Asuka02RedEva
Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans, Batman, or any of the characters used in this story.
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When the young master returned home he found quite the surprise waiting for him, as soon as, he entered the main hallway…
"So Dick…are you going to give Batman some competition while you're in Gotham?" asked Bruce.
Richard turned around to find Bruce sitting in the darkened den—the only light emitting from the fire in the fire place. He sweatdropped and rolled his eyes before entering the den, taking a seat on the couch, and propping his feet up on the foot stool.
"Me, competition for the almighty Batman? Hardly…this was just a one time deal of Richard Grayson saving the day while Batman was slacking off," he explained with a smirk.
Bruce smiled and let out a chuckle; it was good to have Dick home—just like old times at the manor. Alfred brought in a tray with a fresh pot of tea and crumpets.
"Welcome home young master, saw your interview on television," he began as he set the tray down on the coffee table.
"Oh yeah?" questioned Richard, "You know, I was worried about that…" he sat up straight with a worried look, "I mean, do you think that they got my best side on camera, Alfred?"
"It was definitely your better side, young master."
"Alfred…Alfred…Alfred…when are you going to lighten up and just call me Dick? Everyone else does!" with that he pulled down Alfred and made him sit. "Sit down, take a load off. Eat. Drink. Be merry with…" he looked at Bruce who was as solomn as could be and let out a sigh as a sweatdropped formed, "with me!" he exclaimed, putting an arm around Alfred's shoulders. "Yup, just you and me Alfred. We'll eat, drink, and be merry…" he held up the tray, "Crumpet?"
Alfred tried not to smile, "Very well, master Dick."
"Bruce, you make millions…you think you could get a T.V. in here? Alfred and I want to watch "It's a Wonderful Life."
Bruce just stared at Dick and Alfred all cozy on the couch. Things were definitely going to be alright. Whatever Richard's demons were, he would get passed them. He smiled at the pair and for a moment he saw the mischievous 10 year old, once more, sitting on his couch and harassing Alfred.
"So Bruce, are we doing anything special? Any holiday parties or a get together or two that I should know about?"
Dick's question had brought Bruce back to the present. "Well, I had thought that we might host a holiday get together, as you say, here at the manor."
"Sounds great! Alfred and I could use the socialization."
Alfred sighed and shook his head, "As you say sir, as you say…"
Bruce stood up from his chair, "I think I'll head to bed now. I'll make the preparations tomorrow morning for the evening social."
"I do believe that I'll turn in for the night as well. Good night master Bruce. Master Richard, it really is good to have you home."
"Night Alfred," both replied in unison and watched as their old friend took his leave.
Bruce extinguished the fire in the fire place and the two made their way up the stairs.
"You know, Dick, if something is wrong you can—
"I know Bruce…I know." A shadow caught his eye as he stepped back off the step.
"Easy…" whispered Bruce as he grabbed Dick's arm, "I don't know who or what has you so on edge but you're safe here."
Richard laughed nervously, "I know Bruce, I'm just tired."
Bruce smiled, "I know you do, just don't forget it."
"Wouldn't dream of it," replied Dick as they parted ways.
"Night kid," called Bruce as he turned the corner to the master hallway.
Richard opened the door to his room, "Good night…" stepped inside his bedroom, "…Dad…" and shut the door behind him.
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Morning came and for the first time since he had left Robin behind he had been able to sleep in. No city to patrol, no arguing coming from the kitchen, and no alarms going off throughout the building. Yes, life was good…right up until the curtains were drawn back and the sun came in and fell down on his face. He grumbled silently and opened his eyes.
"Good morning master Dick," greeted Alfred as he placed a tray on the night stand next to his bed. "Eggs over easy, the yolk still running—I believe is how you put it—and toast with strawberry jam."
Dick sat up in bed, "Alfred, I can't argue with a man who knows how I like my eggs."
"Young master, if I am intruding please say so…" began Alfred.
"Alfred, with all the conversations that you and I have had, I would have thought that you would just come right out and say what's on your mind."
"Well…young master, we are both worried about you…"
He motioned for Alfred to sit down, "By "we" I assume you mean yourself and Bruce."
"Yes," he took a seat on the edge of the bed, "We merely find it so strange that after two years, nothing more than a letter, you return home. Will you not tell an old friend what troubles you?"
Richard sighed, "Can't get anything past you Alfred…but where to start?"
"Why not at the beginning?" he questioned, pouring a cup of tea.
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Titans Tower was fully decorated from top to bottom (minus Raven's room), and a plateful of cookies with a sticky note reading "Santa's cookies. Do not eat. This means you Beast Boy," was left on the counter by Starfire. She did not comprehend why or how a large, old, and balding man was able to slide down their chimney, but she did not understand a lot of earth customs, so why argue with Santa Claus?
All of their stockings were hung—minus one—by the fire in hopes that evil villains would stay out of their hair. The four Titans were enjoying themselves and even Starfire was beginning to accept the fact that Robin had taken a vacation; however, deep down she wished that if this Santa Claus could grant wishes that he would bring Robin back soon.
In the back of Raven's mind was the boy who had saved the family. The boy from Gotham…boy…from…Gotham…
She sipped her herbal tea and watched out the window as it began to snow…did she need to draw the Titans a diagram or something?
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"I see…" commented Alfred, as he set down the tea cup, "Well then, young master…I have decided that, I do not think you are crazy at all."
"But Alfred, one minute I can hear his voice," sitting up all of a sudden, "like he's there and then the next…"
"Master Bruce was once exposed to a hallucinogenic that caused him to doubt everything around him, but the effects wore off, as I'm sure they will with you."
"Alfred, you don't understand. I feel like Slade is there waiting for me in the shadows, watching me. The Titans say he's dead…"
"And what do you think?"
"I don't know what to think. I just know that I can't be Robin…not like this…where I can't tell fact from fiction. I just want to be Richard Grayson."
"You've always been master Grayson. Do not let this Slade or being Robin frighten you. You do not have to be the timid little boy who came to us all those years ago."
"Thanks Alfred. Will you tell Bruce that I'll be down after I eat?"
"Of course," Alfred turned to leave.
"And Alfred?"
"Yes?"
"Don't tell Bruce."
"But…"
"He'll think I'm crazy. He won't understand and I can't have him look at me like that."
"Young master, he would never…"
"Please Alfred?"
"As you wish…"
The door shut behind Alfred as Dick grabbed the tray…he just couldn't have Bruce looking at him with pity or confusion. Things would be alright…
-
The preparations had been made and the guests would be arriving shortly. Richard fixed his bow tie—social gatherings always required getting gussied up, just so you could worry about spilling something on yourself at some point in time throughout the course of the evening.
He stood in front of the bathroom mirror and combed his hair one last time. When he came down the stairs, the main room had already begun to fill up with guests. Gotham's socialites would be attending tonight.
Regardless of what many say, a good deal of the people attending tonight's gathering were some of their closest and truest friends, regardless of their class. He soon found Bruce in amongst the newly arrived guests. The main room had garland around the banisters, lush carpeting, a full tree in the middle of the room, decked with lit candles and ornaments—a group of musicians with stringed instruments, and an entire wall with tables of appetizers and entrees.
"Mr. Wilson, may I introduce you to my son, Richard," began Bruce, pulling Richard into the circle of friends.
"It's very nice to meet you, my boy, Bruce has been telling me about you," greeted Mr. Wilson as he held out his hand.
"The pleasure is all mine. I hope that Bruce hasn't bored you or told too many stories of me while I was away," replied Richard shaking Mr. Wilson's extended hand.
"No, not at all. On the contrary, he hasn't told me nearly enough about you," he commented with a smile.
"Don't get him started. You gentlemen could be here all night."
"My son is such a kidder…"
"I'll take that as my cue to excuse myself. Shall I go and get us some drinks then?" questioned Richard, surveying the group.
"That would be great, Dick, thanks," affirmed Bruce while getting back into their talk of business.
Richard stopped at the punch bowl and let out a sigh of relief…
"I know how you feel," came a voice from behind him, "These parties are all the same; talks of business and not room for much else."
"I know, you would think that I would be used to them…" he turned around to face, "Barbara…"
"Hey Richard, long time no see…" she closed the gap between them and took his face in her hands before kissing his cheek. She moved a step back rubbing the cheek she had just kissed, "Missed you Rich…"
He wrapped his arms around her and held her in an embrace for a moment before moving back to look at her. "I missed you too, Babs."
She smiled up at him and took his hand leading him to a table where they could sit.
"How have you been?" she began, sitting next to him at the table, their chairs facing one another.
"I've been alright. Lot on my mind and all, so, I decided to come home. You?"
"I've been good. It's nice to have you home. You know, after what happened, I didn't expect to see you again. Bruce was really devastated when you left. I tried to help but of course, you know Bruce, he said that he didn't need anyone."
"You still?" he asked with a quizzical look.
"Her?" she replied arching an eyebrow before smiling, "Every once in a while."
"Glad to hear it, Gotham needs her…every once in a while," he returned the smile.
"I missed talking to you. We used to have some great adventures."
"Did we ever! Of course, they usually involved us trying to take down the other half of Gotham by ourselves," commented Richard with a chuckle.
"Oh yeah…" she put her head in her hands and laughed, "And how many times did we need Bruce to come and bail us out of trouble?"
"Too many…" replied Richard with a sweatdrop, "Far too many to count."
"I should probably go and find dad now," she stated, standing up and pushing her chair toward the table.
Richard did the same, "It was really great talking to you Babs."
"Likewise," she rubbed his cheek with her hand, "You need anything at all, let me know."
"I will, thanks," he took her hand in his, "I'll be in town for a while, don't be a stranger."
She smiled and squeezed his hand, "Nor you."
Before dropping her hand, "I'll say good bye this time, I promise."
She smiled and turned toward the crowd but not before calling back, "I'd like that."
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Please R/R, Thanks for reading and happy holidays!
