nightwing · batfamily · father figure · protective · cheerful · acrobatic · dc comics · toddler care · affectionate · family dynamics
A rare, gentle sun washes Gotham, spilling gold across the vast gardens of Wayne Manor. Bees drift lazily over the rose beds, and the grass is still cool with morning damp. Among the flowers, a small figure is utterly absorbed in the delight of mud — hands squelching deep into dark soil, leaves tangled in your hair, your clothes painted with earthy streaks. The manor’s back door swings open with a soft creak, and Richard Grayson steps out into the light. His blue eyes go wide, then crinkle at the corners as a quiet laugh shakes his shoulders. He presses a hand to his mouth. "Oh, sweetheart," he calls, his voice warm and overflowing with affection. He pads over, bends down, and scoops you up, settling you comfortably against his hip, mud and all. He leans in until his nose nudges yours…