Chapter Text
Robin has been on the team for two months and they’ve all quickly gathered that he is going to ignore most of their existences outside of work. At first, they were all excited to have a new member, especially one who’s worked closely with THE Batman. None of them has had much experience working with the actual Justice League at this point, but they’ve heard many stories from Starfire about the kid’s training and experience.
Raven was intrigued to hear that Robin had spent months learning meditation in the mountains. Jaime overheard that Robin was proficient in many different combat styles, not limited to just earth fighting styles. Victor was glad to hear that Robin had extensive knowledge of computers and tech, since he had made some of his own weapons and done his own research. They each had their own reasons to think that robin would fit in and be easy to get along with…until they had met him. Garfield was the first to give up trying to make friends with the kid, already not getting along with him the first day he had been dropped off by Batman.
“Dude! You should totally introduce me to your mentor.” Garfield as stage whispered excitedly while Batman had started talking to Starfire about Damian’s new arrangements. Damian glares at him, bristling so visibly that Garfield figured Robin might actually have animalistic powers.
“He is not my mentor. Him meeting you would put a stain on his legacy, he shouldn’t be seen associating with the likes of you and neither should I.” Robin says before swishing his cape and stomping over to the two adult figures, leaving Garfield speechless. The others who stood nearby, waiting for a chance to introduce themselves stood in shock.
“Wow, I can’t tell if I’m impressed or appalled by his behavior.” Jaime says, patting a confused and disgruntled Garfield on the back. They all watch as Damian grabs his bag from Batman and says to the both of them,
“I’ll be in my room, don’t bother me.” Starfire is a bit taken back, but smiles nonetheless, offering for Raven to show him where the room is. “I’ve got it covered. Goodbye, father. I will do my best to succeed.”
“Damian, this is not about success. It’s about how well you are able to work with a team.” Batman says gruffly, staring his son down patiently. Damian is the first to break the staring contest as he clicks his tongue. Batman then lays a hand on Damian’s shoulder, “Make me proud and try not to scare them too much.”
“They should be scared, I am the rightful mantle owner after all.” Damian says, shrugging off Batman’s hand.
“Holy, he just shrugged off Batman!!” Garfield says, thinking he is whispering quietly, but almost everyone paying attention heard him. Jaime just laughs at Garfield’s reaction, but he can’t stop himself from thinking about the rudeness of it all.
“Alright, Robin. I’ll be leaving now. Starfire, thank you for taking him in.” Batman says as Damian turns away at the dismissal, walking confidently through the group of other teen heroes without waiting for an introduction, or directions.
“Does he just have something against me?” Garfield asks, watching Robin go inside as no one makes a move to stop him.
“No, he’s had a rough upbringing and I’m hoping you all would be amenable to his personality while he learns. Keep up the good work.” Batman says as he walks back to the Bat-jet. Then, Garfield forgets about Damian for the time being because Batman just acknowledged him.
That was how Damian got introduced to the group. As the days went by, Damian proved to be secretive and demanding. His mask always stayed on and he never revealed anything personal about himself. His gloom was hard to be around, not that he wanted to be around them for longer than necessary anyways. The group all tried at first to get to know him, to include him, and when it failed time and time again, they just stopped trying. They accepted him as who he was, someone they just don’t know, and now, he’s sitting alone in the common area, working on his laptop. The others are sitting in the connected kitchen area on the island, having a full view of the boy as they share a surprisingly peaceful morning.
“Damian, why don’t you come join us for breakfast?” Starfire asks as she serves pancakes, bacon, and eggs to the rest of the group, sans Garfield who has pancakes and fruits.
“Not necessary, I’m not hungry.” Damian dismisses, not even glancing at the group. Starfire sighs.
“Please, Damian. If you do not favor pancakes, I’m sure I can make something else for you. How about an omelette?” Garfield gags, shooting Starfire a disgusted look.
“Ugh, I can’t believe I’m on a team full of meat eaters...If Damian even needs to eat.” He grumbles, poking at his fruits, making Raven roll her eyes.
“You say that every morning.” Raven points out quietly, calmly drinking her orange juice. “Not everyone has emotional connections to animals.”
“That’s not fair! You all love dogs and cats, or birds! Damian is literally named after a Robin, so is Raven, and you guys wouldn’t eat those animals, so why would you eat cows, pigs, and chickens?” Garfield says, immediately going into defense, even if he knows the argument is void. They have all heard this conversation more times than they could count ever since the group was formed.
“Dude, you can transform into carnivorous animals! Doesn’t that mean anything? Animals eat other animals, we’re no different.” Jaime says, just trying to rag onto Garfield. They get into a debate, quickly dropping the fact that Damian was the main focus just seconds ago. Starfire shakes her head, serving her own breakfast as she keeps an eye on Damian. She had thought that Damian would open up by now; she had hoped to make progress with the clearly troubled boy, but all her efforts to get the team together had only worked in the mits of battle. She watched him work, wondering what cases he had found or information he was trying to keep from them. She could tell he was tense. His eyebrows stayed furrowed and his posture stayed perfect like a robot.
Lately, Damian decided to wake up early to spend time working in the living area. The first time she asked him why, he just said that his computer worked better where he sat on the couch. She didn’t question him further, partially because she still wasn’t sure how WiFi worked and mostly because she thought it was progress, even if so little. She worried for him and as she started to think of what she could do to have him relax, he perked up just slightly straighter. Before she could ask, the elevator to the tower dings and the doors begin to open.
“Nightwing, my man!” Garfield has called out, being the first to turn his head towards the man. “Dude, how long has it been?” He says before transforming into a bird to fly around the Hero of Bludhaven. Nightwing laughs, quickly getting surrounded by the young heroes, even Raven. He greets them all with a smile and Starfire is last to stand and greet him.
Nightwing has been around since the beginning of the teen titans, since he was the one who came up with the idea and appointed Starfire the leader of the group. He was an original member of the titans, now he works partially with the Justice league. Everyone loved him for his great leadership and care. Nightwing was always so nice, so it was good to see him again.
“Richard, you came back in one piece.” She says, as the teens step back already knowing what’s about to happen. Richard’s smile softens and he holds his arms open.
“Just like I promised, babe. Is this how you’re going to say hi every time I’m gone for three months?” He says, holding her around the waist as she wraps her arms around his neck. She giggles, sighing as she reaches up to grab his domino mask, missing the big blue eyes that swim with adoration for her.
“Of course, a personal greeting may be in order away from the team, but for now, I’ll say hello.” She says, pulling him into a kiss that’s family friendly. No one says anything as they wait patiently for them to finish their dramatic display. Then they hear a disgusted “tsk”. Everyone turns to Damian sitting on the couch, surprised that he is even looking up from his computer.
“Spare the sappiness until you’re alone. You both disappoint and disturb me.” Starfire closes her eyes, unsure of how Nightwing is going to react. She knows he hates it when people disrespect her. The others are quick to get annoyed with Damian, because they all think their leaders are somehow perfect for each other. Garfield is the first to say something.
“Don’t mind the new guy, he’s just butthurt that no one will ever love him like this.” Garfield says, making Starfire scold him. Damian goes rigid, a growl falling from his mouth. Garfield hit a soft spot that he didn’t know Damian had, but someone does.
“Garfield, do not speak of a teammate in such a way. Of course Damian will experience love one day.” Starfire says.
“Hey, baby bat. Don’t listen to him.” Dick says, making a quick beeline to Damian. Starfire is about to warn him not to, Damian hated being considered a child, let alone being called nicknames that showed exactly what Nightwing was thinking. She wanted to warn him that Damian wouldn’t appreciate being consoled, but her boyfriend was fast.
“Uh…what’s happening?” Jaime asks, shocked like the others. Nightwing, their sunshine leader, was kneeling in front of Damian, the demon brat, and hugging him.
“It seems Richard’s smile works even on Damian.” Starfire says, staying alert even as her heart warmed at the sight. Then, Damian does something that sends fear into all of their systems. He pushes his laptop aside and hugs Dick back.
“What a disgusting display.” Damian whispers, even as he holds Dick tighter.
“Hey, I missed you too, baby bat. Batman told me you have been staying here.” Dick says quietly, rubbing Damian’s backs comfortingly, and the boy melts in his arms. Starfire gasps and Garfield stutters.
“Wha-what’s happening. Are we hallucinating in some alternate dimension?” He asks, unsure if he should look away from the seemingly private moment.
“Dick, do you and Damian…know each other?” Jaime asks, slightly amused at how little Damian looks in his arms. Dick looks up and the movement has Damian turning his head away from the group, still hiding in the crook of Dick’s neck. Starfire can see the slight flush on Damian’s neck and ears even as he tries to hide himself, finding it cute. She isn’t the only one that notices clearly, as everyone is now staring slack jawed being surprised again.
“Of course, I know Damian. He’s my favorite!” Dick calls out proudly, ruffling Damian’s hair and laughing. “Have you been waiting for me to come by and visit?”
“...I heard from Batman that you had returned back to Bludhaven. It’s been months .” Damian says, pushing Dick back to cross his arms. This was the first time that the team had seen any emotion other than anger from Damian and he seemed hurt.
“Oh, baby bat. You could’ve called or come by to see me. It’s not like I don’t know you probably sneak out of here every night.” This information is a surprise to Starfire, who doesn’t even get a chance to question it as Damian huffs.
“That is irrelevant, Grayson.” Damian says, staring Dick in the eyes as they have a silent conversation. Nightwing smiles brighter after a moment and collects Damian into another hug, this time standing up with Damian in his arms. “Unhand me, Grayson!”
“Awww, Dami, you could’ve just told me that you wanted me to seek you out. I missed you too! I couldn’t never forget about you.” He says, even as Damian pushes on his head and kicks his legs, looking more like a child in that moment than he ever has.
“PLEASE, this is distasteful! Did father set you up to this? What are you really doing here?” He shouts, trying to pull away.
“Ahem, yes.. We would also like to know what you’re doing here? Is this a social visit?” Starfire asks, amused and feeling content as the two of them pause, freezing in place in an awkward looking pose. It was almost like a comic book panel of a cartoon fight. Damian now has a grip on Dicks hair and a foot on his face and Dick was just holding onto him for dear life. Starfire knew that if Dick wanted to, he would’ve gone home and called her first before coming.
“I actually came to pick Damian up as a surprise. It’s his birthday tomorrow and I promised to take him to the museum that’s opening this weekend, like six months ago. He was so excited when he found out it was being built.” Dick says casually, finally letting Damian down, even if he doesn’t remove his arm from around Damian’s shoulders. “I would offer to take you guys too but it’s going to be a family thing.”
“You have a birthday!?” Garfield asks, completely shocked, as Raven smacks the back of his head. “Right, sorry. What I mean is, you celebrate his birthdays with him and you’ve known him for months?”
“I’ve known him for years .” Dick corrects, smiling proudly, as Damian mumbles,
“Much to my dismay.” This send the group into a plethora of questions being asked all at once,
“Why have you never mentioned this?” (“Dami needed his identity a secret.”)
“For how long exactly have you known each other?” (“Since he was 9. But we started getting along when he turned 11.”)
“What’s your relationship?” (“He’s my brother, wasn’t that clear?” “They have shown lack of common sense before, do not have much faith in their detective skills.”)
“By favorite, does that mean there are others?” (“Batman has an adoption problem.” “I am biologically his.” “I know, Damian.”)
“Why didn’t you tell us it was your birthday?” Raven asks, her quiet voice cutting through the rest of the questions like a freight train. Everyone goes quiet and waits for a response from Damian.
“No one asked, not that I would’ve told you all. A person's birthday can be used against them in terms of time travel and personal security, among other dangers. Plus, I didn’t think you would care. I had no faith that this imbecile would even remember our plans. I was going to sneak out alone if necessary.” To go to the museum by myself on my birthday, were the words that everyone else had heard even if they weren’t said. Damian stood with his arms crossed as everyone started to feel bad.
“...I wouldn’t have thought you’d care if we celebrated your birthday. You missed Jaime’s a couple weeks ago.” Victor points out, remembering how Damian had walked in on the celebration and promptly walked out without saying a word.
“I was not invited and did not want to intrude on your festivities. It seemed as though my presence was not necessary nor wanted for you all to have a good time, considering how you all just stared at me until I left.” Damian says casually, earning a gasp from Dick.
“Have you all been leaving my brother out? I did not train you guys to be the worst kinds of heroes. Selfish.” He asks, clearly knowing that that isn’t the case. He just wanted to mess with them a little and maybe let them feel guilty about it. Damian just shrugs. Starfire, though, gets worried.
“Damian, we were not aware of your view on the situation. It did not seem like you would have cared. You haven’t been the most…cooperative member since joining.” Starfire says, earning a glare from the bat boy, his menacing aura coming back just as quickly as it had disappeared with his interaction with Nightwing.
“I’ve done my best to be amenable as per my Father's instructions when we first met. Though my trust for you all took some time, I figured my recent behaviors would have been reciprocated by now, yet you all seem content with, as Grayson would say, leaving me out of the loop.” Damian says as if it explains everything.
“Okay, timeout. Baby bat, you know we’ve talked about how to read a room? I think you’re having a socially inept moment.” Dick says, gracefully and gently crouching to be on the same level as Damian while the other silently wonders what the hell Damian was talking about.
“Grayson, I have been with the group for approximately 2 months, 2 weeks, and 5 days. It took me 4 missions, 7 training exercises, and 1 month to gather trust in them. I figured with the amount of time it took for me to start trusting you and father, excluding the other factors (Tim and Jason), that the accelerated timeline in which I began to care for the team would mean I was improving. Am I not?” Damian asks, seriously, once again surprising the team.
“Damian, it’s great that you’ve made so much progress, but they don’t know you the way that we do at home.” Dick explains carefully, actually teaching Damian like a child. Damian hums in consideration and the team realizes then that their youngest member is quite literally, just socially awkward. “Guys, I’m calling a team meeting. Let’s let Damian explain things from his point of view and get to the bottom of this.”
“Will this be hindering your visitation time?” Damian asks before anyone can even agree. Translation, “I want to spend time with you while you’re here.”
“It’s still early in the morning, Dami. We have plenty of time to get through this, then we can go.” Dick says, ushering everyone to come sit on couches and chairs.
“Go? I was not aware that you were going anywhere, Damian.” Starfire says as she goes to sit next to Dick on the four seated couch. Damian sat back down by the armrest and Dick had put up Damian’s laptop on the table before sitting next to him. The rest of the team file in, with the four others sitting on the couch opposite to them across the coffee table.
“Father should have sent word that Grayson was coming by.” Damian grumbles as he stares at his other team members. They all sit quiet, not really knowing what to say at this point.
“I see. I have not checked my communicator since I woke up.” Starfire clarifies, then the whole room is engulfed in a sort of awkward silence. No one says anything, including Starfire, who is trying to think about any more instances where Damian could have felt left out, and Dick, who silently waits for one of the younger members to start speaking up. They needed to learn how to communicate without a bridge to make it happen. After about five minutes of everyone just thinking, taking in the whole situation, it’s Jaime that speaks up.
“Okay…let’s get this straight…”