You guys, I'm so very sorry for that last is the revised version. I sort of lost my way, and I apologize profusely. Sky, you asked why I bothered posting it if it wasn't my best. In truth, I suppose it was selfish of me to do so. I needed the negative comments to point me in the right direction. So thank you if you commented. I really did need that kick in the pants.

I hope you enjoy this revised version much better.

Dick snapped his eyes open, struggling against his cape. Why was it wound around him so tight? He couldn't believe he had fallen asleep. Any second now the Joker, Two Face, or any other was going to jump out and grab him. They were going to cut him up, blow him up, and put holes into him until he no longer squirmed.

He was afraid.

"Dick, calm down!"

He knew that voice; but he couldn't see anything but darkness. He struggled harder. He needed to get to Batman. Batman was safety. He needed to run. Hurry! Run and hide. Keep moving. Bite back the pain and keep moving.

He remembered getting to his feet before they collapsed from underneath him. Large hands caught him and he struggled; struggled to breathe and struggled to get away. The hands were forcing him to lie back down and wound his cape back around him.

No. Not his cape; it was a blanket. The darkness of Gotham dissipated into a bedroom, light only emanating from the hallway. He slowed his breath, fighting against the pain and focusing on the soothing words the figure above him was saying.

"That's it. Calm down. It's alright; we got you out of there."

He felt his eyes become heavy, but he refused to let them fall. Above him, Bruce had a hand on his chest, not applying pressure, but the weight of it comforting. Good, he was safe.

Wait. Where were the bruises? How long had he been out for? The near scowl, the unconsciously concealed worry, and the black adorning Bruce's frame pointed in only one direction.

"Batman?"

It came out shaky and far too fearful for his own liking. His mouth went dry and his breathing quickened again. Bruce slowly nodded, taking one of Dick's hands into his own. Dick's lower lip quivered until fat tears spilled from his eyes.

"I'm sorry!" He croaked, squeezing as hard as he could. "I'm sorry!"

Bruce didn't say anything, simply squeezing back. Dick wasn't coherent enough to remember a serious talk. Bruce didn't know if he was quiet ready yet either.

"Go back to sleep, Dick."

Dick obeyed, closing his eyes, but continued to whisper apologies. Bruce let go of Dick's hand, ignoring the boy's attempt at finding it again, and placed it gently over Dick's eyes. Dick placed a smaller hand over his and breathed more evenly. The tears had stopped and slowly, Dick was falling back asleep.

He snapped his eyes open again after Bruce had retracted his hand, reaching up to grasp at him. At the small whimpers, Bruce shushed him, reconnecting their hands together. There were unspoken words between them.

I need you.

I'm here. I'm never going away.

I'm sorry.

All I have is you. I won't let you go again.

There was a realization then. Bruce's gentleness, his lighter tone of voice, and the paternal actions… Batman had forgiven him. The weight of guilt and fear of permanent rejection washed away, and Dick felt a bit tingly. He slowly began to giggle. The giggling turned to choking and sobbing.

Bruce tenderly lifted the boy into his arms, for only the third time in his life hugging the boy to him as he sobbed out the relief and misery.

"I missed you, Dick." Bruce murmured into his hair, lightly rocking from side to side as his own mother sued to.

"I was so scared!" Dick blubbered, struggling to breathe again. His chest hurt.

The words cut at him, and Bruce was having trouble not breaking down again himself. "I'm sorry."

No more words needed to be said. Bruce was there for Dick, and Dick let himself go, having holed everything up for the past year. He never told anyone what he'd done; not this Bruce, or Alfred, or any of his brothers.

Minutes passed, and Dick was exhausted. His chest still hurt, and Bruce helped him lay back down. He was dizzy and Bruce's face was blurred, but Dick knew he was there.

"Team?"

"They're here." Bruce assured, pulling the blankets up to his neck. "Sleep. You need it."

A small hand peeked out from under the covers, and Bruce covered it with his own. Dick smiled weakly and allowed himself to sleep. Bruce didn't know if he'd remember this in the morning, but he would repeat his actions if Dick needed him to. He wasn't going to ever let this boy, this precious piece of life which had brought him back from the very depths of the darkness and into a restful state of mind, be hurt by his actions again.

Dick had remembered it that morning, offering a small smile at Batman. Alfred came in to check on him, sighing here and there at the various injuries. He'd really done a number to his lungs, and he'd be bedridden for a few days until they healed.

There was yelling going on from downstairs, but Alfred seemed to pay it no mind. Dick furrowed his brow, raising an eyebrow at Batman, who shook his head.

"What's going on?"

"Nothing you need concern yourself over. I believe young master Tim has discovered young master Damian is limited on his movement. Honestly, I'm surprised young master Jason hasn't joined in. Mister Kent, on the other hand, has indeed decided to help."

Dick groaned. "Who's playing mediator?"

"Master John is working with Master Thomas on wrangling in the mischief. It does not help that you have trained them to act like animals."

"You trained them?" Batman piped up, his soft frown lightening up just a smidge.

"Oh yes," Alfred answered, pushing Dick back down, "and caused far too much trouble. We now have a "Batcave" in the backyard, equipped with weapons that could most definitely be used for murder. I don't doubt one of these days those boys will murder each other."

"They aren't that bad, Alfred!" Dick protested. "I just… gave them an outlet!"

"A very wise decision, sir." Alfred quipped sarcastically, retrieving his tray and leaving.

There was an awkward silence for a moment. Dick played with the hem of the blanket and Bruce sat completely still in his chair on the bedside.

"You brought the team with you?"

"No. They decided to invite themselves over." There was a terseness to Batman's voice that told him he was extremely displeased.

"When are we going back?"

"Red Arrow went to deliver the message back to the Watch Tower. We'll know when he returns."

There was another silence, and Dick wasn't sure what to say. This was familiar, yet awkward. He was used to deflecting intruding questions from Bruce, and here he was trying desperately to fill in the void of silence so he could distract himself. The hurt was still present, but Dick was going to get through it. They could move past this.

Silence reigned until Dick fell back asleep. Bruce smoothed out the covers and returned to his seat, determined only to leave to relieve himself. He kept the room under lock down, allowing only Mary and John to visit. During these times Batman would seek out Bruce, and the training began. Alfred would frequent the room, checking on Dick's lungs and bringing up food.

Young Justice was growing impatient, but they respected the lockdown for the time being. There were four teenage boys and one woman who called for their attention, and the encounters were not all smiles. There was a mounting rivalry brewing. The Waynes did not want their brother to leave, and Young Justice just wanted Robin back.

Skylark, Like I said up top, I posted that piece of crap up for feedback. Probably not the best move, but in the end it helped me tremendously. Your comment about the dialogue opened up the realization that Batman and Robin communicate in a special way. They don't always need to voice their thoughts. You really did help me out a ton! Thank you so much! Every one of your points was valid and without your guidance I'm not sure I would have written it this way at all. The last thing I want is cheese. I love you so much right now for being what I needed! Thank you for taking the time to write out your review.

DawnMoonWolf, I understand completely. The dialogue and the adoption thing and it was all just way out of whack. I hope the emotions in this revised version pleases you and everyone else.

Some liked the old chapter. I'm honestly surprised. I HATED it. I guess I'm flattered you liked it, but it was not my best work. For this I apologize. I hope I didn't lose anyone with that nasty, horrible piece of crap. Next chapter should come a LOT sooner than the last three chapters have. I lost my inspiration a bit, but with new episodes of Young Justice coming out, I'm getting my groove back. Thanks to all who are sticking with me, and welcome all who have just recently discovered this fic!