SPORADIC DISCLAIMER: Don't own em (aside from Haley and Jymmy). Wish I
did. I don't. Sad world.
Nightwing was kneeling on the hard concrete floor beside the Joker. Something between pride and horror was battling inside him. His son had gone up against the Joker and it had ended in the Joker being trussed up and left waiting for the proper authorities, instead of the usual death toll. Managing to work through the catch in his throat Nightwing spoke softly into the com, "Robin's alive. He's not here now, but I can definately say that he was." He reached out to replace the piece of paper James had left on the Joker's person with the simple words 'Arrest Me' scrawled on it.
Oracle's shoulders sagged as if a great weight had been lifted. "Don't get carried away Babs...he's still out there." she muttered. Adjusting her glasses she sat up straighter and resumed her professional mode. "So he was there, but apparently left, is that what your saying?"
Dick sighed as he stood up watching as Batman and Dinah secured the Joker's unconcious minions. "Yeah. He didnt' know we were coming or else he would have waited, and my guess is he wants to get home before he's in too much trouble. Which he IS at this point." Catching Batman's eye he made a motion with his hand and recieved a nod of agreement. "Oracle I'm going to head home on the usual route, maybe I'll run into him on the way. Tell Batgirl and the former Boy Wonder thanks, that we appreciate the help."
"Will do, be careful Nightwing. Oracle out."
James flew through the air gracefully. There was nothing at all like the feeling of flying over the rooftops of Gotham. Looking towards the sun that was just beginning to make it's prescense known to the world below, he had a fair idea this would be the last time for at least a while.
It had not been his idea for the crook he was following to jump a train. Nor had it been his idea for said crook to shove him off. This resulted in his cape catching and nearly choking him as he was dragged along on the underbelly of the train and left to untangle himself. The crook had turned out to be a lower member of the Joker's latest crew, as he found out when he stormed the car where the crook and his buddies were, after freeing himself of the cape fiasco. He would have to talk to Batman about the cape. Surely there was a less troubling costume he could wear.
* * * * *
Haley had continued to watch the horizon not caring to hear if Jymmy escaped or not, because she didnt' need to. He was Jymmy, her brother, he was ROBIN for crying out loud. Jymmy just doesn't die, he couldn't die. They had too much to do. Haley firmly believed this, at least that was what she told herself, as she vehemently pushed away any other thoughts that dared intrude her mind. Catching sight of movement she sat up, and squinted through the early rays of dawn. She smiled as she moved away from the window, giving James plenty of room to land practically bouncing up and down. James snapped the release line back to him as he looked over at his sister and grinned when she all but knocked him over in her rush to hug him.
"Thanks for leaving the window open." He said as he hugged her back grateful to have SOMEONE who wasn't going to be mad at him. " I could have gone to Mom's but...."
"Your in big trouble." Haley finished, looking up at her older brother, her green eyes fixed on him as she made the statement with all the calm of one who is NOT in trouble.
Jymmy sighed wearily as he nodded, "I'm in big trouble." Dreading what he was about to face he pried Haley off him and started down the hall. He pulled his mask off as he went, feeling maybe it would be better to go into this as James. Either way this was not going to be pretty.
* * * * * * "Mom? It's me..."
Barbara stopped typing immediately as she straightened in her chair, her eyes going wide behind the rims of her glasses. Trying to keep a steady hold on her voice she continued to type on the computer as she said, "Are you allright?" even as she felt the slight panic and fear of what he'd say next.
"I'm fine. Long night." Robin gave a deep sigh, "My communicator was busted, and I kind of...ran into some unexpected delays." He looked down at the floor, wishing she'd at least turn around and look at him.
"That's one of way of putting it." A new voice came from the shadows by the window.
James jumped a little, feeling startled and embarrased that he hadn't seen him there before. Looking to his right, he found Nightwing leaning by the open window of the control room, arms crossed authortively over his chest.
Barbara finally wheeled herself around so she could face her son. Her green eyes, the very same ones Haley shared, were tinged with worry and sparking dangerously with anger. "We were looking for you for four hours James. FOUR. HOURS."
James again went back to looking at the floor, it seemed better than looking at either of them.
"James. Look at me."
James lifted his gaze to Nightwing, and realized that Nightwing had removed his mask as well, leaving Dick Grayson to deal with the problem. There was some hope there then.
"What....What could you possibly have been thinking? Answer me that at least." Dick's voice sounded oddly rough as if he were barely holding his emotions in check. His eyes were searching James own bi-colored eyes. It had always been amazing the way James had one blue eye and one green one, clearly showing the lineage of both his parents. This time there was no amazement in Dick's face, only the carefully controlled expression of a father trying not to lose it.
"I didn't go after the Joker on PURPOSE! He just kind of...showed up." James was scrabbling to defend himself, but he knew it was something akin to a sinking ship. He noticed some movement beside Nightwing and groaned inwardly. Great, he thought as Batman stepped a little further from the shadows, it's coming from all sides.
"You weren't even supposed to BE out tonight!" That was from Barbara.
"I know." The excuses were just getting lamer and lamer.
"You have a curfew James. A time when your supposed to be home, no exceptions." That was Dick.
"I know." Geez. The all-original answer.
"So why did you go out?" That wasn't the question the thought was coming.
"What?" James blinked. "We're....not talking about the Joker?"
"No. WE'LL talk about that later." This one was from Batman--no..Bruce.
James stared in disbelief as Batman pulled back the cowl to reveal Bruce Wayne. What the HELL was going on here?!
Dick, shifted so he was standing, his arms still crossed as he fixed James with a look that meant serious business. "What happened with the Joker tonight is between Robin and your partner, Batman. What happened tonight with your staying out past curfew is between you and your parents. Namely, us." He nodded his head in Bab's direction. "So I'll ask again...why did you go out after we told you that you couldn't?"
Jymmy's mouth hung open in gaping surprise and it took several moments before he could work it again. When he did he could barely manage above a whisper, "I wanted to go to the party."
"We told you that you couldn't because it was past your curfew." Barbara wheeled herself a little closer coming into Jymmy's view, so he didn't have to keep looking back and forth.
"MY curfew." he snorted. "That's not even fair! Robin gets to stay out till 1 in the morning, but James Grayson has to be home by 10? That's dumb!" James tried hard to avoid the glare he recieved in stereo from Dick and Bruce.
"What's the rule with Robin, James?"
Jymmy turned to look at Bruce, still trying to avoid The Look. "He doesn't go out without permission and never alone." He could of recited that even if he were in a coma.
"That's not what happened tonight was it?" That was Dick. Jymmy could barely shake his head, wondering how much longer this was going to go on. "I think it's safe to say that both James and Robin are effectively grounded, for how long...I don't know." Dick sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "You should probably get some sleep and we'll discuss this later."
It was a dismissal and he knew it. Muttering a goodnight to all, James turned and stalked off down the hall. He refrained from slamming his door, since that would most likely not go over well in light of recent events.
He sighed when he saw Haley asleep in the bottom of the bunk bed. She seemed to have moved in ever since he started the Robin gig a year ago. Not having the heart to tell her to get lost and sleep in her own room, he allowed her to have the bottom bunk. Changing out of the suit and into a regular pair of sweats and a "Property of G.C.P.D." shirt he tried to listen to the arguement taking place down the hall. His heart sank as he heard them discussing 'shelving' Robin for a while and closed the door in silent protest. With a short leap and a hop, he was on the top bunk snuggling under the covers when he heard a small voice.
"Jamie?"
He rolled his eyes at the name he allowed Haley, and ONLY Haley, to call him by. Closing his eyes he answered her in a whisper, "Yeah?"
Haley's eyes traced the glow-in-the-dark solar system on bunk above her head. "What were they talking about?" Her question sounded like an innocent one, but she knew very well what the adults would be arguing about. She just wanted confirmation.
"Me. Robin. All of it probably." He turned over on his side, pulling the covers up closer as he stared out across the room. "They might take the suit away." Of all the people in the world, his sister was the only he confided his fears to, and she to him. Outside of Alfred anyways.
"Oh." Brother and sister lay there in silence for a few moments. Finally Haley whispered, "Goodnight Jamie."
James smiled softly as he whispered back, "G'night Hale"
Haley waited a few more minutes, knowing Jymmy would fall asleep fairly quickly. Hearing his breathing become deeper and steadier, she knew he had fallen asleep and kicked back the covers. For the second time that night she made her way down the hall to her mother's workroom. These adults were going to ruin everything. And it was up to her to stop them.
* * * * *
The adults were arguing almost bitterly about the future of Robin. It appeared to be a three-sided war, with each one having a different perspective on the responsibilites of Robin vs. Normal life.
"It's too dangerous! I dont' want Jymmy out there in the suit anymore! Robin retires now, until he's old enough. It was crazy allowing a ten year old to fight crime and it's just as crazy now." Dick was waving his arms in puncuation to his argument.
Bruce stood stiffly by Nightwings side, holding his cape around him as he glowered at his son. "I thought about clipping your wings several times when YOU were Robin, Dick. He made a mistake, I agree, and he obviously needs more training before he's allowed out again but I dont' think we need to permenantly ground Robin."
"Bruce, the fact is James is OUR son, and I for one don't want him ....stumbling across the Joker again like tonight." Barbara was seated across from the two men, glaring up at the two of them. Her expression reminded Dick of a wildcat, angry and ready to pounce at any moment. Or a bird, circling it's prey he mused.
There was a soft scraping sound in the doorway that caused all three heads to turn. Haley was standing in the doorway with her arms crossed over her chest, wearing one of the chilliest expressions Dick had ever seen. "Haley?" he ventured, "What are you doing up?"
Haley's gaze never left him, "You can't take Robin away from James." she informed them.
Dick sighed as he felt his shoulders drop wearily. He really didnt' have time to explain all of this, he had a shift to get to in 2 hours. Looking over at his wife he implored her silently to take over the explanations.
With a barely disguised snort and a roll of her eyes, Barbara turned herself so she could face the door better as she addressed her daughter, "Haley sweetie...sometimes things happen and grownups have to--"
Haley was having none of it, as her face clouded with anger and she bit out the words, slowly and pointedly. "You can't take Robin away from James." Her green eyes darted between the adults as her voice dropped menancingly, "Robin is HIS. He looks out for you, and watches your back. If you take it away from him, it ruins everything and I'll never speak to any of you again." Looking over the stunned adults she added one more thing. "Ever." She stood there letting the words sink in then turned on her heel and returned to James's room, leaving 3 speechless adults to trade wordless glances.
None of them would have thought that a six year old could use The Voice, but the way Haley had used it just now, it was clear that Batman had been using it all wrong.
Being the first to overcome her shock, Barbara traded a confused glance with her husband as she broke the silence, "She...She'll get over it right?"
Dick could barely bring himself to answer and when he did his voice was thoughtfully soft, "I don't know. I don't think I want to find out." He was so taken aback at the vehemence in his daughter's threat. It hadn't been a whining plead of a six-year old, but the cold, hard, calculating thought of one who had no intention of backing down.
Barbara looked from Bruce to Dick, and for once she had no solution, so instead she simply asked, "What do we do now?"
Nightwing was kneeling on the hard concrete floor beside the Joker. Something between pride and horror was battling inside him. His son had gone up against the Joker and it had ended in the Joker being trussed up and left waiting for the proper authorities, instead of the usual death toll. Managing to work through the catch in his throat Nightwing spoke softly into the com, "Robin's alive. He's not here now, but I can definately say that he was." He reached out to replace the piece of paper James had left on the Joker's person with the simple words 'Arrest Me' scrawled on it.
Oracle's shoulders sagged as if a great weight had been lifted. "Don't get carried away Babs...he's still out there." she muttered. Adjusting her glasses she sat up straighter and resumed her professional mode. "So he was there, but apparently left, is that what your saying?"
Dick sighed as he stood up watching as Batman and Dinah secured the Joker's unconcious minions. "Yeah. He didnt' know we were coming or else he would have waited, and my guess is he wants to get home before he's in too much trouble. Which he IS at this point." Catching Batman's eye he made a motion with his hand and recieved a nod of agreement. "Oracle I'm going to head home on the usual route, maybe I'll run into him on the way. Tell Batgirl and the former Boy Wonder thanks, that we appreciate the help."
"Will do, be careful Nightwing. Oracle out."
James flew through the air gracefully. There was nothing at all like the feeling of flying over the rooftops of Gotham. Looking towards the sun that was just beginning to make it's prescense known to the world below, he had a fair idea this would be the last time for at least a while.
It had not been his idea for the crook he was following to jump a train. Nor had it been his idea for said crook to shove him off. This resulted in his cape catching and nearly choking him as he was dragged along on the underbelly of the train and left to untangle himself. The crook had turned out to be a lower member of the Joker's latest crew, as he found out when he stormed the car where the crook and his buddies were, after freeing himself of the cape fiasco. He would have to talk to Batman about the cape. Surely there was a less troubling costume he could wear.
* * * * *
Haley had continued to watch the horizon not caring to hear if Jymmy escaped or not, because she didnt' need to. He was Jymmy, her brother, he was ROBIN for crying out loud. Jymmy just doesn't die, he couldn't die. They had too much to do. Haley firmly believed this, at least that was what she told herself, as she vehemently pushed away any other thoughts that dared intrude her mind. Catching sight of movement she sat up, and squinted through the early rays of dawn. She smiled as she moved away from the window, giving James plenty of room to land practically bouncing up and down. James snapped the release line back to him as he looked over at his sister and grinned when she all but knocked him over in her rush to hug him.
"Thanks for leaving the window open." He said as he hugged her back grateful to have SOMEONE who wasn't going to be mad at him. " I could have gone to Mom's but...."
"Your in big trouble." Haley finished, looking up at her older brother, her green eyes fixed on him as she made the statement with all the calm of one who is NOT in trouble.
Jymmy sighed wearily as he nodded, "I'm in big trouble." Dreading what he was about to face he pried Haley off him and started down the hall. He pulled his mask off as he went, feeling maybe it would be better to go into this as James. Either way this was not going to be pretty.
* * * * * * "Mom? It's me..."
Barbara stopped typing immediately as she straightened in her chair, her eyes going wide behind the rims of her glasses. Trying to keep a steady hold on her voice she continued to type on the computer as she said, "Are you allright?" even as she felt the slight panic and fear of what he'd say next.
"I'm fine. Long night." Robin gave a deep sigh, "My communicator was busted, and I kind of...ran into some unexpected delays." He looked down at the floor, wishing she'd at least turn around and look at him.
"That's one of way of putting it." A new voice came from the shadows by the window.
James jumped a little, feeling startled and embarrased that he hadn't seen him there before. Looking to his right, he found Nightwing leaning by the open window of the control room, arms crossed authortively over his chest.
Barbara finally wheeled herself around so she could face her son. Her green eyes, the very same ones Haley shared, were tinged with worry and sparking dangerously with anger. "We were looking for you for four hours James. FOUR. HOURS."
James again went back to looking at the floor, it seemed better than looking at either of them.
"James. Look at me."
James lifted his gaze to Nightwing, and realized that Nightwing had removed his mask as well, leaving Dick Grayson to deal with the problem. There was some hope there then.
"What....What could you possibly have been thinking? Answer me that at least." Dick's voice sounded oddly rough as if he were barely holding his emotions in check. His eyes were searching James own bi-colored eyes. It had always been amazing the way James had one blue eye and one green one, clearly showing the lineage of both his parents. This time there was no amazement in Dick's face, only the carefully controlled expression of a father trying not to lose it.
"I didn't go after the Joker on PURPOSE! He just kind of...showed up." James was scrabbling to defend himself, but he knew it was something akin to a sinking ship. He noticed some movement beside Nightwing and groaned inwardly. Great, he thought as Batman stepped a little further from the shadows, it's coming from all sides.
"You weren't even supposed to BE out tonight!" That was from Barbara.
"I know." The excuses were just getting lamer and lamer.
"You have a curfew James. A time when your supposed to be home, no exceptions." That was Dick.
"I know." Geez. The all-original answer.
"So why did you go out?" That wasn't the question the thought was coming.
"What?" James blinked. "We're....not talking about the Joker?"
"No. WE'LL talk about that later." This one was from Batman--no..Bruce.
James stared in disbelief as Batman pulled back the cowl to reveal Bruce Wayne. What the HELL was going on here?!
Dick, shifted so he was standing, his arms still crossed as he fixed James with a look that meant serious business. "What happened with the Joker tonight is between Robin and your partner, Batman. What happened tonight with your staying out past curfew is between you and your parents. Namely, us." He nodded his head in Bab's direction. "So I'll ask again...why did you go out after we told you that you couldn't?"
Jymmy's mouth hung open in gaping surprise and it took several moments before he could work it again. When he did he could barely manage above a whisper, "I wanted to go to the party."
"We told you that you couldn't because it was past your curfew." Barbara wheeled herself a little closer coming into Jymmy's view, so he didn't have to keep looking back and forth.
"MY curfew." he snorted. "That's not even fair! Robin gets to stay out till 1 in the morning, but James Grayson has to be home by 10? That's dumb!" James tried hard to avoid the glare he recieved in stereo from Dick and Bruce.
"What's the rule with Robin, James?"
Jymmy turned to look at Bruce, still trying to avoid The Look. "He doesn't go out without permission and never alone." He could of recited that even if he were in a coma.
"That's not what happened tonight was it?" That was Dick. Jymmy could barely shake his head, wondering how much longer this was going to go on. "I think it's safe to say that both James and Robin are effectively grounded, for how long...I don't know." Dick sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "You should probably get some sleep and we'll discuss this later."
It was a dismissal and he knew it. Muttering a goodnight to all, James turned and stalked off down the hall. He refrained from slamming his door, since that would most likely not go over well in light of recent events.
He sighed when he saw Haley asleep in the bottom of the bunk bed. She seemed to have moved in ever since he started the Robin gig a year ago. Not having the heart to tell her to get lost and sleep in her own room, he allowed her to have the bottom bunk. Changing out of the suit and into a regular pair of sweats and a "Property of G.C.P.D." shirt he tried to listen to the arguement taking place down the hall. His heart sank as he heard them discussing 'shelving' Robin for a while and closed the door in silent protest. With a short leap and a hop, he was on the top bunk snuggling under the covers when he heard a small voice.
"Jamie?"
He rolled his eyes at the name he allowed Haley, and ONLY Haley, to call him by. Closing his eyes he answered her in a whisper, "Yeah?"
Haley's eyes traced the glow-in-the-dark solar system on bunk above her head. "What were they talking about?" Her question sounded like an innocent one, but she knew very well what the adults would be arguing about. She just wanted confirmation.
"Me. Robin. All of it probably." He turned over on his side, pulling the covers up closer as he stared out across the room. "They might take the suit away." Of all the people in the world, his sister was the only he confided his fears to, and she to him. Outside of Alfred anyways.
"Oh." Brother and sister lay there in silence for a few moments. Finally Haley whispered, "Goodnight Jamie."
James smiled softly as he whispered back, "G'night Hale"
Haley waited a few more minutes, knowing Jymmy would fall asleep fairly quickly. Hearing his breathing become deeper and steadier, she knew he had fallen asleep and kicked back the covers. For the second time that night she made her way down the hall to her mother's workroom. These adults were going to ruin everything. And it was up to her to stop them.
* * * * *
The adults were arguing almost bitterly about the future of Robin. It appeared to be a three-sided war, with each one having a different perspective on the responsibilites of Robin vs. Normal life.
"It's too dangerous! I dont' want Jymmy out there in the suit anymore! Robin retires now, until he's old enough. It was crazy allowing a ten year old to fight crime and it's just as crazy now." Dick was waving his arms in puncuation to his argument.
Bruce stood stiffly by Nightwings side, holding his cape around him as he glowered at his son. "I thought about clipping your wings several times when YOU were Robin, Dick. He made a mistake, I agree, and he obviously needs more training before he's allowed out again but I dont' think we need to permenantly ground Robin."
"Bruce, the fact is James is OUR son, and I for one don't want him ....stumbling across the Joker again like tonight." Barbara was seated across from the two men, glaring up at the two of them. Her expression reminded Dick of a wildcat, angry and ready to pounce at any moment. Or a bird, circling it's prey he mused.
There was a soft scraping sound in the doorway that caused all three heads to turn. Haley was standing in the doorway with her arms crossed over her chest, wearing one of the chilliest expressions Dick had ever seen. "Haley?" he ventured, "What are you doing up?"
Haley's gaze never left him, "You can't take Robin away from James." she informed them.
Dick sighed as he felt his shoulders drop wearily. He really didnt' have time to explain all of this, he had a shift to get to in 2 hours. Looking over at his wife he implored her silently to take over the explanations.
With a barely disguised snort and a roll of her eyes, Barbara turned herself so she could face the door better as she addressed her daughter, "Haley sweetie...sometimes things happen and grownups have to--"
Haley was having none of it, as her face clouded with anger and she bit out the words, slowly and pointedly. "You can't take Robin away from James." Her green eyes darted between the adults as her voice dropped menancingly, "Robin is HIS. He looks out for you, and watches your back. If you take it away from him, it ruins everything and I'll never speak to any of you again." Looking over the stunned adults she added one more thing. "Ever." She stood there letting the words sink in then turned on her heel and returned to James's room, leaving 3 speechless adults to trade wordless glances.
None of them would have thought that a six year old could use The Voice, but the way Haley had used it just now, it was clear that Batman had been using it all wrong.
Being the first to overcome her shock, Barbara traded a confused glance with her husband as she broke the silence, "She...She'll get over it right?"
Dick could barely bring himself to answer and when he did his voice was thoughtfully soft, "I don't know. I don't think I want to find out." He was so taken aback at the vehemence in his daughter's threat. It hadn't been a whining plead of a six-year old, but the cold, hard, calculating thought of one who had no intention of backing down.
Barbara looked from Bruce to Dick, and for once she had no solution, so instead she simply asked, "What do we do now?"