A/N: Hey everyone! Sorry its been so long since I updated. I've been having a very bad case of writers block. I'm going to try to post some chapters and i hope they're good... So that's why you guys haven't heard from me!

This is another one of those chapters that was supposed to be short but took on a life of its own.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. I guess Eddy is mine though...

Socialites

March 20th

Wayne Manor Ballroom

All eyes were on Bruce Wayne and his boy as they walked around the ballroom. They were the talk of the evening. This was the very first party that Dick had ever gone to with his new guardian. The tiny boy hovered close to Bruce's side. He refused to speak to anyone and just gave them shy smiles instead.

"This way, Dick." Bruce said softly as he steered Dick over to meet another man. Bruce smiled at Commissioner Gordon and took his hand. "It's nice to see you again, Commissioner." He said.

"You too Bruce." The man said. He smiled at the boy, kneeling now so he was at level. "How are you, Richard?"

"Fine." The boy whispered. He gave him a shy smile before ducking behind Bruce's leg.

"Are you enjoying your stay with Bruce?"

Dick nodded. "He's nice." He whispered softly.

"Do you think you want to stay here?"

The boy's eyes went wide and he nodded furiously. "Don't make me leave." He begged. He looked up at Bruce. "You said I wouldn't have to leave!"

"You won't." Bruce promised immediately. He placed a comforting hand on Dick's head. "You can stay here as long as you want, just like I promised."

The boy relaxed and stepped closer to his guardian. All these people were making him nervous. He was used to performing for people. He was used to dazzling them. He wasn't used to them judging him and certainly not ignoring him.

Dick had been with Bruce for almost a year now and he felt comfortable with the man. He and Alfred were wonderful and Dick was happy. He loved being with Bruce- and he'd found out that Bruce was Batman. But with all the people around and the disgusted looks he kept getting… well, it made him nervous.

"Don't worry, Richard." Commissioner Gordon said with a smile. He stood up to talk with Bruce. Dick relaxed slightly but he didn't move from Bruce's side. He didn't like all these people. He didn't like how Bruce acted so different than he did at home. That was what really worried him.

When it was just them Bruce was nice. He was gentle and kind and, although he wasn't always around, he always seemed to be there when Dick needed him. Sure, he was awkward at times but that was just because Bruce had never had kids before. But he was trying now and that meant the world to Dick. Besides, Bruce felt safe. After all, he was Batman, and Dick knew that he'd keep him safe and take care of him. Besides, lately he'd been trying so hard. He'd made sure to be around and to talk with him, and tell him stories before bed, and even let him play in the Batcave!

However, as soon as these socialites came around, Bruce acted different. He laughed loudly and said things that made the girls turn red and giggle. He talked in a booming voice that was somehow different than how he usually acted. This wasn't the Bruce Wayne the Dick was used to... and that worried him.

And, despite how he was staying with Richard all night, Dick felt like Bruce just wasn't there. He wasn't devoting the same attention to Dick that he usually did. It was as if Dick was just a shadow following him around.

"Come on Richard." Bruce pulled Dick off to meet more people who would pretend to like him but really didn't care. Dick knew that and he knew Bruce said he had to be nice, so he was trying to. But it was so hard! He didn't want to be here. Why did he have to be nice when everyone else was mean?

After all, he wasn't deaf. He heard what people said when they didn't think he was listening. They said it all the time on the news and in the papers too. People thought Bruce was crazy for taking him in. They said Bruce was just doing it to be nice and that soon enough he'd get bored and return him to the orphanage. The nicer ones said he was a charity case and that he should be grateful to Bruce for giving him such a wonderful life. The meaner ones said he was a useless kid because he came from the circus and because he was Romanian. Dick didn't understand and Bruce promised him that it was all untrue, but that didn't make him feel any better. Especially when they were talking like they were now.

"Stupid Brat." Someone muttered behind them. "Did you notice that Brucie doesn't have a single lady on his arm tonight? Why? Because of the kid of course."

"I know. He just clings to him! I don't know what Bruce was thinking." Dick looked at the ground as the women talked.

"I don't know, but I hope he gets rid of him soon. He can't be as happy with that boy. What about us?"

"Dick," Bruce's voice was gentle as he steered him over towards the ladies. Dick's eyes went wide and he looked hopefully up at his guardian. "Come on. We'll go talk with them."

"They're mean." Dick whispered. "I don't want to talk with them."

"It's ok." Bruce promised. He gave Dick another smile. Dick would have given anything to not go near those ladies, but he had no choice. If he did something wrong maybe Bruce would send him back, just like the people wanted.

So, dutifully, Dick followed Bruce to the mean ladies. "Hello. I'm afraid I haven't introduced you to my son. Ladies, this is Dick Grayson." Bruce was smiling at them as if he hadn't heard a word they'd said. Dick gave them a small smile too.

The women's smiles were blinding. "Oh, Dickey!" The cooed. "He's so adorable. Such cute kid. He almost looks like you, Brucie!"
Dick hated how they did this. As soon as Bruce was near they acted like they loved him. But Bruce didn't even seem to notice. Maybe he didn't care.

"Yes, he's a good kid." Bruce agreed with a smile. "Did you-"

"Oh Brucie, why did you take him in?" One lady asked, cutting off whatever he'd been about to say. She draped herself over Bruce's arm. Taking the cue, all three ladies seemed to suddenly fall on top of Bruce. They draped themselves over him like a scarf. Somehow Dick was pushed away from his guardian.

"Brucie, did you forget about all of us?" Another lady cooed. "We're so lonely now that you have the little boy."

"That's right, Brucie! Don't be a father yet. You still have to enjoy life!"

"Excuse me ladies," Bruce started to say as he attempted to pry the ladies off of him. It was no use. Seeing their chance a few more women had come over. All of them surrounded Bruce, talking and laughing and acting like cats. They were all trying to get his attention.

Dick felt panic leap up in his throat as he was pushed further away from Bruce. He attempted to move in, to get to his guardian's side, but a high heel in his face sent the boy reeling backwards.

"Bruce?" He called softly. No one heard him over the cries of the ladies and the laughter and talking in the room. Dick's eyes circled the ballroom frantically. Relief passed through him as he saw Alfred by the stairs. Alfred would keep him safe from all these people! Maybe Alfred would even let him leave the party. Maybe he'd give Dick some cookies and send him to the entertainment room to watch a movie.

Dick attempted to weave through the crowds to get to the butler. Legs obscured his path. Being so small he got lost in the crowd. No one seemed to notice him. They stepped in front of him, blocked his path, and in some cases even pretended he wasn't there, even when he asked them to move.

His panic grew as he attempted to get to the stairs. Whispers trailed after him. "I don't know what Bruce sees in the kid." "It won't last." "I don't know, I think he's cute." "Maybe Bruce had a change of heart." "Yea right. More like he's a new toy for the man." "Oh please. Brucie isn't into that." "It was probably just some type of charity." "Obviously. Why else would Bruce adopt a circus brat?" "I give it another week before he returns it." "It's been a year. He has to keep the kid now."

Dick stumbled out of the crowd, finally reaching his destination. But Alfred wasn't there anymore. Tears stung at his eyes as Dick realized he was alone. All the people were there, yes, and many of them were staring at him, but no one wanted him. Most were giving him looks of pity, disappointment, or even anger. Dick shuddered and shrunk behind the steps.

These people were all Bruce's friends. Maybe they were right. Maybe Bruce had just taken pity on him. No matter what Bruce insisted to him, maybe he would get rid of him. After all, if none of his friends liked him, why would Bruce keep him? He'd kept Dick hidden from all of his friends for a year now...probably because he was worried about what they'd think!

The same panic welled up in Dick's chest and he curled up under the stairs. A soft sob left his throat.

He was just an 'it' to most of them. They saw him completely beneath them and didn't want anything to do with him. He was just a faceless figure that they ignored - just like all the regular people were to them. They wanted Bruce to return him to that awful orphanage that smelt like elephant poop. Maybe he would. Bruce had taken him in and promised that he would take care of him, but Dick was still concerned. Other kids had been returned to the orphanage. Why wouldn't he be?

"Mommy… Daddy…" He whimpered. If only they were still here. Then he wouldn't have to deal with this!

"Hey there, kid." Dick's head shot up. A man in a suit, just like the others, was kneeling before him. He held a handkerchief out to him. "You ok?"

"Y-yes. Th-thank you." Dick stuttered. He took the offered handkerchief and wiped his eyes. He was embarrassed. He didn't want to be seen crying by these people. After all, if he didn't act like a big boy maybe Bruce wouldn't want him anymore.

"No problem kid…. Speaking of problems, what's the matter?"

"Nothing."

"Don't you like the party?"

Dick looked out at the crowd nervously. He and the man were hidden behind the steps. For once, there weren't glaring eyes on him. "Not really." Dick admitted softly. "I don't think they like me."

"No? Maybe they're just getting used to you." The man suggested.

"Who are you?" He looked familiar to Dick. He hoped he hadn't already been introduced. Then he'd seem rude.

"Call me Eddy." The man said with a smile.

"I'm Dick."

The man chuckled. "Yea, kid, we know. You've been all over the news." Dick's face fell and Eddy quickly hurried on. "Hey! Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant about Bruce's adoption."

"Yea." Dick said softly as he looked at his feet.

"Is Bruce nice to you, kid? He doesn't hurt you or anything?"

Dick looked up at Eddy. "No. Bruce is nice." He frowned when he realized Eddy was holding a tab of paper and writing. "What are you doing?"

"Writing down your answers."

"Why?"

"I have short term memory loss. I don't want to forget." The guy said with a beaming smile. "Now… Bruce, he's never hurt you has he?"

"No." Dick was confused by the questions.

"Where do you sleep?"

Dick frowned at the man. "I have my own room." He didn't like this guy anymore. He didn't like these questions. He wanted Bruce. And not the fake silly acting Bruce. He wanted the Bruce who took care of him. Heck, Dick would even take the angry Batman right now!

"Come on kid, let me know. Is there anything you want to tell me? Anything you don't like about living here?"

Dick ignored the question. He peered around the stairs. Bruce was detangling himself from the ladies now. His eyes were flitting around the room. Dick breathed a sigh of relief. Bruce was looking for him. He did care.

Dick started to stand up when a hand fell on his wrist. "Hey, kid, come on. Talk to me."

"I've got to go see Bruce." Dick said softly. Panic started to fill his chest when Eddy didn't let go.

"Talk to me." Eddy insisted. He yanked Dick's arm, forcing the boy to sit down again. "Come on, kid. Why do you need to see Bruce? Doesn't he like you talking with other people?"

"I…" Dick looked helplessly around.

"Does he want to keep you all to himself? Why won't he let you talk to the press? Why did he adopt you?" Eddy insisted. Dick tried to pull away but Eddy's grip tightened on his wrist. "Come on, kid, give me a scoop."

"Let go." Dick said. He tugged helplessly.

"Tell me something juicy." Eddy said. His hand tightened. "Are you his child? Did he have an affair?"

"Stop it! You're hurting me." Dick sobbed.

"Come on. Is that any way to treat one of Bruce's friends?"

Dick didn't know, but he didn't care. Surely Bruce would understand. And if not Bruce, Alfred definitely would. This man was scaring him! "Opreşte-te! Opreste-te! Lasă-mă în pace!" Stop it! Stop it! Leave me alone!

"What did you say?" Eddy asked curiously. The hand on his wrist tightened painfully. "You're some foreign thing, huh? Did he meet your mother overseas or something?"

Dick yanked his arm away. He spun around, racing around the steps. He only got a few feet before Eddy had grabbed his foot, yanking him down. Dick's breath rushed away in a woosh.

"Come on, kid."

Fingers clawed at his back, obviously trying to get him to stay. Dick tugged. A rip sounded as his jacket sleeve was torn off. Dick yanked his arm from the broken part and ran. Yet again hands grabbed him, this time grabbing his hair.

A shriek sounded from his mouth. "Bruce!" Dick screamed. Eddy jerked away from Dick in surprise.

The boy took the moment to go running at high speed for his guardian. "Bruce!" He screamed again. "Bruce!"

He collided with a warm chest as his guardian met him halfway. Strong arms wrapped around him. "Dick? Dick, what is it?" Bruce lifted him off the ground, cradling him in his arms. Dick threw his arms around Bruce's neck, terrified that Bruce would leave him. Another sob escaped him. "Dickey?"

"El a fost mă sperie." Dick whimpered. He hoped Bruce would take that as an ok response. He was scaring me.

"Who was?" Bruce asked.

"H-him." Dick pointed towards the staircase where Eddy stood, Dick's jacket sleeve dangling in his hand. "El nu va da drumul. El a ţinut cere toate aceste întrebări şi el mi-a rănit şi ..." Dick trailed off. He wouldn't let go. He kept asking all these questions and he hurt me and...

Bruce wasn't saying anything. Maybe he was mad at him! Dick looked up. His guardian's face was drawn and angry. Dick whimpered. He had done something wrong. Maybe Bruce would return him now! "I'm sorry." Dick whispered, hoping that was the right thing to say.

Bruce moved forward. Anger flared through his body as he clutched the child against him. "Eddy Milestrom." Bruce growled as he neared the steps. "What did you do?"

"I didn't do anything." The reporter said defensively.

Bruce's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You weren't invited to this party. Leave."

"Oh come on, Brucie! The press just wants to know about the kid."

"Then know this:" Bruce snapped. "You aren't allowed to hurt him. You just did. Leave."

The reporter swore loudly before stomping off. Bruce watched him go before looking back down at Dick. The boy's eyes were closed tightly and a tears ran down his face. His body shook with repressed sobs.

More anger flared up. Bruce wished he had punched the man. He must have really scared the child. "Are you ok, Dick?" Bruce asked. He tried to make his voice as gentle as he could. He was well aware of everyone's eyes on him, but for once he didn't care. "Where did he hurt you?"

Dick held up his arm. Bruce frowned as he held up the hand. The wrist was already starting to bruise from the tight grip. Dick winced softly as Bruce touched it.

"We'll go upstairs. Alfred can fix that." Bruce murmured. "I'm sorry, Dick."

The child said nothing. He just buried his face back against Bruce's chest. Bruce sighed softly. The poor boy….

He left his guests without even apologizing. Instead he went upstairs where the butler was already waiting.

"His wrist." Bruce said immediately. He sat Dick on a chair in the living room while Alfred got out supplies.

"I'm sorry Bruce." Dick whispered.

"Sorry? For what?"

"I caused a commotion." The boy whimpered as Alfred wrapped his wrist.

"Don't be sorry." Bruce said firmly. "Dick, he hurt you. That isn't allowed. He wasn't even supposed to be here. This was supposed to be a private party."

"I didn't mean to do anything wrong." Dick insisted. "I was trying to be good."

"Dick…" Bruce tilted the boy's face up. "Dickey, you didn't do anything wrong. You are such a good boy. You've been wonderful this whole evening. Nothing is wrong."

The boy shuddered. "So you… you aren't going to send me back to the orphanage?"

Bruce was shocked. "Of course not!"

Dick clutched Bruce's hand. "But everyone was saying you were going to return me." He sobbed. "They said you didn't really want me and that you were going to take me back!"

"Of course not, Dickey!" Without thinking Bruce had crushed the boy against his chest. "I'm not going to leave you." He promised. "I don't care what they think or say. Ok, Dickey? I promise I won't return you."

Dick's arms wrapped around his neck. Bruce returned the hug. He continued murmuring soft words into the boy's hair until finally the child had stopped crying.

"How about we get you set up with a movie." Bruce suggested. "You can relax up here. Coming to one of my boring parties wasn't what you really wanted to do, was it?"

Dick bit his lips. He didn't want to be alone anymore. He wanted to be in Bruce's arms. He was safe there. Besides, if Bruce was holding him, that's when the fear was gone. That's when he believed that Bruce wouldn't return him. That's when thoughts of his parents were kept at bay.

"Will… will you be going back?" He asked.

"I have to. It's my party."

"Can I stay with you?" Dick asked. He pressed his head against Bruce's shoulder.

The older man nodded. "If that's what you want."

Dick nodded. "You're safe." He whispered.

Bruce smiled softly and shifted the boy in his arms. "Alright, you can stay with me."

"And you won't act stupid?" Dick asked hopefully. His blue eyes looked up at his guardian.

"I won't." He promised. He supposed he could tone down his 'Brucie' act. A look at those bright eyes and he amended. Of course he could change his 'Brucie'. After all... he was a father now. A smile made his way over his face and he nodded, kissing Dick's forehead. "No being stupid." he promised.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Again, sorry for the delay and the less-than-astounding quality of work. I've had a bad writers block but I'm going to try to get through it!

Please tell me how I did and what I can improve upon - maybe even some ideas to get me through this!