clichelover:

So Dick came from a pretty tactile family, with lots of hugs and cuddling each other and such. Every night before going to bed he would get a peck on the lips, as well as a hug, from his mother and his father.

About a year after arriving at Wayne Manor, Dick trusts Bruce in a lot of ways. He trusts him not to throw Dick out. He trusts him to protect him from not only criminals but anybody seeking to discredit or slander him, Dick Grayson. And he trusts him to try to care for him as best he know how.

And so he walks up to Bruce one night after patrol, dressed in his jammies, and stands up on tiptoe to kiss him on the lips. Then he smiles sunnily and says, “Night Bruce!”

Bruce…isn’t sure what to do with that.

The next morning at the kitchen table Bruce contemplates saying something. But the gesture was so obviously platonic Bruce doesn’t think it’s an issue that needs to be addressed. So he doesn’t say anything.

The next night, when Dick gives him a good night kiss he doesn’t say anything either.

A few years down the line, Dick comes up to say good night. Bruce is used to the routine by now, so he’s a bit surprised that Dick keeps his distance.

“So, uh, I was talking to Billy the other day and we were talking about bedtime rituals, and well, when I told him I’d give you a peck on the lips he assumed that was something I did when I was way younger.”

Dick glanced up at Bruce, “Heh,” Dick continued nervously.

“He said that’s only appropriate for real little kids.” Dick gave Bruce one last surreptitious look before scuffing his foot on the floor and saying, “I figure I’m way too old for that anymore.”

Dick smiled, a bit sadly, “I bet you’re relieved to hear that, right?”

Bruce…didn’t say anything.

“It..probably made you uncomfortable,” Dick continued uncertainly.

Bruce…didn’t say anything.

“Well, anyway, I’d best head to bed. Big math test tomorrow,” Dick said with false cheer. Then he practically ran to his bedroom.

Bruce’s hand reached out as he left. But still…he didn’t say anything.