After dinner, before Alisha was getting ready to go to the gym, Eve begged her to let her fix her make up.

Alisha sent her best friend a glare. "Seriously, Eve? This is not a date!"

Eve scoffed. "You never know where things can lead! Besides, it'll be so cute! I mean by how you guys act-"

"We don't act like ANYTHING." She said firmly. "I don't like him that way, nor will I ever like him that way."

Eve smirked and sang, "You never know~"

"Okay that is it I am not going." Alisha said and threw herself onto her bed.

"WHAT?! NO YOU HAVE TOO!" Eve exclaimed.

Alisha buried her face into her pillow. "Says who?"

"ME. Come on,you'll crush his little heart."

"I think it needs some breaking." Alisha muttered.

Eve sighed heavily and sat beside her on the bed. "Alright I'll stop teasing you. But really, I just want you to meet new people."

Alisha looked up and narrowed her eyes. "Why? You gonna leave me?"

Eve snorted and playfully shoved Alisha's face into her pillow, making her squeal.

"Yes, I secretly hate you with a passion." Eve said.

Alisha grabbed Eve's shoulders and threw her onto the bed, making her yelp. Alisha started to attack her with the pillow. "HEY!"

Alisha laughed and laid down beside her. They both smiled at each other. Alisha then sighed. "I know what you mean. About finding new people."

Eve nodded for her to continue.

"I want to make new friends. That was why I decided to give him a chance. He doesn't seem so bad, I guess."

"Then you won't feel so lonely." Eve said.

Alisha shook her head. "I don't feel lonely. I just feel like I am missing out. I have you, but having a guy friend will be different."

Eve nodded. "Yeah."

Alisha looked at her. Eve's face was solemn. "What's wrong?"

Eve bit the inside of her cheek. "Just... Don't forget about me if you guys hit it off."

Alisha softened. "I could never forget about you."

Eve turned and held out a pinky. "Pinky swear."

Alisha chuckled and held out her pinky, wrapping it around Eve's. "I pinky swear to not forget about you."

Eve nodded in approval. "Good. If you break your promise, I'll cut off your pinky."

Alisha smirked and got up. "Alright, I'm going to get changed into my gym clothes."

"Make sure to wear your shortest shorts!" Eve teased.

Alisha threw a shirt at her, making her yelp. "Don't hate!"

Alisha snorted and got dressed into a red baggy t shirt and black gym shorts. Eve scowled. "Are you trying to scare him away?"

"No." Alisha said defensively. "This is what I normally wear. Besides, we are just going to talk. Then I can do my warm ups and-"

"Yeah, Yeah. I don't really care about your gym stuff." Eve said, faking a yawn.

"HEY!" Alisha exclaimed, gawking. "It is very important to me-"

"Look. I get it, okay? I was just trying to be funny." Eve said, cutting her off before Alisha grew angry.

They stared at each other for a moment. Alisha sighed and calmed down. She knew Eve didn't really care about gymnastics and such. But at least she put on a brave face and sometimes came to watch her practice and tell her if she did well or not. It was always good to have a second opinion.

People always told her that she always put herself down too much. That everything didn't have to be perfect. They just didn't understand that it DID. Everything counted. One mistake and it could easily be used against her. Alisha couldn't have that. She needed to make her grandfather proud.

He had always told her that he was proud of her. However she wanted to see him on the stands, cheering for her as she finally won the gold medal for being the best in the city of Gotham. She shook her head from her fantasy and looked at the clock.

"It's time for me to go. I'll see you later." Alisha said, walking Eve to the door and gave Eve a one armed hug.

"See you later, grumpy. I'll see you tomorrow." She said, walking to the front door. She winked.

"Don't have too much fun."

Alisha rolled her eyes and waved. As Eve left she grabbed her bag and put in a water bottle with a protein bar. Alisha then grabbed another water bottle and protein bar, seeing it as a good gesture as a new friend.

She tied her bright green hair into a high pony tail and told everyone she was heading to the gym. She walked over to the gym and quickly made it through the door, butterflies in her stomach.

What do I say when I see him? Do I act as my usual self? But then again I always yell at him.. So now what? Do I hug him? Wait no. That would be too weird.. She bit her lip. Maybe I should just wave and smile? Or just wave? Or just smile? Gosh darn it how the hell did I get Eve to be good friends with me anyhow? How can I make a new friend when I don't even know how to act?

As she fully walked in she didn't see him anywhere. She blinked, wondering if he wasn't coming after all. He was usually there first.

She sighed and put her bag down. She cracked her knuckles and began to stretch. She began to crack her neck as she heard someone else wander in.

"Hey." A voice said simply.

Alisha turned to see the boy from before. She awkwardly waved. "Hi."

Richard leaned against the door. "Soo..." He started.

Alisha bit her lip. "Uhh..."

They looked at each other. They were silent for a few moments before bursting into laughter.

"My gosh we were better at speaking to each other when we didn't know each other's names!" Richard wheezed, still laughing heartily.

Alisha calmed down, grinning at the stupidity of this situation. "Pretty much. Honestly I think we talked a lot better when we hated each other."

Richard stopped laughing and raised an eyebrow. "I never hated you."

Alisha snorted. "Well you sure as hell wanted to annoy me."

Richard shrugged. "Because you react. The people I am usually around don't really react much. So it's refreshing."

Alisha scowled. "So what am I? Like a circus act for you to come watch whenever you feel like it?"

Richard facepalmed. "I didn't mean it like that! I mean that you are interesting."

"Like an elephant-" Alisha snapped.

"Oh my god can we just have a decent conversation without you trying to fight me?" Richard groaned.

Alisha instantly closed her mouth. She sighed heavily through her nose. "Fine. I'm sorry."

Richard grinned. "Apology accepted, Ice Queen."

Alisha shot him a glare. "If I'm the Ice Queen then you will be my minion."

"Oh god please tell me you don't want me to turn yellow and become obsessed with bananas."

Alisha smirked. "I think that would improve your appearance."

Richard gave her a blank look. "Seriously?! Why do you always bash on my face?! It's obviously a masterpiece!"

Alisha tried to hold back a snort. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

Richard pouted. "And to think I brought you powdered donuts."

Alisha instantly perked up. "Wait. Donuts?"

"Oh NOW you're going to be nice?" He said, still pouting.

Alisha raised an eyebrow. Even she had to admit that it was a bit cute. However she quickly shoved that thought away. "Fine. I'll be nicer to you."

He smiled and sat down on the ground, patting the space beside him. "Good."

Alisha rolled her eyes, but sat down beside him. She wordlessly opened up her bag and shoved the water bottle and protein bar into his lap. He looked at the items and then looked at her with a grin.

"Aww you do care!"

Alisha looked away, a faint blush on her cheeks. "Don't get so used to it. I'm just trying to be friends."

"Hey, you and I are on the same team. Don't worry." Richard assured.

Alisha wordlessly uncapped her water and took a sip. They sat in silence for awhile before Richard blurted, "What's your favorite color?"

Alisha looked at him with a smirk. "Really? Was that all you could come up with?"

"Hey! You were silent! What was I supposed to do?" Richard defended.

Alisha chuckled and shrugged. "I like all colors really. Purple is pretty close to number one. Or black."

"Bruce would like you." Richard said quietly.

"Who is Bruce?"

Richard looked at her with wide eyes. "Oh... You heard that?"

Alisha nodded. "Well yeah or I wouldn't have asked."

Richard slowly smiled. "Bruce is my guardian."

Alisha nodded. She then bit her lip. Her legs shifted. Why is she nervous? He wondered.

"What... Where are your parents?" She asked softly.

He winced at that question. Richard felt his heart pinch at a memory that he constantly tried to push down. "I don't want to talk about that just yet."

Alisha nodded in understanding. She knew when to keep her mouth shut. She could see he was reliving a painful memory. She felt herself touch his shoulder.

"If you ever need to talk about anything, I'll listen." She said, meaning it.

He gave her a soft smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

They stared at each other. She then quickly took her hand off of his shoulder. "Now, what is your favorite flavor of ice cream?" She asked.

They continued to talk that night. Slowly getting to know each other. Starting to feel comfortable around each other.

Later they were both laughing loudly when Richard had told her a story about when he was younger. That he always loved animals. However not all animals loved him.

"That damned goat kept butting into me! First it got me from behind and then once in the stomach! I swear to you I ran for my life! It was chasing me even!"

Alisha was a mess on the floor, laughing so hard that she was tears streaming down her cheeks. "Oh my god what?! Why?!"

"I don't think it liked what I fed it..." He said, laughing at himself.

"What did you even feed it?!" Alisha exclaimed, trying to calm down.

"Maybe some cotton candy, popcorn, then once a hot dog-"

"OH MY GOD YOU FED IT A HOTDOG?!" Alisha shouted, again rolling around in laughter.

Richard pouted again. Somehow he kept doing that. "IT WASN'T MY FAULT! I DIDN'T KNOW!"

"Oh my gosh how old were you?!"

Richard tapped his lip in thought. "I think... 9? 10?"

Alisha snicked. "You sure were a stupid kid. Still are."

Richard gasped and grabbed the donut bag, bringing it close to him. "No more donuts for you!"

Alisha gawked. "Excuse you?!"

"You are excused. Leave me to eat my donuts in peace!" Richard said, sticking his tongue out childishly.

"Do that again and I'll grab your tongue." Alisha playfully threatened.

"Eeww you have cooties!"

"You were fine with me touching you earlier!" Alisha exclaimed.

"Whoa whoa we aren't even at that stage yet." Richard said, smirking smugly.

Alisha put her face in her hands. "Oh my god you're so gross!"

Richard howled with laughter before putting the donuts down and grabbing one. "I think I'm the opposite."

He took a bite of the donut, happily chewing. These were his favorites. He could never get enough. He saw Alisha reach over and grab a donut also, stuffing it all in her mouth. "Wow." Richard said.

She looked at him. "That was SO lady like." He mused.

Alisha scowled and swallowed. "I hate it when people do that."

Richard blinked. "Do what?"

"Tell me that I am not lady like. Hell, I'm barely turning 13. I am not a lady yet." Richard listened, nodding for her to continue.

"I mean, I do have manners. But it depends on where I am and who I am around. With family I don't care. I'd rather eat with mainly my hands. With friends I am a bit more civil. However if it is someone important I believe that I am very good at being polite and 'acting like a lady'."

Richard nodded in understanding. Bruce would occasionally hold parties and such to keep up appearances. Sometimes even go to parties and go on a few dates. So Richard was used to always being polite and on point. However he knew she wasn't too used to it. Richard always had to have his back straight when he is eating at the dinner table. He couldn't slouch, couldn't clang his utensils together as he would eat, and nor could he talk until spoken too.

He smiled and patted her back gently. "Well, I was just kidding. I didn't mean to upset you."

She looked at him, giving him a small smile "I know. I was just letting you know how I felt about that."

Richard beamed. "Good. I'm glad we are getting along now."

Alisha shrugged. He smiled. "Am I not that bad?"

Alisha's lips twitched and nodded. "You are much worse than I expected. Honestly horrible."

Richard laughed heartily and playfully punched her shoulder. "Gee thanks, Ali."

She blinked. "Ali?"

Richard looked at her with a crooked grin. "Yeah. That's your nickname for now on."

Alisha suddenly felt warm. And very happy. No one had given her a nickname like that before. She gave him a bright smile, her usual dark eyes glistening.

"Do you like it?" He asked eagerly.

She nodded. "It's better than Ice Queen."

Richard did his signature pout. "But... I like that nickname."

She sent him a small glare.

He raised his hands up in surrender. "Okay, okay I won't speak of it ever again."

She smirked and pointed at him. "I'm going to find a nickname for you soon."

"I already have one." Richard pointed out.

"I'm only going to call you Dick when you are BEING a dick." She said. "I want to give you a nickname since you gave me one. Something to solidify our new friendship."

Richard gawked, causing Alisha to scowl. "What?"

"You said friendship."

"Yeah? And?"

He suddenly shot up and cheered, raising his hands in the air. "OH MY GOD WE HAVE A FRIENDSHIP! DONUTS ALWAYS WORK!"

Alisha couldn't help but smile. It felt nice that someone wanted her friendship.

The only one who had ever fought for her friendship was Eve. Now she has two friends who did that.

"Okay! So. As we are now proclaimed friends, we need to know one big thing about each other." He said seriously.

Alisha looked at him curiously. "Sure. What is it?"

He grinned. "Our birthdays of course!"

Alisha shrugged. "My birthday is in a few weeks. It's on the 25th of July. What about yours?"

Richard smiled. "April 19th. I'm going to be 14 next year."

Alisha scowled. "You're older than me?"

Richard's smile grew into a teasing grin. "Oh? You're going to turn 13?"

"Yeah." She said slowly, not liking this at all.

Richard tilted his head back and let out a loud laugh. "Oh my god you're so cute!"

Alisha gawked. "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!"

Richard continued to laugh, but covered his mouth, his shoulders continuing to shake. "I said you're cute." He said, trying to contain his laughter.

Alisha's face to him was priceless. She looked shocked, alarmed, and annoyed. Mainly dumbfounded. Richard wished he had a camera. He would have hung this up in his room if he could. Seeing this face, no matter how down he was feeling, would always make him laugh.

"I AM NOT CUTE!" Alisha shrieked, grabbing an almost empty water bottle and throwing it at him.

Richard fell over as the water bottle hit him in the chest. He rolled on the floor, laughing uncontrollably.

"YOU DICK! DICK STOP BEING SUCH A DICK!" Alisha whined. She instantly covered her mouth. She never WHINED.

Seeing this, Richard somehow laughed even harder. Tears streamed down his cheeks and he struggled to breathe. "OH MY GOD I CAN'T BREATHE!"

Alisha couldn't seem to help herself. Seeing him on the ground laughing and curled into a ball seemed too funny. She began to laugh as well. "GOOD! I HOPE YOUR LUNGS COLLAPSE!"

She said breathlessly as she started to laugh uncontrollably as well.

They both calmed down within a few moments, laying on the floor in bliss. It felt nice to laugh like that, for the both of them.

Richard sighed happily, wiping his tears from his face. "I really needed that."

Alisha looked at him. "Me too." She said honestly.

They looked at each other. "I'm glad you gave me a chance, Ali. I hope we can continue being friends for a long time."

He wasn't really good at making friends. After all he was The Boy Wonder. He was always busy. Except for when its night time. Well, for the most part. There are some nights where he and Batman would not sleep while getting criminals. But lately there haven't been many of those cases.

Alisha stared at him blankly. Richard suddenly felt scared. Did he accidentally push it too far? Was he being too sentimental?

Alisha then smirked. "Getting attached already, Richard?"

Richard instantly calmed down. He thought he had ruined what happy mood they had created.

He winked at her and said with mirth, "Yeah. I am. No one can compare to you."

Alisha chuckled and covered her face. "Don't hide your beautiful eyes from me~" He cooed.

She began to laugh and turned herself away from him. "Oh my, you have a nice-"

"Oh my god! Stop! This is torture!" Alisha squealed, feeling herself turn red.

Richard grinned. "Don't worry. You aren't my type."

Alisha turned around with a small smile. "That's good to know." She mused.

He shrugged. "Just being honest." He sang.

"Says the one who is flirting with me. Hell you even brought me powdered donuts."

"Hey! You brought me a bottle of water and a protein bar. Look who is flirting now!" He said.

Alisha rolled her eyes. "That is called being NICE."

"You?! Being nice?!" Richard said, putting his hands on his face with a dramatic gasp.

Alisha for a moment wanted to flip him the bird but gave him a glare instead. "Dick."

"Well I have one-"

She put a hand up. "I DON'T WANT TO KNOW."

Richard raised an eyebrow. "Don't you know how different the woman's and male's anatomy are-"

"Shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up!" She exclaimed, covering her ears.

Richard snickered and tried to take her hands off of her ears. "NO NO NO! I DON'T WANNA HEAR IT!"

"You have to hear it sometime~" He sang.

"NO I DON'T."

"Yes you will."

"No."

"Yes."

"NO!" She huffed childishly.

"YYEESS." He drawled.

She suddenly became silent and then flicked him on the nose, making him yelp.

She rolled away from him as he held his nose, gawking. "What was that for?!"

"Because you are gross and a pervert! I do not need to learn more about that THING."

"Thing?!" Richard yelped, slightly offended. "IT ISN'T A THING IT'S A-"

"LALALALALALALA!" Alisha said loudly, covering her ears again.

Richard groaned. "Dammit, Ali! I know you can hear me!"

She continued to hum loudly. Richard facepalmed. And I'm apparently the childish one. He thought dryly.

"Do you need a time out?" He found himself asking.

Alisha instantly dropped her hands from her ears and gawked at him. "What did you just say?"

Richard crossed his arms across his chest like a disappointed parent. "I SAID. Do. You. Need. A. Time. Out?"

He saw Alisha's beloved temper begin to rise up again. He tried to hide his grin but it was hard. "Or do you need a nap?"

He had been good, he told himself. That he made her laugh and even got her to admit they were friends. He deserved to have some fun with her temper.

Before he could even blink he had a powdered donut smashed in his face. He sputtered, the powder going up his nose.

"IT BURNS!" He whined, cupping his nose.

"Burn in hell!" Alisha growled, crossing her hands over his chest.

He stared at her. "I JUST SNORTED A DONUT!"

Alisha rolled her eyes and grabbed her protein bar, taking a large bite out of it. "Whatever."

Richard wiped the powder off of him and looked at her curiously. "Are you.. upset at me?"

She didn't say anything.

Bruce always told him that silence was golden. However silence from Alisha was dangerous. He knew that much.

Richard put a hand through his hair. "I was just kidding. I thought it would rile you up but-"

"I thought you were done with making me mad on purpose." Alisha said, her voice low.

He swallowed, still trying to ignore the burning of his nostrils. "I'm sorry. I did not know that would upset you. We are still learning about each other and what crosses the line."

She nodded. "Yeah."

"So... I won't try to mess with you like that." He said. "I may do it again someday, but just know that I don't mean to hurt you intentionally."

Alisha bit her lip. "Okay. Thank you."

He lightly smiled. "Am I forgiven?"

Alisha smirked. "I don't know. I think I should shove another donut in your face."

Richard immediately covered is nose, making Alisha crack a smile.

"Yes." She said. "You're forgiven."

He pumped a fist in the air. "Oh!" he suddenly said.

"What?" Alisha asked.

"I just thought of something I wanted to ask you." He said, glad that he remembered.

She raised an eyebrow.

"What are your goals? Besides being a famous gymnast like your grandpa."

Alisha thought about it. "Well... I'm not sure. I just want to do well in high school. When I'm old enough get a part time job. I just want to make my family proud."

"But what about you? Don't you want to do something for you?" He asked.

She shrugged. "If they are happy, I'm happy."

He scoffed. "Come on, Ali."

She narrowed her eyes. "Whats wrong with that?"

"Well don't you have your own interests instead of just going to this gym every night?" He inquired.

"Like what?" She asked, sounding annoyed.

"Well like drawing, writing, reading, or uhh traveling."

"So anything that ends with 'ing'?" She teased.

"Oh shut up." He huffed. "Anyways, why not any of those things? You could do so many different things. Hell even other sports."

Alisha bit her lip and thought about it. "I've always been interested in soccer. Maybe even boxing."

Richard's eyes widened. "You wanna do boxing?"

"I can take a punch." She said defensively.

His lips twitched into a smile. "I know you can. But still. I never saw you the type to really want to get into fights. I see you more in the debate team."

She scoffed. "Maybe so. But Gotham isn't all unicorns and rainbows, even with Batman around."

Richard scowled. "Uhh.. Aren't you forgetting someone?"

Alisha looked at him weirdly. "What? You mean the other leaguers?"

"Does the name ROBIN ring a bell?"

Alisha looked surprised and then nodded. "Oh! Yeah! Batman's partner right?"

Richard smiled, happy she didn't say side kick.

"Yeah. He's cool, huh?"

Alisha shrugged. "I don't really know much about him. If he knows Batman, then he is I guess. Must know where the Bat Cave is."

Richard grinned proudly. "Yeah. He does I am sure. After all being Batman's partner he should know. Plus he is a master hacker I hear. One of the best in the world."

Alisha blinked, actually looking impressed. "Really?"

Richard suddenly wanted to tell her that he was Robin. He wanted to tell her because she looked so impressed. Him being a hacker impressed many people yes, but they expected it from him. But from Alisha, she looked in awe and pleasantly surprised. There was even some respect. He wanted that. However he knew that would not sit well with Batman. Also, they had just became friends! He couldn't just throw her into his world. He suddenly had a dark thought. If he told her then she could be in possible danger. If the villains ever caught her, she could be safe because she knew nothing. Well, as safe as any other civilian. His urge to tell her faded.

He nodded. "Yep. Maybe someday you'll meet him."

Alisha rolled her eyes. "Oh come on, Richard. He has a mask and a fake name for a reason. He wouldn't dare show himself to anyone. He probably has a secret identity even."

Spot on. Looks like I'll need to be careful with this subject. He thought.

"You're right." he said.

She looked at him and tilted her head to the side. "So. What do you want to do with your life?"

"I want to help people." He said without hesitation. "Plus, I just want to enjoy life. Live it as if there won't be a tomorrow."

And in his line of work, there are times where he does comes close to almost crossing that line of life and death.

She nodded. "But do you have any hobbies?"

"Yeah. I like to hang out with a few friends once in awhile. Play some sports I guess." He looked around the gym. "I was once training to be an acrobat."

Alisha's eyes widened. "Why did you stop!?"

He looked away. "I haven't really stopped. But... it involved my parents."

She nodded. "I understand."

He looked at her, seeing her give him a light smile. His expression softened. "Thanks."

She then looked away and looked at her watch. She gasped. "Crap! It's almost 11. I need to get home!"

Richard then felt a buzzing in his pants. His phone was going off. He pulled it out and answered it without checking who it was.

"Get over here to the Bat Cave. Now." Was all Bruce said before hanging up.

"I have to go too." He said calmly.

She nodded and grabbed her Nikes bag. "I'll see you later?"

He nodded with a smile and opened up his arms as she held out a hand for him to shake. "Uhh.. That's awkward." He said, feeling himself blush.

She felt herself blush as well. "I'm not much of a hugger."

He chuckled and shook her hand. "See you later, Ali."

She nodded and walked over to the door with him behind her. They smiled at each other one more time before they went their separate ways.

(~AUTHOR'S NOTE~)

Hey guys! I am so sorry that I have not updated for awhile! I have been getting over my foot surgery and just... having such writer's block! I suck at meeting new people and making new friends in real life xD So me writing this was a little weird. Anyways I hope you are all having a great day! You guys are amazing and I am glad to see that people are reading this story! 3