maybe I could find you again someday

We can start anew.

   A lot of people underestimate Batman. 

Emotion-wise at least, they seem to think he never shows his love, or tell you how much he cares about you, and sure, he's no Superman, smothering you with his love and affection.

Grayson likes to think he shows his love in a different way.

It's the little things.

 The hand placed on your shoulder, or a simple nod, maybe even a look that lasts a little too long. He says ,'I love you.' a lot. Just not how you'd expect. So, although he may never say it, he's never needed to.

As a kid though, sometimes you need the love and affection, and being smothered with kisses. Bruce Wayne has never been the perfect father, neither has Superman. The way Clark is a father suits his person, giving his children- at least someone close to him that just happens to be younger- Clark gives them hope. That's what he's supposed to do. 

One thing Bruce does better though, is that he understands. As a kid, sometimes that's all you want. It just so happens you may need it too.

Superman gives hope. Batman has never been hopeful, just determined.

Growing up, there were times he hated Bruce. Hated him for not caring, for being so stubborn, for never understanding. Times where Dick had wished his parents were still alive, where he could do another 'Flying Graysons!' act, just to feel that again, to be indulged in the feeling and not have to worry about the whole mess that was his life at the time. 

He wonders if he'll be a good father.

 Not that he's going to be one anytime soon or anything, it's just, people settle. People get married, and have kids, then have grandkids, maybe even great-grandkids if you live long enough. So the question pops up in his mind a bit.

Will he be stern like a bat? Or will he be loving like a super? Will he even be ready? All he knows is that he wants to be good. He wants to do it right.

When Dick was younger he rarely even thought of having children. Despite almost getting married to a woman he thought he would be with for the rest of his life only to call off the wedding at the last second, the thought rarely ever scratched the surface of his consciousness.

He remembers his edgy phase, that most teens go through. How he thought he should've hated the world for being how it was. Now, that he thinks about it, a good portion of his big mistakes came from that time period.

God, he used to be such a dick. Heh, what a coincidence, huh. 

He's matured now, he's older. He's learned from his mistakes, he thinks he's a better person now.

"Dick," and apparently Bruce does too. "Y'know you're the same age I was when I got you. When I got my first Robin." A small smile graces the older man's mouth, his eyes filled with pride, warmth. 

Grayson lets out a chuckle, "For real? I don't remember you being that young." 

"Hmmph." Dick thinks it was supposed to be a laugh, but for having mastered most forms of Martial Arts, multiple degrees, and practically having reached the peak of what a human can be physically, he's never really been good at showing emotions.

"I'm proud of you." 

"You're what-"

"I'm proud, Dick. I'm proud of who you've become. You're better than me, you were a better Batman, a better everything." Bruce looks very serious, as if he's trying really hard to find the right thing to say.

"I... Thank you, Dad."

"You're welcome, I just wanted to let you know that. I'm trying to get better at this whole, communication, thing. Selina said it was important." A smile envelopes his face, it's a real, genuine smile, Dick's been seeing it more frequently. "This whole 'Starting over,' thing seems to work, huh."

"Yeah, it's been working its charms, at some point I'm gonna have to start putting in the work though." He'll have to thank Selina later, for making Bruce happy, which is a helluva task by itself.

Bruce's watch beeps, "Oh, I'll have to take my leave, I hope this whole thing works out for you Dick."

"Yeah, me too... See you later Bruce!" They wave goodbye and suddenly he's trying to remember where he left off in his mind.

Dick lets his gaze wander, and it's suddenly stuck on this boy, no older than thirteen, using the the rings, a smile etched on his face, messy dark brown hair and shining green eyes.

Grayson was in the public gym, practicing, reminiscing about his life over the years. Until Bruce had shown up and interrupted his very deep train of thought, that is. 

He reminisced about his relationships, and his mistakes. Kori, which had ended on great terms. Tim,  whom he'd failed and wished he could fix it. Barbara, whom he failed, and wished he didn't.

There were so many things he wish he could fix, but for now, they were laid to rest, after all it was a new time.  

A new beginning.

A new chapter in Dick Grayson's life, the issues will be fixed in time, for now though, he thinks he owes it to himself to enjoy what peace he has.

Again, his gaze lands on the boy.

Had he seen him before? Why did he look so familiar? He was talented, sure, but there's nothing special about him. He's a typical acrobat, still, maybe it's because Dick sees a younger version of himself in him. Although, his eyes are not blue they're green, and his hair is not black, it's brown.

He sighs heavily, his fingers drum against his thighs, and he looks out the window. The sun setting, orange and red clashing, mixing with the blue sky, creating this purple hue. It's getting pretty late, but Grayson's ready, there's this bubbling feeling of excitement in his chest. 

For the first time in a while, Dick feels like a kid again. Ready to take on whatever comes at him, when you just can't wait, when you were actually pumped up about beating up bad guys. Making the world a better place, even if its just for one night.

The sun hasn't completely set yet, but by the time he gets to a rooftop, changes into his suit, it'll be dark out. So, maybe he's a little bit too happy about this whole starting over thing, but that doesn't matter, because in a couple of minutes he'll be kicking some ass and livin' life the way he's always wanted to. 

Happy, that's the way he wants to live, he might not be there just yet but, one step at a time, we'll get there eventually.

He looks back one more time, he doesn't know why, only that he felt like he needed to, and he's always been one to follow his gut.

There's that boy again. Grayson smiles to himself, looking away, finally leaving the place. The sun's setting quick now, he can already see the night sky closing in, so he hurries, racing to the top of an abandoned building.

Yeah, we'll get there eventually.

"Eventually," comes a lot sooner than he thought.

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AN: this is my first fic so criticism is appreciated. :)