Chapter 3: Lost Dog

Damian's POV

"Titus, Come!"

I heard nothing. Where was he?

"Titus! Come!" I began yelling more frantically now.

"Damian what's wrong?"

It was Grayson. He was walking down the stairs.

Dick's POV

He looked like he was on the verge of tears.

Concerned, I asked, "Damian what's wrong?"

"I…I can't find Titus. He always comes when I call for him." He sniffled. "Always."

Bending down, I pulled Damian against me and wrapped my arms around him. "Dami calm down. I'm sure he's fine. I'll help you find him. Everything's going to be okay."

He nodded. I released him and stood back up. I then took his hand into mine. I heard him sniffle again. Damian rarely showed any emotion, but when it came to an animal; he quickly made up for it.

"Did you check his pen?"

"No."

We walked outside and over to his pen. The gate was open.

Damian began to wail, "He's gone. I'll never see him again. I didn't even get to say goodbye."

"Damian relax. I'm sure he's fine. He's probably on the grounds somewhere. We'll find him. Everything's going to be okay."

********Break********

We walked around the grounds for what seemed like hours. Both of us took turns yelling for the dog. The sun began to sink lower and lower until it had almost disappeared.

In a gentle voice I said, "Damian we need to go back inside now. I'll call the humane society and the pound to see if they have Titus. Okay?"

He just nodded. I could see tears trailing down his face. I bent down and picked him up. He wrapped his arms around my neck and started crying. I ran my hand up and down his spine and tried to whisper comforting words as I carried him into the house. As we walked inside, we were met by Bruce.

"Dick, what happened? What's wrong?" Bruce said, concerned.

Damian's POV

Grayson began to tell Father what had happened.

Father said softly, "It's okay son. I'll get you another dog."

What! I bawled, "I don't want another dog! I want my dog! I want Titus!"

Dick's POV

Smooth move, Bruce. You'd think by having had three other kids, the world's greatest detective would've at least known what to say and what not to say to his fourth.

Suddenly, the door opened and Titus bounded in followed by Alfred. The massive, black Great Dane bounded directly over to Dami.

Damian's POV

"Titus! You're back! You're okay!"

I wrapped my arms around his neck as he smothered me with his wet, slobbering tongue.

Grayson and Father walked over to Pennyworth. At that moment I wasn't really paying attention to them.

Pennyworth then turned towards me, "My apologies, Master Damian. I did not inform you of Titus' appointment with the dog groomer."

Dog groomer? No wonder he smelled like shampoo.

"It's all right Pennyworth. Now if you'll excuse me." I walked upstairs with Titus at my heels.

Dick's POV

The three of us just stared at each other for a while.

Breaking the silence, I said, "Alfred, if you wouldn't mind, would you please tell me and Damian next time you take Titus somewhere?"

"Of course, Master Richard."

"Great I'm going to bed. Night."I walked up the stairs to my room.

"Grayson, thanks." Damian said quietly.

Smiling I said, "You're welcome Dami."

Bruce's POV

A few hours later, I opened the door to Damian's room. He was sleeping soundly. His arms encircled the neck of the Great Dane. A few cats were also sleeping on the bed. Has he always had that many? We're going to have to talk about this.

The hound looked up and whined; detecting my presence. Damian stirred slightly. Immediately the enormous beast laid his head back down and nuzzled Damian. I silently closed the door. Knowing he was safe and sound in the paws of his protector, I moved to check on my other birds before turning in.