Chapter 1: 'You Are Grounded'

Damian's mind kept on replaying the scene when Dick left him, not even giving him a single glance. Hearing his steps went further away. Damian kept his defences up. Shoulders squared, eyes glaring as he stood still like a soldier given orders.

But, his heart was racing and his throat was so dry. He wished that he could make the horrible feeling go away. 'Mother said that feelings will make me weak,' he whispered to himself. 'Is this what it feels to be weak? This indescribable pain in my chest, how pathetic.'

He looked up the stairs towards the mansion, where Grayson just headed towards to. 'He seems very disappointed, stupid Grayson.'

Damian took off his Robin outfit and left for his room, saw Alfred swishing his tail from the corridor. He scratched Alfred's chin making the cat purr. 'Wouldn't it be better if people were as nice as animals. They understand you more and will not argue with you,' he tt-ed.

The moment he reached his room, he just plopped onto his bed face down. Stayed still for a few seconds before turning his back onto the sheets. He blinked a few times adjusting to the dark ceiling, recalling what happened after patrol.

If you insist on going on a rampage and killing, even if they are villains or troublemakers of Gotham, Batman's voice boomed in his head, forget about being Robin.

But father, I... He tried to argue.

No, Damian! Batman cut him short, that is enough! Until you work on your self-control, you are benched. That is final!

What? You cannot do that to me! This is not fair, I saved Grayson and this is what I get?

Dick winced at Damian's words but didn't defend him. Lil' D, please just stop. B is right, you can't just injure someone to point of death because they almost killed any of us. We have rules and codes that we must follow, no matter what.

Grayson? Damian's eyes widened behind the mask. Then he eyebrows furrowed as far as it could go. Grayson, you ass...!

Damian! That is enough! Batman, no, Bruce's voice was clear as the night. You are grounded for a month, banned from entering the cave. The training room is off limits and you WILL work on that attitude of yours.

Grayson opened his mouth but Bruce stopped him before he even get to say a word in his decision. No Dick, you will not interfere. I have made my decision and it is for the best. Until his attitude and self-control has been proven to be acceptable, robin will cease to appear or Tim could take back his mantle.

Damian was left speechless. His mask off his face, glaring at Bruce mirroring his father's infamous bat glare. Sparks might fly from the strong glaring contest. After a heated few seconds, Bruce headed towards the mansion. Dick trailed behind him.

I agree with daddy bats, Lil' D. You may need some time off as a vigilante and ... try to improve yourself in different aspects, Dick finally made his final conclusion without looking at Damian.

You are a coward, Grayson. Damian sneered. You all are going to regret this. But Dick did not reply him and just walked towards the mansion, shoulders slumped.

'Rules and codes to follow, wait until someone drops dead,' Damian huffed silently, his mind back to where he was. 'I saved Grayson's life and this is what I get? How just.'

He could still imagine how Dick could have been shot if Damian had not pushed him aside and attacked the man, knocking off the gun out of his hand. He could still feel the fear and the anger that he felt when he was punching the attacker's face. It was as if he saw red and all he wanted to do was make him pay for almost shooting Dick, until Batman's stern voice called his name. That was when he realised that he overdid it but he still believed that the man deserved it. However, knowing how Batman is, only disappointment awaits.

'Whatever, worrying about this is a waste of my time. Mother would be furious if she had known that I have these unnecessary emotions.'

Damian climbed over the sheets and tucked himself under the warmth of his comforter. He closed his eyes and reminded himself one last thing before falling asleep.

'Damian Al-Ghul Wayne, you were born to be a leader, trained to be a great assassin by your grandfather, Ra'as Al-Ghul and your mother, Talia Al-Ghul. Son to the infamous Bruce Wayne also known as the most feared vigilante in Gotham, the Batman. You will earn your place by your father's side as wished by your mother. There is no time to waste on irrelevant non-sense like this, it will only make you weaker.'

Notes:

Italics: past conversation

'...': self-conversation

"...": normal conversation