DISCLAIMER: Don't own 'em. Shucks.

This is set way back when...Dick had just come to Wayne Manor. It's more of a 'aaahh, how sweet' piece than anything else. THIS IS NOT ANY FORM OR BEGINNING OF SLASH! I'm not even TRYING to suggest something like that! Dick is a scared little boy, and Bruce is doing a better job of playing father than most Dads. I might write a sequel, just about the day life of Dick and Bruce...

NIGHTMARES

by RRP

Dick Greyson vaulted out of his big, impersonal bed and dashed out of his room, down the dark hall. He skidded to a stop in front of the lighted room, and looked with wide eyes at it's occupant.

Bruce Wayne looked up from his book, and blinked in surprise at the small figure who stood several feet away. The boy had been with him for just over six months, and he already considered him a son.

"What is it, Dick?" He asked quietly. Dick turned red, and looked down at the floor, suddenly ashamed of why he had come running.

"I...I had a nightmare..." He explained awkwardly, scuffing his feet across the floor. The small nine-year-old looked up out of the corner of his eye to see his guardian's reaction. To his surprise, Bruce wasn't smiling or laughing. He looked serious, concerned. That fact gave him courage, and he quickly stumbled over his original, intended request. "Do you mind if I...I mean if I can...sleep in here with you?" He had meant to say 'sleep with you', but at the last minute decided it didn't sound right.

"I think-" Bruce paused, mind flashing back to a similar situation, instead the little boy was himself, and the older man with the book was Alfred. Alfred hadn't turned him away, he never had. He never did. He had fully meant to tell Dick that he thought he'd be okay after a few minutes, but he too changed was he was going to say. "I think that'd be fine. Come on." He patted the covers invitingly, and Dick's face lit up as he bounded over.

"Are you sure? It's okay? You really don't mind?" Dick rushed, climbing into the big bed.

"Of course not." Bruce smiled warmly, as Dick snuggled underneath the covers. His head had barely hit the pillow before he was out.

"If you're sure..." Dick slurred as he fell asleep. Bruce smiled to himself this time, and set the book down before turning off the bedside lamp. He pulled the covers up, and laid down his head down, facing Dick. His eyes traced the fine, young features of the boy in the dim light. Dick's countenance now bore a peaceful smile.

Satisfied, Bruce rolled over to face the huge window, now with it's curtains closed, as he usually did. He closed his eyes, and allowed his other senses to heighten, before calming them all and falling asleep.

Dick's warm breath hit the back of his neck, and it was comforting, opposed to being annoying or too hot. The boy's gentle breathing filled the room, sounding like music to Bruce's ears.

He matched his breathing pattern to that of the boy's, and was asleep within seconds.

Many minutes later, the silhouette of an unnoticed figure filled the door. He looked at the two slumbering forms with a smile, thankful for the boy in many ways.

"Goodnight, my boys. Goodnight." And with that, he shut the door, and was off to his own room in another part of the vast Wayne Manor.