Bruce sighed.
It had been a long trip.
Damian had been dropping sarcastic comments the whole way from Gotham. Not that that was anything new. Damian was a naturally sarcastic person as well as a blood thirsty maniac at times. He had strong opinions on the no - killing policy and made them known on an almost daily basis.
At this point, he just wanted to drop him off and head back to Gotham so he could finish his work. He had about an hour or so more paperwork to finish before he met with the JL.
"Father, I fail to see why you insist upon leaving me with these… freaks, when my going with you with benefit everyone" Damian said with a sneer on his lips as the word "freaks" slipped out.
"I've told you, this is a matter only to be dealt with by members of the Justice League. We don't need anyone else. And besides, this mission is a delicate matter. We don't need your impulsiveness disrupting the balance we have worked so hard to build. Also,this was not all my decision as you seem to think. Alfred thinks that mabey if you spend some time with people your age, mabey you'll learn a thing or two from them. And I can't say I disagree"
He looked over. Usually Damian would have interrupted him by now. However, he had not said a word, instead choosing to stare out the window of the jet. He was pretending that he wasn't listening but it was obvious from the crease in his brow that he was hanging on every word.
"Fine." He said, "But this is still a waste of my skills."
The rest of the ride there was spent in patched - up silence.
Robin opened the door to the roof. The formally rusty handle was now a sleek platinum.
As he opened the door, great gusts of air emitted from a glossy, dark grey jet, hit his face in waves, nearly ripping his domino mask clean off. His black and yellow cape flapped at his side as the jet he had ridden in (and piloted a few times) slowly lowered onto the cement paving of the roof.
The rest of his team stayed slightly behind him, none of them wanting to be noticed by his mentor.
The sleek grey doors opened to reveal a moody, smaller boy. He looked to be around 9 and was about a head shorter than Robin himself. His suit looked similar to the one Robin wore except his mask and under cape included a green tinge to the fabric. His shoes were unlike the ones he wore, coming up to the mid - calf instead of low ankles.
He scowled at the taller boy, like he was the source of all his problems
He had the same pale coloration and black hair as Bruce, making him seem even more threatening.
A tall man stepped up behind him and took his shoulder. He immediately shrugged it off, as if it was reflex.
"Thank you for taking care of Damian" Bruce said in a monotone voice that made it clear, this interaction would purely be one of business. "It was rude to give you such short notice"
"Don't mention it" Robin said between gritted teeth. He had to bite his tongue to keep himself from saying something he would regret later.
"Well, I'll be off then. I have some work to finish before I leave".
Robin nodded. His face was devoid of any affection or caring he might have ever felt toward his "father". But anyone who knew him knew that, despite his resentment, he was struggling to keep his emotionless mask in place.
Bruce turned away without a word and walked toward the door of the plane. He glanced over his shoulder one last time before entering the dark jet.
The plane hovered a few yards off the ground for a second before taking off at a breakneck speed for Gotham. As it flew, it's shadow like form faded, becoming smaller and smaller until it was no more than a black dot clawing it's way across the sky.
Robin stared at it for several minutes, lost in thought before Starfire gently touched his shoulder with her tanned, sun - worn hands. He ripped his sight from the speck to blink at his girlfriend.
She smiled encouragingly before turning her attention to the previously silent Damian, who tried to give her his usual scowl. It was obvious he was straining. Nobody could look at Star and not smile for long.
When he realized he wasn't winning this battle of expressions, he turned away, looking disgruntled and uncomfortable.
"Hello Damian! I am Starfire! Welcome to Titans Tower!" She said, her emerald eyes sparkling.
"Yeah, whatever. Just show me where the showers are." He replied,staring at his shoes, clearly avoiding eye contact.
"Oh! Of course.." She said with a hint of sadness at his rejection of her welcome.
The team filed down the stairs leading to the rooftop, Robin in the back.
He closed the newly painted door behind himself, frowning.
From what he had heard so far, Damian hadn't changed at all. He was still an absolute jerk.
Whether Batman intended or not, it was going to be a testing few weeks.
For Damian, to see if he can work safely with other people other than the Batman.
And for him, to see if he could learn to work with Damian.