NIGHTWING

vegan slices. Lets go there, Damian. You need to eat.”

“Don’t say that.”

He shook his head. “Things happened as they were supposed to, Damian. Mistake or not.”

He pulled away, but kept his hands on Damian’s arms. When was the last time this boy did something normal?

“Why don’t we get you something to eat? Theres a great pizzeria with

—

to where he came from. But where he came from was so bleak. Their heroes were scared and used as pawns in someone else’s game. He wouldn’t blame him for deciding to stay on this Earth either. Dick would support whatever decision he made.

“I’m here, Damian. Its okay. For as long as you need me.”

“I know.”

Dick held him tightly, rubbing his back. There were so many things he wanted to tell Damian. Like he forgave him. That he could stay here. But would Damian even want to? He had always been so focused on righting wrongs, it would be a disservice to who he was to not return

—

forgive Damian a million times. If it was this Damian today and another tomorrow, nothing would change. He was his brother. His Robin.

Dick gently placed his arms around him, bringing him to a warm embrace.

“I know. I know.” He remained silent, allowing the other to cry as much as he needed to. His hand rubbed his back, an attempt to comfort the strongest person he knew. Every version of Dick in every universe would

—

little brother. In every universe. In every dimension.”

Dick paused briefly. “I know you didn’t mean to. I know you would never hurt me… or him intentionally. He believed in you, just like I do.”

“You don’t have to say I’m your brother. I know I could never fill that space he once did.”

Dick placed his hand on Damian’s shoulder. “I love you,

—

but if you leave and decide you need to come back now and again… you’ll always have a place with me.”

“No. He told me what you’ve been through.”

He stood up. “I’m sorry you had to go through all of that, Damian.”

Dick wasn’t going to try and… convince Damian to stay. Or change. He loved his little brother unconditionally.

“I’m not going to try and pretend to understand what its like

—

below them. “I want you to know, Damian. I love you. I’ll love you in every universe no matter what. Nothing can change that.”

Dick sat down beside Damian, allowing the other to stand above him.

“You don’t have to say anything, but I think I’ll sit here.” Dick shifted his gaze up to the other. “If you don’t mind me talking— Jon told me a lot of things.”

He turned his head down to look at the cars as they sped

—

over his bruised and scarred face. His eyes were tired.

Oh, Damian. What messes have you found yourself in?

“I know I’m… probably not someone you’re ready to see yet.” He paused, looking down. “But I’ve known you were here since the second you set foot in Gotham. I just want to talk, Damian.”

@f-orsaken.bsky.social

“Damian.”

Dick spoke softly. He wasn’t there to fight. Thats why he was out of his suit, just regular Dick Grayson. Seeing him like this broke his heart. This Damian was aged beyond his years and he was still so young. He could see the stress in every hair that hung

—

I haven’t.
Gonna be eating it here, though.
Why can’t I leave?

Skill I learned from a guy I know.

Been here the whole time.

…I can’t leave?

#𝑬𝑽𝑬𝑹𝑵𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻

Making eggs.

of them.”

“Anyway, I’ll make us breakfast in the morning. Then I guess I’ll bring you wherever it is you’ve gotta go.”

If Jason wanted it, he could stay here and read all he pleases. Dick also had a much nicer apartment, but this was just somewhere to return to if he was in the area and the night was rough.

“Still got those things, too. Saving them for my son.” He joked. “Or maybe Damian will get a kick out

—

Me too.

“Thought I’d pay you a visit. See how its going.”

He took a seat beside her,
looking down at the city.

I’m not mad. Just disappointed.

Don’t steal.