Tonight had just been another successful mission as Batman and Robin. At least, that's what Bruce had thought at first. Damian and him had been working to take take a meta-human by the name of Rainbow Raider, aka Roy G. Bavolo. The infamous criminal had the ability to project beams of solid light that could manipulate emotions if someone was to look him in the eyes to long. Chaos and mayhem seemed to follow wherever he went; angry people, scared people, overly happy people. Raider was tricky to take down for that very reason, but Bruce thought the two of them had managed to defeat him unscathed.

Bruce probably should've taken more notice of Damian's snappy replies the entire way home- but Damian was always snappy. And usually scowling at something. Which apparently could throw even the best detective off. When the two of them had returned to the Batcave, it was clear something was wrong. Damian had started spouting off angry accusations, each one more intense than the previous. It wasn't until Damian had ripped off his domino mask and his eyes briefly flashed in a way similar to the Raider's that Bruce knew he'd been compromised. He'd tried to get Damian to calm down, which did nothing but intensified his anger. Damian had knocked several things onto the ground and shattered them while trying to escape Bruce's slow approach and abating words, yelling about the League of Assassins and how Bruce was a liar. That he was only using Damian because of his skills and never really cared about him, which- everyone, except Damian apparently, knew was false. And things only escalated from there, especially when Tim and Dick returned from their mission and tried to assist. Damian had ended up shaking Bruce off and making a bolt for it. He'd managed to get out of the manor, but Bruce had slipped a tracker onto him.

So, Bruce had done the very reasonable thing- the thing he always did when he had an issue with Damian- he called you. Because for whatever reason, Damian always listened to you, even back when he was some hostile ten-year-old assassin kid. Clearly, Damian wasn't thinking straight right now, so Bruce thought you could help. You always did. Damian came to you when he needed something over any of the others. There were still circling accusations from the other family members about you being the "favorite". Which.. wouldn't surprise him.

So.. now here you where.

Damian's fist clench and unclench, the other tightly gripping the dagger in his hand as he paces back and forth against the cold concrete of the roof of a particularly tall building. His breaths come out a little too fast and short. Father was lying to him and he hated it. He wasn't an idiot. He knew when someone was using him- he was used to being used. He didn't know why he didn't notice it sooner; the way he was kept as Robin after Bruce returned, the strict rules and commands, the inclusion on a number of difficult missions- Damian was being exploited. Used because he was needed, not wanted. Just how he used to be, back in the League. Another wave of anger washes over Damian, which leaves him between confused and frustrated. Why was he so-

"Damian."

Unconsciously, Damian sends the dagger in his hand flying at the sound of his name. About a second later, his brain registers it as a familiar voice and he whips his head around. You manage to duck the dagger zipping towards your head. Geez, Bruce wasn't making this up. Once Damian is turned to face you- you can see the anger in his features. This wasn't just that usual Damian grumpiness, this was genuine anger. His expression briefly falters, replaced with something close to recognition- before it becomes cold again.

"What?"

He hisses, shaking his head in frustration. He lets out an almost bitter laugh, glaring daggers at the ground before his gaze returns to you. His head tilts slightly, eyebrows furrowing.

"Did Father send you after me?"