Chapter Text
Dick ran his tired eyes over the medical bay in the Batcave from his place on the gurney, and he had zero motivation to move himself from it. Every part of his body declared its presence in painful pulses. Usually Dick wasn’t really bothered with the fact that he is a superhero without any superpowers, on the contrary, he was proud of the fact that he brought himself to a state where he can fight and certainly hold his own, against much more powerful opponents due to the intense physical and mental training he put himself through. Much like his mentor he earned the respect of his colleagues, despite his physical disadvantage thanks to his resourcefulness, sharp mind, charisma and in Dick’s case his heart as well.
But sometimes the lack of superpowers really sucked. Even more so, when he had to fight one of the most dangerous people in the world, the one that even the most powerful of creatures were wary of him .THE Batman in the flesh. Mentor , father, boss, colleague, Dick wasn’t sure about the pecking order between them. Their relationship knew many ups and downs over the years. But Dick knew better than anyone else, that fighting emotionless brainwashed Batman is a suicide mission, no restrains no self control. He was lucky they managed to snap Bruce out of the trans that Talia put him in, otherwise he probably wouldn’t have made it. A broken left arm, cracked ribs, minor concussion, a sprained right ankle, shining blacklight on his right eye and finally a deep stab wound on his lower left abdomen courtesy of Talia herself was more than enough in his opinion.
Dick heard Alfred’s footsteps approaching, they were so different from Bruce’s, heavier. Though Bruce was a big guy, the stealth habits Batman cultivated seeped into Bruce Wayne’s life and his footsteps were always quiet. Alfred didn’t care much for sneaking around, especially not around the house. How many times did he scold them for the ill manners of it? Dick moved his eyes to Alfred, trying to give the tiredness in them a lazy look and to stretch a nonchalant smile over his bruised lips.
“Hey Alfie, did you come to treat me to another dose of the good stuff? I haven’t gotten high like this in years. Do you think that’s the reason Bruce always gets himself in harm's way, so he’ll have an excuse for a trip?”
“Don’t be ridiculous Master Dick. You know very well that when the situation is bad enough for Master Bruce to allow some medications, it’s to the point of knocking him out. He does not experience a so called “Trip””
“Hmmm…. Maybe he does in his sleep, you don’t know. Maybe it makes him dream about glittery unicorns with rainbows coming out of their ass.”
A faint smile cracked the butler’s tired face. “Indeed one can never know, I will however ask you to maintain appropriate language, young man.”
“Sorry, sorry, glittery unicorns with rainbows coming out of their buttocks.” Alfred rolled his eyes, the smile still floating on his lips.
“I’ve made you lunch Master Dick the rumor is that people on a high tend to get the munchies. Would you like me to bring it to you down here or will you come upstairs?”
“I’ll take it upstairs. I should get going as it is.” Dick sat up in bed, a small twinge of pain crossed his face but he pushed on and swung his legs to the floor, reaching his right hand to the crutch that stood by the bed.
“Already? I think it would be better for you to stay here for a few days, until you’ll recuperate for a bit just to be safe.” The older man grabbed the former Robin's left bicep and helped him to get up.
The latter didn’t respond to the gesture and they silently made their way up to the spacious dining room of the manor. Dick sank into the nearby chair as Alfred didn't miss the grimace of pain that passed over the young man's face.
“After you’re done eating I’ll get you some more painkillers. Best not to take them on an empty stomach.” Dick just nodded absentmindedly and started eating. The pain obscured how truly hungry he was. He sat with Alfie in a comfortable silence and indulged himself in the butler’s renowned delicacies. When he was done Alfred got up to clear the table.
“Where is everyone?” asked Dick casually while getting up as well to lend a hand. He hasn’t seen anyone since their short debrief after the battle with Talia.
“Sit down boy, let your body rest.” the older man scolded sternly, “Master Jason, Master Timothy, Miss Barbara and Miss Kate went back to their residences. Master Bruce is having a heart to heart with Damian.” Alfred stepped up to the large glass windows that overlooked the backyard, Dick followed him there. Bruce and Damian were sitting on the bench in front of the coy pond, with Bruce’s hand on Damian’s shoulder as the letter rested his head on his father.
Dick couldn’t remember the last time those two publicly showed any sign of affection. His jaw tightened unconsciously, Bruce hadn't exchanged a word with him directly since the briefing even after everything he had done to his so-called son. True Bruce wasn’t in his right mind, but a courteous apology or some acknowledgement would have been nice. normally Dick would have brushed it off, knowing Bruce he is probably ashamed of his actions and too emotionally crippled to communicate his regret and care. But seeing him opening up to Damian, shows that he is capable of that when he wishes to.
Dick forced himself to turn his gaze to the old butler “Thanks for lunch Alfred.” His smile was sincere this time, “I gotta get moving.”
Alfred whipped his head towards the man whom he viewed as his grandson. “Get moving where exactly Master Dick? You are in no shape to go anywhere!”
Dick ignored him and hobbled to the entrance hall, he tore his jacket off the rack and tried to put it on, which was no easy task, considering the cast on his left arm and eventually he settled for draping the jacket over his left shoulder.
Alfred laid a hand on his shoulder “You should stay here for a few more days Master Dick.” His tone was soft, pleading, “Until you’ll recover and gain your strength back. You’ll be safer here than in Bludhaven.”
Dick grabbed the door handle, not willing to meet the old man's eyes “It’s been a rough couple of weeks Alfred. I need some time for myself to sort it out. I prefer to go home.”
“This is your home as well!”
A bitter smile tugged on his lips, “Once was.” And he stepped out the door.