Disclaimer: I don't own Batman

Reunion

Chapter 13: Exam

"Ah Mr Williams, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Principle Greenwood extended her slightly chubby hand forward politely, welcoming 'Daniel' to Gotham High.

"The pleasures all mine." Bruce clasped her had and shook with confidence, smiling like the real charmer he was. It takes five seconds to make a first impression, and Bruce wasn't going to let any opportunity slide to make a good one.

Principle Greenwood escorted Bruce from the reception to her office, pointing out displays of achievements as they passed. Ranging from an "Eco-friendly Award" to a "Science Gold Award", the school did seem to have an impressive array of successes. A particular photograph of a black haired boy caught his eye. The boy was struggling to hold a trophy about half his size and had a familiar manic smile on his face. Principle Greenwood noticed Bruce's pause and was curious to see what had captivated his attention.

"Oh that was the finest Mathlete Gotham High has ever had the fortune of teaching! Richard Grayson. Perhaps you've heard of him? Bruce Wayne's adopted son." Greenwood stood slightly taller at the latter part of her speech, clearly proud to have taught the billionaire's son.

"We also have Tim Drake with us at the moment, another adopted son of Mr Wayne. He is catching up with his brother on the Math front." Bruce nodded slightly, not paying any attention to the drone coming from the Principle's direction.

"What subjects are you interested in taking, Mr Williams?" Bruce realised she had asked him a question and quickly gathered his thoughts.

"Math coincidently. As well as the sciences. History is also an interest of mine."

The conversation took the form of a casual interview as the two advanced to her office.

Once Bruce entered, he found a solitary desk/ chair in front of him with a thick exam paper lying on top.

"You will have two hours, Daniel. The paper consists of a variety of core subjects which will assess your overall abilities. You need a score of 80% to gain a place. High, but achievable if you are considering Gotham High as your school of choice. Good luck!"

Bruce took his seat and gave a small smile to Greenwood, indicating he was ready. She gave a thumbs up and he opened his paper.

"1. Give a similarly and a difference between Elastic and Inelastic collisions."

Bruce smirked internally. This was going to be a piece of cake.

One hour after he had been allowed to start his paper, Bruce coughed to get the Principle's attention. When her head bobbed up from her work, glasses sliding down the bridge of her nose, she sent Bruce a puzzled look.

"I've finished." Bruce smiled weakly, feeling a little tired.

Principle Greenwood's eyes widened in surprise.

"Are you sure?! That paper takes our star pupils at least an hour and a half!"

Bruce couldn't bite back the cheeky comment that was dancing on the tip of his tongue.

"Perhaps you haven't admitted your star pupil yet." He laughed gently and Greenwood followed suit. She didn't know whether to be charmed at his cocky attitude or offended.

With a smile like that, definitely charmed Greenwood thought to herself, thankful that Daniel Williams couldn't read her mind.

After his exam, Bruce was allowed to roam free for an hour before returning to receive the results. Wandering outside, he plumped himself on a patch of grass below a shady tree. It was around 1:30 so he had plenty of time to relax.

The building was magnificent from the front. It was clear that only Gotham's elite could afford such a grand education. After a few minutes of counting gargoyles on the building, he decided to give Jason a call.

Whipping out his brand new iPhone, Bruce admitted to himself it had been a genius idea to get a second one whilst shopping. If he got close to Tim he couldn't hand over his old cell phone number. The moment he messaged Tim, a banner would literally pop up saying 'BRUCE WAYNE' and that wouldn't be suspicious at all.

The repetitious buzz of tones signalling Jason's absence were starting to annoy the hell out of Bruce. Where is he?! What if he's on a drugs raid... what if he's been shot...Thoughts of different scenarios started to eat away at Bruce's brain. He breathed a sigh of relief when a husky greeting answered his call.

"Hey, it's Daniel. I'm at the school." Bruce said casually, trying to make his conversation sound completely normal to any outside listeners.

"Good for you." Jason grunted in reply. Fabulous, he was in a good mood.

"What's wrong with you?" Bruce queried, annoyed that his former protege was being so blunt.

"I got cut ok? It hurts like fuck and walking into hospital with a huge ass gash is hardly going to be left unquestioned."

"Have you got it under control?" Bruce struggled to keep the concern out of his voice.

"Yes Mom." Sarcasm was dripping from his words like a leaky faucet.

Bruce couldn't be bothered humouring the criminal and so hung up.

Bruce's stomach suddenly protested from a lack of food by emitting a loud groan. He hadn't eaten anything all day. Cafeteria food was out of the question. Although Greenwood had assured him the cafeteria was open to all, he didn't want to make his appearance in front of the school until his first day. He couldn't wait to see the look on their faces when he took his seat in class.

Bruce yawned and glanced at his wristwatch. It was time to get his results. No doubt the Principle will be thrilled, Bruce thought.

"I'm thrilled!"

The moment Bruce walked into the Principle's office, she rushed over to smother Bruce in a tight hug. The physical contact made his skin crawl.

"Not only did you finish in record time, but you got a record result! Full marks!" Greenwood was literally bouncing up and down on the spot like an excitable puppy. Her face was tinted red and her glasses were skewed to the side.

"Welcome to Gotham High Mr Williams!" Bruce smiled politely and thanked her for her praise.

"All your documents have been filed." He'd spent all morning forging those.

"Your reference is outstanding." Again, his own handiwork.

"All we need is to meet your parents!" Bruce's heart stopped.

"M-my ...parents?" Bruce stuttered. A sharp nod from a beaming principle.

Bruce's shoulders slumped and he allowed emotion to envelop him, making his facade all the more believable... even though the truth was so painfully real.

"Theyre...dead." Greenwood's smile faded and a look of pity sparked in her eyes.

"I'm...so sorry." A chubby hand flew upwards to cover her mouth, as if she had insulted him.

"Don't worry, it's an easy assumption to make. I live with my older brother, Sam. He's... ill at the moment, so I don't think he could make it..."

Greenwood dismissed the conversation with a wave of her hand. She was determined to make this poor boy's life better, even if it meant bending the rules a little.

"I'll meet him at the first parent-teacher conference this month. I suppose I should change it to guardian-teacher conference..." The Principal's voice trailed off as she was unsure how to finish her sentence.

"May I start tomorrow? I'm eager to meet all my peers. Although it may be difficult to make friends since not many people share my love of Math and studies..." Bruce lay the bait down perfectly, praying to God that Greenwood would take it in her bid to make the boy fit in.

She smiled triumphantly, as if she was the genius in the room.

"I know the perfect student to show you around tomorrow, who also shares your love of work."

Bruce gazed up into her eyes, looking adorably pathetic. That charade was impossible for Batman to pull, but it came naturally to his younger self. He was such an actor.

"Who's that, Principle Greenwood?"

"Tim Drake."

A/N: here's the latest chapter of Reunion!

Yay Bruce passed! But then again he is a pure genius.

Thanks to all my readers and reviewers! The last few comments I had really made me feel all fuzzy and warm! You're all so cute ;3

I'm open to plot suggestions, so fire away! I may update this time every Friday but I'm unsure. I may have to go in hiatus til the summer or post chapters irregularly because I have my finals coming up. I'm hoping to get into med school. I've had a few interviews but haven't had any offers yet. Worrying times!

Please review, have a nice day!

~Pikaachew~