"Language, Grayson. You are a role model."
Dick stuck his tongue out; Damian was convinced the man would never grow up. Regardless of his immaturity, Dick was still rubbing at his ear in irritation. It had been a rather audible disruption; Damian could hear it from several feet away.
"Tt. Did you expect anything less from a former Robin?"
Dick shook his head ruefully. "I'm out of practice."
"Observed." Damian hummed indifferently. "You have not hugged anyone in the two hours since first laying eyes on the boy. Is that a personal record?" His foster-brother advanced upon the young Batman with a familiar demented look in his eyes, and Damian ducked the exaggerated embrace.
Dick stretched instead, and leaned back against the railing. "I want to grab Tim and never let go. But I also want to just . . . shake him until he understands."
Damian cocked his head in silent query.
"Understands how much his death hurts." Dick shrugged. "Neither option is what Tim needs right now."
"And bugging Timothy's quarters in the meantime is a happy medium," Damian grimaced. "With plans like this, I am astounded by your success rate, Grayson."
Dick frowned, shying away from the accusation. "If I'm Grayson, and Jason's Todd, how come he gets Timothy?"
"Tt," Damian looked away, climbing into the Batmobile. "Children respond better to their given names; you told me that, Grayson."
"People," Dick emphasized, as he slipped into the passenger seat. "I distinctly said people respond better, and you said I was an overly sentimental fool."
"Don't exaggerate, Grayson. You have obviously suffered from poor hearing long before Timothy's assault."
Dick rolled his eyes, glancing back uselessly as they approached the exit. "Are you sure it's a good idea to leave him here with only Jason?"
Damian lifted one hand from the steering wheel, indicating the cowl. "I'm having the security feed from the guest room broadcast directly to the cowl."
Dick frowned. "You were suited up by the time I came down."
Damian nodded.
"You've been watching him."
Damian nodded again.
"You little monster," Dick ground out through his teeth. "You could have warned me."
Damian smirked. "Indeed."
