Becoming Robin (Book 2)

» 02: A New Persona?

"So let me get this straight," I folded my arms as I leaned into the computer, internally growling as he refused to even send me a simple glance. "I have to pretty much change everything about myself because you said so?"

"You can no longer run around with the name R. It would be too dangerous." Bruce clarified, clicking a few keys.

"That's bullshit and you know it." I stated,  waving a hand his way.

"Language."

"What? I'm not allowed to say 'no'?" I scoffed. Honestly, the rules in this house are ridiculous! Not even being able to say "no".

"Richard-"

"Fine. Sorry." I sighed. "But, back to the matter at hand, what would I even change my name too-" I paused a moment as realisation hit me. "-wait! Does this mean I get to design my costume now?"

"Yes."

"Sweet." A smile pulled at my lips as I imagined the design. A red vest, black leggings, and boots, with a yellow interior cape. It'll be sick. "But, my name?"

"I'm leaving that up to you to decide. Any ideas?" Bruce asked, finally turning and facing me.

"A few," I mumbled, going through the list in my head. Black Bat, Nightwing, Robin- "How about Robin?" I offered, recalling the vague memory I had of my mother using that name.

"Robin." Bruce thought, making a face. "I like it."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. It suits you."

We shared a smile. "Then Robin it is."

"I look lit." I beamed, looking at myself in the mirror. Who knew Alfred could sew this good and in such little time? Maybe I should ask him to fix the jeans I have hidden beneath my bed?

"Like a real superhero, Master Dick." Alfred smiled, standing beside me, Bruce already suited at his side.

"Thanks, Alf." Turning to Bruce, I watched as he pulled his cowl on, giving me a small smirk.

"Ready to patrol?" He asked.

"Let's go kick some ass!"

"Language."

"What? I said 'kick'."

I silently watched out the window of the Batmobile, boredom creeping upon me. No baddies whatsoever, which was quite unusual for the crime-infested city of Gotham. Maybe they were all on holiday?

Do bad guys even take holidays? I never did. Thrn again, I didn't quite consider myself a bad guy. Kinda rough around the edges, but it's not like I'd kill anyone without reason. I liked to consider myself more of a "steal candy from babies" type. Y'know. Like, chaotic good type shit.

"Don't you find it strange we haven't found a single crime yet? We've been looking for hours." I commented, keeping my gaze out the window once I brought myself back to reality.

"Sometimes there is none. Which isn't a bad thing." Batman shrugged, making a turn down an alleyway.

"Still. Don't you find it a bit suspicious?" I pushed.

"I do." He grimaced, turning off the car and hopping out, I following behind. We made our way up to the top of the building. I lazily scouting along with him.

"I came in like a wrecking ball~"

"Robin."

"Sorry."

I let my eyes wander for another few minutes before a glint of orange caught my eyes. Squinting, I made out a silhouette of a man. A very familiar man. "Bats, look," I called turning to him, before looking back towards..

Nothing?

"What?" Batman asked, looking at me with confusion.

"Where did he-" I shook my head. "Never mind, I must be seeing things.."

Nodding, he went back to scouting, occasional shooting me a confused glance. All the while, a nagging feeling was attacking me.

Was I just imaging things or did I really see him?

A few days had gone by after that, and crime had returned to its normal routine. I have yet to catch another sighting of that orange mask, but it doesn't really bother me anymore, now what does bother me is what had just happened at Mount Justice.

"I am never going back to that Mountain!" I fumed, stepping into the Batcave. "You can't honestly think that those- those animals are cut out for the hero business, do you?"

"I do," Bruce spoke, raising a brow at me as he stood from his chair.

"Then you must be crazy." I scoffed, standing in front of him. "I mean, who in their right minds just randomly hugs someone- and a group hug at that! Superboy even participated, probably because M'gann asked, but he still touched me! And Wally- oh that little traitor- he just stood there and took pictures! They're lucky I only screamed at them. Do you know how badly I just wanted to-" I could find words, my hands out in front of me as I continued wiggle my fingers with angered grunts.

"Seems like quite the traumatic experience," Bruce smirked, silencing my little rant. "Do you need a hug?"

"Fuck you." I glared, trying to suppress a laugh, as I stomped past him.

"Language!" He called, a chuckle slipping past his lips.

"I said 'you'!"

- To Be Continued -

A/N:

Sorry for such a short chapter.

-JJ