Tim was getting ready for school when he realized he'd left his advanced calculus text book downstairs in the Batcave the night before. He'd been having trouble with it. Out of habit he'd taken it to the Cave to ask Bruce for help with it. Bruce was good at helping with calculus. It wasn't until he'd gotten down there that he remember that Bruce was off world and might never come back.
Alfred would have his head if he was late, so he ran down to grab it.
For a moment he almost thought Bruce was back, there was someone in his chair at the computers snoring softly but it was Dick, sprawled out with his head resting on his chest and his mouth open just a little.
He looked exhausted but not particularly comfortable so Tim walked over to the chair, put his hand on Dick's shoulder and shook him gently. He also sprang back quickly and raised his hand to block Dick's startled, wake up punch.
"Sorry," he muttered yawning and rubbing his neck, which was probably really sore from sleeping like that. He drove his knuckles into his eyes for a second then shook his head.
"It's okay," Tim said. "I mean, I'm okay. Are you?"
"Yeah," Dick said, but it was pretty halfhearted. Tim frowned and took a step closer to Dick. He wished Bruce was around. Dick was his older brother, he wanted to make sure he was okay but there are some things it's really hard to talk to your older brother about. Like his feelings.
"Are you sure?" he asked. "You look kind of tired."
"I didn't sleep last night that's all," Dick said. "Do you see my mask anywhere?" Tim grabbed it off the keyboard and handed it to him. "Thanks," he said, going to put it on.
"I just, um you seem a little more stressed out then usual and without Bruce... I was just wondering, if you're you know, actually okay or what?" Tim said uncomfortably. "And if there's something I can do to, I don't know, help," he ended lamely. Dick lowered the mask and tried to smile.
"No, it's fine Tim, thanks," Dick said. "I guess I just," he stopped and took a deep breath. He looked down at his hands. "We tried to reach out to Roy last night and he didn't go for it. There's nothing you can do about it."
"Sorry," Tim said quietly.
"It's not your fault," Dick said, half smiling. "But thanks. I just wish I knew what to do."
"About Roy?" Tim asked carefully.
"About everything," Dick said. "I feel like I'm faking my way through everything all the time and sooner or later someone's going to get killed because of it." He yawned. "Sorry Tim," he said. "I'm just tired, I need to sleep for a a bit."
"Yeah when was the last time you actually did that?" Tim asked. "You look like it's been weeks." He smiled hesitantly.
"Thanks," he said with a sarcastic grin.
"I think you're doing a good job,and I think Bruce would say it too, if he was here," Tim said. Dick smiled. "I need that textbook," he said,pointing to the calculus book laying next to him. "Dick, I really think you should get some sleep."
"I'll think about," he agreed with a smile. "Thanks Tim. Alfred's calling you. You better go before he freaks out."
Tim grinned and ran for the stairs. When he got to the top he turned back quickly. Dick was still watching him. He smiled and waved and Dick waved back. Yeah, talking to your brother was awkward but it might also be worth it, he supposed.