A Twist of Fate

Chapter 4

Dick hated malls. They had far too many people. Far too many things that were far over priced. To top it off he couldn't find a place to have some peace. Slade was right as always. He needed to alienate himself to more people. It would do him a favor. He looked down at the list Will had made for him to get at the mall that month.

Lindell Chocolate (Bakers kind)

Cake Boss, cake. (Should be ready, tell them it is the Willson Order)

Book Order from Barnes and noble (Same thing, Willson Order)

New boxing gloves (Both kinds) (For you and Slade)

The suits (You know were and what)

Special Order from Tailor (Already called ahead and told him your coming)

(Have a nice time) :)

Dick sighed, reaching into his pocket and texting Slade what glove size he wanted for boxing gloves; both kinds, before heading to the Lindel shop just across the way. When he neared it he saw that teen again; Wally. Dick turned on his heel and decided that getting the books first was the way to go. It wasn't that Wally was bad, it was just that he was too relatable or likeable. Maybe there was something wrong with him, he'd ask Slade if avoiding someone because they are likable a good thing. It probably wasn't.

After two escalators and a long strip, did he make it to the bookstore. The store gave him eight bags full of books. Dick was silently thankful as he brought Slade's car with him and didn't walk this time. Dick didn't drive illegally or anything, he was licensed. He just got that license in Montana where the legal age to drive is thirteen. He got odd looks from cops when they pulled him over after stopping him and even just today he got odd looks getting out of the driver's seat in the parking lot.

Taking the bags and his game he went back to the car and put everything in the trunk before going back in. He decided to get the boxing gloves, Lindell Chocolate, and suits before returning to the car. There was just one problem. Wally and his friends were still in the shop. Taking a steadying breath he went in ducking his head and making sure not to look anyone in the eyes. He knew what Will wanted but left it up to Dick to choose what kind. He either wanted dark or extremely dark. Will would eat both and so would Slade it was just what Dick was in the mood for. He grabbed the extremely dark chocolate and checked out. Wally none the wiser when he slipped out.

Next were the gloves. Slade had texted back both the size and brand he wanted and asked if Will put him up to doing the monthly go gets. Dick had told him yes and if he wanted anything, he would have to come down here himself. He had replied back with 'You have the car' There was no way he would have won and got the other idiom Slade wanted from the shop. Last was his new tux that he paid for with Slade's card before going back to the car.

On the third trip Dick had to debate over going for the cake first or the Tailor. He decided that Tailor would be first. It also would give him time to eat at the food court before getting the cake and heading home. Tailor was one of Slade's old military buddies that made specially designed bullet proof suits. He also did custom shirts, pants, hats, anything you name he does. When Dick walked in Tailor perked right up grinning. They had met before, many times but normally with Slade or Will around.

"Hey, Richard!" Tailor greeted with a grin, "Will said you will be by. I'll go get the stuff." He hurried back to this back room leaving the door wide open to call back, "Just you? No Slade or Will?"

"No they're busy today." Dick smirked, "I also stole the car for the day."

Tailor laughed, "Forgot that Slade took you to Montana for your licence."

"On my birthday." Dick confirmed.

Tailor came back with three separate looking packages, "Here we are."

"How much will it be?"

Tailor shook his head, "No boy this one's on the house."

"No way." Dick grinned raising his hands, "Slade said if you tried to put it on the house again that he'd come here personally to shove the money down your throat. His words not mine."

Tailor laughed, "It would be eight hundred on the dot boy."

Dick took out the wallet he had secretly stashed in an invisible pocket and counted out nine hundred in twenty dollar bills. The man counted the money protesting at the extra hundred. Dick only shrugged, saying that's what Will gave him to pay with. It was true enough. Will had actually given him two thousand saying it should be enough and that he was to give a hundred tip.

"Go find something for yourself and this you can not debate me on boy." Tailor waggled his finger like a scolding parent at him.

Dick grinned and looked around the shop. He wove in and out of iels looking at shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, nearly everything. He was looking through the sweaters that were nearly three times his size when he saw it. It was an all black sweatshirt with a blue bird on the front. He grabbed it and brought it up to show Tailor.

The man grinned, "Want anything written on it boy?"

He looked it up and down, "Anything?"

"Anything. Anywhere."

"Nightwing, right behind the hood."

The man nodded, taking the sweatshirt, "Give me a moment." He turned back into his back room.

Dick took the time to glance around the shop from the counter when 'he' walked right in with his friends. He didn't notice him at first looking at the racks of sweaters that Dick was just at.

"Here you go boy." Tailor barked, catching all of their attention.

Wally met Dick's eyes across the shop before he was able to turn away. Dick gave Tailor a bright slightly strained smile, "Thanks Tailor." he folded the shirt on the other three packages before turning to go. Wally was still watching him.

"Say hello to Will and Slade for me boy." Tailor called.

Dick nodded, "Yes, sir. I will."

On his way out he passed Wally and gave him a small smile that Wally gave back. The day wasn't all that bad Dick had decided right then.