I was at home from college for the weekend and didn't update at all. TIME TO MAKE UP FOR THAT. SORRY. I LOVE YOU ALL, ENJOY THIS. :D


Damian is barely listening to Grayson. He is watching the doctor closely. He looks like he has bad news. Bad news isn't a good thing, which the name certainly suggests. Dr. Wilson is fidgeting a little bit. Has what he observed disheartened him? Was he quitting? Because what could he expect when he ripped away one of Tim's friends? A happiness?

"He went to see Barbara?" Grayson's voice is incredulous.

Jason snaps something on the other line. Dr. Wilson looks like he is trying to get Grayson's attention.

"I didn't doubt you. I'm just... surprised. Will you and Tim be home soon?"

A sarcastic retort was provided for his question. Grayson rolls his eyes and bids Jason goodbye. Dr. Wilson finally gets his chance to speak. Damian narrows his eyes, suspicious. He does not know why he is so suddenly defensive of his... brother... but he is and that it what matters.

"Conner will be the hardest for Tim to let go," Dr. Wilson says as Grayson hangs up.

"I'm sure we all knew that."

"What I am trying to tell you," the doctor continues, sighing, "is that I may need to take drastic measures to insure a recovery for Tim. You may not like it. Jason will most certainly not like it."

"Are you getting rid of Conner before Steph?" Grayson asks. It is a good question.

"No. I'm just..." he gestures vaguely. "I'm just trying to give you fair warning that it will cause Tim stress and it will cause Jason anger. A lot of anger. But you need to understand that Tim will not let Conner go—no matter how Conner treats him in his mind, no matter what malicious things he may say—without motivation."

Grayson looks at the doctor, his eyes flicker like flint. "And this is all you can do to help him, right? This is how he'll get better?"

Damian is asking the same thing in his own mind.

"Yes."

"Then go ahead with it." He says with the utmost severity.

"I was going to. Since Bart is gone, the others need to follow as quickly as possible. I thought it better that I warn you beforehand. Before Conner has to go."

"Thank you," Grayson says. "But if it's the only way, then I won't prevent it."

Dr. Wilson nods. "I will see you the day after tomorrow then. That will be Stephanie's day." Grayson nods. Damian has yet to say anything. His silence continues as he watches the doctor leave. It is only after Dr. Wilson is gone that Damian turns to Grayson.

"Do you think this will make Tim better?"

Grayson thinks about it before opening his mouth, which is a monumental feat. Then he says, "yes. I think this will help Tim. Besides, he's got us. We'll keep him safe. Even if it has to be from his friends."

Damian scoffs at the sentimentality.

(But not-so-deep-down, he feels the same way.)