[ nineteen; ]

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

[ Bruce has, somewhat predictably, been hiding out in his room all day today. Towards the evening, though, he ventures into town. He doesn't do any window shopping and in fact he looks a little peeved as he makes a bee-line for a flower shop, purchases something and then heads back to the castle.

From there he goes right up to the roof to sit on the ledge and watch the sun setting over the horizon. He doesn't move for a very long time, instead just sitting there and thinking, gently cradling two white roses in his hands.

Bother him if you like, but saying he's not one for conversation at the moment would be an understatement. ]

Comments

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

Because Batman was born of tragedy.

[ He stops, frowns and looks down at the flowers in his hand. To say it or not to say it? ... When in doubt, go vague. ]

You and I are similar in a lot of ways. But I would rather there be more differences.

[heirdom]

I was raised by assassins and you had a relatively normal childhood, at least.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

You can still choose how you'll end up. My path was decided when I was eight years old.

I wouldn't change how I did things, but that's me. You are someone completely different. You shouldn't be obligated to follow in my footsteps.

[heirdom]

... I know I'm not obligated, but I want to. Why else would I be Robin?

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

[ His voice turns so very dry. ]

Because you're making a difference and saving lives?

[heirdom]

[Just a little agitated at that.]

That too, but nobody's forcing me to be Robin. I could just take things into my own hands and be Batman anyway, but I'm not, because I'm trying to do it right.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

I think the cape is still a little long for you yet.

[heirdom]

Alfred could make it shorter.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

It's significantly more difficult to loom effectively when you're shorter than most people.

[heirdom]

I'll eventually get taller.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

And eventually you'll be ready.

[heirdom]

I know.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

[ Bruce doesn't reply to that. Doing so would mean getting mushy. ]

How are things, now that Dick is back in action?

[heirdom]

Good. [Other than the other night, but even Dick doesn't know about that.] The hole in his head is better now, and he's not completely incompetent.

[Not sure how to express himself on this bit.]

It's good that he's back.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

Mn. He came back before I had a chance to tell you, but if there's ever a time when you would want or need it, I would be willing to work with you a little.

[ Not more than a little, Damian is Dick's Robin, not Bruce's. But he does want to see if he can teach Damian anything and see if Damian will actually listen. ]

[heirdom]

[Damian's not quite sure how to react to that offer. It's what he's always wanted, but he was positive he wouldn't be getting it. He glances up at his father, and nods, slowly.]

I'd like that.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

[ He goes quiet again for a moment and then stands, placing the roses on the corner of the roof. For a little while, he just stares at them. Then he turns and looks down at Damian. With everything that's been happening recently, with Tim and Carrie leaving, and with the date, Damian's been on his mind a lot.

The fingers of his right and twitch slightly as he debates internally, and then his hand moves to rest on the top of Damian's head for the briefest of seconds, not quite ruffling his hair, but it's definitely an affectionate gesture. That would've been a manly shoulder clap if Damian were just a little taller and his shoulders easier to reach without bending over. ]

Let's go inside.

[heirdom]

[Damian cannot remember the last time he got some sort of affectionate touch -- or any touch -- from his father. It makes him a little anxious, but a little excited, too. He gets up to follow him.]

Okay.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

[ It's a rare thing, but it seemed like the right thing to do, considering he's spent most of the day thinking of his parents and wondering how badly he's screwed up as a parent to his own kids. ]

How good are you with untangling wires?

[heirdom]

It's easy. Why?

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

Because I need someone to untangle wires for me while I work on the computer in what's soon going to be HQ.

[heirdom]

[Sounds boring as hell, but.]

I can do that.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

[ It is boring as hell. Why do you think he's getting someone else to do it? ]

Good.

[heirdom]

Are you going to start another casebook, on it?

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

That's part of the reason for having the computer.