Damian awoke from a deep sleep feeling sore and worn. Pulling the thick blankets from his form, he began stretching his aching muscles. Allowing himself to descend carefully from his bed, he felt the cold hardwood flooring on his bare feet.

His room was spacious and comfortable, but usually he wasn't the only one there. His great Dane, Titus usually shared the space and would sleep at the foot of his bed.

Sighing, he made his way to his wardrobe and took out a plain long sleeve shirt and warm sweatpants. It was a Saturday, he no longer had to worry about quickly rushing into his school uniform and making his way to the academy.

Changing from his nightclothes, he threw them in the hamper in the corner of his room. Before he left he looked at the empty dog bed that he had found for Titus. Where was he?

Damian would find him somewhere in the Manor, he only had to look.

Closing his door softly, he decided to check the kitchen. On weekends, Pennyworth would make a larger breakfast for the family. Usually Dick and Tim would visit and have brunch with Bruce and Damian. Since Tim was still working with the Titans, and Dick was still in Central City visiting his old team, he wasn't sure if anyone was in the Manor.

Damian trailed down the hallways, whistling low to call Titus.

After a few minutes he found himself in the large kitchen. Sitting on the metallic island, he waited patiently to see if anyone was around.

Before too long, Damian heard the side door open and Alfred walk in carrying two large paper bags filled with groceries from the market.

"Ah, Master Damian, I thought you would still be sleeping. How are you feeling?"

Damian nodded, "I am fine."

Damian did not fully recognize his voice, it sounded as though he had lost his voice.

"You are still affected by the smoke you inhaled last night at the hospital," Alfred mentioned, "I believe your throat should heal nicely soon. Thank Heavens you were not exposed longer."

Damian pursed his lips, "Does Father know about Todd?"

Alfred's eyes twinkled, "Yes, he does know. Although Master Todd and Master Bruce do not always see eye to eye, your father is extremely grateful that Master Todd was in the area. The firefighters believe you two to be invincible most of the time, it is unlikely that you would have been brought out right away if it were not for the intervention of Master Todd."

"I owe him a debt, Pennyworth." Damian stated.

"Perhaps if you were to see him on your patrol, you could thank him. I know that you do not always get along with Master Tim or Master Todd, but they are as much a part of this family as you are." Alfred replied, starting to put the groceries away.

Damian was about to speak up when Alfred interjected, "Your father is outside with Titus, if you were looking for him this morning."

"Thank you, Pennyworth." Damian nodded, stepping away from the island and putting on his shoes.

"Oh, and Master Damian?" Alfred turned from the pantry.

Damian stood still, one shoe on, grasping the other in his small hands.

Alfred smiled kindly, "Breakfast will be ready shortly."

Damian nodded to Alfred politely and closed the side door of the kitchen.

Feeling the chill, Damian breathed in deeply, allowing his throat to feel the crisp autumn air. His throat would burn for the next little while, but thankfully he stopped coughing up blackened debris within the first few hours of coming home.

Alfred was right, Damian thought to himself, I need to thank Todd. Even if he is a murderous vigilante, he was still an undeniable part of his father's past.

Damian walked down the pathway past the hedges, and towards the beginning of the treeline. He could hear Titus barking and his father call out back.

Allowing himself a small smile, being careful about the wet grass he picked up his pace and made his way towards his father. At this moment, his father turned to face his son.

"Damian," Bruce smiled gently.

"Father," Damian replied, stepping alongside Bruce, watching Titus try to munch on the grass comically.

Damian stood at four feet eleven, at six feet tall, his father towered over him. Upon closer observation, both of them held the same stance and the same powerful gaze. Words were not needed, they were both enjoying their own company, watching Damian's great Dane enjoy his time frolicking in the dewy grass.

…..

The sound of crunching metal reverberated through the autobody shop, the double garage doors were closed, but one could see the blue sparks flying from windows above. The man working in the shop was up late in the industrial district; where warehouses and corporate properties were a dime a dozen and the only people there were either there to do reputable business or partake in the underworld of Gotham. This particular person dabbled in the underground world; but refused to place labels on himself.

He worked and made a living fixing all sorts of vehicles, but on the side he fulfilled his need of fixing the city by wiping it clean of the scum that resided there.

On this particular night, he was merely fixing a car that a woman needed repaired. She claimed that someone cut her break line, he thought maybe he could also break this person's face. It was still up in the air if he would partake in such an activity on this specific night.

Placing the torch down, the man took his protective mask off and wiped his brow. He was finished, for now.

Walking from the hoist, he leisurely strolled into his side office of the shop and bent down to grab a beer from the cooler fridge. Before he could enjoy his cold beverage, he felt a person watching him. Not letting the person know he was aware of their presence, he instinctively brought his gun from his belt and aimed at the intruder.

From the corner of the room, a small boy, no more than twelve stood, remaining unblinking, even though a deadly weapon was raised towards his head.

"Jesus, Short Stack, I almost blew your goddamn head off." Jason muttered as he clicked the safety on the gun. Noticeably, he did not lower the gun, but Damian wasn't offended. If anything this proved he was a worthy opponent, even if were referred to as 'Short Stack'.

"…right." Damian replied, stepping forward into the light of the small and disorganized office.

Jason lowered the gun but otherwise kept his eyes on Damian. Jason's eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, the bags underneath his eyes told tales of insomnia, and his face was covered in dirt, sweat, and remnants of oil. Damian caught him while he was working from his safehouse.

"Well, are you just going to keep on staring at me like that? Last time I checked, I didn't call Bruce saying that I was going to babysit."

"Tt, as if I required that form of observation." Damian snarked.

Jason rolled his eyes, "Listen Tater Tot, I'm busy here. I don't appreciate you walking in here as if you own the place. You should go home, it's late and no offense kid, but you're unwanted here."

Damian rolled his eyes, "I understand, it's a mutual distaste for one another, but I owe you at the very least a sentiment of gratitude."

Jason blinked.

"Come again?" He questioned.

Damian rolled his eyes, "It means, I owe you a thank you."

"I know what it means Hell Spawn. But why? Last time I saw you conscious, we both tried to murder one another. You were on your 'I'm going to dominate the world' bender, and neither Dick or I were here for your crazy pint-sized ass."

"I am not going to comment on all of the things factually wrong with that statement because I don't have the time or patience, but yesterday at the hospital, you saved my life." Damian explained.

"I realize, I was there." Jason replied, his eyes narrowing.

"Of course you would not treat this circumstance with ease, would you, Todd?" Damian sighed.

Damian closed his eyes for a moment and rubbed his forehead in exasperation.

"Thank you, Jason Todd, for saving my life." Damian breathed.

Jason looked dumbfounded and was silent for a few moments.

When he spoke up, he looked Damian in the eyes, "You have changed, I heard whispers of Robin being more in line and mature, but this is a surprise. Never would I have thought you would have given that statement of your own free will. Bruce must have you whipped good, huh?"

Damian's brow furrowed in infuriation, "Now I can see why you have no affiliates, Todd."

Damian walked past Jason, but before he left he stopped and turned to the open door of the office.

"I may still despise you, but for some reason, Pennyworth does not. Ease his worries and come for a visit. At least he doesn't think you are a degenerate."

Damian smirked and dodged the wrench that was thrown from the small office.

They never would share the same relationship as he and Dick had, but it was a step up from attempting to murder one another.

Progress, Damian thought to himself.