Dick POV
Ever since that night that Bruce found me in the wardrobe, he's been making more of an effort. Although I'm not entirely sure he was telling the truth. He obviously didn't check on me every night at that point or else he would have found me in the wardrobe before. Alfred obviously had something to do with it .
Then he never did get back to me about why he was out so late, but he is out late every night. Maybe thats what rich single men do, but then why does he refuse to talk to me about it?
I think he's hiding something. No, I know he's hiding something. I'll figure it out in the morning I'm much too tired to think now.
Bruce POV
Finally, after all this planning my plan is coming together. I had to get posters, photos and an artist. So finally it's done only thing left is to unveil it in the morning. It's a portrait as close as I could get to Dicks parents, he can choose which room it goes in.
This is something that I had and I suppose it helped me, so I hope it helps Dick as well. But this may also help me, for Dick's a clever kid. More clever than I give him credit for, it's only a matter of time before he finds out but this may buy me a little time. Well now it's all wrapped and sorted I can finally get to bed.
But must make sure to check on the kid first.
The next morning.
Bruce POV
I mean I understand that I go to bed late but must kids really be awake this early, I can tell he's torn between waking me up or being quiet. Waking me up seems to be winning. I have no idea how Alfred does it, late nights and very early mornings.
Well, it's time to see if he will like my present for him. I am now worried this will make things worse. Well, I won't know unless I show it to him.
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Now I'm ready to face the day, biggest lie I have ever told myself. I go into Dick's room and expect to see him doing something normal, you know maybe sitting in bed or reading or something. Oh no. There he is somehow hanging upside down from the top of his 4 post bed.
"Morning Bruce, want to see me do the suicide drop?" I don't know if he saw my face and thought he better clarify or if that was his intention but I am glad he did, " Don't worry it's safe I've done it loads." Then his body went rigid as he fell and landed on his bed safely, although right on the edge. I was already by his side checking he was alright . He seemed fine which was enough to settle my racing heart. This kid was going to make grey early or be the death of me.
"Lets get down stairs and see what Alfred has made for breakfast shall we, but don't tell him about that" I say pointing at the bed " He won't be happy then we will both have to sit through a lecture and that's not something I plan on doing." He looked up and gave me an overly innocent smile that makes me nervous.
"I hope it's pancakes with loads of syrup," Dick said as he grabbed my hand and headed down stairs.
"Chances are if it is pancakes there filled with fruit and healthy stuff and no syrup but yogurt, Alfred is too health conscious in my opinion" I reply.
This doesn't slow Dick down as he drags me down the stairs.
After a healthy breakfast of pancakes, I decide it's time to show him. So I take his hand and lead him to the library.
"If you don't like it we can have another made, it's also your choice where it can go."
"Just let me see, already" Dick said. I smiled and stepped aside. He looked at me confused a nod of encouragement from me and Alfred was needed before he finally removed the layers of fabric that covered it.
I could see him fighting back tears as he looked at it. He ran and gave me a hug, so yeah definitely a hugger.
"Do you like it? I could have another one made if you don't like it."
"Like it? I love it. Thank you so much" He said while still holding me in a death grip, how to kids have such strength.
"Where do you want it ?" I asked and he looked up at me with tears in his eyes.
"Can it stay in here?" He asked, I suddenly realised I was falling for puppy dog eyes, thats it I can now no longer refuse this kid anything, great, just great. Although that has me thinking would I really want to say no.
"Of course it can."
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That night Bruce was sat in his chair by the fire, Dicks chair was a little out of the way. Bruce realised this and moved his chair to the side and moved Dick's chair, while he was still in it nearer to the fire. Alfred saw this from the doorway and smiled. The only problem now was that Dick was likely to spend more time in the library now so it might be more difficult for to get down to the bat-cave unnoticed.
Dick fell asleep in his chair looking up at the portrait of his parents in a loving embrace, Bruce carried Dick up to bed that night before he had to go out. He tucked Dick in and kissed his forehead.
Dick was not quite awake when he said "Night Dad" but he was awake enough to know he was talking to Bruce.
Bruce was taken back by that and assumed he was asleep and didn't mean him, but when he managed to compose himself he smiled and said "Sleep tight, sweet dreams, goodnight Dick, son". What he didn't see was the smile on Dick's face after he said that.
