Chapter 3: Robin is My Neighbor Part 3
Within minutes the small group was at the Chinese restaurant close to the studio. They all sat at a little booth and looked over the menu.
"Daddy do theys have Chow Mein?" Dick asked eagerly, since he couldn't read very well quite yet..
"It looks like they do, is that what you want baby?" Bruce asked curiously as he looked at the menu quickly.
"Mhmm, it's my favwit! Our tightrope walker Lee mades it for me back in da circus!" Dick answered gleefully.
"I remember reading something about that once, you grew up in a circus did you not Dick? What was that like?" Mr. Rogers asked, genuinely curious.
"It was so much fun and it was like one big family!"
"Wow that sounds like quite an adventure, you must have been very sad to leave it."
"Uh huh I's was really sads, but den I got daddy an I wasn sad anymore." Dick said as he then nuzzled his daddy's arm.
Bruce smiled as he then rubbed his son's little head affectionately and smiled. It was then that the waitress came back and took their order.
"Are we ready gentlemen?"
"Yes I'll get an order of the mugu gai pan and chow mein as well as a wonton soup for the two of us." Bruce ordered.
"Then I will be having the Veggie potstickers and the lo mein noodles but…"
"Tofu instead of Chicken, I know the drill Mr. Rogers. I'll be right out with your food." The waitress said with a wink.
"Tofu? Wait, are you a vegetarian?" Bruce asked with great curiosity.
"I just can't imagine eating something that has a mother." Mr. Rogers said sympathetically and with a smile.
Bruce thought about Mr. Rogers' opinion for a moment and saw his point, but he liked meat too much. From there they continued with their conversation, all of them laughing and having a good time as they spoke. Pretty much all the questions were from Mr. Rogers, all of them about Bruce and Dick. He wanted to know everything about them and it was like he really did care about them as people as well.
Then about fifteen minutes into their conversation their food came, which was good because they were all really hungry. As they ate Mr. Rogers was in awe of the rate and amount Dick was eating at, never had he seen such a hungry little boy before.
"You truly have a hungry little guy there, your cupboards must rarely be full." Mr. Rogers said endearingly as he ruffled Dick's hair.
"I still haven't figured out where it all goes yet, especially with how small he is for his age. But what I do know is wherever it goes it causes Alfred to go to the grocery store three times a week." Bruce chuckled.
From there they all ate and chatted it up, all of them enjoying themselves immensely. They sat at that restaurant for quite some time, none of them keeping track of the time, and eventually the youngest in their party started to get very sleepy. Dick could barely keep his eyes open but it wasn't long before Bruce noticed his son and what time it was, and it was very close to nap time. So Bruce gathered his son into his arms, Dick immediately cuddling into his father's warm and familiar chest,
"I'm afraid nap time is right now for my little bird, he's especially tired after big meals." Bruce said as he got up from the table, child in arms.
"I understand, I remember when my boys were in that stage. Such a fun and adventurous stage, but their little bodies aren't quite ready for such big adventures yet." Mr. Rogers said as he rose from the table and gently rubbed Dick's head.
"Yeah that's my little guy to a T I'm afraid. But thank you so much for your time and giving my boy such a good experience, we'll be on our way Mr. Rogers."
"No let me give you a ride back to your hotel, I actually have something I would like to discuss if you're willing." Mr. Rogers requested with a warm smile.
"Of course, thank you very much."
With that the three returned to Mr. Rogers car, Bill driving up front and Dick placed very carefully in his car seat so as not to wake him up, and drove back to Bruce and Dicks hotel.
"So what is it you would like to discuss Mr. Rogers?" Bruce asked quietly as not to wake up Dick.
"I was unsure about asking you this initially, but after seeing the way you love your son, I knew you'd be perfect. I would like you and Dick to come onto my show tomorrow to talk about adoption."
Bruce's eyes went wide as Mr. Rogers' request was processed through his mind.
"Wait, you want Dick and I on your show tomorrow? But how? Dick and I couldn't possibly memorize your script in time and…"
"You wouldn't need to worry about the script my team already had this theme planned for a while, we just didn't have the right guest to help convey our message. All you and Dick would have to do is come in and speak on adoption and the way it has improved and changed your lives. And don't worry about not knowing what to do either, we'll have plenty of cue cards for you as well."
"I don't know, I don't like Dick being in the public eye as it is and he might not want to talk about it either, it may bring back rather painful memories." Bruce said knowing his son still had nightmares about his parents death.
"I promise I would never bring up such painful topics such as your son's personal tragedy. This would strictly be about you and your son's relationship and very light hearted as well. Please Bruce I know your story would help a lot of poor little children out there in your son's situation who might be suffering or scared of what's going to happen to them. I seek to help children have the coping skills to deal with life's challenges but I need a little help sometimes."
Bruce thought over Mr. Rogers words and looked over at his sleeping son's face. He would do anything to assure Dick he was loved and that he would always be there for him. But Mr. Rogers was right there were a lot of children out there who didn't have the same luxury. He then thought over his childhood and how hard it was even with Alfred, the loneliness and fear. Quickly it became clear what Bruce needed to say, so he looked Mr. Rogers in the eye and spoke.
"We'll do it!"
"Perfect, be at the studio tomorrow by 8 sharp, don't worry about what you'll wear we're just happy you are there." Mr. Rogers said kindly.
Both men smiled at each other as they suddenly were at the front of Dick and Bruce's hotel.
"It was very nice meeting you Mr. Rogers, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow." Bruce said as he delicately got out of the car, kept a hold on Dick, and removed his car seat.
"It was also very nice to meet you as well Bruce, tell Dick I said hi once he's woken up from his nap." Mr. Rogers said with a wave.
"I will." Bruce smiled back as the car door closed.
From there Bruce carried Dick and his car seat quietly back to their room. Once there he delicately took off Dick's Velcro shoes and laid him in the big bed, tucking him in snuggly to make sure he was warm. From there Bruce decided to just sit and read as he waited to discuss what was going to happen tomorrow with Mr. Rogers. So he picked up an interesting WWII book Bruce bought at the airport and patiently waited as his baby napped.
1 hour later
It was a little after one when Dick finally woke up with an adorable puppy like stretch and yawn. Bruce almost immediately heard it then gently put down his book and sat down on the bed next to his waking son.
"Hey baby bird did you have a nice nap?" Bruce asked quietly.
"Uh huh." Dick nodded as he tiredly crawled out of bed and over to his daddy's lap.
He then proceeded to cuddle up to his father's warm chest and smiled contently.
"That's good, but Dick can I talk to you about something?" Bruce asked a little nervously.
Dick sleepily nodded his head, still waking up a bit from his nap.
"You see when you fell asleep Mr. Rogers asked me something, something very exciting."
"Wha?" Dick asked tiredly, his eyes barely staying open.
"Well he asked if we would like to go onto his show tomorrow."
Immediately Dick's eyes shot open and he looked at his father with pure excitement in his baby blues.
"Really, we gets to be on Mr. Rogers show?!" Dick asked as he began to bounce up and down excitedly.
"He did but I want to make sure it's ok with you because the topic he wants us to help him with might be a little...sensitive to you." Bruce informed Dick, hoping it was going to be ok with him.
"What is it daddy?" Dick asked, now feeling a little bit nervous himself.
"Well Mr. Rogers told me he wanted us to talk about adoption, and that could make him ask some very hard questions. I don't want to force you to do anything that you don't want to, so are you ok with going to Mr. Rogers show tomorrow?"
Dick thought for a moment, he didn't mind being asked about his mama and tati but it also scared him. They were very special to him and he didn't want anyone to say anything bad about them or his daddy. His daddy always got mean questions and mean things said about him, and it made Dick mad. But he also loved and trusted Mr. Rogers, he was nice, he wouldn't ask anything mean like that. Dick decided that he would do it, so he looked at his daddy in the eyes.
"Ok I'll do it!" Dick said bravely.
"Are you sure baby?" Bruce asked again, wanting to be absolutely sure.
Dick nodded his head with a smile, affirming he was resolute in his decision.
"Ok then we'll go tomorrow, I'm sure you'll do great!" Bruce said as he hugged his baby tightly.
Dick smiled and snuggled his father, happy to have someone as wonderful as him in his life.
The next day
It eight o'clock and Bruce and Dick arrived exactly on time to the studio. Immediately they were greeted by Mr. Rogers who looked at them like one would an old friend.
"Bruce! Dick! You made it!" Mr. Rogers said as he hugged the two warmly.
"We tried as best we could to be on time as you asked, but Dick's a little nervous I'm afraid." Bruce said as he stroked his son's head comfortingly.
"Oh no are you feeling a little anxious about the show Dick?" Mr. Rogers asked compassionately.
Dick timidly nodded his head as he clutched his fathers suit coat.
"What are you anxious about?" Mr. Rogers asked sweetly.
"Are yous gonna ask scary questions Mr. Rogers?" Dick asked nervously.
"Of course not Dick, all I would like to hear about is how much you and your daddy love each other even though your not related. There's a lot of little boys and girls just like you and I want to help them feel like they can be loved just like you and help them not feel so sad. Would you like to help me do that Dick?"
Dick looked into Mr. Rogers eyes and then at his daddy for guidance and reassurance it was gonna be ok. Bruce nodded his head and gave him a reaffirming smile, which boosted Dicks confidence and bravery enough to help him.
"Yes Mr. Rogers." Dick nodded with a smile.
"Thank you Dick, you're a very brave little boy." Mr. Rogers said gratefully as he warmly rubbed Dick's head.
"No thank you for the opportunity Mr. Rogers, now what do you want us to do now?" Bruce asked.
"I'll have our wonderful director Margy explain that to you." Mr. Rogers said as he had the two follow him.
They were then brought over to a woman with short dark brunette hair looking at a screen.
"Margy! I want you to meet our guest for our show today, Bruce and Dick Wayne."
"Pleasure to meet you Mr. Wayne and you too Dick." Margy greeted the two with a handshake.
"Pleasure to meet you as well." Bruce greeted back.
"Hi Miss Margy!" Dick greeted adorably.
Margy couldn't help but smile at the little boy's cuteness but then quickly got back to work. She quickly but thoroughly explained what was going to happen. She told them about urge cue cards that would give them directions as to movement and the segment they would be in and the basic direction of the episode. Once sure that their guests understood what they were doing Margy led Bruce and Dick to the door they would enter through then went back to her normal spot to direct.
"Alright places everyone! Lights, camera, action!" Margy yelled out.
Immediately the theme music started for Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, and the show began as normal. Together Bruce and Dick listened to what was going on and waited patiently for their cue. It soon started to get to their entrance so Bruce crouched and looked at his son in the eyes.
"Ok baby this is it, are you ready?"
"Yes daddy!" Dick said resolutely as he hugged Peanuts for comfort.
"Good boy now come on our entrance is coming up!" Bruce said quietly as he scooped his son up into his arms.
He then waited till a set manager with a headset gave him the signal and Bruce knocked on the door.
"Oh I believe that would be my special friend coming to visit our neighborhood today! Let's go see shall we." Mr. Rogers said in his kind manner as he went to the door, opened it, and revealed Bruce holding Dick in the doorway.
"My my Bruce Wayne it's very nice to see you!" Mr. Rogers greeted once more with a handshake.
"It's very nice to see you too Mr. Rogers." Bruce greeted as warmly as possible.
"And I see you brought your son Dick with you as well, I'm very glad you could join us little one." Mr. Rogers said as he shook Dick's tiny hand as well.
"Me too!" Dick said very genuinely.
"My what a sweet little boy you have there Bruce, now come take a seat with me won't you." Mr. Rogers said as he led the two over to his normal sitting place and a bench sitting across from it.
The three quickly transitioned over to the sitting place and sat down facing each other, Dick sitting in his father's lap.
"I have to say I'm very happy to have you both here in the neighborhood today and I believe you have a very wonderful and special topic to talk to us about today, don't you!"
"Why yes, I believe you wanted us to talk a little bit about adoption today if I'm correct." Bruce answered smiling as he lightly bounced Dick on his knee.
"Why in fact you are, now could you explain a little bit about what adoption is?"
"Of course, Adoption is when an adult decides to take in a child under the age of 18 and take all responsibilities for caring and raising them. That's what I did for my son Dick, he's not mine by birth but I adopted him into my life." Bruce explained simply, knowing this was a children's show.
"Thank was very kind of you Mr. Wayne, I'm sure it was a good decision for you. What really inspired such a selfless decision?"
"Well Dick had tragically lost his parents last year in an accident and I lost my parents quite young as well. So I saw myself in him and thought I could help him, but little did I know that he would help me in return and bring me so much joy I never thought I could have." Bruce explained happily as he squeezed his son tight to his chest.
"I'm so happy you shared that with me, oftentimes it's thought we can never love anyone as much as we do our relatives. But clearly with an open heart we can love even those who aren't related to us. What about you Dick, what do you think of your father?"
Dick was quiet for a moment as he looked down nervously, afraid to give a wrong answer to Mr. Rogers. But then he felt the comforting and coursing hand of his father in his little back, looked up and saw his father smile at him. Immediately Dick was filled with courage and the words to describe his feelings.
"I love my daddy! He loves me and takes cares of me! He not my mama an tati, but he jus as good. I miss them a lot but with my daddy I feel happy an it doesn't hurt to miss them so much. He snuggles me, kisses me, holds me, tucks me in at night, an all da things a daddy suppos a do! We not related but I know my daddy loves me more den anything in da whole world!" Dick declared proudly and boldly.
Everyone in the room was silent, many of them on the verge of tears from the sure love displayed by a little boy. Even Mr. Rogers, who had met many loving and wonderful children, was speechless having never seen such a pure love before. But the most touched was Bruce, who was barely holding himself together as his heart melted. He knew Dick loved him but never did he think it was that deep, how did he ever get so lucky was blessed to have the best little boy on the entire planet.
From there the show went smoothly and the episode became an absolute hit. Adoptions sky rocketed and orphaned children found loving and welcoming homes, all inspired thanks to a simple episode of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. But that's the power of love, it has the ability to touch the hearts of many and heal wounds no matter how deep. And that was the love held between Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, one that would never fade and no amount of anger and conflict, families naturally felt, could shatter. They were father and son in the purest sense and nothing would change that.