So…who's mad at me for not updating this since last year? My deepest apologies. I spent all day writing this when I have a super duper important, 5+ page paper to write for history. But you guys took precedence over my grades. I hope you all had a great valentine's day, and you're staying warm.
There has been a time jump here to about 1.5-2 years, so keep that in mind.
For your reference, Rose is 8, Dick is 17, Grant is 16, and Joey is 14.
I really hope you like this. I pretty much typed it up and didn't add much to it, but I think it's good as it stands.
I won't keep you up here any longer, please enjoy.
"Daddy!" My 8 year old daughter shrieked through the house. I looked up from the paper I was reading and bolted to the kitchen where she was practically drooling over a laptop on the table.
"What's wrong?!" I worriedly asked her. She looked up at me, excitement etched on her face.
"Can we go to the circus?" she asked simply. The circus? Why would she want to go there? That was one of the few places we would not go for Dick's sake.
"No," I said simply, allowing my heart rate to slow back down to a normal pace.
"Why not! They're coming to Jump City! Please? I want to watch the acrobats!"
"You have your own acrobat here to watch."
"That's not the same. He can't do all the fancy flying stuff because he doesn't have a team! Please daddy?"
"No."
"Daddy! That's not fair! I'm on the gymnastics team! I want to see it in real life!"
"You do it in real life, Dick does it in real life. If you want to see professional acrobats, look it up online. We are not going," I said with finality.
"Dad!"
"No, Rose. Do not ask again," I said, turning to pour myself a cup of coffee. She huffed, crossed her arms, and pouted.
"Don't ask for what again?" Grant asked as he walked to the refrigerator.
"I wanna go to the circus, but dad said no!"
Grant paused, his hand on the door handle. He looked up at Rose curiously then met my eyes. I shook my head ever so slightly, knowing he knew why I had declined.
"I don't blame him. The circus is boring anyway," he said offhandedly, continuing his search inside the fridge.
"Grant!"
"What? It's true!"
"Whatever he's talking about, Rose, don't believe him, I'm sure it isn't true," Dick said lightly as he walked in the kitchen as well, reaching into the refrigerator for a gallon of milk and pouring himself a glass.
"It's noth-" Grant began before being cut off by Rose.
"Dad said we can't go to the circus and Grant said it was boring!"
Dick choked on his milk and stared Rose in the eye. He then turned to glare at me and Grant.
"Now, why would they say a thing like that?"
"I dunno! I just want to watch the acrobats," she said simply.
"What, I'm not good enough for you?"
"No. I want to see a team!"
Dick set his milk on the counter and walked up to her to peer over her shoulder. His breathing hitched slightly as he stared at the computer. It quickly passed as he ruffled her hair.
"Sorry, kiddo. But…that circus doesn't have an aerial act anymore," he said sadly.
"Oh…I still wanna go."
Dick was silent a moment before nodding.
"Me too…Where are they going to be?" he asked, taking over the computer.
"They're coming to Jump City next weekend," she responded in building excitement, "See, daddy? Robin wants to go! Please!"
Why did things always have to be so difficult in this family? I say one thing, and Addie says something else. I say one thing, and Dick says something else…Why does everyone always disagree with my judgment?
"Guys, I don't know if that's-"
"Oh! Sweet!" Dick shouted, scrolling down the web page with a wide smile on his face.
"We aren't going to the circus, Rose. It-it costs way too much."
"Don't worry about that, Slade. I can get you in…for free," Dick said with a smirk.
Rose looked at me with a smirk that rivaled my own. She crossed her arms across her chest and looked me in the eye.
"Now what's your excuse?" she asked.
I don't know who was more excited about going to the circus, Dick or Rose. Either way, they were both happy about it in their own way. Rose was just happy she got her way, despite my lack of enthusiasm. She chattered animatedly about the circus the whole way there. Dick? Well, Dick just wanted to reconnect with his roots. He didn't say a word, instead, he was lost in his own thoughts. He insisted we leave early. Very early.
The show didn't start until seven that night. Dick made us leave at two that afternoon. We didn't go to the first show the night before due to crowds, instead, we attended the third show.
I parked the car across the street. Dick was the first one out of the car. He lifted Rose to his shoulders and led the way up to the tent.
I watched the tall young man walk. He was strong and confident. Much unlike the young boy I met eight years ago. He was strong not only physically, but emotionally as well. Sure, he had his moments where he drew away from everyone, wanting to be left alone for a while. Who didn't? But Dick…He was the strongest person I knew, and that was saying a lot.
Grant…he had changed over the years too. He was bigger than Dick was; taller and more muscular-Grant would always be bigger than Dick. He had come so far. Eight years ago, he resented Dick with every fiber of his being, willing to hurt or even kill Dick to get him out of his life. But now? Now, Dick was not only Grant's partner, but his brother, his comrade. Nothing would ever change that now. Sure, Grant had his moments of jealousy as well, the arguments would break out, the fights would ensue…But Grant wouldn't hurt Dick. Not too badly, anyway.
Then there was Joey…Sweet little Joey who wouldn't even kill a fly. He never resented Dick. He just wanted everyone to be happy. He was talented. Dick had taught him how to play the guitar, and his voice…his voice was incredible. He never sang in front of anyone, but I'd heard him. We all had. The small voice humming absently as he went about doing chores or homework. I'd heard him sing in his room when he didn't think anyone was around or listening. He was talented, but he would never accept it or allow anyone to acknowledge it. He wasn't a fighter. He didn't want to be. But, being around Grant, Dick, and myself, and watching the other two wrestle in the floor all the time, he did pick up a few things.
Then there was Rose. The little spitfire sitting atop my adopted son's shoulders and he walked into his first home. The girl was amazing. She was becoming quite the acrobat-as well as a fighter. Although she may not have really noticed it, I did. I watched Dick train her. He wasn't only teaching her acrobatics. He was subtly teaching her how to fight. She would never know, but if she ever chose to follow in my footsteps-not that I would ever let my angel do such a thing-she would take to it so easily because of what Dick was showing her. And she was good. Dick had finally started teaching her how to use the trapezes. She was an amateur, barely doing anything but swinging back and forth on the bars like a swing. But she was advancing quickly. Dick was so proud of her. And so was I.
I smiled as my kids walked in front of me. There is not one thing I would change.
Dick walked through the tent entrance. No one was around to even question us. In fact, the place seemed deserted as he waltzed through the main entrance. He paused as he walked through and placed Rose on the ground next to me. Dick walked down the stadium steps, leaving everyone behind, and leaned over the railing that looked out over the dusty floor. He didn't do anything for a long moment, only looked out. He shook his head and threw his body over the rail and down to the floor. I walked down to where he was standing, followed by my family, and took a seat on the front row silently.
Dick walked out to the center of the ring and looked straight up. His breathing stopped, his face paled, and his hands began to shake. Right above him hung three trapeze bars covered in roses.
"Oh my god…" he whispered. The sound bounced off the canvas tent, making his voice loud. A tear fell down his face.
"Hey! You can't be down here! The show doesn't start until 7!" came a voice from under the bleachers opposite us. Dick's head snapped to the source, a wide smile crossed his face when he saw who spoke. The brightly colored man walked up to Dick, ready to confront him, but stopped dead in his tracks about twenty feet away.
"Holy shit…Dick?" the man asked, squinting.
"What's up, Travis?" Dick asked his friend.
"No way…" Travis responded, "What the hell, dude!?" Dick and Travis met each other halfway and embraced each other in strong hug.
"I don't believe this! How have you been, man?" Travis asked in utter astonishment, "It is so good to see you!"
"I've been as good as it gets, I guess," Dick shrugged, "What about you? How're the guys?" he asked, jerking his head to the entrance from which Travis came.
"It hasn't been the same since you left, Dick," Travis responded, "but we've managed." He paused, "What happened to you?" Travis asked, gesturing to the scar on Dick's face.
"Uh…just a little accident…you know how it is. I still don't use a net," Dick chuckled. Travis beamed.
"You still do it?!"
"Wouldn't quit for the world. That's the only thing I have left of this place, I'm not about to just give it up."
They were silent a moment before Travis broke the silence.
"Who are they?" Travis asked, pointing to us.
Dick turned around and looked at us, a smile spread wide across his face.
"Come on."
Dick and Travis walked up the stairs and to the seats we were in.
"Guys, this is Travis. He's a rider in the cage of death here," Dick introduced us, "Travis, this is Slade Wilson, my…fa-uh…he's my guardian, I guess."
I raised an eyebrow at Dick's slip up. Was he going to say I was his father?
I shook the young man's hand, "Nice to meet you, Travis."
"Same to you, Mr. Wilson."
"And this is Adeline," Dick said as the two shook hands and exchanged a greeting, "Grant, Joey, and Rose," Dick finished.
Grant looked the young man up and down, shaking his hand with a nod. Rose giggled as though she'd just met a celebrity, and Joey simply smiled as he shook Travis' hand firmly.
"It's awesome to meet you guys. Sorry you got stuck with this stick in the mud," Travis said, shoving Dick to the side playfully.
"Shut up, man. Like you're one to talk."
The looked at each other, as though exchanging some inside joke.
"Oh my God! What the hell am I doing?!" Travis exclaimed, "HEY! MOM, DAD, JACK, K, LINDA, ARAINNA, EVERYONE! GUYS GET OUT HERE! NOW!" he yelled through the tent, his voice resonating loudly. Travis gripped Dick's wrist and leapt over the rail and into the dirt, dragging the acrobat behind him.
"Dude!" Dick chided as he stumbled down the stairs.
"Sorry…JACK!"
Jack Haley stampeded through the backstage entrance looking alarmed, followed by a man and woman.
"Travis! What's wrong?" the woman asked.
Travis pulled Dick in front of him and pushed him forward lightly.
As other's piled into the arena, Jack didn't move. His eyes locked on Dick's, scanning every feature of his face.
"Oh…Dick? Is that you?" Jack asked, approaching Dick as though he might vanish any moment.
"Hey, Jack," Dick answered.
Haley dropped the baton he was holding and engulfed Dick in a bear hug. Dick's arms were pinned to his sides as he was lifted off the ground by the ring master.
"It's good to see you, too, Jack," Dick wheezed. Jack placed Dick back on the ground and placed his hands on Dick's shoulders.
"Stand back, son, and let me look at you! You've grown, Dick. Look at you!" Jack took his face in his hands, turning Dick's head back and forth. "What happened here?"
Dick laughed and pushed Jack's hands away.
"Just a little accident. Not a big deal. It comes with the profession," Dick answered lightly.
Loud, excited chattering filled the tent as the performers swarmed around Dick, asking questions and talking. Dick took it all in, basking in the presence of his circus family.
"Why do you still put those up?" Dick asked, pointing to the trapeze bars over the floor, "It takes away a lot of time to set up…"
"Why do you think?" asked a tall woman with heavy stage makeup.
"It's a memorial…for them," came the answer from a tall dark man. Dick looked up at the bars again.
"Jack…can I…do you mind if I go up there? Just for a minute?" Dick asked hopefully.
"Dick, as far as I'm concerned, you own that platform," he responded with a smile. Dick returned the smile and made his way over to the ladder that led up to the platform. He took a deep breath before he started his climb. The tent fell silent as everyone watched him. He climbed with confidence, a deep resolve. Each hand hold was strong and determined.
Finally, Dick pulled himself up onto the platform he knew so well and looked out at the rose covered bars.
"Damn…" he whispered, though it resonated through the tent. Dick muttered to himself and looked out at the bars, lost in thought. The tent was silent as the grave. No one spoke, no one breathed.
Finally, after what seemed like years, Dick stood up tall and made his way back down the ladder.
He walked up to Jack and thanked him.
"You don't have to thank me, Dick. Is Slade here?"
"Yeah, he's over there. Slade, come down here a minute! All of you!" Dick called across the ring to us. I exchanged a look with Adeline who smiled back gently and stood up with the kids. We made our way down to the floor and approached Dick. Rose clung to his side shyly as she looked at the brightly clad group of circus performers standing before us.
Jack Haley walked up to me as I proffered my hand to him. Disregarding it, he embraced me just as he had Dick. Who knew the man was so strong?
"It's so good to see you, Mr. Wilson! Thank you so much for taking care of our boy," he said gratefully.
"My pleasure, Mr. Haley…" I wheezed. Dick hid his smile behind his hand.
"Jack, this is Adeline, Grant, Joey, and Rose," Dick said, pointing to each one in turn. Adeline escaped with a handshake and hello, as did the others. It seemed Dick and I were the only two to be suffocated. We were surrounded by the nagging performers, asking questions and introducing themselves. It was overwhelming, and Dick knew every single one of them.
"Jack! Where's Zitka?" Dick asked excitedly.
"She's in the back, son. Come on, she'd love to see you!"
"Yes!" Dick exclaimed, hauling Rose onto his back and hurrying backstage. We were all ushered backstage, much to my chagrin, by the performers.
Despite my annoyance at being backstage with a bunch of smelly animals, crazy clowns, and overly excited children, I couldn't help but notice that Dick was at home. He loved it here. He missed these people with everything inside of him. Everyone followed Dick and Jack as they paraded around backstage. But when they came to the elephants, Jack stopped and allowed Dick to go alone. Leaving Rose behind, Dick ran up to one of the elephants and held out his hand, pulling the animal's trunk up to his face.
"Hey, girl," he greeted. The elephant wrapped her trunk around the boy and pulled him forward, playing with him. If elephants played, that is. Clearly, the elephant was happy to see him. Dick laughed, and after a moment, climbed up on her back and sat behind her ears. The animal raised it's trunk to the boy, grunting as she did so. I don't know much about elephants…but I do know they are protective of their young. They are giant, loving, cuddle bugs. It was clear that this elephant loved Dick, and Dick, likewise, loved the elephant.
"Do you plan on staying for the show tonight?" asked Jack, pulling me away from Dick and his love affair with the elephant.
"Yes, we do. Rose wanted to come, and Dick agreed, obviously."
"That's great, Slade! We have a very special guest coming tonight, Bruce Wayne!"
"Wayne? The owner of Wayne industries?"
The same man who was present last time I came to the circus? The night the Graysons were killed? Why? He was from Gotham City, what was he doing here?
"That's the one, said he's bringing his son, Tim." Jack beamed.
"He was promoting some orphanage charity in Gotham eight years ago, right? Why is he coming back?"
"Beats the hell outta me, I'm just hoping for a generous donation."
Bruce Wayne was the reason the circus was in Gotham City that night. He's the reason the Graysons died. If it hadn't been for his charity, the circus would have skipped that town for the next.
"Right…" I trailed.
This night could either end very bad or very good…
Jack Haley, Dick, and Travis gave us the unofficial tour of backstage Haley's Circus. Dick stopped along the way, either by approaching someone he hadn't yet seen, or being tackled by others who didn't know he was there. All in all, I suppose we had a good time. Grant walked off with a man named Mr. K, the knife thrower, to learn a few more tricks that Dick hadn't taught him. Rose was stolen away by the gymnasts after they found out Dick had been teaching her. Joey went to watch the lion tamer care for his animals. Addie and I parted ways. She went to speak to the makeup artists and I just sat down and waited, watching the people bustle about. I was minding my own business when Travis and Dick drove in front of me on separate motorcycles heading to who knows where. Travis seemed like a good kid. Honest, tough…a good friend.
"So, Slade. How have things been for your family these past few years?" Jack Haley asked, taking a seat next to me.
Why did he care? It's my life, not his.
"Good enough, I suppose."
"We've missed Dick. Seeing him today is definitely going to put a spring in everyone's step. I hear he's teaching the little girl what he knows?"
"Yes, he is. She is doing well at it, too. In fact, that's the only reason she wanted to come tonight. To watch acrobats."
"We haven't had an aerial act since the Graysons fell eight years ago. I can't bring myself to hire anyone."
I gave a simple nod, understanding what he meant.
"How did he get that scar?" Haley asked suddenly.
"It was an accident. Before I bought him his trapezes and equipment…he fell out of a tree. Got hurt pretty bad and had to take him to the hospital. That was…not too long after he came to live with us. It doesn't slow him down any."
"Does he use a net?"
"Yes."
"Good."
I looked over at the man. He was truly thankful that Dick used the net, and he was proud that he was still doing acrobatics. Jack Haley…loved Dick. Even after all these years…
"He was a talented young man. Still is."
"I've never met anyone like him," I replied honestly. Dick had taught us so much. He helped Grant with homework, fighting, weapon technique and the like…He taught Joey to love music…he was passing down his passion for flight to Rose…and me? He's taught me patience. Dick is so level headed. He's down to earth, and doesn't take bull shit from anyone. But most of all, he's patient. He was patient with Grant, waiting to gain his trust; he's patient with Joey, teaching him how to play and sing; he's patient with Rose, messing up her form and trying to nail the moves; he's patient with me, learning what I have to teach the way I want it done….he was spectacular.
"Mr. Wilson!" called Travis, running up to me with Dick on his heels, "Would you and your family like to join me and my parents for supper before the show?"
I looked at Dick's smiling face. He was so happy here.
"Sure, Travis. We'd love to," I responded.
"Awesome. It'll be ready in about an hour, according to mom."
"We'll go tell the others," Dick chimed in. And with that, they walked off, talking animatedly to one another.
"It's good to see those two together again," Haley commented. "They used to be inseparable. I don't think Travis really ever got over losing the Graysons, but now that Dick's here…he seems like a whole new person, don't you think?"
"I wouldn't know."
"I suppose you're right. Those two…man. If one of them got in trouble, the other wasn't far behind. They were the jokers of this circus. If something went missing, or wrong, everyone knew who to blame. Elephants were painted, clowns lost their shoes, noses and wigs, we even lost a zebra one time thanks to those two," he chuckled at the memory.
"Dick hasn't ever said anything about him."
"I don't imagine he would. Travis hasn't talked about Dick since the day he left, but he was heartbroken."
I nodded gently, the conversation coming to a close as one of the performers came up to Jack to assist her and her team with something. Something about routine or whatever…
Dinner was a happy affair for Dick. I exchanged conversation with Travis's father, Allan, about fuel injections and motorcycle engines. Not my field of expertise, but I was certainly not lacking in knowledge. The kids all talked about life in the circus, and Dick and Travis reminisced about their shenanigans so many years ago. The stories they told were humorous, but the stunts they pulled were dangerous…really? Hiding in the lion den? Climbing to the top of the death cage? Taking a zebra for a joy ride? Sitting on top of the circus tent in an extreme game of hide and seek? They laughed about everything they did, realizing how incredibly stupid and dangerous they had been.
Circus kids. That's what they were, and nothing could change it. What was the saying? You can take the kid out of the circus, but you can't take the circus out of the kid? That should be Dick's motto.
"Dick…you look just like your father," Allan commented in a brief moment of silence.
Dick nodded, "I know."
"And your eyes…they're even brighter than Mary's!" Terry, Allan's wife, commented.
"Yeah…I guess. I don't…I don't really remember what her eyes looked like anymore…I know they were an amazing blue…but I'm forgetting," Dick said, bowing his head sadly.
"Don't you have a picture or something?"
"Yeah, but it's not the same. It's black and white… and it's just…it's just not the same."
Travis placed his hand on Dick's shoulder and squeezed it gently. Dick looked up at him with a small, sad smile before turning he gaze to Terry.
"Supper was delicious, Terry. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Dick," she replied, "I hate to say it, but we need to get ready for tonight. Thank you for joining us," she said to all of us, rising with her family and clearing the table. Travis walked us all back to the slowly filling arena.
"Dick, I know it's hard…but…things can only get better, right?"
"Travis, things can't really get any better than they are now. I lost my family, but I have a new one now, and that's really all that matters anymore," Dick replied.
Travis nodded, "See you after the show?" he asked.
"You bet."
As the time for the show came around, Adeline, Grant, Joey, Rose, and I took our seats in the front row, reserved just for us. Dick stayed backstage for a little while before joining us. Little did I know that our reserved seats were right next to Wayne's reserved place. Dick sat to my right, and Wayne sat to his right.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS OF ALL AGES, WELCOME TO THE WORLD FAMOUS HAYLE'S CIRCUUUUUUUUUUUUUS!" Jack began. The tent erupted in deafening cheers.
"Before we begin tonight, we have two very special guests with us tonight. Please give a warm welcome to Mr. Bruce Wayne from Gotham City!" Once again, cheers and shouts filled the tent, never fully dying down. Wayne stood up and waved to the crowd before taking his seat once more.
"Eight years ago, we lost the greatest act this circus had to offer. The Flying Graysons took the world by storm in their death defying aerial acts performed without the use of the net. Come on down here a minute, son!" Jack called to Dick. Even in the dim light, I was his face drain of color. Nonetheless, he stood up and ran confidently out to the floor to stand with Jack. "Please give a welcoming, warm round of applause for the last Flying Grayson, MR. RICHARD GRAYSON!" Jack raised Dick's hand in the air triumphantly, and the crowd exploded. It was absolutely the loudest thing I'd ever heard in my life. Rose covered her ears, Grant looked somewhat amused, and Joey was excited.
But Dick? He beamed.
Dick was a showman, born to be in the center ring. The crowd died down a few minutes later, and Dick was released to come and sit back down. Bruce Wayne stood up and shook Dick's hand and the show commenced. Once again, just as I did eight years ago, the same performers came out and went through their routines. There were a few new acts and tricks, but it was essentially the same thing. I did, however, pay attention to the motorists in the death cage. Dick looked on with awe as more and more riders rode around, nearly colliding with one another in expertise. Travis was incredibly skilled at what he did. Even though he'd seen this hundreds of times, I don't think he would ever get tired of watching
them. They were his family, after all.
As the show came to a close, and people began to file out, Dick stood up and walked to the center ring where Haley was beginning to close up. He said good bye to the performers leaving the ring, including the death cage riders and some of the clowns. I took the others and waited for him at the exit.
"Jack…that was amazing."
"Nothing you haven't seen before, my boy," he replied, ruffling the raven haired kid's hair.
"Mr. Haley!" came a voice from the bleachers. Wayne was making his way toward the ring master with a young man behind him.
"Hello, Mr. Wayne. It was a pleasure having you here tonight."
"The show was exceptionally good tonight, Jack," Wayne said, "This is my ward, Tim."
"Hey," Tim said sheepishly, "I used to love watching the Flying Graysons. It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Grayson," he said, shaking Dick's hand.
"Call me Dick. Nice to meet you." He shook Wayne's hand as well.
"I never got to see you after the show in Gotham, Dick, but now that I am, I want to say I'm incredibly sorry for your loss."
"Thank you, but you don't have to be. You didn't kill them."
"No, but the man who did? I hear he's on the run. The Gotham City Police Department hasn't stopped their search for Anthony Zucco," Tim commented.
"They are?"
"Yeah. He dropped off the face of the earth, though, but I'm sure he'll turn up. Idiots like him can't stay hidden forever."
Dick shrugged, knowing full well that Tony Zucco would never ever turn up. It had already been about a year and a half since he died, and still, no one had found him.
"Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Wayne?" Haley asked the man.
"No, Mr. Haley, I'm just here to give you a donation from Wayne Tech. It isn't much, but hopefully it will help you in some small way," he said, handing the check over to Haley.
Jack's eyes almost popped out of his head, and Dick looked at Wayne in astonishment.
"$50,000 is no small amount, Mr. Wayne," said Dick in a surprised tone.
"Thank you, Mr. Wayne," Haley said once he'd regained his composure.
"Hey, Dick! What'd-whoa. Hello, Mr. Wayne," Travis said, walking up to the group.
"You're the death cage rider, right?" asked Tim.
"Travis Stross," Travis said, offering his hand to the young man.
"Tim Drake, nice to meet you."
"Likewise."
"Thank you for the incredible show, Mr. Haley. We look forward to attending again soon."
"As do we, Mr. Wayne."
"Um…Dick?" Tim piped up nervously, "could you maybe…just for the sake of being here…maybe show us a thing or two? Flips or something?"
Dick's eyebrows shot up at the request.
"Hey, Dick, yeah. I ain't seen you in eight years, let's see if you still got it," Travis encouraged.
"Um…ok…"
Tim and Travis exchanged a look of anticipation as they all stepped back. Dick took a spot at the edge of the ring, took a deep breath and went into a series of flips across the ground. He twisted his body through double and triple flips, moving quickly, and ended the sequence with the Grayson's famous quadruple flip in front of the group of men, landing soundly on the ground.
"Whoo! You still got it, man!" Travis shouted, running up to him and clapping him on the back.
"Did you really think I, Richard Johnathan Grayson, would ever lose it?" Dick asked in surprise.
"That was great!" Tim shouted, coming to stand next to Travis with Bruce Wayne behind him.
"Thanks."
"Tim, we need to get going, Alfred will have our hides if we aren't home by tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Haley. Dick."
The two nodded and the Waynes left. They walked by us on their way out. I gave a jerky nod to him, daring him to speak to me. He only returned the nod with a simple, "Good night," and walked out the tent.
"I should probably get going, too. Jack, Travis, it was so good to see you."
"You have no idea, Dick," Travis replied, embracing the Romanian in a hug, "I'm going to miss you, man."
"Me too."
"Dick…listen. If you ever want to…come back, there's always a place here for you. This is your home. We can hire some more acrobats and get the Last Flying Grayson back in the air," Jack offered. I held my breath, knowing if Dick chose that, I wouldn't stop him. Dick paused a moment, considering the offer. He turned to look at me and the others standing there waiting on him.
"Thanks, Jack. But I have a family and home here. I need them…and I think they need me. I miss you guys, I miss the circus so much, and I miss my parents. I can't come back here and work with a new group of aerialists. I've got a home. A new family. I'm not going to give that up."
Jack nodded, "Well, if you ever change your mind, the offer will always be open to you."
"Just because the Flying Grayson's are done, doesn't mean you can't hire a new aerial act. The circus needs that. The crowd wants that. They come to see death defying acts, Jack, so give them what they want. Hire new acrobats, new trapeze artists, and high flying dare devils, just make sure they use a net, ok?"
"I'll think about it. It just won't be the same. I'll miss you Dick. Next time we're in town, come see us, ya hear?" Jack said, pointing a finger at Dick.
"I hear ya. Bye, Jack," Dick said, hugging the man once more. Jack didn't respond, but accepted the hug.
"Travis, tell them all I said I'll see them later,"
"Will do, man."
Dick nodded and turned and walked away from the two men toward me and the others.
"Dude…you just met the richest man in America," Grant said in envy.
Dick shrugged, "So?"
"So? That isn't just something you do every day! You just met BRUCE WAYNE! This isn't a 'so' moment."
"I don't really care, Grant," Dick looked at me and raised an eyebrow, "He's totally the Batman."
I rolled my eyes, "Too many holes, Dick."
He shook his head and scoffed.
"Let's go home," Dick said with a genuine smile on his face. I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my own face as I followed him out to the car.
I'm so glad Rose got her way.
You asked for a meeting with Bruce Wayne, and you got a meeting with Bruce Wayne! Booyah!
So? What did you think? Good, bad? I dunno. I only gave myself ten hours to write it, so don't judge too hard. Do you like Travis, because you probably won't ever see him again, except maybe in the drabbles I plan to do after this story is over.
I want you to know that this is the last fluffy chapter for a while, and that's all I will say about that. Someone is definitely going to cry very soon. And I'm not even sorry.
With that in mind, I'll probably be drawing this story to a close within the next few chapters. Maybe not, I'm not sure yet, but we're definitely more than halfway through. I know of at least….maybe 5-8 more chapters are planned. After that, I'm not really sure.
So, please leave a review, I only need four more before I get 200! Don't disappoint!
I love y'all, please smile at some strangers and stay warm!
Oh my…this chapter is 13 pages long…that's unfortunate….bye!
