Reunions

Chapter 4

Quite a lot happens in this chapter, so be prepared. This is the final one, though, so I hope you enjoy it 😉

Dick stood in front of the doors to Wayne Manor, reminiscing.

Slowly, he opened the doors. His plan was to surprise Alfred. Bruce had assured him that he hadn’t told the immortal butler of his impending arrival, but with Alfred, you never know.

Quietly, Dick made his way to the kitchen, where Alfred had his back towards him, taking a second tray of cookies from the oven. Dick was just about to greet him, but Alfred beat him to it, with his back still turned.
“Please be careful, Master Richard. They are still hot.”

“How did you? You know what. Never mind.”
Alfred gave him a small smile as he turned towards him.
“It is good to have you back, Master Richard.”

…::-::...

“So, when’s Timmy coming back?”
“He went on a school trip today,” Bruce replied, “Alfred’s going to fetch him at about 15:00.”
Dick practically jumped from his chair in boyish excitement.
“I’ll fetch him! I can’t wait to see the look on his face.”

…::-::...

Tim stared out of the window at the passing trees.

His school trip had been to some of Washington’s famous landmarks, which included the Hall of Justice.

Diana had winked at him as she’d passed.

Tim sighed. He was really looking forward to going home.

As soon as Alfred picked him up, he always asked for any news on Dick. The butler always responded with a sad smile and a shake of the head. After three years, the chances of Dick coming home unharmed were slim to none, but one could do nothing but hope.

Once the hoard of children had left the bus, Tim scanned the car-park for Alfred. He couldn’t see him. That was strange, Alfred was always punctual. Maybe he had missed him.

Looking again, he saw a black- haired young man in sunglasses leaning against one of Bruce’s cars.

Tim frowned. Who was he?

Noticing his confusion, the man rolled his eyes behind the glasses and grinned. Tim walked up to him warily.

“I know that look, Timbo. You’re doubting me. I’m hurt, I really am. Can’t you recognise your big brother?”

The man removed his sunglasses, revealing a pair of unmistakable blue eyes.

It was him.

Within a second, Tim had his arms wrapped around him, which Dick soon reciprocated.

“I missed you too, Timmy.”

…::-::...

Once they were in the car, Tim bombarded Dick with questions.

“Where have you been?”
“You ever heard of the Titans?”
Times eyes lit up, “Of course I have! The Titans have more honouraries than the League has members. I’m a huge fan. Are you saying you’re a Titan?”
Dick chuckled at his brother’s enthusiasm, “No, I’m saying I’m their leader. You know Nightwing?”
Tim gaped at him, “You’re Nightwing?! I can’t believe I didn’t figure that out!”
“I know,” Dick smiled, “I dropped enough hints. Jay worked it out, and he came to Jump to see me.”
“You’ve seen Jay?”
“Yeah, he comes to talk sometimes, although mostly to bug me.”