Disclaimer: the Batman Universe is owned by DC Comics

Rated T for violence and language

Bruce Wayne let out a heavy sigh while driving through the gates to Wayne Manor. "Last time at my attempt to do something relatively normal," he thought sarcastically. The whole day had been entirely draining for him. Early this morning he had a not so pleasant run in with the Penguin and his pet vulture, leaving him various peck marks and vaccine bills. Afterwards he had to go into work and deal with a management issue that reminded him how disgustingly businessmen can turn into children at the flip of the hat. And now finally, after receiving a free ticket to the world renowned famous Haly's Circus from a business partner he had to witness two excruciating deaths that reminded him of his own parent's demise. Yes, draining might be a bit of an understatement.

After parking and making his way up the steps Alfred immediately greeted him with a cup of his special coffee.

"I heard on the radio, sir. What dreadful news to befall on my ears. I can only imagine the level of horror that was experienced from someone to have been a witness", Bruce took the coffee without a word and absentmindedly went to the living room.

"You have no idea," he sighed. He sat down on the couch and motioned Alfred to sit at the adjacent chair. His hot and rich drink slightly burned his tongue, but he paid no mind. It warmed his throat and the smell awakened his body.

Alfred patiently waited for his charge to continue his tale. He knew that he should let the man take his time, and try to recover from what he saw.

"I felt helpless, you know," Bruce whispered. "When I'm Batman I have some sense of control. I feel like I can save people with ease, that I'm invincible. As Bruce Wayne," he took another deep sip from his coffee, "I felt vulnerable and weak. I didn't know what to do. Didn't know if I could have done something to prevent….that disaster." He looked up at his old friend who had laid a hand on his shoulder and gave him a stern yet kind stare.

"Master Bruce," he began, "even if you were Batman, do you really think you could have prevented the unfortunate accident that happened tonight? No, I don't think so. It was unexpected and sudden. Quick, and instant. It might have felt like you were sitting there for long moments, but I guarantee you sir that even if you had your grappling hook and reacted before they fell, you wouldn't have had time." Slow tears slid down Bruce's face, his gaze averted downwards ashamed at his sudden weakness.

"It's okay, Master Bruce. It's not your fault." Alfred said kindly. He sat down next to his charge and laid a fatherly arm around the hurt man. As if he was a child again, Bruce leaned in at the touch and let himself shed his silent tears into his old friends shoulder.

The next morning Bruce let out a groan while pinching the bridge of his nose. Last night had been a struggle, to say the least. After his little meltdown with Alfred he hurried to the cave to start his surveillance on his city. This time it was Poison Ivy attacking the Gotham Greenery, stealing one of the only Blue Morning Iris' samples before hightailing it out of there. Unfortunately for Batman, she dosed him with new rose perfume that made it difficult to follow pursuit. He barely made it back to the cave without driving off the road, and if it weren't for Alfred creating a quick antibiotic he quite easily might not have been able to move this morning.

As he silently changed into more comfortable house attire, a loose fitting, yet sharp short sleeve shirt and black pants he made his way downstairs.

"Good morning Master Bruce, care for some coffee and your morning paper?"

"Good afternoon Alfred, it's nearly 3 PM." Bruce replied while accepting the offered drink.

"Yes sir, but the Batman does have strange hours. While it is my afternoon it's his morning." Bruce rolled his eyes.

"You go to bed at the same time, if not later, then I do. Why don't you ever sleep in Alfred, even on a Sunday?" Bruce stifled a yawn before planting himself on the kitchen counter glancing down at the paper.

Ignoring his charge's question he presented Bruce with an already prepared ham and tomato sandwich before sitting down himself.

"Master Bruce…" Alfred began. "This morning while I was doing my Sunday routine, I had the radio on and was able to catch the tail end of a news broadcast focusing on the tragic deaths of the Graysons' last night." Bruces' eyes shot up, yet he remained silent.

"I don't know how to tell you this sir, but police have informed the media that their deaths might not have been…accidental. Apparently early this morning it was determined that the ropes that held the trapeze swing was laced with some type of acid. They didn't release many details, but foul play has been brought up. The circus director, a Mr. Haly, stated that he was confronted by two men that were pressuring him to do…illegal transportation by means of the circus. He stated that he blatantly refused, but was surely threatened. Unfortunately he never got the names of the two men who contacted him, but the police have some idea on who might have done the tampering." Silence filled the air while both men stared at one another. Finally Bruce rose and headed his way to the parlor.

"Sir, where are you going?" Alfred stated, quickly gathering the untouched sandwich and hurried to the young man's side.

"I'm going to the cave." Bruce replied before the clock opened for his decent. "Alfred, you really should stop listening to the radio."

"I'll make note of that, sir."

~/~

A sharp shake woke Dick up from his dreamless sleep. Frantically he looked around, confused and groggy. A woman in her mid twenties peered down at him and gave him a half-smile. "Sorry to have woken you Richard, but it's morning. My name is Sheila and I'm the head nurse here. We need to get you settled into your room now, you'll be sharing it with a boy…Michael I believe. He's nice, I'm sure the two of you will get along fine." She helped him sit forward, and handed him a single gray short sleeve shirt and matching pants.

"I don't know how much you remember about…last night. But I want you to feel welcome here, I'm here to help! So is Mr. Collins. Your social worker…Samantha I believe her name is, will be back to talk with you on what's going to happen next later today. We have a dress code," she said motioning to the clothes in Dicks hand, "so I'll leave you for a few minutes to change. Is that okay, Richard?" Dick looked up into the young womans eyes and slowly nodded his head. He saw pity, and while he was sure the woman had no ill intent something didn't stick right with him.

After the woman gave Dick some privacy, he glanced down and noticed that he was still in his trapeze outfit from last night. As if a wave suddenly crushed his body, he recoiled and panicked at the thought. Last night, the night he became an orphan. The night that his whole world was stripped and taken from him, leaving him with only a pair of brightly colored performance attire. Peering down at his legs, he noticed small splotches of blood, must have been from when he was kneeling down under the trapeze, unable to grasp his parents death.

Ten minutes later he was in the itchy clothes and allowed the woman to take his precious items away before leading him to his new room so he could wait to speak with his social worker. While he was hesitant handing over his clothes, by the looks of this place he thought it was smarter to not have the bright circus tights around for someone to see.

Two rows of doors lined up the hallway across from where they entered, each room had a number displayed at the top, with one or two names scribbled on the side. Sheila brought him to the third doorway and gave a quick knock before entering.

"Michael, you have a new roommate," Dick glanced inside the room and saw an older boy on top of a two bed bunk lazily tossing a baseball into the air. Michael gave a little smirk noticing the younger boy glued to Sheila's side and nodded in greeting. "This is Richard Grayson, and he'll be bunking with you for the next couple of days until there's more room in the group home. I trust that you treat him with respect and protect him from the other…more troublesome boys." She motioned Dick to go into the room, who stared blankly at the other boy.

Sheila gently placed a hand on Dick's shoulder and knelt down so she could meet his downwards gaze. "Everything will be okay", she said lightly. "Mr. Collins, Michael, and myself will make sure you have a…livable time while you're with us." She drew Dick into a quick hug, who reluctantly accepted the embrace and placed a lone hand on her back. This woman, though looked nothing like his mother, shared the same warmth as her which brought him some much needed comfort.

While a little reluctantly letting go, he looked at his curious roommate who had leapt off of the bed and had just stared at him. No matter what, he wouldn't shed tears for his parents in a place such as this, he was going to be strong. They deserve to be mourned in a better place, he'd forgo his grief until he was let out.

"So kid, whats your deal? Miss S. doesn't normally room me with anyone unless they're here by accident. Lets see…I think you're number four." Michael looked over at the young boy questionably. He braced himself for waterworks, afterall every other kid Miss S. sent him had been crying before breakfast.

Dick ignored the boys question though and silently laid down on the lower bunk. His eyes soon closed, shutting out the world around him. Michael shifted uncomfortably, not used to being ignored, before jumping up on his own bed.

They sat in silence for a while with the only sound being a squeaky mattress. It wasn't long until the intercom system announced that breakfast was being served in the break room. A quick click, and all the doors opened allowing the inmates free access to get their meal.

Dick continued to ignore it however, content for the time being to lay on his hard mattress. It won't be long now, he thought, until I can get out of this place. Suddenly, Dick felt a sharp jolt while his roommate kicked his bed, jostling him uncomfortably.

"Hey, kid! It's grub time, we gotta go. If you don't get your meal now you're not getting anything for another five hours for lunch. It's 8 AM now, we get lunch at 1 PM, with dinner precisely at 7 PM." Michael stared at the boy who continued to refuse to leave his hidden fortress. With a sigh, he decided to give the kid some space before leaving to get his own meal.

Dick went back into a restless sleep, but this time nightmares haunted him. He kept seeing his parents brutal death replay over and over, each detail more grotesque every time. Their scream and terror, the blood seeping from their broken bodies, and finally the mangled look on their faces once their body hit the ground. Dick awoke stifling a scream from his throat, refusing to let it escape. His body was sweating, limbs twitching, and mind soaring with fear and grief. But he remained strong, gathering his courage to block down the urge to cry. He wouldn't be seen as a weak circus kid in a place like this. He wouldn't be seen as a scared little kid orphan who was crying to get some attention. No, not until he was out.

Refusing to go back to sleep, he took some time to think about his future. Without any parents left to take care of them, he figured he'd live amongst foster families the rest of his life. The idea terrified him, not even a day gone and he was already thinking about living with another family. He knew that if by some miracle he did enter a home where there were people who cared about him, he'd doubt they'd ever replace his own parents' warmth and love. Plus, this is Gotham, he added to his own dismay. What kind of person would adopt a gypsy kid anyways? I don't have anything to pay them with, no special skill that could benefit them. This was a city, an expensive city, to live in. Normal people don't adopt street kids.

His heart began to wrench, and it took all his might to not break down crying at his own inevitable future. Think about something nice, he inwardly motivated. Batman…Batman has been trying to help this city for the past five years…maybe he can help me?

All of a sudden, Michael came skipping in with a large roll stuffed in his mouth and held out a similar shaped one towards Dick's direction.

"You gotta eat dude," he cheerfully stated. "It's not much, but I was able to smuggle a little something from the breakfast cart. Here." Without giving enough time for Dick to refuse, he pushed the piece of soft bread into the boys fingers before turning around and heading towards the sink at the other side of the room.

Sighing, Dick looked at the soft, pale bread and shrugged before taking a small bite. For the most part it was tasteless, but the texture of it was somewhat comforting.

"Thanks." Dick mumbled while taking another nibble.

"Oh, so the boy wonder talks." Michael laughed before taking a sip of tap water. "And you're welcome. I know how a place like this can be pretty intimidating but for the most part it's livable. You just gotta know who to make friends with." He walked over towards Dick again and stuck out his hand for friendship.

"The names Michael Wilcox, son of William Wilcox A.K.A Willie the Skinner. I'm in here cuz I sorta was an accomplice robbing a place or two." He gave Dick a wink before commenting, "I'm not that dangerous, honest, otherwise you wouldn't be rooming with me. Truth is me and a bunch of my boys were living downtown, an abandoned clothes factory called the Sewing Table. Still has the sign and everything, but no sewing machines or material; nothing to pawn. Anyways, when the gang got hungry we'd go on these trips into the city and scare a bunch of gas stations and roadside grocery stores. Grabbed cash along with all the food we could fill our pockets with. It was relatively easy, to say the least, we never hurt no body though Big Pete had a baseball bat that was pretty intimidating." He let out a sigh in longing, oh the good ol' days. "Anyways, as you could probably guess eventually we got busted. Placed the younger boys in with Child Protective Services and us older one's all got separated between different juvenile detentions across Gotham." Michael looked at the younger boy who nodded in understanding. "There's five total 'round here. This one, Westpoint, as it's called is one of the more smaller detention units. You should count yourself lucky," he laughed, "because if you got placed in Agory or Sheppard you wouldn't last very long."

For a brief moment fear overtook Dick's outer composure and sent a shudder through the boy. The teenager slapped his hand reassuringly on the younger's shoulder, "Don't worry though, you got me. I wont let 'nothin happen to ya's. I'll teach you how to hang your head low 'round this place so when you get back out you'll still have all your front teeth."

The boys' upbeat optimism made Dick silently thankful that if he had to live here for a while, he was lucky to have him as his roommate. "Thanks, I appreciate it," he said silently. Remembering his manners that his mother had ingrained in him, he stuck out his hand and shook the other boys own.

"And the names Richard, Richard Grayson. You can call me Dick though." The older boy smiled while giving him a strong handshake. "I…I don't really want to talk about it while I'm here. But, I saw a terrible accident…with my parents. Sorry, that's all I want to say right now." Dick let go and pulled back, casting his gaze once again downwards towards his feet.

"Hey, don't sweat your pretty head. Most of us don't give out autobiographies like me; I just like talking. Though…do you mind if I ask how old ya are? I'm 16 myself. Hmm, you look about 10, am I right?" Dick gave a half frown while shaking his head.

"I'm 11, thank you very much. I'll be 12 in a month," he said with an edge of distaste. Michael chuckled before holding out his hands in surrender.

"Sorry man, didn't mean to offend you or nothing. Just making conversation." Immediately Dick regretted being a bit crude to the older boy, after all he'd been nothing been kind to him.

"Sorry," he added, " I'm just exhausted and a bit upset being here is all. You've been very kind to me, thank you for that. Honestly I thought this would be the last place I'd find a friend." Dick folded his arms around himself and slightly shook, his friends. What would happen to Raya and Raymond? He had to see them again! How'd they continue to be friends while they traveled the world and he was stuck on the outskirts of Gotham.

Noticing Dick's composure Michael gently sat on the bed next to him. "That's right, I'm your friend," he said. "Just follow what I tell ya, and you'll be safe here. I don't know what sort of situation you came from but don't worry, it'll be okay." Those words struck a cord in Dick. It was the first time since his parent's fall that anyone actually told him that it would be okay. Dick bit his fingernails in his hand in attempts to control his emotions, he was on the verge of tears but still wanted to keep that wall up. He knew once it dropped, he wouldn't be able to control it any longer.

Thankfully at the corner of his eye, he noticed a flash a movement that indicated someone had entered their room. Peering upwards, he saw the stiff frame of the social worker that had brought him into this place to begin with.

"Richard Grayson," she said plainly. "I have orders to take you back to the circus to get any other personal belongings we did not acquire last night. Unfortunately, there haven't been any spots that have opened up at the group home so you're still required to stay here. After we come back, the items that you bring will be placed along with the other suitcase the other circus patrons packed for you last night." She let out a soft yawn before beckoning Dick to walk with her.

He gave Michael a silent good bye before striding over to the fast paced woman's side. She looked down at him quizzically and said, "look's like you calmed down since last night. Good, we can't have you making anymore of a racket here then there already is. Trust me, you wouldn't survive in a place like this otherwise", she grimaced when passing a group of older teenagers who were winking and making wolf-like howls as she passed their billiards game.

Samantha stopped once they arrived at a large window with a bored looking man staring slightly downward. "We need civilian clothes," she stated towards him.

"What size?" he said with slouched eyes focused on his magazine before him. Taking a moment to study Dick's physique she mumbled a sharp "small" before taking a glance at her gold wristwatch.

Dick watched as the man disappeared for a moment to only bring back a few articles of clothing. Samantha once again led Dick down the hall towards the male restrooms, telling him to quickly change so they could leave. Once inside a stall, he analyzed the clothing in his hands. There was a red T-Shirt with white lettering spelling out "GOTHAM" paired with what appeared to be an old pair of jeans. They weren't exactly tattered, but once Dick slipped them on he could feel that they were pretty worn.

As Dick emerged he saw Samantha give him a half-smile before placing a hand on his shoulder until they were out the door.

The car ride was silent, with Dick focusing on the many giant buildings that he didn't see last night zip across his window and Samantha pondering where exactly the damned road she was supposed to be on was, there wasn't much to talk about.

Fifteen minutes later Dick found himself looking at a familiar stream that him and his friends played nearby not even a day ago. It seemed strange, even though it was only a couple of hours it felt like it's been years since he's seen the place. The car passed a few circus workers, Ernie and Harold, who were lazily sitting underneath a large oak tree. A small smile played on Dick's face if only for a moment, thinking about how those two taught him juggling when he was eight. He didn't know how he was going to say goodbye to these people, just like his parents they were his family. His kin, his brotherin.

The car came to a stop when they arrived at the big circus tent. Yellow police tape still covered the area, but there were spaces that were cut through so people could walk inside. Climbing out, he immediately felt many eyes focused on him as he staggered home. It felt like a big family reunion, many "how are you's?", "you're in my thoughts", alongside numerous hugs and kisses brought tears to his eyes. Here, he could let go.

Pop Haly managed his way to the boy and shuffled him into his arms, just in time before a loud sob escaped Dicks' lips. He gripped the back of Pop's shirt, hanging on to dear life while he cried and shook. Thankfully, the social worker stood back carefully watching the scene before her. She didn't interfere, and simply let the boy be cuddled and held.

"Pop, I don't want to go," he whispered in between sobs. The older man knelt down, still cradling his friends' son, and let out a loud sigh.

"I don't want you to go either, kiddo. By god I don't. If I had it my way, you'd be coming with us. You'd be with family, not this two bit hell hole." Venom was laced in Haly's words, recalling the fight he had earlier with a consultant. He tried to get Dick under his custody, but since he wasn't a relative that meant he had to stay in Gotham which at the moment wasn't possible. He had deadlines that had to be met, performances that just couldn't be cancelled. He thought about letting Anthony run the show, but he didn't have the experience needed to take on the responsibility. He had the rest of his family, his circus family, to think about too. The circus had to be successful so they could continue living their dream. He already lost three members last night, he couldn't lose anymore.

Patting the boy's back kindly he waited until Dick's tears slowed and he was once again calm. He took out a tissue from his pocket and helped clean Dick's face, gently drying the tears away. "There now, all cleaned up." He said gently. "Dick, I want you to know that whatever may happen, you have family here. There will always be a place for you here, a place to belong. I wish you could come with us," he squeezed Dick's hand, "but I know you're strong. You'll make it through this hard time, you'll see. You have us all with you in spirit…along with your mother and fathers," he gently added.

"Whenever you feel lonely, think of us." He gave a soft kiss on Dick's forehead, gently brushing the hair out of his sorrowful eyes. Without saying another word he guided Dick's hand upward before placing a small coin inside.

"Remember this? It was the first gift you ever gave me. I believe you were only six years old," Haly smiled. "You came up to me and said, "Pop! I didn't know it was your birthday, so I want you to have this. It's my lucky penny." You were so attached to it, it was adorable. You'd place it inside your shoe during your first trapeze performance, and the first time you ever rode an elephant. I've treasured that penny all these years, I think it's only right to give it back." Dick glanced at the penny and looked back up towards his friend.

"But, it's changed." Dick said while gently rubbing the elongated back. Instead of a small circular copper coin, it had turned into an oval shape with the words "HALY'S CIRCUS" printed on the front, a balloon and circus tent decorating the edges.

"I know…I hope you don't mind." Haly said slowly. "Those penny print machines…the ones we got last month, it was a pretty impulsive idea but…"

"No." Dick interrupted. "I…It's the perfect gift Pop, honest. I really love this. Thank you." New tears were pecking at the boys eyes while he studied his beloved coin. Now, he'll always remember his home. Both the circus and the people who were in it.

Haly gave another hug before turning to two small bodies that were beside him. Raya and Raymond, were looking at their friend while tearful expressions. Raya had let a few trickle down her face while sprinting towards her beloved friend while Raymond stayed in the back, his attempts to stay strong slightly faltering.

"Oh Dickie!" Raya gasped while squeezing the boy tightly against her. Dick pressed his own arms around her, returning the hug and let out a slight sob. After a few minutes, Raya finally let go slightly and look at her childhood friend.

"You wont forget me right?" she whispered while tears continued to fall down her face. Dick frantically shook his head, "Never." He said firmly. Raya's lips twitched and she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before running towards Zara for her own comfort.

With a pained expression, Raymond then walked over to Dick before placing a hand tightly on his shoulder. "You'll be okay man." He said seriously. This pained Dick's heart a little, usually Raymond was so silly and bright, but the serious feeling that twanged in his voice brought forth a new reason for tears.

Ignoring Raymond's attempt to be grown up, Dick forcefully placed his arms around him, drawing him in to another hug. Raymond squeezed back, frantically shaking his head in protest.

"You can't go." He mumbled, his façade soon fading. "I wont let you go! We can run away together. You and me! Well, maybe Raya too if she brings food. We can take care of each other, I don't want to lose you." Dick looked back at his frantic friend before placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Like you said, I'll be okay." Dick said quietly. "You know they wont let us run away, remember that time we tried back at Metropolis? They found us within the hour," a chuckle escaped Dick's throat at the memory.

"Yeah, we had to clean out the elephants pen for a month," Raymond commented with a soft laugh. "First time cleaning and you landed in that pile of elephant crap. It was hilarious." Dick rolled his eyes while giving him a sad smile.

"Yeah…I don't particularly want to do that again." Raymond let out a sigh in defeat.

"Alright, but you better write!"

"Of course I would. I promise. I'll write to the whole circus troop if I can." Raymond nodded before giving his friend a final hug goodbye.

Through this whole ideal Samantha had been continuously patient, but she was wearing thin. Glancing down at her wrist watch again she pursed her lips before walking towards Dick.

"We have to gather your things." She said while eyeing Mr. Haly. In response Haly motioned for a man covered with tattoo's and piercings to come forward, handing off two full duffle bags. Haly faced the woman and Dick again, before holding the bags out towards them.

"We thought it might be too…upsetting to pack away your parents items," Haly said softly. "We gathered what we thought you might want to keep, if you want to look and see what we didn't include however," Dick shook his head.

"No, I trust you Pop. I…I don't think I can look at it all right now anyway." Haly nodded sadly before giving the bags to the social worker.

"We'll see you at the funeral tomorrow," Haly quickly added before Dick turned to follow Samantha.

"Good. It'll give me something to look forward to," Dick replied, half wanting to take Raymond up on his offer and run as fast as he could away from the car that was taking him away.

As the doors closed, Dick gave a small wave towards his family being left behind.

Michael is a OC, I don't particularly like including them but to tell the story I want to tell it was necessary for him and a few other prominent characters to be introduced. Would love to hear your feedback!