Early mornings was never a thing that Bruce was fond of. However, since becoming an adoptive parent, as well as having his own day time job to handle, he found that early mornings were just something he'd have to get used to. Today, however, was a rather late morning, as Bruce was running around the house getting ready for work at the same time that he was getting his ward ready and trying not to let time get away from him. If he did, then this would be the fifth time that he was late for work, and with a very important meeting coming up, he couldn't afford to be late today.

"You know, we're having a school play today." His nine year old ward, Dick Greyson, said softly, but Bruce just rushed right passed him.

"You can tell me about it in the car, Dick." Bruce said quickly, rushing around to find his brief case. "Are you ready to go to school?"

"Yeah... But you know, all the parents are coming… And I thought maybe you could come." The little boy piped up, feeling slightly uncomfortable as he brushed a few wrinkles out of his school uniform.

"I'll see if I can stop by after my meeting." Bruce said, grabbing his coffee and rushing out the door leaving his adopted son heartbroken in the doorway.

He didn't have much time to notice though, getting quickly into the car and waiting for the younger boy to follow, which he promptly did shortly after. After that, it was a short trip to drop Dick off at school, and another short trip to get Bruce to Wayne Tech. Industries. Once there, he got out of the car quickly and hurried in to the building. After all, he would have to be there on time if he wanted an early leave from work.


*Meanwhile, while Dick is at the school*

Being home schooled for most of his life never really gave Dick a chance to be in a school play. However, now that he was attending Gotham schools, Dick quickly found himself participating in many school events. With a gentle sigh, Dick got into his assigned costume, consisting of an oversize T-shirt and a floppy hat that fell over his eyes. One last look over his costume, and he hurried further down the stage and peaked out the curtain. He hurriedly searched all over for his parent, but soon found that Bruce wasn't there.

"He has more important things to do..." Dick muttered sadly as he felt hot tears roll down his cheeks before adding. "...Besides seeing this stupid performance!"

"I can't think of anything more important than watching my only son's performance" A voice said from behind Dick. "Well, other than my meeting, that is."

"You came!" Dick cried as he turned quickly to him and ran up to him, tightly hugging his adopted parent.

"Wouldn't have missed it for the world." Bruce replied softly, hugging him back gently before slowly releasing him.

"Come on, Dick, the play is starting" His teacher called out to him softly, ushering the boy onto the stage before turning to Bruce. "He has a very important role, you know."

"Break a leg then." Bruce whispered to his ward, watching as the boy's eyes lit up proudly, and they both hurried to take their places, with one in the audience and one on stage.

Dick took his place on stage and Bruce sat in the audience as the play began. This play in particular was titled "Clown College", and in his first real school play, Dick was the head clown. The nine year old took his place on stage and began. Call it pure skill, or something he picked up on during his years in the circus, but by the end of the play, Dick had the entire audience laughing. He had just made a fool of himself, but he did it in such a way that people were commenting on his 'skills' as a clown, and in some instances during the play, an acrobat. Bruce looked as though he was going to run out of the room, but instead he leaned over, tapped on one of the parents shoulder,and said proudly "That's my son."