Return to Wayne Manor
The night had been spent dancing in one another's embrace till the Sun arose with colors of tangy orange twisted into lemon squeezed yellows that seemed scattered, almost randomly, amongst the sky. It was no longer safe to be outdoors. Wally walked Dick to his room, with a smile, the boy pecked the other's cheek and bid him farewell till tomorrow; like most fairytales.
Dick felt butterflies nibbling away at his tummy, his cheeks filled with warmth and his heart…his heart filled with overwhelming joy. The boy dashed for his bed like the aerobat he was curling himself into the sheets. "Best night ever!" Dick squealed silently; quickly drifting into sleep.
"Oh Wally…"
*KNOCK KNOCK*
"NO! Don't wake up, please don't…"
*KNOCK KNOCK*
"Robin would be so kindly as to wake up! You'll miss today's training," Aqualad's voice echoed falling short of desperation on the other side.
"What the heck…Wally always wakes me up…" The raven worryingly thought, "Yeah…Yeah I'm up, I'll be out in just a minute." He stammered.
"I'll meet you there, please try to hurry."
Puzzled the boy leapt out of bed directly for his mask then his mind switched; what would he possibly wear? No, there was no time for that. Dick clumsily grasped his average mission suit and tumbled out the door running frantically to reach the correct hallway, why did they need so many anyways?
As usual Black Canary handled hand-to-hand combat training, though in Robin's perspective if they switched between Justice League Members their skills would be more adequate; course no one ever listened, she was thrashing the team effortlessly around as they attempted attacking one opponent as a 'certified unit'; something that seemed impossible out on the field. As he studied each person closely he'd come to realize Kid was nowhere to be seen.
"This is so unlike him…I have to ask someone…maybe Aqualad will know!" Yes, that was the best person to ask.
"Oh? So I see you finally did decide to join the lesson for this evening." Black Canary's voice settled into his ear drums, her voice was so asserting yet comfortable.
"Course, where else would I be?" Robin mockingly replied; he knew he could very well be a million other places then the cold, yet calm, comforts of the Mountain's inner headquarters.
"I assumed you left earlier, like Kid, to return home," speaking as if a question. "You do know about the month vacation, don't you?
"Month long vacation, when did Superheroes take vacations?" God the Justice League gave them too much slack, they weren't kids anymore! "Of course I did," he musingly lied. "But might I ask why Kid was allowed to leave on such early terms?"
"That is none of your concern, Robin." A familiar voice gripped at the knot in his throat, sending frightened and somehow angered chills down his spine.
"Bruce…" Robin's cape danced like wishes in a beautiful summer's breeze "Kid is my fri…" Bruce shot a disapproving glare to the young chirping bird. "Please excuse my outburst…" he shuddered clinching his fist till they glowed white.
"Are you here for Robin already?" Black Canary intruded.
"Yes," Bruce's eyes began to sting poor Robin's heart. He didn't understand how someone could be so displeased by just the presence of another being. "Obviously he has lacked learning anything, under this Mountain's care."
"Now I think…"
"I don't need, nor rather wish to hear, your opinion on the matter; Canary."
"As you wish; Batman."
"Robin." No more needed to be said, the teen very well knew where he stood, declining to go was out of his league. With that he faced his fellow team members and bowed farewell, Robin wished he could say so much more for he feared this was their last moment together but Bruce would never allow such sympathetic gestures. Shifting himself away from their apologetic faces, he pulled his head up with pride and walked out without a word.
Arkham City, Gotham; the city meant for so very few yet so many strangers, thugs, villains and the insane walked it's paved sidewalks studying those amongst themselves planning in wait but so was their hero, Batman, a dark knight assuring those around him that the city would never fall. Not everyone saw to him as a hero, rather a villain who destroyed the peace and brought nothing but endless destruction and murder. Dick was amongst few who knew Batman for his heroism and crimes, each equaling out one another in all-out war, everyday Batman grew dimmer and dimmer. He'd heard Bruce ask himself many times, as Alfred asked as well, 'What if there comes a day Gotham no longer needs Batman?' the reply was the same 'Gotham will always need Batman.' But as of late there was an uprising inside of Bruce when Alfred had asked 'What if there comes a day you no longer need Batman?'
"Young Master Richard, what troubles you?" The butler's voice distorted his thought. He'd forgotten Bruce asked Alfred to take his troublesome 'side-kick' somewhere he wouldn't be a bother. Thankfully Alfred was kind enough to let him decide.
"Please call me Dick or Robin, if you like," Dick smiled at the older man. "I've been thinking as of late about my friend, yes I know Bruce doesn't allow such a thing, he had left without saying goodbye…"
"Have you thought about giving him a call?"
"It's not someone from school…it's someone from my team…" Dick pouted.
"Ah I see." Alfred patted Dick's shoulder, making the boy glance up at him, before he returned his hand to the wheel. "I'm sorry, but I assure you, you will see him soon enough."
"Thank you Alfred." He smiled.
Not long after their talk of settling thoughts, they arrived at Dick's favorite place in the entire city; Forest Park. Full of its lushes trees, perfectly trimmed shrubs, quiet people, and comfortable benches. Everything someone like him enjoyed all in one. Quickly the raven haired boy scattered to the nearest bench, the same one he picked every time, settling his butt nicely on its smooth wooden surface. Dick's attention however was grabbed away from the blissful scenery when sounds of laughter kissed his ear. It was a couple standing just a few feet away, they were feeding ducks that came from the nearby lake, they were so happy.
"What…" Dick brought a hand shaking up to his cheek; he was shocked, a tear had trickled from his eye. "It must have been happened when I thought of…" More tears fell in between his fingertips. He shrunk himself into his knees, eyes red of sorrow, water stains formed onto his fabric "Oh Wally, where are you…" he spoke amongst himself.
Alfred walked silently to the young master, throwing his long coat over the shaking boy, lifting him to his feet with the support of his left arm. "I think it's time we went home young master, to a nice bed and dish of your favorite meal. The park is too crowded anyways today." Alfred reassured his friend as he helped him inside the car.
"I'm sorry, Alfred…"
"There's no need to be, sir." Closing the door, he returned to the wheel and without another word the two returned to Wayne Manor.
Well there you have it, Chapter 8 as requested! I'm sorry it toke me a few days I had to do some research on things for this chapter like a park name and such. Hate me for the twist huh? Hahah I had to do something. So what do you guys think will happen NEXT? I'll put another chapter up within 3 days or so. PLEASE REVIEW! They help me know someone is enjoying this story and wants me to continue. I love you all & enjoy! (:
