"Flash, what in the name of the Gods are you doing?"
Flash turned to see Wonder Woman peering curiously down at him. At this very moment he was in the entertainment room bent over to look under the couch. Coincidentally this is not the first time he has been found in this position. Last month he had been looking for a candy bar he lost a candy bar while watching American Idol with Superman.
Barry slowly got to his feet, still looking around the room as he addressed Wonder Woman. "Lookin' for Robbie."
She gave a slight, "Ah" and nod of acknowledgment. Someone always seemed to be involved in a search for the eight year old. "What is it this time?"
"Hide and Seek."
She gave him a pitying look. "How long."
Flash continued to look around the large room, face turning a shade of red. "Hour and a half." He muttered shyly.
He heard Dianna sigh. What could they do? The kid was trained by the World's Greatest Detective; of course he was a mastermind at hiding from the prying eye. Wonder Woman watched as Barry shifted through a wicker basket holding blankets, the mini fridge and then under the couch once more. She turned her head in a small attempt to help but knew it futile.
She gently touched Flash's shoulder, causing him to look up at her through the bright red cowl.
"Come on, he's obviously not here."
Barry sighed, defeated. He followed her out of the room, but not before checking under the cushions of all three couches.
"Still looking?"
Flash nodded solemnly, taking the seat beside Hal. Wonder Woman and Green Arrow were there along with them.
"How long does that make it? Two, three hours?"
"Two hours and sixteen minutes." Barry stated from behind the hands placed over his face.
There was silence all around the table until Oliver bluntly stated the obvious.
"Batman's gonna kill you."
A grunt erupted from Flash as he placed his head against the cafeteria table; a loud thud echoing around the almost empty facility.
"What are you guys doing?"
All heads turned to see Robin standing behind Flash, a piece of chocolate cake with strawberry icing in hand. A fork was tucked into his mouth, causing his words to slur together.
"Robin!" Barry yelled as he jumped out of his seat to point directly in the eight year old's face. "Where have you been?"
Robin walked up to the empty seat between Dianna and Oliver, jumping into the chair without difficulty. "Well," he started explaining as he ate a small piece off his cake. "At first I was hiding. In the rafters, then with Batman in the Monitor Womb and then in the kitchen. But you were taking so long I got bored. So I got cake!"
Robin pointed for emphasis at the desert before him, smiling brightly at Wonder Woman. Everyone, especially Barry, was exasperated. Mainly relieved it was over, but still shocked none the less.
"You guys aren't very good at this game." Robin informed them. "You never find any of my hiding spots and then just give up. At home, daddy can find me in twenty five minutes. It's the new record."
Sighs came from all around. "Of course, it takes us over four hours at the least to even find you and by then you've already stopped playing. But the man of the night can do it in the time it takes to get through the check out line in the grocery store!" Flash grumbled.
"I don't go to the grocery store."
The league members all jumped at the sound of the gravely voice that had suddenly revealed the presence of their dark comrade.
Batman watched them for a moment before coming behind his son's chair. He looked down at Robin's black hair as he asked, "Ready?"
Robin peered up at the Dark Knight, crumbs sprinkling themselves onto his costume and face. "I'm not finished!"
Batman noticed the half eaten piece of cake.
"You know you shouldn't be eating sweets this late in the day."
Robin pouted. "But J'onn made it and said I could try a piece. Chocolate and strawberry!"
Batman knew that it was Dick's favorite, concluding the boy couldn't have turned it away anyhow (in Dick's view at least). Batman sighed, but gave a slight nod of agreement. Cake first, then home. Dick smiled happily and turned back to the delicious treat before him. The members around the table began drifting into conversation, warily eying the silent Batman still hovering over his young partner. Robin didn't seem to notice or care, completely side tracked with his task at hand. Until...
"Ouch!"
Heads turned to see Robin with his hands placed over his mouth, fork clanking against the table. The boys eyes were clutched tightly together underneath his domino mask. Batman instantly pulled his child's chair back to take his face between his gloved hands.
"Robin," Batman spoke sternly, silently commanding him to release his mouth. All he got in reply was a shake of the head.
Finally the Dark Knight pinched the hinge of his jaw, forcing his mouth open. Robin squirmed and the other heroes gazed curiously at their comrade's turned back. After a few moments, Batman reluctantly released Robin.
"He Has a cavity." said Batman.
It was a dark and abnormally quiet night in Gotham. Cars and pedestrians were no where in sight, leaving the city to bathe in the silence of empty store lights and air of the night. Batman sat perched upon the roof of Wayne Tech. Trained eyes watched for any signs of trickery from the sudden serenity. At the sound of pacing feet beside him, he turned to scowl at the child behind him.
Robin paused, gazed warily up at his father and then back at the ground solemnly.
Bruce almost turned back to watch his city, but instead glided over before his partner and held out his hand expectantly.
Robin peered up at him once more, presenting a weakly put together confused expression. "What?" He whispered pathetically.
Batman said nothing, leaving his outstretched hand to do all the talk for him. When neither moved, Batman decided to word his command.
"Robin," He addressed with the stern tone he had been using lately. "Hand it over."
The Boy Wonder continued to look at the large gloved palm facing him, but reached into his utility belt none the less. From four of the pockets Robin withdrew small pieces of candies that he had stuffed in along with his batarangs and grappling gun.
As Batman's cupped hands flooded with bright wrappers he sighed in something sounding like disappointment to Robin's ears. Batman disappeared for a moment, disposing of the sugary treats in a trash can adorning the street. At his return, Robin looked up his father with water filled eyes easily seen from behind his mask.
"Robin, you know the dentist said no sweets until your cavity is gone."
The boy nodded silently, sniffling and gently brushing his nose with his gloved hand. "I know. But I wasn't gonna eat any of it. Promise."
Batman stared down sadly at his child, releasing yet another sigh. "Come on, let's head home. It's obvious nothing is going to happen tonight."
The League members all sat staring at the child, an uneasy atmosphere circling the air. Flash, Superman and Wonder Woman had called the meeting to see how the boy had been doing since cutting off all sweets four days ago. Along with them were Batman, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Green Lantern, Aquaman. It was a stressful sight. The boy sat dejectedly in the corner of the room, twisting a batarang slowly in his fingers as the heroes sat at the main table.
"Has he been like this all week?" Black Canary asked.
"Hn." Batman grunted.
Flash knew what it was like to rely on sweets. Not that he was going to mention it, but it wasn't a secret that when he and Iris sat down to watch TV with Wally he would always bring in a carton of ice cream and never carry it back. Sugar addictions were rough. The speedster rushed over to the boy's side, laying a hand carefully on his shoulder.
"Hey Dickie." Flash smiled. "Why don't we go for a spin around the tower?"
Robin just shook his head, muttering a soft "No."
"Aw, come on Rob-"
"I don't wanna, okay?!"
The League all did a little flinch of their own at the little bird's harsh yell. The boy rarely lost his temper, but when he did it was awful similar to another certain hero. Batman stood and walked slowly over to Flash and Robin.
"Robin," Batman scolded.
Robin glared fiercely at up at his father. It just wasn't fair!
"What?" He shrieked.
Batman just stared at his son, having a silent battle with their eyes. The other heroes sat in silence, waiting for what would happen next.
Finally Robin broke. "What? Why do you have to be so mean? All I want is some candy and you won't even let me have that. It isn't gonna hurt me!"
At the sign of the obvious, and rare, temper tantrum, Batman reached to pick up his partner to take him home. Robin only slapped the hand away, glare still in tact. Bruce didn't seem to flinch. Robin stood and faced his father full force. When Batman tried to grab him once more, Robin grasped the front of Batman's costume and chucked the man over his shoulder.
It was obvious the boy didn't have to use much force, what with Batman already knelt and in an easy position to be thrown. But no one in the League, especially Robin would ever attack Batman; it was a silent rule.
"It isn't fair! Why do you always have to be so strict and hard about everything?" Robin yelled. "I hate you, Batman!"
On that shocking note Robin fled from the room.
Superman was the first to recover from shock, chasing after the boy. The rest of the league continued to stare at the Dark Knight as he slowly sat up off the floor. His gaze was glued to the floor, almost out of shame.
"I know it's his first cavity or dental incident and all, Bats," Flash spoke. "But don't you think you were being a little rough?"
Bruce said nothing, his hand slowly went to his face to rub at the tense muscles. He muttered something, but it was to jumbled to be heard. Everyone leaned closer to inquire him to repeat.
"I forgot to remind him." Batman whispered harshly. "To brush his teeth."
The League contemplated this revelation. Batman had been on a mission in the middle east for the past week. They all knew that Bruce was the one to help Dick get ready for bed, telling him stories, getting him dressed and tell him to brush his teeth.
"So," Wonder Woman started. "You were being mean to Dick, on purpose?"
Green Lantern answered for her. "He wanted to be punished for causing Richard to suffer."
It was like a light bulb to go off. Everyone in the room all went "Ah!" and suddenly realized the reason for the vigilante's cold shoulder.
The door creaked softly, causing everyone to look away from the sulking bat. Superman walked in, teary eyed Robin in tow. The boy looked sadly over to his father, having heard the whole thing.
"See Dickie?" Clark explained. "Bruce wasn't being mean, he just felt bad for not helping you."
Robin said nothing. Tears poured down his face as he suddenly sprinted over to his father, arms outstretched for a hug.
"Daddy!"
Batman looked up from the floor to see his baby bird running towards his with open arms. Batman felt the boy collide into his chest. He hugged the boy close, pressing his nose into his dark locks.
"I'm sorry!" Dick squealed. "I didn't mean it. I'm sorry, Daddy. I won't forget to brush my teeth again!"
Bruce smiled. He ran his fingers through Dick's hair, gently pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.
"Hush, Dickie. I'm sorry, too. I wasn't trying to be mean to you. I'm sorry."
Bruce smiled as Dick sat in his chair at the dining room table. The boy was scooping chocolate ice cream into his mouth, getting stains all over his face. The dentist had cleared him of any cavities, and to celebrate, Alfred had went out to buy a whole carton of Dick's favorite.
"Remember, Dickie." Bruce scolded lightly.
"I know, I know." He smiled as he scooped more ice cream into his mouth. "Brush my teeth after."
I know, cliche ending but whateva! Poor Dickie, gots a sweet addiction just like me :( sucks ta suck. Anyway, as I said, highly based off of the Ouran
High School episode. Sorry for the long wait guys! School has kept me busy. More will come soon! Another thing, I have been thinking of doing a sequel to Heat. What do you guys think?
Also, if you go on my profile I have a poll. I need help deciding who will be my first villain to meet baby Dick :) Help me! It's my first poll so if anything is wrong just tell me and I'll post the options on my next chapter.
Of course Batsie doesn't go to the Grocery Store, Flash. Get with it!
