A/N: Hello! I'm back! Sorry for the wait. Writers Block is still running rampent here.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Outdoors

Gotham City Park

"Putem merge acum?" Dick exclaimed the second the car pulled onto the small grassy parking lot. Can we go now?

„Stai o clipă." Bruce scolded lightly. Hold on a moment. „Don't get out yet."

The child stayed in his seat but unbuckled himself and peeked out the window. After much begging Bruce had finally agreed to take him out. Very few times had Bruce done so.

The press always got in the way. Whenever he'd take the boy out the press was always there, waiting. And Dick was frightened of them, especially after the incident with Eddy Milestrome.

But the boy was getting restless in the manor and Alfred had finally ordered Bruce to take the child out. So, reluctantly, Bruce had agreed to take Dick to the park.

As soon as he opened the cardoor Dick bounded out, bouncing on his toes as he eyed the jungle gym. Bruce took the child and swung him into his arms so that they were face to face. „No running off." He said firmly.

„Nu voi." Dick promised. I won't.

Satisfied with this answer Bruce carried the boy over to the park. As it was early in the morning only a few other families were there. „What should we do first?"

„Swing!" Dick exclaimed, pointing to it. Once they were near Bruce let the child down and he sped off towards the swings, jumping on one and waiting impatiently for Bruce to come over. „Push!"

„Alright." Bruce agreed. He began gently pushing the child. Once Dick started to complain that he was being too slow, Bruce pushed harder, letting the swing fly up into the air. Dick squealed with delight. Bruce found himself smiling as he always did around the boy.

"Higher!" Dick cried. Bruce rolled his eyes but pushed harder, watching as Dick swing flew into the air. Then, suddenly, the boy jumped.

"Dick!" Bruce cried. He rushed forward, but there was no need.

Dick tucked himself into a ball and landed in a perfect tuck. Bruce let out his breath as the child stood up, perfectly unharmed and beaming from ear to ear. "Again." Dick cried, rushing back to the swing.

Bruce let him do it twice more. The next times he was prepared when Dick leapt from his perch, but that didn't make him any less worried. "How about something else now?" He suggested. More people were coming now and he didn't want any of them to see Dick's odd habits.

"Slide." Dick said, pointing to it. He grabbed Bruce's hand and pulled him over towards it. Bruce allowed him and waited at the bottom of the slide as Dick came down. Then it was off to the teeter-totter. After that was the jungle gym then the tire swing.

Bruce was amazed by the kid's energy. If he was anyone but Batman he'd have been out of breath tying to keep up with him. In fact, the kid didn't stop until it was lunch time. Dick's stomach let out a loud gurgle which made Bruce chuckle.

"Hungry?" Dick nodded so Bruce took his hand. "How about we get some hotdogs? Just don't tell Alfred."

"Nu voi!" I won't.

Bruce smiled softly, not bothering to correct the boy. He was doing much better with his English. But whenever he'd get frightened or excited he always lapsed back into Romanian. Bruce walked over to a nearby vendor while Dick chatted happily away.

Soon he sat down with Dick on a park bench. "What should we do next?" Bruce asked as he handed Dick a hotdog loaded with toppings. "We can see a movie, or go to ball game."

"Movie." Dick said immediately around a mouthful of food. Bruce chuckled and handed him a napkin.

They sat in silence for awhile as they ate. Then Dick peaked up hopefully. "Bruce?" He asked softly. "Can we do this every day?"

"Not everyday."

"But again, right?"

"We'll see." Bruce said, but his tone suggested that he'd already added it to his to-do list.

Secret Lair

The Batcave

"This is so cool." Dick breathed in awe. He still couldn't get over the fact that Bruce Wanye was Batman. The Batman! Even now that he'd come to grips with the idea it still surprised him.

Dick's eyes focused on the scene before him where Bruce was practicing fighting with a test robot. The child clapped his hands and cheered, rooting for Bruce.

It was distracting, but even so Bruce found a smile creeping up over his face. The boy was… wel, adorable. Ever since he'd found out he'd been following Bruce around. He'd allowed the child to come to the cave with him and that just made the boy's day. Every time he'd walk around, reverently looking at the trophies and gadgets. He'd run to Bruce's side and ask to know what he was doing. He'd try to help on the cases. Just last night he'd sat there going over Riddles with Bruce for practice.

"Yay!" Dick cheered as Bruce disarmed the robot training dummy. Bruce wiped the sweat from his brow and turned to look at him.

He didn't want to admit it, but having the boy around was … nice. It gave him someone to talk to. Dick always listened when he grumbled about the madmen out there. He even tried to help and give advice. But it was also nice to have someone telling him that what he was doing was right. It was nice to have someone on his side, someone excited about the work, and someone who made him feel good.

Dick was all of that. He was bright and cheerful and eager. "Can I try?" Dick asked suddenly. He cartwheeled his way over to Bruce's side on the training mats. "Can I?"

"It's a bit advanced for you."

"Then show me how." Dick said. He was bouncing on his toes now, his eyes lighting up in eagerness.

Bruce sighed but another smile crept its way over his face. "Alright. Here, we'll start off easy."

He moved behind the boy and began to move him into position to show him some basic self defense moves.

By the time Alfred came down to the cave an hour later the child was learning to throw a batarang. A frown edged onto the butler's face but he quickly pushed it away. "I think that is enough for now." Alfred announced, breaking into their impromptu training session. "Master Dick, it is time for lunch. Hurry upstairs. I have spaghetti waiting for you."

"Thanks Alfred!" Dick said happily. He waved to Bruce before doing back handsprings over to the elevator.

"What are you doing, Master Bruce?" Alfred asked once Dick was gone.

Bruce didn't answer. "He's good." Bruce murmured. "He's a fast learner."

"Yes indeed," Alfred said. His frown was starting to work its way back onto his face. "I do hope you aren't planning on doing much more of this training."

"It isn't training. It's just for fun." Bruce insisted quickly. "He's curious."

"Most six year old boys are not learning to throw explosives and take down thugs three times their size."

Bruce shook his head. "I'm not doing to make him my partner, Alfred. He's just a child. I know that."

"Do try to keep that in mind before you start teaching him anything else, Master Bruce." Alfred said firmly. Then he turned on his heel. "Come now. Lunch awaits."

Bruce followed him, but when he sat across from Dick he couldn't help but think. Dick was good. Not just that he was brilliant. He'd mastered a few of the basic self defense moves in under an hour! His aim was wonderful for the few times Bruce had him throw the batarangs.

Dick had said that the knife thrower had taught him something similar. His balance was impeccable and the very short spar that they'd had he'd shown remarkable talent. His acrobatics had helped him a great deal and Bruce had been surprised at how well he'd done.

He was a fast learner. If Bruce ever did need a partner –

He quickly cut off the train of thought with a shake of his head. Partner? What was he thinking? The boy was only six- almost seven. And even if he did like having Richard around, he couldn't bring his life on the boy's. He wouldn't burden the boy with that.

… even if he would make a great partner.

Superman

Metropolis

"Bruce!" Clark said happily when he saw his friend walk into the diner. Bruce gave him a small smile in return. "I was starting to wonder if you were going to show up."

"The traffic was bad." Bruce said blandly. He slid into the booth seat opposite Clark. His eyes searched around the small diner a few times.

Clark rolled his eyes. "Don't worry. It isn't bugged. I checked twice. Besides, this is Metropolis- not Gotham." Bruce glared at him. "And back here we are perfectly able to talk about business."

"What kind of business?"

Clark gave a small cry when a little voice piped up. Suddenly a boy's head appeared up around the edge of the table. Clark must have missed him hiding behind Bruce's legs. Dick just smiled at him though. "Hi Mr. Kent."

"Hello, Dick." Clark shook his head for a moment. The kid wasn't even a Bat and yet he still managed to sneak up on him!

The kid wasn't a bat.

Clark glared at Bruce suddenly. "I needed your help with some business." He said with a pointed look at Dick. "Maybe we can have Dick wait with Alfred?"

"Alfred has a date with Dr. Leslie." Dick piped up.

"There is a kiddie playground in the next building over he can-"

"Its fine, Clark." Bruce cut in. "He knows."

"He knows?" Clark repeated. "You told him?"

"He found out." Bruce said simply.

"About what?" Dick asked curiously as he climbed up next to Bruce.

"Batman."

"Oh!" Dick nodded in agreement. "You know too, Mr. Kent?"

"Uh… yes…." Clark wasn't sure what to think. It had taken Bruce years to tell the Justice League members, and half of them still didn't know who he was. Yet this kid knew already and Bruce was even bringing him along on one of their meetings!

A moment later a waitress was over to take their orders. She brought Dick a coloring page and crayons and soon he was happily observed in his work. Even so Clark felt the need to whisper around the child.

"I can't find out what Luthor is up to." Clark said softly as he slid some paperwork over to Bruce. "He's building something with stolen bits of software and illegal devices, but I don't know what he's making or what he is planning."

"And you thought I could help." Bruce said simply as he leafed through the papers.

"You'll be able to figure out what he's doing, right? Hack into his systems or something? Do detective work?"

"Give me eight hours." Bruce said as he tucked the papers into his jacket.

Clark relaxed. "Thanks."

"Is there anything else going on?" Bruce questioned.

"We've had a few breakouts here." Clark admitted. "I can't go more than three hours without some criminal trying to take over the city. I think Luthor is connected to the breakouts. He's trying to distract me."

"How come?" Dick asked suddenly. He paused in his drawing to look thoughtfully at them.

Clark glanced at Bruce. It seemed the boy didn't know about any of the other heroes. Luckily he didn't have to answer because the waitress brought over their meals right then. Dick happily forgot about the question when his fish sticks were placed in front of him.

The talking came to a halt until Dick piped up. "Do you have any more stories?" He asked Clark hopefully. "About Superman?"

"Oh… I think I do." Clark entertained the child for the next half hour while they ate, telling stories of his most recent exploits as Superman. Dick was enthralled by them, watching him with wide eyes and laughing. Clark found it endearing and he didn't want to stop talking. It was a welcome change from the last time he'd met the boy. The child seemed happy. Not only Dick… but Bruce seemed happy as well.

Once everyone had finished eating, Clark had expected Bruce to rush back to Gotham. Instead the man merely nodded to Dick, who beamed.

"Bruce said we could go to the new recreation center." Dick said eagerly. "Do you want to come with us?"

"Sure." Clark agreed, once again startled. Usually Bruce would come, meet him, and leave.

He frowned as he watched the two while they walked to the rec center. Dick was running along beside Bruce, talking happily. Bruce had a small smile on his face, probably only half listening, but his eyes never left the boy.

Every so often Dick would rush ahead or climb over a bench or up the side of a lamppost. The boy just never seemed to stop moving. He was always bouncing along cheerfully. Sometimes he'd latch onto Bruce's arm and pull him along for awhile. When he did that just now Bruce swung the boy up into his arms with a chuckle.

"I told you not to keep running off." He scolded lightly.

"You're just moving too slow." Dick whined. But then he giggled and wrapped his arms around Bruce's neck, settling into the embrace.

"You can play when we get there."

"Ok." Dick agreed cheerfully.

Clark shook his head. Was Bruce… joking? Playing? Since when did Batman ever do that?

They hadn't walked more than five minutes before a cry rang out. Instantly the men spun around. "I'll handle it." Clark whispered and he immediately rushed off. The next moment a robot landed on a nearby rooftop.

"Luthor." Bruce whispered softy. His arms wrapped protectively around Dick and he instinctively backed into the shadows.

"Are you going to get your costume?" Dick asked. He looked up hopefully. He'd never gotten to see Bruce fighting live before!
"No. I think Superman has got this covered."

Dick's head snapped around at the mention of the other superhero. He gasped when suddenly Superman appeared in the sky. A smile spread over his face. "Superman." He breathed in awe.

The boy watched intently as Superman and Luthor argued for a moment. "Do you know him?" Dick whispered reverently.

"Yes."

"Can… will I get to meet him sometime?"

A smile spread over Bruce's face. "I think so."
"When?"

"How about now?" Bruce turned down the street. Superman could handle this. "Why don't we go wait at Clark's house?"

"Why are we going there to see Superman?" Dick asked, confused. He peered over Bruce's shoulder, trying to get a good look at the hero fighting behind them.

But Bruce just smiled at his question. "oh…. You'll see."

Running

Wayne Manor Grounds

After his ten laps around the yard were done Bruce pretty much fell into the lawn chair. Alfred was there waiting with a pitcher of water for him. He shook his head with a sigh. "How many miles was that?" Alfred asked mildly.

"Ten laps is almost twenty miles." Bruce said as he took a long drink of water. "I have another six to go."

"Last week it was only five."

"I need to build up."

"Because running thirty miles is completely normal for the human body." Alfred said sarcastically. "Not to mention how many miles Batman gets."

Bruce ignored him and just lapped up water. Alfred always was disproving of his training routine. He'd been up since six in the morning this weekend to do his exercises. The weekends he always got up earlier. Without the business meetings or social niceties he had to attend to during the week he was free to train harder.

Alfred left to go inside a few minutes later, working on preparing lunch. Bruce relaxed slightly. In another couple minutes he'd finish the last part of his training.

"Bruce!" A cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts. Dick hurried outside and planted himself on the chair beside Bruce's. "Alfred said you were outside."

"Just finishing up my run."

"Can I come?"

"It'll be too much for you, Dick."

"Hold on! I'll get my shoes." Dick beamed at him, barely even hearing his response. He rushed back inside to grab his sneakers.

Bruce sighed. Ever since he'd taught Dick how to throw a punch and some defensive maneuvers, the boy had been following him around eagerly. Dick was happy to run after him and begged constantly to be taught more. It happened all the time now, much to Alfred's displeasure. Dick would always manage to cajole him into teaching him 'just one more thing'. He'd follow along with Bruce's warm ups, doing the pushups and sit-ups right along side of him.

Now it seemed that he was going to be running with him too. Bruce wasn't sure if he was pleased or not. He did like having someone else with him. But as Alfred kept reminding him, the boy was only six – well almost seven. Only two more weeks.

"I'm ready." Dick announced. He appeared a moment later, a bright smile on his face.

Bruce shook his head though. "No. You're staying inside."

"Why?"

"You're still just a child, Dickey. I can't have you running this far."

"I can do it." Dick insisted.

Bruce frowned at him. Dick was very stubborn. "Fine. Two laps and that's it. Then you go inside."

"Ok." Dick agreed cheerfully.

"You have to stretch out first." Bruce explained and he started working through those with the boy. Once they were ready Bruce started to run. He ran slowly so that Dick could keep up with his small legs.

The child didn't complain. In fact he seemed happy. He kept talking as he ran, telling Bruce about how his Tati had liked going for morning runs. He'd take Dick with him and they'd run around the park of whichever city they were in. Afterwards, as a special treat, his Tati would sometimes take him out for breakfast or get him icecream.

Bruce listened mildly. The noise was a pleasant distraction. He didn't even notice when one lap turned into two, which turned into three, and finally six when Alfred was waiting for them, another disapproving frown on his face.

"Hi Alfred." Dick's voice was winded as they finally stopped. His face was flushed red and he immediately fell into one of the chairs. Bruce's eyes widened and he mentally kicked himself. They'd run six laps! He'd been supposed to stop after two!

"I did not know you were joining Master Bruce today." Alfred said.

Dick nodded. "I did good, right Bruce?" He looked eagerly at his guardian.

Bruce smiled a bit and ruffled his hair. "You did very good." He agreed. He was shocked how much the child had managed.

"And soon I'll be able to run as much as you!"

"We'll see…."

Practice

The Batcave

"—going to order five hundred of them from different companies so as not to arouse suspicion. We'll-" Bruce's words trailed off as he and Alfred walked down the steps to the batcave.

"Do you hear something?" Alfred asked, frowning.

Both of them froze. From the depths of the batcave a slight echo of heavy breathing could be heard. There was the 'whirr' of a machine as well. They gave each other worried looks before they began to slowly creep forward.

"Ha!"

Alfred startled at the noise. The yell echoed around the cave.

"Take that!"

"Master Richard!" Alfred exclaimed suddenly. The sounds were the child-like yells of the boy. Immediately the two set off running.

They froze when they saw. Dick was fighting one of Bruce's training dummies. Already two of the five sensors on its back were taken out. Once you hit all five the machine would turn off. But for now it was still going strong. It spun around, its large arms flying towards Dick.

"Master Richard!" Alfred called again, rushing forwards as if to stop it.

Bruce gabbed him though. "Wait." He ordered.

Dick back flipped out of the way of the arms. As one fell towards him he grabbed onto it and flung himself on top. Balancing on the moving arm he ran towards the machine and punched his fist into two more sensors. Another arm flung towards him and he jumped off, rolling into a summersault on the ground.

The machine went towards him and the child gave a tiny yelp as the arm hit him in the chest, sending him flying backwards.

But he caught himself and cartwheeled out of it with a giggle. The next moment he'd launched himself high into the air and pulled out a batarang, throwing it. It hit the last sensor and the robot shut down. Dick landed in front of it, crouched.

He peaked up, squealing in delight when he realized that it was over. He did a back handspring and gave a whoop of delight.

"What do you think you're doing, Master Richard?" Alfred cried as the boy landed in front of them, arms spread wide as if waiting for applause.

The boy's smile faded and his arms fell to his sides. "I was only practicing."

"Practicing for what?" Bruce demanded. "I told you that you weren't allowed to use any of my equipment." Even though he had done remarkably well.

"But that's just a training dummy." Dick argued.

"If you want to play games, Master Richard, I can assure you we'll find something less dangerous for you."

"I wasn't playing! I was training." Dick insisted.

"Training for what?" Bruce demanded, crossing his arms.

"Being your partner!"

Bruce just stared at him. "No."

"What?" He tilted his head to the side, confused.

"No. Dick, I'm not having a partner. I said you could come down here and I said you could play, but I work alone."

"I want to help." Dick insisted.

"No."

"Absolutely not." Alfred added.

Dick's mouth turned down and his lower lip stuck out in a pout. "You're making sure no one else has to lose their parents." Dick insisted. "I want to help. I can help."

"It's wonderful that you want to help." Bruce tried again. "But you are too young."

"I'm not!"

"Dick-"

"I can do it. See?" He gestured to the fallen robot behind him.

Bruce shook his head and crossed his arms firmly. "No. Dick, you're too young. There is more to training and being Batman than just defeating this robot."

"Then teach me."

"No."

"But-"

"If you keep arguing I won't allow you in the cave at all!"

Dick backed up in shock, surprised that he'd been yelled at. Then his shoulders slumped and his head fell forward sadly. "Asta nu e echitabil..." He murmured. That's not fair.

A/N: hat is the end of Year 1! The next chapter will start with Year 2. And that will include what you've all been waiting for! ROBIN!

Please let me know what I did. Any helpful hints would be welcome. I've been having writers block so this isn't one of my favorite chapters. Hope it sounds good to you!

Please leave me a review!

Up next: ROBIN!

Thank you for reading!