Chapter 5

In Need of a Friend

One can't help but worry about the master these days. I'm afraid as time goes on he keeps and more to himself when he should. This time it appears to a personal matter. He's been at the computer looking at old pictures of Master Dick and young master Tim for a little over an hour. He hasn't said a word nor do I know precisely what it is he's looking for. I walk up to him.

"A bit of tea Master Bruce?"

"Yes Alfred I feel as though I could use it."

"As do I sir. Also Mr. Harper is upstairs to see you. Shall I escort him into the cave?"

"Yes Alfred..."

"Very good sir."

I walked upstairs to see Roy Harper still standing in the living room. Master Bruce has known young Mr. Harper since he was a boy. Mr. Harper was one of Master Dick's closest friends growing up and to the best of my knowledge they are still to this day very close friends.

"Master Bruce is ready to see you Mr. Harper"

"Thanks Alfred."

I escort Mr. Harper down into the cave when we approach Master Bruce; Roy is the first one to speak.

"Hey Bruce! You needed to talk to me..."

Master Bruce looks over to him.

"Yes Roy I did… It's about Dick."
"What about him? Did something happen…?"

"Well... when you were growing up with him at Titan tower did he ever act strange."

"Strange how?"

"Was he interested in other men?"

At this there was silence as Roy's eyes were wide and then Mr. Harper busted out in laughter...

"Bruce don't tell me you think Dick's gay?"

"He was kissing Tim..."

Roy paused for a moment and then looked at Bruce.

"Even if Dick was gay who are we to judge? If he's in a relationship with Tim so what? As long as there both happy I really don't see what the problem is?"

Master Bruce was quiet it was clear he had no idea how to respond and was thinking. Roy for his part continued speaking.

"Tim's a smart kid and able to make his own decisions and Dick for his part is a real good guy and would never intentionally hurt anyone. Besides after all that's happened we really can't judge. Or did you think that after all these years I would forget?"

There was an awkward silence between the two of them. Sometimes I wish I knew how to read minds just so I would know what was going on. What did happen? Then Master Bruce got out of his chair.

"Roy…we need to find Dick."

Master Bruce got into the bat mobile and looked at Mr. Harper.

"Get in..."

Mr. Harper shrugged his shoulders.

"I still think it's not a good idea Bruce..."

Yet still Mr. Harper went into the passenger seat of the car as the two drove off to find Master Dick. I do hope everything turns out alright... so many secrets kept in this twisted form of a family.