[ Dick's ready this time, and he holds out gamely on a reaction until the mention of Bruce cracks his facade. His face drains of color, and the look is still lingering by the time Tim finishes. There's too much unfinished. Too much unsaid between them. He can't bear Bruce's loss.
But today he doesn't have to. He takes a breath. ]
Well, I'm glad that worked out.
[ The death of a child. The boy who'd run to him and embraced him. There's a thousand questions to go along with that, all of which he probably owes Damian himself. The rest is-
It's not unexpected, as unsettling as it is. He'd been Batman once before with Tim at his side, not long ago at all. It's a discomfort he's familiar with. A destiny he can't escape. It had been, in part, the thing pushing him to Bludhaven. To a new life. A new start.
All of which he has to put aside now, for however long it takes to get them back where they belong. His family needs him more. ]
But I'm sure you weren't facing it all down single-handed.
[ No really he needs to know that. His eyes search for Tim's. ]
no subject
But today he doesn't have to. He takes a breath. ]
Well, I'm glad that worked out.
[ The death of a child. The boy who'd run to him and embraced him. There's a thousand questions to go along with that, all of which he probably owes Damian himself. The rest is-
It's not unexpected, as unsettling as it is. He'd been Batman once before with Tim at his side, not long ago at all. It's a discomfort he's familiar with. A destiny he can't escape. It had been, in part, the thing pushing him to Bludhaven. To a new life. A new start.
All of which he has to put aside now, for however long it takes to get them back where they belong. His family needs him more. ]
But I'm sure you weren't facing it all down single-handed.
[ No really he needs to know that. His eyes search for Tim's. ]
You and me, right Tim?