Chapter Text
Tonight's gala was one of the big ones. Which is why all of Bruce's kids were in attendance tonight. From Dick all the way to Damian. It wasn't anything new for Damian, as he's been having to go to a few of these since he was put into his fathers custody over 11 years ago. So having to socialize, and talk to people he wouldn't even give the time of day, and listen to the back talk that they didn't want you to hear but at the same time weren't exactly quiet about. And tonight the latter is what was getting on his nerves. In the past 11 years he was able to brush everything that was said about him aside but for some reason tonight was different. Like the universe wanted him to lash out, to create a scene. Like he was being tested to prove he was worthy of being a Wayne. Something he thought he got over but apparently not. He was standing next to a stairwell when he heard someone speak. Clearly about him and this was the tipping point.
“It's been what… 9 years? Whatever, I'm surprised Brucie hasn't done…. It yet, to him. I guess it's a matter of time.” A lady laughed in one of those curated fake public laughs the wealthy have. She was someone close with Bruce. Damian knew that he's seen her multiple times at the manor to discuss things with Bruces.
He didn't understand what she was talking about. What the.. “It” was. But he knew it probably wasn't good. He finished the little bit of champagne that was in his flute and went straight to looking for Dick. He needed to get out of here. And if anyone would understand it would be Dick.
“Richard.” Damian walked up to the man who had just finished talking to some elderly gentlemen.
“Yes? What do you need little wing?” Dick asked.
“I need to leave… I can't stand to be here any longer.” He spoke with a slight whisper.
“Hm,” Dick thought for a moment. “It's only been 2 hours… Alfred wants us to stay longer than we normally do. So me and B are going to be staying but I believe Tim is leaving so you can go with him.” Dick smiled.
“Thank you… I will go talk to him.” Damian bid him goodbye and left to find Tim. Which wasn't hard as he was standing near the door. “Timothy.”
“Gah!... Damian…” Tim stood hand on his chest as he caught his breath. “What do you need?” He asked, glancing out the window.
“Richard told me you are leaving. I want to come with you.” He didn't go into any further detail.
“Sure but why? Did someone do something to you?” Tim's eyes shown a predatory protectiveness and he quickly looked around the crowd.
“No,” Not physically, he thought. But even if he wanted to, he couldn't say it. “Just… thank you.”
“Of course we're family Dami, plus I know these things can get overwhelming so don't worry about it ok?” Damian just nodded in response. A car pulls up out front and Tim leads Damian out. They both climb into the car and are taken back to the manor. When they got to the manor Tim took off his shoes and started to take off the top layers of his suit.
“You okay? You've been very quiet.” Tim asked worried about his little brother.
“Timthy… Did father do anything to you or Jason or Richard?” Damian was looking at the ground. He refused to make eye contact with the elder.
“What? No, why?” Tim's attention was now solely on Damian. Whatever reason Tim had come home early for can wait this is more important.
“It's not a big deal. I'm over reacting. But a few of fathers acquaintances were loudly talking behind my back to night. The most prominent ones are saying how father hasn't done anything to me yet.” Damian explained.
“People talk and make rumors, it's most likely nothing. But if you're uncomfortable about it, talk to Bruce, and I'll see what I can do myself okay?” Tim knew all to well how the Gotham elite were like. So if he could help and protect his baby brother then he will.
“Thank you… Tim.” Damian finally made eye contact with the other. “I think I should try to get some sleep and if this situation is still bothering me I will talk to father.”
“Good. And goodnight sleep well.” Tim gave him a smile and Damian returned it back with a small one. He watched as Damian climbed the stairs up to his room before heading to the kitchen to complete his task.
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Bruce, Dick, Cass, and Jason finally returned home for the night after the long gala. Once they arrived they all split up to go do their own things. Bruce and Dick in particular headed to his office where they were met with Tim laying on a couch.
“Tim… Why aren't you in your room?” Dick asked, hoping he wasn't asleep.
“I was waiting for you guys, well Bruce specifically but both of you work.” Tim sat up explaining.
“What's going on?” Bruce asks, making his way and sitting in his chair behind his desk.
“Damian. I don't think he's picked up everything just yet but he's getting close to it. I just wanted to warn you so you can start planning.” Tim explained.
“I'm sure we still have a few months, no need to over think.”
“It would still be good to have a plan just in case. Damian has seemed to exceed our expectations of him.” Bruce argued.
“You guys figure this out, I'm going to go find Jason.” Tin left the office.
“B you're most likely paranoid at least starting in 2 days? Take some time to relax. It's been a lot for us recently.”
“Dick-”
“Please.” Dick used his puppy dog eyes.
Bruce sighed and leaned back into his chair. “Fine, I will take a day or two off and plan it later.” He was annoyed but the light of Dicks happy face was worth it all.
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Bruce stood in front of the stove cooking some eggs. Everyone was still asleep. The door opened and in came Dick as he walked over and hugged Bruce from behind. “Goodmorning.” He grated his eldest.
“Morning… So is today the day?” His voice was deeper than normal, he definitely just woke up.
“The day for what?”
“You know Damian's big day.” Dick snuggled his head into Bruce's neck.
“No, you're thinking of tomorrow.” A smile of fondness grew across his face.
“Hmm.” They stayed like that for a little while. But eventually split off as others started to come in.
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Damian was walking around the manor, he needed someone's opinion about something but he couldn't find anyone. No one in their rooms, the kitchen, the many family rooms, not even the home theater. So now he's on the hunt to find whoever he can. The top floor is clean, no one is there. He's half way through the second floor. He’s sure he can find someone here but nada. Frustrated, he decides to take a break and heads down to the kitchen. Perhaps there's something there that could help him or just refocus his mind. He made his way down the stars and to the kitchen. He passes a door, the lights are on, he stops in front of hesitant to open it.
“Ah Tim!-” Dick had let out a breathy moan. Damain heard and backed away. He tensed up, what were they doing? Was Tim hurting Dick? Or vice versa. Would he have to fight one of his brothers? He didn't want to not after he's finally gotten on good terms with all of them. He hesitantly decides that no matter what he needs to make sure everyone is okay. And so he opens the door.