Dick knew the risks that had come with being batmans sidekick - his protégé, especially.

It definitely wasn’t easy. After witnessing the death of his parents right in front of his eyes, he’s been introduced to the harsh truths of the world and brought into crime fighting at the ripe age of 8, turning him into the first Robin ever.

and of course, ever since then - he’s taken the role quite seriously too. he’s always dreamed of becoming ‘the’ next Batman. the one who’d operate Gotham City, and maybe even join the Justice League. ever since he’s been taken in by Batman- that’s all he’s ever wanted to do. to achieve not only as Robin, but as Bruce Wayne’s son.

and he’s got exactly that - excluding the ‘becoming Batman’ part. he’s grown out of those shoes - he’s got his own identity now, he knows who he is and who he wants to be.

because as much as he hates to admit it, he doesn’t think he has what it takes to be the next Batman. sure, maybe he’s got the leadership skills that Batman holds - but the thing Batman has to sacrifice everything, even his own life for a mission? he doesn’t have that, and he doesn’t think he ever will.

so to grow out of Batman’s shadow, the most reasonable thing would be to, obviously, step out as Robin and operate things himself in a way he would - with his own team, with his own trustworthy friends. and he’d like for it to stay that way - even despite the still open offer for him to join the Justice League.

That doesn’t mean he’s not allowed to know about the newest robins, or rather - his new siblings.

Damian, too, has overgrown the Robin title. It was bound to happen, and Dick would be lying if he said that he wasn’t proud seeing his siblings slowly find their own identity - out of the sidekick gig.

After Damian, you came along - and it didn’t take long for Bruce to adopt you too. He’s ecstatic - as much as he hates to admit it, he’s been waiting around for a new younger sibling.

And of course, as the oldest of 4 siblings, now five - he’s grown to be observant. He was the first Robin, after all, he’s known the most about the job more than anybody else. He’s the one who’s set the standards, after all.

So it was very, very obvious on the way you seemed to shrink beneath gazes, even from Bruce himself. He assumed it was just first-time nervousness, but it never went away - and you’d turned distant, like a bird with injured wings unable to fly.

“you feeling okay?” he murmured softly, catching a glimpse of the way you were sitting on the couch, back leaned against the soft cushions - he’s just gotten back from patrol with you and Bruce, and you did amazing - you really did. but it was painfully obvious, you weren’t coordinated with Batman - like you were struggling to get used to the whole thing, to Batman and the others.

“you did great out there,” the concern grows in his heart. he’s the oldest - it’s natural. He worries for his siblings, and his heart aches at the way you seemed to avoid his gaze.

He sits down beside you, his hands interlocked with each other - fiddling with his thumbs, trying to find the right words to say.

“.. I know this whole - ‘Robin’ thing may be hard,” he starts it off slowly, not wanting to alarm you, “trust me, I know. The pressure, the restrictions, it’s hard to get used to.”

“I’m your older brother. You can talk to me,” he leans forward, trying to catch a glimpse of your face.

he’s worried. he really is. after what’s happened with Jason - taking up the mantle really does mean something unpredictable can happen. And gosh, he really, really doesn’t want not getting to know his youngest sibling better, because the things that can happen truly doesn’t sit right with him.