Chapter Text
“I don’t understand.”
With a heavy sigh, Tim pushed himself off the bench in the Batcave and put his shirt back on, wincing a bit at the pain and looking at Damian with an intense look on his face.
“You’re my little brother, that means I’m responsible for you whether you like it or not-”
“I can take care of myself!” Damian cut him off, his fists clenching and unclenching like he wanted to punch something.
“I’m not saying that you can’t, you stupid brat.” Tim snapped at him, why can’t this entitled brat just understand?! “I’m saying that you’re family and family protects each other. It’s that simple.”
“You’ve never cared about me before,” Damian said, eyes filled with confusion and suspicion.
Tim softened a bit, “I know and I regret that. For what it’s worth Damian, I am so sorry.”
Damian didn’t bother answering, just spun around on his heels and left the room without even glancing back at him. Tim sighed, shaking his head as he took an icepack and gingerly placed it on his head. So much for reconciliation. Perhaps it’s just too late for them and now he had to accept the fact that he and Damian will never have the same relationship that they do with the rest of their siblings. He sat back down on the bench and resigned himself to another night alone.
A few minutes passed and his head snapped up when he heard footsteps coming. Tim felt his eyes widening in disbelief as he continued to stare at his little brother, who was balancing a tray filled with a plate of cookies and two cups of hot chocolate, entering the room. Tim noted that he also had a blanket thrown over his shoulder. Damian said nothing and his expression was completely blank as he placed the tray on the table beside the bench.
“Here,” his little brother said, offering him a cup of hot chocolate.
“Err, thanks.” Tim replied, feeling even more confused when Damian wrapped the blanket around his shoulder before sitting down and snuggling up to him.
“I’m sorry too,” The younger boy said after a few minutes of silence. “I make no excuse for my past behaviour towards you and I can only offer you my word that it won’t happen again.” Damian hesitated, “I would like for us to be brothers, if you want to, that is.”
Tim smiled, his heart felt as light as a feather as he leaned down and placed a kiss on Damian’s forehead. He wrapped an arm around him, pulling his little brother closer and hugging him tightly.
“I’d like that.”