ššššššššššššššššššššš
Tim: hey dick check it out, I found my old journal!
Tim [reading]: bad news, jason is back from the dead and tried to kill me⦠he used to be my hero but now he hates me and murders people
Good news, jason is alive! Maybe he and bruce can make up and be a family again!
Bad news, my dad died. Iām officially an orphan
Good news, Bruce adopted me!
Bad news, Bruce is usually emotionally unavailable
Good news, thatās how my parents were so Iām used to it!
Bad news, conner died⦠and Stephanie⦠and Bart
Good news, at least Dick is still here!
Bad news, Bruce disappeared. Dick *replaced* me with the demon brat. He doesnāt believe me when i say Batman isnāt dead, he thinks Iām crazy⦠Iām starting to think maybe i am
Good news, well i⦠i canāt think of any good news⦠but there must be something, right? Thereās still something to be happy about, there has to beā¦
Tim [chuckling nervously]: this is a little darker than i remember
Dick: stop and let me hug you for eternity
We deserved just as much love as the other
pansexual, bisexual, asexual
This was so cool!!!
Hey if u like the ocean look at this its rly cool I think
Nice
Mods are asleep post forbidden tits
⨠š¶ when u get this u have to put 5 songs u actually listen to, publish. then, send this ask to 10 of your favorite followers (non-negotiable, positivity is cool) š¶ āØ
1. She's kinda hot
2. GUY.exe
3. Est-ce que tu m'aimes
4. Washing machine heart
5. Puttin' on the ritz
Huh
howās everyone doin tonight i just broke tumblr
R O C K S
rb this to give the person you rbd this from a cool rock
Thank, not like I needed my heart or anything!
-Authorās note: sorry about the format I posted it on mobile. hope you enjoy! A special thanks to @fishfingersandjellybabies who made me less nervous about posting this! Also to @alextimeexpress who was my proofreader-
Summary: After a confrontation with Bruce, Damian is left to make a decision. One that would change everyoneās lives.
Slowly, Damian made his way down to the cave. He was in need of his Fatherās assistance with a school assignment. He only had problems with history, since the way they taught it at school was the Americanized version of events. They never seemed to teach the children how everything really happened. He stopped as he heard Grayson and his father arguing.
āNo, you donāt understand Bruce! Since Timmy died youāve just been focusing on being Batman. The family doesnāt need Batman. It needs Bruce!ā Damian heard his voice echoing through the cave.
āI need to bring his killer to justice, Dick. You know that the League needs me as well. I donāt have time for your nonsense.ā Damian flinched over the cold tone of his voice.
āThis isnāt nonsense Bruce! I donāt care if you ignore me! Jasonās on a mission right now, but what about Damian? You havenāt been with him at all! I had to learn from the Titans that not only did you miss his birthday, but were completely ignorant to Raās Al Ghulās threat to Damian.ā Dick snarled at the end of his sentence.
Bruce stalked towards Dick, he was so close Dick could feel his breath on his face. His hands shook by his side as they slowly formed into fists. It was so tight Damian could hear the squelching of the leather. āHe never informed me of this.ā Bruce said, his voice shifting from defensive to enraged.
Damian looked at the floor not knowing what to do. He wanted to tell them that they were foolish to believe he couldnāt handle himself, but at the same time he was really hurt when his father missed his birthday.
āHe was about to give himself to Raās! He was willing to sacrifice himself again and become the monster he so desperately tried to escape! And you were nowhere to be found! Goddamn it, Bruce! We already lost Tim. Are you really okay with losing Damian? Are you okay with him dying AGAIN? ARE YOU GOING TO LET HIM DOWN AGAIN?ā Dick scream at Bruce.
Suddenly, Damian heard a smack. He let out a gasp and ran downstairs. He stared at Grayson, on the floor holding his now bruised cheek.
āGrayson!ā He yelled as he went to him and helped him sit up.
āFather! That was unnecessary! Apologize now!ā He said glaring at his father.
āDonāt worry Lilā D everythingās fine. We just had a misunderstanding.ā He said ruffling his hair.
āFather had no right to hit you.ā Damian said looking at him.
āHe should not have yelled at you for simply caring about meā¦ā He trailed off feeling overwhelmed, thinking that maybe his father did not care for him as much as he hoped.
Bruce look at him as he sighed and rubbed his face.
āThis was so much easier with Timā¦ā he muttered under his breath.
Damian heard him and his eyes widened as he took a step back unconsciously.
āNo, wait Damian thatā¦that wasnāt what I meantā Bruce said realizing his mistake.
āTt, well I am sorry Father but I am not Drake.ā He pulled away from his father and ran upstairs.
Dick went after him, hot on his heels. āWait Lilā D! Dami! Damian!ā He yelled as he was able to catch to him and pull him into a hug.
He rubbed his hair and Damian struggled a bit, but ended up leaning into his embrace.
āHey, how about you stay with me for a few days? Jaybirdās coming and we would very much like your company. I think I can convince him to give back the Red Hood doll.ā Damian was only able to nod against his chest. Not trusting his voice to betray him and display his weakness.
He already had clothes in Graysonās house so he didnāt need to pack any clothes.
He let Dick manhandle him onto his back. He leaned in and enjoyed listening to his brotherās heart and breath. Dick felt reassured by the weight on his back and feeling his little brotherās heartbeat echo. Because his little brother was here and alive. He almost lost him again because he didnāt want to burden his family again. He had to tell him that sacrificing himself wasnāt the answer. He had to stop trying to take on everything himself, to let them take some of his burden because they care about him. But that was a conversation for another day.
Eventually he heard small snores coming from his back. He took out his phone and called Jason.
āHey Dickie Bird I got us two extra meat lovers pizza.ā Dick smiled at his brother.
āHey Jaybird, could you ask for a vegetarian one? Lilā D is joining us.ā He heard Jason grunt.
āBaby Batās coming? Ha! I should just get another meat lovers!ā He said teasingly.
āHeās had a rough night, Jay.ā Dick sighed out. Jasonās voice turned to concern.
āDid the brat get hurt on patrol? I thought he wasnāt supposed to go on patrol today.ā
āNo, he didnāt go on patrol today, and he isnāt hurtā¦well not physically at least. He had a rough couple days to be honest. And Bruce didnāt help.ā Jason started cursing up a storm.
āB and his emotional constipation. I know my dying didnāt mean shit to him-ā
āNow, Jason you know thatās not true. Bruce was heartbroken with your death.ā Dick interrupted softly.
ā-but Damian, heās just a kid for fuckās sake! Bruce should care more dammit. After everything we went through to get him back. I would think he would actually jump at the opportunity to be a good father. Hell after what happened to Timmyā¦ā he trailed off feeling his anger fading to sadness.
āYeah, thatās also part of the problemā¦he compared him with Tim.ā He heard Jason start cursing again.
āReal smooth B real smooth.ā He snarled.
āHell Iāll get a vegetarian pizza and some strawberry Ice cream for the demon spawn.ā He said with a snort. Dick chuckled sadly.
āI know he misses Timā¦we all do, but heās letting that get in the way of taking care of Damian.ā He said softly as he approached the safe house.
āIām here. Iāll talk to you inside.ā
During that moment, Dick forgot that Damian was a light sleeper and he managed to hear the entire conversation. Damian had to admit that he also missed Drake. They were finally able to get past their differences and could have been brothersā¦but now he doesnāt have a chance to.
Dick made his way inside the safe house with Damian still on his back. Jason looked up and just felt a little pang in his heart. Because Damian actually looked like a kid on Dickie Birdās back. Something that the both of them never really had the chance to be. Maybe they could work on that with Damian. Dick smiled at him softly.
āI guess he hasnāt gotten much sleep these last few days.ā He said as he gently tried to wake him up.
āHey Lil D weāre here wake up.ā Damian decided it was time to stop pretending, so he woke up and slowly rubbed his eyes.
āTodd.ā He said in acknowledgement. Jason rolled his eyes and picked him up from Dickās back and threw him to the couch. Damian let out a small āTtā but said nothing about it. They all got comfortable and settled into a nice atmosphere, laughing and joking around.
āSo Babybat I heard you had a couple rough days. What happened?ā Jason asked, but Damian just sighed and shrugged.
āThe usual.ā He said simply not going into details.
āCome one Demon Spawn. Donāt give me that bull. Just tell your Big brother whatās wrong.ā
Damian looked at him and gave him a half hearted shrug. As he stared anywhere but at his brother.
āI received a āgiftā from my grandfather on my birthday. It was a dead robin. In the gift he specifically told me that if I do not reclaim my position in the league he will kill me. Since Father was occupied, I decided to gather and form a team. They were targets as well, but we managed to defeat Grandfather and thatās all there is to it.ā Damian said like he was explaining a stroll in the park instead a murder attempt by his grandfather. Dick actually glared at Damian.
āFrom what Starfire told me, thereās a lot that youāre leaving out. Now why donāt you tell us whatās missing.ā Damian glared at him and crossed his arms over his chest.
āI decided that statistically, it would be a better plan for me to surrender to my grandfather. That way he would spare the lives of the Titans and no one had to die. Which was one of the more preferable outcomesā Damian said like he wasnāt talking about destroying his life.
āDamianā¦why didnāt you call me? Or Jason or Bruce! We wouldāve helped you! You canāt keep doing this! ā Grayson exploded saying the last part. Damian stood up roughly from the table.
āYes Grayson, tell me how exactly? You werenāt exactly taking phone calls! Todd was in a undercover mission and was unavailable. Father was on League business. I did not want to be a burden so I handled it myself.ā Damian snarled and Dick and Jason just stared at their little brother not sure what to respond to the truth.
The silence was suffocating as everyone tried to figure out what to say next.
āIs it true?ā Damian voice rang out and echoed through the room. Jason and Dick look at each other not sure what he meant.
āWhat do you mean Lil D?ā Dick asked as he watched Damian sit back down.
āIs what Father said true? Was it easier with Drake?ā He spoke in a low voice.
Dick eyes widened in horror as he felt like he was stabbed by a knife ten times. Because he heard the underlying meaning to what his little brother just asked. Was it easier to trust Drake? Was it easier to confide in him? Was he easier to love? If the room silence was suffocating before, now it was deadly and one false move will hurt Damian. Jasonās jaw was on the floor as he was stunned for what he just heard. He just couldnāt believe anything, that Bruce could be such an ass.
āDamianā¦that isnāt what Bruc- you know what letās forget about Bruce for a while. They are many different things between you both and theyāre not so easy to understand or to explain. But no, it wasnāt easier to be Timās brother. It was equally easy to love both of you. It was equally as hard to lose both of you as well.ā Dick admitted softly as he took his little brother in his arms and gave him a hug.
Damian didnāt respond just let himself be held. Jason nodded in agreement and threw his arm over his brotherās shoulder. They stood there in a comfortable silence. Until Damian spoke once again.
āDo you miss him?ā Dick nodded quickly and simply said āvery much.ā
Jason huffed softly āit isnāt the same without babybird around.ā Damian had a contemplating look and gave a court nod.
āWould you be happy if Drake was here?ā Dick sigh deeply.
āI would be extremely happy to have Tim back.ā Jason just grunted in agreement. Damian nodded and got out of Dickās embrace.
āI am heading to bed, thank you for your hospitality.ā He said and just headed to his room Jason patted Dickās shoulder, trying to bring his brother a sense of peace.
Damian went to bed for the night, but Jason was going to talk to him make sure he understood that itās because they cared about the little brat and wanted him safe. He also was going to have a talk with Bruce with his fist on his face. Jason never expected him to win father of the year award, but the least he could do was keep the damn kid alive after just getting him back.
Meanwhile, Damian went to one of the bedrooms in the safe house. He was extremely confused and hurt about what happened today. Not that he will ever admit it aloud.
He did what his father and Grayson had taught him he protected the innocence no matter the cause. Instead of being praised for his behaviour, he was reprimanded and compared to Drake. He had mixed feelings about his brother. He may have never been close but he learned to cared for him.
The only reason for their initial mistrust was his heritage and the way he was raised. In his case, Drake represented his fatherās perfect son and partner, one that he chose and wasnāt stuck with. He was the son his father wanted.
Drake to him, represented an obstacle that he had to overcome so that he could win his fatherās trustā¦his fatherās love. He tried, he truly did and it took him so long to prove to his father he could be good.
He was beginning to get along with Drake, but he still saw him as a competitor for his fatherās trust. He came to realize that maybe he didnāt need to see him as an enemy. That yes, Drake had a hard time believing he could be good, but he was. Then he died and he could finally see proof that what Drake said was true⦠that he was evil, so evil he went to hell.
He was brought back by his family, yes, including Drake and so he thought āif Drake can give me another chance, then the universe can too.ā He went and decided to atone for his sinsā¦but many bad things happened.
In the end he died once again saving the world, thankfully it was just a momentarily endeavor. After many other things he was back to being his fatherās Robin, trying to do good. They started to become distant but Robin wanted to believe it was because Gotham and the Justice League needed him more than he did.
Then Drake died saving the world and the legacy became so much heavier. Bruce almost became completely nonexistent in his life. He tried to make him proud, he even went as far to rebuild the Teen Titans. He knows his father did everything in his power to bring him backā¦but now he wonders if given the option, would he choose Drake over him. And that kind of thinking destroyed him, because he wanted Drake to be alive. He felt guilty thinking that he came back, the unwanted child who had to earn his fatherās trust. Instead of Drake, the prodigal son who his father chose to love. A part of him just wanted them to accept him and to love him. The other part, the bigger part of him just wanted to make him happy but he had no idea how. He went to bed trying to think of different ways of making his family happy. After a while, he fell asleep. In that moment he didnāt realize he had a choice to make. One that would change everything forever, one that could grant his wish and make his greatest nightmares come true.
It started as a dream, thatās what he believed. One that he did not understand. The only way he could explain it was a void that went out for miles and miles. He could only see darkness and had no sense of direction.
Damian tried to move around but he had no control over his body as gravity did not exist in this dream. Even though Damian had a hard time admitting it, he was worried and scared. His mind was telling him that it was just a dream but his body knew that it wasnāt, that something wasnāt right.
His suspicions were confirmed when he felt another presence. He could feel his heart speeding up as he tried to get into a fighting stance just to end up floating around. He let an annoyed āTtā as he tried to regain control.
āYou must calm down, little one.ā A voice echoed through the void bouncing off the non-existent wall.
āYou intolerable fool, I am not little!ā Damian snapped, not being able to help himself. He let out a gasp as he actually saw the creature who had spoken to him.
There was no simple way to explain this creature. Damian believed there was no word to describe the magnitude of this creatureās height. He was simply even more than colossal. In a way he created an illusion that he was even taller than the heavens in the sky. He had the shape of a human body, but he had no face. It look like he absorbed every single star and light source from the universe, cursing us to eternal darkness. But in a way the creature wasnāt blinding. You could stare at it in awe for centuries and not be tired. The creature was simply breathtaking.
Damian, for once, was speechless and the creature just tilted his head to the side in a gesture of curiosity.
āYou must understand, little one. I mean no harm. I only seek understanding.ā The voice rang around the void and Damian had no clue as to where the voice was coming from.
He could see the creature right in front of him but he could not pinpoint the voice location or even tell if it was the creature speaking to him.
āUnderstanding?ā Damian huffed.
āI am the one confused here! Where am I? Why am I here? What the hell are you?ā Damian screeched and the creature just observed. Or that is what Damian believed as he could not see that it had eyes.
āThose are very good questions, little one. Ones that I can answer, some that I can not. You are in a safe place, one that cannot be tainted by evil. Iā¦do not know how to explain my existence to you. I am known by many names by the humans. You are here, little one. To make a choice.ā
Damian was unsatisfied by the answer he got. It was so vague it just created even more questions. Damian looked up at the creature not sure what it all meant, but he was going to make sure he found out.
āSo what am I supposed to call you? Because from what I can tell so far, you just respond to āfoolā.ā Damian hissed at the creature to which made no difference to it.
āThere is no need to be rude little one. I have many names. None of which I am incredibly fond of. Names are just ways to address a person. I see no use of having one. If you are so inclined of me needing one. You may call me as you wish, little one.ā Damian raised an eyebrow at the creatureās roundabout way of thinking.
Names were important to Damian, they represent who he is, who he was. Wayne, Robin, Al Ghul they were not only names, but titles that defined a person. Damian āTtā once again annoyed with the lack of understanding of the creature
āI shall address you as Sirius then.ā Damian concluded and he could feel the atmosphere lighten a bit
āSo tell me Sirius, what is that you wish to understand and what is that choice I need to make? And how did I get here?ā Damian lash out one question after another not even taking time time to breathe.
āI seek to understand you, little one. You came here of your own volition. You wish for happiness, not for you, but for your love ones. I have no understanding as to why you wish for othersā happiness above your own.ā The voice echoed through the void and replayed itself in Damianās head again and again trying to understand what he meant.
āI did not come here of my own free will!ā Damian protested. Sirius actually inclined his head forward in the form of a nod.
āYour desire to make your family happy no matter the cost brought you here, little one. If you wish to leave, you can do so. If you do, that will be your choice.ā Damian stared up at Sirius as goosebumps started to paint his body.
āYou keep talking about a choiceā¦what do you mean?ā Damian asked as he gulped down his nerves.
Sirius hand stretched out and stopped in front of Damian. He stared at Sirius confused and eventually he went and stood up on his hand. Sirius slowly lifted his hand and what felt like an eternity later Damian was finally face to head with the creature. Damian body shivered as he look at the creature with no face.
āLittle one, you are here because you wish for something that I have the power to give you.ā Sirius explained.
Damian looked up at him shyly.
āYouā¦can make them happy? All of them?ā Damian ask hopefully.
Sirius just nodded.
āI do have the power to do that, little one.ā The creatureās voice resonated inside of Damian giving him a new hope.
āEven Drakeā¦?ā He asked with innocent and hopeful eyes.
āYes little one, Timothy is included in the deal.ā Damian looked at the creature dubiously.
āHow can you promise so much? You are even offering bringing back Timothy. What are you?ā Damian exclaimed feeling concerned with the possibilities.
āI am the guardian of this reality, Little one.ā Sirius admitted.
āThisā¦isnāt a dream that I created to indulge in my delusions?ā Damian stated more than asked.
āLittle one, this is very much real. I can grant your family the happiness that you wish for them. There is a way I can do that for you.ā Damian looked down at his hand and sighed.
āWhat is the catch? It is a choice isnāt it?ā Damian said getting straight to business.
āI am the guardian of this reality, but I do not have the power to change reality and keep it the way I wish to permanently.ā Sirius explain and Damian scowled at him.
āWhy have you offered me something that you cannot give me?ā Damian snarled wanting to punch the creature for giving him a glimmer of hope.
āBut you have the power to change reality, little one. It does come with a price. It is your choice, I do not gain or lose anything because of it.ā The creature said as he lowered Damian just a bit.
āThen why offer me a choice? Why help me when you have nothing to gain from it?ā Damian said as he tried not to cry.
āI felt your deep conflict inside. You desperately wish for your familyās happiness and never thought of your own, little one. I heard your wishes and I believe if anyone is worthy of this opportunity it would be you.ā Damian wiped away the stray tears that managed to escape.
āWhat is the price I must pay?ā Damian finally asked after a while. The creature just āstaredā at Damian until the voice started echoing again through the void.
āI can change the current reality and make it into one where your loved ones are happy. Little one, in this reality you can not exist.ā Damian gasped and stumbled backward falling on his rear. He sat in the creatureās hand contemplating the situation.
āAre you sayingā¦that in a world where I exist, my family wonāt be happy?ā Damian said feeling overwhelmed by the situation.
āNo, little one. There are realities where everyone can be happy, but in this scenario, that is the only one thatās possible.ā Damian looked up at Sirius.
āI have to die for my familyās happiness.ā
āLittle one, you are not going to die. You are going to become one with the reality. Your soul will act as the cement that will hold the new reality and make it permanent. You will not die, but cease to exist.ā Sirius explained softly.
Damian looked at him and just thought over his options. With everything that has happened over the last few weeks, his family deserved to be happy. He even offered to bring Timothy back. Everyone missed Timothy, his father hadnāt been the same sinceā¦He could make them all happy.
He died once already, Damian thought to himself, he actually died more than once. Maybe⦠maybe it would be better that way. Damian looked up at Sirius as he felt himself cave into the pressure of making his father happy.
āAre you sure? That you can bring Timothy back? Make them all happy?ā Damian asked desperately as he swallowed down his fear.
āYes, little one. I give you my word.ā Sirius said nodding to him.
āWill it hurt?ā He questioned shyly and he shook his head āat the end only.ā
āDeal,ā Damian said finally and Sirius nodded.
āLittle one, there is something that you must remember. This is your choice.ā Damian nodded and just stared blankly ahead not really focusing on anything.
He had no way to explain what just happened. He just agreed to give up his existence for his brothersā¦for his father. His gaze snapped back to Sirius.
āI want to make sure that you keep your word and bring Timothy backā¦I would also like to say goodbye as well.ā Damian said but trailed off in the end.
āOf course little one. At dusk, Timothy will appear before you in your favorite part of woods. And by the end of nightfall you will disappear from their lives. There is something you must know little oneā¦because you are giving up your existence for thisā¦it would mean that you would have never been born. There is a very large possibility that they will not remember you at all.ā Sirius warned, to which Damian just scoffed.
āGood, that way they wonāt let my efforts go in vain.ā Damian was left alone.
He woke up with a jolt back in his own room. He was sweating buckets and breathing harshly. He stared at his hand waiting for something, anything to believe what he just witnessed.
He had no proof that he really made the deal with Sirius but he felt it in his gut that it was true. He looked at his cellphone and he slept most of the day. It was already around two and he had a lot of preparations to do.
He stood and and dressed himself quickly. He went to the kitchen where he saw Jason and Dick. Dickās smile brightened as soon as he saw him.
āHey Lil D! You finally got some sleep huh? Here! Jason made breakfast and I helped!ā Dick said cheerfully while Jason snorted.
āYou mean I made breakfast and made sure you didnāt burn anything?ā Damian raised an amused eyebrow at that.
Which only made Dick laugh some more and shake his head. Damian took a piece a paper and wrote down some coordinates and a time.
āI am heading to the manor. I need you to be here at this time. It is important.ā Jason looked at the paper and back at Damian.
āSure squirt, if you say itās important I be there right on the dot.ā Damian nodded satisfied and loomed at Dick hopefully.
āHey Damiā¦maybe I should go with you to the manor. I can help you get the stuff you need and then we can head to the meeting place. You-ā Dick was interrupted by Jasonās hand softly landing on his shoulder.
āNah, donāt worry Dickie Bird. Look at his face, he knows what heās doing.ā Damian gave him a small smile and left.
Steadily Damian made his way to the Manor. He could see his hands trembling as he could feel sweat drops run down his face. He was having trouble thinking exactly what to tell his father.
They had fought, he had stormed out and now he had no idea how to fix it. He took one of his trembling hands and lifted it up to his face. His breath shook as he tried to gain control of it. The tremors became stronger and his breathing became erratic.
Eventually it turned into gasps as he tried to get a lungful of air. He stopped walking a long time ago and his mind kept racing. Before he knew tears started rolling down his face and small sobs overtook him. As he had no idea what he was supposed to tell his father. Or if he even should. Damian started to scold himself as he knew he couldnāt be weak, not now, not after accepting the opportunity for his loved onesā happiness. He couldnāt be selfish, not now.
He harshly rubbed his eyes as he tried to regain control. In his mind, he already wasted too much time. When Damian was finally able to calm himself he arrived at the Manor. He walked in where he saw Pennyworth.
He approached him and straightened his spine as he held his head up. At that movement, he faltered, as it ended up looking stiff and uncomfortable. Alfred raised his eyebrow in a knowing way.
āHello Master Damian, it is a pleasure to see you again.ā Damianās spine relaxed at the gentle tone and Damian manage a tiny smile.
āLikewise Pennyworth. I wish to speak to my father.ā Damianās hands started trembling softly again.
āI am sorry to inform you, Master Damian. Master Bruce was called up for League business. He will not be back for at least two days.ā Alfred informed him matter-of-factly.
Damianās heart deflated as huge disappointment crushed his soul.
āTwo days? Is there any way he can make an early return?ā His voice cracked a bit on the end of his question.
āMaster Damian, it seems it was an emergency. There is no possible way for him to return earlier than that.ā Damian let out a miserable āoh.ā
Damian scoffed as he rubbed his puffy eyes. He looked at Alfred as he open his mouth and close it once again.
Damian was not sure how to act without arising any suspicion from what he was planning to do. Damian felt his body shaking as he abruptly turned around, making sure to keep his expression hidden from the butler, that he saw more like a grandfather.
āI wish to see my pets Pennyworth.ā He started walking towards the cave as he felt himself slow down his steps.
He took a deep breath and turned around. He made his way and saw himself in front of Pennyworth. Without thinking about it too much, scared that he would change his mind. He hugged Pennyworth. He pulled his arms around him and hugged him tightly. He put his head on his chest as felt the warmth of the butler spread through him.
āOh my word! Young Master.ā Alfred said startled, but did not hesitate to return the hug.
āThank you Pennyworth. For everything.ā Before Alfred could react, Damian let go and went to see his pets.
He made his way down the cave where all his pets were. One by one he hugged and kissed them muttering how proud he was of each and single one.
āYou guys are my family too. Sirius said he will make my family happy. I am confident that you guys will have a glorious life such as you deserve.ā He said to Alfred the cat, Titus and Batcow.
He made his way towards Goliath and hugged him as Goliath nuzzle against him.
āDonāt worry, I am certain that you will be with your family again because of this. I am sorry for taking them away, but youāll be happy now.ā He hiccuped the last part. He was aware that he did not have enough time to wander anymore.
āI must go. Thank you for taking care of me.ā He said and left.
He made his way to the forest arriving ten minutes before the meeting time, his hands having not stopped trembling since he left the manor. His chest felt heavy as many different emotions swirled inside his head. Fear and worry were the emotions he felt most.
Time seemed to slow down as Damian could only hear his own heartbeat. He looked at the sun nervously as it would soon start to set. He started fidgeting as he realized that maybe it was all a dream, that maybe his desire overtook his mind and it was just playing a cruel joke in his mind. But he felt in his soul that Sirius was not a dream, but a being that had the power to make his family happy.
He took deep breath as he close his eyes as he force himself to calm down. His heart picked up its pace with every second that went by and he could not see either of his brothers.
His back slowly started to tense up and soon became as tight as a rod. He looked around desperately as he tried to locate any of his brothers.
In reality they werenāt late they still had five minutes before the sun started to set. He realize he should have asked them to come sooner as he had no idea on how this would play out. Not a second, later he saw both Jason and Dick making their way towards him.
In that moment his body relaxed a little as he saw Grayson smile and Jason smirk.
āHey Babybat sorry weāre late but Dickiebird here decided to bring the entire apartment with us!ā Jason said playfully as he rolled his eyes and showed Damian a picnic basket.
āWell of course! You only wanted to bring meat! And you know Damianās vegetarian. Lilā D donāt worry, big brotherās got you covered.ā Dick said as he started pulling out some of Damianās favorite snacks.
The only ones Grayson knew he like. A knot got stuck in his throat as he saw his brothers chatting happily, playfully setting up a picnic. Just because he asked them to come. No other reason than that. He tried to swallow down that knot but nothing, he didnāt feel any better. As he stared at the sun and noticed it descend.
āRichard, Jason.ā Both their head snap towards Damian as their jaws dropped hearing their full names coming out of Damianās mouth.
āLil Dā¦?ā Dickās voice went up slightly.
āI-ā Damian started and then cut himself off as he struggled to figure out what to say. He hadnāt thought this through. He turned around and looked as the sky started changing into a curtains of oranges, reds and purples. Slowly dancing together, bringing out hope and the promise of a new tomorrow, a new future and most importantly, happiness for his family.
Damian was mesmerized by the sunset for a minute thinking that he was glad that he shared this place with his brothers.
When he turned around his brothers also looked mesmerized as they observed at the scene in front of them. Damian stared at the way Dick smiled and his eyes sparkled with the juvenile joy that he like to tease him about. Then he turned to Jason as his mouth curved into a small smile and his body was in a relaxed stance. In that moment, Damian decided that he actually prefered that view much better than the sunset.
Slowly his eyes widened as he unconsciously took a step back as behind his brothers, Timothy suddenly appeared. Aliveā¦breathing. He actually was able to bring him back. He gasped and that broke his brothers trance as their eyes snapped towards him .
Dickās eyebrow furrowed as he stared at Damian, whose whole demeanor changed in disbelief, wonder andā¦fear? Dick thought to himself in confusion.
āDickā¦Jasonā¦how?ā A voice behind them asked.
Dick and Jason breath got stuck in their lungs as they slowly turned around. Dick hand went to his mouth as tears ran down his face in utter amazement.
āBabybird?ā Jason asked as he took a hesitant step forward.
Happiness, relief and most of all surprise could be seen on Timās face as he nodded desperately. He tried to walk towards his brothers but he stumbled as his strength started to leave him. In an instant, both brothers were broken from their trances as they went to help thim. Dick ran towards Tim and he grabbed his face in his hands as he sobbed happily.
āHowā¦? I thoughtā¦Tim you were deadā¦.you were dead.ā Dick said between hiccups as he touched Tim forehead with his own.
In the meantime, Jason helped both his brothers stay standing. Tim shook his head desperately.
āNoā¦no they took meā¦and you guysā¦how?ā Tim said confusion heavy in his voice.
āHow were you guys able to save me? Where are we? Why are we here?ā Tim ask question after question rapidly without even taking a second to breathe. As he tried to understand what was happening.
Dick was to focused on making sure that his little brother was actually there. That he was safe, that he was real, that it was really their Timmy. Jason was the one who answered his questions.
āI donāt know Timmyā¦we thought you were deadā¦.we came here because Damian invited us here. We thought it was just for a picnicā¦Damian?ā The moment Jason look up he was shocked.
Damian stood there with the saddest smile he had ever seen. He looked content, but at the same time, resign to the scene in front of him. He didnāt move to join his brothers and just stared at the scene before him as he felt at peace with what was happening. He, at the moment, had all his brothersā attention.
āWhat did you do?ā Tim ask quietly as his eyes widened in horror. Damianā¦he was disappearing slowly. The scene was heartbreakingly beautiful.
Damian stood there as the sky started to fade from orange to dark violets and blue. In the dark of the sky Damian was the only source of light that they had. As little fireflies started appearing where Damian started to fade. Starting with his legs and steadily working its way up. The fireflies adorned the night as they mixed with the darkness and the sky making it seen as they were surrounded by stars dancing in the night. Damian stared down at himself as he let out a wet laugh.
āWhat did you do?ā Dick yelled scared as he saw as his little brother slowly disappear before him.
Damian looked up at them and gave them a watery smile. Tears ran down his face leaving a glowing trace.
āI fixed it.ā He said hiccuping at then end. He lifted his hand as he slowly saw it start to glow and fade into hundreds of fireflies.
āNow you can be happyā¦finally happy.ā Damian eyes begged for them to understand him.
āI made a dealā¦and they promised me your happiness. They said they could bring Timothy backā¦your happiness means the world to me.ā Damian admitted as he stared at his brother, love resonating with every single one of his words.
āDamianā¦what was the deal?ā¦noā¦.break it..donāt do it! You canāt! You canāt die! Not because of me! Not again!ā Timothy was the one to yell this time and Damian shook his head softly.
āNoā¦Timothy I canāt I made my decision. I-ā Jason cut him off with a snarl.
āNo! You listen here Damian. We went to hell to bring you back! I wonāt let you throw that away with your sacrificial bullshit! What makes you think this is what we want? Dammit Damian! We care about you! Donāt do this to usā¦not again-ā¦ā Jason finished the last part begging. Dick took a hesitant step forward as his body shook with uncontrollable sobs.
āLil D what are you doing? We need you! I NEED YOU! Please think of what your doing we can find another way. Please donāt goā¦Damian you canāt die on me again. I love youā¦I love youā¦youāre my son pleaseā¦Donāt make me lose my son again. I love you I love you I love you.ā Dick repeated over and over and over.
Damian stared at him as he smiled at them sadly.
āI also love youā¦I love all of youā¦You deserve betterā¦this is why I am doing this. You all deserve to be happy. I have the power to do itā¦so why not?ā He stared at them and even Jason was crying at the moment.
āShit kidā¦no, Iāll give you the Red Hood doll if you donāt go.ā Jason tried to reason as his brother started to disappear more and more.
Damian let out a wet chuckle and shook his head.
āDonāt go, please, not again. What makes you think that you not being here would make us happy? You canāt do this Damian. I FORBID IT!!ā Dickās voice broke as he yelled and started walking towards Damian.
He simply smiled at Dick and open his arms. Dick sprinted towards his little brother, his son. He jumped toward Damian trying to hold him, to keep him here, to save him.
āI love you Dickā¦please be happy.ā Damian said so softly, so tenderly that Dick felt every ounce of truth in it.
Dick put his arms out to catch Damian to hug him, but the moment he touched him. Damianās body disappeared completely. Dick fell to the ground as he open up his hand and a lone firefly flew out and disappeared. Taking with it their little brother.
āNO!ā A broken sob was the only thing heard through the quiet, dark echoes of the forest.
P U N C H T H E N A N I S ! ! !
So true it made my cry.
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