Chapter 1: Robin is My Neighbor Part 1
Wayne Manor
It was a lovely Saturday morning at Wayne Manor and its inhabitants were using the rare down time to relax. Alfred had finished his normal morning routine and was sitting in his private study, reading an invigorating mystery novel and siping a hot cup of tea. Meanwhile Bruce and Dick were both in the living room enjoying their down time. Bruce was sitting in his recliner, reading the newspaper, and drinking his coffee; while Dick was sitting on the floor contently playing with his favorite toy train set. However after a few minutes the large grandfather clock chimed 10:00 making Dick look up excited.
"Daddy turn on the TV! Turn on the TV! It's time it's time!" Dick squealed excitedly as he gathered his favorite stuffed Elephant Peanuts, jumped onto his fathers lap, and bounced up and down excitedly.
"Alright alright, I'm turning it on." Bruce chuckled as he reached for the remote, all the while Dick was snuggling up to his chest.
Bruce smiled at his adorable little bird, always loving this part of Saturdays because of the overload of cuteness involved with it. For it was time for his baby boy's absolutely favorite show, Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood. So he quickly grabbed the remote, turned on the TV, listened as the theme music started, and Dick began to sing along.
"It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood, A beautiful day for a neighbor, Would you be mine? Could you be mine?..." The TV and Dick sang at the same time.
Bruce grinned happily, not only because he would get to hear his child's beautiful singing voice, but also because his son was just so adorably joyful. For Dick John Grayson Wayne was the biggest Mr. Rodgers fan in the world. He faithfully watched the show, memorized episodes and songs, hung a poster in his room, and so much more.
And this was perfectly fine with Bruce, for he himself also enjoyed watching the show as well as the bonding time it provided for him and his son. Not to mention it was so wholesome and far superior programming to the inappropriate, violent, and un-child friendly material on TV.
Dick had had enough of such graphic material in his own life both in crime fighting and his own personal tragedies, he didn't need any more reminders of that. But Mr. Rodgers provided laughter, comfort, relief, good morals, and an escape from his secret and throbbing pain.
"...Won't you please, Won't you please, Please won't you be my neighbor?" Dick and the TV finished off together.
"Hi television neighbor, I'm glad we're together again..." Mr. Rodgers started off with his usual welcoming and warm smile, the one that made audiences everywhere stop all that they were doing and just listen.
Once the usual pleasantries were over Mr. Rodgers continued on to their topic. It was a Saturday, so that meant two episodes for that day. Today they were treating everyone with fairness and learning to use your words to express your negative feelings, not your actions.
Together Dick and Bruce laughed when it came time for the puppet show and the antics of Daniel Tiger, who was Dick's favorite character, and King Friday. They also sang along to the cute little songs that were iconic to the show. Though Dick's sweet high voice vastly outshined Bruce's husky bass voice, but the two loved to sing together nonetheless. Then came the end of Mr. Rodgers stories and his exit music, signaling his show was over for the day.
"I love Mr. Rodgers daddy." Dick sighed as the exit music played.
"I do too, baby." Bruce responded as he sat up and stretched.
However as he stretched, Dick's eyes grew heavy and he released a nice long yawn. Bruce looked down and smiled as he then saw his baby bird snuggle up and close his eyes.
"I think it might be nap time for tired little boys." Bruce said quietly and tenderly as he stood up and held his baby to his chest.
Dick lightly nodded as he wrapped his free arm around his father's thick neck and held onto Peanuts tightly.
"That's what I thought, now let's get you tucked into bed." Bruce said as he adjusted Dick to his hip and walked towards the stairs.
He knew his baby was getting a little old for naps, seeing as he was five years old, but with his nightly activities the little guy needed them. So Bruce carried Dick up the stairs, cradling him every so gently, and brought him to his bedroom. There he lightly lifted the covers, set Dick in his bed, and laid them over his small tiny body. Immediately Dick snuggled Peanuts and had a light smile on his face that meant he was comfortable and safe. Bruce smiled as well as he saw this and bent down to kiss his little birds head, but then Dick mumbled something.
"Daddy...do yous think… I could ebew *yawn* meet Mr. Wogews?" Dick sleepily slurred as he then fell into a deep sleep.
"Maybe someday baby, maybe someday." Bruce said as he bent over and kissed his son's head
He then just sat down on the comfy chair he kept in Dick's room, for bedtime stories, heart to heart talks with Dick, or if he just wanted to watch him sleep for a moment.
As Bruce watched him, he gently moved Dicks thick black hair to see his scar on his head. The sight of the scar brought a pang of guilt to Bruce's heart, it was from the recent bully incident. The situation had been resolved and the bullies had even become good friends with Dick, But Bruce still felt guilty.
He felt guilty for not paying attention, for not protecting his one and only baby, and for allowing him to get hurt so seriously. Since then Bruce had been trying to make up for his negligence by taking extra time off work, he'd been extra protective of Dick especially with strangers, and a multitude of other methods.
Dick insisted the situation was not his fault and that he loved him very much, hating seeing his father be so stressed and worried. But Bruce kept thinking there still had to be something that would show his son just how far he would go for him, how much he truly loved and appreciated he just sat there for a moment, watching his sweet little angel sleep, when an image caught his eye. It was the Mr. Rodgers poster hanging close to Dick's bed, looking down with the man's signature smile.
It was then a grand idea popped into Bruce's head, an idea that would surely assure his love to his son and how much he cared about him. Bruce quickly but quietly exited his son's room, making sure to close the door behind him. He then rushed for his office, he had some important calls to make.
Gotham Academy
It was 11:29 on Thursday and Bruce waited impatiently/excitedly outside the school for his baby boy. He had a great big surprise for him and plus it was a three day weekend, due to a special Gotham holiday, so that meant Bruce had an extra day that week to spend more quality time with his son
Eventually the bell finally rang so Bruce exited the car and waited for Dick. It didn't take long before his ever watchful eye caught his blue eyed baby with his Batman backpack.
"Bye bye Barbara have a good weekends!" Dick waved as he saw Barbara drive off in her mom's car.
Barbara, as well as her mom, waved back wishing the sweet boy the same in return. Once they left Dick quickly noticed his father standing in his usual spot and ran to him in his usual joyful manor.
"Daddy!" Dick squealed as he was then scooped up into his father's arms.
"Hi baby! How was school?" Bruce asked happily as he just stood and held Dick for a moment.
"It was goods daddy! We gots visited by a reptile handler!" Dick said excitedly as he kissed his daddy's cheek.
"Wow that must have been exciting! But you can tell me more about it in the car, we have to be quick today. Daddy has a special surprise for you!" Bruce said happily as he then tossed Dick into the air.
Dick squealed with delight as he flew up high, only to be caught in his father's strong arms.
"A surprise! What is it?!"Dick asked, bouncing up and down excitedly.
"You'll know soon enough, but first we need to go get some lunch for that cute little tummy of yours." Bruce said as he kissed his little bird's cheek.
Dick giggled from his daddy's display of affection as he was then placed in his car seat and tightly secured in. From there the two drove off to a small but delicious little diner they often went to for their after school lunch. Once there they were sat down at a little booth in the corner, and they ordered, Dick was given a little place mat and some crayons.
He colored for a little bit, filling in a silly little clown with nice bright colors. As he did so Bruce sneakily pulled out two slips of paper and put them in front of Dick's spot in the booth. Dick promptly noticed the slips of paper and looked at them in confusion.
"What are those daddy?" Dick asked as he looked hard at the tickets.
"How about I help you read them. What letters do you see right here?" Bruce offered sweetly, wanting to increase his son's reading ability just like any good parent.
Bruce started by pointing to one word and letting Dick spell it out.
" A, now what?" Dick asked having never read such a long word before.
"Sound it out now, but remember any P's and H's next to each other make a ffff sound." Bruce instructed with great care.
"Phil..phila...delph...ia..Philadelphia. Wait is this for an airplane daddy?" Dick asked knowing Philadelphia was a place.
"Mhhm I bought us tickets to Philadelphia for the long weekend. Do you know who's in Philadelphia?" Bruce asked barely able to contain his excitement.
"Who?" Dick asked confused as to why they would go there.
"Mr. Rodgers!" Bruce said unable to contain his excitement anymore.
"Mr. Rodgers!" Dick squealed out of pure joy.
"Yep, I wanted to do something special for you little bird. So I arranged for us to meet with Mr. Rodgers for the day tomorrow. Then I thought we could explore Philadelphia together, just you and I." Bruce explained to Dick, hoping he liked the idea.
There was a moment of silence before Dick suddenly jumped from his seat, over the table, and clungp to his daddy's neck.
"Yous da bestest daddy in da whole world! Thank you!" Dick squealed as he tried to express how much he loved his father in his right hug.
Bruce smiled widely and wrapped his arms around his son's little body.
"You're welcome baby, you're worth it, every penny." Bruce said, feeling like the luckiest father in the whole world.
It was then their waitress came in with their food, smiling at the tender moment she had walked in on. Dick quickly caught a whiff of the food and turned to see it all out on the table.
"Oooooo food let's eat daddy!"
"Yeah, but we gotta be quick. We have to catch our flight soon." Bruce explained.
Together the two ate as fast as possible, scarfing down their food in a grossly quick manner. Then once they were finished they rushed back to the manor as fast as possible. As soon as they got home, Alfred had their bags all packed and ready to go, and the two changed into more comfortable clothes. Alfred then drove the two to the airport and dropped them off at the drop off point.
"Ok baby sunglasses on." Bruce instructed his son as he unbuckled his car seat from the car and unloaded their bags
Dick nodded and slipped on his cute little sunglasses and Batman backpack, all while holding onto Peanuts tightly. Bruce smiled at how adorable his son looked and ruffled his hair. He then picked up two lightweight duffle bags, grabbed the cart that carried Dick's car seat, and held Dick's tiny hand in his free hand.
"Are you sure you don't want my assistance Master Bruce?" Alfred asked a little nervously not to be accompanying his two charges.
"We'll be fine Alfred, you enjoy your vacation." Bruce instructed as he adjusted a duffle bag onto his shoulder.
"Very well sir enjoy your trip." Alfred said as he bowed respectfully.
"Thanks Alfred, good bye!" Bruce said as he started to walk away.
"Bye bye Alfred see you laters!" Dick cried out as he turned his head and waved goodbye with his free hand.
"Goodbye young Master!" Alfred said with a smile to his adorable charge.
With that the two entered the airport, Bruce being very careful to conceal their identities. He was worried they'd be spotted and he knew Dick was terrified of the press, so he had to avoid them at all costs.
With great stealth and tact the two checked into their flight and walked over to security. They then sneakily as possible got through security, which is easier said than done with two bags, a car seat, a brightly colored stuffed elephant, a little boy who tends to wander off, and having to keep your sunglasses on to conceal your identity. But with great effort, luck, and a firm grip to Dick's hand the two successfully went through security without anyone seeing their faces or calling them out.
Once they gathered their stuff, Bruce then picked up Dick with his free arm and carried him and all their stuff to the gate. While they waited Bruce had brought a few coloring books and crayons for Dick to entertain himself with. Together they colored a picture of the Red Ranger from Power Rangers and then one of a giant tyrannosaurus. People watched them as the did so and couldn't help but smile at the two's sweet and loving interactions.
"Daddy do wes have snacks? I'm hungry." Dick asked innocently.
"Of course little bird, would you like a granola or goldfish?" Bruce offered as he reached into Dick's little backpack.
"Goldfish!" Dick answered happily.
It was then as Bruce gave Dick his goldfish they were told to start boarding.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen it is time to start our boarding process, can we please have our first class and groups 1 through 2 passengers report to the gate."
"That's us baby, let's go!" Bruce said as he stood up, bags and car seat in hand.
Dick immediately got up and followed his father to the gate where they were met by a warm smiled woman.
"Tickets please." The woman politely requested.
"Here Dick give her our tickets." Bruce whispered as he slipped Dick their plane tickets.
Dick then held them up to the smiling woman, who graciously took them.
"Well thank you little man, aren't you just daddy's little helper." The woman commented sweetly.
"Mhmm!" Dick nodded adorably.
All the women at the ticket counter awed at the adorable little boy, and then let him and his father pass. From there the two quickly made it to their first class seats at the back of the first class section. Once there Bruce put away the bags and strapped in Dicks car seat as fast as possible. Bruce then put Dick in his car seat and made sure he was nice and secure in it.
"Daddy, do I has ta sit in my car seat? Wes not in da car." Dick asked, finding it a little ridiculous to have to be in a car seat on an airplane.
"It's unfortunately the only way to get your car seat around little bird. We're gonna need it as we travel throughout Philadelphia, but don't worry this is a very short flight. Just make sure to tell daddy when you need to go potty, so I can take you out."
"Ok daddy." Dick said, accepting his father's answer.
From there the two just settled in their seats and enjoyed their flight. It was only an hour and a half flight but nonetheless it was quite enjoyable. All of the stewardess's thought Dick was absolutely adorable and gave him little cups of hot cocoa as well as lots of treats to show their adoration. Eventually their flight ended and quickly exited the airport to the busy Philadelphia streets.
Immediately Bruce called a cab, strapped Dick's car seat into it, and had the driver take them to their hotel. It took them about a half hour due to the traffic but eventually they made it their hotel and checked in. Once all set up the two were led to their room, a grand presidential suite very ornately designed. It had a giant flat screen TV, an even bigger king sized bed with drapes hanging about it, lots of extra furniture, a small bar with an eclectic assortment of snacks, and a huge bathroom with a jacuzzi tub.
As they walked into their room Dick's eyes were wide as saucers as he looked around the room. Never in all his travels with the circus or even his time with Bruce had Robin seen so grand a room before. Bruce saw the look of pure awe on his son's face and couldn't help but smile at how cute he looked.
"Do you like the room baby?" Bruce asked as he crouched to his son's height.
"It's beautiful daddy!" Dick squealed as he then ran over to the large window that looked over all of Philadelphia.
Once again he was in pure awe of the sheer size of the city and felt tinier than ever from just looking out that one window.
"Look Peanuts, It's so big!" Dick whispered with pure amazement.
"It sure is, and we'll definitely have to make sure to see some of it before our trip is over." Bruce said as he sat down on the bench his son was standing on.
Dick just stood and stared at the window, taking in all the sights he could. Bruce meanwhile just watched his son, happy to see him so full of wonderment. But eventually Bruce looked at the clock and saw it was nearly 6 already and they hadn't eaten yet.
"Are you hungry baby, it's dinner time right now?"
Dick looked away from the city towards his father, when right on que his stomach grumbled.
"I'll take that as a yes, I'll order some room service for us tonight since we've got a big day tomorrow." Bruce said as he went towards the telephone and looked at the menu provided on the bar counter.
Bruce quickly took a look at the menu and ordered all while he watched his son be glued to the window, unable to look away. Once he finished Bruce went back over to his son, setting him on his lap, and watched the outside world for a few minutes. Eventually one of the hotel staff came with a cart full of food consisting of Mac n cheese, steak, halibut, caesar salad, spaghetti, a large bottle of sparkling cider on ice, and the largest plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies imaginable.
Dick immediately got whiff of the food and squealed with joy as he ran to the cart of food. Bruce smiled at this and got up to tip the hotel staff. Now some might think this was a lot of food, some rather mature for a small child of five, but Bruce would be lucky if there weren't seconds of this. For no child had a bigger appetite or food palette than Dick Grayson Wayne. Dick had the appetite of a starving man going through puberty, and he would eat just about anything, yet he gained no weight and remained at his tiny and thin size, it was a marvel of science some said.
Besides the point, once the food was delivered, Bruce began to serve out plates for Dick and himself. He made sure to get a nice full serving of everything for his son and placed it nicely on the little two person table in their room. Together they ate, laughed, and enjoyed that special bonding time between father and son. Soon enough they were finished, Dick having nearly four servings himself, and decided to wash up before relaxing for the night. They both quickly bathed themselves, got in their PJ's, and then snuggled in the massive king size bed together.
"Daddy can wes watch a movie?" Dick asked innocently as he ate at the plate of cookies they took to the bed with them.
"Sure baby let's see what they have." Bruce answered as he hit out of the bed and looked into the cabinet underneath the tv.
He found a large selection of VHS tapes as well as DVD's inside. However many of them were not kid friendly, much to his parental horror, but luckily they were well organized and he found the Disney section. After looking through it for a little bit Bruce eventually found A Bug's Life, and knowing his son hadn't seen it yet thought he would like it.
"How about a Bugs Life little bird?"
Dick nodded happily as he munched on more cookies. So Bruce put the DVD into the player and then ran back to the bed, taking Dick into his strong protective arms. They snuggled and laughed as they watched the movie, both loving the nice long uninterrupted time they had together.
As the movie continued Dick started to yawn, tired from the eventful day. Bruce quickly noticed this and started to lightly rock his son in an attempt to coax him to sleep. Eventually the movie came to an end and Dick could hardly keep his little eyes open.
"I think it's time for little one's to go to sleep, we don't wanna be too tired to meet Mr. Rodgers tomorrow do we?" Bruce asked rhetorically as he cradled Dick.
Dick sleepily shook his head before at last closing his eyes and letting out nothing more than light snores. Bruce smiled at how adorable his son looked, sleeping in his red footie pajamas and cuddling with Peanuts, and then placed him gently on the bed next to him. For a few minutes Bruce just watched his baby peacefully sleep, feeling like the luckiest man in the world to have Dick.
He also treasured that moment of getting to sleep with his son again. Alfred had become very strict about Dick sleeping in his own room once school started, insisting Bruce needed to start letting him go a bit. Bruce knew he was right, he could be overly attached to his baby boy at times, but Dick was one of the few remaining lights in his life and he wanted to insure he was always safe.
Bruce could barely deal with the little boy crying let alone hurt or scared. He just wanted to hold him in his arms and make sure he was protected always. But alas Dick, like all children, was growing up and he needed independence from him. The little boy needed to experience tough things and learn to be a man little by little, a process Bruce would help his little boy through the best he could.
But for now Dick was just his sweet little baby, who snuggled and loved his daddy. So Bruce planned to enjoy it as much as possible, and took advantage of the moment to sleep with and snuggle his one and only baby. He quietly and quickly turned the lights off, then pulled his son in close, causing Dick to immediately latch onto his warm chest and snuggle in affectionately, all while still holding Peanuts. Bruce smiled at this and closed his eyes as he held his son close, all the while excited for the following day, knowing his baby was going to absolutely love it.