Beneath A Full Moon

[bought_the_bank]

The lakeside house has a deck he's used only a handful of times.  Most nights he's looking down from atop skyscrapers or situated underground in front of a host of computer screens.  Tonight he's lounging in a chair with his foot elevated, his gaze turned upwards toward the full moon.  It's a spectacular sight above the water through the trees.  He meant to retreat indoors hours ago but just hasn't gotten there yet.

A second chair sits empty beside him.

Comments

[bought_the_bank]

Never let it be said that Dick doesn't try every way he can to protect his family. Even against themselves.

Bruce considers him for a moment with a serious expression, like he's weighing a decision that might have long reaching consequences. Then in an uncharacteristic gesture, he reaches out his hand to Dick. Silently asking for help.

[justlikeacircus]

Dick's surprised, but he's smart enough not to comment on it, this is the kind of behaviour he wants to encourage after all.

He stands, leaving the blanket on the chair, he can come get that in a second and takes Bruce's offered hand, hauling the man to his feet once he seems ready to stand, ready to move close and allow Bruce to lean on him for the walk inside.

[bought_the_bank]

He brings all his weight to bear on the uninjured limb as Dick hauls him upright. The throbbing he's prepared for as increased blood flow hits the area. He shifts his hand to Dick's shoulder to steady himself and tentatively tests the ankle.

His eyelids slam shut and all the muscles in his jaw clench tight.

[justlikeacircus]

"Okay, no weight on that ankle at all, okay? Come on." His tone is businesslike, his best impression of Alfred when the man is 200% done with their shit. It's not quite as firm and resistant to arguments the way the butler's is, but it's hopefully close enough to get Bruce inside without trying to put any more weight on his injured leg.

[bought_the_bank]

Nobody can lay down the law like Alfred but Dick's impression of his tone is decent. Unfortunately at the moment, it's lost on Bruce.

With his eyes still closed, he takes several deep, even breathes. Then he visibly pulls himself up and together. The journey across the deck is slow and without any amount of grace but with Dick as his anchor, he does eventually get there.

Sorry for the delay!

[justlikeacircus]

Dick allows Bruce to set the pace, providing as much support as he possibly can to get them across and through the door. Once they're inside it's only a short journey to the couch, although it takes longer than it really should have done, and Dick focuses on getting Bruce settled there while he returns to fetch the abandoned blankets and mugs.

Not a problem!

[bought_the_bank]

Bruce is half-reclining when Dick returns from the deck, his head resting against the cushions and his arm slung along the top of the couch. Breathing evenly and body mostly relaxed, it might appear as if sleep has already claimed him. Dick will know better. The tension in his jaw still remains.

Re: Not a problem!

[justlikeacircus]

Despite being able to tell he isn't asleep, Dick doesn't immediately move to disturb him, instead draping one of the blankets over him for a little extra warmth. Once the mugs are dutifully deposited in the kitchen he returns to take a seat in one of the armchairs, yawning.

"We really should do this more often... minus the injury."

[bought_the_bank]

Without opening his eyes, he reaches blindly across the space between the couch and the nearest armchair, knowing he'll find his son seated close by. His hand comes to rest on Dick's forearm. Then he gives it a squeeze.

"Get some sleep," he urges gently.

[justlikeacircus]

Dick has always been a tactile person, And the squeeze on his arm is gentle and reassuring and it makes him smile slightly. He places his other hand on top of Bruce's and pats it.

"Okay... I'll see you in the morning, okay?" He knew Leslie was almost here, he'd let Bruce face that particular gauntlet without an audience,it was probably better that way. So he stood up and stretched tiredly before heading off, it was probably best be went now anyway so that he actually made it to the bedroom before he fell asleep.