The next day Bruce stayed home with Dick again. Because Dick was running a fever, they couldn't do very much except watch TV or play cards. Nevertheless, they had a good time. In cards Dick won five times against Bruce in Uno. Once they were done Alfred brought them lunch, soup for Dick and a sandwich for Bruce.
After that Bruce and Dick watched a marathon of the 'Price is Right!' Towards the end of the marathon Dick ended up in Bruce's lap, leaning against his chest. Bruce wrapped his arms around the youth and held him tight. Dick looked up and smiled, snuggling closer to Bruce. When the marathon was over it was 4:55p.m. and Bruce decided it was time for a nap. Dick protested, saying he wasn't tired, but Bruce could tell Dick was exhausted. Grabbing the blanket Alfred had set out, Bruce pulled it over Dick.
"There," He announced, "Now you're ready to take a nap."
Dick grinning, gripped Bruce's hand and curled up like a kitten in his lap. Bruce turned down the volume and began stroking Dick's hair. When the youth had fallen asleep Bruce stared down at him. He seemed so peaceful curled up like that, so small. Using his free hand Bruce felt Dick's forehead. Feeling the warmth on it he sighed. Bruce was still kicking himself for not finding Dick and getting him out of the rain sooner.
Looking back at the TV he saw that 'Cake Boss' was starting. Turning the volume up just enough to hear he watched rerun after rerun. He was just about to turn it off when Dick started to squirm in his lap. Looking back at the clock he saw that Dick had been sleeping for an hour. Shrugging he decided Dick had had a long enough nap.
"Hey Dick," Bruce said gently, "How'd you sleep?"
"Ok," Dick answered, rubbing his eyes with the palm of his hand, "Are we still in the living room?"
"Yep."
"Oh, cool." Dick sat up in Bruce's lap, letting the blanket slide to the floor. Bruce shook his head and set Dick to the side of him. He then bent down and picked up the fallen blanket. Pulling the boy back into his lap Bruce wrapped Dick up like a present, trapping his arms and legs.
Dick looked at him, and was about to ask why he had to stay bundled up, when Bruce beat him to it, "I don't want you getting cold," He explained, "You don't want to keep being sick do you?" Dick shook his head, "So we need to keep you all warm and toasty."
Dick giggled as Bruce hugged him. Since his arms were trapped he buried his face into Bruce's neck, still giggling. Bruce smiled at the youth, before pulling the boy away, "So Dick, what do you wanna do now?"
"I don't know." Dick slurred, "whatda you wanna do?"
"Hhhmmm," Bruce put his hand on his chin, making Dick giggle even harder, "Well we've played card games, watched TV, and you've taken a nap. What to do, what to do."
Dick busted out in laughter at the way Bruce was talking. Bruce looked down with a stupid grin, "What? What did I do?" still talking in a goofy voice.
"S-stop it!" Dick cried.
"Stop what?" Bruce raised his hands in defense, "I'm just talking!"
Dick laughed even harder. Burying his face into Bruce, Dick started shaking from laughter.
"Ok, Dick ok!" Bruce said in a normal voice as he started rubbing Dick's back, "I'll stop, I'll stop!"
Dick shuttered and immediately stopped laughing as Bruce rubbed his back. Yelping he quickly jumped out of Bruce's touch, and nearly fell out of his lap. Bruce quickly caught him, making sure to mind Dick's back.
"Dick? What's wrong?" Bruce looked down at the small boy, worry showing on his face.
"My b-back." Dick whimpered.
Bruce quickly unwrapped Dick from his blanket. Tossing it next to him, Bruce turned back to Dick. Placing the youth on the edge of his lap with his back to him, Bruce quickly pulled the boys sweater up over his head. He soon located the problem.
A large bruise covered Dick's back along with a few cuts and scratches. Bruce stared at the marks, and for a moment was speechless. Then his face turned hard. Spinning Dick so they were looking at each other Dick quickly dropped his gaze.
"Dick," Bruce said softly but forcefully, "When did this happen?"
Dick still didn't look up as he answered, "Yesterday," his voice barely above a whisper.
"How?" Bruce lifted Dick's chin so they were face to face. Dick, still refusing to look Bruce in the eye, and looked to the left of Bruce's head, "Dick look at me."
Looking at Bruce, Dick answered in a still whispery voice, "I kindda fell."
Bruce sighed, "Why didn't you tell me Dick?"
"I thought you'd be mad." Dick answered, looking at Bruce with big blue eyes.
Those eyes crushed Bruce immediately. Feeling horrible about himself Bruce pulled the boy into a gentle huge, being mindful of his back. "Dick, there's nothing you can't tell me about ok?"
"Ok, sorry." Dick leaned into Bruce even more. He was getting a little cold without his sweater on.
Bruce, seeing this, pulled Dick's sweater back over his head. Slipping his hand into Dick's hand he gave it a comfortable squeeze, "K Dick, so what do ya wanna do?"
"Really?" Dick looked at Bruce with hopeful eyes, "You're not mad at me?"
"Naa," Bruce smiled, "So...how 'bout we play a board game?"
"Ok!" Dick smiled back at Bruce.
They played 'Connect four' about six times before they started to get board of it. By that time it was 6:13 p.m. Knowing Dick wouldn't go to sleep until eight Bruce asked him if he wanted to do anything else.
Dick shrugged. He'd moved to the couch across from Bruce during their game so he could see Bruce clearly. Leaning against the couch he brought his knees to his chest and curled up into a ball. He then felling to the side, squeaking at the sudden movement.
Bruce chuckled. Walking over to the couch Dick was sitting on, he lifted the youth into the air. Placing his arm under Dick's knees Bruce held Dick out to in front of him. Resting his chin on Dick's soft black hair Bruce made his way over to the kitchen.
"Hey Alfred, what are you cooking?" Bruce asked walking over to the stove where Alfred was cooking.
"Chicken broth sir," Alfred replied, putting the lid back on to the pot he'd been stirring. Glancing up at the small boy in Bruce's arms he smiled, "Hello Master Dick, how're you feeling?"
"A lot better!" Dick smiled.
"Very good sir," Alfred smiled, "Master Bruce have you taken his temperature since this morning?" When Bruce shook his head Alfred continued, "I believe there is a thermometer in the cupboard over there by your right."
Bruce nodded. Opening the small door he soon found the small thermometer. Setting Dick down on the counter he smiled at him.
"K Dick, you gotta put this in your mouth." Bruce said, holding out the small machine.
"Ok Bruce." Dick took the thermometer out of Bruce's hand and put it in his mouth. He patiently sat there until it started beeping. Not bothering to look at it Dick handed it to Bruce…
98 degrees. Bruce smiled, "Good news Dick, you're not sick anymore!"
Dick smiled, "Yes!"
"That's very good Master Dick," Alfred crossed the room to stand next to Bruce.
Dick looked at the two before asking shyly, "Does that mean I don't have ta drink that nasty medicine?"
Bruce busted up laughing, even Alfred chuckled. Bruce tussled Dick's hair, "N-no Dick y-you d-d-don't have to..." Bruce couldn't go on any more. Going into another fit of laughs Bruce recovered faster than before. Wiping a tear from his eye Bruce turned back to Dick, who had his head cocked to one side in confusion, "No Dick you don't have to drink it."
Dick brightened and started swinging his legs back and forth. Alfred went back to the broth and Bruce walked over to Dick.
Squeezing Dick's shoulder he leaned in and whispered in his ear, "How's your back?"
"Ok I guess," Dick whispered back.
Bruce nodded, squeezing his shoulder again he asked, "You wanna tell Alfred or should I?"
Dick paled, "Y-you should."
"K," letting go of Dick's shoulder he slowly walked over to Alfred.
Dick watched as Bruce whispered something into Alfred ear. Alfred's face fell and he shot a glance Dick's way. Dick cringled under Alfred's gaze and lowered his eyes. He heard footsteps coming his way but still didn't look up.
"Master Dick, may I please see your back?" Alfred asked gently.
Dick nodded and pulled his shirt over his head again. Pulling his legs up Dick sat Indian style and swung around so Alfred could see his back. He heard a sharp intake of breath and a gentle hand brushed his back. He'd been able to take it when Bruce was holding him or when he'd been dried off with a towel but a hand was a little too much. Yelping he quickly pulled away from Alfred's touch.
"Master Bruce would you get me the first aid kit?" Alfred asked.
"Sure."
Dick turned around and watched as Bruce walked out of the kitchen.
Alfred looked back at Dick and sighed, "Master Dick how did this happen?"
"I fell."
"I think you did a little more than fall," Alfred pointed out.
"...down a tree." Dick finished.
"WHAT!" Alfred nearly shouted, "You fell down a tree?"
"Yeah...um...I kindda slipped and...uuhhh..."
"Alfred I got the-" Bruce stopped in mid-sentence when he saw the look on Alfred's face, "Alfred, is something wrong?"
"Why didn't you tell me he fell out of a tree?" Alfred hissed.
"He WHAT!" the first aid kit fell from his hands as Bruce ran to Dick and Alfred, "Out of a tree?"
"You really didn't know?" Alfred starred dumfounded at Bruce.
"No, he told me fell and that's it." Bruce answered, starring at the boy.
Dick started to feel uncomfortable under the two gazes. Dropping his own gaze he starred at the floor.
"Dick," Bruce lifted Dicks chin so they were looking at each other, "When did you fall...and don't say yesterday."
Dick tried pulling out of Bruce's grip but found it impossible, "Right before you came and got me."
Dick watched as a flash of pain crossed Bruce's face. Turning around quickly Bruce picked up the first aid kit and handed it to Alfred.
"Master Dick, would you please turn around again?" As Dick turned around Alfred added, "This might sting a little."
Before Alfred could start, Bruce placed an arm on his shoulder, "Here Dick," he slide his hand into Dick's, "Just press when it stings."
Dick nodded, wrapping his fingers around Bruce's.
"Alright, I'll try to make it quick Master Dick." Alfred pulled a small bottle out of the kit. Drenching a cotton ball with it he began dabbing at the cuts and scratches on Dick's back.
Bruce felt Dick's hand tighten on his own. Seeing that the boy was looking at him Bruce gave him a smile and a small nod. Dick relaxed a little and stopped holding Bruce's hand so tight. Alfred kept his word and was done disinfecting and bandaging within minutes; by witch point Dick had tears in his eyes.
"There," Alfred announced, "All done."
"See Dick that wasn't so bad was it?" Bruce asked helping Dick put his shirt back on. When Dick nodded Bruce gave his hand a squeeze.
"Dinner is done sirs," Alfred said, walking back over to the pot of food.
Seeing Dick getting ready to jump down from the counter, Bruce shook his head, stopping the youth before he could. Grabbing the boy by the crook of his arm Bruce gently set Dick on the ground. Feeling a small hand slip into his, Bruce looked down. Smiling down at Dick letting him know all was forgiven, Bruce led them into the dining room, where both ate there broth hungrily. Looking out Bruce could see the sun start dipping beneath the ground.
"I, for one think it's time for you to go to bed." Bruce announced, pointing a fork at Dick.
"Nnnooo," Dick shook his head.
"Yyyyeeesss," Bruce nodded, walking over to Dick, "Bed time for little Dicky."
"I'm not little!" Dick protested.
"Oh sorry, big Dicky." Bruce corrected himself, reaching Dick's chair, "Come on Dick, let's get you to bed."
"But I'm not tired." Dick whined.
"You look at yourself lately?" Bruce asked, "I wouldn't be surprised if you passed out right here in your chair."
"No way! You're just makin' stuff up!"
"Alright then, stand up." Bruce challenged.
Dick humpfed, quickly getting to his feet. The moment he stood up he black spotts came into his vision making it hard to see. Clinging to the chair, Dick would have toppled over had Bruce not been ready.
Catching Dick by the hip Bruce carefully set him back in his set, "See? You can't even stand up."
"May-maybe I am a little tired." Dick admitted.
Bruce grinned. Placing his arms under Dick's knees and neck Bruce picked up Dick slowly, mindful of his back. Cradling the youth, he slowly walked to Dick's room. Entering the room Bruce gently tucked Dick in.
"Good night Dick." Bruce kissed the top of Dick's head.
"Night Bruce," Dick smiled as Bruce took a seat next to him.
Dick fell asleep in moments. Kissing the top of Dick's head again Bruce left to go on patrol.
O0O0O0O0
Dick woke up groaning. I mustta turned on my back when I was sleeping, Dick thought, rubbing his back gently.
Sitting up he saw he was surrounded by darkness. Must be midnight, Dick quickly turned on his bed side lamp, aahh much better.
Looking around again Dick found himself all alone. Well Bruce hasta sleep too, he reminded himself. Sssooo what do I do now? Dick didn't feel sleepy and he didn't want to wake up Bruce, so what else was there? I could go get some water or something, then if someone saw me I could just say I was thirsty.
Deciding this was his best idea, Dick threw the cover's off. Grabbing his robe Dick opened the door slowly. Poking his head out into the hall, Dick made sure the coast was clear before walking out. The floor squeaked under his feet but Dick didn't mind. Who would hear him? Everyone was asleep and it's not like he was committing a crime.
Finally coming to the stairs Dick slid down the railing to save time. Landing gracefully on his feet Dick was about to walk to the kitchen when a sound stopped him.
Thinking he'd woken up Bruce he ran and hid behind the couch. Crouching down Dick peeked over the side of the couch to see if Bruce was down yet. Seeing nothing Dick shrugged. Probably just the windows or something, Dick thought as he stood up. Hey what's that light?
Walking over to the living room Dick pressed his ear against the door, hearing some kind of clanking he poked his head in. Alfred was by the old clock carrying a tea tray with his back to Dick. Dick did a double take. Was the clock open?
Alfred pulled on one of the strings, making the clock swing shut. Turning around he started heading for Dick, who now ran and hide behind a plant. Holding his breath when Alfred past Dick watched as he went to the kitchen, muttering something about staying out to late. When Dick was sure Alfred was gone he ran over to the clock.
Pulling on the same string Alfred had he gasped as it swung open again. Behind it was an odd looking elevator. Stepping in to get a better look the elevator doors quickly closed behind him. Silently panicking he leaned against the smooth metal walls. He was going down, that was for sure, but what was down there?
As soon as the doors opened Dick scrambled out. Looking around his jaw dropped. Dick was in a cave. A cave! Looking around he saw all kinds of things: from work out equipment, to a big robot, a huge computer to a giant dinosaur. Dick was awe struck, unable to move until he heard a roaring come from the tunnel across the room.
Running over to a stack of boxes near the big computer, Dick squeezed himself behind them. Watching as a bat-shaped car zoomed in, Dick couldn't help but yelp in surprise when Batman jumped out of it. His dad had told him all about superheroes when he was alive. From what Dick remembered Batman was the guardian of Gotham and was one of the two superheroes that had no powers. He also was one of the most fearsome and mysterious heroes in the world. So when Batman jumped out of the car Dick was a little more than surprised.
Batman looked around, "Who's there?" His monotone voice sent chills throughout Dick's body, "Come out now."
Dick squeaked. Clapping his hand over his mouth Dick prayed Batman hadn't heard him. Trying to make himself as small as possible he pressed his back against a hard box, making him wince. He watched in horror as Batman swiftly walked towards him. Hiding his face in his hands Dick started shaking uncontrollably.
"Dick, come out of there." It was not Batman speaking to him, but Bruce.
Looking up and pointing a shaky finger at the hooded figure, "You're-you're..."
Batman took off his cowl, becoming the man who adopted him, "Yeah Dick, it's me."
Dick slowly came out of his hiding place, eyes wide open. He was shaking even harder now from fear, and it didn't help that the cave he was in was cold and drafty.
"Dick calm down," Bruce soothed, "Ssshhh it's ok, I'm not going to hurt you. There's nothing to be afraid of."
But Dick couldn't stop shivering. Trying with all his might to stop only made Dick shake even harder. Wrapping his arms around his chest Dick's teeth started chattering.
Bruce, seeing the boy's distress, kneeled down and pulled Dick into a tight embrace. Placing one arm in the crook of Dick's knees and using the other hand to cradle his neck. Lifting the still shaking boy into the air Bruce walked over to the chair that was in front of the bat computer.
"It's ok Dick," Bruce sat down in the chair, placing his chin on Dick's head, "It's ok...What's wrong, Dick? You cold?" When Dick nodded he pulled his dark cape over the boy, "There, see? All better."
Dick slowly started to calm down in Bruce's hands. Looking down at Dick Bruce whispered, "How'd you get in here Dick?"
"I-I saw Alfred by the clock," Dick answered, leaning closer to Bruce to keep warm.
Rubbing Dick's arms to help him stay warm Bruce chuckled, "Well I knew you'd figure it out, just not as fast as you did."
Dick turned his head so he could see Bruce, "You're not mad at me?"
"Nope," Bruce said, "Not at all."
Clank!
Dick jumped in Bruce's lap at the unexpected sound. Turning around Bruce smiled at Alfred as he picked up the tray he'd dropped, "Hey Alfred, look who came to visit."
"Master Bruce, how did he get in here?" Alfred asked, walking over to them.
"Elevator," Bruce explained.
Alfred nodding, turned back to the tray and handed Bruce a cup of coffee. Bruce sipped it greatly. Turning his attention back to Dick he saw big watery eye's looking at him.
"So Dick, you understand you can't tell anyone about this right?" Bruce asked.
"Don't worry Bruce I'll never tell nobody!" Dick promised.
"'Anyone'." Bruce corrected his ward.
Dick groaned and barried his face into Bruce, who couldn't help but smile at his ward. "All right Dick, all right. So just remember you can't tell anyone this, got it?"
Dick nodded and curled up closer to Bruce like a small kitten. Bruce stroked Dick's hair affectionately and felt Dick sigh. Looking down he saw Dick's eyes slowly dropping. Bruce smiled as they closed and Dick's breath became slower and deeper. Bruce kissed the top of Dick's head.
"Sir, would you like me to take him back to his room?" Alfred asked.
"Naw, I'll do it," Bruce whispered. Standing up Bruce gently rearranged Dick in his arms so he was supporting Dick's head, back and knees. Dick's head lolled and his mouth gapped, making him look littler than he really was. Bruce smiled at his ward all the way to his room.
Laying Dick down Bruce left to shower and get changed.
This story is written for Jessie, who had to be put down August 4th, 2011. Rest in peace Jessie and know you were the best dog and friend I could ever ask for.