Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dick knew he wasn’t a meta but he’s pretty sure he’s cursed. Because why is he always the one left behind? Why does he have to watch every family he ever had die? 

Mom and Dad. 

The Titans. 

The Bats. 

Sure, some ended up coming back to him but in the end, they left him again. 

He was alone again. 

Bruce died first. There was no miraculous return for him. And it was like a domino effect for the rest of them. 

He couldn’t get to Babs fast enough. Jason and Tim were on the other side of the world when he got the call. Overwhelmed with grief, Steph threw herself into cases and one was too much for her to handle. Cass didn’t fare better after that but she brought down every single one of her enemies before her body hit the ground. When Damian died in his arms —protecting him again—, he couldn’t do it anymore.   

He doesn’t want to keep going through the motions anymore. 

Because what was the point of moving on when the ghosts of his family chained him down to the past? 

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Waking up wasn’t the plan. How the fuck did he mess up? He was supposed to be dead. He was supposed to be with his family. 

He didn’t want to feel the overwhelming guilt squeezing his heart or the grief threatening to suffocate his lungs. He didn’t want to remember the memories of a time he could never get back. 

He didn’t want to live, haunted by ghosts and regrets. 

He didn’t want to exist anymore.

Why the fuck didn’t the universe just get that? Did it like jerking him around like he was its favorite plaything? 

But when he opened his eyes, he froze for a second. He was expecting to be in a hospital, smelling the familiar scent of antiseptic. Possibly on suicide watch and his arms bandaged with tubes sticking out of him connecting to machines. 

This… was not that. 

He sits up on a couch in a very familiar apartment. 

It’s been a while since he set foot in here. He remembers moving out when Bruce was lost in the timestream to live in the Manor with Alfred and Damian. When Bruce came back to Gotham, he moved back to Bludhaven but he got a different apartment. 

What the hell was going on? 

He looked around warily. His guard up as if he was waiting for someone to leap out of the kitchen to kill him. 

It wouldn’t be the first time. 

In fact, he would welcome that more than the off putting quiet and relaxing atmosphere in the room. 

Because this was all wrong. 

He was supposed to be dead. He made sure of it. 

He froze again when his eyes landed on a familiar newspaper laying on the coffee table proudly showing a picture of Robin and Batman. 

Transfixed, he slowly picked it up like it would crumble to dust if he held it too hard. He couldn’t look away from the picture. 

It was a grainy black and white. 

But it was Jason. 

He checked his phone that was also sitting inconspicuously on the table. 

April 13, 2009. 

The date matched with the newspaper. 

Time travel. 

It wasn’t his first rodeo, but nothing he did before waking up could’ve done it. He wasn’t fighting against anyone who had a time ability. He wasn’t messing with any weapons. He was in his bathtub in a safehouse alone. 

So how could this happen? 

But the sentimental side of him made the detective side of his brain shut up. 

This wasn’t the time to be analyzing how he came to the past. The point was that he was in the past. And so was his family. 

He looked back at the photo, gently touching it with trembling hands. He couldn’t believe he could have them back again. 

Dick was 19 again. Jason would be 12.

2009.

Waking up back in time was not the plan but Dick wasn’t complaining. He finally has his family back and he will not lose them again. 

He heard all the lectures from Bruce, Barry, and Wally about the dangers of messing with time. But he didn’t give a single fuck. 

The future he came from was not one he wanted to have again. He was not going to let his family die if he could do something about it.  

Robin has always been able to do what Batman couldn’t. It was okay that Bruce won’t kill. Dick wouldn’t ask him to compromise his morals. 

But he had no such restrictions. He doesn’t mind killing, getting his hands dirty, and being a monster if it means his family is alive. 

He has a second chance and he will not ruin it by keeping his hands clean. 

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Jason was smaller than he remembered. 

Dick had to swallow back the bitter bile that rose at the sight of his innocent, skittish, tiny Little Wing. 

He was so small. He looked like he was 9, not 12. 

How could Bruce let him be Robin? Let him fight against the monsters lurking in Gotham? 

Fuck. Dick should’ve been there for him from the start. What the hell was he thinking ignoring another kid in the Manor, his issues with Bruce be damned? 

But he let none of that show on his face or in his body language. Jason has always been a pretty perceptive kid. 

“It’s nice to finally meet you Jason.” Dick crouched so they were at eye level, an easy genuine smile on his face. “My name’s Dick.” 

He ignored Bruce’s looming presence a few feet away as the man was trying not to peek nervously from behind the corner to see how his oldest approached his newest child. 

“You’re kidding, right?” Jason had his arms crossed over his chest, trying to put on an air of being older, being tougher. But he couldn’t hide the gleam of eagerness in his eyes at finally meeting the first Robin. 

It took everything Dick had to not coo at him. He knew Bruce said Jason had a bit of hero-worship towards him but it was another thing to see it. 

He really messed up before. He couldn’t believe how stupid he was to direct his anger towards Bruce at Jason who didn’t deserve any of that. 

But it will be different now. He will make sure of it. 

“I’m serious. My parents couldn’t speak English well so I was saddled with Dick as a nickname. Don’t worry. I heard all the jokes but you’re welcome to try.” His smile grew wider when Jason clearly took that as a challenge and a scheming smirk appeared on his face. “But enough about me. I want to get to know you.” 

Jason blinked, relaxing his stance in surprise. “Really?”

“Yeah.” Dick said like it was no big deal. “I think you make a kickass Robin.”

The tips of Jason’s ears turned red and he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Was Nightwing —the fucking first Robin, his hero— seriously complimenting him? It was probably a lie to make him let down his guard, but damn it, he couldn’t help but preen at the praise. 

He harshly stomped it down. It wouldn’t do to show how needy he was for any sort of positive encouragement. He was trying to show Nightwing and Batman that he was not a baby and only babies need pretty words to make them happy which he most definitely was not.  

“I saw how you took down those crooks trying to rob a bank and you have a good roundhouse kick.” Dick continued as if he didn’t see the sudden flash in those blue eyes (not teal-not green-not tainted by the Pit) 

“It was nothing.” Jason downplayed, but he couldn’t stop the smile from spreading that his hero thought so highly of him, that his hero was looking at him and seeing Jason Todd and not a dirty little street rat.  

It was obvious how his Little Wing was preening at the praise. It reminded him of Tim and how touch-starved he was for any compliments that he was doing good and being useful. 

His heart hurt for his baby bird. 

“How about I show you a few skills to help you be an even better hero?” Dick offered. “I can even show you some gymnastics moves, if you like?” 

“Yes!” Jason jumped on the offer with a huge beaming smile before backpedaling and trying hard to appear like an adult. “I mean, yes, that would be great.” 

It reminded him of Damian and hiding his child-ness to be taken seriously, to not be kicked out of the family for being worthless. 

His heart ached for his baby bat. 

But he put thoughts of his other siblings away and focused on his Little Wing. 

One sibling at a time. 

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There was another reason Dick came to Gotham. And it had everything to do with a certain clown who had overstayed his welcome in the city. 

Which hurts more?

Forehand or backhand? 

Dick swung the crowbar at the bound Joker who was laughing hysterically with tears in his eyes and smeared makeup on his face. 

“You make me so proud, Robin.” Joker crooned with a deranged smile. “I always knew you always had the potential to be just like me.” 

I’m nothing like you. 

But Dick kept his thoughts to himself. He didn’t respond. He didn’t want to waste words on filth like him. 

No matter how much he swung, no matter how much blood the Joker spat out, the clown kept talking and talking with that victorious smug grin like he won. 

“Daddybats doesn’t know, does he?”

“Of course not. He wouldn’t let you out of the house if he did.” 

“I wonder if Daddybats would put you in Arkham now.” 

“How does it feel to be a killer?”

“How does it feel to continue my legacy?” 

Dick smashed the crowbar on his head and Joker finally fell in a blissful silence, blood pooling underneath him. 

Maybe Joker did win in the end. He has always been trying to break Nightwing. He just didn’t realize how much it would take to shatter Batman’s Golden Boy. 

Dick stared at the corpse with a blank face but there was a satisfied glint shining in his eyes as he swung the crowbar again. It doesn’t hurt to make sure. 

It was easier to kill the clown this time. But unlike last time, he will make sure this death sticks. There will be no Batman to save him now. 

He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, letting the crowbar slip from his hand and clatter loudly on the floor. He doesn’t regret the blood that now stained his hands. He doesn’t regret becoming the man he knew Bruce never wanted him to be. 

Because he doesn’t regret saving his family from having to experience the pain and suffering they went through the first time. 

When he locked the doors behind him and left, he rode his bike a few miles out before he stopped and pressed the trigger. He watched as the bomb detonated and the warehouse went up in flames. 

A fitting end to the monster who took his Little Wing away from him the first time. 

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Job done, he circled back to the Manor. It was easy to bypass the security. He still remembered the blind spots that existed in this time before Bruce fixed it.

Dick had refused Bruce’s shy invitation to stay the night. He almost took it before he remembered he wanted to deal with the Joker as fast as he could so he declined. 

The sadness that crossed Bruce's face before it was gone in a blink made him feel slightly guilty. He wasn’t angry at Bruce anymore (having had years to sort out his complicated feelings toward his dad and witnessing his death would do that to you) but how could he explain that without spilling that he knew about the future? 

Bruce couldn’t know. He was too good of a hero. He wouldn’t approve of what Dick was doing, would hate that Dick was taking the law in his hands and killing off villains who deserve no less. 

He still remembers the disgust on his dad’s face and how he would constantly avoid him after Dick beat the Joker to death even though he saved him in the end. 

Dick ended up saying he was going to stay at a safehouse tonight to pick up a few things but he promised he would stay a few days at the Manor —at home— after that. 

Bruce gave him a scrutinizing look (however much of a father he was, he was the World's Greatest Detective first) but in the end, his happiness at having both his sons home let him put his paranoia aside for a little bit.

It didn't take him long to silently and effortlessly climb up the tree before settling down on a branch that was right across from Jason’s room. He recognized the red curtains covering the window swaying gently in the breeze. 

Dick couldn’t sleep. He felt a restlessness in his veins that wasn’t sated by the Joker’s death. He had to make sure nothing else could even come close to harming his Little Wing. 

Even as the darkness grew and the night passed by, he dutifully kept watch. Nothing was going to hurt him as long as Nightwing was watching, as long as his big brother was there. 

Jason will never have to intimately know what death is. Or what the Pit feels like running through his veins and encouraging his explosive temper. He will never have to doubt his place in their family ever again or feel like he was an outcast among the Bats. 

All he will know is that he has a family who loves him. And Dick will do anything to keep it that way. 

Chapter Text

All Gotham would talk about this week was the Joker’s death and the clown being blown to bits. The GCPD calmly put it down as an unfortunate accident while Batman was working overtime to figure out who had the means and motive to kill the Joker. 

Dick wasn’t worried about getting caught. He hasn’t left any evidence of his presence behind. 

He has been taught by the best after all. 

The only thing he was worried about was Bruce thinking he was an imposter. He tried to act like he would before, but it was hard to bring up the anger to fight with his dad when all he could see was his broken bloody body flashing behind his eyes. More often than not, he would avoid Bruce in favor of hanging out with his Little Wing again and spending time with Alfred instead. 

Jason picked up on the tension (he was always a smart kid), but he didn’t ask. He was more excited at spending time with his hero and learning badass moves from him. Even as his heart was breaking and shattering, Dick could console himself with the fact that he did this one thing right as he burned the memory of Jason’s big bright smile in his brain —Jason from before hardly smiles like that anymore.

It still feels like a dream. He keeps expecting to wake up alone and lying in a bathtub with red running down his arms. 

It was fine. Everything was fine. 

Bruce was also avoiding him. Seems like neither of them knew what to do with the other. Dick couldn’t tell whether to be happy or sad about that. He should be glad that Bruce wasn’t going to throw him in a Bat cell anytime soon, but he couldn’t help his heart from aching that his dad hated him. 

Why wouldn’t he? He was a killer who deserved to be locked up in Arkham with the rest of Batman’s criminals. How could Bruce ever love this damaged version of himself? 

Dick knew he wasn’t the son Bruce wanted anymore, but he was too selfish to stop the blood from staining his hands. 

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If he thought Jason was small, Tim was tiny.  

Dick shot out his grapple gun and landed on the ledge where a certain baby stalker was hiding in the shadows with a too big, very expensive camera in his small hands. Just like it was hard for Tim to not visibly vibrate at meeting the Nightwing, it was hard for Dick to not coo at how adorable his little brother was. 

He had an easy smile on his face. “You’re Timothy Drake, right?” 

“Who?” Tim cocked his head to the side with wide innocent big blue eyes and a genuinely confused expression on his face. His only tell was the slight twitch in his hands holding his camera. “I’m Alvin.” 

Dick’s smile grew. He was trying not to laugh but he played along. “I'm sorry. I must’ve mistaken you for someone else. It’s nice to meet you Alvin.” 

Tim brightened and relaxed when Dick easily believed his lie. He followed the hero’s example and sat down. He was surprised when the older teenager threw an arm around his shoulders and pulled him close to his side. 

Dick hugged the same way he did when Tim met him the first time at the circus 6 years ago —warm-safe-loved. And Tim couldn’t help but feel safe in the presence of the hero who once promised to perform a quadruple somersault just for him. 

Warmth bursted in his chest and he gave into his desire and snuggled closer. The warmth grew when Dick didn’t push him away and seemed to even encourage it by holding him tighter. It’s not an intrusion (he was not being a bother) if Dick had initated contact first. 

The smile on his face grew. This night was quickly becoming a treasured memory. He was able to get lots of nice pictures of Batman, Robin, and Nightwing. And now, Dick was hugging him and not saying he was weak for wanting physical affection. 

“So I noticed that you have been in Gotham a lot more since the new Robin appeared.” Tim took a chance and started saying. “Isn’t it taxing to keep going back and forth from Bludhaven to here?” 

But Dick wasn’t even angry that he asked a question. He simply smiled and answered.

Wow. 

Could Dick get any cooler? 

“Yeah. The commute is a pain, but I love my family so much that it really isn’t a burden. I was actually thinking of moving back here permanently.” 

“Really?” Tim’s excitement grew. 

With all three of his heroes here every night, he can get even more pictures to fill that void in his chest where his parents’ love took space. 

Batman and Nightwing’s love for their Robin shone in the pictures he captured. And even though that love isn’t directed at him, just seeing it makes him feel warm because he can pretend that it could be Mom and Dad looking at him like that too. 

“But enough about me. Why don’t we talk about you? What do you like to do for fun?” 

Tim blinked, not quite believing what he was hearing. Dick was an awesome superhero but he wants to talk about him? Nightwing wants to know what he likes to do? 

If this is a dream, he doesn’t want to wake up at all. 

Tim didn’t believe he was anything special, but somehow Dick got him talking:

About his general favorite things —he likes the color red and photography Dick said his pictures on Gotham scenery in the daytime were amazing, ohmyfuck he could just die from happiness right now, 

How he was doing at school —his grades were good and he was a top student Dick praised and complimented him on doing a good job, it was praise he wished he could hear from his parents beyond a nod of acknowledgement that he wasn’t embarrassing the Drake name, 

Who his favorite hero was —Batman and Nightwing were cool but Robin was the best hero there is Dick smiled warmly and said that Robin was his favorite too .

Afterwards, Dick started telling him stories of Batman and Robin, the Teen Titans, and the Justice League. Tim soaked up his words like a sponge, cherishing every word he spoke. He wished this time would last forever. 

But dreams eventually come to an end and this was no different. After a while, Dick was interrupted in a riveting tale of when he had to save Batman from one of Penguin’s traps. He cocked his head back as if hearing someone talking in the communicator in his ear and Tim swallowed down the sudden despair that welled up in his throat. 

Oh. 

He should’ve known that Dick had better things to do than talk with a lonely kid. He was a hero and there were probably —most likely— other people far more deserving of his attention. 

“I’m sorry, baby bird.” Tim’s face heats up in flaming red at the casual affectionate name but he felt loved and he would give anything to hear Dick call him that again. “But I have to go.”

“It’s fine.” He tried to smile to show how unaffected he was. He can be good. He was not going to be a bother after he took up so much of Dick’s time. “You have more important things to do.”

Dick frowned. “Nothing is more important to me than you.” 

Tim didn’t think his face could get any redder. He didn’t know what to say. 

“Here.” 

He shook himself out of his daze and looked down at the circle gadget with a black bat symbol on it in Dick’s hand. 

“It’s a panic button.” Dick explained. “If you press on the bat three consecutive times, we will come to your location no matter what.” 

Tim cautiously took it from him as if it was a sacred treasure. But a slight fear formed in him. “Won’t Batman be angry that you’re giving this to me?”  

He was nobody special. What if he just wasted the Bats’ time when they could be saving more important people than a little rich kid? 

“He won’t. I can guarantee that he will approve of my actions. I had a good time with you tonight.” Dick ruffled his hair. “And I would hate to see anything happen to you if I could help it.” 

Tim’s eyes grew wide at his words. Dick liked spending time with him? Dick liked him? 

If Dick keeps acting like this, Tim might have to change his favorite hero from Jason to him. And that’s no easy feat considering how much hero-worship he had for the second Robin. 

“Thank you.” 

Dick hugged him tight and pressed a kiss in his messy black hair. “No problem baby bird. I’ll always be there for you.” 

.

True to his word, Dick asked for a transfer to GCPD and started packing up his things to move back into Gotham. Alfred and Jason were pleased. Bruce was happy too even though he was staring at Dick like he was an alien a few times. 

They both remembered how much Dick fought for his independence. So the sudden shift in personality was alarming, but Dick couldn’t bear sleeping alone in another city when he had his family again. He had to be there for Jason and Tim. He won’t fail again (they died on the other side of the world and he couldn’t get there in time) and if the price he had to pay for that was Batman’s close scrutiny, then so be it. 

He also met up with Tim more and the ache in his chest lessened. He was building back his family one sibling at a time. 

Although Tim has never used the panic button, it has become one of his most treasured possessions, second to his camera. He carried it everywhere in his pocket. He doesn’t know why Dick would bother with a nobody like him, but he couldn’t deny how much he loves basking in the attention. He couldn’t help but soak up the love and affections Dick freely gives away. 

Dick loved how Tim was slowly beginning to trust him. His heart hurts every time Tim thoughtlessly and casually mentions his parent’s constant absence or the nanny who hardly cares beyond the paycheck. His baby bird deserves so much more than to be forgotten and neglected. 

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Robin was patrolling with Nightwing again when Dick unexpectedly dropped down on the roof of a building. Jason was curious and followed. Maybe he’ll finally find out where Dick keeps randomly disappearing all this time. But he wasn’t expecting to see a familiar midget with a familiar expensive camera. 

“You have got to be kidding me!” Jason immediately pulled back the small child from hovering near the edge. The kid was built like a twig and will no doubt be blown off the building by the slightest wind. “I thought we agreed that you weren’t going nighttime sightseeing again, shortstack.” 

“Technically, you agreed. I never admitted to anything.” Tim had a blinding smile on his face at being near his favorite hero. One click later and he had a close-up picture of Robin’s unamused face. 

Dick also had a smile on his face as he gazed fondly at his precious brothers. “You know him, Little Wing?”

Jason crossed his arms, looking downright adorable with that pout. “Yeah. I had to save his skinny ass from falling to his death.” 

“I wasn’t going to fall. I was perfectly fine.” Tim objected but Jason kept talking. 

“—And then I had to save him again from a couple of idiots chasing him down because dumbass here thought it was all sunshine and daisies to prance through Crime Alley with a fancy camera.” 

Tim scowled (Dick just wanted to pinch his little baby cheeks). “I don’t prance and I take precautions.” 

“Yeah right.” Jason gave him a look. “Are your ‘precautions’ just me busting in to save your ass?” 

“Keep that up and I’ll make Nightwing my new favorite hero instead of you.” 

Jason spluttered. “Hold up. I’m your favorite?!” 

“I mean Nightwing’s pretty cool. But I think you’re better.” Tim earnestly said, admiration shining brightly in his big blue eyes. Jason had a big heart of gold and clearly cared for the Crime Alley kids with how gently he treated them. Not that Bruce or Dick didn’t. But Jason truly understood them and what they’re going through, and Tim loved how he made Robin his own. “You’re compassionate, kind, and sweet. And you give really good hugs.” 

Jason giving him a hug and ice cream after he beat up those men chasing him was one of his precious memories. No one ever got him ice cream before but Robin hasn’t hesitated seeing the faint tear tracks on his cheeks (he couldn’t help it, it wasn’t his fault, it was a little scary and he knew Batman was on the other side of Gotham; he learned his lesson after that).

Dick was amused at how red Jason’s face can become. “He’s right, you know. You do the mantle proud and I couldn't ask for a better successor.” 

Jason’s face burned brighter at his brother’s easy admission. He coughed. “Well, I guess you’re not so bad even if you’re a baby.” 

“I’m not a baby. I’m 10.” 

Jason bursted out laughing. “You sure about that? You look like you’re 5.”

“Do not!” 

“Do too!” 

Dick was pleased that Jason and Tim were getting along well. Hopefully, this meant that Jason won’t be too against the idea of Tim becoming a regular fixture in their family. 

After all, the Bats wouldn’t be complete without their little genius stalker. 

Chapter Text

Tim bunched up his bedsheet in a tight fist as he felt his stomach turn circles again. Frustrated tears fell down his face. He would put more effort in not appearing like such a needy child, but there was no one in his house —let alone his room— that he needed to put up a front for. 

It was just him. And he already knew what a baby he can be, so he didn’t care about acting so weak. 

Another wave of pain spasmed through him. It was hard to grab hold of his thoughts when pain was the only thing he could register. 

Everything hurt. 

Everything felt hot. 

It could possibly be because of the two thick blankets he was under but his body kept shivering and the tears fell faster because his body couldn’t make up its mind over whether it was cold or hot and he just wanted the pain to stop. 

He couldn’t move. He knew he needed to. He had medicine in the bathroom and he should probably be eating food (that’s probably why his stomach was threatening to eat itself). 

But it hurts too much. He felt dizzy when he tried to sit up in bed. He couldn’t imagine actually walking. In his state, he’ll be lucky to even make it to his door. Luckily, it was a weekend so he didn’t need to go to school. 

His sobs grew louder. How much more of an invalid can he be? His parents would be so disappointed if they could see him now. 

His arms shot out and the tips of his fingers felt plastic. His eyes widened at the reminder as his hand grabbed the circle gadget. He forgot all about Dick’s panic button. Before he could regret it, he pressed the bat three times. 

And waited. 

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Dick feared the worst when he received a message that Tim was calling him for help. Dozens of scenarios immediately ran through his mind, each one worse than the last. 

Was it the Joker? No, he was dead. Maybe another Rogue? League of Assassins? No, they never had much interest in Gotham around this time. Or maybe— 

He blinked. Tim was at Drake Manor. 

He ran out without a second thought and crossed the vast expanse of land that stretched between their houses. 

The Drakes’ security wasn’t much compared to what he deals with on a daily basis so it didn’t take long for him to bypass it and head up to Tim’s room. 

“Oh baby bird.” He muttered when he saw his little brother lying on the bed in pain. He didn’t waste any time to wrap him up in a tight hug, murmuring soothing words. 

“Y-you came?” Tim said in a hoarse whisper. Was this another fever dream? 

“Of course I did. I told you I would always be there for you.” Dick said with an easy smile even as his anger grew at Jack and Janet. 

He hated the thought of Tim being alone here but he was trying to figure out how to approach the matter of him being with the Waynes instead. He knew Tim still loved his parents —even if they didn’t deserve his love— and he didn’t want to scare the kid off by doing things too fast.  

Well, screw that. 

Dick had half a mind to bundle his baby bird up in blankets and sprint him to the Manor where he is safe, loved, and surrounded by people who would notice he is sick from the start. 

Alfred would give him a look but fix a room for him. Bruce would interrogate him about what he was thinking but Tim will wrap him around his finger in an hour. He was adorable like that. 

He was liking the idea the more he thought about it. After all, kidnapping wouldn’t be the worst thing he did so far and it was for a good cause. 

“Uh, Dick?” 

He didn’t realize Jason followed him. The kid was hovering near the doorway, unsure if he should come in or not. 

“Can you go find some Ibuprofen?” 

Jason nodded, relieved to be doing something. He and Dick were home alone at the Manor when Dick suddenly shot up like his ass was on fire and ran to the Drakes. 

He should’ve known that Tim was involved. The kid attracted trouble like it was a hobby. Jason would know. He had to save the pint-sized midget a bunch of times. 

And yes, he knew that shortstack’s name wasn’t as stupid as Alvin (it didn’t matter that Dick told him that the baby was Tim Drake, he still found out before the fucking Batman). Although it was a huge surprise to learn this tiny baby found out about their identities. 

But Dick asked him if he could keep it a secret for a few weeks before they told Bruce and well, he puffed up in pride at being trusted with something so important. He knew Tim wasn’t a supervillain with those chubby cheeks so he didn’t mind. Dick said it was only for a temporary amount of time anyway. 

He got the medicine from the bathroom and dutifully made his way back to Tim’s room in the empty mansion that felt more like a mausoleum like a home. How can Tim stand it here? It felt worse than some of the foster homes he’s been in and that was saying something. 

He definitely took notice that there was no one else in the house besides them. Where were Tim’s parents? Why doesn’t he have a babysitter? He couldn’t imagine leaving a baby alone like this. 

After giving Dick the Ibuprofen, he headed down to the kitchen and found canned soup in the pantry. He made a bowl and carefully headed back up the stairs so he wouldn't spill a drop. He nudged the door open and saw that Dick was still laying next to Tim. He was humming a lullaby this time. 

“Is that soup?”

Jason nodded. “Chicken noodle.” 

“That’s very kind of you.” Dick said with a proud smile on his face. 

He shrugged. It was really nothing special. He just heated it up in the microwave but he couldn’t help the burst of warmth that spread in his chest. 

Jason watched as Dick helped Tim sit up but Tim was leaning heavily against him with a red nose and watery eyes. He knew he teased Tim a lot about how much of a baby he looks. But he just looks so small and fragile like a porcelain doll, like he was about to shatter at any moment. 

He hated the sight. Because that wasn’t Tim. Tim was the kid who stubbornly keeps running out at night with nothing but a camera and pure iron will. Tim was the kid who always had a quick retort and a sassy comeback with a big smile. 

He knew people would say that the new Robin was too reckless-too brash-too impulsive. He knew people wished the old Robin would come back and he would get angry and frustrated that maybe he was making a mistake. But it was this kid with his blue eyes staring at him with admiration and hero-worship that helped him ignore what others were saying. 

He loved being Robin. He loved helping people. And he didn’t care if people hated that he wasn’t as perfect as Dick, he was a good hero in the eyes of this one kid and that was enough for him to keep going. 

He snooped around B’s files and knew that Tim’s parents were constantly on trips but he would’ve thought they employed someone to watch over their only child. They definitely had the money for that. 

Maybe he can get Bruce to adopt him. He tends to like the black hair and blue eyes. And Tim fit the profile to a T. 

He gave Dick the bowl who started spooning a few mouthfuls for Tim to swallow who looked more asleep than awake. 

Jason turned his back on them and looked through the bookcase. Wow, he has got to do something about Tim’s abysmal taste in literature. But he finally picked an acceptable book and made himself comfortable on Tim’s other side. 

Tim was able to finish half the bowl before he couldn’t eat anymore. Dick put the bowl aside on his dresser and helped him lay back down. He still thinks everything was a dream, but he can feel Dick running a hand through his sweaty hair. And he can feel Jason sitting next to him. 

Which means this wasn’t a dream. This was real. And his heroes are really here with him. They cared. 

He felt warm-cozy-loved in their presence. He could literally die happy right now. Things got even better when Jason read aloud. He couldn’t pay attention to what he was saying but the sound of his voice comforted him like a mother’s lullaby. 

And wow. 

This was everything he could ever dream for from his parents. 

Maybe he should get sick more often. 

.

Jason was quiet as Tim slept next to him. At one point, he curled against his side, head resting on his thigh, instead of Dick’s. “We’re going to do something about this, right? The way his parents treat him isn’t right. Even I had my Mama when I was sick.” 

Dick threw an arm around his shoulder and brought him in a side hug. He didn’t mention how Jason took a shuddering breath and pressed himself closer to his chest. 

“Will you be okay if we bring him into the family?”

Jason shrugged. “He already knows our identities. And I don’t think Batman would condone wiping out a baby’s memories.” 

Dick pulled back so he can look at Jason straight in the eye. “I would be happy with having Tim in the family, but I want to make sure that you are completely okay with it. You mean just as much to me and I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”

Jason could feel his eyes water at the overwhelming love in Dick’s firm voice. No one has ever cared so much for him before and he still couldn’t believe that this was his life. He knew that if he just said the word, Dick would do what he said and leave Tim alone in this empty mansion. 

He didn’t like the image. Dick had enough love for the both of them. 

“I really don’t mind. I was going to suggest Bruce adopt him anyway.” 

But Dick can still see the fear in his eyes —the insecurity that maybe Dick wanted a better little brother and would find that he liked Tim more. “Even if Tim becomes a Wayne, I want you to know that nothing will ever change between you and me. I will not love you any less. He may be my baby bird, but you will always be my Little Wing and no one can ever take that away from you.” 

Jason couldn’t stop the tears from falling even if he tried. And Dick simply hugged him tight again and pressed a kiss on his forehead. 

Not for the first time, Jason was glad that he decided to jack Batman’s tires. He wouldn’t trade his new life where people loved him without any strings attached for anything. 

.

“Hello, Mrs. Drake. My name is Richard Wayne.” Dick hated using the Wayne name like this, but he couldn’t deny it did him good as he quickly secured a meeting with Jack and Janet in Morocco where they were currently in. 

Janet looked straight at the blue eyes coldly staring back at her. Jack was off finishing up their business here. “I will be frank. What do you want with Timothy?”

“I want Bruce to take custody of him.” 

She blinked, not expecting that kind of blunt answer, but stayed composed. “He is my heir.” 

Dick pushed the thick manilla folder towards her.

“I don’t think you’re understanding me. You can sign these papers and quietly let Bruce have custody over Tim. Or we will drag both you and Jack into court. I can assure you that we will win and I will make sure that I drag your reputation where you will never recover in society again.” He had a razor sharp grin on his face. “Personally, I hope you choose the second option. Tim is an amazing kid and he deserves so much more than you.” 

She gritted her teeth and snatched the folder off the table, her frown deepening as she quickly read through. Timothy was old enough to take care of himself. How else would he learn to be the heir she wanted him to be? There was no need for a nanny but Richard’s spin on the situation made it sound way worse —like it was a situation of actual child abuse. And she knew the court would take his side over hers. The Drakes weren’t as wealthy or influential as the Waynes. 

She looked back at him. “You could’ve gone to court instead and win by a landslide.” 

“I could.” Dick agreed. “But for some reason, Tim still loves you and I will respect that so I will allow you and Jack to quietly walk away from him. Not that that should be hard for you. I’m sure you have plenty of practice abandoning your son going on all these trips.” 

She glared at him but didn’t answer. She grabbed the pen and signed the appropriate forms. 

“Thank you.” He had a handsome winning smile on his face. “I’m glad we can come to an agreement. We do want what’s best for Tim after all.” 

She practically threw the papers right back at him. 

He wasn’t fazed and calmly stacked them in a neat pile. “I’ll get Jack’s signature next. I will leave you with one last warning before I go. Don’t come near Tim again or I will make my threat real.” 

Her glare deepened but she didn’t do anything else. She clearly took the threat to heart so he didn’t give a fuck about her anymore. She could glare all she wanted. 

Dick won and he has his baby bird back. 

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Bruce rubbed his forehead. He felt completely out of his depth and had no idea what he should do. 

The parenting books were no help on this. Of course they don’t exactly give advice on raising mini vigilantes. 

Oh. Tim was a delightful and polite child. His childish wonder and giddy excitement at seeing the BatCave made Bruce’s heart melt and he couldn’t help but feel even more attached to his new son. 

Their first meeting could have gone better though. He was surprised to learn Tim knew their identities since he was nine. He could admit that he was a bit...callous when he learned about that and Tim’s photography collection of them. He was solely thinking about his family’s safety (he was not losing anyone again), but it was probably not a good idea to growl at a child about who else knows. 

Tim flinched and started crying, promising how he never told anyone. Dick immediately picked him up and comforted him, wiping his tears away and promising that no one was going to hurt him or destroy his photos before glaring at Bruce for making the kid cry. Even Jason was glaring at him and sticking close to Dick and Tim. And Alfred gave him a disapproving frown. 

He was suitably chastised and felt guilty. 

“I’m sorry Tim. I didn’t mean to make you cry.” Bruce spoke more gently as he looked at Tim’s watery blue eyes. He ignored Dick’s silent promise to castrate him if he fucks this up even more. “I’m not going to take your photos away.” 

“P-promise?” 

“I promise.”

“Batman doesn’t break promises.” Dick assured the little boy in his arms. 

It wasn’t long before Tim wormed his way into his heart. 

Alfred already likes him. Bruce was worried about Jason, knowing that his youngest —or second youngest now— was still having trouble accepting that he had a place in the Manor and that Bruce would never kick him out. But since Tim was staying here, Jason was relaxing and feeling more comfortable in the family so he couldn’t be too mad about the surprise adoption. 

He couldn’t be angry at Dick and Jason for wanting to get Tim away from Drake Manor when he learned how much Jack and Janet neglected him. He knew he should be mad, but all he felt was pride when Dick showed him the thick blackmail folder he had on the Drakes. He knew Alfred was proud too even if he would never say it. Someone had to have the common sense around here. 

All in all, the problem wasn’t the surprise child. 

It was Dick. 

He has been acting off the past few weeks. And the whole thing with Tim and the Drakes just hammered how much he changed since he stormed out of the Manor a year ago. 

Dick has been way too... smile-y recently. That was the best way Bruce could put it. He tried to play it off as him just growing up or a teenage rebellion (he hasn’t seen Dick a lot which can explain how he didn’t notice it before) but the sudden shift in personality was too jarring to put it down as such. His paranoid nature wouldn’t allow him to ignore such a thing. 

He hated thinking of his son as an enemy-imposter-fraud, but it was weird how Dick was just screaming at him a month ago saying how he hated him and his overcontrolling behavior and now, he was affectionate. He didn’t even curse out his name once in the past few weeks.

Don’t get him wrong. He loved that he and Dick weren't fighting anymore or that Dick wasn’t angry that he brought Jason home and was glad that the two were getting along. 

But he just can’t shake off the feeling that something was wrong. 

“Are you okay, Dick?” 

“Of course, B. Why wouldn’t I be?” But the smile on his face didn’t reach his blue eyes which were filled with sadness when they looked at Bruce. 

Something was off. Something was wrong. And even though it pained him to be suspicious of Dick and treat him like a criminal, he had to find out what was going on. He had Jason and Tim to think about now. Their safety was his priority. 

.

Bruce got his answer a few days later but he wished he could’ve stayed oblivious. It was so much worse than he thought. 

He knew Dick didn’t mean to show them, but he saw a brief glimpse of the straight lines on his arms. And he could feel the weight of his failures suddenly crushing him. 

He fought with Dick and fired him from being Robin because he didn’t want to see his son hurt ever again. It tore his heart to see his energetic son so fragile and still. It physically hurt him to see his badly injured and bloody body on the infirmary bed unable to know if his son would survive the night. He was terrified-scared-panicked that he was witnessing another one of his family dying in front of him again. 

He knew he pushed Dick away after he was shot. He knew he didn’t handle it well when Dick ran away to New York City. He knew about the stress heroes go through. But he never meant to make Dick feel like he could never come to him if he was having trouble. 

Did he do this? Did his micromanaging, over controlling ways push his son to contemplate suicide? Did he make things worse with all the fighting and screaming matches they’ve had all year? 

Did he push his son to want to take his own life? How could he fail this badly as a father? 

He was struck by an even more horrible thought but it was all he could think about now. 

Maybe he was going about this all wrong. Was Dick sudden change in personality —this blissful happiness— because he was planning on leaving them soon?

Chapter Text

Dick felt nicely accomplished although he knew that his work was far from over. 

He needs to make a trip to Nanda Parbat soon. He doesn’t want Dami there any longer. He wanted his baby-his Robin-his son with him as soon as he can but he needed to gather a little more blackmail so Talia will have no reason to fight him on Bruce taking custody. He was not in the mood to take on the entire League of Assassins and he hated spending long amounts of time away from Jason and Tim. 

Cass is the hardest to find. All he knew was that she was currently living on the streets at this time but she could be anywhere. He has computer programs running in the most likely places she would be at for facial recognition. He doesn’t want to wait until No Man’s Land for her to pop up. 

Luckily, Steph was in Gotham. But it’s been hard for him to approach her. Don’t get him wrong. He wanted to so badly, but he hadn't found a good enough excuse that wouldn’t make him out to be some kind of creep. 

He had to be content with passing by her house a few times on patrol to make sure she was safe and sound. 

Dick has never met Steph when she was this young. But he likes to think that she was happier now that her dad was no longer in the picture to ever hurt her again. 

It was one of the first things he did shortly after dealing with the Joker. He made sure her abusive dad could never get out of jail and Dick washed his hands of him. On the other hand, Crystal Brown was overworked but she was a good mom. She tried to be there for her daughter and Dick would hate separating them. 

But that doesn’t mean Steph isn’t part of his family. 

She has never been adopted, has never taken on the Wayne name, but that doesn’t make her any less theirs. 

There would be no need for her to don the Spoiler suit. There would be no way she would ever cross Black Mask’s sights again. He took care of that particular one with a rifle and bullet coated in a fast acting poison. He was trained by Deathstroke after all. 

Although Steph will probably never be a vigilante again (she has no reason to be pulled into that life anymore), she will always be a bat at heart. 

.

Dick was greeted with muffled giggling when he came home from work. His lips automatically pulled into a fond grin even as he sidestepped a water balloon thrown where he was just standing. Bright neon pink paint splattered on the hardwood floor. 

Two little heads popped up around the corner. 

“Fuck, I thought we finally got you that time.” Jason pouted in disappointment. He thought older brothers were supposed to let little brothers hit them in the name of fairness. But Dick was being a dick. He and Tim were trying to play a prank on him all week to no avail. Tim wanted to try another overly complicated one but he thought simple and classic would work this time. 

Dick was smirking at them. That dickhead. “Don’t worry. One day you’ll hit me.” 

A challenging glint appeared in Tim’s eyes and he knew baby bird (emphasis on baby) was immediately making new plans. Whoever said Timmy was innocent was lying. He could be a killer baddie with his genius brain. 

Jason had a sly grin on his face. He hasn’t been living here long but he already knew that Dick would do anything to make him and Tim happy. It was like calling Bruce "Dad" to get whatever he wants. A bit underhanded but it wasn’t doing anyone harm so he didn’t mind abusing the system. 

And a small giant part of him loved that Bruce clearly thought of him as his son. It was further evidence that he really has a place, a home here. 

“You know, it would make me very happy if you stood still for us.” He did his best impression of puppy eyes. Tim was way better at it with his wide eyes and cute baby face, but Jason was getting better at making himself look less than a scrappy street rat. 

Dick ruffled his hair. Jason was going to break a lot of hearts in the future with his charm. “Think of it as training.” 

Jason pouted again but even he couldn’t shy away from the affection Dick gives away so willingly and without conditions. It was alarming just how used Jason became to life in the Manor. He constantly worries about doing something wrong and Bruce finally getting fed up with him and kicking him out to the streets. 

He doesn’t think he can make it out there now that he has a taste of what family and safety really is. He knows Bruce says that the Manor will always be home for him and Dick says that they will never kick him out. 

But sometimes, his brain makes him believe irrational stuff and it’s hard to undo years of instincts to protect himself from the world that only wants to harm him. 

Tim’s presence helps fight off that fear. Because there was no way Bruce would kick out sweet perfect son Tim who the public adored more than the stupid retard Brucie picked up from the streets and Tim adores him since he’s Robin so he’s fine on that front. 

“I hope you guys are cleaning that paint up soon. You don’t want Alfred to find out you’re ruining his foyer.” Jason groaned and Dick ruffled Tim’s hair who preened under the affection. 

Even the threat of Alfred’s displeasure wasn’t enough to distract him from the fuzzy warmth in his chest. It was easy to get addicted to Dick showering him with love and gifting him with all the hugs he can ask for. Most of the time, he didn’t even have to ask. 

“Why don’t we get Bruce to help us out with clean up? It’ll be a great bonding activity for him to do the majority of the work.” 

Both boys perked up in interest and he really couldn’t help the constant smile on his face when he looked at them. 

His brothers were adorable and he will kill for them. 

They deserved the world and it was nice to see them acting their young age for once. They deserved the break. 

Both of them grew up too fast having to take care of themselves when the adults around them failed in their job. They had few good memories when they were young but their childhood was far from ideal and Dick wanted to give a piece of that innocence back to them. 

If they could have a better childhood —a happier one filled with a constant love they can never doubt—, then he will suffer through anything to give it to them. 

.

Bruce was well aware of what his children were up to with their “innocent” puppy eyes but he was still roped in grabbing a mop and helping them clean up the paint on the floor. 

He knows that he was probably not the best father Dick, Jason, and Tim could have but he still wanted to give them a good childhood with good memories they can look back towards. 

So he pretended to play along and not pay attention to the victorious smirk Jason and Tim shared when their plan of pulling the dad card worked. 

He also tried to ignore the momentary tears that sprung up in his eyes that they felt safe and comfortable calling him their dad. 

His kids were everything to him. Being a father was his greatest accomplishment. And he will be hard pressed to find something that can surpass that.  

With the addition of Tim, the amount of pranks pulled at the Manor rose up. He didn’t mind (he was used to practical jokes from Dick growing up) and it was nice to see Jason and Tim getting along so well like a house on fire. 

His only worry right now was his eldest.

Bruce knew that he was betraying Dick’s trust. Even doing multiple blood tests and pulling out all the stops to make sure Dick was not an imposter didn’t feel as invasive or troubling as rooting through his room for anything sharp and confiscating it. 

He knew that this was the same over controlling behavior that drove Dick away in the first place. But he would rather have Dick angry at him than have a dead son. He didn’t think he had the willpower to bury another one of his family. 

He found a total of three razors and one knife. He didn’t know whether to feel happy or dread that all four objects were brand new and showed no signs of use. He knew Dick had plenty of safehouses available and it tore at his heart that at any time, Dick could be holed up in one and possibly breathing his last. 

He did not have much free time with spending time with Jason and Tim, making sure Dick did not know that he knew about his self-harm, and trying to figure out who was killing off villains. But he made a mental note to thoroughly check every single one as soon as he can. 

His son’s life was at stake and he was done with losing anyone else. 

.

The kids were in school, Bruce was at WE, and Dick was enjoying a day off from work with some straight-out-of-the-oven cookies while Alfred was doing the dishes. 

It was just them two at home. And he was enjoying the relaxing peace and quiet. He missed spending time with his grandpa. 

He blinked and then, all he could see was a gravestone for a man who died before his time.

“You know I love you, right?” He put down the cookie, his appetite suddenly vanishing.  “I’m really grateful for all that you do for us.”

Alfred paused in his work, glancing at Dick with a soft smile. “Do not fret, Master Dick. I know and I care deeply for you as well. But where is this coming from?” 

“It’s nothing. I just don’t think I say it enough.” Dick still couldn’t look at Alfred. He was too busy reliving the sight of the broken bloody body of the man who helped raise him. 

He already made sure Bane can never raise another hand against someone he loved ever again. But that doesn’t erase the memories he already has. He was making things better for everyone but his brain just loves torturing him of all the times he failed before when he should be happy now. 

“I think I’m going to get a nap in before the kids come home.” He smiled brightly to put Alfred at ease and not so subtly escaped the kitchen after. 

Alfred didn’t resume washing the dishes. He stared at the spot where Dick hurriedly left, a half eaten cookie on his plate. 

He couldn’t get Dick’s last smile out of his head. 

It was blinding happy like all his usual ones but it looked a little too forced, a little too sad and regretful. Now that he was thinking about it, those were the majority of Dick’s smiles since he moved back here. 

He did not have a good feeling. He will need to speak with Bruce about his concerns before bringing them up with the lad. There was no reason to drive him away further if he had misread the situation. 

But he really doesn’t think so.  

.

Dick yawned as he walked in the kitchen for some coffee. Hopefully, Alfred puts down his weird behavior earlier as him being too tired (it sounded plausible in his head and he just hoped that Bruce still doesn’t think he's an imposter). 

His eyes widened when he caught sight of a familiar blonde sitting alone at the counter but swallowed the lump in his throat and hoped his movements looked natural and not at all stilted. 

“Hi there.” He gave her a kind smile. “My name’s Dick Grayson. And you are?” 

“Stephanie Brown. But you can call me Steph.” 

She was a little bit taller than Jason and Tim but she still looked so small. He blinked back the tears (her body was too cold but he couldn’t help but hold her tightly, afraid that if he let go, she’ll turn to ash). 

“It’s nice to meet you, Steph.” 

“Nice to meet you too.” She had a slight pink blush on her cheeks. 

Somehow, she managed to get a Wayne scholarship to a fancy ass school (apparently, her intelligence was recognized or some fancy words like that). And she still felt out of place in these rich places. A Narrows kid like her can never fit in here, but her mom encouraged her to go and it was nice not to worry about school costs. It was one thing off the list of worries since her shitty dad was finally gone. 

“Oh hey, you met Steph.” Tim walked in with a couple of textbooks. “We’re working on a history project together.” 

Tim was in most of her classes so she was already familiar with who he was. When Mrs. Adams announced she was pairing people up, she was glad that she got Tim. He was one of the few that was genuinely nice to her even if it was only a small wave here and there. He even helped her pick up her things when someone purposely bumped into her and her backpack spilled everywhere. 

Dick knew that Steph attended Gotham Academy and he knew she was in the same grade as Tim. Jason was a year ahead of them. And this time, he will live to see his graduation and go to college like he always wanted to before he died. 

But he never expected that to open up a way for him to meet her again and get his little sister back. Maybe the universe was finally on his side for once. It was probably making it up to him for giving him so much shit before. 

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“So,” Dick started saying when Steph left a few hours later. Her and Tim got through the majority of the research portion. She was going to come back later so they can work on the presentation side of it. “She seems nice. I’m glad you’re getting along well with your classmates.” 

“Uh yeah.” Tim averted his eyes but the blush on his face was telling. “Steph’s pretty cool.” 

“But mainly pretty, right?” He shot him a knowing look. 

He always thought that they looked cute together but they fell apart because of miscommunication and a lack of trust. He knew they reconciled afterwards and remained good friends. He loved them both and if they wanted to get together again, he would do everything in his power to give them a happy ending. 

Tim covered his bright red face and denied. “I don’t like her like that.” 

Dick slung an arm around his shoulders. Tim was starting to not look so much like a frail twig thanks to Alfred’s delicious cooking. “It’s a big brother’s cherished duty to be there for every puppy crush you have.” 

“I hate you.” He mumbled even as if he snuggled closer to Dick. 

“I love you too.” He smiled. He will never get tired of saying it and Tim will never get tired of hearing it. “So since you obviously don’t like her, it should be fine if I adopt Steph into our family, right?” 

“No!” Tim looked at him with wide eyes. How can he future date her if they were related? 

Dick laughed and hugged him tighter.  

And oh. Dick was just kidding. No wonder Jason calls him a dickhead. It was a very inapt description. 

“I’m just kidding.” Dick assured. “But you should bring her around more often and not just to do schoolwork. It would do you and Jason good to hang out with other people besides us.” 

His brothers were amazing but they had trouble making friends at school. Both Bruce and Dick encouraged them to try out some extracurricular activities. Jason joined the theatre club and found others that shared his interests. 

Tim was friendly with his classmates but normally kept to himself. He was never as outgoing as Jason was and he didn’t see any clubs he was really interested in. 

“Bruce won’t mind?” 

“No. She’s your friend and from what I can tell, she’s a good kid. He will be happy to have her over some time. Worst case scenario is stopping him from adopting her.” 

Tim looked at him. “Steph has parents.” 

Dick looked right back at him. “So did you. It didn’t stop me.” 

Tim looked so done with this family and Dick couldn’t help but laugh. This was his life now. 

.

Bruce has been trying to figure out how to talk to Dick about his self-harm and not drive him away further. Inconspicuously googling it gave him some tips but did not help much. 

But he can’t keep pushing this to later. Alfred had talked to him earlier about his concerns and he hated the goodbye message in Dick’s words. Was he planning on leaving them quicker than he thought?

“Hey Dick, can we talk?” 

Dick smiled (and Bruce could see how it looked sad, how it never quite reached his blue eyes). “Whatever Tim said is not true. He’s just exaggerating. I wasn’t actually going to adopt Steph.”

Bruce blinked, confused at the sudden turn this conversation was taking. He couldn’t predict this new Dick. “Who’s Steph?” 

“Stephanie Brown, Tim’s very pretty classmate.” Dick had a shit eating grin on his face. “She was here earlier to work on a school project with Tim.” 

“I see.” He didn’t but he had to get the conversation on track. “I just wanted to let you know that I know we have our troubles and disagreements, but I will never stop loving you. And if you ever need to talk to me about something, you can.” 

Bruce stumbled over his words and looked a bit uncomfortable exposing himself this much. But Dick felt extremely touched. He knew Bruce cared for him, but he loved hearing the words —the proof that he wasn’t imagining a parent’s love after all. Bruce really was softer before Jason died. He couldn’t believe it was this much. 

Bruce was most likely trying to compensate for all the screaming matches they had before Dick changed the script by not being so angry and pissed like he used to be.

Dick’s smile turned fond and even sadder. “I know Bruce. You’re a good dad. The best ever. We’re lucky to have you.” 

Even if you shouldn’t want me, not with the blood on my hands.

Bruce swallowed the lump in his throat and blinked back the tears. 

“Why don’t you invite some of the Titans over?” He suddenly blurted out. He read that knowing people love and care about you should help. 

Dick looked at him amused. “You hate my friends.” 

He should try to be less dismissive of them in the future. “They're...okay. And maybe Jason and Tim want to socialize more within the hero community.” 

Dick remembered how close Jason was to Roy and Kori. And Tim had a close friendship with Conner. He didn’t know if he was created yet. But he made a mental note to keep an eye on Cadmus and Luthor in the future. That reminds him. He also needs to check on Bart and Cassie. 

Seeing his eldest immediately perk up at the idea made Bruce feel like he wasn’t a total failure of a father. It made him happy to see the sadness in Dick’s eyes fade. He would break his no-meta rule a thousand times over if it will make his child this happy.

He should invite Clark and Diana over for dinner. They should meet their new nephews and maybe they can help him be more emotionally available. Maybe they could help give Dick more of a reason to live.

Chapter Text

The Joker died in an explosion.

The news called it an accident and Harley knew she might not be the brightest bulb in the toolbox, but even she wasn’t stupid enough to fall for that. Someone offed that piece of shit and she could just give them a big smooch. 

The only thing she hated about the whole thing was that she wasn’t the one to end the fucker’s life. 

And if it really was an accident after all, well, she was just happy that the universe was finally doing something right for once. 

She was downright celebrating. Her sugarboo shared her good mood and they had lots of happy times to put a long and quite delightful story short. 

But then more people were found dead in more “accidents” and her happy mood sobered up real quick. 

Black Mask was shot in the head. 

Bane’s corpse was found in the Harbor.

And no one stood up to take the claim. GCPD were a bunch of useless asses who calmly and simply labeled every incident as an accident. Crime lessened as everyone was looking at each other and wondering who the executor could be. 

Was this another vigilante like Batman with a looser moral code or was this another villain looking to monopolize crime in Gotham’s underworld? 

She was scared for herself and Red. She knew they weren’t as bad as some of the other Rogues, but they did some nasty shit in the past. They weren't at all a “good girl.” 

Sure, the worst of the worst villians were dropping like flies but what draws the line from really bad to bad? 

She wasn’t afraid to admit that she was scared she was on this new guy’s hit list. She didn’t want to die. She didn’t want to lose Ivy either. 

They were currently staying at Selina’s place, taking the hint to keep a low profile and stay out of sight. Considering how quickly the killer offed Joker, Mask, and Bane, she didn’t have high hopes that he didn’t know where she was hiding out at. But it made her feel some semblance of safety to be holed up in behind brick walls and plaster. 

Her fears never once lessened though. 

Rumors had it that not even Batman can find out who the elusive killer is. 

.

.

.

It’s been 3 weeks, quickly nearing a month, since the Joker’s body was found in the remains and debris of an exploded warehouse. 

But Bruce wasn’t any closer to finding out who was behind the murder. 

And it was a murder, unlike what the GCPD was quick to claim. Only Gordon shared his concerns that someone new arrived in Gotham. But there was no mention of a new player rising in the criminal underworld. 

If anything, crime lessened as the gangs warily watched each other. Batman was both grateful for the extra peace since he can spend more time with the boys and apprehensive because it meant something was on the horizon. 

He hated the anticipation less when he couldn’t even prepare what was incoming. He hated the feeling that this was just the calm before the storm. But he always trusted his instincts. And they said that this was just the beginning. 

“I’m glad that you called us for help.” Clark said with a smile, happy that Bruce reached out to them. He knew Bruce had a hard time admitting he needed help, that he didn’t have to shoulder his burdens alone.

There was no other choice. He had Dick, Jason, and Tim to think of. What if this new killer became bored with villains and decided to go after heroes? His sons? He couldn’t bear to think that he could lose any of his children because of his stubborn pride at other heroes being in his city. 

“This isn’t the only reason I called you two here.” He sighed and ran a hand over his face. 

He wished he meant he had another case to tell them about, wished it was something concerning Batman and not Bruce Wayne. 

Her friend looked even more weary and Diana couldn’t help but be concerned. She was used to seeing Bruce tired because of his many obligations but this was a bone weary fatigue that sucked the life out of him. She shared a look with Clark who also looked worried. 

“What’s wrong, Bruce?” 

“It’s Dick.” 

And Bruce told them everything: Dick’s sudden change in behavior, the lines on his son’s arms, and how much he failed as a father. 

“I never meant for our fights to push Dick that far.” 

Bruce knew he was part of the problem. He knew he could never measure up to John Grayson or even Thomas Wayne. He knew he didn’t —couldn’t— be the parent Dick deserves. 

Why couldn’t he be a better father? Why can’t he just tell his children he loves them? Why can’t he just ever be good enough for them? 

Diana felt a sense of hopelessness as she listened to Bruce’s words. It hurt to hear that her nephew, the little Robin she watched growing up and helped train into a fearsome warrior, was contemplating suicide. 

Nightwing was growing quite a reputation since he left Gotham. She thought he was fine. She watched the news and Donna didn’t mention that he was showing signs of depression. But maybe she should’ve reached out and made sure he really was okay leaving his home and dad. 

She would destroy any enemy for her little bird, but how can she do that when Dick’s enemy was his own self? 

Clark wasn’t feeling any better. He rubbed his eyes as if it could stop the tears that threaten to fall. 

He couldn’t even imagine what Bruce was feeling right now. He couldn’t even think of the overwhelming guilt-pain-regret he must be drowning in. 

Because if that was Jon, if that was his own baby boy thinking of taking his own life, he...he didn’t know how he could cope. 

Diana reached over and squeezed Bruce’s hand. “We’re here for you.” 

“Both of you.” Clark reinforced, squeezing his shoulder in support. He wasn’t going to fail his best friend or his nephew. 

Bruce didn’t respond but he didn’t shy away from their physical comfort. Luckily, they got the message. 

Thank you. 

He knows he doesn’t show it, but he will forever be grateful for Clark and Diana’s presence and friendship. He didn’t think he could do this alone. 

.

For all of Dickie’s beaming smiles and happy attitude, Jason knew he wasn’t okay. Sometimes —not all the time but sometimes— he would catch Dick looking at them with a sad and wistful look. 

It was the same look Mama would get sometimes. 

And Jason could feel his anxiety heighten at the thought. 

So when Dick hugs him, he would subtly check the arms wrapped around him for any pinpricks. He got really good at identifying them after helping Mama for so long. But he didn’t find them on Dick. Only the faint straight scars were there. 

Dick knew that he should be a better big brother and shield his Little Wing from his own demons (Jason shouldn’t see his self-harm, shouldn’t have to bear the burden of seeing such a horrid thing). But he couldn’t deny Jason from checking his arms, from making sure he was alive and he wasn’t losing anymore family. 

He didn’t stop Jason from checking his pulse (the same thing he used to constantly do with Mama), didn’t stop him from pressing his small little fingers on his wrist to feel that his heart was still beating. 

He knew that Jason still had nightmares of finding Catherine’s corpse lying in the bathtub with a serene smile and an empty syringe on the ground. He knew it was Jason who called 911 in the end. So he kept his mouth shut and let Jason have his comfort.  

It pained him to not have his arms under a layer of fabric, under any kind of protection from wandering eyes. But he didn’t stop Jason from lightly tracing his scars —the disgust lining his arms.  

“I don’t want you to die.” I can’t lose you. 

“I don’t do it anymore.” You won’t lose me.

And Jason knew that was the truth. He constantly checks after all. He doesn’t want to lose his brother like he lost his Mama. 

.

.

.

Dick hung back in the doorway as he watched Tim and Jason excitedly meeting Superman and Wonder Woman in the living room. He felt a fondness squeeze his heart from seeing the clear admiration shining in their bright blue eyes at meeting their heroes. 

He couldn’t suppress the happiness from spreading as he watched Jason ask the two a million questions. How fast can Superman fly? Can Wonder Woman teach him how to use a sword and be as badass as her? 

He couldn’t suppress the smile when he watched Tim shyly shuffle forward and ask them for their autographs in his little booklet. He already got Batman, Nightwing, and both Robins. 

He knew it was irrational —Clark and Diana were good people and dear friends— but he couldn’t help but watch them closely in case they made his brothers cry. 

Luckily, they simply smiled and indulged Tim, taking the pen with a soft smile and signing their names. Not that he ever thought they would’ve been mean to a kid but his instincts were hardwired to make sure his baby brothers were happy. 

When they gave the booklet back to Tim and his baby bird held his treasure close to his chest and had a beaming smile on his face with an adorable little red blush, Dick felt himself breathe a little easier. 

Because this was the way things should’ve been. His siblings deserve a happy childhood. 

Jason shouldn’t have borne the brunt of his anger towards Bruce’s over controlling behavior and shortcomings. Tim shouldn’t have to live in an empty loveless mansion. 

“Is everything alright Dick?” 

He gave Bruce a quick glance before turning his attention back to his brothers. “Yeah.” 

“Why don’t you join them?” Bruce tried to sound casual but was afraid he sounded a bit rushed instead. 

He thought Dick would’ve rushed up to Clark and Diana once he knew they were here, especially since they didn’t visit as much as they used to when Dick was younger. He knew how much his eldest adored his uncle and aunt.

Was Dick already pulling away from his friends? He hasn’t heard anything different about the Titans lately but he also knew that Dick hasn’t been meeting up with them since he came back to Gotham. 

Dick could see the worry in Bruce’s eyes. That he wasn’t acting like himself. That he wasn’t being the son Bruce once remembered. 

And Dick hated worrying his dad, hated that he could no longer give Bruce the son he wanted. But he could try. 

He mentally took a breath and locked away any unwanted feelings and memories in the back of his mind and walked into the room with an easy smile and relaxed posture like he just showed up. 

Clark and Diana had the decency not to bring up how he had been hovering outside the door for the past 20 minutes. He felt a small piece of gratitude towards them for that. 

Even though it was unnerving to see them look at him like he was a child, like someone in need of saving. He was Batman. He was their equal. 

Tim and Jason instantly rushed towards him, voices overlapping each other. He half paid attention to what they were saying and the excitement coating their words. 

“Did you know Wonder Woman can beat Batman in a swordfight? She’s so cool.” He knew Diana was always Jason’s favorite hero. 

“Uncle Clark was just telling us about the story behind Nightwing.” Wow, Tim got over his shyness really quickly, evident by how quickly he went to sit back down next to Superman. 

He couldn’t muster up the same enthusiasm they had. He was drowning in the awkwardness only he could sense. This was why he didn’t want to meet Clark and Diana face to face yet. 

Dick sat down in the armchair across from the two. It was easy to manage the smile, to pretend to be the Dick Grayson they knew him as and that everything was okay. 

His smile was bright and big, but only Jason seemed to know something was wrong and he immediately sat next to him, subtly and carefully pressing two fingers on his wrist to make sure Dick was still there. 

He wrapped an arm around his little brother (Jason was here-he was breathing-he was alive) and listened to Clark continue the Kryptonian tale. 

All Dick had to do was be happy even as he was breaking on the inside. It’s been so long since he’s seen Clark and Diana. 

It was only Dick, Damian, and Duke left. 

“You need to take a break, Dick.” 

“Get out of my city.” Dick glared at Superman and turned his attention right back to the computer. He couldn’t take breaks. Gotham needed a Batman. And his little brothers needed him more than he needed to take care of himself. 

He couldn’t rest. Couldn’t break. He had to protect them. He had to make sure that they stayed alive. 

He didn’t want to lose any more family. 

He knew he wouldn’t be able to handle their deaths so he pushed past the mental breakdown-regrets-guilt. 

.

The last time he saw them was after Damian’s funeral. His family was gone. His son was dead. And he wanted the world to pay. 

Clark and Diana tried to make him stop. Stop fighting-stop going after criminals-stop being Batman. 

They benched him. They suspended him from the League, saying that he was becoming too reckless, that he needed to take a break and focus on himself. 

If he wasn’t so broken, he would’ve appreciated their concern. But all he could focus on was that they were taking away his coping mechanism. Why couldn’t they just understand that his reason for living was gone? All he had now was the mission. It was all he had left from his family. 

Soon their arguments evolved to screaming matches. It was mostly between him and Clark. Diana would cross her arms and glare at him for not taking their advice and purposely driving himself to the ground, speaking in that controlled voice that hid how much she wanted to scream at him too. 

“Your family wouldn’t want this for you!”

“My family is dead! It doesn’t matter what they want anymore.”

He knew his behavior was worsening. He didn’t need them to tell him that. But he couldn’t stop. 

Everything came to a head when they tried to take away his suit to force him to stop. He could understand their reasoning (Batman was obviously not a good hero if he can’t even save his own family) but that didn’t stop him from feeling angry. 

He kicked them out of the Manor and he never saw them again. 

.

Dick was really different. 

It was alarming how much. 

Clark can see how his smiles didn’t reach his eyes just like Bruce said. He didn’t miss the way Dick’s heartbeat beat just a little bit faster when he entered the room. 

Why was he afraid of him and Diana? What did they do wrong? How can they fix this? Can they even fix this? 

He doesn’t want to lose his nephew. But he was at a loss of what he should do. 

.

After Clark and Diana left, Dick decided to talk to Tim and Jason. They were relaxing in his room after a good dinner and still feeling leftover excitement at meeting Superman and Wonder Woman for the first time. 

It was a strategic move. He didn’t want them to take the news badly. 

One of the main things Dick was changing this go around was making sure that Tim and Jason knew that they were loved and that they will always have a place in the family no matter what. 

They will never be insecure about being loved ever again. They will never have to doubt that someone will be there for them and they have a home waiting for them.  

“How would you guys feel about someone new joining the family?” He wanted Damian’s transition into the family to go smoother than last time. Hopefully, no blood will be spilled this time. 

“I thought you were joking about adopting Steph!” 

Dick laughed and hugged his baby bird close. “Don’t worry. It’s not Steph. You’re getting a brother.” 

Jason was laying back on Dick’s bed. Luckily, he didn’t look angry or insecure, just curious and amused. “Let me guess. Bruce doesn’t know about this one either.”

“Not really.” Dick confessed. “This one is a bit different.”

He didn’t quite know how to explain the situation with Damian. He didn’t know how they would take Bruce once dating an assassin, especially considering she’s the daughter of Ra’s Al Ghul. But mostly, he just didn’t know how to explain Bruce’s romantic tastes to literal babies. So he didn’t say anything about that part. 

“I’m going on a mission with the Titans in a few days to get him.” 

It’s what he told Bruce too with a few details omitted. Technically, he wasn’t lying. The Titans did have a mission in the Middle East. He just didn’t mention that he was meeting Talia too. 

Or that he was bringing a baby assassin back home. 

But things will be fine. 

He won’t accept anything less. Talia and Ra’s doesn’t stand a single fucking chance against him getting his baby-son-Robin back. 

“Can you guys keep it a secret from Bruce until I get back? I want to have some time with my baby first.” He had to see how far Ra’s brainwashing went. Damian should be 4 right now, but he knew Ra’s has never seen him as a child. 

His feelings toward Talia were more complicated. He knew that she did love her son once. It was the constant exposure to her father and the toxic Lazarus’ Pits that destroyed any shred of motherhood and humanity she had left. 

He will just have to wait until he meets her to decide if she will live or not. 

.

Jason was idly flipping through a car magazine as he sat on Tim’s bed while Tim was sorting through the latest photos in his collection. 

Bruce didn’t want Tim to go back to crime-riddled Gotham, following them around again to take more pictures. But Dick knew that Tim would just sneak out anyway. So it was better to regulate it than restrict it. 

Once a week and only on the weekend, Tim was allowed to go out with either Batman or Nightwing to take pictures of the nightlife. 

They ended up making a game out of it. Baby bird (Tim’s codename universally accepted by everyone except Tim who wanted something cooler. But he got over it really fast when Bruce gave him his own black domino mask to wear and a reinforced simple black suit in case of any emergencies) and Nightwing would try to not be caught by Batman and Robin as Tim took pictures of them. 

If Tim wins, he gets to pick the movie and snack for the night. If Jason wins, he gets to pick it. 

It was a fun bonding activity for the family. Even Batman was more relaxed on those nights as he let himself crack a few smiles and jokes. 

Jason still couldn’t believe he was lucky enough to have a family who really cared about him, lucky enough to have a dad and big brother that tried their best to make him feel like a kid. He didn’t have to take care of them. They took care of him. And it was an amazing feeling not to have to worry about everything so much. It was nice not to bear that burden any more. 

A good son would tell Bruce that Dick had a kid. 

But a good brother would respect Dick’s wishes and keep it a secret. 

He didn’t want Dick to get in trouble. He knew Bruce wasn’t the kind of dad that smacks his kids the second they step out of line, but he couldn’t quiet the fear that if Bruce found out Dick had underage sex and got a girl pregnant, Bruce would beat him to the ground. 

It happened a lot in Crime Alley after all. He’s seen some of his babysitters getting screamed at, kicked out, and even beaten for being pregnant as a minor. Their parents didn’t want to care for (didn’t want to put any money towards) a bastard child. 

He didn’t want that to happen to Dick. He didn’t want to lose his brother. 

“So Dick has a son.” Tim finally addressed the elephant in the room. 

Jason glanced at him. “I hope you’re not planning on telling Bruce.” 

Tim scrunched up his nose, offended. “Obviously. I’m sure Dick knows what he’s doing.” 

Jason shouldn’t have been so worried. He can always count on Tim’s huge hero-worship on Nightwing to pull through. 

Tim turned his attention back to his photos and Jason went back to reading the magazine. But a few minutes later, he felt the bed dip and Tim laying next to him. 

“Dick isn’t going to stop paying attention to us, right?” 

Tim knew that babies were a lot of work. He was a big boy and he knew that he shouldn’t be so selfish and monopolize Dick’s attention when there was someone more important to focus on, but after getting a taste of the unconditional and constant love, he was scared of feeling the same loneliness from Drake Mansion again. He never wanted to feel that again. 

Jason put down his magazine and ran a hand through Tim’s hair and Tim instantly relaxed like a baby kitten. 

“Nah. Dickie loves us too much to just forget us.” 

“Even if he has a baby to take our place?” 

“Dick won’t allow it.” Jason said confidently. “You’re always going to be Dick’s baby bird and I’ll always be his Little Wing. No baby can take that away from us.” 

Jason still has his insecurities-fears-anxieties but he can always be sure that Dick loves him. It was hard not to when Dick repeatedly says “I love you” as easily as breathing air. 

“Even if Tim becomes a Wayne, I want you to know that nothing will ever change between you and me. I will not love you any less. He may be my baby bird, but you will always be my Little Wing and no one can ever take that away from you.” 

He could feel Tim relax more and wrap his arms around him, trapping him in a snuggle session. 

Tim still had some insecurities dangling in the back of his mind that he couldn’t quite get rid of. But he did feel a little bit better. “Thanks Jason.” 

“Anytime, Timmy.” 

Tim knew that when the baby comes, he will no longer be the youngest in the family. He felt a bit sad because he kind of liked being babied (Jack and Janet never gave him that attention) but he was growing more fond of the idea of becoming a big brother. 

He had two great examples after all.

Chapter Text

Talia’s face was cold and impassive as she sat regally in the armchair, but there was amusement shining in her eyes as she stared at Dick. 

It was only them in the luxurious hotel room. Talia had no bodyguards, no visible weapons on her person, only a glass of red wine in her hand. It was clear that she thought of him as a simple-minded child. 

Dick suppressed his smirk. 

Her mistake. 

Talia was surprised when she received a message from Richard asking to meet. The first Robin has never sought her out before and her interest was piqued so she accepted the request. Especially considering he used official League channels to discreetly send her the message which should have been impossible for him. Even Bruce doesn’t have that kind of access. 

She is aware that he calls himself Nightwing nowadays and is quickly gaining a reputation in Bludhaven but he is still simply a boy in a flimsy costume. He isn’t a threat. Perhaps one of his so-called friends managed to obtain access. It was no secret that Nightwing is friendlier and more tolerant with the villain crowd than Batman is. 

“I’m surprised that you asked to speak with me. I would’ve thought my Beloved—”  

He cut her off. “Do you love your son?” 

She paused, an elegant eyebrow raised. “What son? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“Ibn al Xu'ffasch. Damian Al Ghul-Wayne. Take your pick.” He wasn’t in the mood for any of her games. He wanted his son. 

She dropped the pretense, her guard up. The pleasant smile disappeared from her face and she narrowed her eyes at him. “How do you know that name?” 

“Do you love your son?” He said instead. 

Talia leaned back in her chair and regarded Bruce’s eldest with a more critical look, finally regarding him as the threat he is. Only a select few knew she even had a son, let alone his name. When she returns to Nanda Parbat, heads will roll at the clear betrayal because how else could he have known? 

Did Bruce know too? No. She was safe in that regard for a while longer. If he did, he would be here instead of Richard. 

“You want me to give him to Bruce.” He wants her to give up her pride and joy, her precious treasure. “Why would I do that?”

“Because the League is no place for a child.” 

Talia was aware. She’s a selfish woman though. She wanted her only child to be with her. 

But she wanted to be a good mother and she had to admit that Damian would be safer in Gotham with his father. As long as she was with Ra’s, her baby boy, her brilliant Alexander, will never be safe from her father’s corruption. 

“And you can keep him safe?” 

If she gives up her son for a safer childhood, will he even reach adulthood? She knew of the Rogues, knew of the many close calls Richard has suffered through in his tenure as Robin. She was not as fond of her beloved’s silly little moral code even as it was what made her fond of him. 

She will kill any threat that even dares threaten her son. Can they say the same? 

Talia hid it well behind that cold facade, but he could read her worry and concern. She genuinely cares for Damian so he told her the truth. He set a mother’s heart at ease. 

“The Joker had plans to kill Jason so I killed him first. Black Mask was going to harm someone I cared about so I shot him before he could follow through with that plan. Same goes for Bane.” 

She blinked at the unexpected response. She didn’t think he had it in him. It seems Nightwing was more than tolerant with the antihero/villain crowd. He was on the same level as them. “You were behind the recent murders.”

He wasn’t surprised that she kept up with news in Gotham. 

“They threatened my family and I will do anything to keep them safe. I know you are reluctant to let go of Damian, but I swear I will protect him.” 

This time he will not fail his son. 

.

“Damian. This is Richard, your older brother.” Talia stated calmly, one hand gently pushing her son forward. 

They met up a few days later at the same hotel room. Talia used the time to prepare Damian to live in Gotham to revel in the last moments where her baby boy was only hers. Damian was both apprehensive and eager to finally meet his father. 

Dick was frozen for a second at the sight of his beautiful little Robin. He was prepared but it still tore at his heartstrings to see Dami so small and tiny. 

He fell in love with his son all over again. 

He crouched down, making sure to keep his movements open and honest, an easy smile on his face. “Hi Damian. It’s nice to finally meet you.” 

He would’ve loved to call him Dami, but it wouldn’t do to show that much familiarity towards a child he never knew or saw before. He didn’t want to tip Talia off that he knew more than he should. He didn’t want her to pry and find out the truth. 

Still. Tried as he might, but he couldn’t quite conceal the clear love and fondness in his blue eyes as he stared at Dami’s green ones. His baby was in front of him. 

He slowly wrapped his arms around the toddler and let out a controlled breath that his son was in his arms —alive and breathing. 

Dick stood back up, but he didn’t relinquish his hold on Damian. He propped the toddler on his hip and ran a hand through his hair. 

He should give Damian back, but it was hard for him to let go of his baby now that he had him in his arms again. He knew Talia noticed how odd his behavior was but this one, he couldn’t stop. He had to have Damian close to him, had to feel his warm (alive and breathing) body against him. 

Damian was staring at the man Mama calls his brother with wide eyes. He didn’t understand why the man was so...soft towards him like how Mama is in the privacy of his room when no one is watching. But he couldn’t help but soak up his affection. Mama tries her best but the mean old man she tries to shield him from doesn't like it when she gives out love. He couldn’t help but relax in the stranger’s hold if only to get more of the love he freely gives even though they were in public. 

“As long as Ra’s live, Damian will always be in danger.” Dick resisted the urge to press a kiss on his baby’s forehead and focused his attention back on Talia who was staring at him with ill-disguised interest and curiosity. His body language was still open and honest. She couldn’t believe how earnest he was about a child he never met or knew. “I’m going to kill him and you will make sure the League will never come after my family.” 

Talia would’ve laughed at the thought of this teenager defeating her father if she didn’t notice the protective and dark glint in his eyes. “What chance do you have against an immortal assassin? Ra’s isn’t like the Rogues you killed.” 

A cruel smirk formed on his face. “No. But he can fall just as easily as them.” 

.

.

.

Talia found herself enjoying making plans with Richard to cripple her father’s empire and take his place as the leader of the League of Assassins. 

It didn’t take long for her baby to fall asleep, lulled into safety by his Mama’s presence and Richard’s gentle nature. She was about to take Damian back into her arms when Richard adjusted the sleeping child in his lap. She found herself not minding, her heart reluctantly softening seeing Richard act so caring and kind towards her treasure. 

“Why do you care so much for him?”

Dick’s hand paused from where it was rubbing circles on Dami’s back in a soothing motion. He resumed a second later, trying to come up with a believable excuse. 

His siblings deserve a better life than the one they previously had and Dick will take all of their pain and suffering if it means they can be happy and loved. 

“Children deserve to be loved and cared for.” 

They both knew it was a vague answer, but Talia didn’t push. She was content in the knowledge that her son had someone besides her that was willing to kill to protect him. She didn’t know how exactly Richard knew about Damian’s existence (who told him?) but that was a question for another time. 

“I believe this is the start of a wonderful alliance.” 

Talia had no idea what changed to make Nightwing more anti-hero like. It was impressive that no one has caught on yet. But she liked the change. 

She stood up from her chair and quietly shook her son awake who blinked and yawned. Richard immediately started fussing over him. 

“Hey there, Damian. Had a nice nap?” 

Damian nodded and rubbed his eyes. Dick felt his heart bursting in his chest at how adorable his baby was. 

Talia knelt next to them so she was eye level with Damian. She didn’t miss how Richard’s eyes were on her like a hawk, watching her for any ill-intent. She should be offended that he thought she would harm her precious child, but the amusement won out. A tiny part of her felt relieved that Damian has someone like Richard looking out for him. 

“Damian. Mama has to go now, but I’ll see you soon.” Not even Batman can stop her from visiting her son in his city. 

“Mama, go?” Damian’s eyes started watering and he reached out for her. 

She smiled sadly at him and softly laid a hand on his cheek. “You’ll be safe with Richard. I love you, my son.” 

She kissed his forehead and stood up, closing her eyes for just a second before a perfect composure of the ice cold facade slid on her face. 

“I expect weekly updates.” It wasn’t a request. 

“Of course.” Dick had no trouble agreeing. He will never deprive Damian of his mother. She truly cares for Dami so she will live. “When Bruce asks, you were the one who told me about Damian and called me to collect him because you were concerned about him staying in the League and you just want what is best for your son.” 

His smile was colder than glaciers and there was a dangerous glint in his eyes. 

She understood the hidden threat and smiled. “Of course.” 

Her son will live. He will not die an early death. 

Damian will get the love and childhood she never got. 

.

The Titans were staying at a safehouse an hour away. Dick set the Batplane on autopilot and spent the entire trip fussing over his baby, making sure he was warm and comfortable. 

He was expecting Dami to wail or scream for Talia to come back. 

He didn’t miss the pained look in her eyes as she walked through the door, but she didn’t look back. 

Talia didn’t need the temptation. She had a coup to focus her entire attention on. Damian couldn’t be with her. She knew Ra’s will have no qualms using her son against her. It was for the best that he be with his father where he will be safe. 

Damian was used to Mama leaving him with her guards. He was a good child, a better son. He didn’t cause trouble for Mama so he didn’t fuss even as the man led him further away to a plane. 

He remembered how this man held him gently. 

He remembered the clear love in his bright blue eyes. 

.

Even when the plane landed and they were at the safehouse, Dick didn’t let Dami go. He carried him inside and Damian marveled at his new surroundings. 

It was not like the pristine and luxurious palace he grew up in. The house was less tidy and had a lot more trinkets he wanted to touch. 

Dick led them through the house to his room. Damian couldn’t help but perk up at every new thing they came across, trying hard not to crane his neck in an obvious way. Children were not supposed to be seen or heard. 

Dick noticed his curiosity and smiled. Ra’s hasn’t broken that part of Dami yet. He would’ve spoiled Dami with whatever he wanted to play with if he didn’t have something more important to do first. 

Once he reached his room, he immediately headed to the adjacent bathroom and set Dami on the counter. 

When he was fussing over his baby earlier in the plane, he noticed it. Now he was seeing if he saw wrong. He carefully examined Dami as the toddler looked at him curiously on what he was doing with innocent naive eyes.

Dick hoped he wasn’t right. Hoped it was just a trick of the light. 

But it wasn’t. 

His baby already had scars on his body. There were a total of five that he found and his ire towards Ra’s grew. 

Fuck killing the immortal bastard. 

Dick was going to tear everything Ra’s cared about and destroy it into smithereens. 

He picked up Dami and peppered kisses all over his face as if he could erase the scars his baby bore with an overwhelming amount of affection and love. 

He should’ve gotten Damian earlier. Damn the consequences. He’ll take the war with the League if he could lessen the hurt his son suffered at the hands of that bastard. 

Dami giggled at the odd attack. It didn’t hurt so he allowed the man his brother to keep doing it. 

Dick felt his heart soar at the sound. He never thought he would hear Dami’s laughter again. He held his son close to his chest and just reveled in the little miracle in his arms. 

“I love you so much, Dami.” 

.

Dick laid on his bed, propped up on his arm to watch Dami playing with a stuffed animal he took from Wally’s room. 

He will never be able to stop marveling at the sight of his baby alive and breathing. He ran a hand through Dami’s hair who looked up at him with questioning green eyes. 

He was so tiny. 

Damian was always small. 

Dick couldn’t hold back the tears from sliding down his face as he stared down at his dying Robin. 

Batman was supposed to protect Robin. Batman was supposed to take the hits. So why did Damian protect him? It was Dick’s job to protect him. 

He was 17, but all Dick could see was the tiny 10-year-old he raised. 

Why the hell was he always falling short? Why the hell was he so fucking inadequate? 

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” But a slew of apologies don’t fix broken bones and blood loss. He tried to put pressure on the wound but there were too many. 

“You’re going to make it. I swear you’re going to fucking live.”

Damian weakly laid a bloody hand on top of his, slowly shaking his head. He knew he wasn’t going to make it no matter what Batman declared. Dick hated the sight of Dami being calm and accepting about his impending death. It was a direct contrast to his hysterical state. 

Dami should hate him. Dami should despise his very being because he wasn’t able to protect him again. Because he deserved so much more. He deserved to live a full life, to fall in love and have his own kids. He didn’t deserve dying for a broken man who failed at being a hero. 

So stop looking at him with those green eyes full of love and fondness. 

“...I love you Baba.” His voice was near inaudible but Dick caught the words. 

 He froze, helpless to do anything as his baby took his last breath. 

Apologies don't bring his son back from the dead. 

Clark had to pry him off Damian’s dead body in the end and drag him away from the battlefield, his face blank as he tried not to let Dick’s wails and screams break his resolve. 

Damian was just a child. 

They all were. 

Dick was pulled out of his thoughts by Dami patting his cheek. He tried to smile but it was more watery than he liked. 

Damian didn’t like the sight. His heart hurt when he saw the tears on the man’s Akhi’s? face. It reminded him of when Mama got sad because of the mean old man and she would hold him to feel better. So he abandoned the stuffed cat and crawled over to him. 

“No sad. I here.” He pleaded. 

Dick blinked and once again, he scooped his baby into his arms. He always knew Damian had a big heart and it made his heart clench every time he witnessed Dami’s caring nature. 

“I’m okay, Dami. You did a good job cheering me up, baby.” He wiped his eyes and kissed Dami’s forehead. “Uh, Dami?” 

Damian was quiet for a second, face scrunched up as he thought hard on something. Akhi doesn’t sound right though. The man was like Mama. He was warm and safe. He loved him as much as Mama did, not like Mama’s guards or the mean ninjas who like to scare him or the mean old man. 

“Baba?” 

And Dick choked. 

Tears formed in his eyes and his smile was watery again but it was brighter than before. 

“Yeah, baby bat. I’m your Baba.” 

He knew he shouldn’t encourage Damian to call him that. He knew better. His father was alive. 

But Damian had been his son longer than he was Bruce’s. For just this one moment, he can pretend that Dami was his. 

He just wanted to pretend before he had to give Damian back to Bruce. 

.

It was a few hours later that the Titans came back from where Dick sent them to scout out enemy bases. It was more or less a distraction so he can meet with Talia but hey, he was killing two birds with one stone. 

He heard them stop at the kitchen entrance. 

“Um, Dick?” 

“Yes Wally?” 

He didn’t pause in his actions of making food for Dami. 

“What is that?” 

“Pancakes.” Dick should have gone grocery shopping before he picked up Dami. They didn’t have many vegetarian options stocked here for his baby. 

“I was obviously talking about the baby on your hip.” 

“This is Damian.” 

Silence reigned in the room. Dick finished making the pancakes and started cutting them up in small bite-sized pieces. Roy, Donna, Kori, and Wally stared at the tiny baby who was hiding his face in Dick’s neck and observed how he shared quite a few similarities with their leader. 

Oh god, Dick got someone pregnant. 

Okay. They defeated criminals on a daily basis, foiled supervillain plots, and protected the planet from aliens. They can totally deal with an unexpected baby. They did for Lian. 

Kori and Donna broke the ice and crossed the room to get a closer look at the toddler. Kori squealed in delight when she saw those adorable green eyes. She was curious about who the mother was. 

Dami had a tight grip on Dick’s shirt, wary of these new strangers getting closer to him and Baba. Dick calmed him down by running a hand down his back in soothing motions. 

Kori stopped a few feet away, Donna close to her shoulder, and Dami’s grip loosened. She smiled at the sight. “He is most precious.”

Donna couldn’t help but smile too, resisting the urge to pinch his chubby cheeks. The toddler was obviously wary of them and she didn’t want to make him cry. “He’s pretty cute.” 

“I know, right?” Dick had a proud smile on his face and his voice was full of love and affection as he spoke. “He’s four.” 

So Dick got someone pregnant at 15. 

“Who’s the mother?” 

“Talia Al Ghul.” 

Dick didn’t notice how his friends froze as he carefully put Dami on the table and coaxed him to eat. Damian chewed on a pancake slice Baba offered. He was the sensible one and kept an eye on the strangers invading his and Baba’s space. 

Okay. Dick had sex with Ra’s daughter. Again, it wasn't the worst thing they dealt with. Roy had sex with Chesire. 

Looking at how utterly besotted Dick was with his son right now made them collectively agree to wait to interrogate him about his relationship with Talia until after the child is asleep. 

“Uh Dick?” Roy finally spoke. “I think that baby’s glaring at me.” 

Roy didn’t even know what he did wrong. All he did was step into the kitchen. The girls were even closer to him and the baby wasn’t glaring at them. 

Dick blinked at what Roy said, but when he looked back at Dami, his baby had the most adorable little glare and pout on his face. The sight tugged on his heartstrings. 

“Aren’t you adorable?” He scooped Dami onto his arms and peppered his face with kisses. 

Damian tried to push him away. He had to keep an eye on these people he didn’t know. They could hurt him or Baba. 

But he eventually succumbed to Baba’s affection and let Baba hold him close to his chest. It felt too nice to interrupt. 

“Are you doing okay?” It was odd for Wally to see Dick being a dad, especially considering how he was a few years younger than him. But he had to admit that fatherhood looked good on him. 

Dick smiled —a bright and beautiful thing. “Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?” 

He finally had his son in his arms. Why wouldn’t he be anything but happy?

Chapter Text

Jason knew that babies needed a lot of stuff. He wanted to go to the baby aisle and pick out what he remembered seeing his babysitters had for their kids. Does Dick even have experience with infants? Well, it was better to be safe than sorry. 

Unfortunately, he can’t do that with Alfred and Bruce in the vicinity. 

They were at the store picking out furniture and whatnot for Tim to decorate his room with. It was a nice excuse to get the adults to drive them to the store. Okay, Tim tried to tell him that he didn’t want to be a bother and have Bruce spend so much money on him. The clean sparse room was more than fine. But Jason managed to convince him that it was the perfect excuse to get some welcome home gifts for Dick’s son. 

He already picked out a stuffed dog that had a black domino mask on it and a matching black cape to put in the cart. He also got a soft fluffy blue blanket with the Nightwing symbol embroidered on it. And last but not least, he found a bundle of stuffed teddy bears dressed as Batman, Robin, and Nightwing to put in the baby’s crib so he will always know he has his family watching over and protecting him. 

“I didn’t think you were into superhero merch.” Bruce commented light-heartedly with a fond smile that made Jason avert his eyes with a slight blush on his face. 

He only felt slightly guilty for lying that it was for him. But he didn’t bend. He wouldn’t betray Dick’s trust like that. He just shrugged as if it was no big deal. “I just thought they looked nice.” 

“They do.” Bruce ruffled his hair. “You can get more if you want to.” 

Bruce has never felt more grateful for Tim being in their family than at this moment. Before Tim joined, Jason would hardly get such frivolous things for himself before. Bruce tried to steer Jason towards getting toys or stuffed animals or anything he thought children would like. 

But Jason would shake his head, adamant that he only needed the bare necessities. And anything else was just way too much. He had a bed and three square meals a day. He didn’t need anything else. He didn’t want anything else. 

Bruce tried to convince him that it was okay, that he had the money to spare. Alfred tried to assure him it was quite alright to want for things. Even when his favorite big brother Dick also said that it was okay, that they would love to get all these things for him and it wasn’t any trouble, Jason wasn’t deterred by anyone and remained stubborn in his stance. 

The first time Bruce tried to push and even picked up a Lego Batmobile set he thought Jason would like, Jason didn’t take it well. He immediately took it out of the cart when he noticed it and kept saying he didn’t need it, he didn’t want it. He ended up working himself up into a hyperventilating fit and bursting into tears. Dick was not happy with Bruce when he came back from the food court and immediately comforted his Little Wing. 

Bruce never meant to scare Jason like that, make him raise his walls even higher so he didn’t push again. 

Tim was also shy in getting more than the bare necessities but Jason was right alongside him pointing out stuffed animals, puzzles, and games he thought the baby bird would enjoy. They picked out a nice deep red blanket and matching pillows. 

To help Tim be more comfortable in picking out things for himself, Jason also indulged and got himself a few childish things to show Tim it was alright to get those things. 

Jason would never do anything for himself, but if it helped his brother? He would do anything. 

Bruce wanted to cry at the sight. His sons were so considerate and caring and he doesn’t know what he did to deserve them. 

He was glowing with pride when Tim picked out a bat lamp and a pack of glow in the dark constellation stickers. He stealthily added an extra pack in the cart when Tim wasn’t looking. He wanted Tim to have fun decorating his room and the more the better, right? 

Meanwhile, Jason also got a set of the Gotham heroes teddy bears for Tim and before he can second guess it, he got himself one too. It’ll be a good reminder for them both that they have a family now and that family will never leave. 

Bruce made a mental note to order more superhero themed things since his children seem to like it so much. 

He may not like it but he also made an additional note to get some Wonder Woman and Superman themed merch. His friends will no doubt be insufferable and teasing about it but he will suffer through it to put a smile on his children’s face. Not to mention, he was already used to suffering though the multitude of Superman merch Dick had when he was younger. At least, Tim didn’t pick Superman bed covers too. 

A second later, he made another note to make sure his kids had more Batman merch than the rest of the heroes. 

He was not being petty like that. 

He totally was.

.

Oh. Tim messed up. 

He messed up really bad. 

“What do you have there?” Alfred’s voice was kind and non-accusing so maybe he just didn’t see what Tim had in his hands yet. “A rattle?” 

Or maybe he already did. 

If Tim knew that Alfred and Bruce actually pay attention to their kids, he wouldn’t have snuck out to the baby aisle to get some toys for the baby. He did a lot of research on the internet and read that they can help in an infant’s development. 

But he was still getting used to the dynamic in the Wayne household where parents are there and the people actually care beyond an obligation. 

Tim’s face was a beet red, but he still hadn’t said anything. He clutched the little colorful rattle toy in his hand harder and kept his gaze on the floor. 

Alfred was going to know about Dick’s baby and Jason was going to be so mad at him for telling him. 

But he saw all the pretty and soft stuffed animals in the cart Jason was getting and wanted to do something just as good for the baby. He couldn’t help himself. 

“Do you want this, Master Tim?” 

He shyly nodded, unable to lift his gaze from the tiles. 

“Then we shall get it.” Alfred’s voice was still so kind and unjudging so maybe Tim didn’t mess anything up. “Would you like to pick out a few more?” 

Tim eagerly nodded yes, a look of gratitude on his face that Alfred was keeping this secret. He knew that Bruce and Alfred were really good people and wouldn’t kick Dick out for having a kid so young, but Jason’s fears infected him. 

He gave the rattle toy in his hand to Alfred to hold while he looked back at the numerous options hanging on the wall. Babies like more toys, right? He got straight to work, comparing the other toys and picking out what he remembered a few websites liked better. 

Alfred had a sad smile on his face as he watched Tim flit around the aisle with a blinding happy smile on his face. He read the boy’s file and how much the Drakes neglected him. It was a shame that Dick made a promise he wouldn’t come after them if they stayed away from Tim. Alfred would have loved to ruin their social standing. He still could since he didn’t make such a promise but he knew Tim still loved his parents. 

Like Bruce, he was happy that the children were picking things they wanted beyond the bare necessities. He didn’t have the heart to correct Tim that he was in the baby toys section and not the adolescent one. 

“Can...can I get these?” Tim had three more toys in his hands. Another colorful rattle, a play phone, and some building blocks. 

“Of course lad.” 

Alfred would get the boy anything to make him feel more comfortable with asking for things he wants and not just need. 

.

.

.

A little after Damian finished eating and Dick lovingly cleaned him up with a soft fond smile on his face, they moved to the living room. 

Dick and the girls were playing with the baby. Wally and Roy were sitting on the couch and just watching this domestic scene like it came out of a weird family sitcom.  

Wally still couldn’t believe that Dick had sex with Talia and got her pregnant. Oh god, where the hell was he during that time? He couldn’t remember. He was such a bad best friend for not being there for Dick. And why wouldn’t Dick tell him that he banged an Al Ghul princess?

“He’s handling the baby way better than I did when I first got Lian.” Roy whispered. 

“We all pitched in to babysit her so maybe he was already desensitized to surprise babies.” But even that excuse sounded weak to Wally. Dick was acting way too...off for that to be the reason. Even when you take into account that he was the biological father, he was too attuned to what Damian wants and needs. 

When Damian wanted a certain toy, Dick was right there with it. When Donna accidently knocked down the toy he was playing with once, Dick was right there and already calming the toddler down before the tears started. 

It took Roy weeks before he was like that with Lian, before they were used to each other. 

Maybe Dick was a baby whisperer or something. 

“At least he’s eager to take responsibility for him from the get go.” 

Roy felt ashamed for once thinking of giving up Lian for adoption. But he knew his work as Arsenal was not suitable for a child who deserved a stable home and a father who had less of a chance of dying on a mission and leaving her alone. It was only thanks to his friends and his family that he can balance both his vigilante life and his precious daughter, that he didn’t have to give up one for the other. 

Wally glanced at him and reached over to squeeze his wrist once in support. “We’re here for both of you.” 

Then a beat later in a deadpan tone, he said. “But you know I blame you for this, right?” 

Roy whipped his head to look at him. “Wait, what? How the he—” He was about to say hell when he felt Dick’s cold eyes on him even though they were whispering and Dick was too far away to hear them (he’s pretty sure of that at least). And there was no way Dick suddenly had super hearing. He wasn’t a meta (trust them, they checked). Still, Roy didn’t want to risk angering protective daddy!Nightwing so he abruptly corrected himself. “—heck is it my fault?” 

“Because you set the example by hooking up with Cheshire and having a baby with her.” Wally was so glad he fell for a normal civilian girl like Linda. He was getting way too used to his idiot friends falling in love with dangerous and deadly assassins. 

“Okay. First of all, Jade is more of a mild bad guy and Talia is a fu— I mean, freaking supervillain. They are two totally different things. And second of all, have you ever considered that this might be Batman’s fault? We all know about his thing with Catwoman.” 

“Crap.” Wally threw his head back on the cushion. “We’re going to have to monitor Dickie’s love life from now on, aren’t we?”

Just to be on the safe side in case there are any more surprise babies popping out of nowhere. 

“I mean we always knew his tastes run a little morally gray.”

“I hope you know I still blame you for this predicament.” 

Roy rolled his eyes.

Meanwhile, Kori and Donna were trying to get Damian to like them. He was a quiet and shy child who was really only comfortable when his daddy was nearby. He was such a cutie with his adorable green eyes and the way he constantly seeks out his daddy. Their hearts just melted at the sight. 

It melted more when Dick tilted his head down to press a kiss on the top of Dami’s head every few minutes. He was a really good father. 

“You said he was four, correct?” Kori asked from where she was sitting on the rug on her knees. “Are all human babies as small as him at this age?” 

She reached out to ruffle the baby’s hair and he allowed her. Damian liked her better than the other woman because she was so warm. It reminded him of when Mama rocked him to sleep near the fireplace. 

Dick smiled, the love for his son clear in his body language. “No. The average human 4-year-old is a bit bigger than Dami. He’s just small.” 

But that didn’t make Damian any less perfect in his eyes. 

“Doesn’t make him any less adorable.” Donna couldn’t resist poking the baby’s chubby cheeks who only pouted at the action. She smiled at the sight, at how he didn’t look like he was going to start whining. He was getting used to her presence and she’ll take the win. “He’s definitely going to grow up to be a heartbreaker one day just like his daddy.” 

“He has good genes.” 

Bruce and Talia were good looking people and it was no wonder their son had their best features. Dami never really had much interest in romantic relationships before. Dick didn’t know if the same thing would happen here. But he will do anything to make sure Dami grows old this time. Dami will get to have the chance to fall in love and have his own kids this time. 

Dick wrapped an arm around Dami’s stomach and cuddled him close to his chest. Dami looked at him with questioning eyes but didn’t pull away. Dick ran a hand through his baby’s hair, remembering the 17-year-old dying in his arms. 

He hugged Dami tighter at the thought. At the memories of the scars already on his tiny fragile body. 

This time, Dick will get rid of any threats that even dares threaten his son, the child he once adopted as his own. 

It was a far cry to hope that Dami will never get another scar in his lifetime with the lives they have. He knew it was hopeless to even wish Dami wouldn’t want a part of the vigilante life. He knew his little Robin too well. But that doesn’t mean he won’t try his hardest to make sure nothing will harm his son again. 

Contrary to how it might look, he does not kill senselessly. He only kills those that have absolutely no chance of redemption like the Joker. 

He played nice with Talia earlier, but he didn’t forget how she was the cause of Dami’s first death. Only the clear love she had for son now saved her. Only the stark difference between the Talia of this time and the Lazarus Pit-crazed psycho that had her own son impaled was what held him back. So he’ll put his hatred aside. 

But if she ever strays from the goal of protecting Dami and keeping him happy and safe and loved and cared for, he will end her that very second. 

.

When the toddler tired himself out, Wally watched as Dick left the room to put Dami to sleep. Teasing with Roy over, his mood grew more somber and his expression serious. 

It was obvious to see that Dick was different now. And it wasn’t because of the baby he suddenly came back with. 

At the beginning of the mission, Wally thought it was because of the stress from having to spend time with Bruce. He knew how horrible their fights can be. He knows how much their screaming matches take a toll on Dick. But he also knew how much Dick wanted to be there for the new kid Bruce picked up when they called each other. 

It didn’t take long for him to notice the way Dick’s eyes didn’t seem to shine as they used to or how his smiles were a little less dim and his movements more stilted. He didn’t miss the way how Dick gazed at them with a far away look as if he was seeing something else when he looked at them. 

He was Dick’s best friend. He prided himself on catching all these little details. It didn’t mean he knew how to bring back the smile on Dick’s face. He tried. He knew the others tried all throughout the trip here, but all it resulted in were those polite smiles Dick puts on in front of the cameras. They hated the sight of it but nothing they did brought back their leader’s happiness. 

Until Damian appeared. 

And he was caught off guard by how Dick just seemed to exude happiness out of his very being. How the smile was back in his eyes and he seemed back to his normal self, the Dick Grayson Wally was used to seeing. 

Maybe that was why he didn’t realize the truth until he had the time to digest the sudden bombshell that Dick was a dad. 

Maybe that was why he waited to say anything until both Dick and the baby were out of the room. 

No matter how much Dick seems to adore Damian, this was clearly a sore spot for him considering he never mentioned having any kind of relationship with Talia before. He never knew they even interacted in the first place. After Roy’s drug addiction he kept secret, pushed everyone away, and almost died of, the Titans promised that they were going to talk about things from now on. Like an actual family. 

Dick was 15 when Damian was conceived. No matter how you look at it, he was a minor and Talia was clearly not.  

“So we are all in agreement that we’re blowing up League bases, right?” Usually, Wally would be the last person to condone this but this was a special circumstance. 

Donna cracked her knuckles in solidarity. “We’re burning down the League.” 

Kori raised her hand. “I also vote to destroy the Al Ghuls to pieces.” 

And Roy nodded. “They are grade A villains and I’m always in the mood for explosions.” 

Great, everyone was on board with the plan. Unexpected baby aside, it’ll be just like old times again. 

.

.

.

Jason decided that the room right next to Dick’s was perfect for his son —Damian they learned his name was, when Dick called them an hour ago to say he was going to be home in a couple of days. Obviously, he and Tim couldn’t start decorating it or getting baby furniture to put in it because then, Alfred and Bruce will know. 

Okay, Alfred already knows. Kind of. Tim said he never said it outright but Alfred did see the baby toys Tim got so he probably does. There is no way the elderly man can misunderstand baby toys. But at least, Bruce shows no signs of knowing the truth which was good. 

Jason had taken all of the stuffed animals he got from the store and stored it carefully in a box before putting it in his closet. Tim also gave him all the baby toys for safekeeping until Dick and Damian came home. 

They couldn’t decorate the baby’s new room but they could start cleaning it which is how they spent most of the afternoon. Jason didn’t mind. He knew how much babies were sensitive to dirt and dust. He wanted to make it as comfortable as he could for Damian. 

Alfred came in twice to take away the uncleaned sheets and blankets and give them new ones. He didn’t say a word beyond a fond smile and Jason was glad for his discretion. 

Jason was currently changing the sheets. He learned how to do it properly from watching and helping Alfred a few times before. 

Tim was sitting on the floor with colorful pencils and markers as he worked on a nameplate for baby Damian. 

It was a little tradition that just sort of happened. When Bruce first brought Dick home, he made him a brightly blue nameplate to put on his door to show that he really does have a place in the Manor. Dick loved it. And soon after they met, he made Jason one in a bright Robin red. 

Jason blushed furiously when Dick handed him his own nameplate. He choked on his tears and couldn’t get a word out at how touched he felt that Dick —the first Robin, his hero— accepted him with open arms. Instead, he hugged Dick tightly — the first hug he ever initiated with them. And Dick leaned down and hugged him just as tightly, pressing a kiss on the top of his head. 

When Tim finally came to live with them, Jason made him a nameplate with the Robin colors. He did a black background outlined in yellow, wrote Tim’s name in red, and drew a little green dragon in the corner. 

When Jason gave it to him, Tim bursted into tears and hugged him tightly. He wouldn’t let go of him all day. 

“Do you think Damian will like this?” 

Tim was sketching out some ideas in a notebook. He really didn’t want to make the baby hate him already. He could call Dick for ideas but he wanted this to be a surprise. 

Jason looked over at him. “Damian’s an infant. You could give him a solid piece of wood and he wouldn’t even care.”

Tim leveled him a look. “I’m not going to give him wood, Jason.” 

He wanted to be a good big brother. 

“I was just kidding. But you shouldn’t worry so much. I doubt a baby is going to judge you for a bad nameplate.” 

Tim didn’t seem as convinced. He started scratching out doodles on his notebooks and making new ones. 

Jason sighed at the tiny genius overthinking everything again. He put down the blanket and sat on the floor next to Tim before pulling him in a side hug. 

“I bet Damian would love whatever you make.” 

“Really?” Tim’s voice was so small and fragile that Jason wanted to kill Jack and Janet for making his baby brother feel so unloved. 

“Really.” He hugged Tim tighter. “Do you trust me?”

Tim didn’t even hesitate. “Always.” 

Even before he knew how good of a person they were behind the mask, he has always trusted Batman and Robin. They were his heroes. 

“Then trust me on this.” 

Insecurities swarm in his head and it was tempting to give in, but his brother’s steady confidence made it easier to ignore them and he relaxed against Jason. “Okay.” 

They were quiet for a moment. 

“Do you think I should just put Damian or Damian Grayson?” 

“Well, none of us really have last names on ours. How about putting a little G in the corner instead?” 

“That's a good idea.” Tim flipped to a fresh new page and started sketching it out. They spent the next hour brainstorming ideas and making Damian the perfect nameplate using Nightwing blue to be exactly like his dad. 

Neither of them noticed the butler eavesdropping outside the door. 

.

.

.

In his room, Dick was oblivious to his friends’ murder plans. He was too busy making sure his baby was comfortable. He carefully and gently tucked Dami on his bed, before lovingly running a hand through soft black locks. 

Dami will never have to fear or be on his guard. All he will know from now on was that he was safe, loved, and cared for. 

Damian snuggled deeper into the soft fluffy blanket. He was getting used to the strangers Baba seemed to trust and his instinct to glare at them was lessening. But he still loves these moments when Baba is solely his and no one else’s. 

He tried to stay awake longer and focus on Baba’s warm presence to make sure this freely given affection and love was not a dream. But his eyes started to close and he yawned as he buried his head on the pillow. 

He loves Mama and hopes that she comes back to bring him home soon, but he doesn’t mind being in this strange city with Baba a while longer. When Mama comes to get him (and she will), maybe he can bring Baba back too. Mama seems to like the man enough. 

Dick softly sang a Romani lullaby he remembered his Daj once singing for him when he was younger, the one he used to sing for Dami before. 

And like before, Dami relaxed under the melodious notes and his breathing started evening out and getting slower. 

But he was breathing. He was alive. 

Even when he knew his baby was fast asleep, Dick didn’t stop singing to him and just enjoyed being in his son’s presence again. He never thought he could have this again. 

He still expects to wake up any day now with loved ones six feet under and red running down his arms. 

He stood up and dimmed the lamp even more. But he didn’t turn it off. He didn’t want the room in complete darkness. 

One of Ra’s favorite training was dumping Dami in pitch black to toughen him up more and even though Dami was desensitized to the terror of such a thing and said he could handle it multiple times, Dick never wanted his baby to force himself to do something uncomfortable even if he was used to it. So he always left a little light on in the hallway. He claimed it was for his benefit instead to soothe Dami’s insecurities and worries for being seen like a weak child even though they both knew better. 

He knew Dami was far too young right now to have gone through that but old habits die hard. 

He leaned down and kissed Dami’s forehead. He doesn’t want to leave but he knew his friends had questions and the faster he answers them, the faster he can return to Dami’s side. 

He left a comm on the side drawer next to the bed as a makeshift baby monitor before leaving the room for the inevitable interrogation.

Chapter Text

Dick was prepared to explain why he had Bruce’s son. He had a good excuse so the Titans don’t figure out about the whole time travel thing. But all that went out the window when he came back to the living room. 

He didn’t know what he expected to see but his friends discussing ways to take down the League was not one of them. 

“Why do you guys want to explode League bases?”

Did they find out about his alliance with Talia and their plans to kill Ra’s and take over the League? That can’t be it because there was no way they could find out about that. But he didn’t know why else they wanted to destroy the League with that much aggression. 

“It’s okay, Dick. You’re not in this alone. We know what they did to you.” Wally wasn’t there for his best friend before, but he was here now and he was going to make sure the League paid for how much they hurt Dick. 

“Wait. What?” Dick was confused on what the fuck Wally was talking about. The League didn’t do anything to him. They hurt his siblings and he was going to hurt Ra’s. 

“It’s okay. We connected the dots.” Donna took his hand and guided him to sit down between her and Wally. Roy and Kori were sitting on the couch in front of them. She squeezed his hand tight in comfort, knowing this conversation was going to be difficult for him. 

“You would’ve been 15 when Talia—” She paused, hesitant to say the horrific truth out loud. “—took advantage of you.” 

Dick just looked at her. He looked at the rest of his team who had the same serious expression on their faces. What the fuck have they been talking about when he left the room? 

Before he fully comprehended her words and furiously blushed at the implications.   

“I have no idea how you guys came to that conclusion.” Did they really think he fucked Bruce’s ex? Oh god, they really did. “But I never had sex with Talia. Damian isn’t even my son.”

He was Bruce’s. Dick had to keep that in mind. 

His friends stared back at him like he was an idiot.

“You don’t need to lie. It’s okay if he’s biologically yours. We’re used to this from Roy.” Wally insisted.

“Hey!”

They ignored the archer.

Dick was both flattered and confused on how they even got the idea that he was Damian’s biological father because Dami clearly looks like a mini Bruce. They even had the same glare. Obviously, it was more adorable on his baby— 

Oh.

That’s probably where the misunderstandings started.

He should stop calling Dami his baby-son-Robin. Dami wasn’t his. He wasn’t. He had to keep telling himself that. 

He already let himself indulge in hearing Dami call him Baba for the first and last time. And even though his instincts fought against him to let go of Dami, it was the right thing to do because Bruce deserves to get to know his son and Damian deserves to have a close relationship with his actual father. His heart ached at the thought but he ignored it. 

“He’s biologically Bruce and Talia’s son.” Dick confessed, the words felt heavy on his tongue and he forced them through. 

But I wished he was mine. He admitted in the privacy of his own mind. 

That… did not sound very convincing. Wally glanced at the others. He didn’t know why Dick was so hesitant to tell the truth. They weren’t going to berate him for having sex with Talia and being a teen father. 

He didn’t know how else to say the Titans were on Dick’s side and will support him in everything he needed. 

Babysitter? Check. 

Money for baby stuff? Take his wallet. He’s a broke college student working on minimum wage but that won’t stop him from providing for his best friend. 

Destroy the League and burn down their bases? Done. They had a plan, firepower, and everything. 

The Titans looked at each other. 

Roy tried a different tactic. “Okay. Who cares if Bruce is Damian’s dad?” 

Dick blinked. “What do you mean ‘Who cares’?”

It was everything that mattered. 

Like the others, Roy didn’t believe Dick about the whole Damian being biologically Bruce’s, but if it helps Dick, then he’s willing to play along. “I mean who gives a shit. Bruce being Damian’s dad doesn’t make him any less your son. It’s obvious how much you love the kid.” 

Dick swallowed. He fidgeted in his spot, uncomfortable under the scrutiny. 

He had to remember that Bruce was right there —alive. He was a better dad this time. Caring and attentive. It was everything Dick could ask for his Robin. And he knew how much Dami wanted that close relationship with Bruce before. Who was he to deny his baby’s wish? 

But Dami was just so easy to love. 

“Dami’s supposed to be Bruce’s son.” His voice was small and shaky and this time, even he didn’t believe himself. 

“I’m confused.” Donna said. They all know the truth so why was Dick repeatedly insisting that Bruce was the kid’s dad? “Why is it so hard to admit that you’re Damian’s dad?” 

“Because he deserves better than me!” He finally blurted out, the screams of all his insecurities and inadequacies finally coming to a head, and the room went silent. He slapped a hand over his mouth but no babies woke up and the tension lessened only slightly. 

Dick tore his eyes away from his friends, staring down at his lap and clenched fists. 

All he wanted is to be a better brother-father-hero for his Robin. He knows he failed before. He knows Damian deserves so much better than what he was given. 

Robin died for him twice. He got his son killed twice because he was a terrible hero who was always falling short. Bruce could have done better. He would have been faster, stronger to take the hit instead. Dick hated how he gave up Damian to Bruce when he came back from the time stream and moved back to Bludhaven but maybe he had the right idea. 

Batman was supposed to protect Robin. Batman was supposed to take the hits. So why did Damian protect him? It was Dick’s job to protect him. 

Why the hell was he always falling short? Why the hell was he so fucking inadequate? 

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” But a slew of apologies don’t fix broken bones and blood loss. 

Apologies don't bring his son back from the dead. 

Tears fell down his face as his baby’s dead body-grave-funeral flashed in his mind and he dug his nails in his palm hard enough to draw blood. “I love him so, so much. But I can’t take care of him the way he deserves.” 

He felt someone pull him close and hug him tightly. Through blurred vision, he could almost see the blood staining his hands —the blood of his family, the blood of his enemies. He closed his eyes and took a shaky breath. 

“I don’t deserve him.” 

He never did. 

.

Donna was running a hand through Dick’s hair as he cried on her shoulder. 

Dick was not okay after all. Frankly, they really should have seen this coming. They shouldn’t have bought into his convincing mask that everything was fine and sunshine. Dick was only holding it together to put up a strong front in front of Damian. 

Roy and Wally felt guilty that they pushed and made Dickie cry. They were trying to show Dick that he can depend on them and they did the exact opposite of that. 

“I felt the same way about Lian.” Roy started saying. He heard Dick quiet at the sound of his voice but he still had his head buried in the crook of Donna’s neck. “I didn’t think I could take care of her either. I thought she would’ve been better off with someone other than a stupid drug addict.” 

Dick jerked his head up. “You’re not stupid and you’re a great dad for Lian.”

Always the self-sacrificing idiot who puts others before himself. 

“Thanks.” But this wasn’t about Roy. “From what I’ve seen so far, you’re a great dad for Damian too.” 

Dick looked away again. And he just— He just can’t keep lying to himself anymore. His friends won’t judge him. “…I don’t want to lose him.” 

It was Kori who found the root of the problem. She kneeled down in front of him, taking his hands in hers. Gentle green eyes stared into scared blue. 

“I think you’re scared of admitting how much Damian means to you.” 

Damian meant the entire world to him. If he was brutal to Joker, he would absolutely annihilate anyone who even thinks to harm his son. 

“I think you’re actually scared of what Bruce will say and how he will respond.” 

Damian had been his son longer than he was Bruce’s.

Dick froze but didn’t say anything against her words. 

“You know what?” Wally said. He hated the sight of Dick’s tears. “Fuck Bruce. Who gives a damn about blood relations? Rudolph is my bio dad but we all know Barry is my father figure. And we’ve all seen how Damian sees you as his dad. So why can’t he have two dads too?” 

He felt victorious when a spark appeared back in crystal blue eyes. Dick let out a tiny smile and wiped his eyes with his sleeve. He pulled away from Donna and gave his friends a watery smile. 

“You’re right. I’m worrying for nothing.” He said to assure them that he was okay now and wasn't going to break down again. He was really being stupid about this whole thing. He had two dads too. John and Bruce. 

Still. 

He mentally prepared himself for the upcoming confrontation. 

Because he remembered how they fought when Bruce came back from the time stream and Bruce wanted to raise Damian even though Dick was the one who raised him when he was gone. 

He remembered the bitter jealousy Bruce admitted he had when he said he wanted the same father-son relationship Dick had with Damian and Dick felt so guilty that he stole that experience from Bruce, he backed down and ran back to Bludhaven. 

Determination lit up in his eyes. “Even if Bruce starts a fight, I’m Dami’s dad too and I’m not giving him up.” 

This time, he won’t let Bruce convince him it was for Damian’s own good. 

“If that bastard tries anything, we’ll just buy a house together.” Donna cheered him up and he let out a soft laugh. 

“Yeah.” Roy agreed. “We’ll get our own house with a giant backyard that Lian and Damian can play in.” 

It would be so cute if their kids were best friends. 

Dick laughed and wiped his eyes again. He really had the best of friends. He smiled brightly at them. “We’ll have to make room for Jason and Tim.” 

They knew Jason was the new kid Bruce brought home. 

But who the fuck was Tim?!

Oh god. Did Dick have another kid? Is he Talia’s too or did he get someone else pregnant? They really need to get a head start on keeping track of his love life. 

Roy and Wally gave each other alarmed looks. Donna was trying to figure out how the hell she missed Dick being a dad a second time. 

Kori was the one who asked calmly. “Who’s Tim?” 

That perked up Dick’s mood a bit. He loves talking and bragging about his baby brothers. He pulled out his wallet and leaned forward to show off the couple of pictures he has of his babies. 

He pointed Tim out in a picture he had of him and Jason posing with their nameplates in front of the newly painted Wayne family portrait. 

“Tim’s my new baby brother. He’s just the sweetest little genius I know.” 

The Titans just looked at each other. 

They looked back at the tiny kid who had the same black hair and blue eyes that were the exact same shade as Dick’s. 

They looked at each other again, having a mental conversation on who’s going to ask the million dollar question. 

Wally pulled the short straw. “Is…is he yours too?” 

Dick loved being referred to as Dami's dad but he was feeling exasperated that the others insist on repeating the joke. “I told you guys already. Damian is biologically Bruce’s. Talia showed me the DNA test and birth certificate.”

She didn’t. But they don’t need to know that. 

The Titans didn’t 100% believe him. But they were starting to think that maybe Dick was telling the truth when he said Bruce was Damian’s biological father. There really is no reason to keep up the facade when Dick finally let himself admit he was Damian’s dad too…unless he wasn’t actually lying. 

It didn’t answer the question about Tim though. 

“Is Tim actually yours then?” Roy asked. 

“Why do you guys keep thinking anyone I bring in the family is mine?” 

“You still didn’t answer the question.” Donna pointed out. 

“No he’s not.” Dick answered. “He’s 10. I would’ve been 9 when he was born.” 

“He’s not fucking 10.” Roy looked back at the picture. Tim’s like the size of Lian. “He’s 5 for sure.” 

Kori agreed. “He does look smaller than the average human child.” 

“He’s just fun-sized and perfect for cuddling.” Dick insisted. “I actually have his birth certificate.” It was in the Bat files. “And I can say for sure he’s 10. His birth parents are actually trash though.”

“Did you adopt him too?” Wally asked. 

“I signed the papers with Bruce’s signature.” 

The Titans looked at each other again. 

They really have their work cut out for them. Maybe they should get that giant house soon. It’ll make it easier to keep track of all these kids Dick keeps getting if they were all in one place. 

.

.

.

Bruce was pacing back and forth in his office, not sure what to think about the bombshell Alfred dropped on him minutes before. 

Dick had a son. 

Dick was a father. 

Who was the mother? Will there be custody issues? His lawyers will make sure Dick wins that case or he’ll fire them. 

Oh god. He was a grandfather. 

He collapsed in his chair, head in his hands. He was not prepared at all for this. 

He had a grandson. He had a tiny infant grandson coming home soon. A thought popped in his head and he immediately sat up straight. “Is the Manor even baby proof?” 

“I am in the process of that.” Alfred calmly said. He thought back to how he found out about his great-grandson. 

It was not surprising to find Jason doing chores from time to time. The lad still had the mindset of working for his keep and even though Alfred assured him there is no need to do that in the Manor, Jason wasn’t convinced. To help him feel more comfortable, he assigned him a few easy chores to do. Jason found that he liked helping in the kitchen the most. Alfred was glad for the company and capable partner that can actually cook and not burn everything in sight. 

When Jason decided to clean the room next to Dick’s, Alfred thought nothing of it and bought new sheets in the room. Tim was in the room too and he had thought they were simply bonding with each other. His heart warmed at the sight. 

He only found out later when he caught a snippet of their conversation about a certain Damian Grayson that he realized he drew the wrong conclusion. In the next moment, he felt proud of his other grandchildren for being so welcoming and trying to make things comfortable for the new addition to their family. 

He had time to come to terms with the fact that Dick’s son will soon be living with them. He was happy for the lad and dearly hoped that this will give Dick the push he needed to keep living. He has always put others before him. 

The only reason he told Bruce was to make sure he will not react negatively towards the infant or Dick when Dick brings him home. 

“Why didn’t he tell me?” How much further will he fail as a father? He thought he assured Dick that he will never stop loving him and Dick can come to him whenever he needed. 

“I imagine Master Dick was also dealing with the news of being a sudden father and did not need the added stress of your displeasure along with it.” Alfred couldn’t blame his oldest grandson. He had been through a lot already as Robin and as Nightwing but he was still only 19 years old. “I expect you to be supportive and calm when Master Dick comes back home with his son.” 

Bruce felt hurt at the implication, his failures weighed heavily on him. “I wouldn’t kick him out because of this.” 

“No. But you would yell at him in your protective nature and he doesn’t need to deal with a fight with a baby in the room.” 

He averted his eyes. He couldn’t say anything in defense to that. He knows he can't handle his worries and anxiety well. Instead of being the emotionally available father his children deserve, he lash out in his concern. 

It was why last year was filled with screaming matches. Because Dick hated his over controlling behavior and Bruce couldn’t stop his need to make sure his son was out of danger. 

It was why Dick left in the first place. 

Ever since he found out that Dick cut himself and was contemplating suicide, he has been working to do better as a person and be better as a father. He will never forgive himself if he lost Dick because of his inadequacies. 

He had Jason and Tim to think about. And now he had a grandson depending on him too.

.

.

.

The next morning, Roy and Wally were sitting at the dining table eating breakfast Wally cooked for the Titans. Kori and Donna were still sleeping in bed. 

Dick cooked Damian’s meal though because he wanted things to be just right for his vegetarian son. Wally watched as Dick put Dami on his lap before lovingly cut up Dami’s food and fed it to him, his own plate forgotten in favor of his son.

However pure and wholesome the sight was, he will never get used seeing Dick being a natural at daddy-ing. 

After their very productive talk and smothering Dick with love and support, Dick retired to his room where he was most likely snuggling with his son. 

Wally didn’t check up on them. He and the others were busy searching up big houses for sell. They hit a roadblock trying to decide exactly where they wanted the house. Roy opted for somewhere close to Star City so Lian can easily visit Dinah and Ollie. 

Kori suggested New York. Wally wanted somewhere near Keystone City since he still has college to think about. Sure, he can superspeed anywhere but that takes up a lot of calories and a lot of money to refill those calories. Donna didn’t have a preference; just no where near Gotham since she will not hesitate to punch Batman if she sees him. 

“Damian really doesn’t talk a lot, huh?” Roy pointed out. Damian was four but he was oddly quiet. Normally, children his age are already talking in full sentences (he knew Lian was already rambling by now) but he hasn’t even murmured a sound. 

Dick didn’t even look away from his adorable baby eating when he answered. “Damian was raised in the League dialect but Talia told me how she was just starting to teach him English and he can understand it better than he can speak it.” 

“Speaking of Talia,” Wally brought up. “When you said she showed you the DNA test and birth certificate, are you 110% sure she didn’t lie on those?” 

Dick finally tore his eyes away from his little miracle to shoot a look at the speedster. “Yes, I’m very sure about that.” 

“So you and her never really—”

“We never had sex.” 

But Dami looks a lot like Dick. Wally couldn’t get over how many similarities they shared. “…Are you sure?” 

“I’m very certain I never did it with her. You know why? Because she dated my dad and that’s just gross.” 

Wally groaned. “Oh god. I can't believe Batman had sex with Talia Al Ghul.” 

He was never going to unsee that image. 

Roy was equally shocked. “I can’t believe they dated.”

It was only when Damian was full and resting his head on Dick’s chest that Dick pulled his plate towards him and started eating. 

“Yeah. It got serious enough that Bruce considered proposing to her.”

“No way!” Wally couldn’t believe Dick never shared this kind of hot tea before. 

“Yes way.” 

Roy turned the conversation back to the most important thing. “Does this mean we’re not going after the League after all?"

He was bummed out. He had a few explosive arrow prototypes he wanted to test out. 

“Oh I’m not stopping you on that.” 

Dick told them about the scars he found on Damian and his plans on working with Talia to destroy Ra’s and everything he cares about. 

“He hurt Damian.” 

He brainwashed Jason to come after the Bats. He was a creepy pervert obsessed with Tim. 

Like the Joker, Ra’s has overstayed his welcome on this earth and Dick was going to wipe him out until there was nothing left of the immortal bastard. 

“Since when did you have an alliance with Talia?” Roy asked. 

“Since when were you on friendly terms with her?” Wally asked the more important question. 

The Titans are well aware of how much friendlier Nightwing was with the villain crowd than Batman. It was how he got a lot of connections and most of his intel from. They remember his weird frenemy-ship with Slade. 

Oh god. Was he collecting supervillains now? 

Dick waved their concerns away. “That isn’t important right now. Let me tell you how I plan to destroy Ra’s.” 

.

.

.

Dick parked the Batplane in the cave. Dami looked around curiously at all the souvenirs Bruce collected throughout the years. If he had any say in it, it will be a very long time until Dami set foot in here. 

He knew it was hopeless to even wish Dami wouldn’t want a part of the vigilante life. He knew his little Robin too well. But that doesn’t mean he won’t try his hardest to make sure nothing will harm his son again. 

It doesn’t mean he wouldn’t try his hardest to shield his baby from the filth in the world. 

Dick opted to use the elevator instead. He didn’t want to walk up the precarious stairs with his little miracle in his arms. As the doors closed on them, he took a deep breath. 

Dick mentally prepared himself when the doors opened and he entered the Manor. Damian was propped on his hip, his small fist tightly clutching onto Dick’s shirt as if he can sense his Baba’s unease. 

But his worries lessened when Alfred greeted them with a warm smile. He had gotten the alert that Dick arrived home and was determined to make sure his grandson knew how much support he had on his side. 

He wasn’t alone in this. 

“Welcome home, Master Dick. And this must be Master Damian." Alfred smiled at the child hiding his face in the crook of Dick's neck. 

Dick swallowed the lump in his throat. His hold on Dami tightened.

They knew. 

“Alfred, I can explain—” 

Please don’t take Dami from me. Don’t take my son away. 

I don’t want to fight you. 

“Please do not worry.” Alfred smiled kindly. “I will make sure Master Bruce will not cause any trouble.” 

Dick could just cry. Alfred was on his side. He wasn’t angry that Dick was basically stealing Bruce’s kid. 

He still didn’t let go of Dami. Damian didn’t mind though as he clutched tightly to Baba. He didn’t feel safe yet in this unfamiliar home. 

He pressed a kiss on Dami’s forehead and softly smiled at him. “This is Alfred. He’s your grandpa.” 

Alfred’s heart ached at the title. Fatherhood looks good on the boy. He’s taken to it like a fish to water. 

“He’s a beautiful child. Might I ask how old he is?” 

Damian was very small in Dick’s arms but big for an infant. 

“He’s 4.” 

“I see.” There was no change in Alfred’s body language. He thought Bruce went over sex ed with Dick. “And who is his mother?” 

“Talia Al Ghul.” Dick smiled. 

He knew that Alfred knew about the time when Bruce and Talia dated for a couple of years. He was there for the entirety of it. And since Dami clearly looks like a mini Bruce, there was no way misunderstandings can happen like they did in the Titans. 

Alfred’s heart ached. No wonder Dick didn’t tell Bruce a word. 

Dick would’ve been raped at 15 because there was no way it was consensual. 

Alfred had neutral opinions about Miss Al Ghul but now that was off the table. He was going to have to find his shotgun. 

A horrifying thought occurred to him. 

Was this why Dick started hurting himself? 

He failed him. 

“Master Tim and Master Jason are playing video games in the den. They are looking forward to meeting Master Damian.” 

Dick’s mood brightened at the mention of his baby brothers, but they dashed when there was no mention of the man he was trying to avoid the most. 

“And Bruce?” 

Was he here? Dick’s heart raced at the thought. 

“Master Bruce unfortunately had last minute business meetings to attend today. He will be here in time for dinner and I will ensure he will not start a fight in front of Master Damian.” 

Alfred was a saint and they don’t deserve him. 

“Thanks, Alfred.” 

It was the least Alfred can do to ensure that Dick isn’t overwhelmed in his own home. Taking care of a baby was already stressful and he didn’t need any more piled on his plate. 

“I hope Tim and Jason like Dami.” 

Alfred remembered his brilliant grandsons doing their best to make the Manor as comfortable as possible for the baby and gave him a gentle smile. “I have no doubt they will.” 

Dick started walking to the den (he couldn’t wait for the others to meet their new baby brother) when he noticed Alfred heading to the kitchen. He could just let out an exasperated sigh. It was only 2 in the afternoon. 

“I’m sure dinner can wait to be prepared for a little while. Don’t you want to join us and spend time with your new grandson?” 

Alfred would like nothing better. But there were certain duties he needed to perform first. He’ll have to prepare the Batplane for a trip to Nanda Parbat. “I’m simply going to take out the trash.” 

He was going to right a wrong. His grandson deserves nothing better.

Chapter Text

Contrary to his size, Tiny Timmy was a monster at video games. It was a Saturday so Tim had all the time in the world to utterly demolish Jason. 

Sure, it was a blow to his pride to be beaten by a kindergartener all afternoon, but Jason didn’t mind much. The bright sunny smile on Tim’s face every time he won made it worth it. 

He was happy to see baby bird so happy and at home. 

It made him feel good that he was doing something right. That he wasn’t that bad at this big brother thing after all. 

He was both apprehensive and looking forward to when Dick’s kid came to the Manor. He hoped the baby didn’t hate him. 

Damian’s new room was all cleaned out. He knew how exhausting taking care of an infant can be and he wanted to make things easier for Dick. He vacuumed the floor and wiped everything down.  

He even changed the sheets of the queen size bed even though a baby wouldn’t have any use for it. He just wanted to make sure there wasn’t any dust or dirt in the room (even though he knows Alfred is a damn god at his job). He just wanted to be useful and good. 

Of course, that work went out the window when he came home from school Friday to see Bruce moving the bed out of the room. 

Apparently, he caught wind that he will be getting a new grandson soon and spent all of yesterday helping Alfred baby-proofing the Manor, making sure there was no way any babies can get into the BatCave, and going on a shopping frenzy for baby supplies. It was amusing to see the big bad Batman trying to figure out how to put an IKEA crib together. 

Jason’s fears were soothed that Bruce was being so supportive. Not that he thought Bruce was the kind of man he was used to seeing in Crime Alley, but old fears die hard. 

He knew that if Bruce had actually kicked Dick out for being a teen father, he would’ve gone with Dick. 

He was happy to see Bruce put so much effort into being a grandpa (Jason totally teased the old man about the gray hairs he could see growing). Even if he and Alfred did have to help the emotionally stunted billionaire pick out the right stuff for an infant because the man was just going to buy everything in sight. 

Rich people. 

Sometimes, Jason really thinks he and Alfred are the only people in this family that has the brain cell. 

Alfred ended up giving Bruce a crash course in what infants needed and how they were different from toddlers’ needs. Bruce just looked increasingly confused the whole time while Tim was having the time of his life taking notes and researching more. 

Jason reached out to grab another one of Alfred’s chocolate chip cookies. They were currently taking a break from Tim’s win streak. 

Tim ate another cookie. He was still not over how much his life changed recently. He was used to being alone in an empty mansion with pictures of his heroes for company. 

Now, he was living out his best dream and playing video games with his favorite hero. He felt bad that he was winning all the time but Jason wouldn’t hear of it and made sure to drown him in compliments that made Tim’s face a bright red. 

He never wanted this dream to end. 

Jason stretched his arms and was about to suggest if Tim was up for another round when he caught sight of who was at the doorway and his face lit up. 

“Dick! You’re home!” Tim beat him to the punch, jumping off the couch and running towards him, game forgotten in favor of their favorite big brother finally being here. 

Dick gave Tim a one-armed hug, all smiles and sunshine, being mindful of the baby on his hip. His heart warmed at the sight of his baby brothers together. This was the way things should have been all along. 

“This is Damian, your new baby brother.” 

Jason walked at a more sedate pace, his attention more focused on the tiny child that looked so much like Dick. 

Because that was not a newborn. 

“How old is he?” His voice carefully blank and non-accusing. 

Dick smiled and ruffled Jason’s hair who was still staring at Damian. 

“He’s 4.” 

Tim was peering up at Damian curiously who was hiding his face in the crook of Dick’s neck. 

“He’s so small.” Tim said when Damian looked down at him and he smiled brightly at the tiny adorable baby with green eyes (who was his mom?). He was going to be the best big brother ever. He’ll make sure Damian won’t ever be lonely in the big manor and he can even teach him photography when he’s older.  

Jason let none of his volatile emotions show even as his stomach was twisting and turning as the pieces started forming in his head. It wasn’t hard to do the math. Who the fuck touched his big brother? People liked to call him a feral street child. Well, he was going to show someone what feral really meant. 

He wanted to scream. He wanted to cry. He wanted to punch something. 

He did none of that. It wouldn’t help Dick. 

“He’s a pretty cute kid.” He said instead. 

Dick’s smile grew, glowing with pride. 

Despite that, Jason could see his face was tight with worry and exhaustion. He couldn’t blame him with what he learned so he didn’t point it out. 

“Me and Tim got welcome home gifts for Damian.” 

Dick blinked and his shoulders got less tense. His eyes shone with fondness and love. “You guys didn’t have to do that.” 

“We wanted him to feel welcome here.” 

Dick hugged them tightly. His worries that the others would hate Dami was for naught. “You are the best little brothers I could ask for.” 

Tim reveled in the affection. 

Jason was more apprehensive but he tried to make his body relax so Dick didn’t get the wrong idea. 

He so badly wanted to ask about Damian’s mom and if Dick was doing okay. He stomped on the urge to look underneath Dick’s long sleeves. He had to wait until he can get Dick alone. 

Because he knew this wasn’t the time for it. He knew Dick would never admit his issues in front of Tim (he glanced at the toddler who still hasn’t said a single word now looking at them curiously) and Damian. It was just the type of person he was. 

“Me and Jason even cleaned out Damian’s new room.” Tim said excitedly. 

“Really?” Dick was in a much better mood, Tim’s enthusiasm was contagious. Even Damian was less on guard in this strange new place.  

Jason felt happier at the sight even as his worries-concerns-fears threatened to overwhelm him. Dick didn’t deserve to be raped. He was too pure-too kind-too good. 

Unlike Jason. 

A tall, heavy body pressed against his back. He froze. It wasn’t until hands were reaching for his pants that he struggled, kicking the man in the balls. The man yelped and loosened his hold for a second which was all Jason needed to get away. He ignored the furious cursing and kept running, running, running— 

Jason lagged behind Tim who was eagerly leading Dick out of the den and up the stairs. Baby bird didn’t see anything wrong. 

But he was glad that his little brother was still innocent in that regard. 

Unlike him. 

.

In just a few seconds, Dick went through a multitude of emotions when he laid eyes on Damain’s new room. 

His heart warmed when he realized it was right next to his room. His heart sank in guilt at how blatant he was stealing Dami from his biological dad. 

He almost choked at the sight of the half-furnished nursery. Boxes were pushed to one side of the room. He can see a rocking crib in one corner and a playpen half put together. 

“Jason did most of the cleaning and I helped. We would have decorated it too. But we thought it was better if you were here so you also have a say. Bruce did the crib and playpen. He went on a shopping spree and everything. Don’t worry. Jason and Alfred approved every single one.” Tim rambled on, the sole focus of attention since Jason had to go to the bathroom. 

Dick tried to pay attention to everything Tim was saying (he didn’t want Timmy to ever feel like he was being ignored). His mind was going in circles that they apparently thought Dami was an infant and not a toddler. He didn’t even know how that misunderstanding even happened in the first place. 

He was going to question it when his eyes caught sight of the nameplate on the door. A sharp intake of breath before tears pricked his eyes. 

He could only focus on the wooden board in Nightwing blue. 

In big black blocky letters read “DAMIAN G.” 

Beside the name was a drawing of a bigger fluffy white bird with a Nightwing symbol on its chest holding its wing over a baby bird with a Robin ‘R’ symbol on its chest. 

Tears fell from his cheeks. He couldn’t stop them even if he tried. Damian grew alarmed at the sight and patted his cheeks in an effort to wipe the tears away. 

“Baba, no cry. Please.” 

Tim was fidgeting with his fingers when he caught Dick staring at the nameplate. Was he that upset at what Tim did? He was afraid that Dick hated it hated him. 

Not knowing what else to do to help the situation, Tim started to ramble again. “I thought about writing out Grayson but the board wasn’t big enough to do that and add the two birds so I just added the G. I thought about doing a Flying Grayson theme but I really wanted to reference your nightlife like in mine and Jason’s nameplates. I’m sorry if—” 

He let out a squeak when Dick pulled him into a hug, whispering. 

“It’s perfect, baby bird.” 

“Baba ok?” Damian asked. 

Dick smiled and kissed his little miracle’s forehead. “Baba’s okay, baby bat.” 

Tim basked in the clear affection between father and son. There was a small part of him that felt jealous Damian was getting what he wished he could get from Jack and Janet but he snuffed out that emotion pretty quickly. It wasn’t fair to either of them. Dick gives him plenty of affection and love too. 

“If you love that, you’re going to love the gifts we got him.” Jason entered the room. 

His eyes were a bit red from where he scrubbed his face in the bathroom but he looked back to normal now. He really hoped no one noticed anything was wrong. He doesn’t have the mental power to pull that grenade. 

They didn’t know. He’ll just prove everyone who called him a dirty street rat right. They couldn’t know. They’ll take Robin-home-family away. 

“You have more?” Dick said, making himself comfortable on the floor, Dami sitting on his lap. 

Jason nodded before pushing a box (Bruce and Alfred had proud smiles on their faces when they realized the true purpose of the toys he and Tim got from the store) from the window towards them. 

“I can help.” Dick started getting up. 

Jason shook his head. “No. I got it. You relax.” 

With an amused smile, Dick obliged and sat back down. Damian was on his feet, Baba holding him in place. He was very eager to see the gifts. It wasn’t often he received them. 

Jason was so glad that they didn’t pick out clothing. It would’ve been awkward if they gave Damian a onesie that didn’t fit. 

He sat down before opening the box. “Okay. We got a whole selection. I got him stuffed animals.” 

“I got him toys.” Tim proudly added. 

Jason took out the stuffed dog dressed in a black domino mask and cape and Nightwing blanket. 

“This is so adorable, Little Wing.” Dick had a giant smile on his face.  

Damian adored them. He immediately took the dog and held it close to his chest. It was so soft. 

Dick pulled out his phone and took tons of pictures. His baby was so cute and he had to commemorate the moment. He should make a baby album. That would be amazing. He wondered if Roy made a baby album of Lian. 

“I also got him these.” Jason took out the bundle of teddy bears dressed as Batman, Robin, and Nightwing. His and Tim’s copy were proudly sitting on their beds. 

Dick held back the squeal he wanted to let out at how utterly adorable those looked. He wasn’t even aware they existed. 

“I wanted him to know that he always has his family watching over and protecting him.” Jason had a furious blush on his face and Dick wanted to cry. His brothers were the cutest little babies in existence. Instead he pulled his Little Wing into a tight hug. 

Damian’s eyes lit up at the new stuffed animals and he reached for them. Jason obliged. Not surprisingly, Damian grabbed the Nightwing bear and held it and the dog close. 

Jason smirked. “Look Dickie. His favorite hero is his daddy.” 

Dick rolled his eyes at the teasing tone even as his heart warmed at the thought. He let go of Jason and ruffled his hair. 

“It’s my turn now.” Tim jumped up to take out what he got from the box. He laid out the building blocks, play phone, and two colorful rattles in front of Damian. 

“They look fun.” Dick said. Wow. They really did think Damian was an infant huh? 

Tim beamed in pride regardless and Dick didn’t have the heart to tell him that Dami was probably too old for those kinds of toys. 

Damian looked at the unfamiliar colorful toys, curious about what they were. Mama never gave things like these to him before. 

He put down the dog and reached for the wide stick with the ball at the end of it. When he grabbed it, it made a rattling sound. 

Surprised, he dropped it. 

The little boy who looked like Baba gently picked up the stick and shook it, making the rattling sound again. “It’s supposed to do that, Damian.” 

Oh. 

He reached out for the stick again and shook it. This time, he smiled and threw it at the boy. 

Baba immediately caught the stick in his hand. Dami shrunk at the disappointed look in his eyes. “That wasn’t nice, Dami.” 

The little boy blinked and almost teared up when he realized what happened. He was such a bad big brother. He couldn’t even do one thing right. “Damian hates me?” 

The other boy immediately went to hug him and glared at Damian. “That wasn’t cool. We don’t hurt family.” 

Damian wanted to cry at the look. It was just how the mean guards and mean old man used to stare at him. He was confused about what he did wrong. He wasn’t trying to hurt anyone. He rubbed his eyes, feeling the tears well up, and he bit his lip. 

“That’s enough Jason.” Dick gently reprimanded before scooping Dami in his arms and rubbing his back in a soothing motion. “Dami, why did you throw the rattle at Tim?” 

Baba’s voice was soft and kind. But Damain kept quiet. He still didn’t know what he did wrong. What if he answers wrong and Baba ends up hating him too?

“Dami, why did you throw the rattle at Tim?” Dick repeated. He ignored Tim and Jason’s questioning look that he spoke in a different language they never heard before. 

And Damian’s head shot up to stare at him because Baba spoke in League dialect like Mama. 

Dick didn’t sense any ill intent so he didn’t think Dami was trying to actually hurt Tim. “I promise I won’t get mad. I just want to understand, sweetheart.” 

Dami hesitantly answered, hoping Baba keeps his promise. “Mama show me how to hold a knife. Sometimes, we play catch. I thought you throw stick too. I’m sorry.” 

Mama said him practicing catching knives would help when he would eventually get trained in using weapons although she only allowed him to use wooden ones. He was looking forward to being able to use Mama’s silver knives. She looked so beautiful when he watched her train and he wanted to be like her. 

Baba blinked before his eyes turned understanding and a little sad. “Oh sweetheart. Thank you for telling me. You’re not in trouble.” He made a mental note to talk to Talia as soon as he could before kissing Dami’s forehead. “I love you so so much. You are such a good baby bat.” 

Damian snuggled Baba’s chest. He reveled in the affection and that Baba didn’t hate him after all. 

Dick looked at the other two. “Dami just wanted to play with you Timmy. Apparently, he and Talia would play catch and he thought you play that with the rattles.” 

Tim brightened and relaxed. “So he doesn’t hate me?”

“No, baby bird. He likes you.” 

Tim smiled brightly and scooted closer to Damian, pointing out the different toys and how to play with them. 

Dick put Dami down so he can play with Tim. He muffled a laugh at how focused Dami was staring at Tim, captivated by what he was saying. 

Damian didn’t mind the small child. Mama wouldn’t like how Tim cries so easily, but he wasn’t a threat. And he was really interested in the other toys so he listened and didn’t throw a fuss. 

Jason also relaxed when the misunderstanding was resolved. He really didn’t want to hate Dick’s son and drive a chasm between them. He left Tim and Damian to bond while he moved closer to Dick to whisper. 

“Talia is his mom?” Jason didn’t miss that part. 

“Huh?” Dick glanced at him. “Yeah. His mom is Talia Al Ghul.” 

Dick shouldn’t look that nonchalant for admitting that he had sex with an evil assassin lady. 

Yeah, Jason knew who she was. 

He peeked into Batman’s files from time to time and recognized the name. 

Talia Al Ghul. Daughter of the Demon’s  Head. Part of an assassin cult in the Middle East. 

He was glad Dick managed to get custody of his kid. He couldn’t imagine the damage that would have happened if Damian was raised in that kind of environment. 

He didn’t say any of that though. It wasn't the right time for it. 

“What language were you speaking?” Jason was used to hearing Dickie speak a multitude of different ones. He liked to keep Bruce on his toes. And it helped Jason and Tim with their language studies. Jason because of Robin training and he was interested in it. Tim because he liked being included. 

“League dialect. It’s a mix of Arabic, Pashto, and other regional languages.” Dick didn’t mention that the particular dialect he was speaking was supposed to only be limited to the Al Ghul family. 

Dami taught it to him before and in turn, he taught his son Romani.

“The assassin cult didn’t teach Damian English?” Jason can hazard a guess on what the League would teach baby assassins but he thought English would be part of the curriculum for world domination. 

“Talia started his English studies. Dami can’t speak it well, but he can understand it.” Dick knew League dialect so there shouldn’t be anything lost in translation. “I’m going to work with him on his speaking before he starts school.” 

No wonder the toddler was so quiet. 

Jason made a mental note to make English flashcards for Damian. Maybe he can indoctrinate the baby to have a better book taste than the rest of this family, except Alfred who already has impeccable taste. 

It would be amazing to have someone else he can talk about literature classics with. Maybe he can also make the baby have a taste for Jane Austen while he was at it. 

.

.

.

Unfortunately, Alfred could not leave today to show Talia exactly what happens when you mess with his grandson. Even with the Batplane at maximum speed, flying to Nanda Parbat will still take far too long for his tastes. 

He still had to prepare a proper welcome home feast for Damian. If he was gone, the others will simply order takeout and he will not allow that to happen on his watch. 

Unfortunately, Miss Al Ghul will live for another day. 

However, he did prep everything for his upcoming trip. He refueled the Batplane and loaded his shotgun. He packed an extra suit just in case. Bloodstains are a terrible thing to get out. 

He was currently in the kitchen. Luckily, Dick had informed him that Damian was a vegetarian before he started cooking. He didn’t pay much attention to the brooding man-child in the room. 

When Bruce came home, he was hoping to bond with his new grandson when Alfred threw him the bombshell. 

And he just had to stop and process what he learned. 

He still couldn’t believe the mother was Talia. He had his head on the counter, feeling utterly defeated. 

He was able to rush through the last of his meetings when Alfred sent a message that Dick and Damian were home. He checked on them on the Manor’s cameras. And can he just say, he has the cutest grandson ever. There was no debate. 

But he never thought Talia would do such a thing. Yes, she was an assassin and morally dark gray but she still had a code. 

Dick would’ve been 15 when he was raped. How did he not know about this? How did he not see the signs that Dick was dealing with this under his roof? 

World’s Greatest Detective, indeed. He was fucking shit. 

He was supposed to be there for Dick. Forget being a terrible pseudo-father, he was a shitty mentor if he made Dick feel like he couldn’t come to him for comfort when he was that young.  

He had no idea what to do. What does he do next? How could he help Dick now? He wished he could call Clark and Diana for help and any kind of support because he’s feeling like a fish out of water. 

It was clear to see Dick was getting more and more reckless. He saw the mission report. The Titans were scouting enemy bases. Nightwing confronted Talia Al Ghul alone. 

On paper, it was for intel. 

Bruce can read in between the lines. 

Batman can see the clear picture this was painting. 

Dick confronted a dangerous enemy on his own. With no allies. With no back up. 

Even if he was meeting the mother of his child and picking Damian up, Bruce wished he would have done so with the Titans nearby. As much as he would tentatively trust Talia, this was still the League (Ra’s) they were dealing with. 

“I’m a terrible father.” 

“I am also at fault.” Alfred said as he stirred the pot. “I also didn’t see the signs that Master Dick was sexually assaulted so young.” 

“What the hell are you talking about?” 

It said a lot about how lost they were in their thoughts that neither men noticed Dick at the doorway who was staring at them with wide eyes, fear adamant in blue. 

“Dick…” Bruce quickly stood up, wooden chair scrapping against the floor. 

Dick just wanted to get some snacks for the kids before dinner when he heard the last of Alfred’s words. 

He was never sexually assaulted. 

Unwanted hands on his body. He said no. Hands pulled off his clothes. Didn’t he say no? Why aren’t the touches stopping? If he never wanted it, he should be able to push them away. He was stronger than them after all-so he must have wanted it right?

He wasn’t. 

So what the hell did they mean? 

Chapter Text

Did they find out about Mirage and Tarantula? How could they? It never happened here so he couldn’t have that trauma. Dick thought before a bigger part of him berated that that wasn’t sexual assault. That he wasn’t raped. 

He could’ve pushed them away after all. He was stronger. He was trained by the World’s Greatest Detective and the Justice League. He was Deathstroke’s apprentice. He was Batman. He was Nightwing. He was the leader of the Teen Titans and on par with the Justice League founders. 

If he really didn’t want it, he could’ve fought them off….

Right?

Isn’t that how the story goes? 

Isn’t that how the world sees it? 

“We know about you and Talia…” Bruce started to say gently, trying not to spook Dick.

Dick stiffened (it felt like a bucket of cold water was dumped on his head) and cut him off. “I’m calling a family meeting.” 

He didn’t wait for a response. He turned on his heel and immediately left the kitchen and went to Dami’s room. The Bats misunderstanding Dami to be an infant instead of a toddler made a lot more sense now. He knows Dami called him Baba but he still thought it was obvious to see that Dami looked like a mini Bruce. 

He was starting to think that may not be the case here. 

He’s mine. I can’t let him go. I don’t want to lose you but I will fight you. I don’t want to leave you or the kids but I will if you try to take him again.

He was Dami’s Baba. If Bruce tries to take Damian away from him, he won’t give him up without a fight. He can't handle losing his Robin again. 

But it wasn’t right of him to keep Dami from Bruce because they both deserve to know each other. It wasn’t fair to anyone for him to be so fucking selfish like that. He should be better than this. 

He knocked on the door frame twice. Tim and Jason looked up from where they were playing with Dami on the rug. “Hey, we’re having a family meeting in the kitchen.” 

If the kids saw his tense shoulders and forced smile, they didn’t say a word. He watched as Jason and Tim exchanged looks (he was too tired, too wrung out to try to decipher what they were saying) before heading out the door. 

He bent down to pick Dami up before thinking better of it and took his hand instead. He was babying Dami too much. 

“Are you okay?” Damian spoke in League dialect, happy that he can converse in Mama’s language in this strange new place. But his words were serious. He could see the unshed tears in Baba’s eyes. “Can I make it better?” 

Dick gave his baby a bright smile. Dami has always been pretty perceptive but he shouldn’t have to worry about him. 

His emotions were a mess. A hailstorm that couldn’t calm down. He didn’t know why. He has everything he’s been begging for. 

Things were supposed to be fine right now. 

He had his family back so why did his mind want to torture him of when things weren’t fine? He was past that. He made sure that future will never happen in this time. He had everything he wanted now. He was supposed to be happy right now. 

So why wasn’t he okay? 

Nightmares plagued him last night. And he couldn’t escape them. They were his reality.   

Vacant eyes. Torn bodies. Blood seeped into the ground, stained his hands. 

It was the same sight over and over every single time he closes his eyes. 

Lifeless. Corpses. Dead. 

It was the same experience over and over again. 

He lost his family one by one. He found their bodies right after the other. He attended their funerals without a break in between. 

Shattering. Falling. Failing. 

He couldn’t break the cycle he found himself trapped in. 

The Manor became a mausoleum, a shrine dedicated to all the times he was never good enough. It was a prison for him to live in but he could never make himself move to another place. 

It felt wrong. 

So he lived in the giant house alone with only ghosts for company. 

.

Dick didn’t deserve to be raped. 

He didn’t either. 

Jason didn’t know why Dick was calling a meeting. Okay, he could probably tell what he was going to say. But is he really going to say that he was raped with Tim and Damian in the room? He knew how much Dick tried to shield the younger kids from how horrible the world could be. 

He stumbled when a particularly strong memory hit him in the face like a brick. 

A tall man was looming over him. He couldn’t escape. He tried to escape. The man-stranger-monster just grabbed him and slammed him back down on the ground like he weighed nothing. He did weigh like nothing; he couldn’t find anything to eat for the past three days when someone cornered him. 

He screamed when hands tore off his pants. He cried when touches went lower than his hips. But this was Crime Alley and his pleas for help went unheard. No one cared about a dirty street rat like him. No one stopped his worst nightmare from coming true. 

When the man was done an hour later (it felt like an eternity to Jason) and put his belt back on, he threw the kid laying still in the corner with glassy eyes a couple of bills before leaving. 

Jason eventually stopped pitying himself and peeled his skinny body off the floor. He put his clothes back on and left like nothing happened. He used the money to buy a cheap meal from the store. 

The food tasted like ash in his mouth but he chewed it anyway. He couldn’t afford to throw it away. 

“Are you okay?” Tim whispered once Dick and Damian weren’t in earshot. “Do you want me to get Dick?” 

Jason didn’t even realize he was trembling. He bit the inside of his cheek to snap out of it and forced himself to stop shaking. 

“No, I’m fine.” He assured his baby brother. His smile was bright and innocent — everything he was not.  

.

The atmosphere in the kitchen was somber and serious as if the others could sense Dick’s turmoil. Bruce and the kids were sitting at the counter, Alfred standing off to one side. 

He didn’t look at anyone as he sat down on the only empty chair, Dami on his lap who was immediately occupied by the plate of raw baby carrots Alfred put in front of him. It was wrong of Dick for him to hold onto Dami when his father was right there. He knew it wasn’t helping his case. 

But he was weak. He wasn’t strong enough to save his family in the first place. He just had to hold onto Dami for a while longer to make sure he wasn’t dreaming and that this was real. He had to feel Dami’s breathing and alive body to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating again. 

Those were not fun times. 

Dick stared at the marble pattern, not daring to look at anyone else in the eye (he couldn’t handle the anger, the rejection) when he spoke. “A week ago Talia got into contact with me to request a favor. She couldn’t allow her son to remain in the League any longer and asked that I come collect him.” 

He took a deep breath. “She told me the child’s name was Ibn al Xu'ffasch.”—there was a sharp intake of breath next to him— “or the son of the Bat. Damian Al Ghul-Wayne.” 

He looked up to stare Bruce right in the eye, his heart pounding and racing. “Biologically the son of Talia Al Ghul and Bruce Wayne.” 

“He’s— He’s mine?” Bruce whipped his head to stare at Damian eagerly picking out the features he recognized from himself and Talia that he previously looked over as Dick’s. It didn’t take him long to do the correct math. “She told me she had a miscarriage.” 

Jason focused on the more important part. 

His heart was pounding erratically, blood rushing past his ears. He tried to keep it under control but the memory he had in the hallway unnerved him. His clenched his fists to stop the shaking (leftover terror of a time he tried his hardest to forget) and he did his best to make sure his voice didn’t waver when he spoke to confirm. 

“So you and Talia never—” 

Looking straight into Jason’s apprehensive eyes, Dick was suddenly reminded how Red Hood was exceptionally brutal and merciless to rapists and pedophiles. He could just imagine the horrors his Little Wing had to see in Crime Alley. 

“Never.” He said in absolute certainty (he was never raped) and he could see Jason’s shoulders drop in relief. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Alfred and Bruce do the same. 

Jason couldn’t hold himself back anymore when he felt a phantom hand around his neck —choking him, laughing at him. He just wanted his big brother to protect him and rid those memories away. He hopped off of his chair and wrapped his arms tightly around Dick’s waist. 

He didn’t trust the other men in the Manor at first despite their promises that he was safe here and they will never touch him. It took some time for him to believe their words. But Dick was the first man he ever trusted to be vulnerable with. 

Dick was surprised at the hug but he would never deny his Little Wing anything. It was a little awkward with Dami in his lap but he knew what to do to fix this. 

He looked down at his brilliant little Robin and wiped away a bit of carrot from his cheek. He picked Damian up by his armpits and plopped him on Bruce’s lap whose eyes widened in fear and the man scrambled to support Damian and make sure the fragile baby didn’t fall and break his neck. 

“Congrats! It’s a boy.” Dick had a shit-eating grin on his face. He suppressed a snicker at the big bad Batman being completely out of his depth. “I am so glad you got us when we reached double digits.” 

He then picked Jason up like he weighed nothing (not true, a constant supply of food and safety helped them stave off the worst of malnutrition he suffered in the streets but he was still small) and put him on his lap. 

He was expecting Jason to grumble that he wasn’t a child, but he didn’t even let out a single noise of complaint. He wrapped his arms tightly around his big brother and buried his head in the crook of Dick’s neck, refusing to let go. 

Dick didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around his little brother even as his worries grew. 

Jason was fine before they came to the kitchen. The only time he could remember Jay acting like this was when he found out about the scars on Dick’s arms. 

Even the others were confused about Jason's new behavior and staring at the two of them. Except for Bruce who got himself into a staring contest with a toddler. 

“Jason, is everything okay?” His voice was gentle and smoothing. It was a comfort to the scared little boy who just wanted someone to protect him from the nightmares. 

Jason was so fucking glad that Dick never had to go through what he did, never had to experience that pain and violation. 

But even thinking that Dick could have been raped, it just— it brought up memories he’s long since suppressed deep in his mind. Thinking about them again was messing with his emotions and he just didn’t have time to properly put those unwanted memories (unwanted touches) away and rebuild his walls where he could pretend everything was okay. 

Choking on the flashbacks and terror, he couldn’t say a single word and closed his eyes, finally safe in his big brother’s arms. 

Dick rubbed circles on his back in a soothing motion. His mind was racing on what could have made Jason uneasy. The talk about him possibly being raped? 

His heart beat faster at the glaring implications (was Jason raped on the streets? He never said anything before in their past life. Dick thought little Jay just stole and jacked tires to survive) but he didn’t dare ask Jason if his fears were true right now. 

Tim stared worriedly at Jason, thinking back to when he stumbled in the hallway. He knew he shouldn’t have taken Jay at face value when he said he was fine. 

Alfred had a sad and furious look in his eyes, reaching the same conclusion as Dick. Even though it seems he doesn’t have to pay Nanda Parbat a visit to dispose of some trash, his shotgun will still see some use in the future. 

Bruce was busy cradling the back of Damian’s head and making sure he didn’t hurt his youngest son. 

“He even has your scowl Bruce.” Tim pointed out to the others, eager to take the attention off of Jason. He knew how his brother hated being the focus. 

Damian was scowling at the man who was staring nervously at him. The man’s hold was not as warm or loving as Baba’s. He was tired of staring at him. He wanted out of here. He started squirming and reaching out for Baba. 

“No Dami.” Baba reached out and ran a hand down his back to calm him down but did nothing to help him out of this stranger’s arms. “It’s okay. He’s your Papa.” Papa because Baba will always be for Dick (he was not giving that up to Bruce). “Your Mama loved him.” 

Damian stopped struggling as he stared back at the man. 

Mama said his dad was a great warrior who defended his city every night from bad guys. He was a hero Mama spent many nights telling him bedtime stories of. 

The Batman. 

The Dark Knight. 

“Hi Damian. I’m your dad.” Bruce said with an awkward smile. 

Damian scowled further, his tiny eyebrows scrunched up as he stared more intensely at the man Mama loved and admired. 

Dick subtly took out his phone and took a picture (and more). Dami was utterly adorable. He sent a couple of his favorites in the Titans group chat. He also sent a couple of Jason and Tim too. And one of Steph who had come over again to do homework with Tim. 

She was posing with Dick in front of a mess in the kitchen, frosting on their faces and clothes, as they held a pan of freshly made cookies between them. That was a fun afternoon. He smiled at the memory, feeling proud of himself for helping Steph completely relax in a fancy ass mansion and be more open around them. 

He immediately turned off his phone right after. 

Tim hopped off his own stool to stand near Dick. He whispered conspiratorially. Scowling isn’t a good sign, right? “Uh, does that mean Dami doesn’t like Bruce or what?” 

Dick winked. “It could just be a Wayne thing for showing affection. I wouldn’t be surprised if being emotionally constipated can be inherited.” 

“Does this mean I have to make Damian a new nameplate?” Tim was very proud about the one he and Jason already made. He really didn’t want to change it. 

He felt embarrassed that he had mistaken Damian for being Dick’s bio kid. Now that he thought back on it, Dick never explicitly said that Dami was his and he kept introducing Dami as their new baby brother. 

“Oh.” Dick was suddenly hesitant and filled with nervousness. He didn’t think about that. He loved the nameplate too. “Umm—”

“No.” Bruce softy cut in, running a hand through Damian’s hair who didn’t bat his hand away. He took a chance and hugged Damian close to his chest. 

Damian had his arms crossed and an adorable pout on his face but didn’t pull away. He begrudgingly put up with the affection from the man. It wasn’t like Baba’s hugs at all. But it felt warm and safe all the same. He was only playing nice to not make Baba disappointed in him. But maybe he can get use to Papa —Pop. 

Bruce just felt happy to get the baby’s approval. But he didn’t miss the attachment Dick had to Damian. 

He didn’t understand why or even how that happened. He knew Dick was fond of kids but this was a very fast development. They only knew each other for a few days. But the last thing he ever wanted to do is push his son away again. 

He learned his lesson after last year and he didn’t want to go through the screaming matches with Dick again. 

Not when Dick had lines down his arms and a hopeless resignation in his eyes when he thought no one could see. 

If Damian had come in a year ago, he would’ve been jealous that Dick was stealing his son. He was supposed to be the father, not Dick. 

“You don’t have to change it.” 

He ignored the shaky exhale Dick let out or how he rapidly blinked to stop the tears from falling. 

Maybe he was playing dirty using Damian to get Dick to stay with them longer and stop contemplating suicide if he knew there was a baby depending on his Baba to be there for him. But he couldn’t feel that bad because his son’s life was at stake. 

Of course, this doesn’t mean he isn’t going to test Dami’s blood first chance he gets (he doesn’t doubt Dick’s words, he wants to see if Damian’s healthy too) or give Talia a very long overdue phone call. She told him she had a miscarriage four years ago. 

Dick never thought it would have been this easy to gain Bruce’s acceptance. 

He still couldn’t believe just how different —how soft— Bruce was before Jason’s death. He was a completely different man than the one he knew.  

.

.

.

Unfortunately, Alfred is not done preparing dinner so he gently shooed the others out of the kitchen. He didn’t want the children (especially Damian) to hurt themselves while he was cooking hot food. 

Dick carefully got out of the chair and stood straight up, still holding Jason in his arms who wrapped his legs around his waist. 

“Do you feel better, Little Wing?”

Jason nodded but didn’t make a single move for Dick to put him down so he kept holding him. He will never turn down affection. 

It was then that Bruce noticed Jason clinging onto Dick tightly. “Is Jason okay?” 

“I got him.” Dick said. 

Damian felt jealous at the sight of Baba holding someone else in his arms. He reached out for Baba again, wanting for him to pick him up now. 

Dick grimaced. He wanted to hold Dami too but his arms were full. Not that he was against holding his Little Wing close but he can’t hold both of them at the same time while he was standing. 

“I’m sorry sweetheart but not right now.” He saw the tears starting to spring up in Dami’s green eyes and panicked, quickly saying. “But your Pops can bring you to my room and we can cuddle together.” 

.

.

.

Soon, Dick’s bed was filled with his baby siblings. Bruce was brooding out in the hallway keeping an eye on them and trying not to intrude on brotherly bonding time. Dick was the only one sitting up, back against the headboard. Jason was pressed close against his right side, Dami on the left. Tim was sitting in front of Dick, the only one really laser focused on Dick reading out loud to them. 

His voice was clear as he read the book in his hands. It was about kid detectives solving mysteries on their own. Tim had given it to him before climbing on top of the bed.

Dick felt warmth curling in his chest. 

They were here. 

They were alive. 

He wasn’t dreaming after all. 

Dami was just happy to be with his Baba again. He was holding the Nightwing teddy bear close to his chest. 

Dick was more worried about Jason who still hasn’t said a single word. His blue eyes were distant and he clutched onto the corner of Dick’s shirt as if afraid Dick would disappear if he let go. 

Jason knew he was acting weird, that he was being uncharacteristically quiet. He didn’t say much even though he recommended the series to Tim.

He was a horrible person. He was acting selfish. He should leave and go back to his room where he won’t taint anyone with his dirty self. But he couldn’t bring himself to go. 

“Even if Tim becomes a Wayne, I want you to know that nothing will ever change between you and me. I will not love you any less. He may be my baby bird, but you will always be my Little Wing and no one can ever take that away from you.” 

He wanted to hoard Dick’s warmth and comfort for himself. He wanted to take everything Dick willingly offers no matter how much he knew he didn’t deserve it. 

He closed his eyes, letting Dick’s hand running through his hair lull him into a sense of security. 

He just wanted to feel loved. 

He just wanted a home. 

.

.

.

Jason looked down at his plate even though he spent more time pushing food around than eating it. 

He didn’t miss how the others shot him worried glances. He couldn’t bring himself to calm their concerns. 

He couldn’t bring himself to eat much and he hated himself more for that. Alfred went all out with Damian’s welcome home feast. The food tasted amazing even if most of it was vegetarian for the baby. So why couldn’t he appreciate it? 

He shouldn’t be feeling ill like he ate something out of the dumpster again. 

“Hey, are you okay?” Tim whispered once Alfred returned back to the kitchen and wasn’t in earshot. “Do you feel sick?” 

Jason was pushing some of his food around and took that as his cue to shovel some in his mouth. He almost threw it back up when it tasted like ashes on his tongue but he forced himself to swallow it down. 

He wasn’t going to be ungrateful. Not after all that Alfred had done for him. He wasn’t risking his home or family for something as little as that. 

Because of Damian’s arrival, Bruce decided to give everyone the night off from patrol. He and Dick shared a meaningful look. Bruce backed down and let Dick take control. 

Alfred and Bruce were going to play with Damian and Tim in the living room while Dick went to talk to Jason. 

“Jason?” 

Jason was expecting the inevitable interrogation. He lived in a house of Bats, for fuck’s sake. He was just surprised it didn’t happen sooner but he knew that was mostly due to Dick and Alfred’s influence who had more emotional tact than Bruce. 

“Please not right now.” He murmured, trying to delay it. He really didn’t want to relive the memories or the touches right now. 

Dick hugged him tightly. 

“You don’t have to talk to me unless you want to. You can even talk to Alfred or Bruce if that makes you feel better. But I just want to know one thing okay and then I’ll stop.” 

Jason had an inkling on what he wanted to ask. “What?” 

“Were you raped on the streets?” Dick whispered, a question only for Jason’s ears. 

Jason shut his eyes tightly. 

They didn’t know. He’ll just prove everyone who called him a dirty street rat right. They couldn’t know. They’ll take Robin-home-family away. 

But this was Dick who has always been there for him. 

He nodded, whispering back. “Please don’t kick me out.” 

Dick hugged him tighter. “Never. You’re my Little Wing and I’m never letting you go.” 

Jason felt his fears lessen. 

And Dick hated that someone hurt his baby brother like that, that someone even dared to look at Jason (a small child who couldn’t consent) and wanted to lay their filthy hands on him like that. 

He wanted to kill the bastard. No, he wanted to castrate the son of a bitch before breaking his limbs so he could never hold someone against their will again. He wanted to hear the rapist scream and beg for a mercy that he never gave his victims before finishing him off by breaking his neck. 

“I won’t let anyone touch you like that again.” He promised, a dark glint in cold stormy blue eyes Jason didn’t see. 

Jason slumped against Dick and allowed his brother to fuss over him. For the first time in his life, he trusted in a promise made by an adult. 

.

The night was quiet. 

Jason was sleeping in his room. Tim was with him, still worried about his older brother. 

Dick had just put Damian to sleep on his bed. Bruce didn’t put up a fight like he expected. 

Speak of the devil and he shall appear. 

“Is he sleeping?” Bruce whispered as he quietly entered and sat on the edge of the bed. 

Dick nodded. 

Bruce hesitated but reached forward to run a hand through Damian’s hair. 

“He’s so small.” He marveled. He still couldn’t believe that Damian was his but the tests didn’t lie. 

“I know.” Dick smiled. He knew Damian was hoping to take after Bruce when he grew older but he looked more like Talia with her slim and lean build. 

It was quiet between them for a minute. 

“Why did she tell you and not me?” Bruce thought about it over and over but couldn’t understand why Talia had no problem telling Dick about their son but not him. 

Did she also think he would have a negative reaction to them having a baby together or that she had lied to him four years ago? Yes, he would have wanted an answer but he would never reject Damian from his home. 

“I lied.” Dick suddenly blurted out, the guilt finally overwhelming him, and his face turned red. Bruce gave him a questioning look and he swallowed before continuing. 

“Talia didn’t tell me about Damian. I set up a meeting with her and surprised her with what I knew. I convinced her to give me Damian for his safety. It was the best way I knew to quickly get Dami away without fighting the League and Ra’s.” 

Bruce blinked at the unexpected news. “How did you find out?”

“I—" Dick looked down. “I can’t tell you.” 

A year ago, Bruce would have demanded to know. He wouldn’t have left the room without getting answers. 

But things change. Things were different now. 

“Will this information put you or the kids in danger?” 

Dick jerked his head up. “What? No. I will never put them in danger.” 

Bruce’s fears were soothed. He had a gentle smile on his face. “Then I don’t need to know.” 

Dick couldn’t keep up with new Bruce. He couldn’t predict this Bruce at all. 

“You’re just…going to let it go like that?” 

Bruce pulled him into a hug, being mindful of the sleeping child next to them. It didn’t take long for Dick to melt into the safety and warmth of his dad. 

“I trust you.”  

Dick blinked back the tears. “I’m sorry for not telling you about Damian earlier. I didn’t mean to— it wasn’t fair to anyone for me to—”  

Do not push him away again. 

“It’s okay.” He reassured his eldest. “I’m not mad at you for not telling me about Damian beforehand.” 

He knows that he probably hasn’t shown Dick that he is there for him what with the past year of screaming matches and how Dick felt that he couldn’t turn to anyone and turned to cutting instead. 

He knows that he needs to be better at showing Dick that he didn’t have to handle everything on his own. That was on him. It was not Dick’s fault that he strained their relationship with his less than stellar parenting. 

He will do better. 

Dick deserves no less. 

“I wished that I was someone you could have come to about this. But I meant it when I said that I will never stop loving you.” 

“Bruce that’s not— Bruce I—” 

Dick’s throat clogged up and he couldn’t properly say a sentence. Tears fell down his face. He never meant to make Bruce feel inadequate. It was his fault for keeping secrets. 

How has the timeline change this much? He couldn’t believe it. 

Bruce was so different than he was used to. Since when did he constantly declare his love? Not that he never told his children that he loved them but Bruce was more of an "actions speak louder than words" kind of guy. 

Bruce felt his heart break at the sight of Dick’s tears. He really is a horrible parent if his children cry when he tries to be emotionally available for them. It just strengthened his determination and resolve to be a better father to them. 

.

.

.

The mall wasn’t that crowded. Unfortunately, Bruce had an emergency meeting at WE he really couldn’t miss. He apologized over and over that he wouldn’t be able to bring them shopping. 

Dick assured him it was okay. He can handle bringing the kids. 

And he was handling it fine. His little siblings were behaving well. Not at all like the chaotic troublemakers he knew they could be. He knew they played up the trouble around Bruce to keep him on his toes. 

Dami was on his hip, having gotten tired of walking around already. Not that he blamed the child. They had already gone through IKEA and bought furniture more suited for a toddler. Dami had a blast picking out animal themed stuff. 

Tim stuck close to Dick, holding his big brother’s hand tightly, afraid of wondering too far away and getting lost in the sea of people. 

Jason was on his other side, hands in his pockets, but sticking close to him.  

“Why don’t we get some pretzels?” They were spending Bruce’s money and Dick is always of the opinion that his siblings deserved to be spoiled. 

Jason shrugged but Tim lit up. 

That settles it. 

The kids picked out a table as he ordered. It was ready in no time. Dami tried to grab the cinnamon coated one but he pulled it away before his baby can get it. 

“We have to wait for the others first, Dami.” 

Dami pouted but didn’t reach for the snacks again. 

Dick hurried to the table, hating being away from his siblings in such a public and crowded place even though he can see them. 

Too many variables of what could go wrong ran through his mind despite his best efforts to shut them out. 

“Here you go.” He handed each of them their own pretzel and dipping before helping Dami with his. 

Dami was sitting on his lap as he munched on his pretzel bites. Dick didn’t get any for himself. He was content with watching the kids. 

He felt his heart grow more at the sight of having his family back together again. He was still missing a few members but he was getting them back one by one.

He couldn’t resist pulling out his phone to take more pictures of his precious siblings. He sent a few of them in the Wayne family group chat. 

He knew Bruce saved every single picture in there. Alfred probably had an album already made. 

When he first sent the picture of Steph in the Titans group chat, he was surprised to find messages from them asking if Steph was his kid too. 

He was concerned about how they keep jumping to that conclusion. He texted back that all the kids he brought and will bring into the family are not his biological children. They are adopted. 

“You’re adopting more kids??!!”

“Dick answer the fucking question!” 

“I know you’re reading this!” 

“Stop leaving me on read!”

“Dick!”

“DICK!!!!” 

Of course, he turned off his phone after that. 

.

.

.

The next day, headlines are made. 

Dick found out that he wasn’t the only one taking pictures of the Wayne kids in the mall when he saw the newspaper.  

He was kicking himself for not seeing the repercussions of bringing Damian out in the public but he didn’t want his baby to be cooped up in the Manor. He should have disguised himself and the kids before going out. 

It’s been a long while since he even bothered to look at the news. All they would report was the unlucky Wayne curse and how every one in the family dropped dead one after the other in rapid succession over the past few years. 

His own reputation took a hit when a reporter ambushed him and Duke on the sidewalks and asked if Damian was dead already since he wasn’t with them. He punched the man in the face and Duke had to pull him off the fucker before he killed the bastard for being so insensitive. 

Tim's adoption was under the radar but he was put under the spotlight too. There were articles remarking if this means that the Drakes and Waynes were now business partners. Some were accusing the Waynes of trying to gain the Drake inheritance. Others were even saying how Tim is the bastard son of Bruce and Janet. 

Dick wasn’t surprised when people immediately connected Damian to be his biological son. 

There were articles slandering Dick for having underage sex and being a teen father. Few were saying how it was good Dick was taking responsibility for something. A lot of people were speculating on the mother. 

A few unsavory were calling Dick a whore and slut. They said he was already taking after Brucie and that it must have been hard for him to keep his pants on. All of them didn’t hesitate to say how eager he must have been, how badly he must have wanted to have sex. 

Unwanted hands on his body. He said no. Hands pulled off his clothes. Didn’t he say no? Why aren’t the touches stopping? 

The room grew smaller. His breathing grew faster. And he didn’t notice a single thing was wrong with him until Dami stood on the table and squished his face with both of his tiny little hands. 

“Baba?” 

He put the newspaper down and nuzzled Dami’s hair, focusing on his son than the awful memories.

“I’m fine, habibi. I promise.” 

He had to be fine. Otherwise, he was forced to admit that things weren’t okay after all and he knew he wasn’t strong enough to face that. 

Chapter Text

To no one’s surprise, Bruce was pissed at the articles people were making about Dick. He immediately got on the phone with his lawyers to sue for slander and ruin people, making sure certain ones never get a job in journalism or media ever again. 

He did get to bond with Tim when he caught the kid hacking into gossip rags on the Batcomputer and already ruining so-called “reporters” credit scores. He was starting to see why Alfred said Tim reminded him of Bruce sometimes. 

He knew Tim was smart because of how he figured out one of the world’s greatest secrets at the age of nine. But he could see why Dick gushes and brags about his little genius on a daily basis. 

“Would you like to help me with a few cases?”

The beaming smile on Tim’s face was worth the lecture he got from Dick for keeping Tim up later than his bedtime when Tim promptly fell asleep and dunked his head in a bowl of cereal the next day at breakfast. 

.

Gotham Academy was supposed to be professional —or at least, it’s what Bruce paid them big bucks for. And the teachers were. They didn’t treat Jason or Tim any differently because of the recent tabloids and they shut down any talk in the classroom when their classmates wanted to bring it up.

But that didn’t stop the kids from giving their own unwanted opinions out of the teachers’ view. 

Jason got in trouble for getting into a fight and punching a couple of 7th graders in the face after a group of them cornered Tim and harassed him for being Brucie’s bastard son. 

Bruce was not happy when he got the call and ended up in a room with parents who kept pushing for Jason’s expulsion for hurting their darling babies. He couldn’t keep Jason from being suspended since he threw the first punch, but he made sure the other boys had the same punishment as him. 

When they got home, Alfred gave Jason ice cream as a reward. Tim slipped away from the kitchen and immediately headed to where Dick was reading a book to Damian in the library. 

His backpack fell on the floor with a thud. He blinked back the emotions he’s been holding back since lunch when Andrew and his posse ambushed him. He stared at Dick sitting on the couch with Damian on his lap. His heart both warmed and broke when Dick raised his arm and exposed his side without hesitation. 

Tim didn’t take a moment to do his usual second-guessing. He wanted the comfort right now. He walked forward and curled up against his big brother who’ll protect him from anything. He clutched onto Dick’s shirt tightly, hiding his face away from sight so no one can see the tears falling down. 

Dick ran a hand through his hair and resumed reading. Tim was grateful for the soothing voice. Jason joined them a while later, sitting on the floor and resting his head against the seat cushion. 

Damian did not like the intruders (he liked being Baba’s only son) interrupting his time with Baba but didn’t raise a fuss beyond pouting and crossing his arms. Tim looked pathetic enough already. And Mama said it was dishonorable to beat a dead horse. 

. 

Tim opted to stay home with Jason in solidarity even though he never got in trouble. He didn’t want to deal with the other kids and their nasty, cruel words. Luckily, Bruce and Alfred were understandable and didn’t push for him to go. 

The only thing he’ll miss is spending lunch with Steph. But luckily, he still got to see her when she dropped off his and Jason’s work for the day. 

“Thank you but you didn’t have to go through the trouble.” Dick assured her. “I will be happy to do it. I would hate to bother you.” 

“It’s fine, I swear.” Steph quickly said with a slight blush on her face. “I really don’t mind.” 

It was nothing compared to how much brighter and livelier her life has become since meeting the Waynes. 

She was pleasantly surprised they weren’t like the rich snobs like the others she encountered at Gotham Academy. Yeah, they were weird but the good kind of weird. 

She had to admit that Tim was kind of cute. Jason was a riot she quickly found a comrade in as they both grew up in the slums. But Dick was her favorite Wayne. It was mostly because of his sunny smile and unlimited affection as he made sure she felt welcome and not out of place in the Manor. 

She was surprised when Jason first invited her to play video games together. She never managed to make many friends and she jumped at the chance to get rid of that loneliness she tried to pretend didn’t affect her. 

Mom does her best but working long shifts at the hospital to keep a roof over their heads and food on their table led to a lonely life for one Stephanie Brown. 

The Waynes made her feel less alone and more. 

They made her feel like a person and not a statistic that was less than dirt underneath their shoes. They made her feel safe and loved and warm. 

Her new normal became spending most of her afternoons at the Manor doing homework instead of staying home alone. Sometimes, she watched Alfred cook and even got to sample some fancy desserts as a taste tester (and she was an excellent one). Other times, she and Tim learned self-defense techniques from Jason and Dick. 

She didn’t spend much time with Bruce (understandable since the man was a big shot CEO dealing with a huge company with thousands of workers and other rich snobs). Only a few times when he asked kind of awkwardly if she needed help with homework or if she was staying for dinner. 

Somehow, it didn’t take long for her to see the Manor as a second home and the Waynes as family. She knew the others probably don’t share the same view but she was fine with pretending to herself. A lot of the games she played with herself was like that. 

Steph tucked a hair behind her ear in embarrassment and averted her gaze away from Dick as she confessed. “I just like having an excuse to hang out at Brucie’s fancy schmancy mansion.”

Dick gave her a warm genuine smile, easily seeing through her. “You never need an excuse to come by. We love having you here.” 

She blushed but took his words to heart. 

.

Dick hasn’t left the house since he first saw the headlines except for patrols. Luckily, Gordon was understandable about the recent drama and allowed him to have a few more vacation days to stay home. He claimed he just didn’t want his station bombarded with paparazzi. His men had better things to do than repeatedly arrest reporters for public disturbances and have them clog up the cells. 

He spent most of the day with the kids. He rarely had free time for himself. He didn’t mind. He loved spending time with his family. This was everything he ever wanted. 

Before, he would have given anything —anything— to spend even one more moment with them. 

.

.

.

It was obvious that Dick’s morals were a little skewed now. He was well aware of how much his code has changed in the past few years, how much his morality keeps bending and crossing lines he knew Batman would never do. 

But he doesn’t slaughter people left and right. He doesn’t do it for the hell of it. 

He killed people. He had blood on his hands but he doesn’t regret it. He only kills the irredeemable but that didn’t mean he went easy on the absolute scum. 

He spared no mercy as he stabbed a bastard-rapist-worthless in the dick with his escrima stick and turned on the electricity. The high-pitched pained screams that rang out in the street were satisfying and yet not enough to calm the pulsing red hot rage in his veins. 

He couldn’t stop imagining his Jason being touched by these disgusting filth. Couldn’t stop seeing his innocent, skittish, tiny Little Wing being held down and having to suffer through it just to survive. 

“It wasn’t like all the time, you know. I’m not that much of a whore.” Jason shrugged and kept his eyes on the scars that lined Dick’s arms, tracing them with his finger. Still no track marks in sight, much to his relief. 

It was easier for him to talk —to get it off his chest— when he was looking right at the evidence of Dick’s own demons and insecurities. 

He liked these moments with Dick when it was just them like this —with their demons out in the open for the two of them only. There was no standard for Jason to reach as he tried to be as good of a Robin —a son as Dick. There was no comparison, competition of who was better, of how much the feral street brat falls short. 

“Just a couple times.” He shouldn’t have even gone through it once. “I tried to steal what I can but sometimes, things just get…desperate.” He whispered the last word like it was a sin. 

Dick slowly reached his other hand out. He knew he was one of the few Jason would tolerate physical affection from. But he still choreographed his movements in these vulnerable moments. 

Jason glanced at him and didn’t move. He even leaned in. So Dick didn’t stop. He slowly wrapped an arm around his baby brother and pulled him close, Jason’s head resting on his chest. 

“I’m sorry you had to go through that. I’m sorry you had to experience that.” I’m sorry I couldn’t have saved you from that. I’m sorry I couldn’t take that pain away. 

Dick pulled back and laid his forehead against Jason’s. 

“No one will touch you like that again.” 

This time, Jason couldn’t miss the dark protective glint in stormy blue eyes. A chill ran down his spine at the sight and icy tone but he didn’t feel fear towards Dick. 

He never could. 

He almost feared for the sorry bastards who had to face his big brother —almost.  

Dick wanted to kill them —every single rapist and pedophile that existed. He wanted to castrate them, shove their dicks down their throats, and burn them on a stake. But he had to settle for beating them up instead. 

Nightwing’s latest “victim” didn’t scream for long. The bastard’s eyes rolled back and he collapsed on the ground in a messy heap. 

Dick stared at the sight with cold eyes before calmly walking away. 

Leaving him alive —barely— was the only mercy Dick spared for filth like this. 

He joined the growing pile of bitches who won’t be able to lay a single hand on children for quite a while since they’ll need a hospital stay for an indefinite amount of time. And if they get out and not learn their lesson, well, Nightwing is more than happy to give them another lecture with his escrima sticks. 

News outlets weren’t sure how to take Nightwing’s new brutal behavior for the past few nights and how he laser focused on what seems to be every rapist and pedo in Gotham —poor, rich, impoverished, upper class didn’t matter to him; they were all dirty. Nightwing was supposed to be the fun and approachable hero who was known for being friendlier and chirpier than the Dark Knight. 

Some called him protective. Others called him unhinged. 

People speculated on what could have happened to make him target his merciless rage at rapists. Many had an inkling on the reason but no one dared to ask him point blank and risk having his never-seen-before ire on them. 

Robin has been seen flying with Batman but his usual quips were quieter than usual. No one wanted to ask Batman either. 

The streets observe and whisper. They take note and warn each other. 

Criminals always knew how protective Batman can be over his little bird. Nightwing was a formidable foe, having established himself quickly in Gotham’s sister city before moving back to Gotham. But it was his blinding smile fooling them into thinking the vigilante would go easier on them that made them view him as a lesser threat. 

They were starting to know better now. 

Everyone started whispering his name in fear and awe, in the same way people regard Batman. 

Nightwing was becoming just as feared as the Bat. 

Maybe even more so. 

Good. 

.

Bruce was used to a fast-paced life. He couldn’t be Batman if he couldn’t adapt to unpredictable and unforeseen circumstances at a moment’s notice. 

But Dick was certainly…testing that, to put it bluntly. 

His sudden attitude change was a surprise, even if the reasons why were depressing and a slap to the face. 

Bruce tried researching on what to say, on how to not push his son any more than he already has. 

The children were a distraction —keeping him from spending more time as he would like with Dick to show him his life was worth living, keeping him from checking the rest of Dick’s safehouses. Not that he wished the children never came into his life. He loved the boys even if they were surprises. 

He loved spending time with them. Reading and discussing books with Jason. Listening to Tim rambling about photography and going out to take pictures together. Falling in love with everything Damian does (even his little scowls and pouts that he wasn’t Dick didn’t deter him) and marveling that he had a biological son, that he had a baby depending on him to provide for him and raise him to be a good man. 

There was a constant deep chasm in his heart where his parents’ death carved out. But it lessened and was more manageable to deal with at the sounds of a house full of children. His days were certainly never boring. He couldn’t wait to unleash his horde of chaotic gremlins at the next Wayne-Kane family reunion. 

Maybe that was Dick’s goal. To distract Bruce from stopping him from taking that final plunge. And to make sure his family has good memories before he has to say goodbye. 

Bruce wouldn’t be surprised if there was yet another child waiting to be introduced to the family. 

Fuck no. He was just joking. Please let that not be true. He’s still trying to get his bearings with three sudden kids. 

But now isn’t the time to think about the potential new child —or grandchild.

Do not push him away again. 

“Busy night?” 

Fuck. He was trying to go for casual not accusing. Why was he so terrible at this? The last thing Bruce wanted to be was accusing. He didn’t —couldn’t— be confrontational. 

Blue eyes turned carefully blank. 

Bruce hated the sight. He didn’t want Dick to ever feel like he was the enemy to protect himself from. 

“I don’t regret it. They deserved worse.” 

He had to fix this before things turn worse. 

“I didn’t mean to say it like that. I'm not blaming you.” I’m worried about your self-destructive behavior. I’m worried I’ll find fresh scars along your arms. But he didn’t say that. Even he can see that was not something to be talked about in masks. “I’m not going to lie and say that you should have gone easy on them.” 

Quite frankly, he was also in the mood to put rapists in hospitals. It wasn’t hard to put the clues together. Jason was good at acting like nothing was wrong and everything was back to normal after his abnormal silence at dinner on Saturday. 

But he was quieter. He was more skittish around him and Alfred. He flinched when Bruce moved a tad too fast for him to keep track of. And Bruce’s heart broke every time. 

He had two traumatized children he had no idea how to help. He felt like he was doing everything wrong. 

“But I’m worried about you.” He finished saying. 

Dick shrugged his concerns away. “I’m fine.”

You’re not. 

“You have three cracked ribs and a gash on your upper left arm.” 

Dick was still brushing away his concerns. “It’s not that bad. I was going to look at it after I’m done with these reports.” 

“You can do it later. Take care of your injuries first.” He hesitated for a second before continuing. “I think you should take the next few nights off too.” 

Dick froze. 

He knew that Bruce meant well. He knew that he was just worried about him. 

But all he could hear was how weak he was, how much of a failure he was being right now at holding himself together that even emotionally constipated Bruce can see how pathetic he was. 

He tried not to tremble. “I’m fine. My injuries are like paper cuts. I can still patrol. I’m not a fucking invalid.” 

“You’re not.” Bruce was panicking at how the conversation had quickly derailed this bad. He never wanted to worsen Dick’s self-esteem. His words were rushed. All he could see were the lines on his son’s arms and his parents’ corpses. “You’re one of the strongest people I know. I’m so proud of you.” 

Dick’s anger instantly evaporated at the words he’s always wanted to hear when he was originally this age. 

“I just…I hate seeing you hurt.” Bruce confessed, the words heavy but he forced them through. 

He was never able to tell Dick just how much the Joker shooting him at 16 scared him, made him relive his parents’ deaths with a different outcome. Because of his inability to have an actual emotional conversation, their relationship frayed. 

It was the beginning of the fracture that would turn into a chasm over the next couple of years with screaming matches because it was easier to be angry than vulnerable with each other. 

I hate seeing you dead. 

Dick bit his tongue to stop the words from escaping. He ran a hand over his face “I…I really was going to treat my injuries later. I just had to make sure the scum I left for the police won’t be let off the hook anytime soon.” 

He let out a sigh, letting down his defenses. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. It just makes me so angry when I think about what Jason had to go through and I feel useless just lying around when I could be out there making sure rapists and pedophiles won’t touch another child that way again.” 

“I understand. I feel the same way. But I also want you to put yourself first.”

Dick didn’t say anything. 

He didn’t think he could lie and say that he was a priority but he also didn’t think Bruce wanted to hear his actual answer. 

His family was first. Always. 

Bruce swallowed something thick —the guilt and worry sized lumps in his throat. “Is it alright if I give you a hug?”

Dick choked but nodded, trying not to seem too eager for the comfort he probably doesn’t deserve. His dad means well, but he shouldn’t have to worry about him. The kids deserve that worry and attention more. 

Bruce walked closer, carefully choreographing his movements but Dick didn’t pull away. He wrapped his arms around his son, careful not to put any pressure on his ribs.

He felt Dick still for a second before shuddering and melting into the embrace like he was touch starved. 

Fuck, how long has it been since he gave any one of his children a damn hug? Sure, he wasn’t the most touchy person in the world but he should be better than this. 

No wonder Dick felt unloved and unwanted. 

No wonder he felt like he couldn’t get support from Bruce if a single hug makes him break down crying. 

He didn’t forget how Dick cried when Bruce told him he loved him a few nights ago. 

Bruce was sick of this, sick of the distance between him and his children, sick of his constant inability to help them like they deserve. 

He is willing to do anything for his children. He wants to be better for them. He wants to be a dad they deserve. 

Maybe it was time to give therapy another try. 

.

.

.

Dick brought some life back into the Manor when Bruce brought him in. But with the additions of Jason, Tim, and Damian, the Manor has never felt so full and happy and Alfred wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Although he wouldn’t mind a couple more kids. 

He had a fond smile on his face as he watched Jason and Tim play in the backyard as he had his afternoon tea. Bruce was spending time with Damian (and learning how to take care of a toddler just in time for the fourth child) while Dick was currently keeping an old man company and eating home baked goods with a soft smile. 

It was good to see his family in happier spirits after the distressing past couple of days they’ve all had. 

Although he knew there were concerns to be addressed soon before they festered into something darker and spiraling. 

“Perhaps it would encourage Master Jason to go to therapy if he sees you doing it as well.”

Dick blinked, chewing more slowly now. He clearly didn’t like the idea of therapy but he didn’t outright dismiss it. He was the one who asked Alfred for advice. It would be rude to dismiss what he had to say. 

Jason has not been sleeping well lately. Every night, he goes to bed in his own room, wake up with a nightmare, and slip in Dick’s room to curl up beside him, taking extra care not to wake up the grumpy baby bat lying against his chest. 

He tucked himself against Dick’s back where Dick can clearly hear the muffled sobs and quiet trembling. The next morning when Dick woke up, Jason was gone and showed up at breakfast like nothing was wrong. 

“I’m worried about you.” Once again, it was just the two of them. 

“I’m fine.” Jason brushed him off and wrapped his arms around himself, gaze fixed on the floor, body language clearly showing how much he wanted this conversation to end. 

“I will never push you to do anything you never want.” Dick started saying. “But I think it might be good for you to talk to someone professional.” 

“I have you, don’t I?” Jason doesn’t need to see a shrink to tell him he’s crazy and a retard and prove everything the public’s been saying about him right. 

He just needs time to shove those disgusting memories away and rebuild his walls. That’s all. He’ll be just fine and he doesn’t need to see no one for that. 

Dick’s heart broke at the statement. He loved that Jason clearly trusted in him. But he knew he might not be the best example of a stellar mental health. Even he knew that Jason shouldn’t rely solely on him for his demons. 

He was too fucked up to be any good. 

“Do you think it would help Jason?” 

“It couldn’t hurt.”

Alfred had a point.   

“What would I even see a therapist for?” 

He has trauma but nothing that a therapist can fix. It was all in the future and he was already helping himself by changing the past to make sure that future never happens. 

He has his family back. He has his friends back. What more does he want?

“Perhaps the stress about maintaining a police job —a highly risky and injury prone field— and raising a toddler you took away from an abusive childhood?” 

Alfred had to hold his tongue from saying more. He can think of plenty of reasons for Dick to see a therapist but that was a conversation for another day and not during their daily afternoon tea. He doesn’t want to spoil the atmosphere, especially since he knew this was one of the very rare times Dick wasn’t off spending time with the kids and running himself ragged. 

He knew Dick deeply loved the children but like Bruce, he was concerned Dick was stretching himself thin and not prioritizing himself as much. 

Dick was nodding along. “That makes sense. It’s civilian friendly enough to not cause any concerns.”

He knows he can ask Dinah. He knows she was a trusted and valued family friend. He knows she was a great therapist and counselor whenever he needed advice. 

But he couldn’t. If he couldn’t even handle Clark and Diana visiting, how could he handle being in the same room as the woman Jason died for because she was pregnant? He doesn’t blame her. He couldn’t blame her. 

Jason was just that good of a person and a hero. 

He just knew himself well. He wouldn’t be able to handle seeing her again. He knew he couldn’t unsee Jason’s blood splattered on her body anytime soon. 

It was for the best if he didn’t interact with her for a long while. 

Luckily, Alfred was able to sense that Dick was growing too uncomfortable with the topic and switched it before he bolted from the room. 

“Will you be attending the press conference?” 

Dick didn’t need him to elaborate on which one. 

There was only one that could be it. Bruce had immediately set it up to finally address the recent news and introduce his youngest. 

WE already released an article with Dami’s birth certificate to calm the public. Even Clark Kent did a piece on the biological son of Bruce Wayne. 

It did little to stop the public from saying how it was just to cover up Dick’s mistakes. 

“I would not blame you if you decide not to attend.” Alfred continued. 

“You’ll let me skip?” Dick raised a disbelieving eyebrow for good reason. 

Usually Alfred would make everyone in the family attend a press conference of this importance. 

Alfred would, but he would never put his grandson through something as stressful as that and potentially worsen his self-harm. It wasn’t worth the risk. 

He knew how affected Dick was by the tabloids and gossip rags calling him a whore and a slut even if he put up a good front for the children. He saw the shaking hands and breathing exercises Dick did every time he caught sight of such a headline. 

Alfred would rather have the news comment on Dick’s strange absence than have them cause him to have a panic attack in public and document it for all to see. 

“Your mental health is far more important than the Wayne family reputation.” 

Dick blinked back the tears, a lump in his throat at the easy blatant declaration. 

“Thanks.” He managed to say when he got himself under control a few moments later. “But I’ll be fine. I want to be there for the kids.” 

He would put up with anything to make sure Jason, Tim, and Dami were no longer in the spotlight. Him being absent would worsen things even more (reporters would just attack his siblings in his stead) and they don’t deserve to suffer for his mistakes and failures. 

They never did. 

.

.

.

It was rare that Dick had free time to himself. But Alfred practically demanded that he take a free day to relax and not worry about the kids for a full 24 hours. 

“I don’t need it.” 

“Master Dick, you spend time with Master Damian, then Master Tim, then Master Jason. Then go straight to patrol and come back to spend time with the boys again. You deserve time to yourself.” 

“They’re not a burden.” 

“Of course not.” Alfred said, offended at the very idea. “But you are also a child yourself and deserve to be one too. Let the adults handle the children.” 

Dick was no longer a child. He hasn’t been in a long time. He was about to speak when Alfred put a stop to his protests.

“Please just humor me, my dear boy. I’m worried about you.” 

And the raw emotions in his grandfather’s eyes put a lump in his throat and he threw his arms around him, burying his head in the crook of Alfred’s neck. 

“Okay.” 

So Dick decided to relax in one of his safehouses in sweatpants with a cup of coffee and being surrounded with intel on the League of Assassins. 

He has an immortal assassin to ruin and chop into pieces so he never comes back. 

“I see you’ve been making yourself busy.” 

Dick didn’t even jump at the intruder’s presence. He has long since known he was here. He was just waiting for the man to speak. 

“Hi Slade.” 

Deathstroke walked closer in full armor and sword on his back. 

Dick didn’t even look worried as he sat on the couch, hunched over the coffee table, going back and forth between staring at his computer screen and his papers littering the floor, table, and couch. 

He looked like a college kid studying for finals, not a wanted serial killer. 

“What happened to make you snap and finally break your precious code?”

Don’t get him wrong. Slade was proud that Dick was finally embracing his dark side that he knew was always there. But he was curious about what the final straw was. 

He wanted to know what made Dick turn dark, wanted to see what finally made his apprentice cross the line. 

What could break the Golden boy?

Dick glanced at him for a split second before returning to his plans. He didn’t bother denying he was the murderer. 

“How did you figure it out?”

“Black Mask. You killed him using my technique. It wasn’t hard to put the clues together after that.” 

Dick hummed. “Is that all you’re here for? A simple confirmation? You could have just called instead of going all this way for little old me.”

Slade didn’t answer. He took off his mask and stared at him with an unreadable expression. Dick didn’t know what he was looking for but after a few moments, he hummed and picked up a piece of paper from the table. 

His eyebrow raised in amusement. “You want to kill Ra’s?”

“He hurt my family for the last time and I want him to pay.”

And he will in blood. 

Slade didn’t miss the sheer venom in Dick’s words. But determination doesn’t make up for skill. 

“He has centuries over you, kid.”

Slade was underestimating him like Talia. There’s no doubt that Ra’s will too and he’ll use it to his advantage. 

“Do you doubt me?” Dick had a razor sharp smirk on his face. And there was a dark glint in his eyes that didn’t take long to recognize. 

That was the look of a man who would burn the world and set the ashes ablaze for his loved ones. 

“I want a front row seat to the show.” 

Grayson was only 19. Sure, he was a formidable vigilante and skilled acrobat but he was still just a kid. But for some reason, Slade was tempted to put money on him. 

Dick snorted. “I’m sure that won’t be hard to arrange.” 

The room delved into a comfortable silence after that. Slade picked up a few more papers, entertaining himself on Grayson’s plans to castrate Ra’s, drown him in his own Pit, choke him with his own intestines, etc. 

His apprentice is certainly creative and very detailed. 

He made himself comfortable on the opposite couch and grabbed a red pen to make comments on the margin like a teacher marking his student’s work. 

Dick didn’t mind the mercenary. 

He knew Slade wasn’t the enemy here. And on the off chance, Slade does attack him right then and there, Dick was confident in his ability to take him down. 

He has been taught by the best after all. 

.

.

.

Dick’s patience was finally rewarded half an hour later when his computer beeped. 

It caught a glimpse of Cass’ face somewhere in the Bowery. He immediately set everything down (nothing was more important than her right now) and grabbed his jacket and wallet, making sure he had enough money on him. 

He remembered how much trouble Cass had finding food living out on the streets. None of his siblings will be starved again. None of them will ever have to go through that again. 

“I’m leaving for a bit.”

Slade hummed disinterestedly, seemingly absorbed in his reading, but Dick knew he heard. 

It was finally time to bring home his little sister. 

.

.

.

An hour later with full stomachs, he was back at the safehouse with a new tiny child in tow. Cass needed to take a shower and change into better clothes. She would also probably like a nap before being introduced to her new family. 

Cass was holding onto Dick’s hand tightly and peered curiously at the armored man in the living room. 

Similarly, Slade was subtly observing the little girl dressed in rags Dick seemed to pick off the streets. He heard about the rumors of Dick having a son and how not many people really believed the newest Wayne was actually Bruce’s biological kid. 

He was thinking that Dick seemed to inherit the Bat’s adoption problems. 

Whatever. It wasn’t any of his business. 

“Who’s the girl?”

He didn’t miss how Dick took a protective stance in front of her and she pushed herself closer to his side at his stare. 

“She’s mine.” Dick said with murder in his eyes like Slade would actually try to take the kid away. He doesn’t even like children. 

“Congratulations.”

Dick beamed at him, all happy smiles and sunshine again. “Thanks.” 

Chapter Text

The shadows draped over the little girl like a thick cloak even though it was daytime. She was watching people with sharp, knowing dark eyes. 

Cass saw him before he saw her. 

He was tall with black hair and blue eyes. Despite the youth in his face, he looked weary and burdened but he hid his troubles-worries-pain with practiced ease. He was trained but Cass can still read him easily like she’s been taught all her life. 

There was urgency in his movements no matter how at ease he tried to look. The tightening in his mouth. How his eyes flitted everywhere. 

She should leave. He was clearly looking for someone and she didn’t want to deal with the trouble of another well-meaning adult trying to drag her away. But she couldn’t stop staring at him. 

She couldn’t explain why. 

There was just…something about him. 

And when he caught her eye —when his body lit up with pure joy-happiness-love and the worries-hurt-pain immediately lessened—, she didn’t move and let him come closer. He practically ran to her side like he couldn’t bear to be away any longer. 

Why? She didn’t understand. 

When he was close enough to touch her, he suddenly stopped a couple steps in front of her, hands twitching at his sides that did nothing to hide how much he wanted to wrap his arms around her and hold-cherish-love her. 

He looked at her like she was his everything. 

Why does he look at her like that? 

Why does he care?  

His smile was blinding and her breath caught in her throat at the sight. “Hi Cass.” 

How did he know her name? 

.

Dick was about to head to a different part of the Bowery when he caught a slight —nearly invisible— movement of a figure darker than the shadows around them. 

He recognized the little girl with black hair and dark brown eyes. 

His little sister. 

He knew he said this about every single one of his siblings, but Cass was small too. He wanted to hold her, wanted to protect her, wanted to bring her back home. 

Before his brain kicked in and he remembered how skittish she was of physical touch at this age, knowing all she’s been exposed to was violence.  

He couldn’t scare her away. He couldn’t lose her now that he found her. He knelt down to look at her at eye level. 

“My name is Dick.” He continued with gentle eyes and a kind voice. 

Cass doesn’t know him. He was just a stranger. He knew this. He was well aware of this. But he couldn’t quite hide the fierce love in his body at the sight of his baby sister. He couldn’t hide anything from her. 

He didn’t know how well Cass could understand spoken language at this time. So he didn’t say anything more, just let his body language show his sincerity. 

You’re mine. 

I’ll protect you. 

I’ll love you. 

You’re safe with me. 

Always. 

Let me take you home. 

Please. 

Love-cherish-protect-MINE

There were no lies, no deception, just an honest sincere truth. 

Cass was overwhelmed by how blindingly honest he was. But her heart ache for this kind of love-safety-warmth. 

So when Dick held his hand out, Cass didn’t hesitate to take it. 

.

Dick gently warned her not to chew too fast or she’ll choke. Cass looked at him over her hamburger and swallowed. She was a beat slower on her next bite but still scarfed down food like it would disappear. 

It never will again. 

She will never go through hunger again. 

He ignored his own burger and fries, content to watch his baby sister. 

Maybe he can hire Slade to kill David Cain. He does have the money to pay for his services after all and Slade seems to like him being more morally gray. 

He held out his burger when Cass was finished with hers. She reached out for it before pausing and looking at him with her head tilted to the side.

Are you sure?

He smiled, pushing the wrapped burger in her hand. There was little he wouldn’t do for her. He was just sorry he couldn’t get to her sooner. He should be better than this. 

“I love you. Always and forever.” 

Cass may not know what he’s saying but she can see the love-family-mine. She can see how he instinctively curls his body around her, shielding her, protecting her. She can see how his calloused-trained hands were gentle as he brushed a stray hair from her face. She can see the utter heartbreak-pain-apologies shining brightly in watery blue eyes as he tried to hide the tears. 

She can see all this and more. 

Dick ran a hand through her hair, softly whispering. “I will protect you this time.” 

I swear. 

It was both a promise and a haunting confession of failure. 

It felt like Jason and Tim’s deaths all over again. He was too late. He was always too late. 

His body was aching and sore but he didn’t stop moving —he pushed past the pain with practiced ease; it wasn’t anything he wasn’t used to— towards where his sister laid amongst enemies. She was always the best fighter out of all of them. 

When he neared her, he collapsed on the ground and immediately drew her still warm body close to his chest, blood spilling out and staining his suit. 

As always, the Batman suit felt heavy on his shoulders but even that can’t compare to the weight of his family’s deaths on his shoulders. 

Because it was all on him. 

Everything was on him. 

He was the one who was too late. Every single damn time. 

“I will take care of everything.”

Just like I should have done back then. 

.

Cass recognized the man in the orange and black armor sitting on the couch of the room. She didn’t know his name. 

She just knew he was dangerous. He was a killer, one of Father’s associates. 

He stared at her, a flash of recognition in his body language. 

He knew who she was. 

He knew about the blood on her hands. 

Instinctively, she pressed herself closer to Dick’s side and felt Dick run a hand down her back. She watched him take a protective stance in front of her, keeping her out of harm’s way, putting himself in danger. His body instantly tensed and coiled, already ready for a fight. 

“She’s mine.” Protect-mine-you can’t have her-I won’t let you touch her

The armored man wasn’t even phased by his aggression. He looked proud-pleased-thrilled. 

(Slade was feeling proud-my apprentice finally breaking his silly code-my student finally seeing sense) 

“Congratulations.” 

No longer seeing a threat, Dick’s body loosened and was no longer tense. He straightened back up, clearly at ease with the killer’s presence now. “Thanks.” 

Cass does not trust the man or the stained blood of many she knew was on his hands. But she trust Dick and his love-protect-cherish-mine. 

“Come on, Cass. Let’s get you out of those rags, huh.” Dick gently pulled her away down a hallway. The armored man was no longer staring at them, seemingly absorbed in the papers he held but Cass wasn’t fooled. He was still observing them. 

She glanced back at Dick. 

He wasn’t concerned about the killer. 

It was okay. Before the killer can make a move, she’ll knock him out. 

She can protect him and make sure that bright warmth, that blinding love he somehow has for her never goes out. 

.

Cass had a smile on her face as she played with the bubbles, clearly enjoying popping them and tossing them in the air. She was giddy, looking like a kid being in a toy store for the first time. 

Dick smiled at the sight as he washed her hair. He also made a mental note to take her shopping. She’ll have fun picking out disguises and costumes to go out in even if she doesn't understand why. 

Once he was done massaging her scalp with soap, he gently guided her head to tilt back and had her close her eyes as he washed the soap away. 

She shook her head a little when he was done and went back to playing with the bubbles. 

He already washed her body, making sure to scrub away every grime and dirt that clung to her skin. The water was still warm so it didn’t hurt to let her play for a while longer. This was no doubt her first bubble bath. 

He added more soap in the tub to create more bubbles. With a playful grin, he scooped up a handful and blew them in Cass’ face. 

She blinked before letting out a breathless laughter. 

Dick froze. He never thought he would hear her laugh again —broken body still warm to the touch-blood was everywhere-she had no pulse, eyes were vacant. Before he pushed that away —that was in the past-it never even happened here-he’ll make sure it never happens again— and smiled at the sight of his beautiful breathing, alive baby sister.  

He leaned forward to kiss her on her forehead. 

“I love you.” 

Cass smiled back and splashed water on his face, a mischievous glint in her eyes. 

Dick smirked. “Oh it is on.” 

He splashed water right back in her face, resulting in more joyous laughter. He could never get tired of the sound.

.

He let Cass play in the bath until it turned cold. He noticed her slow movements and sluggish blinks as he dried her off in a big fluffy towel. She sat on the toilet as he blow dried her hair with the hair dryer. She started leaning against him as he gently brushed the tangles out of her hair. 

She yawned as he dressed her in one of his smaller t-shirts that hung to her thighs and shorts that he secured with the drawstring. He needs to go clothing shopping with her too. Kori and Donna would no doubt want to come along.

They always liked going to the mall and Cass would like some female figures in her life. He’ll even invite Steph so Cass can have a friend her own age. He knew how well those two got along with each other in the future. 

He tucked Cass in his bed and she snuggled under the covers with a content smile. He sat next to her and ran a hand through her hair. He couldn’t help himself as he leaned down again and kissed her forehead. 

“I love you.” 

He felt his heart burst and his eyes water when he saw her moving her mouth and trying to form the words back. 

.

Dick couldn’t bring himself to look away from Cass. She was in a deep enough sleep after days of sleeping on the streets that she didn’t even stir at his presence. 

He marveled at the sight of her being safe and sound. 

Because he couldn’t stop feeling the blood on his hands, couldn’t stop seeing her blank eyes, couldn’t stop feeling her warm body cooling off. 

His phone lit up with notifications. 

He didn’t need to look at it to know that it was the Titans and friends blowing up his phone with concerns and support as they have been for the past few days since the newspapers caught wind of Damian's existence. 

Donna and Roy were immediately on the bandwagon to start a witch hunt for every tabloid that called Dick a whore and slut. Kori and Wally were more sensible but not far behind. 

He said that it was fine, that he was used to hearing things like that. 

Obviously, they didn’t believe him that he was fine and already made plans to come to Gotham tomorrow to physically support him and punch a few so-called reporters in the face. 

He was going to have to do so much damage control in the future.

It wasn’t surprising to hear from Babs too. Even though she was on the other side of the country, she heard about the news in Gotham and sent her support. So far, she was the only one who didn’t immediately think Dami was his biological son. 

Boss Bitch: I’m surprised B’s kid can be so adorable

Prettybird: u can tell Damis not mine? 

Boss Bitch: I can recognize that scowl anywhere. Talia’s his mom?

Prettybird: she wont be a problem 

Boss Bitch: Pity. I was hoping to hack into League’s servers 

Prettybird: let me tell u what ras did

Needless to say, Babs was on plan to destroy the fucker. 

She did send a message later that Tim Drake is quite the hacker (she saw his work ruining tabloid reporters’ credit scores) and asked if Tim won’t mind learning from her. 

He said that Tim would combust from happiness to learn from Batgirl. 

Boss Bitch: Maybe he can be my successor.

Prettybird: to oracle? 

Boss Bitch: Well yeah. I don’t think he can fit in the Batgirl suit.

Prettybird: i got that covered too. got perfect successor in mind for batgirl if u ever want to pass it down 

Boss Bitch: You adopted a girl too? 

Prettybird: not yet 

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.

.

Slade watched Dick prepare ingredients to make a stew in the kitchen. He sat on one of the wooden chairs and rested his forearms on the counter. 

He stared at his apprentice with a sharp and critical eye. 

“How do you know Cain’s daughter?” 

“Talia told me.” 

It was a lie and they both knew it. 

Dick didn’t have a better excuse and Slade didn’t know enough to interrogate him on the situation. 

“Do you know who her parents are?”

“David Cain and Lady Shiva.” 

Slade leaned back in his chair, narrowing his eyes at Dick who didn’t even seem bothered by the scrutiny. 

Nightwing has allies that were criminals and toed a different line with the law but he seemed a little too well-informed. And he knew Talia wasn’t the kind of woman to tell him that kind of treasured information. So how did he even know? 

There was something Slade was missing here. 

But he didn’t want to go into that right now. He wanted to observe more. So instead, he said. “They will come for you to get the girl back.” 

Dick’s grip tightened on the knife he was cutting vegetables with. “Let them. If they even try to take her from me, I’ll kill them.” 

There was that same dark glint in crystal blue eyes. 

The same thing that made Slade put his money on his apprentice. He heard the underlying message. 

“I’m not going to target your kids. I’m not that much of an asshole.” 

Dick smiled. He calmly loosened his grip on the knife and resumed cutting the carrots with a smile. “I say you’re a pretty shitty guy.” 

“Brat.”

“Old geezer.” 

.

.

.

Through the slim cracks in the bookshelves, Tim could see Jason curled up in the corner of the library in a large red bean bag with a thick book in his lap and a stack of books beside him. He looked comfy in the Wonder Girl hoodie he stole from Dick’s closet. He looked better here than in the Manor, his eye bags not as dark or prominent. 

Feeling pleased with himself for making Jason feel better, Tim turned his attention back to the computer. He was researching male and underage sexual assault. He couldn’t believe he didn’t put the clues together before now. 

Sure, he got the clue something was wrong when Jason didn’t eat much at dinner the day Damian came home. And sure, he could see that Jason was much quieter the following days and even though they still hung out a bunch, Jason wasn’t as energetic. Not even when they read Pride and Prejudice together (and he knew how much Tim hated the classics; they were boring, sue him). Jason didn’t even tease him; he simply had a blank face as if he was miles away. 

Tim caught sight of him in the hallways at school (well before he was suspended) with his head down and body almost curled into itself, as he tried —futilely but tried— to avoid touching anyone in the crowd. Even Steph asked if Jason was feeling sick. 

But he didn’t put anything together until he heard Jason was muttering in his sleep, whimpering how he didn’t want it. 

Tim has been sleeping with Jason for the past few nights. First, to help Jason feel better that someone is there for him (Jason didn’t say anything but he also didn’t kick Tim out so he kept doing it; Tim knew that if he was feeling bad, he liked —or would like— someone there with him). And second, to calm his fears that Dick was not abandoning him for a shiny newer younger baby. 

He was about to wake Jason up from his nightmare when he heard the begging no-stop-please. 

He knew he was sheltered. He knew he never had to experience bad things like Dick, Jason, and Bruce. He knew that, compared to them, he had an easy life. 

But that didn’t mean he didn’t know, that he didn’t see exactly what lurks in Gotham’s alleys at night. 

He just couldn’t believe it took Jason muttering in his sleep, face pinched with a twisted expression for him to finally put a name to the monster haunting his big brother. 

He was so stupid. 

He had to be better than this. He hated seeing Jason try to pretend everything was alright. He hated seeing Jason curl into himself like it was an ingrained habit. 

It was obvious that he had to help. 

He was going to do research on his laptop in his bedroom (he still can’t get over that he actually has a room in the Manor) but noticed how Jason was basically moping around and didn’t go out at all unless it was for school or Dick dragged him somewhere. And since Dick was currently hiding away from all those stupid tabloids (he wishes he could have done more than ruin their credit scores), it was clearly up to him to get Jason out of the stuffy mansion. 

So he got Alfred to drive them from the Manor who said he was going to pick them up before dinner (Alfred apparently knew how long Jason could spend in a library). Tim’s only concern was who was going to watch Damian since Bruce was currently at the Watchtower. Alfred insisted that this would be the perfect time to spend some 1-on-1 bonding time with his youngest grandson. 

Tim only felt a little bad since Alfred was old and babies were a lot of work. Alfred was offended and said that he was in his prime. Tim didn’t argue with him and instead, looked forward to making Jason happy again. 

Judging by how Jason’s face softened when he brought him to the library, he was confident he made the right decision. 

And now, he was using one of the computers to research how to best help Jason how to be a better little brother. 

He refuses to lose this family. Somehow, he managed to make Mother and Father despise him enough to never want to be home. But he was determined not to let that happen again. He will be better for the Waynes. He will help them and he will show them his worth so he won’t be abandoned again. 

He couldn’t imagine losing Dick’s love-Bruce’s care-Jason’s warmth-Alfred’s kindness. He knew that would be the breaking point after years of convincing himself he was fine alone. 

So he does what he does best: research and gather notes. 

He even had a pencil and mini notebook with him to make sure he didn't miss a single important detail. 

.

Slade left a while ago but Dick didn’t doubt that he was sticking around in Gotham, maybe waiting to see Dick kill with his own eyes and criticize his technique. 

Dick was in the middle of stirring the beef stew when his phone rang. 

Queen Stabby 

Guess it was time for that weekly update. He answered. “Hey Talia.” 

“Richard.” Her voice was neutral. “News in Gotham must be slow if all they talk about is you.” 

He gripped the ladle tighter as he remembered all the whore-slut-eager for sex comments he had to pretend didn’t affect him so his kids don’t worry about it. 

“It’s a consequence of being Brucie’s kid. They always talk about me.” 

“I can tell. I read a number of articles on how we are together and you are a teen parent with a 2 year old. The most I’ve read about is how Damian is biologically yours. I suppose congratulations are in order. I’m surprised the masses bought into how you are his father.” 

That’s because I am Dami’s Baba. I raised him, not Bruce. 

Dick didn’t say that though. “I wouldn’t put much stock into it. They like making things up for their own entertainment.” 

That may be true but Talia has seen the pictures in those tabloid rags and there was no denying the pure fatherly love Richard had in his eyes when he held her son in his arms. 

She still had no idea why or even how he became immediately attached to her precious treasure. 

“On the same note, I received an interesting call from Bruce.” 

“Did he chew you out for withholding his son from him for four years?” 

In another world, it was 10 years instead. And Bruce’s first reaction was to treat his little Robin as a malicious threat sent by Talia, not a child who needed a family behind his stoic and harsh facade. 

Talia didn’t bother answering the obvious. She will not apologize for keeping her pride and joy close to her. She only regrets the pain Damian went through because of the poison in the Al Ghul family. “He warned me that he will drag me into court if I try to take Damian back to the League.” 

Dick tensed. If she even tries to bring his baby back to that abusive environment, he will take her down while he kill Ra’s. “Will you?” 

There was an underlying threat underneath his calmly spoken words. 

Talia smiled in amusement. She will never get over Nightwing being willing to kill —willing to break her Beloved’s silly little code all for her child. 

Damian deserves no less. 

“Of course not.” 

“Good.” 

“Bruce also told me how you were basically parenting Damian.”

“Is that a problem?” 

“I was simply curious.” 

“Bruce is a good man and mentor but he doesn’t have the greatest parenting skills. He’s too emotionally constipated to give Dami the love and care he deserves.” 

Talia blinked at the fierce protective love in Richard’s voice. Somehow, she missed Richard unofficially adopting her son this past week. It was surprising but not unexpected considering all the interactions she can recall between Richard and Damian. 

“The Joker had plans to kill Jason so I killed him first. Black Mask was going to harm someone I cared about so I shot him before he could follow through with that plan. Same goes for Bane.” 

“You were behind the recent murders.”

“They threatened my family and I will do anything to keep them safe.” She couldn’t miss the dark glint shining in his eyes or how he bared his teeth like a lioness protecting her cub. 

Well, she could do worse than Nightwing as a father figure for Damian. 

Her son will live. He will not die an early death. He will get the love and childhood she never got. 

“Is Damian getting along with the others?” She knew Damian wasn’t the most social and lacking in people skills —he gets that from Bruce.  

“Oh yeah.” Dick’s mood immediately brightened at the mention of his brothers. “He loves playing with Tim and reading with Jason. I haven’t introduced them yet, but I have no doubt that he will get along with Steph and Cass too.” 

Those were new names. 

“I see.” It seems Richard has picked up on her Beloved’s habit of adopting strays. “And do you raise them as well?” 

“Yeah, I mean. Who else would? Bruce?” 

“Are you not only 19 years old?” 

“I don’t see your point.” 

It seems there is some truth in the tabloids’ claims of Richard being a teen parent. 

Perhaps she should make a trip to Gotham soon. If she is co-parenting with Richard on raising Damian, it only makes sense to get to know Damian’s siblings and Richard’s other children. 

.

.

.

Huh? 

Tim looked back at his notes on male sexual assault again and noticed that Dick shows some signs of being assaulted too. 

Was that a coincidence? 

Or was he just seeing things that Dick had suffered being a child vigilante? 

But a tiny part of his mind whispered that Dick only said he was never raped by Talia, not that he was never ever raped. 

Clearly, he needed more information on the subject before following that train of thought. 

He stretched out his arms before standing up, intending to find a book on therapy and/or mental health. When he glanced at the clock, he noticed an hour had passed. 

He sent a quick glance towards Jason’s direction and he was still in the same spot he’s been in since they came in. He did notice that Jason had a different book this time. 

He headed to the psychology section, skimming the titles when he caught something out of the corner of his eye and had to do a double take. 

Outside of the giant window next to the bookshelf were Jack and Janet Drake. 

Obviously, Tim immediately hid behind the bookshelf where he was out of sight. 

What were they even doing in Gotham? He thought they were still in Morocco. 

Did they hear about the tabloids going around Gotham? 

Were they here because of the rumors going around about how the Waynes wanted to steal his inheritance (he knew Dick made sure that his parents didn’t disown him so he still had access to that)? Or how Tim was Janet and Bruce’s son, not Jack’s? 

He didn’t know and he didn’t care. 

He was scared, trembling as he pulled out his phone from his pocket and pressed on Dick’s contact. 

He didn’t want Mother and Father to take him away. He knew Dick promised that he will never go back to them but he couldn’t silence the fear. He didn’t want to leave the Waynes. He loved it at the Manor. 

He loved being a part of a family for once. 

.

.

.

Cass napped for an hour before slipping into the kitchen. Dick gave her a side hug as she tried to stand on her tiptoes to see inside the pot. She looked more at ease now that Slade was gone. 

“It’s not done yet.” Dick gently ruffled her hair and she smiled brightly at him. 

He was once again interrupted by the sound of a phone ringing. 

Baby genius 

He was smiling as he answered “Hey, Timmy” but his heart instantly dropped when he heard Tim’s voice. 

“Dick.” It was a small breathless gasp like he was hiding somewhere, trying not to be found. 

Dick’s mind immediately went to the worst case scenarios. He should have killed Ra’s when he was getting Damian and meeting Talia. 

Wait. 

There’s no way Tim’s on Ra’s radar right now. There shouldn’t be any reason why Ra’s would even care about his little baby genius right now. 

“What’s wrong?” His voice was low and urgent. He could see Cass straighten up at his tone and tilted her head curiously. He knew she could see that his cold tone wasn’t directed at her. But he still ran a hand through her hair to make sure she knew the anger wasn’t towards her. “Is this something I need a mask for?” 

“What? No.” Tim sounded less tense. “Uh, sorry for scaring you. I’m at the library with Jason and just saw my parents across the street. And um, I don’t want to go out there alone. Would you mind coming to get us? I’mscaredthey’rehereforme.” He finished in one breath. 

“It’s going to be okay, Timmy.” Dick said soothingly even as a brutal rage burned in his chest. He did warn them what would happen if they ever come near Tim again. “What library are you at?” 

“Gotham City Public Library.” 

“Ok. I’ll be there in 20 minutes, alright? Are you with Jason right now?”

“Yeah. I’m near him.” 

“Go sit next to him, alright? I’ll be right there. Don’t worry. I won’t let Jack or Janet take you back. I promise.” 

Tim swallowed. “Okay.” 

“I love you, baby bird.” 

Tim paused for just a second. 

“I love you too, Dick.” He rushed through saying, still not used to the phrase (there was never a need for it before), before hanging up the phone. 

Dick did warn Janet and he knew that she would never risk her reputation or status. The obvious reason the Drakes were in Gotham would have to be because of the rumors circulating around Tim and Bruce. 

Even though he knew that, he couldn’t quite hide the fear that she would take Tim away from him. He couldn’t relax because Jack and Janet were near his baby brothers. 

As far as he knew, they were a threat. 

He turned off the stove and wiped his hands on a towel lying on the counter. 

“Let’s go meet your new family.” 

This was as good of a time for introductions. 

.

Before going to the library, Dick quickly brought Cass to a thrift store for a pair of shoes and clothing that actually fit her. 

Cass adored her Batman t-shirt and black pants, running her hand and loving how soft-comfy-warm the fabric felt. She loved her light up shoes the most. 

Dick held her hand tightly as they walked on the sidewalks. She stuck close to him —to safety-warmth-home-family. 

.

There were two boys sitting in the corner of the room in colorful oddly shaped bags. They had similar looks of black hair and blue eyes. 

She glanced back at Dick. 

They looked like him. 

The taller one looked up from his book at Dick’s approaching footsteps and smiled at the sight of her hiding behind Dick and holding onto the back of Dick’s shirt for being in a large unfamiliar place. 

She read exasperation-curious-warmth from him. 

The shorter one was curious-hesitant-welcoming. 

The taller one spoke. “I see you found another one. Is this one legal?”

Dick laid a hand on her head — angry-hurting-apologies for her. “She ran away from her abusive father and has been living in the streets since.” 

Understanding-angry for her, not at her-questioning. “Her mom?” 

Assurance-confident-mine. “I won’t have trouble getting custody rights from her.” 

The shorter one spoke up then. He was smiling brightly at her. “My name’s Tim. What’s yours?” 

She didn’t understand what he was trying to say beyond his body language of I don’t want to be alone-will she take my place?-I can’t think like that. 

Dick sat down on the carpeted floor in front of the boys and gently pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her and smiling softly. “This is Cass, your new sister. She can’t talk.” 

.

Jason could see that Dick was already very attached to the little girl. 

She had dark hair and eyes and a small and thin body. Most likely not getting enough food in her but understandable with how she was living on the streets. Jason knew, better the others at least, how hard it was to get food out there. 

He already knew how close and affectionate Dick can be with kids he view as his own. But for a street kid, she sure took to Dick just as easily, not even squirming in his lap and relaxing in his hold. 

He exchanged a look with Tim who shrugged in response. 

Jason bit the bullet and asked. “Not that I don’t like her or anything, but I thought Alfred gave you a free day from kids.”

“He did.” Dick beamed. Alfred gave him free time to look for Cass. 

“I don’t think that’s what he meant.”

“Isn’t it?”

Chapter Text

Jason knew he was being a pretty shitty big brother. It was never Tim’s job to take care of him. 

It was never his job to take care of Catherine but he did it anyway because he loved his mom. 

He was supposed to be better than this. He was supposed to be like Dick —selfless, not selfish.  

He was thankful to Tim for getting Alfred to bring them to the city library. Sure, the one in the Manor was pretty amazing, but being in a different place (not the one he’s been holed up in for practically the past week) helped him feel better. 

He felt relieved to drown himself in familiar books and nostalgia of better times when he still thought the world wasn’t that bad —when Mama wasn’t addicted to drugs, when he was still innocent like Tim.

He did feel a silver of guilt wrapped around his heart at how hard Tim was trying to cheer him up for the past few days. He was aware of how Tim picked out his favorite books when they read together, how Tim got his favorite snacks when they watched a movie. He even eavesdropped on Tim asking Alfred if he could make Jason’s favorites for dinner one night. 

He hated that he burdened his little brother. 

He should be the one making Tim happy, not vice versa. He knew Tim feared being abandoned since Damian came home. And even though Dick constantly pulled them aside and made sure to spend one on one time with his Little Wing and Baby bird to make sure they never feel left out, those fears couldn’t be silenced that quickly after a childhood of being abandoned by parents who were supposed to love their son. 

Jason knew that. That’s why Tim kept sleeping with him every night. Understandably, he just wanted comfort. 

But Jason was too fucked up to even give him that. 

Nightmares woke him up in the middle of the night and he had to sneak into Dick’s room to get them under control again. He hated that he couldn’t handle the nightmares on his own. He hated leaving Tim alone. He hated that he was only adding onto his abandonment issues that he wasn’t any better than his bio parents. 

But he couldn’t kick Tim out of his room. Then, he’ll really be a heartless monster and he won’t be able to call himself Robin anymore. 

He does try to hold it together enough to slip out of Dick’s room and go back to his before morning so Tim doesn’t have to wake up alone. He can, at least, do that much. 

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see baby bird peeking at him through the cracks in the bookshelves. And he felt a pebble of guilt sink in his stomach at the sight of Tim trying so hard to make him happy. 

That guilt grew exponentially when a while later (he didn’t know how much time passed since he cracked open another book), Tim walked closer to him with red rimmed eyes and on the verge of tears. 

“My parents are here.” He whispered like it was his fault. 

Jason saw red. 

Fuck his damn issues. 

He immediately stood up, his book landed on the floor with a hard thud. And wrapped his baby bird in a tight hug. 

Tim tensed before slowly relaxing. “I’m scared they’re here for me.”

The guilt was overwhelming him. “I won’t let them take you. Dick won’t even let them try. You’re ours now.” 

.

Cass was theirs too. 

David Cain was right up there on his shit list next to Jack and Janet Drake. 

Jason couldn’t believe that a father could treat his own daughter as a weapon and raised her to kill. 

He overheard Bruce and Dick talking in hushed whispers of how Damian would’ve ended up as a cold-hearted assassin had he been raised in Ra’s cult. 

He was glad that Dick took them away. 

Even if they were surprise children. 

But hey, at least that was a more healthy coping mechanism than the lines on his big brother’s arms. 

And it was hilarious to see Bruce’s reaction every time a new child comes to the Manor. 

He will never forget the look on his face when a little blonde girl with bright blue eyes suddenly showed up at dinner and Dick introduced her as his little sunshine. 

It was a mix of what the fuck, I’m totally out of my depth here and I have to smile and not look weird.

It was very amusing and entertaining for Jason even as he suppressed how much he wanted to laugh. It wouldn’t do to give up the game this early. 

This was before Damian’s arrival so he wasn’t that much of a fucked up mess. 

Glancing to the side, he saw Tim cracked a small smile before fading back to a neutral expression like it was totally normal for a kid to pop out of nowhere and sit at the dining table when Alfred served dinner with a straight face. 

In their family, it was. 

Dick didn’t even seem to notice Bruce’s dilemma as he made sure his kids had enough food on their plates. 

“Did Dick adopt you too?” Bruce wanted to grimace at his terrible conversational skills. That probably isn’t a normal question to start off with. 

“Oh yeah.” Apparently being a father of three didn’t help Bruce in recognizing mischievous glints in children’s eyes. Steph had a smile on her innocent looking face. “He’s totally co-parenting with my mom.” 

Bruce swore under his breath “Fucking damn it Dick” before recovering quickly, saying. “And what’s your name?” 

That’s a good question to start off with. 

“Stephanie Brown but you can call me Steph.” 

Bruce vaguely remembered Dick mentioning something about Tim crushing on a Steph before but he thought Dick wasn’t adopting the girl after all. 

“It’s very nice to meet you, Steph. How did Dick adopt you?” 

She shrugged. “He just said this was my home now.” 

Bruce looked utterly done and Jason couldn’t hold himself back anymore. He bursted out laughing. 

Dick didn’t even deny it. He immediately started boasting how Steph was among the top 10 in her grade and how her and Tim’s history project got first place in the school competition. 

The kids were both blushing but had proud looks on their faces. Their smiles grew when Bruce congratulated them. 

Alfred did have to clear up later on that Miss Stephanie was not officially adopted. But that didn’t calm Bruce’s nerves. He could read between the lines. 

Dick already claimed Steph as his sibling. 

She was one of theirs now. 

.

Dick ran a hand through Cass’ hair and she leaned in his gentle touch. He already called Alfred but it was going to be about 30 minutes until he gets here. 

“How old is she?” Tim asked. 

He did the mental math. “12. She’s a few months older than Jason.” 

“Does that make Jason a middle child then?” Tim perked up at the thought of having more in common with his favorite hero. 

Jason had a small smile on his face that Tim was looking better. “Yeah. We’re the middle kids squad now. Forever fated to be the forgotten ones.” He joked. 

And Dick stiffened, hurt bleeding into his chest at the harsh memory that suddenly overwhelmed him. 

“You replaced me.” 

“You didn’t care.” 

“You forgot about me.” 

His and Jason’s relationship had not always been the best. Dick made mistakes. He always does. He wasn’t perfect. He never was. 

But he tried. He tried so hard to make up for his flaws-mistakes-regrets. He tried to be there for Jason when he came back from the dead —be the big brother he should’ve been from the start. But he feared that he burned the bridge too much to ever salvage it.  

“You don’t get to fucking talk to me or play nice. You were never there for me before so don’t even bother to pretend to be there for me now.” Hood dug his forearm against Dick’s throat but his words hurt far worse than the decreasing supply of air and the bruises on his skin. 

It hurt to hear that’s what Jason thought Dick thinks of him. It tore his heart apart to hear his past failures so blatant. 

“I bet if it wasn’t for your goody two-shoes reputation, you’ll leave me to rot in Arkham just like Batman where everyone can just fucking forget about the fucked up kid stupid enough to get himself blown up.” 

Dick choked and it wasn’t because of any physical injury. That wasn’t true. Jason died for his mother. He died doing what Robin represented. He wasn’t stupid. He was a brilliant hero that Dick failed to see because of his own fucked up issues. 

“Hood—”  

“Shut up.” Hood hissed. “I don’t want to hear your damn excuses. It won’t change the past.” 

“No.” Dick’s voice was hoarse, clogged with thick emotions he wished he could have a better reign on. “You are not replaceable. I will never forget you. You will always be my Little Wing and Baby bird and nothing can ever take that away.” 

Tim had a lump in his throat. 

Jason did too. He didn’t mean to hurt Dick. He slid off the bean bag and leaned against his big brother, feeling his shaky and trembling form as he gave Jason a side hug and pressed two fingers against his pulse. 

Jason didn’t pull away.

A second later, Tim joined their little cuddle pile and felt a small arm wrapped around his. 

Cass was mimicking Dick and trying to give the little boy a hug. She doesn’t know the sounds coming out of her new family’s mouths. She could only see the sadness-shame-regrets wrapped around them. Her chest hurt at the sight and she wanted to make things better even though she has never healed before, only hurt. 

Dick reached out to bring Tim close and wrapped his kids in a huge hug. He pressed a kiss against Cass’ head. Jason’s pulse was beating alive and loud underneath his fingertips and he could hear Tim’s breathing right next to him. He felt the warmth of his family against his skin. 

He had them back. 

And he was not going to fail them again.  

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.

.

Dick held onto Cass tightly in his arms, her legs wrapped around his waist, unwillingly to even entertain the thought of letting her go. Feeling and seeing his fears-anxieties-worries, Cass gripped onto Dick’s shirt tightly. 

Alfred didn’t say anything beyond a raised eyebrow. 

“I thought I told you to have a free day, Master Dick.” He can perfectly recall asking Dick to take a break from the boys. It seems the young master followed that to the letter. 

“I did.” 

Troublesome, just like his father. Alfred thought fondly. 

“I suppose the young miss should get in as well before we garner any unwanted attention.” He said with a gentle smile that put Cass at ease. 

Dick let out a breath of relief at the lack of accusation-objection-complaint in his voice. Not that he thought Alfred would ever turn away a child but he couldn’t quiet the fears whispering in the back of his mind. 

He was not unaware of his actions. He knew he doubled the amount of Waynes in a month. He knew that the sudden influx of children recently was a bit much for Bruce and Alfred. It’s not like he meant to overwhelm them but how could he resist making sure his kids were safe and sound as quickly as possible?

Everything he was doing was for them. 

It always was. 

Alfred was surprised when he received the call from Dick to come get him and the boys from the library. But when Dick mentioned the Drakes, he immediately understood the situation and felt proud that Tim called for help. 

He, however, was not expecting the little girl with black hair and dark eyes clinging onto Dick. He didn’t say anything until they were further away from the library and the Drakes. 

“Who might the young miss be?”

Dick ran a hand through Cass’ hair. 

“Her name is Cassandra Cain or Cass. She’s the daughter of David Cain and Lady Shiva.” 

“I see.” Like the professional he is, Alfred did not show an outward reaction to those recognizable names. “And how did you find her?” 

“In the Bowery.” 

Inwardly, he was wondering about the luck of Dick finding a girl in Gotham whose parents just so happened to be the two most dangerous assassins in the world.

He really couldn’t be surprised hearing that he technically kidnapped a child. Dick did blackmail the Drakes into giving him custody of Tim and he was currently parenting the son of Talia Al Ghul and Bruce Wayne.  

At this rate, he would not be surprised if Dick brings home a meta child next. 

“David was an abusive father. He raised her to be the perfect weapon. She doesn’t know how to speak or read, only how to fight. She ran away from him a few years ago and has been living in the streets since.” 

Alfred’s heart softened at the sheer protectiveness coating Dick’s words—a bleeding heart just like his father. 

He glanced at his new granddaughter in the rear view mirror who was practicing sign language with the boys. 

Dick felt his heart swell at the sight of Jason patiently and confidently teaching his siblings what he knew. He wasn’t fluent like Dick but he knew some from his neighbors and babysitters. 

After the sudden impromptu cuddle pile and Dick had pulled himself together (well, enough to look less like a human disaster), he started teaching the kids sign language. He only taught them a few basic hand signs before Alfred arrived, but Cass loved being able to communicate with others. 

Maybe he should invite Joey over. Cass would like meeting a mute superhero. 

Dick still had his hand running through Cass’ hair as he watched them. Jason was a good big brother. He always was. 

Alfred’s next statement brought Dick out of his thoughts. 

“I shall make her a room next to yours.” It would be across from Jason’s.  

“Thanks.” Dick felt better knowing he’ll be close to Cass to help her transition in an unfamiliar place. He has high hopes she’ll soon call the Manor home and the Bats family. 

“It seems another shopping trip is in order.” 

“I’m inviting Steph over and Kori and Donna are sure to come.” 

Unlike Bruce, Alfred was fond of Dick’s friends. It made an old man’s heart ease in relief to know that Dick has been reaching out to them. He too had worried when Dick had only spent time with the boys and no one else. He tried to feel hopeful, but his chest also squeezed in pain at the thought that maybe reaching out to his close friends was also a final goodbye. 

He was aware that Barbara was away on the other side of the country for a tech conference and to follow on leads for a few cases with her Birds of Prey. But he was also aware that Dick hasn’t been talking to his oldest friend as much or rambling about his more than obvious crush on her. 

“They are still arriving tomorrow afternoon, correct?” He has already prepared rooms for the Titans. 

Dick nodded. “Might make that closer to dinner time though. Roy had some last minute stuff that came up.” 

“That’s quite alright. Your friends are always welcomed.” 

“Are you talking about Roy Harper? Arsenal?” Tim whipped his head to look at Dick with wide excited eyes at the mention of Roy’s name. 

And oh. 

That’s what Dick forgot. 

“Yeah. The Titans are coming over to stay at the Manor for a while. Roy has a daughter named Lian who’s around Dami’s age.” 

“Wow. I can’t believe you’re already arranging play dates for your kid.” Jason teased. 

His eyes were still dull but Dick just felt his heart burst that Jason was looking better (that trip to the library really did help) and cracking jokes. 

He didn’t even care if the jokes were at his expense. Anything to help Jason feel better. 

“Of course I am. I’m not letting Bruce’s anti-socialness rub off on him. Speaking of Bruce, is he still at the Watchtower?” 

“Yes. He has informed me he will most likely return tomorrow night.” 

Dick has an entire day to come up with an excuse of how he knows Cass. Maybe he’ll blame it on Slade this time. He doesn’t think he can keep using Talia as an excuse no matter how convenient it is. 

.

.

.

Oh god. He got another one. 

They just saw Dick like a week ago. How did he even find these kids? 

“She is adorable.” Kori immediately gushed when they walked through the door and saw the little girl with dark hair and eyes who stared at her flaming hair with fascination and wonder. 

To the Titans’ surprise, she moved her hands in recognizable movements. 

“Name Cass.” She signed. 

Good thing they knew sign language because of Joey. 

Kori knelt on the floor to be at eye level and also introduced herself with a gentle smile. “My name is Kori.” 

The rest of the Titans followed suit. 

With her dad’s help, Lian proudly introduced herself to the older Asian girl. 

Cass couldn’t help but return her smile. Like Dick, their body language was open and honest. 

Alfred was smiling as he watched his newest granddaughter feel more comfortable in communicating in sign language. She was thrilled to be able to talk to others. The children spent most of dinner yesterday using sign language. 

Dick had to gently remind them to eat their food but didn’t mind much. He loved that Tim and Jason were being welcoming and trying to make Cass feel as comfortable as possible. 

He eavesdropped on them discussing ideas for a nameplate for Cass. He knew they were already working on Steph’s too. 

Everything was better now. How could it not be? He was making things better and giving his family what they deserved. 

Jason will never have to bear Dick’s misplaced anger. Tim will never have to beaten to near death by his childhood hero. Damian will be accepted from the beginning. Steph will never have to second guess her place in their family. And Cass will have a home and a family from the start. 

Bruce will not lose a son and push everyone away, destroying himself in the process. Even when Tim helped him live again and Jason came back, he never recovered from the trauma —the broken pieces never quite whole again.  

Dick will never have to suffer another loved one loss. He will never have to hold his father’s, siblings’, and son’s body in his arms again. He will never have to go through that horrible future again. 

Fondness filled his chest as Dick watched the sight from the foyer. He loved his friends for immediately communicating with Cass in sign without a single shred of judgment or hesitation. Not that he thought they would have but he can’t stop himself from protecting his kids from any threat —irrational or not.  

He had heard the doorbell and immediately made his way down from his room. Cass had been spending time with Alfred and was with him when he answered the door. 

“I see you met Cass.” He smiled, his son propped on his hip. 

Dami refused to be let down, holding tightly onto Dick’s shirt with a small pout. His eyes narrowed at the group of people that invaded his home. He already had to share Baba with Jason and Tim and the girls. 

Seeing Dick holding Dami in his arms was an expected sight. Although in hindsight, maybe Wally should’ve expected the new child.

.

“Please tell me you didn’t kidnap Cass.” 

Dick rolled his eyes. He didn’t take his attention away from where Lian and Damian were sitting on the living room carpet, locked in a staring contest. Both determined not to lose. 

They were adorable and Dick already took multiple pictures. 

Wally was being way too dramatic. “Her mom’s Lady Shiva. I’m in the process of legalizing the adoption.” 

He already messaged Talia about setting up a meeting between them so he can put it in plain terms about how Cass was going to become a Wayne one way or the other and only one of those ways ended up with Shiva getting visitation rights. 

“You’re adopting Lady Shiva’s daughter?” Wally whispered yelled, shooting Dick a wtf look. They just fought against her two months ago. Is Dick also initiating a frenemy-ship with her too? Damn it. In addition to keeping track of all the kids Dick is now amassing, the Titans are going to have to keep an eye on Nightwing’s enemies too. 

And why did he have to be the one to pull the short straw to interrogate their leader? 

Donna and Cass were braiding Kori’s long hair on the couch. Roy was having a blast talking tech with Tim, Jason reading a book beside them. 

Dick, the absolute idiot, simply waved him off like it was completely normal to be adopting baby assassins. “I’m already taking care of Talia’s kid. This is hardly anything surprising.” 

Well, yeah but— 

“And before you ask. No, she’s not mine. Her dad’s David Cain.” 

Wally choked. 

.

Dick knew that Alfred loved having a full house and enjoyed making the feast laid in front of them. And it was delicious. Dami enjoyed eating the spaghetti Alfred made without meat. 

Around them, dinner was a rambunctious affair. The room was certainly lively. There were three separate conversations going on. 

Tim was sharing ideas with Roy who looked ecstatic to talk shop with someone. Dick loved seeing Tim opening up to more people although he was going to make sure that giant bazooka is bat-kid friendly. 

Cass was having the time of her life, talking to Kori in sign. From what he could see, they were discussing a shopping trip. 

And Jason got pulled into a conversation with Donna and Wally about the books he was reading. Dick felt grateful to his Wonder Twin for making Jason feel included. 

“Why do you cut up Damian’s food, Uncle Dickie? Does he have trouble eating or something?” Lian scrunched her nose up in confusion. 

She was sitting right next to Damian. Technically, she was sitting right next to Uncle Dickie since Damian was in Uncle Dickie’s lap. 

Was he a baby? 

She stopped sitting on Daddy’s lap a long while ago. 

“No sweetheart.” Dick said, running a hand through his baby’s hair. “I just do it because I want to.”

He knew that Lian was just asking because she was curious and kids have no filter but he couldn’t stop the curl of shame in his chest at the judgmental words that he didn’t know how to take care of a toddler, that he wasn’t treating Dami his age that he was a horrible parent. 

He knew Dami was 4 years old and not an infant. Bruce shared concerns about him babying Damian too much but how can he not spoil his precious little Robin after what he’s been through in the League —after all the scars Ra’s gave him? 

Bruce was more lenient after seeing the scars on his youngest. 

Dick just wanted to make his little Robin feel loved-protected-safe. He failed him enough times already. 

Donna frowned when she saw the downcast look in Dick’s eyes. She heard what Lian said but couldn’t pinpoint what could have made Dick put up those walls. 

Maybe he was remembering the scummy tabloid reporters that deserved to be ripped to shreds by Cerberus. Even after Bruce released Damian’s birth certificate, the news did not stop attacking Dick. 

There was an article released this morning attacking Dick’s passion to help kids. It was well known that Dick Grayson volunteers his time to help out in various orphanages and soup kitchens. Sometimes, he would even watch over WE employees’ kids in the day care that Bruce had installed. Many kids looked up to him like an older brother figure. 

And this fucking reporter dared to tear Dick down for being a teen parent, calling him an irresponsible and horrible older figure for children to look up towards with how crazy he was about having sex and not caring about consequences. She even claimed that Dick should be fired from the GCPD because he obviously didn’t have his priorities straight and how can people feel safe if this kind of man was supposed to be protecting them. 

Even if it was pulled down an hour later, it didn’t stop people from talking about it. 

She was happy to say she and Roy punched a reporter when they went to grab a bite to eat while the others were filling up gas. The man recognized Oliver Queen’s son and asked for his opinion on Dick’s playboy habits thinking he would get some juicy material since people know of Bruce and Oliver’s famous rivalry. The douchebag got a fist in the face instead. And the burgers they picked up afterwards were delicious. 

Well, she knew just what to do to put a smile on her Wonder Twin. 

It’s been a while since the Titans had a sleepover. 

.

“No.” 

Dick immediately laid a hand on the pile of blankets Donna had in her arms, stopping her in place. 

“Why not? It’ll be like old times.” Donna was confused by the hard look in those blue eyes. She dropped the blankets and reached up to place her hands on his cheeks. “Is something wrong?” 

Dick leaned into the touch, guilt in his veins. It wasn’t Donna’s fault. She just wanted to cheer him up. His voice turned gentler as he whispered. “Jason’s uncomfortable with crowds.” 

It was a believable excuse without giving everything away. He trusts his friends, but he will never betray Jason’s trust. 

He knew his Little Wing. He saw how he flinched when Wally moved too fast for him to see. He saw how Jason hunched his shoulders when he saw the Titans carrying a pile of blankets and pillows in the den after dinner, realization immediately dawning on him. 

Dick knew that while Jason can hold a conversation with his friends, he was not comfortable sleeping in a room full of grown ups. 

But Jason would keep silent and put up with the sleepover.  He wouldn’t raise a fuss in front of Dick’s friends —his heroes, thinking it was what Dick wanted. 

Dick’s heart ached for his little brother. Doesn’t he know that Dick will always put him first? He will never put Jason through anything that makes him uncomfortable. 

Well, he would just have to make sure his actions speak loud and clear. 

“Okay. No sleepover.” Donna said easily. She knew how much Dick’s kids meant to him. 

“Thanks.” 

“Always.” 

Dick smiled and walked away —probably, most definitely in search of his kids.  

Donna picked up the blankets to put back in the closet. There was no reason to increase Alfred’s workload. He was already dealing with five children —actually six (Bruce definitely counts as a child). 

She watched as Jason stuck himself by Dick’s side when he was done talking to her. He clutched onto his big brother’s shirt, standing behind him, and Dick pulled him close, running a hand through his hair. 

Donna smiled at the sight of them together.

Fatherhood really does look good on their leader. 

.

.

.

Bruce fucking hates Jordan’s incompetent ass. He didn’t waste any time taking off his suit when he made it to the BatCave. He was tired, aching, and just wanted to fall face first in his bed. 

That’s all. 

When he walked up the stairs, he was not expecting to come face to face with a little Asian girl with black hair and brown eyes. 

He only had one response. 

“Fucking damn it Dick.”

Chapter Text

Was it too much to ask for a heads up? Bruce doesn’t mind the children. He would just like some notice before he scares a little kid like he’s doing right now with his big and bulky intimidating frame. 

She tensed at the sight of him and he tried to make himself less of a threat, hunching in his shoulders to appear smaller. She relaxed a second later. 

Definitely a street kid. 

Probably an orphan then. But it’s not like that really stopped Dick before. If she did have parents, it’ll be easy to get custody. 

The soft t-shirt and fuzzy sweatpants she was wearing didn’t hide her thin frame. Malnourished just like Jason was when he first came to the Manor. 

At best, her parents neglected her. 

Either way, his lawyers will make her a Wayne. He’ll fire them otherwise. 

He crouched down. Towering over children did not inspire trust. “Hello, my name is Bruce.” 

He blinked when she started moving her hands. 

Mute. And her name was Cass. 

Like Dick and Alfred, he was fluent in sign language. He reintroduced himself using sign. 

Cass blinked and relaxed her guard further. This was Dick’s dad. 

“Are you comfortable here?” 

She didn’t understand what the man says fully. Her new brothers have taught her a lot in a short period of time, but she only grasped the simple words and grammar. However, she can see the honest-sincere-kind in his body. 

“Like here.” 

But even as she said those simple words, it felt too vague, too broad. It didn’t convey everything she felt. This place her new brother-family-warmth brought her to. 

She wasn’t here for long but she fell in love with the welcoming-cozy-homey warmth enveloped in the four walls. She loved hearing the laughter of children in the hallways and how the house seems to come to life with the people inside. It was everything she didn’t know she wanted. 

It was a stark contrast to Father’s home. 

Beyond that, this place had her favorite person. She didn’t have him in her life for long but she still couldn’t get over the pure joy-happiness-love in Dick’s eyes every time he sees her. 

It took a while but Father was not the dad she wanted. Dick acted more like the dad she would sometimes see out in the streets loving and caring for their children, the dad she sees on the moving screens behind clear glass and wished she could know what it was like. 

Bruce’s eyes softened. “My home is always open to you.” 

He will never deny a child wanting a home. That is not the person he wanted to be. Besides, Dick will actually castrate him if he ever rejects one of his kids. 

Cass gave him a beautiful smile back and he felt his heart already reaching out for yet another child —another family member. Even though he knew he was a goner the moment he laid eyes on her. 

“Do you know where Dick is?” 

Her eyes lit up when she recognized her brother-protector-dad's name. She reached up and grabbed his larger hand in her smaller one before turning around and dragging him up the rest of the stairs. 

Bruce was more focused on their intertwined hands than seeing where she was leading him. 

Right from the start, Cass looked small —like a little boy hiding in front of a tireless Batmobile and clutching onto a tire iron tightly and a fierce sneer on his face, like a small boy with bright baby blue eyes hiding behind Dick in the BatCave, like a tiny toddler held in Dick’s arms and clutching onto his shirt tightly. But it was even more apparent with her tiny hand in his. 

He will never get used to how small and tiny and fragile children are. 

With a heavy heart, he remembered when Dick used to be just as small as them. When he would put his small hand in Bruce’s larger one as they walked around the fair, the circus, touring Wayne Enterprises, going shopping. 

Dick used to love wrapping himself in Batman’s giant cape. Sometimes, he fell asleep in it knowing his dad will keep him safe and sound. Bruce would find him sleeping on the Batcomputer’s chair, on his office chair, and one time, he even found Dick sleeping in one of the chandeliers. And every time he did, he would carefully and gently bring Dick to his room and tuck him in bed. 

His child grew up. 

He watched his son get shot and flat lined twice on the operating table. He didn’t handle it well. 

They started fighting and arguing and the Manor became inhabitable (a warzone) as they constantly butt heads. It was common for Bruce to retreat to the BatCave more and for Dick to run off to New York more. 

His son hated him. 

His Robin fled the nest too early because he couldn’t stand Bruce anymore. The moment he turned 18, Dick left the Manor and didn’t look back since. 

.

Bruce was expecting to be led to Dick’s bedroom. He was surprised, when instead, Cass dragged him to his. 

And when they walked inside, his heart melted once again at the sight. 

The kids were sleeping in the middle of his giant king size bed. Jason was on the far left, haphazardly wrapped up in a blanket. Tim sleeping on his right. Damian next to him holding onto the Nightwing teddy bear that quickly became his favorite thing. Dick curled up beside Damian and holding his kid in his arms. 

With silent steps, Bruce walked closer and ran a hand through Dick’s hair. 

When did he lose this? Why did he push Dick to leave his home? Why couldn’t he be better?

Dick’s eyes sleepily fluttered open at the touch and he tensed. He relaxed when he caught a blurry sight of Bruce standing next to him. 

“Hey Dad. You’re home e’rly.” His words slurred a bit. Unconsciously, he leaned in Bruce’s gentle touch. 

And Bruce tried not to cry. It’s been a long time since he heard Dick call him dad. “Hey chum. Go back to sleep.” 

Why did it take Dick cutting himself and contemplating suicide to stop all the fights-hurt-slammed doors? Why did it take Bruce failing so horribly as a parent for him to have this again? 

He leaned down and kissed Dick’s forehead who sighed contentedly and closed his eyes, already falling back to sleep. 

“Love you.” 

Bruce’s breath caught in his throat. He will never get tired of hearing that. “I love you too.” 

He leaned more to press a soft kiss on Damian’s head. He kissed Cass’ head who burrowed herself against Dick’s back. She blinked at the unexpected affection but a soft smile crossed her face. With small, nimble fingers, she signed. “Love you.” 

It was among one of the first things her new dad Dick taught her and she was happy she can finally give something back to him when he looks at her with pure joy-happiness-love.  

She can read the happiness and love in Dick’s body every time she signed that simple phrase. She liked making him smile. 

Bruce made the same signs as he spoke. “I love you too.” He repeated himself again. “My home is always open to you.” 

She smiled again as he tucked the blanket around her. He ran a hand through her hair as she closed her eyes and let her breathing slowed, her body accepting she was in a place of safety-security-no one will ambush her here.  

He moved to the other side of the bed to kiss Tim on the forehead. He knew better than to do the same to Jason considering his horrible past experiences. However, he did let himself run a hand through Jason’s hair who leaned into his gentle touch like Dick did. 

Bruce looked at his children and— 

And he just feels his heart overflowing with love for each one of them. It scares him just how much he cares for them and how he wants to be a good father to them. He wants to be able to keep them safe and sound and right where they belong —home with their family. 

He never wants to drive another child away again. 

. 

.

.

Bruce yawned. Since his bedroom was commandeered by his children, he ended up sleeping on the couch in his office. He didn’t mind being kicked out of his room and his feather soft bed. The bed could probably handle his weight too but he knew better than to ever make Jason uncomfortable. 

He let out a grunt when he stretched his sore muscles. Before he folded his arms in front of him and laid his chin on top of them as he watched the coffeemaker. 

He should buy a more comfortable couch or maybe just buy a bigger bed for Dick’s room. He had a feeling this won’t be the first time they wanted to sleep together. The kids were very fond of crowding Dick’s bed and Dick loved having his siblings/kids close. 

As he was waiting for his coffee to be done, Dick walked into the kitchen with a happy smile. 

Before he stopped still at the doorway and laughed at the sight of Bruce. 

“If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve pegged you as Tim’s biological dad. He acts the same way even though I limit his coffee.”

“Monster.” Bruce mumbled. He couldn’t imagine having a limit on his life sustenance. 

“I know. I’m the absolute worst.” Dick passed him to get to the fridge. He started bringing out ingredients to make breakfast, having earned Alfred’s stamp of approval to use it without supervision. He couldn’t wait to make Cass her favorite chocolate smile pancakes. 

Bruce watched him. He will never get over that Dick actually knows how to cook now. He thought his kid was useless in the kitchen like him. Although living with the Titans most likely forced him to get better at cooking. 

He wasn’t exactly wrong. 

Dick used to prepare small snacks and meals for him and Dami when Bruce was stuck in the time stream. And after— after Alfred was killed, Jason took over cooking duties because he refused to allow anyone to desecrate Alfred’s sacred space. And when Jason died, Dick took over. 

“Did you meet Cass yet?” Dick wanted to focus on the happy memories he was making now, not the past he left behind and will never come true. 

“She seems like a good kid.” 

“She is.” Dick had a proud smile on his face. His sister was so so perfect and he will forever blame himself for not coming to her rescue earlier. As far as he knew, her blood was on his hands too (all of his family’s blood was on his hands for not being good enough) and he will forever make up for his mistakes. 

Bruce’s heart softened at the soft fond look on Dick’s face. His oldest has always loved and given his heart away easily. It’s why Bruce had to scare off many boys and girls when Dick was younger. He had a talk with Gordon, Anders, Harper, and West. But alas, heroes were more resilient than civilians. And they are still around. 

But the point of the matter was that Dick’s loving nature had never been more apparent than now. 

“Is she a street kid?” 

“Yeah. She’s been living on the streets for a few years now, wandering here and there. I found her in the Bowery. Her dad’s David Cain—“ 

“What?” Bruce didn’t know if he heard correctly. How did Dick even find these children? 

“And he was abusive.” Dick continued like Bruce didn’t say anything as he measured out the ingredients and mixed the batter. “He raised her to be a weapon whose only language was violence. He made her kill a man when she was eight and she ran away from him.” 

Bruce’s heart broke for his new daughter. She didn’t deserve to go through that. Luckily, she had a doting older brother who was more than willing to spoil her. “She seems like she’ll fit in with the others. Although can you please give me a heads up next time?” 

He has already resigned himself that Dick will most likely bring even more kids into the family even as he was wondering what the fuck. Sure, the Manor has room. But at the rate Dick is going, the rooms will quickly be filled. Does he have to be worried about Dick adopting all of Gotham’s orphans?

“Where’s the fun in that?” Dick had a cheeky smile on his face. 

“Brat.” 

“You love it anyway.” 

Bruce couldn’t deny that or the fond smile on his face as he stared at his wonderful, brilliant son. 

“Who’s her mom? Will getting custody of Cass be difficult?” 

“Her mom’s Lady Shiva.” Bruce did not choke at that. “And don’t worry. She won’t say no to me.”

Bruce was not oblivious. He was aware that Dick had a frenemy relationship with Slade and was on somewhat tolerant terms with Talia. Did he have that with Shiva too? Bruce wasn’t aware that Dick was even on familiar terms with her in the first place. 

.

Alfred walked into the kitchen a while later. Dick was putting a pancake in the growing stack next to him. Bruce was nursing a cup of steaming hot black coffee. 

“Morning Alfred.” Dick smiled. 

“Good morning, Master Dick. I can take over the rest of the cooking to give you a break.” 

“Are you sure? You should be relaxing.” 

“I’m perfectly rested. I have already woken up your friends. Why don’t you use the time to wake up the children?” 

That did sound nice. Dick was itching to hold his babies back in his arms. So he didn’t argue. “Okay.” 

When Dick left the kitchen, Alfred slid into his previous spot at the stove and made the rest of the batter. 

“Did you meet Cass yet?” Bruce asked. 

“Miss Cassandra is an excellent addition to the family.” 

“I’m not disagreeing.” Bruce remembered the soft smile on her face as she signed “Love you” and his heart melted all over again. “But I thought you told Dick to have a free day.” 

“I told him to take a break from the boys. Apparently he is as fond of loopholes as you are.” Alfred gave him a pointed look that clearly conveyed how this was all Bruce’s fault. 

Bruce couldn’t defend himself. Because yeah, it probably was. 

.

Immediately after Dick entered the hallway, a little figure detached itself from the surrounding shadows and plastered itself on his side. 

“Good morning, Cass.” He ran a hand through his baby girl’s hair. 

Cass leaned in his touch before stepping back and lifted her arms up. He smiled softly and obliged, bending down to pick her up and put her on his hip. 

“I love you.” 

She beamed when she recognized the words (she could understand what he was saying) and signed “Love you.” 

His eyes watered and he leaned down to press a kiss on her forehead before he repeated. “I love you so much.” 

.

.

.

Cass instantly and eagerly dug in her pancakes decorated with chocolate chips in a smiley face. It wasn’t long before Dick put a second one on her plate and he had to remind her from time to time to slow down. 

Dick cut Dami’s blueberry vegan pancakes before looking up at everyone with a fond smile. 

He will never get used to having a full house again, to seeing and hearing his family-friends-kids alive and breathing. But Dami’s pulse was strong and beating underneath his fingertips as he held his baby close on his lap. 

He swept his eyes across the table. Everyone was here. They were alive. They weren’t hallucinations conjured up by his mind to cope with a new reality. 

That reality was just a bad dream. A nightmare he will never have to re-live again. 

He was fine. 

He was better than fine. 

He had them all back.

.

Jason and Tim died in the same attack. Dick opted for a private funeral. 

It was sunny on the day of their funeral, not a single cloud in sight in the bright clear blue sky above. Dick hated it, despised it, because the world shouldn’t be happy when his baby brothers were dead. And there was no miracle to bring them back. 

“I’m sorry.” 

Dick closed his eyes at Dinah’s voice. His hands clenched into tight fists in his pockets. Jason died protecting her and her unborn child. He didn’t blame her (he couldn’t) but he couldn’t help but resent her. She took his Little Wing away and he couldn’t stop seeing his baby brother’s blood splattered on her body. 

Jason died protecting Dinah and Tim died trying to protect Jason. 

“Get out.” He said coldly and only felt marginally bad when she flinched at his tone, her eyes watering. 

Roy gently led her away, murmuring reassurances, before Oliver took over and held his silently crying wife. 

“I’m only giving you a free pass just this once. You’re not the only one mourning. I lost my best friend.”

“I lost my brothers.” 

“That doesn’t give you an excuse to be an asshole.”

Everything felt too raw, too volatile. Everything itched inside of him for a fight, to break the skin on his fists, to lose himself in the violence. But he fought against that desire because as fucked up as he is now, he didn’t want to take out that anger on his friends and the people he cared about. 

“Get out.” 

Roy looked like he wanted to say something different but backed down and said instead. “Call me when you’re cooled down enough to be civil.” 

But when Dick lost more and more of his siblings and his family dwindled one by one, when Dick held dying bodies in his arms he was too late to save, when Dick constantly organized and attended funerals left and right…he no longer gave a fuck about social niceties. 

Batman was an even bigger asshole who couldn’t play nice with others. Nightwing was dead. 

And Dick lost himself in the fight, fighting back against the world that kept taking and taking every single loved one from him the only way he knew how —in blood and violence and hot burning rage.  

.

He flinched very noticeably when Kori touched his shoulder (don’t touch me-don’t touch me-i’m fine-i swear i’m fine) and he hated the look in her eyes, in everyone else’s eyes as they tried but failed to pretend they weren’t staring at him. 

Come on Grayson, do better than this. Be fucking better. 

“Are you alright, Dick?” Kori’s voice was warm and comforting, not a single shred of pity in her open expression, only honest concern. 

No. 

Yes.

“I’m fine.” He said with a patented bright Grayson smile. But no one believed him. 

“What’s wrong Uncle Dickie?” He looked down at Lian (small-fragile-he remembered her death-Roy wasn’t the same after she died) and his throat tightened. The last time he saw Roy was at Lian’s funeral.

“Keep an eye on Damian.” Roy had tears streaming down his face as he stared at a picture of his baby girl. “Keep him safe.” in a way I didn’t do for Lian. 

Dick didn’t say anything, just hugged one of his oldest friends. Roy sagged his weight against him until Oliver came and took the grieving father home. 

Neither reached out to each other since then. 

Roy was too busy getting shitfaced. Dick cradled Duke’s dead body. 

“Nothing. Nothing’s wrong.” 

He saw his friends exchanging looks with each other. He saw Bruce and Alfred do the same. 

He felt Dami pat his cheek and bit his cheek to not break down and cry. He leaned down to kiss the top of his baby's head, hiding his watery eyes in Dami’s hair. 

“I’m fine.” He repeated again. And again, no one believed him. Least of all, him. 

Fuck. 

Today was supposed to be a good morning. 

.

There was a lump in his throat, but Dick swallowed it down. “I’m sorry. I just— I just need a moment.”  

Cass was silent, her food forgotten in front of her. Her chest was hurting. There was a pain inside she couldn’t make go away as she stared at her brother-protector-dad, as she watched Dick carefully give Dami to Bruce before hurrying out of the room with red rimmed eyes. 

Sadness-shame-regrets wrapped tightly around him. She could see how much Dick was in pain and hurting, his body lined with apologies and never ending I’m sorry-I’m sorry-I’m sorry.  

Jason pushed his chair back with a loud scrape. He left the room and no one stopped him. The Titans talked quietly among themselves. 

Cass watched Bruce give Dami to Tim before following after Jason. 

Tim blinked at the sudden toddler in his lap before hurriedly holding Dami securely so he didn’t fall. 

Roy looked at Tim and Damian before looking back at the open doorway where Bruce disappeared. 

That utter disaster of a man. 

Luckily, Alfred took the toddler from Tim and rocked Damian slightly to stop an impending wail for his Baba. 

“What’s wrong with Uncle Dickie, Daddy?” Lian didn’t like seeing her favorite uncle sad. 

“He’s not feeling well.” 

“Oh. You should give lots of hugs to make him better.” Hugs always helped her when she got hurt. Maybe she should go see where Uncle Dickie went to give him a hug. 

Roy smiled. “I will. Now finish your breakfast, sweetheart.” 

Guess Lian will just have to give Uncle Dickie a really big hug later. 

After a short conversation about who was going to do what, Wally and Donna stood up to follow after Dick. Kori stood up but walked over to sit in the chair next to Cass, hugging her close. 

I’m here-Dick will be okay-we will make sure of it bright and clear in her honest language. 

Roy sat down next to Tim and encouraged him to eat. Tim looked uneasy, glancing at the open doorway. 

“Dick wouldn’t like it if you skip breakfast.” 

“Master Roy is correct.” The elderly man’s eyes were sad. “Master Dick would not like it if you were neglecting yourself to worry sick over him. Trust in us to help him.” 

“Okay.” Tim said quietly. 

He picked up his fork and reluctantly started eating his strawberry pancakes. Lian was setting a good example as she finished her plate. 

Kori encouraged Cass to eat too, a warm smile on her face. She too used Dick against her. 

And it worked. 

Cass didn’t want to disappoint him. She too picked her fork back up again. 

But even as she slowly ate the rest of her food, she couldn’t stop seeing the image of Dick running out of the room with tears silently running down his face. 

Dick wasn’t okay. 

He was sad. 

Cass didn’t like him sad. She wanted him happy-smiles-bright. 

Dick was in pain and she didn’t know how to fix it. 

.

Jason found Dick crammed into a tight corner between bookshelves in the library. 

Barely suppressed sniffles were heard and Dick was rubbing his eyes furiously. He paused when he heard Jason neared. 

“…What are you doing here?” He said quietly, voice clogged with grief. “You shouldn’t be skipping breakfast.” 

Jason has been looking healthier and putting on more weight thanks to Alfred’s steady supply of good food but he shouldn’t be missing a meal because of Dick’s inability to get himself together. 

“I can eat a snack later. And besides, I didn’t want you to be alone.” 

I had to see you were okay. I had to make sure you weren’t putting more scars on your arms. 

But Jason held those thoughts back. He sat down next to Dick —who did nothing to stop him— before wrapping his arms around his big brother and burying his head in Dick’s side, reaching one hand to press his fingers against Dick’s pulse. 

Dick shuddered but held him back just as tightly, holding his own fingers against Jason’s pulse, letting the strong and steady beat calm him down. 

Why the hell was he like this? He got flashbacks of the future he came from all the time. He learned to just shove it away like an unwanted thought (out of sight, out of mind) and it always worked. It never affected him like this before. 

Why couldn’t he just be happy with what he got? 

Fucking selfish. 

“Who hurt you?” Jason whispered protectively. 

Who was he going to have to hurt? Tim will love digging up dirt on them and ruin their reputation after Jason puts them in the hospital. The Titans seem protective of Dick too so he can probably get them on board to make whoever made Dick cry suffer. 

Bruce might disapprove —Batman wouldn’t let him hurt the tabloid reporters who kept calling Dick a whore and slut— but Alfred would approve. And they all know Alfred was the man of the house. 

“I’m fine.” 

No, you’re not. 

“Was it a reporter?” 

Dick shook his head, resting his cheek on the top of Jason’s head. “It wasn’t any of them.” 

It was Dick’s own fuck ups coming back to haunt him and not let him have any kind of happiness for long. 

“I’m sorry I’m a mess.” He confessed. “I wish I was better.” 

It was easier to admit these dark truths to his baby brother. Maybe it was because Jason already saw him at his lowest and still look at him in awe. 

But sometimes, he hated himself for doing it and wished he could stop. 

Jason was only 12. Dick was 19. Dick was the adult here. He should be able to handle his own issues. He shouldn’t be burdening his baby brother. 

“You’re not a burden.” Jason can see the conflict in those blue eyes. “You shouldn’t be bottling up stuff like that.” 

Hypocrite. But Jason has never said he was the best at following his own advice. 

“Dick? Chum?” 

Dick stiffened at the sound of Bruce’s voice and Jason hugged him tighter. 

Bruce kneeled next to them but didn’t even try to come closer. First, to give Dick space and not crowd him and make him panic even more. And second, because that tight space couldn’t fit any more people. 

“Hey.” 

When Dick took a chance and looked up, there was no judgment in Bruce’s eyes that he let his issues affect the kids. There was only warmth and concern. 

“Hey.” Dick said in a small quiet voice. 

“What happened?” Damn it. He immediately knew that was the wrong thing to say after he said it but he couldn’t take back the words once they were out there. 

Dick froze up and hunched his shoulders in more, making himself appear even smaller. Jason glared daggers at Bruce as he ran a hand through Dick’s hair. 

There was a silent promise in the kid’s eyes that he will castrate him if Bruce fucks it up even more. He’s been spending too much time with Dick. 

“I’m sorry. That came out wrong. I mean, what can I do to help?” 

Why was Bruce so terrible at this? You’d think reading a bunch of parenting books would help him be less of a mess. 

Dick shook his head. Bruce can’t stop the nightmares from happening. 

“I’m fine.” That was the only thing he could say. He couldn’t say he traveled back in time, couldn’t confess about the blood he shed to keep his family safe. He was a selfish bastard and this was no different. He could see that Bruce wanted to say something about how “fine” he really is so he changed the subject. “Besides, you have a therapy appointment with Dinah in 20 minutes.” 

Bruce didn’t like how Dick keeps avoiding the elephant in the room. “I can reschedule it.”

“No. You’re going to be busy with the press conference later on.” Dick knew that Bruce’s only free slot was today. 

“Nothing is more important to me than you.” 

“I’m fine.” Dick repeated. 

“We’ll take care of him.” Wally cut in. 

Dick didn’t look up to see Wally and Donna’s worried stares. He buried his face in Jason’s hair. 

Bruce didn’t want to leave Dick alone. But he knew the Titans would have better luck getting through to Dick and could do a much better job at comforting him. 

“Okay.” Maybe Dinah can give him advice on how to do better for Dick next time this happens. “I’ll be back later, okay?” 

Dick didn’t answer. He just held Jason tighter in his arms. 

.

Jason wanted to spend more time with Dick but he decided to go take care of the other kids who were worried out of their minds about Dick. Jason knew that Dick needed his friends more right now, that he wasn’t in the right headspace to face the kids with a beaming happy smile just yet. 

Roy threw him a grateful smile when Jason took Lian’s hand with a “Wanna watch cartoons?” 

Lian lit up. “Can we watch Dinosaur Train?” 

“Yeah. Damian loves that show too.” To be honest, Damian likes any show with animals. 

Dick was already decorating Damian’s room to look like a little zoo, complete with a haul of stuffed animal plushies. 

“Hold on.” Lian slipped away from Jason’s side and walked quickly towards Dick, darting forward to give him a huge hug. 

Dick looked down at her, confused. “What’s this for?”

“I hug your boo-boo away.” She beamed up at him. 

Dick’s eyes watered again and he leaned down to give her a proper hug. “Never change, sweetheart.” 

He wiped his eyes as he watched Jason lead Lian away. “You raised a good kid, Roy.” 

Roy had a proud smile on his face. “I had help and Lian’s already amazing.” 

It wasn’t long before the Titans took over his bed. 

Dick was laying on his back, staring up at his bedroom ceiling, his head on Wally’s thighs who was sitting up and leaning his back against the wall. Roy was at the edge of the bed, Dick’s ankles propped up on his lap as he massaged them. 

Kori was sitting on Dick’s other side, mindlessly drawing patterns on his arm —over his long sleeve shirt. Dick knew that the others noticed his sudden habit with wearing long sleeves recently but hopefully they think it’s because of Gotham’s shitty weather even though it’s May and nearing summer season. And Donna was sitting against the headboard, running a hand through Dick’s hair.

It was a tight fit. Dick’s bed wasn’t as big as Bruce’s. But he didn’t pull away. He loved the warmth enveloping him from all sides. 

“I missed you guys.” He said quietly. 

“We’re always here for you.” Donna said gently. “We’re never going to leave.” 

You did before. Dick didn’t say. But that was on Dick and not them. Dick was the one who pushed them away after all the deaths and they didn’t want to deal with him anymore. They got sick and tired of him being an asshole and he couldn’t blame them. 

Dick not saying anything hurt worse than any verbal response. Wally was aware that they were naturally drifting apart because they had their own lives, but he didn’t think he was pushing Dick to the side. 

…Or was he?

“We made you something to cheer you up.” Kori stepped off the bed and left the room for a couple of minutes. She came back with a huge thick cardboard poster board. 

When Dick sat up and looked closer at it, he saw a collage of pictures and articles. 

There were a couple of pictures cut out of Dick holding Damian on his hip out in public, of Dick holding Tim’s hand on the sidewalk, of Dick with an arm around Jason’s shoulders and holding him close. 

There were loads of articles praising Dick for being a good dad, how great it was that Dick was taking responsibility for his child when so many teenage dads don’t, how mature and responsible Dick was being that makes him such a good role model for children to look up to. 

Dick blinked back the tears that sprung up in his eyes. “…What is this?” 

He felt Donna hug him from behind. 

Kori had a soft look in her eyes. She reached up and laid a hand on his cheek. “You are a good friend and an even better father. For petty reasons, people are jealous of you and your success and happiness. They call you false names just to be in the spotlight and get any kind of attention.” 

“You’re not a whore or a slut.” Roy said, reaching out to entangle their fingers together. 

And that— 

That was the thing that broke him. 

Dick couldn’t stop the tears from falling no matter how hard he tried to stifle his sobs. 

His friends hugged him tighter and he sagged against them, crying at the support and comfort he wished he could have had when he was alone and breaking and destroying himself in an empty Manor-mausoleum-grave. 

.

.

.

Bruce was currently in one of his safe houses, laying face down on his bed. It wasn’t as comfortable as the one in the Manor but it was better than his office couch. 

He had just finished his second session with Dinah and needed a moment to recharge before going home. He doesn’t regret doing therapy. 

Do not push him away again.

He had to be a better father. He had to be emotionally available. He couldn’t lose Dick or any of his other children. But he can’t deny that it left him tired sometimes. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” Clark was being a good best friend and keeping Bruce company as he sat on a chair next to the bed. 

“No.” Bruce mumbled. He felt wrung out even though Dinah hadn’t even focused on his emotions all that much. 

He told her about Dick’s breakdown at breakfast. And Dinah was patient with him even as he took a long time to unravel the complicated emotions in his chest and tried to come up with words for them. 

He was scared he was losing Dick. He was afraid Dick was pulling away from them and bottling everything up. He was guilty that Dick’s breakdown was because of something he did. 

He kept thinking back to recent events, trying to find out how he fucked up again. But nothing came to mind. 

Dinah was able to give him good advice on what he can do next time it happens so Bruce is less of a fumbling fool. 

Then they just talked about the sudden children Dick keeps accumulating and how Bruce was too much of a coward —okay, Dinah shut down that kind of self-deprecating talk but it didn’t make it any less true in the privacy of his own mind. He was too cowardly to have an honest conversation with Dick about his self harm scars. 

He kept claiming it wasn’t the right time or the right setting or there were too many kids around to have that kind of talk. 

He just didn’t want to scare Dick away, didn’t want him to disappear to one of his many safe houses. Dick was trained. He can easily go off the grid and Bruce didn’t want to find him when it was too late to stop things. He didn’t want to lose his son. But he knew he wasn’t helping matters by letting things prolong like this. 

Damn. He hated feeling useless. 

“Do you want to eat your comfort ice cream? I even got your favorite.” Clark bribed before taking a bite out of his own ice cream carton. It was a delicious strawberry surprise. 

Bruce turned his head to the side. “Chocolate sundae?” 

“Of course.” It was perfect positive reinforcement to celebrate Bruce finally taking therapy seriously. 

Bruce sat up and took the offered carton and spoon. 

“Thanks for being here.” 

“It is no problem.” Diana reassured him from where she was sitting at the bottom of the bed and eating out of a vanilla ice cream carton. “We are your comrades. We are there for you in battle and civilian matters.” 

“Diana, you can’t stab the reporters. For one thing, you’re not subtle and we don’t need that kind of PR right now.” 

“As if public image matters when they insult my nephew.” Diana has her sword and she was ready to use it. 

“She has a point.” 

“Shut up Clark. I already have to stop Jason from going out and beating them up.” 

“How is Jason doing?” Diana said kindly. She did not know the second Robin as well as Dick, but Jason seemed to be a fine warrior with a heart of gold from what she did know. She didn’t miss how close he stuck to Dick and how he stared at his big brother with concern. 

“He’s getting better at accepting physical affection from me again. He didn’t tense when I ruffled his hair after training a couple of days ago.” 

“That’s great.” She smiled. 

“Alfred is still encouraging him about maybe doing a few therapy sessions. Jason says he’s thinking about it. But I think he’s just waiting to see how Dick’s therapy session goes.” 

“When is Dick going?” 

“Next Monday.” Dick is scheduled to have one with a civilian therapist Dinah gave him contacts for and he has put her through a rigorous vetting. Alfred helped too and Dick reluctantly agreed to meet her when they found she was completely clean (she didn’t even have a ticket on her record) and after they made her sign a strict iron clad confidential contract. “Dick has been stressed over how the press conference is going to go tomorrow and I wanted him to de-stress over the weekend.”          

“He’s going?”

“He insisted. He didn’t want reporters to use his absence as an excuse to target the kids.”

“I will make sure they behave and the conference goes well. I will be right there in the front row seat among them after all.” 

Bruce resisted the urge to facepalm as he repeated. “Diana, you can’t stab the reporters.” 

“What a spoilsport.” 

“I know right.” 

“Shut up Clark.” 

Chapter Text

So Dick might have made a mistake. 

Hindsight was 20/20 but all Dick could see was his kids. 

He had to show up at the press conference. He knew that his absence would just make things worse and he will not let the others suffer for his actions. 

It’s been a while since he had to deal with the press. It’s been a long while since he gave a fuck about what they said about him. 

But he had to make a good impression here. He had to make sure that they wouldn’t target his siblings. He had to protect them. He couldn’t let them down. Not again. 

He felt Bruce squeeze his hand gently underneath the table. He saw Diana in the front row with a supporting smile. 

His phone pinged. And when he sneaked a glance, he saw it was a text from Diana. 

It was a picture of her sword along with a message Just give me the signal, little bird. 

He smiled and felt his nerves ease more at the support. He was not alone in this. 

Clark unfortunately couldn’t make it. He had to go home to watch Jon (Dick couldn’t wait to introduce Damian to his best friend but he had to wait until Jon was a bit bigger and had some control over his powers). The Titans were watching over the kids. And how much trouble could his little angels get up to anyway? 

Jason had his Red Hood helmet on, but Nightwing didn’t doubt that he had a shit eating grin on his face as the warehouse burned behind him. 

Damian and Tim were working together for once to absolutely cause hell for Lex Luthor after Conner and Jon got hurt in one of his attacks against Superman. 

Cass and Steph shared a fist bump while semi-unconscious criminals were dangled and groaning in a net above them. 

Well, this would be a good training exercise to keep them on their toes. He hoped the Manor was still standing when they went home. 

He didn’t pay much attention as Bruce talked. He was already very familiar with the speech. 

Bruce once again repeated how Damian was his biological son, not Dick’s and the recent articles insinuating otherwise were not welcomed. He has the birth certificate and DNA tests to prove his point. Damian’s mother decided it was best for her child to live with Bruce from now on and that was all. 

He said a lot more but that was the gist of it. 

Dick watched the reporters instead, watched who was going to be the biggest problem and who he would sic Aunt Diana on. 

As expected, it was when the floor was opened to questions that things went wrong. He prepared himself for the questions they would ask, for the accusations and cameras flashing in his eyes just waiting for the moment he breaks. But it didn’t make his heart hurt any less to hear it out loud. 

“Why is Brucie’s covering for his son? The public has a right to the truth.” 

“Is there any truth to Tim Drake being your biological son, Brucie?” 

“Who is Damian’s mother? Why isn’t she here? Is it true she was paid to keep quiet about Officer Grayson’s discretions?” 

His chest constricted at the onslaught and his breathing quickened. 

“Is Damian dead since he isn’t here with you?” There was an eagerness in the man’s voice to get a brand new scoop out of the Wayne tragedies. 

The bright white flash of a camera in his face disoriented Dick for a moment that he didn’t comprehend the words until a second later and his vision was washed in a seething anger. He didn’t even notice his fists were clenched until after he punched the reporter in the jaw. 

Weeks after had headlines of how unstable Wayne’s eldest is. Duke and Damian teamed up to quietly block the web articles or destroy newspapers before he could see them. 

It didn’t ease the hurt or stop the few articles that managed to slip their grasp and Dick saw what people really thought of him now that he had no protection to really defend himself with. But he appreciated their efforts so he didn’t bring them up. 

Dick was wrong. He couldn’t do this. He didn’t want to do this. 

But he had to. 

He kept repeating his kids’ names (the present and future kids he still need to get) in his head over and over —Jason, Tim, Steph, Cass, Damian, Duke, etc— to help keep a tight lid on his volatile emotions and not lash out or break down. 

They just want a reaction out of him and to get their five minutes of fame. They just want to get that click bait title. 

He saw Diana frowning, expression darkening at the slander they tried to paint her nephew in and was probably about to stand up and strangle someone when Bruce cut in, quieting the crowd. 

“As I’ve said before,” There was a hard edge in his voice that was more reminiscent of Batman than Brucie. “Damian is my biological son. Damian’s mother was not paid. We came to a mutual agreement that Damian will live with me. I am not covering for Dick.” 

They shouted more questions after that. A few tenacious ones were still hung up on trying to fit things in their version of what must be the truth. 

Dick felt like a coward leaving Bruce to handle all the questions. He didn’t want to speak up. He didn’t want to be in the spotlight even though they were all staring at him. 

He looked at Diana who was discreetly signing. 

“It’s okay, little bird. I’m always here for you. I’m not leaving you. You are okay. I will keep you safe.”  

She could see Dick being overwhelmed and her desire to comfort him, to make sure he’s alright outweighed her desire to put her sword to use. 

She will simply have to memorize their faces and deliver vengeance after the conference. Perhaps, this would be a good time to bond with Jason as well. He seemed like he would enjoy such a thing and she should get to know her nephew more. 

She smiled when Dick looked like he calmed down and he didn’t look like he was going to bolt anytime soon. 

Brucie had to keep up the mask and answer politely but Dick can tell that it was cracking and Bruce was close to letting Diana just stab people.

“Surely Officer Grayson won’t mind submitting a paternity test since he doesn’t have anything to hide then?” 

Dick tensed. 

“That’s a blatant invasion of privacy.” Diana answered with narrowed eyes, not even giving a chance for Bruce to answer. She already knew who’s her first target to taste her blade. 

“Only if he is actually lying.” The man fired back like he got them in checkmate. 

Bruce memorized the man’s features. He was going to have Lucius and Alfred bar him from all future WE events. And Tim will love to help him ruin the man’s professional life and make it extremely difficult for him to get a career in the media. 

Diana was getting angrier with every word this despicable reporter was saying. “How dare you claim that— ” 

“Damian isn’t my son.” Dick cut in, speaking for the first time since the press conference started, and the crowd again quieted down. “He’s my baby brother that I love and deeply care for.”

He felt Bruce squeeze his hand in support and it gave him the courage to say the rest. 

“But I don’t disagree with the statement that I am a teenage dad. I’m a mix of being a parent and an older brother to my younger siblings and Damian is no different. That is all I have to say on the matter.” 

Vicki Vale stood up then and Dick grew wary until he saw the slight smile on her face. “I do have a question for Mr. Grayson but first, I would like to say that it’s heartwarming to see you be such a caring and responsible big brother to your new siblings. You’re a good role model for Gotham’s future.” 

Oh. Maybe Vale wasn’t so bad after all. 

Dick couldn’t stop the soft smile from spreading on his face or the slight blush on his cheeks. 

He thought about all the trauma-burdens-knowledge he’s been holding back and everything he did to prevent his future from happening.

He thought back to the poster his friends made of all the people who praised him for being a good dad. He thought about all of his kids who smother him in hugs and affections he could never get tired of.  

He looked back at Bruce and Diana who were here with him. 

He wasn’t alone anymore. He never had been. 

.

“So he’s the one parenting Cassandra?” Lady Shiva held her chin high as she gazed down at the press conference held on the steps of Wayne Enterprises. 

Nightwing wasn’t someone she thought much of (she doesn’t really care for hero news like Talia does) but her opinion changed when Talia told her of the hero’s kills, of the lengths he will go to and the lines he will break for the children under his care. 

“He’s a good father.” Talia said, also looking down to watch Richard and Bruce. They were on the rooftop of a nearby building. “He parents Damian well.” 

Already, her precious treasure looks healthier and happier. If her father tries to get Damian from the Manor, he will have a hard time getting through Batman’s security and Nightwing’s horde of protective teammates and allies. She was glad to see that their loyalty to their leader also meant they will put Damian’s protection first and foremost. 

She was becoming more comfortable in her alliance with Nightwing.

She did her research and before coming to the press conference, she spent some time watching them from the shadows. Her heart warmed at the sight of her son. She recognized Jason Todd and Tim Drake. She was surprised to see a very familiar Asian girl. 

She didn’t anticipate Sandra’s daughter being here too. But she did expect the message from Richard asking to organize a meeting to discuss about her custody. 

“How did he find out about Cassandra in the first place? Not many people knew I had a child.” 

“The kid told me Talia told him.” Slade invited himself into the conversation. He leaned back against the railing and reveled in the entertainment Dick was providing him. Maybe the kid would like another daughter to dote on. Dick’s obviously comfortable with the idea of parenting children of assassins. 

“Lies.” Talia said. “I told him nothing of the sort.” 

“Yeah, I know. I bet that’s what the kid tells Batman too.” 

Shiva interjected then, directing her gaze to her long time friend… and unwanted acquaintance. “You two did not think to ask Nightwing just where he is getting his confidential information from?” 

Was she compromised? Did one of her men betray her? She was going to have to do a deep cleaning once she goes back. 

“Well yeah.” Slade was having too much fun. “He told me Talia as I said before. I bet next time I ask, he’ll say you. And I bet if you ask him, he’ll say it’s from me.”

“You excel at torture and intel gathering. Surely gaining information from a mere child is literally child’s play.” 

Slade just smirked at her. “I could.” 

But he doesn’t. He couldn’t wait until she met Dick for herself and see just how dark (and bloodthirsty) Nightwing is now. He’s curious on where the kid is getting all this information from. He has a few theories he’s entertaining but it was more enjoyable for him to sit back and watch the show.

“It’s counterproductive to torture my son’s father.” How could Richard watch over her precious treasure then? 

Talia was curious for sure, but she was willing to set aside that curiosity for now in favor of Damian’s safety and well being. 

“Am I compromised?” She asked when Damian fell asleep after talking to her on a video call. “Did a League member tell you about my son?” 

“No. Your men are loyal to you.” 

“So how did you know about Damian?” 

“Speaking of Dami, he’s been getting better at his English. Jason is an amazing teacher. He made Dami flashcards and reads to him every morning.” Dick redirected not so subtly and his greatest misdirection is using his siblings. 

Time travel isn’t a solution many people would automatically think of at this time so he was safe in that knowledge. When people ask how he got his confidential information, his method of claiming it was Slade or Talia who gave it to him has been working really well so far so he didn’t see a reason to change that story. 

“Father?” Sandra asked with her eyebrow raised. “I thought Bruce was Damian’s father or were those tests actually forged?” 

“The tests and birth certificate are real. I never slept with Richard.” She was morally gray but there were lines she would never cross and having sexual intercourse with a child is one of them. 

Shiva turned her gaze back to Richard and pursed her lips in consideration. 

It’s not the worst thing to have Cassandra be protected in Batman’s own home especially with the Justice League on call. 

But she would like to speak with Richard on the matter first. And unlike the other two softies in the vicinity, she will not relent until she finds out exactly how he knew about her daughter. 

.

Dick wasn’t okay. But Cass didn’t know how to make him happy-smiles-bright again. 

She decided to seek out Jason. 

He was in the library, Damian in his lap watching intently as he carefully moved his finger along the page and read out loud. 

He put the book down when he caught sight of her. 

“Hi Cass.” He spoke and signed at the same time like Dick does who wanted to ease Cass into understanding spoken language. “Is everything alright?” 

She shook her head before plopping herself next to him, reaching forward to pat Dami’s cheek, a silent apology for interrupting reading time. 

The toddler blinked owlishly at her. 

“What’s wrong?” Jason gently brought her attention back. He kept his body language open just like Dick does even though it scares him to be so open and vulnerable. 

“Dick—” She tried to put her worries into words, into movements. But she couldn’t figure out the words to her feelings, how to put words in the images in her head of what she was seeing. 

Dick is not okay. He’s sad. He’s in pain. He feels guilty. He feels ashamed. He hates people touching him. He wants comfort and people to hold him. He wants to reach out but doesn’t know how. 

Her face scrunched up in her frustration at not being able to communicate as much as she wanted to.  

She signed. “Dick no feel good.” Here. She pointed to her chest. 

Jason’s eyes turned sadder. 

“Dick isn’t feeling good?” Jason guessed. He wasn’t as great as Dick in deciphering Cass’ body language but he dealt with skittish kids all the time on the streets. He can hazard a guess. “Are you worried about Dick crying this morning?” 

She nodded. She pointed towards her chest again before signing. “Me hurt. No like Dick hurt.”

“It hurts you to see Dick hurt? You don’t like it when he’s hurt.” Jason said. “It hurts me too.” 

“Who?” 

“Who hurt him?” He asked. 

She nodded. 

Who hurt him? She was a good fighter. She was trained. Father made her to hurt others. And this time, she will do so willingly. She wants to hurt the people who hurt her dad. 

Jason looked down. He absentmindedly started running his hand through Damian’s hair. “I don’t know. All I do know is that he’s been hurt badly.” 

He doesn’t know the specifics (Dick keeps that too close to his chest) but he can make assumptions, can draw conclusions based on what he’s seen. He didn’t last this long by being ignorant or blind. 

Sometimes, Dick slightly tense when people touched him without warning. Sometimes, his fingers would twitched, wanting to reach forward before he stopped himself. Sometimes, his blue eyes would glaze over when he looks at them like he was seeing ghosts. 

Jason doesn’t call him out on that or ask questions. He knew he wouldn’t get a straight answer. Dick was too good at deflecting questions. 

So he doesn’t push, doesn’t make Dick relive unwanted memories and simply hug Dick close and press his fingers on his pulse to assure himself that his big brother was here and alive. 

“How—” Cass frowned. “Dick” She signed before pressing her fingers to her cheeks and making a big smile. 

“How to make Dick smile? You want to help him?” 

She nodded, eagerly this time. Dick helped her (gave her home-gave her love-gave her family) and she wanted to do something for him back. 

.

Tim was a man on a mission. 

He waited until after he hugged Dick goodbye and he left for the press conference to go straight to his room and compile his research on sexual assault together. 

The Titans were left behind to babysit them. He would’ve loved talking to his heroes more and getting more signatures in his autograph book. He would’ve love to talk to Arsenal more. He felt a little bad turning down the hero’s offer to brainstorm new gadgets. He wanted to. He didn’t know if he would get another chance to pick Roy’s brain but he suppressed his desires (he was used to doing that) because he wanted to help Dick more. 

He didn’t miss how Dick flinched when Starfire laid a hand on his shoulder. 

Holding his notebook close to his chest, he then searched the Manor for Jason. 

He headed for the library first. This is usually when Jason has his daily reading/practice English time with Damian and Jason was very particular about setting a routine for the toddler to follow to make his transition from the League to here easier. 

The last thing he wanted to do was bring up bad memories of being sexually assaulted but Jason was the only one he trusted to talk about this with. 

He wanted to be there for his big brother like Dick was always there for him. Dick gave him a family and loving parents. 

He didn’t know who hurt his brother (he couldn’t hurt them back and make their lives miserable) but he wanted to help make Dick feel better. 

When he entered the room, he saw Jason, Damian, and Cass on the couch. 

Oh. 

They looked up when he shyly approached and he blushed at all the attention. 

“Hey Tim.” Jason smiled. “Did you need something?” 

Tim averted his eyes and played with a loose strand. “I’m sorry if I interrupted reading time.”

“Don’t worry. We were already finished.” 

“Oh, that’s good.” He bit his lip before blurting out. “Can I talk to you alone?” 

“Yeah, sure.” Jason’s tone was lighthearted even as his eyes sharpened as they looked over Tim. “Just let me give Damian to Kori.” 

He stood up and adjusted Damian in his arms to get a better hold. Before apparently leading the rest of the little ducklings to find the other Titans. 

He never imagined being in such a big family before, let alone being a big brother. It was an unfamiliar feeling but a nice one. And he liked to think he was being a good brother for his abundant amount of siblings. Well, for the most part. 

They found Kori, Roy, and Lian in the kitchen. 

“Hey guys. Are you hungry?” Roy couldn’t help the dad side of him from coming out when he saw them. 

“No thanks.” Jason was many things but Catherine and Alfred made sure he knew his manners. “But can you watch Damian for a bit? I want to play video games in my room.” 

“Of course.” Kori said, putting down her coffee mug and carefully reaching out to hold Dick’s son in her arms. 

Roy didn’t even try to take the toddler. Damian has more than once expressed his displeasure towards the arrow and speedster. He tolerated Donna and Kori more when Dick wasn’t here. 

Cass glanced at Tim (hunched shoulders-holding notebook tightly-angling his body towards Jason) before climbing on one of the kitchen stools. 

“Hi Cass.” Lian greeted brightly when the older Asian girl sat next to her. She was eating a plate of fruits that Alfred cut up before he left to drive Bruce and Dick to the conference. “Want some?” 

Cass nodded.  

Lian beamed before holding out an apple slice that Cass carefully took with a grateful smile (the little girl probably didn’t know sign) and Roy watched the little scene with fond eyes. 

Before Jason and Tim could leave, Kori handed him a serving tray of little sandwiches and two apple juice cartons. 

Jason could never deny food. He took it. “Thanks.” 

“It is of no problem.” Kori smiled warmly and Jason had to stop the blush from erupting. 

Instead, he did a tactical retreat from the kitchen and led Tim to his room. Baby bird was quiet but he tapped a nervous finger on his notebook cover. 

Once his bedroom closed behind him, Jason wasted no time asking. “Is everything okay?” 

He didn’t miss how Tim seem to curl in earlier when they were in the kitchen. He laid the tray on his dresser and turned around to give Tim his full attention who still hasn’t spoke up. “Are you overwhelmed with the Titans being here?” 

Tim shook his head. “That’s not it.”

Jason sat down on his bed and patted the empty space next to him. Tim nervously sat down. 

“You know you can tell me anything.” Jason said softly. “I’m always here for you.” 

A breath and then a near whisper. “I think Dick was sexually assaulted.” 

Jason froze, the air knocked out of him. 

And Tim quickly rushed out the next words, afraid that he made Jason angry by bringing it up. 

“I’m sorry for bringing up bad memories. I didn’t mean to. But I don’t know who else to ask about this. I just— I just saw the signs that Dick seems to have and it makes sense. See.” He quickly opened the notebook to show Jason. “I have it all right here.” 

Jason blinked before he looked down at Tim’s neat and precise handwriting, at the carefully detailed observations and notes confirming his theory. 

“I know that he said Talia never raped him. But that doesn’t mean no one ever raped him.” 

He couldn’t look Tim in the eye. He felt too guilty that he didn’t see the signs too. Hell, he was raped himself and he couldn’t pick it up. But now that he was looking at it, it did make sense based on Dick’s behavior (it could even be the reason why he started cutting himself) and Tim’s carefully detailed observations only tightened that argument. 

Maybe if he had noticed and stopped ignoring-shoving away every thing related to being fucked on the streets, he could have there for Dick like Dick always was to him. 

But no, Dick had to suffer alone because Jason was fucking selfish in pretending that nothing ever happened and he was just fine. 

He was wrong. He was a terrible brother. He wasn’t there for Dick. He made Tim take care of him when it wasn’t his job. 

Maybe Alfred was onto something when he suggested therapy. He doesn’t want to be selfish anymore. 

.

Good news. 

The Manor was still standing when Dick, Bruce, and Alfred came back home. Diana in tow to meet her newest niece that Dick couldn’t stop talking about in the car. 

Cass greeted them alone at the door. She didn’t waste any time hugging Dick tightly. 

“Hi Cass.” He kneeled to hug her back just as tightly. “I’m home. I have someone I want you to meet.” 

Cass pulled back but held onto the edge of Dick’s shirt tightly at the unknown stranger (warrior-trained-strong) as he introduced them. “This is your aunt Diana.” 

“And Diana, this is my new sister Cass.” 

Diana kneeled, speaking and signing like Dick did. “My name is Diana. It’s nice to meet you, little warrior.” 

Cass shyly waved but didn’t move away from her dad’s side. The strong woman didn’t seem to mind; her smile grew softer. 

“Where’s everyone else?” Bruce tried to pull a Clark and be stupidly optimistic when he saw the empty foyer. 

Maybe the Titans had matured over the last couple of years. 

“I’m going to kill you Harper!” 

Everyone paused at the sound of Jason’s voice echoing through the hallway. 

Or maybe not. 

.

Unfortunately, Harper lives for another day. Jason didn’t want to get on Alfred’s bad side by dirtying the furniture or make Lian sad. No matter how much the stupid red head deserves it when he played dirty and “accidentally” shoved him off the couch while they were playing video games, costing Jason the game. He was clearly in first place before the dirty cheat took his place. 

He glared at the archer, clearly conveying I’m keeping my eyes on you. 

Roy simply smiled back. The kid was a sore loser. 

“Stop antagonizing him.” Wally said exasperatedly. They were all gathered in the den. 

He, Donna, and Tim were on the couch playing the next round of Mario Kart. Kori was playing with Damian and Lian on the floor, toys scattered around them. The two toddlers were currently having a competition of who can build the tallest towers with building blocks. Jason was fuming on the other side of the couch. 

“It got his mind off of missing Dickie.” Roy whispered back, laying on the armrest. He didn’t know what happened when Jason and Tim came back down but Jason was even more mopey and brooding and of course, it was his responsibility as an uncle to cheer his nephew up. “Besides, if the kid’s gonna be a Titan one day, he needs to know how our game nights usually go.” 

It was excellent training on learning how to focus even through the constant sabotage attempts. 

“You guys seem cozy.” Dick commented idly, watching them with fond eyes. 

“Dick! You’re home.” Tim abandoned his controller to rush towards him before hugging him tightly. Jason immediately hopped off the couch to do the same. 

Dick kneeled and hugged them back just as tightly. 

“Baba.” Damian abandoned his blocks but Jason and Tim reached his Baba first and he hated it. 

Tears sprung up in his eyes because he wanted Baba to hug him too. He felt someone scoop him off the floor and came face to face with the girl Baba claims is his new sister. Baba tends to claim a lot of people as his new siblings (Baba has a problem doing that a lot). 

His protests were quieted when she brought him closer to Baba who let go of the boys and reached out to take him from the girl. 

“Hi Dami.” Baba leaned down to press a kiss on his head. “Were you a good boy?” 

Of course. Damian is always good. 

.

Dick was supposed to be taking it easy. The press conference could have definitely been worse. He was glad it was done with though but now he had therapy on Monday to look forward to. 

This is for Jason. He had to keep reminding himself. 

Anyway, he was feeling a bit tired so he claimed he was going to take a nap. His little babies followed after him so he skipped his room and went straight towards Bruce’s. 

Soon Dick was laying in the middle of the bed. Damian was sitting on his left side and playing with Dick’s fingers with an adorable focused expression on his face. Tim was near the foot of the bed messing with a wooden puzzle. He and Bruce have a little competition on who can solve them the fastest. It was 4 to 6 so far in Bruce’s favor. 

Jason was next to Damian and also laying down. He had his arms crossed underneath his head and stared at the ceiling. Now that he wasn’t being distracted by Dick’s friends, he couldn’t stop thinking about what Tim told him. 

He didn’t want to ruin the good mood here, but he couldn’t stop thinking about what he can do to make Dick feel better. 

Cass was curled up on Dick’s right side, holding Dick’s phone in her hands and intently watching a video of a ballet dance. 

She was captivated from the very first second. There were no words spoken —that needed to be spoken. Everything that needed to be said was through body language. 

She watched the girl moving on the screen. She didn’t know how long it has been since the video started but she was absorbed in watching the girl make her own language, her own story using only her body. 

It was beautiful. 

All too soon the video ended and the girl stopped moving. 

Cass frowned. She looked up at Dick who’s been watching her with soft-fond-loving eyes. She wanted to watch more of this. 

Dick carefully took his hand away from Damian’s grasp to sign as he spoke. “Do you like it?”

“Like lots.” She signed back. “Want.” 

She pointed at the phone. Dick suppressed the urge to coo at how adorable she was and obliged. He started playing more videos for her to watch. 

He laid his hand back down and Damian started playing with his fingers again. 

He kept watching Cass and his heart melted at how intently she was staring at his phone, her fingers twitching, wanting to move in the same way. 

Well, Dick was more than happy to grant her wish. 

He will never deny his siblings anything. He made a note to bring Cass to a dance studio. She can even make civilian friends there. Of course, after he carefully vetted and did surveillance to make sure no one can hurt his little angel. 

“Do you want to do it?” He asked after a few more videos played. 

She blinked before glancing down at the phone and looking back at him. Excitement clear in her eyes and body. She pointed to herself. “I do that?” 

“Yes.” He nodded with a bright smile. “I’ll teach you.” 

He couldn’t wait. He always loved dancing and bonding with her in the ballroom. Even better when they dragged the rest of their siblings to dance too. 

Just wait until he teaches her to fly like a Grayson. It was one of his fondest memories to teach his brothers and sisters like how Dya and Dat once taught him. 

.

.

.

True to her word, Talia set up a meeting between him and Shiva. He took a detour on his patrol route claiming he was speaking to an informant. He shut off his comm and deactivated his trackers and any shadows on his tail. It wasn’t long before he arrived at one of his safehouses. 

Similar to his first meeting with Talia, Lady Shiva was underestimating Dick. It was obvious in the way she stood in the middle of his living room and looked down at him like he was a stupid toddler. 

He didn’t mind. 

She’ll learn better soon enough. 

“I want Bruce to adopt Cass.” 

“You surely don’t beat around the bush, do you?” She said instead. 

They stared at each other, measuring the other one up, watching the other for a single move that will turn this standstill into a bloodbath. 

They both ignored how Talia and Slade were also in the room and watching them. Talia had a carefully neutral expression as she leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. Slade was sitting in an armchair with his feet propped up on a footstool, not even making his enjoyment of the ensuing show subtle. 

“How do you know of my daughter’s existence?” 

“Do you love your daughter?” Dick said instead, standing a few feet in front of her. 

Talia’s eyes turned amused, remembering being asked the same exact question in regards to Damian. 

“You don’t get to ask questions.” Shiva said. “Now answer mine.” 

Her ire increased when the boy didn’t even look intimidated. 

Nightwing has faced greater monsters than her. He held his family’s dead bodies in his arms. He killed the Joker, Black Mask, and Bane. Shiva does not scare him. 

“My intel is secure. No one else knows.” 

“That isn’t what I asked.” 

“That’s the question that matters.” 

“Stop playing around. How did you know?” She stepped closer to him. A hardened edge appeared in her voice. She was tempted to stab him even if Talia wouldn’t like it if she gutted Damian’s father. 

Dick smiled prettily. “She was my sister in another life.” 

Shiva’s glare deepened. 

He dropped the smile and turned serious. He was growing tired of this back and forth. 

“No one told me about her. Not your men or ally or anyone in this room. Cass is safe with me. She is protected and cared for. She is better off with me than she will ever be with you or Cain.” He spat out, a protective dark glint in stormy blue eyes. His tone icy. “I will never hurt Cass or put her in danger. You can believe me or not. But if you try to take her from me, I will end you.” 

It was a threat. 

A promise. 

Shiva frowned. 

She didn’t like his tone or attitude towards her but she can appreciate the effort he will go through for her daughter. Maybe Talia was onto something trusting her son with him.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t going to get anywhere with finding out just where Nightwing was getting his confidential information. She’ll back down for now and interrogate him again when they were alone. 

She was going to discover the truth but she’ll let him have the win this time to lower his guard. 

“And if she’s pushed to become a vigilante like you and Robin—” 

He interrupted. “I will never push her into anything. Her becoming a vigilante will be her choice alone.” 

“But if she does become one, her life will always be in danger.” Shiva knew of the near death experiences the Bats had. 

His back straightened. 

“I won’t let her die.” He won’t let that happen again. The future he came from will not be an option for his family. “I will kill any threat that threatens her life. I will do anything to protect my family. I beat the Joker to death with a crowbar, I shot Black Mask in the head, and this time next week, Ra’s will lay dead at my feet.”

Chapter Text

Adrenaline was still running in Jason’s veins as he watched the GCPD take away the robbers he and Batman stopped.  

It always brought his spirits up when he was able to put on the suit and help people. 

Being Robin is magic. 

It always has been. It was a way for him to prove that he was more than his roots, more than a dirty street rat-prostitute-whore, more than every dirty thing people like to call him just because he was from Crime Alley. 

And being Robin proves that he wasn’t a nobody. 

He was a person. 

He was Bruce’s Jaylad, Dick’s Little Wing, and Tim’s hero. He was Alfred’s grandson. He was Damian, Steph, and Cass’ brother. 

He was worth nothing to the public. But he was worth something to his family and that made it easier to bear the crude insults he hears whispered at school, on the streets, in his head. 

“Good work.” There was a small smile on Batman’s face. 

Jason beamed at the praise even as he tried to play it cool. “It’s nothing.” 

“I’m proud of you.” 

He couldn’t hide his face reddening at that. Lately, Bruce has been praising him more and giving him more physical affection (always making sure he was okay with it first). 

Dick probably played a role in that. 

Batman carefully held his hand out and when Robin didn’t move, he inched forward and ruffled his hair. 

Jason leaned into the gentle touch. 

“I love you.” Bruce whispered softly, fondly —words only meant for his son to hear. 

Jason closed his eyes and believed in his words, hiding, locking them away like a precious treasure just in case he inevitably fuck up more than Batman can tolerate. 

Even though intellectually, he knew that Dick would rather die than ever let him be kicked to the curb. 

.

Dick knew that Shiva still hasn’t approved of him having custody over Cass, but he still got it in the end and that’s what matters more. He can deal with her displeasure. He can handle her if she oversteps and becomes a threat in the future. 

He didn’t get his family back just to lose them again. He refuse to let the future he came from happen again. He doesn’t care whose blood stains his hands to keep the present he’s in now. 

Shiva was quiet for the rest of the meeting. But he can still feel her contemplating gaze on him. He ignored it and focused on Talia. He wasn’t kidding when he said Ra’s will be dead in a week. 

The bastard has spent far too long breathing his last. 

Jason, Tim, Steph, Cass, and Dami were stable, safe, and happy at the Manor. Bruce and Alfred will be able to keep it that way while he deals with Ra’s. 

The Titans will be destroying his bases and causing a diversion so Nightwing can slip in and make the Demon’s Head suffer for every pain he caused his siblings, for every scar and hurt he put them through. 

Not that Dick told his friends the specifics on that part. All he said is that he will handle Ra’s with Talia. Let them think what they want about that. 

Talia can have the League. He just wants to be the one who end her father’s miserable existence. 

He and Talia spent some time talking about their plans with commentary from Slade who was far too invested in his apprentice’s life as a villain. He didn’t care. Slade can do whatever he wants, murder whoever crosses his way. As long as he leaves Dick’s kids alone, Dick doesn’t give a fuck about him. 

Everything was going well. Before he met with Talia about getting custody over Dami, he inconspicuously slipped Tim’s computer viruses with his own flair in them in the League’s security. They won’t notice anything was wrong until it was too late to do a single thing. Once he gives the signal, they would plunge Ra’s bases in darkness and leave him vulnerable for attack. 

Of course, it won’t render the League’s servers completely unusable. He didn’t want to ruin the League of Assassins after all. He needed Talia to take control of it. It was a perfect cover for his less than legal or morally right schemes. And, well, if Talia herself proves to be a threat, then Dick will take away everything she ever cares about and deal with her like he dealt with her father. 

He had no doubts that there will be threats in the future he will need to permanently end to keep his family safe. He was trained by the best. He knew how to hide his tracks very well. No one will find out just what he did to keep his family safe. 

But he wasn’t arrogant enough to think there wasn’t a silver of a chance they might find out about the lines he crossed. 

One fact of life among the superhero community is that the Bats always have contingency plans. 

Oracle and Batman will need the plausible deniability. 

He doesn’t know what their reactions will be if they ever find out about the murders he committed. He knows how Bruce treated him when he killed the Joker before. 

He still remembers the disgust on his dad’s face and how he would constantly avoid him after Dick beat the Joker to death even though he saved him in the end. 

He can’t fool himself into thinking that his reaction will be much different now on his iron clad no-killing code. 

But he also can’t deny that Bruce was different now. Softer. Kinder. Willing to show physical affection. 

His dad was so…young. 

It was mind-boggling to think that Dick was older than Bruce was right now, even if only mentally. 

.

When Dick left his safehouse, he wasn’t surprised to be joined by a little shadow quickly after. 

“Hi Cass.” He whispered as he ran a hand through her hair. 

She beamed and wrapped her arms around his waist. She didn’t even look regretful that she followed after him when he told her to stay in bed. 

She was dressed in a simple reinforced black suit and had a black domino mask on her face like Tim wore when he went with them on patrol. She wanted to look like her dad and found the items in a locker. 

He turned on his comm to the BatCave. “Hey Agent A, I have a little shadow here.” 

“She is supposed to be in bed.” Alfred didn’t have to wonder who was out. Miss Cassandra was remarkably attached to Master Dick. 

“I’ll bring her back soon.” Dick promised. 

Before he went out on patrol, he put Dami to bed in his own room (he was trying to get Dami to get used to his space). His baby looked so precious sleeping in bed with his favorite Nightwing teddy bear and bat plushie next to him. The night light casted a soft orange glow in the room. 

Dick couldn’t resist snapping a few pictures before he leaned down to give Dami a goodnight kiss on his forehead. He closed the door quietly behind him and headed towards Tim’s room. 

Tim was getting used to Dick checking up on them before he went out on patrol. So he didn’t say anything when Dick took away his laptop and tucked him in bed. When Dick leaned down to give him a goodnight kiss on his forehead, his face turned red (he was still not used to it but he was getting better at not being so shocked every time it happened). 

Tonight, he did look a bit nervous, anxious. Dick decided to wait until morning before saying anything. Maybe Tim was anxious about going back to school Monday. 

“I love you, Baby bird.” 

There was a pause before a quick. “I love you too.” 

Dick was smiled before he turned off the lights. The glow in the dark constellations on the ceiling made sure the room wasn’t in complete darkness. 

He headed to Cass’ room next. She was doing stretches on the floor while she was waiting for him. Dick helped her take a bubble bath and brushed her hair earlier. 

She yawned as Dick tucked her in bed and bent down to kiss her forehead. 

“I love you.” 

She smiled and signed. “Love you.” 

Before Dick could fully stand up and leave, she reached out and grabbed his arm to keep him in place. Dick had a curious look on his face but didn’t stop her when she leaned up and pressed her lips on his forehead. 

Dick blinked back the tears and felt a burst of warmth in his chest. He left for patrol an hour after Batman and Robin but he didn’t mind. 

Dick turned off his comm and stared at Cass. His body language open for her eyes and not hiding the questioning-fondness-curiosity he was feeling. 

“Want you.” She signed in response. 

She wanted to be there for him. She wanted to protect him. She was trained. She can hurt people. She can make sure no one takes her dad away from her. 

Dick should’ve expected that but he was going to have to teach her why she shouldn’t sneak out of the house and how it was important to know where she was if something happens. 

She was a good fighter but even Jason had Bruce watching out for him (and multiple trackers on his suit). 

Luckily, he has years of experience dealing with and raising stubborn teenagers. 

.

Nightwing told Batman and Robin that Cass snuck out and he was bringing her home. 

He decided to take the long way around to take his sister flying. Cass held tight onto Nightwing as he used his grapple to swing through Gotham. 

It wasn’t long before they arrived at a building right next to the Browns’ residence. The spot Dick chose overlooked the window of Steph’s bedroom, the purple curtains were a dead giveaway. 

He took out his phone to show Cass a picture of Steph. 

“Steph.” He introduced to her who looked at the phone with curious eyes. 

She looked back at the window before looking down at the phone again and back at Dick. 

“Family.” He confirmed. “Little sister.” 

. 

And when they arrived at Duke’s house, he introduced him as her little brother.

Cass listened as Dick told her stories of her new siblings. How he couldn’t get them to the Manor yet but he can watch them from afar, protect them from the shadows. 

There was sadness-fondness-regret-overwhelming love surrounding her dad as he spoke. 

She looked back at the curtainless window, at where her new little brother was sleeping soundly on his bed. 

She had many siblings and she was the oldest of them. They were hers to love, to care for, to protect. 

She was trained. She was a good fighter. She will get even better-faster-stronger so no one will take her family away from her. 

.

Dick couldn’t wait until the others learn about Duke. He was already planning on having Duke get a Wayne scholarship to Gotham Academy in the fall. His little light was so smart and Tim would like talking about superheroes with him. 

Speaking of school, there were only a couple of weeks of school left. The kids were about to deal with final exams and it was the perfect time to launch an attack on Ra’s. 

He knew Jason was going to pout on being left out but he was not taking any chances on his Little Wing or Baby bird being anywhere near Nanda Parbat. He’ll just have to make it up to them. He’ll probably take them to the WatchTower and maybe Titans Tower too. They would like that. 

.

It was a quiet night. 

Not many Rogues were out causing trouble in fear of attracting Nightwing’s temper. Robin coughed to hide laughing out loud when Batman pouted (only noticed by those who knew him well) at being the lesser threat people rather deal with. 

But that doesn’t mean crime stopped in Gotham. 

Or that Batman wasn’t still a threat to criminals. He was still very overprotective of Robin. His punches hit harder when two-bit thugs laid a hand on his partner. 

And normally, Jason would feel smothered by the care (he was not a baby) but it soothed a wound in his chest at Bruce’s blatant love for him. It made him feel more secure in his place in the Wayne family, that Bruce and Dick and Alfred really won’t throw him out the Manor because he was a whore. 

It was the same feeling he gets when he heard about how Nightwing’s been putting rapists in the hospitals without mercy. He heard the whispers on the streets of his brutal behavior and the warnings the alleys give each other. 

He heard the street girls talking about how protected they feel and that people were wrong to call him unhinged. Nightwing was a child protector. Always has been, always will. People just didn’t like how he get things done. 

Jason felt the same way. Sure, he probably would’ve liked a more permanent end. It would make him feel better if the bastards were dead and they can never lay another hand on a kid again. But he couldn’t deny the satisfaction in his veins when he saw the pictures of the bastards stuck in hospitals for a long stay. 

As much as Jason knew that Dickie did it for him, he couldn’t deny that maybe a part of that anger came from how Dickie was raped himself and didn’t feel like he could have gotten help for himself. 

Because he was too busy comforting a stupid kid who couldn’t handle a few unwanted touches. 

His good mood plummeted when he remembered just how awful he was to make Dick focus on his pain instead of his own. 

Dick wasn’t dealing with his trauma well. The cuts on his arm can attest to that. Dick deserves to feel comforted and safe too. 

And Jason has been acting like a big baby this whole time. He was fine. His trauma wasn’t even that bad in the end. He even got compensated for his pain. What right did he have to complain about that? 

Dick deserves a better Little Wing. Jason made a promise to himself to be a better brother. 

So even after taking off his uniform and taking a quick shower, he stuck around in the BatCave, waiting for Dick to come home with Cass who somehow slipped through the Manor’s security. Bruce was at the BatComputer working on updating it to account for her training. 

“Is everything alright?” 

Jason barely held in the flinch at Bruce suddenly popping up next to him. He didn’t even notice the sound of typing stopping. 

Stupid. He should be more aware than this. He was Robin, for fucks’ sake. 

—A tall man was looming over him. He couldn’t escape. He tried to escape— 

—He screamed when hands tore off his pants. He cried when touches went lower than his hips— 

Bruce took a couple of steps back to not overcrowd Jason. “I’m sorry for scaring you.” 

And that was another thing that changed since Dick started living in the Manor again. Bruce was more…straightforward with his emotions. 

“I’m fine.” Jason didn’t even notice that he clenched his fists tightly and he forced himself to relax. This was not about him. This was about taking care of Dick and making his big brother feel better. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” Bruce said gently, letting Jason dictate the conversation. He forced himself not to take control or immediately try to fix things.

Do not push him away again. 

Pushing them away, making his kids unable to feel like they could trust him or talk to him about what upset them is the last thing he ever wanted to do. Again. 

If he was a better father, if he didn’t make Dick feel like the Manor was no longer home, would Dick have called him before he ever thought about cutting himself? Could Bruce have prevented Dick from thinking suicide was a solution? 

Bruce knew it wasn’t good for his mental health to be stuck on the what-ifs. But he couldn’t stop wondering if Dick would have been better, happier if he had listened and went to therapy earlier. 

Jason refused to meet Bruce’s eyes. “You already know what happened, don’t you?” 

“What do you mean?” Bruce was unsure of what Jason was getting at, but he didn’t doubt that this conversation was significant to his son. He didn’t know exactly what the right thing to say was but saying nothing felt equally wrong that he can only hope he wasn’t messing things up too badly. 

“Don’t fucking play dumb.” Jason hissed, wrapping the anger like a shield around himself to not let his vulnerability or insecurity show. Old habits die hard. 

It was a good night too. Before he had to ruin everything with his dumb brain and dumb emotions. 

“About what I did on the streets. About how much of a whore I am.” His breathing quickened and his eyes blurred with tears. 

“You’re not a whore.” Bruce didn’t hesitate to say in a firm voice even as his heart broke hearing his son-his baby-his Jaylad call himself that. “You were a child. You still are a child. That was not your fault. It never was.” 

Jason couldn’t stop the tears from falling down his cheeks. He heard those same things from Dick but it felt nice to hear it from Bruce his dad too. 

“Jason, did someone say something?” Who hurt him? Who made his son feel like this? Who does he have to hurt and beat up? 

Jason hated that he couldn’t keep a hold of his emotions. This wasn’t supposed to be about him. But he couldn’t help but want comfort too. He was fucking selfish but he can’t stop. He doesn’t know how to stop. 

“Jason, can I give you a hug?” Bruce said softly, gently, ready to move forward or back depending on what Jason wanted. 

Jason hugged Bruce tightly in response and buried his head in his chest. Bruce felt guilty that Jason has been shouldering this this whole time. He didn’t want to push Jason into talking about his experiences. He didn’t want to undo all the progress he made just to get Jason to finally let down his walls and trust him. 

He wanted to give him his space like he gives Dick. But maybe that was the wrong choice. 

Jason felt Batman’s cape wrap around him (a protective shield against the world that keeps trying to hurt his son) and he couldn’t stop the tears from falling. 

Of course, that was when Nightwing came back to the BatCave and saw his Little Wing crying. 

“What happened? Little Wing, what’s wrong?” Dick immediately hurried to his side. He wrapped his arms around Jason who hasn’t let go of Bruce yet. 

Dick glanced at Bruce. 

There was an unspoken conversation between them that Cass didn’t understand fully but she knew that Jason needed Dick more right now. 

She was his big sister. She protect him now. 

So she left Dick’s side and stood close to Bruce who smiled fondly down at her. He laid a gentle hand on her head. “I can put her to bed.” 

Dick bent down to press a kiss on her forehead. “Goodnight, Cass. I love you.” 

Again, Cass reached out to grab Dick’s arm to keep him at the perfect height for her to tilt her head up and kiss him on the cheek. 

“Love you too.” She signed with a smile. 

“Hey, Jason.” Dick carefully detached Jason from Bruce who latched onto him instead and buried his head in his neck. “Oh Little Wing. It’s okay. I’m right here.” 

“I’m sorry.” Jason whispered, nearly inaudible and wet with his tears. 

Dick didn’t know who hurt his baby brother but he wanted to castrate them and burn their ashes.  

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Bruce leading Cass away to change out of her clothes and into more comfortable ones. 

“You have nothing to be sorry for, sweetheart.” Dick hated letting Jason go, but Jason would be more comfortable cuddling in his bed than latching onto him in a sweaty kevlar suit. 

“Is it okay if I take a quick shower and change into sweats? I promise, we can go straight to my room after and I’ll stay with you the whole time. I won’t take more than five minutes.” 

Jason clearly wasn’t a fan of the idea of being separated. His voice was small as he mumbled. “Promise?” 

“No more than five minutes.” Dick promised. 

True to his word, he was in and out of the shower. He barely toweled himself dry before slipping on a black long sleeve shirt and gray sweatpants. 

When he headed out of the shower room, he immediately had a handful of a little Robin in his arms. He picked Jason up who wrapped his arms around his neck and legs around his waist. 

When he buried his head in Dick’s neck, he murmured again. “I’m so sorry.”

I’m sorry for ignoring your pain. I’m sorry for making it all about me. I’m sorry for being a bad brother. I’m sorry for being selfish.

Dick hated that Jason had to apologize for anything. “You have nothing to be sorry for Jay. I love you so much.” 

The walk up to the Manor and up the stairs to his room was silent, only suppressed sobs, sharp intake of breaths as Jason tried to get his breathing even and normal were heard. And Dick’s heart broke with every step. 

Nothing happened on patrol as far as he can tell. Jason wasn’t injured. Bruce wouldn’t have kept that from him. 

The only thing he can think of is that the monsters in his brother’s head were rearing their ugly heads again. He knows that the voices tearing your self-esteem doesn’t go away overnight. 

He knows that all too well. 

But it still tore his heart in pieces that he couldn’t make those who hurt Jason die screaming. 

It wasn’t until Dick tucked the blankets around him and Jason that Jason spoke up. 

His eyes were glassy and he didn’t bother wiping the tears from his face. Dick didn’t stop him from rolling his sleeves up revealing the scarred lines, the shame on his skin. 

“Tim knows I was r-raped.” He said quietly, stuttering over the word but he forced himself to say it. 

Oh Little Wing. 

“Apparently, I was speaking in my sleep and he put the clues together the little genius.” Jason couldn’t help the note of affection in his voice at the last bit. He was proud of his genius baby brother even though he hated how Timmy used his intellect. “He was trying to do research on underage male rape to help me” —even though that’s not his job— “when he noticed that you showed the signs too.”  

At that, Jason couldn’t help but look up at Dick. He didn’t say anything further but his eyes were questioning. 

Dick was quiet. 

He was never raped. He could’ve fought against them. He was stronger than them. 

He wanted to say no, that Tim got it wrong. 

But then his mind —his stupid, fucked up brain— conjured up images of Mirage towering over Jason wearing the face of a trusted friend, of Tim underneath Catalina in the pouring rain. 

He imagines his baby brother telling himself the same things Dick tells himself. He imagines Jason just putting up with it because that was how the rest of the world sees it. 

And he hated it even though they were the same things he does. 

“Yes.” He confessed just as quietly. 

Jason shuddered. 

He expected it but it felt like his chest was caving in at the words spoken in the silence between them. He never wanted his big brother to have to go through what he did. A small part of him hoped he and Tim were wrong. 

He hugged Dick tightly. There were so many things he wanted to say, so many apologies he needed to say. 

But only one thing mattered right now. 

“It wasn’t your fault either.” 

He felt Dick tremble before arms wrapped around him. Dick hugged back just as tightly, burying his head in his hair to hide the tears running down his face as he listened to the words he tried and failed to make himself believe so many times before. 

.

Dick was still awake. He couldn’t fall asleep. He was running a hand through Jason’s hair whose head laid on his chest. He found comfort in the slow, steady motion of his little brother’s moving chest. 

Jason fell asleep quickly. They didn’t talk much after Jason started apologizing over and over how he was sorry for being a bad brother and ignoring Dick’s suffering this whole time. 

He tired himself out sobbing into Dick’s chest as Dick tried to make him believe that he had nothing to apologize for, that it was okay. Dick would take any pain to make his baby brother feel better. 

He knew they were going to have to talk more about what he confessed. He knew that Jason wasn’t going to let it go. 

He couldn’t either. He had to know that Jason knew that being raped doesn’t make him weak. He never wanted his Little Wing to think like that about himself. 

He knew he was going to have to talk to Tim in the morning. That was probably why Tim was so anxious when he tucked him in bed. That was a heavy topic he wished his precious genius baby bird didn’t have to know about. 

He didn’t know what time it was when he heard the door open but he wasn’t surprised. 

Bruce poked his head in. His voice was quiet when he caught sight of Jason sleeping. “Is it alright if I come in?” 

Dick nodded. He knew how Bruce sometimes needed a physical touch to comfort himself that his kids were safe and sound. 

He didn’t say anything when Bruce walked in and sat down at the edge of the bed. He was quiet as Bruce ran a hand through Jason’s hair, his expression soft-fond-filled with love. 

He did take a sharp intake of breath when that same expression was directed at him. 

“Is Jason feeling better?” 

Bruce ran a hand through Dick’s hair and Dick leaned into the touch. “Yeah. I calmed him down.” 

“What happened? Did someone say something to him?” Who hurt Jason? Who was he going to have to hurt? 

There was a lump in Dick’s throat that didn’t want to disappoint his Dad, that didn’t want to confess his shame. 

This is for Jason. This is for Tim. He had to remind himself. 

This was for his only reason for living. And there is no pain or suffering he won’t go through to make sure they are safe and happy and healthy. 

He sat up. This wasn’t a conversation he wanted to have lying down. And spoke the words he could never admit to his dad. His voice was a whisper. “He found out I was raped.” 

Bruce froze, the blood in his veins turned to ice, the failures of being a father prominent in his mind and weighed down his shoulders. 

“…What?” Bruce was horrified. How could he fail his eldest this badly? “You were—?”

“Yes.” Dick cut in. Even though he couldn’t deny it any longer, he hated hearing that word being applied to himself. 

Bruce couldn’t miss the fear-shame-don’t hate me-don’t kick me out in those blue eyes that used to shine with brightness. 

Hasn’t his son been hurt enough? Why couldn’t the world just let his son be happy? 

“When?” His voice was carefully controlled. He took great care not to let the anger-rage seep in. Did this happen when Dick was living under his rooftop? Did it happen when Bruce foolishly pushed his son away? 

Dick didn’t know what to say. His trauma never happened here. Mirage was on another Earth. He had no idea where Tarantula was at this time. But he also knew that he couldn’t say nothing. This was something he knew Bruce would never let go. 

Bruce didn’t like the silence. He wanted to know the details, wanted to hunt down whoever dared to hurt his brilliant, wonderful son and make them wish they never laid eyes on Dick. 

“After I left the Manor.” Dick confessed quietly. 

Bruce did this. He pushed his son away. He kicked Dick out of his home. He made Dick feel unable to come to him for help. He made Dick shoulder this burden this whole time. 

“Who?” 

“I— I don’t know.” Dick averted his eyes, unwillingly to look Bruce in the eye just in case his dad could tell that he was lying and knew his rapists attackers.  “I can’t remember.” 

Bruce hated every word that came out of his mouth. 

He can just imagine the horrible thing that occurred. 

Was Dick drugged? Did someone slip something in his drink and have their way with him while he was unconscious and unable to defend himself? 

Did he wake up alone and confused and wishing Batman can save him from this nightmare? 

Did he look at his phone, at Bruce’s contact info, and tried to work up the urge to press the call button? And ultimately decided not to in the end because of their strained relationship? 

What was Bruce even doing when Dick was being taken advantage of? Was he resting in his bed? Was he looking through WE paperwork? Going through cases on the BatComputer? 

What inconsequential thing was taking up his attention when his son was hurting all alone? 

“Dickie, sweetheart. Do you remember anything at all, any identifying marks on them or anything that—“  

“It wouldn’t matter anyway.” Dick hated hearing Bruce be so earnest about something that hadn’t even happened yet. It felt like taking advantage of his dad even though he still bore the scars from Mirage and Tarantula. No amount of denial can deny that he wasn’t irrevocably changed —broken-shattered-fractured— from the experiences. No matter how hard he tries to put the pieces back together, the cracks will forever be there. “They’re long gone.” 

They?! 

There was more than one? 

Bruce couldn’t control himself from pulling Dick in a hug, the weight of his failures never more apparent than now. 

“I’m so sorry.” He murmured in his Robin’s hair. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. I’m sorry I didn’t make you feel safe enough to come to me before. But I want you to know that it was never your fault. You didn’t deserve it.” 

Dick knew that he and Bruce were going to have a long talk later. 

But for now, he melted into the embrace, feeling warm-safe-protected in his dad’s arms. Nothing can touch him when Batman was holding him like a precious treasure. 

.

.

.

Barbara glanced at her phone before staring at her computer screen. She should be resting right now but she can always get some sleep on the flight back to Gotham. Her stuff was already packed in her suitcases and as much fun as she had with her team, she couldn’t wait to go home. 

Gotham will always be in her blood. 

But Bruce sent her his case notes on the recent string of murders. Dad was concerned about a serial killer being loose but since their targets were the worst of the worst of criminals, the case has been pushed aside in favor of others that need the GCPD’s focus more. 

She looked over the evidence but there wasn’t much that she can do that Bruce hasn’t already noticed. Especially being on the other side of the country. 

As of right now, the only lead was Deathstroke and that was only because Slade has been seen in Gotham recently and when Batman went over the evidence again, he saw that Black Mask was similarly killed like a few of Deathstroke’s old contracts were. 

She can try accessing cameras but she had a feeling it wouldn’t get anywhere. It hurt to admit that she was stumped on that front and in addition to that, she was getting worried about Dick. 

She was aware of what Nightwing did to rapists for the past few nights. Dick had trouble controlling his temper when they were teenagers. He got better as they grew older but she never forgot just how explosive he can be when he saw red. 

And the injuries on his victims were telling. 

Boss Bitch: Is everything okay? I have free time rn if you want to call. 

Prettybird: im fine. Thanks though

Quite a number of the victims were found to be pedophiles. She knew of the many kids Dick took in (her heart softened at all the pictures and videos Dick sends her). And her stomach sank at the possible conclusions of what could have happened to put him on a warpath. 

Boss Bitch: Did something happen to the kids? 

She saw the dots popping up before disappearing a few times as Dick tried to come up with a response. 

Prettybird: not since they came to the manor

Prettybird: those bastards won’t touch another kid again

Like the rest of Gotham who had common sense, it didn’t take long for her to put two and two together. 

About Robin and Nightwing’s recent actions and the connection between the two. Her contacts reported how the major Rogues have been laying low and leaving Robin alone to not be Nightwing’s next target. 

Dick has always been protective of his friends. She can imagine just how protective he can be toward his kids.

Chapter Text

Sometimes, it was a wonder to see Jason being such an adorable kid with fluffy black curls and cute baby cheeks that Dick can just pick up like he weighed nothing. 

He was used to his Little Wing being a 6 ft tall giant tank of a man nearing Bruce’s build. Compared to that, he was so tiny cuddling next to him. 

Dick was humming softly as he ran a hand through Jason’s hair and held his baby brother close, feeling relaxed and comforted with a beating heartbeat next to his. 

He made no move to get out. He can afford to sleep in. He didn’t have any major plans until after lunch. 

As much as he knew that he had to talk to Bruce, he was content with lying in bed and avoiding that conversation for as long as he possibly can. 

Besides, Bruce doesn’t wake up until 11 on weekends. It was only 7 right now. 

So he doesn’t need to think about the repercussions of what he spilled to Bruce. He didn’t want to think up more lies to hide the truth of what really happened. 

He didn’t like admitting he was ra—. He didn’t like having to bear that shameful part of him out in the open. 

But he can’t regret it. 

Not when he was doing it for Jason. To help Jason know that it wasn’t his fault if he couldn’t have fought back, that he wasn’t weak for the actions of someone else who had ill intentions, that the world was wrong when they said men can’t be raped. 

Dick sighed and rested his head on top of Jason’s. His brain wouldn’t let him rest and go back to sleep. It was a common occurrence nowadays and he was used to running on little sleep. 

The Manor was quiet, an oppressing cloud of guilt-regrets-self loathing hung in the air following Jason and Tim’s funerals. 

He tried his best to make sure the others were not wallowing in their grief —even if he was the worst one out of them all with the self-blame. 

He made sure that they were fed (it hurt when he first step foot in the kitchen and realized that Jason wasn’t there to nag him about his terrible eating habits and does he even know how to use the stove?). 

He made sure they weren’t holed up in their rooms or training down in the cave until their body drops (he didn’t take his own advice and did simulation after simulation of how he could have saved them if he had just done things differently, if he had just been there for them in the first place, if he had just been stronger-faster-better). 

It was an accomplishment when he made Steph and Duke laugh hysterically because of a shitty joke. It was a celebration when he convinced Cass to stay for a movie marathon and relax. It was a victory dance when he got Damian to stop putting on a blank face and suppressing his emotions and just cry in his chest while Dick held him tightly. 

He tried his best but there were times when Dick felt like he was a poor replacement. He felt guilty that he couldn’t be enough for them, that nothing he did can ever fill the void left behind Bruce, Babs, Jason, and Tim’s death. 

But he forced himself to put on a smile, forced himself to get out of bed and be there for the kids who didn’t deserve an absent big brother. 

He didn’t want to repeat Bruce’s mistakes. He didn’t want to end up like Bruce after Jason was killed by the Joker where Tim had to feel like he needed to save the family for his Robin’s sake. He didn’t want to drown himself in his grief and let the rest of the family flounder.

So Dick made sure not to burden the kids with his own grief even as his mistakes haunted him. He didn’t get the greatest sleep after Bruce died, trying to keep the family functioning, keep the Batman mantle alive. As he lost more and more people, his insomnia got worse and worse. 

The only way he could get any sleep at all was by pushing himself until he was unconscious enough not to have any dreams. He wanted to stop seeing their bodies every time he closed his eyes. 

He was there when Bruce died. He was the one who found Babs’ body, too slow to prevent her death. He wasn’t there for Jason and Tim but he saw the pictures and read the case reports. 

He bore the guilt. 

Dick quietly got out of bed. Jason’s sleeping face frowned at the lack of warmth. Dick picked up the Nightwing themed teddy bear that was on Jason’s bookshelf right next to the Shakespeare collection Bruce got him. 

Despite the depressing thoughts, his lips pulled into a small smile at the sight. His heart still warmed seeing the Batman, Nightwing, and Robin teddy bear bundle in Damian, Jason, and Tim’s rooms. He had the most adorable siblings ever. One of Bruce’s early gifts to Cass was those same stuffed animals and like Damian, her favorite was Nightwing to no one’s surprise. Dick should get a set for Steph. 

He put the teddy bear in Jason’s arms and took a picture of his Little Wing cuddling it. He couldn’t wait to send it to Bruce when he was being annoying and trying to claim that Jason liked Batman more. 

He leaned down and pressed a kiss on his forehead before silently leaving the room. The door shut behind him without a sound and he crossed the hallway to Dami’s room. 

His baby was still sleeping. His sleep schedule was still trying to adjust to a different time zone. 

Dick couldn’t resist picking Dami up and holding his son close to his chest. Dami squirmed, opening his eyes slightly. But once he caught sight of his Baba, he relaxed and melted into the embrace, falling back to sleep. 

Dick sat down on the bed with Dami in his arms. He kissed the top of his head before humming softly while rocking Dami back and forth, taking comfort in the beating heartbeat and steady breathing. 

Dami didn’t even make it to his 18th birthday. 

.

It was nearing 8:30 when he heard quiet footsteps in the hallway. 

Tim must be up then. Cass doesn’t make a single noise and Jason didn’t bother making his footsteps quiet in a place he felt safe in. 

Dick looked down at his baby and quietly laid him back down on the bed with his bat plushie and Nightwing teddy bear. He pulled the covers over Dami and leaned down to kiss his forehead. 

“I love you, habibi.” 

Right when he walked outside, he found Tim shuffling back and forth in front of Jason’s door. 

“Is everything okay, Tim?” 

Tim jumped at the sound of his voice, letting out an embarrassing squeak that had his face turning a blushing red. 

Dick resisted the urge to coo and snap a picture. “Jason’s still sleeping.” 

“I know.” Tim said, eyes looking down. “I wanted to talk to you. Alfred said you slept with Jason last night.” 

Dick swallowed the lump in his throat. He knew it was coming but it didn’t make it any easier. 

“Why don’t we talk in your room?” 

Tim immediately nodded, grateful to be out of any prying ears for an extremely sensitive topic. 

It wasn’t long before they were sitting on top of Tim’s bed. 

Tim was playing with his fingers and looking down. 

Dick was laying against the headboard and flipping through Tim’s notebook full of his research and observations. His heart was aching with every word and truth he read. 

Tim’s clinical and factual notes always reminded him of the way Bruce does research. Baby bird really was too smart for his own good. Dick wished he didn’t have to learn about how horrible the world could be. 

“Jason told me that you put the clues together.” Tim froze and Dick set aside the notebook to pull his little genius in his lap. “I’m happy that you want to help him but you don’t have to worry about me.” 

Tim closed his eyes. It was as good of a confirmation as any. In this one instance, he hated being right. He twisted in his lap to look Dick in the eyes. 

“It was not your fault. You didn’t deserve it.” He wanted Dick to know that first. 

He repeated the words he told Jason. He read that it was good for victims to hear and that it was good to comfort them. He wrapped his arms around Dick and laid his head on his chest. 

Dick blinked back the tears and ran a hand through Tim’s hair. 

“Thank you, but you don’t have to worry about me.” He repeated again. 

“I don’t have to worry about you but I want to. You’re my big brother.” Tim mumbled in Dick’s shirt. “I want to be there for you like you were for me. I want to make you feel better too.” 

You gave me a family. You gave me love and attention. You gave me everything I could ever want but thought I couldn’t have. 

Dick rested his head on Tim’s. “You already make me feel better just by being you, sweetheart. I feel so happy that you’re living with me in the Manor and that you’re my genius baby brother I couldn’t be more proud of. I couldn’t ask for anything more.” 

He holds Tim close and kisses the top of his head. 

He sees Tim’s corpse, a giant hole in his chest, blood stained mouth, glassy eyes. 

His death was instant. 

It was and was not a relief. He was happy that Tim didn’t suffer but that was hardly a positive when he lost his baby bird. 

He remembered when there was a time it was just him and Tim talking about how Ra’s threw him out the window and Dick murmured how there was no way Tim knew he was there to catch him. 

Tim was quiet before he confessed. “I love you. You’re my family. I would do anything to protect you guys. I would die for you.” 

And he did. 

He died to protect Jason.

He died and Dick wasn’t there for him. 

Dick closed his eyes and kissed Tim’s head again who snuggled closer to him. 

“I love you.” 

Tim smiled. He still had trouble responding but the words were easier to say each time. “I love you too.” 

.

.

.

“Hi, Ms. Brown. Is Steph ready for the mall?” 

“How many times do I have to tell you to call me Crystal, Richard?” 

“Maybe a couple times more to make it really stick.” Dick had a charming smile on his face as Crystal let him in her house. 

“Steph, do you have your things, dear?” 

“Almost, Mom. Give me a minute.” She called back from her room. 

Crystal smiled. “She is excited for her first sleepover. And thank you again for watching over her.”

Dick didn’t plan on having them doing a sleepover but the hospital was severely understaffed and Crystal was put on a last minute late night shift that Dick volunteered to watch over Steph for the night. Crystal hated leaving her daughter alone in their house and trusted Richard so she had no qualms letting her daughter stay with the Waynes. 

She met with Bruce and Alfred a few times already that she could tentatively say her brilliant little girl was in good hands. Of course, it helped in gaining her favor when the Wayne Foundation helped her get a divorce from her now ex-husband at no cost to her. She and Steph opted to keep the last name Brown as a final fuck you to Arthur. 

“Don’t worry. We’ll make sure she gets some studying done too.” 

She could believe it. Education was important to Richard. She heard and read the articles of Richard volunteering his time to tutor kids around the neighborhood. And Steph often mentioned how Dick helped them with their homework and made sure everything was done before they could play. 

“I know.” She smiled at him. “I trust Steph in your hands. But I want hourly updates.” 

“I’ll send you pics and videos.” Dick promised. He didn’t mind. It wasn’t anything new. They had exchanged phone numbers when Steph first started coming to hang out at the Manor and he sent her pictures in a chat. 

Not to mention that he already sends pictures and videos to Talia and Shiva about their respective children. So clearly he was a pro at this co-parenting thing. 

It didn’t take long before Steph came down the hallway with a purple duffel bag and her backpack with a giant smile on her face. She was practically bursting at the seams in excitement. She had never been to a sleepover before. She heard all about it and couldn’t wait to experience it for herself. 

“Okay, I’m all set.” 

Dick brightened just looking at his adorable little sister. “Hi, little sunshine. Are you ready to go to the mall?” 

She nodded eagerly. He easily picked up her bags as she said goodbye to her mom. 

“Have lots of fun and make sure to call me if anything happens.” Crystal hugged her daughter tight before kissing her forehead. 

“I will Mom.”

“I love you.”

“Love you too. Now let’s go, Dick.” 

She hurried out the front door to Dick and Crystal’s bemusement. 

“I’ll keep her safe.” Dick promised. 

Crystal looked at him. Richard was young, not even in his twenties yet, but it was another thing she could believe. 

There was just something about him (maybe a certain emotion in his eye or the way he carries himself in his body language) that made her believe he won’t let anything happen to their Stephanie. 

“I know.” But a mother still worries for her only child. 

.

Bruce didn’t want him to go to the mall with the girls but Dick already promised Cass a mall trip to get new clothes and things for her room. He didn’t want to break her trust and make it a standard. 

It was only because he didn’t want to be a bad role model for the kids that he didn’t jump out the window to escape the conversation. Luckily, Bruce was pacified when Dick promised that they can talk when he gets back. 

Bruce didn’t like it but he agreed. Unknown to Dick, he only agreed to give his son happy memories before their rough conversation. 

He was finally going to address the cuts lining his arms and if it was related to him being raped and having no support system during such an ordeal. 

He knew the conversation was going to be difficult. But he can’t wait to address it any longer. Not when Dick was still considering suicide, intentions hidden by the multitude of kids he tried to distract his family and friends with. 

.

.

.

It was a perfect sunny day for some father-daughter bonding —no matter how much Dick insists that the girls were his sisters. She and Kori knew better. 

Well, maybe Steph didn’t need another parent. But Donna knew for sure that Cass already considered Dick as her dad. 

She always used the ‘Dad’ sign when talking about him. Donna was surprised that Dick hadn’t picked up on that yet. 

(He did. He just thought that Cass was referring to Bruce. He had no reason to think otherwise when he knew how close Cass was to Bruce in the original future. The Bats liked to say how even though Bruce had no favorites, Cass was definitely his favorite child) 

It was honestly heartwarming to see Dick interact with his kids. She subtly took a picture of Dick walking in the store holding Cass and Steph’s hands like a proud dad. Okay, she took many pictures and sent them in the Titans group chat. Roy was taking Lian to the park and Wally opted to help Alfred out. As far as she knew, Bruce was having a father-son bonding day with Jason, Tim, and Damian.       

They opted to shop for furniture first and leave clothing shopping for last since it will no doubt take the majority of their day. She and Kori tend to go overboard with clothes and Dick tends to spoil his kids. 

“Do you want anything for your room too?” Dick asked. 

Steph took her eyes away from the poster display board showing sample pictures of decorated children and teen bedrooms. “No, I’m fine. I don’t need anything.” 

She didn’t want to waste Dick’s money on unnecessary things. Dick has already done so much for her already; she can’t take even more advantage of his kindness and generosity. 

“Hey, it’s okay.” Dick kneeled on the ground to be at eye level. Jason was the same way about buying things. “I want to give you nice things because you deserve to have them, sweetheart.” 

Steph was blushing a bright red, not knowing what to say in the face of such sincerity and open honesty. 

Luckily, she didn’t have to respond when Cass grabbed her hand and dragged her over to the light fixtures. Steph was too shocked and dumbfounded to stop her from picking up a box of twinkling fairy lights. 

Cass remembered the night light in Damian’s room and shining stars in Tim’s. She also saw how Steph was drawn to bedroom pictures with the soft little dots of lights decorated throughout the room. 

“This would look nice for your room.” Dick agreed. “Do you want one too, Cass?” 

Cass doesn’t really need a light to see in the dark. But they did look pretty and Dick had been encouraging her to get what she likes. He radiated happiness every time she picked something out that she wanted to make him smile again and again. 

So she nodded. 

Dick beamed. He headed off in another direction to see if maybe there were other color and design options the girls would be more interested in. Kori followed after him; she might get a box for her own room back at Titans Tower. 

Steph stammered. 

Cass can read how happy it made Dick to get her new sister things too. So she put a finger on Steph’s mouth to quiet her protests. 

Steph blinked at her. 

She signed. “Dad wants” She tapped Steph’s chest. “Happy.”

Donna who was looking at them with amusement translated. “Dick wants you to be happy and have nice things. It's not a burden or any trouble to buy you things.”

She leaned down to whisper conspiratorially to make Steph feel more at ease. “Besides, we’re spending Brucie’s money and between you and me, I can think of no better way to spend a billionaire’s money than to treat Dick’s precious girls like princesses for a day.” 

Steph’s breath caught in her throat. “Does Dick really think of me like that?” 

Donna confirmed with a warm smile. “He loves you like his own.”

Wow. 

Steph never knew that Dick thought so highly of her. She thought the Waynes thought of her as like a family friend or that weird Narrows kid who visits sometimes. 

It wasn’t hard for her to quickly think of Dick as the father figure she wished her actual bio dad would be. Never in a million dreams did she think her love for Dick would be reciprocated. 

“Okay.” She said softly, stunned, surprised. 

Cass beamed at Steph’s response. She wanted to make Dick smile all afternoon and Steph will help with that. 

.

Donna watched as Steph no longer objected to Dick getting her new things. And with hers, Kori, and Cass’ encouragement, sought out things she wanted too. 

Dick’s eyes brightened when Steph asked for a lilac stuffed bunny. 

It hurt Donna when she realized how it was more common to see her Wonder Twin’s eyes sad nowadays. His eyes no longer brighten as much as they used to in the past. His smile no longer genuine or bright among them unless he was with his kids. 

She and the other Titans still didn’t know what caused the shift in change. 

But she was learning how to make more happy days for Dick to lift his spirits up and possibly go back to his old self again. Or at the very least, encourage him to open up to them again. 

She and the others were trying to make him more at ease with their presence again. They caught on how he would flinch around them or look at them with a far away look sometimes. 

They were worried that they somehow broke his trust, made him unable to come to his closest and oldest friends regarding whatever made him simultaneously more touch starved and repulsive of anyone touching him out of the blue. 

They may not be the world’s greatest detectives but they weren’t idiots. She and Roy checked past mission and case reports for anything that could have worsened Dick’s PTSD. They all had their fair share of trauma and its consequences. But they found nothing. Similarly, Kori and Wally tried to see if anything was in the newspapers regarding his civilian persona as a long shot but there was nothing there either. 

They tried to subtly ask Dick himself but their leader was too good with directing the conversation elsewhere. He just kept saying that nothing was wrong with him; he was the happiest he could be. 

He said it with dim blue eyes and a polite smile on his face that didn’t fool a single one of them. 

.

Dick was happy that Cass and Steph were getting along. His heart warmed at the sight of Cass picking out things that Steph would enjoy. It reminded him of Jason doing the same thing with Tim to help him be more comfortable picking out things he would like. 

Steph returned the favor and helped Cass pick out a pretty black and dark purple blanket and matching pillows. 

Cass’ eyes lit up when they passed by an aisle and she grabbed the Robin, Nightwing, and Batman teddy bear bundle to display in Steph’s room. 

She held out the Nightwing one for Steph to hold who did so with a confused expression. 

“Best.” She signed. 

Steph didn’t know what she said but she spent a lot of time with younger kids that she can guess the meaning. “Is Nightwing your favorite?”

Cass nodded. Favorite Dad. Favorite Hero. More people should know Nightwing is number one. 

Steph’s eyes brightened when she realized she got it right. She made a mental note to start learning sign. She liked Cass and it was fun to do charades to figure out what she means even though Cass seem to read her mind. But it wasn’t fair to put the conversation on her shoulders. 

“Nightwing is pretty cool.” She agreed. She didn’t like to talk a lot because people said she was being annoying and no one likes giving brats attention, but Cass didn’t mind so she chatted away. “I saw him do a flip once and it was the most awesome thing I ever saw.”

Cass agreed. Her dad is the best. 

.

Dick was no stranger to shopping sprees. He’s been on enough trips to know what stores were best for his sisters. And maybe it was cheating that he already knew Cass and Steph’s tastes and picked out clothing they are more likely to want. 

But he wanted to spoil them so he didn’t mind using a bit of cheating. 

Cass has always liked soft and fluffy things. Steph liked to try cute things she sometimes sees others wearing although any clothing she buys has to be comfortable and doesn’t irritate her skin.

They already got a basic wardrobe for Cass —sweatpants, shorts and t-shirts. They even got Steph a few hoodies and some superhero themed merch. Dick got both of his girls Nightwing shirts and Donna couldn’t help but put Wonder Woman shirts in the cart too; they didn’t have any Starfire themed but they did have shirts with the Titans logo on them that she put in the cart. 

After the basic necessities were out of the way, he and his friends were encouraging the girls to try on some outfits they thought would look cute on them. 

“That looks amazing Cass.” He couldn’t resist taking a picture of her looking so adorable. “We’re definitely buying it.” 

Cass smiled. She did another twirl in her pink skirt and fluffy white sweater for the audience and Dick took more pictures. 

The sweater was probably too hot for summer but she fell in love with how soft it was and Dick didn’t have the heart to reject her choice. She can always wear it for winter and Gotham was perpetually chilly. 

He frowned when he looked over and saw Steph frowning at herself. He walked towards her. “We can find another dress if you want.” 

She hated that she kind of liked the one she had on. 

“I look weird in dresses.” She stood in front of the mirror in a short white summer dress that was decorated with pretty sunflowers near the bottom. She doesn’t normally wear dresses, but Kori already put it in her hands and pushed her towards an open changing room before she could utter a single protest. 

Dick hated the self-loathing in her voice. 

“We can find something else you like more.” He didn’t want her to feel obligated to get a dress if she hates them but he didn’t want her not to get them just because she thought she was ugly. “But I think you look beautiful in this.” 

How? She wasn’t beautiful like Dick’s friends. She wasn’t pretty like Cass. She was just plain. 

She tried not to listen but she heard some of her classmates say how plain she looked, how her roots were obvious in her appearance. She knew she shouldn’t care what others say but it was hard to get the words out of her head when she saw how inferior she is compared to Kori, Donna, and Cass. 

She bit her bottom lip before asking. “Do you really think I look nice?” 

Dick nodded. 

She rubbed her arms. She knew how nice of a guy Dick is so it didn’t surprise her to hear him lie. But she liked hearing she looked nice and beautiful as if she could compare to the other girls. 

Even if Dick didn’t know her as well as he did, Steph had always been an expressive child and it was obvious to see what was on her mind. 

Who made his little sunshine feel so insecure in her body? 

She had the same look on her face the first few times she came to one of their galas in the future. Dick heard the snide whispers from the other guests that a Narrows kid didn’t belong rubbing elbows with the elite with her ugly appearance and no doubt dirty self. 

It took Dick everything he had not to punch them in the face. He did get their names from camera footage and had Babs blacklist them from ever attending another Wayne event. 

“Don’t worry about what other people have to say. They don’t matter.” 

They don’t know how you were my Batgirl. They don’t know how you are a damn good hero. They don’t know a single thing of how you are worth thousands of them. 

“But if it would make you feel better, I’ll get a dress too and we can wear it together.” 

“But people would make fun of you.” She protested. She heard the nasty things people like to say when they thought Damian was his kid. She didn’t want to make him go through that again for her sake. 

“I’m giving them something better to talk about.” 

Dick didn’t doubt that there were cameras about. The mall was significantly more packed than the furniture store. Despite his wishes, he was still a popular celebrity figure. And this was his first public outing after the press conference. 

He opted not to dress the others in disguise. He wanted people to know that Cass and Steph were under Wayne protection and he knew that Bruce had already proven just how brutal he can be towards newspapers who publish pictures about minors. 

Dick would rather paparazzi have something to talk about on him than on the girls. And if they think they can get dirt on him wearing a dress, then he’ll suffer through it. 

Let them think they can ruin his reputation again. He wore worse things. A dress is modest by those standards. 

“Why don’t we pick out a dress for me together? I bet it will be fun.” 

Steph smiled, a little more genuine this time. “Okay.” 

Cass suddenly popped up next to them. She was now wearing a pretty pale pink dress that reminded her of the dancers she watches videos of. 

She wanted to see Steph smile again. She liked it better when her family was happy. 

.

.

.

It was a shock to see Babs in the Manor. 

Kori and Donna opted to take a quick nap after all the walking they did this afternoon. Dick helped Cass and Steph put their bags in their rooms to unpack later and went to go find the others. Dick wanted to show off how pretty their dresses were when he walked into the family den and found his Oracle. 

Babs was sitting on the couch with a computer on her lap and when she heard them walked in, she immediately set aside her work and stood up to greet them. 

Dick almost cried at the sight of her. 

Intellectually, he knew that this Babs had never gotten shot by the Joker. But it was a different sight altogether to see her walking and standing and not in a wheelchair. 

“Hey Boy Wonder.” Her smile was warm, existent (her mouth wasn’t open in a silent scream). Her eyes had a light in them (not dead and blank). Her beautiful red hair was clean and pulled up in a high ponytail (not marred with blood). 

“Hey Babs.” He was proud that his voice was steady when he spoke. 

“I love your dress.”

Cass and Steph did a good job choosing it. He wore a long-sleeved dark blue lace dress that reached his knees. 

He can already see the headlines that would result from this. But he doesn’t regret a thing. The more newspapers talk about him, the less they’ll be tempted to talk about his kids. He can handle whatever they want to throw at him. 

He wasn’t alone anymore. He never had been. 

“Thanks. Cass and Steph picked it out for me.” His hands automatically ruffled his girls’ hair. 

Babs walked closer to them. "You girls look gorgeous too." 

Steph blushed and Cass signed "Thank you" when Lian walked in the room, Roy following after her.

“Wow Uncle Dickie. You look so pretty.” 

“Thanks, Lian.” His smile was warm. 

“You all look so pretty.” Her eyes shone at the sight of the pretty colored dresses they wore. “You look like a princess.” 

She was captivated by the sunflowers on Steph’s and Steph blushed at the compliment, at the thought that another person thought she was pretty. 

“Thanks.” She murmured. 

Cass hooked their arms together, mimicking something Dick did to Kori and Donna, and smiled supportingly at her sister. Steph needs more confidence in herself. She radiates too much insecure-not good enough-can’t look pretty like them. 

“I’ll take you shopping too, Lian.” 

The little girl’s eyes brightened even more and her smile grew wider at the thought of also getting pretty dresses like them. “Really?” 

“Dick.” Roy warned. He saw the multitude of bags they brought home. 

“Don’t worry. I promise I won’t go overboard.” 

His tone was teasing but Roy couldn’t be mad that his apartment was probably going to be overrun with a haul of clothes when Dick’s eyes were brighter and smile more genuine. 

“Dick!” Tim ran into the room and immediately hugged Dick who returned it. “Welcome home.”

“I’m glad to be home.” Dick said softly. 

Tim frowned at the sadness in his eyes but his thoughts were immediately occupied by the pretty dress his brother was wearing. “Why are you wearing a dress?”

“I wanted to help Steph feel more comfortable.” 

Tim’s situational awareness was not the greatest today. He didn’t notice that Steph was there and wearing a dress too. He already thought that she looked pretty in hoodies and jeans. She looked really pretty in a dress too (he hoped he can see her wear a dress again). She looked pretty in everything. 

Face a blushing red, he half hid in Dick’s chest when he glanced at Steph and murmured. “Hey Steph, you look really nice.” 

Steph also blushed, twirling a lock of hair in her hand. “Thanks Tim.” 

Dick and Roy shared amused looks overhead. 

Tim turned his attention back to Dick to calm the red in his face. “I thought boys couldn’t wear dresses.” 

“That’s nonsense.” Dick ruffled his hair. “You can wear anything you want. Dresses are just clothes, not a gender identity.” 

“Yeah. Even I wore dresses once in a while. Granted they were because I was dared to but I looked cool in them and you shouldn’t listen to what others say about what boys can and can’t wear.” Roy said to make the little boy feel more comfortable. He didn’t miss the curious, longing glances that Tim threw at the dress Dick was wearing. 

Tim clearly took his hero’s words to heart. He bit his bottom lip as he stared at them for a few seconds before shyly asking. “So you don’t mind if I try on a dress?” 

“Of course not.” Dick reassured, picking Tim up and setting him on his hip. He pressed a kiss on Tim’s head. “I will love you no matter how you dress. You can decide you like wearing dresses or maybe you decide you actually don’t like them, it’s okay. I love you regardless.” 

Tim blinked back the tears at the honest declaration of love he knew he should be more used to because Dick tells them “I love you” as easily as he breathes but it still shocks him to hear it so blatant —to hear the words he wished he could hear from his birth parents. 

.

Babs was in the background watching them, finding more interest in seeing Dick interact with the kids in person. There was only so much pictures and videos can say. 

And right now, her eyes were seeing a lot. 

A few days before she left Gotham, Dick had confessed to her. She knew it was coming. He didn’t make his feelings hidden since they were younger. She knew he was waiting on her to be receptive to the idea. 

She asked for some time to think about them as a couple. 

He kissed her goodbye —a small, shy, chaste kiss on the lips. When he pulled back, he tried to look confident but there was a nervousness in his eyes as he looked back at her to see if she felt they had potential. 

She had doubts but she pressed her lips against his for a second. 

She could see they had something. They were Robin and Batgirl after all. 

But a long-distance relationship wasn’t in the cards. She wanted to travel more with her team. She was thinking of expanding her Oracle operation. She knew Dick had duties as Nightwing that required him to be in Bludhaven and New York, sometimes across the world, sometimes off planet. 

Their schedules were too busy to dedicate time to each other. 

It was a harsh truth that she talked at length with Dinah and Helena, but she was glad that she came to that conclusion before she could ruin her friendship with Dick. 

When Dick walked in the den, his eyes didn’t light up with joy at the sight of her. And once his kids came into the picture, he turned all his focus to them. 

She was right there. But Dick hadn’t spared her a single glance since. It was like he got over his massive crush on her. And that was more than fine with her. It would make things less awkward and easier when she turned him down and asked if they could remain friends instead. 

But it was still weird to see him do a complete 180. 

It was obvious that Dick was going to be a little different. They haven’t seen each other for a month. But this was too drastic of a personality change. 

He was less angry. 

That was the first thing that really stuck out to her. 

His body was no longer tense. He didn’t carry himself like he had a volatile mess of emotions in his chest —like he felt angry and frustrated at Bruce for trying to control his life or hurt and frustrated that all they do is fight nowadays and Dick didn’t feel like he can come back home.  

And it wasn’t that he was hiding his anger not to scare the kids. It was more like his temper was just…gone. 

If she wanted to be more specific, it was like Dick looked subdued (a fraction of his bright self) which is a concerning thought in and of itself. 

Because Dick was an expressive person. He grew up as a performer under the spotlight and that didn’t change when Bruce took him in. He spoke through his body language with wide gestures and high emotion.  

But the Dick Grayson she was seeing right now didn’t have that bright light. He still commanded the attention of the room but his spark was dim. 

What happened to you, Dick?

Chapter Text

Bruce knew he wasn’t the perfect parent. He knew that he can be better — should be better. He wished he could be as good of a parent as Dick who took to parenthood like a duck to water, who made parenting look easy like it was second nature. 

But he won’t stop trying to be the dad his children deserve. 

They don’t deserve him giving up because he can’t stop thinking of his insecurities or push past the doubts clouding his mind. 

Jason and Tim don’t need another absent parent. Cass and Damian don’t deserve a parent giving up on them. 

Dick was 19. Already a grown up but Bruce can’t stop seeing him as his child —his precious little Robin who used to swing from chandeliers and almost gave him heart attacks every other day. Bruce can’t stop thinking of him as his kid and Dick doesn’t deserve him pulling away again. 

Bruce has been told on multiple occasions that he was a stubborn bastard. And he won’t stop trying to be a good, better father for his children. 

He was sticking with his therapy sessions with Dinah and trying not to let his trauma and issues stop him from being emotionally available for the kids. He made sure to talk to Clark and Diana more. And he is making an effort to curb his bad habits of micromanaging and trying to control everything when it came to his family. 

The kids don't need Batman after them. They want Bruce Wayne. And he is trying. He’s doing his best not to push anyone away. 

He still makes mistakes (he wasn’t stupid enough to think that everything will be fixed overnight) but he likes to think that his efforts were making a difference. 

He can’t lose Dick again. He can’t lose any one of the kids. 

His thoughts were interrupted when a tiny hand loudly put down a crayon on the table in front of him. His smile grew incredibly fond as he gazed at Damian —his youngest. He was so small and so perfect and he wouldn’t change a single thing about him. 

Damian had a cute angry pout on his face. He didn’t need to speak to let Bruce know his thoughts. 

“I’m sorry, Damian. Daddy was lost in thought.” He’s been trying to get Damian to call him Daddy or Dad or even Pops out loud. Not Baba. Never Baba because that was Dick and he will never take that away from him. 

He still doesn’t know how Dick became so attached to Damian but he wasn’t going to ruin that relationship. He wasn’t jealous that his son adored his eldest more. It actually made his heart warm to see Dick interact with and care for their baby bat.

Damian blinked and huffed before moving the crayon closer to him. Bruce got the message and went back to coloring the cow. Dick got Damian an animal coloring book and it was just them two in the family den coloring it. 

Bruce wasn’t oblivious to the army of stuffed animals slowly growing in Damian’s room or his fascination with anything dealing with animals. He already knew that Damian was going to ask for a pet when he’s older. 

Damian let out a smile when he saw Bruce get back to work and went back to coloring his dog blue like Baba’s suit and his nameplate. He wanted to get a real barking dog that he can play with and Baba said later. 

He is definitely getting one soon. 

.

Bruce loves spending time with the boys. Alfred was taking care of Damian right now while he was solving cases with Tim in the BatCave. 

He made sure the really gory or graphic ones were hidden in a separate file. Dick will castrate him if he traumatizes his baby bird. 

Tim looks so tiny in the huge Batcomputer chair. His nimble fingers were flying across the keyboard as he read the reports and pieces the clues together with that genius mind. 

Bruce was sitting next to him in a spare chair. His smile once again grew fond as he watched and listened to Tim’s thought process. He loved hearing his son’s ramblings and always encouraged it. 

He discreetly took a picture of their baby genius to send in the group chat with Alfred and Dick. He knew those two liked to make photo albums together. Dick currently has a bookshelf in his room housing the multiple scrapbooks he makes by himself dedicated to each one of his kids. 

“And that’s why the most likely culprit was the gardener.” Tim concluded his impromptu presentation like this was a business meeting. 

Predictably, he turned to Bruce to see what his opinion was and if he got it right. The hope of approval bright in his eyes. 

Bruce smiled softly at him. 

One day, Tim will give him a run for his money for being the World’s Greatest Detective and he couldn’t wait. 

“I can’t see anything wrong with your reasoning. You did a good job. I’m proud of you.” Children deserve to be praised. 

Tim beamed before taking another sip of his coffee. A reward for doing a good job and making Dad proud. He was being very careful with his limited precious resource. He tried asking Bruce for more but unfortunately, the man was cowed by Dick who threatened to castrate him if he gave Timmy more caffeine than what Dick allowed. 

Dick didn’t want him to be addicted to coffee (which is complete bullshit because Tim can totally stop himself before getting addicted) or have those bogus health problems like his growth being stunted or increased anxiety. 

.

In the late afternoon a couple hours before dinner, Bruce found himself in Jason’s room reading a book out loud. They were laying on top of the bed. Jason resting his head on his chest as he listened to his dad’s deep steady voice. He missed having this. 

Usually, they would read together in the library on the couch or sitting on a windowsill. But Jason wanted a bit more privacy today. He was feeling too raw, too vulnerable to be out in the open like the library where anyone can just walk in. But he still wanted to spend time with Dad so they compromised and went to his room. 

He’s not trying to be selfish but sometimes he wishes he can go back in time when he had Bruce and Alfred’s entire attention. He doesn’t hate his siblings. He loved them. He was glad that Dick brought them into the family. He was glad to call them his brothers and sisters and spend time with them. Being an older brother was kind of cool. 

But sometimes, he wanted his Dad to himself. 

And he hated feeling like that. 

But he was always a selfish child. 

He was the reason Mom and Dad had to work extra to feed another mouth. He was the reason why Mom got addicted to drugs because she didn’t have enough money for pain meds. 

“Jaylad, chum, what’s wrong?” 

He felt Bruce wipe his tears away. And oh. He didn’t even notice when he started crying. 

Jason sniffed and pulled back from that gentle touch, feeling disgusted with himself. He can’t believe he ruined the moment. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, trying to rub the tears away. 

“I’m sorry. I’m fine now. You can start reading again.” 

But Bruce didn’t take the bait. He sat up straighter, marked his place with a bookmark, and set the book on the dresser before turning his attention to his son. “Do you want to talk about it?” 

“It’s nothing.” He averted his eyes. “I’m just being stupid.” And selfish and a horrible brother and a horrible son. 

“I know you think it’s stupid but I would still like to hear it anyway.”

Jason bit his bottom lip before finally mumbling. “I hate being selfish.” 

He didn’t want to burden Dick anymore. 

Bruce blinked. That was not what he was expecting. “Selfish? Jason, you’re one of the most selfless people I know. I’ve seen you give your allowance to kids and street workers when you’re on patrol.” 

“They need it more than I do.” Jason defended. 

“I’m not criticizing you. I think it’s admirable you do that and it just shows that you are not a selfish person.”

“But I am.” Jason insisted. “Dick’s been ignoring his trauma because he’s too busy comforting a stupid crybaby.” 

Okay. There was a lot to address here. “Jason, you’re not a stupid crybaby. I don’t want you to think of yourself like that.”

Jason averted his eyes and mumbled. “But it’s true.” 

“No, it’s not.” Bruce said firmly. “Trauma isn’t something you compare for who had it worse and Dick’s trauma does not invalidate yours.”

His head shot up. “Yeah, it does. I got compensated for my pain. Dick—” he cuts himself but even in his frustration, he would never do his big brother dirty like that “just isn’t— he keeps burying his trauma like it never happened and hurting himself so he doesn’t upset me.” 

Okay. He does the same thing about his issues too but this wasn’t about him. 

This was about Dick. 

Stay on topic. 

“I know and I will talk to him about that.” It’s not your fault how Dick handles his trauma, Bruce also wanted to say if he wasn’t afraid that Jason would misunderstand and believe it really was his fault. “But my point still stands. That doesn’t invalidate the trauma you went through.” 

He was about to protest when Bruce cut him off. 

“Being compensated for being raped does not make it okay.” Bruce hoped he was getting that through. It hurt to hear his precious Jaylad think his trauma is lesser and doesn’t matter. 

The tears came back and Jason was too weak to stop it. “I wanted it.”

I wanted to survive. I didn’t want to starve. 

That was his choice and he can’t regret it when it was the reason he wasn’t dead on the streets by now. 

Bruce resisted the urge to gather his son in his arms and hold him tight.

“Jason, Jaylad, you were put in an impossible situation. It’s not your fault that all the people who hurt you took away your choice. It’s their fault, never yours.” He repeated. He wanted Jason to know that it could never be his fault. “You were a child that should have never gone through it.” 

Jason crashed into Bruce’s arms, sobbing in his chest. “I didn’t want it. I hated it.” 

He wanted his dad to protect him from the monsters. He wanted his dad to make the pain go away. 

Bruce carefully ran a hand through Jason’s soft curls. “It’s not your fault. You didn’t deserve it.” 

“I keep getting nightmares and they just won’t stop.” Jason confessed, sick of himself, sick of the horrible memories twisting his dreams to relive the worst moments of his life, sick of losing sleep. 

He just wants to sleep better. 

He just wants to be okay. 

“You will never go through it again. My room is always open if you want to wake me up and keep you company. I don’t mind at all.” He will suffer through a number of sleepless nights to make Jason feel safer. 

Jason sniffed. He found comfort in the offer even if the last thing he wanted to do was be even more selfish. Bruce hardly gets enough sleep as it is.  

“I keep going to Dick. I keep making him put up with me.” He said dejectedly. “I’m a terrible brother.” 

“You’re never a burden to us. I know Dick loves being there for you. He wants to put up with you.” 

Jason sniffed again but said nothing in response. He wanted to believe that. 

“I want to put up with you.” 

He held onto Dad tighter. 

“You’re not selfish.” Bruce said softly, holding his son close. “I wish you could be more selfish sometimes. I want you to come to me and Dick with your problems.” 

He leaned his head down to kiss the top of Jason’s head. 

“You deserve to heal. You deserve to feel happy and safe.” He ran a hand through his son’s hair and held his shaking frame. 

It was quiet between them for a while before it was broken by a soft whisper. 

“…I think I want to do therapy.” Jason was still holding onto Dad’s shirt tightly, eyes fixed on the soft green turtleneck. 

“Okay, Jaylad. We can look at options together.” 

He already has a list of friendly and trusted civilian children therapists that Dinah helped put together (in case Jason didn’t want to talk to approved superhero ones like Dick) and that Alfred helped perform background checks on. 

.

.

.

Tim was bursting in excitement, hands behind his back to hide the surprise he made for Steph. Jason was standing next to him, hiding Cass’ surprise behind his back too. 

Steph had a curious look on her face, bouncing in place in anticipation. Cass already knew what the surprise was but pretended not to know. 

Kori was holding Dami who was playing with her fiery hair. Bruce and Alfred had the cameras out, ready to take lots of pictures. 

Dick was kneeling in front of the girls. “I know Donna already told you that I think of you two as mine. But I want you to know that you will always have a place here.” 

Taking the cue, Tim and Jason held out their nameplates.  

“We officially welcome you into the family.”

Tim was smiling as he held out Steph’s, hoping she likes their design. 

She blinked back the sudden tears and reached out to grab the board. It had a purple background in her favorite shade, her name was in bright yellow letters, and there was a slanted golden crown on the corner. 

“It’s perfect.” It was beautiful. It was physical proof the Waynes did care about her and she resisted the urge to sob like a baby. She already has a mom she loved with all her heart but she loved being a part of Dick’s family too. 

Cass smiled softly at Jason as she took her board. 

It was a Nightwing blue background and her name in big black letters. Beside the name was a drawing of two birds. A bigger white bird with a blue Nightwing symbol on its chest holding its wing over a baby white bird with the same Nightwing symbol on its chest in black. 

His little shadow, the message clearly said. 

It was perfect. 

She hugged Jason tightly for such a wonderful gift who smiled and hugged her back. 

They drew inspiration from Damian’s nameplate since it was clear to everyone that she adored Dick and think of him as her dad. Jason and Tim had bets on when Dick finds out that he has a new daughter, not a new sister. 

Usually, the last child brought into the family make the new kids’ nameplates but Damian was a bit too young to do it all by himself. But he still wanted to be in the process. 

Well, he saw his brothers doing arts and crafts and wanted to do it too. Luckily, Dick was there to help supervise the baby from making a mess at the dining table. 

On the left of Steph and Cass’ names was a small toddler’s handprint proudly displayed on the nameplates. Steph’s was in yellow and Cass’ was in dark purple.  

And apparently after Dami slapped his hand on the wooden boards, he got it in his head that putting his handprint on things make it his. 

Dick didn’t know how that thought process came about but he didn’t stop his adorable baby from placing a small blue handprint on his cheek. 

Jason rolled his eyes when he got a pink one but let the baby do what he wanted as he made sketches of birds for Cass’ nameplate. Tim was blushing and smiling when he got a green one. He didn’t realize that Damian thought of him as family too and his heart warmed at the thought. 

Dick did have to stop Dami from putting colorful handprints on the furniture and his stuffed animals and anything else he tried to get his hands on. 

.

Dick was very happy with himself. He knew the others already took all the pictures of his girls and their nameplates that he could want (he glimpsed a few sent to the group chats) but he still wanted to take some himself. 

Can you blame him? His kids are so precious and he wants to capture every moment of their childhood that he missed. 

His favorite picture was when all of his siblings —even Damian— held out their nameplates for a group picture. He was even roped in on posing with them with his baby blue one. Bruce took that picture and he swears that the man had tears in his eyes. 

Huh. 

They really need to update the family portrait. On the other hand, it might be better to keep putting that off. He has a few kids he’s keeping his eye on to bring home. 

It was when he put his nameplate back on his bedroom door that Steph shyly walked up to him. 

“Why would you guys make me one?” 

He smiled at her. “Because you’re family.” Because you’re mine. “I mean you already have a room here, might as well make it official.” 

She blinked. She looked down the hall where the room Alfred guided her towards after she came over a couple of times was. “I’m in a guest room though?” 

He laughed before smiling warmly.  “Steph, this is the family wing.” 

Her face grew red. 

She didn’t know why she keeps being surprised every time the Waynes gave her more evidence that she really was one of them. 

Donna told her that Dick already thought of her as his own. Dick spent a crap ton of money on a Narrows kid because he wanted to give her nice things. She was given her own freaking nameplate. And that was all in less than 24 hours. 

Maybe it was because this whole thing just doesn’t feel real yet. Because she keeps thinking this was all a dream and she was going to wake up still living with her douchebag of a dad. 

When she was younger, she dreamed of a handsome man whisking her away from the worst of Gotham’s monsters, showering her in riches, and solving all her problems. Then she finally grew out of those silly dreams and stopped playing pretend. Real life wasn’t a fairytale and she wasn’t pretty or good enough to be Cinderella. 

But she can feel the warmth from Dick as he hugged her and looked down at her with clear fondness and love in bright blue eyes. 

“I will never take you away from your mom but you have a home with us.” Dick promised. “And no one can ever take it, little sunshine.” 

She pushed her self doubt away and let herself melt in his gentle-safe-warm hug. 

“Thanks, Dick.” 

Thanks, Dad. 

.

There was a bit of time before dinner and Dick was spending it in his room, Dami on his lap, as they watched Tim twirl in a simple black skirt he got from Cass. Dick was now wearing a simple long-sleeved soft rose cotton dress. 

Dami didn’t like touching lace and thought it felt itchy on his skin so Dick changed into another dress to keep supporting his baby siblings. 

“You look good.” 

Tim glanced at him before staring back at the full length mirror in the corner of the room. “Do you really think so?” 

“The only thing that matters is your opinion. Do you like it?” 

He glanced at the mirror and ran a hand over the smooth material that felt really nice on his skin. 

“…I think so.” His voice was small and hesitant, still afraid of admitting he like something so girly out loud even though Dick has more than proven he wasn’t like his parents. “Do you really think I look okay? It’s not making me look funny, right?” 

“You look adorable. It really suits you.” 

“…Really?” Tim couldn’t help but ask anyway even though he was probably annoying Dick at this point. 

But Dick didn’t get angry or annoyed. He simply smiled and repeated. “It looks good on you. Look, even Dami agrees.” 

Damian had a straight face. He didn’t care what Tim wore. He doesn’t get why Tim is acting scared. People wear dress robes all the time where Mama lives. 

But when Baba nudged him to say something, he nodded and said. “Not look dumb.” 

He learned that word from Jason when he was ranting about books and people doing dumb things in it. 

Dick laughed. He really shouldn’t encourage Dami calling people dumb, or not dumb in this case, but at least it wasn’t a curse word and he was happy when Dami talk in English. Also Tim didn’t look offended so he’ll let it slide this time. 

Tim was actually relieved, his body losing some of his tension. 

If there was anything that living with Damian has taught him, it was that the toddler was brutally honest. It was fun watching him call Bruce dumb with a straight face when the man was trying to make Damian laugh by doing funny faces. 

“See, even Dami thinks you look fine. That’s practically a ringing endorsement to keep rocking that skirt.” 

Tim had a happier, less self-deprecating smile on his face. 

Dick would do anything to keep that smile on his precious baby bird. “We can look at online stores to get your own skirts and dresses if you want.”

Tim sent him a grateful look. “That sounds nice.” 

He could just feel his anxiety rising at the thought of going to physical stores and feeling the weight of hundreds of judgmental stares at him if he so much as look at girly dresses not fit for a boy. 

“And you’re sure Bruce won’t mind?” He asked again, his voice anxious but less scared from the support of his big and little brother. 

“He won’t care at all.” Dick reassured. 

True to his word, when they went down for dinner, Bruce didn’t care that he was wearing a skirt. He even complimented them. 

“You guys look nice.” 

Tim missed the pointed stare Dick gave Bruce before the man said. “I love your skirt Tim. You look good in it.” 

Tim couldn’t help the huge smile from spreading on his face that Dad Bruce didn’t see anything wrong with the dress Dick was wearing or the skirt he had on. He knew that if Jack and Janet saw, they would have ridiculed him for acting like a girl and not their perfect heir. 

.

Dinner was a rowdy event. 

It always was at the Manor but Barbara felt it was even more chaotic with the horde of kids and Titans there. There were five separate conversations happening at once. 

She found herself pulled in talking about computers with Tim, Dick’s baby genius he couldn’t stop gushing about. She saw his work but it was fascinating to hear about his thought process. 

She remembered Dick telling her that he liked taking photos. She was in a photography club back in high school and asked about what cameras he liked. 

She was not ready for the spiel of words coming out of Tim’s mouth. But she didn’t mind. There was something charming hearing him being so passionate about photography and getting the right lighting and angles. She was more clinical when she took photos but her interest renewed hearing him gesturing wildly as he talked. 

She smiled more when Dick had to remind him from time to time to eat his food. Tim dutifully took a few bites before launching on another spiel to a captive audience of one. 

She never really thought about having kids herself. She always put her work first but she had to admit she can understand why Dick is so attached to his kids. 

They were good kids. 

Tim was now talking to Roy about motorcycles and this time, she was pulled into a sign language conversation with Cass and Kori. 

She knew the basics of Cass’ childhood —how she was raised as a weapon and forced to kill at a young age by her abusive father. 

Seeing the same little girl smiling and communicating and lighting up with joy made her heart feel warm and grateful that Dick gave her a home and a family. 

Fatherhood looks good on Dick but she wasn’t going to let that thought distract her from finding out what happened to her friend. 

More and more things popped out to her the more she observed him and the way he interacts with others. 

Bruce told her that he and Dick were no longer fighting but it was hard to believe that over the phone. She witnessed quite a few of their screaming matches. And Dick rants to her about Bruce’s micromanaging, over controlling ways enough for her to know that this wasn’t going to be an easy reconciliation if that ever happens. Those two are the most stubborn bastards she knows and neither one was backing down. 

But now that she is here, she can see for herself that it was like the past few years, all the screaming matches, never happened.  

And again, it wasn’t like he was hiding his anger at Bruce behind a false calm facade like Nightwing does every time he has to work with Batman. 

She saw Bruce pressed a quick kiss on the top of Dick’s head. She even heard him call him “Dad” a couple of times and not in a condescending tone. 

She never imagined there would be a day she would see Dick and Bruce peacefully co-existing in the same house with no passive-aggressive remarks or bullshit between them. Or see them co-parenting with each other. 

If she didn’t know any better, she would say that this was an imposter who was failing at being the Dick Grayson she knew. But this was really Dick. 

Bruce provided her with all the tests he’s done to prove that Dick hasn’t been replaced by an imposter or alien or magic —not that she needed the proof. Alfred was quite sure that this was their Dick Grayson and she would take his word for it.  

Perhaps being away with the Titans forced him to mature but that theory still fell flat. 

She saw the nearly invisible flinches when someone touched him without him knowing —more so when it was Kori and Donna than Roy or Wally. She saw him curl into himself before remembering where he was and relaxing.  

She filed the signs away in her head as her mind raced to figure out what could have happened to him. 

The most plausible theory that fit with all the clues took form in the back of her mind. It was a quiet voice she did not want to entertain (because she hoped to god that Dick never went through an ordeal like that and if it was true, they really failed him) but she shuffled it away in favor of other theories. 

In the meanwhile, she is still keeping an eye on Dick. Guess she will have to swing by the GCPD during the week. 

.

.

.

It was a surprise when Babs caught Dick alone in the kitchen at 11pm who was now in a long sleeved shirt and sweatpants. She was staying the night since it was too late and she was too tired to drive back to her apartment. And she had a few cases she might as well talk to Bruce about face to face since she was here and all. 

Dick placed hot chocolate in front of her. It was a relief to know that even though Dick suddenly seemed to turn a full 180 overnight, there were some things that didn’t change. 

She sat down on the bar stool next to the counter. “Thanks.” 

It tasted just as good as she remembered. She had fond memories of drinking hot chocolate with Dick on rooftops when they couldn’t go to sleep. 

“Do you want to talk about you pulling a Bruce four times over?” 

Dick was leaning against the counter, looking down at the mug of hot chocolate in his hands but not taking a sip of. “They needed a home and I wanted to give that to them. I couldn’t leave them alone. I just— I felt like I just had to bring them to the Manor.” 

“They look happy here.” 

“I wanted to give them a happy childhood.” 

It was a good enough excuse. Dick has always been soft towards kids. He often told her that he wanted to have a big family when he was older with lots of kids so his children would never feel lonely and always had a sibling to play with. 

But Babs was not satisfied with the explanation. Dick was still hiding something and the sudden adoption spree doesn’t explain the sudden change in personality. 

“Are you happy?”

Dick looked up at that, his expression incredulous. “Of course, I’m happy. I couldn’t ask for anything else.” 

He was lying. His limbs were too tense. His eyes too dark and dim. 

She doesn’t know what he was hiding but she wouldn’t let herself get deterred. She trusted her instincts and they were screaming that something was wrong. 

As if Dick could read her mind, he steered the conversation away from him. 

“You know, Cass could use a female figure in her life.” Dick was well aware of how close Cass and Babs were in the original future. He knew that Cass thought of Babs as something of a mother figure. 

“Why Dick, are you proposing to me?” Babs had a wry grin on her face as she teased. She’s been here less than a day and could already see that Cass thinks of Dick as her dad. 

Bruce asked for her help in helping with Cass’ spotty record and make the paperwork airtight for Dick to have custody over her without issue. It was easy with Shiva’s permission but she still has to make sure all the paperwork was in place so no one can even try to take Cass away from the Manor. Working on the “Cassandra Grayson” case is on her priority list. 

Dick swallowed. 

Right. 

About that. 

He would normally joke back but he doesn’t want to give Babs the wrong idea. She deserved more than that. 

He loved their time together. It was a good run and he had some good memories. But he loved them being friends more.

“Babs, you know you’re a very important person in my life and I love you but I don’t—”

“You don’t have romantic feelings for me anymore.” She finished. “I know. I don’t feel that way about you either. I was actually going to talk to you about remaining friends.” 

“Yes.” Dick said, relieved that he wasn’t ruining things after all. “I would love that.” 

He felt a weight disappear off his shoulder. He was happy that Babs didn’t seem offended by the rejection. He was happy he wasn’t going to lose another important person in his life. 

She placed the mug down, stood up, and crossed the room to lean her head against Dick’s shoulder. He was all too happy to bear her weight, to feel her breathing, alive body next to his. 

Babs can read the exhaustion lining Dick’s limbs. It wasn’t a simple tiredness that can be solved overnight. It was a bone deep fatigue that had dimmed his eyes even more like he was breaking under the burden too large for him to carry but he didn’t know how to ask for help. 

He was always terrible when it came to asking for help for himself. The self-sacrificing idiot.  

She leaned on him, a solid weight against his, a physical proof that he wasn’t alone and she wasn’t going to let him face his monsters by himself. 

He intertwined their hands together. “I missed you.” 

She smiled and turned her head to give him a chaste kiss on the cheek. “I missed you too, Boy Wonder. I love you.” 

“I love you too.” 

They were interrupted by a loud cry. 

Dick jerked and his eyes widened when they landed on Dami standing in the middle of the kitchen with tears in his eyes. He instantly crossed the room to pick his baby up. 

“Dami, baby bat, what are you doing here?” Last time he checked, Dami should be sleeping in his bedroom. 

In front of the pair and still lingering in the doorway, Tim looked sheepish. “Sorry, I went into your room to grab a hair clip I left behind. I found Dami on the floor trying to open the door. I think he was looking for you.”

“It’s okay, Dami. Baba’s here.” Dick kissed Dami’s forehead who slowly stopped crying now that he was in Baba’s arms. “Wait Timmy, why are you still up?” 

Because last time he checked, Baby bird was also supposed to be sleeping right now. 

Tim didn’t want to admit that he got caught up in looking up online stores selling dresses and skirts on his phone under the bed covers. Dick was very particular about them going to bed when he tucks them in, claiming that kids need a good amount of sleep in order to grow healthy. He thinks it’s baloney but Dick and Alfred pulled out scientific articles proving his point. 

He did not want to admit that it felt nice to have a parent so attentive to his needs even though he still wasn’t used to it after being kidnapped brought to the Manor his new home over 3 weeks ago. 

“You know what, I’m feeling very tired right now. I’m going to go back to bed and sleep. Good night!” The last couple of sentences were rushed and blended together like a speedster talking fast as Tim quickly backed out the room and left. 

Dick smiled fondly after him. He’ll check on Tim when he goes up and make sure baby bird really was sleeping this time. 

Throughout that interaction, Dami didn’t stop staring at Babs. The others were oblivious to the little baby’s heated glare at her. 

Babs raised an eyebrow at that. 

Huh. 

She tested her theory and laid a hand on Dick’s shoulder.

He turned his attention to her. “Yeah, Babs?” 

Damian’s cries grew louder and Dick immediately turned his attention back to his baby. 

“Dami, sweetheart. What’s wrong? Are you hurt?” Dick started rubbing Dami’s back who slowly started calming down, his cries lessening, now that his Baba was no longer paying attention to the red haired woman. 

Dick placed a hand on the back of Dami’s head and guided Dami to rest it on his shoulder. “Poor baby. He’s probably overwhelmed and his quota for social interaction is filled.” 

“Yeah. I’m sure that’s it.” Babs said as she stared straight at the little baby once again glaring at her over Dick’s shoulder. 

He doesn’t know her. Baba said he loves her and looks at her differently than Aunt Kori and Aunt Donna. He hates it. He hates her. He doesn’t want a new Mama. 

He doesn’t need another parent. He was just fine with his Mama, Baba, and Bruce. 

.

.

.

The afternoon took Dick’s mind off the conversation with Bruce and he was feeling more at ease. But as it neared nighttime and Dick can’t keep putting it off like postponing the talk to after dinner or after patrol (not that he could use that excuse when patrol was cancelled tonight), his nerves grew and he wished he really could jump out a window to escape the upcoming talk. 

But he promised Jason he was going to talk to Bruce. He had to set a good example for his Little Wing that it was okay to reach out for help and not keep everything inside. 

So after he tucked Dami back in bed and made sure he was sleeping soundly this time and Tim was actually sleeping, he silently made his way to Bruce’s office —away from the kids, his friends, anyone that could overhear about what a mess Dick was. 

When he opened the door, Bruce was already there, sitting on the couch. Dick sat down on the opposite side. 

He was quiet, the silence felt awkward to him but he didn’t know what to say or how to start the conversation. He didn’t want to talk about being ra— or think about those memories again even though he knew he had to for Jason’s sake. 

In the end, Bruce ended up speaking first. 

He researched and googled how to talk to your child about being sexual assaulted but still feel ill prepared for this conversation even though he pushed for it because he can’t have Dick keeping quiet and self-destructing more. He can’t wait until he find the right words or it will be too late to stop Dick from committing suicide. 

“I’m sorry for pushing you away and making you feel uncomfortable to come to me for help. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when I should’ve been.” 

Dick had a lump in his throat. 

Bruce didn’t know the whole situation but he loved hearing those words —he never realized how much he wanted to hear that until now. 

He couldn’t help but moved closer to Bruce and lay his head on his dad’s shoulder. Bruce immediately put an arm around him and held him close like he should’ve done a year ago when Dick was assaulted. 

“I know that I made mistakes —that I made a lot of them when I raised you. I know that you deserve a better parent than me.” 

Dick was shaking his head, whispering. “You’re a good dad. I couldn’t ask for anything more.” 

When my parents died, you gave me a home and a family again. You made life worth living again. 

Bruce didn’t believe it. He was currently striving to be a dad worthy of those words. Because if he was a good dad, he would never have made Dick feel like he had to leave the Manor just to get away from him. 

“And I couldn’t ask for a better son.” Bruce tilted his head to press a kiss against Dick’s hair who melted more against his side. “I love you. I will always love you no matter what and I’m sorry for making you doubt that.”

Dick closed his eyes. 

You won’t love me anymore when you realize what I’ve done. I broke your rule over and over again because I was selfish and couldn’t handle losing any of you again.

Chapter Text

Bruce had prepared a speech of what he wanted to say in this conversation. He practiced it multiple times, in fear of messing up and losing Dick even more. But he still felt unprepared sitting here with Dick not knowing if this was the last day he would have with his son. So he tried to call on the confidence he had as Batman before he spoke. 

“I hate seeing you hurt and I hate that you had to bear the pain of being raped alone for this long.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “I read that talking about it can help make you feel better.” 

He made sure to keep his tone steady and not demanding. Making Dick feel cornered was the last thing he wanted to do. He forced himself not to demand Dick for details —any clues on who hurt his Robin so he can hunt them down and make them regret ever laying eyes on his son. 

This is for Jason. Dick told himself again before he started talking in a small voice. 

“The um, the first woman who, uh, hurt me.” His voice was small but he forced the words through. 

“She pretended to be my friend.” He hated downplaying the situation like that but how else could he explain what Mirage did pretending to be Kori without saying the full story? It was not even touching the fucked up shit Mirage put him through but he didn’t know what else to say. “And I thought I could trust her.” 

He thought she was Kori so he let her in. He let her do whatever she wanted to him because he thought that was love. He thought that was consent. 

It felt like a knife was stabbed and twisted in his chest when he found out the truth, when he learned that Mirage deceived him and took advantage of his love for Kori. 

He didn’t want to have sex but he thought he could handle it if it was Kori. He knew she wouldn’t hurt him. He trusted her. He loved her. 

“I shouldn’t have. I should’ve seen through her lies —that she wasn’t who I thought she was.” He should’ve known that it wasn’t Kori. What’s the point of being trained by the World’s Greatest Detective if he couldn’t see through a simple disguise? “I should’ve known better.” 

His voice grew more heated and he kept hiding his face in Bruce’s chest. He didn’t want to face Dad’s judgment too. 

“It wasn’t your fault that she tricked you.” 

Dick blinked, taken out of his self-deprecating rant at the unexpected response. “What?”

Bruce repeated in that steady, gentle voice. “It wasn’t your fault that she tricked you.” 

Dick bit his lip before confessing with averted eyes. “You trained me to be better than that.”

You trained me to see through the enemy’s lies-tricks-disguises. 

But he didn’t think she was an enemy. He thought he could trust her. He thought he didn’t have to be on his guard around Kori. 

Bruce hated the self-loathing in his son’s voice. "I get caught in enemies’ traps too. Batman isn’t infallible. Neither is Superman or Wonder Woman. And you are not to blame for what those women did to you. It’s their fault for taking advantage of you, not yours.” 

Dick didn’t look up. He loved the words even if it caused a war inside his chest —it went against everything he kept telling himself, everything he’s been telling himself for decades. 

He couldn’t bear looking at Dad when he said in a hauntingly small voice. “I didn’t want to have sex. She— she pushed for it…and I didn’t say no.” 

It was a shameful truth that he always kept to himself. 

He never told anyone. Not before. Not in the future. He knew his family had assumptions on days and nights when the memories particularly hit him the hardest and he couldn’t hold back the flinches when people touch him and needed to retreat to be by himself in a dark room, in an unused room in the Manor no one passes by. 

He always felt grateful and guilty when no one brought up his weakness afterwards and there was a warm cup of hot chocolate left for him on his dresser with a very familiar stuffed elephant next to it. He would wrap a blanket around himself, Zikta sitting on his lap as he drank the sugary drink (there were slight differences in how it tasted that he could tell who made it; the slight honey flavor told him this one was made by Jason). When the cup was empty, he crawled into bed and curled up around his faithful companion. 

No one brought up how his siblings would hug him just a bit tighter the next day. 

But he never said anything outright. He never confirmed their suspicions or assumptions out loud. They respected his wishes to leave it alone. And then— 

And then…it just didn’t matter amongst a growing number of graves. Who gives a shit about a few unwanted touches when his family’s blood won’t stop staining his hands?

Bruce had to bite his cheek from immediately getting up and figuring out who the hell laid a hand on his precious Robin. It took great effort to keep the anger from creeping in his voice and keeping his tone steady and gentle. This wasn’t about him. This was about Dick, his son, his brilliant Robin. 

“That didn’t mean you gave your consent. You saying yes and you not saying no are two different things.” 

“She said I wanted it.” She said I should have known she wasn’t Kori in the first place. “But I didn’t. I swear I didn’t want it at all.” 

“I believe you.” 

Dick held back the sob threatening to erupt. He didn’t know why Bruce easily believing in his words made his chest ache. 

“It was not your fault. You didn’t deserve it.”

He couldn’t help but look up when Bruce laid a gentle hand on his cheek. 

“Were you able to get help afterwards? Did you go to the doctor or file a report?” 

Dick shook his head. 

“I just went back to my apartment.” He said quietly. What the fuck would a police report do against Mirage? 

It was then that he realized Bruce must be thinking that a civilian hurt him. He didn’t bother correcting him. What was the point in telling Bruce a supposed “hero” hurt him when he couldn’t give out any specifics, when he couldn’t explain that the rape never even happened here and Dick has been lying this whole time? 

“I just wanted to forget about it.” 

Bruce hated that someone hurt his son like that. 

When he scoured through Nightwing’s and Dick Grayson’s files on anything that might have happened to cause the personality change, he found nothing. Nothing in their superhero or civilian lives that could serve as an answer. 

“You mentioned that there were more people?” He tried to ask as gently as he can even though he hated how he worded it but he didn’t know how else to say it. 

Dick closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the couch. 

This is for Jason. He said once again. This is for his reason for living. 

“The second woman who hurt me.” Dick started off slowly but where does he even begin with what Tarantula did to him? She hurt him far worse and far longer than Mirage did. At least with Mirage, it was just an overnight thing, not dragged out for weeks. “She, uh, fuck. I don’t where to start or what to say. I’m sorry.” 

But when he chanced looking at Bruce, his dad’s face didn’t hold any judgment, only a soft gentleness. 

His eyes were sad. “You can take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere. 

Dick couldn’t help but asked. “Promise?” 

Bruce reached over and intertwined their fingers together. “I promise.” 

It was a solid weight he anchored himself to. 

Somehow, it helped gather his thoughts together but he still took a few minutes to figure out what to say. 

Bruce didn’t push, didn’t do anything but give him time and space and unconditional love. 

“The second woman…I thought I could help her. She was getting on the wrong side of the law and I thought I could help steer her away from that.” Again, it felt so vague and wrong to downplay it like that but Dick didn’t know how else to word it. “I was only being friendly with her to get her to trust me.”  

He jolted upright and tore his hand away from Bruce. He didn’t want Dad to get the wrong idea too. “I’m not a slut. I wasn’t trying to seduce her or anything. I promise. I just wanted to be her friend. That’s it.”  

It was a fucking miracle that Bruce kept a tight lid on the anger at the implications and let none of it seep into his voice. “I believe you. You were just being friendly.” 

Who the hell told those fucking lies to his son? It hurt to hear Dick practically begging him to not to think he was a slut as if he could ever think of his precious little Robin like that. 

He knew his son was attractive. He knew that sometimes people like to say things at galas and on the news. The recent newspapers told him plenty of how others wanted to tear Dick down. And he hated that his son had to experience that. 

“Okay.” Dick relaxed back on the couch. This time leaning against Bruce and melting against his side when Dad hugged him. “Okay. Thank you.” 

Bruce hated that Dick had to fucking thank him for basic human decency. What the hell has his son been through? 

“So um, she didn’t see it that way, I guess. She saw it as an invitation for more.” Dick started playing with Bruce’s fingers —not unlike how Dami likes to play with his. 

“I said no that time. Or I’m pretty sure I did.” What happened on the roof was a haze for him. “But she took off my clothes and uh, yeah.”  

He couldn’t bring himself to say the rest. His voice was getting smaller and smaller, nearly inaudible by the end of it. 

But Bruce heard all of it. It took considerable restraint not to clench his fists in dire need to punch something, anything since Dick was holding onto his hand and the last thing he ever wanted to do was hurt his son again.  

“What happened after?” 

Dick flinched at his harsh tone and Bruce had to close his eyes for a few seconds to calm himself down. 

His voice was gentler when he spoke again. “Did you go to a hospital afterwards?” 

Dick shook his head again. 

Everything was a blur after that rooftop. His head was a mess, a fog he didn’t want to make clear as he felt the guilt and grief crushing him. But he remembered flashes of when Catalina touched him again, made him have sex again and again and called it love. He remembered when she pushed them to get married. 

He felt so helpless, so drained. He hated it but it was…easier to just let Catalina do what she wanted. It was easier to fall deeper in that foggy head space and not have to come face to face with the evidence of his increasing failures, every death that laid on his shoulders. 

He was supposed to be Nightwing but he did nothing to stop her. He let it happen over and over again. 

He wanted to tell Bruce all this, wanted to get the validation that it wasn’t his fault, that he never deserved it even though he was the reason why Blockbuster killed innocents whose only crime was being associated with him, even though he let that monster die by Catalina’s hand. 

He wanted to hear those words again from his dad. 

But he didn’t know how to word the nonsensical jumble mess in his head, how to say it in a way that didn’t make it all his fault. So he didn’t say anything more. 

Bruce was going to have to talk to Dick about why he should have gone to a hospital, why he should have gotten himself help after. But that was a talk for another time even though he wished this never happened to Dick again. 

“Was there anyone else who raped you?” 

Dick was looking down at his hand when he shrugged. There were more unwanted touches, unwanted groping he hated and suffer through but it wasn’t full blown sex so he kept quiet. 

That response did not make Bruce feel any better. 

“Dick, did you cut yourself because you were raped?” There was no easy way to ask but he knew it had to be done even as his heart was breaking at the devastated look on his son’s face. 

Dick was frozen, the air knocked out of him, the blood draining from his face, as he was thinking what the fuck. 

He tore himself from Bruce’s side, staring at him in horror.  

How could Bruce have known? How long has he known? How come he never said anything before now? Did everyone know of his shameful weakness? Did Alfred know? The Titans? Babs? Have they known this whole time? 

He didn’t notice when the room was getting smaller or when his breathing quickened or Bruce shouting in alarm and trying to calm him down. 

“Dick, you’re okay. You’re safe. Please look at me.” 

Dick’s vision was blurry but he managed to focus on Dad’s voice, on his face. 

“That’s good, chum.” He felt Bruce put his hand on his chest and Dick could feel Dad’s strong, beating heartbeat underneath his fingertips. He clung to it like a lifeline. “Just focus on my breathing okay?” 

It felt like forever before Dick was able to fucking breathe without Bruce’s help. 

His voice was even smaller and more hoarse than when he was talking about his damn rape when he asked shakily. “How long have you known?” 

Bruce told the truth. “About a week after you moved back to the Manor. I saw a glimpse underneath your sleeve.” 

Dick blinked. He knew for that long? “Who else knows?” 

“Alfred, Clark, and Diana.” 

He flinched at the number of how many people knew his shame. “Why didn’t you say anything?” 

Bruce hesitated for a second before saying. “I didn’t want to drive you away more. I wasn’t sure how to start that conversation.” 

“Oh.” Dick murmured quietly, now feeling embarrassed for his outburst.  

“Dick.” Bruce swallowed the lump in his throat before trying again. God, his baby boy was only 19. He wasn’t even old enough to legally drink. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make it sound like I was ignoring your pain. I never want you to think that I don’t care about you. I do. I love you so much. I—“ 

Dick interrupted.  “I get it. I understand. I probably wouldn’t have responded well if you confronted me earlier.” 

He hated hearing Bruce put the blame on his shoulders when Dick was the one trying his absolute hardest to pretend that the lines on his arms didn’t exist, that they weren’t the only physical evidence he had that he lived through another future, that everything he experienced wasn’t just a fucked up dream cooked up by a sadistic villain. 

“Dick, do you still…I mean, do you—” 

Luckily, Dick took pity on him and didn’t make him finish the question. “…I don’t do it anymore. There’s nothing for you to worry about.” 

Bruce’s heart broke seeing Dick wrapping his arms around himself, averting his eyes from his gaze. 

It was as good of a confirmation that his son cut himself because he was raped. 

Maybe Dick isn’t contemplating suicide anymore (and isn’t that a relief) but that doesn’t absolve Bruce’s failures and lack of actions. 

He did this. He pushed Dick to leave the Manor. He made Dick feel like he couldn't go back to Gotham, to the Manor for help. He made his son feel unable to reach out to his father. 

His hands twitched to hold his son in a hug, to comfort him but he restrained himself. Dick wasn’t in the mood for a hug and he was respecting his boundaries. “I’m sorry you felt like you were alone during those times. I’m sorry you felt like you couldn’t come to me.”

Dick hated those words. Because it wasn’t true. He didn’t feel like he was alone. He was alone. His family was dead and he was left behind again and again. He was an asshole who pushed his friends away. 

He had nothing. He had no one. 

Just the company of graves and never-ending failures. 

“I couldn’t go to anyone.” He corrected in a whisper. “I didn’t have anyone at all.” 

Somehow those words were the truest he’s spoken so far. 

“Why didn’t you go to the Titans? Or Barbara? I know we had a strained relationship. I’m not blaming you; what happened between us was my fault. But I thought they were different.” Bruce didn’t know of any fights or drama between the Titans. The only thing he can recall was Harper’s drug addiction but he’s been clean since receiving custody of his daughter. 

Dick didn’t know what to say. 

Sure, it’s been about a month since he came back. Sure, he knew the Titans noticed the flinches he couldn’t hide. He could see the questions in their eyes but they never pushed. He knew he could’ve told them a vague truth like he was telling Bruce right now the first time he flinched when Kori touched him. 

I didn’t want to go through the aftermath of Mirage and Tarantula again, of listening to the comments made by other people who didn’t know the full story. I didn’t want to be a target of the blame and rage again. I didn’t want to put myself through that again knowing how the story ends in another future. 

They were his closest friends and he trusted them with his life. He knew they weren’t like the others, knew they wouldn’t act how he feared if he told them a semi-truth of being betrayed, of being hurt, of being raped by people who took advantage of him. 

But the words wouldn’t come out when he was with them. So he kept quiet. 

“It wasn’t their problem.” was the response he ended up going with in the end.

It wasn’t their problem, wasn’t their future. It didn’t happen. It didn’t matter. 

He had years to get very good at lying to himself. 

Bruce hated that Dick felt like he was a being bother, like he was only creating trouble if he tried to ask for help so he didn’t. 

“Can I hug you?” 

Dick turned his head, assessing him, and Bruce let his body language be open and honest and full of unconditional love no matter Dick’s choice. 

It was a tense few seconds before Dick gave a sharp nod. 

Bruce still choreographed his movements and slowly reached out to hug Dick tightly. 

The next moment, he felt Dick sagged against his side like a puppet whose strings were cut. He didn’t mention the tears falling down Dick’s cheeks. 

“What are your triggers? What should I be on the lookout for? I want you to feel comfortable and safe in your home. What do you need to feel okay again?”

“I already feel safe with you.” Dick murmured in Bruce’s chest, feeling embarrassed but there was a warmth in him hearing Dad’s earnest voice even though he had his family and friends back. He had everyone he loved with him again —breathing and alive. His life was already getting better and he felt more okay the longer he had his family with him. 

Just don’t die again. 

I’ll make sure you guys don’t suffer another death like in the future. I’ll destroy your enemies before they could hurt you. 

“But, um, sometimes, I can’t handle rain. The second woman hurt me on a rooftop when it was raining.” It couldn’t hurt to reveal that. It was going to come out sooner or later when he couldn’t go on patrol because the memories were too much and rain was a common sight in Gotham.

“Okay.” Bruce made a mental note to update the files. 

At the sign of the easy support and not a single disbelief at the weird trigger, Dick gained a little more confidence and continued. “I can’t sleep on my back anymore.” He was raped on his back and he couldn't stop the association. “I sleep on my stomach or my side now. I know it’s not a trigger but I, um, yeah, just wanted to tell you.” 

Bruce pressed a kiss on Dick’s head. “Nothing you tell me is silly. Thank you for telling me and trusting me with this.” 

“I can’t handle the scent of lilac.” Catalina wore that and it burned in his memory. 

After this, Bruce was going to throw out every lilac and similar scent in the Manor. 

This was Dick’s home.

And he will make this a safe space for his son. He failed in the past. He already failed Dick numerous times but he will be and do better from now on. 

.

.

.

This is for Jason. Dick had to keep telling himself that even though he wanted to jump out the nearest window. 

It wasn’t the therapist’s fault. 

Abigail Evans seems nice. She had blonde hair and wore thick black rimmed glasses. A clipboard was on her lap and she gave him her undivided nonjudgmental attention. 

The quiet between them wasn’t awkward as she allowed him time to collect his thoughts. 

He appreciated the thought even as he felt incompetent that he needed time to compose himself to answer such an easy question. 

“Why are you in therapy?”

There were so many things he can say. He should’ve prepared better. 

He knew what to expect. He’s been to a few therapist sessions in the past (future?). He went to a couple after Jason’s first death. He went to one after Damian’s at the hands of the Heretic. 

All in disguise of course. It wouldn’t do to have paparazzi take a picture of Richie Wayne and deal with the media twisting the story of what was going on. 

It felt weird to be sitting in this green painted room as Dick Grayson. 

And maybe that’s why he’s feeling off-kilter right now. Because he wasn’t used to being so exposed as himself. 

Before, he could hide behind a persona in disguise even though the issues were real. It was a safety mechanism to pretend to play an act like it was undercover, just another mission. 

“What would I even see a therapist for?” 

“Perhaps the stress about maintaining a police job —a highly risky and injury prone field— and raising a toddler you took away from an abusive childhood?” 

When Alfred made the appointment, he ended up using that excuse. 

Bruce wanted him to talk about the cuts on his arm. 

Even if Dick didn’t want to commit suicide anymore, he wanted Dick to talk about why he started cutting in the first place, to fully talk about it in a safe place. He offered to cancel this appointment and make another one with a different kind of therapist that specializes in that area. 

Dick didn’t take the offer. 

There was nothing to be said. 

His family was gone and he had nothing left so he ended the pain. That was the whole story and of course, he can’t tell that to a civilian. 

So there was no point. 

He stuck to Alfred’s excuse. 

. 

The session only took an hour and Dick felt indifferent at the end of it. He knows therapy is a time-consuming process and he won’t see a huge change in just one session. 

But he doesn’t know. 

Mrs. Evans was nice. He knew that her record was clean and she seemed passionate about wanting to help him to help him and not to get money. 

But… 

He just doesn’t know. 

Something just doesn’t feel…right. 

He hates thinking like that when she was only doing her job, but he doesn’t know how else to word it. Maybe his perspective will change in a few more sessions. 

The only thing worth noting from this session was that he just talked about his siblings. It was a safe topic. 

He didn’t want to get into his trauma and issues. He already felt too raw and vulnerable from his talk with Bruce a couple days ago. He didn’t want to let a stranger poke at his open wounds so he didn’t bring it up. 

Mrs. Evans even talked about her children, twin boys. He already knew that from her file but it felt nice to gush about his kids with another parent. It felt nice not to be judged for being parental to his siblings from an outsider. 

.

.

.

Dick missed Babs. 

He missed talking to her, missed leaning on her, missed his Oracle. His heart felt lighter with her near. 

He was the one who found Babs’ body, too slow to prevent her death. He was right there but he was a few minutes too late. He was always too late. 

It was Jason who found him, kneeling in a puddle of her blood, and gently pulled him away because he was too frozen, too shocked, too useless to do anything else but stand there, looking down at Babs’ horrified face. 

They were getting lunch together while the kids were at school. Babs practically dragged him away from the Manor to get some fresh air. Bruce was home from work and taking care of Damian for him so he can spend time with his friends. 

The Titans were off doing whatever but they waved away Babs’ invitation if they wanted to join lunch saying Dick should have the chance to catch up with her alone. 

It was nice. 

It was relaxing. 

But there was a restlessness in his veins, an urgent need to do something. Why was he relaxing when he had Ra’s to deal with? Or when he can look up surveillance on other targets, other potential threats that could take his family from him? 

“Don’t be so stiff, Dick.” Babs said before hooking her arm through his as they walked down the streets and window shop. “You’re 19. Live a little.”

Dick has been too used to focusing on his kids and threats to eliminate that he forgot what it was like to just stop and remember he wasn’t even in his twenties yet. 

He forgot what it was like to be a kid. He forgot what it was like to be so young. 

He gave up on trying to act his age, on trying to act normal when it didn’t take long to figure out that he was horrible at it. 

.

.

.

It was nice to walk around with Babs, to let her lead him wherever she wanted to go, whatever shops she wanted to browse. 

She did give him a look when he kept checking his phone for updates from Bruce about Dami but just teased him about being an overprotective daddy. 

Dick was not being overprotective. He just worries a completely normal amount. “Bruce never took care of a toddler before.” 

She leaned in close once she was sure that no one around was listening. 

“I’m pretty sure the World’s Greatest Detective can figure it out.” 

“Babs, I think there was a reason why Bruce didn’t take us in until we reached double digits.” 

She laughed and he reveled in the sound, in the amusement in her eyes, in the smirk on her face. 

“So is there anywhere you want to go? I know I’ve just been dragging you to places.” 

“Maybe the bookstore. Jason’s been into poetry lately and I want to see if there’s picture books for Cass. Tim’s also—” He cut himself off when he caught a glimpse of the woman in the corner of his eye and had to do a double take. 

She looked familiar. 

But he knew her. 

How? 

Where did he know her from? 

He stopped still in the middle of the walkway. He could feel Babs’ confusion beside him, the frustration from the people around them having to walk around him. 

But he didn’t move. 

His eyes were on a familiar Asian woman with brown hair and eyes across the street. She didn’t notice his stare but he didn’t look away, heartbeat thundering in his chest, fear racing in his veins as a single name dredged up from the depths of mind where he tightly locked it away. 

Liu. 

Babs followed his eye line. She doesn’t know the woman. She doesn’t know how Dick knows her but she will find out. 

For now, she had to get Dick away from here. 

Dick didn’t notice he was shaking. He didn’t notice Babs taking his hand and leading him away.

He couldn’t believe he forgot, couldn’t believe he suppressed the memories so deep in his mind that he didn’t remember until he laid eyes on her again. 

It was easier to pretend it never happened than confront it, than have to remember how weak he was back then. 

But now— 

Now, he remembered her touch. He remembered what she did to him. And he can’t stop feeling her hands on his skin, can’t stop hearing her whispers in his ears. 

She was supposed to be in jail. She wasn’t supposed to be free. She wasn’t supposed to be here in Gotham. 

He was supposed to be safe now. 

.

It was easy to lead an unresponsive and frozen Dick away to a secluded alleyway where there was no one around and no chance of anyone eavesdropping on them. 

“Dick?” 

She wasn’t sure what was going on. But she knew that Asian woman was the cause of it. She memorized her features and had taken a quick picture of her to search up later. 

Right now, Dick needed her. 

It hurt to see glazed blue eyes so blank and lost. He doesn’t even seem like he was there at all, lost in painful memories by the twitching in his fingers and slight grimaces on his face. 

“Dick?” She asked again, reaching up to cup his cheeks. 

And he flinched harshly, knocking against the brick wall behind him in to get away from her touch. 

Her heart sank at the reaction and the clues have never been more apparent than now. 

It seemed that was all Dick needed to come back to himself. He blinked multiple times, looking around him as he tried to figure out where he was. 

“You’re with Barbara. We’re in an alley. We just had lunch together. It’s Wednesday, May—” 

Before she can recite more details to help him get his bearings together, his head whipped to her as if finally registering she was there. He quickly looked away, body trembling, hand pressed against the wall to steady himself. The other hand covered his mouth like he was trying to stop himself from puking. 

“What happened, Dick?”

He swallowed, eyes still averted to the ground. But after a moment, he uncovered his mouth. 

“…I don’t want to talk about it.” His voice was hoarse but there was a pleading note in it telling her to please drop the subject. 

She didn’t. 

“Who was that woman? What did she do to you?” 

She knew Dick. Sometimes, he needed a push. Sometimes, he needed a proverbial kick in the pants to stop holding everything in like Bruce until the mental dam breaks and he lashes out.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” He repeated more forcefully this time, voice less shaky but his eyes were still haunted. 

He turned to leave, but she grabbed his arm. 

And it was then she saw it. It was just a tiny glimpse when the sleeve rode up a few centimeters but she still saw it. 

Dick’s eyes widened in realization at the same time hers did. He tried to yank his arm back when she tightened her grip and pushed back his sleeve. 

The shameful cuts on his arm were clear for all to see. 

Sure, she took note of the odd change in his wardrobe, saw the long sleeves and sweatpants he seemed to be more fond of. 

But she never imagined it was because he was hiding this. 

Her heart was breaking with each single line. And there were so many, numerous deep cuts overlapping each other. 

She’s been to crime scenes. She’s seen violence. She’s seen gore and brutality at its finest. 

She looked up to see Dick’s eyes watering, can feel her own eyes tearing up in response. She had so many thoughts, so many questions.

But somehow what came out of her mouth was “How are you alive?” 

Dick threw his head back and laughed —a broken, haunted sound echoed and she has never felt more off-kilter. 

In that single moment, she couldn’t recognize Dick Grayson. He was a stranger and there was a giant chasm between them. 

His empty smile was like broken glass. “I shouldn’t be.” 

.

Why did he say that? Why did he fuck up and let her see a glimpse of his shame? 

Dick was still in a daze, his mind still a foggy fucked up mess after seeing Liu again. He wasn’t thinking when Babs pulled up his sleeve and confronted him.  

Stupid. 

Now there was no way he can brush off her concerns with ready made excuses. He knew she wouldn’t let this go anytime soon.

He wished he could wipe her memories. He wished he could turn back time and make this whole day just a horrible memory. 

He couldn’t stay here, couldn’t handle any more of Babs’ questions, of her trying to push him until he breaks. 

Not safe-get out-enemy here 

He had to leave, had to go. Where? He didn’t care. Just anywhere that wasn’t here. 

The alley was suffocating him. The brick walls felt like they were closing in on him. His breathing quickened and his palms felt sweaty. 

He didn’t look back when he rushed out of the alley, when he left Babs just standing there. 

Maybe if he ran far enough, he could pretend the ghosts of his past weren’t haunting him. 

.

Barbara was in a daze after Dick’s confession. She was frozen. It was like her world just stopped. She didn’t even object or notice when Dick pulled away and pulled his sleeve down to cover the scars or when he quickly left without another glance towards her. 

She said nothing, only watched him as he turned a corner and disappeared into the streets. And she still stood there in that alley alone. 

She knew that Dick wasn’t okay. She could see that he was carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders. But she never would have thought, never even guessed he was hiding that kind of pain. 

Her dad worked cases with suicidal victims. She had to talk a few down from taking that final plunge. But for all that she had experience with it, she was floundering and stumbling because this wasn’t just a civilian. This was Dick. 

Her Boy Wonder. 

Her best friend. 

How the hell didn’t she notice he was cutting himself? 

Then again, she never noticed he was raped. 

All the pictures and videos he’s been sending her, all the interactions she saw with his family were now casted in a new light. She now had an explanation for the dim light in his eyes and the fatigue in his limbs. 

And she hated the conclusions she was coming to. 

Oh god, how was she going to tell Bruce? 

How the hell do you tell a father that his son was pushed that far and thought killing himself was the only way out? That he committed suicide and failed? 

It wasn’t wrong to assume that Dick told no one about it or that Bruce and Alfred had no idea about it. If they knew he tried to kill himself, they would’ve told her. She would’ve seen the hospital records. 

How the hell was he still alive? 

That question rolled over and over in her head even as she hated thinking about it. 

She saw the scars. She saw how deep they were. He would have bled out in minutes. 

Dick would have known that too. He cut himself with the intention of never waking up, never breathing again. 

And she hated how her mind could conjure up clear images of Dick sitting on his bed, or maybe sitting in a bathtub with a knife or razor in his hand. 

Where was she when Dick was trying to kill himself? What the hell was she even doing when this happened? 

She didn’t know. 

She hated the thought. She hated that she had no idea when Dick committed suicide, had no time frame for when it could have occurred. All those messages on her phone, all those calls, nothing gave her a clue of Dick’s pain. 

No one else knew either. He didn’t go to anyone for help. He kept it all to himself, suffering in pain alone. 

Another horrifying thought just occurred to her. 

Dick gave up on them. 

The words cut deep. Her heart shattered even more at the realization. But it was true. Dick didn’t want to live anymore. 

He had Bruce and Alfred. He had the other JL founders who she knew he considered as aunts and uncles. He had her and his Titans. 

But he still committed suicide. 

They weren’t a reason for him to live anymore. 

.

Barbara allowed herself five more minutes of the pity party before she forced herself to get her shit together. No more feeling sorry for herself and suffocating on the what ifs-regrets-guilt. 

She had to focus on Dick so she steeled herself and started heading for the Manor. She had to talk to Bruce. 

She hated that she had to tell him that Dick tried to kill himself, very nearly could have by how deep his cuts were. 

But she can’t leave this alone. 

Dick was not okay. What if he decides to commit suicide again? 

No. He wouldn’t. Even if she and Bruce and Alfred weren’t enough to live for anymore, he loved his siblings. 

His kids were everything to him so surely he would live for them? Even as she hoped it would be enough, she couldn’t help but feel that was only a temporary fix, that Dick was prolonging dealing with his issues by using the kids as excuses. 

She hated even entertaining the thought but maybe it would be for the best if they could get Dick to stop spending so much time around his siblings. 

Maybe a temporary physical separation would be best? Just so Dick can finally focus on himself and actually heal without any excuses or distractions in the way. 

She knew the suggestion was going to get herself on Dick’s shit list. He was definitely not going to be happy with her for a while. 

But she was willing to endure the consequences. She would bear his hatred if he was alive to do so. She’d rather that over him being dead. 

Chapter Text

Dick was in an isolated part of the park surrounded by trees and no people. He was sitting on the grass, back against a large tree. He pulled his legs to his chest and rested his chin on his knees. 

Glazed blue eyes stared at the little pond a few feet away, focused on the little baby ducklings swimming in the water near their mother. 

His heart ached for his own babies —he wanted to hold them and never let them go— but he didn’t move from his spot. He ignored how it felt like there was a gaping hole in his chest (he could see the same bloody one on Tim’s corpse). 

He ignored the pain, ignored how he was alone in this and how everything he worked so hard for was slipping through his fingers like sand. 

They saw his cuts. They knew his shame-how much he failed-how weak he was to give up when he had nothing to keep him going. 

Bruce, Alfred, Diana, Clark, Jason, Babs…how many more people are going to find out? How many more times will he slip up and reveal the disgust that lines his arms? 

He was supposed to be better than this. 

He was supposed to be taking care of them, making sure they are happy and alive and breathing. Everything he did —everything he has done and will do— is for them.  

They shouldn’t be worried about him. They were more important. But he knew they will never let this go. 

For all of his contingency plans, he doesn’t have much set in place in case something like this happens. 

He doesn’t know what to do. They’ll ask him about his cuts; they’ll want to know the details. And he won’t be able to answer their questions. 

Why did he do it? 

Because his family kept dying over and over again. 

Why didn’t he go to one of them? 

Because they were gone. He pushed them away. 

Why didn’t he get help?

What was the point? He kept failing his family and friends. He can’t stop failing the people he loves. 

He doesn’t deserve anything less. 

They’ll ask and he can’t tell them the truth. 

He could just imagine it. They’ll demand for answers and he can’t say a thing, not when it means losing the family he just got back. 

A cynical voice in his head hissed that he was going to lose them anyway because who can trust a fucked up mess that’s barely holding on around them? 

“Hey.” 

Dick didn’t react to Wally’s voice or when he felt his best friend sit down next to him. 

Wally hated the glazed look in those blue eyes. Babs didn’t say much when she asked if he could check in on Dick. He asked her what happened on their lunch date but all she said was that she was taking care of things and Dick needed comfort right now. 

“I’ll explain later. It’s better if I talk to you in person.” 

He was holding her to her promise.

But for now, he had to focus on Dick. 

“Hey.” He said again, softly, gently. 

Dick blinked. The glazed look no longer in his eyes but he still didn’t say anything. 

At that positive sign, Wally started talking, rambling about everything and anything. 

Slowly, Dick started relaxing and uncurled his body from a tight little ball. Wally felt happy at the sight but didn’t stop talking. He just wrapped an arm around Dick’s shoulders and pulled him close.

Dick was hardly paying attention to the words, simply basking in the sound of his best friend’s voice. 

He missed this. 

He missed Wally. 

It was the day after he cradled Cass’ body when he received the call from a distraught Barry saying Wally is dead. 

Barry wasn’t able to get the details out when Dick immediately hung up the phone at the news. He didn’t want to hear about any more death then. He learned what happened later on though.

But in that moment, all that he could focus on was how even more people he cared about were leaving him again and again and again. 

Dick didn’t know how much time had passed since Wally found him but he eventually found himself with his head tucked underneath Wally’s chin and both arms wrapped around him, taking comfort in the strong beating heartbeat beneath. 

“…I’m sorry.” Dick’s voice was small. 

Wally hugged him tightly. “You have nothing to apologize for, Rob.” 

Dick sniffed and tears started falling down his cheeks. He buried his face in Wally’s chest, unable to face him in the eye with the shame itching on his arms, hidden away underneath a layer of fabric. 

Because he knew better. 

He had everything to apologize for. 

.

.

.

Barbara hated the words coming out of her mouth, hated that she had to tell Bruce —tell a father that his son committed suicide and failed. 

The only positive was that the children were nowhere near Bruce’s office to hear the conversation. Alfred was taking care of Damian and Cass downstairs. Tim and Jason were in school. Dick was out of the Manor with Wally. Roy, Donna, and Kori were with Lian getting ice cream. It was just them here. 

She wished she could’ve been with Dick right now. She wanted to make sure Dick wasn’t cutting or hurting himself even more, wanted to see that he was okay. 

She was aware enough that if she saw him right now, she would be demanding why he never told them. She would be asking why he started cutting in the first place, why he didn’t find a healthier coping mechanism than that, why he didn’t get help. If she saw him again, she would have wanted answers right then and there. 

She was aware enough that will not help him right now. And she knew Wally can do a better job comforting Dick in the way he needs. 

Bruce was frozen in his chair, staring at her in shock. He caught a glimpse of the scars on Dick’s wrist. He saw the dim look in blue eyes, the fatigue in his son’s limbs. 

He swallowed the lump in his throat at the implications, at everything he missed and drew the wrong conclusions about. Now he was seeing all of Dick’s interactions with them and his kids and friends this past month in a new light. “How are you sure?” 

Barbara’s eyes were still red and puffy. “I saw his entire arm, Bruce. The cuts were far too deep to be anything other than a suicide. I’m not even sure how he could have survived the blood loss. He would have bled out in minutes.” 

How did he fail Dick this badly? 

He already knew the answer but he had to ask anyway. “He never said anything to you about…?”

He couldn’t bring himself to finish the sentence. 

“No.” Barbara said softly, collapsing in the chair in front of the desk. Her voice was trembling. “I had no idea anything was wrong.”

There wasn’t a single sign or clue. There wasn’t a single thing that warned them of Dick’s suicidal thoughts. 

She couldn’t believe they were blind to Dick’s pain this whole time. 

That amount of cuts. That kind of motivation to kill himself with no hope of rescue. This had to be building up for a long time. 

And they all missed it. 

How could they call themselves heroes when they couldn’t save Dick? 

Bruce had his head in his hands. 

He thought Dick was actively suicidal and preparing to say a final goodbye. He never would have imagined that his sweet precious little Robin had already tried to take his life. 

He didn’t know which one was better. He failed him regardless. 

Dick gave up on them. He never came back to Gotham when he was hurting himself and going through the pain alone. He only came back home when he lost everything. 

“…I don’t do it anymore. There’s nothing for you to worry about.” Dick had said. 

All he felt was relief when he heard that. But now, his heart was hurting, aching at the true meaning behind the words. 

Bruce did this. He pushed Dick away. He made Dick feel alone in his pain. He made Dick believe he couldn’t have go to him, to Alfred or Babs, to anyone in Gotham. 

No matter how you look at it, Dick’s blood is on his hands. 

.

Barbara hated herself for suggesting it but if it would help Dick get better, then she would bear the consequences. “I think we should physically separate Dick from the kids. Maybe send him somewhere where he can get the help he needs.” 

“I can understand where you’re coming from but I think that will do more damage. Dick is very attached to the kids and vice versa.” Tim, Damian, and Cass were still trying to learn how to settle in the Manor and adjust to their new living arrangement and having a big family. 

Tim was learning how to accept love and affection and that they would never leave him for not being useful or the perfect heir. 

Damian was learning that he was safe now and he would never be harmed or be forced to train. 

Cass was learning how to be a child and not a weapon. 

If they separate Dick from them, it can undo all that positive progress and he didn’t want that. 

“I know.” She felt the same way. “But Dick isn’t getting better. You told me he’s been having panic attacks and breakdowns lately. He’s ignoring his pain and using the kids as distractions. That won’t help him in the long run.”

He knows that. 

He blinked and suddenly all he could see was Dick crammed into a tight corner between bookshelves in the library after he ran out of the dining room. 

But still, separating Dick from the kids seems a bit extreme. He doesn’t want to go through with that. 

“I still don’t—” 

“Damn it, Bruce.” Barbara interrupted. “Do you want to see Dick try to kill himself again?” 

He flinched and she felt guilty for her harsh words but this was Dick’s life at stake. She was scared of being too late. What if next time, Dick didn’t fail and she gets a call or comes home and finds his dead body? 

“He promised me he won’t do it again.” 

“Can we really trust his words when he never came to any one of us when he was cutting himself and having suicidal thoughts?” 

Bruce fell silent at that. 

.

.

.

Dick was silent behind the door of the office. 

Wally had gotten an emergency alert from Barry he couldn’t ignore so Dick had him drop him off at the front door. He assured Wally that he was fine before watching his best friend leave in a blur. 

He found Alfred in the kitchen. Dami and Cass were eating cookies and he took a few minutes to be with his son and sister. But he had to talk to Bruce as soon as possible, had to explain the cuts Babs saw before Bruce gets the wrong idea. So it wasn’t long before he dropped a kiss on the kids’ heads before heading upstairs. 

And now, he was listening to Babs and Bruce’s conversation. 

About how unstable he was, how unfit he was to be around them. 

Oh god, is that why Bruce asked if he cut himself a few days ago? Was Bruce trying to gauge his mental state to decide if he should even be near the children right now? Was that why he wanted to have that talk in the first place? 

Babs was pushing to take the kids away from him and Bruce…Bruce was objecting less and less the more she talked. 

They wanted him to leave the Manor. They wanted to get him away from the kids. 

They thought he was lying. They didn’t trust him. 

They didn’t want him. 

Dick left. 

They were right. 

He wasn’t okay. He wasn’t handling everything well. He was failing over and over and over again. 

He wanted to walk in there and say something, anything to change their minds. He wanted to stay at the Manor and be with his family. He wanted to stay with his siblings and give them a better childhood. He wanted to help raise Dami and be his Baba. 

He wanted to plead to Bruce, hoping against hell that he can appeal to Dad’s softer side. 

He wanted to beg. 

“I know how this looks but I’m not unstable. I’m not crazy. Please don’t take Dami from me. I can’t— Please don’t take my son away. I’ll do anything. I’ll give up the suit. I’ll quit being a cop. Just please don’t take him from me. Please Dad. I can’t lose Dami.” 

Not again. 

But he was a coward. His mouth kept shut. 

He didn’t say anything in his defense. He couldn’t. 

Not when he couldn’t erase the shameful scars on his skin, the evidence that Bruce will use to say he needed to stay away. 

So he left because he couldn’t handle being separated from his precious kids. He flees before Bruce can tell him their decision to kick him out “for his own good”. 

He walked back into the kitchen. 

His heart ached when he saw Dami and Cass brighten at the sight of him. Who knows when Bruce and Babs will let him see them again? Who knows when they will declare him stable enough to be near the kids again?  

But he hid those thoughts away. 

He leaned down to pick up Dami and hold his precious little Robin in his arms. 

“I love you.” He whispered before pressing a kiss on his forehead. 

He felt Cass wrapping her arms around his waist. 

She frowned. Dad was sad. She didn’t like it. 

Dick moved Dami to sit on his hip while he leaned down to wrap Cass in a hug. 

He wished he can stay with them longer but he didn’t know how long Babs and Bruce’s conversation will last. He didn’t want the kids to be here when Bruce makes him leave the Manor. 

But he wished he could’ve said one last goodbye to them. He wished he can see Jason, Tim, Steph, and Duke one last time before he had to go. 

“I have to go on a mission with the Titans.” He already sent the alert that they needed to make their move now. He told them Ra’s moved up his plans to attack Gotham. 

Half true. Ra’s didn’t take well to Talia giving his grandson —his weapon and vessel— to his father. But even he will think twice before invading Batman’s city. 

“How long will you be gone, Master Dick?” 

Dick straightened up and looked up at his grandpa. “A few days. Maybe a week at most.”

It would give him enough time to figure out how to address Babs and Bruce’s concerns and hopefully come up with something to convince them not to take his only reason for living away. 

He kissed Dami’s head again before handing his son to Alfred. Cass refused to let him go, still buried in his side. 

“I’m going to be okay, Cass.” He ran a hand through her hair. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

He lied. He doesn’t know if Bruce will let him in the Manor after this. 

She shook her head and tightened her grip on him. It hurt to pull away from her but he firmly took her arms away. 

He kneeled on the floor and laid a gentle hand on her cheek. “It’s going to be okay. I won’t be gone for long.” 

“Go with.” She signed determinedly.

He shook his head. “No, sweetheart. I want you to stay here.”

None of his siblings will ever go near the League again, will ever have to face that abusive environment again. He won’t let that happen. 

She shook her head again, looking at him with pleading eyes. 

He was firm in his decision, his body language telling her more than words ever can, begging her to please stay home for his own peace of mind where he knows she will be safe and sound. 

Not this time. 

I want to protect you. 

I don’t want you hurt.

Her shoulders dropped but she nodded. I’ll stay. 

He hugged her close. Thank you. “I love you.” 

“I love you too.” She signed against his chest before tilting her head up and kissing his cheek. “Come back.” 

“I will.” He promised with an easy smile. 

He has a lot of contingencies put in place against the monsters that took his family’s lives the first time. He doesn’t have many for when they would find out the truth of how he killed himself because he couldn’t handle the guilt or the loneliness anymore and ended up in the past. 

He told himself that he would be okay if Bruce asked him to leave. Batman has a no-killing rule and Nightwing can’t give that up. He told himself that it was okay if he was no longer welcomed at the Manor if his siblings are alive and breathing. 

He told himself that he will not fight Bruce’s custody of the children. The kids don’t deserve to witness him fighting with their dad. 

He remembered how Jason hated hearing them fight (remembered seeing the new little Robin crouching in the corner with hands over his ears, remembered catching the new kid flinching at the raised voices) but he was too self-absorbed to feel bad about it. 

Jason never had to experience that in this new timeline and Dick is trying his hardest to make sure he never will. 

In the past (future?), Jason confessed that seeing Bruce and Dick fight like that when he was younger reminded him of Willis and Dick hated that he brought up those bad memories and put his baby brother through that when he did nothing to earn that. 

Bruce might not want him to physically be there for the children. But he can still kill their monsters for them. 

He can keep them safe from afar. 

.

.

.

There was no warning. 

No one saw the attack coming. 

Dick didn’t want Ra’s to even get a hint of his demise until it was too late to stop it. 

There wasn’t even a whisper of a possible attack when League bases were suddenly under heavy fire. 

The Titans did their jobs well. Wally and Roy planted explosions within bases while Kori and Donna directly attacked them overhead. 

They served as distraction so Dick can slip in the stronghold Ra’s was holed up behind. He had Talia’s maps and knowledge from the future to make things easy. He wore a black cloak over his suit as he avoided the guards as he made his way through, deeper into the threshold, closer to his target. 

He silently took care of the ones he came across that he recognized (and Talia identified) as Ra’s most loyal. With a few broken necks, he made sure they will not be a problem, stuffing their bodies in closets no one will be finding anytime soon. 

He wanted Ra’s to die alone without aid, without his people, without a single chance in hell that he will survive past the night. 

Dick didn’t feel anything when he killed them. He knows he should. He knows he should feel bad going against the code he once held rigidly like gospel, against everything Bruce taught him. 

But after Joker…after Black Mask and Bane, he didn’t give a damn about morals. Not when the alternative was his family’s deaths and he will break every rule, burn any morals to make sure that doesn’t happen again. 

Of course, it helped that they were a bit distracted with Dick’s little surprise. 

With the League’s systems suddenly plunged into darkness, he knew Ra’s was scrambling to figure out a counterattack against both the internal and external threats. 

He knew the old bastard was trying to figure out who had the means to sabotage his security, who was the traitor among his men. 

Dick wondered what Ra’s would think when he saw Nightwing was behind this. He was looking forward to his reaction. 

The arrogant bitch has only interacted with him as Robin. He has never met Nightwing, let alone this Nightwing who is just a bit darker than the average Bat. 

A cruel smirk spread on his face as he watched Ra’s flounder and fail to find and destroy his bugs in the system, as he watched Ra’s blame the men around him because the only way these viruses can enter is if someone planted them here. And who else could have access but his loyal people? 

He was cloaked in the shadows, still and quiet, as he watched and waited. It wasn’t time for the next phase yet. He had to wait just a little more for Talia to get into position, before he made a move against his target. 

Dick was going to fulfill the promise he told Shiva a week ago. By tonight, the Demon’s Head will lay dead at his feet. 

The symbol on Nightwing’s chest was a promise. 

.

It started with Ra’s most loyal bodyguard standing next to him dropping dead, a dagger lodged in his back and at the hilt was Talia’s most loyal guard. 

Talia stared at her father with a cold look (the same expression he taught her) for a quick second before the lights turned dark and she struck. 

Sounds of fighting, blade against blade, quickly erupted. It was easy for Dick to slip in the carnage. He has long perfected the art of fighting in the darkness. 

It wasn’t long before a slight orange hue lit the base, emergency measures kicking in. But Talia already used the few seconds of darkness to her advantage, quickly dealing a hefty blow to her father’s loyal forces. 

She systematically picked them off one by one, closing in on her father, forcing him to play by her dance of bloodshed. 

Still staying out of sight, Dick silently made his way through the battlefield, keeping an eye on Talia’s blind spot and helping her guide Ra’s further underground to his predetermined grave. 

.

Ra’s was disappointed but not too surprised to see his daughter betray him and side with the heroes. 

She changed after she gave the boy to Batman. 

Quite frankly, he was expecting something like this. Talia…was always soft. He thought he beat that out of her but it was no matter. He can find a new heir and vessel. 

However, he was not expecting to see Nightwing slip out of the shadows and slice the throats of his elite soldiers with a batarang before throwing the corpses on the ground with a feral grin. 

It was a challenge. It was a warning. It was a promise of what will be Ra’s fate. 

Ra’s was looking at Nightwing, but Dick knew he was seeing Robin, still seeing him as a mere child even with the blood on his hands. 

Ra’s didn’t pay heed and ignored all the blaring flags in front of him. He was far more experienced in both wisdom and fighting prowess to ever bow down to a threat made by a child. 

But this was an interesting development. He paused as he analyzed the supposed hero in a different light.

 “You don’t kill.” 

“Batman doesn’t kill.” Dick corrected before his escrima sticks lit up, crackling with electricity. “And I’m not him.” 

Dick wasn’t surprised when five men surrounded him. He took them all down too in a flurry of blades, kicks, and punches. True to his word, he did not aim to incapacitate, he aimed to kill. 

When the fifth corpse landed on the ground, Dick looked up at Ra’s calculating mad green eyes. 

There was a dark glint in stormy blue eyes staring back. 

“You’re next.” He stated as fact before he launched himself at the Demon’s Head.

He felt more than saw Talia’s presence next to him, the swing of her sword ringing in the air. 

There was nothing they would not do for Damian, no enemy they will not destroy for their son. 

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.

.

The once glowing green Lazarus Pit was now a bubbling pitch black. It was Tim’s prototype. Dick perfected it. 

He dropped Ra’s on the ground next to the Pit. He was too tightly bound to do anything to stop him. Any threats or pleas (not that he thought Ra’s would ever beg for mercy) were silenced when Dick ripped his tongue out. 

The only other person in the cave was Talia (well, she was the only other living person; the rest were dead on the ground) and she was not going to lift a finger. She did take special note of the vial filled with thick black liquid Richard dropped in the Pit minutes before. 

Dick forced Ra’s head into the Pit, one heavy boot on the old bastard’s head to keep it under the toxic waters. 

Drown in your own creation. Drown in your beloved Pits. 

He smiled at Ra’s struggle, at his fear of dying, at his bound limbs thrashing around trying to get himself free to no avail, trying to escape from his impending fate. 

You deserve worse.

This was for hurting Damian, for not leaving Tim alone, for turning Jason against his own family. This was for every scar and pain Ra’s gave them and he will pay for it in blood.

It didn’t take long before his body stilled. And Dick reached down and threw his corpse on the stone floor. Using Ra’s own sword, he cut off the head of its master. 

He drowned the body in gasoline. 

He looked up at Talia who took a step back and let him deal the final blow and finish the job. 

He was leaving nothing to chance. He was making sure there was not a single goddamn piece of Ra’s left to resurrect. 

The immortal bastard will never come after his family again. He will never touch his siblings again. 

Dick had a cruel smirk and a dark glint in his eyes as he flipped open the lighter and sparked a flame. 

The resulting bonfire was the cherry on top. 

He glanced above for a quick second and wondered if Slade enjoyed the show from where he was hiding near the top of the cave. 

.

.

.

Talia’s face was neutral as she watched her father turn to ashes but there was a triumphant victory burning in her eyes. 

She looked up at the man who made this possible. Who knew Bruce’s eldest could be so dark? Every time she meets him, she grows more sure of their alliance. 

“I’m surprised you had it in you.” 

“I told you I murdered before. You saw what happened to the people I killed.” 

She did. 

She knew of the murders he confessed to a while ago. She saw the photos of how the Rogues died but it was another thing to watch him kill in person and in such a graphic way although she wasn’t shedding any tears for her father’s demise. 

Dick wiped his hands on his suit before following after her out of the cave. Talia’s people should be dealing with the last of Ra’s loyal soldiers that had no hope of ever being converted to Talia’s side.

He has plans for Talia to be the new leader and he will not allow another rebellion or coup to form in a misguided attempt to avenge Ra’s. 

They were walking side by side, equals as warriors and parents. 

“How did you counteract the Lazarus Pit?” She asked. She didn’t know that was even possible. 

His lips pulled into a teasing smirk. “If I tell you, I’ll have to kill you.”

She tilted her head as she considered his words. She should feel fear but all that was in her veins was amusement. Richard will never harm the mother of his son. “Will you kill me?”

He stared at her intensely for a few seconds. “No. As long as you care for and love Dami, I will not harm you.” 

“I will never harm my son.” Talia was slightly offended Richard would think her capable of such a thing. Damian was her pride and joy. How could she ever harm such a precious treasure? 

Dick kept quiet, remembering a time when that wasn’t true, when Talia went crazy from the Pits, put a bounty on her son’s head, and gave the order to impale him with a sword. 

But that was Future Talia. 

And he had to admit that this Talia besides him was not her. 

They were two different people. 

He had to keep that in mind. 

It was easier to separate the two the longer he spent with Talia. It was easy to see her love for her son when he showed her pictures and videos of Dami, when he set up weekly calls for Dami to video chat with his mother on his phone or computer. 

It was easy to let his hatred for her future counterpart lessen when he sees her efforts to be a good mother to her only child now. 

Despite her offense at his words, Talia’s heart warmed. 

Richard truly was the best father figure she could ask for Damian. She saw the lengths he will go for his family and she adored it. She was pleased that Damian had such a vicious guardian protecting his well-being. 

Her son will live. He will not die an early death. Damian will get the love and childhood she never got. 

They finally reached the top of the stairs and walked through the door, stepping into a wooden hallway. Neither one paused as they stepped over blood splatters and corpses. 

“What happened to change your moral code?” Her tone was curious, not demeaning.

He didn’t look at her when he answered, an empty smile on his face. “I lost my family once. It will not happen again.” 

She thought it was his parents. 

He didn’t correct her assumption. 

.

.

.

Talia was busy establishing her authority to the remaining League members, most of whom were already deeply loyal to her already. She started ordering people to clean up the mess from the coup. 

Dick had already cleaned up the servers but he still left his bugs in. He was a Bat. He needed his contingencies. 

He was surprised that Talia didn’t say a word against it. He knew she was aware of them. She knew of his plan to distract Ra’s from his impending assassination. But she didn’t make him take them out of their systems (not that he would have; he would’ve just pretended and hid them better).

Dick was standing off to the side still dressed in his Nightwing suit. 

He already cleaned off Ra’s blood from it. It wouldn’t do for the Titans to come back and see the evidence of what he did, of the lines he crossed for the people he loved. 

He wasn’t surprised when he felt Wally hug him from behind or when Roy clapped him on the shoulder or when Kori and Donna floated down to land on the floor. 

He wasn’t surprised when they gave their reports on the damaged League bases while subtly positioning themselves to surround him, acting as a physical barrier between him and the rest of the room. 

They were slowly accepting Dick’s alliance with Talia but they still didn’t trust the assassin. 

They still didn’t know how the two became frenemies and more friendly with each other. They knew Dick had his secrets and the last thing they ever wanted was to push him too far and break his trust even further. 

Wally and Roy didn’t want to make Dick cry again. Donna and Kori hated seeing how Dick flinch more at their touches than the boys.

The last thing they wanted to do was break their friendship with Dick. 

They didn’t know how but they failed their best friend-leader-Boy Wonder— 

made him unable to come to his closest and oldest friends regarding whatever made him simultaneously more touch starved and repulsive of anyone touching him out of the blue

—and they are going to protect him this time. 

And a while after, he wasn’t surprised when the Justice League showed up, Batman at the forefront. Wonder Woman and Superman next to him, concern clear on their faces as their gazes focused on him. 

And he knows. 

He hated it but he knows that he can’t keep running away forever, can’t keep hiding like he wants to. 

So Nightwing stepped out of the Titans’ protective circle and into the fray. 

It was time to face the music.

Chapter Text

Dick was not surprised that Batman was here. 

He was a ticking time bomb. Unstable and unfit to be around his siblings. Why wouldn’t Bruce keep a close eye on him? The shameful scars lining his arms that he couldn’t erase or pretend doesn’t exist anymore were evidence enough. 

Dad couldn’t let him out of his sight. Dad couldn’t trust him anymore. 

“Who’s damn fault was that?” His inner critic hissed in his head and he swallowed the lump in his throat, unable to deny the truth that he put himself in this mess. 

He wasn’t surprised when his friends, his team stood straighter by his side and didn’t make a single move to leave him alone with the Dark Knight. 

He was surprised when he caught Talia’s eye and she made a nearly imperceptible gesture with the sword in her hand, tilting her head slightly towards the Justice League. 

Do you want me to make them leave? 

He tilted his chin down. No. 

He was surprised that Talia would put herself between him and Bruce, would go against her Beloved for him. 

Talia had a hint of amusement in her eyes at the nearly unnoticeable shift in Richard’s body language. Richard may feel they are simply reluctant allies but she has already decided to be on his side. As far as she knew, Richard was the father of her son. That was worth more than her romantic feelings towards Bruce. 

She has never interacted with Richard as much as these past 3 weeks. She never had much of an opinion on the first Robin beyond him being a nuisance who despised the woman dating his foster parent. 

But she knew the hero she met in that hotel room where he had the audacity to ask for her son was not the same little sidekick she once looked down on. 

She still didn’t know what changed. She had no idea of what happened to make him break Bruce’s code, to turn him into a merciless killer. 

But she didn’t care.

Damian has never looked happier and healthier than when he was in the man’s arms. Her precious little treasure thrived under Richard’s influence and care. 

She didn’t need to know the reasons for the sudden 180 in Nightwing’s personality. She was curious, yes. But not enough to go seeking answers and potentially destroy such an invaluable alliance.  

So she will offer her assistance and let him take the lead in what to do with Batman and the Justice League. 

.

It was no secret that Dick had changed. There was plenty of evidence of that. It was easy for Bruce to see that he was not the same teenager who demanded his independence and freedom a year ago when he moved out of the Manor. 

He hated thinking of his son as an enemy-imposter-fraud, but it was weird how Dick was just screaming at him a month ago saying how he hated him and his overcontrolling behavior and now, he was affectionate. He didn’t even curse out his name once in the past few weeks.

It was so easy to see the signs so why the hell did Bruce not see that his son has been breaking in silence this entire time? Why did it take Dick committing suicide and failing for him to see the truth?  

He swallowed the lump in his throat at the implications, at everything he missed and drew the wrong conclusions about. Now he was seeing all of Dick’s interactions with them and his kids and friends this past month in a new light. “How are you sure?” 

Barbara’s eyes were still red and puffy. “I saw his entire arm, Bruce. The cuts were far too deep to be anything other than a suicide. I’m not even sure how he could have survived the blood loss. He would have bled out in minutes.” 

World’s Greatest Detective, his ass. It meant shit when he couldn’t even see how much his son was suffering this whole time. 

And now— 

Now seeing Dick in the League of Assassin’s headquarters, seeing him walking in front of his team— 

Seeing Dick’s carefully blank expression as he stared at Batman, Bruce could only see just how much he failed Dick if he had to be on his guard around his own dad. 

Bruce has dealt with suicidal victims before, has talked them down in the past. But in front of his son, it was as if he lost all that experience. He was left floundering —struggling-stumbling-agonizing over what the right words were, what the right actions are. 

He already missed the signs of Dick’s self harm and failed suicide. Who’s to say he wouldn’t miss something else? Who’s to say he won’t misstep and end up making things worse for Dick?

What if he ends up pushing Dick to take his life again with his controlling behavior and Dick succeeds this time? 

What if he ends up pushing Dick to take his life again because he didn’t try hard enough and Dick ends up thinking he doesn’t care? 

What was the right choice? The right decision? 

He doesn’t know. He didn’t know what would be best for Dick. 

In the aftermath of contemplating Barbara’s words alone in his office, Bruce got an alert that the Titans’ plane were on route to Nanda Parbat. It was an invasion of Dick’s privacy that he bugged his team’s plane. But Bruce was scared of what happened the first time Dick went there —when he confronted Talia alone— with no back up. And he was scared of that happening again. 

So he took Clark and Diana with him and flew the Batplane as fast as it could go. He was hyper aware of every second, minute, hour that passed between him and his son. On the way there, he heard reports of the Titans attacking League bases. He wasn’t afraid to admit he stopped breathing when he realized that Nightwing was absent in the other Titans’ attacks and it had to mean that he was in Ra’s headquarters —alone. 

This was the second time that Dick confronted the League by himself. Sure he had his team with him, but Bruce couldn’t hold back the feeling that Dick was only growing more and more reckless with his life. 

He knew what he told Babs earlier and shut down her plan against her arguments. He knew what his decision was regarding her suggestion to separate Dick from the kids. But now, he can’t help but think that maybe he was wrong. 

Was Dick really living for his siblings —his kids— when he can so carelessly throw his life away like this? Was it actually better for Dick to separate him from his kids so he can heal better on his own?  

“Batman.” Nightwing greeted neutrally. 

And Bruce hated the distance between them, hated the masks they wore hiding father and son. 

“Nightwing.” He answered back. What else could he say?

He was feeling off kilter. He felt blindsided —like he was grasping at straws. Because he wasn’t dealing with a subordinate. He wasn’t dealing with a colleague. He was dealing with a son —his Robin. 

There were so many things he wanted to say, so many things he wanted to demand answers to, but this was not the place. 

They were in enemy territory. 

He rushed out here because he was scared for Dick. Scared to see the possibility of his son’s corpse lying on the ground —the very sight that haunted him since he first caught a glimpse of the cuts underneath his sleeve. His fear was not helped by Barbara’s words of just how close they were to losing Dick who somehow survived despite how deep he cut himself. 

Would Dick let his guard down in battle, hoping an enemy would get a lucky hit in? Would Dick allow that to happen knowing he was leaving family and friends behind? 

Bruce couldn’t say. Couldn’t confidently respond “No, Dick isn’t the type of person to do that.” 

Because it was obvious he didn’t know Dick anymore. 

He couldn’t predict this new Dick at all. 

And it hurt. 

There was a pain, a chasm in his chest that hurt worse than losing his parents in that alley. 

“What happened here?” 

They both knew that wasn’t the question Batman really wanted to ask but they were consciously aware of their surroundings. 

Bruce didn’t miss the way Talia glanced at his son for direction or how the Titans were ready to defend their leader. He caught a glint of metal in the shadows above —Deathstroke was eager to see the ensuing confrontation. 

“Ra’s had plans for Damian. I helped Talia make sure that didn’t happen.” Nightwing answered and Talia didn’t deny. 

Bruce glanced over at her who was watching everything with deadly beautiful sharp eyes. 

He isn’t jealous of Dick. He knew how attached Dick is to Damian and vice versa and he doesn’t want to change that. Dick is as much Damian’s parent as he is. But he wished Talia would also call him regarding matters concerning Damian. People seem to forget that he is Damian’s biological father and Damian is his son too —not just Dick’s.  

“Anything that involves my son, I should be involved.” 

Talia smirked like if she knew something he didn’t. “Even if that involves killing my father?” 

What? 

He blinked, taken aback by her declaration. His team and the Titans looked at her in surprise too. Everybody but Dick he noticed. “Ra’s is dead?” 

Maybe Dick wasn’t the only one changing. Because he can remember a time when he loved Talia more than his self-proclaimed mission, when he offered to shelter and protect her from her father if she leaves Nanda Parbat with him but she refused. She offered her reasons but he can read between the lines and what she wouldn’t say. He knew that Ra’s had too strong a hold over her and she could never raise a blade —or hand— against her father.  

Her smirk grew wider as she confirmed. “By my hand. Ra’s was far too great a threat to my son to allow to live and Nightwing helped me secure leadership of the League of Assassins. Unlike my father, I plan on the League being a neutral party. I think the main question should be why is the Justice League here.” 

“We thought backup might be needed.” Superman answered. No one missed the concerned look he threw at Nightwing who looked unbothered by the stares. 

Talia’s expression grew amused. “The Titans were adequate enough to act as backup. Your help is not needed. In fact, you can take your leave now. I trust you can find the door.” 

Batman didn’t move. Neither did Nightwing. Nor their respective teams who was waiting on what their leaders would do first. 

“Meet me at the WatchTower for a debrief.” 

Nightwing was silent for a few seconds and Bruce was aware of each agonizing millisecond that passed before his son finally nodded. 

“I’ll see you then.” 

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.

.

The plane was quiet. 

Yet the voices in Dick’s head were anything but silent. 

They were criticizing him, taunting him, dangling his happy ending far from reach. 

They’re going to find out what you did. Everyone is going to see the blood on your hands. 

Dad’s going to see you’re not the son he wanted anymore. He’s going to hate you. He’ll ban you from ever seeing the kids again. 

And he knew there was nothing he could say in his defense. Nothing he can say that will change Bruce’s mind that he wasn’t a suicidal danger when the evidence was right there for the world to see. 

He never wanted to reveal how he came to the past. He never wanted to admit his failures, admit just how badly he let everyone down in the future he was doing his best to make sure never happen again. 

But how else can he ever hope to see his kids again if Bruce ends up banning him from the Manor for “his own good”? 

But then how can he ever hope to see the kids if he reveals he’s a time traveler and Bruce ends up finding out exactly what he did in this current timeline and decides he deserves to be locked up in Arkham? 

Damned if he does say the truth. Damned if he don’t. 

Dick doesn’t know which option was worse. He can list the pros and cons of each choice. He can run through the worst case scenarios and every possible consequences but it doesn’t help. Nothing helped. Nothing made making the decision any easier. 

He had no idea what to do. He knew his previous stance on the matter. He wanted to keep the truth close to his chest. 

Bruce couldn’t know. He was too good of a hero. He wouldn’t approve of what Dick was doing, would hate that Dick was taking the law in his hands and killing off villains who deserve no less.  

He still remembers the disgust on his dad’s face and how he would constantly avoid him after Dick beat the Joker to death even though he saved him in the end.  

But was it worth losing the kids? 

He told himself that he would be okay if Bruce asked him to leave. Batman has a no-killing rule and Nightwing can’t give that up. He told himself that it was okay if he was no longer welcomed at the Manor if his siblings are alive and breathing. 

He told himself that he will not fight Bruce’s custody of the children. The kids don’t deserve to witness him fighting with their dad. 

He knew himself. He was too good at lying (especially to himself). He wouldn’t be okay with leaving the Manor —leaving the family he once lost. He wouldn’t be okay with Bruce no longer welcoming him home.  

But was it worth being treated like the criminals Batman made it his mission to put away? Was it worth losing his dad again? 

You’re going to lose them anyway. 

It didn’t help his fraying nerves that the Titans were not making it subtle how they were all looking at him. 

He hated the fucking stares. He hated the silence. 

He hated himself. He was angry at himself. 

Can they see underneath his uniform’s sleeves? Can they see his shame like Bruce and Babs can? Can they see how pathetic of a hero he was for not even being enough to protect his family? 

Can they see how he was barely holding himself together? Can they see what a fucking failure he was like Dad can? 

There was a persisting itch underneath his skin, an anxious feeling crawling beneath the surface that made him want to jump off the plane. But he stayed seated in his chair even as his discomfort grew. His expression turned even more blank as he stared out the window —stared at anything that wasn’t his team’s questioning judging stares.  

Why wouldn’t they stare at him? Why wouldn’t they judge him? It seems he can’t do anything right these days. 

“We don’t have to go to the WatchTower.” Donna hesitantly brought up. “We can just go back to Gotham instead.” 

The team was used to Dick’s fights with Batman but this was different since he and Bruce have been getting along pretty well recently —better now than a year ago. 

Sure, Nightwing and Batman were cordial earlier but no one missed the sudden tension between them. And this sudden 180 both blindsided and concerned them. 

“Just stay on course.” Dick answered without looking at her. Behind his back, the rest of the Titans shared concerned and alarmed looks but no one took the bait and asked the million dollar question. 

Dick’s face was blank but his eyes were stormy —a familiar sight reminiscent of the times after Dick was in one of his screaming matches with Bruce.  

And when Dick is in this mood, it was usually best to give him some space. So they did. It was a quiet and awkward ride the rest of the way. 

Dick knew he was the reason for the awkwardness in the atmosphere but he didn’t know how to break it, how to fix it. 

He wanted to say it. Say how Bruce and Babs wanted to tear him away from his kids —his reason for living. How they thought he could ever mean his kids harm. 

He wanted to get their support, wanted to hear that he was doing good —that he was actually making things better for his family now.  

But he didn’t. 

Because it means confessing how fucked up he really was. And he couldn’t forget, couldn’t shrug off the harsh words said by the friends he once trusted, by the same friends who called him a slut for being stupid enough to not recognize his own girlfriend. 

I didn’t want to go through the aftermath of Mirage and Tarantula again, of listening to the comments made by other people who didn’t know the full story. I didn’t want to be a target of the blame and rage again. I didn’t want to put myself through that again knowing how the story ends in another future.  

So like many times before, he kept his mouth shut. 

What if the Titans thought similarly to Bruce and Babs? What if they also think that he was unfit to be a father and deserve to be kicked out of his home and put far away from his kids? That he was too unstable and broken to be around his siblings. 

He knew he was blowing things out of proportion. 

Didn’t his friends support him when he was panicking about taking Bruce’s son away from him and he wanted to be Dami’s Baba too? Didn’t they support him when the news was calling him an attention whore? 

Weren’t his friends willing to stand against Batman for him? Haven’t they shown they were on his side time and time again? 

They haven’t left him. 

Yet. 

No, he can’t think like that. This was a different time. And he was the reason why they left him in the first place in the future that won’t happen. He was the asshole that pushed his friends away and they were that sick of him they didn’t stick around. 

But there was just a tiny voice in his head that said otherwise and he couldn’t ignore it no matter how hard he tried. And he hated himself all the more for it. 

What if it turned out to be Mirage and Tarantula all over again? What if they say that he deserved it? What if they say it was his fault for not being enough? What if they turn the narrative on him again? 

What if history just repeats itself again? 

.

.

.

Ten minutes after the heroes left, Slade made himself known although Talia knew he was already there. He casually walked through the door and started browsing through the room she was currently using as an office. 

She didn’t deign him a glance as she looked through her tablet and the things she would need to do as the new leader of the League. 

In addition to her new responsibilities, Richard also gave her a single name to deal with.

            Sheila Haywood. 

He wanted everything on the woman. Talia can only infer that she was Richard’s next target. He didn’t offer more information beyond her name and she didn’t ask. 

“How long are you sticking around, Wilson?” 

“I can’t believe you’re already kicking me out. And here, I thought we had an alliance.” Slade proceeded to make himself comfortable in an armchair and rested his boots on the low coffee table. 

She raised a delicate eyebrow at his words and behavior. “My alliance is with Richard, not with the likes of you.” 

He smirked. “We’re practically family.” 

“Hardly.” 

“I mentored Grayson. That gives me a familial role and you’re co-parents with the kid so that naturally makes the two of us family.” 

“Your logic is deplorable and your presence is intolerable.” She turned her nose up and turned her attention back to her tablet. 

He snorted. 

Dick really picked some interesting characters to ally himself with. Him. Talia. Shiva. 

Yeah, he mentored the kid for a time but he never really put stock on Dick breaking past Batman’s no-killing mentality. Then again, considering how brutally and viciously he disposed of Ra’s, Slade was happy to be proven wrong about the hero. 

“You know I had placed a bet on Dick beating Ra’s.” 

Talia had a knowing look. “Surprised at the result?”

She was and she was pleased to be surprised. 

Richard truly was the best father figure she could ask for Damian. She saw the lengths he will go for his family and she adored it. She was pleased that Damian had such a vicious guardian protecting his well-being.

“I just didn’t expect that out of him. Kid got guts.” 

Slade was glad he had a front row seat to the show that turned out to be way more entertaining than he thought. He especially liked the way Dick drowned Ra’s in his own pits. 

He knew he put money on the kid but he was still surprised by the kid’s actions. Coupled with the few observations he was able to make, well, he had a few theories he was considering. 

He did entertain the thought that the kid might be an imposter but that was proven false fairly quickly. 

What he did know for certain was that something made Nightwing snap and start killing off villains —although it wasn’t a long shot to guess it involves the strays he keeps taking off the streets. And that Dick Grayson was exponentially more skilled than he was a year ago. 

He wasn’t lying when he told Dick Ra’s had centuries over him. 

He was watching Nightwing closely. And he didn’t miss how the kid incorporated some of his techniques as he fought Ra’s and his men. But he knew for certain that he never taught those moves to Dick. 

“Richard has been defying expectations lately.” He was certainly not the hero she once thought him as. 

“I never thought he would be so good at parenting.” He still thought of the kid as a kid, hardly a parent, but he can’t deny that Dick Grayson inherited the Bat’s adoption problems and was doing a better job of it. “You think Dick would enjoy another daughter?” 

Talia couldn’t help but side-eye him at that announcement. “You have a daughter?”  

“It can hardly be that surprising.” He said before admitting. “She has a different mom than my sons.” 

“That makes more sense but you better not be distracting him from taking the best care of Damian.” 

Slade snorted. “From what I can see, the kid’s good at multitasking.” 

He witnessed Nightwing and Batman’s conversation. He didn’t miss how uncomfortable the kid was even though he hid behind a blank, indifferent expression. 

Maybe a new child would cheer him up. Dick seems to really like this parenting gig. 

He also couldn’t deny that his decision was based on creating his own entertainment and dropping a surprise child on his former apprentice sounds very entertaining. Maybe it was time to pay Wayne Manor a visit in the near future. 

.

.

.

The WatchTower was quiet. Not that Dick would have known being surrounded by solid gray soundproof walls. 

It was just Bruce in the room with him. No witnesses. No cameras. Nothing. 

Just a private conversation between Batman and Nightwing. 

Father and son. 

Dick was grateful to be away from prying eyes no matter how much he knew their teams wanted to know what was going on. He was grateful for the privacy far away from everyone Dick was too scared to face. 

“What was the damn point?” He couldn’t shut up that inner critic in his head no matter how hard he tried. He couldn’t ignore it either. “Bruce was going to just tell everyone else anyway. How else would Clark, Diana, and Alfred know about the scars?”  

The re-purposed interrogation room was empty save for a lone table that acted more as a decoration piece in the middle of the room when both men were standing. 

Dick made the first move. He took off his mask. “Please don’t take my siblings from me.” 

Bruce’s heart broke at the shattered look on Dick’s face. He took the cowl off. “You heard me and Barbara talking.” 

It wasn’t a question but a quiet realization. Guilt flooded Bruce’s veins at the conclusions he suddenly came to. 

Was that why Dick confronted Ra’s on his own? 

He couldn’t help but feel that maybe it was him that made Dick reckless this time. 

Dick nodded. 

“Please don’t take them away.” He couldn’t help but plead again. That was all he could say now. 

Bruce hated hearing Dick beg, hated the tears gathering in his son’s blue eyes. He wanted to say that he will never do that. He wanted to give Dick anything he wants if he would be happy and okay again. 

But— 

“Dick, I’m worried about you. I’m worried about how reckless you’ve been lately.” 

I’m worried Barbara might have a point. 

Bruce steeled himself. He was going to hate the words coming next but he had to do this. He had to address it. “You tried to kill yourself last month.” 

Dick flinched but said nothing in response. 

Bruce hated the silence but continued. He wanted to ask how the hell Dick was alive but there was something more important he had to say first. 

“I don’t know what you went through. I don’t what happened that made you suicidal. But suicide isn’t an answer. It’s never an answer. I know you must have thought you were alone. Maybe you still do. But you’re not. You have the Titans and the Justice League. You have Alfred and Barbara and a multitude of other people who will miss and mourn you if you were gone.” Bruce took a deep breath. “You have me and I know I wasn’t a good support system in the past year. But no matter how much we fight, I will always be here for you.” 

“Dad…” Dick’s voice trailed off in a whisper, tears frozen on his face. And seeing his dad’s earnest face, hearing the sincerity in his voice Dick once thought he would never hear again, he made his decision. He stared straight at the cold tiled floor but he didn’t stop the words that came out. 

“I know what Babs told you. She said she doesn’t know how I survived the blood loss.” He swallowed the lump in his throat, ignored every instinct —every inner critic— that said to keep his damn mouth shut before saying in a shaky voice. “…I didn’t fail. I bled out in minutes just like I wanted.” 

He knew what he was doing. When he got in that bathtub in his safe house in a future that hasn’t happened yet, he knew exactly how to make sure he doesn’t wake up again. 

“But you’re alive right now?” Bruce asked confused. Oh god, was Dick really an imposter after all? But the tests didn’t lie when they said he was his son. 

Dick took a deep breath and looked Bruce right in the eye. “Because I somehow traveled back in the past.” 

No. 

Bruce’s first instinct was to walk forward and wrap his arms tightly around his son. He has a million questions but none of that mattered more than his precious Robin. 

Dick froze before melting in the gentle embrace. 

“I lost you.” He confessed, tears running down his face as he hugged Bruce back and buried his head in his dad’s chest. “I lost all of you. I watched my family die. And I couldn’t handle it anymore. I slit my wrists and waited to die.” 

Bruce held his son closer as he reassured him. “I’m here now. I’m alive.”

“I know. I’m making things better now for all of us. I’m not losing any of you again.” 

No. 

Bruce pulled back, alarmed at the implications of those words. “You changed the past, didn’t you? Dick, you can’t do that. Bad things happen to people who mess with time.” 

Dick stared straight at Bruce, frozen in place. He couldn’t help but feel betrayed by his dad. 

How could Bruce say that? Didn’t he hear how Dick lost everyone he cared about? Didn’t he care that was his breaking point and why he ended up killing himself? 

His eyes turned blank and he kept his mouth shut. He really should have seen this coming. 

He didn’t know why he thought things would have been different. 

Yes, Bruce was softer, gentler now. But he was still Batman and apparently, the hero hasn’t changed one bit.