After about twenty minutes of the animated kids show, a knock on the door sounded and Dr. Westly came in. He had requested to take over the Wayne's wing due to the confidentiality of the situation. The other doctor obliged as he clearly had his hands full of other patients.

"Hello, Mr. Grayson and Mr. Pennyworth. How are we feeling this morning?"

Dick peeked over his father's arm but remained silent. Alfred gave him a firm nod of acknowledgment.

"Any pain?"

Both patients shook their heads.

"Good. Well Mr. Grayson, I'm sure you would like to clean up, yes?"

Dick looked up at Bruce who nodded. "You could use the warmth. It might make you feel better. Do you want the nurse to help assist or the doctor?"

Dick looked conflicted. "Can you stay and help?"

Bruce looked at Dr. Westly.

"I can have the nurse wrap his shoulder so it doesn't get the dressings wet."

The doctor pinged a nurse who explained his plan. They needed to change Alfred's dressings but he didn't want Dick in the room. The shower was the perfect excuse to get him out of the room.

Ten minutes later, Dick had his shoulder wrapped and had taken refuge in the warm bathroom. Bruce had pulled a new outfit for him out of his trunk. He was glad he kept extra supplies for this very reason.

The bathroom was large with a small waiting room tucked into the corner with a shower and toilet stall on the opposite side tucked securely behind another door.

Bruce asked his son if he felt okay showering by himself. Dick nodded.

"Alright, I'll be right outside if you need anything. Take your time, no need to rush. I'll help you get dressed when you're done."

"Okay." Dick slipped inside and Bruce waited till he heard the water go on.

Taking a seat in the bathroom lounge, he pulled out his tablet and wrote down his notes to the cold case and any information pertaining to the attack. Since he couldn't get to his Batcave till later that night, he'd have to work remotely.

Securing his personal hotspot because he for sure didn't trust the public networks, he got to work. His plan of visiting the orphanage up north to find the unclaimed child from Mrs. Brawden's first marriage, Jack Brawden, was his first mission. He had planned to do it two nights ago but the attack on his home delayed it. It would have to wait.

Bruce thought back to the hit team that annihilated his home. Whoever had put out the hit was one of three options. There were three men alive that knew of Alfred's time in the service. Two of them served with Alfred and one of them had been his commanding officer. All three of them were retired and out of the game and gained nothing by letting their past come back to the surface. Bruce would have to do some deep digging but he guessed someone in one of their families' had set something up. Family secrets were a sore spot and he was sure someone would be hungry enough to go after whatever money was dished up in return for information. Clearly some of it had been leaked onto the dark web to put a hit on Alfred.

Bruce didn't have to go too far to find out. A BREAKING NEWS ALERT lit the top of his screen in bright red. GOTHAM HOMICIDE LAKESHORE RETIREMENT CENTER. A gentleman by the name of Anthony Blates had been found dead in his room. Not just dead but murdered. He had been found tied up, tortured, and then injected with a lethal-acting poison. At least his death was quick. Mr. Blates had been Alfred's CO. A brutal murder that would trigger a large internal investigation. Bruce guessed the assailant had slipped inside dressed as a nursing aide. With such a large number of residents and smaller staff due to him living on an independent floor, it opened the door for danger.

Bruce worried the other two members could be exposed, but he was sure the Commissioner was on it. Bruce sat back and thought hard. So many things to unravel.

First, the cold case. Second, the attack on his family. Third, dealing with whatever that strange man he had found while stalking the rooftops of Gotham. Was any of it connected? Possibly, but chances were slim. But in Gotham even strangers at a glance share something in common.

He hoped whatever information Gordon had would make his concerns clearer, not murkier.

"Uh, Mr. Wayne?"

Bruce flinched and looked up hearing the name. He closed his tablet, tossing it aside and stood seeing Dick wrapped in a towel peeking out at him. His damp hair stuck out in all directions.

"I'm here. What do you need?"

He could tell Dick looked hesitant and uncertain.

"I…uh…need help with the dressings."

Bruce smiled gently. "Alright, let's get you bandaged up."

Bruce guided the child over to the bench. Under the towel, Dick had on hospital scrubs. He handed his son some soft sweatpants to change into.

Dick dropped the towel and Bruce stifled an angry grunt seeing the damage done. Multiple bruises criss-crossed his torso and back. Raw abrasions with dried blood covered his hands, wrists, ankles where he had been tied up. Bruce knew it was going to be bad, but his heart dropped knowing Dick would try and put on a brave face. His right injured shoulder was swollen like an angry red pufferfish.

"Alright, I'm going to put the salve on and then bandage your torso. Let me know if it's too tight or too loose."

Bruce was greatly appreciative of knowing first aid and wound treatment. Though he'd done it to himself many times in the field, it was rare for him to apply aid to others.

Bruce quickly ran his hands over the majority of the wounds apologizing every time Dick flinched.

"I'm sorry. I know it hurts. Almost done. You're doing great!"

"I'm fine. The salve is cold." Dick responded softly.

Bruce blew out a breath. "It's ok not to be fine. Especially after what you went through." Bruce could feel the anger edging in his voice. "I'm sorry. I'm not mad at you, just scared." Bruce paused his work and looked up at his precious son. "Dick, I thought I'd lost you and Alfred. I was absolutely terrified not being able to find you."

Dick stared at him and then smiled. "But you did find me. I knew you would. No matter what."

Bruce blinked in surprise. "What?"

Dick nodded. "Mr. Wayne already rescued me once. I had no doubt Batman would do the same."

"Dick…" Bruce never once thought about the unwavering trust of a child let alone one in his care. It tore at him even more knowing the danger his secret identity put on his son. Bruce coughed fighting the lump in his throat. Man, this kid had somehow wormed his way into Batman's hardened black exterior and pierced right through it.

Trust was something Bruce rarely gave out but to be on the receiving end of it was something new.

"Thanks, kid." Bruce responded, turning his head to the box that held the medical wraps.

"Now, tell me did they hit you?" Bruce pointed at his injured shoulder.

Dick shook his head. "No. Your desk did. An explosion knocked me off balance and I slammed into it."

Bruce nodded. "I see." Bruce felt relief wash over him. If they had physically beat his son up, Bruce would be seeing red for a week.

He continued to wrap Dick's torso, taking in every bruise and cut. He would be sore and stiff for a few weeks until those healed up. Satisfied with his work, he helped Dick into a cotton T-shirt and then a zip up hoodie.

Taking a blow dryer he tackled the mess of hair on top of Dick's head.

"Mr. Wayne?"

"Yes?" Bruce paused, catching Dick's gaze in the mirror. "What is it?"

"Can I call you dad?"

Bruce raised a brow. "You can call me whatever you are comfortable with. I know I will never replace your real father nor would I want to. If you wish to reserve that name for him, I completely understand."

"I know we aren't related by blood, but you're my new family. I'd like to honor that. I called my parents "mother" and "father". I want Mr. Wayne to be known as "Dad"; DANGEROUS AND DEADLY."

Dick said it with such a serious look, Bruce couldn't help but give Dick a double take.

Then the child burst out laughing. "I'm joking! Haha you should see your face!"

Bruce smiled. "That was a good one, kid." He was relieved to see Dick so relaxed in his presence.

Dick let out a small groan. "Ow, I forgot laughing hurts." He swiped a hand across his face. He laughed so hard that tears came. After calming down, he closed his eyes, loving the feeling of the brush against his scalp and Bruce's protective presence at his back.

After a few moments, he opened his eyes to see his new father staring at him. He tilted his head. "What?"

Bruce blinked realizing he'd been caught staring. "I'm fighting the urge to squeeze you in a hug right now because that would hurt you."

Dick turned to face him and then crossed the distance wrapping his small arms around Bruce's torso. "Thank you for saving me, Dad," Dick said into Bruce's chest. Bruce raised his arms caught off guard before slowly lowering them and gently wrapped his son in a bear hug. "I'm so glad you're safe, Dick." Dick gripped Bruce's shirt tightly as he breathed in his dad's scent. It was his new smell of home; cedarwood, cinnamon, and a dark musky scent. A smell that triggered safety in his mind. A smell he wouldn't forget.

Bruce released the kid first letting him slowly unravel. "You ready to go?"

Dick nodded. Bruce opened the bathroom door to find Alfred sitting up in bed reading a book. The elderly man smiled seeing them. Dick walked over to his bedside and gave Alfred a fist bump. Alfred lovingly patted his head. "I owe my life to you, kid. I am forever in your debt."

Dick just smiled. "Consider your debt repaid when you make me some new chocolate chip cookies. I was looking forward to unburnt ones."

Alfred's eyes shone in bemusement. "I promise to make it up to you. Speaking of which-," Alfred paused looking at Bruce, "What are we going to do about the house?"

Bruce sat down in the chair next to Alfred's bed. Dick sat down on the edge of Alfred's bed. "I'm not going to lie. The house took considerable damage and it will take several months before it is fully restored. So, I've been thinking about our options." Bruce paused catching the gazes of his family. "Since Dick has been released into my custody, he no longer needs to be hospitalized, but he is welcome to stay as long as needed. Alfred, is a different case. The doctor explained a longer recovery stay here until you're clear of any infections or other concerns." Bruce was worried about possible internal bleeding. Bruce continued. "My thoughts were Dick and I staying in a hotel for a few days until I can access the safehouse without outside eyes on us. I will need to appease the public in keeping their eyes out of our business."

Dick piped up. "You have a safe house?"

Bruce nodded. "Yes. I also own a few vacation homes away from the city, but I hesitate to use them since you, son, are still unknown to the general public. The last thing we need now is another media frenzy over a small child."

"I agree." Alfred chimed in. He was genuinely worried about how all of this would affect his new grandson. "I think the hotel is the safest bet. Has the threat been neutralized?"

Bruce paused. "Yes, we are out of immediate danger. However, I am not taking any chances."

Alfred picked up on Bruce's tone and the shift in his body language. The immediate danger was gone, but something was still there that had Bruce on edge. They would need to talk without Dick in the room.

"What hotel are we staying at?" Dick asked eyes wide. He had never been to a hotel before. He'd only heard of it from tourists who had come to see the circus shows.

Bruce passed his tablet over to Dick. "There are three options. All are ones I have stayed at previously and vetted. Dick, I want you to pick out where you want to stay."

Dick stared at him eyes wide. "For real? Me?" He pointed at himself.

Bruce chucked. "Yes, you."

Dick quickly swiped through several images and words before flipping the tablet over and showing his dad. "That one!"

The kid had chosen the Spire-a lavish yet elegant 5-star hotel located twenty minutes away from Gotham General. "Good choice. I like that one." Bruce winked at his son taking back the tablet. "Alright, I have a meeting with the Commissioner in half an hour." A sharp knock at the door made all three heads turn.

In walked Selena looking refreshed and revitalized. She smiled seeing all of them gathered.

"How is everyone?" She dropped her bag and walked over to Dick who reached out his hands. Selena grasped them and carefully hugged him from the side. "Are you alright?"

Dick nodded beaming up at her. "Yes! Dad took care of me." Selena grinned noting the name he called Bruce. She waved at Alfred, who smiled back.

"I apologize for the intrusion, I thought Bruce told you I was coming." She turned to look at him who just stared blankly back.

"What?"

"Did you not get my text?"

Bruce's eyes widened and then whipped out his phone. His ears turned pink. "Ah, sorry, I missed it."

"Relax. It's fine. I hope you all enjoyed the treats."

Dick nodded. "I had a sprinkled donut."

Selena smiled. "Those are the best aren't they?"

"Thank you Selena for the treats and beautiful flowers." Alfred said with a wink.

She dipped her head in response. "My pleasure. It's the least my family and I can do. I've got a few days off from work and thought I'd come by and help."

"Oh, you don't have to do that," Bruce said quickly but then feeling all the eyes on him, he backtracked. "But I'll accept your gracious offer."

Selena rolled her eyes. "He's so independent isn't he." She thrust her head toward Bruce.

"You have no idea." Both Alfred and Dick said at the same time.

Bruce scowled. "Hey, now whose side are you on?"

Both Alfred and Dick pointed at Selena.

Bruce threw up his hands in mock defeat. "Alright, I submit. She wins…again."

"Again?! I thought we weren't keeping track, mister." Selena grabbed a nearby pillow and whacked him with it.

Dick covered his mouth with his hand and hid his smile. Alfred just shook his head amused.

After a few moments of laughter, Bruce explained their new housing situation. He thought it best for them to stay overnight at the hospital one more day until security arrangements were made. Though he knew Dick would be the safest with him. Alfred would be watched 24/7 with police protection. He hoped if recovery went well Alfred could be back home at the safehouse in a few weeks.

Selena nodded. She had only been to two of Bruce's exclusive vacation homes but never to his safehouse. She wasn't surprised though to hear he had one. Revealing this information meant Bruce trusted her. She was honored.

Bruce glanced at his watch. It was nearly time to meet with the Commissioner.

"While your dad tends to some paperwork, why don't we hang here. I brought something you might be interested in." Selena said, to Dick grabbing her bag. She pulled out a large book on astronomy.

Dick's eyes widened in wonder. "Whoa, cool!" Dick turned to show Alfred and Selena got up to talk to Bruce.

"So, dad, huh? I knew you could make a connection with him. You didn't need my help at all." She beamed at him. She was truly proud of the progress Bruce had made with the child all in a little over a year.

Bruce grinned. "Well, it's a step. We've got a long way to go."

"He truly does adore you. I can see it in his eyes." She responded watching Dick excitedly flip through the pages pointing things out to Alfred.

"Mhm."

Selena turned to look at him. "Are you doing okay? I'm sure this has got to be overwhelming."

Bruce looked down at her. "I'm fine, really."

Selena shot him a no nonsense look. "Bruce, please. I've known you for a long time. This was very traumatic not only for your family but also for you. If you need time to process everything, that is why I'm here. I'll look after them, so do what you need to do. I'm not going anywhere."

"Thanks, Selena." Bruce sighed. "I'm angry most of all. This happened to them under my watch."

Selena gently touched his shoulder. "Don't blame yourself. This was not your fault. It was the work of evil people who prey on innocent lives."

Bruce wished for once he could tell Selena everything. Spill it all out. He was Batman and he could have stopped it. He totally blamed himself for not looking harder for the threat at their back. For not being prepared. Perhaps he could have prevented it or lessened the damage done. But he held his tongue.

"We will make it through. One day at a time." Bruce said, trying to sound confident.

Selena didn't seem quite convinced but didn't protest. She knew him better than most people yet she felt he sometimes kept her at arm's length. He'd always been an emotionally closed off man, but over the years she'd been able to get him to open up a bit.

"Alright, I'm here if you need me." Selena turned away and walked back to the patients leaving Bruce feeling dejected. He hated keeping her in the dark, but it was for this very reason. The more people who knew about his identity just brought more danger. He kept trying to convince himself it was working, but lately he felt his exterior mask crumbling. She was right. He was not okay. He was pissed at whoever dug into Alfred's past and brought it up bringing danger to their doorstep. Frustrated that he couldn't seem to find any good leads on the cold case and concerned that Gotham was in danger but he couldn't see where that danger was coming from. Mentally he was spiraling headfirst into a whirlpool of the darkness of Gotham. If he couldn't even protect his family, how could he entrust himself to a whole city?

His phone buzzed. It was a text from Gordon who sent him the location of the conference room. He slipped out of the room and headed toward the meeting place bracing himself for whatever storm of information would be hurdled at him next.