Chapter Text
...
The aroma of soup filled the room suddenly and Dick's stomach growled in response. He didn't know how it had been since he ate and he was starving. As much as he hated to admit it he was ready to ask for food. Any food at this point.
"Hungry?" asked Ra's, amusement in his voice.
"Yes sir," he reluctantly admitted through gritted teeth.
Ra's hummed and he approached deliberately making noise. He heard the bowl being placed on the ground next to him. Then a hand touched his shoulder pressing down to keep him from moving away.
"I will uncuff you," said Ra's in a low voice, "But you will leave the blindfold on and allow me to put the handcuffs back on when you finish. Otherwise next time I'll have Al Owal feed you. Understand?"
Dick hesitated. Ra's didn't like his hesitation and shook him firmly.
"Yes sir," reluctantly answered Dick his chin dipping down.
"Good boy," praised Ra's.
There was a soft click and his wrists were freed. Dick resisted the urge to pull the blindfold off. The scent of chicken noodle soup filled his nose and he picked up the spoon. The broth was still warm, but not too hot.
It was basic soup but after not eating in who knew how long it was delicious. The warmth soothed the ache in his stomach and he eagerly ate. It didn't take him long to eat and Ra's was quick to redo the handcuffs.
"Well done, little bird," purred Ra's, ruffling his hair.
Dick shifted away, leaning his head against the wall. He didn't respond instead waiting for whatever Ra's was planning.
"How are you feeling, Richard?" questioned Ra's.
He yawned and answered, "Tired. You drugged it didn't you?"
"Of course I did," said Ra's smugness in his voice, "I have things to do and I need you to behave. So go back to sleep, Al Zala."
"Fuck of..." Dick couldn't even finish the sentence as sleep pulled him under.
...
Slowly Dick cane back around. Fingers were carding through his hair. Jerking away from the touch he growled.
"Calm," ordered Ra's, "You are still in Nanda Parbat."
Dick's mind raced, the memories flooding back. Shit. He'd fallen asleep again. He wasn't sure how many times he had woken and slept.
"Do not move," ordered Ra's.
Dick stiffened. Was he going to be drugged again?
"Stay," repeated Ra's.
Dick waited as Ra's undid the handcuffs. Slowly he brought his arms back around and rubbed at them. The blood flow began to return, and he felt the pins and needles. He tried to reach for the blindfold only for his hands to be slapped away.
"What's your name?" Asked Ra's.
"You fucking know my name," snapped Dick, baring his teeth, "I'm not going to play your fucking games!"
Ra's huffed. He felt the sharp prick and gasped as the needle pierced the back of his neck. Mother fucker more drugs.
"Don't be dramatic," drawled Ra's, pulling the syringe out.
Dick couldn't speak. His breath came in shallow pants. A warm, fuzzy feeling filled him. This time he didn't fall back into sleep just relaxed into the feeling.
"Name?" Asked Ra's.
"Go fuck yourself," hissed Dick.
"What's your name?" Asked Ra's ignoring his anger.
"Fuck off!" He shouted.
It went on like this. Ra's never struck him. Never punished him. He simply kept asking the same question over and over and over. Dick was tired from the drug but he couldn't sleep.
"Dick Grayson," ground out Dick finally.
"Very good," praised Ra's.
Ra's gave him a pat on his shoulder. Then his hands were rehandcuffed. Damn it. After that he was left alone.
...
He had no concept of time. He was left to stew in his anger and nausea from the drugs. Only that it like forever when Ra's returned. He could smell the scent of soup. Dick's stomach twisted, and he fought back a wave of nausea.
"Are you hungry, Richard?" Inquired Ra's.
Dick didn't trust his own voice. If he spoke it would give his emotions away. Emotions were dangerous in the face of the League of Shadows.
After a few moments without an answer Ra's gave a hum. His footsteps retreated and Dick was left in silence. He was beginning to hate the sound of silence.
Ra's didn't say anything as he undid the handcuffs and put the bowl of soup in his hands. He slowly began to eat trying to determine where Ra's was. But the man was too damn good.
"Why don't we try that question again," suggested Ra's, "Your name is..."
"Dick Grayson," muttered Dick barely audible.
He set aside the bowl now that it was empty. His fingers curled, nails digging into his palms. He'd rather face Slade and the Joker then sit through this. At least he understood Slade.
For a time he had thought he understood Ra's. But this, this was different from the tactics he tried before. What was his end game here?
"Very good," praised Ra's, ruffling his hair.
"When am I allowed to remove the blindfold?" Questioned Dick, shifting.
"In due time," hummed Ra's, "but you have not yet earned the right."
Great. How long was the immortal expecting to keep him locked up.
"You are not a prisoner, Richard," soothed Ra's, "Just stay calm. When you are ready you will be allowed to leave."
Yeah, yeah, keep the rabid animal contained until it's docile enough to let out.
"I will come back in the morning," informed Ra's.
He didn't say anymore and Dick could hear the man departing. It wasn't like he could see. He shifted, trying to find a more comfortable position. The stone was hard against his side and it dug painfully.
Fuck this situation.