Guess who just found out about the spoilers for Batman Inc. #8?

[therealrobin]

No.

No.

I don't care about that. I don't. But you are not going to use it as an excuse to shuck me off to some cesspit.

I refuse.










You do know I know ways to kill you that are undetectable, correct?

Comments

[therealrobin]

[Damian is going to pretend he doesn't notice the kindness, that he doesn't think anything of it. He was trained by the League of Assassins. He doesn't need kindness. And if it's something he'll remember fondly later, that's for himself to know and no one else.]

You think so, do you.

[The tone is still too-tough, but he really does want to know. Damian can never admit it easily, but Grayson was the best partner he ever had. He's one of the few people whom he respects. And there are still some areas in which Damian prefers Grayson to his own father.]

[flyingg]

Yeah... I do.

[Softly, and, damn it, Dick's fighting back tears. Because he knows beyond the shadow of a doubt that Damian is the boy who'd walk to his death with his head held high, doing the right thing with all of his little, bruised and beaten but fiery heart.]

[Which is why it means so much.]

I... know some things may not be decided by you. And I know you have it in you to do what needs to be done. But if you can, try to do that and come back to us, all right? Please?

[therealrobin]

[It relieves Damian more than he'll let on that Grayson thinks so. If Grayson thinks so, there's still a chance. And even though Damian knows that he would sacrifice himself for his father, sacrifice himself for everything his father has worked for, no matter what, it's comforting to think he'll still be able to spend time with people he's come to tolerate and possibly even care for.]

I'll try.

I'm not going to pull a Todd. Waynes are never so low-brow.

[flyingg]

[Oh, Grayson most certainly does. He has seen what odds Damian has fought without thinking twice, and the sacrifices he's made to be a part of this family. He doesn't doubt.]

Please don't. I'm sure that if somebody drags you through the Pit, they'll lose a limb or three.

[therealrobin]

[Damian's smirk finally reappears. It's nice sometimes to talk with people who get him.]

I'll only stop at three if it's someone I like. Promise.

[flyingg]

[And Dick's own flicks on, briefly, even if his eyes stay - soft.]

That's what I thought. [Hands up.] Hey, I learned my lesson. Can't guarantee about others, though.

[therealrobin]

[Damian hesitates and looks away.] I suppose if it's you or Pennyworth, I'll stop at two.

It might affect Pennyworth's ability to fulfill his duties, but it isn't as if you did much anyway.

[The last bit sounds forced and insincere, but to fix it, Damian might have to look at Grayson, and he can't bring himself to do that just yet.]

[flyingg]

Appreciated, Damian. Very much appreciated.

[And then Dick just snorts, and reaches to wrap one of Damian's hands in his lager one. Still crouching in front of him.]

Nope. I've always been the laziest. Wonder how anyone could bear to have me around.

[therealrobin]

You're like Father with a Robin.

Sometimes I need someone to distract the bad guys while I beat them up.

For what it's worth, Grayson, I'm glad it was you that I got to use as a distraction. [And as a partner. Damian hopes and fears that that's implied.]

[flyingg]

That's exactly how we are. Yes.

[And his smile warms up some.] You're so not living that down. [Because it sounded suspiciously like a compliment.] Not in the next, oh, couple of years.

[therealrobin]

Ugh.

[Damian turns away.] At least I won't have to deal with this when I'm dead.

[flyingg]

[And that sobers Dick up, but...]

You're not going to die.

[therealrobin]

Wake up and read the news, Grayson. It's supposed to ripple through the other titles. That means that if I don't come back right away, it'll take a while.

Father...

[What will happen to Father? If Todd's death changed him, then Damian's- Or what if it's worse, and Father doesn't change at all? All the work Damian has put into mattering to his own father will be for naught.]

[flyingg]

Apparently, Jason recalled working with you for Batman, Inc. This thing you're in the middle of.

He recalled it at the end of the mess with Joker. Which means the Joker happens after this. Unless they retcon crap again. And you are there for that.

I saw what you chose when he made you fight Batman. It... that was impressive, little D.

[therealrobin]

[Damian doesn't say anything to that. What can he say? Instead, after several seconds of standing with his fists clenched at his sides, his back as straight as ever, he leans forward and gives Grayson a hesitant, awkward hug.]

[Of course, it goes without saying that if Grayson ever tells anyone about this, Damian will make sure no one ever finds Grayson's body.]

[Which he means in the nicest way possible.]

[Of course.]

[flyingg]

[Dick is not going to tell anyone.]

[Of course.]

[But Dick very much is going to wrap his little brother in the warmest, most loving hug he's ever given.]

Whatever happens, I'll always be possible to call up around here. Whatever happens.

[therealrobin]

[Damian allows himself approximately one breath to savor the feeling of being hugged before squirming loose and trying to look as if he was always too tough for such childish silliness.]

Maybe we can work together again? There has to be something to do around here. I talked to a Joker!

[And no, he doesn't sound overly hopeful when he says it. Not... overly.]

[flyingg]

[And Dick's quick and agile enough to manage a kiss on the top of Damian's head before his brother is out of reach. Because he's like that.]

I promised you we'll fly together again, didn't I? The'll be a way. Here, there, whatever. (Mine doesn't go there often, but it's not outside the range of possibilities.) And, yeah, there are... a few questionable individuals around here.

[He promised. He'll find a way. Stupid, stupid DC.]

[therealrobin]

[Damian runs a hand through his hair as if that might get rid of the embarrassment. Stupid older brother, showing affection like that. Not that he complains out loud, of course, because if he does, Dick might not do it again.]

I'll hold you to that, Grayson.

[flyingg]

Damn right you should.

[Godfuckingdammit, Morrison!]