Disclaimer: I do not own Nightwing or any of the other characters in this story.
This is the next phase in the End of Nightwing storyline. Feedback would be greatly appreciated! *grin*
End of Nightwing2
Chapter 1
2042
Dick pulled his car into his parking space at Gotham Towers, exited the highly modified replica of his cherished classic Mustang convertible, and made his way to the elevator. "I still can't believe that Bruce let Thomas have the Manor," he thought to himself as the elevator slowly rose to the penthouse, "But, with Alfred getting on in years, and even with the help of his nephew Michael, it was still a lot of work for him. So Thomas, Lauren, and the kids have the second biggest playground I've ever seen, and Alfred got to relax a bit, and Bruce and Selina got to actually enjoy the city."
Dick exited the elevator, but as he was about to knock on the door to the penthouse apartment, it opened.
"Master Richard! What a pleasant surprise. Do come in, sir."
Dick smiled as he entered the apartment, "Thank you, Michael. I hope you are doing well. Are Bruce and Selina available?"
Michael nodded as he took Dick's jacket, "Master Bruce is on the balcony with the young Miss Cassandra. Madam Selina and the young Miss Selina are in the kitchen. I was banished while they attempt sugar cookies!"
Dick laughed, shaking his head at the aggrieved look on Michael's face. "Sometimes, Mr. Michael Pennyworth, I'd swear you're channeling Alfred."
The butler smiled, then replied, "There is no higher praise, young sir. If you will go to the balcony, I will attempt to bring refreshments to you and the others."
"Thanks, Michael. Appreciate it." Dick nodded to him, then walked through the large penthouse to the balcony overlooking Gotham.
Dick peeked out through the curtains covering the door leading to the balcony, watching Bruce pointing out various parts of the Gotham skyline to his granddaughter Cassandra. At six years old, Cassandra and Selina Wayne were deadlier to Bruce's old grouch image than even Selina. They had the indomitable Batman wrapped around their pinkies. Dick laughed softly to himself at the thought. Dick jerked back in surprise as the French door opened and he was tackled by a six year old tornado.
"Uncle Dick! Uncle Dick!", Cassandra hollered as she climbed up Dick like a tree.
"Hey, sweetie. Are you being a good girl for your aged and decrepit Grandpa Bruce?" Dick asked her with a grin on his face as he heard Bruce growl a bit.
"Uh-huh, Granpa was showing me the city. I've never been this high up before, Uncle Dick. It's a long way down, isn't it?"
"Yes, it certainly is," Dick answered, while thinking, 'Especially if you use a decel line.' He grinned at the little girl and kissed her cheek. "Hop down, little squirrel, I need to talk with Grandpa here."
"K, Uncle Dick!" Cassandra kissed his cheek, then jumped down and ran into the room, almost knocking over Michael as he carried a tray to the balcony.
"Miss Cassandra! This is not a gymnasium. Kindly refrain from doing cartwheels on the couch!"
Dick and Bruce looked at each other, Bruce shaking his head, his mouth quirked in a way that for him meant he was rolling on the floor laughing. "Good to see you, son. Come on out here. I expect we need to talk privately."
Dick grinned, then followed Bruce onto the balcony, "Sorry I haven't been by more often, Bruce. Work's been a pain in the butt."
"Understandable. I read about the kidnappings." Bruce commented, then looked up as Michael came through the door with his tray. "Ah, Michael. Thank you. Did you get Cassandra straightened out?"
Michael raised an eyebrow a fraction, "The young miss is merely exuberant, Master Bruce. I simply pointed out that a couch is not a stable enough surface for such activities and pointed her towards the empty dining room. Oh, Madam Selina will be out shortly with the results of her and the young Miss Selina's domestic activities. At that time, I will take the children to the park, if that is acceptable to you, sir."
Bruce nodded, "Certainly, Michael. Make sure you tire them out for their nap."
"I certainly intend to, sir. I shall see to the kitchen upon our return from the park." Michael picked up the tray after setting two glasses of iced tea on the small table and reentered the penthouse.
Bruce smiled at Dick, then picked up his glass, "So what did Clancy have to say, Dick?"
Dick laughed softly as he took his own glass in hand, "Is there still anything you don't find out about before it's happened?"
"Oh, a few things." Bruce sighed and shook his head. "Enough of that. What did she say?"
"Pretty much told me what I was afraid she would say. That I need to retire before it's too late." Dick sipped his tea and leaned back in the chair. "So on Monday I'm putting the thoughts into deeds."
"And what are you going to do afterwards? I know you, son. You'll be there sticking your nose into each and every case."
Dick laughed, "Probably, but that's why I've made a decision." Dick leaned forward, meeting Bruce's gaze evenly. "Bruce, when Thomas was eight, you and Selina took him to see Tyrone Powers in Zorro as a way of putting your demons to rest. I need to do that also. So, after I retire, I'm going back to work at Haley's Circus. If Greg Haley is amenable, I may do a bit as ring-master or something. I just need to go full circle."
Bruce looked down, then back up at Dick, "You'll be doing a lot of traveling. You won't be ... here ... as often."
Dick nodded, "I know that, Bruce … Dad. And believe me, I'll miss you and Mama Cat here," Dick replied with a wink at Selina who was walking onto the balcony, "but it's something I need to do to put my own ghosts to rest."
Selina smiled, then ruffled Dick's hair, "Mama Cat? I swear, I retire and all of a sudden I get no respect. Hello, Dick. Want a sugar cookie?" she asked as she set a tray of rather oddly shaped and colored, not to mention charred, cookies on the table.
Both Bruce and Dick looked at the cookies, at Selina, then at each other, knowing exactly what was going through the other's mind.
"Sorry Selina, but I'm meeting some friends for lunch. And if I don't show up hungry, Roy will eat everything. If you'd like, I could give some to Wally. He loves sugar cookies," Dick replied, with a look on his face that practically screamed 'up to something and trying to look innocent'.
Bruce coughed, trying to hide his chuckle as Selina eyed Dick. "And what did Wally do to you, hmmm? I thought he had made up for the buffet incident."
Dick gasped, "I'm shocked that you think I would be trying to get even with one of my best friends, Selina! But … he did outbid me on one a drawing one of our favorite artists did of the Titans back in the 90's. This is just evening the score a bit."
Selina laughed, then sat down on her husbands lap, "Well, all right. I suppose so. So what were two of my favorite men discussing so seriously when I came out?"
"My retirement, Mom." Dick answered, "According to my personal doc, it's time. She doesn't think I could hide my condition for much longer."
"Understandable. And what are you going to do, as if I couldn't guess," she said with a smile as she leaned back against Bruce's chest.
"Run away to the circus, of course."
