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

[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!]