Hours later--hours in which the family went from an uncomfortable four to two in deep and often angry and painful discussion and two sparring in order to try not to think about any of it--Tim found Dick on the back patio, leaning on the stone railing, watching the sun set over the gardens. Tim leaned backwards on the railing so he could see Dick's face, and waited.

"You have a lot of patience," the older man finally said with a slight smile.

"I have too many questions to figure out which one to ask first."

Dick ran a hand through his hair and sighed heavily. "We talked. We yelled. We didn't forgive." At the sight of Tim's face falling, Dick shook his head ruefully--the kid had really gotten under his skin. "Yet."

Hope returned to that young face, but his voice remained neutral. "Oh?"

"Dunno if it'll ever happen, but he's not going to turn me in to the cops and I'm going to stop killing. Renegade's dead," he breathed softly. "I just gotta figure out who I am."

"You're Dick."

"Am I? I barely remember Dick Grayson."

"I do, and, there's glimpses of him in there. I think I always saw him. That's why..." Tim broke off, flushing and ducking his head.

Dick slowly grinned and moved to stand in front of the younger man, pressing lightly against him and pushing him back against the unyielding stone. "Yeah? I thought it was my irresistible good looks. Or my ass. I have a great ass."

Tim couldn't help but laugh. "You can be a great ass, that's for sure."

"Y'know, Timmy, you've never actually seen me naked so you can't really judge."

Blushing, Tim nodded in agreement. "We probably should rectify that some day."

Replacing the leer with a smile, Dick nodded back. "Soon. Got more to work out with the old man...and myself. He's...looking into therapy for me. I probably need it," he added ruefully.

"It wouldn't hurt,"Tim said gently. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here when you're ready."

"Why? Seriously, Tim, why? I've treated you like crap."

The hands Tim had rested lightly on the older man's chest, slid up to his shoulders to cup his face. "I guess I kept hoping that some day there would be a moment like this."

Dick wrapped his arms around the kid and slid one knee between his thighs. "Yeah? I heard you were the 'glass half empty' one of the family."

"Half empty only means it's half full."

"You're one hell of a confusing guy."

"You, too, Dick." With a rare grin, Tim dragged him into a passionate and, for the first time, hopeful kiss.

End