TIME AND PLACE: I didnt create the origional main characters, but thanks to D.C. for doing so

TIME AND PLACE

Chapter one

Clutching a pile of books, his bag over his shoulder Dick hurried down the corridor. He re checked the piece of paper the secretary had given him with directions to the room he was heading for.

He was two weeks late starting the new term due to having couple of ribs broken while out on a mission as Robin. Bruce had been quite badly bruised too. Dr Thompkins had said they both had to rest up, ordered them to in fact. Bruce had told him that he might have the injuries but he could still study, and Alfred had collected his work from the school.

He was a little apprehensive; it was quite a big thing starting at a new school. Although he had made some friends at his previous school, high school was more daunting because of the sheer numbers of pupils. He could more than hold his own academically, despite not having attended school until he went to live with Bruce. In fact he was starting high school a year above that of his contemporaries, partly due to the fact that Bruce had made him study hard, but also because he was a quick study.

He found the door he was searching for. He was now almost half an hour late. He had had to wait to be seen by the secretary as she was busy with other 'duties' that needed more immediate attention. Thankfully she had added a note excusing his late arrival.

Taking a deep breath he knocked and entered.

As he expected the whole class's attention was directed at him as he approached the tutor. A buzz of whispered remarks spiralled around the room.

The tutor, a Mr Franks peered at him over his half moon glasses.

"Yes?" he inquired sternly.

Dick handed him the slip of paper. Mr Franks studied the note as if he was sucking up the words from the paper.

"Very well Mr Grayson, I will excuse your tardiness today in light of the exceptional circumstances. There is an empty seat over there." He indicated by waving his hand.

Dick took the seat indicated; it was about halfway down the row next to the window.

"Hurry up and get settled." Mr Franks ordered sharply. "We are studying Shakespeare's Henry V, do you have the book?"

"Yes Sir." Dick answered pulling his copy from his bag along with his note book and pens.

"Well, just for the sake of the late arrival we will recap." Mr Franks told the rest of the class.

A groan went around the room. Dick coloured slightly.

"Not a good start." He thought to himself.

"We were discussing King Henry's character, in particular his religious nature. Class seems to be having trouble understanding this. Mr Grayson maybe you can enlighten us by explaining how he deals with the problem of his conscience over the French issue."

"Ok, try putting me on the spot why don't you." Dick thought as he opened his book.

"Well, Mr Grayson?" Mr Franks demanded impatiently.

Dick cleared his throat.

"As I understand it, Shakespeare is constantly demonstrating throughout the play that Henry is an ideal 'Christian King'. In the opening scenes Henry's worried about whether or not his claim to French lands and the Crown are religiously 'right'. So he goes to the Archbishop and asks 'In the name of God' to religiously 'unfold'. He relies heavily on the Archbishops advice. It's after the battle of Agincourt that he is the first to praise God for his victory, but his triumph is marred by the worry that the people of England will praise him rather than God."

Mr Franks regarded Dick with an icy stare for a few moments.

"I take it you have read the whole of the play. We will see if you demonstrate such a good understanding as we go on, or if this is indeed a fluke."

Dick returned the stare. He was going to have a difficult time with this tutor. He would have to be 'on the ball' and well prepared.

"Very well, class Mr Grayson has given us a fair appraisal to get us going. So who else can give examples of this religious nature?"

The bell for end of class sounded. It couldn't have come soon enough for Dick. Throughout the class Mr Franks had fired question after question at him. He had been a little reluctant to make himself appear as a know it all, but on the other hand he didn't want Mr Franks to get a kick out of his attempts to show him up.

As the pupils collected their books together ready to move on to the next class Mr Franks handed out the homework assignments.

"I will be expecting an exceptional essay from you." Mr Franks growled as he handed Dick his.

Dick took the paper without offering a reply and followed the rest of the class out. None of them spoke to him, but he wasn't surprised, although he did get a few sideways glances.

He hung back while the others found their seats and took the unoccupied one.

A bright and breezy young woman almost skipped in and dropped a pile of books on the desk.

"Morning everyone. Settle down and I will hand back your homework." She handed a sheaf of papers to the pupil in the front row to be handed round. She glanced around the room. "Who's missing?" She asked the class.

"Grant's away Miss, he had to go into hospital." Someone called out.

"Oh dear, I hope he will be alright. Ah a new face, and who might you be." She addressed Dick.

"Dick Grayson Miss."

"Are you a new starter?"

"Kind of, I was supposed to start at the beginning of term but I had an accident so I started today."

"Oh dear, well I hope you're better now. Right I want you to make a start on the problems in chapter two. See how far you can get on your own and if you're struggling just ask and we will go through it again. Ah good I see you have the book Mr Grayson, we did go through the work in the last lesson. I will go through it with you if you want to come and sit by me."

Dick flicked to the relevant chapter and scanned the problems.

"I think I may be alright with this." He proffered meekly.

"If you're sure. Well just shout up if you get stuck."

Dick settled down to begin working out the problems. In many ways he was thankful to Bruce for insisting he study hard, but he realised he would have to play it a bit dumber or he would have problems with the others thinking he was a bit of a nerd or something. Still he worked through the problems pretty quickly and sat gazing out of the window absentmindedly.

"Is everything alright?" The tutor startled him as she came up beside him.

"Oh, yes, sorry I've finished these." Dick was a little flustered at being caught daydreaming.

"Let me check them." The tutor leant over him to mark his paper. He heard a snigger behind him.

"Very good, you seem to have grasped these." She said quietly. "Maybe you would have a try at the next chapter."

Dick nodded. The tutor continued her 'patrol'.

Dick picked up his tray and turned to survey the dining room. The noise was deafening. The students had formed cliques, The Jock's in one corner, the punks in another. Ah and yes the inevitable 'in crowd' of Barbie clones with the obligatory 'what's in vogue uniform'. The nerds sat at the back trying not to get noticed. There was a smattering of rockers and even what he took to be the hippy set.

As he looked around for somewhere to sit he heard a voice calling.

"Come sit with us." A girl dressed in 'normal' attire beckoned.

Dick hesitated a moment then went and sat at the table.

"Hi, I'm Tina; you just joined our class today. We thought you looked a bit lost." She indicated to all the others around the table.

"Dick. Thanks I wasn't sure where I should sit." Dick nodded.

"Well I'm Tina, as I said; this is Lisa, Amy, Emma. Then John, John B, Kent and Peter."

The others nodded as she introduced them.

"I heard you say you had had an accident, what you do?" John B asked.

"I came of my bike and cracked a couple of ribs." Dick told him. It wasn't easy having to lie, but he couldn't really tell them the real reason. He could imagine the look of disbelief if he told them the truth.

"You're welcome to stick with us if you like." Kent invited.

"Cheers, I appreciate it. I kinda don't think I would fit in with some of the others." Dick grinned.

"We have all been friends since kindergarten. In fact our parents are all friends and have been for years, so we are like one big family." John explained.

"So tell us about yourself Dick." Emma said resting her chin on her hand to look at Dick with a rather dreamy eyed look.

"Nothing much to tell really." Dick proffered.

"Oh come on, like where do you live and where have you been all my life." Emma chuckled.

"Emma behave." Lisa nudged her.

Dick shook his head smiling.

"Well, ok potted history, I was born and raised in a circus, my parents were killed and I was taken in by Bruce Wayne."

Everyone's eyes turned on him wide with surprise.

"No way!" Lisa gasped. "You mean THE Bruce Wayne?"

"The billionaire Bruce Wayne?" Kent continued. "Wow, I didn't connect the names, but I have heard of you."

"Look please don't hold it against me." Dick chuckled.

"You bet we won't." Tina laughed. "Pleased to meet you anyway. I guess we will have to give you a brief rundown of who to avoid and who is ok."

"That would be helpful." Dick agreed.

"Speak of the devil." Peter muttered behind his hand. "This is the first of those you will need to watch."

A tall muscled blonde haired lad swaggered across to their table followed by three other equally large jocks.

"They are the darlings of the football team and know it." Tina whispered in Dick's ear.

"Hey new boy!" Blonde hair said loudly attracting the attention of the rest of the dining room, which suddenly became silent with anticipation.

Dick pointed to his chest with a silent 'Did you mean me?' look.

"Yes you, are you stupid or what?" Blondie continued.

Dick pushed his chair back with a noisy screech.

"I don't think we have been introduced, I'm Dick." He proffered his hand.

"Oh I hope it's only by name not by nature." Blondie sniggered as did his companions. "I'm Guy. In fact I'm 'the guy' around here."

Dick smiled benignly. "Pleased to meet you." Dick told him.

Guy looked around at his friends and winked then looking Dick in the eye he took Dick's hand as if to shake it. Dick watched Guy's face smiling.

Guy began to squeeze Dick's hand tighter and tighter. Dick never took his eyes from Guy's. He was laughing to himself, Guy had no idea as to how strong he was, his hands hardened by years of hanging from a trapeze.

Dick could see Guy begin to get worried as he showed no indication that he was hurting him. Dick began to slowly return the pressure. He saw Guy's eyes get fractionally wider as he increased the pressure. If Guy thought he could intimidate him he had picked on the wrong person.

Watching Guys eyes still, Dick could see he was now really hurting him so he slowly loosened his grip till Guy was able to slide his hand away.

Guy pushed his hand into his pocket and glowering at Dick turned away, pushing through his friends, who turned and followed him with puzzled looks on their faces. Dick sat back down. Everyone's face turned towards him.

"What on earth did you do to him there?" John B asked.

"Oh nothing really, he thought he could better me by trying to squeeze my hand, I just showed him it wasn't a good idea."

"I'd be careful if I were you. He can be a bully. No end have fallen foul of his idea of fun. He enjoys inflicting misery on anyone he thinks is smaller or different in some way." Kent warned him.

"Well I guess I fall into both categories then." Dick grinned indicating to himself with sweeping hands.

"Well you are smaller than him, but I reckon you look alright to me." Lisa told him.

"Well he does have a style of his own I guess." Peter pointed out.

Dick was dressed in his usual Dock Martins, dark jeans, t-shirt and waistcoat, despite Bruce and Alfred's attempts to get him to wear something a little more conventional. Dick had baulked at the idea and pointed out that he was, albeit reluctantly, willing to wear a suit or slacks and a shirt when required, even the awful tuxedo, but for school and everyday he was going to wear what he was comfortable in. The only difference now was that his jeans were a designer label and his t-shirts more expensive, freshly laundered and pressed. His waistcoats however were his fathers, and he had several. As too the scarf knotted around his neck. This was an old gypsy tradition he had adopted in recognition of his heritage. He also pointed out that if he was going to ride his bike to school it would be more appropriate attire.

"I think it looks good." Tina grinned. "Oh and be warned, you have attracted the attention of most of the girls."

"And some of the guys too." Peter laughed then blushed.

Dick smiled at Peter, realising the inference of Peter's remark. It wasn't the first time he had had comments like that.

"Oh well c'est la vie." Dick smiled.

"So what you doing tonight after school? We were all going to get a pizza or something at the Mall." John asked.

"Sounds tempting but I have to get straight home tonight. Alfred's picking me up and I have loads to do. Can I take a rain check on the invitation?"

"Of course you can no problem. We sometimes get together at the weekend so maybe you can join us then."

"That's good for me. I'll make a note in my diary." Dick pretended to write in an imaginary book.

The bell sounded for end of lunch break and everyone, somewhat reluctantly, made their way in dribs and drabs out of the cafeteria.

Dick followed his new friends out, as he stepped through the double doors he was accosted by Guy, who grabbed his arm.

"You had better watch out you dirty gypsy, I don't take kindly to smart arses who try and get clever with me." He threatened.

Dick sighed inwardly, looking Guy in the face.

"Ok look you were the one who tried it on in the first place. I don't intend to start any trouble. Oh and I'm not a 'dirty gypsy' by the way. I'm only half gypsy and far from dirty. Not that it's any of your business."

"I know who you are and you're just a jumped up piece of..."

"Now come on I haven't insulted you in any way, I'm happy for you just to ignore me if you dislike me that much." Dick interrupted as he peeled Guys fingers from his arm.

"Just watch out." Guy called after Dick as he walked away.

"Is he giving you grief?" Tina asked as Dick caught up.

"Trying to. It's amazing how some people just take an instant dislike to you." Dick chuckled.

"Be careful he can be vicious." Kent warned. "He thinks because his Dad is on the City council he is untouchable."

"Don't worry about me, I can handle myself."

"You don't know Guy, he is devious too. He got one lad expelled and he hadn't done anything." Emma told him.

"I will be careful I promise." Dick conceded.

"So how did your day go?" Alfred asked as Dick slid into the passenger seat of the Bentley.

"Oh not so bad, I made some new friends and I'm afraid an enemy."

"An enemy, already!" Alfred raised an eyebrow.

"Well it wasn't intentional, he just decided he didn't like me and began to threaten me. Don't worry I can handle it." Dick assured him.

"I hope so; it's not easy if you have to deal with a bully."

"Don't worry Alfred I am used to his sort, all mouth, you know the type. He seems to know a bit about me though. I was told his Dad's on the City Council so maybe he knows Bruce."

"Hmm, that's possible, well if he gets too much just say and I'm sure he can be dealt with. It's nice that you made friends though."

"Yeah, they seem like a nice bunch, I'm invited to join them on Saturday at the Mall. They were saying that they have all been friends since kindergarten and that their folks are all friends too."

Alfred nodded as he concentrated on the traffic. Dick leant forward and turned on the C.D. player. Alfred grimaced as Dick inserted a disc and then smiled as he heard the music begin to play.

Dick had a wide and varied taste in music, from the latest, what Alfred referred to as 'thump, thump noise', to some classical pieces. The music that filled the car was a mixture of African beats with Celtic overtones. Alfred was at a loss to know who it was but it was pleasant listening. It was funny when Dick and Bruce shared the car as they did argue over what to play, despite Bruce also having a similar wide taste.

Alfred had once had a Queen C.D. playing and had noticed Dick's discomfort. He had initially thought that it was because he didn't like it, then realised that the Flying Grayson's had used several Queen tracks to perform to. Although Dick did play Queen when in the gym doing his practice, outside of the gym it seemed to bring back painful memories.

Alfred pulled the car up in the garage and Dick jumped out. He didn't wait as Bruce did for Alfred to open his door, in fact he still hadn't got used to Alfred doing 'stuff' for him. He did sometimes think, albeit silently, that despite how busy Bruce could be, he was a little unfair at times. He would leave his clothes lying around for Alfred to pick up, in fact at times Dick often got chastised for doing things Alfred considered he should do for him.

Dick made his way into the house. He noticed the study door was open, indicating that Bruce must be home.

Dick poked his head around the door; Bruce was sat at the desk. Dick tapped on the door, he wouldn't enter without invitation. It was an unwritten rule that no one went into the study, apart from Alfred without being invited in, although Bruce had relaxed the rule a little as Dick had got older. Dick still waited to be asked in even so.

Bruce glanced up at the sound of the tap. He nodded Dick in.

"Had a good day?" He asked.

"Ok and you?"

"It was quite a good day actually. I managed to get that deal signed. It looks as if it is going to be a very lucrative partnership."

"That's good." Dick sat in the seat opposite Bruce. "So what have we got on tonight?"

"Well you have your homework to do first before you do anything." Bruce smiled.

"Ok, ok. I know. I've only got English literature tonight. Boy did the tutor have it in for me for some reason."

Bruce looked up at Dick questioningly.

"Well he started the moment I got sat down, asking me something he thought I wouldn't know, trying to show me up I guess." Dick continued.

"I bet you're glad I made you study then." Bruce smiled.

"Well yes and no, I mean I had no problems with the answers but it did make me look a bit of 'a know it all' with the class."

"I'm sure it will work out. Come on lets go see how Alfred is getting along with dinner, then you can get to your homework. If it's not too late then maybe you can join me in the Batcave." Bruce said as he swung the chair around and stood up.

"Alright, but I don't need to hand it in till the next lesson at the end of the week." Dick pointed out. Before Bruce could say anything he added. "But I can make a start on it tonight. I need to make sure it's good enough for Mr Franks, he warned me it had to be."

Bruce walked around the desk and draped an arm across Dick's shoulders as they walked from the study together.

"Let me see it before you hand it in. I'm sure together we can make it suitable for his exacting standards."

Dick glanced at the clock on the wall. There was still another three quarters of an hour before the end of the day. He was eager to get away and join Bruce out on the town. That was out as Batman and Robin. He had been restricted as to how many times he went out because of school, but as long as he got all his homework done Friday and Saturday nights were ok.

He had put up with Guy and his friends name calling all week and was hoping to get away without incurring any more. He wasn't too bothered about it; it was just tiresome and petty.

At last it was almost time to leave and Mr Franks handed back the homework assignments.

Dick glanced at his paper. A-.

"Oh well, not bad." Dick thought to himself. He hadn't expected him to mark him higher.

"Mr Grayson, not a bad effort for your first assignment, but I expect your grades to get consistently higher, and not drop."

Dick collected his things as the bell sounded. He joined his new friends in the corridor.

"What time do you want to meet up tomorrow?" He asked juggling his books.

"How's ten sound?" John suggested. Everyone nodded in agreement.

Dick sighed inwardly. It wasn't that he minded but he had no idea what time he and Bruce would get in.

"That sounds good to me." He agreed. "Where do you meet?"

"We normally congregate by the fountain, do you know where that is?" Tina told him.

"Yup, no problems." As he spoke someone cannoned into him knocking everything out of his hands. A low throaty chuckle told him it was Guy.

Guys cohorts deliberately bumped into him as they went past, trampling on Dicks books.

Dick watched them swagger down the corridor as he picked his books up. The others helped.

"One day he will get his comeuppance." John B growled. "Although I have no idea who would be able to do it."

"Oh I'm sure everything comes to he who waits." Dick smiled to himself. "Ok I'll see you guys tomorrow." Dick accepted his books from the others.

The night had yielded only a routine patrol of the city and they had been able to return home around two in the morning. Batman had conceded to Robin turning in straight away, while he had remained in the Batcave doing research.

Dick rolled over and hit the alarm clock button. He yawned and stretched, then jumped out of bed and headed for the bathroom to shower.

Rubbing his wet hair with a towel he padded back into the bedroom. Alfred had been in while he was in the shower and had left him a mug of coffee on the bedside table. He had also laid out his clothes on the bed.

Dick smiled; he sometimes believed Alfred was psychic as he always managed to anticipate what Dick would wear that day. He had tried on several occasions to catch Alfred out. He only had to think about wanting something, for example a drink and Alfred would appear with it, and what was even spookier the beverage he had been thinking about. He had wondered if he was too predictable.

He drank the coffee as he dressed, contemplating the best mode of transport to the Mall. It was bright and sunny so he decided the bike was probably going to be ok on this occasion.

He paused briefly outside Bruce's bedroom door; he could hear him snoring softly. He wondered what time Bruce had finally got to bed, Bruce was a late sleeper on most weekends when he didn't have to go into the office. Juggling being Batman and Bruce Wayne was complicated at times, as was being Robin and Dick Grayson.

"Will you not have breakfast?" Alfred chided as Dick placed his mug in the sink.

"Too be honest Alfred I'm not hungry. Besides I'm probably going to eat with the guys later."

"Humph!" Alfred retorted. He was not happy when either of his 'boys' missed meals especially breakfast.

He had been known to slip a box of food into the Batmobile. In the winter even a flask of soup was often found in there. Robin usually managed to consume some of the goodies, Batman wasn't much into eating 'on the job', although he would often partake of the soup.

Dick walked the short corridor to the garage. He picked up his helmet and perused the line of motorbikes gleaming under the garage's fluorescent lights.

He decided on his favourite Harley, and he mounted it before strapping on his helmet.

"Do you know when you will be back?" Alfred made him jump.

"I'm not sure but I will give you a ring when I know." Dick kicked the bike from its stand and started it up.

"Try not to be too late." Alfred shouted above the noise.

Dick raised a thumb as he roared away.

Alfred shook his head despairingly.

Dick arrived at the fountain a little early, so he found a seat to wait.

"Hey you." Tina called as she walked towards him. "Early bird or what?"

"Hey, I got here quicker than I thought. The roads weren't that busy." Dick told her.

"Lisa is bound to be late she always is." Tina said as she took the place next to him.

Dick laughed.

"That doesn't surprise me."

"Well here are the guys; they said they were all coming in one car." Tina pointed down the Mall.

John B and Peter dropped onto the two unoccupied seats beside Dick and Tina.

"I guess we now wait for the other girls." John B sighed. Patience was not his forte.

"Well you won't have to wait long because they are here now, and Lisa is with them." Tina hit John B on the arm.

"Ouch! What was that for?" John B protested.

Tina shot him a 'you know what for' look.

After a brief discussion they all decided to browse the shops for a while.

"Welcome to your worst nightmare." John B grumbled to Dick.

"Why's that?" Dick asked feigning bemusement.

"The girls love to drag us around looking at girlie stuff before we get to look at anything we want to."

Dick laughed.

"Oh I see. Well at least it keeps them happy."

"Just wait till they try and drag you into the underwear department. It's 'what do you think to this, and have they got this in another colour can you see'."

"Hmm, not good eh? I guess it would be best to humour them in the long run."

"Oh we do, look out phase one."

The girls had veered into a department store and were already picking up tester sprays of perfume.

Lisa held her wrist under Dick's nose.

"What do you think of this?" She asked him.

Dick sniffed.

"It's a bit sharp on the nose." He told her.

"What about this one?" She held her other wrist under his nose.

"That's better but a bit musky and heavy."

"What about this?" Tina held her wrist out for his consideration.

"That's nice, it suits you." Dick nodded.

"Hardly surprising it's the dearest thing here." Tina informed him.

"You're good at this game." Kent whispered in his ear as the girls continued browsing.

Dick laughed quietly.

Emma had moved on to the make up counter. She beckoned Dick over.

"I reckon they are testing you out because they know we aint interested." Kent said hiding his mouth behind his hand. "You're a new victim."

Dick wandered over to Emma smiling.

"I need a new lipstick, well a change to my usual one anyway, what do you think to this one?"

Dick looked at the smudge on the back of her hand.

"Well no it's not really you. What do you normally wear?"

Emma picked a lipstick from the display.

"This one, but it's a neutral colour and I want a bit more colour."

Dick scanned the display.

"Try this one." He picked out a tube.

Emma studied the colour, then tried the lipstick on the back of her hand.

"I like that." She exclaimed surprised.

"I reckon this one would look good too." Dick handed her another.

"You've had it now." Kent breathed in his ear.

"How'd you do that?" Emma asked

"Do what?" Dick looked a little puzzled.

"Pick out a colour to suit me."

"I guess because I had to wear make up myself in the circus"

"No way!" Emma exclaimed.

"Well yes, although it was a bit more colourful at times."

"Oh no now we've had it." John laughed.

"No, at least they will leave us alone." Peter chuckled.

The girls threw a collective disapproving look his way.

"Well I think I will get both of them." Emma decided.

"Glad to help." Dick saluted.

"Come on you guys, I'm gasping for a drink. Let's head for the food court." John B protested.

"Ok, I reckon we could all do with one." Amy agreed.

They all wandered in the direction of the food court guided by the aromas of cooking food. John B eyed the various kiosks with interest.

"I reckon I'm going to have a pancake." He announced heading in the direction of the stall."

Amy shook her head.

"Trust him, always hungry."

The others laughed.

"Well a guy his size does need to keep his energy levels up." Dick chuckled.

"You have a point there." Peter snickered.

They all stood for a moment deciding on what they wanted and agreed on smoothies. They joined John B, tucking into his enormous pancake, at a table.

"So where are we going next?" Dick asked eying the girls with suspicious amusement.

Before any of the guys could answer Amy announced that she was on the lookout for a new pair of jeans.

"Oh oh, phase two." John B said with a mouth full of food.

"And what do you mean by that?" Amy retorted.

"Nothing, Nothing." John waved his fork. "Told you didn't I." He nodded in Dick's direction.

Dick's expression was hidden behind the plastic beaker he had raised to his lips, but his eyes said everything.

"Look if you don't want to come with us its ok by us." Emma said with annoyance.

"No, no, no, no. Its alright we will come with you. I was only joking." John B said trying to make amends.

The girls shot him another 'we have you sussed' look.

"I wouldn't mind looking in the game shop." John said looking chasten. "I think that new game is out I was waiting for."

"Oh yes, that's right." Kent agreed. "It looks wicked from what I saw of the previews."

"Is that the new Metal Gear, or Grid?" Dick asked.

"Metal Gear." John told him.

"It's good. I've played it." Dick told him.

"How come? I thought it wasn't out till yesterday.

"Well…. Bruce got a copy. Don't ask me how but he seems to get all kinds of stuff before the official release date."

"Dick old buddy old pal." John sidled up to him grinning.

"What?" Dick said pretending not to understand. "He also seems to get all the latest albums even if they're not something he likes. He went on.

"I knew we were right to make you a friend." John laughed.

"Ok, ok I'll ask him. I can't promise anything though."

"That's my boy." John slapped Dick on the back.

"I don't think I can get you a copy of the games this time but you are welcome to borrow them." Dick said graciously.

"Its ok I'll buy Metal Gear, maybe I could borrow Grid if you don't mind?"

"Yeah no problem."

"We will have to come over to yours maybe, but I guess you will have to clear it with Mr Wayne first." Tina ventured.

"I'll ask him, but I don't see why there should be a problem. It's only fair to ask I agree." Dick agreed.

"We can see how the other half live." Amy chuckled.

"Do you have servants and everything?" Emma added.

"Well there's Alfred, he does most of the stuff. Bruce gets in extra staff if there's an 'event' like a dinner or something. Oh and a gang of cleaners every so often to go through the house."

"Boy, it's a whole different world." Kent sat back in his chair shaking his head.

"I tell you it took some getting used to." Dick told him. "I still haven't really. Believe it or not I get moaned at if I so much as rinse a cup out."

"Oh well, better than getting it for not cleaning your room." Everyone laughed.

"Listen I have an idea." Tina announced. "Let's go see a movie after we have another look round."

"Sounds good, what'll we see?" Kent asked.

"I dunno, we can have a look and see what takes our fancy."

"I'm with that idea." Peter agreed.

Everyone nodded their assent.

As they came out of the theatre Dick gave Alfred a quick phone call to let him know he wouldn't be long before he was home.

The friends ambled down the Mall chatting about the movie they had just seen.

"I liked the bit where he shot that bloke hiding in the bushes." John B enthused.

"You would." Amy laughed.

"Hey Grayson!" a shout echoed across the Mall.

"Oh no its Guy and his cohorts." Kent sighed.

"Oh just ignore him he might go away." Emma suggested.

They continued on.

"Oi ignoramus!" Guy persisted.

"Look you guys go on I'll see what he wants." Dick told them.

"Dick he can be vicious, we wouldn't leave you to him." Tina said looking worried.

"It will be fine, go on before he involves you all in the argument." Dick urged.

Dick dropped back and waited as his friends continued glancing back. He shooed them on with a wave of his hands.

Guy's posse approached him.

"What do you want?" Dick asked him.

"What are you doing here?" Guy asked menacingly.

"I was shopping with my friends and we just saw a movie. Why?"

"I think you should think twice about stepping foot in here in future. This is my turf and I don't like your sort in here."

"I understand the Mall is for the public and also I believe only a judge can put a banning order on someone." Dick told him, speaking softly.

Guy's hand shot out and hit Dick's left shoulder pushing him back against the wall.

"Smart arse aint you? Well watch out because I have you in my sights."

Dick didn't take his eyes from Guy's as he grasped Guy's right wrist with his right hand and slowly and deliberately moved it from his shoulder."

Guy showed some surprise at Dick's strength but tried not to telegraph it to his friends.

"I'm not interested in getting into a battle with you Guy." Dick's voice was soft making Guy have to lean in towards him in order to hear him. "I'm very patient but if you persist in your attempts to bully me I will have no option but to teach you a lesson." Dick's voice was still low but menacing.

"You don't frighten me." Guy said with bravado. "You're just some jumped up little gypsy riding on the back of Bruce Wayne. You're nothing."

"I'm warning you, be careful, I may only be Bruce Wayne's adopted son but all the same SON is the operative word here. I don't need him to fight any of my battles though; I can manage very well on my own thank you."

Guy muttered something unintelligible as he tried to pull his wrist free from the iron grip Dick had on it.

Dick had never taken his eyes from Guy's, now he could see that he was uncomfortable. He slowly released his grip.

"Now I'm going to catch up with my friends, I suggest you go in the opposite direction."

Dick pushed past Guy and walked slowly away in the direction his friends had taken. He found them waiting just around the corner where they had observed the situation.

"Are you alright, what happened?" They said almost as one.

"I'm fine, honest." Dick assured them.

"They haven't moved yet." Peter warned sneaking a look back.

"Come on lets go I don't think they'll follow us." Dick spread his arms to usher his friends along.

"What on earth did you do?" Kent asked.

"I just warned him not to mess with me that's all."

"Oh boy, Dick he's more than twice the size of you." Peter said concerned.

"Peter don't worry I'm telling you I can handle him."

So far Mr Franks had not picked on Dick to answer any questions.

"There's still time I suppose." Dick thought wryly.

Mr Franks seemed to have his teeth into another poor victim today though.

As the bell rang Mr Franks shouted at the class to leave their homework on his desk. Everyone filed out and obediently followed his instructions.

"I look forward to reading your essay Mr Grayson." Mr Franks said loudly as Dick passed him.

Dick ignored his outburst and continued after the others.

"He can never resist a dig at you can he." Tina sympathised.

"Oh don't worry about it, Bruce went through it and he was satisfied." Dick told her.

They settled down for the next lesson. French was something Dick had no problems with at all. He spoke it fluently but was still obliged to attend the lesson. He had been asked to help some of the others who had been struggling.

Madam Bissette had given him a novel to read and had asked him to give a critique on it for his homework.

There was a tap on the door and a student entered at Madam's 'oui?'

The student nervously muttered something in Madam's ear.

Madam looked around the room then called.

"M. Grayson que vous devez aller voir M. Franks dans sa chambre immédiatement, svp."

Dick looked up, hesitantly, then dropping the book in his bag he got up and followed the other student out of the class.

"I don't know what you've done but he is mad as hell." The boy told him.

"Me neither." Dick shook his head and shrugged.

Dick tapped on the door and waited for the command to enter.

"Come!" he heard the booming order.

"Ah Mr Grayson, come and sit here." Mr Franks pointed to the seat in front of his desk.

Dick did as instructed.

"You know why I called you here do you not." Mr Franks continued.

"Err, no not really Sir." Dick was quite puzzled.

"It's about the essay you submitted today, or rather the lack of one."

"Sir?" Dick was even more confused. "But I put it on your desk with the rest, you saw me do it."

"So what do you call this?" Mr Franks held up a sheet of paper with Dicks name on the top but otherwise blank with his thumb and forefinger and waved it. He picked up a few sheets more with his other hand.

"Sir I assure you I handed in an essay. I don't know how that has happened."

"I suggest you check your bag to see if you handed in the wrong papers."

Dick opened his bag and checked.

"No Sir it's not here, but I know I put it on the pile with everyone else's."

"That, Mr Grayson is obviously not the case is it?"

"Mr Franks, with respect I know I handed in an essay. I have no idea how it has gone missing."

"Mr Grayson are you trying to say someone stole your essay. Who in their right mind would do that?"

"I have no answer for you, but you could call Mr Wayne and ask him, he checked it."

"I don't think we need to bother him. I will give you another chance this once to re write the essay, if you did indeed actually write it in the first place. Have it on my desk in the morning."

Dick looked at Mr Franks in disbelief. Then he realised he would not have to actually re write it. He had done the essay on the computer and had fortuitously saved it.

"Ok that's all for now." Mr Franks waved his hand dismissively.

Once outside the room Dick called Alfred on his mobile. It was school policy that you couldn't use a mobile while in school, but this was an emergency.

"Alfred it's me, look can you do me a big, big favour... Someone has stolen my essay but I still have it on my computer…Could you print it out again for me and could you possibly bring it tonight at the end of school…. Thanks Alfred I owe you one." Dick severed the connection.

Dick leaned in through the window as Alfred passed him the essay.

"I wont be long I just need to get this to Mr Franks." Dick sprinted away.

He knocked on Mr Franks's room door and heard the deep voice call enter.

"Mr Franks here's my essay. I had it saved on my computer and Alfred was good enough to bring it in as he was collecting me tonight."

Dick held out the sheaf of papers.

Mr Franks sniffed and took them from him without comment.

"Very well Mr Grayson. As you have handed it in today, albeit late today I will not penalise you this time." He waved Dick away.

"Maybe you should suggest that you e-mail your homework to the relevant teacher in order to prevent another occurrence such as that." Alfred suggested

"Hmm maybe, but, I reckon some of the other tutors will be happy with that but I'm not sure about Mr Franks.

"In that case we can ask Bruce to send him a letter saying as much."

"I don't know Alfred, It would be easier but I don't want to bother Bruce with it."

"Young man I am sure he will not consider it 'a bother'. Alfred assured him. "He would be angrier if you did nothing and continued to get penalised."

"I guess you are right. Oh Alfred by the way, would it be ok for me to invite my friends over one night or even at the weekend?"

"I thought you would never ask, of course it is. Bruce was only saying the other day how nice it would be for you to do that."

"Great, thanks. When do you reckon it will be possible?"

"Well in the week they could come over for dinner and maybe do their homework here, or depending on them, possible a Sunday. Friday and Saturdays are a bit tight as you well know."

"Ok I'll ask them. Mind you they asked me to go with them to the new lido this Saturday, that's alright isn't it?"

"I don't see why not. Although I suppose it depends on what happens Friday night." Alfred cautioned.

"Ok, no probs. I guess I had better get on with my homework before I incur Bruce's wrath." Dick laughed.

"I would, I'll bring you a drink and a snack in a little while."

Dick nodded as he left the kitchen and headed to his room.

The rest of the week was without further incident. Bruce had written a letter and the teachers had agreed to the request, Mr Franks somewhat reluctantly.

"It's certainly an excellent way of stopping Guy and his cronies getting their hands on your work." Emma laughed. "Hehe, foiled again." She chuckled.

"I reckon everyone should be able to do it." John B suggested. "That way we wouldn't have to cart so much around with us."

"You have a point there." Amy agreed. The others nodded in agreement.

"Maybe that will happen, you never know. Anyway you guys." Dick began. "Alfred says it's alright for me to invite you over. Any week night bar Friday, and Saturday is out too, as it's a busy day for him, but Sunday is fine. Mind you I reckon once he gets used to you lot he wont mind when you turn up."

"Really, we can come up to the Manor!" Lisa said excitedly. "Oh wow!"

"I mean I understand if Sundays is, you know, sacred, family get together, dinners etc, but yes he says it's alright."

"Oh boy, it will be an experience." Kent spread his hands. "Are you still coming to the lido on Saturday?"

"So far yes." Dick told him. "Why?"

"Well I don't know about the others but I reckon we could all manage it this Sunday. Guy's?" he looked around at everyone questioningly.

Everyone nodded in agreements.

"If that's alright mind you?" Kent looked for confirmation.

"That sounds alright with me. What time were you thinking of?"

"Ooh I dunno, shall we say two'ish?" Kent again looked at the others for their agreement.

"I'll tell Alfred that then." Dick told them as he nodded his assent.

Saturday dawned bright and warm. Fortuitously again the Friday night patrol had been without serious incident and Dick had again managed to get to bed a little after one in the morning. Thankfully he wasn't meeting everyone till about half past ten so he had been able to sleep in a little later.

He sat at the kitchen table eating a bowl of cereal to appease Alfred, having refused anything heavier because he would be swimming. Alfred set a cool box on the table.

"I thought a few refreshments would be appreciated." He smiled. "I made sure there was enough for everyone."

"Why thank you Alfred." Dick said as he finished off the last of his cereal.

He was about to get up and place his bowl in the sink but Alfred took it from him.

"I've packed you a bag with your swimming gear." Alfred told him." It's in the hall."

"Thanks again Alfred, you didn't have to thought you know I would have done it." Dick told him.

"No problem, just enjoy yourself."

"I'm sure I, we will. It's meant to be a great place with all kinds of flumes and stuff."

"Go on then get off with you, you don't want to be late." Alfred instructed.

Dick saluted picked up the cool box and headed off to the hall to collect his bag, before making for the garage. He decided to use one of the cars as it would be awkward to get the cool box on a bike. He eyed Bruce's latest acquisition wishing he would allow him to drive it, but he was limited to what he was allowed to use. He longed for the day when he eventually got to drive the Batmobile instead of the endless simulations.

He decided on the mini. Ok not exactly sporty but nippy in traffic and easy to park and at least this one was a convertible.

He manoeuvred the car into a parking space and climbed out. He had seen his friends congregating outside the entrance to the lido. He pulled the cool bag from the back seat and threw the bag with his swimming gear onto his shoulder.

Tina saw him and waved. He returned the gesture.

"What have you there?" John B eyed the cool bag.

"Goodies or so Alfred says. He packed enough for all of us, and more so if the weight of this thing is anything to go by." Dick laughed.

"We are just waiting for Lisa, as per usual." Amy said sighing.

"Nothing new there." Dick laughed putting the cool bag on the floor.

"You got your trunks on already?" John asked him.

"No, I was going to but Alfred already packed them."

"Me neither, I hate having to drive in them they don't half restrict things." He winked.

"I think they have lockers so you can leave your stuff." Emma told them. "Oh look there's Lisa." She waved at her.

As they entered the complex, paying their entrance fees they each were given a booklet explaining the facilities and a wristband.

They all stood for a while studying the pamphlet and orientating themselves.

"Ok changing rooms and lockers are this way." Dick pointed.

"Look I already have my costume on, so I'll go get somewhere to sit then when you guys have changed I'll come put my stuff in a locker." Amy suggested.

"I'll come with you; I've got mine on too." Lisa told her.

"Ok, we'll come and find you." Kent told them.

Dick folded his clothes and pushed them into the locker, inserting a coin to activate the key.

"Oh boy!" He heard an exclamation behind him. He spun around to see the other guys looking at him.

"What!"

"Oh boy!" Kent repeated. "Do you show us up or what?"

"What?" Dick was bemused.

"Well we knew you must be fit, I mean all that circus stuff and all, plus you said you used the gym with Bruce, but well, you know?"

Dick looked down at himself. He had to admit he was in good shape. Despite not being that tall, around five feet eight, he was perfectly proportioned. His body was well defined with not an ounce of excess fat, thanks to all the work he had put in.

"You guys aren't in bad shape yourselves. Well maybe not John B but you haven't anything to be ashamed of." Dick told them.

"Hey look its great because you see he will be a babe magnet and we can benefit from that." John B pointed out. "Hey, what's wrong with me?" He said suddenly realising what Dick had said.

Dick slapped John B's considerable stomach playfully.

"I reckon he will get the guys looking too. Maybe I will benefit." Peter said hopefully.

"PETER!" They all chorused together.

They all ambled out of the changing area and stood looking for the two girls.

Seeing them they headed towards them. Kent touched Dicks arm to indicate he wanted to speak to him away from the others.

"Look please don't be offended by Peter, you know sometimes he can be a bit obvious. Not that he bothers me or anything but, well…"

"Kent it's alright." Dick told him. "I'm not offended at all. You know it takes all sorts to make a circus and I've seen a lot more bizarre sights and encountered many odd people, so Peter is mild at the side of them."

"You know he fancies you though?" Kent continued.

"I'd kinda worked that one out. Don't worry; I'll let him down gently." Dick smiled. "Come on lets get settled and into the water."

They hurried on to join the others.

The girls exchanged smiling glances as they joined them, eyeing Dick up and down.

"Looking good." Tina drawled shaking her fingers.

"Don't you start either." Dick laughed.

"So what are we going to do first?" Emma asked.

"Well I reckon I'm going on that." John pointed to the distant water slide."

"Oh my, it looks scary. It must be virtually vertical." Emma exclaimed. "I think I will settle for something a little gentler."

"Me too." Amy agreed. Tina and Lisa nodded vigorously.

"You up for it?" John asked the other guys.

"Yeah, no problems." They all agreed except Peter.

"Look you all go and do what you want to I'll watch our stuff." He graciously offered.

The girls jumped up and headed towards one of the 'slower' flumes. The boys began to follow but Dick hung back.

"Peter, are you sure, I mean it doesn't seem fair."

"I hate heights and I'm not all that good in the water. I'll get a splash in the pool later." Peter reddened. "Actually I don't swim."

"If you're sure."

"Yes, honestly." Peter insisted.

"Look if you like you and I can go in the pool later and I will help you learn if you like. I'm not a strong swimmer myself."

Peter coloured up even more.

Dick leaned over and put his hand on Peters shoulder.

"Look Peter, I do understand and I know what you are feeling if I'm reading you right."

Peter looked down and found a loose thread on the towel which he began to pick at.

"I don't want to spoil your day but look, as far as I'm concerned you are Peter and a friend of mine, I can't reciprocate the feelings you have for me, that's not what I'm about, but that wont get in the way of our friendship now will it."

"No, and thank you for being honest." He looked up at Dick thankful that he seemed to understand.

Dick patted Peters shoulder. He noticed that Peter winced. He didn't think he had hit him that hard. It also occurred to him that Peter hadn't taken off his T-shirt.

"Maybe he is sensitive to the sun." He mused to himself.

"Ok well I'm going to go on the slide and then have a swim. See you in a bit."

"Ok, have fun." Peter held his hand up to his eyes to shield them from the sun as he watched Dick walk away, attracting the attention and wolf whistles of all the girls as he walked by.

"Boy that was good." John B shook the water from his hair as he flopped down beside Peter. He eyed the cool box.

"Go on then open it." Dick laughed sitting down.

John B obeyed and looked inside rubbing his hands together.

"Is there a drink in there?" Tina asked. "I'm parched."

"Voila!" John B pulled out a can of soda.

"Alfred certainly packs a mean picnic." He said pulling out a packet of sandwiches. He looked questioningly at the others.

Dick waved his hand.

"Help yourselves."

Everyone dived in and picked out something. Dick accepted a can from Tina and opted for the chicken sandwich.

"So what we doing next?" John B spluttered with a mouthful of food.

"I'm going to work on my tan." Lisa told him. The other girls agreed.

"Well I reckon when I've digested this I'll hit the water again." Kent announced. "Hey Dick how's your diving?"

"Err; well I did do a dive into the safety net a few times." He said looking serious.

"Oh right. So….." Kent started.

"No I have done some diving, if you mean from the board. We were in a town with a pool that had a diving board and Dad and I had fun."

"Ok so it's top board then." Kent challenged.

"Too right." Dick laughed.

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