Chapter Text
Dick has always been confident (or shameless as certian people would put it). Always unafraid to be in the spotlight, unashamedly himself. His circus years also probably influenced that.
Afterall, this is the same boy who fought crime in basically green panties.
Sure he's dressed slightly less revealing now, but that charm and showmanship never quite went away—from doing unnecessary flips and tricks just to get from building to building or moonwalking into the kitchen just cause he can, Dick has very little reservations.
And his 'hybrid form' is no less of a sight.
In fact, he prides himself in his demonic features; his nails and talons are kept well manicured and deadly, his horns subtle but polished to a shine that you can't miss.
But most of all, he's proud of his feathers; a gorgeous deep blue, downright black, that slowly fades into his signature colour. Each feather is razor sharp yet soft to the touch, shining temptingly in the moonlight.
Aside from his back, he has a few growing on his neck too. 'Baby feathers' Tim had dubbed them, small and soft and almost embarrassingly sensitive.
Dick is diligent when it comes to them, taking time to properly preen and smooth his wings out. You'd rarely see any out of place—well you'd rarely seem them at all, but the point stands. Jason often teases him about it, but it's unfair for him to say, he doesn't have neither feather or scales growing on his body.
It's probably also why Tim though confused at Dick's insistance of it, ultimately understands the need to fix his features, make himself presentable.
Besides, the eldest is always brazenly puffing and posing, feathers on display for their love. Sometimes when instincts run higher than shame, he even circles Bruce, each step both a challange and invitation. (A small part of him thinks he probably looks goofy but if it makes his mate smile, then it's totally worth it)
Bruce always seems confused, though with a generous dash of amusement, by Dick's dancing, which is better than outright rejection at least. Then again, all three of them have different ways they... attract their mate. None of them even remotely normal.
All this to say, his feathers are a major concern and point of pride thus preening is a very sacred and intimate moment.
Which is why vigilante Nightwing is flushed red as he lays across his lover's lap, the older man tenderly running his hands over the other's wings. Bruce's hands are calloused and have seen more violence than pretty much any of them, yet his touch is so very light, smoothing out the feathers with calming gentleness and massaging the base of the wings.
Dick's pretty much melted, sighing and trying to bury himself even further into the man's lap, trilling and cooing quietly. He bites back an almost moan when the older man's finger brush against his throat, willing himself not to react too keenly.
It had been almost a week since Dick had preened his feathers. Villains from both Blüdhaven and Gotham seemed to have decided to go on a crime spree, running the Batfamily and other heroes thin with their antics. Dick tried his best to help out with both, never more grateful for his wings, and he succeeded—at the cost of sleep and messy wings.
He's certain he shed a ton from how stressed he was, too haggard and tired to care, which is really saying something.
So once the weekend finally arrives, a small reprieve from all the chaos and world saving, the boy just passes out on a coach, ruffled wings drapped over the furniture.
Bruce noticed, of course he did. He quietly strides to the younger man, gently patting his head, concern evident in his voice as he questions him. Dick merely huffs and pouts, but leans into the touch with something close to a purr. Bruce chuckles quietly.
Eventually, the Dark Knight somehow managed to gently maneuver the other to lay across his legs, hands running down Dick's back and shoulder, kneeding the tense muscles. And the younger hero groans and sighs, feeling himself uncoil and unfurl. His wings curled around the other, basically blanketting them both.
Other batkids pass by the room, then silently and quickly left, keenly aware of the intimate scene before them. Jason and Tim happen to see the duo too, making both a little jealous that the eldest was getting so much attention. But ultimately, leaving them be.
This was a serene moment between the very first Dynamic Duo, Batman and Robin. Even if the latter no longer held that title. Let them have their moment.