Chapter 4:
Dick stood in front of the doors to Wayne Manor, reminiscing.
Slowly, he opened the doors. His plan was to surprise Alfred. Bruce had assured him that he hadn't told the immortal butler of his impending arrival, but with Alfred, you never know.
Quietly, Dick made his way to the kitchen, where Alfred had his back towards him, taking a second tray of cookies from the oven. Dick was just about to greet him, but Alfred beat him to it, with his back still turned.
"Please be careful, Master Richard. They are still hot."
"How did you? You know what. Never mind."
Alfred gave him a small smile as he turned towards him.
"It is good to have you back, Master Richard."
…:-:...
"So, when's Timmy coming back?"
"He went on a school trip today," Bruce replied, "Alfred's going to fetch him at about 15:00."
Dick practically jumped from his chair in boyish excitement.
"I'll fetch him! I can't wait to see the look on his face."
…:-:...
Tim stared out of the window at the passing trees.
His school trip had been to some of Washington's famous landmarks, which included the Hall of Justice.
Diana had winked at him as she'd passed.
Tim sighed. He was really looking forward to going home.
As soon as Alfred picked him up, he always asked for any news on Dick. The butler always responded with a sad smile and a shake of the head. After three years, the chances of Dick coming home unharmed were slim to none, but one could do nothing but hope.
Once the hoard of children had left the bus, Tim scanned the car-park for Alfred. He couldn't see him. That was strange, Alfred was always punctual. Maybe he had missed him.
Looking again, he saw a black-haired young man in sunglasses leaning against one of Bruce's cars.
Tim frowned. Who was he?
Noticing his confusion, the man rolled his eyes behind the glasses and grinned. Tim walked up to him warily.
"I know that look, Timbo. You're doubting me. I'm hurt, I really am. Can't you recognise your big brother?"
The man removed his sunglasses, revealing a pair of unmistakable blue eyes.It was him.
Within a second, Tim had his arms wrapped around him, which Dick soon reciprocated.
"I missed you too, Timmy."
…:-:...
Once they were in the car, Tim bombarded Dick with questions.
"Where have you been?"
"You ever heard of the Titans?"
Times eyes lit up, "Of course I have! The Titans have more honouraries than the League has members. I'm a huge fan. Are you saying you're a Titan?"
Dick chuckled at his brother's enthusiasm, "No, I'm saying I'm their leader. You know Nightwing?"
Tim gaped at him, "You're Nightwing?! I can't believe I didn't figure that out!"
"I know," Dick smiled, "I dropped enough hints. Jay worked it out, and he came to Jump to see me."
"You've seen Jay?"
"Yeah, he comes to talk sometimes, although mostly to bug me."
…:-:...
Once they arrived back at the manor, the pair got out of the car, with Tim clinging like a limpet to Dick's side. He detached himself immediately, though, as Dick was sprung upon by a red-haired woman.
"Hey, Babs," he greeted with a grin, "How are you doing?"
"Much better, now that you're here."
Tim soon caught on to what was going on between them and made himself scarce. He heard what had happened later from Alfred, making him glad he had left. Kissing was gross.
…:-:...
Dick spent his month in Gotham divided amongst Wayne Manor, the Team, patrol and time with Babs. All in all, it was a month well spent.
During that month, the League had set up a zeta-beam at Titans' Tower, which made it easier for visits.
Once back in Jump, Nightwing was asked for an interview. The newspapers had noticed his disappearance from Jump and had seen the League at the Tower. Nightwing agreed, deciding it was time the world knew his origins.
…:-:...
Jump City Gazette
An interview with Nightwing
Article by Richard Watterson
In an interview with Nightwing last Saturday, Jump's favourite hero revealed some information that will knock your socks off. Literally.
R: So, Jump City's been wondering where you've been for the last month. Care to share?
N: I've been visiting my family and girlfriend in Gotham.
R: I wasn't aware you had any family. And a girlfriend? Anyone we know?
N: Technically, I don't have any family, I'm an orphan. I was visiting my adoptive family. And my girlfriend's Batgirl.
R: Batgirl? Have you met Batman yet?
N: *smirks* You could say that.
R: Why did you leave your family in the first place?
N: My adoptive dad and I got into an argument, several actually, and I left. Came to Jump, became Nightwing, created the Titans and the rest is history. But this is common knowledge, which is why I can tell you this.
R: I'm not sure it is, actually. Care to expand on the subject?
N: It is, it's just that Jump doesn't have much to do with Gotham. Put the pieces together, though, and it's all there.
R: Why Gotham?
N: I lived there for quite a while. Wasn't born there, but I was raised there.
R: Is that how you met Batgirl?
N: I suppose so.
R: Why do I feel like I'm missing something here?
N: Because you are. Batgirl and I were trained together. I've known her since I was eight years old.
R: But, Batgirl was trained by Batman. I thought he only trained Robins, so why'd he train you?
N: You just answered your own question.
R: I don't understand.
N: I was a Robin, the first, actually. Everyone's heard of the fights between Batman and I. I ditched the Robin get-up and became Nightwing, covering my tracks so that even Batman couldn't find me. You know the rest.
R: And that's why the League has been visiting?
N: Most of them came to see me, yes, but there's a business side to it too. We're working on a partnership between the Titans and the League, you know, training some of the younger heroes to one day become Leaguers, that sort of thing.
R: And, for my last question, now that you've reconnected with the League, what's going to happen with the Titans?
N: *shrugs* Nothing. We stay a team. I might be away from Jump a bit more, but everything else continues as it was. Although, Supes did say he had a surprise for me, so that might affect things in the future, depending on what it is.
R: Alright. Thank you for agreeing with this interview. I'm sure a lot of questions have been answered.
N: No problem
…:-:...
One Month later:Jump City Gazette
Nightwing invited to join the Justice League
Shortly after our interview with Nightwing last month, Nightwing was invited to join the Justice League.
In a statement released yesterday, the young hero confirmed that he will be accepting their invitation.
"Bats is really proud of me, that's what he says anyway. According to him, I'm the first hero under the age of 20 to join the League. This does not mean I will be leaving the Titans, though. My base will still be in Jump, but I'll assist the League on missions."
The Gazette thinks this is a fantastic piece of news, and congratulates Nightwing on this achievement.
…:-:...
Gotham Daily
Wayne Heir announces engagement
Yesterday, Richard Grayson-Wayne, heir to Wayne Industries, announced his engagement to Barbara Gordon.
The couple have known each other since they were 8 years old, and both sets of parents are thrilled over the match. We wish them all the best for the future.
…:-:...
Raven stared at the newspapers in front of her, then up at Nightwing, who was working on his hologlove opposite.
All the articles pointed to one conclusion, but it couldn't really be him, surely?
There was one way to find out
Raven took a deep breath.
"Richard Grayson?" she asked
"Yes?" Nightwing responded, without looking up.
All heads turned towards him. He looked up with wide eyes, realising his mistake.
"Hi?"