still the mun's favourite batman, tho.

[punliners]

Look, I get it, all right? You're working with the old man now, and he's one heck of a handful. Sure, I'm not a big fan of scoring second billing, but when you get right down to it... I don't really mind the vacation.

[pause.]

Wow, I actually just called Gotham a vacation. That's it, I'm officially losing it.

[HANDS IN THE AIR he is nhft.]

Comments

[demon_brat]

... um. Hey?

[And Terry gets a quick, small, uncertain smile - and a nudge back. Because he's missed him, too, and he doesn't like that, but it's... better, now.]

Not vacation as such, no.

But being back in Gotham means you're back with your family, right? And the city can be more restful than some places.

[punliners]

[Terry grins a little. It's nice to know some things never change-- well, any more than they did after spending six months with a Robin. This Robin in particular, who... needed him in a way that even Matt didn't. Terry reaches over to ruffle Damian's hair affectionately.]

I guess you're right. I miss you guys, though.

['You guys'. Damian, Katniss, Michiko. Dick. ... A version of Dick that wasn't a clone out to stab him, anyway.]

[demon_brat]

Hey!

[But he doesn't bat his hand away, or flinch. Just glares.]

>Tt.< Unless we show up in your Gotham, you'll always be missing somebody, won't you.

[... and even absence doesn't change some things.]

[punliners]

[Though he knows Damian didn't mean it that way, Terry can't help but think of his Dad. It's been years since he died. Funny what can bring it back.]

Yeah. I guess I will.

[He shrugs.]

But, you know. Cross-dimensional rifts are definitely a thing. I wouldn't rule it out.

[demon_brat]

[... considering all the family issues Damian makes one think of, especially in any context related to Batman? Yeah, he can do the whole making people think of their fathers.

Still. He frowns slightly at Terry's tone. He's... heard it before, when he stomped all over the homesick feelings and everything.]

Of course.

I... it wouldn't be entirely bad if something happened where you wouldn't be unhappy with where you are most of the time.

[punliners]

[Terry grins a bit.]

Oh yeah?

[demon_brat]

[Aaaand Damian ducks his head to hide the return grin.]

Yeah. Though it looks that's not quite what's up next.

[punliners]

A lot can change in a few hours. Besides, I think she missed me.

[is dat some fourth wall breakage there.]

You up for a horror ship?

[demon_brat]

She doesn't seem to be the only one.

[In this place? Regularly.]

>Tt.< Of course. Is it up for me? [This smirk doesn't get hidden.]

[punliners]

Oh, the ego.

[DRAMATIC HANDCLASP TO CHEST.]

[demon_brat]

[EEEEYEROLL!]

Surprised?

[punliners]

All signs point to 'probably not', kiddo.

[GOSH.]

[demon_brat]

[Again with the ego...]

Good. You are a fast learner.

[punliners]

It only took me, what, seven months?

[demon_brat]

>Tt.< I only showed up in May.

[punliners]

You didn't specify what I'd learned, twip.

[It was implied, of course, but Terry's being cheeky.]

[demon_brat]

Veeery clever, McGinnis.

[Grump grump, but not very much, not really.]

[punliners]

Terry.

[They're not in the apartment, but hey. It's close.]

[demon_brat]

[oookay, you get asked.]

Why?

[Though it's not a 'why would I do that?', more into the territory of 'why does it make a difference?']

[punliners]

[He considers that.]

It just seems like a way to enforce distance.

[It's different when Dana does it. She's known him for years. He knows better with her, but Damian? Not so much.]

[demon_brat]

[...and McGinnis doesn't want the distance.
And the habit was enforced... guess where and when.]

Oh.

[Damian will have to think about that. But the observation makes sense.]

[punliners]

Yeah.

[He nudges him gently.]

[demon_brat]

[Frowns at the nudge. Then. Shrugs.]

Understanding and acting on it don't have to happen at the same time, right?

[punliners]

'Course not.

[That wasn't why he did it. It's more of a reminder that he isn't going anywhere.]

[demon_brat]

Okay.

[He mispronounces 'thank you.' For the record. But he glances up, and the crooked half-smile is real.]