FLUFF! Get your pillows cuz you'll want to hug something.


51 – Reunion

It took longer than Bruce wanted to get all the paperwork taken care of, and to get to California. He had to make sure his lawyer had all he needed to get Dick home as fast as possible. He could work his way around the media with his contacts and his money, making sure there wouldn't be a circus waiting for them, but to get that result meant making the local police put out a story of possible terrorism involvement. So far no one outside a certain circle knew Dick and Renegade were the same person, and he could name them all. Since the teen had taken down and turned in an international criminal, his friends in the FBI, CIA, and Interpol were more than happy to help save the kid's future.

Hiding what happened was the easy part. Making sure he could bring Dick back though was harder. His lawyer, Stan Lease, was quite competent and helped him find all the necessary paperwork needed to make it easier. After explaining some of the process, receiving copies of everything he had on Dick's case (donated from an 'anonymous' detective), the probes from Dr. Ray Palmer, and even some photographs Tim accidentally taken capturing Slade Wilson in the act of infecting Damian and stalking Dick the previous year, he was ready to take on the challenge. They only recently discovered the pictures when the kid was going through them on his iPad the other day. Before they knew it, they had a strong case to take the teenager back home without any dire consequences.

Bruce was elated to finally make it to the San Francisco Jump District Police Department with Stan and would not wait for the authorities to bring his son to him. As soon as his lawyer was taken into the office where others deciding how to proceed with his case and an opening in security could be seen, he took off to find his long lost child. It didn't take long. When he saw him, it was like a nightmare and a dream at the same time. Impossible to believe. After four months of searching and waiting, there he was.

Dick was cradling a cup, wearing an orange jumpsuit like a convicted felon. No handcuffs surprisingly but there were marks on his wrists telling him it was a recent development. His hair had grown past his ears and uneven, hardly kept. He lost weight but from what he could tell the boy grew a couple inches. Even from this angle he could tell his muscles became better toned and he lost some color to his skin. When was the last time he ate? He slept? There were signs of dirt and soot on his skin, and quite a few fresh scars. The most unsettling thing though was his eyes. They weren't shining like they always did. They were dead, like how he was when he took him out of juvie hall eight years ago. Except worse. He was truly defeated, broken.

What had Wilson done to his boy?

"Dick?"

In an instant everything about the boy's demeanor changed. He dropped his cup, eyes widening in surprise. His back straightened from its hunched over position as he slowly turned his head to see him. His eyes lit up, color returned to his face as his jaw dropped. He really hadn't expected him to come. He slowly stood up, locking eyes with him. "Bruce?"

His voice, filled with disbelief and shock, shook him slightly, but it was good to hear it anyway. Bruce took a step forward, ready to reach out and hold his son again, if even for a moment.

Instead Dick bolted in the opposite direction, a panicked expression on his face. The teen was fast, and the one person close enough to stop him was blown over for unknown reasons. Bruce blinked in surprise for a moment, just as the door opened for the arguing parties inside to try and include both father and son. The Sargent barely saw orange run away from them and griped. "Great, he's rabbiting!"

"Oh he would." Quickly and with no explanation, the former vigilante darted forward, chasing after him. He spent four months looking and waiting to see his first child again. He'd be damned if he was going to let the kid vanish from him again. Seeing a blur of orange going into the stairwell, the man had a fairly good idea what the kid's path would be, and went straight to the open elevator. Dick was always faster than him when he put his mind to it.

Over Dick's head he could hear an alarm going from the Sargent. Escaped suspect. Possibly armed. Considered dangerous. Take down by any means necessary. Cover exits. If only he were really trying to run from the cops. What was he really even running from?

As he leapt from stair railings and into the fourth floor's doorway, thoughts and memories poured through his head. Batman telling him about criminals being superstitious and cowardly. Slade putting him in that box. Yelling at Batman in the cave last Halloween. Meeting Superman for the first time. His parents falling to their deaths. Beating up bullies who threatened Jason. Talking to Roy at a charity function. Scaring the ones who pestered Timmy. Running through the trees of Mexico. Talking to Selina on top of Wayne Tower. Zucco falling to the ground and having a heart attack. Learning to fight from Bruce. Sparing with Cass. Being hosed down by his master. The promise to be back before dinner so they could talk. Making cookies with Alfred. Fighting the Teen Titans. Giving Damian his favorite Bat-Kitty. Getting thrown around by Slade in training. Fighting bad guys at Halloween and the interviews after. Kissing Barbara behind the gym. Bruce wrapping up his injuries after falling off the chandelier so they could go to Leslie's. Flying with Uncle Clark over golden fields of grain. Fighting Slade all out for the first time while the building exploded. Getting a pat on the head and a 'good job' when he aced his first quad from his dad. Receiving the same when he aced a math exam he thought he would fail from Bruce. Shouting at Bruce, knowing it'd hurt him.

'You're not my father Bruce! Stop telling me what to do!'

Why did he say it? His head hurt and his heart felt like it was going to break in two. He didn't deserve him. He… he was… Tears burned in his eyes as he kept running, flipping over and dodging between people in order to get away. Just to run away. He didn't care if people were trying to catch him. He just had to get away! From those thoughts, those memories.

Before he knew it someone grabbed his arm and pulled him to a stop. He knew exactly who before he even spoke. "Dick enough! Stop—"

"I'M SORRY!" Dick screamed to high heaven and back, tears dripping down his face as he was forced to turn towards the one thing he was now running from, and at the same time wanted to run to. "I'm so sorry! It's my fault! It's all my fault! They got hurt because of me! I'm sorry! Dad I'm so sorry!"

Bruce just gaped at him as he fell to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably with one hand gripping his head. "I should have listened to you! You were right the whole time. I'm so sorry! I've been such a brat! I broke every one of your rules! You warned me and I didn't listen! I put them in danger! Got them hurt! I should have listened. I'm sorry. I'm sorry!"

"Dick…" The man loosened his grip on the boy's arm and started coming down to the floor. His mouth wouldn't work but Dick's kept going.

"I became everything you hate! Everything you fought against. Didn't want to but he made me… I'm sorry! I'm really sorry! They got hurt because of me! I hurt the Titans! I couldn't save those guards at the border! I couldn't save any of them! I couldn't stop him!"

"Dick please—"

More tears flowed out of his eyes, unable to stop. A crowd was gathering, but they kept a safe distance, embarrassed and shocked to see what was happening. "So many people got hurt and died because of me! Because I didn't listen! I'm so sorry! I'm sorry! I broke every rule! Please don't hate me… Don't leave me… Dad please… I'm sorry, so sorry…"

Wracked with tears, he couldn't say a word more. Nothing could be said that'd make up for everything that happened because of his foolish pride. If he had only obeyed rule 5 that Halloween, Slade never would have found him. If he told Bruce about the stalker-feeling he had afterwards, he could have had the League stop him before he started. If he only listened to him… told him everything from the beginning…

He didn't realize what was happening until strong familiar arms surrounded him and drew him close. A deep melodious voice murmured in his ear slowly. "Hush my little Robin. It's alright. I'm not mad at you. You did everything you could to save as many lives as possible. You made sure we knew what was wrong and who could fix it before considering your own safety. You thought of others before yourself the entire time. If that's not how a hero should act, I don't know what is.

"Dick, there is no one I'm prouder of than you." The sobbing teen looked up at the man, searching his eyes for confirmation to settle his disbelief. He found it, and a smile warmer and more wonderful than anything he'd known in some time, maybe ever. "You did good Robin."

"But…" Dick weakly pulled out his doubts one by one. "I hurt people."

"You didn't kill anyone."

"I stole." All the heists…

"And returned everything."

"I broke things, places." Property damage, the security, doors, signs…

"They can all be fixed."

"I broke every rule you gave me." The rules. There were only ten. And he broke them all.

"You couldn't break rule 1." The thought struck the boy, realizing he hadn't. Alfred wasn't there to disobey. "And you followed the unspoken rule to the letter. Family first, always. Everyone's safe now thank to you."

As his words settled in, weights were lifted from within his chest. If Bruce said it, it had to be true. One thing the man never did was lie to him.

"Truth be told," Bruce started, "I should be the one apologizing to you."

"What?" Disbelief came to the boy's face. He was the one who did wrong, not Bruce. Why would he have to…

"I didn't protect you properly," he admitted, "you or the others. I should have seen this possibility long in advanced. You're very skilled Dick, a natural. Making sure you had a childhood instead of including you in that world… It was a hard choice. I stand by it because no one should become what I was. But some people don't believe what I do, and they would want your talent for themselves. I should have been able to stop him."

"But I was the one showing off. I'm the one who-"

The man shook his head. "You were only acting out because I was smothering you. I realize that now. Robins can't be caged, and I tried to do just that. You're growing up, almost ready to leave the nest."

Slight panic filled him. "But I didn't want to leave! Please don't—"

"I won't make you. I'll never make you leave if it isn't necessary. Dick," some sorrow entered the man's eyes, "please forgive me for being so stubborn. I'm still learning this whole parenting thing."

He blinked at his father for a moment before smiling graciously at him. "You seem pretty good to me." Dick leaned his head against the man's chest, relaxing against him at last. His hands clung to what it could of the man's shirt, glad to finally be safe, for everyone to be safe. "You're really not mad at me?"

"Never." Bruce held his son a little closer, murmuring his ear and knowing he wouldn't be leaving him now. "I can never be mad at those I care for. Not really. I'll always love you son."

"Love you too Dad."


Honestly, he didn't know how or when he fell asleep. Just that when he was waking, he was in a soft warm bed much too large for him and in his arms was a familiar worn elephant. A familiar, comforting weight was around his neck, one that jingled merrily when he shifted. The sun was seeping through the window, slowly warming his face. It was one of the best ways to wake up.

Unless something was poking your nose. Repeatedly.

Wincing slightly, Dick opened his eyes. His eyes and brain were in a fog, but as soon as his eyes cleared, so did his mind. His jaw dropped, gaping at what was poking him. "Damian?"

The adorable three year old grinned from ear to ear at his older brother. "Wake up Dick! Awfred make pancakes!"

"Damian!" Instantly he was pulling the little one towards him, hugging him tightly. Tears leaked out of his eyes as he held that little bundle of joy, holding back his relieved laughter but not his overjoyed smile.

The kid just giggled, hugging him back. "Wehcome back!"

"Told ya sending in the cute one would wake him right up." Dick blinked jerked his head around at Jason's voice and saw the rest of his siblings in the doorway.

"Hey! Don't hog Dick all to yourself Damian!" Tim ran and jumped to the bed, barely containing his excitement. "Don't I get a hug too?"

"Tim!" His older brother let one arm go around the littlest and pulled the second smallest into his chest, crying for joy and kissing his forehead. Tim grinned, hugging his brothers just as tightly. "You're okay!"

"Mostly." One thing Dick loved about this boy was need for accuracy. He wasn't 100%, but he was good enough, especially since his big brother was back.

Jason and Cass grinned as they made their way to the bed. "Hey there Dickybird! Remember to bring us some souvenirs?"

"Jason! Cass!" The oldest looked ready to hug them too but he did not want to let go of the ones he already had.

"Looks like you ran out of arms there," their sister jibed, smirking. Dick gave a helpless shrug but didn't let go of the younger two. Damian made it a little easier by just crawling into his lap and grinning at them all. Tim just grabbed her arm and pulling her in.

"You want a hug, you come and get it." Cass laughed as she was nearly thrown into Dick, practically squishing their youngest sibling as she took her turn. Tim smirked, hugging her too.

"Will you all just ease up?!" Jason tried to sound angry, but he was still grinning at them all. "Goldie isn't going anywhere! Plenty of time glomp him later, after breakfast."

"Oh cut the tough guy act and just get in here!" Dick reached around their sister and pulled on the teen's arm, nearly toppling over as they all piled on top of him. Pretty quickly they were all laughing, grinning from ear to ear now they were all together again. Damian barely managed to crawl out of the center to avoid squishing, but Tim couldn't manage it. Jason pinned Dick into the pillows for a moment, both grinning at their old game for a moment before Cass and Tim toppled the younger teen off of him. Jason was the first to start throwing pillows at them and Dick turned over a bed sheet on Cass, pinning her into cuddles and hugs like he hadn't given or had in months. Tim leapt onto his brother's back to save her and instead was attacked with love. Only Jason locking him into a headlock saved the kid from being loved to death.

"Are any of you actually interested in breakfast?"

Alfred's voice made them stop for a moment and look at the old butler. He had a camera in hand and Damian was tugging on his lapels, probably anxious for food. Bruce leaned against the doorway, smirking to himself while he watched them play.

"I'm more interested in getting Dick out of this butt ugly jumpsuit!" Jason picked at the orange outfit the officers made him wear so they could use the other uniform as evidence in his case. Dick used the momentary distraction to get himself out of the hold and twist his brother flat onto the bed. He won. "Uncle! Uncle!"

"Master Jason! Rule 6!" The butler gave him a chiding glare while others giggled. Even Bruce managed a snicker. "Remember there are innocent children in the room."

"He has a point though." Their father straightened, smiling at them. "The police outside probably want their suit back. Dick, as soon as you're ready."

"10-4. Uh…" He looked back over to the man inquiringly. "How did I get here? And where is here? I didn't think the cops would have let me out of their custody just because you showed up."

"Considering I'm using the jet as collateral, and how much the psychiatrist and civil service worker supported me in taking care of you after you passed out," the man smirked proudly, "it wasn't that hard. I carried you. We're in a penthouse I bought as soon as we located you. Breakfast anyone?"

"BUTT UGWY!" Damian threw both fists into the air excitedly. They all stared at him for a moment before the adults gave Jason mildly annoyed glares. His siblings roared with laughter, toppling back over onto the bed.

"That was PERFECT!" Jason hollered between laughs. Eventually the two men rolled their eyes and started for the kitchen, leading a confused but pleased Damian out with them.

Soon enough Cass calmed down and rolled off the bed, leaving for the kitchen. Tim tugged on Dick's arm, encouraging him to come and follow. "Come on! We've got pancakes to get to!"

"Alright alright!" The oldest of them laughed a little more. It was good to be with everyone again. Very good.

"Hey Goldie." Dick looked over to Jason just following behind them. The teen grinned at him, relaxed and truly happy. "Welcome back."


A/N: dawww... liked the warm fuzzies? As soon as Bruce reassured Dick that he wasn't in trouble with him (not the law mind you, just Bruce), he was able to calm down and start letting his guilt go. Before Sacrifice, Dick was a bit of an angsty teenaged brat. After, he's much more humbled and more of the guy we know in the comics. also before this, DIck never called Bruce 'Dad' and he never referred to him as his dad. That clearly has changed, but it won't become a habit. Bruce is still Bruce, but he's also Dad... hard to explain I guess. Anywho, so their relationship is getting patched up quite nicely. Then DIck gets to see his siblings, hold them tight, and play with them, getting all the reassurance he needs to start healing. Does this make up for all the mean things I did to him earlier? There's more fluff and angst to come, but this is it for today.