Dick Grayson was always fascinated by the city. When the circus cycled through to the major metropolitan centers Dick would make it a point to absorb as much as he could from the surroundings. Just walking around gave him a sense of wonder. The fact that so many people were in one place, just going about their business, creating an almost complex organism in its organization. So when the Haley Circus was invited to set up at Gotham City, Dick was very perplexed when he found that he didn't get the same vibe from this town. It felt... wrong. Everywhere he went it felt as if there was a blanket of misery. It reminded him of "The Shadow over Innsmouth" only without the Cthulhu fish-people. Okay, so maybe Gotham was nothing like that, but it definitely didn't feel right. He was by no means ignorant to the city's reputation. Gotham was almost synonymous with crime and corruption.
Of course, in recent years, that had changed a little. It was now probably best known as the base of operations for the infamous Batman. Dick never really had a staunch opinion on Batman. He was just as intrigued by him as the average person of course, but never found the time to really think about it. He was too busy practicing his trapeze routine with his parents. "The Flying Graysons" were the the star attraction in the circus. It was all he had ever known. Dick remembered that his father seemed melancholy when the young Grayson expressed interest in becoming a part of the act. He suspected that his father felt guilty for not being able to give his son a chance at a better life, or something to that effect. Dick was definitely above average intelligence, absorbing knowledge from books like a sponge. But Richard John Grayson knew that the circus was where he belonged. He couldn't imagine a better life than performing for crowds with his parents by his side. He had also picked up several intriguing skills over the years in the circus. In addition to juggling and throwing knives, he had had a cursory education in several different types of fighting by martial artists that would occasionally join the circus for a spell. He was particularly good at using a bo staff. Rarely bored would probably be a good way to describe Dick Grayson.
He was currently moseying about Morrison Park as the tents were set up, taking in the looming structures that surrounded him. He figured he should get used to it, they were going to be here for two months after all. Apparently, it was Gotham's 150th anniversary, and Haney's Circus had been "invited" by Bruce Wayne, who was funding the whole event. Why Wayne decided to invite such a small and unknown circus, Dick didn't know. Probably just picked randomly from a list,Dick thought. So he was very surprised when Bruce Wayne himself showed up later that day.
"Mr. Wayne, it's a pleasure to meet you," Mr. Haney greeted the billionaire, a genuine smile on his face. Wayne responded in kind, although with a less genuine smile, Dick noticed. A convincing one, to be sure, but he could always tell when people weren't completely genuine. As Dick stood with his parents, about to greet Bruce Wayne, the sense that the playboy was putting up a front, hiding something, intensified.
"Ah, the Flying Graysons themselves, I look forward to seeing your show."
"I assure you it won't disappoint, Mr. Wayne," Dick's father said as he shook his hand. His mother, Mary Grayson, gave her son a reassuring pat on the back and gently led him toward Bruce Wayne. Mary was not a social person at all, and would always shy away from meetings.
"Uh, Dick Grayson, sir." Bruce Wayne had a firm handshake, Dick noticed.
"Good to know you. How old are you exactly?"
"I just turned 17, sir," Dick replied.
"Impressive. And please, stop calling me 'sir'. I assure you I'm not worthy of the title." At some point during Mr. Wayne's deposition, the elder Grayson's and Mr. Haley had disappeared, leaving Dick alone with the head of Wayne Enterprises. Then Wayne suggested that they take a walk around the grounds. Too intimidated to say no, Dick followed.
"So, you've been doing this your whole life?
"Yes, si-. Yes, I have. Started learning acrobatics when I was 4-years-old. I was 10 when I said I wanted to be a part of the act."
"Oh? I don't usually meet people who willingly do what their parents did." Dick shrugged in response.
"Just felt like I should do it. It always came naturally to me. Everyone's always telling me that I have 'perfect genes'. Mr Haley once told me, 'You were born an athlete and you got smarts to boot.'" Bruce chuckled at that, but again, it seemed forced.
"'Smarts to boot'?" Again, Dick shrugged.
"I guess I read a little more than you might expect a kid who was born in the circus to." They walked for a long time after that, Dick acting as a pseudo-tour guide for the different attractions. Dick was pleasantly surprised that they got along fairly well as they went along, talking about Dick's life in the circus, before moving on to the city and Bruce instructing on what it had to offer. Throughout the "tour", Dick also noticed that while he was certainly good at keeping conversation, everything Bruce said seemed... forced. As if he was uncomfortable with how he was talking. Eventually, Dick decided to ask him just why he had invited the Haley Bros. Circus. Wayne pursed his lips as he thought for a moment.
"To be perfectly honest it was kind of to spite everyone in my planning committee. They were recommending all these huge and fancy circuses. I wanted something old fashioned. I decided your circus fit that criteria." Surprised by the response, Dick didn't say anything. Which was just as well, because the trick horse rider Tom came up and tapped him on the shoulder, unintimidated by the fact that he was talking with Bruce Wayne.
"Hey, Robin, come on back, you're parents are lookin' for ya'"
"Alright, tell them I'll be there in a minute." After Tom walked away, Bruce shot an inquisitive look towards Dick.
"'Robin'?"
"My mom's nickname is 'Dove' and my dad's nickname is 'Hawk'. When I was born, everyone started calling me 'Robin'. My parents loved it," Dick grimaced. "I don't much care for it myself." Bruce smirked.
"Well, it's nice to know you're loved at least." Dick rolled his eyes that. Wayne checked his watch.
"I have a shareholder's meeting to sleep through anyway." Bruce shook Dick's hand again. "I look forward to seeing you next week, good luck." Dick nodded.
"Nice talking with you, Mr. Wayne." They went their separate ways, for what they both assumed would be the last time.
In the Mr. Haley's office, a man named Tony Zucco was having an interesting discussion with the aforementioned Haley. Zucco informed him how dangerous this city was and how wise it would be to "hire" his employers protection. An appalled Haney demanded he get out of his office and never come back. Tony was undeterred. He had heard the words many times before. They always wound up paying. Whether with money or with something else, they always paid.