The Greek Bat (NonMythological Version)

Chapter 8: Friends?

I officially wasn't allowed to walk home alone.

It sucked.

Though there were days when Alfred was late because he had plenty of other jobs, and a lot of the time Dick would go with his friends.

There were times when I thought about just saying screw-it and walking home.

Now was probably one of the times. After texting Alfred I started to walk down Gotham's streets when I heard some shuffling and what sounded suspiciously like someone getting thrown into a garbage bin.

Frowning I turned the corner and saw a kid, maybe a year older, getting thrown into the large bin by kids who seemed maybe 19 years old.

"Hey!" I yelled out feeling my anger rise as the obvious case of bullying, "Leave him alone." I said glaring at them as my hands turned into fists.

"Go away Brat." One of the kids said dangerous as he was staring at the kid my age with obvious distaste.

"Why don't you go away. You're on private property and if I see you lay a hand on either the boy or me, I will have you sued for all the little money you have until you are once again broke. You wouldn't even have the clothes on your back." I said threatening taking steps and standing in front of them.

"What'd you say kid." They guy said threatening as I saw him pull out a switch blade.

Taking a step forward daringly I glared at the kid and leveled eye contact, "Do it. I dare you to lay your sticking paw on me and then face the dangerous consequences. Or, do the smart thing and back down." I said keeping eye contact the entire time.

"You're kidding." One of the other boys said but I heard the doubt in his voice.

I stared at the coldly, "Do I look like I'm kidding. Now beat it." I said and felt pride swell inside me as the guy muttered to the one with the switch blade and, after giving the other kid a glare, started to leave the alley.

I heard the kid behind me released a small breath as I turned toward him, "Percy." I said and held out my hand so the kid could use it to get up.

The guy looked like he was Completing before taking my hand and pulled himself up, "Luke." he said and then brushed some of the blond hair out of his face.

Taking in the small awkward silence I tilted my head, "There's a diner not to far away, I'm hungry and have too much money. Wanna go eat there?" I asked taking in the dirty clothes and the mud spatters around his hair.

"I don't need your pity." The guy sneered and I shrugged deciding to not question the scar on his eye (it was a bit obvious he didn't want to talk about it).

"Are you going to come eat with me or not?" I asked with an unimpressed raised eyebrow at the tone. The guy huffed and as I started out of the alley felt happy when he came after me with some hesitation.

"How good is the place?" Luke asked

"Does it matter?" I asked and when he shrugged I decided to answer the question anyway, "I think it's pretty good. But what do I know." I said with a shrug this time.

"Probably a lot." Luke said casually with a shrug.

What is it with us and shrugging?

Going into the diner and having Mindy (The waitress who knew me and was just awesome) lead me toward the back corner of the place and ordered my usual (hey, I liked the place).

Ordering the same thing for Luke (Cheeseburger with Fries and Chocolate Milkshake) I started to have a conversation with Luke as best as he would allow.

Turns out we were pretty similar in some ways but also different, he loved video games (I also liked building them) but didn't play them too often, ran away from his mom when he was seven (I didn't run away but there were times of tension), he loved basketball, and just a bunch of other things that we seemed to both like.

Thanking Mindy we both dug into the food after I texted Alfred letting him know of the small pitstop.

"Have you ever dipped your fries in your shake before?" I asked throwing a fry in my mouth for emphasis.

Luke gave me a odd look, "Why would I do that?" he asked picking at the fries.

Throwing him a fake-insulted look I picked up a fry and dramatically dipped it in the shake and then ate it, "'Cause it's good." I said and then pat my belly for emphasis and watched as Luke gave me an untrustworthy stare and slowly dip a fry in his milkshake and take bite out of it.

I watched satisfied when his face lit up a bit and then we both just started to eat Milkshaked Fries until everything was gone.

Taking a look at my watch I found that I should really be going, "I need to head home. Meet me outside Gotham Academy around 3 and we can do this again...that is if you want to?" I asked a bit shyly.

Luke looked a little lost in thought for a second and then nodded his head and I felt relief when he didn't question why I was going to the pristine school.

"I'll catch you tomorrow." I said then threw a twenty on the table knowing fully well that Luke was probably going to take it. Grabbing a ten and handing it to Mindy on my way out I gave one last wave and then started down the road again.

No sooner did I start walking that Alfred came around the corner in the limo that he just seemed to drive. Getting inside easily and with practiced ease I relaxed in the backseat.

"How was your day Master Perseus?" Alfred asked as he started to drive.

"I think I made a friend." I said cautiously.

"That's good news." Alfred said and I was thankful when he decided not to question it anymore.

"I think so." I muttered watching the buildings that we drove by.