Chapter 25 Punch, Tummy Aches, and Kisses
Disclaimer: I don't own Young Justice. Though I don't know why anyone would think that anyways.
"I hate these stupid parties," Dick muttered, tugging on his bowtie.
Bruce looked at him emphatically, "I know. I hate them, too, but we only have to stay another hour."
Dick huffed, and took a sip of punch. Since it was New Year's Eve and Bruce was the most famous person in Gotham, the two were invited to the city's annual charity ball for hungry children. Since it was for a good cause and Bruce could not the think of I good enough excuse not to go, the pair were stuck in a room full of annoying people.
"Oh! Brucie!" a voice from behind them called.
Dick groaned, and Bruce elbowed him gently in the side as he turned. Dick got the message and quickly put a smile on his face before turning, as well.
"Ronnie! You look stunning!" Bruce replied, wearing a fake smile himself.
"Oh, you're such a flatter!" Ronnie cried, throwing her arms around his neck.
Bruce chuckled, "How are you doing?"
Ronnie pulled away, "I'm doing grand! I just got back from a trip in Ireland with Daddy! It was so- Why look it's the Batsignal!"
Ronnie was looking out the window and into the night sky. Bruce quickly followed her gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly. Dick stared at the signal for a moment before he started to cough a little. Ronnie glanced at him for a moment before turning back to Bruce.
"Whenever I see it, I feel so safe. It's just knowing that no matter what is going on, he'll be there to stop it," Ronnie gushed, clapping her hands together. Dick continued to cough.
"Yes, it is very comforting to know we have a guardian watching over all of us," Bruce agreed, nodding.
"I remember the first time I saw him. He saved me from a-" Ronnie was interrupted by a low moan from Dick.
Bruce turned his attention to him, "Are you alright?"
Dick shook his head, and stuck out his bottom lip.
"What's wrong?" Bruce asked, bending down to his level.
"My tummy hurts," Dick whined, "And I feel like I'm going to throw up."
Bruce sighed, "Richard, I told you not to eat all those sweets."
Dick's eyes began to tear up, "I'm sorry."
"I know, but you won't do it again. Will you?" Bruce demanded.
Dick shook his head sadly.
Bruce sighed again and stood up. Turning to Veronica, he said, "I'm very sorry, but I must take Dick home. He has a stomach ache."
"Oh you poor thing," Ronnie cooed, "I understand completely, Bruce. Do feel better."
Dick nodded, as Bruce swept him up in his arms.
"Thank God, we can leave," Dick murmured in Bruce's shoulder. Dick felt him shake in silent laughter.
"What seems to be the trouble?" Batman asked, fifteen minutes later at the top of police headquarters. Robin was doing backflips behind him, but still listening closely to the exchange.
"Catwoman broke out of jail last night," Commissioner Gordon answered.
"You want me to find her?" Batman said.
The commissioner nodded, "And quickly, too. There's a small gold cat statue that has just been shipped to Gotham's Natural History Museum. It was on the news a few nights ago since it such a rare piece. We think Catwoman heard about it while in prison, and is planning on stealing it."
"Robin and I will head there now," Batman assured him, pulling his grappling gun from his utility belt. He hooked it onto a nearby rooftop before flying off into the night. Robin quickly copied him and shouted, "WOOHOO!" as he swung to the next rooftop. Gordon laughed lightly at the boy, before turning away.
The two jumped from rooftop to rooftop until they were at the building across from the museum.
"And now we wait," Robin huffed, sitting down and hanging his feet off the edge of the building.
Batman grunted in agreement.
"Has anyone told you what a great conversationalist you are?" Robin teased.
Batman grunted again.
"My point right there!" Robin laughed, pointing at him.
Once again, Batman grunted, but Robin could see a hint of a smile on his face.
The pair waited two hours before Batman straightened up, upon seeing a quick, limber shadow figure climbing along the roof of the museum.
"Finally," Robin muttered, standing, "A little action."
"Follow my lead," Batman told him uses his grappling hook to swing him to the museum roof, as Catwoman lowered herself into the building.
"Wouldn't dare do anything else," Robin murmured, copying the man. He landed on the roof smoothly, and carefully followed Batman across to the opening Catwoman had made. Batman peered in, and gestured for Robin to follow before jumping down. Robin did so, and slide down a dinosaur statue for fun before stopping in the shadows. Batman glared at him slightly, but Robin just grinned in response. Robin quickly turned around when the lining around Batman's eyes widened. He backflipped a whip grazing his ankle.
"Hello handsome, babysitting tonight?" Catwoman purred, holding the gold cat statue against her hip.
"You of all people should know better than to underestimate him," Batman replied.
"I won't make that mistake again," Catwoman hissed, releasing the whip in Batman's direction. Batman jumped to the side, as a Batarang hit Catwoman's hand, knocking the whip the side.
"Too late," Robin laughed, standing on the dinosaur statue again.
Catwoman growled and lunged at him, dropping the gold cat statue. Robin dived under Catwoman to catch the statute, as Batman landed a kick to Catwoman's side. She fell to the ground with an oofp.
"I guess today is just not my day," she said, standing.
"Guess not," Batman agreed.
"Well, I'll just try again another day then," Catwoman said, slowly walking backwards before breaking out into a run. Batman began running after her. Robin front flipped off the dinosaur statue before following.
"So much better than a dumb galla," he muttered, chasing after his mentor and the theft. Robin watched as Batman turned a corner, and a moment later he heard a crash. Sighing, Robin sped up. He turned the corner to see Catwoman tied up, hanging upside from the ceiling, kissing his father.
"Uck!" Robin exclaimed.
Batman pulled away quickly.
"You have the worse timing, kid," Catwoman told him.
"My eyes!" Robin cried, overdramatically, rubbing his gloved hands over his face.
Batman rolled his eyes, and pressed a button on his utility belt, signaling the commissioner to Catwoman's capture.
"My poor, poor eyes," Robin continued muttering.
"Stop!" Batman commanded.
"But you were-" Robin stopped and shuddered.
"Yes, we were," Catwoman smirked.
Batman turned and glared at her, before turning back to Robin.
"Come on," he said, walking out of the museum.
"Why were you-"
"Drop it," Batman told him, firmly.
Robin sighed, and as he always does followed Batman.
AN: Yeah, I really don't like this chapter. Anyways, thanks for all your support. I'm sorry for the wait. You know, the usual. That being said, this story now has 100 FAVORITES! I am so happy! Thanks to all of you. Virtual hugs and cookies to everyone!