Richard walked down the street, his coat tugged tightly around him in order to stop the Gotham chill from seeping into his bones. He looked like any other teen just out for a walk among the many dingy streets of Gotham, although he wore a baseball cap that hid his ace from the many cameras in the city. It was good to be out.

His wide grin was yet to be removed from his face and even the sight of a homeless man taking a dump down an alleyway didn't seem to be able to wipe it off.

Dick sighed to himself, his eyes lifting up to the Gotham skyline and skyscrapers,his bright smile finally fading away. He had to admit after nearly five months in Slade's rather dark haunt he missed flying through Gotham.

Shaking his head as memories resurfaced, the teen tore his gaze from the tall buildings, it wouldn't do to still be living in the past, he wasn't Robin anymore, after all. Bruce had made sure of that.

For a moment Dick let his thoughts linger on Bruce, his ex-father figure and his brothers, he would have liked to believe they were all searching for him at the moment, but Dick knew they were yet to be told. It wasn't entirely Bruce's fault however, his brothers just never came by anymore, but it was fine. Maybe one day he would be able to explain to them why he left.

Just not now.

A familiar flash of shadows on the building just beside him made the young man's heart stop, his stomach twisting in dread. He paused in his steps, seemingly frozen to the sidewalk. How had he known? He had been so careful, how could Batman find him?

He waited, waited for the hand to clutch his shoulder, the countless questions.

But it never came.

What?

After another moment passed and no gruff voice sounded, a quick glance around revealed he was alone. Or alone as you could be in a city.

But that didn't make sense, that was definitely Batman--

He almost laughed out loud as he realized the dark knight of Gotham had simply been passing by, and what would he have possibly wanted from a seemingly normal teen simply out for a walk?

Exhaling slowly, Richard shook himself, as if he was shaking off his terror from moments ago.

He was fine, he wasn't going to be caught.

Not today at least.

Turning on his heel, Dick began to make his way back to the haunt, figuring he had enough excitement for one night.

Unbeknownst to the little bird, a second shadow stood watching him high on the building adjacent to Richard, a cruel smile stretched across their face.

-•-

"Master Bruce, I have just been informed by Master Tim that the boys will be arriving here for dinner tonight." The butler eyed the dark-haired man carefully, " they are must excited to catch up with you and 'Dickie'."

Bruce let out a long breath, his eyes shut in exasperation. "It's been five months, they have to find out eventually."

Alfred paused before he was out the door of the study, "I certainly hope you know what you are doing."

The dark-haired man watched his pseudo-father leave, his eyes scrunching up in worry. "So do I."