CHAPTER 4

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[Star City. February 2, 2:30 PDT.

David Lance POV]

Since the day I was attacked at the Star City community college's rooftop, while I was trying to have a nice relaxing lunch break, by a man wearing an owl mask.

Things had… changed.

Dinah, my sweet big sister, had gone full mama hen mode on me, looking over me like a dutiful hawk, never allowing me to leave her sight, under any circumstances.

I couldn't blame her though, I understood the reason behind her change of demeanor and her need to guard me.

She was scared of losing me, and for a good reason.

Had Oliver and her not arrived when they did, I would've been captured.

Which was a very good reason for her to be like she was being.

But not everything was overprotecting me, this attack had also brought some good changes into my life.

For my one, my training regime had been increased substantially, which I was particularly happy about, because it would better prepare me for future encounters with people like the Owl Court.

I was even learning how to use the bow, mostly because Oliver had insisted, like a lot, and I caved to him. Not that I was ever going to use it, but I would have the skill if I ever needed it.

"That's enough for today," Dinah smiled, as I panted on the floor, breathless thanks to all the exercise, and sparring matches of today.

~I think the same,~ I nodded with a tired smile.

"You have been improving kiddo," Oliver praised, winking at me, "Of course, you are leagues away from moi,"

I rolled my eyes at him, no matter the situation Oliver would always be Oliver.

"Give him some time, and he will kick your ass," Dinah chuckled, as Oliver pouted.

"As if," Oliver snorted playfully, as he turned to look at me before he made a face that denoted disgust, "But before you do, how about a bath? You smell like a sock, a smelly one,"

I frowned, taking a sniff on my body, and just like he had said, I stank, heck I almost gagged after taking a whiff of my unique after-training aroma.

I nodded with a sheepish smile, ~Yep, David needs a bath,~ then I blinked, how come they didn't smell bad. ~How come you two smell like flowers… we've been at it, the same time,~ I asked.

"Because of this," Dinah chuckled, pulling what seemed to be some sort of deodorant can from her jacket that laid on the floor, "It's something Batman made, to… skip showers from time to time, it's basically a bath in a can,"

I frowned, ~Then why didn't you offer me a can of that?~ I almost felt insulted that she didn't.

"David, you are a teenager, a race of beings not particularly known for their hygiene, we can't give you a bath in a can, not until we know you will actually take a bath," Oliver nodded to himself.

I deadpanned, before simply deciding to walk away and take my bath, they had very strong points. God knows I practically bathed in axe deodorant during my first puberty.

"Remember to wash behind your ears!" Dinah called.

I nodded, smiling all the way to the bath.

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[Star City. February 7, 9:30 PDT.]

Today was a different day from my normal routine.

Because Robin, aka Dick Grayson, had come to visit me, according to Dinah, Batman had given his protégée the green light to stay with us for a week.

Which was very out of character for Batman.

Not that I complained.

Robin was a very fun kid, always happy, no matter the situation, always talking, always laughing. In a way, he was my opposite, perhaps that was why I would always find myself enjoying my time with him.

"So, what do you do for fun around here?" Robin asked.

~I read, or paint, sometimes I cook,~ I replied.

"Oh, then how about we cook something," Robin grinned, he was excited, about what exactly, not sure.

~Sure,~ I nodded.

"Perfect, I always wanted to see if I could make a souffle," Robin added, sounding almost vindictive.

~Why?~ I asked, giving him a look that said, I know there is an undertone to all of this.

"There's is a certain English man, that says instructions on the web are not enough to make a souffle," Robin huffed, as I rolled my eyes, Alfred was right, you needed more than instructions to be a good chef, sadly, Robin would have to learn that the hard way, he was a very stubborn individual.

~Okay,~ I sighed.

"You believe the same?" Robin gasped with a look of fake hurt.

I rolled my eyes once again.

"I will show you, and him!" Robin clamored.

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[Star City. February 7, 11:30 PDT. - 2 hours later]

Long story short, Robin had burnt the kitchen down.

"Batman will mail you guys a check," Robin muttered, looking down.

~New rule from now on, never cook again,~ I signed, looking at my kitchen burning down, flames burning bright as the fire fighters' sirens approached.

"Agreed," Robin nodded.

~Batman has the joker, and you have the kitchen as your nemesis,~ I grinned, getting a playful punch from the embarrassed boy wonder on my shoulder.

"Batman will kill me," Robin groaned, "I have been here but a day, and I already burnt your house!"

~It could've been worse,~ I lied, there was no way making a souffle could've turned any worse than this, in fact, Robin had enacted the perfect example of a murphy scenario.

"You, my friend, are a terrible liar," Robin chuckled.

~I tried,~ I shrugged.

"By the way, my name is Dick," Robin, or rather Dick said.

I blinked, turning to look at him, ~Why now?~ I asked, curious as to why he was sharing his secret identity with me, considering his mentor was Batman, well, I would've guessed this would've taken more time.

"I wanted to," Robin shrugged, "I don't have many friends, real ones, and well, I asked Batman if I could tell you, and he said, yes, surprisingly."

I nodded, it was indeed very surprising for Batman of all heroes to give him the green light for that, ~Well, thanks,~ I smiled, scratching the back of my head, ~I would introduce myself, but… Batman,~

Dick laughed, "Yes, but… still, it's about the principle, so…"

I rolled my eyes, ~Hello Dick, my name is David, a pleasure to meet you,~

"I know," Dick grinned, cocky little shit.

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[Gotham City. February 8, 7:30 CT.

Bruce Wayne POV]

In less than twenty-four hours, Dick had cost me over 100k, in damages. Perhaps it had been a mistake on my part to let him go to Dinah's unsupervised.

I would castigate myself for that lack of judgment later.

"Master Wayne, you seem stressed," Alfred said, offering me a cup of tea.

"Not more than I was yesterday," I replied, taking the cup.

"How is Master Dick doing?" Alfred asked, a small smile on his face.

I smiled, "He's having fun with David, he already told him who he was,"

"So he knows who you are then," Alfred commented, and I nodded, if David was half as smart as I gave him credit for, deducing such a simple connection was well beyond his capabilities. "I have to admit Master Wayne, this feels out of character for you," he added.

"I suppose," I nodded, Alfred had a point, however, "But, actually it doesn't affect me in anything, Dinah already knows who I am, and so does Oliver, therefore it was only a matter of time before her brother knew. It was simply a matter of when, and the when never affected,"

"I see, my apologies then, Master Wayne," Alfred nodded.

"It's okay," I smiled, turning to face him, "Is my suit for this evening ready?"

"Yes, both are," Alfred nodded, "If I am to be allowed, why are you attending this party, Master Wayne?"

"Some of the members of the Owl Court will be there, and I plan to gather some information," I replied, to which Alfred smiled.

"So that's why you sent Master Dick away, to avoid getting him involved," Alfred chuckled, "Very clever Master Wayne,"