Sorry for the slight delay (granted my last few stories were updated every 3-4 days). I meant to get this up yesterday.

To say that Batman's tactics for taking down criminals was a little harsh was an understatement. Since Dick's removal, he had started getting harder on criminals, and not just the Arkham regulars. The garden variety criminals wouldn't be apprehended without several bruises and in some cases unconsciousness. It was as though he had mentally reverted back to his earlier days.

This particular night was no different. Some robbers had attempted to storm the bank and after they had tried to make a run for it, they were instantly cornered by Batman. They all thought they had the upper hand as they started circling him. He wasn't impressed by their strategy, having seen it done so many times before.

Echoed chuckles rang around them. The sound not only confused the robbers, but Batman as well. With no visual on who laughed, it was a little troubling. It wasn't until a shadow dropped on one of the robbers that the presence decided to make itself known.

"Need a hand?" A voice playfully offered.

Stepping into the light, Robin revealed himself. Batman was taken off guard, shocked by his sudden appearance. He wouldn't sit on it for long as Robin immediately hopped into action. Batman would follow soon after.

Something in the air seemed to change. While confused, Batman wasn't as aggressive as he originally was. He was almost relieved that Robin was back. A sense of life came back to the situation as they easily took down the robbers.

As the authorities apprehended them, Batman pulled Robin aside. There were questions that needed to be addressed.

"What are you doing here?" Batman interrogated.

"Aren't you glad to see me?" Robin replied, almost offended by his question.

"You know what I mean."

"What can I say, I just wanted to get out and I miss you."

"And you're relatives?"

"Assume I'm at home, in bed."

Batman nodded. Robin hugged his mentor.

"I miss you too." Batman admitted, returning the gesture.

"I can tell. I've heard you've been a little more violent lately."

A smirk escaped Batman. The fact that Robin had been keeping tabs on him in his civilian life was kind of endearing.

"Indeed."

"And Alfred hasn't lectured you yet?"

Batman chuckled. Robin looked up at him, a subtle grin on his face.

"Oh he has. That seems to be a common trend with everyone. That and how much they miss you. Now, how about you let me get a good look at you."

Releasing the Boy Wonder, Batman decided to get a good look at him. Robin appeared well managed. He was clean and appeared well feed. However, an unusually bruised mark soon caught his attention.

"What's this?" Batman investigated, running a gloved thumb over Robin's cheek.

A paranoid glare took over, as Robin instantly took step back. The display was a little puzzling. When he tried to take a step closer, Robin hopped back.

"Robin?"

"It's nothing." Robin lied.

At that moment he knew there was more to this reaction.

"Come here."

"Really it's nothing."

"Come here!"

Robin knew not to argue when that agitatedly stern tone emerged from Batman. He approached Batman, who in turn would firmly plant his hands on the boy's shoulders. Batman studied the boy's face. The mark in question wasn't too big, but given its color, he could tell that it had been there for a while. At least a few days from his deduction. He was irked by the bruise, wondering why it just had to be there.

"George hit you." Batman observed.

He wasn't questioning it so much as statement.

"No." Robin denied.

"Are you really going to lie to me?"

That was all he had to say to get his point across. Lying never got far when Batman was intuitive enough to see through them. This was especially true in Robin's case.

"Okay. He did. He got angry."

"And you didn't defend yourself?"

"Any kind of defensive move I thought of using in that moment had the chance of raising some kind of suspicion. It's nothing. He just got mad because I dropped a glass."

Batman released Robin and began storming away from him. The cold shoulder wasn't the only thing he implemented. His blood boiled at the fact that someone would hurt a child. His child. Granted, Robin wasn't defenseless, but that didn't make it any less damaging. However, in his mind, someone was going to pay for it.

Robin picked up on the aggravation. Knowing what he had in mind, Robin was immediately at Batman's side, latching onto his arm. Robin's attempt to stop him didn't seem to work as Batman started dragging the boy wonder along the way.

"Stop." Robin ordered.

"They have to be dealt with."

"Not now. Not like this. Do you want to throw our cover to the wind?"

Batman stopped, giving him an inquiring glare.

"Look, news travels fast. It won't be long before Gotham knows about Robin's sudden return. If you go interrogating them now, they'll get suspicious. Besides, they plan on talking ti you anyways."

Batman shifted his frame so that Robin had his full attention.

"Explain."

"I overheard them talking last night. Apparently Uncle George is going to call you and invite you over tomorrow. I don't know why, but he is. That's kind of why I snuck out to join you. I wanted to forewarn you. Just don't hurt them."

Pleading eyes stung Batman. Robin had a point, he could admit, and he knew Robin meant well, even if it was at his expense.

"Fine. We'll do this your way, but I have a few rules."

The following morning Bruce would receive a call from George just like Dick had stated. The man's cheerful demeanor could be heard from Bruce's side of the conversation. And just like Dick predicted, an invitation was vocally received to which he accepted.

It didn't take long for Bruce to arrive at the house. Remembering Dick's advice, he had made sure he had a lid on his anger before exiting the car. Taking a deep breath, he would approach the door.

A noticeable knock would collide with the door. A few moments would pass before George opened the door, and after brief greetings the man would invite Bruce inside. Bruce would get a brief look at the well maintained interior as George closed the door.

"Bruce!" Dick greeted with faux surprise.

He would hop down the stair to give Bruce a hug. Bruce didn't think twice when he returned it.

"Alright Dick that's enough." George intervened. "I'd like to have a moment to speak with Bruce in private."

"Okay."

Before Dick would depart, Bruce discreetly handed Dick a cell phone. He had discussed it with Dick before they had departed the previous night, so that Dick could contact him if need be.

"It was nice seeing you." Dick admitted before bolting up the stairs.

They both watched as Dick left them alone.

"He's looking good." Bruce noted.

"He is." George admitted. "He's a good kid."

"I know."

George shifted his attention in Bruce's direction, his demeanor changing slightly.

"I assume you want to know why I've asked you to come here."

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little curious."

"I have a proposition for you. What would you say if I were to give you Dick back?"

The cell phone will be a necessary item in a few chapters. Because, as much as I'd like to include Alfred, like in the comic, I feel that for the sake if this adaptation of it, it will be easier to go this route. Especially since I will be replacing Fatso (the hired goon George and Clara hired in the issue) with a more competent hire, which will be elaborated on when I get there. And the bruise will be elaborated more on in the next chapter as it ties in with George bartering for Dick's life.