Author's Notes: Just a check up with my thanks-yous to my readers. I am so glad everyone is still enjoying this story and I hope you guys stick around for the continuing saga, a.k.a. Tim's torturing introduction into the world o' Robin.

Lake-Side View

August:

The teenager looked at the loaming mansion and slumped his shoulders. He had now been in training for nearly a year and could feel his body and mind growing tired. He'd been beat up more time than he could count and more often than not he collapsed into bed utterly exhausted and yet unable to sleep.

And then there was his mental state. For all of the physical extremes he had been through, his mind was taking the true beating. Every night he felt less and less like the Robin he was suppose to be growing into and more like an utter disappointment. For every task Bruce put in front of him, he was met with failure at each attempt.

It was disheartening to say the least.

And yet everyday he came back to the same house to face another task put before him. He only hoped that one day soon he would begin to feel more like a success and less like the utter disaster he felt he was.

Tim knocked (as he always did for some reason) and was surprised to find Bruce answering the door in leisurewear instead of Alfred.

"Hey," he said uncertainly in greeting.

"Come with me," his mentor directed and walked across the front lawn without another word. Tim followed slowly trying to figure out what the job for the day was. He was surprised when he found himself staring at a small, clear pond with a blanket and small basket filled with food sitting on the ground.

"Alfred felt that it was time for you to take a break." Tim quirked an eyebrow at the older man in question. Bruce gave a soft smile, "You've been doing good and deserve this."

The teenager hid his shock well and spoke in an unwavering voice. "Uh, well, thanks," Tim took a seat and opened the basket. "Holy cow," he said as grabbed out one of the multiple dishes. "I think Alfred went a little over-board."

Bruce said nothing and slowly began to make his way to the Manor, content to have done what Alfred asked (instructed) he do.

"Hey Bruce," the older man turned and looked at Tim. "You want to eat some of this." The teenager laughed slightly. "There's no way eating all this is going to improve my running times."

Feeling completely out of place, but also drawn to share a moment with his newest charge, Bruce moved to the blanket and took a seat. The two feel into a companionable silence as the lunch was slowly served. The past and hopefully future crime fighters spent the afternoon discussing things unrelated to Batman or Robin and it was relatively painless.

They talked about politics, about school and work and even about the weather. It was the first time that Tim remembered being in Bruce's presence since knowing he was Batman and not feeling like he was being tested in some manner.

It was one of the quickest days Tim spent at the Manor.

………