Part 4:
It was about a year later, a few months after Jason had been adopted, that the thing that became known as "The Argument" happened.
The end result was Dick quitting as Robin, storming out of the cave, packing up his things and leaving the Manor while Jason could do nothing but watch helplessly.
He and Dick had become close in the few months since they'd met, and he did, at least, have the decency to say goodbye, but Jason was going to miss his big brother.
…:-:...
It was about half an hour after Dick had left the Manor that Barbara got a knock on her front door.
She had only recently got back from her own patrol, and was slightly surprised to see Dick there.
"I just came to say goodbye," Dick explained solemnly, "I'm leaving for a while, I don't know where to, but Bruce doesn't want me anymore."
"What? Dick, why?"
"You know things have been pretty tense between the two of us for a while now, and tonight was the final straw. We both lost it and ended up shouting at each other, and then he tried to fire me, so I quit before he could, packed my things, said goodbye to Jay and Alfred before coming here"
"Oh, Dick," Babs sighed, wrapping him in a hug, "I understand, but, I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, Babs. I promise I'll keep in touch, okay?"
…:-:...
After Dick said his, very emotional, goodbye to Barbara, he wandered the Gotham streets until he got to a particular apartment building.
Leaving his bags in a very well hidden alcove, he scaled the side until he got to a certain balcony and climbed inside.
He found Selina on her sofa watching television. She looked up at his entrance.
"Dick! What are you doing here so late?"
Dick sighed and explained to her the same story he had told Barbara previously. His mother looked just as upset.
"I understand why you're going," she said sadly, "Bruce shouldn't have spoken to you like that. And, don't worry, I'll keep an eye out for Jason."
"Thanks, S," he said, "I'll keep in touch, okay."
"Alright, kitten," she replied.
Before exiting the way he had come, Dick gave her a two-fingered salute before climbing down over the balcony. Selina simply shook her head at her son's antics.
…:-:...
It was about 3 months later that both women realized where Dick had gone. He had messaged the pair simply with a "Watch the news tonight - N" and they had no idea what "N" stood for, but it soon became clear.
They did as he'd asked, finding nothing of interest until a report on a new vigilante in Bludhaven known as Nightwing. Both women smirked. That was definitely Dick.