For Those You Love

Chapter 2: Awakening

By: Fanficer21

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Disclaimer: Only in my dreams will it belong to me.

Rated T: Father/son fluff and cuddles.

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Hey guys! It's been a while. After re-reading "For Those You Love", I thought it might be nice to have a little after piece.

Enjoy.

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"ngh..."

Blue eyes opened to the the light of the morning sun as it poured its rays onto his face. Dick felt refreshed and amazing, he didn't usually sleep so comfortably because of the nightmares. But this time, none plagued his dreams.

Stretching his arms above his head to get rid of the sudden energy filling his body, his back arched off the bed as he squeezed his eyes shut. His knuckles touching the headboard. In the back of his mind he registered a weight on his chest. A lump beneath his back shifted followed by a hand brushing against his waist under the hem of his pajama shirt. A moment later, he was pulled against a strong chest.

"...mhm..." Bruce mumbled as he shifted in his sleep. His eyes slowly opened to reveal curious blue orbs looking back.

"Goo mornin..." The man muttered sleepily, before burying his face into his own pillow beneath Dick's right elbow. "Nightmare?" Dick questioned, seeing the dried tear streaks on his adoptive father's face. The man's slightly stiffening shoulders confirmed the boy's inquiry.

"Wanna talk about it?" He knew the answered would be no, but he thought he'd ask anyway. Then he wondered why Bruce was in his room. Usually when Bruce had nightmares, especially that nightmare, he'd stay in his own room.

"Was it...about...me?" He asked softly, but the man confirmed it when his grip on Dick tightened, pulling the boy closer to him in an embrance. This time, Bruce pressed his face against his son's chest, listening to the boy's breathing and steady heartbeat. The images of his dream swam in Bruce's mind again, each image squeezing his heart. But what scared him the most was seeing his dead son hanging limply in his arms. Bruce never wanted to see Dick like that, ever again. Even if it was just a dream.

The man was broken from his reverie when he felt a small hand gently patting his back. "S'okay Daddio." It was Dick's way of telling him that everything would be alright. Bruce just smiled against the boy's shirt, suddenly felling in a playful mood. He moved his arm that was resting against Dick's chest down towards Dick's stomach, inching his hand towards the hem of the blue pajama shirt.

Seeing the hand move down, Dick's eyes widened as he tried to grab Bruce's hand before it was too late. "No, Bruce! Don't you dar-". Dick's words were cut off as he let out a screech when the man's fingers wiggled against his sensitive stomach. The boy giggled continuously, trying to get a breath in, but it was futile as the man relentlessly tickled him.

Dick's back arched off the bed as he tried to wiggle out from his father's grasp. He was almost successful until he whacked his head against his bedside dresser. "ow." The boy's upper body slid off the bed, his hands gripping his forehead to ease the pain.

Bruce let up on the tickling, allowing Dick time to regain his senses. The boy slid further off the bed until his neck rested against the floor, his pajama shirt slid down to the base of his chest, exposing his stomach muscles. "You okay there chum?" Bruce chuckled slightly, re-positioning himself so he sat on his knees.

"Not funny!" Dick glared slightly, only causing himself more pain as his facial muscles contracted. Chuckling some more, Bruce saw another perfect opportunity. Moving his left leg to hold the boy's legs to the bed, he grabbed one of Dick's feet and mercilessly danced his fingers against the soft skin.

"No! Bruuuuccccceeee...s-sto-op h-hi-t..." Dick shouted among his laughter, trying to kick Bruce off him with his other foot while attempting to yank his captured foot from his father's grasp. He was able to successfully kick Bruce in the gut, causing the man to release a surprised yelp and fall backwards against the sheets. Seizing the opportunity, Dick pulled himself completely off the bed before getting up and taking a defensive stance. All the while, a huge grin was plastered on his face.

Bruce regained his senses and barrel rolled off the bed, taking a defensive stance a few feet from the boy. They smirked at each other, trying to get close enough to 'attack' the other. Circling the room, they kicked and punched at the other as the play fighting ensued. This continued for several minutes, until Bruce saw a chance to get back at his boy when Dick neared the bed again.

With a playful shout, Bruce charged forward, causing Dick's eyes to widen. Before he knew it, strong arms encircled his waist and he found himself flat on his back, pinned to the bed. "No fair!" Dick whined, struggling in the man's hold as Bruce held him down.

"I never said there were rules." The man chuckled again, an dark smirk in his eyes. Before Dick knew what was happening, he felt his pajama shirt pulled up to reveal his muscled stomach once again. He struggled more furiously then before, trying to get off the bed. But he was too late when he felt Bruce's mouth press against his skin, a few inches above the naval, followed by the man blowing a raspberry against his stomach.

Dick laughed harder now as his abdomen was tickled by the man's breath, trying to push Bruce off him as tears slid down his temples. Letting up, Bruce chuckled as his son lay on the bed in a fit of giggles. His arms sprawled out above his head as he tried to catch his breath. They jumped when there came a knock on the door.

"Masters Bruce and Richard! Is everything alright in there?" Alfred asked through the door. Dick blew a raspberry to the air, curling up in a ball as he laughed even harder. His hands clutching his stomach. Bruce on the other hand, stifled his laughter enough to respond. "Yes, Alfred. Everything is fine."

The door opened, revealing Alfred's expressionless face. But the Dynamic Duo could see a small smile on his face. "Breakfast is ready, sirs. Now would you please wash up and get downstairs before it gets cold." The butler reprimanded, leaving to finish up some stuff downstairs.

Dick was about to get up, but was stopped when Bruce circled his arms around his waist and pulled him into another embrace, his back pressed against his father's chest. "Bruce? Are you alright?" The boy asked, concerned for his father.

"I'm alright, Dick. I'm just glad you're safe." Bruce whispered into his son's hair, before gently kissing the top of his head. Dick looked up at his father, his curious blue eyes once again boring into Bruce's soul. "What happened in the dream?" He asked gently before waiting for Bruce's reply. The reply he got startled him as Bruce whimpered, burying his face into the ebony hair. The image of his son's dead body entered his vision again. Dick remained quiet. It must have been a really bad one if Bruce whimpered like that.

Clearing his throat after a few minutes, Bruce stood up with Dick in his arms. He had no desire whatsoever to break body contact. He wanted to keep his son close as possible to reassure that the dream was just a dream. Accepting his father's impulsive motion, the boy relaxed his body as he watched the man exit the room and walk down the grand staircase.

"Alfred. Cancel all my meetings today, and let the school know that Dick won't be attending today." Bruce said as he reached the dining room, placing Dick on his chair beside his own. Alfred merely bowed with a, "right away, sir", before leaving the room. Turning his head to his confused son, Bruce chuckled. "Today is just for us." He said with a wink, watching as the boy's confused expression turned into a bright smile.

Bruce would take his nightmare as a life lesson. Don't take for granted what you have. Cherish those around you, and do as much as you can for those you love.

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