[ the story has him frowning, a deeply disturbed feeling pulling through his insides with the thought of the Joker getting into the cave and gassing Bruce, on top of controlling Tim. he shakes his head, moving the gauze away to check the tiny cut and sees that it's stopped bleeding. he tapes a small square of bandage to it next, smoothing gently across the cut, satisfied with his handiwork. ]

You saved him. You know, Bruce likes to act like he doesn't need anyone ever, but part of why he's like this is because he does. He really does.

[ family. found family, chosen family.

at the apology, genuine surprise lifts Dick's brows. ]

You're good. [ he shrugs it off with a single shoulder. ] And honestly? Part of me wanted you to be right. If there was a world where Bruce wasn't a total paranoid asshole... [ a wry laugh breathes out instead of the words at the tip of his tongue: I'd wanna stay there. ] Guess it was just wishful thinking. Listen. Now that you know, you're better for it. Alright?