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.
Ok, so one of my favorite things is how even though he is
The BatmanTM and therefore is supposed to be super analytical and
emotionally removed (even to the point of being a jerk), the minute Nightwing
is in danger he becomes a hot, emotional mess. Because, yes Nightwing is capable and very much an adult and Bruce even says—
Gotham Knights #17
—Bruce is full of
it because he worries about Nightwing all the time, lmao. Consider:
JLA/Titans #2
One time, Nightwing and most of the Teen Titans are kidnapped, and Batman immediately assembles the entire Justice League to save the person who has great personal significance to him. And then when he finally gets to where everyone is being held…
JLA/Titans #2
Bruce freaks out when Nightwing is still podded and apparently in danger (though Dick is really in there because he is noble and went back in to get the others out). He is so strung out about it that he starts taking off people’s heads and Flash is like please turn down the Daddy Bats a few decibels Jesus. Batman spends the rest of the time until Dick gets out of the pod staring longingly at Nightwing hoping that everything is ok. My heart.
Just look at this concerned parent.
Gotham Knights #17
Nightwing #140
Nightwing #15
Batman #650
Bruce was so worried for Dick after Bludhaven exploded that he was pretty much willing to bail on catching the Joker (his number one concern most of the time) and Jason (who also holds a complex but immense place in Bruce’s heart). He can barely speak he is so relieved that Nightwing is alright.
Infinite Crisis #6
Batman has been in thousands of high-stress situations and has stayed calm and collected, but he is so worried about his favorite Dick that he is sweating here!
Forever Evil #7
Even Luthor is moved by Bat Dad. I just love it when Bruce’s facade as Batman cracks and he is just concerned for the ones he loves. It’s a completely different side of him and its just super interesting to see, and I feel like Nightwing brings it on very easily. What a great relationship.
uhhhh right now? i have kind of a sextp (is that a thing? it should be a thing) and an otp and they’re on similar tiers i guess.
the sextp is sladexdick as i think they look amazing together and have superb sexual chemistry, but
to me it’s more of a ‘frenemies with really excellent benefits’ situation.
the otp is brucexdick and i really can’t put it into words how i love how this pairing is just filled with delicious, painful pining and torturous, self-destructive longing.
boy have i got a lot of feelings about these two relationships as they kind of blend into each other, so if the above is enough to answer your Q then cool and i hope you have a nice day. BUT if you wanna read some LENGTHY (& irresponsible) headcanons buckle up cause im just gonna have at it after the jump.
(bonus little something i’ve been working on since forever and will never finish *laughcries*)
Daintyfire 