This chapter is a lighter more family-centric ish sort of chapter. Not too much happening except some Raven/Robin time and Commissioner learns some secrets.

Enjoy!

There was an uncomfortable moment of silence, where the Titans exchanged looks with one another. They knew exactly what break in Richard was talking about. That had not been a good time in the Team's days together.

Robin broke the silence, so that none of them would have to think about it. "As you were saying, Commissioner, I agree that it is time to test out the new equipment. We don't need another thief trashing my father's buildings." The Titan's flinched. Richard ignored it.

Alfred then approached the table, standing to his 'grandson's' left. "It is getting quite late, Master Richard. Perhaps it is time to show the Titans to their quarters?"

He nodded, "Yes, of course, Alfred, how rude of me, talking strategy when it is so very late." He stood from his chair, mask on once more, a smile gracing his lips. "Please, if you will follow Alfred he will show you where you will be staying. Commissioner, we may continue this conversation in private."

With that everyone moved, the four teens following the elderly man away, Beast Boy asking him questions about this-and-that and Tim laughing at the green-skinned boy. Richard allowed his shoulders to slump slightly, holding the tablecloth, fine silk, in his fist for a moment. All of this was too much, it was so hard to keep up with this façade and keep his head in the game at the same time. He wasn't sure if having his friends here would help in the end or just drive him insane and compromise the whole mission.

Jim watched as the boy let down the mask he had been wearing all night since the door had opened. He looked so very vulnerable, so very lost and alone in that moment, it made him feel the guilt of failure tenfold. He stepped forward, "Son…"

"Why did you do it, Jim?" Head still down, eyes observing the tablecloth. "Why did you bring them here?" Finally, those piercing blue eyes met his own.

"Exactly what I said earlier, Batgirl and Robin probably need some assistance keeping the streets clean while searching for your father, and—"

The boy cut him off, "Don't give me that, Commissioner. What is the real reason you brought them here?" This was it. Sure, Jim had known, but the two had never given him an opening like this to truly believe it. The reality set in that he was talking to Robin, the original Boy Wonder and protégé of Batman.

He straightened his shoulders, becoming serious as well. "Look, I know that you have a lot to juggle right now, between Bruce's business, keeping your brother in line and leading the search for him. I also know how you operate, kid. You don't like to let other's do your work for you. You like to get your hands all over whatever case you're on at the moment. I also know that you could not make an appearance as…" He faltered, it was strange to say it aloud. "Robin," the boy didn't flinch at the use of his alter ego, "because people would become suspicious is the two of you arrived back in town at the same time Batman and Bruce Wayne are conveniently missing."

He looked at the boy before continuing softly, comfortingly. "I'm sorry that I failed at finding your father myself. But, I could not let you take up your father's mantle in order to search for him. You and I both know that you're not ready for that yet."

Richard looked up sharply, his eyes having wandered down at some point. He was not surprised that Jim knew his secret identity; Bruce had basically told the man without actually saying it. No, he was just surprised that the man was able to pin down the thing that had been plaguing his mind for days. Was he ready to take on Bruce's cowl? Could he really do it?

No, he couldn't

"I suppose I should thank you then." Jim looked surprised at this. He chuckled, "To be honest, the same thoughts have been plaguing my mind. Every time I run into a dead end and have to see the disappointed look on Tim's face I sit in front of the case that holds his cowl and just stare at it. I'm always too scared to put it on, though. It would be like admitting that he's never coming back."

The Commissioner was at a loss for words. What could he say to that? He tried to find the words that would ensure the boy everything would be all right. Someone else beat him to it, emerging from the shadows silently.

"Robin…"

Richard turned towards her voice, a small smile playing on his lips. "Hey, Rae." She approached, her hood now down and purple hair shining mystically. He hugged her tightly, feeling more secure to hold someone in his arms, drawing comfort from her presence. The sister he had never had.

She pushed away and set her amethyst eyes on Jim. "Hello, Commissioner. I know we did not get to talk much at dinner, but I want to thank you for calling us here. Even if Dick doesn't want to admit it," her eyes flickered towards him, "he needs help once in a while."

The raven-haired boy looked away, "Whatever you say, Rae."

"So," they both looked to the police officer, "you know then? I thought your team didn't know who you were behind the mask?"

Richard shook his head, "They don't, I've just never felt the need to tell them. Plus, Bruce would be unhappy if I revealed our secret identities. Let's just say he doesn't trust my team the way I do." A scowl settled, very reminiscent of his mentor's, "Raven found out after we mind-melded a few months ago. I didn't mind, though. She's probably the one I trust most on the team."

He smiled down at her and she blushed slightly, mumbling out "Whatever…"

Interesting.

Suddenly, another female voice entered the room, "Dick, can you please keep your brother under control, he—" the redhead cut herself off as she saw who was in the room. Shit.

"Barbara?" Jim was shocked, to say the least. He had not known that his daughter was here this whole time; she was supposed to be at Gotham University. Then where had she been hiding…? His eyes found the youngest Wayne boy, who considering everything must be the newest Robin. He was the right size and build. Then he realized something. No, he couldn't be right…

"Dad! I didn't know you were here! I was just coming over to say hi to Richard, seeing as he's back in town, maybe help out with his brother, little tyke—"

She stopped when her dad grabbed a hold of her hand, flipping it over to reveal the flesh of her forearm. There, at the crook of the elbow was a scar, a thin line where a bullet had obviously grazed her. The same place Batgirl had been hit two weeks ago when they had taken down Harley Quinn. He met her eyes, which glistened with guilt and worry. Everything was quiet for a moment.

"Daddy, I can explain…" she stopped, knowing it was useless. It didn't matter that they didn't live together anymore; she still cared about his opinion and hated to make him angry or disappointed.

He picked up where she stopped. "You're an adult, Babs, you can make your own choices. I'm not happy about this one, but I've seen you in action and you do good work out there. Just, don't get hurt, okay?"

She smiled after a moment of shock. "Okay, daddy."

Tim quickly broke the silence, unable to keep quiet for too long. "Dick, did you know that Beast Boy can change in to anything? I mean he turned into a fly and a snake and an elephant—"

"Wait, what?"

"And he said he could turn into a T-Rex! I haven't seen a T-Rex since that time when someone caused all of the fossils in the museum to come to life! Of course you already knew that, but why didn't you tell me? And then Cyborg, with his cool equipment, why have you never brought them over before, Dick?"

Richard brought a hand to his temple. Sometimes his brother just amazed him with all of his talking and questions. "Tim, I've never brought them over because it would be a little weird if the Wayne's suddenly decided they wanted to have superheroes lodged up in their house."

The brown-eyed boy stared at the girl standing next to him, eyes wide. "You're Raven, right?" Dick sighed at the fact he had just been ignored again. "Your powers are so cool! My name is Tim Drake, also known as the best Boy Wonder ever." He puffed his chest out proudly.

His older brother snorted, "Also known as the most full-of-himself birdbrain to ever exist."

"Like you should talk, Boy Blunder." Barbara countered.

They continued their verbal battle, Raven watching in interest. It was different seeing her leader this way. So relaxed and smiling so easily. It was obvious that this was the person he hid behind that mask of his, but why? He was never this way with the team, and now that she could observe the real him, the Richard Grayson him, she wondered what could have cause him to change so much.

She would find out why he never smiled like that at his team.

She would find out why he never joked around.

She would find out what had happened and fix it.

Because she wanted Robin to be happy all the time.

After all, that's what sister's are for.

I love the Raven/Robin relationship. I think they totally have a brother and sister kind of thing going on.

Anyway, next chapter will be more serious.

Until then!