Title: Misty Eyed Adventures
Author: Rimau
Email address: rimaufic@yahoo.co.uk
Rating: R
Fandom: Batman and Robin
Pairing: Bruce/Dick, Batman/Robin
Date: December 1998 (revised April 2000)
Sequel: To 'Sunset Dreams'. If you haven't read it this won't make any sense. So go and read it! Now!!
Disclaimers: Not mine, borrowed without permission, am not making any money. Please don't sue!
Summary: Dick tries to heal his wings and deal with homophobes and a new villain at the same time.
Author's webpage: http://www.rimau.aeglos.org/

The reason to split the Batman -story into two parts was the need to change the POV... So be warned. It's not just like SD. For one thing, it has many naughty words in it. And it's also a little gloomier, considering Dick's condition. Wouldn't call it a h/c, though. And I think this story should have a 'mushy ending'-warning. If you don't like those, don't read the epilogue.

Oh, and the director, Mr. S. You know who he is.

Well, now. I think there are a few things I should tell you before you read this little thing:

~ First of all, this story is completely based on the four movies. Not the Comic books, not the old series.

~ Second, I did write about Clooney (we're born on the same date and all...) but as always, you can use your own imagination and so on.

~ Third point (the usual) is this. Don't own the characters. Don't own the place. Sure as hell wish I owned George Clooney, but we can't have everything now can we...

I'd like to dedicate this story to one of my friends at school. Sunset Dreams was the first slash story she ever read and now I've corrupted her. Welcome to the club, K.

Once again, thank you Raonaid for betaing!!!

---

Misty Eyed Adventures by: Rimau

---

After watching Bruce date Julie for months and suffering in silence, cursing this stupid, unrequited love, it was strange to wake up in his arms. Not that I was complaining, though. It was the first night without nightmares since...

When Bruce woke up, after I had slipped out of the bed and visited the can, for a second I had the dreadful feeling that he thought last night had been just a mistake. That he didn't really love me. I was ready to cry, to jump off the roof. And then he walked to me and kissed me. Oh, man! Nope, he didn't regret it at all.

I pulled my crumpled clothes on. He had some meeting, and I had a class I had to attend to. I was ready to stay home, but I knew how much Bruce's work meant to him, and I quietly left his room, closed the door behind me and leaned against it. I closed my eyes and sighed, smiling. It had really happened. I had spent the night with Bruce! All the suffering was finally over, the hiding, the brooding, the pain. I knew that I was in a hurry, needed to grab a shower, but I wanted to savor the moment.

"Master Dick?"

I opened my eyes and blushed. I hadn't even heard Al approaching. I didn't know how to explain why I was leaning on Bruce's door with a dreamy expression and stammered, "Oh, hi Al! I...I was just going to take a shower..."

He raised an eyebrow. "I see."

Damn! I could go to my bathroom straight from my room and there was no reason why I'd be running around in the hallway, fully dressed, with a backpack hanging on my shoulder, looking for a place to bathe. It was time for some quick thinking.

"Ah, I...Ummm..." Oh, great. Barbara always joked that on the sidekick department, she was the brain and I was the muscle. She was probably right.

Al smiled. "I understand. I'm glad things worked out for you two."

My jaw almost hit my knees.

"Well, hurry up. The breakfast is almost ready." There was an amused glint in his eyes as he walked to the stairs.

I shook my head. Apparently Al knew about everything that went on in the house. I didn't really mind, though. And it wasn't like I hadn't talked to him about my feelings before. Just not about Bruce.

I took a quick shower and pulled on clean jeans. I brushed my teeth and that's when I noticed the huge red marks on my throat. Oh shit! I looked like I had had a date with a vacuum cleaner! I would never had thought of that of Bruce. I was glad it was autumn, so no one would question my choice of clothing, and I grabbed a turtleneck and then headed to the kitchen.

I swung the kitchen door open and promptly ran into my... Bruce. I touched his hand as an apology and then sat down to eat. Barbara was reading the morning paper and she just glanced at me and nodded. At least she hadn't figured out what had happened between Bruce an me. I went through last night in my mind and spied Bruce from the corner of my eyes. He looked the same as always. That puzzled me. I had thought I'd see him somehow differently now that he was my...

"Something funny?"

Uh oh. He had noticed me staring. "Yes."

He looked amused. "Want to share it with me?"

I nodded gravely. "Maybe later." Much later. And not while there was an audience.

I didn't really want to go to school. The last few days had been hell. Everyone had been talking about me. It wasn't Blake's story that bothered me the most. I mean that of course it did bother me, more than I can describe, but what really made me edgy was all the speculation on the thing that had happened on the train. Yeah. All my friends who tried to support me in spite of the 'rumor' tried to avoid talking of Bruce and me by asking my opinion on if Robin was a murderer or not. As if blaming myself wasn't enough.

And I still was blaming myself. I knew I had done the only thing possible,

but that knowledge didn't change the way I felt.

But I knew that I couldn't hide at home forever and so I did what every good little student would have done: packed my books into my backpack and headed to school.

I had always hated school. No matter which one - elementary, high school, the U. It was always just a 'school' to me. I didn't hate the actual studying, but the way people usually treated me and the other guys from the circus. We were outcasts to the 'normal' people. Now I had finally found a place where I was considered just one of the guys and then this damn rumor-mess ruined that. Well, almost ruined. I still had many friends at school, but the few idiots that thought that my 'faggoty ass' should be thrown out made my life hell.

I studied psychology. Astonishing, isn't it? People always looked so stunned when I told them about my field of interest. It was very interesting and I was extremely good at it, but I had chosen it for only one reason, to be able to help Batman profile the villains. Everything in my life had been centered around that for the past three years and now... I still enjoyed studying psychology even though I wasn't able to use what I had learned. The whole morning was spent in listening to a lecture about Freud and Jung.

The afternoon was a different thing. I had taken a course in poetry. I wanted to surprise my partner and try to learn to be as suave and debonair as he was. Of course I hadn't really even known what those two little words meant until I took that course, so maybe the poetry-thing was worth attending to.

Our teacher was this cool old middle-aged guy who used to read us stuff with the feeling that the poem described. Every time he read romantic poetry, all the girls in the class drooled, and he wasn't even all that handsome. That day we did some image exercises. You know, we listened to classical music and then tried to write something that came to mind. I'm not all that verbally creative, but for some reason my head was full of romantic stuff that day and I even managed to put some of it in the paper. I wonder why.

The classes ended at four PM and I wandered down the hall, trying to find Barbara. I heard someone call my name and I turned around to see her walking towards me with a piece of paper on her hand and a big smile on her face.

"What's so funny?"

She shook her head. "I was in the computer lab and I just got an e-mail from Kevin. He asked me to go out this weekend."

Ah, the guy she had met in the hospital. The nurse. Barbara had mentioned to me a few days ago that she had finally called him and that he had sounded 'nice'. "It seems he's more serious about this than you thought."

"Yes, that's what it seems." She looked a little embarrassed. Then she grinned. "I can't wait to tell uncle Alfred. He'll be overjoyed to hear that I'm seeing someone normal."

I punched her in the shoulder. "You mean we're not normal?"

She laughed and started to say something, but a voice from behind me interrupted her.

"Hey, Grayson!"

I turned around just in time to catch something that Ted Kemper, one of the idiots that had been calling me 'fucking fag' ever since that damn article had been in the paper, threw at me.

"Good catch, fag. That thing came in the mail and I just thought that since I don't have any use for that, maybe you would. This way you don't have to feel like kept man with your zillionaire 'daddy'." His friends snickered.

I looked at the thing I had caught. Almond scented massage oil? That asshole had thrown me a bottle of lubricant? I stared at the bottle for a few seconds and then raised my eyes to Kemper's. "Thank you." I put it in my pocket and calmly walked away.

Barbara ran after me. "Dick? Are you all right?"

I ignored her completely. I couldn't explain her how I felt, since I didn't really know how I felt. We walked to our bikes and headed home.

When we finally got to the Manor, I went straight into the living room. I laid the massage oil on the table and stared at it, lost in thoughts.

I noticed Bruce had walked in, but I didn't react to his presence in any way. I just stared at that damn bottle.

I heard Barbara explain the situation to Bruce with a low voice and then the sofa cushions moved as he sat next to me. Barbara exited the room, muttering something about getting some tea.

"Dick? Are you all right?" There was concern in his voice and...just a trace of fear. Oh, man! I looked up to his face and shook my head. "Do you want to talk about it?"

I nodded.

He sat there, waiting patiently for me to collect my thoughts.

"I... When that idiot Kemper tossed that bottle to me, the first thing that came to my mind was; 'Good. Now I don't have to go and buy this!'"

I saw Bruce's throat move as he swallowed. "Did you say that?" His voice was calm. Too calm.

I shook my head. "No. But I almost did."

"So what's the problem?"

I got up and began to pace. "The problem is that I wanted to say that. I wanted to say something..." I wasn't even sure what I meant anymore.

"You wanted to show him that he didn't manage to hurt you?"

"Yeah." That was it.

"So why didn't you?"

I stopped pacing and stared at him with my mouth open. "What?"

His expression was serious, but there was laughter in his eyes. "I said, 'why...'"

"I heard what you said!" I interrupted him. I couldn't believe he had said that!! Bruce 'I guard my privacy with deadly force' Wayne asked me why I had kept silent about being with him?

He sighed. "I guess we should have had this conversation this morning, but I completely forgot about it." His mouth twitched and I couldn't help smiling myself. Yeah, I knew what he meant. It was pretty hard to think about mundane things when you were walking in the clouds.

"Dick, I wasn't ashamed of any of my previous relationships. I don't see any reason to be ashamed of being with you."

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I settled to a foolish grin.

"There is one thing we have to consider though."

I knew it! And I had a pretty good idea of what it was. "Batman and...Robin." My voice choked a little.

"Yes. Will this draw attention to the two of us?" He sighed. "Dick, when I... When Batman worked alone, no one ever made the connection. And after three years of working with Robin and now with Batgirl for the past months, no one has connected us to 'Gotham's Heroes'." He rolled his eyes as he said the last two words.

I had to smile at his exaggerating tone.

"People see what they want to see. And after Blake's article, people will continue to speculate about the two of us. Maybe if we don't try to hide what we are..." He frowned at my raised eyebrow. "I mean, being together! If we don't hide it, but don't advertise it overly either, soon people won't pay any attention to us anymore."

That man never ceases to amaze me! There I was, waiting for instructions for how to sneak around in the shadows to meet my secret love, and he wanted us to have a relationship in front of everyone! I felt like I could cry. He wasn't ashamed of being with me!

"I'm not ashamed of loving you either, Bruce!" I ran to him and almost jumped on top of him. I hugged him tight and kissed him noisily.

I heard Barbara returning and instinctively scrambled off him. We both sat at our corners of the sofa and began to laugh. Yeah, this was a really open relationship. Not!

As Barbara placed the tray on the table, I heard her muttering, "Men!"

That only made me laugh harder.

Dinner that evening was very different from the previous ones. Bruce and I chatted, that is, I chatted and Bruce listened with an approving little smile. Alfred was trying to hide his grin and Barbara was desperately trying to figure out what was going on.

I hadn't had much appetite the week before, and now I found out I was ravenous. I stuffed my mouth with meatloaf and munched happily.

Bruce continued smiling at me and I smiled back (in between bites). Damn, that man looked sexy even when he was eating. Especially when he was eating... I watched him cut the food and then raise the fork to his lips. He chewed and I felt heat creeping to my face. Then he swallowed, his gorgeous throat moving, and I had to fight against the urge to grab him right then and there.

I raised my gaze from his throat to his eyes and saw him staring right back at me. A little smile played at the corner of his mouth. He licked his lips and raised his fork again.

I shook my head and mouthed, 'Tease'.

His answering glare was positively smoldering.

By the time for the dessert Barbara looked curious enough to burst and after eating only two spoonfuls of ice-cream, she sighed, put down her spoon and confronted us with her usual bluntness. "All right, would one of you please tell me just when did we all move to la la land? First you two avoid each other like the plague, then Dick sulks all day and now you're doing this...stuff. What's going on in this house?"

Alfred raised his napkin to his face and tried to pretend that he was coughing. Bruce spooned his ice-cream calmly and then quirked up one eyebrow. "Dinner."

Barbara's expression was worth a fortune. "What?"

Bruce sighed. "You asked what's going on in this house. At the moment, the answer is 'dinner'."

I was howling with laughter. Damn, he was good! When I first came to live here, I had thought the guy didn't have any sense of humor. I freely admit I had been wrong.

Barbara looked like she was ready to strangle Bruce. "I mean, what's going on with you two?"

I was anxious to hear how he'd handle it. I was just glad she hadn't asked me. Even though he had said that he wasn't ashamed of being with me, I wasn't really sure of what exactly he meant with being open. Kissing and holding hands in public? Not denying the speculations? What?

Bruce put down his spoon and sighed. "Are you sure you want to know?"

Barbara looked confused. "If I didn't want to, I wouldn't have asked."

I felt the little bats fluttering in my stomach. I must have looked really scared, since Bruce reached out across the table and took my hand in his and muttered. "Relax. She's family." Still holding my hand, he calmly stated to Barbara. "Dick and I are... together."

"Together?"

Oh for goodness' sake!! I was beginning to think that maybe I was both the muscle and the brain. Then she blinked and repeated it about an octave higher. "Together? You mean together, together? Like being..."

I couldn't help grinning "Yeah, boyfriends."

Bruce kicked me under the table and I mumbled, "Sorry."

Barbara was silent for a long moment. Bruce waited for her to say something for a few minutes, then sighed and picked up his spoon.

"May I ask you..." Barbara's voice was quiet. After seeing Bruce's nod, she blushed a little and went on. "So you're bi?"

I groaned. Did she really have to ask that? And what shocked me even more was that Bruce obviously intended to answer her.

My partner shook his head. "That's something I've never understood."

Even Al looked confused.

Bruce looked at our uncomprehending faces and sighed. That little noise could get really annoying... if he weren't so damn cute. "Why should I label myself with 'gay' or 'bi' or 'straight'? Would it make someone's life better? I know who and what I am. Bruce Wayne, a billionaire. Batman, a crimefighter. And Dick Grayson's partner in everything. That's who I am and it's enough for me." His voice indicated that it was all he had to say on that subject.

And it was fine by me, since I knew that if he continued, I'd be like a quivering heap of jello at his feet. Damn that man was full of surprises!

Barbara looked at the both of us and blinked. Then a big grin spread on her face. "Cool!" She picked up her spoon and continued eating.

After the evening news (nothing important there) I yawned and stretched at the sofa. I was nervous again. Bruce had said that his bedroom was now mine too, but I wasn't sure if I should just go in there without him. I got up and looked at him imploringly. "Bruce? Are you..."

He looked at me and nodded. "Yes, I think I should get to bed too. Haven't been sleeping very much lately." He nodded at Al and got up. I was so grateful that Barbara was already upstairs. She had been teasing me when we washed the dishes and I had endured it and even laughed at some of her jokes, but now I was serious and I knew that I couldn't have stood one more smartass remark.

I motioned with my hand that Bruce should go ahead and then followed him upstairs. We reached his bedroom and he just walked in, leaving the door open. I stopped at the doorway. "Bruce?"

He turned back to me.

I really hated asking this. "About the sleeping arrangements..."

He walked to the bed, sat down and patted the mattress. I smiled and closed the door behind me. I went to sit next to him and he pulled me into a tight embrace. We kissed and then he pulled back a little. "So, I noticed you didn't bring your pajamas with you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Should I have?"

He nibbled my ear. "No. I was just checking."

I didn't need pajamas, it was awfully hot in his arms. I got up and I began to pull my clothes off. I knew how much Bruce loved neatness and threw my clothes onto a chair. My pants, however, fell on the floor and when I went to pick them up, I noticed there was something heavy in the pocket. Before I could think about what it was, I put my hand in there and pulled the little bottle of massage oil out. Oh, shit. I had completely forgotten that I had taken it from the living room table and put it in my pocket. What the hell was I going to do now? I felt heat rising on my face as I noticed that I wasn't the only one starting at the bottle.

Bruce looked amused. "Do you want a massage?"

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Great. Finally I managed to stammer, "No, I just forgot that I was carrying this around. I..." It felt really awkward to stand in front of him with that bottle in my hand, wearing only boxers, and so I put it on the nightstand. It looked really out of place there and I reached for it again.

"Dick." Bruce's voice stopped me. "Just leave it there. I don't think we're ready to use it just yet, but you never know what happens tomorrow, or the day after that."

I smiled at him gratefully and hugged him. I didn't want to tell him that even though this wasn't the first time I was with a guy, I had never really been with a guy before. I don't know why talking about it was so hard. It just was.

We took turns in using the can and then went to bed. I had thought that after last night we could take our time exploring each other's bodies, making it last longer, but instead we just jumped at each other. Not that I was complaining, though. Being able to feel his skin against mine, taste his kisses and then again move against his body in frantic haste was the greatest experience in my life so far. When I could once again breathe evenly , I told him that and then enjoyed seeing that I had actually rendered him speechless.

---

Bruce took the weekend off (that's two in a row. He really must love me!) and for once we could have some time just for us. Barbara spent most of the weekend with Kevin and Al was his usual discreet self and my partner and I

had all the privacy we needed. We talked a lot... well it was a lot by Bruce's standards, spent hours at the gym and made love about three times a day.

He told me about the upcoming trial against the hijackers and I said I'd think about it. The trial would begin about a month from that day and I could have a good amount of time to really think about what to do.

We didn't talk about Batman or Robin and I was grateful for that. I knew that Bruce was worried, but he let me make my own decisions. We didn't talk about what had happened on the train either, and I was grateful for that too. Apparently Bruce knew from experience that it meant more to me that he was there for me, than actually talking about the thing would have.

I still had nightmares, but not every night, and now, when I woke up shivering, I wasn't alone.

---

Bruce was awfully quiet when he came home on Monday evening. After dinner I was getting a little worried and when we got to the living room, I sat next to him and sighed. "What happened?"

He looked at me with a worried expression on his face. "I got two tickets for that special premiere on Thursday."

Ah. The 'movie of the year' had it's opening night in Gotham City, and the director and the big stars would be there. And of course the money from the tickets went to charity. Sometimes I wondered if this town took the idea of charity a bit too... glamorously. I mean why couldn't people just give money straight to orphanages and youth centers and all. Why all the fuss? "So what?"

"They are for me and my date."

"Oh. What do you want to do?" I tried to keep my voice calm, but it was a little higher than usually.

Bruce smiled. "I don't know. Whatever we decide to do, people will talk. If I go alone, they'll think I'm hiding something. If I don't go at all, they'll think I'm afraid to go to the place. That we're afraid to go. And I won't take anyone else there but you."

I heard the slight trace of hurt in his voice. The fact that Blake had accused him of using Julie as a cover-up had hit him really hard and I understood him well. "Do you want to go?" I knew he would answer honestly.

"Yes. But I understand if you don't."

Did I want to go? It was too big a question and I thought about another approach on the matter. Did I want to see the movie? Yes. Did I want to see the actors and the director? Maybe even talk to them? Hell, yes. Did I want to be the center of attention as Bruce's date? No! Did I want to be Bruce's date? Of course!

Was I afraid to be seen with him? Embarrassed? "No. I want to go too."

Seeing the look on Bruce's face was worth the fuss our public appearance would make. And I knew people would talk. After what was known as 'the lube incident' at school, people had been pretty much leaving me alone. Some of the guys still refused to talk to me, but there were no more insults or cat-calls echoing in the hallways as I passed. I hoped they wouldn't start again, but even if they did, I couldn't live my life in fear for what others might say.

---

The two days seemed to fly by and before I knew it, it was Thursday. I was a little edgy in the morning and couldn't eat a bite of breakfast. I couldn't concentrate on the classes and by time for lunch I thought I'd throw up. I didn't know why I was so nervous. I had been a performer all my life, flying trough the air to grab the trapeze, enjoying people's attention. But this was different, I wasn't being a performer anymore. I was just myself and most certainly didn't want to be criticized for being who I was.

I sat on an empty table in the cafeteria and began to eat my lunch. I didn't have any appetite, but I knew I had to eat. Fainting in front of the press that evening would be even more embarrassing than being stared at would be. When I was about half way through my lunch, six of my classmates came to sit at my table. I was a little surprised that they weren't all girls, but I just nodded at them and continued eating.

"So, Richard, are you coming to the party tonight?"

I looked at the girl who had asked, Cathy, and frowned. "What party?"

Cathy looked startled. "You mean you weren't..." Now she looked just embarrassed.

No, I wasn't invited. I hadn't even heard about it. But that wasn't her fault. "It's all right, Cathy. I wouldn't have been able to come anyway." I hadn't really intended to tell anyone, but I figured that since tomorrow everyone would know about it anyway..."I'm going to that special premiere tonight with Bruce."

Cathy and her friends looked stunned. Marcia, the youngest girl in our class, cleared her throat. "You're going with...Bruce?"

I nodded.

One of the guys, Peter raised his eyebrow. "Oh, man! You mean you're really..."

I almost grimaced. What? Queer?

"...gonna see the big S? That's awesome! I wish I had the chance to see him too!"

The others nodded. I looked at them and didn't see anything else than honest envy on their faces. That made me feel a lot better and I spent the rest of the lunch break chatting with them. I promised to tell the director their message, 'we love your stuff, man', and left the cafeteria thinking that maybe the evening wouldn't be a total disaster.

I felt all right - until I got home. I didn't stay downstairs, but instead I ran up to my old bedroom and began to get ready for the evening. Yeah, like there was something that would get me ready to face the people...

Walking down the stairs and once again handing the annoying tie to Bruce felt like a déjà vu. This time making my outfit look perfect took a little more time than it had the last time and we were both a little out of breath when the tie was finally tied. At this rate I would never bother to learn to tie that damn thing on my own. Letting Bruce do it was much too fun.

Al was waiting for us outside with the limousine. We climbed in and sat comfortably and then we were on our way. I looked at Bruce a little enviously and wished I could be as calm as he was. It was almost as he heard my thoughts and he turned to face me with a wry little smile. "Don't let the appearance fool you. I'm really terrified."

I blinked. It was so unlike him to say such a thing, but it did make me feel better. I took his hand into mine. I let go only when it was time to get out of the car.

Al stopped the limo right in front of the movie theatre and Bruce got out first. I heard reporters yelling questions and saw the flashes as the photographers snapped pictures of him. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.

A complete silence fell to the crowd that had gathered in front of the theatre. Bruce turned to smile at me and then closed the car door. He didn't say anything, we weren't even touching really, but we did walk closer to each other than usually. And still no one made a sound.

We went inside and I couldn't help a smug little smile spreading to my lips. That went a lot better than I had expected. We climbed up the stairs and then Bruce handed our tickets to the usher. Well, he was the person who was invited. I was just the date. That meant that he did all the work, like taking care of the tickets, and I just had to stand by him and look beautiful.

The usher showed us our box (right next to the actors) and we sat down. I leaned closer to Bruce. "That went well."

He shook his head. "Don't get too confident. They were just stunned. Wait until the movie ends and there'll be the traditional 'let's all mingle in the big room and pretend we're having a ball'."

Shit! I felt once again Bruce's hand on mine, and squeezed it tight.

The movie theatre was almost full now and many people thought that staring at us was a lot more interesting than watching the stars of the evening. I didn't know whether to smile at their stunned faces or just ignore them. I decided to go with the latter. Funny, now that we actually were in the middle of people, the staring didn't bother me anymore.

Finally everyone was in and then the Mayor made a little speech about the importance of realistic movies. We all listened politely and then sighed with relief as the lights went out.

The film was really good. I was so enthralled by it, I was a little bemused when it ended and the lights came back. I sniffed and was glad to have the hankie handed to me by my considerate partner. I smiled at him and blew my nose. I pocketed the hankie and leaned closer to Bruce to say thanks and heard a collective gasp from all the other people in the theatre. I saw Bruce smile and couldn't help an identical smirk spreading on my face. What were the people thinking? That I'd kiss him? That we'd spent all the hours necking in the dark instead of actually paying attention to the film? I wasn't an exhibitionist, and neither was Bruce!

We got up and walked out of the box. We met Mr. S and the actors in the hallway, and I tell you, it felt weird to speak to a guy you just saw dying on screen and had even cried a little for him. We talked for about ten minutes (I even got a few autographs for my friends, and no, I didn't ask for them, they offered. I'm telling you, these people were nice!) and then walked to the lobby where the buffet was.

The first person that approached us was Kim, the Mayor's daughter. She smiled impishly and kissed me on the cheek. Then she did the same for Bruce. I was really surprised when she congratulated us and then asked us to come and talk with her dad. I guess she was happy that she hadn't lost me to another woman.

The Mayor acted like he always did. He was very friendly, but not fawning like most people did when they talked to 'Mr. Wayne'. He did make an effort to discreetly emphasize that he understood that Bruce and I were a couple and that he had no objections.

I'm not saying that everything went as well. I had to excuse myself a few minutes later and went to the toilet. There were separate stalls (for which I was grateful) and while I did what people usually do in the can, I heard some really unflattering remarks about our 'nerve' to show up. Hearing that from the mouths of the people who had smiled at me when there had been others around pissed me off and I guess I don't have to say that I wasn't in the best mood when I went back to find my 'partner in crime'.

I saw that Bruce was talking to a tall blond man. My partner looked a little annoyed too and I decided to go a little closer so I could hear them, but still let them talk in private. I really didn't want to act like a 'jealous boyfriend' by interrupting their conversation. I heard the rest of the blond man's sentence. "...don't apologize. The people have the right to know. You do support the freedom of press, don't you Mr. Wayne?"

Bruce smiled politely. "Of course, Mr. Blake."

So this was Alan Blake. I wanted to go there and kick his ass, but I knew

that would only make things worse. And it would give him another scandal story. But I did want to do something.

The reporter raised his eyebrows. "So, Mr. Wayne. Where's your date?" His voice was full of malice.

Whatever Bruce would say, it would only encourage the bastard. I decided that I had the right to intervene, no, to revenge, and spoil his scheme to get yet another article full of hints and half-truths on our expense. I walked to Bruce's side and wrapped my arm around his waist. "I'm right here. Richard Grayson. I don't think I have the... pleasure?"

Blake looked shocked. He blinked a few times and then managed to stammer, "Alan Blake."

I smiled. "Ah. Are you in the movie business too?"

I felt Bruce shake with suppressed laughter. He looked at me and shook his head. "Mr. Blake is a reporter. He's gossip Gerty's substitute."

I was glad he had realized where I was going. My smile twisted into a patronizing smirk. "You write the gossip pages? That's probably why I've never heard of you. I never read that tra...thing." I didn't even bother to look apologetic. "Bruce, could we go and get something to eat? I'm starving. Or did you still have something to talk about with this... reporter?"

"No, we can go. It's been a pleasure talking to you again, Mr. Blake." Bruce nodded at him and we walked away together. We stopped at the buffet and got two glasses of orange juice. I also grabbed a little pastry, even though I really wasn't all that hungry.

Bruce was tense and he refused to look me in the face. I took a deep breath. "I'm sorry if I didn't handle that like you would have wanted me to, but I couldn't resist it. The bastard deserved that."

"I'm not upset." Bruce's voice was a little choked. "I think you were excellent! And as a young, 'ignorant' student, you'll get away with it as I, 'the sophisticated billionaire' couldn't." His eyes tinkled with mirth and he took a deep breath to prevent the laughter from bubbling out. In a few seconds he had himself back under control. "We're old news now that we're not denying our relationship. He can't write another story without being told that he's just repeating himself. How did you figure that out?"

"I was taught by the master." I raised my glass. I must admit that Bruce's observation went a little deeper than my plan, but now that I thought about it, I had to admit he was right. Whatever Blake wrote now wouldn't be considered as great an insight into our relationship. His fifteen minutes in the spotlight were used up. And that thought made me feel really good!

---

We made the front page! Well, actually the main article was about the 'great director', but it was clear that the photographer hadn't thought of Mr. S as he had taken the picture that accompanied the article. Yes, Mr. S was in the picture too, but so were Bruce and I. Actually I think we looked kinda cute. I still had my right arm on his waist and he was smiling at me.

We were mentioned seven times in that article and always in a positive way. The reporter didn't hide the fact that we were a couple, but she made it sound that like it was...normal. Like it was a domestic thing that everyone already knew. I thought I should send her flowers or something.

I ate breakfast quickly and made sure that I was really early at school. I didn't want to walk trough the hallway when there already was a crowd waiting, and so I was the first person standing behind the classroom. About eight fifteen people started to arrive and even though many of them stared at me, no one said anything to me. That was a little unnerving. I didn't know whether that was a good or a bad sign.

Cathy and Peter walked towards me hand in hand and as soon as they saw me, Cathy whistled. "There he is! Richard, you really look good in a tux!"

Can you believe I actually blushed? I shook my head theatrically. "Don't try to sweet-talk, miss. I'm already taken."

"So is she!" Peter glared at me playfully and then punched me at the shoulder. "So you really did meet Mr. S! How was he?"

"He was just cool! And it was awesome to see the actors too, especially right after seeing the movie!" I reached for my backpack, took out two sheets of paper and I handed one to each of them.

They just stared at them for a moment and then Cathy yelped like someone had stabbed her. "Oh my god, Richard! Are these real?" Peter just held his paper tight.

Some people near us looked at us with a curious look on their faces and when I told Cathy that the autographs were really real, a crowd began to form around us. And they all talked about me seeing Mr. S.

Of course there were questions about Bruce, but after I just said that of course I had gone to the premiere with him and that yes, we were a couple, my classmates seemed to lose interest. Some of the guys still muttered something about us, but the consensus was that it was okay for me to be with Bruce.

And even though I hate to admit it, I was relieved. No matter how many times I had told myself that peoples' opinions didn't really matter, it did. Not so much that I would have tried to live my life to their expectations, but on some level it did matter.

Maybe everything would be fine now.

---

Our peaceful life was interrupted two days later. A new villain came to Gotham.

A bomb went off near the GJB (Gotham's Justice Building). A few hours later someone 'freed' almost all the patients from Arkham's West wing. I was glad the East wing was still all right. That's where all the really dangerous prisoners were: Nygma, Isley and such.

Bruce didn't come home that night. It wasn't all that hard to guess where he had gone, but that didn't mean that I didn't stay up almost all night and worry. I watched the late night news and found out that both attacks had been made by the same man who called himself 'the Liberator'. That was one hell of a name, it made me squirm with laughter. Yeah, right. I bet the next thing he'd 'liberate' would be something valuable and untraceable. Like money from a bank.

I had mixed feelings on staying home. I knew that my wings hadn't healed enough to carry me yet, but I also knew that if something happened to Batman, I would blame myself for it until the day I died. During that night I went many times to the silver cabinet and stood there, my hand barely an inch from the button that opened the door to the Cave. But I couldn't push it. I knew that once I stepped trough that door, I'd have to stop hiding from what had happened, and I wasn't ready to face myself on that level yet.

Finally I went to bed. It felt wrong to lie there alone but after a few hours I dozed off. I woke up in Bruce's arms and was glad he was asleep and didn't have to witness me crying.

It was really hard to go to school next morning. I didn't want to let Bruce out of my sight, but I felt I had no right to ask him to stay home with me. I felt dreadful. I spent all day brooding about the situation with Robin and finally decided that I had to try to make my wings heal faster.

That evening dinner was a quiet occasion. I had heard at school that Batman hadn't caught the Liberator and that made me feel awkward. Usually Bruce, Barbara and I talked about the criminals even when we were out of the suits, but not this time. Both of them were very careful to not push me into anything.

I helped Al with the dishes and then marched to the living room, with the intention of letting them know that walking on eggshells around me annoyed me far more than the situation with the newest creep in town. I didn't get to finish even the first sentence, before I saw the unusual brightness in the sky.

Both Barbara and Bruce glanced at me anxiously. I just smiled. "Be careful out there." They nodded and ran to the Cave.

I turned the TV on and flipped through the channels until I found one that showed local news. Surprise, surprise, the Liberator was on the move again. Shit!

This time I didn't allow myself to think. I just walked to the cabinet and barged in. My hand hit the button and the door rolled open. I stepped one step forward and then my feet refused to co-operate with me. I was shaking so bad, I decided to sit down for a moment.

I sat there, at the top of the stairs and tried to stop trembling. It took a long time, but finally I was able to get up and continue inside the Cave.

It looked the same it had before. The computers, the cubicles, even the shower room. I walked through the whole Cave, ran my fingers over the smooth surfaces of the tables, felt the faint smell of gas at the platform where the Batmobile usually was. It was like I was trying to get familiar with the place and I guess in a way I was. There were two places I avoided, though. My own little closet and the place the Redbird stood. I wasn't ready for that yet.

I was there for a long time and then returned to the house. I sat on the sofa and once again searched for the news.

---

Next morning wasn't any easier than the previous one had been, but this time I put an end to the silence. I looked at my little family and sighed. "The fact that I wasn't with you last night doesn't mean that I don't want to hear what happened. I'm not going to break into tears if you mention Batman or Batgirl or the Cave."

Bruce smiled a little. "Sorry, Dick. It's just that there's not very much to tell. The Liberator attacked the Gotham art museum and took all the Picassos. Nothing else was touched. Then he blew up a liquor store two blocks from the museum." It seemed that talking about the previous night's events was almost painful for him. That was strange.

I shook my head. "I don't see the connection."

"There is no connection," Barbara answered. "He's just running around Gotham destroying things and making a big noise. It's almost like he doesn't want anything else but the attention. I believe that's why we haven't been able to get him yet. It's hard to guess where he'll show up next."

Bruce looked like he was going to say something, but instead he took a sip of his coffee. Then he got up. "Excuse me, but I have to get going." He grimaced. "Another 'interesting' meeting."

I let him go without a word. I knew he was worried about me, but I didn't want him to be. After my last night's visit to the Cave, I felt confident that I would fly again soon. But I didn't want to get him all excited about it before I was absolutely certain and I decided not to talk to Bruce about 'business' again until my wings would hold.

School was okay. The psychology class was very interesting, as usual, and our teacher gave a three hour lecture about the mental state of various criminals. I had to concentrate on her words, but in the afternoon, when I was doing a project with Cathy and Peter, my thoughts began to wander. After we had finished for the day, I walked to my bike and headed home. I was thinking more and more about the night a few weeks ago when I had killed a man and realized that I couldn't really focus on it without... Without Robin.

I threw my backpack into one of the studies and then headed to the kitchen. Al was washing vegetables and I raised my eyebrows. "Isn't that usually Barbara's job?"

Al smiled. "She's not going to be home for dinner. She's out somewhere with Kevin."

I couldn't help smiling. Apparently their 'little thing' wasn't as little as Barbara had let me think. I wondered when she'd have the guts to bring Kevin home. Apparently she didn't want to scare him with the size of the Manor.

I asked Al if he needed any help, but he just laughed. "Go on and exercise or something. The dinner will be a little late tonight. Master Bruce called and told me he won't be home until eight."

That was good to hear. I'd have plenty of time to go and... Go and remember.

It was easier this time. I walked into the Cave and looked around. I took a deep breath and walked to the closet my Robin-outfits and other stuff were in. I rested my forehead on the door and then sighed. This had to be done right now.

I opened the door and the first thing I saw was the black cape. I reached out slowly and touched it. I pushed it aside and looked at my suit. Then I sat on the floor and sighed. "This is really hard for me. I wish I could let you rest longer and heal more properly, but I can't. Feeling this empty, horrid void inside every time Batman goes out without you... without me, is killing me!" I felt my eyes burn and did nothing to stop the tears from falling. This was why I had gone there. I cried like a baby and for the first time I wailed for the injustice of the situation.

It was so unfair! I hadn't meant to kill that man! I hadn't wanted to kill that man. I hated myself for killing him!!!

Then I thought about Bruce, the man I loved, and Batman, the man that was part of him, and I remembered the moment when I saw the hijacker holding him down, holding the gun at his face. And I finally admitted to myself that if I had to live that moment again, I'd still do the same. I would do anything to save Bruce. Robin would do the same for Batman.

And that was it. Denying Robin's existence didn't change anything. It wouldn't change the fact that a man was dead and that another one was still alive. It didn't change the fact that Batman needed Robin.

I needed Robin.

I got up from the floor and wiped my face with my cape. It seemed proper somehow. I closed the door and smiled a little.

I heard a noise and walked to the computer. It showed the Batmobile was approaching and I cursed. Why hadn't Al warned me? Even though I was now more in peace with myself than I had been for weeks, I was not prepared to face Batman, and I didn't want to hurt him either. Bruce had mentioned Robin after that dreadful night only about two or three times and even then with great reluctance. I didn't know how Batman would react TO my presence in the Cave.

Realizing I wouldn't reach the door in time, I decided that my only option was to hide behind one of the larger computer consoles. I squatted down just in time as the Batmobile speeded in.

I had to look. I saw the familiar figure of Batman get out of the car and walk towards the closet where all the Batsuits were kept. I figured that I could get out of the Cave as soon as he was in the shower. A few feet from his closet he hesitated, turned to the left and then stopped in front of my closet. My eyes widened as I saw him raise his hand and lay it on the same door I had rested against just minutes earlier.

"I miss you." It was almost a whisper, but I could still hear it. And I could hear the pain in his voice. I closed my eyes, but I couldn't help hearing him. "Every time I turn around, I expect you to be there, and when you're not..." He bowed his head. When he continued, his voice was choked. "It was so much easier to go out into the night with you by my side. I didn't have to watch my back, didn't have to worry about being alone. Please, Robin. Come back to me!"

I felt a tear trickle down my cheek. I hadn't had any idea that he missed me that much. He had never mentioned a word! He had been strong for me, so I could sort out my feelings in peace. And at what cost?

He stood in front of the closet for a long time and then went to change. As soon as I heard the sound of the shower, I bolted. I ran upstairs, pulled my clothes off and hurried into the bathroom. Somehow I felt like I needed a shower too and I let the water run over me and wash me clean. I now realized that even though he almost never showed them, Bruce had... No, Batman had strong feelings towards me...Robin. It was almost a schizophrenic thought and I had to laugh at it. 'They loved us'. But it was true. And 'we' loved 'them' too. With us, one had to take the whole package. Anything less wasn't enough.

I washed myself quickly, changed into clean clothes and got into the kitchen just in time to help Al set the table. I smiled at Bruce when he walked in and kissed him on the cheek. He looked at me with a curious expression on his face, but I just patted his shoulder and went to get myself a plateful of food. During the dinner Bruce's demeanor was the usual, calm and confident. There was no trace of the grief I had witnessed earlier. I wondered if he'd ever reveal to me his deepest, truest feelings and decided that if he didn't, or couldn't, I'd just have to learn how to read him a little better.

We watched the evening news and I thanked every single God my friends at the circus had believed in for the lack of any new sightings of the Liberator. We cuddled on the sofa for a while and then went to upstairs before Barbara would come home. I knew that if I heard the expression, 'boffing like bunnies' one more time, I would get physical. And not in a nice way.

I pulled my clothes off and gained an approving smile from Bruce when I actually managed to fold them neatly. I lay on the bed and watched him undress, admiring his gorgeous body. He noticed that I was watching and smiled. "So, what do you think?"

I let my gaze glide over his frame, and grinned. "There's nothing I see, but perfection." He looked pleased and I saw his face turn pinkish. I guess that poetry thing worked in the bedroom too.

He sat next to me and I reached up to pull him into an embrace. I held him tight and whispered, "I love you. I really do." I saw his eyes darken and he tried to swallow. I didn't want to give him a chance to say anything, so I kissed him hungrily and felt him respond immediately. He stretched out next to me and I pushed him on his back. He looked a little startled when I straddled him and held him down. "Please, Bruce. Let me do this to you!"

He nodded and I leaned down to kiss him. I enjoyed the taste of his mouth and thought I could spend the whole night exploring it. But I had other things in mind. One last kiss on the lips and then nibbled my way down his neck. He followed me with his intense gaze and I promised myself that before I was finished he wouldn't be able to focus on anything.

I ran my fingers across his chest and then latched my mouth onto his nipple. I teased it for a few minutes and then moved to the other one. I heard his breath quicken and smiled a little. It was good to know he appreciated my efforts. I wondered if I could get him a little more vocal and slid lower. For a moment I just watched him and then touched him gently. He sighed and began to raise his hips to my touch. I felt the sheets move and saw that he had grabbed the covers into his fists, squeezing tight.

When I felt him settling into a steady, familiar rhythm, I leaned closer and whispered, "You look so wonderful. Now look at me. Look what I'm doing to you." I saw his eyes on mine and then lowered my head. As my lips met the tip of his erection, I heard him gasp my name.

I kissed his hardness, nibbled it, licked the whole length of it and then finally took as much of it into my mouth as I could and began to move my head up and down. I felt his hand on the back of my head, not trying to control my movements, but encouraging me to go on, and I increased the suction. I had never felt so powerful as I felt that moment, giving this pleasure to Bruce, asking him to let go and trust me.

And he did. He began to thrust up faster and he moved his hands from my head to my shoulders. His grip tightened and a strangled moan escaped from his lips. I felt his hand let go of my left shoulder and looked up. My gods, I don't think I'll ever forget the expression on Bruce's face. He was biting his fist, trying to muffle his cries and his eyes were closed. Me and my mouth were the only things in his world at that moment.

"Wait, Dick. I'm..."

I understood that it was a warning, but I didn't want to let him go until it was really over, and maybe not even then. I felt him tense and then tasted his completion in my mouth. I swallowed it all and then kissed his softening member.

I moved to lie next to him and wrapped my arms around him.

He lay on his back, trying to catch his breath and then I felt his hand moving down my body. I gasped and looked into his eyes as he began to stroke me. His eyes were full of joy and love and it felt like I could drown in them. And then I was drowning, wave after wave of ecstasy rushing over my body.

There were no words for what I felt and afterwards we just held onto each other.

---

I had an exam the next morning, and even though I hadn't had much time to study for it, I felt like it went well. I had some spare time before the lunch and I was finally able to go to the library and make reservations for all the books we were required to read for the poetry class.

I was in a good mood when I strolled to the cafeteria. I had only one class left and then I could go home. Since there was an important football game in Gotham stadium, the TV in the cafeteria was on and no one would pay any attention to me. Barbara had left an hour ago and I could eat in peace.

I grabbed a tray, loaded it with food (hey, I was still a growing young man) and sat down. As I munched the sandwich, I leafed through my notes. The teacher had said something about a pop quiz...

I finished my meal and got up. I was walking across the room towards the garbage can, when I heard the 'News'- tune from the TV and turned to see what was going on.

The expression of the announcer was grave. "We interrupt the program with a special news bulletin."

I heard groans from all around me.

"Just a few minutes ago the Liberator made his latest..."

I frowned. Whatever had happened, it would involve Batman.

"...act of violence. We're at the scene of the crime, Wayne Manor, and our reporter..."

What the hell had happened? The TV screen went black and then it showed our hallway. There were police everywhere. The camera crew ran up the stairs behind the reporter and I saw they were heading towards Bruce's bedroom. Our bedroom.

"The Liberator and his gang attacked the Manor about twenty minutes ago. They manhandled Alfred Pennyworth, the butler, and kidnapped his niece."

Oh shit! What did he want with Barbara?

"Mr. Wayne was also assaulted and the Liberator has apparently attached him to a bomb. The bomb squad is now trying to defuse it, but it seems to be extremely complicated and if nothing can be done..."

I was squeezing the tray so hard that my fingers hurt.

"...it will go off in forty-seven minutes. We must pray that Batman will hear this and..."

Oh shit, shit, shit!!!

"...rescue Mr. Wayne..." Then the camera crew reached the bedroom. I saw Bruce lying on the bed, watching calmly as a bomb expert fingered the wires that ran over his chest. He looked so peaceful and calm compared to the nervous people around him. There were some kind of restraints on his wrists that held him to the bed and I noticed that there were wires around his hands too. I cursed silently. There had to be some sort of a motion detector in the bomb.

Commissioner Gordon appeared on the screen. He looked extremely annoyed and he was yelling to someone. "Don't tell me you can't defuse it, dammit! I'm not..." He noticed the reporter. "Who let the camera in here? Get these people out of here!!!"

The screen went black.

I just stared at the TV for a few seconds. Then my tray went clattering to the floor, when I ran out to my bike. Someone yelled after me, but I didn't stop to listen. The only thought in my mind was that Bruce was in danger and I was the only one who could help him.

And the person who flew all the way to the Cave wasn't Dick Grayson anymore.

I don't know how I made it to the Cave without being stopped by the police. The whole ride is still a blur, but I think I exceeded all the speed limits and committed at least a dozen other violations. I didn't care. The only thing that mattered was Bruce.

I didn't even turn as I heard my bike fall as I got off it, yanked open the door to my closet and didn't pause for a second to think. I was out of my clothes in about twenty seconds and then I began the outer transformation into the Bird.

Only when I was ready, I looked at what time it was. The reporter had said forty-seven minutes. If she had been accurate, I had seventeen minutes to save Bruce. I scanned the Manor, and saw that there were so many people running around that there was no way for me to just appear in the house. I had to take the Redbird and drive over two and a half miles to a place where I could get through a door in less than thirty seconds.

I knew that Bruce and the Bat were quite different from each other, but this was the first time I saw the same kind of polarity in me. Dick Grayson in me wanted to save time and just run into the house. Surely Bruce's life was more important than keeping the Secret. But Robin couldn't allow that. Exposure would kill Batman as surely as a bullet in the face would have, and the death of the Bat... I wasn't sure if Bruce would survive that either. So I jumped to the Redbird and headed first out of the Cave and then turned to ride back to the Manor.

I parked the bike next to the ambulance and ran into the house. I took the stairs three at the time and finally reached the bedroom.

There was a huge timer right next to the bed, positioned so that Bruce could literally watch the last minutes of his life tick away. It showed that there was a little over twelve minutes left. The bomb expert was still fingering the wires with a desperate look on his sweating face. Bruce had closed his eyes and he almost appeared to be sleeping.

Commissioner Gordon looked relieved as he saw me. "It's good you're here. What about Batman?"

I had thought of an excuse as I had changed into my suit. "He went after the Liberator. I want you to evacuate the building, in case I can't do anything to the bomb." It wasn't a request and he seemed to understand that. Gordon gestured to the bomb expert and they both left the room. I heard Gordon yell something to the other police that were running around, but I didn't pay any attention to it.

As soon as he had heard my voice, Bruce had opened his eyes and now he was staring at me with his eyes wide. I saw him swallow and then he whispered, "Robin..."

I nodded curtly. "Bruce." I walked closer and took a good look at the bomb. It didn't look too complicated, but I knew I couldn't defuse it alone. Even though we were alone, I lowered my voice. "I need your help on this, Batman."

Bruce closed his eyes again and nodded. When he spoke, it wasn't the voice of my gentle bed partner anymore. "Check the charging first. Then..."

I know that in the movies the good guys always defuse the bomb when there are three seconds left. The real life isn't a movie, though, and when we got Bruce off the bomb and made sure it wouldn't explode, there was plenty of time left on the timer. Yeah, almost a minute and a half.

As soon as he got up, I grabbed him and just held him tight. Now that I knew he was safe, I could let all the emotions surface. And I wasn't the only one who was shaking and trying to hold back the sobs.

I wiped my face and cursed. My mask wasn't made for crying. Bruce smiled a little and then we were both laughing.

He was the first to calm down. "Thank you. I know it must be hard for you to be..."

I laid a finger on his lips. "Shh. I made the...decision to fly again before this happened."

He nodded gravely. "It's good to have you back."

"It's good to be back." I meant it. "We have to go after the Liberator. When he finds out that you're still alive, Barbara'll be in danger."

"Right."

We ran out of the Manor and soon all the police and paramedics were fussing around us. I noticed Al was standing next to Gordon and grinned. He had a bandage around his wrist, but otherwise he seemed to be all right. When he saw me he closed his eyes and sighed. Then he smiled.

I held up a hand and addressed Gordon. "I was able to defuse the bomb, but Mr. Wayne might still be in danger if he stays here. I will take him to a safe place and then go after the Liberator. We'll inform you as soon as we have him apprehended."

The Commissioner looked wistful. Apparently he realized that the safe place was the Batcave and wouldn't have minded seeing it himself too. I gestured towards the Redbird. "Mr. Wayne, would you..."

Bruce nodded and we climbed on the bike. Then we were on our way back to the Cave.

When we reached our little haven, Bruce went straight to dress. I hovered at the dressing room door. "So, it was the Liberator?"

He pursed his lips together. "Yes."

"Did he take anything? I mean beside Barbara."

"No. This wasn't business. It was personal."

What did he mean? "Personal? Is he someone we know?"

Bruce nodded. "You've seen pictures of him?"

"Yeah. Red costume with a mustard-yellow cape. And a big red hat." Whoever the Liberator was, he'd deserve to go to prison just for his lack of taste.

My partner was pulling his mask on and his next words were a little muffled. "The costume couldn't hide the blond hair and the annoying smile. It seems that being Gerty's substitute wasn't enough for..."

"...Alan Blake? Blake's the Liberator?" My voice was full of disbelief.

The last trace of Bruce was gone and Batman nodded. "Yes."

"Does he know?" That would be disastrous.

"No. He attacked Bruce Wayne, not Batman."

That was a relief. "So why does he hate Bruce? Is he some kinda homophobe or what?" One more good reason to despise him.

Batman shook his head. "Actually I think that Blake didn't even think that we were together when he wrote that first article about us. I mean that I was talking with him when I realized that Batman would be needed soon, and I left him without a word when I came to tell you that it was..." He looked a little sad.

I nodded. "Yeah. Go on."

"So, I believe he wrote the article to hurt me for ignoring him."

That made sense. It also scared the hell of me. If Blake really was the Liberator, and if Bruce was right, he didn't have any 'big plan', he was just trying to get publicity. That meant that he was unpredictable.

I thought of something. "I still don't understand how Blake could have planted that bomb. It was one of the most complicated things I've ever seen, not a work of a beginner."

"I thought of that too." Batman tapped the computer console. "The Liberator's first two bombs were crude. Then his technique changed, and I think I know why. Apparently one of the patients he 'liberated' from the Arkham Asylum was Stuart Wilson."

Wilson? The bomb expert the press called 'Stu who Blew'. I began to realize that Blake was a lot more dangerous than I had thought. "So he understands the benefits of team work. That's bad. Just remember the Riddler and Harvey. The reason we were able to stop them was that they had their separate agendas. If the Liberator gets over this childish showing off and manages to unite the petty criminals, the whole becomes grater than just the sum of its parts."

"It won't happen." My partner's voice was certain. "We won't let that happen."

Right! I walked to the computer and punched a few keys. A map of the city appeared on the screen and I sighed with relief as I saw a little blue dot blinking in near the center of the map. All of us had a tracking devise with us all the time. Bruce got the watch, mine was in my earring and Barbara's was in the medallion she wore around her neck. I was glad that the Liberator hadn't noticed it.

Batman walked to the Batmobile and then we were on our way to rescue Barbara.

The police were still at the Manor and I was glad for it. The entrance to the Cave isn't very close to our home, but seeing both me and Batman here now might have raised some suspicions.

It was early afternoon and there wasn't much traffic. I loved the feeling of having the powerful Redbird under me and the sight of the Batmobile in front of me gave me the feeling of belonging. My place was at Batman's side just as much as it was next to Bruce.

When we arrived at the place the computer had indicated, I groaned. Could this guy really be that stupid? Didn't he think that Bruce would probably recognize him and then tell the police that Blake was the Liberator? But even if he thought that his 'brilliant' costume could really hide his identity, hiding in the building you worked in was a bad idea.

In a way it made sense, though. The whole thirtieth floor of 'The Daily Gotham' was under renovation and a perfect place for a few villains to hide.

We didn't bother to make a fuss by climbing the walls or anything, and we just got up the easy way. The elevator. People stared at us a lot, but the citizens of Gotham were used to Batman by now and knew to stay out of his way. We got out at the 29th floor and then climbed the wall.

I saw Batman peek at the window and then give me a thumbs up sign. Great! I inched my way up next to him and whispered, "How many are there?" I didn't want to risk getting seen by looking myself.

"There are seven people in there. Barbara, Blake, Wilson and four 'muscles'. Barbara seems to be all right, she's tied to a chair. Wilson isn't a problem. He's not a fighter, but a coward who blows up things from distance. The main thing is to get Barbara out of there and that means that one of us has to concentrate on the thugs and the other one handles Blake and frees her as soon as he can."

I nodded. "Which do you want to handle?"

No surprises there. "You take Blake out, I'll handle the thugs." He touched my shoulder. "Is that all right?"

"It's okay. As soon as I get her untied I'll come and help you with the rest of the thugs."

I expected him to object, but he just nodded. "Of course. Ready?"

"Yes."

It was fairly easy to swing trough the window. The utility belts had all the necessary equipment, ropes, hooks and all. The tricky part was to hit the glass with just the correct amount of speed and pressure. We didn't want Barbara to get hurt .

Shards of glass went flying all over our targets and I heard someone yell. Blake and his gang hadn't been expecting us and the element of confusion helped us enormously. I saw my partner's cape swirl as he met the first of the thugs and I almost froze to turn to see how he was doing. Then I shook my head and tried to filter out everything but my target and let Batman do his job.

'The Liberator' was still in his suit and it was easy to spot him. He was standing near the door and as soon as he saw us, he tried to reach for the handle. Where did he think he could go with that ridiculous masquerade-costume screaming his identity to high heaven?

I lunged towards him and slammed him against the wall. He spun around and tried to hit me. A bad mistake! I kicked him in the stomach and couldn't help grinning. His suit was made of cloth only and it didn't protect him at all. That guy really was an idiot. Did he really think that people like us wore the suits just because we liked to dress differently? He tried to gasp for breath, leaning against the wall.

"Stay down, Liberator. Or should I say Alan Blake. You can't escape. The police are coming and they know your identity." I enjoyed the shocked look on his face. This man had caused so much pain for Bruce and me, that I couldn't help feeling glad to see that my words had hit him hard.

Blake screamed and pushed himself away from the wall. "You can't hurt me! I'm famous. And once I get the ransom of that girl, I'll be rich too. Just like that bastard Wayne. Or like he was." He laughed like a maniac. "That bomb surely taught him some manners. I hope he was begging for mercy when it exploded."

"Wrong. We got there just in time to defuse the bomb. Bruce Wayne is just fine. And he was the one to identify you. You really screwed things up."

"No! You're lying!" He charged at me, a fevered gleam in his eyes. I stepped back and then let my fist meet his jaw with a great speed and force. Yeah, I punched his lights off. His eyes glazed over and he sagged against me. I checked out that he was just unconscious and then let his limp body slide to the floor.

One of the thugs tried to stop me from getting to Barbara. He was a little harder to handle than the Liberator had been, but just barely. I untied Barbara and guided her to the side. She seemed to be all right and I just nodded at her and then went to help my partner.

It must have been hard for Barbara to stand by and watch us do all the work, but she knew better than to let her secret out by fighting like a professional crimefighter.

There were only two thugs standing now and it was fairly easy to knock them down. I was surprised to see that even the mousy Wilson tried to fight and it felt a little bad to hit him. I mean the guy did have glasses and all. But then again, he had had a chance to choose not to fight and he hadn't made that choice. Soon the only conscious people in the room were Batman, Barbara and I.

Someone had called the police and I could hear the sound of the sirens approaching. I went to stand next to Batman and smiled. "Good work, partner."

He smiled back at me and then sobered again. "What do we do with Barbara? Should we let the police take her home or..."

"Hey, guys! I'm right here." Barbara's voice was a little annoyed. "I think it would be best if I go home with the police. They want to question me anyway and I think that it would be unwise to draw too much attention to you. It's bad enough that Bruce Wayne's name is once again connected to Batman in this case." Yep, she was the brain. I gave up.

"Are you all right?" Batman touched Barbara's arm gently.

"Yeah, I'm fine. What about Uncle Alfred? I saw how he fell when one of the creeps pushed him."

I smiled. "Al's all right, just worried for you. I think you should call him as soon as you get to the police station."

Batman went to the window. "There are four police cars outside. We'll wait for the officers to arrive here and then we'll leave." He looked at Barbara. "Let them know that I told you that Bruce Wayne will be returned to the Manor in 12 hours. That should give us some time to... recuperate before the press comes knocking at the door."

I saw the knowing smirk on Barbara's face, but chose to ignore it. I walked closer to my partner and as the police barged in, we jumped out of the window.

It was hard to ride home. I felt the adrenaline still rushing in my blood. I needed to act, to do something and all I could do was to squeeze the handles of the Redbird tighter. The fight at the Liberator's place had just ignited something inside me and I didn't know how to clench that fire. I had never felt like this before. Usually after a fight all I wanted was a shower, a huge plate full of junk food and a bed. Now the only thing in my mind was the bed. And Bruce on it.

Al was waiting for us in the Cave. His worried expression changed into a blissful smile as Batman told him what had happened. I didn't really listen to them, all I could hear was the blood pounding in my ears.

I saw Al leaving and I turned to Batman. He nodded. "Well done."

I didn't trust on my voice and just nodded back. We went to the dressing room and I just stood there for a moment, watching him undress, before I raised my hands to release my cape. I was panting when I ripped the Robin-suit off and I couldn't get my eyes off Batman. All I wanted to do was to throw him on the floor and take him. Or have him take me. I saw my expression on the mirror and the only word to describe my grin was 'feral'. There was this weird wild look in my eyes and my cheeks were beet red.

Hanging the Batsuit in the closet, Bruce turned to face me and I saw the same hunger reflecting in his eyes.

"Bruce..." I couldn't believe that sound came from my throat.

He grabbed a pair of sweatpants from his closet and pulled them on. "Bedroom. Now."

I agreed that the floor of the Cave was really an inappropriate place to have sex and followed his example. It felt odd to dress when I knew that as soon as we reached the bedroom, the clothes would have to go, but even my lust-filled mind knew that it wasn't really proper to run around wearing just a grin when we weren't alone at the house. Maybe it was time for Al and Barbara to take another vacation. Soon.

I don't know how we managed to get to the house and then up the stairs to the bedroom, but there we were, grasping each other and tripping on the damn pants that were now around my ankles. We landed on the floor, but that didn't bother us. Actually, due to the soft carpet, it was very comfortable down there. And with Bruce lying now on top of me, who needed a bed anyway?

I squirmed and tried to roll onto my back. I felt Bruce's hands on my shoulders, trying to help me, but somehow all the attempts to 'help' soon turned into caresses. By the time I faced him, his sweatpants were off too and we were both panting. Then his hands finally found their way to my erection.

That felt so good, but I wanted more. "Bruce, wait! I want you!"

He nibbled my neck, not stopping the stroking for a second, "You have me."

I was writhing under him, moaning incoherently. I amazed myself by actually being able to form a sentence. I hadn't thought I had enough higher brain power left to do that. "No, I mean I want you inside me." I needed to feel him as close to me as possible.

His grip on me tightened a little and then he shifted his body on top of mine. I felt his hands sliding up to my shoulders. I couldn't help moving against him in the familiar rhythm. This was Bruce moving against me, and I didn't care if he was on top of me, or under me, or inside me, as long as he was with me.

"Bruce!" I wailed and came so hard I thought I'd faint. A few moment's later Bruce shuddered against me.

We lay on the floor for some time. I was trying to remember how to breathe evenly and Bruce seemed content just to hold me in his arms.

"Why didn't you..." I didn't know what word I should use.

He understood what I was asking. "Not that way. I wanted you too much, I was too far gone. If I had done what you asked, I wouldn't have been able to control myself." He kissed me. "I don't want to hurt you."

What did I do to deserve that man? "I love you, Bruce."

He opened his mouth and then I saw the uncertain look in his eyes. He looked at me, his expression grave. "I don't know what to say to you."

What?

"What I feel goes beyond love. And it's not just for you, Dick, it's..." Bruce's voice faded away and he looked a little confused.

He didn't love just me? What did...Oh. I remembered that I hadn't had the time to tell him what I had realized in the Cave, but apparently he had come to the same conclusion as I had. "I know, Bruce. All of me loves all of you too."

He smiled slightly and kissed me again. Then he got to his feet and helped me up. "We need to take a shower."

Well that was a good idea. I grinned at him and pulled him to the bathroom.

Taking a shower with Bruce took more time than washing by myself usually did, but it was also far more pleasurable. I loved every minute of that shower, even though we just washed each other! And the bliss didn't end when we turned the water off. My partner insisted on drying me and then I returned the favor. We put the towels up to dry and then went back to the bedroom.

I crawled to bed and sighed happily. It felt wonderful to be clean again. Being Robin was an ultimately smelly job. You wouldn't believe how much that rubber suit made me sweat.

Bruce wrapped his arms around me and I snuggled closer to him. I felt him take a deep breath and as I moved my hips closer to his, I began to laugh. "I can't believe Ivy called you 'geriatric'! It seems that I'm not the only one with stamina here."

He growled and rolled on top of me. "Do you want to make any more bad jokes or can we make love?"

I didn't even bother to pretend that I needed time to think about it. "No more jokes."

We took time on exploring each other's bodies this time. I enjoyed touching him, tasting him, feeling him against me, but I couldn't drive away the idea of really having sex with him.

"Bruce? Do you think you could control yourself this time? I really want you."

I saw him hesitate. "Dick... I should tell you that I've never..." He was as red as a well cooked lobster.

"Neither have I." I never had wanted to do this before. Now it was a more than just wanting. I needed him.

"Are you sure?"

I was sure. And nervous as hell. I didn't trust my voice, fearing that he might think that a trembling voice meant uncertainty, and I just nodded.

Bruce smiled and reached for something on the night stand. My eyes widened as I saw the bottle in his hand.

"I'm afraid this is all we have."

I swallowed and then began to laugh. "I'm just imagining what Kemper's expression would be if I thanked him tomorrow for his nice gift."

His mouth twitched and he shook his head. "So using this won't bother you?"

"No. It won't bother me at all." I pushed the covers off and took the bottle from him. I opened it. "Hold out your hands." He complied and I poured some of the oil onto his hands.

Bruce moved down on he bed and I lay back down. "Should I turn around or..."

"Just relax."

His hands touched my chest and he started to massage me. His hands moved in slow circular pattern, brushing occasionally my nipples and moving to my sides. Then his hands slid to my stomach, tracing the muscles, tickling my navel.

I felt myself harden even more as he moved closer to my erection and then he was stroking it with his slick hands. I arched against his touch and moaned. Damn, it felt good. His hands lingered for a moment and then moved to my butt.

I gasped as his finger brushed against the entrance to my body. Bruce's hand stilled instantly and he looked me in the eyes. I nodded and smiled. "Go on. Don't stop."

He took the bottle from the bed (fortunately I had re-capped it) and poured more of the oil into his hand and then dribbled some of it straight to my skin. He laid the bottle on the table and then touched me again.

I bit my lip as I felt one of his fingers seeking entry to my body. My muscles wanted to clench to keep the invading digit out and I had to concentrate on relaxing them. It didn't hurt or anything, but it did feel strange. He shifted a little and leaned down to kiss me.

"Are you all right?" I saw the doubt in his eyes.

"Yes. Please don't stop."

He didn't. His finger began to move in and out of my body and then it withdrew. I whimpered at the feeling of loss and then moaned as I felt something bigger enter me. Bruce was still sitting next to me and I figured that he was using two fingers now. I closed my eyes and felt myself relaxing. I was getting used to the feeling now and I...

"Oh my gods, Bruce!" He was most certainly doing something right! He had just touched something inside me that made my whole body taut with pleasure. I began to push against his fingers, seeking for that sensation again.

Then the fingers were gone. I felt the mattress move and I opened my eyes to see him staring at me. He was holding the bottle in his hands, offering it to me. I took it from him and quickly applied it to his erection. Then I tossed the bottle to the floor and pulled Bruce closer to me.

"Will this work this way?"

He just nodded.

He had said that he hadn't done this before, but for a beginner he sure as hell knew a lot of it. Had he been studying this or what? The idea of him doing that made me gasp, "Now, Bruce. Now!"

He moved my legs and then lifted my hips a little. I could feel his hands stroking my thighs and then pull them a little wider apart. There was something far bigger than his fingers pushing at my opening and I took a deep breath, trying to relax my muscles even more. Then Bruce was slowly entering my body.

His fingers had felt so good, I wasn't prepared for the pain. I grabbed his arms hand squeezed hard.

"Do you want me to stop?" Bruce's voice was hoarse, but full of concern.

I knew that he wouldn't go any further until I told him to do so. "No. Just let me get used to you." I didn't want to back off now. I tried to breathe calmly and then nodded. "Go on."

He leaned closer to me and kissed my chest. Then he slid a little deeper inside me. After a few inches, he stopped again and allowed me to get used to the feeling.

Finally he was all the way in. It didn't hurt anymore, just felt kinda full. It was a strange feeling, but not all that unpleasant. Bruce was gently stroking my chest and sides and I wrapped my legs around his back. He sighed and then began to move.

He pulled away and then pushed back. I felt the urge to move and slightly raised my hips against his thrusts. He groaned and then pushed in a little harder. I felt my erection regaining its hardness and moaned. That wonderful feeling inside was back and I began to whimper in time of his thrusts. I wanted him to move faster, closer, deeper.

Bruce was panting now. I felt him shift his position a little and then his hand closed on my erection. It felt like he was everywhere and I was soon approaching the state where I couldn't think straight even if my life depended on it.

I couldn't distinguish the separate sensations anymore. My whole world was on fire and I was burning too. The pleasure was so intense it was almost painful and I screamed as I began to convulse in the violent grip of my orgasm.

I lay bonelessly on the bed, feeling Bruce erupting deep inside me and then collapsing against me. It felt divine to feel his weight on top of me, but soon I was getting really stiff.

"Bruce? You're squashing me."

He rolled off me and then pulled me close to him. We both ignored the sticky feeling, resting close to each other and I felt myself dozing off.

I must have slept for about half an hour. When I opened my eyes, I saw Bruce looking at me with a strange look on his face.

I yawned and snuggled closer to him. "What are you thinking?"

He ran his fingers through my hair. "About today." He was quiet for a moment and then sighed. "When I was lying in this bed, watching the bomb expert trying to defuse the bomb and realized that he wouldn't be able to do anything to it, I decided that if nothing miraculous happened by the time there was ten minutes left in the timer, I'd tell him the Secret and help him with his work."

I couldn't believe my ears. "You would have revealed to him and Gordon that you're Batman? But that would have killed you!"

"No. It might have killed the Bat. If I had died in that explosion, it would have destroyed all four of us." His hand was now on my neck, making small soothing circles. "I knew that you would have blamed yourself if I had died. I didn't want to be responsible for that."

I really didn't want to cry in bed. I swallowed a few times and then whispered. "I saw the news at school. The TV in the cafeteria was on and I had just finished eating, when they interrupted the game and showed what had happened. I didn't even think, I just flew to the Cave. I was so afraid that I'd be late."

"You weren't. You were just in time. Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me. I was doing my job." I grinned, feeling better.

Bruce stretched and then moved away from me. "I think we should get up. Barbara'll be here any minute now, and I want to talk with her about Blake. We should also be prepared to have reporters and photographers coming here later today, and that definitely means that we should take another shower."

That sounded like a good plan.

Barbara got home about an hour after Bruce and I had cleaned our bedroom (and I have to say that it meant, 'much later'. It took some time to get all the stains from the carpet). She was so glad to see that Al was all right that she didn't even tease me of my satisfied look. I must say that I wouldn't have minded. She was important to me and after almost losing her, a little teasing wouldn't have harmed me.

We had a late dinner and then I shooed everyone out of the kitchen and washed the dishes. I thought that we'd all enjoy having some hot tea and boiled a huge pot of water. I was coming out of the kitchen with a tray full of mugs as the doorbell rang. I laid the tray on the table and smiled at Al. "Just sit there, I'll get it."

I was sure that there would be a horde of reporters standing behind the door and the fact that there was only one person made me a little dazzled. The guy looked familiar somehow. "How can I help you?"

"I'm Kevin Vorine. Is Barbara home?"

Ah, of course. I hadn't seen him after we got Barbara from the hospital a couple of weeks ago and he looked different with his own clothes on. "Yeah, she's home. Come on in."

As soon as Barbara saw Kevin, she ran to him and hugged him tight. Barbara introduced him to all of us and then asked him to stay for a while. Al, Bruce and I exited the living room discreetly and let them talk in privacy. Al excused himself and went to rest, and Bruce and I climbed upstairs to the bedroom. It had been a really busy day and in spite of the little nap earlier, I was exhausted.

I was a little amazed that we hadn't been contacted by any reporters, and I said that to Bruce too when we were lying in bed.

He chuckled. "I guess that the fact that Blake was the Liberator shocked the press. The reporters are probably ashamed of his actions and they won't bother us for a while. Can't say that that disturbs me. Maybe now we'll finally be able to go on with our lives."

I agreed.

---

EPILOGUE

When I got to school the following day, I found out that everything had changed. Many of the people who had been avoiding me before came to apologize and ask if Bruce was well. Apparently the fact that I had almost lost the man I obviously loved had made them think of us as just a couple and not as 'the gay couple'.

The trial against the hijackers came and went by. I witnessed as Robin and then went with Bruce as Dick Grayson to hear the verdict. All the hijackers went to prison for a long time.

Arkham Asylum got a new resident in the East wing. Alan Blake had lost whatever sanity he had when he'd been caught and he would spend the rest of his life in the hospital. I felt almost sorry for him. He was sentenced to Arkham the same day that Gerty got back to work. Ironic.

The fall that year was really rainy. The criminal activity in Gotham was low and Batman and his partners had time to rest.

I was glad of the peace, since it meant more free time with Bruce. It was nice to spend our time together at the Manor or at the Cave, improving our suits and vehicles. I was doing fine at school and Bruce's business went well. Everything was almost too perfect.

Barbara was still seeing Kevin. After Cathy and Peter had gotten engaged, she had walked around the house with this silly dreamy look on her face. And just three days later she had come from a date with a ring on her finger. It seemed that our little family was getting bigger. Bruce and Barbara had talked about the Secret and they had decided to wait until Christmas before letting Kevin in on it. Barbara insisted on staying in the partnership.

One gloomy October morning I woke up in an empty bed. I sat up and saw Bruce standing near the window. I got up, walked to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. He leaned against me and I kissed his neck. He didn't have to tell me, I knew. Al had 'accidentally' opened the file of my partner's family in the Cave's main computer the day before, and surprisingly he had 'forgot' to close it immediately.

It was the day Bruce had lost his family, years ago.

I knew exactly how he felt. The first year after Two-Face had murdered my parents and my brother, I had felt so much anger and hatred. So much pain. And I had thought that I'd never stop hurting. Then came the day when I felt only wistful when I thought of my family, and even that made me miserable. Accepting the fact that they were really gone made me feel like I had betrayed them somehow.

I felt as well as heard Bruce sigh. "I have something I need to do today."

"I know," I murmured. "I'll be here, when you come home." I'd be there every single day of my life to remind him that there were other things in life than pain and sorrow.

He turned around, still in my arms, and shook his head. "No."

What? I felt my throat tighten. He didn't want me here? It took a moment for me to squeeze the words out. "What do you mean?"

"I don't want you to stay here. I... It would mean very much to me if you accompanied me today." Bruce's eyes were serious.

"Really?" I couldn't believe what he had asked. Did he really want me to go with him? To share with him this most intimate moment?

"Yes. If you want to."

Did I want to? I kissed him softly. "I would be honored to come with you."

He smiled and then moved to his closet. I let him dress in peace and went to take a shower.

We ate a light breakfast and then walked to the garage. I climbed into the passenger seat and waited for Bruce to get behind the wheel.

We drove in silence. It was enough to sit next to Bruce and just be there with him, no words were necessary. He parked the car a few blocks from the old theatre. It was all a routine to him and I just followed,

There was this little flower-shop on the corner and we went in to buy the two red roses. The owner of the shop was an old woman who nodded gravely at Bruce and then gave the flowers to him without wrapping them into paper. Apparently she had sold my partner the flowers before and knew what to do without explanations.

The alley was a bit dark. There was no one there since that part of the town wasn't alive before the evening when all the theaters and concert halls opened. I had never been there before and I looked around curiously. There were just few dumpsters in that crooked alley. I saw Bruce's throat move as he swallowed. Yeah, just dumpsters and sad memories.

We walked about halfway down the alley and then Bruce took a sharp intake of breath. He stopped in the middle of the passage and lowered his gaze to the ground. I felt my throat tighten and I had to blink a few times to make sure that the tears that burned my eyes didn't fall to my cheeks.

He bent down to lay the roses to the ground and then straightened up. I didn't know whether there were any words in his little ritual or not, but I would never have guessed that he'd take my hand in his and whisper, "My family."

I can't describe how it felt to be there with him, to have his trust and love expressed to me this way. Maybe there aren't any words. Anyone who's gone through a tragedy and felt loneliness in their lives, understands me; and those who haven't, wouldn't get the point even if I spent the rest of my life trying to explain.

We stood for a long time in the cold, empty alley and then walked back to the car. I saw a little smile at Bruce's lips and squeezed his hand.

Then we returned home.

---

The End

December 1998 (revised April 2000)