Chapter Text
It was a truth universally acknowledged that two were the absolutely most boring affairs in existence. School and galas.
At least, that was the case according to the expert opinion of one Dick Grayson. And if there was one thing the 10 year old knew rather intimately, it was having fun. Like swinging from chandeliers. That was pretty much the definition of fun. Although Bruce, being a total party pooper as per usual, had forbidden Dick from getting his feet off the ground at any point during the night.
So, there was Dick. Bored, annoyed and really not in the mood for any interaction with the ladies and the gentlemen in attendance. Apart from Bruce. He was always in the mood to hang out with Bruce.
Except for the part where the billionaire was pulling a Brucie and had made it his mission to socialise with everyone. Especially with the ladies.
If he was being honest with himself, Dick didn't really mind about all the women circling his guardian hoping to get a chance with him. He knew Bruce wasn't all that interested in any of them. He still hoped the man would one day find the one meant for him. Just like his mami and tati had found each other. Bruce definitely deserved the best after all.
In the meantime though, he resigned himself to being polite to the crowd of attendees and being on his best behaviour. An absolute angel. If Lex Luthor claimed otherwise it was lies and slander. No shrimp or martini glasses were harmed by the hands of Dick Grayson. The bald dude was imagining things, promise. He was just letting a lady pinch his cheeks until they hurt. Nothing suspicious.
Cheeks pink and aching was the situation Dick found himself in when he noticed a woman staring directly at Bruce. And worse, his guardian stiffened, almost subconsciously. Dick narrowed his eyes at her. Bruce was very cool and one of the things that made him cool, was his ability to sniff out danger like a trained dog. So this type of reaction from his guardian? It couldn't mean anything good.
What was it about this woman that set Bruce so on edge?
Dick darted to the corner of the room, narrowly avoiding bumping into anyone's legs (one day he would tower over them all), in order to get to the one person wise and awesome enough to answer his questions.
“Alfie!” The butler lowered his gaze towards him, a fond smile twitching at the corners of his lips.
“Yes, master Dick. How can I be of assistance? Would you like a juice box? Or perhaps your tablet?”
“No, Alfie. Wait, you have a juice box? You know what, never mind. Maybe later. Do you know who that lady is? The one staring daggers at Bruce? Long brown hair, wears a red dress.” The butler inhaled sharply. Not good. Definitely not good.
“Oh my. That, my dear boy, is Talia Al Ghul. She and master Bruce happen to have…history. Oh, good heavens.” The older exclaimed just as Talia started making her way to Bruce.
“Alfie, be honest. Will Bruce be happy to see her?” Dick's heart was racing. She was getting closer to Bruce. Alfred hesitated.
“Alfred… I need an answer fast. Even I can't do miracles.” Alfred looked at him and sighed.
“No, master Dick. Things ended badly between them and not by master Bruce's hand.”
“Good enough for me.” He was already on the move. “Get Bruce, I'll distract her.” He moved with purpose and determination, closing the distance between himself and Talia.
She was 5 feet away from Bruce when he finally reached her and deployed his ultimate weapon. The signature Grayson charm of tomfoolery. Trademark pending.
“Hello madam. I don't believe I've ever seen you around here before! Dick Grayson, at your service.” He bowed theatrically. Yeah, she wasn't getting any service from him, but she didn't know that yet.
“What a crude name. And you are a child. What is a child doing here? Who allowed you to come?” She asked, voice radiating authority and trying to intimidate. Too bad Dick wasn't intimidated by wannabes.
“It's a nickname for Richard. What's your name?” Dick asked. Alfred was already talking to a waiter. Another point to the list of reasons why Alfie was the best.
“I am Talia Al Ghul. And you are in my way.” She dismissed as she started walking around him. What was it with people underestimating him?
“Talia, huh? Wow! Reminds me of Italy. Did you know that, in Italian, the country is called Italia? And your name is so similar! I think it's funny. Do you think it's funny?” The waiter Alfred was talking to earlier had made his way to Bruce and was now whispering to him, the man's eyebrows shooting up. Bingo. Now that his mission was a success, time to have some extra fun! And nothing was funnier than messing with annoying people.
“So, who's your date? Unless you don't have one. Understandable, you look so ugly your hairline is running away from your forehead.” That for sure got her attention. Point to Dick.
“Excuse me? Who do you think you're talking to? I am Talia Al Ghul, daughter of the demon.” She was making this too easy.
“Oh! Your dad's a demon! That checks out really. Only a demon could create something so hideous and call it a day.” A mischievous grin settled on Dick's face, glee evident at the red shade Talia's face got, almost as red as her stupid dress.
“How dare you? You insolent child!”
“Wow. That's the best you can do? I don't know what's worse, your IQ or your eyebrows.” Her hand raised instinctively to touch the aforementioned eyebrows. Honestly, was she even trying to pose a challenge?
“Nobody asked you for your opinion, brat!”
“Then why are you listening? Get a life lady, sheesh.”
“Excuse me, I hope I'm not interrupting.” Dick's head swivelled towards the newcomer. Bruce. Oh no.
“Beloved. Finally. This insufferable offspring has been inconveniencing me greatly. We are most fortunate to not have sired such an heir. Such a disgrace.” Dick bowed his head, face burning with shame.
Despite doing his best to pretend otherwise, he knew he was a lot. He was an orphan circus kid for crying out loud. Half of the time he preferred to be in the air, flying, rather than on the ground. Of course he was too much to handle. But- Bruce seemed to like him. They had been spending time together, they even went to the zoo to see the elephans. Bruce got Dick an aerial set in one of the spare rooms of the manor.
And in a single sentence, Talia Al Ghul had ruined that. Bruce would be embarrassed and he would send Dick away in hopes of saving his reputation.
Dick Grayson had always loved people. It was his thing. He had never hated anyone in his life. But at that moment, he hated Talia Al Ghul with a burning passion.
“Watch it, Talia.” Bruce's voice surprised Dick, full of steel and eyes burning like blazing fires. “I may tolerate many things but this boy is my son. And you? You will treat him with respect unless you want to find out exactly why I keep such a tight lid on my temper.” He stared at Bruce incredulously. What had just happened?
To his ever growing confusion, Bruce picked him up and started walking to the exit without so much as a glance back at Talia.
“B? Are you okay?” Dick asked hesitantly, hands already around Bruce's neck so as to not fall down. Bruce chuckled.
“I'm perfectly fine, chum. Thank you for getting Alfred and alerting me. You did very good.” Dick smiled and placed his head on Bruce's shoulder.
Talia was glaring at them as they left and he couldn't resist the temptation. He wiggled his fingers at her and then gave her a two-finger mocking salute.
It was right then and there that Dick came to a decision. It was true, he was far from perfect. He was loud, obnoxious, overly chatty and hyperactive. But, he was a great judge of character. Bruce was incredible and he deserved the best. That best wasn't in any way, shape or form Talia Al Ghul. So Talia would simply never lay a finger on Bruce. Ever.
Dick Grayson would make sure of it.