A/N: (PSSSSST! Wanna know a secret about my writing? Well, you can't know yet. If you guys really wanna know what I'm up to with my stories, I'll tell you at the end of this story. It'll surprise a lot of you.) I hope a lot of you were looking forward to this chapter I sure was. I hope you all did what I asked you to do in the last chapter. I wanna read all of your wonderful comments on my stories. Also since this is a Christmas story it's still set in 2011 sorry. Enjoy!
Chapter 6: SDE (School Day Experience)
Tuesday 7:00 AM December 6th, 2011(Metropolis)
*5 days and two more weeks left till Christmas*
The alarm clock buzzed. Bruce's tired hand slammed it off and he tried going back to sleep until, "Hey Bruce wake up!" Clark called while knocking on Bruce's guestroom door. 'THAT'.
Bruce growled internally to himself while grabbing the sheets and throwing them over his head. Lucky for Clark he heard the angry growl and Bruce throwing the sheets over himself. All without using X-Ray vision. He wondered if this is how Bruce would have acted if Diana, John, himself, and Bruce had stayed kids for days at a time when they were under Morgan's spell.
"Bruce I know your still trying to get back to sleep. Wake up already!" Clark called more forcefully.
"Did Clark really have to be the only person I trust outside the hero community? Stupid farmboy." Bruce thought to himself angrily.
Clark opened the door.
"Bruce." he said.
"Bats are nocturnal." Bruce muttered.
"Bruce did you forget our deal?" Clark asked. Bruce's eyes snapped open.
"That's not funny Clark." Bruce said getting out of bed and walking up to his "guardian" for the next however how long Bruce is stuck the way he is. Hopefully less days if they get the cure in time. Or if he manages to stay in the Watch Tower without explaining to others why a child is staying at the Justice League H.Q.
"Hey. This was your idea. I'm only playing my role." Clark said while leaning against the door frame.
"Whatever. Got the uniform?" Bruce asked.
"Which one did you want? Blue or brown?" Clark asked.
"Does it matter?" Bruce asked. Clark handed him the uniform inside a plastic covering.
"Blue it is then." Clark said and left Bruce mouth a gap. Bruce shut his mouth frowning at him, eyes glaring.
"Very funny boyscout." Bruce said turning around slamming the door shut behind him.
Once Bruce was ready it was 7:20 AM. Clark handed him a plate of waffles.
"What's this? Bruce asked.
"It's called food. You eat it for energy. No wonder you decided to go back to school again." Clark said.
"I can't go this whole morning, without you cracking a joke about this can I?" Bruce said.
"Sorry Bruce," Clark said handing him the plate, as Bruce sat down to eat, "but you've had a lot of disguises before in the past. Matches Malone the crime lord of Gotham City, that oldman costume you wore during the Thanagarian Invasion, but a fourteen year old Mathew Malone disguise for Bruce Wayne to watch over his son at his school. Do you even trust him anymore?" Bruce took one last bite of his food used the napkin and turned to Clark.
"Course I trust him. But you saw what happened that day didn't you? He was getting beaten, all because I told him to guard his identity with his life. He could have easily taken down those boys single handedly. But he didn't, all because it would've been suspicious."
"He was raised in a circus as a trapeze artist. It's perfectly normal for him to be above other kids' standards. Just say he decided to keep training what his parents were teaching him and had a right to defend himself." Clark suggested.
"I have thought about that Clark. Bruce said. "Throughout his whole childhood I have. But I realized something. Sometimes Dick is just too energetic when it comes to fighting. I let him act that way because I know he can't cause that much damage on the villains. But ordinary criminals, I have to ask him to hold back. He uses too much force he could break a man's collarbone and lead them into shock. Imagine what he could do to a boy his age." Clark thought about it for a second.
"Guess you've got a point." Clark said. Once Bruce was finished Clark flew Bruce out of Metropolis and into Gotham.
"Okay you and I have everything ready. You sure you're up for this Bruce?" Clark asked once they landed not far from Gotham Academy.
"Positive." Bruce said.
"What if Dick finds out while you're here?" Clark asked.
"Hey, as long as Dick doesn't look at old photo albums while I'm here everything should be alright." Bruce said.
"What happened to positive?" Clark asked.
"I never said I was positive about Dick finding out." Bruce said.
"Do you want him to?" Clark asked.
"No. Absolutely not." Bruce said. The bell rung.
"Later Clark." Bruce said.
"Good luck." Clark said and flew away out of sight. Bruce looked over behind one of the brick walls of the school building. Kids were already entering the building. Bruce took out his schedule looked it over, took a deep breath and sighed. He's doing this for Dick's safety, he has to remember that.
(BREAK LINE! XXXX A/N: Should I end the chapter here or do you guys want to keep reading. Your choice. Just stop reading here, and read what's under the break line tomorrow. FUNNY FACT: I didn't even know SDE stood for both Staff Development for Educators and State Department of Education until I looked it up. Ha ha ha! Great title for this chapter right? I looked it up just in case I wasn't writing something bad. Continue on if you wish.)
As Dick Grayson regretfully entered class he sat himself down in a seat in the edge of the third row.
"I shouldn't be here. I should be at the mountain helping track down Bats, Zatara, and Etrigan!" The other students entered, most taking their seats, others sitting on their desktops while talking to friends.
"Morning!" Barbara said as a blonde girl standing next to her said. Dick faked a smile for them.
"Hey Babs. Morning Artemis. What are you guys doing here.
"Stopped by to say hi." Artemis said.
"How ya' feeling?" Barbara asked.
"Better than yesterday." Dick said recalling the scene he made in the school cafeteria when another school bully was offending his relationship with Bruce. He thought he outgrew the nickname "Charity Case" when he aged eleven. But that's not why he made the scene.
(FlashBack: Monday)
"Hey Grayson!" The moron called. Dick sighed.
"Didn't Matt's victims warn him about anything?" Dick wondered. "What do you want? I was kind of eating." Dick said not in the mood to deal with the moron. He's already in a bad mood enough after what happened that weekend. Dealing with one of the school's biggest jerks wasn't making his mood any better. Dick stood up from the table. The guy grabbed him by his jacket and dragged him away from his seat next to Barbara. All Barbara could do is watch.
"Did you forget? Barbara's my girl. I don't want some thirteen year old freshman getting in the way of that. This is my school Grayson. Or did daddy's money fog up your head in remembering?"
"Shut up Grant. I'm not in the mood to deal with you." Dick said. "Plus. If a thirteen year old freshman is threatening your chance with a fourteen year old sophomore which you also happen to b, only your fifteene. Then you must be pretty pathetic." Dick said. Dick heard a few giggles coming from behind him. Grant's brother and sister Joseph and Rose were laughing at Dick's remark. Obviously, thinking that Dick had a very good point.
"That's it!" Grant yelled, getting ready to throw a punch at Dick. Dick immediately dodged it by reflex.
"How'd you do that?" Grant asked.
"Reflex." Dick said. Grant grabbed Dick by the collar of his school uniform and threw him down. Dick was sent sliding several feet from Grant. A lot of students currently in the cafeteria gasped. A lot of whispers were sent out.
"Is he okay?"
"What's up with Grant today?"
"Daddy troubles on both sides obviously."
"Why's he beating on Dick?"
"What's Dick ever done to him?" Dick got up from his spot on the floor.
"Hey Grant!" Barbara called out.
"What is it?" Grant asked turning to her. Barbara was standing up glaring at Grant.
"Leave Dick alone he's wasn't bothering you! Get lost before…" Barbara said.
"Sit down Babs and let me teach the little boy a lesson about messing with another man's girl." Grant interrupted.
Barbara simmered and was about to march up to Grant, obviously about to do something either very violent or… no, that's the only word available at the moment for him. Artemis and Bette quickly got up to sit Barbara back down before she did something stupid.
"It's okay Barbara." Bette said.
"No it's not actually. He's a freak'n little (SKIP WORD!)
Artemis wanted nothing more than to teach grant Wilson a lesson for being a jerk to her friend.
Once Dick was back on his feet, Grant came charging at him. Dick hurdled away from Grant's punch. Dick couldn't deny Grant Wilson is a strong kid. His father trained him and both his parents were in the army. Unfortunately Dick can't compare his strength to Grant unless he tests it, which would lead to a disappointed Alfred and a very angry Bruce.
Grant used to be star of the high school, with great grades, body muscle, before Dick started exceling in academics better than Grant. Apparently people like being around the brainiacs in this school, because it showed you come from a powerful family. Dick was the richest, and possibly the smartest boy in school. Barbara told him that Grant was just jealous. Grant grabbed Dick by the shirt collar and brought him up to face him. Dick's feet dangled a few inches off the floor. Unfortunately Grant was taller and a little bigger than Dick. and Dick's a very light weighted kid. He can be easily picked up by anyone bigger than him.
"Listen you little circus freak charity case. I don't care how younger, smarter or better than me you could be. I don't like it when people interfere with things that belong to me. So you better not grow up to be like your rich stupid dad who macs on every girl…"
"Bruce isn't like that!" Dick nearly yelled. Dick squirmed a bit until he managed to drop to the floor.
"And for another thing!" Dick shouted. "I don't care how much you try to act that you're better than me! Cause frankly I don't care. Just leave me alone! I don't need this coming from you!"
Grant stayed silent glaring at him.
"Looks like daddy dearest forgot to teach you some manners. Dad never really liked Mr. Wayne. I hope he gets lost in Europe."
At that Dick nearly roared. Dick was now at full charge at Grant till he was stopped by Artemis.
"Let go Artemis!" Dick shouted.
"Mr. Grayson! Mr. Wilson!" A voice shouted. Everyone in the cafeteria turned to the entrance. The head Master of Gotham Academy was standing at the door way, arms folded and a very angry disappointed expression was displayed on the man's face. He calmly walked up to the three students who were no more than ten seconds ago the center of attention. The head master looked at all three of them.
"Does someone want to explain?" He asked.
"Artemis go." Dick muttered. The head master looked over at Artemis.
"Ms. Crock., anything you'd like to explain?" The head master asked.
"Leave her alone. Artemis had nothing to do with it. she was just trying to stop me from doing something stupid." Dick said. The head master stared sown all three of them.
"Ms. Crock. Return to your lunch. Grayson, Wilson, in my office. Now!" Artemis hesitantly went back to her table taking one last look at Dick and walked away where Bette and Barbara were looking at the head master shocked.
Once Dick and Grant arrived at the office they sat in two seats.
"I didn't ask either of you two to sit." The head master said. Dick and Grant then stood back up pushing the chairs back in the desk. The head master glared down at both of them.
"Would either of you two like to tell me what was going on at the cafeteria today?"
"Well. I was at my table minding my own business…" Grant began until he was cut off by Dick.
:"That's not true. That's what I was doing!"
"Excuse me, Mr. Grayson but I was telling my side of the story." Grant said.
"Yeah telling it from my point of view!"
"Alright the both of you enough!" The head master all but shouted.
"I expected better from two of my top students. Especially you Mr. Grayson. Your always more polite and generous. I never paged you to be a violent type. And as for you Mr. Wilson, Richard here is younger than you are. By all means learn your place!" Grant was staring at the head master wide eyed and almost terrified. Dick couldn't help but smirk in the background. Being younger always had its perks.
"Alright as for punishment. The two of you will be cleaning the cafeteria every day after school till next Wednesday.
"What!" They both shouted.
"He beats me up and I have to get punished too?" Dick asked.
"Grayson I saw you trying to charge at him before Artemis stopped you. You two could both either take turns cleaning the cafeteria alone, or work together each day." The head master said.
"Alfred's not gonna like this." Dick thought.
(End Flash Back)
"Well, at least Grant's paying for it too. He deserves it." Barbara said.
"Whatever. He's lucky Artemis and the head master got involved before I went all 'circus freak' on him."
"Don't call yourself that Dick." Artemis said.
"Doesn't matter. I just wish he didn't say any of that stuff about Bruce." Dick said.
"What did he say anyways? I barely heard him with everyone whispering in the crowd." Barbara said.
"Can we just drop everything that happened yesterday, please? Dick asked.
"Sure if that's what you want." Artemis said.
"We'll see you later Dick." Barbara said.
"See ya'." Dick mumbled. As soon as Artemis and Barbara left the final bell rung. The teacher, or as they preferred to be called in Gotham Academy, the "Instructor" (some even prefer to be called it with everyone pronouncing the Or sound at the end) entered the class room with a very familiar face.
"Un-believable!" Dick thought in awe. The female instructor had the young man stand in front of the class. He was wearing the same uniform Dick, and just about every other boy in class were wearing.
"Class. This is Mathew Malone. He'll be joining us here in Gotham Academy for a couple weeks." The instructor said. "Mr. Malone, will you please take a seat up front."
"Sure." "Matt" answered, glancing up at the instructor behind him, trying his best to act like a shy new student.
Bruce walked over to an empty seat behind Dick's in the fourth row.
"Alright Class please start your final exam studying for the rest of the period if you need partners by all means choose them. But stay focused." The instructor said. Several students got up from their seats to choose partners. Dick turned around to face Matt.
"So you decided to show up?" Dick asked.
"More like ended up showing up." Bruce said to Dick.
"Just too bad you had to come during final exams." Dick said.
"No problem. I already took them." Bruce said.
XXXX
After first period, Dick asked "Matt" what his next class was. Bruce showed him his schedule.
"Cool. You and I have all the same classes." Dick said. Bruce smirked.
"No kidding?" He asked. The next few classes went by smoothly. So far there was no one bothering Dick most of the day.
Bruce noticed a few of the boys who were beating Dick a few days ago. They all reacted the same way. Shuddering, backing away. Some even saying, 'He's everywhere!' 'He's here!' All Bruce did was lunge rocks and snowballs at them and they already feared him. It must be something he was born with. He always manages to strike fear in people at an instant. It's a gift he sometime wishes Dick could have.
Dick's mood had surprisingly gone better throughout the day. He liked being around Matt. He's not as energetic or exciting, and just plain more fun than Wally to hang out with. But Dick found Matt's presents more comforting, like a big brother, like Bruce. Though Dick couldn't help but feel there was an odd familiarity about Matt. Like he resembled someone he knew, but couldn't quite place his finger on it.
When the final bell before lunch rung, Dick was on his way to show "Matt" where the cafeteria is located until...
"Hey Grayson!" Someone shouted.
"Who was that?" Bruce asked.
"A jerk." Dick said. Bruce turned around and saw a familiar boy.
"Isn't that Slade Wilson's son?" Bruce wondered.
"What do you want Grant?" Dick asked turning around to face the fifteen year old. Before either one of them could do anything, I hard punch was flung on Dick's face. Dick was slammed against the lockers and fell to the floor.
"That was for yesterday Grayson." Grant said. He was about to walk over to him until Bruce's arm swung in front of him.
"Didn't my first three victims warn you about me?" Bruce asked. Grant let out a laugh.
"Like I'm afraid of bunch of snowballs and rocks. My dad taught me to fear worse than that. Wayne's little charity case should learn the same thing." Bruce couldn't control himself. His fist somehow connected with Grant's face. Grant was knocked backwards. A lot of gasps and whispers were sent throughout the halls. At that Bruce hadn't realized what he'd done. He quickly ran over to Dick to help him up. One of the instructors came over,
"Mr. Malone. Is this how you're going to act on your first day?" Bruce looked over at the instructor.
"He punched my friend." Bruce said. Bruce couldn't help but feel he was starting to turn into a little kid. He had to get this spell undone before he's completely sucked into the world of adolescents forever.
A/N: And done with this chapter, finally. To anyone who wants more, you have to review for it, also about Clark's question on whether Bruce wanted a brown or a blue uniform, I noticed that Dick has both pairs. In the picture of Dick in the episode "Schooled" he was wearing a brown uniform while holding his trophy, and in the episode "Homefront" Dick was wearing a blue uniform. Sorry if anything was OOC or AUish, but hey give me a break, I don't like using OC's much, and it's called fanfiction for a reason. Also the whole thing about Dick looking up at Bruce as a big brother was a reference to Bob Kane and Bill Finger's original idea for Bruce and Dick's relationship. That they never intended on having them have a father/son relationship. It was always more intended to be a big brother/little brother relationship. Sad to know right? If you guys have any questions on my story I'll be happy to answer them.
Another Funny Fact: I didn't even notice I put both Bruce and Dick revealing how they really think of each other as father and son in the same chapter, last chapter, till someone pointed I out ha, ha!
(Untill Next Time!)
Sincerely,
*SS8*