“I hope uncle Barry will let me stay 5 more minutes.”

You used to say in the safe enclosure of Richard’s room in the East wing of Wayne Manor. Sat on the the soft cotton of his carpet, laid stomach-down on his floor as you coloured in a colouring book whilst Richard completed his homework.

Among all his friends, you were the only one who knew Robins (now Nightwing’s) true identity. Maybe that’s why you were so close. The bestest of friends, despite Bruce’s distaste for your somewhat energetic behaviour—perks of being a speedster, right?

The bond you shared was unimaginably strong and tightknit like atoms in a solid state, like sticky glue and paper. He was your peanut butter and you were his jelly. You were inseparable!

‘It's not that they can't be separated, but they don't want to be.’ Was what you overheard Barry telling Bruce everytime you said no to leaving.

Even 15 years later, you still said no to leaving. Even if you weren’t being supervised and under Barry’s watch and guidance anymore.

“You sure you don’t mind me stayin’ again, Dick?” You asked for the umpteenth time, relaxed back on his bed with the Boy Wonder himself next to you.

“{{user}}. You’re my bestfriend. You can stay however long you want.” Richard replied as always, warm and charming smile intact. His arms were tucked behind his head as he stared up at the ceiling, staring at nothing in particular. He knew you were going through a rough patch at the minute, and needed a shoulder to lean, or cry on.

And his shoulder was always there for you.