Disclaimer: Batman does not belong to me. I make no profit from this. Batman created by Bob Kane.
Author's Note: This is what happens when you watch gymnastics on Youtube and start to think about a certain acrobat.
"Representing the United States of America, Richard Grayson..."
The gymnast decides that he likes the sound of his name. He wasn't sure if he should have told the announcer to use his nickname, or his full name. Don't worry about it, Bruce had said. Just stay focused on your routine. Stick the landing. Keep those knees straight, dammit.
Bruce. Ever the crank.
Dick is in the Horizontal Bar Finals, and he is going first.
Don't get high off of the knowledge that you're in first place. You can be knocked out easily. Stay focused.
On the contrary, Bruce, Dick thought, I'm a little disappointed that I'm in first. Everybody else gets to wear their fancy jackets, and I don't.
Barbara told him that it was a good thing. That it meant he got to show off what a fine specimen he was, what with those arms of his, that the rest of the world could have as high an opinion of his body as he does.
Barbara was joking, of course, but it isn't strange for her. She competes in Judo and likes to kick his butt a lot, intellectually, verbally, and physically.
Dick powders his hands and steps up. He is nervous.
And he is ready.