Random Junks

Another idea I had that I have that I just have to write

Planning to do a drawing of this one shot too-

It had taken much longer than he expected, but Dedric Crane was finally home. He released a breath as soon as he entered through the door, needlessly peeking in cautiously, mind determined to find one person. Shakily, he called out, "D-dad?" as if by his beck and call, it didn't take Jonathan long to appear from the kitchen. He was surprised a few good moments before moving forward immediately hugging his son to his chest, "Thank goodness," he mumbled, "my darling boy, you're finally home."
Home. The mere word overwhelmed Dedric with nothing short of gratefulness, before he could stop himself, let alone process his actions, Dedric stooped to his knees, clinging tightly to Jonathan's top as soft cries started to leave him, as though he was no older than 5-years-old. It took a few moments before Dedric could get enough of a grip to pitifully whimper out, just like the little boy he was acting like, "D-daddy.... da-daddy..!"
The great master of fear felt his heart shatter in an instant, soothingly raking his fingers up and down Dedric's back and through the hair he certainly got from him, "Shh... shhhh baby boy. I know. I know little one," he murmured, "I know, you're home. Home and safe. Back in daddy's arms."
Another, but louder, wail left Dedric's pathetically quivering body, trying to nuzzle closer to Jonathan, as close as he could possibly get. Jonathan simply continued the soothing actions until Dedric's cries either ceased completely or had become silent. Either way, Jonathan gently tucked a finger under his son's chin, bracing himself for a full look at what Arkham had done to his boy.
It wasn't a nice place, that was for sure. It wasn't a place for a child, and while his son was 17-years-old now, Jonathan could convince himself that Dedric was still simply a little boy. The same little boy he'd had to stay awake countless nights trying to bottle feed. The same little boy he'd had to allow to sleep in his bed many nights after frightening dreams prevented him from sleeping alone. The same little boy he'd taught to read, to count, to spell, everything. Dedric was still that same little boy in his mind.
"Here, here darling boy. Let me get a good look at you," he whispered gently finally tipping his head up tenderly, revealing a few stray tears still tracking down his cheeks, a fading black eye was present, but that thankfully seemed all, for granted, the bawling Dedric had done turned his face an impressive dulled red which would've hidden any reddened injuries on his face. Nonetheless, it still sent a righteous feeling of anger throughout his entire body. Jonathan cupped one of Dedric's cheeks letting his slender fingers simultaneously wipe the tear track and nearly brush the light bruised area.
"Oh my boy," he murmured gently, "my poor boy. Look at what they did to you. Don't you worry your sweet little head about it. They'll pay for it deeply..."
Dedric sniffled going to shake his head only stopping at Jonathan pressing a brief kiss to his forehead, an action the teenager easily suspected was at least partly to prevent him from protesting, silent or otherwise. Regardless, even if physically unable to express himself, Dedric persisted with it verbally, "Th-that was a while back anyways. Doesn't matter. The worst part was being without you," his lip threatened to start trembling again at the simple thought, "i-it was awful without you, daddy. I-I felt so lost a-and so, so scared..." he hiccupped softly, "never. Never again. I-I never ever want to go through that a-again!"
Jonathan soothingly started to shush him again before another round of crying could start up, "Sh... shhh... shhhhhh.... there there. It's ok now. It's alright. No need for more tears, little boy," he murmured letting himself cup his other cheek as well, "my little Rickie is home safe now. That's the most important part. I'll worry about the miscreants at Arkham later. Right now, lets get you comfortable. Yes?"
Dedric hiccupped again but nodded all the same. Jonathan helped Dedric up off his knees, regretting his boy was now too big for him to be carrying around, but he certainly wasn't big enough for Jonathan to let him lean against him which he gladly did, holding his son close to his side as they made their way to his son's room. Dedric eased further against his father at the sight of the familiar room. Jonathan first guided him to his bed, letting the teen sit down, as he went to the drawers next to get him in pajamas he caught from his peripheral vision Dedric grabbing his favorite stuffed giraffe that still laid on his bed with him. Yes, he really was still a little boy. Dedric hugged the soft toy to his chest as tightly as he could considering how much smaller it was compared to his long arms. A baby's toy, perhaps, but Dedric couldn't bare to get rid of it.
Jonathan set the more comfortable clothing next to his son on the bed. Dedric reluctantly sat the stuffed animal aside knowing, for his age, it'd be inappropriate to want to be changed like a toddler, even if there was a nagging in the back of his mind reminding him that it was exactly what he wanted. He made sure to make quick work of changing his clothes, wanting to be near Jonathan once more. He stood up with his toy as soon as he was done, leaving the awful Arkham uniform and stolen clothes placed over top of it scattered on the floor, rushing back over to his father.
Before Dedric could lean in once more Jonathan pointed to the discarded clothes, "We don't leave messes, little boy. Go clean those up."
Dedric almost felt his lip wanting to quiver but he did quickly obey, anything to be back and secure. He gathered the clothes, dropping them off in the hamper. He didn't hear Jonathan behind him until he spoke, "There's no need to rush, little one. I'm still right here," the initial surprise of hearing Jonathan's voice easily eased as he relaxed against his father instead, right back in the position he'd been in to make it to his room.
"Just wanna be near you," he whimpered in a mumble.
"I know... I know my dear boy. You have me now, and I know exactly what a little boy like you needs," he murmured guiding Dedric to his own room and to a rocking chair in the corner by his bed. The chair had seen better days, Jonathan had it since he settled in Gotham. Then when Dedric was born it became the main place he'd be when needing to soothe his tiny bundle, during feedings, during fussy nights, during nightmares, it was the exact spot. Jonathan heaved himself down into the seat and held his arms out. Dedric wasted no time clumsily, and a bit awkwardly seeing as he was much bigger than when he was an infant, crawled into Jonathan's lap. The father wrapped his arms around his son, starting a soothing rocking motion, easing at the tight grasp Dedric had.
"Daddy...?"
"Hm?"
"A- will you tell me a story... like you used to?"
Jonathan felt a smile pull at his mouth at further making the experience familiar, "The first night I brought you home was a disaster.... but the best disaster I ever faced... you see...."