That morning, the acrobat woke up with a giddy feeling. They hadn't been able to celebrate his birthday last year but this year they had the time and he couldn't wait to see what they'd come up with. He was hoping for some decorations and maybe some presents but most of all he was looking forward to them all being in the same house together. Since they had a mission tonight, everyone was staying over to make it easier to work. Shorter commute, less likely to get kidnapped halfway there etc. There were plenty of reasons and Dick thought that one was his birthday. Everybody knew that he liked everybody close to him, especially around events. Family was important to him. He got dressed and composed himself since he didn't want to be too excited about what was planned then looked at his phone expecting to see a few happy birthday messages. The only notification was from his banking app which reminded him of his balance. He frowned to himself and unlocked his phone, tapping on various messaging apps in hopes that he just hadn't received a notification for some reason. There was nothing there. His eyes flickered to the date to make sure today was definitely his birthday and his heart sank when it was confirmed. He shook his head. Maybe they were just busy or were waiting until later on to send him a text. After taking a deep breath to assure himself that it would all be okay, he made his way downstairs where he got a second load of disappointment. There were no decorations for him. Nothing at all. Not even a banner or a rogue balloon. Perhaps Alfred would put them up later or he was waiting for other people to wake up to help him? Maybe he should offer. No, today was his birthday. The decorations would be up later or maybe this was all eco friendly. Decorations were a lot of waste. Yeah, they were just reducing their carbon footprint, that was it. 

His hopes for a good birthday were dashed once more when he sat there at breakfast and not one person said happy birthday. Were they playing a prank on him? Dick hoped they were but why would Bruce be in on it too? He wasn't the type for pranks. "Ugh, Grayson you're not a child. Stop playing with your food it's disgusting," Damian complained. He guessed he'd been pushing his food around more than actually eating it. Hunger wasn't really on his mind right now. Instead, he was being eaten away by anxiety. Did they not remember? He thought they'd remember. He'd been a good brother to all of them and remembered their birthdays. He was a good son too despite all the arguments that had happened over the years. Yet, if those things were true then why weren't they wishing him a happy birthday? He winced at the implication of being a bad brother AND a bad son. His mind raced to find every slight there had been since his last birthdays when he came across a worrying pattern. They'd forgotten before. Not year after year but occasionally. Bruce forgot his eleventh so he spent the day waiting for a surprise party that never came. Then his seventeenth was forgotten because the titans were so busy that year. His twentieth wasn't acknowledged in the slightest by anyone until the day after. Hope had always remained for a good birthday but it appeared he was wrong to be so hopeful because it had once again happened and this time there was nothing big going on. There were more people too. Someone was supposed to remember and remind the others. There were supposed to be alarms, calendars, and big signs saying hey it's your favourite acrobat's birthday! It's not like he wanted presents either. Birthdays were a day of acknowledgement and appreciation. A day when the attention was on him and he was shown that he was accepted by his family and friends. Did things change without his knowledge? He didn't do anything wrong in the lead-up. "You alright?" Steph called from across the table. His eyes flitted up and he gave her a smile.

"Yeah, just didn't sleep all that well. I might get a nap after breakfast," he told her. 

"Aww widdle Dickie still need a nap time?" Jason taunted. 

"I'm not taking flack from the guy who reads Shakespeare for fun," he retorted.

"Dickhead."

"Nerd."

"Boys," Bruce warned. "You can go have your nap but you need to be down for training at eleven." Dick couldn't help but let a small piece of hope infect him. Maybe they wouldn't be training and he'd have a surprise for him. 

There was no surprise. It was just a normal training session. A training session he barely got through because he was slowly coming to terms with the fact not one of his family remembered. He kept checking his phone when he had the time but there weren't any new notifications. Nothing. "You waiting for a notification from tindr?" Jason teased. He guessed checking his phone so obsessively was giving them an impression he was expecting something. Unfortunately, it wasn't a flag big enough for them to know what he was expecting. 

"Just because I'm single, doesn't mean I'm ready to mingle. I've got work to do anyway."

"Oh, so you're waiting for one of your gingers to text you confessing their love for you?" He nudged his younger brother with a scoff. 

"It's not my fault I'm a sex magnet." That earned an eye roll. "I'm just waiting for someone to text me. You're not the only people I hang out with."

"What for?" Tim asked, eavesdropping on the conversation. Dick thought for a moment. Should he say it was for a birthday text? A part of him said yes, he should say that and then he could reap the benefits of his family's guilt. Another part of him said no because it wasn't his job to remind people it was his birthday. They should know it. They should go through the entire day not knowing and then realize when it's too late to do anything. Besides the satisfaction of them being incredibly guilty, if he told them beforehand the mission could be put on the line. 

"Adult stuff Timbo. Maybe when you hit average height I'll tell you about it."

"I know I didn't get called short by you, Mr Platforms." His retort seemed to dissuade them from asking any more questions. Maybe they'd remember later? 

They wouldn't. Dick felt himself get more and more worked up about it. He said he needed to check he'd brought something which got no real reaction other than a nod. That was the usual reaction which was why he was surprised to find himself getting upset. He managed to get himself upstairs and recollect himself before he cried. His mind chastised him for getting so upset over a forgotten birthday but he supposed that's not really what he was upset about. This wasn't about his birthday being forgotten, this was him getting forgotten. That's what really bothered him. He did so much for this family and yet when it came to the one day where it was specifically about him, no one could remember. Dick dedicated his life to saving other people and being there for other people, yet when people were meant to be there for him he didn't matter. Why wasn't he worth the hassle? He plopped himself down on his bed and flipped his phone over in his hand. Maybe he should call someone and let them know today was his birthday. Someone who wouldn't freak out too bad and would just give him some reassurance that he did indeed matter. Barbara came to mind. He unlocked his phone and swiftly scrolled to her contact, pressing on her name and holding his phone close to his ear. He just needed reassurance then he could get through the day. There were a few rings before she picked up. "Hey, Babs-"

"Ugh, can't your gossip wait? I'm really busy," she immediately snapped. Dick felt his chest tighten and couldn't get out any words. Even Barbara forgot. He hung up on her without another word and put his phone down on the bedside cabinet but not before checking it again for messages. One new message from Damian. Dinner was ready. He didn't want to go. That wouldn't be too rude, would it? It was his birthday and that meant he was supposed to get what he wanted within reason. He thought about what he wanted. He didn't want to stay here anymore. Even though it'd be nice to be around family, he couldn't stand that no one remembered. That he was so unimportant to them that they didn't notice how upset they were making him. So family was out. Friends were out too considering none of them had spoken to him today besides Barbara and that went down like a lead balloon. He wanted to be alone, he concluded. If he said he was going home then everyone would know he was bailing on this mission and they'd get annoyed. Not like that would make much difference to his room. Dick picked up his phone and stared at the lock screen as he thought about a good excuse. He sent a text back.

Gonna skip it - i left something in bludhaven so need to drive back asap

Pennyworth will have your head.

Dick didn't reply. He pocketed his phone and grabbed his duffle bag of clothes before setting out hoping to get straight to the door with no issues. Of course, issues emerged. 

On his way to the door, he passed the dining room where Alfred called for him. He grimaced but walked back and leaned against the doorway with a questioning hum, trying to play it casual whilst in front of the group. He hadn't spoken much to the butler today, he suspected that he'd forgotten with the rest of those who knew him. That and there was a mission so there were plenty of things to keep the elder busy. "You can't be leaving sir," Alfred reprimanded with a hint of disappointment.

"I've left something at the flat," he answered. He made sure his tone wasn't sharp with the older. "I did tell Dami, I thought he'd tell you. Guess he forgot." Forgot came out a little bitter but that's how he felt and he'd apologize later if the offence was taken. It did get him some looks from the more emotionally aware members of the family.

"But I made your favourite Master Dick. You're over a quarter of a century old now, I'm sure you're not irresponsible enough to miss out on your own birthday meal," Alfred continued with a smile. A series of confused looks were shot at the butler and Dick wanted to shrivel up and die right there. They truly didn't know it was his birthday and he couldn't even enjoy the fact that Alfred had remembered. The beloved Wayne family butler. He always remembered. Why couldn't they all be like that? Out of everyone, Alfred had the best reason for forgetting given his age and how many people he had to look after. 

"What do you mean by birthday meal?" Damian asked.

"Today is his birthday, Master Damian." Anyone who was eating promptly dropped their utensils. Those who weren't stopped their attempt to reach for theirs. They all stared at Dick, hoping for this to be a prank but his bitter smile proved it to be the truth. 

"Oh my God, I didn't think-"

"Nah, you didn't. It's fine though," he interrupted before Bruce could spurt out an excuse. There was no excuse to forget. They had alarms, they had calendars, they'd all seen the date today he knew they had. They just forgot. His tone betrayed him though as he sounded anything other than fine. "Sorry to waste food Alfie but I gotta go. Thanks for remembering."

"Master Dick, I suggest you stay. I'm sure they can all make it up to you," Alfred offered, glaring at the group who were due a long lecture. 

"It doesn't matter," the younger argued. It did matter. They forgot him.

"It's only a birthday Dick. Sure we messed up but there's no need to go off and have a tantrum," Jason commented. Had it been any other day, he would've seen what his younger brother meant to say. He would've known that it was meant to be a plea to stay and work it out. But today was his birthday that all of them forgot and he was already worked up that the words tumbled out before he could snap his mouth shut. 

"I never forgot anyone's birthday. Not even yours. Not even when you were dead. I went to that fucking grave every single year with a birthday card, flowers and a present. Not one year did I forget." That silenced any attempt to get him to stay. "Thanks again, Alfred. If it's safe, you can give mine to Damian's cat or dog, hell even his cow. He remembered their fucking birthdays." With that, Dick left and slammed the door behind him as hard as he could before running to his car. Rain hammered against him and his car but that wasn't why he was running. He needed to get out of the driveway and out of Gotham before he broke down. The last thing he wanted was for anyone to take his moment of weakness to get themselves forgiven. Dick hated how desperate for comfort he could be and everyone knew that. He wouldn't let them take advantage of him. He got in the car, slammed the door closed and started it. Soon enough he was on the road to Bludhaven. 

Eating leftover Chinese food on the verge of tears in a lonely apartment was not the birthday Dick expected. He expected a lovely meal and a day spent with family with texts of love coming through and then ending it all with a successful mission. Being forgotten threw all of that out the window. Hauled up in bed with something he wasn't paying attention to playing on the TV seemed to be his plans for the night. Patrol sounded too much, the mission sounded like too much and so did everything other than laying in bed. His phone had been blowing up but not with messages of love. It was all just his family asking him to come home now that they remembered. He'd put his phone on silent and left it in the kitchen far away. He knew if he saw a particularly nice message he'd let this whole thing blow over but that wasn't fair on him. Forgiving them for being forgotten because they gave him a tiny spec of validation was probably the reason they forgot in the first place. He let them get away with things like this. Well, not today. He stared blankly at the TV, chewing on the skin of his fingers once he'd gone through his nails and he did his best to avoid the negative thoughts. Being forgotten and a fear of being alone really didn't mix. Next, he just needed for them to forget to invite him to a major event then he'd be hitting a home run in trauma baseball. As he sat there, he heard a tap on the window. He glanced over to find Robin sitting on his fire escape. "Are you all out there?" Dick asked sharply. Robin shook his head right as he heard the front door unlock. Damn that spare key he gave to Bruce. "It's not locked." As though that would stop Robin from opening the window. He climbed inside with Red Hood behind him. The bedroom door opened to reveal Batman, Red Robin and Orphan. Spoiler and Signal were at his other window and soon climbed their way in. Dick sighed dramatically and folded his arms across his chest. "I'm trying to spend my birthday moping if you can't tell which is exceptionally hard to do when you're all standing in my bedroom," Dick complained. "Shouldn't you be on a mission?" He studied their body language. Awkward. Tense. Good. They should feel that way when confronting the person they hurt. They didn't get to find comfort and ease in his apartment anymore. 

"We kinda need you on this one," Steph stated, fiddling with her fingers as she spoke. 

"Why?"

"You're wiggly." He huffed and wished he'd brought his phone to his room so he wasn't just awkwardly staring at the TV. Wiggly? That was the only reason they were standing in his bedroom right now. 

"You're smart people. You can find someone else wiggly. Plasticman comes to mind."

"I'm not working with Plasticman," Jason whined. He had to agree with him on that one. Nobody wanted to work with that guy. He gave Mr Tickle vibes. Those were the worst vibes. All the acrobat could muster in sympathy was a grunt of acknowledgement. "Alfred saved you a plate."

"Already ate."

"Leftover Chinese? You really need to learn to cook," Tim commented. 

"Oh cool, forgetting my birthday and now criticising me. Thanks."

It was silent for the next few moments before Dick groaned at the awkwardness of it all. He grabbed the empty Chinese container and pushed past his mentor to get to the living room. He chucked the container in the bin and filled a glass with water. Something needed to keep his hands busy and he couldn't see his phone right away. "Dick," Bruce began having followed him into the room. "We're sorry for forgetting your birthday. We'll make it up to you after the mission. Well, a week from now. It's the only time we're free." The acrobat scoffed at the other and glared at the water in his hand. Why couldn't they get that this was more than forgetting a day?

"You didn't just forget my birthday though. You forgot me. I get I'm not your only kid now and I know I'm not the best Robin. Hell, I'm not even a Wayne," he rambled. He watched their faces fall at how he described himself but they hadn't exactly done anything to avoid him thinking it. They knew he'd think so little of himself and yet here they were forgetting about him.

"Dick-"

"It's not fair that you treat me like your son and your brother when you need me to be that. When you need me for something. In some way, I'm sorry that I gave you the impression you could tempt me with family and then take it away once you're done with me." He poured away his water since he didn't feel like drinking it any time in the near future. "Not one person remembered today other than Alfred. No one remembered me." He watched the water drain into the sink. "I was fucking worth something when I was nine. No one would've forgotten me then. Now I've been proven replaceable so there it went. Down the drain."

"You're not replaceable," Damian protested.

"You say, standing in the Robin suit."

"He's got you there."

"Shut it, Todd." Dick rolled his eyes and took a deep breath before turning back to them. 

"Great job at trying to cleanse your conscious but let me make this clear. I'm done. I'm not expecting anything from you anymore. In fact, I'm actively hoping you don't do anything I hoped of you. No more coming round because Bruce is a twat, no more helping on my terf and no more using me to look after your fucking kids."

"You can't just quit us," Cass argued. 

"Nope but I can distance myself. I've lost my family and friends too many times for me to play this bullshit anymore. Now get out of my flat and go on your family mission. I'm spending my birthday here," he said seriously. They didn't believe him at first but when he began to ignore their presence, they realised he was serious. 

"You're joking," Duke stated. "You're literally all about family."

"Yeah, I am. Sucks that my family and my friends on top of that don't give a single shit about me until it benefits them. I'm sorry you're dragged into this, I really am, but I need all of you to get out. You can send the message to my so-called friends too." There's a prolonged silence but he just shrugged it off. He walked back to his bedroom and slammed the door, locking it behind him. Eventually, the family took the hint and left. He heard the front door close and lock. Dick got into bed and under the covers, curling up as he hugged his pillow and let the despair wash over him. Worst birthday ever.