With an ache in his chest and tears streaming down his face, he could only stare at his parents broken bodies. Eyes glued until a cape cut into the frame, blocking it out. Dick remembered this, the first time seeing Batman and feeling the alleviation that would soon become part of Batman's trademark in his mind.

A welcoming smile that was almost at odds with the soulful eyes that looked at him with sadness and yet resolve. Dick remembered this one too, the first time seeing Mr. Wayne and realizing that his eyes always told the truth

And to think these two were actually one. It shouldn't have come as much of a surprise, but it really was. As surprising as the enormous house that held many secrets especially the ones buried beneath, and the butler who could gain obedience with a mere look at his 'master'.

This has got to be a dream… Dick thought as memories filed in and out, not chronological but in some order all its own. He knew it had to be a dream, because while the moments circled him, he almost felt like he was experiencing them from Bruce's point-of-view.

Like the memory of first getting to the manor, being presented a new home which Dick was sure he'd never have again- it was overshadowed by the knowledge of Bruce's worry; worry that he might ruin the little boy, but he still wanted to try his very best to give Dick a better life. Dick had never considered how Bruce was feeling that day, he was wrapped up in grief and caution.

Or, the first time Dick had rushed to Bruce's room in the middle of the night with nightmares. Bruce had wrapped him up in a blanket and held him close, whispering soft words and letting his heartbeat in Dick's ear comfort when he was silent. That night for Dick was a staple of Bruce becoming his parent, he knew right then and there that this man was going to be his dad. He had never considered that Bruce was nervous that he didn't know how to help this child, or that he wondered if he wasn't enough to provide solace. And yet, Bruce also knew right there that Dick was now his baby and he loved him with every shred of his heart.

The first time Dick had called him dad, and Bruce's whole world brightened. The first time Dick had become Robin, and Batman was restless with worry but oh so proud and knew his boy could face the grime of Gotham with strength. That exhilaration of the first night as a duo, Robin flying and Batman feeling like he was carrying a pocket of sunshine to ward off the darkness.

Even the fights, where Dick had felt bitter for a long time. Leaving Batman, he'd never thought that his father actually felt pride, that he knew Robin needed to find himself, would be capable of taking what was thrown at him and knew Batman's nest would always have room for his 'little bird' if Dick returned. All he'd heard out of Bruce was from his protective, parental, and cautionary side. He was just a dad not wanting to let go, especially since it hurt to have to let go.

Dick had never even thought of the hurt that Bruce must've endured when his son refused to talk to him for years. It was no wonder he'd taken in Jason, and Dick still hated that back then, he'd thought Bruce was replacing him. Bruce's heart was big enough to give a fuck about a wrecked city, there was definitely enough room for both Dick and Jason. Dick was always so sorry that he wasn't there when Jason had died, Bruce needed him then and he hadn't come when he should have.

Dick could still remember when he finally understood that Batman needed a Robin at his side. When Tim had come to him and showed him that Bruce was spiraling into a darkness that swallowed souls. He remembered Bruce's face, the man was such a pessimist, he had thought that Dick might never come back and had looked like he was seeing a ghost. Or maybe Dick was the one seeing the ghost, as Batman was like a painting that'd seen too much sun- still striking and powerful but faded. Bruce had masked it well then, but Dick knew now that his dad had been happy to see him again.

And had been happy with him since, glad to repair the damage in their relationship, pleased to see him at least once a week. Grateful for Dick stepping up as Batman and Damian's caretaker when he was lost in time. Appreciative for Dick trying all the time, trying to bring the family together, trying to be everyone's light, trying to be perfect.

Dick woke up at that, taking only a moment to come back to reality. "I really must be thinking a lot of myself." Dick mused to himself, thinking As if Bruce really felt any of that… Or at least not all of it…right? Dick couldn't deal with it, he got up and headed to his dad's room where the man was still sleeping like the dead.

Alfred puttered in just as the sun was cresting, "Good morning Master Dick, you're up early." There was a hint of 'go back to bed' to the butler's words. After all, only three hours of sleep after staying up for two days prior wasn't exactly ideal.

"Good morning Alfie." Dick said, offering his grandfather of sorts a smile as he sat on Bruce's bed, putting his hand through the man's hair. "Hey, do you remember when I left?" Alfred nodded after a moment, checking the monitor on Bruce's heart, "And Bruce was so mad…do you think, that maybe, even a little, tiny bit, he like…knew why I needed to go and was maybe even…I dunno…proud of me?" Dick ventured quietly, studiously preening over Bruce's hair.

"Of course. We had many conversations." Alfred answered.

"Really?!" Dick's eyes snapped to Alfred.

Alfred nodded then must've seen the rapt attention on Dick's face, "He worried, as any normal father would, even when his son isn't risking life and limb, but he was always proud of you. He and I both know you are an excellent leader and capable in many things, not just caped crusading." The butler delivered honestly with his usual sass.

"He was so unhappy though…"

"As most parents are when their children grow up and become insufferable." Alfred spoke, pointing a glance at his 'child' though Bruce wasn't awake to see or hear; Dick saw it all though and giggled. "Why ask, Master Dick?" Alfred inquired.

"Just…I was dreaming about it…" Dick murmured, "I dreamt I was the light in a dark house, a big giant chandelier."