Dick watched Bruce suspiciously. There was no way to tell how much of what he was saying was the true, and how much he was just making up to save face. But on the other hand, what was there left to lose? He was an orphan, he was in this facility, could it really get any worse? Dick could feel the tears welling in his eyes, threatening to spill over as he carefully nodded.

The drive to the manor was quiet, neither really knowing what, if anything, to say. Dick had kept his gaze focused on the city as they drove by, not wanting to make eye contact with the man just yet. There was still too much to comprehend, too much happening all at once. When the car stopped, Dick looked to the building before them, and then to Bruce before dropping his gaze to his lap. The man opened the door and without a word, Dick followed, like an obedient puppy.

Stepping inside, the boy was shocked at just how much bigger it seemed on the inside. His attention was soon grabbed by the presence of an older man who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

“Welcome home master Bruce, and young Grayson.” Alfred nodded in turn to each of them, listening to what Bruce said. “Of course sir. Is there anything else I can do for you?” The butler asked as the man disappeared. “I guess not.” Turning to Dick, Alfred extended a hand to the frightened boy.

“Let’s get you settled, shall we?” The man’s warmth smile was met with a smaller, more hesitant one from the boy, but Dick soon extended his own hand, following Alfred up the flight of stairs to his new room.

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