We Don't Use GUNS!

I Quit

With a quick knock at the door, Lucius Fox let himself into the billionaire playboy's office.

"Mr. Wayne, it's getting pretty late don't you think you should head out." The older man hinted at his younger business partner.

"Dick and Daman are going together on patrol tonight." Bruce stated from the desk. He was staring at business proposals on the computer, deepening the frown lines by the minute. "They've insisted on their ability to handle themselves."

A pause.

As if his own words broke him out of a trance, Bruce immediately stopped working, "They're planning something. You're right Lucius, I should get going."

The older man let out a quick laugh, "It's going to be big with those two", then he turned to leave the apartment sized office. Lucius was just about to close the door when Bruce interrupted. 

"I'm sorry, Lucius did you come to speak with me?" Bruce stopped gathering his things and gave his old friend his full attention.

"Nothing that can't wait til morning. Have a safe night." The man gave a quick nod and shut the door behind him, making his way back down to his projects in Applied Sciences. 

* * *

"As I have told you before, you cannot use each other as bait," The caped crusader scolded his protégé's.

The smaller of the two spoke out, "I can handle myself, father. Grayson should have stayed out of my way!"

"What? And let you get killed. Bruce would have my neck!", the bigger one yelled. The bickering between the two carried on. This being a normal interaction, Bruce only sighed and went away to change out of his cape and cowl, only to come back with the boys still arguing. 

"Oh yeah, cuz' you're just soo much better than me, and soo much smarter. Isn't that right?", the blue themed hero mocked.

"I am the blood son, that makes me better in every way compared to a lost circus clown," The smaller hero stated, satisfied with his remark.

"What the hell, man", Nightwing turned towards Bruce as if to ask for help, waving his arms towards the newest Robin to bring his insult to attention.

"Language", the adult sighed making his way towards the main house. Bruce heard his oldest son let out a little whine, while his youngest was no doubt somehow rubbing the victory in. But in the spirit of being fair, Bruce called over his shoulder, "Damian, be nice to Dick. Hit the showers you have school in the morning.", which earned a grumble about schooling and 'stupid children' from the eleven year old. 

Bruce entered the manor kitchen where Alfred was setting out the 'after patrol meal' with a cup of coffee already waiting for the aging Master Bruce. 

"I assume tonight was eventful, sir? Given you having two partners that is." The Butler said with his English accent. 

"Here I thought they were being nice. Giving me a night off." Bruce sighed into his coffee. 

"The boys mean well, sir." Alfred lowered his voice as the sound of footsteps and hushed arguing traveled towards the kitchen. "Master Dick, will you be staying with us tonight?", the Butler announced as the two previous topics of discussion arrived at the threshold. 

Dick stopped and rubbed the back of his neck while Damian carried on and took his place next to Bruce. "Um, I don't think so Alf, I gotta head into work tomorrow morning and I'm still pretty new, so it would look bad if I were late."

"You already look bad." Damian said under his breath though everyone still heard. Dick glared at the boy as he sat on the other side of their father figure, the room falling quiet only for the sound of Alfred cleaning.