Gotham City
Wayne Manor (Dojo)
11:17 A.M.
Rachel was training alone in the dojo. Grayson had gone off somewhere after their sparring session ended three out of five in Dick's favor. She hadn't trained on her own for three and a half years. Rachel meditated of course but she never trained. How could she? She never had a home to go to, or a city to settle down in. She relied on the small encounters she had throughout the last few years. She never had to worry about much more than street thugs or other small timers. The worst she had to deal with was a group of subway bombers back in Keystone a little under a year ago, before all this, before Bludhaven. Rachel was listening to Dick's training music, loud and heavy. Good for drowning out thoughts, she understood why he listened to it. She had also forgotten how training felt, the adrenaline coursing through her, the way she could bury her thoughts with each strike. Rachel didn't realize it but her strikes were in tune with the music, she began to hit harder, faster. She knew how Grayson felt when he trained, and why he trained. As she was working the heavy bag she wasn't aware Dick was watching her from the doorway, with a smile on his face. He walked silently to the far wall and shut the music off, startling Rachel as she turned around.
"Listening to my playlist now?"
She was breathing heavily from the workout.
"It- It was already playing, didn't see the point in changing it."
Dick grabbed a towel from the wall and tossed it to her, she snatched it out of the air and wiped the sweat off of her. She caught him staring at her.
"You just come here to admire the view or is something up?"
He quit staring and leaned against the wall as Rachel continued to wipe the sweat off her.
"Mail for you."
He reached in his back pocket and pulled out an envelope and handed it to her.
"How can I get mail? I don't have an address and everyone who knows I'm here is… well, here."
Rachel looked at the envelope in her hand.
"This is from Wayne Tech. Why would Wayne Tech send me anything?"
"Open it."
Dick had that smirk across his face. Rachel started to open the paper in front of her, she looked at it once the paper was open. Her eyes got wide.
"Dick, this is a check from Wayne Tech…"
"Every member of the bat family gets a monthly stipend from Bruce. He gives it to us so we can have access to all resources, supplies, and everything else we need for daily life and 'extra activities'."
Her eyes were still wide, he could tell through her body language and through the psy-link that she was nervous and beginning to tremble.
"Dick, this… that's a lot of zeroes."
He still had that trademark smirk on his face.
"You think I afford all my suits and gear on a detective's salary?"
"Well no, but this is MORE than a couple suits and a handful of escrima and wing-dings."
"As I said, this is his way of making sure we have everything we need, at all times. Whether it's for going out at night or for a place to live, food, stuff like that."
She couldn't take her eyes off the number in front of her.
"I get one of these every month?"
"Not one that size. The first one is always more substantial than the rest. That being said the rest of them are still large enough on their own."
"I… I can't accept this. It just feels like I'm-"
"Taking advantage of Bruce?"
"Exactly."
"Look Rae, I got one too see?"
He reached in his back pocket and pulled out another envelope.
"I've been getting them for years, the first time I confronted him and he gave me the same speech I gave you. Then I talked to Alfie about it, and he made me see another side of it. This is Bruce's way of watching out for us, making sure we are set up and don't struggle."
She looked up at him. She turned the check around and showed it to him.
"Do you see how much this is?"
"What's in that is between you and him."
She dipped her head and looked at it once more.
"Look Rae, I get it. I know how you are, you feel bad about relying on other people. Depending on others. You've felt like that ever since Arella died, you were on your own until the Titans. You were on your own again up until you found me in Bludhaven two months ago. Relying on nobody but yourself, after I left Gotham I felt the same way. Still do. Bruce isn't the emotional type, hell, neither are WE. Emotions scare the hell out of us. This is his way of taking care of us and saying he trusts us, that he lov-"
He stopped himself from saying that word.
"Sorry, I know we don't mention that word."
Rachel looked at back at him.
"Yeah, we don't…"
It confused her the way she said that, she was happy that he didn't say it. Happy that he remembered their rule about mentioning the four letter word. Yet, she was upset with herself for being the one to implement that rule all those years ago.
"This is Bruce's way of saying that word. Even if he doesn't say it himself."
Rachel was still looking at the piece of paper in front of her.
"Besides, you're still living off what we all had as Titans. There can't be much left after three and a half years."
She looked at the ground realizing he was right. She hated that he was ALWAYS right. His demeanor changed to serious again.
"My point remains Rae, you knew it was going to run out at some point."
"But what am I supposed to do with this?"
Dick just looked at her, she knew that look all too well. He wasn't really looking at her, he was just staring off into space thinking. Trying to come up with an idea or a plan. He came out of his trance and actually looked at her this time.
"We can go to Wayne Tower. Talk to Lucius, he's good with numbers and can set you up. He's the one I went to when Bruce started sending these to me."
"Lucius? How's he doing? I haven't heard anything since he was shot at the funeral."
"He made a full recovery. Luke went back to the Air Force after his father got out of the hospital and Bruce takes care of his employees."
She looked back at the envelope.
"And me, apparently…"
Dick looked at her.
"He wouldn't do it if he didn't trust you…"
"Yeah…"
"Why don't you shower and get changed, we'll go see Lucius at Wayne Tech."
Gotham City
Wayne Tower (Employee Parking Garage)
12:23 P.M.
Dick turned the engine of his bike off and pulled his helmet off. Rachel got off the bike and took her helmet off, she handed it to Dick as he crawled off the bike threw a bag over his shoulder.
"You sure we can park here? I thought this was employee parking."
"This spot is actually reserved for me. I sometimes stop in and see certain people here. And when I stop into the lab to get new equipment. And besides, technically I am an employee. And technically, you are too…"
"Wait, I'm a- What?"
"Yep. Bruce has to put us on payroll to avoid suspicion and being red flagged, so you are now a valuable and proud employee of Wayne Enterprises."
"That sounds terrifying."
They started walking to the elevators that would take them to the lobby.
"Relax, Technically I've been working in R&D for three years. Guess that Engineering degree Bruce made me get is paying off."
Rachel forced a small laugh.
"You actually went through with that? I thought you were going to talk him out of that when you got back to Gotham after the Titans."
Dick looked frustrated again.
"Yeah, so did I… Guess I lost that argument."
They got to the elevators and Dick took out an I.D. card and swiped it, they heard the elevators moving from inside.
"An I.D. badge? Guess you do work here."
He just glared at her as the elevator doors opened they both walked in, Dick hit the button for the lobby and the elevator doors closed and lurched into motion.
"So Bruce actually made you go to school?"
"You know Bruce. I tell you the clairvoyance of that man still surprises me, able to formulate a cover down to the last detail and then make sure it works out… After all these years he still amazes me."
Rachel smiled.
"He's protected you, guided you all these years. He still looks out for you. You may not know it, but you should have seen the concern on his face when you came home after fighting your great great grandfather. After you passed out he didn't leave your side. Just watched as I healed you, not taking his eyes off us, worried you wouldn't recover. No matter how frustrated you get with him, no matter how much you guys fight."
He just glared at her, he wasn't in the mood for this kind of conversation. The elevator stopped and the door opened to the lobby, Dick stepped out with Rachel behind him.
"Okay, all we need to do is find Lucius. Reception can probably point us in the right direction, if not Bruce will know where he is. But that's last resort, don't want to bother him if he's in a meeting."
Just then a voice called out behind them.
"Richard Grayson is that you? I'd know that walk anywhere!"
They both turned around, only Dick was stunned. The woman was blonde haired, she was wearing a suit jacket and black pants with dress sandals. She walked with a purpose, quickly. She closed the distance across the lobby and wrapped her arms around Dick. He was still stunned but then returned the hug, it wasn't the sort of hug he would give Rachel. This one was one you give a friend. The woman let him go and took a step back, she still had a huge smile on her face.
"Now Grayson, did you really think you could come to my little corner of the world without me knowing? Even worse did you think you could come here and not say hi?"
Rachel could tell he was trying to find the words.
"Mrs. Turner, this is a surprise."
"Oh, hush. You're an adult now, how many times have I told you to call me Sarah?"
"Old habit I guess."
"Old habit? You calling me old Grayson?"
"Not where I was going. I only meant that…"
"Oh I know what you meant. So tell me Richard, how long's it been? A year since you were last here?"
"Nine months more like."
"That long? Seems like forever since you were last here. I swear I see you less and less now days. Ever since you had to go and grow up and move away."
He just smirked.
"Couldn't stay as a little kid forever."
"I guess that's true. You had to go and grow your own wings."
Dick glanced to Rachel, he heard her through the psy-link.
"Grow your own wings? She doesn't know how true that is."
"Speaking of growing wings, Ashley was asking about you last week. Wanted to know how you were doing, what you were up to, that sort of thing."
"Did she now? I trust you didn't tell her all my secrets."
"And what would those be? You seem to have new ones every time I see you."
Dick didn't say anything. He had several quips, and answers ready to fire back, Rachel heard them but he never spoke them to Sarah.
"Well, no matter. Here let me have a look at you."
She started eyeing him from top to bottom, then took her hand and moved his chin around examining his face. Rachel could hardly contain the laughter inside her, the look on Grayson's face as she examined him.
"Well, I swear you get more and more handsome every time I see you. Now if only you would get a good night's rest for once. I can see the circles under your eyes ten steps away. I swear if I didn't know you any better I'd think it was you in a cape on those rooftops every night. When was the last time you slept?"
"Depends, what day is it?"
"Well, I see that wit hasn't slowed with age."
"So how have things been Mrs. Turner?"
"It's Sarah. And things couldn't be better. I was worried for a few years after Brian was killed that I wouldn't be able to support Ashley and I, plus putting her through college alone. But she just got a full ride to Gotham University. I mean, I was hoping for something modest but Gotham University?! A school that prestigious and she gets a full ride! She was an average student I could have never imagined... So I inquired about why, turns out she qualified for the Wayne Foundations scholarship, plus she got a recommendation from Mr. Wayne himself. How he found out she applied for a scholarship is beyond me."
Dick just looked her in the eye, without any hesitation he answered her.
"Mr. Wayne is a good man."
Rachel stared at him. She would not have expected that answer. Sarah looked at the ground.
"He raised you right, that would make anyone a good man."
Rachel could feel the emotion streaming from Sarah; relief, happiness, sadness. Dick broke the silence.
"So, how is our little Ashley doing?"
"Little Ashley? Strange words considering she's a year older than you. And she was taller than you for a little while. But she's good for the most part."
"Well, tell her I said hi and wish her luck."
"I'll pass on the message, she'll be upset that she missed you."
"Maybe I'll stop by some time. It'll be good to see her again."
Sarah just laughed.
"She might try to pin you to the floor again. Except now I bet you can hold your own."
Rachel's interest piqued.
"That… I forgot about that…"
"Pardon my manners, I don't believe I've asked, how are things these days Richard? Still living in Bludhaven?"
"Yeah, still there. Far enough away to be my own person, close enough to visit on the weekends."
"Sounds about right, how's that girlfriend of yours? What's her name…? Amy?"
Rachel felt his heart drop. She knew he still hadn't forgiven himself for what happened, she was afraid he'd lose control again. But he kept his composure, all that self-control he still held onto.
"She's… She's gone…"
"Oh, I see… Push another one away did you?"
"No, not like that. I mean she's gone…"
"Oh… Oh ma chérie. I hadn't heard. I'm so sorry if I knew I wouldn't have…"
"You had no way of knowing. It's fine."
His voice was cold, emotionless, detached. Rachel noticed it but couldn't make out if Sarah had noticed or not. Rachel must have looked lost or out of place because just then Sarah looked at her, she was only a few feet away. Sarah met her gaze.
"Oh I'm sorry I've been standing here chatting, can I help you miss? Looking for something, maybe directions?"
Rachel was taken back, she would prefer to blend into the shadows, stay unnoticed. But the way she dressed in all black, and her violet eyes, she tended to stick out.
"Oh no, uh I'm with him."
She pointed to Dick. Sarah looked back to Dick who was looking at Rachel with that smirk on his face. He motioned to her and she walked over next to him.
"Sarah, this is Rachel. She's a… close friend."
Sarah just looked at Dick.
"Another one Grayson, hmm?"
She looked over to Rachel, Rachel watched as Sarah examined her from head to toe and then again, and again. Rachel felt uncomfortable, she felt like Sarah was trying to examine every detail about her… Every detail… She wanted to put her hood up and slip away like Dick had taught her, either that or use her magic to make Sarah throw up to take her attention off of her. Sarah looked away and back to Dick who was watching Rachel with a smile.
"No, not just another one."
Rachel felt her cheeks get hot, anyone else would have blushed. But she wasn't anyone else, she was able to keep her composure and control herself so she didn't blush.
"Well, I always imagined you and Ashley getting together. But we can't all have our wishes."
"Believe me, you wouldn't want that. I am more trouble than you can imagine."
"That's an understatement!"
Rachel spoke through the psy-link, she could barely contain her laughter.
"I tell you Dick, I don't know why she can't wise up and fall for a nice guy like you."
Rachel was thinking to herself again, except she forgot about the psy-link and thought louder than she should have.
"Because he's MINE."
"Well, it was nice seeing you again Mrs. Turner. Give Ashley my best. Come on Rachel, we need to track down Lucius."
"Looking for Mr. Fox? I should be able to help with that."
Sarah stepped between them, and walked to the reception desk in the lobby and sat down in the chair. Dick and Rachel followed her and she began to type on the keyboard in front of her.
"Provided he's not in a meeting he should be relatively easy to track down. Let me just pull up his schedule for the day."
"Wait, when did you get access to his schedule?"
"Oh, I have access to all board members, executive officers, and senior management schedules."
"When did that happen?"
"Ever since Mr. Wayne promoted me, with a significant pay raise. I told you, you should visit more often."
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Now, let's see… Oh it appears he has a meeting with Mr. Wayne at the moment. But I'm sure neither of them would mind if you interfered. It is YOU after all."
"Thanks, Mrs. Turner. You're the best, I owe you one. Come on Rachel."
Dick started walking away towards the elevator with Rachel at his heels.
"I'll hold you that promise. Oh and Grayson?"
He pressed the button on the elevator and spun on his heels as Sarah had called for him. He met her gaze.
"Yeah?"
"It's SARAH."
The elevator dinged and the door opened. A few people filed out throwing a nod to the two of them as they passed, when the elevator cleared out they stepped in. Dick pressed a button to Bruce's office on the top floor. The elevator doors closed and it lurched into motion.
"Well, she was friendly."
Rachel was leaning against the far wall with a smirk, expecting an explanation.
"Yeah, she and her husband worked here when I was taken in by Bruce. They have a daughter, Ashley. We used to run around the place as kids, she took advantage of the fact that I was Bruce's adopted son and we would get into places we weren't supposed to be. Bruce always had to come down if we got caught."
"And her husband was Brian?"
"Right. Killed during a break in to one of the labs. After Daggett was fired around ten years ago he hired some street thugs to break into one of the labs to steal a prototype blueprint. Daggett told them how to bypass security. Brian was a security guard and shot one of them, the others shot him. Bruce has provided for Sarah and Ashley since. That's why she got into Gotham University."
"And this Ashley?"
He sighed.
"No. And before you ask I've never-"
"I wasn't going to. That's your affair not mine."
He wasn't convinced.
"So, Ashley?"
"As I said she was a friend. We were little kids. Eleven or twelve, her parents would bring her to work because they had nobody to watch her. Bruce would bring me to the tower to show me how it worked here, what he developed, teach me how to run a business. You know, more of Bruce's lessons. After a while I would get bored so he would turn me loose. We were kids. I mean, Raya was my first REAL friend but Ashley was a close second…"
He sighed, she could feel his anger. His voice got low, a whisper but she could still hear.
"Raya… Why Raya..? I trusted you…"
He turned and punched the steel wall of the elevator. Rachel walked over as Dick still had his fist to the steel, she put a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, it's okay. I'm here."
She embraced him. He was tense, but didn't resist.
"That still bothers you, doesn't it?"
"Doesn't matter how I feel. It's over and we handled it."
"I should have made sure you were okay. You took it hard."
"I'm fine."
His voice was cold, full of anger.
"People who are fine, don't throw a full force punch at quarter inch thick galvanized steel walls."
"Sure, I'm pissed. But I'll bury it deep, use it. Like I do everything else."
"That can't be healthy."
"Hasn't killed me yet."
"That's debatable."
He just glared at the elevator wall. Rachel knew it was time to lighten the mood.
"Think on the bright side, I haven't betrayed you yet."
She had a huge smile on her face as she said it.
"No… No, you haven't. Even when I turned on you, even when I fought against you, you still didn't give up on me. Somehow you knew it was still me."
"Well, yeah. Have you seen your ass? I mean it's hard to give up on something like that."
Somehow with all his anger he laughed.
"How do you always know what to say to me?"
"You know why. Because I lov-"
The elevator dinged and stopped on one of the floors. Instinctively, like they had done it a thousand times they separated faster than the eye could see. Each moving to an opposite corner with one quick move. The door opened and a brown haired middle aged man stood before them. He glanced at Dick then to Rachel and held his eyes on her, then stepped in. Rachel could tell by Dick's body language he didn't like the man in the elevator with them. He pressed a button and saw that the elevator was headed to Bruce's office.
"Up to see Bruce are you? Can't say I envy you."
Rachel knew to let Dick do the talking, so she stayed quiet.
"Doubt I'll even see him. Just headed up to deliver a progress report to his secretary. Then I'm on my way back to the lab."
"Going to see Macy huh? What I wouldn't give to see her on my break…"
Dick glanced at him in anger. His gaze quit when the man turned to face Dick.
"Hey, are you new here? I don't think I recognize you. Or at least I don't remember if I've seen you around. You said you work in the labs, which one?"
"Electronics division. Yeah, I don't get out much so it's not surprising. Usually last one to leave the lab, most of the time because the janitors kick me out."
Rachel could tell the man wasn't listening. It was subtle, but he was trying to train his eyes on her. She felt more than uncomfortable.
"Well, that must be it. And your friend here? What's she?"
He turned to look at her, that uncomfortable feeling grew to disgusted. She wanted to slam the man's skull into the steel but kept her composure.
"Intern."
Dick answered. He was growing more and more annoyed. The man just kept staring, or trying to. He was being as discreet as possible but against these two he might as well be ogling her.
"She got a name? Can't speak for herself?"
"Ashley. And she's deaf."
Rachel glared at Dick. She quickly used her hands and signed something to Dick using sign language. Dick grinned and signed something back.
"What? What did she say?"
"She said your tie isn't straight. It's bothering her. OCD."
"Ah, one of those? Tell her thanks."
He started to fix his tie but glanced up. Now he wasn't even trying to be discreet, just staring. Moving his eyes up and down. Dick was white knuckled, Rachel grew closer and closer to delivering a swift kick to a certain pain threshold the man had. The elevator dinged and the man got out of his trance, he walked to the door.
"Alright, I'm off to the cafe. Maybe I'll see you later Ashley."
The door closed.
"Bite me perv!"
"Careful, he'd like that."
She looked over to Dick who was now back to leaning against the wall with his head back and eyes closed.
"Did you hear that guys thoughts? He might as well had been screaming them."
"Didn't have to hear them. I know who he is. He has certain… Tastes we'll call them. Bruce and I have found his name or account information on certain websites or in the dirtiest dingiest clubs in Gotham."
"I thought Bruce didn't hire criminals."
"He doesn't. But technically he isn't one. He hasn't done anything illegal. We can't just throw a guy in Blackgate for visiting a dingy nightclub. If we could half of Gotham would be locked up."
"He undressed me with his eyes…"
"Not a crime Rae."
"Uh huh. And if he runs into me again?"
"He won't. But if he does, I give you my permission to deliver that swift kick to that pain threshold you were thinking of doing."
The elevator door opened to Bruce's level and they stepped out. Rachel walked close to him, closer than she realized.
"By the way, I hope you realize I said nothing about his tie."
"Of course. But an elevator isn't the best time to tell someone to go fu-… Do what you told him to go do."
She shrugged.
"Why does Bruce keep him around anyway?"
"He's good at his job. Believe it or not but that man could sell ice to an eskimo."
"Well, I stand by what I said. He should really go fu-"
There was a reception desk in front of them, Rachel held her tongue and didn't finish her sentence.
"Hey Macy. Lucius in with Bruce?"
The woman spun around in her chair faster than Rachel could see. Her eyes got wide and she stood up and leaned over the desk.
"Grayson?!"
Her voice was high pitched, almost like she was squealing like a school girl.
"You big hunk, what are you doing here?!"
"Need to see Lucius about something. He and Bruce in a meeting?"
"Just finished. They're just chatting, I'm sure you could go on in and nobody would mind, it is you after all."
"Thanks Macy."
"Tell me Mister Grayson, you ever going to take me out for coffee?"
Her eyes flashed brightly and she did her best puppy dog eyes. Along with trying to make other assets look more appealing.
"Don't you have a boyfriend?"
"HAD a boyfriend."
Dick rolled his eyes.
"Cheating again?"
Macy nodded.
"You're a nice girl Macy. Stop meeting guys in dingy bars or nightclubs in the wards. Think you can do that?"
She just nodded and smiled.
"Again, you're a nice girl Macy. It'll all work out as long as you watch out for yourself. And be smart, that vigilante in blue might not be there the next time you walk down the wrong alley in the middle of the night."
Rachel looked at Dick who was trying not to notice.
"God knows I can only pray Dick. He seems like the only man I can count on in this city."
"Yeah, lady. Just pray, that'll solve ALL your problems."
Dick glared at Rachel after he heard her thoughts. He wasn't the religious type, never was. But he always believed in finding what makes someone happy. And if praying made her happy, to him, that was enough.
"Things will get better."
Rachel heard his thoughts through the psy-link.
"Trust me Macy, you're better off than I am."
He looked to Rachel.
"We better head in. It was nice seeing you again Macy. Head up, one day at a time."
She stood up and hugged him. Rachel could smell the perfume coming off of her, it was expensive and yet it smelled terrible. Rachel thought she must have dumped the entire bottle on herself. Dick let Macy go and she wiped her eyes. Rachel could see the eye liner begin to run down her face. Macy looked to Rachel and regained her composure.
"Sorry, don't think we were introduced. I'm Macy, are you new here?"
"No, I'm a friend of Dick's."
"You're one lucky girl to be a friend of Dick's."
Macy's voice was low. Like she didn't want anyone to hear it, but they did.
Dick glared at her.
"I know, I know. Head up, one day at a time."
Rachel followed Dick as he walked passed Macy's desk and opened the two large doors to Bruce's office. They were big doors made of a dark wood, just walking through them made Rachel feel intimidated. They saw Bruce sitting at his desk with Lucius on the other side in a chair. Bruce looked over to them as they entered then moved his gaze back to Lucius.
"Thanks Lucius. I appreciate the hard work but if you need a few days off just tell me. You've certainly earned them."
"Please Bruce, it's you I'm worried about. You haven't taken any days off either, you must still be feeling the effects."
Bruce looked back to Dick who was quietly waiting for them to finish. Even though he was quietly eating the left-over food from the last meeting.
"Dick, Rachel. I didn't know you would be stopping by. If I did I would have cancelled my meetings during your visit."
Lucius turned around to greet them.
"Ah Mister Grayson, I see you're well."
"You too Fox."
"And Miss Rachel I believe? Good seeing you again."
"And you Lucius."
Bruce stood up from his desk.
"So Dick, what brings you here? Need some new equipment? Or just needed to get out of the manor?"
Dick moved away from the plate of food.
"Looking for Lucius actually. We have a small problem that he can help fix."
Lucius adjusted his glasses and stood up.
"Oh? And what may I help you with Mr. Grayson?"
"Rachel needs some book keeping done."
He stood and looked at Rachel.
"I see. Rachel?"
She nodded and handed him the envelope. Lucius adjusted his glasses and looked at it, his body language didn't even change. She admired his professionalism.
"Ah, yes. I heard about that. My congratulations Roth."
"Thanks Lucius. How are you feeling, last time I saw you, you weren't in the best condition."
"I'm well, thanks for asking. If the Gulf War couldn't kill me I doubt a random bullet will."
Rachel was shocked.
"You were a soldier?"
"Analyst. CIA. Doesn't mean I didn't see my share of fighting though."
There was an awkward silence in the office, Dick was looking around. Of course he broke the silence, it's what he was good at.
"You remodeled the office since the last time I was here. Looks good, updated the furniture and the T.V's. And you took that eye sore wall out."
"Yeah, Macy kept telling me it was time. She doesn't miss a detail."
"Yeah, I'm sure she reads EVERY detail."
Dick heard her over the psy-link but didn't react.
"Well, I'd better take care of this for Rachel. Dick, why don't you come with me? You can help me finalize this, I'll need your access. Oh and I had some things cooked up in the lab you might be interested in seeing."
Dick's eyes got wide and he smiled.
"Lucius you shouldn't have. It's not my birthday."
"No, but I know how you like your toys."
They began heading to the door. Bruce called from behind them.
"I'll see you later Dick, and stop by and see Sarah. I'm sure she'd be happy to see you."
"Already did. Thanks Bruce, for Ashley."
Bruce nodded.
Before he got to the door Dick turned around again.
"Oh, and we ran into Gray on the way up."
"Julie, or Marcus?"
"Marcus…"
"Hmm, I see…"
He glanced at Rachel then back to Dick.
"He give you any trouble?"
"No more than usual. He couldn't keep his eyes off Rae though."
Bruce looked back to Rachel.
"Alright, I'll keep an eye on him. Thanks Dick, he won't bother her again."
Dick followed Lucius to the door, they opened it and stepped through. Rachel watched as they walked passed Macy, her eyes wide and putting that adorable innocent smile on her face as Dick walked by. Rachel saw Macy's eyes trained on Dick as they walked to the elevator, then they were out of sight. Then there were two, Just Rachel and Bruce in his office. Bruce went back to his desk, sat in front of his computer. Rachel wasn't sure what to say, or even if she should say anything.
"So, this is the office of Bruce Wayne. I've seen apartments smaller than this."
"This is it. From behind this glass, I can see most of Gotham. The people counting on me… On us."
She looked over her shoulder and pointed with her thumb.
"Is Dick going to be okay? He's not going get into any trouble is he?"
She was joking, or trying to. Trying to lighten the mood in the room, small talk. Even though she hated small talk. Bruce didn't go for it, he just glanced up.
"Dick will be fine. He's got the run of the place. Always has. Even when he was a kid. I used to bring him here back when he was Rob-… Before Nightwing. He would run around the lobby and the labs, get into places he wasn't supposed to be. I'd have to go down and get him out of trouble. Until I explained to him it wasn't because I didn't trust him. It was because he wasn't ready to see what was being developed or researched."
Rachel stood in the office, trying to get the courage to say what she wanted to say. But even out of the cowl, and the cape, Bruce had an intimidating presence. She decided to just come out and say it, after all, she hated small talk.
"Bruce, about the envelope…'
He looked up, she saw the same eyes he had underneath the cowl every night. A shiver ran down her spine, but she stood her ground.
"You know that it's unnecessary, I can get by just fine on my own. I don't need help."
He just stood up, still with his eyes trained on her.
"I knew this was coming… Okay, I'm only going to say this once, afterwards it never happened. I gave you that envelope not because you needed it, and sure as hell not because I thought you needed it. You've already proven how resourceful you are. No, I gave you that envelope not as a charity, but as a sign of respect, of trust. When we fought Etrigan, you showed me you understand the sacrifices of what we do, showed me your conviction. When you asked me to kill you, if things went wrong, you showed me you understand WHAT WE HAVE TO DO. You are one of us now, I consider you an ally and I trust you implicitly, I trust you with my life. Which is more than I can say about half the members of the Justice League. I've also seen what you mean to Dick, how he changes around you. He loves you Rachel, after everything that's happened, after everything he's been through, as much as he trusts you, that's worth my respect and trust alone. I've also come to… care about you. So don't think I gave you that without consideration, not because you needed it, but because you EARNED IT."
Rachel couldn't move, she was stunned. Nobody had ever spoke to her that way, praised her that way. Sure his voice was low and sounded angry but he wasn't, it was just his way. She felt like an idiot, she meant to defend herself, stand her ground, and show she didn't need help from anyone. And Bruce just told her it wasn't because he thought she needed help. She wanted to slip away, pop up her hood and blend in but it was just the two of them. Where would she go? Just before she could figure out an escape route the door opened and Dick came walking in. They both turned to face him, he was playing with his phone and had a PowerAde in his other hand. He slid the phone into his pocket and looked to Rachel.
"Picked you up something to drink from the café, catch Rae."
He threw the bottle at her, she was still stunned from Bruce's words and fumbled with the bottle in her hands and dropped it.
"Nice hands Rae, I thought your reflexes were faster than that?"
She just stared at the bottle on the ground. He could feel something was wrong with her through the link, like she was distracted.
"Hey, you okay? You seem distracted."
She picked the bottle up and fussed with the cap.
"N- No, I'm good. Just, caught me off guard is all."
"If you say so. Bruce I think it's time for us to head out, you need anything?"
"Thanks Dick, but I don't think I need anything. I have a few more meetings today but then I'll be heading home, you two headed back to the manor?"
"Eventually, I'm starting to get a little hungry so we'll probably swing by somewhere to get food but then we'll head home."
"Alright. I'll see you guys back at home. Thanks for stopping by."
Dick motioned to Rachel and they began walking out of the office, they walked passed Macy who had that smile on her face as they walked away. They got into the elevator and dick hit the button for the lobby. Rachel looked to him as the elevator headed down.
"If we're going for lunch, I'm buying."