Hi! 23 | she/her🌷| Dick Grayson and Batfamily. Writer, AO3: Wing_in_the_night🌷I post random Batfam thoughts. Feel free to request a fic, I need inspiration.
By the way, the notion of Wally being in a dimension full of statues representing his closest loved ones, designed to make him forget himself and those people…
And the one that keeps turning back to him no matter how often Wally moves being Dick.
Dick being the person that reminds Wally of himself through how much he admires him, recalling the phrase that becomes a recurring motif later on.
Dick being the person Wally remembers back.
I am so okay about this I am so normal about their friendship I-
I don’t need Dick Grayson being a great big brother content I need Dick Grayson still being Bruce Wayne’s little boy at heart in spite of him being the eldest content.
Jason and Dick talking about habits they had as kids and Dick brings up “you used to really like stealing our clothes, but you don’t really do it anymore.” and Jason’s like “well yeah i liked borrowing clothes from family members that were bigger than me because it made me feel safe. now if i take your shirts i’ll stretch them out.” and Dick gets really depressed for a few minutes until Jason shrugs and goes “it’s ok though, i still have some options. this cardigan is Ra’s and he’s really mad i brought it to Gotham with me.” and suddenly Dick is less sad than he is indignantly enraged because what the fuck do you mean you’re wearing Ra’s Al Ghul’s cardigans to fucking feel safe-
i just like to think about how every now and then Jason will drop tiny reminders that he was fully adopted into the Al Ghul family and views them as such and it will never fail to piss off the #1 Al Ghul hater Dick Grayson to no end.
All the Robins are some of the people who don't really fear Batman and will gladly trash talk him
Dick, Roy, Donna, and Kara were locked in a room, each waiting for their partners to rescue them. Kara was feeling the effects of kryptonite, leaving her too weak to break them out.
Dick sat on the floor, idly circling his finger in the dust. The tension in the room lingered as they each contemplated their situation.
Dick: While we wait to be rescued, I have a confession… I don’t actually think Batman is that smart.
Roy: Wait, what?
Dick: Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest. It's just... He thinks he can do everything on his own, but he really can’t.
Donna: Why are you confessing this now?
Dick: Because he’s my father and I grew up with him. I’m bored, and honestly, I’m frustrated by how long it’s taking him to save us. He’s an egotistical, blunt, traumatized guy who acts like he knows it all, but he doesn’t.
Roy: Um, can he—
Kara (raising her hand while lounging on the floor): Hold on, let him cook.
Dick: This guy has contingency plans for every hero out there but refuses to call them friends. He can’t maintain a relationship; I’m shocked he’s still with Selina. And for a master detective, he sure doesn’t seem to realize that gas station condoms or the pull-out method aren’t exactly foolproof!
Roy (interested now): Keep going.
Dick: He always has to insist on being right.
Donna and Kara: What? No.
Roy: No, I get what he’s saying.
Dick: He’s so difficult! He still refuses to admit that Phil Collins "In the Air Tonight" isn't about a drowning man! I’ll give him credit; he knows how to apologize when he’s wrong, he just sucks at always doing it. I grew up with that man in his twenties. I’ve seen all his mistakes. If it weren’t for Alfred, Jim, and honestly me, he’d be a complete train wreck—
Just then, Batman kicked open the door, clearly having overheard the entire conversation. Roy covered his mouth to stifle a laugh. Dick waved nonchalantly, unfazed.
Dick: Hey, Papa! You made it... five hours later.
Batman (enraged): You… You... You are grounded! Grounded until... next month!
Dick pouted.
Kara: He’s an adult!
Dick: I mean, he can ground me. Totally worth it.
Batman grabbed Dick by the leg and started dragging him out, but Dick didn’t seem to mind, arms still crossed and a grin on his face.
Dick: I want McDonald’s!
Batman: No!
Dick (whining): I want McDonald’s!
Batman: Fine, but you’re still grounded.
Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Arrow watched the father-son argue for a moment, then turned to their respective family members.
Roy: Can you ground us?
Green Arrow (sighing): No. Just walk to the car.
Roy followed Green Arrow out while Donna linked arms with Wonder Woman and left alongside her. Meanwhile, Kara lifted her leg in front of Superman.
Superman: The effects of the kryptonite wore off.
Kara: Do it, or I’ll spill the beans about that Christmas party.
Superman (groaning): Fine.
He grabbed her leg and began dragging her along the smooth floor.
When Superman First Met Batman’s sidekick I love to imagine it was odd and in a 'holy crap I have to turn him into the cops! Why does he have a kid with him?' way.
Eventually he like everyone else accepts this is just how Batman operates at times. He has a kid sidekick who actually can hold his own in a fight and is always adorable.
...
Superman looked at the young child in a brightly colored costume. He could clearly see this was a child, not just a short man, but he liked Batman as a hero. Still, the idea of him having a child sidekick seemed unbelievable. He hoped it was just a rumor.
Superman (raising an eyebrow): This is your sidekick?
Batman: Yes.
Superman (pointing at Robin): The person sitting on the ground, munching on crackers in a brightly colored costume, is your sidekick?
Batman (slapping Superman’s arm away): Don’t point at him!
Nine-year-old Robin (Dick Grayson) sat cross-legged on the ground, captivated by a bug while munching on his snacks. He felt a gentle nudge on his back from Batman’s shoe, urging him to pay attention. Looking up, he stood to his feet.
Batman (deadpan): He is my sidekick. What’s the issue?
Superman (curious): Hm… how to approach this? Is he a little boy? Because I’m seriously doubting he’s a small adult.
Batman (stony-faced): You wouldn’t believe me if I lied. Robin, introduce yourself.
Robin (waving excitedly): I’m Robin! I can do flips and tricks. Hug time!
With that, Robin threw his arms around Superman, catching the mighty hero off guard. Batman looked slightly bothered, his jaw clenching tightly.
Batman (mumbling): Why does he get a hug?
Robin (cheerfully): I’m a big fan, Mr. Superman!
Superman (smiling warmly): Oh… I’m glad to meet one.
Robin: Has anyone ever told you how amazing you look? You’re a superhero, just like Papa!
Superman: I am. And thank you for the compliment. I needed that right now.
Superman patted the kid gently on the top of his head with a smile.
Batman (yanking Robin back to his side, a tinge of jealousy in his tone): Yep, he’s Robin and can do flips and tricks. Not hugging strangers.
Batman gave the boy a friendly pat on the head as well. Superman blinked, trying to process the whirlwind of information. Robin swayed back and forth in his shoes, humming a tune from the circus.
Superman (alarmed): Right… um, circling back then. That’s a child!
Batman (exasperated): He’s my son.
Superman (wide-eyed): That’s worse!
Batman (making it worse): Is it, though? I take care of him, feed him, and even let him design the costume he’s wearing.
Superman: He’s not a doll! Why is he here?!
Batman (indignant): Who are you yelling at?
Superman twitched, turning away for a few seconds to take in this surreal situation.
Superman (returning to the conversation, talking to Robin): He’s your father, and you fight bad guys with him?
Robin (eager bouncing): Yep!
Superman (concerned): Did he kill your parents? Are you a kidnapped child?
Batman: He’s not—
Superman (holding up his hand): Nope, nope, I’m asking the child!
Robin tapped his chin in thought, looking mischievous.
Robin: Hm… I’m not sure. Maybe some candy will help me answer the question, Batman.
Batman (sighing, handing Robin a lollipop from one of the hidden pockets in his cape): After the mission, I will take you to the candy store to get more. I promise.
Robin (grinning, unwrapping the lollipop): You better keep that promise! Mr. Superman, he did not kill my parents. It’s a crazy story that we both agreed to keep secret.
Batman (to Superman, slightly defensive): There, he told you the truth. Are you satisfied?
Superman (frustrated): That doesn’t remove the fact he is a child. A child sidekick?! You have one!
Robin: Named Robin.
Robin giggled, easing the tension, but Superman waited for Batman’s defense. Batman let out a long sigh that turned into an angry groan.
Batman (controlled fury): Why does everyone have this reaction when they meet him? I’ve already dealt with villains in Gotham, and they think, “Oh my gosh, you have a child fighting with you!” Like they didn’t just commit murder or rob a bank! I thought you’d let this go.
Superman (mystified and confused): Why?
Batman: You look ridiculous in that suit and think glasses can conceal your face. This at least is cool.
Superman (crossing his arms): My glasses— nope, not going to have that argument again. I’ll indulge you, Dark Knight. Amazing, you have a child sidekick; how old is he?
Robin (sweet, prideful tone): I just turned nine!
Superman (rage shouting): Nine! What the-What the- WHAT?! No, he’s not! He’s not that young! What the hell is wrong with you, Batman? Have you gone insane? I knew you could be an asshole, but this is insane!
Robin hid behind his father’s leg, a little scared by the yelling from the god-like superhero. This made Batman angry in response, radiating the rage of a thousand men.
Batman (shouting, interrupting): Hey! Don’t curse in front of my son! He already has to deal with the Joker, but you, of all people, will not swear in front of my boy! You can criticize me for many things, and I won’t care because they aren’t true. But the one thing you will never criticize me for is how I raise my son! Do you have a son?
Superman: No.
Batman: Do you have to wake up at six in the morning to get a hyperactive child ready for school?
Superman (unnerved): No.
Batman (walking forward causing Superman to backwards walk): And have you ever had to leave your main job to pick up your son from school because he punched a kid who called him a circus freak?
Superman (scared): No.
Batman: Then keep your mouth shut! I have a lot to deal with as it is, and you will not, you hear me, you will not tell me how to raise my son! And don’t you EVER scare him!
Robin nodded enthusiastically at Batman’s words, especially the part about the suit.
Robin (beaming): Yeah, Mr. Superman, we’ve seen all the reactions, but I don’t want you to be mean or mad at Batman.
Batman: Thank you, Robin. Back to you, Man of Steel. If you want to say anything else about me or him, tread lightly. I am not the one! He is my son; I care about him, and I will punch you while holding kryptonite if you scare him again!
Superman (sighing): Okay, okay, geez, I’m sorry. I was thrown off by the fact the rumors about the kid sidekick were true, but you seem very protective of him. I’ll trust that you’re not a psychotic, abusive kidnapper, as other news articles have claimed.
Batman breathed deeply to calm himself.
Batman (calmly): Your apology is accepted. I’m just tired of this reaction and that stupid smear campaign.
Robin (defending his father): Yeah, me and Papa are good heroes! I love crime fighting; it’s fun! I would never want to leave that. Don’t judge us for our awesomeness!
Batman (gently): Robin, I appreciate the awesomeness part, but please don’t call me Papa while we’re on a job or meeting other inferior heroes.
Robin (apologetically): Oh, sorry, Batman. I love you, Batman!
Robin beamed and hugged his father tightly.
Batman (softening): L… love you too. You’re in a hugging mood today.
Robin (excitedly): It’s a good day! I met your future best friend!
Batman flushed with embarrassment while Superman glanced back and forth between Robin and Batman. Batman covered his face, heaving an exhausted sigh that reminded Superman of his own dad. He could see Batman was earnest and not leaning toward any potential CPS calls. Robin took this as his chance to sneak away and climb a nearby tree.
Superman (smirking): I mean… if this kid makes you less of a jerk and actually realizes we’re friends, then I guess I’ll overlook the potential kidnapping charges.
Batman: That’s great, because I didn’t kidnap him. Robin, let’s— Where did he go?!
Superman pointed behind Batman. He turned around, nearly yelping in shock at his son sitting on a tree branch.
Robin (sitting on a tree branch, gleefully): Batman, look how high I climbed!
Batman (frustrated): Dang it, Robin!
Batman rushed to the tree to help Robin down while Superman simply shrugged, accepting that the man in black had a child sidekick.
All the robins have a villain or two that genuinely likes them and the robins are nice to them back, don't mind helping or saving them. Batman has the same luck, but sometimes he gets a touch jealous when certain villains are nice his robins.
Nightwing: He got away, but we managed to keep your plants safe.
He handed her the keys to the truck containing her precious plants.
Ivy: Thanks, kid. You’re one of the few people I don’t despise with a burning passion.
Ivy shot a glare at Batman, who merely scoffed and crossed his arms.
Batman: I helped get the truck back, but sure, hate me. I’m just useless to you.
Ivy (frustration): Yes! Like all men! Ugh, I can’t stand you men! Just... men!
Red Hood (deadpan): Preach.
Ivy: Except for him.
Ivy used one of her vines to point at Nightwing, then gently patted him on the shoulder. He smiled at the compliment.
Ivy: He is precious even as an adult and I don't mean that as an insult, but like if I ever adopted a kid, it'd be you.
Nightwing (blushing): Aww, I love this type of adoration.
Ivy: I mean it too. You’re pretty grounded at this point in life. Honestly, you’re one of the few reasons I don’t just take out that motherfucker!
Ivy swung a vine at Batman, delivering a solid punch that made him grunt, not enough to knock him down, but it was the type of pain he liked. Red Hood laughed at him while walking around.
Nightwing: What about Red Hood? He’s got a serious vendetta against the Joker since the guy killed him.
Poison Ivy: Red Hood? Oh yeah, you’re the kid who used to be the second Robin... Damn! Someone clearly took a gym membership after being revived. Not gonna lie, you look good.
Red Hood: Huh... Aww, thank you. Nightwing was right, you are sweet to the Robins and not Batman. And you hate the Joker. I like you.
Ivy: Kid 2, same. I’m not sorry for flipping you off, but since you tried to kill the Joker, you’re solid in my book. Just don’t actually go through with it.
Ivy wrapped her vine whip around Red Hood’s waist and pulled him closer, searching his eyes earnestly.
Ivy: Let him live and show him you're the stronger man in spite of him. Some cowards don’t deserve a quick death. Okay?
Red Hood (sniffling, moved): That was surprisingly good advice. Spite really does keep the fire going.
Batman (walking toward the Batmobile): Good grief. You’ve poisoned my sons to like you. I’ll find proof eventually.
Ivy: Think whatever you want, douche canoe.
Batman: And stop calling me that!
Red Hood: Honestly, that’s pretty fitting for how he acts sometimes.
Batman: No it's not. I am a god damn delight.
Nightwing (while texting): Most of the time. That ten percent though... is like handling a toddler.
Bruce is replaced with an imposter that looks and acts just like him, the real Bruce can’t do anything except watch as the imposter worms his way into his family and friends lives and worse of all they all seem to like the imposter more than him.
Some hurt and comfort with them bruce seeing this and eventually being found by the batfam and or JL?
The crack version
Dick slides open the window, clambering through, devoid of his usual grace, anger making his hands shake. Bruce doesn't look up from where he is sat on the couch, slowly working his way through a family photo album. His fingers rest over the film protecting the images behind it, stroking the pads of his fingers over Dick's own young, plump face.
"You came," he notes, voice flat.
Dick feels words press against the back of his teeth, stretching their fingers through the peel at his lips so he'll open them an unleash everything he's feeling at the broken man on the couch.
"I didn't think you will."
Dick's glare bores into the side of his head, yet the man does not react.
"Not when you had him."
Dick thinks of the man locked up in the Watchtower, who has spent a month wearing a face he had no right to.
"Do you kno-w..." Bruce's voice cracks, and he takes a beat for himself before continuing. "What it felt like, watching you move back in? Because he was better."
Dick imagines it was something similar to watching Barry peel off the flesh mask from the captive's face, watching that mouth stretch into a sticky, bloody smile as they were left with Bruce's face, skinned from the skull, and the man that did it laughing at their horror.
"I'm sorry I can't be what you need."
Dick listens to Bruce's cut-off inhale, the startled breath as Dick bullies his way into his lap, and wraps around his father, holding on tight, not letting go when Bruce tries to shift him off his lap, resting his head on his shoulder and pressing close.
"You are an idiot if you think we ever preferred him over you, Dad," he whispers.
He moved in to keep an eye on the imposter. If he wasn't left alone he couldn't execute his plan. If he wasn't left alone, they could figure out his plan.
As soon as they did, he was whisked up to the Watchtower and locked away.
Dick was the first one to deduce where Bruce had exiled himself, hands shaking on his bike's handlebars as he sped over the hills, taking shortcuts through the greens, anything to prove that it wasn't his face that had been flayed, it was some poor lookalike, and he curls around Bruce now, feeling the panicked rhythm of his pulse under his fingers.
From an outsider perspective, my writing process must be so weird...
Like, I'm currently sitting in bed, surrounded by papers because I'm simultaneously creating an outline for 2 fics I want to write and AT THE SAME TIME I'm writing two different fics. Earlier I was asking my mom about baby milestones ✨for research✨. Oh, and I'm obsessively listening to music that IS NOT the fic playlist I'm trying to create. No no, it's random songs that just come to mind.
What do you think of an AU where Dick is the son of Athena, but when they discover he's a demigod, everyone thinks of Aphrodite first, you know, because of his charm and appearance?
Diana or Donna will probably be the first to discover the truth (that he is a demigod), but not who his mother is at first, though they know he was the son of a goddess, not a god.
Anything, when they discover it's Athena... Suddenly it seems too obvious
Either way, Aphrodite is delighted with him.
I love this actually!!
Does Dick know he’s the son of Athena the whole time, though? Maybe he just doesn’t say anything because he doesn’t like how everyone else is just assuming they know who his mother would be?
I'm building my personal Dick Grayson/Batfamily music playlist and I just have to say, The Score are basically inspired by the Batfamily.
Like, I'm trying to assign a single song per member and right now Dick has 4-5 songs assigned to his name. Jason is the only one who was easy, Bruce really kicked my butt but I think I got it. Damian still doesn't have one, Tim I have my doubts.
Look, there are debates about who should inherit the cowl, who's Bruce's favourite kid etc etc. BUT! I want to think about who Dick's favourite batbro is between Jason, Tim and Damian.
This comes from my personal opinion with limited comics knowledge.
Dick and Jason are my personal favourite sibling duo. I think they're fun and I love their relationship. They are the og sibling dynamic: fighting and arguing, the whole "I'll beat you up no questions asked but nobody messes with you but me". They were having a good relationship pre-death and they were truly siblings but then Jason died and then came back and "Dick wasn't there to help Jason throughout". (Which are things he didn't even know were happening but anyway, my boy has guilt complexes the size of Europe and Asia combined). So yeah, I think the guilt impacts their relationship a lot. Oh, an honourable mention to Jason's personal issues (think how in Grayson he put the "Robin code" as his reason for being angry. He was definitely about to say brother/family but couldn't, hence, his personal issues).
Dick and Tim. Ahhh, poor Timmy. That's Dick's baby brother. You can't convince me he doesn't want to constantly baby Tim and wrap him in a hug and bubble wrap. Their bigger age difference alone (compared to Dick-Jason) is enough to support the baby brother role for Tim. And even though they had a kind of rocky start (with Dick initially dismissing Tim about the Robin thing) they became so close. You can't tell me they aren't close. I will simply mention that Tim makes a big appearance in Tom Taylor's Nightwing run and the famous panel about Dick's escrima accomodating for Tim's bo staff. I rest my case.
Dick and Damian. That's tricky. Because I stan for Dick being Damian's father/older brother. I like this dynamic because it's like a full circle moment for Dick's own dynamic with Bruce (conversation for another day). Damian and Dick are just so precious, they spent a lot of time during a difficult time and they forged a bond. There are so many panels to support this but I will only quote a phrase about Dick's and Damian's Batman and Robin era. "We were the best".
Conclusion! Dick's favourite sibling? Doesn't exist. Each sibling has a different distinct dynamic and that can't makes it impossible to grade them. Jason is Dick's favourite younger brother closer in age, Tim is the favourite baby brother and Damian is the favourite son-brother.
That's my opinion anyway and I only have one brother. So who knows? I might be wrong but I really don't think so. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk 😊😋
No thoughts, just Dick Grayson deciding to start gaming for fun, playing two rounds and feeling like a complete failure for not being on par with people who are playing for years. And every time he is murdered in the game, Jason, holding eye contact, says "same".
I know Dick Grayson canonically (and fanonically) has depressive episodes, but do we think it's the more "performative" depression we see where he pretends he is okay and buries it all or do we think it's the more stereotypical "lay in bed staring at the ceiling" depression? Cause I think it's a bit of both and that it depends on the trigger.
