A/N: So... it has been over a month since I last updated. Sorry about that! So, in apology please take this chapter. I hope you enjoy it. Chapters will be much more frequent from now on!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything

March 3rd,

Wayne Manor

Dick's eyes followed Bruce as he fought Bane in the Batcave's simulation. Dick fidgeted in his seat, trying to memorize all the different moves Batman did. He wanted to be able to try those moves sometime. He couldn't now though.

Ever since he'd told Bruce that he was going to be his partner, Bruce had been nervous around him. He refused to let Dick join him on his runs anymore, do his warm ups with him, or practice throwing batarangs. Bruce insisted that Dick was too young to fight crime. He insisted it was too dangerous. He didn't want Dick to end up like him.

But he just didn't understand! Dick wasn't trying to copy him. He wasn't even trying to be like Batman. He certainly didn't want to be all dark and brooding and hide in the shadows. All he wanted to do was to protect people. He wanted to make sure that no one else had to lose their family like he did.

Besides… someoneneeded to be there to protect Bruce!

"Ah, Master Richard," Alfred said his name as he walked into the batcave. A frown formed on his face. He was worried. He didn't like these sessions or the look in the boy's eyes. Even though Bruce was trying to keep Dick from becoming his partner, as the boy insisted he would be, the child never gave up. "Why don't you stop the training segment? Master Bruce has a phone call."

"Ok." Dick agreed readily. He pressed the button that stopped the program.

Bruce let his defenses fall as the simulation ended. He walked out of the chamber, looking curiously at the two. "What is it?" He asked as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

"There is a phone call for you from Commissioner Gordon, sir." Alfred said. "I have it waiting for you in the study." The butler took a hold of Dick's shoulders and gently steered the boy upstairs. "Come now Master Richard, I believe we should go see about getting you some lunch."

While Bruce went into the study,Dick followed Alfred to the kitchen. The butler began preparing him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while Dick watched.

"Alfred?" Dick questioned after a moment. "How come Bruce won't let me be his partner?"
The butler hesitated a moment before answering. "He is merely protecting you, Master Richard. You've seen how often Master Bruce gets hurt. Neither of us wants to see you like there."

"But I could help." Dick tried to argue. "I'd be good. Doesn't he think I'll be good enough?"

"That is exactly the thing he is worried about." Alfred turned to look Dick in the eyes. "My boy, in his line of work…. Not being good enough means you could be hurt- even die."

"But if I train-"

"You're just a child, Master Richard." Alfred said gently. "I know you want to help, but it would be best to stay home."

Dick looked down at the floor dejectedly. The butler sighed and continued making the sandwich. "You are already helping." Alfred promised. "Master Bruce has been a changed person since you came around. He loves being able to talk with you and have you cheering for him. You're helping much more than you know."

Still, Dick felt like he could be doing more. If only they'd understand! But they were both so worried about protecting him that they wouldn't look past that.

Dick hopped off the counter as Alfred handed him his food. Well then, he'd just have to prove it to them. He could be helpful. He'd show them!

As he sat in silence to eat he tried to think of just how he could prove it. Maybe he could go in one of Bruce's simulations. Maybe he could follow Bruce and help him out. Maybe he could solve one of Batman's mysteries for them.

"Dick," The child's head turned to look at Bruce. The elder stood in the doorway with a smile on his face and his eyes glowing. The boy swallowed his food and looked curiously at him, waiting for Bruce.

The older man knelt in front of him and gently took the child's hands. "Dickey, that was Commissioner Gordon on the phone."

"What did he want?"

"They found Zucco." Dick's breath caught. "They're going to catch him tonight. He's planning on leaving town, but Gordon assured me that they're going to catch him."

Zucco.

The name burned in Dick's head. He was the man responsible for his parents' deaths. He'd killed them! And now… now he would finally be getting what he deserved. Dick had been waiting for this ever since that night. He'd been waiting for the police to catch him. He'd been waiting for Bruce to find him and stop him.

Dick swallowed hard, trying to fight back tears. "You… you're going to go too… right?" Dick asked softly. "To make sure they get him?"

Bruce nodded firmly. "I promise." He whispered, squeezing the boy's hands. He would make sure that Zucco was brought to justice. He wouldn't let this little boy suffer anymore.

A sudden smile lit up the child's face and he threw himself into Bruce's arms, hugging him tightly. A sob bubbled out of his throat. Finally. Finally Zucco could be brought to justice. Finally he would pay for taking his parents away. Dick felt Bruce's arms wrap tightly around him.

"It's going to be ok." Bruce promised. "By tomorrow morning Zucco will be in jail."

"Any sign of him yet?"

"No movement."

"He isn't supposed to move for an hour yet."

"Looks like he is packing his bags."

"Just wait boys…."

Dick could barely breathe as he listened to the police radio. Bruce had set up the cave's transmission to their station so Dick could listen as it happened. The boy had insisted on doing so. He'd wanted to be there, but Bruce had refused. This was the next best thing.

"You're going to be there soon, right?" Dick questioned into his microphone. It linked him to Batman who was currently on his nightly patrol.

"Soon." Batman promised. He was hurrying through his regular patrol so that he could watch the police capture of Zucco. He'd promised both himself and the boy that he wouldn't let Zucco get away.

"Ok." Dick was panicky. He kept fidgeting. He'd already chewed through his bottom lip. His nerves kept him on edge.

He knew the police were there. He knew Batman was going to stop him, but even so he couldn't help but fidget. What if Zucco got away? Bruce said that Zucco was leaving tonight. If he left they may never find him again. The police had messed up before…

"Are you going to be there soon?" Dick questioned again, panicked. If Batman wasn't there then Zucco could disappear and they'd never find him again!

"I said 'soon'." Bruce growled. "Robbery below. Batman out." He took off his mike as he jumped down to stop a robbery in process. Dick started chewing on his lip again nervously. Alfred put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Dick gave him a weak smile back tried to ignore his worry as he focused on the police's conversation.

"We're going all out just for the Wayne kid, huh?"

"Zucco is a mob boss. This just gives us another reason to go after him."

"Any movement?"

"Nothing."

"No sign of his get away?"

"Nothing yet."

Dick breathed out a moment. Ok. Everything was fine. There wasn't anything happening yet. Bruce would be there in time to ensure that Zucco was sent to prison.

Suddenly a large beep sounded from the bat computer. The bat symbol popped up and started flashing. The next moment the symbol was gone and Joker's face appeared along with a map and a glowing red dot on it.

"Oh my." Alfred whispered. He took the microphone from Dick and spoke into it. "Master Bruce did you get the alert?"

"I did." Bruce's voice was hard on the other end of the line. "He's in the entertainment district."

Alfred typed on the keyboard, his face growing white as he looked. He brought up a newsfeed. The screen showed a video of Joker laughing loudly on top of a building. Around him was littered the bodies of the party goers- now stuck laughing on the floor hysterically. "Just try to stop me!" The Joker was laughing.

"It seems he's only doing this for a bit of… 'fun'." Alfred said softly.

Batman growled. "That's when he's always the most dangerous. What is the status?"

"He has bombs of joker gas hidden throughout the district, though he won't say where. He seems to wantyou and the police to come stop him." Alfred replied, clicking around the screen to get different angles.

"As you said, he's just doing this as a joke. Send me his coordinates. I'm on my way."

"Wait!" Dick cried suddenly. He yanked the microphone from Alfred's hand. "Wait, Bruce, what about Zucco!"

There was a harsh pause at the other end before Bruce spoke. "I can't, Dick….I need to stop the Joker."

"But… but…. Zucco! You promised!"

"Dick," Now his tone was steady and firm. "I need to stop Joker. He is more dangerous. I know you want to put Zucco away – I do too. But if I don't stop Joker he could kill hundreds."

Dick held his breath. His face scrunched up and tears threatened to pour from his eyes. His throat tightened. "But… but he's just going to get away." Dick whimpered.

"The police will still be there. They can handle Zucco."

"But-"

"I'm sorry, Dick." Bruce repeated again. The next moment he had lost Bruce Wayne and became Batman. The softness in his voice evaporated. "Alfred, I'm approaching the target. I'm going to need you to bring up building plans and guide me through his locations."

"I am on it, sir." Alfred agreed. He took back the microphone from Dick and began typing on the computer. "Master Richard," he turned to Dick, handing him a small radio. "You can go upstairs to listen to the police capture Zucco."

Dick nodded weakly before slowly walking to his room, clutching the radio device. He sat down on his bed and stared at the set. He rubbed his eyes continually, trying to keep himself from crying. He turned on the radio device, curling up.

"—but what about Zucco?"

"—can't worry about him. We have bigger problems. You're the closest squad. Get in through the back and try to take him down."

"What?" Dick cried, springing up in bed. "No!"

"Alright men, fall back."

"No!" Dick shrieked.

They couldn't. They weren't even going to tryto stop him. They were all going after the Joker. Zucco was going to get away and no one was going to care. They'd never find him again. He'd be gone forever and then he'd never be punished. He'd get away with killing Dick's parents!

"No!" Dick screamed again. He couldn't let this happen. He wouldn't. "Mami, Tati!" He turned to the poster of his family on his wall, staring at them in horror. "I won't let him." He promised them silently.

Dick rushed to the window and judged the distance. He'd be able to make it. He couldn't just sit here while everyone else was working! Zucco would get away, and Dick just wouldn't allow that.

However, he couldn't just rush out like he was now. Everyone would be able to connect him to Bruce then, and from there Bruce to Batman. He bit his lip. He knewhow important secret identities were.

He looked around his room frantically before his eyes fell on the frame on the wall. Inside was his last circus costume. Alfred had pressed and framed it next to the poster of his family. Without thinking Dick grabbed the frame off the wall and smashed the glass. He pulled out his costume. With this on no one would be able to figure out who he really was!

As he pulled on the green leotard and red vest he felt that, somehow, it was right. He clasped the cape around his neck and shoved his feet into his sneakers. Then he pulled the little black mask Bruce had made him out of his dresser. Bruce had made it for him months ago when he was only joking about having Dick as his partner.

A smile flitted across Dick's face. He could be Bruce's partner! This would be his perfect chance. He could take in Zucco and prove himself to Batman! After this Bruce would have to make him his partner!

Dick scampered from alley to alley. The streets were deserted. Everyone else had dispersed with the threat of the Joker, who was merely five blocks away. Even with that threat Zucco wouldn't be gone yet. He had to wait for his ride, which according to the police would be arriving in only fifteen minutes.

He wasn't sure how he was going to stop Zucco. He wasn't sure how he was going to hold him until the police came or even how he'd take down is men. All he knew was that it would happen. He wouldn't let Zucco get away, no matter what!

Crouching low and staying in the shadows, Dick slowly made his way towards the seven story red brick building that Zucco was hiding in. The windows were all boarded up. It looked like no one had lived there in ages. No lights were on and it didn't look like anyone was getting ready to leave.

On the police radio, they'd spotted Zucco in a second story window. Dick crept closer and circled around to the back of the building. There was a fire escape with the ladder down. That must have been how Zucco got inside since everything else was boarded up.

Dick hurried up the ladder where he came upon a boarded up door. There was a crack large enough for someone as tiny as him to slip through without having to push any of the boards away. He squirmed his way through the opening and tumbled inside the dark room.

There was nothing much inside. Old crates, broken bottles, week old newspapers, and other trash littered the floor. It was pitch black except for the few rays of moonlight shining through the cracks. Dick hesitated, unsure of what he should do next. He didn't know where Zucco was. He could be anywhere inside the building, and Dick couldn't see well enough to search him out.

But he had to try. That's what Batman would do!

Dick got to his hands and knees and began to feel his way across the floor. He crawled, wincing as his skin scraped across the splintering floor and various pieces of trash.

As he went deeper into the building he saw a light glowing dimly from inside. He crept up onto his feet, now having enough light to see by. He tiptoed forward, copying the way Bruce moved. He didn't make a sound as he slowly advanced on the room.

"- gotta get out- ten minutes- no, fifteen- is it twenty?- soon- soon I'll be gone- no avenging bat- no authorities-"

Dick's breath caught. That was Tony Zucco! He peered around the edge of the wall into a small, grimly furnished and run down room. Dick's eyes landed on the man and suddenly his whole body tensed.

His mind flashed back to that night. Suddenly he couldn't move. All he could do was stare at the man who had ruined his life. Zucco was still muttering to himself as he worked. He was packing his bags as quickly as he could and talking to himself about leaving. Dick knew now would be the perfect time to leap in and stop him, tie him up, and drag him to the police station like Batman would have. He had been training for becoming Batman's partner! He could do this!

However, now that he was faced with it, he couldn't move. All he could do was stare at the man's pinstriped back. All he could think of was his parents falling.

Suddenly the mobster spun around, whipping out a gun. "Who is there?" He shouted. His eyes fell on Dick and a frown came over his face. As quickly as it had appeared it was gone, replaced with a sadistic smile. "You're the circus brat." The man leered.

Dick's fists came up automatically at the man's tone. Zucco let out a laugh. "Oh, did you come to stop me, kid?" He brandished the gun in front of him. "I have a different idea. If I get rid of you there won't be any witnesses. Batman won't be able to put me away now! No one will care. I won't have to run."

A smirk came and he pulled the trigger, sending a hail of bullets out at the small boy.

"Master Bruce!"

"I have him in my sights." Batman said back to the butler's frantic call. His binoculars were trained on the Joker. "He isn't going to be doing anything for awhile yet. It seems he's trying to put on a show first. We'll just have to wait it out and-"

"Master Bruce, Listen to me." Alfred insisted fervently. "Master Richard is missing!"

Bruce froze. "He is what?"

"I went to check on him and he isn't in his room. The police radio is left behind and his old circus costume is missing. The window is open." Alfred took a slow breath to calm himself, but when he said his next line his voice shook. "I think he went after Tony Zucco, sir. The police abandoned their watch when the Joker appeared-"

"- so he's going to do it himself." Bruce finished with a growl. He stood up quickly, his head snapping around. Joker had himself holed up at the top of the building, laughing away and ranting on to the cameras. On the ground police were beginning to surround the building.

Batman needed to be here. He had to stop the Joker before he hurt anyone. He had to stop the mad man. That was what Batman needed to do.

… but there was also a little boy that needed Batman right now.

Swearing, Batman jumped off the roof, gliding down into the Batmobile. He pressed his foot down hard on the gas and the car took off towards Zucco's location. If he was quick he'd be able to take down Zucco and get Richard to safety before Joker did anything. He didn't want to think about what could happen if he was late. He knew where he was needed more, but for once in his life he ignored the greater good.

"Richard!" He called as he descended into the abandoned apartment building. The place was silent. He pressed a button of his cowl and the heat sensors appeared. Two stories below him there were two forms- that of a man and a child.

Suddenly there was a roar as the gun in the man's hands went off. Batman gave a cry and began rushing down the steps at top speed. Richard.

He bounded down in time to see the circus boy back flipping his way across the room, dodging the storm of bullets. Batman growled deep in his throat when he saw blood trickling from Dick's forehead.

Zucco whipped around at the noise and gave a shout. "Batman!" he cried in horror.

Dick's head snapped up. "Batman!" Relief surged through his body as Bruce tackled the man to the ground and wrestled the gun from his grasp in a matter of seconds. Dick rushed towards them. Now that Batman was here they could put the man away!

"But-but-but-" Zucco was sputtering helplessly as Batman threw him to the side. The man was knocked into a wall. He fell to the ground, gasping for breath.

Dick rushed at him but was stopped as a large hand grabbed his cape, yanking him back. "What do you think you're doing?" Bruce growled. His eyes were narrowed dangerously and his voice held a tone Dick had never heard Bruce use with him before. "You could be killed."

"He killed my parents!" Dick screamed, furious. He began struggling in Bruce's grasp, trying to get away.

How could Bruce not understand? His parents had been killed too! How could he not understand revenge? Dick had to make sure this man got what was coming to him! "Let me go!" Dick shrieked.

There was a hoarse laugh from Zucco, making both of their eyes jump to him. "You know this brat, Batman?" The man coughed.

Bruce just growled and dropped Dick to the floor. He took a threatening step towards the man, but before he could get to him, Dick had sprung across the floor. His foot struck Zucco's cheek, knocking the man's head back against the wall with a 'thuck'. Zucco let out a cry as the child gave him a swift punch up to the jaw, shattering the bone. Then Dick ducked and roundhouse kicked him in the chest.

"I hate you!" The boy screamed at him. "I hate you! I hate you! You killed my parents!" He spun around and punched the man again.

"Richard!" Batman grabbed the struggling child back. "Stop that!"

The boy was still screaming at Zucco. Now his words were choking on sobs as tears stained his face. "Lasă-mă să plec! Lasă-mă să plec! Îl urăsc! Îl urăsc! " Let me go! Let me go! I hate him! I hate him!

Zucco watched the interaction with wide eyes. His one hand was on his ribs while the other pressed against his broken jaw. Small streams of blood flowed out from his mouth. "You – s'posed to be 'ith Joker." He managed to slur through the broken jaw.

"Let me go!" Dick screamed, still trying in vain to escape Bruce's grasp. He kicked his feet and struggled.

"Richard, be quiet." Batman ordered fiercely. "We'll get him into jail. You can stop struggling."

Dick shook his head. That wasn't enough. This man had to suffer. He'd killed his parents. Didn't that mean anything to Bruce? His tears streamed down his face openly and he stopped struggling for a moment, sobbing. Why didn't Bruce understand?

Batman's gaze fell on Zucco, and then flitted out a crack in the wall to look back towards where the Joker was. He needed to get back now. "Come on." He growled at Dick. He reached into his belt with one hand to grab some handcuffs for Zucco.

"That's it?" Dick cried before Batman could move. That couldn't be it! Dick reached up, using his hands to brace himself on Bruce's arm, then flung himself backwards. Bruce immediately let go of the cape before he'd strangle the boy.

Dick flipped over his arm and landed on the floor in a perfect fighting pose. Earlier he'd been frightened. He'd been terrified and all he could see was his parents falling. Now he was angry.

"Richard-" Batman growled, but before he could finish Dick running at him, throwing his fist at Bruce's gut just like Bruce had taught him. "Richard." He snapped again, jumping out of the way. The boy just ran back at him.

"Why don't you understand? You should know!" Dick was yelling between his sobs. "You were just going to let him get away! He can't." He leaped up and landed a solid punch to Batman's shoulder, which was again a move taught to him by Bruce.

"Stop that." Batman snarled one last time. He yanked Dick around by the back of his collar. "Stop fighting me. I'm not who you want to fight. We will drop Zucco off at the police station but hundreds of lives are at stake because of the Joker. I will not have any more fighting!"

Dick was about to whimper out a 'yes sir' when suddenly a gunshot fired and Batman let out a cry as he dropped Dick to the ground. Dick screamed, spinning around. Zucco had his gun back in hand and was standing on shaky legs.

"I'll ge' rid o' both a' ya'." He garbled. He aimed the gun at Batman and shot again. Dick screamed again as Bruce fell to the ground, his hands automatically reaching towards the wound in his back.

"No!" Dick cried. Images of his parents flashed brightly through his mind. Blood staining the wood chip floor, the screams of the audience, and his own cries all mixed into his head… only now Bruce was there lying beside them. "No!" He screamed, louder.

He was yanked down under Bruce's form as Bruce hid him, trying to shield him. His breathing was coming up ragged now. "Batman." Dick sobbed helplessly.

There was another gunshot as Zucco advanced on them, his legs trembling violently. "'gonna kill ya' both. Tony Zucco gona' knock the bat!"

"No. You're. Not." Dick hissed. Suddenly something seemed to click in his mind. Rage consumed him for a second. Before Bruce could do anything he'd reached into Batman's belt and grabbed a handful of batarangs. He tumbled out of Bruce's grasp, spinning around as he threw the batarangs at Zucco.

Each one hit home and Zucco dropped the gun, swearing loudly, as one embedded itself in his hand. Dick ran at him and kicked the gun away. He punched the man squarely in the gut, making him double over. The man feel to the ground and Dick kicked him hard, sending him rolling against the wall.

He didn't move. Slowly Dick walked towards him. Zucco was out cold, his head bleeding from where it had hit the stone wall.

"Good work." He heard Bruce murmur behind him as a large hand was placed on his shoulder.

He glanced up, tears brimming at his eyes. "I'm sorry, Bruce! I didn't mean to. I didn't mean to sneak away from Alfred but he was going to get away and I couldn't let that happen, and I know you said that I shouldn't go out and that it was dangerous and that you forbid me from doing so, but I had to."

"Hush." Bruce's voice was gentle now. He knelt down beside Zucco and handcuffed his hands behind his back. "Come on. We'll talk later." He stood and slung the man over his uninjured shoulder, wincing.

Dick followed Batman down to the street where the Batmobile was waiting. He couldn't stop sobbing. Now he wasn't sure if it was from fear or relief or guilt.

"Alfred, report." Bruce growled into his microphone as he dumped Zucco in the back of the batmobile. He yanked Dick up and put him in the passenger seat.

"Do you have him? Is he alright?" Alfred asked quickly.

"Report." Bruce repeated shortly.

The butler let out a shaky breath before speaking. "Joker is waiting for you, sir. He's gotten a bit more violent, though there have been no casualties."

"On my way." Bruce slammed his foot into the pedal and they rushed forward.

"I'm sorry. It's my fault." Dick was repeating like a mantra beside him. "Please don't be mad at me. I'm sorry. Don't give me back. I'm sorry. It's my fault. I'm sorry. I won't do it again."

"Calm down." Bruce ordered. He winced at his harsh tone and tried to make it gentler. "I'll figure something out, ok? It's fine. Just stop crying…. Please."

Dick nodded slightly and bit onto his hand, trying to stop his sobs. Bruce spared him a slight glance. "I'm going to take care of the Joker. You will stay here and watch him. You won't leave. You won't do anything. If Zucco wakes up, you can knock him out again but nothing more. Understood?"

"Y-yes."

"Good." The batmobile screeched to a halt and he jumped out of the car without turning back. Slowly Dick sat up in his seat, peering out the tinted windows. He saw Batman launch up into the sky, going to the top of the building where the Joker was standing.

At first they were just yelling at each other from what Dick could see. He fidgeted nervously in his seat, glancing between the fight and the unconscious murderer in the back seat.

It wasn't long before Joker threw the first punch. Dick watched with rapt attention. He couldn't hear anything they were saying, but he could see them perfectly. They were struggling back and forth, both throwing different bombs. Bruce's exploded whereas Joker's always unleashed some type of green gas or made a green explosion.

"Go Batman." He whispered softly.

Joker lunged at Batman, knocking him backwards. Dick gasped. He saw Batman grab as his shoulder, his face twisting in pain. Tears sprung to Dick's eyes again. "vina mea." He whimpered. It was his fault Bruce was hurt. If he hadn't gone after Zucco then Bruce wouldn't have been shot. "Îmi pare rău." My fault. I'm sorry.

Batman's movements were slow now, careful, as he duck and dodged the Joker's attacks. Joker was laughing wildly, taunting Batman. He slammed Batman backwards, making the man loose his balance. Then Joker pulled out a huge gun and fired.

"No!" Dick screamed. Batman stumbled backwards and fell off the back of the building. Joker jumped down after him. "No! Nu! Batman! Nu! Îmi pare aşa de rău! Vina mea!" Dick screamed, pounding on the window as if that would help. No! Batman! No! I'm so sorry! My fault!

Bruce was hurt – possibly dying, or close to it with Joker in pursuit – and it was all his fault! Without thinking Dick threw open the door and ran around the back of the building in a blind panic. Bruce couldn't die. He couldn't! Dick wouldn't let him!

By the time he'd gotten to the back of the building Batman and Joker were grappling along the floor. Joker had an oversized mallet out and was swinging it at Batman, while Bruce was throwing batarangs and other sorts of weapons, trying to stop him. Joker was getting too many hits in though and Bruce was starting to slow down.

"No." Dick breathed helplessly.

Batman threw another round of batarangs but they went wild, flinging out to the side. Dick gasped as Joker swung the mallet, bringing Batman down onto the ground.

"No!" This time screamed. He grabbed a fist full of batarangs and threw them at the Joker. The clown hadn't been expecting it and was unable to dodge. He gave a cry as they connected with his skin, but before he could turn to the source Dick did a flying leap and knocked him to the ground face first.

Joker skidded along the pavement, the mallet flying out of his hands. "What in the world-" He started cackling. But then Batman was there, hauling up him and punching him right in the temple. The clown fell unconscious with a sickening grin on his face.

Bruce's glare fell on Dick once more. "I told you to stay in the car." He hissed.

"He-he was going to k-kill you." Dick whimpered. The explanation didn't seem to help any and Dick let out a sob. "Eu nu vreau sa te pierd!" I didn't want to lose you!

Batman's gaze softened. "Go back to the car." He grumbled.

Dick nodded weakly and quickly scurried back. He ducked back into the batmobile, glancing over his shoulder to make sure that Zucco was still there. He was. Dick curled up in his seat, trembling. He couldn't believe how much he'd disobey Bruce – Batman- today. After tonight Bruce would never let him be his partner. He'd be lucky if Bruce didn't ground him for life. Maybe he'd return him to the orphanage now. Tears streamed down his face. Too many emotions swirled inside of him.

"Thank you." he heard Commissioner Gordon's voice saying as two shadows approached the car. Dick quickly ducked under the seat as they came closer. He had a feeling the police commissioner shouldn't see him.

"Here." The door opened and Batman stood in the view, hauling Zucco's unconscious form out of the back. He shoved the man into Gordon's arms.

"What in the – this is Tony Zucco!" Gordon cried in surprise. "Where in the world did you get him?"

Batman said nothing, just nodded to Gordon and stepped into the Batmobile, closing the door behind him.

"B-batman?" Dick whimpered softly as the Batmobile took off.

"Later." Bruce growled.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Again, sorry it took so long to update. From now on I'll be updating pretty much every week, if not more often. I hope that will make up for the loss.

Please let me know what you thought of this chapter! I'd love to know how many of you out there are still interested in this story.

Thank you for reading!

-Korii