Disclaimer: The characters are owned by DC. Not mine, never will be. No money is being made by this piece of fiction.

Once in a While

By Arlene

"Please?"

"No. It's your responsibility."

"But I hardly ever ask you for anything! Pleease?"

"No. Absolutely not."

"Aw, c'mon! How was I to know they'd show it on the same day? Pleeease?"

"What part of 'no' don't you understand? And adding extra e's won't help."

"But you always said I could depend on you. Just this once…?"

Sigh. "You know I would do anything for you, but this…" Shakes head. "Don't look at me like that!"

"…"

Crosses arms. "You should know I'm immune to that look by now. Tim does it every so often. Besides, don't you have it on tape?"

"But it's not the same. You know that! Pleeease?"

"Oh, all right! On one condition: You'll skip patrol."

"What?! You can't be serious!"

"You heard me. Either that or forget it."

"What about emergencies?"

"Well, okay then, barring any emergencies, and I mean *big* emergencies, you'll stay in. You need more sleep."

"Well…"

"You know Alfred will back me up on this. Don't make me pull out the big guns."

"Okay, okay! I'll stay in."

"And you'll be good?"

"What do you mean, 'Be good'? What am I, a child?"

"Well, judging from the way you've been acting…"

"All right! I'll 'be good.' Sheesh."

"Don't make me change my mind."

"Sorry, sorry. I know what a big sacrifice you're making here, and I really appreciate it."

"I know. You deserve a break." Moves to ruffle hair.

Dodges hand. "Thanks. You're the best."

"Only because of you." Awkward pause. Hug or don't hug? "Uh, you should be off now. It's almost time."

Brilliant smile. "Thanks." Dashes off.

"Alfred!"

"Sir?"

"You heard, I suppose?"

"Indeed, sir. Your, ah, attire is ready."

"He used the puppy eyes on me, Alfred."

"He has been practising in the mirror, sir."

"He used the Miranda on me."

"Sir?"

"He reminded me of my promise. 'Anything you say can and will be used against you.'"

"Ah."

"It means that much to him?"

"Yes, sir, it does. You know how he feels about it."

"Yeah, I do. I haven't seen him so excited in such a long time. I'm just glad he didn't start pouting."

"Hm. I believe he has been practising that as well. Just in case, you know."

"He had me at the first 'Please', you know." Shakes head fondly. "Make sure he doesn't overdo the popcorn, and make sure he drinks plenty of liquid. Popcorn makes him thirsty. And make sure he gets to bed at a decent hour."

"Rest assured, I'll be keeping my eye on him. I shall secure downstairs if necessary."

"Thanks, Al. Why'd they have to schedule the 'Grey Ghost' marathon tonight? I hate these charity balls!"

"Perhaps Miss Gordon might be persuaded to join you…?"

"Ya think? Great idea! Maybe it's not too late…" Rushes off to find a phone.

"Good luck, Master Dick!" Moves to kitchen to prepare popcorn.

End