Getting to know you

Back to Earth

Dick had been at the watchtower for two months now. Zucco was still free, and Bruce didn't want to risk Zucco finding Dick. Zucco would never find Dick, he'd never be allowed to leave prison if Bruce could do what he wanted. Jason wanted to put him and anybody else who hurt his brother six feet under.

The bird was getting anxious. Zucco had been free for so long, he had to know where Dick was. It didn't make sense for him not to know at this point. Wally often had to pull Dick off the edge of a panic attack. He'd always whisper that it was ok, the longer Zucco didn't know where he was the better.

Nightmares were starting to plague Dick's sleep. Memories of Zucco, the Court, of what all had happened to him. The League usually ended up cuddling with their little bird, holding him as he was forced to remember all the traumatic events that happened to him. It hurt to see Dick in so much pain.

One day, almost two months and a half since Dick came, Bruce came in with good news. Zucco had been caught again, and was going to Belle Reve. Dick had been so relieved, and the League had shared the feeling. Now that monster couldn't hurt Dick.

Dick returned to Earth the day after, taking in everything. It felt good to be back, surrounded by animals and plants. Dick spent a lot of time in the garden at the watchtower, climbing through the trees when he felt particularly active. On Earth, he spent as much time as possible outside, breathing in the fresh air and reveling in the sounds of animals surrounding him.

Bruce was holding a gala soon to celebrate the capture of Zucco. He told Dick that attendance wasn't necessary, but Dick stopped him. He wanted to go and try again. Now that Markus and Zucco were in prison, maybe he could have a nice gala.

Of course, the minute he got into the ballroom he started having second thoughts. There were so many people. Wally grabbed his hand and pulled him to the side, shielding him to give him a moment to breathe. "Alright? Do you need to leave?" Wally asked. "I'm fine. Just need to breathe." Dick reassured him.

After that, Dick enjoyed himself. He talked to a few of Bruce's business partners, including Lucius Fox and his son, Luke. Luke was kind, helping Dick relax. The party went without a hitch, the first one since Dick arrived. People loved to torture the newest son of Bruce Wayne.

That night was the first Dick slept without nightmares. It was the first night he felt like he was safe. Wally slept with him, spooning the younger. They held hands as they slept, a silent promise.

Alfred came in the next morning and almost didn't wake the young Masters up. According to Master Bruce, this was the best Dick had slept in a while. But Dick still had to eat, and Wally would get hungry quickly.

Dick woke with a groan as Alfred opened the curtains. A part of him wondered why the sun existed. It hurt his eyes. "It's almost time for breakfast, Master Dick." Alfred informed the boy. "Thanks, Alfie. Do you mind handing me my goggles?" Dick smiled, motioning to the still asleep speedster behind him. Alfred handed Dick the goggles, which he'd been working on. He was designing a new pair of frames so they weren't quite as Talon. He knew what he wanted now, he just had to work.

Dick shook Wally awake. "Wally, it's time to wake up." "I can't. Not awake enough." "Alfred has food." That woke Wally up. Dick shook his head. Just the warm welcome he expected. He loved the speedster.