in his pocket. I figured he was only slightly tipsy, not drunk, but still bold enough to think he'd get lucky tonight.

Well, at least he's got guts. I half turned on the stool, calculating what it would take to get him off my back so I could just sit and eat my damn donut in peace. Maybe a simple no?

"I'm alright," a small smile, but his simply grew wider. "Thank you though."

"Surely you don't plan on spending this beautiful night all alone." He leaned forward slightly and my eyes flashed for a moment, small smile still in place as I tipped my head back. "One shot couldn't hurt, could it?"

One shot... I mused, smiling inwardly at my own little joke. Could do a lot more damage than you think.

"I'm not really up for anything tonight," I admitted, smiling apologetically. "Sorry."

"Come on, one glass, all on me."

"No, thank you." Take the hint.

"How about we ditch this joint then?" And get it on with you instead? Hah, fat chance. "You and me, we can go somewhere nice."

How typical. I felt my gaze narrow and I tipped my head back, sizing the man up before me thoughtfully as I dropped the small smile, he wasn't going easy. All I need now is my hero to come and shove him off and my fairy tale will be complete.

"Really, I'm fine—"

His hand landed on mine, grimy and calloused and I stiffened, resisting the urge to reach into my bag and show him just how dangerous one shot could be when a presence appeared beside me, and I remained still, tensing as the man in front of me leaned forward. A sneer touched his lips and his eyes narrowed. "It wasn't a request this time, babe—"

"I don't think she was asking this time either." The mystery voice spoke and I glanced to the glass beside me, catching a glimpse of the warped reflection as the male behind me leaned forward, slightly over my shoulder, muscular body shifting as his lips turned into a warm, dangerous smirk. "So you should take your leave now."

The man in front of me frowned, disturbed in his attempts at wooing, and I turned on the stool, gazing back at the young man behind us, his smirk curling upwards into an almost charming smile, had it not been for the light warning in his voice. "She isn't interested."

There's my hero. Had I been in a better mood, I would have laughed at the cliché timing of this whole thing. But now I was stuck debating if I should put up with the geezer or the cliché prince behind me.

I snuck a glance back, taking in the profile of the man behind me. He was young, probably around my age actually. With a lean, taut build, screaming great health and obvious care from the rippling muscles and the lean frame. Soft black locks framed his face, a gently sculpted figure adorning a charming smile—he looked like the kind of guy who grew up on his father's money, just bordering a douche, but the intelligent glint in his eyes said otherwise.

His eyes. I paused, taking them in for a moment. Now those were pretty eyes. This dark, bright shade of blue, like the ocean or the sky, darkening to this night-like glimmer, they were beautiful.

"I think she can speak for herself." Geezer muttered, narrowing his eyes, and I withheld a sigh, figuring my chances would be better with the cliché gent behind me then this drunkard. "What do you say, babe—"

"I'm fine." I answered curtly, smiling brightly at him, but eyes like jade were sharp chips and he recoiled, looking as if he'd been struck. "Thank you."

Pride wounded, he puffed his chest out like a cat and stalked off, muttering to himself and looking for some other poor victim. I waited till his back disappeared into the crowd before slumping in relief, swinging my legs around the stool and meeting the untouched glazed donut in front of me with a bright smile.

"I hate to be second place," Shit. I forgot about him. I inwardly winced and turned my eyes to the side as cliché hero smiled charmingly, blue eyes shining. "But may I inquire as to why someone like you is spending her Saturday night here," he glanced around the club, the flashing lights in the background and the thundering beat of the music behind us and back to me, "of all places?"

"I felt like grabbing a bite to eat." I answered simply, gesturing to the donut and hoping he would take the hint and trot off to go save some other damsel in distress. True, I wasn't dressed for a club—unless a baggy wool black cardigan, white t-shirt, maroon skinny jeans and scuffed up sneakers counted—but who said I couldn't go to one when I felt like it?

"You came to a club for donuts."

"...yeah, basically." I glanced pointedly to the lone pastry still awaiting my mouth. Who could blame me? Gun's N' Roses, despite the loud noise and shifting of the club, made really good donuts. And it tended to prove useful for getting lost in the crowd when I wanted to be alone.

Though that doesn't seem to be working out. Cliché hero's eyes sparkled in the dim lighting, his lips curling upwards into a boyish smile. He seemed nice, I supposed, but I reserved judgment for later. You never knew when someone would turn around and stab you in the back after all.

Wait. I frowned suddenly, looking disturbed. Later?

Mr. Man looked thoughtful for a moment before he smiled, a warm look on his face. "Then how about I make an offer someone like you can't refuse?"

"You only met me." My lips curled upwards and I turned my head his way, shifting my body to look at him fully as I arched a brow. "How would you know anything about me?"

"I'm a pretty good detective," he shrugged modestly, but it was anything but. "I consider myself fairly good at judging people."

"So you're the judgmental kind of guy." I surmised, drumming my fingers along the counter as I entered into his ring, lightly playing his little act. "Not the best first impression."

"I wouldn't say that," he pouted slightly, his eyes shining. "But you should save your judgment till later."

"Alright, shoot." I inwardly winced, wanting to roll my eyes at the familiar phrase and way too old line I'd heard one too many times, but Mr. Hero looked unaffected as he smiled, leaning forward and resting his chin on his palm.

"How about you and I," my eyes narrowed slightly and he simply smiled, ignoring the action and continuing on. "Leave this sad excuse for a club and go downtown, where I happen to know a certain donut shop that opens all night and grab ourselves some real donuts."

There was a brief moment of silence as I contemplated the idea. A strange young man I didn't know with seemingly good intentions was offering to take me to a donut shop that may or may not actually exist. I'd been taught many rules to survive, and I prided myself on being rather street smart, but the very fact that I was contemplating the idea of this whole thing was enough to send every reasonable cell in my body screaming for justice.

To my annoyance he was already standing, shifting through his pockets to fish for his keys as I sighed, unable to contain the small upturn of my lips as I stood, grabbing my bag.

Was it sad to say I'd been hooked the minute he mentioned donuts?

"This place got sugar glaze?"

"Sweetheart," Had it been some other man saying such an endearing phrase I would have left them that second. But his charming smile and the promise of donuts kept me rooted in place as he turned, eyes glimmering mischievously.

"This place practically invented the glaze."

That settled it then.

I followed after him, his taller frame blocking my view as they made their way through the crowd of people, the noise and bustle of music drowning out the world around them as the door opened up. The night around them was dark, chilly, and seemingly bright in its own way, opening its mouth as if to swallow us whole as they stepped out into the darkness.

That was the first mistake I made that night.

"You didn't."

"I did."

"You expect me to believe that you," I narrowed my eyes, mouth full of sugar glaze as the teen beside me grinned, face colored by disbelief and amusement. "Actually aimed a gun at your own teacher?"

"It was an air gun stuffed with plastic balls." I defended, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand as I leaned back on the steps we sat on, smiling despite myself. "And I'd be damned if I was going to sit through another lecture about why women should take special care to not set off the safety on locks because they couldn't handle the force of a gun."

Which had been very offensive on my part. Considering everything I did and the skills I had, hearing something like that had struck a nerve that could not be unstrung.

"I would have liked to see that." He chuckled, leaning back on his palms and smiling brightly. "You didn't strike me for the delinquent type."

"I thought you were Mr. Detective?" I grinned, idly fiddling with the lid of the cardboard box between us before I continued. "And I wasn't that bad. Little things here and there, ditching occasionally."

"I saw you for the type that worked at a coffee shop or library." He glanced to the side, gazing at me thoughtfully. "Or maybe an intern somewhere."

"All good choices." I smiled. Had it been different, those were jobs I would have gladly chosen. "But for now I work a night shift and somehow manage to attend college."

True to his word—I would've tucked and rolled out of the car had he been planning to kidnap me—my mystery man for the night had swung by a small, warm little shop with a delicious set of sugar glazed donuts. We'd purchased a dozen and he'd driven around before he came to a stop by his apartment, where we'd settled ourselves at the foot of the entrance on the steps.

It was nice, I realized, setting my hands in my lap and gazing forward, feeling rather light for a moment, even if just for a moment. It was really nice, just to be sitting here, talking away to a stranger whose name I didn't even know, as if nothing else in the world mattered.

"Where do you go?" He cocked his head slightly, blue eyes curious.

"I can't tell you everything." I waved a finger at him. "That'd ruin this whole mystery we have going on here."

"So there's something going on?" He arched a brow, grinning boyishly and I glanced to him thoughtfully.

"...nah, I prefer gingers."

"What?" He sounded incredulous, and I laughed, light and breezy as I leaned back against the steps, the lamplight beside us flickering before it shone brightly, illuminating our forms beneath.

"Besides, how can we have anything starting if I don't even know your name?"

"I thought you liked this little secretive thing." He tossed back, and I rolled my eyes.

"Ah, I don't really care. It's not like—"

"Dick." I paused, turning to him in slight surprise as he gazed at me, his smile somewhat soft and his eyes warm, a genuine sort of...kindness to them, earnest. "It's Dick."

What would it be like, if just for tonight, I could be someone else?

"Dick." I tested the name on my tongue, looking thoughtful as he remained silent, waiting for me. "It's alright, I guess."

"I guess?" Dick looked hurt, and I shrugged in return, turning around to face forward again as a car drove past.

...

...

...

"Well?"

"Well, what?" I turned back around to look at him and Dick blinked, looking bemused as he arched a brow.

"You're just going to leave me hanging?"

"Oh." I paused; thinking for a moment as my eyes glanced outwards, locking onto a sign across the street before looking back at him. "Delilah."

Not a bad name. I smiled slightly, lids lowering as I glanced to the side. I could live with that, just for tonight.

"Delilah." He echoed the name, looking thoughtful before he smiled, eyes warm. "I like it. Though to be honest, I took you for something else... Lauren. Or maybe Mary."

Dangerously close, my friend. I grinned, leaning back and resting my hands in my lap. "I guess I'm just full of surprises for you, aren't I?"

"You are." Dick admitted, and I glanced to him in surprise as he stared at me, somewhat mystified as he smiled. "You keep me guessing."

"Well, where would the fun be if I was just some boring girl, eh?"

"Yeah." Dick looked thoughtful for a moment, this look passing over his face that I couldn't quite read. He did that sometimes, I noticed. This shaded look would pass over, leaving you blank and wondering what went on his mind until he took you away with another bright smile. "Alright, since we're on a first name basis now, may I ask you something else?"

"Shoot." I really need to stop saying that.

Dick contemplated for a moment before he grinned. "Favorite superhero?"

"Ever?"

"Ever."

"Batman."

"Really?" Dick arched a brow, his eyes shining as I nodded.

"I always thought he was really cool." I admitted, bringing my legs closer as I tucked my cardigan around me, the breeze in the air fluttering past. "I mean, beating bad guys left and right without powers, that whole dark theme he has going for him—he was just really cool."

"I know what you mean." Dick's smile seemed almost secretive, and I wondered what made him look so amused until he continued. "What about his partner?"

"Robin?" I frowned, looking thoughtful. "No, there's a different Robin now, right? Well, before this Robin, I thought he was pretty cool too. Quirky, clever, he had skills."

"Looks?"

"Not my type."

Dick's shoulder slumped slightly, and I wondered if Robin had been his childhood idol—he had sort of been mine, actually. The whole lot of them. Young teens my age, saving the world, doing actual...good. It was the kind of stories that got my blood pumping and my heart racing, wanting to make a difference.

But it's never that easy. I smiled to myself, eyes lowering to the gravel roads and gritty sidewalk, the same road thousands of people had traveled upon. "I always wondered what it would be like to be a superhero, actually."

"Really?" Dick looked faintly interested, his eyes shining with that little gleam—like there was some joke I wasn't in on and he was enjoying the whole thing. A small smile on his face and he turned, facing me fully. That was nice too. Being looked at, telling whatever I wanted to whoever I wanted, unafraid of the consequences, the results, just free. "How come?"

"The fact that they could do something good for the world is just...really awesome." I settled back against the steps, the cool stone digging into my back, but not totally painful, a gentle reminder. "I always wanted to make a difference somehow, do something good, and when I'd look at the news or see the papers and read all the stories, their deeds... It seemed so...great."

"It has its rewards, I'm sure." Dick looked thoughtful, turning his head forward. "But there are probably sacrifices they have to make too; it's not just all for show."

"I'm sure." My heart was thudding in my chest, instincts and habits drilled in for years screaming at me to stop, stop, stop. But I didn't want to. Not tonight. "But I kind of envied them."

Dick arched a brow, waiting for me to elaborate. "To be able to slip on a mask, become someone else entirely... They make it seem so easy."

"...I'm sure even for them, the lines get blurred sometimes."

"But what I've really wondered," I waved a finger at him, tilting my head to the side as I shut my eyes; a breeze billowed past, bringing with it a gentle chill. "Is what it would be like, if even for a moment, to be someone else."

"You sound like you're not happy with who you are." Dick observed, resting his hands on his knees as he eyed me thoughtfully.

"No, nothing like that." I let that go a long time ago. I smiled, wistfully. "Just for once, I want to be someone else. I want to let everything go, toss it all aside, be someone else. Just for one night." Just this once, with nothing to hold me back, nothing to weigh me down.

Dick was silent and I brought my knees closer to my chest, shifting slightly so I leaned against his shoulder, the warmth of his body next to mine oddly comforting as I felt my lids lower. "I want to forget and just be someone else, with nothing to hold me down. I just want..."

I paused, warnings screaming in my head, but I shoved them all aside and carefully tucked them away, content with simply voicing my thoughts. "To let it all go."

"Then do it."

I blinked, turning over to Dick in surprise, but deep, deep blues gazed back into jade, and I was frozen as he gazed down at me, emotions I could never dwell into for fear of never coming back were swimming in his oceanic eyes. Confusion must have colored my face for he smiled, tilting his head downwards as his eyes softened. "Let it all go."

Red lights, flashing, warning, screaming in the back of my head, and all I could do was stare, lost and dumbfounded as Dick gently reached over, cupping my cheek with one hand, waiting, giving me the option to pull back.

I didn't.

He leaned forward, slowly, the gentle reminder that I could pull away whenever I wanted to lingering in the air. Such a gentleman. I almost smiled at the thought, wondering if the world was just being nice for once in my life, to let me run into this kind soul who I would probably never see again. But for once... Just this once...

"Be someone else." Dick breathed, warm breath ghosting over my face as he titled his head, lips barely brushing over mine.

My eyes met his, lost, entranced, and I shifted slightly, our lips so close that when I spoke, they barely brushed over his.

"Okay."

And he tilted his head forward, closing the thin gap between our lips and sealing the deal.

That was the second mistake I made that night.

Holy shit.

My back slammed roughly against the smooth wood of the apartment door. My face winced, mouth opening to voice complaint, but hurried lips quickly covered my own and I was silenced, shutting my eyes as I attempted to catch my breath.

Dick opened his mouth, muttering a heated apology as one hand fumbled for his keys, the other winding its way through my hair as he pressed me back against the door, his lips sealing mine once more. Jesus. I'd kissed guys before, I'd been in a relationship once or twice, but whatever softie I'd pegged this guy for was quickly and roughly wiped away as his lips pressed against mine over and over.

I was struggling to keep up, his lips moving in a passionate, heated sort of dance, and I was tripping over my own feet. Though the moment I tried to catch up, he'd lull me into a slow, sensual kiss, gentle, heated, and just Jesus. I hesitantly moved my hands from his back to around his neck, trying to catch hurried breaths in between as he finally shoved the key into the lock and twisted the knob open.

The support of the door disappeared behind me and I stumbled, but his firm arms slipped around my waist, walking me back with a sort of practiced ease—he probably did this a lot. The thought made me frown, and I a whisper of doubt flickered through until his hand wound through my darkened locks, tugging my head back as he dipped his head lower and pressed his lips to my neck, breathing huskily.

Okay then. My legs trembled as he pressed soft kisses, pausing at the crook of my neck and delivering a soft nip. Maybe I'm not ready for this.

"Didn't you want to be someone else?"

"Bedroom or couch?" Dick breathed out, his hot breath ghosting over my neck as I shuddered, glancing from the leathery couch to the closed door in the corner, several feet away.

"Um..."

"Couch." Dick pushed back and I stumbled, the back of my knees hitting the couch as I toppled over and onto the smooth cushions. I blinked up at him in surprise, hair a wild mess as I breathed, trying to catch my breath despite my flushed cheeks and he grinned apologetically. "Sorry, didn't think I could make it that far."

"Oh." Oh. "That's fine, I mean, I understand." I glanced to the side and back to him, then away again. "I, um..."

A weight settled on top of me and I froze, looking up as Dick grinned down at me, eyes smoldering as he braced himself above me. A blush settled over my cheeks and his gaze flickered, lips curling upwards. "Cute."

Indignation flared through for a moment before he shifted forward, hungrily devouring my lips once more and knocking me onto my back as I let out a squeak of surprise. A low, deep chuckle rumbled through his chest and one hand curled around my waist, gently but firmly holding me to him while the other propped himself above my head, his lips never leaving mine.

What are you doing, what are you doing, what are you doing, what are you doing? I reached upwards, hands hovering momentarily above his head as I contemplated what to do, but Dick reached upwards, guiding my fingers towards his neck and I wrapped my arms around him, trying to keep up with the burning warmth of his lips against mine. This can't end well. What are you expecting? You don't even know him!

That's the point. I opened my mouth as he pulled away for a moment, and I inhaled, sucking in a breath of air before his lips crashed once more into mine, relentless, heated. I shut my eyes and willed myself to let it go, let it all go, as smooth hands ran down my sides, resting on my hips as his lips moved against mine, smoothly, intoxicating. You'll never see him again.

"Delilah." I shut my eyes, breathing in the musky scent, his cologne washed over with the faint musk of the city air. "Lilah." I glanced up, remembering the name I'd given to him as Dick gazed down at me.

There was a soft warmth there, but it was easily drowned and overrun by the fiery, burning want in those blue eyes. The very look he sent down at me sent shivers running through my body, and I paused, breathless as I panted beneath him, and he ran a hand down my cheek, cupping the side of my face as he gazed down at me, smoldering.

"Is it alright..." Dick trailed off, husky as his shoulders shifted, muscled rippling for a moment and I paused, confused and dazed as he glanced to the side before glancing back to me. "Are you sure you..."

Oh. I blinked, warnings screaming in the back of my head as I gazed up at him, his eyes earnest, patient, despite the press of his body to mine as his hand rubbed slow circles along my hip. "...you're really polite, aren't you?"

"I was raised to be a charming young man." Dick smirked, eyes lowering as he tipped his head forward. "I don't want you to—"

I tipped my head forward and hesitantly pressed my lips to his, pulling back before he had a chance to return the gesture as I glanced to the side, a hand settling over my mouth as a blush flickered across my cheeks. Dick stiffened before his lips tugged upwards and he settled back, his weight pinning my lower half beneath him as grinned.

"...don't make me say it."

"I don't know," his fingers played with the downward curve of my v-neck, brushing along the downward arch and trailing back up again. "I kind of like the idea of making you beg."

There would be no begging. I'm not that desperate. I flashed him a flat look despite the pants and flushed cheeks. "Keep dreaming, kid."

"Kid?" Dick sounded mildly offended as his lips turned upwards and he reached downwards, grasping his shirt in his hands and tugging it off in one smooth motion. I blinked, mouth growing dry at the sudden exposure of skin, and Dick leaned forward, bracing himself above me as deep blue eyes locked onto mine. "I may have to change your mind about that."

A nervous chuckle left my lips, but before I could think of anything else to say Dick was leaning downwards, sweeping me up into his arms and pressing his lips passionately to mine, warm, breathless, and I found myself struggling to breath as I encircled my arms around his neck.

Large, heated hands ran along my sides, deftly unbuttoning my cardigan and shoving the shaggy clothing off, my arms breaking apart so he could tug it off and toss it aside. His lips moved sensually against mine, warm, as if he and I were the only thing that mattered in this very moment, and he breathed, hands rubbing circles along my sides and slowly making their way upwards towards my shirt.

I opened my mouth and Dick used the action and ran his tongue once against the bottom of my lips. My clouded mind flickered, trying to remember what that was supposed to mean or do—has it really been that long? But before I could wonder he seemed to have taken this as a sign of defiance, his hand winding around my hair and tugging it back, gently but firmly as his mouth latched onto my neck.

I opened my mouth in a silent breath of surprise and he swooped upwards, mouth meeting mine as his tongue slipped through and moved gently against my own. My brows furrowed and I shyly moved against his until he broke apart and chuckled, chest rumbling with the husky motion.

"For someone so fiery, you act like this is the first time you've ever—"

"Oh, shut up—" Dick pressed his lips to mine once more, my body stiffening for a moment before I slackened.

Let go. I shut my eyes, shoulders relaxing as Dick smiled for a brief moment against my lips, his hand slowly wandering up further as it slipped beneath the cotton of my shirt, a fire spreading along where his fingers touched. Tonight, you're not you.

One hand slowly made its way lower, resting on the band of my jeans as he ran a finger along the cool button.

Nothing matters tonight.

A low, gentle pop and I stirred, Dick's lips quickly covering my own as his hand slowly made its way further upwards, brushing against soft skin.

You can be anyone you want to be.

A tug, the waist of my jeans slowly loosening and clinging loosely to my hips.

You can forget it all, just for tonight.

"I wonder," Dick breathed into my ear, husky, hot as his bangs brushed over the side of my face. "How I got lucky enough... To meet you tonight."

You're not you.

"Come home for breakfast at least, okay?"

My eyes snapped open and like that everything all came to a screeching halt. The world around me shattered, this cloudy, foggy world around me that I so desperately wanted to lose myself in became clear, sharp, and I pulled away from the kiss, Dick's head dipping downwards to return to my neck.

I can never be someone else.

My heart began to pound in my chest, wildly, madly, and I shifted, moving. Dick moved with me, pressing his lips and beginning to leave small kisses all the way down to my shoulder, where his mouth opened and I felt teeth graze skin.

I'm me.

Dick brought his head up, dipping his head downwards to bring our lips together, his hand beginning to tug the band of my jeans downwards when I shot upwards. Dick stilled, pulling back slightly in alarm as a hand came up and slammed down onto his mouth. "Stop!"

Wide blue eyes blinked, confused and incredulous as I panted below him, flushed, wide-eyed, struggling to catch my breath. Dick paused, his chest rising and falling as he blinked at me in confusion, slightly put off by the sudden change and I ran a hand through my hair. "Sorry, um, just... Whoa. Give me a second."

"Are you alright?" Dick pulled back, my hand leaving his mouth as his brows creased in worry. "Sorry, was I too rough—"

"No! I mean, well, no, it's not that." My cheeks flushed and I struggled to sit up. Dick silently slipped back so I could pull myself together and I breathed, trying to catch my breath and not die from the sudden horror of this whole thing. "I just..."

"Is this your first time?" Dick's head titled to the side and I blinked, mouth falling open.

"No—well..." I quickly shook my head. "That's not it, I just... I'm sorry, I just don't think I can do this."

Dick waited, as if knowing there was more and I ran a hand across my face before continuing. "I'm sorry. There's nothing wrong with you, I swear. You're actually really, really nice. And if I could do something like this I'm glad it'd be with you but... I just think I'm making a mistake for myself."

I pressed a hand to my lips, gazing at his knees for a moment. "I don't really do these things often, but I... It's just not my thing, I'm sorry. I thought I could but—"

"Don't worry about it." A warm hand slipped over my own and I glanced to the appendage, gazing at it for a moment before my eyes flicked back to Dick, a warm smile on his face, blue eyes shining. "I get it. I'd never stoop so low as to force someone into doing something they didn't want to do, and the last thing I want is for you to do something you'd regret."

You have no idea. I laughed slightly, running a hand through my tousled locks, tugging them over my shoulders and gazing at the black locks before I looked up. "...thanks. I... I'm sorry, I just went with this and—"

"Say no more." Dick held a hand up, grinning faintly. "Besides, I'd rather you not start telling me why you'd turn down this—" he gestured to himself and I flashed him a flat look, "But don't worry about it."

"...you're really nice, you know that?" I settled back onto the arm of the couch, pulling my legs up to my chest as I gazed at Dick in surprise. "I'm surprised you don't have a girlfriend or something."

"I've got a busy job." Dick shrugged good naturedly.

"Workaholic." I quickly accused, Dick frowned before I grinned. "But somehow you have time for things like this, huh?"

"I don't mind fitting in a damsel in distress." He laid an arm against the couch and rested his head on his palm, flashing this charming, million dollar grin my way. "Saving women is a hobby of mine."

"Who said I needed saving?"

"I guess you were just becoming great friends with that guy then?"

"Oh, I could've taken him." Trust me. I idly shoved Dick's foot and he laughed, a full, boyish chuckle that sounded nice to my ears.

"I'm sure you could." The idea of how fast what was just about to occur to...well, this, was frighteningly strange, but it was strangely pleasant at the same time, and I didn't dare question it for fear it would end. "...Was there just something on your mind?"

"Just...stuff came up at my work." I ran a hand through my hair and glanced to the side before offering him a faint grin. "Fight with my boss about an assignment. I was supposed to make it to my sister's recital but I had to cancel cause of it."

"That does suck." Dick agreed, frowning as I shrugged. "What's your job like that your boss would make you miss something like that?"

"A very demanding one." I glanced to the clock. Two hours to kill. "Hey, thanks for everything tonight. If you want I can just grab my stuff—"

"And let you walk out at night alone?" Dick raised an incredulous brow. "Blüdhaven isn't the friendliest place this time of night, you know."

"I'm sure there's some super hero out patrolling or something." I stood, glancing around the apartment in search of my discarded cardigan as I buttoned my jeans and adjusted my shirt. Nice place. The apartment was wide, spacious and nicely furnished, a bar counter off to the side serving as an island between the kitchen and living room. Guess he is rich.

"I'm sure but—"

"I think... What's his name?" I frowned, blinking in faint surprise to find that my cardigan had landed several feet away. "Nightwing, he hangs around here doesn't he?"

"Superheroes move around." Dick added, watching me move around his apartment with furrowed brows. "You know I'm not letting you walk out there at this time."

"I'll flag a cab."

"At this hour? I can drive you—"

"I live pretty far, and I don't want to make you do that, you've been nice enough as it is, and it's late." I offered him a small smile and Dick frowned, standing up as I shook my head. "Don't worry about it."

"Stay the night then."

I blinked, looking up at him carefully while Dick simply smiled, crossing his arms over his toned chest—I forgot he took of his shirt. "If you don't feel up to—"

"I—"

"How about we watch a movie?" Dick finished, and I paused, confusion coloring my face as he gestured to the couch. "Just chill, and in the morning I can take you home."

I hesitated, shifting from foot to foot awkwardly as I glanced to the door. Dick looked thoughtful before he grinned, snapping his fingers.

"I've got popcorn."

"...what kind of movies?"

A light, gentle beeping echoed in my ears and I frowned, brows furrowing as I snuggled deeper into the soft, silky wool blanket and into the cool leather of the couch. God, not yet.

But the beeping persisted and I cracked an eye open, glancing around the darkened room wildly, and the only light streaming through the window off to the side as the moon gazed down on us. I shifted, propping myself up on the arm of couch as I glanced down to the watch on my wrist.

Three o' clock. I sighed, memories coming back as I ran a hand through my hair and turned.

Dick was sleeping peacefully on the other side of the couch. Raven locks framing his face as his chest rose and fell, legs tangled with my own as he relaxed against the other end of the couch. An empty bowl of popcorn sat on the floor, the television long ago shut off when we fell asleep at some point watching some cheesy kung-fu movie that'd been on. I gazed at the sleeping figure for a moment, a gentle wave of warmth at the kindness some random stranger had offered until I stood.

Quietly detangling myself from him, I moved away from the couch, glancing around amidst the dim lighting and spotting my bag on a barstool. I quietly made my way across the room, practiced silence meeting my ears as I grasped the leather sack and slipped it over my shoulder, glancing back to the sleeping figure sprawled over the couch, his head shifting as his brows furrowed for a moment.

I was lucky to find someone like him. The idea of being friends with someone like him sounded nice, tempting, and the brief wonder of meeting him again flashed through my head before I smiled, shuffling through my bag and grasping a piece of paper and a pen.

Probably not. I scrawled a quick thank you and left it on the counter, making my way to the door and slipping my shoes back on and gently twisting the knob open, the door opening with the faintest swish. I glanced back and my eyes softened. It was nice meeting you, stranger. I hope you live a nice, happy life and find that nice, happy girl.

The door clicked shut behind me and I inhaled the crisp night air, eyes sliding open as once warm green turned into sharp jade and I made my way down the stairs and out onto the street, reaching into my bag and pulling out the articles of clothing.

It was funny, I realized as I brought a scrunchie up to my hair and pulled the tousled locks into a tight ponytail, how on a night you felt everything was crashing down, the universe finally rewards you with something nice. And even if it was just for a night, it was nice, being friendly, being normal in a sense.

But now. I dialed a number into my phone, texting the request of a ride to the designated spot. An answer was quickly given and I turned the corner, opening up to the wide street as I took a familiar mask and slid it over my face, bringing a pair of goggles up and settling them over my head.

It was time to get to work.

Tall Caucasian male, short, pepper gray hair. Normally arrives home around four in the morning, donning a dark blue suit, third window to the left, fourth floor. You'll know him when you see him.

The cold air was particularly biting tonight, and I wondered if it was some way of the world lecturing me for doing this, but did it really matter?

The sleek metal of the rooftop beneath me was chilling, the cold seeping into my clothes, a vast difference from the soft leather I'd been on moments before. My legs sprawled out behind me as I propped myself up on my elbows, head resting on the chin rest of the mantle before me as I peered through the scope, watching the window in view.

"What's the reason?"

"I thought you never cared?"

"I deserve to know, don't I?"

"...politician. He's planning to make the final deal on some law on some random crap, and boss has orders to make sure he doesn't make it tomorrow morning."

I breathed softly, fingerless gloves providing little warmth as shifted to my left arm, the cool metal of the sniper rifle beneath me the only reminder of what I was hear to do instead of gazing up at the stars, or spending the night with a nice guy I wouldn't mind being friends with had things been different. Best if I never see him again. Besides, what are the odds?

A light flickered on in the window beside the one I was watching and I paused. A door opened and a man stepped through, matching the description to point as he ran a hand over his face, shoulders slumping. A light came on in the second window and he turned, moving past the wall blinding my view and into the window I was aimed at.

Another door opened and two figures rushed out, two young girls in pajamas, twins. I paused, mouth suddenly growing dry as he turned and smiled brightly, opening his arms and gathering them in his arms. A woman stepped out and he turned, smiling as they embraced.

"...family?"

"Two kids."

"...how old?"

"M.B, I told you, you don't want too—"

"How old?"

"...ten. Both of them. M.B, this only makes it harder—"

"Why did you guys hire me?"

"M.B—it's not like I'm doubting—"

"Why did you hire me?"

I shut my eyes for a moment, letting my head fall against the cool, hard metal of the railing beneath me as I inhaled softly. A moment, a second, and I glanced back up, putting my eye to the scope, my fingers moving over the lock and the gun clicked.

The family before me chatted, smiles and laughter before the father ushered his children and they pouted before darting off into another room. His wife pressed her lips to his cheek and turned to follow after the kids. The older man sat up, leaning back and smiling. Blue eyes. Pale and nowhere in comparison to the pair I had seen earlier that night. My flinger slid over the trigger, waiting.

One simple movement and it'd all be over. Two girls would be left without a father. A mother would become a widow. Perhaps scarred for their lives.

"...Because you never fail."

It took one simple tug of my finger and the gun beneath me lurched, the soundless shot echoing out in the night as the bullet flew and the sound of glass shattering broke the silence. The body before me crumpled to the floor and I waited a moment before rising, rolling over and gazing up at the sky thoughtfully. The silence shattered as a scream pierced the air, shrill and panicked, fear and terror.

I shut my eyes, the cool air biting into my skin as the distant sound of sirens wailed far off, there was a station nearby, wasn't there? Best to leave then.

With a heave I was up, gathering my things and pulling out a grenade. I judged the distance and launched it several feet away for me onto a nearby roof, the tiles quickly igniting into flames as the warehouse caught on fire. I gave the burning embers a final glance and turned, running along the rooftops until I leapt, scaling a ladder down and disappearing down into an alleyway.

There was a buzz in my pocket and I glanced down, blinking at the familiar number and hovering over the message.

"Will you be home for breakfast? Dad's cooking."

I quickly typed a reply, reminding myself to ask why she was up this late as I tugged my mask off and shoved it back into my bag, the distant wails of sirens and the tragic left behind echoing in my ears as I made my way onto the street, the sky glaring down on me.

Karma's going to really get me back one day. I mused dryly, sliding my hands into my pockets as I shifted the darkened edge of the street, away from the lamplights. Guess I'll just have to wait.

That was the third mistake I made that night.

Because the gears of fate were already in motion.

Tadaaa! :D I hope you all enjoyed the first installment of AGGTKH! Thank you all for taking the time to read and hopefully enjoy the story, and are looking forward for more to come! This idea and story line has been floating around for awhile and I figured I might as well, even though I have several stories I'm working on, I really couldn't resist.

Once again, I hope you all enjoyed! I look forward to seeing you next chapter as well. :) Feel free to leave a comment and tell me what you think!

THANKS FOR READING!

Marshmellow-

-OUT!