Chapter One
ChangeDick noticed Conner a lot more than he used to. He looked at the Kryptonian as he trained. Canary had him do extra work, since he'd spent the last month on the Kent farm. Dick watched, fail after fail as Conner was repeatedly slammed against the floor with the training hall's computer announcing 'Superboy, fail' each time.
Dick was curious as to just how tempered and strong Conner was.
'Canary, mind if I spar with big blue for a bit?' Dick asked the agile blonde.
'Sure Robin, but please, try not to enrage him, or it's your funeral.' She grabbed her jacket and left the hall, adjusting her bandages, and slipping into the black leather jacket.
Superboy glared at the 13 year old. How could the human think he had a chance against Conner? He watched as the tween stripped down to the tight black under vest. Standing at the other side of the ring, he motioned with his hands a taunt for Robin to run at him. Instead, the boy maintained his current ground, if not backing up slightly.
'C'mon Robin, why don't you come fight me like a man?' the larger teen provoked.
Dick continued circling the older, more muscular teen, calculating his point of attack.
'You talk too much Supey. If you must know, I'm looking for the right spot to hit you, with a chance of getting away and not being killed.'
The grin from ear to ear was what unnerved Conner.
'Surprised you haven't lunged at me yet.'
The comment triggered a response, and the Kryptonian flung himself forward, fist aimed straight at Dick's gut. Somehow, the boy wonder managed to evade the fist, and did a handspring down the length of Superboy's arm. As he reached the end, he swung his foot, with a solid thud against the clone's skull, the impact disorientating them both, Conner more than Dick.
The low growl that escaped the super human's throat was a response Dick hadn't expected. Conner started tracking his movements with thermal vision, and attempted to predict the younger man's movements. As he went for the offensive again, he was caught off guard by Dick's change in movement, and it resulted in his loss of balance. What came next was what truly angered Conner. Dick pushed the older boy down with one finger.
'Superboy, fail'
Dick had been watching Conner for the last hour, and could tell that the Kryptonian was ignoring him. It wasn't important, it just gave Dick more of an excuse to stare at the handsome boy. If Conner were to take note of the watching, he'd assume it was because Dick was waiting for a response.
'What'd you do Rob? Supey seems pretty angry. Well, angrier than usual.' Came a quick outburst from Wally.
It was natural for the speedster to stay stupid things at times like this.
'Kicked his butt, and now he's sulking like a puppy.' The cheeky grin peeked out again.
'Shut up Robin! You don't have to make it sound like I'm completely incompetent!' the super human growled.
The quick glance up from the desk enforced Conner's command, and Dick quickly shut his mouth.
All three boys were sat in the kitchen, Wally and Dick at the counter, casually scoffing food M'gann had left out, Conner however, was sat in the corner skulking over a bowl of food, eating it angrily. How the spoon was still in tact Dick didn't know.
'Supey, I'm sure you're blowing this out of proportion. Maybe Rob caught you off guard?'
This time, the clone glared at Wally.
They didn't get it. It was humiliating. The younger teen had knocked him down, and Conner just couldn't accept that. How could someone 5 times lighter than him, and weaker beat him in simple hand to hand? He was never going to live this down. The others all looked at him, fear showing, but also attempts of trying to make him feel better. They didn't understand. Even the jibes occasionally made by Wally and his big mouth caused more hurt than being physically punched. Two hours passed before Conner lost it and stormed out of the cave.
'Superboy, B-04.' The Zeta-tube computer announced clearly, alerting the others of it powering up.
'Conner? Where are you going?' M'gann asked trying not to tread in a sensitive area.
'Home!' he roared.
The tube transported him from the cave in an instant.
He was back on the farm, sat in the corner of his room, glaring straight at his wall.
'Conner, I'm making dinner!' came the soft voice of his father's mother.
'Okay Mrs. Kent.' He called back, acknowledging the opportunity of food.
His voice came across pitchy, and he hoped that the woman didn't hear it. What was he supposed to do? Superman never had to deal with this kind of anger. Even so, he couldn't talk out the rage. He needed an outlet. That's when his fist struck his bedroom wall, causing it to crumble to the ground.
'Conner! What was that?'
'Nothing Mrs. Kent!'
Now what? There was no way he was hiding this from them. If she came upstairs now, she'd find the gaping hole viewing the rest of the farm. He decided it'd be best to run downstairs, and try and pretend nothing had happened. He got halfway down when she was blocking the way.
'Conner Kent; you tell me what that racket was, right now or I swear to God, your father will deal with you.'
Fear sparked as the words sunk in; Superman wasn't as friendly when he was angry, and when he wanted to punish Conner, he didn't make it easy.
'I… may… have accidentally smashed don my bedroom wall…' The Kryptonian admitted sheepishly.
'Well young man, I'm disappointed, but I'm sure you hadn't intended too.' The woman beamed at him.
Conner was confused. He'd become accustomed to being disciplined for damage. Batman didn't approve of the smashing, but his grandmother was fine with it.
A frown appeared on his face, unsure why the woman was still being so lenient on him.
'I'm sorry Mrs. Kent.'
Dick still felt guilty. His confidence had ended up driving Conner from the cave. Beating him in training, and then boasting wasn't something he'd normally do, but he felt like it was important to show some sort of dominance against the older teen. In his own eyes, he guesses it was a way of trying to get closer to Conner. IT wasn't his fault Conner hadn't enjoyed the company.
'Dick, you're such an idiot,' he whispered, as he slammed his fist into the wall.
Breaking it free from the indentation, he went back to perfecting his gymnastics. Bruce had set up the equipment not long after adopting the boy, and used it as additional training for him. He didn't want to have this equipment installed into the cave. He preferred it at home in Wayne manor.
'Master Dick,' came Alfred's voice. 'Master Bruce wishes to see you.'
Dick glanced at the elderly butler, finishing his flip. Confusion struck - Why did Bruce want to see him now? Had he done something wrong? - Although, if Batman wanted to see him, he wasn't in any position to protest his father's wishes.
He dropped from the balance beam, and began heading toward the Batcave. Curiosity again took charge, and his thoughts pondered to Conner, although this time, he couldn't help but think about his muscles and the way he moved during training. The guilt suddenly lurched in again, and he hated himself for it. He was going to apologise to Conner first thing tomorrow. Okay, so Bruce had taught him to battle larger and stronger opponents, but it felt wrong doing that to Conner
Upon entry of the Batcave, he was greeted by Bruce's infamous Bat glare. What had he done now?
School came and went. Dick hardly noticed. Barbara had attempted to talk to him, but he must have blanked her. Batman's words just echoed in his head. What did he mean, 'Superboy isn't a toy.' he knew he wasn't, but Bruce must be thinking something else? He approached the box used for Zeta transportation to the cave, where Artemis greeted him.
'Hey Robin. Heading over to the cave?' came her quick snarky voice.
'Yeah…' Dick kind of blanked her.
'Robin, B-01, Artemis, B-07.'
'First thing's first,' thought Dick. Apologise to Conner. The clone was training. Angrily trying to take advantage over Canary, but yet again, every attempt failing.
Canary spotted Dick almost immediately, and left the arena.
'I'll just leave you two alone for a minute.'
Conner glared at Dick. 'What do you want?' he snarled.
'I… uh, just wanted to… apologise for, you know, yesterday.' Dick panicked.
The clone relaxed slightly, still glaring, but not quite as tense.
'So, what? You think you can just say sorry, and I'll forgive you?' His eyes narrowed.
Dick couldn't bear looking into them. Quickly, he adjusted his gaze to his feet.
'I hadn't meant to try and beat you, it was just instinct from one Batman had been teaching me.'
The anger subsided. Dick dared to glance up, and look at the shirtless boy. He was approaching. Dick prepared himself to be picked up and slammed into the wall. Instead, he saw the outstretched hand reaching to grasp his own. They shook hands, and suddenly everything seemed fixed.
'I want a rematch.' Came a quick serious tone from Conner.
Dick looked puzzled, but rather than argue, he took his place in the arena.
It didn't take long, but the punch Conner landed against his shoulder caused Dick to drop. He guessed if that made Conner feel better, he might as well take the shot. But God, the pain caused his vision to flash white. He knew the clone was strong, but to cause this much pain. It was like a bullet, but pro-longed and not leaving a hole in his skin. As he landed against the ground, he felt the hand grab his arm, and haul him up.
'Sorry.' Conner gave a more positive straight face, since the boy wouldn't smile.
'It's fine, I'm sure it'll just be a bruise.'
They left the conversation at that. Sweat gleaming on both boys. Dick sat and adjusted his sunglasses, still determined to keep his blue eyes hidden from his teammates. Occasionally, the younger boy would take a quick glance at the super human's chest. There was no harm in it. It could be perceived as merely comparing.
The boy's made their way to the main living area, where all six of the sidekicks stood. Conner gazed around at each of them.
'Uh… Guys, I wanted to say, I – uh, joined the school's football team…' he looked awkward as he said it, but M'gann was at his shoulder trying to make it less so.
'That is good, is it not?' Kaldur asked.
Conner just looked up, surprised that they weren't throwing insults his way.
'We do not think that you are incapable of doing well. You are very abled for the sport. However, you must remember that your opponents will be human, so must show restraint with your strength.'
Conner just gazed at Kaldur. He didn't want the lecture, but he knew Kaldur was right.
'I, was… hoping you'd all come to my first game?' the Kyrptonian announced quickly.
'Sure thing big guy.' Came Wally's voice first.
'Wouldn't miss it,' Artemis teased.
'I'm obligated to be there, as a cheerleader, but I'll definitely be there too.' M'gann pitched, with a smile.
'I unfortunately cannot attend. I am required to aid my king back in Atlantis.' Was all Kaldur managed to word.
'What time?' Dick asked.
'It'd be about eight o'clock-ish. But are you guys serious that you want to be there.'
The sidekicks who admitted they'd attend all nodded, all but Dick, who looked at Superboy.
'Sorry Conner, but Batman has me on stakeout then. I can't go…'
The hurt expression that formed on Conner's face began killing Dick inside. He was lying about the stakeout, but he couldn't maintain cover at that time. What idiot wears sunglasses at night? No, Dick had a better plan, but he'd have to let Wally in on it. Subtly.
He checked that they were out of earshot when Dick told Wally. 'I'm going to go as the real me.'
Wally looked surprised. 'Are you sure?'
'Course I'm sure. I want to be there, but I can't blend in if I'm wearing shades in the dark. It'd make me look more obvious.'
The red head glanced at his younger friend. 'Alright, I'll ask Superboy if I can invite a friend.'
'Thanks.'
