A/N: So, this took a little longer than what I expected, but, I got it up! I'm thinking after chapter 3 or 4, the story will hopefully start picking up action.

Guess I made it too obvious who's at Dick's school, huh? But, still, if you want to guess, then feel free too! Also, don't forget to comment(on your own time) and favorite! Or just read it, thats nice too.

And as promised, a list of people who, so far, commented/reviewed my story. Thank you to all, and have trucks full of cookies, cake, icing, popsicles, and fruit!

READINGhearts17-thanks for being my first reviewer! Here ya go! *hands prizes and a pony*

.-Lol, I love him too! Too bad he isn't real, cause I'd probably stalk him 0_0...and love every minute! ^_^

dreamwritergoddess-Yes, supposedly he did. ;_;

Witch08-I totally agree ;)

Mixxi-Just did, and I will hopefully update again, either later on or tomorrow.

Again, thank you all for reviewing! Hope you enjoy it!

Chapter Two

Bruce ran out into the yard, his eyes scanning the hedges and stone paths. He sucked in a breath when he saw Dick leaning against the gardening shed, his hand wrapped around his side. He rushed over to the boy, hoping that it wasn't as bad as he thought it was.

"Dick!"

"Bruce…"

"Are you hurt? What happened?"

Dick closed his eyes, slowly sliding down to the grass, cradling his head in his hands. He sighed before answering. "I slipped and hurt my side, ran to the shed to put away a shovel I saw that Alfred left out, and saw…I…I saw…this." He threw a copy of the newspaper at Bruce. After several minutes of uncomfortable silence, Dick spoke up.

"Why, why didn't you—you tell me?" He lifted his head, looking at Bruce, anger and hurt evident in his eyes. "I…" He trailed off, the memory of Jack's hand on his shoulder and the twinkle in his deep blue eyes seemed to choke him. He heaved for air, trying to breathe as sharp talons pierced his lungs.

"Here, you're hurt. Let me—"
"NO! I'm fine! Perfectly fine!" Dick felt the prickling sensation in his eyes, a sensation he hadn't felt since that day, four years ago. "The one person who I could call family…di—died." He hid his face again, controlling his shivering limbs, but not his grief. He struggled to stand up, trying to hide his face from Bruce. He sniffed, letting out a small gasp as he slid to the ground, dizzy and disoriented. Bruce reached out and grabbed Dick's arm in an iron grip, pulling him up. They made their way to the house, tensed and prepared to fire retorts should the need arise. Bruce grimaced mentally when he saw Alfred standing on the porch, his arms crossed. The old man took one look at Dick's tear stained face and walked forward to take Dick from Bruce.

"I'll make some hot tea and cookies, Master Richard." Alfred murmured gently in Dick's ear. He remained silent as he passed a still Bruce, ignoring him.

Bruce followed Alfred into the mansion, closing and locking the door. He was secretly pleased that Dick only shed a few tears, that he had somehow retained control. He watched Dick's door close as Alfred lead Dick into it, leaving the billionaire alone—in a way.

After what seemed like hours, Alfred emerged from the darkness, hurriedly walking down the stairs. He turned to Bruce and tilted his head. "I had thought, the way your father raised you, you would know how to be a good father, guardian, whatever, to Dick." He quickly rubbed his sleeve against his forehead. He continued. "Or has Batman erased all those feelings, leaving Dick as homeless as he was four years ago?" With that Alfred left, His form disappearing behind the kitchen walls. Almost immediately the smell of cinnamon and tea filled the first floor.

O-=-=-O-=-=-O-=-=-O-=-=-O-=-=-O-=-=-O-=-=-O

Barbara tapped her foot, sitting on a bench in the courtyard of Gotham Academy. She hadn't decided if she was furious, or understanding, or pissed off. Every time she came to a decision, she would change her mind.

'Unsure.' She happily smiled to herself, finally choosing that she was 'unsure' about Dick refusing to let her come over yesterday. She began to tap her foot again, noticing that she had stopped.

"Dick, over here! Helllloooooo!" She jumped up, waving her arm manically at the small black haired boy that sleepily walked towards her. He looked up and nodded. Barbara saw dark circles under his eyes, and the way he walked…it reminded her of someone who had a sore stomach or side. A shuffle of some sort.

When the boy finally reached Barbara, he whispered 'Hi'. She responded, her voice low and soft, her previous anger at Dick had evaporated when she saw his…condition.

"You Ok?"

"Yeah, thanks Barbara. Hey, sorry I—"

"Forget about it, I heard—"

"Haly died."

Barbara was taken aback, Dick had said it so…emotionless…she wondered if he spent the entire night crying just to achieve that. But no, his eyes weren't puffy, they were just…glazed over. "My god, I'm so sorry Dick. I had prepared a whole spee—"

"'Bout what?"

"…Uh…" Barbara looked Dick over, seeing if he could handle what she was about to tell him. "Just how much of an…block-head you are." She waved her hand as she said it, hoping he wouldn't know that she was going to call him something different. Dick nodded. Barbara motioned for him to follow; they had to get to their classes before they were marked tardy.

O-=-=-O-=-=-O-=-=-O-=-=-O-=-=-O-=-=-O-=-=-O

Dick stared at his worksheet, watching with little interest as his pencil scribbled on the paper. He didn't have to pay attention to get the answers right, he simply knew. He pressed the pencil too hard, trying to make the period at the end of his sentence when a burst of strength—or adrenaline—caused the tip to shatter. He clenched his hands, not wanting to get up to sharpen it.

The previous fight with Bruce yesterday had upset him, in more ways than he cared to admit. He looked to his side, watching Barbara tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. He mentally noted the gleam of silver that hinted she was wearing a necklace. If he remembered, maybe he would get Barbara one for her birthday.

"Five more minutes." The teacher announced, pacing the front of the class, eying the students carefully. Her gaze stopped at Dick's desk, but saw that he had completed his work. She gave a small nod and continued to look up and down the aisles.

Dick was about to grudgingly journey a few feet from his desk to sharpen his pencil, but froze when a shaky voice squeaked over-head.

"C-code I-I-Intruder, Co-Code Intru..der!" There was a commotion, making the students wince as a high pitched whine boomed throughout the school. Almost immediately after the sudden warning, the lights flickered out. The dim sunlight leaking through the windows didn't bother Dick, but he could visibly see the other kids shiver. He waited for the teacher to jump into action, and she did.

"Everyone, against the wall, under your desk away from the doors and windows!" She whispered quickly, her thin frame trembling. She directed the students fast and quiet. After they were safely out of sight, she took off her high-heel shoes, hiding them under a desk, and crawled behind a table.

Dick sucked in a breath, his heart barely thudding. He silently made his way to the only open spot, right next to the door. After he gracefully slid down, he layed his right hand over his pants pocket where he kept his utility belt. The thought of exposing himself, or rather his identity, to possibly save the class—or school—gave his gut a twist. But he would, should that scenario ever happen.

Soon, the soft click of shoes came from the hallway. Dick sat still, next to the door, but well hidden if someone should look through the tiny window. Shit. He glanced up at the handle, noticing that the teacher forgot to lock it. His shoulders tensed, hoping that whoever broke into the school would walk by the door. But, no such luck. The footsteps ceased after they neared the door that Dick sat next to. Wait, what is—oh, god. He heard another soft click of footsteps stop in front of the door. He sniffed, just to make sure.

Cat. He briefly remembered the animal, having only smelt it once, but his memory was better than most people's. Maybe he would need his utility belt after all.

A/N:

Well, its a bit longer than the other chapter thingies. Horray! So, don't forget, 'to review or not to review' XD

Oh and...for those fellow fans who LOVE Robin torture...stay tuned! (^_^)

I'll also keep on shouting out to reviewers, so, don't fret! That and, I'll happily do requests! Personal or for chapters, just PM me for the specifics.

'Kay, goodnight! _