Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Secrets

Bruce was not sure if he had heard the soft noise or not. The manor tended to echo every tiny noise and carry it through the halls, so it wasn't until the second time he heard it he was sure it was real. It had been a tiny sob or a frustrated groan of either a young male or a female. The detective's mind raced over the possibilities. It could have been mistaken for a door squeaking as it shut somewhere or a floor board groaning under a massive collectable's weight in some other house, but not this one. This house made no noise, Bruce spent quite a bit of money to make sure.

Jumping up from his chair so fast it flew back into the wall, the Dark Knight rushed out of the room towards where he believed the noise originated. It was 1530 which meant the newest Wayne heir was home from school. Logically the noise could only be coming from him, Alfred would not make such noises, and he obviously was in need of someone to talk to. Tearing down the halls, Bruce tried to follow the muffle towards his son. It appeared to be coming from the library.

Quietly entering the room, Bruce could see Richard facing the window. His knuckles were white as they clutched his uniform pants at his sides. His body was as tense as a bow string. Weighing his options, Bruce stepped forward slowly. "Hello, Richard." He ignored the fist sized crack in the wall level the boy's right shoulder.

Startled, the youngster spun around to face the Caped Crusader. "Hello, Bruce." His voice was ice cold. The Bat was admittedly impressed.

Sitting down with his back to the window a few steps away from his son, Bruce thought small talk would work best to begin finding out what was wrong. "How was school?" Gotham Academy was the best magnet school in the state. Richard was a shining star amongst the most talented students in the nation. He always seemed so happy when he talked about his classes, friends and teachers.

Narrowing his eyes, Richard snarled. "It sucked. I can't stand those preps. They don't understand anything about the real world. All they care about is how big a party they can throw or how much money they spend on clothes." He folded his arms over his chest.

Never before had he spoke with such negativity about his school. From what Bruce had gathered Richard loved going to Gotham Academy. He liked the challenge. "That is a new attitude. Did someone do something to you?" Bruce scooted an inch closer.

Sighing, Richard ran a hand through his dark hair. "Everyone was having a big discussion about the party for the Academy and Gotham High kids that got broke up last Friday night." Bruce had been the one to break up the party. There had been drugs and alcohol in mass quantities and other numerous illegal activities. "They said that Batman was a maniac as bad as the Joker. Someone called him a freak and everybody agreed." The young man was very upset.

Relieved that the smaller boy had not been victimized, Bruce chuckled. "Richard, it's ok. I think Batman can handle his own battles." He stood preparing to leave.

Rushing towards his father, Richard got in his face, or would have had he been taller. "But they shouldn't talk about Batman like that! He's a hero!" His voice slightly cracked with all the emotion.

Startled, Bruce looked deep into the blue eyes before him. "Why are you so upset over what the kids said about Batman?" He narrowed his eyes, slipping into his night-time persona interrogating the could-be newest threat to his secret identity.

Exasperated, Richard face-palmed and gritted out a reply. "Because you are Batman! And you're my… my Bruce! I don't want them to talk about you like that!" He rolled his eyes.

Cold panic gripped Bruce's heart as his brain tried to logically assess the situation. "What do you mean that I'm Batman?" Deny, deny, deny. That was his policy.

"Don't play dumb, Bruce. I know that you are Batman." Richard deadpanned. "I know that you are not a maniac or a freak or any of those other things they said. And I wanted to punch those idiots for even saying that!" He tugged at the muscular arm under his tiny hand.

Taking a deep breath trying to remain as calm as possible. "Richard that is not something you can ever reveal anyone. Others might find out – bad guys. It would put you and Alfred in great danger. It's called a secret identity because is supposed to stay a secret." His dark eyes beseeched the youngster to understand the implications of his knowledge.

Smiling, with his blue eyes twinkling, Richard nodded. "I know that. I won't tell anyone."

Bruce relaxed slightly. It was time to change the subject. He didn't want to discuss this with Richard now; it would lead to too many other questions that Bruce was not sure he could answer. "Why don't we go have some hot cocoa?" He smiled his infamous Wayne smile that always resulted in him getting exactly what he wanted. Not even ten-year-olds could resist his charm.

Shrugging, Richard complied. "Ok." He followed on the hero's heels towards the kitchen. "Hey Bruce, can I see the Bat suit up close?" His only reply was a groan.

A/N: Thanks for reading!

I think this one is more Robin-ish than the other ones.