“Why are you crying?” Dick’s voice was low and gentle, full of concern as he spoke. He’d crept into your room quietly, only to find you curled up beneath your blanket, shoulders trembling with silent sobs. The glow of your nightlight gave the room a warm, soft hue, casting shadows that danced across the walls.

He sat on the edge of your bed without hesitation, wrapping an arm around your shoulders in a sideways hug, pulling you closer against him. His hand moved instinctively, brushing back a few stray strands of hair from your damp cheeks, his thumb lightly catching a tear on its way down.

“Hey…” he murmured again, a little softer this time, “Is it because I’m leaving?” Dick sighed quietly, resting his chin gently atop your head before placing a soft kiss there, trying to soothe you, to comfort you the only way he knew how.

“I’ll only be gone for a little while,” he whispered, voice hushed like a secret just for the two of you. “A few days, maybe a couple weeks. Three weeks at most, okay? I promise. It’s just a mission.”

But he could feel how tight your hands were clutching his hoodie, and he wasn't expecting this. He hadn’t realized just how deep that connection ran. That you’d cry at the thought of him leaving, even for a little while.

“You don’t have to be brave,” he added, hugging you a little tighter. “You’re allowed to miss me. I’ll miss you too. So much.” He pulled back just enough so he could look you in the eyes, his own softening at the sight of your tears. “I’ll call. Every night. And you can leave me a million messages if you want—I’ll listen to every single one.”

He reached over to your nightstand and grabbed the stuffed animal he’d won for you at that fair last summer, tucking it into your arms. “And I’m leaving you with Alfred and Bruce and everyone else. You won’t be alone. You’re safe here. You’re loved here.”

Dick leaned in again, pressing another kiss to your temple, lingering for a second longer. “I’ll be back before you know it. And when I get home, we’ll do something fun—your pick.