"Richard, where were you today?" The boy paused at the sound of the rough, low voice. He sighed, dropping his backpack so that it hang loosely between his fingers.
"I had to finish a test." He lied, avoiding the stone hard gaze of his father. The man grunted, opening his newspaper article. Richard sighed, taking this as his chance to slip out of the room before he could ask anymore questions. Of course, he wasn't that lucky.
"You were supposed to be down at the station today." He grumbled. Richard knew this was coming, but a small part of him had hoped his father wouldn't mention it. Instead of heading back to his room like he wanted to, he begrudgingly took a seat across from his father on the sofa. It was where he always sat when Bruce was about to give him a long lecture.
"Like I said, I had to make up a test." Richard said through his teeth, never quite enjoying having to lie.
"Until ten at night?" Bruce questioned, causing Richard to shift his gaze to anyone but him. "You can't keep secrets from me, Richard." Richard almost laughed. How could his father, the best detective in the tristate are, not even realize that his own son was the lead singer to a successful band. The irony was almost too good to be true. But Richard refrained, knowing that any sign of amusement would raise suspicion in the detective, and he really couldn't afford to have him on his back.
"Is that all?" He snapped, wanting to leave the conversation as soon as possible. Bruce lowered the paper, eyeing the boy suspiciously before setting it down altogether.
"Yes. We will be having dinner tomorrow with the Daytons." Bruce stated.
"The Daytons?" Richard repeated, never before hearing the name.
"You would've met them if you were at the station today." Bruce stated as if it were obvious. "We're forced to work together on a case and decided dinner would be the best way to discuss how we'll corporate." By the tone of his voice, Richard knew he didn't really want to go. It wasn't like it was unexpected though. Bruce was notoriously known for working alone. Even the few times that Richard joined him on his cases , he called all the shots and did not allow Richard to do much of anything.
"So...why do I have to go?" It was a genuine question. There was no real reason for Richard to go to a stupid dinner that he would not be involved in.
"Because," Bruce began exasperatedly. "It's a good learning experience for you." Richard rolls your eyes. "And also, the Dayton's have a son about your age. It'll be good for you to make some friends."
At this Richard scoffed, crossing his arms. He didn't need Bruce to set up some play date for him to make friends. The detective was constantly on his back about being social because he didn't "go out like normal kids do". It's not his fault that he had to balance school, the band, and his father, all at the same time. It was no wonder he didn't have many friends.
"I still don't see why I have to go," Richard mumbled. Bruce shot him a glare, telling him not to argue. Richard sighed, knowing he would not win this battle. He collected his things, stood up, and headed to his room for a much needed rest.
"I don't wanna go!" Garfield whined as he trudged to the car. Steve groaned while Rita gave him a sympathetic look. He hated fancy places; they forced you to wear uncomfortable suits and follow their overly executed etiquette. Above that, he was having dinner with Bruce Wayne! The most disliked, and best, detective in Jump City. He already knew Steve already had a grudge toward the man after he took over his case without even consulting Steve he was doing it. So why did he have to go?
"I know, sweetie, but this is important." Rita tried to reason as she settled into the passenger seat. Garfield grumbled something under his breath as he got into the back seat, crossing his arms.
"Besides," Steve said, hopping into the driver's seat and starting the engine. "Bruce has a son too, so you won't be completely be surrounded by a bunch of political speaking adults." Garfield knew he was only trying to lighten my mood, but that didn't help much. If he was the son of Bruce Wayne, Garfield was sure he was as stuck up as he was.
"Yeah...that helps." Garfield drawled with a roll of his eye. Not only was Bruce Wayne a pompous detective, but he was a billionaire too. The fact that he chose one of the most expensive restaurants to discuss business only put him closer on edge.
Before he even realized it, they pulled into a parking lot. Garfield looked up at the larger than life skyscraper, scowling. Why did a restaurant need to be that high in the first place? Together, the trio walked into the building, taking the elevator to get to the top floor. Garfield had a not so happy expression on his face as he watched the people grow smaller and smaller through the window.
The elevator opened and they were greeted by bustling people moving and hovering above tables. Classical movement was playing in the background, and the people at the tables were chatting idly. Garfield mumbled under his breath as they began maneuvering around the many tables searching for Bruce Wayne and his son.
Steve lead them to a table, where he shook a man's hand in false hardiness. Garfield instantly recognized him as Bruce Wayne and had to resist forming a scowl across his face.
"Steve, always a pleasure to see you." Bruce said in mock sincerity.
"Likewise." Steve grunted, taking a seat beside the man. Rita smiled warmly as they kissed each other on either cheek.
"Rita, as ravishing as always." Garfield saw Rita's smile falter a little as she took a seat beside Steve. Now, Bruce's eyes laid on Garfield, who shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.
"I don't believe we met. You must be Garfield. I've heard so much about you." He said, sticking out his hand for the boy to shake. He reluctantly took the offer, forcing himself to smile. He then took a seat beside Rita, shooting her a glare. She gave him a pitying smile before directing her attention back to Bruce.
"And I don't believe you all met my son, Richard." As soon as Garfield recognized the presence of another person at the table, his heart stopped. Sitting directly across from him was someone he thought he would never see again. This couldn't be the same Richard he met just the night before soaking in the rain. This couldn't be the mystery singer Robin sitting across from him on a business dinner. By the look Richard gave him when they're eyes met said it all. That was definitely him.
"Hi." He grumbled, looking down at his hands. Garfield looked away also, directing his attention to anywhere else but the boy in front of him. He knew his adoptive parents were probably questioning his odd behavior, but he couldn't conceal his embarrassment.
"Right…" Steve said, eyeing his son wearily. "Should we order first or get straight into business?" He asked.
"What's the rush, Steve?" Bruce voice questioned. Rita elbowed Steve from beneath the table, silently telling him to behave.
"There's no rush." Rita quickly said. "We haven't seen eachother since...well.." Garfield watched as Rita looked over between the two men who had instantly grown frigid. "Why don't we just catch up?" She asked with a slight nervous chuckle.
"Oh where to begin…" Bruce said, folding his arms over the table in thought. "I just solved a decade long homicide case involving an abused child and his mother. Of course, it was only logical that no one would suspect the girl to have killed her mother, but I was never one for what was obvious." He gloated.
"Of course," Steve muttered. Garfield snuck a glance over at Richard, who had rolled his eyes and crossed his arms at the achievement. If there was one thing Garfield remembered from his story, it was that Richard hated the way his father held himself on a pedestal.
He cracked a grin at Richard, who shook his head smirking.
"How about you, Steve, Rita?" Bruce asked.
"Oh well, work at the station has been pretty slow since all the major cases had been taken over," By the tone Rita used, she was hinting that Bruce had been the cause of this problem. Either Bruce didn't notice it, or he chose not to.
"Speaking of the station…" Bruce began, directing his attention towards Garfield. "I heard you were assisting your parents there. I don't blame you, they are the most decent police officers we have." At the sound of the station, Garfield instantly froze. He nervously looked between Rita and Steve. Steve had sighed, placing his hand on his head, and Rita offered him another pitying smile.
"Actually," Garfield began, nervously fiddling with his thumbs beneath the table. "I just recently got a job at an animal rehabilitation center." He said slowly. Bruce's eyes widen in surprise, and even Richard gave him a shocked look.
"Really now?" Bruce cooed, unfolding his hands.
"It's actually quite a nice set up over there, isn't it Steve?" Rita spoke up, nudging her husband, who begrudgingly nodded in agreement.
"I just always suspected you wanted your son to follow in your footsteps. I mean, look at Richard here," Bruce said, patting Richard on the shoulder, who didn't look too pleased at being touched. "He loves working with me. And you were always boasting about Garfield and all…"
Garfield looked between Steve and Bruce. Steve had a scowl on his face as he crossed his arms and Bruce had a smug expression. Bruce then turned back to look at Garfield, an amused glint in his eyes.
"But animals, Garfield? I never would've imagined the Dayton's to go into that field of work. Please tell me what led you to stray away from the family line." Garfield pressed my lips together as he looked between the expecting eyes. "Though, it would explain the green hair." Bruce commented, pointed his finger at the mop on top of the boy's head.
That was the last straw.
"Where's the bathroom?" Garfield asked suddenly, standing up in his chair. He didn't care if the chair had made a loud screech against the tiled floors, drawing the attention from the tables around him. If he didn't leave now, he would probably punch the man in the face.
"I'll show you." Richard said, standing up also. Garfield was too angry to be surprised at the offer as he marched off to the elevator, Richard hot on his heels. Once safely inside the medal box, Garfield let out an exasperated huff, punching in a random number so that they could get off that floor.
"Is your dad always such a jerk?" Garfield growled, crossing his arms and staring at the other boy.
"Welcome to my world," He said nervously, rubbing his neck. "Sorry about that." Garfield sighed, pinching his nose as he felt his anger start to diminish.
"Not your fault." He grumbled through gritted teeth. A moment of silence passed between them as they rode down the elevator.
"I take it you don't need to use the bathroom," Richard said after about thirty seconds passed between them. Garfield lifted his head, a small grin on his face, shaking his head. The elevator rang, and the doors slowly slid open.
The pair slipped out, and examined their new destination. The hallways were deserted and it seemed like it hadn't been used in years. They exchanged glances as they walked down the hallway, checking the many various empty rooms.
"You're not scared are you?" Richard joked, seeing how Garfield had somehow gotten closer to him as they walked aimlessly along.
"No way! I walk through creepy hallways for a living!" Garfield said as they continued their trek. They turned a corner, walking through the dimly lit hallway side by side.
"Hold on," Richard whispered, sticking his arm out to stop Garfield in his track. The boy gave him a confused look, that is until they heard voices from the other end of the hallway. Richard quickly grabbed Garfield by the wrist, dragging them into a nearby room and shutting the door behind them. They watched as two men in scrubs walked by through the tiny window before letting out a shaky breath.
"Dude, who were those dudes?" Garfield asked.
"No clue," Richard concluded. It was just then that the two noticed how close they were in the cramped room. Richard had Garfield cornered between the wall, his arms locked on either side of the boy's head while they're bodies were pressed against each other close. The two blushed looking away, but neither moved.
"You know what's funny?" Garfield whispered, drawing the attention from the boy above him. He raised an eyebrow, encouraging him to go on. "I thought I would never see you again after yesterday...and now we're here...having dinner with our parents who hate each other." Richard let out a raspy chuckle that pierced the neck of Garfield's neck.
"Yeah, small world isn't it?" Richard agreed. Garfield turned to look at the boy in front of him, his bright green eyes practically glowing in the dark room. Richard cleared his throat, his heart pounding.
"You know...I for one like your green hair." He whispered. Garfield smiled that dazzling smile that could save lives at the compliment, causing Richard's heart to flutter.
"Really?" Garfield asked, brushing the tips of his bangs from his forehead. Richard caught his hand mid-stroke , drawing his attention.
Without a word, the two crashed their lips together with enough force to make a bruise. It was abrupt and needy, and neither of them had the will nor necessity to stop and check for injury. Richard dropped Garfield's hand in favor of placing them comfortably on his hip while Garfield wrapped his arms around his shoulders. The brought their bodies closer as if they were the only thing keeping them alive.
In an especially daring act, Richard began trying to slip his tongue into the heated kiss. Of course, Garfield didn't very much mind as he willing opened his mouth. Richard took this opportunity to explore this beautiful boy's mouth, grazing his tongue against his large than usual canines and battling against his sweet tongue.
A throaty moan escaped Garfield as Richard gently began to nip at his bottom lip, making him shudder at the attention. He ran his hair through Richards raven locks as he began moving his hands up and down his back. He couldn't even be angered by the fact that the boy had gave his rear a good squeeze in the process.
All too soon though, the demand for air had taken its toll, and they broke away from each other. They stared at each other with wide eyes as they slowly disconnected themselves, trying to straighten themselves up the best way they could. Garfield's finger's touched his lips as a faint blush spread across his cheeks.
"Oh my God." He whispered in shock. He had just made out with the lead singer of his favorite band. This had to be a dream.
"We should go back," Richard said, snapping Garfield out of his thoughts. "This has to be the longest bathroom break ever." This earned a grin from Garfield, who nodded his head in agreement.
After checking to see if the coast was clear, the two headed back out into the deserted hallway, they're bodies still high from their brief intercourse. They avoided eye contact with each other, even as they walked closely together. As they walked into the elevator, Garfield paused, finally summing up enough courage to say what was on his mind.
"What's wrong?" Richard asked.
"You still have my number, right?" Garfield asked nervously. Richard smiled, pulling him into the cart as the doors began to close. He wrapped his arms around his waist, bringing the two close, before placing a gentle kiss on his lips.
"Oh course," he said, a sly grin on his face. "And I'll be sure to call it."
I don't know what I'm doing anymore...
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