Tim held is camera close as he ran through the dirty Gotham alleyway. Just ahead he could see a dark figure jumping from rooftop to rooftop. The figure paused, framed perfectly against a full moon. In a swift, practiced movement Tim raised his camera and snatched a shot.
Batman. Everyone in Gotham knew of the Batman, and Tim was no different. Later, when Robin appeared by Batman's side, Tim was awed by the Boy Wonder's incredible talent and courage. The awe had turned into dismay when Tim realized that he knew who was behind both of the masks: the famed Prince of Gotham himself, Bruce Wayne and his adopted son Richard Grayson. This knowledge, Tim knew, was incredibly dangerous. He kept the secret close to his heart. He told no one, wrote nothing down. Instead he watched through windows and news reports as the two heroes fought and grew with the city. When Robin became Nightwing and moved away, Tim knew. When another boy stood by Batman's side, he knew.
It was this boy who he now saw appear on the roof next to Batman. They seemed to be watching something right below them. Tim took another picture. He had been secretly following the vigilante for years. It was a hobby that, he had to admit as he stepped over a puddle of questionable liquid, had possibly become a touch unhealthy. He skirted to the shadows of the alley and listened. From what he could hear it sounded like Batman and Robin had come across a gang, most likely up to something no good. And close by too. Tim turned to leave. It was never good to be too close to a potential fight, especially in Gotham after dark, but he hesitated. Ever since receiving his camera, a belated 9th birthday present form his parents, he had been taking pictures of Batman. After months of stalking the streets he had yet to capture a good fight. Yes, it was dangerous, but Tim was good at staying out of sight, and this was too good of an opportunity to miss. Instead of going back down the street to where his bike was stashed, Tim crept closer to the ruckus at the other end of the alley.
Tim shrank down behind a pile of trash bags and pulled out his camera. From his spot he had a decent view of the melee but could not be easily seen. Tim watched, delighted as his heroes effectively took down the group. The fight moved around the corner and he strained to see where it had gone. He was so engrossed in the battle that he did not notice the footsteps approaching him from behind.
"What are you doing here kid?" Tim startled, realizing that he was surrounded by three rough looking men. One grabbed his arms and shoved him against the wall while the other took his camera.
"Give that back!" he cried only to be shoved again.
"Looks expensive" a man said examining the camera. "See what else he has on him."
Suddenly the man dropped to the ground. The other two quickly followed. In their place stood Batman and Robin.
"You ok kid?" Robin asked, kneeling beside Tim. Tim nodded, still slightly dazed from hitting the wall and seeing his heroes so close.
"Yeah" he managed. "I'm ok." Robin handed him his camera. Thankfully it didn't seem broken. A shadow fell and Tim looked up to see Batman looming over him.
"You were following us" Batman growled. It wasn't a question.
"Yes sir" Tim whispered.
"Don't." Batman spun away, dragging the dropped thugs around the corner to deposit with the others. "Robin, see that he gets home". Robin rolled his eyes.
"Yeah I got it. Come on kid. Which way?"
"It's over there." Tim gestured to the other end of the alley and they began to walk in that direction. "Thank you" he said after a moment.
"You're welcome" Robin replied. "Where you really following us?" Tim nodded; eyes fixed straight ahead. "That was a pretty stupid thing to do." Tim stayed silent. "But I do have to admit, that does take guts. Purposely wandering into a fight like that. Damn stupid of you, but brave. Seriously though, Batman's right. It's dangerous out there. Don't do that again. We might not be around next time." Tim didn't say anything. The two boys stopped outside a rundown apartment building. "This one yours?" Robin asked.
"Yeah" Tim said.
"Alright then. I'm gonna head back. See you around kid".
Tim allowed a slight smile as Robin pulled a grappling hook from his belt and flew up to the roof. He waited a moment to be sure Robin had gone away. He released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Robin was right, getting closer to a fight at night in Gotham City was a stupid thing to do. But he had gotten some good picture and he had gotten to talk to his heroes, even if it was after they'd had to save him. He was so stupid. Now they would know to look for him. He did find it curious that they didn't seem to realize that he'd been following them on patrol regularly for months now. He shook his head. He would have to think about it later when he wasn't so tired. Tim crossed over to the other side of the building where he had stashed his bicycle. He hopped on and peddled out of Gotham, back home.