Summary: Batman and Robin chapter. Joker broke out of Arkham the day after Auld Acquaintance, and the Dynamic Duo have been after him for like 2 weeks at this point.

Disclaimer: I don't own DC

The universe loved to torture the Boy Wonder, he was sure of it. The very night after New Year's, Joker had burst out of Arkham, and he had led the Dynamic Duo on a wild goose chase for the past 2 weeks. All Dick wanted to do was talk to Zatanna about their possible maybe-relationship, but he hadn't gotten the chance to see her, or anyone on the team, ever since that kiss on New Year's. The only contact he had with his friends was through Wally, and those were just phone calls. He was not about to communicate with Zee through his best friend. He'd never let me hear the end of it. I guess I could ask for Zee's number, but...no, that wouldn't work...Dick thought that the discussion he and Zatanna needed to have would be best done in-person, not through a phone call, and so he would just wait. Man, I REALLY hope she doesn't think I'm avoiding her. Wally had already told the team that Dick and Batman were stuck in Gotham on a case, but he worried that wouldn't be enough for Zee. Artemis had offered to help the Dynamic Duo, but Bruce declined, and Dick thought that was probably for the best. Joker ain't exactly the same as Vertigo, or Merlyn, or whoever Team Arrow fights on a daily basis. He's a different type of crazy altogether. Still, Dick felt guilty leaving Zatanna hanging for almost half a month, especially since she would have to see 3 other couples hang out together every freaking day in the cave. Wally and Artemis had made it official after New Year's, as had Kaldur and Raquel. Dick expected Wally and Arty to start dating, but he had to say, he was shocked to hear about Kal and Rocky. From what Kal had told him, his two best friends in Atlantis were dating, and apparently he had a thing for one of them. Dick wasn't sure if he was still hung up on her, but he hoped not since Raquel clearly seemed to really like him. Woulda thought he would hold off on a relationship until he got that all sorted out. Anyways, all that's left is for me and Zee to get together. W-wait, l-let's not get ahead of ourselves, Romeo! I don't even know if Zee really likes me! Sure, she MAY have kissed me, but it was New Year's! People do that all the time on New Year's, right?...God I hope she likes me. Dick was knocked out of his thoughts by Batman, who signaled him to move in.

Batman and Robin burst through a window, landing on their feet and surveying the area. "Aaaaand there's nobody here." Batman huffed as he looked around, finding nothing but a large crate and a computer.

"Hack into it. I'll keep looking. Maybe he left a clue around." Dick nodded as he hacked into the files, looking for a way to track the dispersal unit. Joker's latest scheme involved spreading Laughing Gas all around Gotham through a chemical bomb. Damn. Original. Didn't he already try this with that whole Joker Boat thing, or whatever? Heh, remember the look on his face when Bats destroyed 'Captain Clown'? Priceless. Dick found a way to track the bomb, and he signaled Batman.

"I got it! Uh...Bats?"

"Hold on, I think there's something here." Batman broke down the crate to find a ticking bomb. Dick's eyes widened. Oh...that's not good! Batman turned to Dick and made a break for the nearest window "Run! Now!" The Dynamic Duo burst through the window to escape the blast, and Batman glided to safety. Robin attempted to glide, but a piece of debris knocked him off balance, and he used his impressive acrobatics to land safely. Batman landed next to him, concerned. "You okay?"

"Y-yeah. Just caught off guard's all."

"Your glider skills need work."

"Hey, I stuck the landing, didn't I?" Robin tracked the bomb to a nearby factory, and he and Bats burst through the roof to find Joker there. The Clown Prince of Crime turned to face them and grinned.

"Is there something wrong with the door? Or do you just like picking glass out of your tights?" Joker laughed before pressing a button, and a slew of Joker-androids surrounded the Dynamic Duo. Huh? Robots are more Riddler's thing, but ok then. Dick smirked before he and Bruce took on the army of androids, mowing through them with minimal effort. The Dynamic Duo moved in perfect sync, devastating the robots in harmony. Joker let out another laugh before pulling out an RPG, and Dick's eyes went wide. Crap! Where the hell does he even carry that?! Robin dodged a missile, but the explosion sent him flying, and he barely jumped to safety before being caught in another one. Dick's suit was slightly torn up, and half his mask had been blasted off. Bruce wasn't doing much better, as part of his cowl was ripped and his suit had massive blast marks on it, his cape tattered. Robin looked to the side to see the bomb, surrounded by Joker bots, and Batman nodded to him.

"Get the bomb. I'll deal with him."

"Copy that!" Batman dropped a smoke bomb and grappled up to take Joker, and Dick made a run for the bomb, flipping over a few bots and dropping an EMP to shut down a few others. He grabbed the bomb and pried it open to reveal the internals. Robin pulled up the schematics he had downloaded earlier and compared them to the real bomb until he found the right wires to cut. Oh, this is gonna be real close! Dick clamped his eyes closed as he cut the wire and let out a shaky breath as the timer stopped. He laughed nervously upon seeing the time written on the clock and walked over to Bruce, who had tied up Joker and was awaiting Gordon. "Here ya go."

Bruce caught the bomb and smirked as he saw the time written on the clock."One second? And I thought I was dramatic."

"Heh, learn from the best." Gordon and his cops arrived for cleanup, and Dick walked off to the Batmobile, awaiting Bruce. Once Batman finished with the Commissioner, he hopped into the driver seat and took off. "So, are we done with all this?"

"Yes. Joker's behind bars and we can put this case to a close."

"Finally! I haven't seen Za-the team since New Year's!"

"Excited?"

"Y-yeah. It's been a while."

"Hmm, yes, I suppose you and Zatanna do have an important conversation to have." Dick turned red and looked at Bruce in awe. I know he's the World's Greatest Detective 'n all, but how did he figure it out? Bruce noticed his shock and chuckled. "Dick, if the cave has cameras that I monitor, do you really think the Watchtower wouldn't?" Dick saw Bruce's smirk and was even more confused.

"S-so y-you're not m-mad?"

"No, I'm not. If I had anything against you dating a coworker, I wouldn't have let Miss Martian and Superboy get away with it, and I certainly wouldn't be dating Diana. Just...be careful. I'm saying this as a father, not a mentor. I don't want you to...rush to things only to end up with a broken heart. Same goes for Zatanna."

"Y-yeah. I, uh, I do really like her."

"Yes, anyone can see that. I'm sure you two will last, just be responsible with it. I told you before I wanted you to get a life outside the job. This is just one step further in the right direction. I'm proud of you." Dick smiled as they pulled up into the Batcave, and he immediately hopped out with the intent to go to Zatanna. FINALLY! I literally can't wait any longer! "Um, Dick?"

"Y-yeah?"

"You do realize it's past midnight, right? I doubt you waking up Zatanna this late to talk with her will be a good first step in this relationship. Wait until tomorrow." Dick groaned before changing into his civilian clothes and walking up to bed. How the hell am I supposed to sleep with THIS on my mind? Didn't think this one through, did ya, Bruce? Alfred came up to Bruce as the Boy Wonder hurried off to his shower.

"I see young Master Dick is finally ready to pursue Mistress Zatanna?"

"Yeah. He's excited."

"Well, I must say it is about time. I can imagine in a few years she will be calling you her father-in-law."

"Don't you think you're getting a little ahead of yourself? And a few years? That's moving awfully fast."

"Well, he is his father's son. Oh, that reminds me, have you given him that talk yet, Master Bruce? I believe it's in your best interest to do so soon, unless you are interested in grandfatherhood." Bruce chuckled.

"I'll ruin his day after he gets the girl, Al."

This one was probably not the best, but anyways, what did you think? Next chapter will be a somewhat important Chalant chapter, and after that will be just more fluffs. Feel free to leave comments or suggestions. Next chapter up soon.