Disclaimer: I don't own Batman.
Reunion
Chapter 12: Shopping
~Tuesday 12th October~
Alfred couldn't bare to leave his warm comfortable bed when he started to hear the Manor's telephone blare out its regular tones. He groaned internally, still feeling the effects of his cold weighing down his muscles. Who on earth could be calling so late?
Padding down the hall, Alfred finally made it to the phone in time to pick up the receiver.
"Good evening, this is the-" Alfred stopped speaking when he realised the person down the phone was panting heavily as if they had ran a mile. "Sir, are you alright?"
"Alfred, it's Fox. There's been a break in at the Second cave."
Alfred froze in place, fear starting to creep up his body. He finally found his voice again and cleared his throat.
"Do you know the perpetrator?"
"Not personally. But you do, old friend. Jason Todd ring a bell?"
Alfred's fear increased ten fold and he was unable to suppress the shudders that started to pulse through his body. Unable to move, the telephone slid through his icy fingers, breaking the silence with a crash to the floor.
"Alfred? Alfred hello?" Fox's voice could be heard as if from a distance on the floor, repeating the butler's name over and over again. Suddenly realising the absence of the phone in his hand, Alfred bent down to recover it.
"Did he steal anything?"
"A pair of clothes if that counts for anything. Bruce's jet is back, he sent it there on autopilot so he wouldn't have to return it before going to Hong Kong. Jason must have slipped in the hanger when the jet was descending into the hall."
"Was... Was he alone?"
"No, I heard an extra pair of footsteps. I think he was trying to get software from the computer systems. History of downloads from the computer and entrances into the cave were wiped. Probably by the accomplice. He had to know his tech to do that."
Alfred licked his dry lips out of reflex and considered the gravity of the situation.
"Should we be worried?"
"I'll quadrupole the security be rest assured. No one will get in that cave again without me being with them, at least until Bruce returns. Keep a look out for anything suspicious and stay on your guard."
"I'll tell Bruce."
"And have him worry over Jason's return? No, I think that will be unnecessary. Contact Dick and have him hunt Jason down. He's capable enough."
Alfred heaved a sigh.
"Alright Master Fox, I will be sure to. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Alfred." The man hung up leaving Alfred in silence yet again.
"Hello? My name is Daniel Williams, I was wondering if you had any spaces left for transfer students in 12th grade."
Jason sat opposite Bruce in the kitchen, sipping a mug of instant coffee. The warm drink travelled through his veins, supplying every fibre of his body with craved energy. It was Tuesday morning and Bruce was calling Gotham High, attempting to secure a place.
"Oh that's great!" Bruce's lips curled up into a genuine smile, white teeth dazzling. "An entrance exam Friday? Unfortunately I'm actually busy then, could we perhaps rearrange to today? In a couple hours maybe?... That's perfect, thank you very much Principle Greenwood. See you at 12." Bruce pressed the red button on his cell phone, disconnecting the call.
"Why didn't you want to do it Friday?"
Bruce wrapped his hands around his own mug, revelling in its warmth.
"I want to get stuck in as soon as possible and meet Tim. The faster we get friendly with him, the faster we get in the Cave." Looking down at his attire, he winced.
"I need some new clothes. We have a few hours, let's go shopping."
"We? I don't think so kid. I've got some catching up with Mr drug dealer number 1078." Jason pulled out his gun from its holder with a smirk. Bruce's eyes narrowed.
"And what is it you'll be using that for?" Bruce growled dangerously.
Jason rolled his eyes and replied snidely, "for helping old ladies cross the street." He glugged down the remaining dregs of his coffee and stood.
"There's some cash in that pot," he nodded towards a grimy flower pot with rotting leaves in the bottom. "Knock yourself out." With that, he grabbed his red mask and threw it into a tatty backpack, leaving the apartment.
Bruce grumbled inaudibly, confirming in his mind that he couldn't just let Jason loose on those thugs with a gun. That boy would regret killing so much come later in life.
The flower pot held $100. That would be enough for a new outfit if he was wise with his spending. But he had his spare credit card in his Batman suit. He'd rather not take money off Jason. Looking at his apartment it seemed he needed every last penny.
Dick knocked on the Manor's front door. The autumn air bit into his arms, making him regret wearing a short sleeved shirt. It was Tuesday morning and Dick was picking Tim up for school. He was slightly concerned about that kid's energy levels. Last night had taken its toll on them both. Dick usually coped excellently well with physical activity, however last night caused a strain on his mind.
"Dick!" Tim opened up the front door and greeted his ''brother", smart uniform already on his person.
"Hey kiddo, I bet you're tired." Dick chuckled. He followed Tim in, thankful for the heating inside.
"Oh god yeah, I'm shattered. I have no idea how i'll make it through today."
Dick ruffled Tim's hair, making him squirm. "Hey be thankful you don't have a job!"
"You work part-time! And you're not even working today!"
Dick laughed lightly. "Well patrolling Gotham doesn't put money in my wallet does it! I need a job even if it is part time."
A sound from behind made the two crime fighters turn with superhuman speed. Fortunately, it was only Alfred making his way down the stairs.
"Master Dick, it's good to see you. May I request you return to the Manor after dropping young Master Tim off at school? There is something I wish to discuss with you."
Tim pouted and queried why he wasn't allowed to hear. He was silenced by a glare from Dick.
"Sure Alfred. I'm going to the Mall to pick something up for Bab's birthday, but I'll come straight after."
Alfred nodded, knowing all too well how much trouble that boy would be in if he forgot his girlfriend's birthday.
Bruce was wide eyes when he walked into the Mall. He rarely visited the place, and he was surprised at how clean it was for Gotham. It had been rebuilt after a fire a few years ago and boy had they done a good job. But there were so many shops Bruce had no clue where to start. He needed a smart casual wardrobe. Even though he was a kid again he didn't want to be wearing anything that reflected the youth of today.
A busy shop caught his eye where there seemed to be reasonably wealthy people browsing. Hopefully there would be some quality shirts in there.
Looking along the racks, a few casual shirts caught his eye. Button ups with striped patterns. Perfect. He grabbed a selection of black jumpers too and made his way to the checkout. When he handed over his platinum credit card, the young woman gave him a surprised look. This kid must have some pretty rich parents, she thought.
Bags in hand, Bruce mulled over where he could get some black jeans, preferably without rips in them. He hadn't been looking in front of him and thus due to the laws of bad luck, he collided head on with another shopper, knocking them both to the ground.
"Jesus I'm so sorry kid!" Bruce's heart flew up into his throat when he heard the voice. Shit...
Dick stood in front of him, brushing the dust off his shirt. He bent down and helped Bruce to his feet. Dick was about to say something else when he suddenly snapped his mouth shut and scrutinised the young Bruce Wayne before him. Words shakily tumbled from Bruce's mouth as he started to panic that he'd been recognised;
"Uuhh it...it was my fault! I...I should have been looking where I was going."
"Huh?" Dick was brought out of his trance and he met Bruce's eyes. "Oh no! I should have been focused on my own feet and not my girlfriend!" He brought his hand up and rubbed the back of his neck bashfully.
"I was just thinking I've got a pair of those exact converse! And that top too! We must have pretty similar taste!"
These are your clothes, Bruce thought guiltily.
"Can I get you a coffee to apologise?" Dick offered, displaying the politeness he was renowned for. Bruce declined the offer, explaining he needed to get to school.
"Oh where do you go?" Dick asked, oblivious to how uncomfortable Bruce was.
"G-Gotham High." Dick's eyes lit up.
"My little brother goes there! Tim Drake. Do you know him? He'd probably be in your grade. He's been accelerated you see. Too smart for his years!"
"Actually it's my first day. But I'll look out for him. It was nice to meet you, Dick." Bruce turned on his heels to leave when he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder.
"Wait! I didn't tell you my name?" Dick sounded a little suspicious, causing Bruce to perspire slightly.
"You're Bruce Wayne's adopted son right? I've seen you in the papers." The lie slipped easily off his tongue despite his nervousness. Dick nodded, satisfied with the lie presented for him.
Bruce couldn't help himself adding a little extra-
"But you were also a Flying Grayson right? My brother and I used to watch you when we were young. We loved Hayley's Circus."
Dick's jaw dropped. Someone knew him from his circus days?! He felt quite touched that this random kid knew that.
"Yeah! That's me... be sure to introduce yourself to Tim, ok? He could do with some genuine friends like you..." Dick paused to let Bruce fill his own name in.
"Daniel. Daniel Williams."
"Friends like you, Danny." Dick smiled genuinely. Bruce nodded in agreement and promised him he would meet Tim.
The two made their separate ways. Bruce had to take a seat on a bench to collect his thoughts. Dick hadn't suspected a thing. And better yet, he had even prompted Bruce to meet Tim. Now he had an excuse to meet the boy!
Bruce smiled to himself thinking that couldn't have gone better. All that stood between him and that school now was the entrance exam.
A/N; here's an update for you! Oooo Bruce is so close to the school now! Stay tuned to find out what happens next! And don't worry everyone, the League have not been forgotten! Exciting!
Please review!
~Pikaachew~