A/N: Now its time for the party…what will happen with Bruce and Robin? What about Slade, will he cause a scene right now or will he not even bother to appear? One thing's for sure is that Robin is going to get into some trouble in the near future :) Plus we have an interesting guest….Thanks for the reviews :) Hope you enjoy this chapter.
DISCLAIMER- I don't own the Teen Titans or DC Comics.
~AprilRaven~
-Sunlight-
Dick drew out a breath, looking at his reflection. He had changed his outfit into a smart black suit, almost like a tux, the type of suit for any formal party. Dick had quite a few of them in his wardrobe since Bruce Wayne is very well known for charity events.
Taking his favourite hair styling gel, he applied a small amount of it in his hair to give him that cool but smart teenage look. He wouldn't go to the extreme and apply a large amount of it because that would surely piss Bruce off.
Dick certainly didn't want to cause another conflict with him again.
When he left the Batcave earlier Dick went straight to his room after grabbing a quick snack from Alfred. Bruce didn't even bother with him, unsure of what to say. Alfred could tell that something had happened, but decided to let both of them sort it out amongst themselves. If they didn't by the end of the next couple of days, he would have to step in. Family arguments are filled with difficult situations. Good job Alfred is always there to help.
Pushing a small part of his hair out of his face, he examined himself once again in the mirror. His black dress shoes were nicely shined and matched his admirable outfit. Letting out a soft smile, which was barely noticeable, he made his way to his bedroom door.
Looking back at his desk near his bed, Dick started debating on whether or not he should contact his friends now or later. He did say that he would call them; Starfire especially would want to hear from Robin and ask when he was coming back. Raven was quite close to Robin; she understood how he was feeling sometimes, that's what kind of brought them together more. However, with his rivalry with Slade not even Raven could understand how he felt. Beast Boy would probably ask if Robin got an autograph from Batman yet and Robin's answer would plainly be no. Cyborg wouldn't be in a hurry for Robin to return, he normally spends all of his free time working on his car.
In the end Robin came to the conclusion that it was best to contact his friends another time. His friend's won't mind, most of them will be preoccupied with something else so it wouldn't have a great impact.
Dick exited his bedroom and made his way to the top of the main foyer.
He wanted to try and forget his conversation with Bruce for now, but he knew that he had to say something to him.
He would probably see Bruce later talking to some businessmen. Bruce might acknowledge him, but Dick couldn't promise anything.
Outside, down in the main foyer, crowds of people were swarming in. All were dressed in formal outfits from exquisite silk dresses to fine black suits. The military men were clearly noticeable because of their straight stance and sharp manner. The angelic like women captivated the attention of most of them and it wouldn't be long for some sort of interaction to occur.
Dick took a peak from behind the stone column at the top of the stairs. Dick really needed to find his guardian; he didn't want to let his thinking of Bruce cloud his mind. He did apologize earlier, however Dick felt as though it was the right thing to do, to find Bruce. He only wondered how he would start off the conversation.
Making his way down the stairs, Dick took in the scene. Majestic decorative blue designs were up and marvelling the guests. A grand piano was situated on a silver dais to the side, people looked as though they were too busy talking than listening to the atmospheric melodies on the piano.
This party would allow Robin to relax for a while and also be able to acquire some information about the military. It wasn't like he needed information on the military, but it could be useful in the future especially with Wayne Tech supplying weapons for them.
A gathering of what appeared to be groups of ex-military people were having their way with the punch bowls on the black clothed tables at the sides of the main foyer. One of them made a comical remark at an attractive woman in a deadly red dress standing by the window, causing one of his companions to choke vigorously on his glass of the fruity and slightly alcoholic beverage. The woman turned and pulled a disgusted face at the sight of this man spluttering all over his hands that were attempting to cover his mouth.
Dick noticed them and chuckled quietly as he wandered through the masses of people.
Dick advanced across the hallway away from the main foyer, trying to find Bruce before he started his speech to introduce everyone. Dick felt bad for snapping at him earlier for no logical reason. It was true what Bruce had said about the files having nothing to do with Robin, but the main reason for finding Bruce was to talk to him. Mainly to apologize again. Dick didn't want to leave with another disagreement hanging between the threads of his connection with his guardian.
Dick continued through numerous rooms, still no sign of his guardian. He acknowledged a few people who clearly knew who he was on the way down a few steps. Bruce Wayne was the playboy of Gotham, everybody knew him. When Bruce Wayne adopted a Richard Grayson it didn't take long for him to get in the spotlight with Bruce too.
When he reached another hallway on the opposite side of the manor Dick was finally in luck. It was almost a coincidence that Bruce happened to be walking in his direction.
Bruce was walking down the hallway, probably from his small chat with the numerous security guards at the premises. It was getting busy and it was highly necessary to have the extra precautions since there were a lot of very important people attending the party. With Gothams reputation for monstrous amounts of crime, it was good to have a back up.
Bruce saw Dick and stopped mid-way as Dick also stopped in front of Bruce. They both noted each other as Dick nervously tapped against his sides, unsure of what to say to Bruce. However, Bruce decided to break the nervous silence as his eye travelled on his ward.
"I'm liking the hairstyle", Bruce glanced at him smiling.
Dick looked up flicking part of his dark bangs out of his face. "Erm…thanks Bruce".
Bruce smiled. "Well I should be getting back to our guests, Gotham's military general wants to be briefed on the weapons once again before he leaves the city", Bruce said rolling his eyes as he stepped forward to walk away.
Dick laughed slightly, "Err…Bruce".
Bruce turned to look at his ward; he saw the insecure look in his striking blue eyes.
"About earlier, I'm…sorry for acting out of order. You were right about what you said and I shouldn't have acted so harsh to the situation".
Bruce realized what he was so doubtful about. The distrustful relationship that Robin saw in Batman really clouded his judgment. Bruce himself never trusted many people, but even so Batman had to be careful about others around him. That probably was what annoyed Dick the most, the fact that Batman had to be so secretive all the time.
I shouldn't tell him, there's information on villains that shouldn't be unlocked, Bruce thought to himself.
"Dick, don't worry about it. I'm the one who should be sorry, you're old enough to understand a lot of things and I keep forgetting that". Bruce apologized. Lying slightly to avoid another conflict in the most unlikely of times.
Dick nodded his head and smiled at Bruce.
"I'll talk to you later, ok Dick", Bruce said walking back to the main foyer.
"Yeah", Dick let out a breath as he watched his guardian walk out of the hallway.
Dick wasn't blind enough to not notice that break between his apology and Bruce's apology. Dick only wondered what Bruce was really thinking. And he didn't need to solve a puzzle to figure that one out.
Some time had passed and it was getting intensely warm in the manor. The crowds of numerous people all around raised the temperature of the rooms. Drinks and exotic cocktails were going faster by the minute. Most people didn't mind the heat; they seemed to be having a good time, even the most strict and uptight ones of the party.
On the other hand, it was getting a bit too much for Dick. Dick decided to break away from the setting and he made his way outside for some fresh air. In his hand was a glass of non-alcoholic punch, which was nearly empty. Bruce never allowed Dick to have anything alcoholic, but there were a few occasions where he made the mistake by picking up the wrong glass. He didn't mind the drink; he didn't see anything special about it. Well, he wasn't the type of person to fuss about the little things a lot.
Withdrawing from the hot room, Dick walked outside to the modest, quiet area. There were quite a few people talking around some of the tables, obviously they were simply getting away from the heat for a bit of air. It wasn't completely freezing outside, but there was definitely a small chill in the air. At least the glasses of fruity alcoholic drinks on the tables would keep everybody warm.
Dick took a seat overlooking the manor gardens; lanterns illuminated the area giving off a golden glow to reveal the gardens secrets. You could just make out the freshly planted roses entwined around tall stone plant pots. The only time when the gardens looked grand was when special occasions were right around the corner.
Overlooking the gardens was the city of Gotham, the heart of business and crime. White light emitted into the gloomy sky from surrounding skyscrapers. The only thing missing was the bat-signal.
Dick sighed, wishing that he could get away from the party to the excitement in the city. The only problem was explaining to the guests how Bruce Wayne and Richard Grayson miraculously disappeared as soon as the bat-signal appeared. Dick didn't mind the petty crime fighting, even Red X was a pain…but he didn't mind it. Being out in the city, running against the gleaming sunlight without any limits gave him the opportunity to be free to fight criminals and unwanted vigilantes. However, Batman normally complained about Robins harsh actions towards the criminals.
Criminals deserve what they get, Robin thought.
Even Slade. How Robin longed to find Slade and get answers to his questions was simply unreal.
Dick turned his gaze away from the gardens, as a man dressed in a neat gray tux appeared, standing near the garden patio railings. He looked around Alfred's age and he had a strong look to his face. The man had gray hair and he held his hands in front of himself. He clearly had some sort of experience from the military in the past, but he held a 'butler' like manner.
The man turned to the side as he perched his elbow on top of the railings, in doing so he brought a glass of champagne to his mouth, which was in his hands. His attention appeared to be on the city in the background.
Dick looked at him since the man was stood practically in his view at the side. After a few moments of running his eyes across the man, Dick felt as though he recognized him from somewhere. He wasn't just being overly suspicious, but there was something about him that made him uneasy.
Probably someone I saw from Jump, Dick thought.
Dick kept thinking, his eyes were beginning to strain as he stared at the familiar man in front of him.
I probably saw him whilst I was out searching for clues on Slade every night, Dick thought once again.
It was true, when Robin was out at the same time almost every night; he normally saw the same people walking down the streets as he flew over rooftops or if he simply sat on the edge of the roofs looking down upon the city. It was always after midnight when Robin went out so there were usually the same familiar people walking down the same streets. Jump City was usually busy because of the lack of crime, but there were always the key individuals walking down the deserted streets to avoid the partygoers heading out for the night. The civilians were probably returning back home after a long days work.
Dick blinked to prevent his eyes from straining for much longer.
Slade…something about that guy reminds me of him…he seems so familiar…
It was obvious that the guy in the gray suit was not Slade, but something sparked in Dicks mind that reminded him of Slade.
Why did Slade remind him of that man standing before him?
Bringing his attention back from digging around his memories, the gray suited man looked in Dick's direction. He immediately saw that Dick was staring right at him with an unusual look on his face. His eyes were directly on Dicks blue orbs.
Startled, Dick took a sharp breath and quickly looked away. Past memories swam through his mind; the pressure began to build up causing a thin layer of cold sweat on his forehead.
I've definitely seen him before, but who is he?
Dick shrewdly turned his head discreetly to the side in order to catch a glance at the gray suited man. To his surprise the man was still looking over at him.
I recognize him and I think he recognizes me…
Flashbacks punched him in his mind. Memories resurfaced back to the present day.
You have all the potential to become something greater than what you already are…
You will learn to get along with him, you're both too much alike…
Don't use so much strain on your arm…
How was your training?…
Things will change in time Robin…
He does care about you in some form…
You cannot expect anything less from a man like him Robin…
Dick's heart was pounding against his chest and his hands were becoming cold and clammy. He once again twisted his head slowly to look back at the gray suited man. The man was still staring at Dick with an intrigued look across his face.
He was so familiar, like he had met him before.
He had met him before.
Because…this man was connected to Slade.
This man was or perhaps still is associated with Slade.
It all makes perfect sense, Dick growled in his mind as he formed a knuckle-cracking fist against his black trousers.
Why didn't I see it sooner?
The gray suited man who stood before him was no other than…
William Wintergreen…
A/N: So how's that for a cliffhanger? I hope it wasn't too obvious ~looks away~…now we're one step closer to finding Slade…please review and tell me what you think!
