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[fingerstripes]

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"You know what to do."


Friendr

	Friendr
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	» Age: 23 » Seeking: Friends, running partners, anyone interested in getting out and seeing the world. » Preferences: any » Interests: trapeze, martial arts, breakfast foods » Bio: Let’s get to know each other. See what we might have in common.
	base code by photosynthesis
	Dick Grayson
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Comments

[bestrobin]

( Damian knew enough about Richard's life before he joined his father. He'd never asked for details but had done his own research instead. But being give the information now filled in pieces Damian had never had in his puzzle about Richard. Feelings and sentiments he never knew how to ask about.

But what it all came down to, it felt like, was the outfit was a trophy of sorts. A dedication to what once was. The same as all the things he collected as proof of his past victories. )

I understand.

( Richard's explanation brought certain memories to the front of his mind the longer he stared at the words.

Almost a handful of years ago, he'd collect 365 trophies as proof of his legacy. A show of his strength and an act to instill fear in his name. His vault was a reminder of everything he had been, everything he could have been.

Returning all those pieces to their proper place was meant to be the only way he could erase those memories, get rid of that part of himself.

It was the exact opposite of what Richard wanted to do with his old Robin uniform. )

Did you pick the name "Robin"?

[fingerstripes]

Actually yeah. It's what my mom used to call me when I performed.

Kind of my way of keeping a part of her alive too.

[ It was more than that. It became much more than that. But in the beginning, when he was a child, it was a pet name honored by a boy who missed his mother.

It's no something many people know, even now. It's not easy thing to admit to. And yet it doesn't feel wrong to explain it to Damian. For him to know. ]

Hey, you planning to swing by the lair anytime soon?

[ It's easier to clear the air in person. Easier to read him, easier to reassure himself that he hadn't done any permanent damage here.

Or maybe he just wants to see him. ]

[bestrobin]

Does it bother you that so many of us have had the title?

( Talking to Richard was easier than talking anyone else. Richard never sugar-coated things for him. He was always honest, wore his emotions in a way that made him feel genuine instead of as stiff and guarded as others tended to be. People like his father and mother. Maybe it explained his relationship with Jon, too. He saw the same brightness in Jon that he did in Richard sometimes. )

I come by regularly, Richard.

( It was a constant coming and going, really. When he wasn't patrolling or training, Richard was one of the people he kept the most tabs on. Doing that meant stopping by the lair regularly - keeping an eye on things there or making note of when Richard tended to come and go. He did the same with a handful of others as time permitted.

Still, he figured Richard was asking for a reason. )

Do you need something?

[fingerstripes]

[ The first question takes him aback. That Damian would even think to ask. The implication that the answer matters to him. The careful segueway he'd been planning falls away.

It had hurt to be replaced. It had hurt to spend years fighting all over again for the place he'd had to fight for the first time around. It had hurt to watch someone else become a son. To wonder still if Bruce had ever felt anything like that for him.

But it isn't about Robin now. Damian should know that. ]

It doesn't bother me now.

When I was younger... yeah. It was hard for me and your dad. It took us a while to figure out what we were. And who Robin was.

But the truth is he's not just a memory. He's not just an homage. He brings something to innocent people that Batman can't. And he does for Batman what no one else can.

There's a lot of things I worry about when I think about what's coming, but you're not one of them, Damian.

[bestrobin]

( There was a truth to Richard's words that Damian couldn't deny. He wasn't a shining beacon of hope by any means, and he never wanted to be. But there was still something less menacing about a younger face behind a mask and contrasting Batman with lighter colors that some people saw as something to welcome rather than fear. He would always be more agile and quick-footed than his father, an assassin just out of reach of a kill, even if the rest of the world never saw that.

Reading everything Richard has set him was reassuring in a way he hadn't expected,
gave him a subtle approval he'd never realized he needed. And he was grateful for that, even if he didn't voice it or express it in text. A part of him felt he should,
and for a split second, he almost did.

Instead, his only response was: )

You didn't answer my question, Richard.

[fingerstripes]

No, you're fine.

[ He's rambling and he should stop now. ]

When you get a chance... there's something I want you to have.

[bestrobin]

( Damian didn't mind. He knew the more they talked, the longer they interacted... It brought them a step closer to bridging the gap between them and turning their relationship into something that more closely resembled what they had in the past. )

I'm on my way.

[fingerstripes]

[ Whenever Damian arrives Dick is still there, still in civvies but firmly in Nightwing mode as he meticulously checks the safeties on his grappling equipment. It's both a necessary task and a mindless one, drawing just enough of his attention to hold the darker thoughts at bay. ]

[bestrobin]

( It was a quick trip to the lair. And when he arrived, he was in normal clothing. They're clearly new, bought with his stipend, but the hoodie he's wearing, Dick might recognize as his own. )

Richard. ( Damian offered in greeting as he made his way to the older man, folding his arms across his chest and fixing an expectant look on his back.

One day, he would greet him differently. One day, they'd share the same excitement and happiness when they saw one another. But that day wasn't today. It wouldn't be for some time to come, he imagined. )

[fingerstripes]

[ As much as he gets Damian's reasons for reticence, there's something about this kid that always lifts his mood. He stands up when Damian arrives, noting the hoodie but saying nothing about it, greeting him with an unbidden smile. ]

Hey. How's your eye been? [ Because he sure is reaching out to probe the area with his fingers, tilting Damian's face up to his, if he lets him. ]

[bestrobin]

( There was something about Richard's smile that always helped to ease the stress and frustrations Damian tended to gather throughout the day.

His shoulders lowered slightly with Richard's greeting, and he stood still as he tilted his face up. He frowned, one eye closing as the man's fingers touched the area. )

I'm fine. ( The way one brow lifted offered what he didn't bother to say. He's been through worse. )

[fingerstripes]

[ His mouth quirks up, a wry little smirk that says he gets it, sure. He ruffles Damian's hair once before he lets him go, suddenly a little embarrassed. Suddenly aware he's stepping on territory someone else fills for this boy. Territory Damian might rather he stay away from. ]

No thanks to pint-sized me. [ Tossed over his shoulder, as he's heading to a beat-up looking crate he'd shoved haphazardly under the work bench. ]