It started off as a standard mission brief. Batman had summoned all of them to the room. The teens lined up and waited patiently.

"I'm sure as you know this is Gotham City," Batman explained, bringing up a map of the city. "Recently there has been an increase of death threats made against Gotham wealthiest man, Bruce Wayne. A picture of Bruce Wayne appeared on the screen."

"Oooo I know him!" Megan interrupted. "He's on TV all the time!"

To the side, Robin twitched but otherwise gave away nothing to signal his current amusement.

"So what?" Wally asked. "We're gonna take care of the person sending Mr. Wayne death threats?"

Batman shook his head. "No, now pay attention." The teens quieted. Another picture appeared on the screen. It was a picture of 6 children; 4 boys and two girls. "Mr. Wayne has agreed to be used as bait in order to lure out who is behind this and the League will be on standby to capture the criminal. However Mr. Wayne is concerned that the people after him will try to attack his children."

Robin paled a little. He didn't like where this was going.

"Your task is to protect them," Batman said.

"WHAT?" the teens shouted.

Robin on the other hand had a different reason to shout out, "But Dad!"

He instantly shut up and flushed a red color as his teammates stared at him in surprised. Robin glared at his adoptive father and scowled. Even though he was as stoic as ever, Robin knew damn well that Batman was laughing at him. Bastard. He probably set up this entire mission on the sole fact that Robin would have to be Dick Grayson while Batman played Brucie. The whole 'If I have to suffer, you're gonna suffer with me' gambit.

"No buts," Batman ordered. "You will be guarding the children. Robin you are on standby in case the League requires your hacking skills."

Robin scowled harder. By standby, Batman really meant as soon as you get the obvious reason to leave your team, do so because Robin and Dick Grayson can't be at the same place at the same time.

This was so not fair.

XXX

The team was heading back from the showers, after a long training session with Black Canary. Robin was ready to collapse, and his legs felt like jello, with the fruit bits lodged in.

Wally slowed his pace a little, so that he and his best bud were walking side by side.

"Dude! Batman's your Dad?"

A shrug.

He waited for a real answer, as in actual words, but none came. So he decided to pry a little. "And, I didn't know this... why?"

This time, he received a chuckle. "Just because you're by best friend, Kid Mouth, doesn't mean you know all of my secrets." Robin turned and disappeared into his room, seemingly oblivious to the confusion of his teammates.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

okay, so this seem familiar, anyone? I adopted it, but the chapter seemed way too short, even to me, queen of shortened chapters and cliffies.

Please review, and tell me what you think!

As always-

~ Scy