Disclaimer: I don't own Batman

Reunion

Chapter 14: Introductions

"Alfred? I'm back." Dick closed the heavy wooden door behind him, satisfied by the 'click' of the tumbler locking the door. Placing his gift bag on the floor, he stretched his arms upwards, thankful he'd finished his annual shopping trip. He'd gotten Babs a silver necklace with an opal stone shining at its centre. It was gorgeous and would suit her perfectly.

Alfred heard Dick's entrance and so walked out from the Kitchen. Dick noted the fact large bags shadowed the Butler's eyes.

"Ah, Master Dick. I assume you purchased Miss Gordon's gift?" Dick beamed and nodded towards his bag.

"It's beautiful Alfred, I think she'll love it."

"Quite. Would you care to join me in the living room, I have matters to discuss with you."

Feeling as though he was a thirteen again, about to be chastised about some childish prank, Dick followed Alfred into the grand room.

On a coffee table, two cups of tea were emitting puffs of white gas, inviting Dick to take one to savour. He gently picked one up and took a seat on the expensive leather couch, allowing the piping China to warm his icy hands. Alfred followed suit, taking a seat opposite to Dick.

Dick raised an eyebrow at his loyal man servant, waiting for him to reveal whatever thoughts were swirling around in that mind of his.

"Master Dick. For the past few years, Master Bruce and I have... withheld information from you, concerning a second Bat Cave." Dick's eyebrows rocketed up behind his bangs. He didn't comment, knowing there would be more to come.

"Recently, the location of this hidden Cave has been... revealed to a certain criminal and an accomplice. There was a break in. Fortunately, nothing was stolen apart from an assortment of clothes. This does seem very odd, however we have reason to believe that the perpetrators were after software from the computer. We are unsure what software as they left no digital fingerprints and even wiped their entrance from the computer's history."

"Wow." Was the only word Dick could muster. "Ummm...does Bruce know?"

Alfred shook his head, a sombre expression covering his face. "Fox suggested it would only hinder his research. Which is why it's up to you to catch the thief and his partner."

Dick couldn't hide the smile that played on his lips. This was the reason he became Nightwing! To have a little independence from the Bat. To go on solo missions and prove he wasn't a little kid anymore, having to practically hold the Big Man's gloved hand every time they encountered a criminal. He raised his tea cup to his mouth to smother his smirk.

"Any clue to who it might be?" Dick took a sip of the pleasant liquid.

"We know who it is. Just not the accomplice." Alfred heaved a sigh and practically whispered; "Jason."

Dick froze, his tea cup sliding from his grasp. As if in slow motion, the China fell downwards, impacting with the oak floor. The smash ricocheted around the room, lingering in the air for what seemed an eternity. When Dick spoke, the tone resembled a growl.

"You've got to be kidding."

Principle Greenwood excitedly dragged Bruce down the deserted halls, showing absolutely no mercy. When she suggested they find Tim and introduce 'Daniel' straight away, Bruce had nearly shouted in frustration. There was only an hour left of school, and Bruce had assured her he would meet the boy tomorrow. But no, she was so engrossed in her own little fantasy that everything must happen in precisely ten seconds.

Bruce cringed, watching Greenwood popping her head up to every door's window, scanning for Tim in all the classrooms. Even he felt a little embarrassed for her. Suddenly Greenwood stopped abruptly. If she were a cartoon there would surely be a bright lightbulb hovering above her head.

"He'll be in his free period! The library!" Bruce internally groaned, knowing that the library was on the other side of the school.

"You really don't have to go through all this trouble, Principle Greenwood, I'll find Tim tomorrow." Bruce attempted at escaping the clutches of his slightly overweight principle, but to no avail.

"Nonsense Daniel!" She waved a chubby had, dismissing what he just said. "If I introduce you now, then you'll know what he looks like! It would make tomorrow morning much easier."

He's lived in my house for three years, I think I know what my own 'son' looks like, Bruce thought bitterly. Bruce was glad his internal voice was still that of Batman, and not some high pitched-

"Ah here we are!" Greenwood's shrill tone interrupted Bruce's train of thought. He realized that they were indeed at the library.

Bruce used to take refuge in this very library when he was a kid. His classmates would taunt him for being the richest, smartest and... for no longer having parents. They were sick and sadistic, driving Bruce to leave for good. To train in his parent's honour, and to make sure no kid would ever have to go through what he had. Bruce's eyes wandered over to the spot by the window which he always used to occupy. He was surprised to see a young boy contently reading in that place.

"Tim!" Greenwood whispered theatrically, causing the boy's head to rise sharply. He looked a little confused, but politely shut his book and walked over to them.

Greenwood lead the two out of the library and into the hall, where they would be able to speak normally. The two boys locked eyes and smiled, instantly feeling comfortable in each other's company.

"Tim, this is Daniel Williams, a new student at Gotham High. He will be needing your assistance in finding his way around. He's taking the same subjects as you as well, which is a bonus!" Tim's smiled widened and he extended his hand for Bruce to shake.

"Nice to meet you Daniel, I'm Tim Drake." Bruce grasped his side kick's hand and shook confidently.

"Please, call me Danny." The name slipped off his tongue easily, as he was reminded of the nickname Dick had called him back at the mall.

"I met your brother Dick at the mall this morning, he told me you go here." Tim's eyes lit up at the mention of his older brother. Tim instantly liked Danny. He felt familiar in a reassuring way.

Greenwood seemed delighted at this.

"So that's why you were looking at his photo! You recognized him!" Bruce blushed slightly at the principal's loud outburst of realization. He nodded in response.

She left the two boys after their introduction, remembering she had papers to mark by the end of the day. The two stood awkwardly for a moment, unsure about how to continue with their conversation. The bell signalling the end of the day suddenly rang out, making them both flinch.

"I'll walk you to the exit Danny. You can tell me a bit about yourself on the way!" Tim spoke encouragingly, somewhat excited at the prospect of making a new friend.

"Sure!" 'Danny' laughed. Great, more lies.

A/N : Update time! Yaaay! So, introductions have been made! How will Bruce cope with his first day of high school? Will Dick capture Jason? Stay tuned to find out!

I have a medicine interview next Tuesday! I'm nervous but somewhat excited. I just want to get it over with to be honest so I can get back to studying Chemistry, Physics and Biology for my A levels (I'm from the UK if you didn't pick up from some of my words. I'm trying to Americanise words but it's hard! We call principles, headmistress. Greenwood would just be Mrs Greenwood here. Also parent teacher conference is just "parents evening". Don't get me started on realise and realize.)

Bruce: Are you done?

Me: humph you're rude lil mister.

Bruce: I'm thirty five. I don't class that as 'lil'.

Me: maybe, but you're lil because I make you lil for my story mwaha!

Bruce: -_-

Please review says ~Pikaachew~