I found this pict on my harddrive, If you know where it came from please tell me so I can give credit! 

Disclaimer:  DC ownes it I'm just borrowing.  No money was made from the use of these characters.  Please don't sue, I'm a broke bitch.

Coming of Age...

"Dick."

The sound of his own name snapped the young man out of his private reverie.  He felt his gaze snap upward and lock on the handsome visage of his guardian, Bruce Wayne.

"Huh?"

"Your mind has been wandering so much lately, Dick.  I feel like I should make an appointment with Dr. Hanson."

"Bruce, I don't need to see my old shrink.  I was just thinking that's all. Honestly, there's nothing wrong with me."

"Alright.  So what are your plans for tomorrow?"

"Plans?"

"For your eighteenth birthday?"

"I haven't made any.  I thought that I'd just hang out here."

"On your eighteenth birthday you don't have any plans?"  Bruce's look was incredulous.

If the truth was to be known, Dick had ducked out of several chances to celebrate his majority with his friends, he had other plans.

"Well I just didn't feel like a big fuss."

"Ok."  Bruce said with suspicion in his tone.  "I have a couple of conference calls to take care of.  I'll see you downstairs at the usual time?"

"Of course."

Downstairs was Bruce's way of speaking of the Bat Cave.  They would go out on patrol tonight at ten.  Dick knew that also meant that he would be napping for the next couple of hours.  He still had class tomorrow and there was no way that Bruce would let him skip.  Not even on his birthday.

"We'll make a quick circuit of the city and hopefully find everything quiet, and then be back here by midnight."

"Kewl.  I'm heading up for a nap."

"I'll tell Alfred to make certain you're up in time."

"I'll set my alarm.  I'm a big boy; I can get up by myself."

"Suit yourself; big boy."  Bruce said with a twinkle in his eye.

As Dick climbed the stairs to the second floor of Wayne Manor and disappeared from sight, and aging Alfred stepped out from under the staircase.

"Should I take Master Dick an Alfred special, sir?"

Bruce gave Alfred a quizzical look, an Alfred special was warm milk laced with a very mild sedative.  It had been a useful way to keep the Boy Wonder out of the more dangerous cases that came along.

"Why Alfred?"

"He could hear the preparations and spoil the whole thing."

"Remember Alfred I had his room well insulated years ago.  To ah, ensure his privacy."

"Likely story, more like to be certain that you didn't over hear him moaning your name."  Alfred whispered as he turned.

"Alfred."

"Yes Master Bruce?"

"Remember, a Bat has excellent hearing."

The old butler flushed hotly at the mild rebuke.

"I'm sorry, Alfred.  For what it's worth, you're right of course."

"I know.  I also approve you know.  You're the closest thing I have to a child, Bruce.  I want you both happy."

"Thank you, old friend."

Alfred gave a slight bow and left the room. 

That left Bruce alone.  He felt uncertain of how exactly to proceed.  He almost laughed out loud.  The billionaire playboy, rumored to be a master of the opposite sex and he hadn't a clue how to pursue his true heart's desire.

Bruce strode out of the room and into his huge office.  He seated himself at his desk and lifted the phone.  He rapidly dialed a series of numbers from memory.

"JLA Member message center." 

"Flash is that you?"

"Sure is, that you Bats?"

"Yes, listen I need you to pass the word Robin's no he changed his name Night Wing’s birthday is tomorrow.  I thought that the members could get together and help celebrate."

"Great!  Where?  When?  Any ideas for a present?"

"At the Mansion, tonight after Midnight.  And only one and I'm afraid it will have to be from Superman.  I've bought the kid dozens of diamond studs, but he wants one that Superman has squeezed from a lump of coal."

"Ok, I'll pass the word on.  I guess that the rest of us are on our own."

"Looks like it, and Flash."

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

 "Anytime Chief."

The connection was broken.  Bruce cleared the line and dialed another number.

"Hello?"

"Barbara its Bruce."

"Hello Bruce, what can I do for you?"

"Listen, I know that you and Dick broke up but I still thought that I should invite you we're having a party here at the Mansion tonight after midnight."

"That's a weird hour."

"Well it's just crime fighters and everyone will be in uniform."

"I see.  I'll be glad to show up.  Robin's eighteen, are you going to make your move?"

"I, ah I thought about it."

"Stop thinking a do it for heavens' sake.  I'll see you then, Bruce.  I really have to go now."

"I understand, and thanks for understanding Babs."

"Only you can get away with that nickname.  Until later."

Barbara rang off.

A plain black pager vibrated at his waist.  Bruce pulled it free and glanced around then opened it by pressing a hidden catch.  As it divided there was a screen visible.  Bruce keyed in his access code.

The screen immediately showed the face of Earth's mightiest superhero.

"Kal, is something going on?"

"No Bruce, I just thought that I'd RSVP.  The entire team is going to attend.  And I just happen to have a small diamond ready to be set.  I've got my jeweler working on it now."

"Please tell me it's not fifty karats."

The man laughed, "No it's less than four.  Still a large rock, but not so big that Richard's wealthy guardian couldn't afford it easily."

"Thank you for your discretion." 

"You've got to loosen up man."

"I'll try soon.  I promise." 

"Good now get the party setup and we'll see both of you at midnight."

The screen blanked.

The preparations for the party had been going on since Donna Troy had called to tell Bruce that Dick had been behaving strangely.  That he had made excuses for not celebrating with his friends from school. 

She had gotten Dick to confide in her what the problem was.  He wanted to celebrate but with people from his other life.  He wanted to be with Bruce in particular.

Donna knew that she was betraying a confidence, yet she almost felt compelled to divulge the information to Bruce Wayne.  The look in Dick's eyes had touched her to the heart.

She had almost threatened the caped crusader with bodily injury if he didn't act on the information.  Bruce had smiled and told her that he would take care of everything.

Bruce looked up to see Alfred standing in the door way.  The aging man showed more excitement than he had in a long, long time.

"Yes, Alfred?"

"Master Bruce, the parcel has arrived."

"Have you seen it?"

"No sir, I don't open your packages."  Alfred said with as close to a growl as Bruce could remember. 

Bruce Wayne's oldest friend and former guardian handed him the small package.  It was in a red white and blue Swift Ex box.  The man opened it and withdrew a small expensive looking black velvet box.  He opened it and turned it to Alfred, seeking the older man's opinion.

"Quite lovely, not too big.  It speaks volumes about taste and class, I taught you well."

"That you did old friend."

Bruce snapped the box closed and shoved it into the pocket of his trousers. 

"How are the preparations progressing?"

"A teleport pod has been set up in the corner of the Ball Room; it is well camouflaged by large floral arrangements and various palms.  The caterers have completed setting up in the kitchen and are in the process of preparing the food.  The Flash has already sent over his equipment and will be I believe the term is DeeJaying the party.  I have informed the Teen Titans as well as Charles Xavier that the JLA and the Dynamic Duo is on stand down and the next 24 hours and all emergencies are to be routed though them.  If fact, I noticed that the weather controlling mutant Storm is patrolling over Gotham at this moment.  I believe that you and Master Dick can forgo the customary patrol this evening.  I took the liberty of disconnecting the young Master's alarm."

"Efficient as always, Alfred.  Is the new uniform ready?"

"I just need to give the Kevlar armor plates another polishing.  I believe that Master Dick will be quite pleased."

"I hope so, I know that he spent years designing the new costume, it's time he got out of the shorts and elf shoes I hope that he likes the bike that I designed for him."

"I am certain that he will, sir."

"Alfred, what if he decides to leave us?  What in the hell and I going to do without him?  What would I do without either of you?"

"If that is the case sir, you will survive.  You always have."

"I had you and Dick to pull me through before."

"Let's not borrow trouble.  We do not know what he plans."

~BM~

Dick rolled over in his bed.  By the light or lack of light in the room he could tell that it was late.  He pulled his alarm clock to him.

"Damn!  I'm late!"  The clock was slammed back down onto the night stand. 

Dick shot out of the bed and quickly dressed.  In moments he was racing down the stairs and into the library.  He deftly flipped back the head of the statue and dialed the switch.  The bookcases slid aside and he restored the statue's head to its upright position.

He slid down the bat pole.  As he landed at the bottom he almost ran to the locker which held his uniform.  He pressed his thumb on the lock plate and the heavy door retracted. 

"Oh my god!"  Dick gasped as his gaze fell on the costume inside. 

The brightly colored Robin suit was nowhere to be seen.  In its place was a black and gray suit with a blue chest plate.  The blue continued down a wrapped thinly around the right leg of the uniform.  The boots were black and mid-calf in length.  The black mask was a masterpiece in its intricate detail. 

There in his closet was the costume that he had designed for himself.  The product of years of sketching and research.  It was here!

Dick Grayson quickly shucked his sweats and pulled the heavy costume down.  He opened the closures and began to pull it on.

In mere minutes he was setting the mask into place across the bridge of his nose.  He turned and looked into the mirror.  He was astounded at the figure there.  The new uniform made him look much older, and darker.  He had forgone the cape with this costume.  During his years as Robin he had found that the cape was too cumbersome and rarely worth the trouble. 

He would make a daunting figure beside the Bat.  If he stayed; his mind began to drift.  What if Bruce didn’t want him?  Or worse was angered by what he was planning. 

“I can’t do it.  I can’t risk losing him completely.”  A single tear rolled down his cheek as he came to the decision.  It wasn’t going to happen.

“Master Dick!  You’ve spoiled the surprise.”

Dick quickly dashed away the tear as he turned to see Alfred lurking in the shadows.

“Is there anything that happens in this house that you don’t know about?”

“Nothing of consequence.”

The older gentleman strode forward and began to check the fit of the costume.

“How does it feel?”

“Different.  It makes me feel different, like another person.”

“It should.  Robin was a child; he was very talented and well trained but a child nonetheless.  Night Wing is a man; and I believe that he will prove to be a force to be reckoned with.  You’ll do as you’ve always done and I am proud of you.”

Dick was taken aback. 

“Alfred, I just wanted to tell you.  I mean you raised Bruce, and together you and Bruce raised me.  Well you’ve never been a butler to me really.  What I’m trying to say is that I look at you as my Grandfather.”

“Then I am doubly blessed.  Master Bruce is the son that I never had and you my Grandson.  I love you both, very much.”

The man smiled and placed his hand on one broad shoulder of the man whom he had helped nurse through the measles, broken bones, and growing pains.  His hand reached out and with one finger he brushed at the moisture that still showed from the single tear that Dick had shed earlier.

“I normally practice discretion with the tidbits that I sometimes overhear.  However, I feel that I need to tell you something.  I know.”

“What?  You know about what Alfred?”

“About your feelings for a certain person.”

“Oh no.”  Dick dropped his head in shame.

“No!  No shame!”  Alfred said as he lifted the chin in his hands.  “Love in any form is wonderful.  You have no reason to be ashamed.”

“He won’t want me.”

“You may be pleasantly surprised.”  Alfred said as he released the young man’s chin.  “Now come with me.  I believe that we need to present you to the Master of the house.”

“Shouldn’t I just change back and wait until Bruce and I come down?”

“No this saves the trouble.  Besides my dear boy, the Bat is already out.”

“Out?  He went on patrol without me?”

“No.  Now come with me.”

Alfred led the perplexed man upstairs and through the manor until they were outside the Ballroom.

“Now you wait here.  You’re word as a gentleman that you not come through those doors until you’re sent for.”

“I give you my word, Alfred.”

“That’s my good lad.  I shan’t be a moment.”

Alfred opened the door and stepped through closing it soundlessly behind him.  As he entered his gaze settled on the figure in a black cape and cowl.  He walked toward the man.

“Master Bruce.”

“Yes Alfred?”

“It seems that the Robin woke up early and dashed down to the Cave.”

“He found the suit?”

“He’s wearing it.”

“Where is he, Alfred?”

“Waiting outside.”

“May as well invite in the guest of honor.  Most of our guests are here, we’re waiting on Batgirl.  She should be along in a moment.”

As if on cue line was tossed down through an open skylight and a purple clad figure slid down it.

“I just love making an entrance.”

“Right on time, Batgirl.  We’re about to bring Dick in.  Alfred if you’ll summon the birthday boy.”

“With pleasure.”

The Englishman retuned to the door and brought the young man inside.  As he stepped through the doorway there was a loud chorus of “SURPRISE!”  As all of the guests shouted.  The sound was quite overwhelming and the man jumped in spite of himself.

“What in the name of heaven is going on?”

Batman stepped up and took the young man firmly in hand.

“It’s after midnight; therefore it’s your birthday.  So our friends at the JLA, Alfred and I wanted to celebrate with you.”

“I never would have guessed.  I thought we were going on patrol.”

“Charles Xavier has supplied a stand in for us.  So we have the night free.  And because of the magnitude of this occasion you will not be going to class tomorrow.  I have other plans.”  If things go well.  He added to himself.

“Batman you’ve monopolized the guest of honor long enough.  Flash how about some music?  I want to dance with the most handsome man here.”  Wonder Woman said as she took him by the hand and led him to the dance floor.

Several other couples followed, Superman and Lois Lane-Kent, Hawk man and Hawk woman, Aquaman and Mera, Green Lantern and Donna Troy, and North star and Iceman.

“What are you doing here?  Wonder Woman asked Iceman as they passed each other during one of the dances.”

“Mon a me heard about the party and we decided to crash.  I hope that you don’t mind.”  North Star answered with a grin.

“The more the merrier.”  Dick answered before he was again caught up in the movements of the dance.

He and the Amazing Amazon danced together as if they were Fred and Ginger reincarnated.  She was so light on her feet and he felt ten feet tall.

There was a blur and then the Scarlet Speedster was beside them.

“Hey, hubba hubba.  No only does she fly, deflect bullets and is built like a brick outhouse, she can dance too!”

“Flash, we’re friends right?”  Diana asked sweetly.

“Yes of course we are.”

“I suggest that you stop before that changes.”  She said with a smile.

“I can take a hint.”

“Really?  Since when.”

Diana then was speaking to empty air.  Dick looked back at the DJ’s booth and saw that the Flash had returned to his post there.

Dick was about to ask if Diana would like to sit out a couple of songs when Superman’s voice rang out over the sound system.

“If we could have you attention please.  There is a young man somewhere in the crowd that had an inferno to extinguish.  Night Wing, please come and take care of this.”

A huge cake in the shape of Night Wing’s symbol was wheeled out.  It was lighted by the glow of eighteen tall candles.

“Go on,” Diana said and gave him a light push.

Dick joined Superman and almost blushed as the entire party began to sing Happy Birthday.  He made his wish and blew.  All of the candles went out with one breath.

“Now, Alfred will serve the cake and there are presents to be opened.”  Batman said.

“Presents?  You’re kidding.”

“Get the kid, he’s grown up in the lap of luxury and doesn’t even know that presents come with a birthday party.”  The Flash quipped as he delivered a huge cart covered with many beautifully wrapped gifts.  Then he was gone again.

  “Dick, open this one first.”  Bruce said as he handed a small box to the man.

The box was wrapped in silver paper and had a white ribbon.  He opened it and gasped at the contents, it was a gold Rolex watch with a custom face, each hour was signified by a diamond.

“I also included a tracer, just to be safe.  I’ll tell you how to disable it later if you ever need to.”

“Bruce, thank you.”

“Keep going, there’s a lot more to see.”  Superman said.

Dick lifted another small box, the card attached read.

Happy Birthday to a really SUPER guy.  Superman and Lois.

Dick opened the box and smiled as the perfection of the stone inside lit his face.  It was a huge solitaire diamond set as an earring. 

“Thank you, I trust that you produced this one yourself?”

“Just like the Bat suggested.”

“It’s wonderful.”

Bruce handed him another gift.

The card read…I loved you as a child so adorable and full of life, I loved you as a partner so quick to champion my cause.  I love you as a man…

Dick ripped open the box and found a card.

Music started playing in the background, a country song.  It was about a little boy passing a note to a girl in school, asking if she loved him.

There was a pen and a note inside the box.  Dick read the note to himself.

I LOVE YOU, DO YOU LOVE ME.

IF YOU DO PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

CHECK YES.

There were two boxes at the bottom, one marked yes and the other no.

Dick quickly marked one and tears spilled from under his mask as he handed it back to Bruce.

Bruce glanced at the card, then took Dick in his arms and kissed him gently.

Dick was stunned, the kiss was gentle and sweet, he felt those strong gloved hands against his body and he molded himself against that hard frame of his beloved. 

There came the sound of applause. 

The two men ended the kiss and stared out at their friends.  Both were grateful for their support.  Iceman was whistling loudly as North Star tried to rein him in.

There was a blur and the Flash was behind the couple.

“Hey Bats, you’re in for a Hard time tonight my friend.  I almost envy you.”  Then he was gone.

“He’s lucky that I never use a gun or I’d shoot him.”  Bruce quipped.

“It wouldn’t do any good, he’d outrun the bullet.”  Dick answered with a grin.  “Besides, he’s right.  I’ve waited for this so long.”

“Hey more presents!”  Diana said with a smile.

Dick took the box and opened it.  It contained a silver metallic utility belt and a pair of silver gauntlets.

“I contacted my mother and sisters on Paradise Island when we got word of the party, and Batman had told us about your new look.  Luckily time runs differently on the island.  The Queen had these made especially for you they will turn black at your mental command, to help hide you in the dark, and for other occasions they will make a splendid display, silver always sets black off so well.”

“I thank you, Princess.  They are as beautiful as the woman who gave them to me.”

“You flatterer, stop that.  Your boyfriend may get jealous.  Just remember, don’t try to deflect any bullets, the gauntlets will protect you hands during fistfights, but there are not made of Amazonian.”

“I wouldn’t dream of trying.”

Dick locked the belt into place around his narrow waist and put on the gauntlets.  They flashed in the light, and then darkened to black just as Diana had said they would.  A moment later they were silver again.

Dick continued to open his presents, most were items of clothing a leather jacket, jeans and shirts.  He thanks the giver of each gift and proceeded to the next.  Finally he opened the last one.  It was from Bruce, he was being given the sum of four million dollars.  It would be in addition to his trust fund.

“I’ll want your advice on investing this.”  He said to his partner.

“We’ll discuss it tomorrow.”

Superman spoke again.  “Now if that’s all of the presents.”

There was a brightening in the room, the glow continued to get stronger until it was almost blinding.

“I have a gift.  Actually I have two gifts.”

“Great Athena!”  Diana whispered.

“I have long watched the two called Batman and Robin fighting for justice from Olympus.  They have struggled long with no special powers, relying on their strength and prowess and cunning.  I can think of no other two more worthy to receive a gift from the gods. Night Wing, formerly known as Robin, you brought light to a soul enshrouded in darkness, the darkness of loneliness and despair.  I give you the gift of flight. These silver anklets will give you the power to soar like your spirit as longed for since you childhood.  Use them wisely and well.

Batman, you have battled evil in the world, as a means of solace against the sorrow of having lost your parents to it as a child.  Yet you found the strength to take in another.  One who also lost his parents to that same evil.  You nurtured him and gave him purpose.  I also give you the gift of flight, so that together you may continue the important work that you taken upon yourselves.  These black anklets are yours.  Use them wisely and well.

The glowing woman handed each man his gift.  She then placed her hand upon the forehead of each.

Let it be known to the entire world that these two are blessed by the gods of Olympus and have found our favor.

“I don’t know what to say except, thank you.”  Dick said with a look of awe on his face.

“Thank you, goddess of wisdom.”  Bruce said and bowed to her.

“Your appreciation is enough.”  The words echoed and then the goddess was gone.

Diana moved forward and took the silver anklets.  She clasped them around the young man’s ankles.  The Amazon Princesses then took the older man’s black one and put those on for him as well.  The then rose and kissed them each on the cheeks.

“You are now my brothers, we of all are most favored of the gods.”

“I would normally have a pun ready, but I seem to be speechless.”

“Me too Dick, me too.”  Bruce said in a quiet whisper.

“I suggest that you both come outside and try out your new powers.”

“The party.”

“Your guests are also in awe of the goddess, it will take a while for the merriment to begin again.”

She led them outside to the huge lawn. 

“Now if I remember correctly the texts that I studied as a child, you have merely to leap into the air and will yourself aloft.  Remember that you need to point your toes and arch your back.  That you will find is the most comfortable position.  Hold your arms out in front of you and to maneuver simply lean your body.”

Dick jumped into the air and was away.  He flew in a straight line and collided with a tree.

Diana was beside him in moments so was Bruce.  He had flown, without thinking.

“Are you alight?”

“Yeah, I’m ok.  The tree has seen better days though.”

Bruce and Diana looked at the tree as it started to fall.  The crash had uprooted it and the ancient plant crashed to the ground.

“Amazing, the anklets made him invulnerable while he was flying.”

“Just remember that you must be in flight for that aspect of their magic to work.”

Dick got up and brushed himself off.  He then promptly jumped back into the air and flew in a large circle, then landed beside his partner and the Amazon Princess.

“Very good, you seem to have learned from your mishap.  You two go back inside, I’ll deal with the tree.”

The two men leapt into the air and flew to the roof.  They hovered a moment and then Dick followed by Bruce flew through the skylight and landed softly on the marble tiles.

There was more applause at their entry.

Batgirl strode up and hugged them both.

“Well, so much for my entrance.  You’ve both topped it.  I’m happy for both of you, about the flying and each other.”

“Thanks Babs,”

Dick just hugged her.

“I hate to dash but it’s almost three am.  I have to be at the library this morning.”

She lifted her line launcher and fired.  In a moment she was gone, having used the line to exit the skylight.

“I believe that’s our cue.”  Superman announced. “Let’s be on our way people and let these two celebrate, privately.”

“You don’t have to go,”

“No but Batgirl was right it is getting quite late.”

The members of the JLA began to line up at the teleportation pod.  In pairs they disappeared.  Iceman and North Star both said their farewells.  And the frozen superhero handed Night Wing a large gift box.

“Don’t open it until you’re alone.  I thought that you might need some supplies.”  He whispered conspiratorially.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“Don’t mention it.  Just remember we gay superheroes have to stick together.  If you ever need anything just call.”

“I will.”

“Ready to go lover?”  North Star asked.

“Anywhere as long as I’m in your arms.”

“You’re such a drama queen.”

North Star picked up Iceman and together they flew out of the skylight.

That left Bruce and Dick alone in the house except for the caterers who had been locked outside the ball room and Alfred who was supervising the restoration of his kitchen.

"I believe we need to talk."  Bruce started.

Dick however had other ideas.  He had waited long years for this and he'd be damned it he'd wait one moment longer.  He lifted Batman into his arms literally flew through the skylight and landed neatly on the balcony of the master bedroom.

"We can talk later; right now I know what I want."  The young man took the Bat by the hand and led him inside.

Dick pulled the taller man down and caught his lips in a searing kiss.  Their uniforms made a muffled clatter as the Kevlar plates make contact.

Dick began to open the closures of the Bat suit, he was intimately familiar with it and could have probably gotten Bruce undressed in his sleep.

To remove the cowl he had to release Bruce from his kiss.  As he broke contact and lifted the black cowl he smiled at the disheveled hair and the flushed cheeks that it reveled. 

He felt the strong hands grasp the sides of his own mask and lift it gently from his skin.   Those firm lips then came crushing down on his again. 

The nimble fingers of his soon to be lover flew over his own costume, and in rapid order it was lying on the floor around his ankles.

This time it was Bruce that broke the contact.

"I'll be right back, make yourself comfortable."  Bruce excused himself and stepped into the bathroom. 

Dick stripped off his black bikini briefs and paused to turn back the bed.  He lay back on the cool cotton sheets and listened.

He heard several strange noises and then a flush.   Finally he heard water running in the sink and then the door opened.

Bruce stepped back into the room and stopped dead in his tracks.

"My God!  You're so gorgeous like that, Richard."

The younger man refused to let himself blush.  He looked up at the older man and spoke.

"You've seem me nude before."

"Nude yes, but not spread on my bed waiting to give me what I've been aching for."

"Well come here and let me make you happy."

"You've always made me happy."

"Let me satisfy you then."

Bruce lowered himself down on top of the younger man, lips joined, hands caressed and their bodies became moist with their perspiration.

Bruce's caresses blazed a trail between the hardened pecs, down the rippled abs and down to the younger man's already hard endowment.

Dick gasped as his lover's tongue followed the path laid down by long and sensitive fingers only moments before.

"Oh my God, Bruce!"  He gasped as his hands fisted into the sheet beneath him.

Dick looked down and saw the stuff of his dreams and fantasies.  Billionaire Bruce Wayne was swallowing his swollen member whole.  And he was so fuckin' gorgeous doing it. 

Bruce pulled off and looked up, lust smoldered in his eyes, his full lips smiling.

"Do you like that Richard?"

"Yes, oh yes Bruce.  Very much."

The older man then moved lower and began to lathe the heavy sac beneath the now throbbing cock.  His tongue wandered in ever larger circles.  He slowly moved lower and lower until the hot wet tongue touched the hidden treasure between the firm milky globes of the young man's ass.  As he lapped at the tight opening he felt and heard Richard's delight.

Richard grasped his calves and pulled them tightly to his chest, giving his beloved easier access to his target.  He moaned with each electric contact of the man's very talented tongue.

Bruce smiled and paused long enough to look up at Richard.

"I thought that you'd like rimming, feels good doesn't it?"

"Yeah it does."  Answered the man, a deep flush coloring his face was a reward offered to the man who was making his body sing with sensation.

Bruce brought Richard's legs down and lay beside him.  The younger man was breathless with desire.

"Richard, please put it inside me.  I want you."

Dick Grayson moved to kneel between the open legs of the Greek god he was sharing this moment with.  He lifted the heavy muscular legs to his shoulders and started to ask about lube.

"I took the liberty.  It's all ready for you baby."

The young man held his large cock and pressed the head against his lover's opening. 

"Push harder, it's alright.  I won't break.  It's just been so long."

He did as the man asked; pressing in harder until he felt the muscles relax and the head of his cock was surrounded by hot, tight flesh.

Bruce had thrown his head back his lips forming an O.  He indicated that Richard should keep going.

The young man sank slowly into the velvet heat of his lover, until he felt the contact of their bodies, as he settled fully and deeply into the gorgeous man beneath him.

"Oh, Dick it's so big!  It's so fucking good!  Fuck me!"

The top man's mind shut completely down and his body took over, he began with slow and careful strokes, his hands caressing every bit of flesh that he could reach, his tongue licked the arches of the feet as he continued to thrust fully and withdraw almost completely out of his Bruce's body, which had turned into a raging inferno beneath him.  On and on he went, and crescendo to their lovemaking building deep within his being.

Finally the last of his control spent he slammed deeply inside Bruce and felt the orgasm tear from his body.

Bruce thrashed and moaned as his body began to expel his seed, which splashed onto both men's chests.

Dick slowly withdrew and padded to the bathroom.  He drew out of the closet a fluffy cloth and wet it from the tap.  He quickly cleaned his body and then washed out the cloth again and returned to tend to his lover.

Bruce was lying on the bed with his eyes shut.  Dick was startled to see tears in the corners of those beautiful eyes.

He gently washed the come from the hard body.  He disposed of the cloth and returned to sit on the side of the bed.

"Bruce, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, Dick."

"No secrets, not now, beloved."

Dick reached out and cupped the square jaw, compelling the man to look at him eye to eye.

"No tell me what's wrong."

"I'm frightened.  Dick, I've never allowed anyone inside my defenses before, except you.  Now this has happened."

"You regret it?"

"Never!  But you're an adult now, and you'll probably want to leave and I don't know if I can stand losing you."

"Shush.  I'm not going anywhere, sure as hell not after finally getting what I've dreamed of for so long."

The younger man brought his mouth down to cover that of his lover.  The kiss spoke volumes.  It spoke of a million nights together, loving and being loved.  It spoke of a million mornings the two awakening together to see the morning sun.  It spoke of passion, of spats, and of making up.  It promised the older man an entire lifetime of friendship, love, romance and partnership.  Dick poured out his heart in that one kiss. 

Bruce understood when the two men reluctantly broke the contact the older man pulled his new lover into his arms, where he held him tightly to his chest. 

In that position they slept.

Later the room to the master suite opened silently.  A silver-haired man silently strode through the room and looked down at the two men.  He simply smiled and then pulled a light cover over the two sleeping forms.

His remembered the boy who had lost his parents.  Whom he had taken care of as his own.  He remembered the pain that had driven the young man to turn to a secret life as The Batman.  Finally the healing could begin.

And his boy would be alright now.  Alfred was tired, so tired.  But now that he knew that his beloved son would be taken good care of he could at last rest.

The older man began to walk out of the room, a wave of fatigue rolled over him and he felt that he couldn't take another step.  He barely made it to the chair in the corner.  He'd just rest for a little while and then be gone before the boys woke up.

As conspicuousness waned he heard two voices.  Voices from his past but two that he would never forget.

"Alfred old boy, come on.  It's time."

"Oh dear Alfred, come and rest from your labors."

Tears of joy streamed down the wrinkled cheeks as he saw them come into view.  It was Mr. And Mrs. Wayne!  He felt himself embraced and then he was being lifted between the two.  As he looked up in astonishment into Paradise.

"Welcome home old boy.  I thank you for taking care of Bruce."

"There is a place prepared for you, Alfred.  Let us take you there so you can rest and be refreshed."

~BM~

Bruce awoke to see Dick kneeling in front of the leather wingback.  His head cradled in Alfred's lap.

Bruce stood and quickly wrapped his body in the robe that was kept close to the bed and walked over to the two men.

"Dick."

The young man looked up and the tears were fully visible in his eyes.

"Bruce, he's gone."

The man knelt in along side the chair and placed a hand on the parchment like cheek.  It was cool to the touch.  He saw that the chest was still.

"Sleep well, Papa."  He whispered as his own tears began to roll freely down his cheeks.

Dick pulled him into his strong arms.  And together the two men cried, they mourned for the man who had been like a father to them both.  Finally, they stood together and Dick walked Bruce back to the bed.

"You sit down, I'll call medic.  They'll have to come out and then they'll contact the Coroner."

Bruce nodded, he felt numb.

When the necessary calls had been made they quickly dressed and Dick went downstairs to wait.  Bruce stayed with Alfred.

He again knelt by the chair and stroked the silver hair.

"I wanted to keep everyone I loved safe, Alfred.  So I wouldn't lose anyone else.  But time is one villain I can't defeat."

A lone man with a black bag knocked briefly on the door and then entered the room.

"Mr. Wayne.  I'm Dr. Hall.  I'm the Coroner.  Mr. Grayson explained everything to Medic.  In cases such as this there's nothing that they can do so I came out directly."

"Thank you, Dr. Hall."

The man checked over Alfred and noted the date and time on the forms that he produced. 

"I'll just need you to sign here and Mr. Grayson too as the persons who found him."

Bruce quickly signed his name to the forms.  He then returned it to the man.

"You can have the Funeral Home come for him now.  Mr. Wayne, I know that he took care of you when you're parents died.  I just wanted to say that I'm sorry."

"Thank you."  Bruce turned away, squeezing his eyes shut to hold back more tears.

The man understood the movement and silently took his leave.

Bruce walked over to the phone and lifted the receiver.  He dialed a number and waited for an answer.

"Paradise Acres may I help you?"

"This is Bruce Wayne.  Is this Charles Casteel?"

"Yes Mr. Wayne."

"Charles, I need to make arrangements for my Butler, Alfred Meriwether.  He's passed here at the Manor.  The Coroner just left."

"I'll be right there Mr. Wayne.  I'll see to Mr. Meriwether personally."

"Please bring your catalogs with you; I am really not up to a trip to your offices to make the arrangements."

"Yes sir.  I'll be there in about twenty minutes." 

Bruce broke the connection.  He heard a footfall behind him.  He turned to see Dick standing beside him.  The young man pulled him into a welcome embrace.

"I've contacted the League.  Everyone knows.  They will be at the funeral, in civilian attire.  How are you doing?  Should I call Dr. Whitesides?  He could prescribe..."

"No thank you, Dick.  I don't like to resort to drugs.  I'll be ok; you'll still here with me."

"We're here for each other, my love."

He kissed Bruce gently, lovingly.

"We'll get through this together."

"Yes we will."

The two men turned at the voice that issued from across the large room.

"I promised Uncle Alfred that I'd take care of both of you when his time came."

"Barbara."  Dick said and motioned for here to join them. 

The young woman strode across the room, paused to kneel and kiss her Uncle's cheek and then was enfolded in two strong arms as her own tears began to fall.

The three of them finally sat down on the bed and Barbara told them about the promise that she'd made.

"I know that you cannot take in someone else to run the house.  Uncle Al was a part of the team.  I offer my services in his stead.  I can run Wayne Manor."

"Barbara, you're not a domestic."

"Neither was Uncle Alfred, he was family.  Not just mine but yours as well.  I promised him and I keep my promises."

"Very well, we'll discuss your financial package later."

"Very good sir."  She answered.  "If you'll excuse me I'll need to get dressed in more appropriate attire."

She turned and left the room.

About twenty minutes later the door bell rang.

Dick started to go down and answer it but was stopped by a quick message over the intercom.

"Master Bruce, Master Richard, Mr. Casteel is here, shall I show him up?"

"Yes, thank you Barbara."

Minutes later three men stepped inside the room, two of the men stopped at the chair. They lifted the remains of Alfred and placed it gently on the gurney that they had brought.  They secured the body and silently took their leave.

"Barbara, if you'll join us.  I want you to be satisfied with the arrangements."

Barbara seated herself in the chair that he uncle had passed away in and was joined by the three men.

Bruce picked out the most beautiful of all the necessary items, casket, vault, and the casket spray.

"I want the grave beside my father and mothers opened for Alfred.  It's fitting that he should be laid to rest with them."

"I agree." Barbara said quietly.  "He was a big part of the Wayne family."

"As are you."  Dick said and held her hand tightly.

When all the arrangements were made and the funeral director had left, Bruce turned to Barbara.

"You, go get out of that black dress.   You've just lost your Uncle.  No one is working for at least a week here.  I'll contact Xavier and have him include Gotham in the X-men's patrols for a week.  The house is in order, there's nothing that can't be left for a while.  You go and get some rest.  Things will be hectic for the next few days."

"Someone should be available in case of guests."

"I've stipulated to the League, and in the obituary that we will be receiving friends and family at the funeral home.  I also asked that everyone respect our need for privacy.  There will be no guests."

 "Very good sir."

"Barbara, don't be formal.  Please.  I never could get Al-” Bruce’s voice broke. "Get Alfred to stop with the Master Bruce.  Please just speak to us as you always have.  Nothing has changed."

"Thank you Bruce,” Barbara smiled a soft sad smile and walked out.

"Dick, can you give me a few minutes?"

Dick Grayson knew better than anyone else how private a person his lover was.  He grasped Bruce's hand.

"I'll be in my room when you're ready."

"Thank you."

Dick left the room and quietly closed the door behind him. 

Bruce sat down on the floor, his back against the chair that Alfred had died in.  His tears felt hot on his cheeks.  He pulled his knees into his chest and hugged them to him tightly to muffle the sobs.

FInally, slowly the edge of his grief began to ebb.  It seemed like he'd been crying for hours. 

He'd miss Alfred, just as much as he still missed his parents.  They were all gone, yet a part of each remained in him. 

The thought of the gift of love that he was so lucky to have be given by Richard.  Of the friendship that he shared with Barbara.

It was not going to be easy, but he was not alone.  He was loved, and he loved in return.  That would make life worth living.  And he still had his city, he was still Batman.

Bruce stood up and walked to the bathroom, he washed his face and then walked out of the bedroom towards his lover and towards rest of their lives.