At first, Dick thought he was seeing a ghost. A figment of his imagination, a hallucination he had one too many times.

But when he could wrap his arms around you and feel the warmth of your skin against his... it was all real!

"This can't be possible! How the hell did you- When did you-?" Dick could hardly speak at all as he just held you in his arms, hugging you so tightly! He feared that if he let you go- you'll disappear!

Dick wasn't there when you first died. He was in outer space, dealing with another threat outside Earth's boundaries when he received news of what Joker did to you. Thousands of light years away, it was almost possible for everyone around him to hear the gut-wrenching cry when he learned you had died. And he wasn't there to protect you.

But when he pulled back, holding you at arm's length to get a good look at you, Dick paused. Even though his blurred visions as tears streamed down his face, he can see as clear as day that you changed.

Whatever happened to you before Bruce had brought you back to the Wayne Manor, you've changed. No longer did he see the happy and mischievous glint in your eyes. It was like life had been drained from them and for a time, it did.

No longer did he see the wonder-struck child who was eager to call shotgun on the Batmobile or laugh when gliding through the air from the grappling hook. Or the laughter that echoed in the manor or the teasing between the two adopted siblings

Now there was just bitter anger and resentment even when you pushed his hands off of his shoulders. You have also grown so much since, now almost half of his height, mature yet withdrawn.

You scowled as if such touch was poisonous as you leaned away from Dick. His hands were still outstretched, almost wanting to reach out again. But he knew better than to push you after so long.

"I'm just... so glad you're here." Dick managed to say, offering a hesitant smile. "Are you... truly back to stay?"