1: Introduction

Gotham Academy. Generations of Waynes had gone here, the most prestigious (and expensive) boarding school in the city. These polished, old walls had seen their fair share of madness. But that was a story for another day, or that was what Bruce Wayne told himself as he walked to the Headmaster's office. He couldn't say that he was nostalgic about being here. After all, he'd gotten himself kicked out at the ripe old age of ten. By this rate it looked like Dick would be going in the same direction.

The paintings of former headmasters and mistresses seemed to glare at him as he walked by. The weather wasn't helping the mood much either. The clouds were as dark as soot stains in a fireplace. Bruce sighed and rubbed his tired eyes. He knew the boy was trying his best to fit in and ignore the bullies. It had only been a month since his parents died and Bruce remembered very clearly how he had felt in that position.

That didn't change the fact that he hadn't gotten a wink of sleep for 48 hours.

He finally reached a elegantly carved wooden door. Bruce took a deep breath and smoothed his hair back in an effort to make himself more presentable. He grabbed the handle and opened the door. The oiled hinges didn't make a sound yet the headmaster looked at him immediately. Noting the headmaster's ceased lecture, two pairs of young eyes stared back at the billionaire. Bruce held back a sigh of relief when he saw the lack of bruises and scrapes on Dick. Just because he was disappointed in the boy didn't mean he wanted to see him hurt.

The redhead on the other hand...

"My. Wayne." The aged headmaster said, nodding his head. "I wish that didn't have to meet this way so often."

"Likewise." Bruce answered in a blunt tone. Usually he kept his facade on more securely, but lack of sleep always made for little patience. "What happened this time?"

Headmaster Hammer gave a look that rivaled a batglare to Dick. "Perhaps Mr. Grayson would like to explain the events leading to this unfortunate meeting. Or maybe..." Hammer turned his fury to the redhead. "His little friend will take the liberty of doing so, hmm?" The little boy with the black eye straightened his back, an air of defiance rising from the stubborn jut of his chin.

"Yeah, maybe I will." The redhead said, his pale cheeks and freckles flushing red. The defiance Bruce saw a second before was tempered with shyness, but it was still there.

Dick leaned closer to his friend and hissed. "Look, you don't hafta-"

"There were some older students pushing him around, and they've been doing it for a while so I went over and asked them to stop, and well..."

"Things escalated quickly." Dick said quietly.

Hammer gave another sharp look to Bruce's foster son "Mr. Grayson I can't say that I'm surprised, but as for you," Once again his gaze fell upon the other boy. Bruce's mouth twitched when he saw the boy's face flush to the shade of a rather vibrant apple. "Your grades are phenomenal, they are why you are here. I never thought you as the kind who would risk all of that for a fistfight."

"He needed help and I-"

"Enough." Hammer snapped. "Detentions for both of you for a month, and if I ever catch you in a fight again Mr. Grayson, it'll be more then that."

"Yes sir." Warren and Dick mumbled. They grabbed their backpacks, and shuffled after Bruce. The door softly closed behind them as the odd trio walked down the hall. After leveling a "we-will-talk-about-this-later" look to Dick, Bruce looked at the redhead more closely. He was the same age as Dick, with oak brown eyes. Freckles peppered his cheeks and the bridge of his nose, making him look younger then his probable age. Other then his black eye,the redhead didn't seem to be hurt, a few scraps here and there, but not bad for a kid who tried to fight a couple eighth graders.

"Do you need a ride home?" Bruce said. The boy shook his head.

"I-I um, I ride the bus home or walk." The boy answered. "But, uh, thanks Mr. Wayne." Bruce nodded. The boy turned to leave, ready to leave the day's events behind.

"Wait." A sudden question hit the man's mind. The redhead turned around, his head tilted. "What's your name?"

"Oh, uh." Bruce smiled at the small hand running through ginger hair. "Warren Mcginnis sir." With that the boy-Mcginnis smiled

After a quick goodbye, Dick shuffled into the car and closed the door. Bruce however took a second to look at the little boy walking down the street. He considered running after him, telling him Thank you for helping my son, thank you for being his friend, for not letting him be alone.

Maybe I'll see him again. Bruce thought as he got in his car. Who knows what can happen?

I know it was short but I hope you liked it! A review would be appreciated. :)

Next up: Complicated