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It had only been a week since Bruce left for his mission without warning anyone and Dick felt like he was in over his head. He was worried about getting everyone’s patrol scheduled with the lack of Batman, and worried about making sure everyone was safe and healthy, worried about Wayne Enterprises which Tim had stepped up to help him with and worried about Damian leaving to go back to the League.
The kid was ten . Ten and he had endured so much already. Dick didn’t want him to go back to that hellhole but with Bruce away, which was the one thing the kid was staying for, he didn't have too many ideas on how to make him stay. One idea in particular, he was considering the most, but that one required a serious conversation with Tim.
“Dick?”
Perfect timing.
“Tim. Hey.” Dick looked up from where he had been hunched over his laptop in the manor kitchen and met Tim’s concerned gaze.
“That can’t be comfortable.”
“Bit hypocritical of you.” Dick quipped, an easy smile playing on his lips.
“Alright, asshole.” Tim rolled his eyes, shaking his head in amusement.
“Hey, while you’re here… can I talk to you about something?”
“Sure. What’s up?” Tim sat opposite him on the kitchen island and quirked an eyebrow questioningly.
“I want you to hear me out fully before you say anything, alright?” Dick waited for an affirming nod from Tim before he continued. “Okay. So, I’ve been thinking about this since Bruce left, and I need something to convince Damian to stay . He’s a kid and I don't want him to go back to the League. That’s no place for children, and it doesn’t matter if he’s been there his entire life.
“I was thinking… and only if you’re okay with it, of course, about giving him Robin. I would never do it without you being okay with it, ever. I know how it feels to have Robin taken away from you, and I know how much it means to you. I wouldn’t just take that from you. But, Damian needs a reason to stay and I think Robin could be good for him. Plus… you’re getting older Timmy. You’re fledging. Might be time for you to take flight as your own person and not under a passed down name.
“It’s up to you though, of course. If you say no, I can totally respect that and I'll just try and figure something else out for Damian. Maybe another identity.”
“It means a lot to me that you’d talk to me about this before doing anything.” Tim said quietly. “People don’t tend to take my feelings into account when making decisions. Or well… B didn’t.” A weary sighed escaped him.
“Yeah. Bruce is like that.” Dick nodded. “He never changes.”
“Would – if I was to stop being Robin… would anything change? Would I have to move out like you did? Would I have to do everything on my own?” Tim asked hesitantly.
“Of course not. I’d never make you move out. Plus you’re too young to be living alone. The manor is your home more than it is mine, I have no right to force you to leave if you don’t want to. If you want to… that’s a different matter. Not much has to change. You wouldn't have to do everything on your own, because we’re a team. Even Jason doesn’t do everything on his own, Timmers. You won’t lose me if that’s what you’re worried about. I’ll always be here to help you whenever you need me. So will everyone else.”
“You promise?” There was a vulnerable lilt to Tim’s voice.
“I promise .” Dick affirmed firmly.
“Then, I think I'm okay with letting Damian be Robin.” Tim decided. “You – will you help me come up with a new name? A new identity?”
“Of course. Whatever you need.” Dick nodded. “And Tim? I’m proud of you. So fucking proud of you. I know this wasn't an easy decision and I’m so proud of how far you’ve come. You’re a good kid.”
“Thanks Dick.” Tim choked out. “Can I have a hug?”
“You don’t even need to ask.” Dick held his arms open for Tim to come barreling right through them, his own arms wrapped tightly around Dick’s torso and his head buried in Dick’s chest, fingers clenching the fabric of his hoodie in a white-knuckled grip. Dick rested his chin atop Tim’s head and rocked them back and forth. “Love you, baby bird.”
“Love you too.”