CHAPTER 2-THE TAKING

Dick never stopped running. He was almost home, but he thought to himself, what am I doing? I need to talk to Bruce, not Alfred; Bruce was the one most involved, not Alfred! Dick turned the corner of Rich Street and headed toward Wayne lane. That is where Wayne Industries was. He figured that Bruce probably had already called out and was being batman at that moment, but it was worth the shot. He was so upset, he could've told Lex Luther his problems. But that wasn't going to happen. He ran into the doors of Wayne Industries, through the lobby, right turn the bathroom, and headed to a door that said "Meeting Room; Keep Out." Dick was still running and wasn't going to pay attention to that dumb sign. He wanted Bruce, and he wanted him then. There was a problem though. Two men guarded the door, they were pretty fierce looking, but they didn't scare Dick.

"Hey Tommy, look at that, isn't that Dick Grayson?" A deep voice black man said.

"Yeah it is. Hey kid, what're you doing out of school so early?" The shrimp white guy said. Dick didn't answer, just kept running. "Hey you're not supposed to be running!" He still didn't stop.

"Ya know Tommy, I don't think he cares. I think he's trying to get in here."

"Na dip ya dimwit!" Dick was hurtling toward at them by now. "Hey kid stop!" The guards tried to jump on him but they just hit each other like bongos.

Meanwhile…

"So as I conclude this meeting about the new tech that Wayne Industries is producing" picks up wine glass. "I say-"

"BRUCE!!!!!!!!" Dick screams before Bruce could finish. He had busted through the doors with the guards at his feet.

"Dagon you kid! Why can't you just still!" shrimp said. They clung to his feet like he was a joy ride going out of control. Which he kind of was.

"Sorry about this minor distraction, ugh, but we'll get him out of here!" Bulky said while wrestling Dick. Bruce looked down to be surprised that it was Dick they were holding down. He saw that he was crying nonstop.

"Stop. Let him go." Bruce said seriously. The two men looked up and let the child go. They quickly stood up in a sir yes sir position. Though Dick was steal lying on the cold black tiles sobbing away. Bruce bent down on one knee and picked Dick up like he was a newborn kitten wanting warmth. He looked down at him and brushed his hair out of his eyes. He reminded him of himself as a child, wanting, searching for help. "What's wrong with you." Dick finally looked up. Bruce took him out of the room, to the hallway, some people looked out the door, just to be curious. The two guards as well looked out.

"Well, Dwayne Leslie-"

"not him again." Bruce mumbled

"Yes him again! He said his hero was you!"

"But that's not what makes you upset." Dick looked down.

"No. But he said things about you and I. My parents." Dick closed his eyes. Bruce could tell he didn't want to think about it. "Then when it's my turn, I start to talk about robin and-" he paused. Took a breath and closed his eyes. "He called him a lackey. When I disagreed he said offensive things. He said that, that you wanted me out of your hair. You didn't care about me. You." He stopped. "You wouldn't give a squat about me!" He yelled it. He cried more. All he really wanted is to some one to love, care about him. Bruce tucked Dick into his chest, like he was never going to let go. Dick looked up; he saw a tear slowly climb down his cheek.

"Dick, I want you to know, I care more about you then anyone I've ever met. You are like my only friend. My own-" he didn't say anything after that. Bruce stood up and Dick did the same. Bruce turned to face the others. "Gentlemen and ladies, I have this thought it is my time to go home." Everyone nodded. So, Bruce took Dick in his arms and left out the door.

They drove home to find a long black car in their driveway. On the side of it read "SOCIAL SERVICES ADOPTION CENTER." Bruce wondered why they were there. Dick and Bruce both saw Alfred talking to a woman. She was a little on the heavy side, Big puffy blonde, curly hair. She wore a blue jean jacket that had that symbol on it. Next to her was a tall man. Brown hair, greatly combed, a tanish polyester coat with slim back shirt and pants. His shoes were supposed to be white but looked brown. Bruce and Dick got out of the car and came to them. They heard Alfred talking to the woman.

"I'm sure, this can be sorted out."

"I'm sorry sir, but you can't object."

"Object to what?" Dick asked. They all looked at him.

"Honey you're getting adopted."

"But I already am."

"No sweetie, officially, by this man." And stepped the tanish coat man