Chapter Text
Blüdhaven, November 14th, 1:26PM
The past few months have been difficult to say the least, though Deathstroke left after Gotham it still took time for Dick to recover from that ordeal. Even now with the months between he still isn’t 100% but with therapy and his family he’s getting better.
It isn’t just him who is getting better, Bruce has so far stuck to his word to try and be better, to be less Batman and more of a father. There have been some arguments, but they haven’t gone to the extent as past fights and are usually easily resolved. Their arguments really shouldn’t be called that, they’re more so mild disagreements at best and thankfully have yet to result in the screaming matches that had occurred before. The relationship between father and son still isn’t perfect nor is it as close as what it was when Dick was still wearing the ‘R’, but it was so much better than it had been since the teen stopped wearing those colours.
Currently, Dick was waiting for his father as it was agreed he returned to ‘Haven that he’d check in as a civilian once a week at a minimum. The agreed day was Friday as Bruce only worked till lunch then and it allowed them to meet after Dick’s mandatory counselling with Dinah. They still would see each other between these lunch meetings but most of the time it was in costume, sure they could talk then if needed but it wouldn’t be the same.
When in costume both of them wore masks and weren’t exactly the same people they were outside. Dick was more himself in either scenario but only those who knew who he was behind the domino knew the pain the mask hid. Bruce however was a completely different person when donning the cowl. It was only in the darkest moments where he’d allow that mask to slip when in the suit and usually it was when his son was physically hurting. With the cowl Bruce very rarely could be the father his son may need in moments where he needs supporting and comfort, it was something he hated. He tried but the darkness that he spent so long in before his light came along refuses to let his other side out when in cape and cowl which is why these discussions need to be had as Bruce and Dick not Batman and Nightwing.
With his father having not arrived yet which was to be expected when the met in Blüdhaven rather than Gotham Dick decided to catch up on some of his work for the police academy. Technically he didn’t need to catch up as he was already ahead before he took the few months off for the European mission and then the few extra while Slade was around, but he enjoyed the work. He was surprised they were still allowing him on the programme as by the time he returned he’d almost been away six months, but he’d been told it was because he’d been the best student they had in months.
It’s a same not everything worked out during his need for time off his part time job at the gym was still going but his job at the cop bar was bust. They called him a few days after the final confrontation with Deathstroke and said that they couldn’t hold his place anymore, so they had to let him go. It sucked but at least he had his job at the gym to fall back on and soon enough he’ll be getting his badge to join the BPD so he’s okay with having lost out. They only issue with losing the job was losing the extra funding I brought because even though things were better with Bruce, he still refused to take the man’s money, then again, he’s always been like that.
“I thought we agreed to leave all work at home,” Bruce teased as he sat across from the teen startling him from the pages he’d been reading.
“Sorry, I didn’t know how long you were going to be so figured I’d catch up on academy stuff while I waited,” Dick explained putting the work back in his bag.
“Don’t worry about it, how is it going there anyway?” Bruce asked he may have been displeased when he first learnt of his son’s career choice but that was more fear than anything so kept his reservations to himself.
“Good considering how long I was on break for and honestly I’m not behind even without the extra reading,” Dick answered a small smile on his face at the hidden meaning in his words.
It’s true though even without the night work he’d still be ahead of the class because of how easily he was learning the trade. Okay he might not be as far ahead as he is now but there’s no doubt that he wouldn’t be further along than the others as when he found something that sparked his interest or enjoyed, he became dedicated. He loved learning and developing his skills in the trades he knew which is why he does actually do extra reading even though he already knows half the things they teach at the academy. He doesn’t want to become overconfident as that leads to failure which is why he’s always looking for ways to improve.
“You’ve always been ahead when it comes to academics so it doesn’t surprise me, to be fair I’s surprised you haven’t grown bored yet or claimed its to easy like you did with school,” Bruce smiled happy to see how much better his son was doing now compared to a few months ago.
He grew worried two months ago as it almost seemed like Dick was relapsing back into his depression. It happened after the unveiling of the memorial for Jason at Mount Justice that had spurred it on. Dick faded for a short while, reverting back to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Thankfully it hadn’t lasted more than a couple weeks, but it had set back his return to the team until Canary was certain he was doing better again.
Before the conversation continued the waitress came over and took their orders appearing slightly put off by the billionaire. It was a common occurrence whenever they were in public for people to be intimidated by Bruce and it was always worse when its Dick’s turn to choose where they met for lunch as he’d always pick a diner or something of the like while Bruce stuck to the higher-class restaurants he’s expected to visit. They waited until the waitress returned with their drinks before picking the conversation back up.
“Alfred was wondering if you’d be coming for thanksgiving,” Bruce questioned knowing that any mention of therapy before they received their food would be a sure way to make sure Dick wouldn’t eat. “He told me how last year went, that he waited until Jason, and I were out before coming here.”
“I figured he’d mention it,” Dick said chewing at his bottom lip remembering the state Alfred had found him in then.
He was honestly surprised the butler hadn’t forcibly dragged him back to the manor when he’d found him last year. He’d let himself in the apartment as Dick made ensure Alfred had a key and found him passed out on the kitchen floor. It wasn’t from any serious injuries but from exhaustion and malnourishment which in Alfred’s eyes is even worse given they were self-inflicted. Had Clark been off world at the time Dick definitely would have been forced back to the manor but thankfully his alien uncle agreed to look after him for a few days for Alfred. After that both Alfred and Clark made sure to routinely check in at his apartment to make sure he was taking care of himself whilst keeping discreet to not draw the attention of Bruce. With Dick wanting to avoid Bruce learning of his short comings Clark typically stopped by more than the butler as it was more difficult for Alfred to slip away without Bruce getting suspicious of something being wrong.
“I think he’d appreciate you coming home for the night, just so he knows you’ll be okay and not on your own,” Bruce added sensing a slight discomfort in the teen.
“I didn’t have to be alone last year,” Dick sighed in admittance. “Wally offered to have me at his folks’ place with him and Artemis, Clark said I’d be more than welcome to join him and his folks along with Connor, even Babs asked me to join her and the Commissioner. I had places to go but I… It wouldn’t have been the same. Don’t get me wrong they’re all family too but… Before you and Alfred I’d never celebrated thanksgiving before not how it’s supposed to be done anyway, so it felt wrong to celebrate without either of you. It’s why I started taking on the extra work, I wanted a distraction I guess I distracted more than I intended as I kept pushing myself and then forgot about basic needs.”
“I’d be thankful of you came this year Dick, it wasn’t the same without you there and I want you there this year,” Bruce responded not knowing what else to say.
Dick nodded his agreement as he was interrupted before he could speak with their meals being delivered to their booth.
Bruce hid his smile with a well-timed sip of coffee when he saw Dick ordered a proper meal and not a small side or off the kids’ menu as he had done on most of their lunch visits. There were instances where he’d order a proper meal like now and they had become more regular as the months passed but it still made Bruce happy to see his boy eating something filling. It honestly made him want to forgo any questions about therapy but without asking how things are progressing he will never know fully as Dinah refuses to share anything with him. The only time she had answered his questions were when he’d asked if Dick was a danger to himself which she had answered ‘no, though it was still best to keep an eye on him as a precaution’.
He waited to bring up any mentions of therapy until both of them were almost finished with their meals instead keeping the conversation light.
“So, how did things go with Dinah this morning?” Bruce finally asked hoping Dick wouldn’t close off.
“She suggested the melatonin again for the bad nights,” Dick answered having been prepared for this conversation and was surprised it took so long for Bruce to ask.
“Maybe you should give it another go,” Bruce replied making sure to keep his voice from coming across as commanding.
“I did at the start of all this, but I don’t like how it makes me feel the day after and I know that’s probably better than the not sleeping but I can manage that better than the side effects from the meds,” Dick explained knowing Bruce would understand his reason for not wanting to go back on the medication. “I’ve been testing the tea Alfred recommended and its helps sometimes just not for the really bad nights however those have been less frequent since… since the memorial.”
“No unpleasant side effects with that then I take it?” Bruce questioned grateful to hear his son has found an alternative even if it isn’t always effective.
“I’ve only been trailing it for the past two weeks but so far no maybe a little drowsier in the mornings but its not as bad as the medication was and it doesn’t leave me feeling nauseous so I can go for my morning run or to David’s before the academy,” Dick answered smiling when Bruce shook his head at the mention of the early morning exercises something his father doesn’t know why he bothers with given all the activities he does.
“As long as you’re at least getting some sleep that’s all that matters,” Bruce said stifling a chuckle at his son’s need to complete some for of morning exercise even though he would have been out during the night as Nightwing and the academy and his job at the gym both allow him to get plenty of exercise in.
“Still not the recommended hours but it’s a lot better than it was,” Dick nodded leaving out he hadn’t had the recommended eight hours a night since starting night work. “L-Leslie also checked in today just before Dinah, s-still below what I was before Europe but higher than last month.”
“You’ll get there,” Bruce assured reaching over to squeezes his son’s hand seeing he’d become a little uneasy bringing up the weight he’d loss over all those months. “You know Alfred will make certain of that. Did Leslie mention anything else?”
“She isn’t happy I started working again but you already knew that however she said she’s happy for me to continue with how things are currently,” Dick explained cringing at the thought of the look the doctor had given him when she’d found out he’d been patrolling since a few days after her last check in with him. “She also did some final tests to ensure I still had full function of my hands which she was already certain of anyway it was more of a precaution, but she found nothing. We’re schedule again for December 28th.”
They continued talking for a while even long after their finished plates were taken away. It was rare they spent so long together especially in public usually they’d meet for an hour, two at most then go their separate ways. Today however was about more than just the lunch meeting.
Bruce had something else planned but he wanted to do it just between them, out of the public eye. It was something he been wanting to do since the moment his eyes first saw that eight-year-old boy’s world ripped away. He’d come close to doing it on numerous occasions and had the proof in his car for when he could finally branch this topic to his son. It’s something he should have done a long time ago but whenever he tried something would prevent him from following through.
“Bruce?” Dick repeated placing his hand on the elder’s drawing his attention back. “You, okay?”
Bruce nodded once before speaking, “I’ll tell you just not here.”
Dick nodded though was confused, still he called the waitress over so they could get the bill for their meal. He was quick to snatch the card Bruce offered before handing over his own smirking at the irritated scowl from his father. He handed Bruce’s card back once everything was paid for and they were leaving.
“Was that necessary?” Bruce shook his head at the teen’s actions.
“Yes,” Dick smirked in response heading for the fanciest car parked nearby knowing only his father would be brave enough to leave something like that parked in this area of ‘Haven. “Thought you would have figured it out by now that you’re not allowed to pay when I’ve picked where we dine.”
“You did the same thing last week,” Bruce pointed out rolling his eyes at the teen as they got into the car. “In fact, I think you’ve managed to do something similar and succeeded almost every time.”
“So, I do have a job to pay for things like that it’s no big deal…”
“Dick, I appreciate it, but you don’t need to foot the bill every time…” Bruce tried cutting the teen off only to be interrupted himself.
“I want to and if I can get it before you, I’m going to, calling my repayment for looking after me for nearly a decade after all in a couple weeks legally you won’t have to gave anything to do with me anymore if you didn’t want to,” Dick said not intending that last bit to come out as hurtful but from how Bruce’s hands tightened on the steering wheel he’d failed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”
“I know,” Bruce sighed though it still hurt.
Neither spoke as the car continued its journey towards Dick’s apartment, new apartment rented under a false name he’s never used before in hopes Slade won’t find him again. He’d only been here a couple months but so far, no sign of the mercenary though that isn’t promising given Slade’s ability to hide when he doesn’t want to be found.
It didn’t take them long to reach the new building, Dick didn’t even question how Bruce new the address when the man had yet to come here and as far as Dick remembers he never told him which building it was. It wasn’t as nice as the old place but that reflects on the price with one less job he had to downgrade for now. And yes, he has a trust fund, but he refuses to touch that and the savings he has are for emergencies. He could have found somewhere better in his price range, but the location here was ideal as it in one of the busiest areas of the city when it came to petty crimes, and it was still close to David’s gym where he worked.
Dick waited until they were inside the apartment before addressing Bruce again, “sorry again for what I said in the car, I know the legalities don’t matter.”
“It’s okay,” Bruce assured keeping that saddened tone from his voice knowing that if Dick agreed to this those legalities in a few weeks wouldn’t make a difference.
“So, what’s on your mind that you didn’t want to talk about in public?” Dick asked gesturing to his well-worn couch as he took a seat himself. “Presuming mask stuff since we couldn’t talk out there.”
Bruce stayed standing as he felt it was necessary for the moment before he began, “no, it is however something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about for a while, I just never found the right time to do so.”
“Okay,” Dick said drawing the word out as his anxiety flared slightly worried what his father might be about to say. “Everything’s okay, right? You’re not like sick or anything? Or Alfred?”
“No. No, nothing like that I promise, everything’s fine,” Bruce quickly reassured sensing the boy’s panic.
“Then what’s going on?” Dick asked hating that his nerves were leaking into his voice.
“As I said this is something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about for a while and I had intended to on many occasions but then something would come up or it wouldn’t seem like the right moment or something would go wrong, even now I would have preferred something more special, but… But you’re growing up so fast and I want to make this change before the day comes where legally you’re not my responsibility anymore and as you pointed out in the car that’s only a few short weeks away,” Bruce explained surprised he’d been able to keep his voice steady so far especially seeing how Dick’s eyes were already filling with knowing tears as he pulled the envelope from his pocket that he’d picked up int the car. “I have every single form here from each time I planned to ask you and I also have the fresh copy for now if you want to make it official.”
Bruce handed the envelope over to the teen and waited patiently as Dick’s nervously shaking hands opened it and pulled out the contents.
Dick was thankful he was sat on the couch because if he was standing his knees likely would have buckled with the shock at seeing the numerous forms that had been written. The first one dated to exactly a year after he first moved into Wayne Manor and then the most recent one before the one drafted this morning was March of this year a few days before he left for the European mission. He flicked through each document his vision blurring with tears as he examined each date. Those tears finally fell when he saw one date in particular, a date he will forever regret, May 20th, 2011, the date he ran from the mountain, two days before he agreed to Deathstroke. The date that followed allowed the first choked sob to escape, August 2nd, 2011, the first time he had ever called Bruce ‘dad’ to his face after being terrified he’d never get the chance to do so.
“Richard John Grayson,” Bruce started waiting till his son’s sapphire eyes sparkling with tears drifted back to him from the numerous papers in his hands before continuing. “I want you to know that even if you say ‘no’ that doesn’t change anything even when you turn eighteen, I will always see you as my son. If you do decline, I will fully understand, and it will not affect how much I care about you. Richard John Grayson will you do me the honour of allowing me to formally adopt you as my son.”
Bruce didn’t register Dick moving until he was wrapping his arms around him sobbing. Those tears were not from sadness however they were tears of the utter most joy. Bruce wrapped his arms just as tightly around the balling teen allowing his own tears of happiness to fall even though you hadn’t received a verbal answer.
“I take it that’s your answer,” Bruce chuckled his voice wet from his own tears.
“Yes,” Dick choked looking up and smiling brightly at his dad, a smile Bruce hadn’t seen on the boy in so long. “Yes, dad.”
“I love you so much son and I’m sorry I didn’t do this sooner,” Bruce embraced the boy further returning the smile.
“I love you too dad.”