As the days passed, both Dick and Anthony's improvement skyrocketed. Instead of sending Slade to Arkham, Bruce had chosen to have him volunteer to help in his "Son's" treatment. "Punishment with a purpose" Bruce had called it. With Slade be (forcibly) involved in Anthony's treatment, the boy was doing increasingly well. Dick was starting to make breakthroughs in his therapy, realizing that he can't take everything on himself. Because of taking everything as his personal problem, It elevated his stress level which caused severe depression. He realized that he was doing nothing for himself, and after his encounter with Slade, it had been enough to drive him to attempt suicide.
On the morning of October 24th, Dick was released from The Gotham City Mental Institution.
Bruce of course had been the first one to celebrate. Dick, however, hadn't been as jovial. He was glad to be going home, of course, but he couldn't help but think he'd miss the place. He knew that was mostly because of Anthony, but it was still an odd sort of home to him. Anthony was staying another week so they could sort through what to do with him. Bruce however, had pulled a few strings. The boy was sleeping over at his house until things were resolved. Dick hugged his father and plastered a smile onto his face. He was getting worried. Alec kept telling him to cut. He wasn't entirely sure if it was Alec who was telling him to or if he was thinking that. He wasn't sure which idea scared him more.
When Alfred pulled up to the manor, Dick felt the homesickness the insanity had stolen and looked on at his home in relief. He missed it more than words could say. It was normalcy at it's finest. When he opened the door, Anthony stood there with a wide grin.
"Surprise!" He called. Dick ran up to the boy and bro-hugged him. Bruce informed him of Anthony's stay, and Dick grinned so hard Bruce thought his face might split open. The two boys unpacked their things and spent the rest of the afternoon talking about strategy, showing each other different karate moves, and doing things that most would have taken for granted, like watching a movie.
When dinner rolled around, Alfred had pulled out all the stops. All of Dick's favorites- Chicken Á La King, Smashed Potatoes, stuffing and corn were served for dinner, along with chocolate soufle a la mode for dessert. Anthony, of course, was enchanted by Alfred's cooking and was delighted with the meal. Dick grinned as they clinked glasses.
For once Batman took a night off (and considering the buzz about how he'd taken down Slade had caused most villains to scatter, It was really no use for patrol in the first place.), and Bruce stayed to enjoy time with his son. Dick was thrilled, of course, and spent a good chunk of time teaching him how to hook up devices to the TV- Just so that he could be the teacher for once. Bruce had watched with a grin as Dick tried to teach him with as much enthusiasm as he could muster.
As he looked into the eyes of his son, Bruce had never felt more complete. Now his son was home.