HAI, this is my first attempt at a comic related fan fiction, so please bear with me. I was inspired by the Batman: The Animated Series episode called "The Under-Dwellers" and I thought to myself, "how was this kid not adopted by Bruce Wayne?!" And "this would have made a good origin story!"

I suggest you watch said episode before reading this, I'm pretty sure its online somewhere. I might change up some of the continuity, I might not, and everything I write is made up on the spot as I type. I'm not even sure myself how it's going to end.

This is a long author's note, I gotta shut up now. ENJOY!

Disclaimer: Do I own Batman? NO I DO NOT. If I did, that would be pretty awesome. Now I shut my mouth hole.

Chapter One:

After the events of that day, Batman, secretly billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne arrived to the Batcave to archive his latest adventure and to repose for the rest of the evening. As he climbed out of the Batmobile, he pulled back the cowl to reveal his face. He rubbed his eyes with his gloved fingers and sat down in the computer chair.

How could anyone be this evil? To children! He thought to himself. The so-called Sewer King had actually made him consider—even for a moment—breaking his number one rule.

"I don't pass sentence. That's for the courts. But this time - THIS TIME - I am sorely tempted to do the job myself."

His train of thought was broken by the sound of Alfred's accurate and proper steps echoing through the walls of the cave. "Long night, Master Bruce?" he asked as he unveiled a silver tray with white china tea cups and a matching tea pot.

"Certainly felt like it." Bruce answered as he helped himself to a cup.

"What of the boy?" The old butler asked, "By the looks of it, doesn't seem that he'll be staying another night."

Bruce momentarily thought about what he had seen in the sewers. Dozens of children trapped in the darkness for who knows how long. Underfed, dirty—it made him feel sick to his stomach just thinking about it. "There were so many kids down there, Alfred." He said after taking a sip of his earl gray, "Down there under our feet every day, working for scum like the Sewer King and not being able to do a thing."

"The 'Sewer King', master Bruce?"

"That's what he called himself. He ran a personal child slavery industry in the sewers. How long had that been going on?"

"Well, it's all over now, sir. You saved dozens of children from a life of misery and servitude. "Alfred said. "I admit, though probably not much of disbelief, I was quite astonished to find you bring a child to the manor. Last time that happened, the child became your ward."

Bruce smirked. "Did you think I was going to bring in another child?" It was hard enough juggling around his responsibilities as the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, a parent, and Batman. As much as he hated to admit it, but when Dick left for college it was a small load off his back.

"Perhaps." Alfred lightly chuckled. "I admit that the thought did occur to me for a moment. Perhaps you missed having a young lad run around the property in awe." He continued as he picked up Bruce's now empty tea cup and proceeded up the stairs leading back into the manor. Before disappearing completely, Alfred turned around. "I'm going to draw you a bath, the smell you brought home from the sewers is just ghastly."

Bruce was facing the computer screen, so Alfred didn't notice yet another smirk come across his face. "Alright, I'll come up in a bit."

The comment about the boy made Bruce think even deeper. Maybe I do miss having a kid around. It was hard trying to spend quality time with Dick ever since he went to Gotham University. He would sometimes come back home and when he did it was great! He loved spending time with his son. He cherished the moments they spent fighting crime or even just watching TV in the same room.

Is this how parents feel?

Bruce leaned back into his chair and remembered the first few days of Dick's arrival.

Ten years back~

It was a slow night in Gotham City and there was no trace of Tony Zucco—yet. Batman decided to call it a night and go back home.

After going through the nightly procedure of getting out of costume and ridding himself of the stink of the city, he changed into his pajamas and walked down the hallway towards his bedroom. What am I missing? There has to be something that I'm missing! He thought to himself. He wanted to take down Tony Zucco—nothing would stop him from getting to that goal.

His thoughts were interrupted by a squeak. A squeak? It was then, that he realized that he just walked by his old bedroom—which was where the young boy he had taken in a few days ago was sleeping. The squeak then turned into a quiet moan.

The nightmares. I know those experiences all too well.

Bruce opened the door and what he saw made him feel sick and nostalgic. Nine-year-old Dick was tossing and turning in his sheets, sweat dripped down his face, tears streamed down his cheeks, and worst of all—he tried to reach for his parents.

"Mm!" the little boy mumbled. "Dd!"

This was too much for him to watch.

"Dick." He whispered as he gently moved the boy's arm. "Dick, wake up."

Two shining blue orbs popped open and Dick stared intently into his guardian's eyes. "Bruce." He squeaked. The boy quickly got up in a sitting position and rubbed his face with the sleeves of his pajamas. "I'm sorry" he apologized, "it was just a dream."

Bruce sat on the edge of the bed and softly put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "You mean it was a nightmare."

Dick looked up and quickly looked back down into his lap and nodded. "Yes."

He still isn't completely comfortable being here.

"Would you like to talk about it?" Bruce asked, "With someone who knows what you're going through."

Dick looked back up again; his frown wasn't as gloomy as before. He rubbed his nose with a pajama sleeve. "I guess."

"How about we go into the kitchen? I can whip us up some hot chocolate." He said trying to lighten up the moment. There should be one less low-spirited person in this house. "Won't be as good as Alfred's though."

At the statement, a smile finally appeared on the nine-year-old's face. "It's fine, Bruce. I'd like that."

~Present~

Still dressed in the Batman suit, Bruce couldn't help but smile at the fond memory. It was the first time he and Dick had a true father/son moment. To this day, he still can't get that dang hot chocolate recipe up to Alfred's standards.

He then thought of the boy—the boy he brought to Wayne Manor a few short days ago. He never learned his name. What's going on with his life now?

AN: First chapter done! As you can probably tell…I love Robin…I LOVE DaddyBats. I eat that up :3 Chapter is short? Yes. My writing style is somewhat questionable? Yes, but what do you think?

Reviews will be greatly appreciated and will inspire me to write more if you like it!

Is this worth continuing?

Quote from Bruce's reminiscing of his fight with Sewer King is directly from the episode. That scene was flipping awesome.

Also, if you know any DaddyBats (I mostly prefer Bruce and Dick) stories, feel free to recommend some stories with your review! :D

BAI!