Gotham by Streetlight AU

Chapter eight

After a few weeks of staying at the manor, Bruce was confident that the boys were ready to go to school. As long as they were occupied with something they were generally well behaved and they only fought when they got bored. A good teacher would be able to prevent them from wreaking havoc in the classroom. Although he did fear what they'd do once they were bored and didn't have each other to bicker with, it was worth a try. If things didn't work out, he'd have to hire a tutor or push for them to be given extra attention. They needed some sort of education so he'd have to keep trying no matter what. 

When he shared the news that they would be going to school that Friday, he got mixed reactions. Tim was predictably excited for it whilst Jason and Dick shared a look of disdain.

"C'mon boys, I'm sure you'll like it there. You could meet some new friends," Bruce insisted as he got them ready for school. Jason was already pulling at the tie around his neck to loosen it and making a fuss about his blazer. Dick wasn't much better, constantly complaining that his shirt and blazer were too tight for him to do anything. At least Tim was quiet. Three complaining children would be worse than two. 

"They'll all be preppy brats," Jason replied, folding his arms.

"That's not very nice to say," Bruce told him. His tone was hardly scolding. He was terrible at using that sort of tone with them. He often feared it would make him sound too much like Joey and the trust that they were slowly building would fall through. Luckily, Alfred was happy to use that tone with them so they wouldn't be too unruly. 

"It's true though. We'll be lucky to come home without being called scum," Dick defended, folding his arms in agreement with the younger. "I'll fight anyone who says a word to any of you," he added.

"No fighting," Bruce ordered speedily. He needed to shoot that idea down as soon as he could unless he wanted to get a call about their ill behaviour. 

"Not in school at least. It's easier to jump them when they're walking home," Jason added.

"How about we don't fight at all? We've done enough of it, don't you think?" Tim argued. He got a few dirty looks for siding with Bruce instead of them but they gave in to his puppy eyes. 

"I won't start one if they don't start one," Jason replied with a sigh. 

"Agreed but best believe if they say a word I'll be happy to pay them back for it," the older of the trio added.

Dick, Jason and Tim stood outside of Gotham Academy. They'd never felt more out of place. They could often catch Gotham's students making their journey to school from their window but being in the thick of the stream of students was something completely different. 

"I'm scared," Tim admitted as they began the walk into the intimidating school. 

"It's fine Timmy, it's just kids right?" Dick replied. He couldn't really believe what he was saying. His days weaving through crowds were long since behind him. He didn't find the fun in it like he used to. Jason was the least affected by the crowds. During his rougher years, he'd easily slipped through crowds and plunged his hands into the pockets of unsuspecting Gotham citizens to pluck out enough money to get him through the day. Often it was merely pocket change but he lived on it well enough.