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Dick was not sure what to do with his new little sibling, Damian. He was so serious at times but also so childish and clearly wanted/did to do those types of things but how do you express that it is okay to do with you. Dick had easier times bonding with his other siblings when they were younger because he knew what kids like as being one.
But when they are uptight about not being a kid but clearly also wanting to be a kid…that is where it gets complicated.
He was not sure how he was to proceed with this.
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It was when he was going to the coffee shop with Tim that it hit him like a freight train. They were talking about something or another when a toy store caught him because in the display case there was this medium sized stuffed animal of a blue bird.
Tim noticed it too and snorted and pointed at saying, “I wonder if they were inspired by Nightwing? It looks just like him in his true form: a blue bird.” It was a poor attempt at a joke but most of Tims were and Dick was used to finding them funny now because he was used to it. As he let out a laugh it hit him.
Damian loved animals.
So he should love stuffed animals.
It was quite literally the perfect way to first introduce him into the world of being a kid. Second, it was also perfect to show him that he is safe to like kids. Third it won't be as kid like because it is something he likes so how hard would it be to convince him. And fourth, it looked like Nightwing colors therefore it reminded one of Nightwing. Dick is Nightwing. So if the stuffed animal is safe then Dick must be safe. Oh yeah it is all coming together.
“I should get one for Damian.” Dick announces going into the store with Tim following close behind him and gives out a cough that sounded suspiciously like a laugh but Dick ignored it.
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When Dick got back to manor he immediately went looking for Damian and found him in his room playing with Alfred The Kitten. The second that Dick opened the door Damian looked up in an almost startled fashion though he tried to hide it.
“I have a gift for you.” Dick sang sang as he held the blue bird behind his back and Damian was looking at him with interest. A great start. Dick is glad he had this idea after they explained the way things work around here though he does not trust it 100% it says something.
Dick then proceeds to reveal the stuffed bird much to Damians confusion. “Since you love animals so much I thought I would give you a stuffed animal which is basically a pet except you can have more of them. And well they are not alive but still fun!” Dick finished placing the bird in Damians lap who still looked confused but let out a soft thanks then Dick taking his que to leave does so.
And if Dick squeals in delight when he sees Damian starting to pack the bird around everywhere then no one be- okay no. Everyone needed to know.
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Watching Damian carry around and call the bird Little Night might just be the highlight of Dicks life. And everyone in the family needed to know about it. With this in mind, one day Damian was down in the cave with the rest of the family just watching them do their things since he was not old enough to go out as Robin.
That was when Superman came in. Now Damian was told that no one knew where the batcave was other than the bats and they probably should have explained that Superman aka Clark Kent was basically family and therefore a semi honorary bat. Along with that since Metals are not allowed in Gotham and the League didn't keep any around Damian did not know that they existed.
So imagine his surprise when this big man comes literally flying into the batave that he has never met before. Holding his Little Night that he takes everywhere with him he sprints towards Dick and hides behind his legs.
Scratch the part where Dick said that watching Damian carry Little Night around was the highlight of his life. This moment was. Not because Damian was scared enough to publicly cower and hide and most importantly of all he is expecting someone to protect him. These were all big BIG steps for Domain! Along with Dicks personal favorite part, it was him that Damian chose.
But back to more important things Damian is scared of Clark. Most of the Batfamily including Dick himself did not see Superman come in but Damian sure did and now Dick has a terrified 10 year old clutching his leg like a lifeline.
Everyone else seemed to look up as well–-Other than Bruce and Alfred they seemed to be the only ones that noticed Clark was coming, probably were expecting him too—and looked up with panic because what was Damian running from? Then they noticed it was just Clark and put their weapons down—literally—and went over and greeted their basically Uncle.
Damian however stayed attached to Dicks leg, Little Night as well so Dick could not do so.
Trying to bend down in a way Dick pats Damians head the best he can. “It's okay Damian. It is just Superman, y'know the one that works with Batman all the time.” Dick explains and Damian nods his head a little but still does not remove himself.
Now While Dick loves that his brother wants to have contact with his new little brother this is not exactly comfortable and it seems he is not going anywhere soon. Clark looks over at them and softens at the small boy and seems to try to come over but Dick vigorously shakes his head not knowing that will likely only make it worse.
At least might get a hug after all of this?