Following The Leader

The Plan

Alright! Story Number Two! This is set when Dick is still the Batman to Damian's Robin. But Bruce is back, just not ready to pick up the cowl. They are in the manor, but D & D still live in the Penthouse. Also, it's Christmas. I don't own.

Damian had always thought of Christmas as an unnecessary holiday, stuffed with frivolous activities and celebrated by those lacking the sense to aspire from peer pressure of a society without the ability to purchase meaningful gifts. But then, a year ago, he'd been shipped to father - and Grayson - who changed his view on yet another topic. He'd had the confidence to snicker at the rushing people, scrounging for perfect gifts. His were quite simple.

For father, an engraved, gold katana. For Drake, a week of no assassination attempts, at least from Damian. For Todd, he'd tracked down the crowbar the Joker had beaten it with, and commissioned a smith to make it into a bullet. For Pennyworth, a first edition novel. Sentimental Idiots, he'd thought. But then, the dilemma of Grayson came flying towards him. He'd dodged, of course, it'd be a dishonor if he didn't, perfect reflexes to account for. Grayson's gift had to be the best. But first, he'd stooped low enough to ask that imbecile Drake for help. That imbecile Drake, who also had trouble finding a gift for Grayson. That imbecile Drake, who asked Todd for help. Todd suggested gathering the entire 'Batfamily' together for a family reunion. He'd said it in jest, but Damian felt it was sufficient, since his brother - Grayson, of course since he was the only one with that title - seemed to love the family, despite its miscomings.

So he'd contacted them, and the whole of Batman Inc. seemed eager to come for Grayson. So they'd sent him out. Most of them didn't have much of a family to go to for Christmas anyways, and the Manor could house a small army.

"Master Richard, I must ask that you vacate the premises promptly."

"Move it Goldie,"

"Leave, Grayson, and don't return until 7:00. Go torture someone else with unnecessary embraces and affections."

"Bye Dick!"

"I have no idea what they're planning, chum. You should run."

Father had in fact known what they were planning. Grayson had simply raised an eyebrow, and grabbed his cellphone and jacket.

Five hours later, the 'Bat Family' had gathered and was lying in wait. Damian stared at the grandfather clock.

7:01
Tick.
7:02
Tock.
7:03
Tick.
Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. BONG!
7:15

Grayson was always punctual, a skill embedded into him by Alfred. He was about to order Gordon to locate him when the front door opened. There he was, snow dusting his hair, cheeks rosy, sans a jacket, with a coffee cup in his hand. He looked so young. Damian realized he didn't know how old Grayson was. Right now, he looked like he couldn't possibly be done with college. But what was shocking was his expression. He'd never worn it around the penthouse,and he'd certainly never seen it in pictures of Dick. He had a deep dimple in his right cheek, and his eyes were far off and dreamy. He couldn't help but wonder if this was the Dick Grayson that the others had known, before the responsibility of Batman.

The others seemed to notice it too, because there was a slight hesitation before the happier members of the Batfamily cried-

"Surprise!"

Grayson's eyes widened, and he grinned as the more affectionate Bats piled on top of him. The more respectable ones such as Damian, held back. They'd all sat by the giant tree or by the fire, inhaling Alfred's cookies, exchanging gifts. There were even presents for the extended Batfamily - from Dick, mostly - as if Grayson had known they'd be coming. He likely had, being Batman. He settled in next to Grayson, growling when someone attempted to take his spot. Todd and Drake fought over who sat on the other side, Todd winning and cracking inside jokes to Dick the whole time. Grayson threw roasted walnuts at David Zavimbe who threw them right back. The family seemed to revolve around Dick. Father looked surprised when Grayson tossed an arm around Damian's shoulders and he leaned into the touch. He didn't care. He could write it off as Todd spiking the eggnog later.

But what had made Dick so happy? He would find out.