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

[crownprinceofpavement]

Well. That's a fucking tough break, little D.

[therealrobin]

[Damian glowers at Todd. This is not the person he wanted to see. The boy who had died only to come back to murder people - and get away with it - even though Father was against killing. And then to masquerade as an ally. Tt.]

At least I'll die as a hero rather than the Joker's prop, Todd.

[crownprinceofpavement]

Man. I cannot wait until you come back from the dead and have some snotty little brat telling you that you didn't die a hero's death.

And I do not have grey hair.

[therealrobin]

[Damian smirks.]

Saw that, did you? Gray hair like an old man.

Face it, Todd. You were just a pawn in the Joker's game. Even I was embarrassed for you, and I don't even like you.

[crownprinceofpavement]

[Another day, Jason might be up for an argument, but today... he just feels tired.]

I was a kid trying to save my mother and I died for it. A "hero's death" or a coward's, or just another meaningless death, it doesn't matter. Dead is dead, kid. There's no glory or shame. There's nothing.

[therealrobin]

[That slows Damian considerably. He'd wanted to take his impending death out on someone, to fight them. Todd was usually more fun than this.]

[But the way he describes death, it occurs to Damian that maybe, just maybe, Todd might have something to say on the subject.]

[After a few moments, his shoulders relax, and he crosses his arms.]

Tt.

Fine. So what was it like for you?

[crownprinceofpavement]

I was alone. Scared. In a fuckton of pain. I kept thinking he'd come, swoop in at the last minute and save us. Like he always did before.

Then, just for a moment, I knew he wouldn't. It was too late. Probably should have had my life flash before my eyes, but all I remember thinking was, "I'm not done yet."

[He sighs.] Sorry, I don't think I have anything comforting to tell you.

[therealrobin]

[Damian listens in silence, hanging from every word. Todd has evidently become the master of understatement, because that is far from comforting.]

But Father did show up, didn't he?

[He looks over his shoulder, not because something is worrying him, but just because.]

I don't think it matters much to me anyway. From the sound of it, nobody's going to get there in time anyway.

[crownprinceofpavement]

I'm told he showed up afterwards.

If someone was going to get there in time, we wouldn't be having this little talk. I know they'll try. Trying doesn't really count, though.

[therealrobin]

No, it doesn't.

[He's quiet for a while longer.]

At least I'll die saving people, possibly even you. So you can thank me for saving you if I ever come back, Todd. I'll be sure to have the suitable recording devices with me.

[Yes, he's trying to make jokes and put on a brave face. Truth be told, he's terrified of dying. He's done too much and seen too much to believe it will be painless. But he doesn't know what else to do. He certainly can't let the others see how scared he is.]

[crownprinceofpavement]

You'll come back. You're an Al Ghul. You won't be the same, though. Death changes you.

Tell you, I'll not only thank you, but I might even say I'm proud of you. Not in front of anyone, of course.

Shit, I'm starting to sound like Dick. No hugs from me, promise.

[therealrobin]

[Damian listens mutely, but his expression changes to one of relief as Jason promises not to hug him.]

Good for something after all, Todd.

[His mood soon darkens again, though.] Change how? I've already been a killer, so it's not like coming back as that will be the worst thing that could happen.

[Of course, Father will be disappointed. But maybe if Damian knows that it's a possibility, he can prepare for it accordingly and not come back as changed as Jason had.]

[crownprinceofpavement]

[Jason laughs harshly.] Dying didn't make me a killer. It just gave me a new perspective on things. Besides, it's not like you roll the dice and get a new personality. You're still you. It's just... it leaves its mark.

[He grins.] Maybe you'll come back nice.

[therealrobin]

[Teasing from Todd isn't as bad as teasing from some other people. It helps that he can usually understand Todd's humor, the sarcasm, the jokes tinged sometimes with darkness and anger. He doesn't think they'll ever be friends, but they don't try to kill one another on sight anymore. Progress.]

Tt.

Here I was thinking we were talking about realistic possibilities.

[Still, what sort of mark would it make on Damian? It's certainly something to consider when he's alone.]