"Remember." Bruce said, voice echoing off the stone walls of the cave. "If you do fall," He looked pointedly at Dick. "And you won't, I'm right there."
"Got it." Dick said with a nod. The confidence was almost bursting from his small frame. He wore black training leggings, a black hoodie and black sneakers. Bruce was in the full Batman attire save for the cowl. He felt this particular training required the cape and utility belt.
"Good." Bruce turned and fired a line across the chasm to an opposite ledge high up in the cave. The grappling hook disturbed a few roosting bats that scattered, squeaking angrily as they flew. Dick watched as his guardian shot into air after it. Seconds later he was on his feet looking down at him from the ledge. He gave the nod. Dick raised his gun and fired.
The hook latched on inches from where Bruce stood. Bruce had assumed this would be a cake walk for his ward. Ten years old and he already a professional trapeze career behind him. Unfortunately he'd failed to factor that in as a potential problem. That was until he looked down and saw the boy standing frozen on the edge.
Bruce waited. When it was clear this was more than a simple hesitation he leapt off, soaring down to land next to him. Dick's feet were planted in place. His face was set with fear. He still had his arms raised above his head holding the gun like he couldn't let go. His eyes stared down into the chasm.
"Dick?" Bruce placed a hand on his shoulder. He could feel him shaking faintly. "Can you hear me?"
Despite the fierce focus of his eyes, Dick gave a distracted, wobbling nod.
"I'm so sorry." He seemed to choke on the words.
Bruce followed his hollow gaze down into the darkness and understood he saw much more than was there. He knelt down at Dick's level and took hold of him, turning him so they were facing one another. Dick squeezed his eyes shut tightly, arms still raised above his head. "Bruce, I- I think I'm too scared to fly again." He whispered it like he hoped his confession wouldn't be heard.
"Dick, can you look at me?" Bruce asked him. Dick shook his head. Instead his head bowed and he began to weep quietly.
Bruce reached for the grappling gun and carefully prised it from Dick's iron grip. When it was free Dick lowered his arms and opened his tearful eyes. Bruce unlatched the line and retracted it, giving him a second to compose himself without scrutiny.
Finally Dick managed to look at Bruce. "Can I still be Robin?" He asked in a voice that made Bruce remember just how young he was.
Bruce nodded and held up the gun. "We need to approach this differently. That's all."
Dick took a deep breath and stood up a little straighter. "Yeah, ok." He rubbed a hand across his face, wiping his tears. "Different approach." Another deep breath. "Good call, Batman."
Bruce gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder and then stood up. Dick followed after him as he went to stow the grappling gear.
"Why don't you head up and ask Alfred to make you some tea." Bruce said over his shoulder. "I'll get changed then we'll switch gears for today. Alright?"
"Ok." Dick said, only a hint of shakiness left in his voice. He hesitated before leaving, just watching Bruce as he opened and closed metal drawers. Then, with a last glance towards the chasm ledge, Dick climbed the stone stairs and went to find Alfred.