A/N: Wow, so I have like a million ideas popping into my head right now. It's late where I am, and I was hoping to make this idea into a one shot. But I've decided I will make it a series of one-shots. Most likely there will be four chapters. So I hope you enjoy!
Also, I know it's kind of random to be posting a Father's Day story in July (almost August). But, I couldn't wait until next year, so I hope you guys don't mind!
And thank you to everyone who reviewed "Lullaby for a Stormy Night"! I don't think I've ever received so many reviews for one chapter before. I'm so glad you like it, and I hope you'll like this, too!
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
Ten months. It had been ten months since Bruce Wayne had taken the little boy under his wing. Even now, he often wondered why he'd adopted Dick. He tried to convince himself it was because he and the child shared a similar, tragic past that few others could possibly fathom. While the resemblance was uncanny, the billionaire knew there was more to the story. For some inexplicable reason, he knew that he was drawn in by the boy's presence. And this initial pull toward the boy made it impossible for the middle-aged man to let him go.
Bruce didn't really have a concept of what fatherhood was, due to the fact he lost both his parents at a very stage of his life. But in these past ten months, Dick gave him a crash course in the joys of parenting. Dick struggled with the loss of his parents, and this battle manifested itself through means such as nightmares and illnesses. To this day, Bruce doesn't even know how someone so small could puke so much. Though the task of mentoring the child was sometimes daunting, Bruce found that a lot of happiness came from it. Witnessing Dick's awe and wonderment of the world was an experience he never thought he would be given. It awoken something within him that he hadn't felt in decades. Hope. Light.
Bliss.
With each passing day, Dick taught him something new. And today was no exception. Bruce read the morning newspaper, sipping on his black coffee like he always did. However, the sounds of footsteps overhead surprised the early bird. Checking his watch, he noted that it was only 7:30 Sunday morning. He glanced at his butler, perplexed by the stirring from upstairs. Alfred shrugged nonchalantly, but Bruce noticed his dark eyes twinkle in amusement. Alfred knew more than he let on, and Bruce was certain of that.
He didn't have much time to reflect; for it was only a few minutes later that Dick entered the kitchen. His ten-year-old face was bright despite the earliness of the day, his dark blue eyes shimmering. Curiously, the boy had his hands behind his back.
"Morning," the older man initiated, hoping his ward would inform him as to why he was acting so strangely.
Dick's smile widened, but he didn't respond. Instead, he approached Bruce. Once he was in front of the billionaire, Dick moved his arms to the front of his body, revealing a single white envelope.
"Happy Father's Day!" he exclaimed excitedly as extended the envelope toward his guardian.
Time seemed to freeze for Bruce. He found himself blinking a few times before allowing his gaze to flicker to Alfred. The British man smiled contently at his boss, and nodded encouragingly to take the envelope from Dick. Bruce looked back at his young charge before taking the envelope from him. Carefully he opened the envelope, taking out the leaf of paper was inside it. Unfolding it, Bruce read its content, his heart skipping a beat. There, in Dick's sloppy fourth grade handwriting, were three sentences that changed Bruce's life forever.
Even though I love my Mommy and Daddy, I love you too Papa Bruce. Happy Father's Day.
Love, Dick.
For a moment, Bruce forgot how to breathe. All he could do was stare at the piece of paper, completely dumbfounded by what he had read. Never in a million years would he have imagined receiving a note like this one. He never thought about having kids, a wife…a family. His heart had been hardened by decades of sorrow and anger. Bruce always thought he was too damaged to ever have a healthy relationship with another human being. But here, in one day, in a few short sentences, he realized he was wrong.
Dick had grown to love him in just ten short months. Somehow, this little kid managed to bypass his icy heart, melting it ever so slightly. Bruce didn't have the same walls up around Dick as he did around his employees, his friends…even Alfred. He was able to let his guard down around the boy, and he didn't even realize it until now.
"Do you like it?" the child asked shyly as he tugged on his jet black hair. Bruce eyed the fidgeting boy standing in front of him and felt a small smile form on his lips. Standing up, he closed the distance between he and Dick, gathering the child into his arms.
"Yes," he replied ardently, "I love it. Thank you, Dick."
My son.
The two parted, and Dick sat down next to Bruce, beaming brightly. Alfred approached the table, setting down two plates filled with bacon and eggs.
"Enjoy your breakfasts, sirs," he said brightly, clearly pleased with what just occurred. Dick paid him no heed as he dug into his breakfast, scarfing it down messily. Bruce watched the boy fondly, chuckling to himself. Picking up his fork, he began to cut his eggs.
A/N: So, the first Father's Day chapter is over! I really hope you liked it! Please let me know what you thought; I accept critiques! Oh, and I will be incorporating Batman and Robin, as well as the Young Justice team. So, no worries!
So, chances are I will not be on the fan fiction this week. But I will try to dedicate that time to writing this story out (if people like it), Isochronism, and Demons. Stay on the lookout for that next week! Thanks again for reading!