Chapter 7: We're The Same
After the circus incident, Dick Grayson was escorted to GCPD where so many news hogs were desperate to interview him to get better intel on what exactly happened and how he was doing which is the absolute last thing he need right now. The only ones who the police were allowing to talk to him were Commissioner Loeb, Captain Gordon, and Harvey Dent who were all trying their best to make sure he was as comfortable as possible and to keep the insensitive news people out. Dick just sat in there in silence with tears still streaming down his cheeks. He kept reliving that moment where he saw his parents shot and then fell to their deaths right before his eyes. "Insensitive pricks! They should leave this kid alone and allow him to grieve!", Dent said. "That's what news media are. They have no life other than looking for people to interview even at the worst of times.", Loeb said. "How is he doing anyway?", Loeb asked. "Just as you'd expect, I guess. Poor kid saw his parents killed right in front of him.", Gordon said. "You know, this reminds me of what happened to Bruce Wayne all those years ago. I remember you comforted him when you were just a rookie, Gordon. Maybe you can help this kid out too.", Loeb suggested. Gordon then walked towards Dick and sat beside him. "How are you feeling? Can I get you anything?", Gordon asked. "No, I'm fine. Thanks.", Dick replied. "I know it was horrible what you saw and I promise you that the man who did this is being sent straight to jail where hopefully he'll rot.", Gordon said. A knock came at the door and Harvey answered it. "Bruce? What are you doing here?", Harvey asked. "I came because I heard about what happened to the Flying Graysons. Only the youngest survived, but he watched his family get killed. At least, that's what I heard.", Bruce said. "Yes, that's what happened. Where did you go anyway? You just vanished when the circus was being taken over.", Harvey asked. "I snuck out to try to get help and the police arrived shortly after.", Bruce said to avoid suspicion of him being Batman. Bruce looked over and saw Gordon sitting next to a crying Dick and it was almost like he saw him as an eight year old and a younger Gordon sitting together again after his own parents were killed because it was the exact same situation. "I was actually hoping to talk to him if that's okay.", Bruce asked. "Why do you want to talk to him?", Loeb asked. "Because in case you forget, Commissioner; the exact same thing happened to me when I was even younger than him. I know exactly what he's going through more than anyone else.", Bruce said. "I haven't forgotten. I was actually just mentioning to Gordon this is exactly like that. Maybe you could comfort this kid right now. Go ahead.", Loeb permitted. Bruce walked over to Dick who was still sitting with Gordon. "Mr. Grayson, I'm Bruce Wayne.", Bruce introduced himself and held out his hand. It took a little while before Dick responded to this gesture, but he eventually shook the man's hand and gave a weak, "Hi.". "Jim, can I have a minute with him?", Bruce asked Gordon. "Sure. I'm sure you can probably relate to him more than anyone.", Gordon said as he got up and patted Bruce's shoulder. Bruce sat down next to Dick and began to speak, "I am so sorry about what happened to your parents tonight. They should not have been taken away from you like they were.", Bruce said. "Yeah, thanks, but I don't really need some rich guy's sympathy right now.", Dick said rudely cutting Bruce off. "Believe me, I know what you're going through right now. The same thing happened to me when I was 10 years younger than you. My parents were killed right in front of me by a criminal who was trying to rob them in an alley. I felt like my whole world ended right before my eyes which I know is how you're feeling right now.", Bruce said. Dick then began to listen more as Bruce was sharing his traumatic experience. "I think I do remember hearing something about that. I'm sure that must've been terrifying when you were just eight.", Dick said. "It was beyond terrifying. I still can see it as clearly as it was when it first happened whenever I close my eyes.", Bruce said. "I just don't understand why can that bastard did something so horrible to my parents.", Dick said. "I don't know. It's this city. There's something wrong with it", Bruce said as he was saying the exact same words Gordon said to him all those years ago. "But it's slowly working on getting better because we have good men like Commissioner Loeb, Captain Gordon, and District Attorney Dent doing what they can to make Gotham a better place.", Bruce said. "That's good to know, but what does that have to do with me?", Dick asked. "My point is that even when things seem as dark as they do now, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Just always remember there is hope and know that it all will be okay. That's what I learned when I was going through what you are now. We're the same, Richard. Is it alright if I call you Richard?", Bruce said and then asked. "Actually, most people call me Dick and that's what I prefer.", Dick said. "Okay, Dick.", Bruce said. "I appreciate your words, Mr. Wayne. Thank you.", Dick said giving a slight smile. "Please call me Bruce.", Bruce said. "Okay, Bruce.", Dick said. "I also wanted to ask where were you planning on staying? I imagine you don't want to go back to the circus after tonight?", Bruce asked. "I hadn't really planned on going back. The only reason I stayed in the circus was my parents and now they're gone. There's nothing for me there now.", Dick said. "Well, you're more than welcome to stay at my house until you get back on your feet. I have plenty of guest rooms and you don't have to worry about paying me rent or anything.", Bruce said. "You would do that for me?", Dick asked. "Of course. I'd be more than happy to.", Bruce said who gave Dick a smile and Dick gave one back. While Bruce and Dick were talking and bonding, Loeb, Gordon, and Dent were all conversing outside the door. "Sounds like Wayne will be taking care of the kid.", Loeb said. "Good ol' Bruce. Always knows when to give a helping hand.", Harvey said. "I know you said other than the ringmaster and the Graysons being killed, there was a special effects worker who was seriously burnt and is now at Gotham General?", Loeb asked. "Yes, Commissioner. Security footage showed he tried to defend himself with some kind of pyrotechnics device, but it blew up after Zucco threw a knife at it. His burns were pretty bad, but doctors think he'll pull through.", Gordon answered. "Well, just keep me posted on that, Jim.", Loeb said. "I will.", Gordon replied.