If there was such a thing as being a trouble magnet, then Doug was pretty sure that was his secondary mutation. Trying to find a place that could be used to bring all of his friends under one roof. Peter, Stephanie, his girlfriend...
He had the skills and ability to help, without putting himself right in the thick of things. It seemed so straightforward! And then for that dangerous woman - if she could even be called that, her power was beyond terrifying - to suddenly be there, and for the strange rescue by Raven and the woman who served him coffee at the shop a few blocks away to show up and... magic. It was strange, and beautiful, but a force of nature unlike anything he'd ever seen. He could read their magic like it was in plain English, see the effects and intent before it unleashed. That had probably been what kept him alive.
Doug closed his eyes and tried one of the spells he'd heard Jennifer Kale use. Nothing happened. It was worth a shot.
The banging on his window startled him, and his eyes shot over. Batgirl was standing there, looking furious, and Doug girded himself for another row. She used to simply just let herself in. Steeling his face and walking carefully over to it with his sprained ankle, he lifted the window. "It's unlocked, you know," he said, unable to keep the bitterness from it. Why was it that whenever they spoke now, it was a battle?
They used to get each-other. One hundred percent. There were no secrets between them, save for the superficial one of her mask and identity. All the important things - their feelings and dreams and concerns - were out in the open. Now there was just tension and disharmony.
Doug hobbled over to the kitchen to get the first aid kit. Usually when she came to him, there was a minor cut or bruise, and he would be there to treat it. He used to take joy in caring for her, being a part of her life. Now he just felt like she was another patient, like when he helped Leslie downstairs. He tossed the kit on the bed, then hopped twice to get to it, sitting down on the edge.
He didn't gesture to her or reach out for her, but longing mixed with a desire to keep his distance, creating a contradiction in his expression, mouth taut and eyes probing. She used to smile, she always smiled. That joyous smile that made him fall in love with her, that she could be so bright after everything life had done to her.
He hugged his waist and waited to see what she came her for.