Authors Note: Hello everyone. This is my second work in this platform, but unfortunately I never completed my first one - sorry -. I have already some chapters finished, so hopefully I will finish this one.
Disclamer: I don't own anything but the ideas that are in my head for this fanfiction.
I hope you all enjoy this. Please leave a review so I know you're enjoying it. Constructive criticisms are very welcome.
Years had passed since one of the darkest moments in Dick's life. While the loss of his parents stood as the most tragic, the death of a brother had struck a similar, harrowing chord.
At that time, he'd been consumed by helplessness and guilt, unable to save his brother, much like he couldn't save his parents.
Yet, when he learned of Jason's survival, a resolve solidified within him—a vow never to lose someone he cared for ever again. He dedicated himself to relentless training, standing by his siblings through thick and thin, even if it meant endless nights fueled by copious amounts of coffee. Losing anyone was no longer an option.
Upon entering the Manor, the reverberations of two voices in the living room met his ears. Familiar bickering echoed through the halls, drawing a knowing grin to his face.
Dick crossed the hall, leaning in to catch the essence of the argument between Damian and Jason. The scolding was typical Damian—chiding Jason for his indelicate act of resting his feet on the coffee table.
"Your ignorance on the fundamental household decorum of not tracking dirt around, let alone gracing the coffee table with your footwear, Todd, is nothing short of astonishing."
"Get lost, demon."
"Pigs likely maintain a higher standard of hygiene than you."
"Yeah? "Jason was getting up while he was talking "Want a demonstration on how polished my fists are?"
"Easy there, folks. Let's dial it back before Alfred strides in and gives us all a masterclass in cleaning." Dick interjected, grinning at his brothers. His way of defusing the tension in the room.
"Don't you have homework to do Dami?"
"I've no need for trivial assignments from an insipid educational institution."
"Now, don't be like that. You know skipping homework won't fly with your Dad. Might as well get it done, champ."
"Per usual, Grayson, your assessment is accurate." Damian remarked before heading upstairs.
"You two can't go five minutes without locking horns, can you?" Dick quipped, his smile playful.
"Please, don't even start. You and the rest spoil the demon brat way too much," Jason grumbled, though a hint of amusement danced in his eyes.
"So, how's Crime Valley treating you?" Dick inquired as he settled into the nearest armchair.
"Meh... you know, cold, smelly, and as eerie as ever. Same old, same old. And Blüdhaven?" Jason reciprocated.
"The same," they exchanged a quiet moment, Dick's gaze lingering on Jason. He remembered the young boy Jason used to be, and now he saw how much he'd grown. Despite all Jason had endured, he'd found his way back, even if things could never truly be the same.
"What?" Jason huffed.
"Remember when we'd light up the fireplace in this room and play Monopoly?" Dick asked with a tranquil tone.
"I only remember how you were always a lucky bastard. Still amazed you never went to jail, not even once," Jason retorted, the memories making his lips twitch into a grin.
"Maybe your bad luck overshadowed my good luck. We should do it again, with everyone. It'd be fantastic," Dick suggested.
"I doubt we could gather everyone at the Manor just for a game of Monopoly. Besides, we're a bit too old for that, Golden Boy."
The Manor was jolted by the blaring alarm, prompting both of them to exchange a quick glance before swiftly rising and dashing toward the concealed door.
"Maybe someday." Dick whispered.