I wanna see a fic where the batfam get into a situation and dick is the first one to figure it out/get himself out/rescue the others, like an actual serious mission situation, not some crack thing
I love seeing things which show just how competant dick is, how much stronger and intellegent than the others he can be, after all, there is a reason that he was the first hero sidekick
Pls rec me any fic with vaguely anything like that, or even just showing how competant he can be pls i need it. Preferably older dick with the batfam but younger dick also works
Im just tired of how many fics, even dick-centric fics make him come out as whimpy or exclusively dorky just to show that cass or jason is stronger or tim is smarter or to just put him down for a joke. Dick sure can be a light and dorky but when things get serious he gets serious too
5 Bat Family Must Reads: Former Robins And Their Kids +1 Undercover Dick Grayson
Find all my Batman – All Media Types fic recs here.
Find post 5 Tim Drake-centric Must Reads here.
Find post 5 Tim Drake-centric Must Reads: Animals/Non-humans here.
I know! A fic rec post from me that’s not fully Tim Drake-centric, who’da thunk it? Well, here it is in all its varied glory! Some of these are still Tim Drake-centric or have him as a main character, of course, but not all. Recs 2 and 4 focus on Jason and Lian (Roy’s daughter)! And the +1 story is all about our favourite Golden Boy Dick Grayson (with no child to be seen outside of cases). More than half of these are crossovers with TV series White Collar or Criminal Minds but I have never watched any of these so you don’t need to have to follow these stories either. But make sure to log in to read recs 4 and 5 because they are locked to Ao3 members only. Enjoy!
1.
Under A Parent's Wing by IzzyMRDB
Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Batman (Comics), Nightwing (Comics)
Teen And Up Audiences, Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Gen, Complete Work
31 Aug 2022
Tags:
Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Tim Drake & Dick Grayson, Dick Grayson & Teen Titans
Tim Drake, Dick Grayson, Original Female Character(s), Teen Titans (DCU), Bruce Wayne
Dick Grayson is Tim Drake's Parent, Tim Drake Needs a Hug, Tim Drake-centric, Tim Drake Gets a Hug, Autistic Tim Drake, Protective Dick Grayson, Romani Dick Grayson, Child Abuse, Child Neglect, Adoption, Child Protective Services, Family Fluff, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Dick Grayson-centric, This is a slight vent fic because im a mandated reporter and childcare worker, and i want to show you that you can trust us, however i am still acab, Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-con, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Adoptive Parent Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne Tries to Be a Good Parent, GNC Tim Drake, Therapy, Unreliable Narrator, Somersaults as a metaphor for love, Also me putting my psych major to good use, Dick Grayson may appear happy always but he has anger issues, Kid Tim Drake
Summary:
When Tim found out that Dick Grayson was a gymnastics instructor in Bludhaven, he quickly signed up. After all, learning gymnastics from The Nightwing himself is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Dick Grayson is more concerned at the obvious signs of child abuse he sees in one of his students.
AKA
Dick Grayson, as a childcare worker, is a mandated reporter who knows how to recognize child abuse in his students. Tim Drake, after a lifetime of fear and confusion, learns to trust adults.
Series
Part 1 of Wings are for Flying
Language: English Words: 39,209 Chapters: 22/22
Yuki Note:
(Edit: In the original version of this post, I accidentally put "The Power of Family and This Stalker I Found" as rec 1 believing it to be "Under a Parent's Wing". "Under a Parent's Wing" is the story I was talking about and recommended so highly in this Yuki Note! "The Power of Family and This Stalker I Found" has been edited to be an Honourable Mention since I'm sure some of you have read it now! Sorry about the confusion.)
I adore this story so much! I have often thought Dick would’ve been a better parent to Tim than (canon) Bruce so I love seeing that play out this fic (and in rec 3 too). And Dick working a job that fills him with so much joy as a gymnastics instructor is just mwah! This fic is set a little more in the real world than some others because it’s about Tim joining Dick’s gymnastics class and so Dick slowly noticing everything off about Tim whilst emotionally adopting him. Does that emotional adoption become real adoption by the end? Well, you’ll have to read it and see! I cannot recommend this one highly enough.
Honourable Mention.
The Power of Family and This Stalker I Found by JackHawksmoor
Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, DCU (Comics), DCU
Teen And Up Audiences, No Archive Warnings Apply, Gen, Work in Progress
18 May 2023
Tags:
No Archive Warnings Apply
Tim Drake & Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake & Jason Todd, Tim Drake & Dick Grayson, Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne, Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne
Tim Drake, Jason Todd, Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Stephanie Brown
Tim Drake joins the batfamily, Bruce Wayne Tries to Be a Good Parent, Bruce Wayne Mostly Succeeds, Janet and Jack Drake do not try to be good parents, They also mostly succeed, Angst and Humor, Fluff and Humor, Batfam Big Bang, Batfamily (DCU), Jewish Bruce Wayne, mentions of drug use by a side character
Summary:
'If Bruce had found Jason immediately after he was resurrected, how would Tim Drake have joined the batfamily?' AU. This involves Jason being a little more observant while running around rooftops, Tim unable to resist getting gymnastics training from the original Robin, macaroons, a minor kidnapping, and some light attempted murder.
Yuki Note:
I honestly don’t remember what this one is about. I accidentally included this in this list in the original post because I mistook it for the story I intended for rec 1 (now edited in!), as I didn’t realise I hadn’t bookmarked "Under a Parent’s Wing" and this was the story that came up when I searched my Recommended Bookmarks for the word ‘gym’. Whilst I can’t recall this story, it is still one of my Recommended Bookmarks so I’m sure it’s still a good one! I hope that any of you who read this before I edited this post to be correct enjoyed it and that any of you who read it now enjoy it too.
2.
While You Were Missing by caffeinatedbasil
Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, White Collar (TV 2009)
Teen And Up Audiences, No Archive Warnings Apply, M/M, Complete Work
03 Aug 2024
Tags:
No Archive Warnings Apply
Roy Harper/Jason Todd, Neal Caffrey/Roy Harper, Past Roy Harper/Jade Nguyen – Relationship, Lian Harper & Jason Todd
Jason Todd, Lian Harper, Peter Burke, Diana Berrigan, Clinton Jones, Elizabeth Burke (White Collar), June Ellington, Batfamily Members, Neal Caffrey, Jade Nguyen, Roy Harper, Mozzie (White Collar)
Neal Caffrey and Jason Todd are the Same Person, Accidental Baby Acquisition
but she's not actually a baby she's like nine, Protective Batfamily (DCU), Domestic Batfamily (DCU), Caring Batfamily (DCU), Neal Caffrey is a Batfamily Member, Jason Todd is Red Hood, Roy Harper is Red Arrow, Protective Jason Todd, Aftermath of Human Trafficking, Canon-Typical Violence, the reality of being a child of superheroes/villains, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Presumed Dead, fellas is it gay to fall in love with your best friend while he's missing in action, and you're raising his kid for him, that you may or may not have stolen
Summary:
A familiar redheaded child darts across the bullpen with a shout of “PAPA!” and barrels into Jason’s arms.
“Lian–” He breathes.
Jason's undercover work as Neal Caffrey is difficult for several reasons. He didn't anticipate that single parenting would be one of them, though.
Series
Part 1 of Triple Red
Language: English Words: 85,629 Chapters: 12/12
Yuki Note:
Oh My Gosh! Oh My Gosh! Oh My Gosh! This is such an amazing story! I love it so much! Please, give this read. Unless you dislike Roy/Jason, you are going to love this fic! I promise, it doesn’t matter if you haven’t watched White Collar, you really don’t have to have watched it, as I haven’t either. This story just tells itself. I love Jason and Lian’s daddy-daughter relationship, I love how the White Stuff team and the Batfam pull together to support Jason looking after his new daughter, I love Jason pining after Roy (they’re not together in the beginning) and his and Lian’s quiet grief about Roy’s possible death. Just, this story is so perfect. Highly recommend!
3.
how to feed your local demon by InkpotSprite
Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Nightwing (Comics)
Teen And Up Audiences, No Archive Warnings Apply, Gen, Complete Work
02 Jan 2024
Tags:
No Archive Warnings Apply
Tim Drake & Dick Grayson, Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake & Bruce Wayne
Tim Drake, Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Sebastian Ives, Bernard Dowd, Darla Aquista
Fluff, Angst, Family Feels, Brotherly Bonding, Brotherly Love, Good Sibling Tim Drake, Tim Drake is a Menace, Dick Grayson is a Gift, Dick Grayson Needs a Hug, Protective Tim Drake, Tim Drake Needs a Hug, Protective Dick Grayson, Alternate Universe - Succubi & Incubi, Incubus Dick Grayson, Supportive Tim Drake, Brotherly Affection, Sweet Tim Drake, Soft Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne is Bad at Feelings, Dick Grayson Loves Tim Drake, Tim Drake & Dick Grayson Bonding, Tim Drake Loves Dick Grayson, Feral Tim Drake, Bruce Wayne Has Issues, Family Bonding
Summary:
“Oh, don’t forget your–” A few papers fell out as Dick lifted it up, revealing pictures of Nightwing, Robin and Batman in the middle of a fight with Poison Ivy. “Files.”
“Ah. Those.” Tim laughed nervously, the sharp, citrus-like taste filling the air.
-
Dick is an incubus, starved for affection after the loss of Jason.
Tim isn't affectionate by nature but wants to help anyway.
Series
Part 1 of Batfamily Feels
Language: English Words: 14,572 Chapters: 2/2
Yuki Note:
Super cute! Fluffy! Family feels! A touch of fantasy with (non-sexual) incubus Dick! What more could you ask for in a relaxing two-shot read?
4.
Lian and the Amazing Guard Dog: A Story of Magic and Mayhem by Honyasbookshelf
Fandoms: White Collar (TV 2009), Batman - All Media Types
Teen And Up Audiences, No Archive Warnings Apply, Gen, M/M, Complete Work
30 Aug 2024
Tags:
No Archive Warnings Apply
Roy Harper/Jason Todd, Lian Harper & Roy Harper & Jason Todd, Lian Harper & Everyone. Diana Berrigan & Clinton Jones, Damian Wayne & Everyone
Diana Berrigan, Clinton Jones, Lian Harper, Jason Todd, Roy Harper, Peter Burke, Neal Caffrey, Reese Hughes, Damian Wayne
Neal Caffrey and Roy Harper Are the Same Person, Cute Lian Harper, Jason Todd is Lian Harper's Parent, Animal Transformation, Fluff and Humor, The Harpers: Baffling FBI Agents for Two Generations, Protective Jason Todd, POV Multiple, Jason Todd Being a Little Shit, Identity Reveal, POV Outsider, I didn't set out to write a comedy but here we are, Comedy, SO MUCH FLUFF, Jason Todd is Red Hood, Roy Harper is Red Arrow, Clinton Jones is so done, Tsundere Damian Wayne, Damian Wayne is Robin, Damian Wayne is Bad at Feelings, But also, Secretly Soft Damian Wayne
Summary:
"'Don't you 'hey' me,' Diana hissed, hand on her hip and eyes darting from Jones to the little girl on his hip to the fierce-looking German Shepherd standing at his side. 'What the h—eck is going on? I thought you went out for a smoke.'
'I did!' Jones said defensively. 'I was standing in the designated smoking area, minding my own business, when this kid and her demon dog pop up out of nowhere. Thought the dog was gonna take my head off.'
The girl giggled, the first noise Diana had heard her make, and the dog woofed once, almost sounding as though it were laughing itself."
The White Collar office is thrown into turmoil when a little girl shows up, guard dog at her side, demanding to see Neal Caffrey.
Language: English Words: 10,133 Chapters: 13/13
Yuki Note:
This time it’s Roy undercover as Neal from White Collar (also don’t have to have watched it to follow the story) and Jason being unable to care for their daughter Lian... because he’s been magicked into a dog! Jason and Roy are in an already established relationship (I think they are married!). This one is more of a bit of a fun, rather than rec 2’s more serious take. So, if you want a comforting read, then this is for you. Recommend!
5.
got my band and a light that won't go out by destiny919
Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Batman (Comics)
Teen And Up Audiences, No Archive Warnings Apply, Gen, Complete Work
19 Dec 2021
Tags:
No Archive Warnings Apply
Tim Drake & Jason Todd, Dick Grayson & Jason Todd
Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon
Canon-Typical Violence, Gunshot Wounds, Blood and Injury, Alternate Universe - Age Changes, Kid Tim Drake, Tim Drake is Red Robin, Yes you read that right, Jason Todd is Red Hood, Protective Jason Todd, Jason Todd is Tim Drake's Parent, unofficially, Bruce Wayne is a Bad Parent, BETCHA DIDN'T SEE THAT ONE COMING FROM ME, I contain multitudes, Slice of Life, but like. in a bat way., yes beta we are resurrected like jason
Summary:
"Nightwing has been shot."
Tim's eyes go wide and he stares at Jason, who's frozen in place. "And why would I care about that?" Jason says finally.
---
Dick finally meets Jason's Robin.
Series
Part 1 of Little Red
Language: English Words: 2,666 Chapters: 1/1
Yuki Note:
I actually want to recommend the entire Little Red series (but the series has so many tags on it that the first fic was easier to include in this post). It’s so good! It’s written non-chronologically but it’s good. The series is about Jason Todd as Red Hood adopting little kid Tim Drake as his kid. To clarify, Tim is a lot younger than in canon in this fic and he’s never been Robin but instead he had been following Batman around with a med kit to fix as much as his little hands can. This is such a sweet, fluffy with just a touch of angst read. The series is 18 fics long but, Goodness, is it worth a read! Recommended!
+1.
Dick Grayson: A Case Study by writersagainstwritersblock
Fandoms: Criminal Minds (US TV), Batman - All Media Types, Nightwing (Comics)
Teen And Up Audiences, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Gen, M/M, Complete Work
25 Oct 2024
Tags:
Graphic Depictions Of Violence
The BAU Team (Criminal Minds) & Dick Grayson, Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson & Damian Wayne, Stephanie Brown & Cassandra Cain & Tim Drake & Dick Grayson & Jason Todd & Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson & Wally West, Batfamily Members & Dick Grayson, Dick Grayson & Clark Kent
Dick Grayson, Derek Morgan (Criminal Minds), Spencer Reid, Aaron Hotchner, Jennifer "JJ" Jareau, Emily Prentiss, David Rossi, Penelope Garcia, Bruce Wayne, Damian Wayne, Jason Todd, Tim Drake (DCU), Batfamily Members (DCU), Wally West, Clark Kent
Dick Grayson-centric, Dick Grayson is Nightwing, Romani Dick Grayson, Good Sibling Dick Grayson, Dick Grayson Has Issues, Dick Grayson Needs a Hug, Dick Grayson Has PTSD, Dick Grayson Has Eldest Daughter Syndrome, Dick Grayson Has ADHD, Dick Grayson Has Self-Esteem Issues, Dick Grayson Has Daddy Issues, Bruce Wayne Tries to Be a Good Parent, Batfamily (DCU), POV Outsider, Behavioral Analysis Unit (Criminal Minds), The BAU Team as Family (Criminal Minds), Derek Morgan & Spencer Reid Friendship, Good Friend Derek Morgan (Criminal Minds), Autistic Spencer Reid, Good Friend Penelope Garcia, Good Friend Spencer Reid, Aaron Hotchner is the BAU Team's Parent, BAMF Dick Grayson, Short Dick Grayson, Dick Grayson Has Secrets, Case Fic, Minor Dick Grayson/Wally West, Dick Grayson & Wally West Friendship, Nightwing Volume 2 Issue 093, Implied/Referenced Sexual Assault, Implied Childhood Sexual Abuse, Slade Wilson Being an Asshole, Creepy Slade Wilson, Non-Consensual Drug Use
Summary:
Dick rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “I’m mostly used to sparring with my little brothers, it’s kind of just habit, and I was having fun. I didn’t want the match to be over too quick.”
Dick shrugged. “So’s Bruce and we’re pretty much tied at this point, or at least according to the score board the kids started to keep for Saturday spars.”
“Saturday spars?” Derek repeated, following him towards the locker room.
Dick flashed him a smile. “What? Don’t have any weird family traditions?”
“Not ones that include hitting each other,” Derek said
OR The BAU gets a probationary profiler who is a little more than he appears at first glance. Or second. Or third. Just how many secrets can Dick Grayson be hiding from a team full of profilers?
Language: English Words: 64,098 Chapters: 8/8
Yuki Note:
A riveting story of mystery and intrigue, as both the characters and us readers try to find the truth beneath in this fic. Whilst this isn’t a parental former Robin fic like the other recs on this list, it is a crossover like recs 2 and 4 so it felt like a good time to include it in a rec list. Although, the crossover is with Criminal Minds – a series I also have not watched so you don’t need to have either! Honestly, I don’t want to say too much in case I spoil this thriller of a fic. Dick Grayson: A Case Study will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end. It is really worth a read. If you are considering it, then go for it! Highly recommend!
Enjoy! And feel free to explore my full AO3 rec list here.
When it Rains (7754 words) by sElkieNight60
Chapters: 4/4
Fandom: Batman - All Media Types, Batman (Comics), Nightwing (Comics), DCU, DCU (Comics)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson & BatFamily, Dick Grayson & Everyone
Characters: Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Cassandra Cain, Damian Wayne
Summary:
Jason's return to 'life' (and the Wayne family) is the hot topic of the minute in Gotham. Every reporter wants an interview. Jason's siblings decide to do an interview together with him, in which Dick gets asked a rather personal question:
“What about yourself, Richard?” asks the reporter, widening her own insincere smile to match as she turns her torso half an inch towards him. “As the eldest I am sure you are simply overjoyed to have your brother back but, might I ask: why is it, do you think, that you are the only one of Mister Wayne's children that he hasn't formally adopted?”
Do you have any recs of where everyone meets you'd dick grayson either deaged or time travel and they expect a happy go lucky child and is met with a pure ball of rage?
Hello! OMG, it's been almost a year since this ask, I just found the password to this account recently. You probably don't need this list anymore, but I'll answer the ask for anyone who might be interested!
Here are some fics that might fit the bill:
exactly how this grace thing works by irnan
Dick gets de-aged. You'd think this would be a routine thing.
Just, How? by Lady_of_Lorule
A magic artifact de-age Dick, Jason, and Tim all down to thirteen years old, with no memories of being older, and now Bruce has four Robins to deal with.
Bonus: Dick isn't quite a child in this one, but it's really good
deep roots (are not reached by the frost) by fanfictiongreenirises
Dick gets reverted to a younger self after being kidnapped on during a case. But this is far from a routine de-aging.
In which the author attempts to mend a few relationships here and there.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 32
Fandom: Batman - All Media Types
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Major Character Death
Relationships: Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne, Barbara Gordon & Dick Grayson, Dick Grayson & Alfred Pennyworth, Dick Grayson & John Grayson & Mary Grayson, Dick Grayson & Raya Vestri
Characters: Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Mary Grayson, John Grayson, Richard (Uncle Rick) Grayson, Barbara Gordon, James Gordon Jr., Ace the Bat-Hound, Tony Zucco, Joker, Poison Ivy, Catwoman, Vicki Vale, Lucius Fox, Penguin, C. C. Haly, Raya Vestri, Original Characters
Series: Part 1 of Robin
Summary:
Tragedy, Training, Triumph:
A Little Bird takes Flight
Richard Grayson had it all. A loving family, a promising future in his family’s circus act and the thrill of seeing the world.
But life seldom goes as planned. During a performance in the city of Gotham, the equipment that held the Flying Graysons safe for countless years inexplicably fails. Richard’s family is gone. But is there more to the story?
And now, as the ward of the Prince of Gotham, Richard has a home again. But could the perpetrator of his family’s fate be coming for him?
This Pain Isn’t Real (Because I Couldn’t Handle It Alone If It Was) by SuperSilverSpy
Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, DCU, DCU (Comics)
Rating: General Audiences
Category: Gen
Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Dick Grayson & Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson & Jason Todd, Jason Todd & Stephanie Brown, Dick Grayson, Damian Wayne, Jason Todd, Stephanie Brown, Dick Grayson-centric, Dick Grayson Whump, Hurt Dick Grayson, Hurt, Whump, Hurt/Comfort, Comfort, Dick Grayson Needs a Hug, Whumptober2021, touched starved, Bruises, Starvation, SuperSilverSpy, SilverGrayson, SilverWhump, Dick Grayson is Damian Wayne’s Parent, I think I might have attempted, Fluff, in this
"I'm telling you, brat, Goldie is probably fine. It wouldn't be the first time he'd run off without telling anybody. Besides, it's only been..."
"Tt, something doesn't feel right, Todd. He would have answered my calls by now, if he were oka—"
Jason saw him first, then Damian. Both of them freezing in place, staring at him with wide eyes.
OR Dick&fam in the aftermath of his kidnapping (comfort-ish fic)
No. 6 - TOUCH AND GO
bruises | touch starved | hunger
Part 6 of 2021 Most Whumperful Time of the Year - Dick Grayson-centric
Language: English Words: 1,410 Chapters: 1/1 Collections: 1
It’s fine, Dick thought, it’s fine.
Your fingers are bruised , said that incredibly negative voice in his head, so are your toes, and your back and your bu—
Shut up , Dick thought back firmly, I’m not bruised, see? He looked down at his arm. No bruises. I can’t see them so they’re not there.
Liar, hissed the voice.
Memories flashed through his mind, courtesy of the crazy witch lady that had captured him two weeks—no, two days ago.
Just because it felt like two weeks and she said it was two weeks and my body is missing two weeks worth of breakfasts and lunches—doesn’t mean it was two weeks.
Afterall, the newspaper and his phone and the nice old lady across the hall said it’d only been two days.
So, Dick concluded, he had no right to be acting as he was. Kneeling on his living room floor, barely clothed, holding his weak and shaky arms out awkwardly as if keeping them from touching anything would make them hurt less.
Which, he thought, it might.
But it was all in his head, the bruises weren’t actually there. It only felt like they were. Just because he’d seen them with his own eyes didn’t mean they hadn’t gone away when he’d escaped.
Even so, Dick couldn’t bring himself to move, let alone stand up and actually do something productive. Any time any part of his body so much as touched something, it would hurt. Not to mention, his muscles were sore and achy, and he was very thin and malnourished. Stupid witches and their pain-in-the-a** magic. Dick smirked bitterly to himself at the pun.
You’re pathetic, said that incredibly motivational voice again.
Fine, Dick thought back, I’ll get up.
So he did. Well...he tried to at least. He made it to his feet, staggered a bit, and collapsed against the side of his couch. Progress.
Oh but how it hurt . His feet couldn’t handle the pressure of his body weight--lessened though it was--and when he hit the couch, it was as if every breath of air left him at the pain.
Dick groaned.
—
He didn't notice it at first, through the agony, but a couple hours later he could really feel it.
The cold.
Oh, f*** his life. The one time when his skin felt so tender he felt like a mild breeze might send him crashing to the ground—and now he was feeling cold.
It was ironic.
His blankets were heavy and soft, but it was the heavy part his brui—body didn't agree with. Dick dragged himself onto his couch, pressing against the cushions. Stars seemed to spark in his vision, pain radiating from his shoulder and arm, where he was putting the most pressure. His legs sank into the scratchy fabric as well, creating a sharp ache in his shins.
Dick shivered.
It felt as if he were trapped in a freezer. He breathed heavily, trying to control his breaths, looking ahead of him as if he might see the product of frosty breath in the air.
Relax, it's nothing, it's all in your head. He thought to himself.
Dick shivered again, tried to keep his teeth from chattering. It wasn't a very successful attempt. Against his better judgement, Dick rubbed harshly at his arms. He felt as if he was tearing through his own skin, though he did feel a very brief flash of warmth.
When was the last time I had a hug? It was three weeks ago—no, just a little over a week.
Dick sighed into his couch. He was a grown adult now, there was no reason for him to be sitting there, wishing for a hug as if he were some hopeful, naïve child.
Just as he was in the process of making himself pass out from pain, the door opened, and in walked two of his younger brothers.
"I'm telling you, brat, Goldie is probably fine. It wouldn't be the first time he'd run off without telling anybody. Besides, it's only been..."
"Tt, something doesn't feel right, Todd. He would have answered my calls by now, if he were oka—"
Jason saw him first, then Damian. Both of them freezing in place, staring at him with wide eyes.
"Hey, hey Dickie?" Jason asked slowly, "You alright?"
Damian burst into movement, hurrying towards Dick's side. He knelt on the floor, hesitantly putting a hand on his shoulder.
Dick held perfectly still, trying not to flinch away or show any kind of pain. But Damian knew him better than that.
The kid's warm palm against Dick's skin felt wonderful, and there was hardly any pressure behind it.
Dick felt his eyes water at the relief.
Behind them, Jason scoffed, shuffling his feet as if uncomfortable. Finally, he began heading towards Dick's kitchen, muttering curses under his breath.
Not long after and there was a loud exclamation from the kitchen, Jason had probably found out just how much food Dick...didn't have.
"Richard?" Damian asked him, completely ignoring Jason in the background. "What happened to you?"
"It's—it's nothing," Dick stuttered out, "N—Nothing happened."
He shivered, instinctively clutching Damian's arm, bringing it up to his face.
Damian's expression was solemn, yet concerned. "It's alright, Grayson. You needn't have to tell us."
"You're so warm," Dick shuddered, running tender fingers along Dami's arm.
"Richard? Where are you injured?"
"Everywhere." Dick felt the words slip through his usual defenses. He would've felt surprised, but all he could feel was numb except for that one spot where his little brother's hand lay on his cheek.
Baby Bird pulled back, and the previous warmth was gone, taken from him. Dick whined at the loss. Damian froze yet again, startled expression trained on him.
"Dami..." Dick whispered, drawing out the "e" sound. "Come back."
His arm flopped out, reaching out half-heartedly for the kid. It hit the edge of the couch, sending a wave of pain through his arm and back to his chest.
"What is wrong with you, Grayson?"
Dick closed his eyes, muttering tiredly about physical touch and feelings of cold--likely caused by starvation, he might add. Not because he needed a hug or anything. He hoped Dami would get the hint without him having to actually say it.
"You...of all people..." Damian stared at him in disbelief. "I consented to such physical atrocities just last week!"
Sighing, Dick turned his head away. "It's a long story."
He opened his arms as wide as they could go (which wasn't very), and tried to look inviting.
With mild grumbling, Damian stood, slipping onto the couch to join Dick there.
He sighed, content, wrapping his arms around the boy and burying his face in the kid's hair.
—
"Geez, what happened here?" Steph took in the disorganized mess before her.
Jason scowled. He wore a stained, ugly-yellow apron around his waist, and looked like he'd been in the middle of cleaning up something nasty.
"Dickface went and got himself starved in the two days he went missing—how is that even possible? And he seemed to be all drugged up on some sort of cuddle concoction. He was in the middle of snuggling the demon spawn when his fever started."
Steph winced. "How bad is it?"
"He's been lucid exactly twice since the first time he woke up and spat out parts of his stomach that I'm pretty sure should still be in there. The little sh** there though," Jason nodded to where Damian was adorably curled up within Dick's embrace, "Somehow Dick doesn’t splatter him every damn time he expels little bits of his organs. And he won't let go of the kid. I swear the universe is getting back at me from the last time I flipped it off..."
Steph cracked a smile, "So why am I here then? You're obviously being overdramatic about Dick's health, I can tell you're not that worried, you know."
The man just chuckled, tossing her the mop that had been in his hands before. "The next time Goldie wakes up, I'm gonna have some soup all ready for him. You, young lady, are here to clean up the rest of this mess."
Steph looked around, opening her mouth to argue.
Jason just raised his eyebrows, shooting her a pointed look as his phone seemed to materialize between his fingers.
Crap. That's what she got for letting blackmail material fall into the wrong hands.