Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

...

New York City was busy at all times. No matter the day or the time there were always people running around. Something was always happening. That made the city a perfect place to hide in. In a crowd, Dick could disappear and become just another person. Just a faceless member of the public.

Dick was hoping to lose any pursuers who'd gotten to close. Namely his father. Slade had gotten close in Metropolis. Dick barely managed to avoid being spotted in the crowd outside the Daily Planet. So, now he was trying to keep a lower profile. Meaning staying in crowded places where it would be more difficult to spot him. Or to corner him.

It had been three months since he ran away from Gotham. He had spent most of the time wandering and moving between the cities. Staying on the move to keep his dad or Bruce from finding him. The Shadows were a little trickier to deal with. They were skilled hunters and were almost always just a step behind. Once Namir had even cornered him. It had taken a lot of luck to get away that time.

Even if they did catch him, he doubted they would return him to his dad. More likely, Ra's would have them send him to Nanda Parbat. Ra's much like Slade was a possessive bastard. However, the Demon Head's was a quieter kind of possessiveness. Still he refused to get caught by either of them.

"Dick?" asked a familiar voice.

He stilled and slowly turned. A woman stood in a dark coat. Her black hair fell to her shoulders. Familiar green eyes met his. Selina. One of his mother's old friends. A friend of Batman's.

"Hello, Selina," greeted Dick, "It's been a long time. How have you been?"

She approached and ruffled his hair. Dick batted her hands away with a half hearted scowl which earned him a grin.

"Good," answered Selina, "What are you doing here, kitten? Shouldn't you be in Gotham with the Bat or Jump with your team?"

Dick shifted uncomfortably. He wasn't sure if he should trust Selina. After everything that happened. He wasn't sure he could. He had trusted the adults in his life and was proven wrong. Could he really risk trusting her?

"Kitten?" Prompted the thief.

"Sorry," apologized the teenager, "got a bit lost in my thoughts. As for the answer to your question. I'm just passing through. Going from here to there and everywhere in between. Trying to see the world. Ya know?"

Selina raised an eyebrow in an expression of disbelief. Then she rested her hands on his shoulders. A small frown replaced the disbelieving look.

"You're not going to tell me, are you?" Questioned the thief, "Why the sudden urge to travel? Are you in some kind of trouble, Kitten? Talk to me, Dick."

"Nothing that can't be solved by a break from everything," admitted Dick, "Just needed a breather."

Her gaze searched his. She didn't believe him. He hid a knowing smile. Of course she didn't. No one did.

"Is anyone looking for you?" Asked the woman softly, "You can stay with me until someone shows up. I'll call Bruce..."

"No!" Shouted Dick as he took a step away from her.

"Whoa," breathed Selina, "Okay. Okay, kitten. But I think I deserve to know why."

"Because he's part of the reason," muttered the acrobat, "Look I won't be here for long. I'd appreciate it if you don't tell anyone that you saw me."

"Alright," conceded the thief, "I'll keep the secret. If you tell me why you're on the run from him. I need something, kitten."

"I was the reason the Joker was killed," revealed the teenager, "Ra's Al Ghul and another decided to kill him for what he did to me."

"Did to you?" Asked Selina.

"Bruce never told you the reason I left Gotham?" Inquired Dick running a hand over his shoulder.

"No," murmured the Cat, "He didn't. Why did you leave, kitten?"

"Joker," stated the boy, "he tortured and shot me. Bruce decided I couldn't be Robin anymore. When I tried to fight him, we got into a huge argument. That is when I decided to go off on my own."

She wrapped an arm around his shoulders and said, "Come on Dick. Let's to get some food and you can tell me everything from the beginning. I won't even call Alfred."

Dick huffed but let her lead him away.

Chapter Text

...

"So, to sum things up," hummed the Thief, "After the incident with the Joker, Bruce forbids you from going out as Robin. You and Bruce get into an argument and you run away to Jump where you start the Teen Titans. Do I have it right so far?"

"You do," agreed Dick as he sipped at his tea.

"Then Deathstroke the Terminator comes to the city," prompted the Cat, "and he kidnaps you to make you his apprentice. You escape and come back to the Tower. Later he finds out you are his son. You spend a few months getting to know him. Until he decides to go after the Joker despite your wishes."

Dick nodded silently. All of that was correct. Though, it was only the basics. She didn't ask for details and he wasn't in the mood to share them. He didn't want to remember those moments from the first kidnapping.

"And, then the League of Assassins kills the Joker and you run," summarized the thief, "That's quite a busy few months, Kitten. You've always had a weird relationship with Al Ghul."

"Please, don't remind me," grumbled the teen, "He's chasing me too. Thought I'd hide in New York for awhile."

"Are you planning on coming home anytime soon, Kitten?" Selena asked softly, "Or at the very least calling him? The bat is losing his mind in Gotham. You should see the news."

Dick shook his head silently. He didn't regret leaving. Gotham wasn't his home any longer. It hadn't been since he left for Jump. And, Bruce had not helped the situation.

"Why don't you stay with me for awhile?" She offered, "I can teach you a little of the skills that I use."

His brow furrowed. Wasn't she the one who suggested going back to Bruce? What changed?

"Your face is saying more than your words," mused the thief, "You're wondering why the change of heart. Aren't you, Dick? I know how stubborn you and Bruce are. If you say you're not going back then you won't. Not until you're ready. So why not use this time to make sure you can look after yourself."

Dick blinked at her. She had a point. If he wasn't willing to go back then there was no reason to not accept her offer. They were friendly from his time in Gotham. So it wasn't a terrible idea. The thief would be able to help him learn a few tricks. It couldn't hurt. Could it?

"Alright," agreed the acrobat, "I'll take you up on your offer. Thanks, Selena."

"Anytimetherd," assured the woman, "Now eat your dinner."

...

Slade slammed the report down on the table. Will sighed at the mercenary's antics. He had done that every time a false lead came in. Which had been way to often lately. For as many different groups chasing Richard, he was skillfully staying a few steps ahead of them.

"Problems, Slade," he inquired with a little amusment showing, "Another dead end?"

"Of course," growled the mercenary, "Every time I think I've gotten a real lead on Richard he's long gone. How can I protect him if he won't let me, Will?"

"Maybe you should let him cool off, Slade," offered Will.

"I thought he would have returned by now," admitted the assassin, "It's been three months. He should have at least checked in. I don't want this situation to end up like Joey or Grant."

Will sighed. He knew what Slade was thinking about. Slade had tried to make Grant into his apprentice. In the end Grant was killed on a contract. While Joey wasn't meant for that life was taken by those who wanted to use him against Slade and they'd slit his throat. While the boy survived it left him mute. Adeline never forgave Slade for it and took his eye in response.

"Give him time, Slade," ordered the Brit, "Forcing the issue will just cause him to pull further away from you. Trust him to take care of himself."

Slade grunted in agreement. He didn't look happy but it was the best option. At least until they got a better read on his location.

Will felt for Slade. He did. Will had been there both times Slade lost his children. Now his last was in hiding. Specifically from Slade and that hurt the man. Despite the fact that he was usually considered a villain, the mercenary cared about his family. Sometimes to a fault.

"Have you heard anything from the Shadows?" Asked Slade hopefully, "Any information at all."

"No," replied Will tiredly, "They are playing their cards close to their chest. They won't tell us where the kid is. If I had to guess Al Ghul ordered them not to cooperate with us."

Slade slouched in his seat and rubbed his temples. He looked almost defeated. Almost. Slade would not give up. Not until Richard was standing in front of him again. Willingly or nor. Slade or the League would find him eventually.

Chapter Text

...

A lot of what Selina taught him was already familiar. However, the thief was much better at pickpocketing, stealth and gymnastics. Which, made her a great teacher. She was also surprisingly patient.

Places to practice were plentiful. Especially at night. The dark streets were the perfect place to disappear. People tended to stick to the well lit areas. Avoiding the places where light failed to reach. Meaning that Dick could move freely and unbothered. Still, he stayed within a certain range of Selina's apartment.

He loved running across the rooftops. Feeling the wind in his hair. The adrenaline that sang through his veins. The feeling of being truly free again. Like back when he was a child and he flew on the trapeze.

It was exhilarating! Everything else melted away. Gotham, Bruce, the Titans, the Shadows and his father. Nothing mattered. Just the joy of being free. He was no longer confined and couldn't have been happier.

Of course the dangers of his life wouldn't allow him such peace. A sharp noise caught his attention. One that didn't belong in the stillness of the evening. The sound of metal hitting concrete. Immediately, he ducked behind a chimney. His heart pounded in his chest as he peeked from behind his hiding spot.

Familiar shadows were on the opposite rooftops. Immediately he was on alert. There was no way any self respecting member of the League would allow themselves to be heard like that, much less be seen. Unless they weren't alone. Meaning, it was a trap.

Just as the thought hit him, he felt the air shift. Without a second thought he threw himself out of the way. Rolling, he was on his feet in the next moment. Quickly, Dick drew his knives and turned to face his would-be attacker. Namir was across the roof from him. Which meant...

Dick kept moving barely avoiding Al Owal's grab. He spun on his heel to put some distance between the two assassins. Then, once more, his blades were at the ready. They didn't speak to him. The orders were there and he'd made it clear. He would not return willingly. So, force would be used. No questions asked. They would not give him the opportunity to escape again.

Namir lunged for him. With ease the teenager dodged the attack. Only receiving a shallow slice along his arm from the second. He dropped and rolled to the far side of the rooftop. There was an awning on the edge that was connected to another shop. One which would not break his fall. Without a moment to spare, Dick leaped off the ledge. Landing on the awning, the acrobat continued to the ground.

"Damn it!" swore Namir before he too jumped.

Owal was quick to follow the other assassin. Dick landed in a crouch cushioning the impact of his jump as he continued to run. He was thankful for the training with Selena. Without the extra work on his acrobatics it would have been a harder landing. Plus she gave him a familiarity with New York he didn't previously have.

"Get back here, Stray!" growled Namir as he chased after Dick.

Not. A. Chance. In. Hell!

Dick ran faster, pushing his limits to avoid his pursuers. The only problem was that he was quickly running out of options. If he didn't come up with a plan the assassins would corner him. He took the next turn, hoping to throw them off his trail. It was a narrow alley. There was a chain link fence that he hit and promptly scrambled over.

"Slow down, Al Zala," growled Al Owal, "We do not wish to harm you."

"Sorry, not interested!" Snapped the teen.

"Strays are always so difficult," snarled the assassin as he too hit the fence.

With the head start, Dick rounded the next corner. The space was just big enough to fit a human. Something the two men would have to shimmy their way through. Or, go the long way. Dick was never so thankful for his acrobat build as he easily slid through. Then he was on his feet and gone in the next breath. He could hear the swearing coming from the two. Even though it was muffled and distant.

Better luck next time, guys.

...

Selena was waiting on him when he arrived at the apartment. Her brow was furrowed and her arms were crossed. When she spotted him, the thief frowned at his appearance. Dirt had smeared on his clothes and his jacket was torn. He waved her concern off. Luckily, he hadn't received more than a few scratches.

"Dick, where have you been?" Demanded the Cat, "You said you would be back a few hours ago. What happened to you? Are you alright?"

"League of Shadows are in town," grumbled Dick as he shrugged off his jacket and then he flopped onto the couch, "They're looking for me. They got closer than normal tonight. It was Al Owal and Namir."

"How familiar are you with them?" asked Selena cautiously.

"Enough to have nicknames," hummed the acrobat, "I think the Demon Head is getting impatient. These last couple months, the attempts have been happening more often. And, they are starting to get closer to catching me. They are being smarter about it."

"Maybe you should stop your nightly walks," suggested the thief, "until the danger passes. At least stay in this neighborhood."

"Well that would be boring," he replied.

"You're going to get yourself in trouble," chided the Cat, "I don't want to have to explain to the big bad Bat how his ward ended up dead in an alley."

"They won't kill me," he argued with a laugh, "Drag me to Nanda Parbat or Slade? Yes. Kill me? No. Ra's would kill them for whoever attempted."

Selena shook her head in exasperation and said, "I don't understand you."

"Probably a good thing," agreed the acrobat, "Most people don't."

She huffed and walked out of the living room. Probably to go to bed. It was late and Dick didn't blame her.