Chapter 34

Damian had been raised to wake early: 'racing the sun beams', his mother had called it. But, today. Today was special. Three days had passed since his conversation with Drake, but they had not been permitted to leave the manor due to a storm of plane grounding proportions that had blown up. Damian had been forced to wait an entire two more days so that they could plausibly 'arrive'.

The entire situation had called for considerable finangling on the part of Drake: not only accounting for the absence of the vacationing Wayne family but trying to make sure no one realized that the planes which were supposed to be returning Jason and Tim were actually empty. And then, of course, creating a convincing cover for Father, Grayson and Cain to be staying. Todd had laid some groundwork earlier but…

But it didn't matter now. Because, for the first time in at least an eternity Damian was FREE! They could leave! They could go shopping and cook with something other than powdered milk! And Richard… oh Damian had plans for Richard!

Right now he was with Drake… and Damian was certain that Richard was anything but sound asleep. However, he was, hopefully, at least resting, and Damian planned on a long day out today. Richard was small and delicate. He could use his rest. In the meantime… surely Damian could find something worthwhile to do at 5:30 in the morning.

Or… or… it was not as though Drake really needed that much sleep right now… he'd been getting more since Richard had arrived. Even on nights Richard had not been bedding with him. And Richard would surely much prefer to be productive than lie in bed… and so it was decided.

"RICHARD!"

Drake and Todd would be fine.

Bangbangbang "Richard! Today is the day!"

And Richard would be grateful.

The unmistakable sound of rustling came from behind the door as Richard no doubt perked up and started moving around from behind the wooden barrier.

"Damian."

"No one cares, Drake!"

"Ughgh."

"I cannot be blamed for your crippling addiction to coffee!"

"Bwugh. Demon Brat."

Well, that was uncalled for. They had agreed to avoid such… instigating nicknames in the presence of Richard. "Are you coming or not?"

"Maybe I'm not!"

Damian had to admit he was impressed with Drake's coheriency. The additional sleep must be working wonders. "Richard! You have permission to leave the room!"

Immediately the door flew open, Richard skidding to catch it before it hit the wall, and throwing it back so quickly that it slammed shut again. Damian decided to distract him before he had time to feel bad about it.

"Come on, we need to compile breakfast! Todd and Drake can show up later!"

Dick nodded, wildly, shifting back and forth in his Damian-borrowed blue flannel pajamas. That had to go on the list of Things That Were Going to Change once they went shopping. Oh, there was going to be such a spree when they got out of here.

"Hurry up, Richard!"

Richard laughed and threw his head back, arms swinging wildly as he sprinted behind Damian. "Richard! What's the fastest thing we could possibly make?!"

WWWWWWWWWW

Jason rubbed at his eyes as he fumbled into the kitchen. His hand snapped up to catch the red projectile before it slammed into his face. He inspected the object, turning it over in his hand.

"Well? Are you going to eat it or what?"

Jason considered Damian for a second, before biting into the apple. "Goin' spartan, are we?"

"We are in a hurry, Todd. There is much to expose Richard to, and only so many hours in the day."

"Yes, Jason." Tim seemed more amused than anything. "Eat your food or pick up a brush."

"Do you guys really have to wear makeup to go outside?" Dick cast his eyes from brother to brother curiously.

"Well, you probably don't," Tim remarked from behind a handheld mirror and make-up brush. "But if we want to avoid the dogs of the paparazzi… yes. Absolutely."

Dick jerked up straighter, eyes brightening. "Guys. Do you think we might see a dog?"

Damian stiffened and turned to look at Dick. "What. Do you mean by this."

Dick shrank a little, but still seemed excited. "Um… well, it's just, I've never seen a real dog before. But they look nice."

Damian whirled to Jason. "You see? We have a huge amount of things to do, so hurry yourself up!"

Jason rolled his eyes and continued in on the apple while rummaging in the fridge. He turned around and scowled. "There's hardly anything left!"

"Yes, that happens when four boys don't go shopping for weeks," Tim remarked. "We should all be glad Alf... that everything is so well stocked."

Jason grunted and settled for graham crackers, tossing the apple core into the garbage can. "Where's the brushes?"

"Richard is helping us by holding them."

Jason turned, and, sure enough, Dick held up the canister of make-up brushes, with a bright smile on his face. "Thanks, Dick."

"No problem!"

Jason grabbed one before reaching over to the counter to dip it. "Where'd these come from, anyway?"

"Well," Tim began, still inspecting his work in the mirror. "Cass's room. Barbara and Steph also seem to have some… supplies here. And… your room." Tim glanced up to grin at Jason. "Guess you still get in trouble here too. Bruises, and everything…"

"Left when I was 15ish, I think. Got back about when you'd expect."

Tim nodded. He snapped the mirror shut. "I'm done with this. You need it?"

Jason paused. "... Sure."

"Can I have make-up too?"

Damian snorted. "Do not be fooled, Richard. It is uncomfortable, you cannot touch your face and eating is a maddening experience."

Dick considered this, but did not look convinced.

"If it smeared, we'd have to explain why you were wearing it in the first place. Maybe later." Dick nodded, accepting Tim's argument.

"All right." Tim stood back up, hands on his hips. "It's cold out, Dick, you need to go find a sweater. Damian, please help him find something for the cold and… Dick can you tie your shoes?"

"Uh… no. I've never worn shoes before."

"Alright. Can you help him with that too, Damian?"

Damian nodded. "Come on, Gray-Richard. Apologies."

"S'okay." Dick's hand gravitated upwards, a little and Damian took it without glancing down.

"Hey, Damian?"

"Richard."

"How are we gonna drive?"

Damian blanched. "Oh. That will most assuredly be the worst part of the trip."

"Sniper gun!"

"No one is calling the driver seat that, Todd!"

"I'm making it a thing!"

"You cannot drive!"

"I'm the oldest! I get driving privileges, kiddo!"

"Sho "Shotg tgun!" un!"

"I said it first, Drake!"

"Well, I finished it first, Demon Brat!"

"I have the power! The road is mine!"

"I can control Todd!"

"A: No, you can't, and B: killing him doesn't count!"

"I propose we fight for shotgun!"

"Way to remember where we are?"

"...Fight with Rock Paper Scissors. That is what I meant."

"Oh, right. You're convincing everyone."

"Shut up, Drake."

"I control where we go! I control the speed! I am automatically the victor!"

"Shut up, Todd!"

"Shut up, Jason!"

"I have power! Unlimited power!"

"You know what? Fine, Damian. You take shotgun. Dick and I will stay in the back together."

"What? You can't do that- you have to have shotgun, Drake. Richard is staying with me!"

Tim grinned, and dashed into the passenger seat of the Lexus.

Damian grabbed Dick's wrist and pulled him into the backseat. When presented with a blank and confused stare he pulled the seatbelt over Dick's body.

"Jason," Tim began hesitantly. "You know we're taking this car to avoid attention, right? So you won't drive like a-"

"MWAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Everyone was slammed into the back of their seats, and Jason's laughter almost drowned out the roar of the engine.