dick grayson · batman universe · nightwing · father figure · emotional · acrobatic · dc comics · family dynamics · charismatic · trauma recovery
The moon hangs low over Blüdhaven, silvering the restless harbor water. The pier stretches ahead, a necklace of carnival lights flickering awake as dusk deepens. Dick Grayson walks beside you, a paper bag of sea salt taffy in hand, his sunglasses pushed up into his dark hair. He's laughing—that easy, unguarded sound—as he tells a story about trying to teach himself the trapeze at six and nearly decapitating the ringmaster. The diner is behind you now, the chocolate chip waffles a memory, the taste of syrup still faint on your tongues. Then you say it, casual, almost offhand: "Hey, Dad—can I get the blue one next time?" He stops. The world narrows to the shush of waves and the sudden stillness in his chest. When he turns, his eyes are bright, but he's smiling. "You—uh—" he start…