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Bruce sometimes wondered if the kid even knew how to walk. It was more common to see him cartwheeling through the hallways, whizzing down the bannisters, and flipping off of priceless furniture with flair and skill that seemed unnatural for a five-year-old.
Bruce loved the kid. Saw him as his own and would do anything, absolutely anything, to protect him. However, it seemed as though Dick was adamant to send Bruce to the hospital with a heart attack one day or another. And it appeared as though he was planning to do so right now. Bruce’s heart had decided that there was no need to pump his blood when his eyes set upon Dick’s small frame hanging off the chandelier. The chandelier that was so high up, that Bruce needed to crane his head up to be able to see it.
His initial thought was to shout out to the boy. Demand that he come back down. But Bruce didn’t want to accidently startle Dick.
Instead, he took a few cautious steps towards the centre of the foyer and tried to calmly alert the boy of his presence.
“Dickie” Bruce tried to gain Dick’s attention. “I need you to come down from there”.
Bruce felt his throat clam up when the glass pendalogues shook as the boy twisted his body to look in his direction. Bruce would have usually appreciated the cheeky smile that was directed at him if his son wasn’t 25 fucking feet off the ground. Why Dick had chosen the chandelier was beyond Bruce’s imagination- there was a perfect good outdoor playset that was designed specifically for the boy’s monkey-like antics.
‘’B! Look I’m flying!’’
Dick’s sapphire blue eyes gleamed as he pushed his body forward before tucking his legs in to set the chandelier in motion. The decorative lighting gave out another loud rattle that left an echo in Bruce’s mind.
‘‘I can see that, kiddo. But I can also see that it’s not very safe. It’s also very high up.’’
Dick didn’t seem to be listening very intently, if his continuous giggles whilst swinging were any indication.
‘‘Dick.’’ Bruce tried to be a bit sterner this time. ‘‘You could easily fall and hurt yourself. The chandelier is a form of decoration, it’s not stable.’’Bruce moved so that he was directly below the boy.
“I need you to come back down, the same way you got up there.’’
Dick didn’t seem to appreciate the idea. His usual pout had made an appearance, and his legs started to oscillate a bit more in the air.
“B-”Whatever rebuttal Dick had; it was cut short as the top support of the chandelier suddenly dropped down a couple of inches. This caused Dick to be jostled and jerk down slightly.
“Dickie.” Bruce’s growl came out low. It wasn’t the usual Batman one- which was used to instil fear into the low-life scum of Gotham, but rather the one of a desperate father that really needed his kid to listen to him. Like right now. Pronto.
Dick still seemed to be ignoring him until there was another drop- this time it was louder and nearly caused him to lose his handling on the beam. Panic seemed to have appeared on his face. It took him a moment to collect himself before gazing back down at Bruce. Bruce could see the colour had drained from his usually rosy cheeks, and his eyes were blown out wide. He looked frightened. Bruce forced out a small smile to try to encourage the boy. “It will be okay. I’ll be here to catch you.”
With a bated breath (and trying to ignore the glass rattling), Bruce watched Dick take a large swing, kicking his legs all the way back and pushing himself forward. Dick leapt off the chandelier in the direction of the open hallway of the second floor, flipping mid-air just before he made his landing.
Bruce didn’t waste a second as he ran up the stairs- taking nearly three steps at a time. He rounded the corner and rushed towards Dick, dropping to his knees in front of him. Bruce held onto the boy’s bony shoulders with a tight grip.
“What made you decide to go up there? Don’t you know how dangerous that was?” Bruce didn’t give a chance for Dick to speak as he continued to tell the boy off. “What if you had slipped? What if the chandelier had dropped completely?”
Dick had just opened his mouth when Bruce cut him off.
“I don’t want to hear what you have to say. I never want to see you do that again. Do you understand?’’ Bruce had to take in a sharp inhale of breath.
“What if I wasn’t there to catch you-” Bruce couldn’t continue that thought. Just the idea left him sick to his stomach and his throat felt constricted once again.
‘And for the final act of the night- the one you’ve all been waiting for….The Flying Graysons!’
There was a roar from the crowd, a lively sound that would turn into screams not long after.
‘The extraordinary couple will be attempting their performance but this time with a twist! Yes, for tonight only, there will be no net set up below as they showcase their gravity defying act!’'
Bruce had to squeeze his eyes shut to stop the images forming in his mind. It was whilst Bruce tried to block that specific memory, that he felt the slight tremors underneath his hands. Opening his eyes, he saw Dick’s glossy eyes. The boy was trying to hold back his tears, but it seemed as though he was only a few seconds from bawling his eyes out.
Suddenly the fear imbedded in Bruce turned into guilt. Bruce didn’t mean to scare the kid more than he already was. He just couldn’t help it. He knew he wasn’t the best at expressing himself- he’d been told this multiple times (and he wasn’t that self-absorbed to not notice himself), but he just needed the kid to understand how unsafe the decision was.
“I’m sorry..b-but it’s not fair! I need to fly. I’m supposed to fly. If I don’t.. if I don’t, then how can I be a real Flying Grayson,'' Dick had started off with a low voice which then built up before he began to sob hysterically. Dicks shook violently as he started to breathe more heavily- barley taking little gasps of air here and there.
At that moment, Bruce wasn’t sure what to do. He didn’t have the right words to console that child right now, so instead he held onto Dick’s head and brought him towards his shoulder with Dick pressing his cheek to his collarbone. With his other hand, Bruce started to weave his figures through Dick’s soft dark locks.
“Sweetheart, I need you to calm down. Listen to my heartbeat.” Without meaning too, Bruce’s hold on Dick tightened and he brought him closer to his chest. Bruce wished there was more that he could do so that Dick still felt as though he had a connection with his parents. Dick had grown up in a vibrant environment, surrounded by a diverse range of customs and traditions, and lived in the midst of a large loving family. There was a stark contrast in comparison to the manor.
Bruce waited until both of their heartbeats had calmed down and that Dick’s sniffles had lessened before extracting him from his embrace.
“I think I understand why you wanted to swing from the chandelier. And I bet you also felt really good when you were up there”
“Yeah…” a muffled voice came from Dick who was holding on tightly to Bruce’s bicep.
“But swinging from a chandelier is not safe. Next time you feel like flying or climbing, tell me first- or even Alfred. We can go to a soft play area which is much safer for stunts like this. Okay?”
Bruce had to wait a couple of minutes before he got a reply.
“Okay..” It didn’t seem as though Dick was completely sold on the idea. Which was fair enough. Going to the park or a soft play area would never be enough to entertain a child that basically lived his first few years up on the trapeze. He knew for Dick, gravity was surely going to be a force that he fought against. Bruce gave it a thought before opting for another option,
“How about we find a gymnastics club? I’m sure the teachers there could teach you how to fly safely,”. Bruce gave Dick a little nudge on the shoulder, “how does that sound?”
Dick turned his head up towards Bruce with a small smile. “Really?”
“Yeah, but you must promise not to do anything like that again. You really scared me there.”
“Sorry. I really really didn’t mean to scare you.”
Bruce replied with his own grin and brought the boy into his arms once again. Giving him a tight squeeze and laying his chin on top of Dicks head, Bruce realised how late it had gotten. Across from them, on the opposite side of the hallway, the gleam from the moon streamed through the parting between the floor length curtains.
“Dickie, I think it’s time for you to get ready for bed.”
Bruce could feel the boy shaking his head. Bruce sighed. He knew getting Dick into bed was a two-man job- and with Alfred gone for the week- it was going to be a challenge. Hopefully, the boy had tired himself out a bit with the crying and his attempt at ‘flying’.
Bruce slowly stood up to his full height. “Alright, let’s get going. Time for you to get changed into your pyjamas.”
“No thank you. I’m good.”
“Dick, it's nine at night. You and I both know that it's way past your bedtime. Alfred would be disappointed to hear you weren’t in bed yet.”
“Alfie isn’t at home though. He doesn’t need to know.”
“Dick.”
“Fine,” huffed Dick, “But only if I get a cookie. Alfie always gives me something sweet when I’m sad. And I was sad. That’s why I cried. So, now I need to have a cookie.”
Bruce had to stop himself from laughing at Dick’s sly reasoning. The kid had the potential for business in the future if he continued on like this.
“Pleeaasee,” Dick was rolling on the balls of his feet with his hands clasped behind his back.
Bruce knew he’d end up regretting it if he allowed for the late night sugar rush, but he also knew he had a bad habit of indulging Dick. Bruce gave a small noise of approval and watched Dick jump up and down in excitement.
Dick quickly slipped his hand into Bruce’s large one. Sometimes it felt so surreal to him. That he, Bruce Wayne, would ever take a child in- let alone falling in absolute awe for the boy that skipped along beside him. Sure, it took time, but once the initial barriers had been broken, Dick had brightened up Bruce’s world. A full dose of fear toxin had also allowed Bruce to realise how precious this kid really was to him.
The shadows that surrounded Bruce no longer felt as suffocating as they once were. Vengeance no longer was at the forefront of his mind- but rather the need to keep Dick safe from the horrors of Gotham. The wretched city had taken too much from him and his son already.
The duo walked down the stairs- yes walk, not slide (Bruce felt as though he had achieved something great here) and set off towards the kitchen. Alfred had left both frozen meals and snacks pre-prepared before his trip to England. According to Alfred, Bruce may have obtained multiple degrees in his short lifetime, but basic culinary skill would never be his forte.
Bruce picked up Dick from his armpits and plopped him down onto one of the island barstools. Opening the top shelf, Bruce took out the glass jar that was labelled ‘honey and oat cookies’ in Alfred’s distinct penmanship. “I know for a fact that Alfred only lets you have one cookie. So don’t even try to trick me into giving you another one”
“Huh. I would never do that. I’ve never ever done that,” squeaked Dick.
Bruce just rolled his eyes in amusement at the boy’s dramatics and brought out a plate for the both of them. Adding two cookies- one each, the jar was then returned to its rightful place far away for sneaky little fingers and sat down.
The fact that Dick wasn’t chattering away was the main give away as to how tired he really was. Except Dick was stubborn. And if he didn’t want to go to bed- he’d make it everyone’s problem. His sweet little angel would turn into a terror at the thought of having to go to bed. It wasn’t even the sleeping part that bothered Dick, it was just that he disliked the fact that it was only he that had to go to bed early and so, to counter this, both Alfred and himself had to put on a show of getting ready for bed each night. It was funny to think that a five-year-old boy could have him so easily wrapped around his finger.
Bruce ended up finishing his night time snack first. “Chum, I‘m going to go get changed, and I expect to see you in your room by then.”
Dick gave a small double nod, too engrossed in his cookie.
Although Bruce would put on his nightly show of getting into his pyjamas for Dick, this was the first time in a while that he wouldn't be jumping into the Bat suit straight after Dick knocked out of the night. Even if he was injured, Bruce would change into gym clothes and sit about in the cave working on cases or even doing a few exercises (away from Alfred’s watchful eye). However, since Alfred had finally taken some well-deserved days off to take a trip to England- and because Bruce was a paranoid freak who didn’t think anyone was suitable to watch over Dick- Batman was required to take the week off.
If there was a life-or-death emergency that needed the assistance of Batman, then Bruce had begrudgingly prepped both Diana and Clark as backup babysitters. But for Bruce this was a last resort option only. For now, the criminals of Gotham better sit tight for this week or so. If not, they would have an even more pissed off Batman to deal with than usual.
Bruce quickly got himself ready for the night and walked over to Dick’s bedroom. Luckily for Bruce, the boy had actually listened and was waiting in his room. Star-fished over his bed, Dick was counting his glow in the dark stars on the ceiling. Bruce let him be and walked over to the wardrobe. Picking out a pair of navy cuffed pjs with small stars, Bruce laid down the clothes on the bed. Bruce also couldn’t help himself and brought out a miniature version of his own sleeping gown.
“Come on. Time to get changed.” Dick dramatically rolled off his bed and with slow movements, manoeuvred around the bed towards Bruce.
Bruce helped the boy change, encouraging him to try himself here and there (that's what the parenting book that Lucious had given him had suggested) and tied the belt of the gown. Turning the boy by his shoulder to the direction of the bathroom, Bruce gave a soft pat to his back.
“Go and brush your teeth and-“ Before Bruce could even finish, the boy had dashed into the on-suite bathroom.
“Remember to use the mouthwash! And don’t forget to go to the toilet!”
“Okie dokie,” Dick sing-songed from behind the closed door. A minute had barely passed when Dick came running out just as fast as he had entered.
“Huh?”
“I forgotted Zitka! She needs to brush her tusks, too,”. Dick grabbed his favourite plush before scampering back to the bathroom. That was all Dick found necessary to explain.
“Ah right. Don’t get her too wet.”
“Kay kay. I won’t let her get wet.”
Bruce let Dick do his thing and got to work getting Dick’s bed ready. The boy had the whole zoo sitting along with his pillows. Getting the dedicated basket, Bruce placed the soft toys back in and cleared the space up.
Bruce heard the toilet flush and knew he had some time to spare since Dick liked to play with the water a bit before actually brushing his teeth. Allowing himself to get comfortable, Bruce lay at the edge of the bed and let his thoughts slip.
When Bruce had lost everything that night in the back-end alley, it was as though his entire world were crashing down around him.
However, now- when he thinks back- that was far from the truth. Yes, he had just lost his parents, but he still had the influence and fortune of the Wayne name, the legacy of his parents and the ability to return to his rightful home with Alfred right there with him.
Dick, his poor boy, didn’t have that. The night that his parents met their untimely death, not only had he lost his parents, but he was also ripped away from the rest of his family and home. Other than the small bag that held all his belongings, Dick didn’t have anything to his name.
There was no doubt that Bruce still felt the loss of his parents. It was the reason Batman came to be, but as he matured as a person and grew into his vigilante persona, Bruce realised how privileged he had been to have the stability he had as a child.
Bruce was lost in his thoughts and hadn’t realised he had closed his eyes until Dick jumped onto the bed landing oh so very close to the nether regions. Snapping his eyes open, Bruce came face to face with Dick.
“Will you lie down with me tonight?” With Dick’s face mere centimetres away from his own, Bruce couldn’t avoid looking straight into his puppy dog eyes.
Batman may have a heart of steel, but Bruce was a sucker for those baby blues
“Only till you fall asleep.”
Dick’s face lit up instantly. Before Bruce could wrestle the boy into bed, Dick used his small size to his advantage and slipped away from Bruce. Running over to his book shelf, Dick took out his favourite storybook. ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’. It was one of the few things that Dick was able to bring from the circus, given to him by another child who had watched his parents perform whilst in London. It was also one of Alfred’s favourites too!
Lifting the covers, Bruce promoted the boy to lie down. Taking the book, Bruce tucked him into bed- nice and snug. Automatically, Dick curled into the foetal position and nestled into Bruce’s side.
Looking down, Brue could see Dick’s chubby little cheeks huffing and puffing whilst mimicking the sound of snoring. Bruce let out a little chuckle. Bruce bobbed Dick’s nose causing him to giggle into his pillow.
“Are you ready for your story?”
Dick brought one arm out the covers and gave a thumbs up.
Bruce opened up the book and started reading out loud. About half way through the book, Dick lifted his head and murmured, “I don’t want the story anymore, daddy. I just want cuddles.”
Hearing Dick call him ‘daddy’ or ‘dad’ (or any other form of the word) always caused Bruce's heart to soar. It left him all fluffy on the inside. Feeling extra emotional now, Bruce let go of the book and pulled the boy into his arms, as though he was cradling a baby. A faint gasp was heard from Dick before he rubbed at his eyes like a kitten and got himself comfortable.
Bruce lay contently with his baby boy in his arms and listened to Dick’s breathing slowly even out.
It took Bruce about an hour and a half before he was sure that Dick was asleep. Bruce had tried to leave Dick’s bed at least twice before- each time being stopped by Dick’s iron tight grip on his nightshirt. The kid was severely tired- barely able to open his eyes but refused to allow Bruce to leave his side.
It was about half eleven when Bruce was able to return to his study. There was still some paperwork that was due tomorrow for Wayne Enterprises and since Bruce’s body wasn’t accustomed to sleeping at a normal time, it was deemed the best option to kill his time with.
After another two hours of work, plus an extra hour of searching up the best gymnastic centres in Gotham, Bruce finally allowed himself to retire for the night.
When 5:48 am rolled around
Bruce could hear the pitter patter sound of sockless feet grow louder, stopping right outside the entrance to his room. There seemed to be a pause before the intruder pushed his way past the heavy wooden door.
Dick could be seen in all his glory with his hair sticking up in every possible direction, one pant leg scrunched all the way up at his knee and Zitka held tightly in his arms.
Bruce kept his eyes shut, knowing very well what Dick was planning. Dick slowly inched forward, and started to crawl onto the bed. Bruce felt the slight dip in the mattress before Dick started to nuzzle his way underneath the covers. Dick then came close up to Bruce’s face which was when Bruce decided to open his eyes.
A shocked gasp left Dick. Bruce didn’t say anything but he laughed inwardly as he watched Dick try to school his expression. Rather than say anything to defend himself, Dick quickly brought his hands up and shut Bruce's eyelids down gently.
Oh?
Whispering, “It's bedtime B. You should be asleep.” This time Bruce couldn’t help but chuckle at the reprimand by the five year old.
“B! You should be sleeping!”
“And what about yourself mister?”
“I was just checking if you were okay”
“Well I am perfectly fine as you can see, so I guess you can go back to your own bed.”
“What! No-!” The betrayal on Dicks face was hilarious to Bruce, “I need to stay to make sure you sleep all night. Till the sun comes to say hello in the morning.”
“Right right. Then I guess both you and I should get to sleep then?”
Rather than reply, Dick shoved his face into Bruce’s chest and instantly started to doze off. Not long after, Bruce had fallen into a slumber, absentmindedly caressing Dick’s hair with a faint smile on his face.