Broken But Loved (Robin Fic)

Chapter 11

They pulled up to a small cafe just outside of Happy Harbor. Bruce got out of the car, walked around to open the door for Dick. Dick cautiously stepped out, holding his breath as he took in the small little shack. Not a lot of people on the streets, something Dick was grateful for. Bruce closed the door, grabbing his shoulder, guiding him inside. The blonde lady behind the counter smiled when she saw Bruce and the little guy walk in.

  "Bruce Wayne? Nice to see you again." She smiled.

  "Thanks Nicole." He said with a smirk. He bent down, getting eye level with Dick. "You can get anything you want, Chum. Dont be afraid." He said.

  Dick let a small smile appear on his face, looking over Bruce's shoulder, he pointed at the one that called his name. Chocolate Strawberry Dream. Bruce nodded. Standing up, he made his way to the line, clearing his throat. "I'll take a scoop of this one in a waffle cup and a scoop of the Lime Sherbet in a normal cup." He said.

  Nicole nodded. "Sure thing. Let me get this ready and then I'll have you pay, Mr. Wayne." She smiled.

  Bruce nodded back, clearing his throat, he looked down at Dick who was so focused on the ice cream, he failed to register he was starting to drool. Bruce tapped his shoulder, gathering his attention. Dick looked up, watching Bruce motion his hand over his chin. Dick mimicked, realizing what was happening. He blushed.

  "Alright. Your total is 14.25$." She says, putting the cups down on the counter.

  Bruce nodded, paying for the meal. "Keep the change, Nicole." He said, grabbing for the Ice cream he guided them to a table near the back. Once sat down he handed Dick the Ice cream and immediately Dick dove in.

  Bruce let a small smile appear on his face, taking in the pure enjoyment on Dicks face. It was much better than the terrified one hes witnessed. After a few more bites, Bruce decided to talk.

  "Are you enjoying the Ice Cream?" He asked.

  Dick nodded, pausing, he turned his head to the street, gulping before continuing eating. Bruce narrowed his eyes, turning to look at the street, but spotted their car and a few civilians passing. He stared for a bit longer, though he quickly shook his head, maybe he was overthinking things.

  "After your done, where would you like to go next?" He asked.

  Dick sat back in the chair, thinking for a moment before looking up at Bruce. "Manor." Was all he whispered, looking down at the Ice cream that was nearly finished.

  Bruce looked a bit surprised, but also finally relaxed hearing Dick wanted to go to the Manor. He knew Alfred was waiting to meet him since day one. Bruce nodded. "Of course. We will go after." He said.

  They sat there in a comfortable silence, both of them quiet and just enjoying each others company. When they were done and on their way towards Mount Justice, Dick couldnt help but stare out the window, enjoying the scenery around him. When they made it back to the mountain, Bruce ushered Dick towards the Zeta tubes.

  "Since it's faster to go through the Zeta tubes, shall we?" He asked.

  Dick gulped, reaching up, he clutched the cuffs of Bruce's suit, hanging onto it tight. Bruce stepped forward, Dick following as they were engulfed in the white light. Dick clutched Bruce close, the blinding white light and announcement seemed to startle him more than he was prepared for. It didnt last long though.

  When Dick opened his eyes, he noticed they were standing in a giant cave and to his amazement, he knew what this was. The Batcave. Hes hacked into the servers and has seen it many times before but to actually be standing there made it unbelievable. Dick unhooked his grip from Bruce's and walked into the cave, taking it all in. The massive screens, the stairs, even the batmobile that sat in front of him. He enjoyed it.

  But all that seemed to fade when he heard footsteps come down the stairs. Dick gasped, rushing to hide behind Bruce who was already making his way towards the steps. Dick clutched Bruce's hands tightly, stopping him from going forward.

  The man stopped at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes going to Dicks blue ones. "Master Bruce. Who is your friend?" He asks.

  Dick knitted his eyebrows. Hearing the way this man talked reminded him of how he used to be when he was with Deathstroke.

  "Alfred this is Richard Grayson. Dick this is Alfred. My butler. Hes completely harmless." He says, stepping away slightlh, but paused when he saw the confusion on Dicks face. "What is it Chum?"

  Dick shook his head. "He... called you Master." Was all Dick could manage.

  Bruce knew what this meant. He was raised by Deathstroke, most likely forced to call someone master. Bruce bent down on his knee, looking up at Dick. "He called me master because he's a butler. Hes not mine to control. He just helps." He explains.

  "Shall I put some tea on sir?" Alfred asked, reading the mood and avoiding the word 'Master' for now.

  Bruce nodded. "Thank you Alfred." He said.

  Alfred bowed. "Its nice to meet you, young man." He turned, making his way upstairs. Once Alfred was gone, Dick relaxed slightly, letting go of Bruce's hand.

  Bruce smiled. "Come on. Let's go up to the manor." He started walking up, followed by Dick, but when they made it to the door of the manor, Dick couldnt seem to find the will to step in. He thought he was ready, but staring at the wooden floor made his stomach drop. Bruce noticed this.

  "You dont have to force yourself, Dick. If you aren't ready dont do it." He explained.

  Dick felt his heart hammer in his chest. He thought he was ready, but this concluded he wasnt. He clutched his heart, dropping to a squatting position. His breathing picked up as he closed his eyes.

  He was starting to have a panic attack.

  Bruce noticed it immediately and shot forward, rubbing circles on the distressed boys back. They stayed like that for a moment until Dick finally calmed down.

  "We can stay in the cave. No need to rush the manor. Bring in here makes it one step closer. Don't force yourself." Bruce whispered.

  Dick nodded, slowly straightening up, he started down the stairs, a bit disappointed in himself. To make up for not being able to go into the manir, Bruce decided to bring him to the computer.

  They started to go through tutorials and other things, which made Dick feel better. He may not have gotten over his fear of dirtying the manor with his presence but he did have a good day and thats all Bruce could ask for.

  A/N: sorry for the delay in updating!!! Its been hectic but here you are!!!