L is amazing! I don't know what I would do without her guys she just... awesome!

Dick giggled as he rode on the baby elephant into the big tent. The show was going to start at five, and at the moment it was just before noon, so he had decided to take his friend Peanut for a ride.

The baby elephant was searching for some peanuts here and there. Dick was doing tricks on her back. Handstands, back bends, flips and other things since he was supposed to be practicing.

As they left the tent, Dick tapped her ears, leading her back to her family. Once she was safely put away, Dick ran around looking for his mama and tata so they could eat lunch. After running around with his arms out pretending to be a bird, he spotted them talking to some of the other circus family members.

Running right up to them, Dick smiled. "Mama, tata, I'm here for lunch."

"Where have you been?" John snapped, his face hard.

Dick looked taken aback.

"John," Mary reprimanded.

"I-I was practicing..." Dick blinked in confusion, his mouth open slightly.

John just sat there for a second before standing up, shoving his plate away. "I'll be on the bars."

Mary sighed before standing up to follow him, talking in harsh, quick tones. Dick blinked, unsure of what had happened, and looked over at the Snake Charmer and the Strongman, who both sighed and shook their heads. The Charmer made a shooing motion at him.

Pouting, Dick turned to follow his parents. He stayed far enough behind that he couldn't hear them, but he still hadn't had lunch and they hadn't left anything for him to eat, so there was nothing to do but follow them. After all, if he hadn't eaten then neither had they, since they ate every meal together.

As Dick started to daydream, still following his mama and tata, he didn't notice how everyone was giving his parents pitied looks. Not that Dick should have noticed anyways, since he was just a small boy. Besides, he was daydreaming about his friend that he'd had to leave behind back in France.

Of course Dick knew that it was selfish to think Bruce didn't have better things to do just because the man played with him and brought him things. Although Bruce was so nice, spending time with him and teaching him how to better use his English.

"I don't care, Mary!"

Dick jolted, hearing his tata yelling with such anger. Quickly he dove into a crate and pulled the top on. Peeking out, Dick wondered what had upset his tata so, but his mama looked just as angry.

"You should!" Mary crossed her arms. "Why can't you see it as a blessing?! If something were ever to happen to us then he will be well looked after! You cannot keep going on like this, John! Jealously is not like you!"

"I am not jealous!"

Dick titled his head, wondering what they were talking about when sudden cheering broke out in the distance. Soon everyone was bustling with talk and cheer. Both the adults ran past, so Dick climbed out of his hiding spot to follow and see what was going on.

When Dick got to the crowd he could hear Haly the Ringmaster laughing loudly with a deep bellowing laugh. There were too many people in his way, all dancing and cheering about something. Curious, Dick squeezed his way through until he popped his head through a gap between two clowns.

There beside Haly was the very person Dick had been wanting to see. "Bruce!"

In the span of three seconds Dick broke free of the clown, bounding over to the large man with his arms raised up high. Bruce leaned down to pull Dick up and into his arms, holding him in a tight embrace.

"There you are, chum," Bruce said, putting one arm under the boy so he wouldn't drop him and using the other to run his hand through the boy's hair. "I was hoping to see you before I left."

"Huh," Dick's face fell. "You're leaving? But you just got here!"

"I know, Dick, but I'm heading off to a new country and will make my fortune there."

"Aww," Dick wrapped his arms around Bruce's large shoulders, laying his head on the man's shoulder sadly. "I don't want you to leave, Bruce. I want you to stay here and play with me."

Bruce smiled, ignoring the furious looks form the boy's father and mother in front of the cheering crowd. They were cheering because Bruce had "found" the thief and had come to return all the money they had earned. Bruce had also informed them that he had no use for the extra money, so they could keep it instead or repaying him. This was the reason for all the cheering and dancing about.

"I know, Dick, but I have things to do. I will be here for three days though. How about we use that time to spend with each other?"

"Yes!" Dick cheered, hugging him tightly as Bruce kissed his head.

Dick was happy.

Dick was so happy.

So happy...

So why did tata hit him?

Dick didn't understand why his mama and tata were so upset about him being near Bruce. It just didn't make any sense. Dick had tried to ask, but they just ignored it and told him to stay away from Bruce Wayne.

So three days later when Bruce was leaving to go across the sea, Dick packed a few things and snuck into the carriage that would take him away. Dick had no idea how far across the sea was, but surely it would only be a few days, and he had left a note telling his mama and tata what he was doing.

"I'll see you later, Haly," Bruce said, as he shook the man's hand. "I will send you a letter when I get there. Also, can you tell Dick I said goodbye? I haven't seen him all day."

"I will, old friend." Haly sighed, looking around. "That kid's going to miss you."

"I'll miss him too." Bruce climbed into the carriage. "Until we meet again, Haly!"

"Farewell, Bruce!"

Dick covered his mouth, trying to stifle the giggles. What a surprise Bruce was in for once they got on the boat! Staying as quiet as possible, but wiggling around inside the trunk, Dick slowly drifted off to sleep.

What Dick didn't know was that Bruce was smiling at the trunk next to him, knowing full well the little boy was in there. With a smile, Bruce opened his newspaper. Instead of going to the boat that would have carried him across the sea, he ordered his driver to take him to a smaller boat, where he planned to head up the coast to one of his homes. It could take him a whole day to travel there and three to come back if he traveled on horseback.

Plenty of time to bond with Dick.

Of course, he had planned on getting rid of the obstacles that stood between him and his little son. Soon to be son. Son. Ah, how Bruce had come to love that word, and soon it would be true. His plans to kill off John and Mary had changed. Judging by how eagerly the boy had run away to spend time with him, it wouldn't be hard to persuade Dick to join him.

Dick woke up to rocking.

Rubbing his eyes, Dick sat up only to hit his head on the trunk's lid. "Ow!"

There was quick shuffling before the lid was thrown up to show a shocked Bruce. "Dick?!"

With a happy, wide smile, Dick held up his arms. "Bruce!"

He was so happy when Bruce picked him up easily, hugging him tightly before pulling back a little bit. "How did you get here?"

"I be with Bruce!" Dick cheered, trying his best to use his English right. "You happy?"

Chuckling, Bruce ruffled his hair before hugging him close again. "I'm very happy. Do your father and mother know you're here?"

Dick paused, looking away and chewing on his lip before nodding slowly.

"Did they say it was all right to be here with me?"

Dick buried his head under Bruce's chin. "I love you, Bruce."

"I love you too, chum." Bruce smiled at him. "Well, since they let you come, shall we go have some fun?"

Dick blinked before wiggling happily. "Can we see the ocean, Bruce?!"

"Anywhere you want to go, son." Bruce threw him up into the air, loving the small boy's squeal of delight. "Anywhere."

Dick knew it was wrong to lie, but right now, being held by Bruce, feeling so safe, so loved and cared for made him feel... perfect? Loved more than his mama and tata? Yes, he loved them and he knew that they loved him too, but it was different than with Bruce.

Both his parents and Bruce praised his skills and tricks. Mama and tata hugged him all the time, but Bruce's hugs were strong like a promise that would never be broken. Mama's kisses were fine, but Bruce's kisses were always affectionate. It felt like each time Bruce kissed his forehead he was letting him know just how much he loved him.

Bruce liked Dick's other skills, like drawing, singing, playing, learning other languages, and anything else that Dick wanted to pick up and learn. Tata was set on Dick learning trapeze all the time, always training. Maybe Dick liked that Bruce liked him for himself and not just for The Flying Grayson's only child.

They ate a nice lunch on the train. Dick had nearly cried out happily when Bruce ordered him a piece of chocolate cake. After that Bruce took his hand, walking him to the back of the train where they sat on the back steps naming off the landmarks.

"Bruce, what's that? What's that animal? How do boats move without animals?" Dick asked, chattering for hours, and each time Bruce would take the time to answer all his questions, stroking his head.

The next three days were so much fun. Dick had the best time of his life as he was able to see all kinds of new things. New animals, new people, and toys! Dick had never had toys! Bruce bought him a block set, a kite, a little wooden sword, and a couple of dolls. Yes, dolls, but they were the the ones in trouble and Dick was there to rescue them!

Dick liked the dolls. They reminded him of his tata and mama. The man doll dressed in a well-off suit, the woman doll in a fancy dress. Dick missed his parents a lot. However, he enjoyed being a little kid and not training all the time. Even with all his energy, Dick just liked being able to run around with other kids and Bruce was the best playmate.

Before Dick knew it, a week had gone by. He was asleep in his bed with his dolls sitting on a chair next to him, the blocks scattered around his room, his kite leaning up against his bed, his sword on the nightstand beside him.

It was a peaceful sleep that Dick slowly slipped out of as a large hand stroked his hair gently. Dick sighed happily as he came out of his sleep, his eyes still closed as he took a deep breath and rolled over onto his back. Slowly he opened his eyes to see Bruce smiling at him kindly.

"Good morning, chum."

"Morning, Bruce," Dick smiled, reaching up so Bruce could pull him into a hug. "I had a fun dream last night. There was this-"

"Dick," Bruce interrupted firmly, his voice still kind. "I need to talk to you."

Looking up sleepily, Dick rubbed one of his eyes. "Yes, Bruce?"

"I got a letter this morning." Bruce pulled out an open letter. "It's from Haly, and he says that a little acrobat ran away form the circus a week ago and his father and mother are very worried about him."

Suddenly awake, Dick looked up at Bruce with fearful eyes. He had been caught in a very big lie. He never expected for Haly to send Bruce a letter, nor did Dick even know how he was going to get home. It had never crossed his mind.

Now that Bruce knew that he had lied, stolen away, made his tata and mama worried, surely Bruce was going to stop loving him. Stop being nice to him and not be his friend anymore.

So Dick bolted.

A large arm wrapped around his waist, pulling him back onto Bruce's lap. "Hold on there, chum."

Tears fell from Dick's face as he avoided Bruce's eyes, sobbing. Bringing up his hands, he hid his face. As he sobbed, ashamed of what he had done, Dick couldn't understand why Bruce simply pulled him closer, running his hand over his back, saying, "Shh, it's alright, chum, I'm right here." It only made Dick cry harder, his body shaking in fear and shame.

"I sorry..." Dick cried out in English. "No be mad at I...!"

"It's alright, Dick, it's alright." Bruce pulled him back to kiss his head. "Why didn't you just tell me? If you wanted to come with me I would have made plans. You didn't have to run away."

"I-I didn't run away," Dick said, back in his native tongue. "I-I just wanted to be with you... Tata said I couldn't, but I wanted to... you're so nice to me, and you're so fun."

Bruce smiled a little evilly as he patted Dick's head, which was under his chin. "Now, now, I'm sure your dad and mom are nice. They would have let you come with me if you'd asked."

"No!" Dick cried, burying his head further into his chest. "Tata said you were a bad man!"

"I'm sure he was just mad at the time." Bruce sat back. "Now, we have to get you home, chum. How about next time I'll go with you to ask them if you can come, alright?"

Sniffling, Dick nodded, still feeling bad. "Okay..."

"Now, since you did something bad, I think you should be punished."

Dick winced before getting off Bruce's lap, trudging out the door only to return with one of Bruce's belts. Dick took the buckle off before handing it to Bruce. Then he pulled down his trousers, leaning over Bruce's lap, bracing himself and whimpering.

"How many?" Bruce asked.

"One...?" Dick asked hopefully, his eyes still tearing up.

"I think this is serious, Dick. You took off from home."

Dick gulped. "It's really, really bad?"

"Yes."

Dick sobbed before covering his eyes. "Ten?"

"Alright, ten."

Dick tensed up, waiting for the whips to start, but they didn't. Instead, his trousers were pulled up, he was flipped over and set on his feet. Bruce took his hand, leading him to the kitchen.

Confused, Dick watched as Bruce took a chair and set it up against the wall, before picking Dick up and setting him there. Blinking, Dick looked up at him.

"Ten. You sit there for ten minutes." Bruce patted his head. "No breakfast or lunch."

Sitting there, he felt stunned, his mouth hanging open.

Bruce wasn't going to hit him? Sitting there, Dick stared at the wall for a few minutes before he stared to fidget. He could never stay still for long, but he didn't want to get hit. Dick kicked his feet to try and keep busy.

The time went by for what felt like hours. He was hungry. How long had he been there? It must have been days! Weeks, months, years! Dick sniffled, looking around with his big eyes. There was no Bruce, no food, nothing to do. Sniffling louder, Dick turned around on the chair to stand on his knees.

"Bruce, I'm sorry!" Dick cried. "I'm sorry I lied to you! Please don't leave me here! I've been here for so long!"

Bruce returned. "Dick, it's only been five minutes."

"It has?" Dick tilted his head before reaching up to Bruce. "I'm sorry, please don't leave me here?"

"Aw, how can I say no to those big, blue eyes?" Bruce sighed before scooping up the little boy. "Let's get something to eat and then get you home."

Dick snuggled up to Bruce, but for some reason he wanted to say, "But this is my home."

The boat ride was not long enough. Dick knew this as he leaned up against Bruce, feeling sad. After the stunt he'd pulled, he probably wouldn't be allowed to see his godfather for a long time.

The large arm around him gave some comfort but it wasn't enough. Sighing, Dick hoped that maybe tata and mama wouldn't be too mad when he got home. Maybe they would be happy to see him and forget all about his little adventure.

When the train stopped, Dick grabbed the two little dolls up before letting Bruce hold his hand as they walked out. A carriage was waiting for them. They got in, heading towards the circus.

Once there, Bruce gave Dick a hug and kiss before leaving to have lunch with Haly.

Dick watched them go before turning around to find his tata there, looking furious, his mama sharing the look. Dick's eyes landed on the belt in his tata's hand. Dick's little cry of Bruce's name was lost as they grabbed him.

"You overdid it!" Mary yelled at her husband angrily as she got a pan with ice and water in it. "Haly can't believe what he saw! What if he fires us?!"

"I had to teach him a lesson!" John yelled, but he was the picture of guilt. "I didn't mean to take it that far!"

Mary slammed the pan onto the small table. "You beat our son with the backside of your belt until he passed out!"

"Don't blame this on me alone! It was you who told me not to mark his face, and it was you who held him down!"

Mary slapped him across the face hard. "Dick ran off, and the second he returns you grab him and beat him like an animal!"

The door to the Grayson's cart banged open with the Ringmaster standing there looking grim and disappointed. He walked in, his face hard and set as he closed the door before looking over at the small boy lying on his stomach with nothing but a sheet to cover him.

Haly was grateful that the boy was unconscious and not dead. Earlier he had seen Bruce buy a meal for the boy and asked about everything the child had been up to since their last meeting. Dick had been chattering for a good two hours when Bruce had had to leave to set a few things in order about his boat passage to the New World, or The United States of America as it was now called.

There had a been a small, sad goodbye between Bruce and Dick Grayson. Haly had also said goodbye to his friend. He had decided to ask Dick if the boy wanted to come with him when Bruce left so they could wave him off. When he'd turned back though, it was to see John and Mary each grabbing one of their son's arms, pulling him away.

Haly had followed them to put a stop to it, but he'd lost them. He had decided to leave it at that when the Magichine's grown daughter had come running to him in tears, saying that she could hear Dick screaming and crying, and then she had screamed that it wouldn't stop.

Running to the source of the commotion, he had found Mary holding Dick down as John brought the belt down as hard as he could on his son. The metal of the buckle had hit so hard Haly could have swore he'd seen the boy's bones rattle with the screams. Haly had yelled at them to stop. They'd looked at him, Dick's face stained with tears, dirt and blood on the side of his mouth as he sobbed, terrified and confused by what was happening.

In one final act, John had brought the belt down again just as Mary let go and the belt had hit Dick's head, making the boy's body go limp as he fell into darkness. Haly had yelled at them furiously for it.

After that, Haly'd had to leave before he could do something he would regret. He'd let them cool down for twenty minutes, but now...

"We will have words," Haly said, his voice strained with anger. "And I have sent for the boy's godfather."

"Mr. Haly!"

"No, John!" Haly yelled. "When I hired you it was against everyone's wishes, hiring Gypsy folk! But I saw past the name and saw talent! Now seeing what you have done... to your own child, I think the word may be used again quite frequently!"

"Please, Haly, we... we..."

"There is nothing you can say, Mary," Haly said. "Now go and start your act."

"But Dick-" John started, only to be punched in the face.

"You don't have the right to worry about him at the moment!" Haly shouted. "Give the poor boy some peace!"

The couple left the cart.

Dick slowly opened his eyes, whimpering at how sore his body felt and how tired he was. Slowly he forced himself up only to fall onto the floor, his body convulsing in pain, causing him to cry out. Oh, he was tired. He wanted to sleep, but the thought of sleeping scared him.

Sobbing softly, Dick heard the door open even though his eyes were swollen so much that it hurt to try to focus. He whimpered as he was gently scooped up, held gently, a hand cupping his little swollen face, directing him slowly to look up at Bruce.

"B-Bruce..." Dick gasped out, his lungs burning. "Sc-scared..."

"Shh, it's going to be alright," Bruce whispered, before kissing his head. "Do you trust me, Dick?"

Slowly, and with a lot of trouble, Dick nodded.

"Close your eyes, Dick, and when you wake up you'll feel all better," Bruce said kindly, his voice filled with love. "After you're all better I'll buy you ice cream and we'll watch the circus together, alright?"

Dick felt like he was slipping, but it sounded so nice. Smiling, Dick closed his eyes, body almost going limp when something sharp pierced his neck, making his bright blue eyes snap open. Suddenly, freezing cold ice and fire filling his body, the pain unlike anything he had ever felt before.

Just as quickly as the pain started, it vanished. Suddenly he could breathe again, see again, this time perfectly. His body no longer ached, and he was no longer tired. Blinking in shock, Dick looked up at Bruce, seeing the man's glowing eyes, sharp teeth, and that kind, warm smile.

Letting out a happy cry, Dick jumped up into Bruce arms. "Bruce, Bruce, I missed you!"

"I missed you too, chum." Bruce stood up. "Now, let's go get that ice cream I promised you."

"Bruce, I'm hungry," Dick whispered, as they walked out of the cart.

"I know, chum." Bruce smiled. "And we're going to get you something to eat soon, but first do you understand what happened?"

Dick snuggled Bruce's chest. "I'm just like Bruce now."

"Yes," Bruce grinned before he saw a woman walking past them. He took her hand, and in one swift move, dazed her and lead her to a shadowy part of the tents. "And that means you must eat."

Dick gazed in awe as Bruce bit the woman's neck before laying her down in the grass, setting him down. Dick crept closer, sniffing the air for a second before he almost purred in delight. The blood smelled good. Leaning down, Dick tried to bite her and suck the blood out, but he just couldn't. Whining, he tried again, but each time the blood would suddenly taste disgusting.

"What's wrong?" Bruce frowned, leaning down. That wasn't supposed to happen. "Try again."

Dick tried and tried. Bruce became worried. He had never turned a child, so he figured that feeding would be normal. He had seen vampire children who ate easily, so why couldn't Dick? Bruce picked up the woman before draining her blood completely.

Sitting down, Bruce pulled Dick onto his lap before biting his own arm at the elbow and urging Dick to drink. Dick bit down softly before drinking, letting out a sigh of contentment. Bruce let out his own sigh of relief knowing that Dick wouldn't die right after being changed.

After drinking for a few minutes, Dick looked up at Bruce. "Ice cream?"

Chuckling, Bruce stood up, carrying Dick toward the circus. "Of course. What flavor?"

"Vanilla!" Dick cheered, hugging Bruce tightly. "Oooh, Bruce, put me down, I forgot something."

Bruce raised an eyebrow but placed him down. The little boy ran away, disappearing for ten minutes before returning, his eyes wet, yet he looked relived. Bruce scooped him up, kissing his cheek before setting the boy on his shoulders.

After that, they got an ice cream cone for Dick before heading into the tent. Dick licked at his ice cream, enjoying the sweet treat, something he'd only ever had when he was with Bruce. His mama and tata never let him have anything sweet.

Dick sighed happily as he watched the circus perform and licked up the sweet cold treat, leaning into the hand running through his hair, Bruce's large arm around him as he sat on his lap. Dick made himself comfortable as his mother and father started to fly into the air.

Creak.

Gasp.

Snap!

Screams.

Crack.

Screams.

Splat.

Dick smiled up at Bruce before speaking in English. "You my real daddy, Bruce."

Bruce smiled as the crowd around them ran in panic from the two dying bodies lying broken on the floor. John Grayson was facing them as he struggled to call his son's name with his last breath.

Bruce rubbed Dick's head. "I know son, I know."

[Present]

Dinner was over with and Dick watched as Bruce and Tim gathered two bags of blood from each of the humans. They'd left them alive. Probably because they couldn't risk so many deaths.

Once Bruce had woken them up and sent them home in a dazed state, Dick watched as Bruce walked over to the freezer and pulled out a single wrapped ice cream cone. One of Dick's favorite.

"Here, chum," Bruce said kindly. "I know how much you love this."

Dick took it, looking at it for a second before looking up at Bruce. He couldn't say a word, but he was saved as Tim came into the room.

"Now that it's quiet, we should watch a movie together." Tim held up a DVD. "I heard this was a good one. Can we please watch it, Bruce?"

"Of course." Bruce put an arm around each of his boys. "Come on, let's go see it."

Dick swallowed a bit, letting the man lead them to the living room where Tim popped in the movie. He watched as Bruce sat down on the couch facing the TV. Tim instantly curled up next to him, resting his head against Bruce as the man wrapped an arm around him, both comfortable and relaxed.

Dick felt jealous.

He shouldn't, but he was.

Dick took the ice cream before sitting down on the other couch, eating it slowly and fighting the urge to curl up next to Bruce.

Just as Dick was dozing off, he glanced over and saw that Bruce was asleep with no Tim in sight.

It was a chance, and it was dark outside.

Dick had to.

Sorry, Jason. Sorry, Damian. Sorry, Tim...

Dick got up, carefully sneaking towards the front door. Once he was outside he breathed a sigh of relief before starting to run across the lawn. He was going to make it. It was the only thought on his mind when something jumped on him, forcing him to the ground. Then the small shadow brought something down so hard on him that it broke his leg.

Dick howled in pain as fear rose inside him. It must have been a hunter, because it took him down too easily, and even though it disgusted him, he cried for help. The second he did, whatever was beating the shit out of him took off. Dick started to slip into darkness when he felt strong arms wrap around him.

Dick was safe...

Safe and trapped.

I want to suggest an amazing story to all you guys written by L. VanDattae, called The House of Lies. It just the most amazing piece of work I have ever read and I love it so much!