Bruce walked through this study, closing the secret entrance to the Batcave behind him. After a long night of going over Dick's records he was ready to hit the hay, but Bruce already knew that it was going to be a restless night.
The files that he read and listened to kept filtering through his head over and over again. Realizing that not only did Strange leave physical scars but very, very, deep emotional scars. Deeper than he realized.
Not only did they convince Dick that this family didn't exist, but also made him question his owe self worth. Finding the "therapy sessions" about being Robin and being replaced by Robin were difficult to listen to. Bruce never thought of how passing down the Robin name to the next successor would effect Dick. Bruce was well aware that his parents gave him the name, but didn't grasp how emotionally attached Dick was to it.
On top of it all Dr. Grove made Dick feel like he was a complete failure, not just to Bruce but for all his brothers as well. Not saving Jason from his death, not picking Tim as his Robin, or leaving Damian when Bruce came back. It was sick and twisted that those men did to his son.
All these thoughts left Bruce's mind whirling.
A glass of warm milk should help me settle down, and for once get a good nights rest.
Bruce walked towards the kitchen, coming to the conclusion that since Alfred was already in bed that he shouldn't risk setting the house on fire by warming his milk.
Maybe just a cold glass…
Upon entering the kitchen Bruce found his eldest son standing alone in the kitchen staring at the counter top.
"Dick?"
Dick made no motion to show that he heard his guardian and continued to be lost in his own little world. It was not uncommon to find Dick in this stance. As of lately one could find Dick entering a room and being completely lost as to why he came in the first place.
"Richard?"
Dick jumped at the name and shot his head up in Bruce's direction.
"Sorry didn't mean to startle you, but you were not responding to Dick."
"Oh sorry, I'm still working on that."
"It will come around with time, along with your memory. Which I'm assuming is why you are standing in the kitchen at this hour staring off into space."
"uh… yeah." Dick sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.
"I was going to grab some milk, want a glass?"
"Sure"
Bruce pulled two cups from the cupboard and fetched the milk from the fridge, pouring the pair each a glass. Bruce sat down at the kitchen counter and enjoyed his beverage. Dick had yet moved from his spot, eyeing Bruce and the milk suspiciously.
"What the matter?"
"I just….uh…..I don't know if you're real or not."
"Of course I'm real, come here."
Dick walked forward and Bruce wrapped him up in a big hug. It was a method the family was using to prove to Dick that they were real. Dick's hallucinations were solid and able to move and touch items, including Dick. Tho Dick mentioned that the hallucinations touch were not as warm or comforting. Since then if Dick was unsure of his reality he would attack that individual with affection. Not really anything they weren't use to when it came to Dick.
The pair pulled apart, and Bruce saw the reassurance on Dick's face and took a seat.
"Thanks. It's just hard to tell sometimes."
"How often do you see things Dick?" Bruce has been meaning to have this conversation with Dick for some time, but other family members often interrupted him.
"Pretty often, at least three times a day. Sometimes it is obvious it's not real, like having a 12 year-old Tim jumping up and down on your bed, or seeing Roy dressed as Speedy walking around the house. …But other times Jason could walk into my bedroom and start a conversation, but to only have Damian come by and tell me to stop talking to my self." Dick cradled his head in his hands "I get so lost and confused. I'll walk into a room and complete forget why I went there." Dick was shaking in frustration.
Bruce gently rested his hand on Dicks shoulder.
"I know it's hard Dick, but things will get better."
Dick jumped back from the touch, "NO, YOU DON'T KNOW HOW HARD IT IS! To have your whole world ripped apart and try to put it back together. I can't even take a proper shower without having a panic attack Bruce!"
"We're working on all those things Dick, we just need to give it time."
Dick shot up from his seat, "We don't know that for sure Bruce, I might be stuck being crazy for the rest of my life!"
"You're not crazy!"
"Well if I'm not crazy you guys are! Wasting your time trying to fix me, it's not worth it! I'm just a burden to everyone around me!"
"Dick you're not –"
"Grove was right I'm low life scum, worthless waste of space, a failure."
"Take those word back right now Richard Grayson!"
"But it's true, I'm a disappointment."
"No. You. Are. Not." Spacing each word trying to get his point across.
"I failed and let down my brothers on more than one occasion. I've done everything in my power to make you proud; I even became the goddamn Batman for you! But I've failed time and time again, … you must regret ever taking me in."
"Don't you ever say those words again! Those maniacs drilled those thoughts into your head. They are not true. You are a loyal and loving person, probably one of the most trusted and dependable hero we have. You are an amazing brother and I am proud to call you my son."
Dick was frozen to the spot, wide eyed. Until he collapsed onto the floor in tears. Bruce raced forward and comforted his son.
"It's okay Dick, it's okay. I've got you."
Loving the reviews, thanks again!
Only a few more chapters to go.
