Nightwing's Daughter (Fanfic)

Near Fatal Error

Near Fatal Error

"So the he was all like 'I've missed seeing you jump around like a monkey Grayson.' Then he followed me out of the gym." Chase and Tim scoffed at this as I ate one of Alfred's brilliant buttered scones. "Always said he was a creep." Commented Tim through a mouthful of scone, spraying Chase with doughy crumbs. "Dude!" Exclaimed an annoyed Chase. I burst into uncontrolled laughter as Alfred walked into the room. "One would hope you do not behave in such a manner at tomorrow evenings social gathering Mr Drake." He composed himself, shaking his head with hast. "No, no Alfred I would never... Not intentionally anyway." The three of us burst into peals of laughter. A small smile crossed the butlers’ lips. "Yes, well, Miss Grayson, Master Wayne has requested your presence in his study." That sobered me up at least, I looked at Alfred for some kind of sign, any type of tell that would let me know what sort of mood Bruce was in. There was none.

The boys let off an ominous 'Oooo' as I exited the room. "Is she in trouble?" Asked a curious Tim, as I headed towards the stairs all I heard Alfred say was, "That depends on your definition of 'Trouble' Master Drake." Yeah, I was. I wandered up the stairs, contemplating my fate; I knew he was less than pleased with the fact that I ditched my body guard. I knocked on his door. "Come in." I entered; there he was in his normal suit, minus the tie. I made sure to shut the door behind me, not wanting this to be overheard by any lurking boys.

I addressed him formally, "You wish to see me grandfather?" He surveyed me acutely for a time before nodding, I felt really out of place in my pale blue skinny jeans, orange top and grey sneakers. – I always made sure I kept clothes at the manor. "Yes I do, as you can well imagine, I'm rather upset and hurt that you didn't stay with your body guards like I requested." I looked down guiltily, feeling bad. "They were there for your protection Charlotte; I don't know why you'd throw that away." He paused, I had a feeling he wanted an answer so I replied; "I didn't turn away protective custody just so you could hire rotational stalkers though." He sighed, looking straight at me, as usual his eyes portrayed little emotion, and what I did see was negative. Pain. "I understand this has been tough but..." I cut him off I was so angry, "Tough?! Tough?! All they've done is follow me! Everything I've done has been monitored! I can't train! I can't go on patrol! I can't do anything! I'm trapped! And what's worse is you went against my wishes, you knew I didn't want any protection, I made that clear at the graveyard, AND YOU WENT AND GOT ME IT ANYWAY!" He blinked; I had never yelled at him, I'd never had cause to. He took a deep breath and began slowly. "I understand that this has been difficult... But I did what I thought was a necessary precaution." My chest was heaving; I can't remember ever being this angry at a family member, "I understand you were looking out for me but dad didn't think I needed it, that's why he agreed to let me go. He trusts me, but you, but you..." I couldn't think of anything to say, the insults dying in my throat as tears pushed to the front of my eyes, all I managed was a watery scoff.

"I'm sorry." I wiped the tears with the back of my hand, I looked up at him. "What did you say?" He looked genuine as he said it again "I'm sorry, I should have never doubted your ability. I know I don't show it very well, but I worry that's all. I now know I was doing more harm than good. And I'd like to apologise by revoking the protection..." I was wary at first, I didn’t know whether he was being serious or not, and if he was, that meant that something was expected of me in return. “You mean it?” With reluctance he nodded, a small smile crossed his face the biggest smile crossed my face. Apparently he had more information to share with me. “Batman…” he began slowly. “…Received a phone call from Arkham earlier today… They are releasing Corey.” If possible my great mood tripled. Corey, able to walk free. I had only had something like ten sessions with him, and yet the doctors believed him to be ready. “That’s great! Oh my god I can’t believe…” I stopped dead, realising what that meant. “…I can’t see him again can I?” Granddad shook his head, “Starling can’t be a part of his life after he is released… if you’re going to go and see him, you should do it sooner rather than later.” That smile reappeared, it was knowing, the kind of smile that had figured out how to beat the system, none of us saw it very often, so when we did, we knew to expect something good.