Rain. It was raining again this morning just like the night…

No, Peter did not want to think about it. Thinking about his uncle’s death caused a heavy knot in his stomach.

Aunt May told him he could not go to school. he didn’t have to go, to take some time to mourn, to accept his uncle’s death but Peter said no. He would go to school because Uncle Ben would’ve wanted him to.

People offered him their condolences. They pat him on the back, they apologised but Peter didn’t need their pity. No matter how much everybody said they understood, they would never understand Peter.

After all, how could they understand that it was Peter that killed his uncle and not the burglar?

Peter had his head against the desk, the cool wood surface his only company. The teachers had ignored him sleeping in class, they didn’t ask their prized student questions. But no matter how hard Peter tried, he still couldn’t shake of the knot in his stomach or the spear of guilt in his heart.

After school, Peter dragged his bag across the desk. He let out a sigh. The rain had stopped, thankfully. That meant he could swing around with ease, get his mind off of his uncle.

Before he left the class, somebody was calling his name. He turned to see Richard “Dick” Grayson.

Richard Grayson was everything Peter was not. A handsome, muscular and confident young boy with swept back black hair and cool blue eyes. He had a confident grin on him that made the girls swoon and had a lot of friends.

He was also the adopted son of Bruce Wayne which would explain the friends.

When he was approaching Peter, he didn’t have the usual smirk on his face. Rather he was serious and there was a look of pity in his eyes. That look of pity Peter hated.

“Hey Peter,” Richard said. “Wait up.”

Peter sighed and stood by the door.

“I heard about your uncle,” Richard said.

Yeah, Peter thought. And you’re very sorry.

Peter wanted to dismiss him, to say that he didn’t want to talk about it and head up to the roof and zip away from this hellish school but then Richard said something Peter didn’t expect.

“I know how it’s like,” Richard said. He sighed. “I uh, I lost my parents when I was 10. They owed debts to the Mafia and…” He shook his head. “Long story. But I know what it’s like. If it wasn’t for Bruce I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

Richard placed a hand on his shoulder. “Point is, Parker if you need anyone to talk to, well you can talk to me.”

Even though Peter didn’t really feel like Richard did understand, he appreciated the sentiment regardless. He thanked Richard regardless. They were talking on their way to the school entrance where the Wayne family Butler was waiting for Richard. They had a lot in common than Peter thought so the conversation never got stale.

At the school gates was a Rolls Royce with a petite yet elegant man standing by it, waiting for Richard.

“Oh, I almost forgot to mention,” Richard said, before entering the car. “Bruce wants to see you.”

It took a while for Peter to register what Richard had just said but when it did a wave of giddiness spread across his face. “No freaking way.”

Richard smirked. “Yes freaking way. He saw your essay about…”

“The scientific advancements made by Wayne Enterprises?”

“That,” Richard said. “And said he wanted to meet you tomorrow.”

Peter had to control every single ounce of his being to prevent himself from jumping up and down with excitement. Bruce Wayne, the Bruce Wayne wanted to see him. His childhood hero wanted to meet him. It was like a dream come true.

“If you’re going to keep fanboying,” Richard said. “I’m going to leave.”

“Wait,” Peter said suddenly.

“Hm?” Richard said.

“What should I call you?” Peter said. “Everybody around here calls you Dick…”

“Don’t,” Richard said. “I hate that nickname. Just call me Richard.”

Dick it is then.