Just Winging It [Tim, invite only]

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Being in Gotham during the day had become a rare occasion for Dick since he moved to Bludhaven. But since Tim has taken on the Robin mantel, he was finding himself hanging around more. Not to mention the little FBI kid who Bruce had taken in recently.

Dick had been hanging around the bat-cave when he got a message from Alfred asking him to pick Tim up at school since Alfred and Bruce were still at a meeting in Metropolis. With a shrug and agreeing to it, Dick took up the responsibility. Not like he saw Barbara doing much helping within the Bat-family lately. That or she was avoiding him again.

Getting up stairs, he got to the garage and got one of Bruce's sleek mustangs out. He went for the black one, wondering the last time this car had been on the road. All the cars in great condition, but some still needing to be broken in on the road yet.

He knew the town like the back of his hand and found his way to the high school. One place he'd never really miss in Gotham.

The bell had rung maybe a minute or two ago by the looks of it. Kids were already getting onto buses and leaving the front doors. Dick pulled up to the corner and glance around for time. Even thinking that maybe it Tim walked by and didn't notice the car or the driver, he'd try to wake him up by honking the horn to get his attention.

He remember the feeling of being a zombie by the time school was over. Then again this was Tim, he seemed to like the work at times.

[Deleted]

The bell shook through the school, like a pistol at the start of a race. Students jumped up from their desks and began to leave the many class rooms. This was most people’s favourite part of the day and it didn’t begin till the afternoon come evening, for students and teachers alike. Tim would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy going home after a long day like all teenagers but some how there were so many dangers out there. Those guys could be waiting outside, ready for revenge. Or there could be a long walk to home before him, but at least that gave him time to think.

He took his bag from the locker, attempting to stand back from the mass charge of the other students. He was one of the last to leave usually, not that it bothered him. A few pictures dotted the interior of the metal box. A copy of the picture that was taken the night of the Circus between the Drakes and Graysons. He liked the picture so he had a copy made of it, although he never told anyone about it. He locked the red door and turned back to face the exit. Tim pulled the bag over his black heavy coat which he wore for the winter weather. He had a dark red scarf around his neck too, to keep his body warm.

He pushed the glass door open and walked out onto the snow covered steps, walking down them to reach the road outside. A few cars had begun to pull away, along with kids saying good bye to each other until tomorrow. He smirked the trails of breath which lifted from his mouth and nostrils before him, a thing he always enjoyed. He thought about the notion of just disappearing into thin air, with out any one noticing. Sounds so alluring. He had too much to do, whether he’s wearing a mask or not.

Tim gave a quick glance around the different cars, in a hope to see one he recognised with either Bruce or Alfred behind the wheel. No luck though. So he turned and began to walk down the street a bit more yet he stopped behind a parked black muscle car, with a strange feeling. He’d seen this car before, some where. That number plate, it’s one of Bruce’s. He wondered if he’d been spotted. So he walked around the other side and opened the door, quickly leaping into the seat, in an attempt to startle the driver. “Boo!” He joked while jumping in, surprised who’d picked him up. Nightwing. “Hey there Dick didn’t expect this.” He smirked; Dick was some what his personal hero even more so than Bruce.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick was alert to all the people passing. Not a person went by that he hadn't noticed. Ok, sometimes that could get annoying. But after years of training, it was a hard habit to break. And at time it of course was handy to know what was going on around you.

A teen in a black jacket and red scarf seemed to be the last one to be passing. Dick recognized that mop of hair. That and the short height of the kid gave him away. He knew it was Tim. Tim just didn't seem to recognized the car at first as he passed.

Dick was watching, sitting back in his seat a bit more as Tim analyzed the vehicle. He could see his movement in the rear view mirror and the slightly angled down side mirror he used from when he had parked to not get the tires marked up against the side walk.

When Tim jumped into the car and tried to surprise him, Dick just smirked at the younger boy. "Hey it was either this or you walked home in the on coming snow," Dick replied. "If I were you, I wouldn't trade the cape for that jacket any time soon."

Dick took a shot at his attempt to sneak up on him. And Tim's jacket hadn't helped to hide him. Though this was Dick, he wasn't going to knit pick at Tim over it like Bruce might. The kid was just having fun.

"Looks like we'll be fending for ourselves tonight. Alfred had to take Bruce to an out of town meeting that might take into the night a bit," Dick said.

[Deleted]

Tim grinned at Dick as he looked down at his leather coat. He played with the zip slightly, rubbing his finger along the metal while he sat himself down in the seat. “Thanks, I just picked it out at random. I thought I needed a change from the usual red coat; don’t want to trademark it or something.” He laughed before dragging the safety belt over his chest with both hands, plunging it into the socket. Safety first he thought, would be funny if he’d fought all those thugs, bested all those gangs just to be killed in a car accident. Although that’s a grim thing to joke about. It wasn’t that he didn’t have faith in Dick’s skills behind the wheel; he just liked to take every precaution.

His eyes widened when Dick said that Bruce was out of town, something that pleased him slightly. It was his choice to become Robin but lately since his father was placed in hospital, he feels like Bruce has been just a little too hard on him during this difficult time. He knew that he needed to be at his best but Bruce pushing him hardly left him in a good mental state. Tim would have thought that Bruce would understand. Dick seemed to be more down to Earth and less of a workaholic then his mentor, as he’d seen them argue from time to time. Some times he didn’t know who to listen to, both were experts at this. “Sounds good, Dick. I’ve been waiting all day to head out; it seems to be the only entertaining thing left in my life.” He sighed and looked out of the window, placing his head down upon his arm.

Various people were walking past, one of which was Becky Smith, a girl in his class. She wasn’t the coolest of people but Tim liked her for that reason. Not in a romantic way though. She was smart, smarter than he is. But as he watched her walk across the street, he felt a little sorry for her. Especially since she’d likely walk into Terry, our very own super villain. Or the closest we can have at school. He smirked slightly at the thought of him beating up Terry as Robin, with Batman by his side. “So are we going straight out tonight?” He turned back to Dick slightly, turning on the car heater while doing so. A breath of heat moved over his fingers, turning them from a pale shade to a light pink one. The trails of air from his mouth began to disperse, showing that the temperature was rising.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick started the car up once again as Tim buckled in. Sure it was cold out, but he had no need to leave the car running while he had been waiting.

When he had mentioned that Bruce was out today, he noticed a look of relief on the kid's face. Dick could relate to that feeling at times. Recalling the many times he had to put up with Batman as Robin. But Dick had been much younger than Tim when he had started up the vigilante life.

Even now it could be hard to watch just what Bruce had put them all through to fill the part as the Dark Knight's partner. After what happened to Jason, he could see then tension between all of them. Batman was more careful in a way. And very much so strict as usual. Though the added weight of guilt loomed over Bruce.

"Wait til you get to college," Dick replied with a smirk.

That had been a ride and a half with time management, a life, and the night life. Even for Dick, he still had challenges he faced with trying to get through a day. But unlike Bruce, he wasn't going out of the way to make a name for Dick Grayson. Sure he had money, though he was finding a way to keep his work up during the day. And the police academy wasn't all paper work. It'd pay off once he was on the streets during the day.

He caught notice of Tim's attention wandering out the window. He saw the girl Tim must have been looking at. Either a friend of his or someone he liked?

"Already thinking about getting a girlfriend," Dick questioned him teasingly.

Though when Dick was his age, he had already been playing that game for some time. Something Bruce saw as a waste of time. And a distraction. But hey, sometimes a good distraction.

Returning to a more serious thought, would answer Tim. He had come out to watch over Tim a bit on patrol since Bruce was out. And he had some business he needed to take up with a certain mind-reading child back at the Manor. He'd worry about that when they were getting ready to head off may be.

"We can, but I was given instruction by Alfred that 'some sort of dinner is in order and some homework that needed to be tended to if there was a need. And potato chips and cheese balls don't match the food groups he has in mind for a proper dinner'. So, I was thinking of getting some pizza then heading out about an hour or so after dark," Dick replied. He had done his best impression of what Alfred had instructed him for Tim's evening after school.

Sure, he'd follow the homework and what not...for a while. But he wasn't about to let himself or Tim get in trouble for anything. Dick may not live at the Manor any more, but Alfred could still find ways to deal with someone if they don't heed his instructions for a proper day's meal or responsibilities.

[Deleted]

Tim’s fingers lightly tapped the rest upon which his arm lightly lay upon, his nails dragging slightly along the leather. His other hand stretched out to turn on the radio, revolving the silver button around in order to find his favourite station. In between the short lapses of static were various different stations, a one with a chat show where the male guest talked about some sort of business concerning Metropolis’ Police Force. He continued turning it around, passing through a few stations, mostly modern rubbish in Tim’s eyes before he reached his proffered listening, Gotham City FM. It kept him up to date with what was going on in the City, in fact right now the host of show was talking about the new club in the East of Gotham, bringing much needed attraction to the dead area. "The club was recently opened by the CEO of Queen Industries, Oliver Queen in what is to be a chain of nightclubs across the East Coast. Mr. Queen plans on constructing clubs in Metropolis and Bludhaven by the end of the year.” Tim rolled his eyes before turning it off again. “Seems like a waste of money, he should be focusing on medical centres and youth clubs in those areas, not opening up a new venue.”

Tim turned back to Dick with a smirk, calming down after his little spat at Oliver Queen. “Sorry, long day. Yeah that sounds good to me, Dick. Can’t wait to get out there tonight, it’s quite relaxing looking down upon Gotham at night.” He grinned and lay his head back on the head rest with his eyes shut, yawning slightly while placing a hand over his mouth. He was true; it had been a long day for the fourteen year old. It was good to dust of the shell that was Tim Drake, revealing Robin! Or Boy Wonder as some had called him, a title he never did like. Pizza sounded quite good though, something Bruce wouldn’t let him have. He’s had a few lectures upon keeping his body in check and that pizza doesn’t help. Well maybe this could be a treat, a prize or something for doing so well lately. Bruce wouldn’t deny that since he’d returned from China and had became Robin, he’d been doing quite well. Physically not as well as Jason or as quick as Dick but definitely in the mental challenges that Bruce has given him.

His eyes flicked open at the mention of a girlfriend. At first he coughed a little bit before speaking. “I, well no, no girlfriend.” He spluttered while speaking, his cheeks going red slightly at Dick’s question. He turned away while biting his lip slightly, looking out of the frosted window. He sighed then placed his head upon his raised palm, still smirking. “Well now that you mention it…That girl that hangs around with Superman’s quite hot. She might be a bit out of my league a bit, you know with her flying and all.” He looked back at Dick, but his eyes quickly changed course. To Tim, Dick was the romantic one out of the group. He seemed to have the most experience, maybe he could give a few tips upon courting.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"If only everyone with money thought that way, Tim," Dick replied.

They knew the reality of it all. There were many outnumbering the groups that actually gave back to the community or tried to rebuild it.

Otherwise there would be no way for the rich to get richer. But Dick could understand Tim on that one. Most of the rich talked of the charity they did at the parties they go to and then outside of there, they knew the truth.

"Don't sweat it," Dick replied over Tim's outburst. When living with Bruce, it was more than expected to have an out burst or two of any kind. But the kid was learning well.

At Tim's comment of looking down at the city, Dick would hold him to that one. He knew Tim wasn't scared of heights.

"Alright, so some air time jumping off buildings then if we have time," Dick commented as he took a sharp turn down a road that would lead them out of the city part of Gotham City.

As Tim would know, Dick enjoyed the free fall from tall buildings. But that was a daredevil side of him that remained from the younger days. This was a guy though that at age of nine was performing on a high wire with no safety net.

Tim's reaction was enough to tell Dick, he had hit something that the boy was not comfortable with. He didn't need to see it to know, as his eyes stayed on the road ahead.

"There's no such thing as someone being out of a league when you're in the Bat-family," Dick replied some what jokingly. A smirk came to his face over this. Though a grin would be better suited for his reasons.

Tim would probably be able to even recall the time Dick had been with Babs for a while. She was the Commissioner's daughter after all. That and Dick was sure she probably mumbled a few things under her breathe as Nightwing would often crash in on her investigations. She was his ex, so he was sure at times she still was annoyed with him.

"I'd think you'd be more up to date with the recent additions to the Justice League's rookies. Then again, you don't study them like Bruce does," Dick commented.

They both knew it was true over Bruce knowing all of them. Though Dick would have to admit to it as well. But he's not the hawk like Bruce is.

"That girl is Superman's cousin. Kara Zor-El," he informed Tim. He was sure he could figure out for himself what title she went by with the Superman's cousin bit.

"She's around you age. And if I'm not wrong, goes to the same school possible? I know she attends a few classes at Gotham University. Those Kryptonians have a lot of brains as well as brawn," Dick did point that facts out over why she would have classes at a college at her age.

"Doesn't she hang around with the Titans much? Connor is her cousin," he suggested more about a chance for Tim to talk with the girl.

[Deleted]

The car began to travel out of the suburban area of Gotham after about half an hour driving along the streets. Soon the Mansion would becoming into view, high above Gotham, like a palace over its City. He never had a big house before, back when he lived with his parents, before his Mother’s death and his Father’s accident. In fact they only stayed in hotels, never staying in Gotham for very long. Thus Jack didn’t see the point in keeping a home although when he was born, they did own a large apartment in the more built up area of the City with a nice view of the Bay, it’s all he ever remembered.

Tim turned back to Dick after his little flashback of his life before becoming Robin. “Jumping off some skyscrapers always appeals to me, you sure you don’t need a cape like the rest of us?” He only mentioned because of the distinct lack of a cape upon Dick’s costume, wondering if he had one at all. Perhaps they were stashed under the arms, Tim didn’t know. Unfortunately for him, he hadn’t been given the chance to go over Dick’s Nightwing suit, something he’d always wanted to. Bruce told him to just take care of his own gear, which should be his top priority. Although Tim couldn’t help himself, every time he laid eyes upon it, he wanted to take it apart before checking out every piece. Where as Dick may be king of the skies when it came to free falling, Tim is just as happy at a workstation, dissecting his gadgets.

Tim sat and listened to Dick talking about romance. He did remember about Dick’s romance with Babs, something which made team meetings a lot more humorous, knowing that their thoughts were on other matters. “Out of our league? I assure you there’s many a league higher than league Tim.” He listened to his comments upon how Bruce sums every one up who’s in the League; something that Tim has began to do himself. “Well I notice little bits; I’m not a great detective like Bruce.” Tim had to say, Bruce was the best he’d ever seen when it came to detective work, he was in a total different league to the young crime fighter. He can work things out in mere seconds compared to Tim’s minutes.

Tim knew of her, Conner had told him about his cousin, Kara a bit. Tim had become close friends with Conner since he joined the Titans. “I haven’t been with them much lately, not since I got back from China.” Tim had been sent there for training by Bruce like he did when he was a little older, back at the beginning of his crusade.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"I can glide well enough without one," Dick commented.

He could see the look in Tim's eyes. Knowing that look, Tim wanted to see the difference between the Nightwing suit vs. the rest of the Bat-family suits. Most of them being similar with the utility belts. Though the Nightwing suit noticeably was missing that particular item.

"The skill will come in time. It does to us all," Dick replied to Tim.

Dick had gone into the field with the idea of the job being fun. That was all until the loss of a life and being beaten almost to death by Two-Face was enough to wake him up to the reality of the how life. And Dick had always been more of the free spirited one in the bats.

Though he had his times when he was as much of a stick in the mud as Bruce. Maybe it was just because out of the three Robins, he had lived with Bruce longer. Raised by him and was the first Robin. The free spirit was more something Bruce seemed to be trying to keep the Robins from after the way Dick had up and left the way he did.

"You better start studying up on the League. The member's list will grow before you'll be able to keep up," Dick said in response to the additional work Bruce had them all do.

"When are you planning on going back up to New York? Kory was wondering since she's been organizing a lot of the training lately," he questioned.

Not that it was all that argent for Tim to get back into the Titans. But with the planning of a new team, someone needed to lead the Titans. And Tim was getting there. Even though Starfire would still be along side of them. It was just rough running all these things at once as well as having somewhat of a life.

[Deleted]

The car began to roll up to the gates, which led up to the Mansion. They swung open automatically, perhaps as Alfred knew that they’d be returning quickly. The black gates with gold trimmings parted to each side of the dark road, with little to no creaking involved. Tim always liked those gates, they didn’t seem as looming as the others at other mansions around Gotham, in fact they were quite beautifully crafted, as they were nearly as old as the Building itself.

Listening to Dick, Tim turned in the seat to face him, still curious to the workings of his suit. Obviously he wasn’t going to get much out of him, although he knew that it seemed more complicated than his own outfit. However he loved his own outfit with all of his heart as it was his own design. Unlike both Dick’s and Jason’s suits, Tim’s had no green upon it, only red, black and gold. He preferred those three main colours. The cape was also new, as it fell over his shoulders more than the previous versions, with more attention getting paid to protection over flexibility. Tim doesn’t have the same acrobatic prowess as Dick thus didn’t have to consider making the suit lighter, depleting its defences. He wished to remedy that with his new designs, which he found easy to build. His favourite addition was the holster in his right gauntlet for his staff, to save him from carrying it about all the time, although it required to be folded down to its smallest size.

“I’ve began to search through the League’s database although currently I’d prefer to focus upon Gotham based activities for now. That’s why I’m back here from the Titans, at least for a while. Last time I went out with them, I found I got my butt kicked, so that’s why I’m home. For some tuition.” Tim wondered if he was the best choice for the team, he’d prefer an older member to be the leader over him, he felt he lacked the creative side that a leader would need.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Best way sometimes is to learn in the field," Dick replied.

He pulled the car up into the oversize garage that Bruce kept on the Manor. It housed his large collect of classic vehicles to some newer sporty ones. Cars that were often driven to different events. Dick could still remember when he had set eyes on the old motorcycle he had worked on for his own. As well as for the generations of Robins had used and upgraded the one he originally designed for the vigilante use.

Dick parked the car near the end. It wasn't his own, since he rode his motorcycle to Gotham. The engine went silent as he then climbed out of the car.

Heading for the side entrance of the Manor, it would take them through the kitchen first. It was the fastest way. And they could by pass Alfred and grab a quick snack.

"What ever suits you though," Dick said as he walked on. Tim was sure to follow his lead.

As he got into the kitchen entrance, he looked around. There was no sign of Alfred yet besides some freshly baked biscuits that were possibly part of some afternoon snack for them.

"So what will it be...Video games, training, or research? We can get the pizza in between," Dick said as he past through the kitchen to the refrigerator on the far side. He grabbed a glass from the side cabinet and got some water.

[Deleted]

“Yeah I guess so, if Bruce lets me go out on a solo run again.” After what happened to Tim last time, he wouldn’t be surprised if he had to be chained to Batman’s side so he doesn’t run off again, although it has taught him a few things. The car slowly crept into the impressive garage, past the both large and expensive collection of vehicles. Tim was never a big fan of cars, but he had to admit that it was quite a group of them, from 1950s hotrods to modern day sports cars, Bruce had them all. The only car he was bothered in was the one sitting in the Cave below. Where motorbikes are concerned, he’d never ridden one before becoming Robin, he’s still not sure if he likes them.

When the keys were turned and removed, the engine roar just vanished. The V8 engine which brought them there was cut dead in a flash and the garage went still once more. The next noise to echo through was the opening then closing on both doors so that they could climb out of the car. It was a short walk through the garage and along to the kitchen, it only took a few moments. Upon entering the Mansion, Tim was yet again in awe of the majesty that was Wayne Manor. How secrets had this building held over the many years? More than the ones Bruce had brought with him.

Following Dick into the kitchen, Tim sat himself down upon one of the chairs around the wooden table in the middle. Leaning back on the chair, Tim reached through into the fridge that was to the side of Dick, grabbing a can of coke before sitting forward again. With his thumb, Tim cracked open the top of the can, taking a strong drink from the silver container. Sighing with satisfaction at the cold drink, he turned back to face Dick and answer his question. “Video games are always fun though I wouldn’t want to embarrass the old timer that you are.” Tim winked at him smirking as he stood up, taking his coat off before throwing it over back of the chair.

“Training? Hmm you might put your hip out of place if you’re not careful. I’m joking, I’m joking you don’t have to prove me other wise.” Again, he was laughing, taking another sip from his drink before setting it down upon the table. “Not that doing more work after school along with all the homework I have to do wouldn’t be fun, I think training might be a good idea. We all know that my bo-staff is better than your two stick things.” At this point, his laughter was now a light chuckle. Tim proceeded to walk over towards the door that led out towards one of the many secret passages to the Batcave.

Before leaving, Tim emptied the remainders of the drink into his mouth, lifting the bin lid up with the other hand which allowed him to drop it in. Grabbing the handle, Tim held the door open for Dick, allowing him the chance to finish off his drink. To be honest, Tim had been frustrated at school today and perhaps training would give him the chance he needed to vent that anger through fighting.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"You'll just go on a patrol with me then," Dick replied.

There was always a loophole to the rules of being on probation for patrolling. Dick knew that well enough. Though Bruce didn't agree with them. Dick being the oldest of the former Robins had figured them out as time went on.

Sure, Bruce knew how to control him when it came to the 'benching the sidekick'. That was what drove Dick away from being a partner to Batman any more.

For Tim's sake, the kid needed experience. Not just to be watched over at all times. After what happened to Jason...Dick couldn't blame how Bruce took the roles now a days. Neither of them wanted to lose another family member. Jason was a punk, but he was still somewhat of a brother. And the same goes for Tim, though without the punk part of it.

As they settled into the change of the afternoon, they weren't in any rush to get to any 'real' work that was needed. That being Tim's homework, and Dick needed to get more files from the Bat-computer and add a few.

Leaning against the counter top, Dick listened as Tim mocked him. He would glance over at him while downing his glass of water. Almost a serious look to his laid back appearance.

"Old timer....hip out of place? Remember who you're talkin' to," Dick replied as he set his glass down on the marble counter top.

Dick pulled off his jacket and set it down on a chair near the island as he walked to it. Looking at at it, he glanced to Tim. And without warning, Dick leaped up over the island. A hand to give him the push off he needed to flip over the large table top. Giving one more flip as he landed on the other side. A smirk on his face as he looked to Tim.

It was a simple reminder that Dick was one of the more acrobatic in the Bat-family.

"Thanks. And it's called an escrima stick," Dick said as he talked pass Tim and toward the closest passage to the Batcave. He knew his way around this place.

[Deleted]

In order for them to reach the nearest hidden entrance to the Batcave, they’d have to pass through the spine of the mansion; the main stair case. Enthusiastically, Tim led the way with Dick following behind. On route to the entrance, he’d overtaken his elder peer in order to get there first, he was that happy to be doing something fun for once. “What, really?” He asked in a hesitant tone as he spun around, walking backwards to talk to Dick. Although it was a nice offer, Tim wasn’t planning on getting Bruce angry; he was already in his bad books. His trainers created little sound as he walked along through the hallways, each lined with priceless art from many years ago.

Before they knew it they’d walked from the Kitchen through into the main entrance of the building. Tim’s dark eyes looked over the historical room, loving the sense of heritage that Bruce must feel when he explores his home. Although it was his second home, with his Father in Hospital, Tim knew most parts of the Mansion well, even if he did get lost once or twice. Catacombs and caves beneath them ran all around the building, providing the many tunnels needed get down to the main cave. The nearest one to them was in the drawing room which just stemmed off from the main section.

In a few moments they’d reached the room, closing the doors behind them. A small collection of books or at least small compared to the Library’s holdings, were lined up in a case next to a globe of the World that sat in the corner of the room, upon a table. It looked innocent enough, sitting next to a lamp along with various other ornaments. Reaching out, Tim grabbed the dome that was the World and pulled it back towards him, sounding a click from with in. Following this movement, the bookcase next to them slid back behind the other half, opening up a lightened passage that descended down into the depths of the Building. “I love this part.” Tim said with a grin, looking back at Dick. Ever since he first came to the Cave, he always loved the build up that came with it, the feeling of not knowing that you’ll find.

A series of bulbs dotted on the walls provided enough light for them to find their way down, didn’t want any accidents. Tim began to stroll down the stairs with the smirk still upon his face. Once they bothered entered, the case closed behind them. Another door stood at the bottom however this once was sleek and silver with a faint Bat symbol etched onto the metal. No handle or means of opening it could be found, only a small camera upon the top. With a short burst of light, the Batcomputer identified both the individuals approaching in mere seconds. “Master Grayson. Master Drake. Identified. Welcome.” A metallic female voice softly spoke. It was automated although Tim thought that Babs provided the original voicing. “Ah Home sweet Home I guess.” Tim joked as the door slid back, allowing them passage into the cave. In the distance there was a light ringing of both water and Bats that make their nests in the roofing.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Don't see how it could hurt," Dick replied.

He could tell Tim was eager to get to the Batcave. It was something that Dick had been like when he was younger. Always eager to work and get out on the streets. Not that that had changed. But when he had lived and worked with Bruce the times had gotten to the point that Dick would often go out on his own as Robin.

It was all a part of growing up or rather growing apart.

"Tell Bruce it's for training," Dick replied. He could see a bit of the worry in Tim over Bruce's tolerating a unpredictable patrol with Nightwing.

Letting Tim take the lead all the way to the entrance, Dick hardly had to look around at the place. Every picture frame was still in it's place from when he had lived there. Every table polished and nothing out of place.

Alfred took great care of this mansion. As much abuse as it had seen between those that had lived there and the activities it hid...everything the same as when Bruce had started the vigilante work. Or at least Dick thought so. There were small changes here and there, but it had gone unnoticed to eyes that may have once wandered these halls.

When they got to the drawing room, Dick smiled at Tim as he watched the kid run over to the old globe. The bookshelf moved out of the way as they walked toward it.

They climbed down further into the catacombs of the cave below the mansion. The computer still had Dick on file of course. The accesses to the cave would send anyone into awe over the large computer systems and all the laboratories it held. To Dick it was all the same as what he had seen for about a decade.

"So do you want me to kick your butt now or later," Dick commented over the training he had offered to do with Tim.