An Assassin's Guide to Family

Chapter 46: Present

————-Percy's POV: ————-

I walked back into the base quietly, immediately I noticed Damian. Even though it's only been a couple weeks I could've sworn he'd gotten taller, his hair was slightly longer and sat straight up but in a way that suited him. His golden armor I'd last seen him in was now replaced with the casual clothing I'd gotten him when we went out shopping. He already looked the part of your average kid.

His eyes were already trained on me, his usually arrogant expression was absent, replaced by a look of solemn anger. "Mother told me to wear a suit." He said quietly, he looked down at himself before looking back to me. "I figured I'd rather wear normal looking clothes." I nodded slowly as I walked into the room. I thought I'd be happy to see him, and I was, but I was expecting maybe a bit more huggy happy, now it was just awkward. I just didn't know what to think now that I knew he was Bruce's son. Not to mention the fact that I was now a delivery system to drop said kid off with Bruce.

"That would be wise." I mumbled. I took a step back from him and watched a flash of pain cross his face before he turned to the screen across the room. I had to remind myself that he'd just lost a grandfather, a bit of grace should be extended. This situation was going to as hard for him as it was for me, if not harder.

I sighed before walking over. He didn't turn to look at me but I just placed my arms around him and hugged him, he seemed a bit startled at first before he hugged me back. He held me tight as if he were losing me too. I understood the feeling.

I rubbed his back slowly as I hugged him. It was weird, before I'd treated him like my little brother but now that he actually is officially my little brother it was hard to wrap my mind around the thought. Would he end up hating me like the others? The thought terrified me to no end.

The sudden feeling of tears drenching my outfit brought me back to reality as I looked down at the small kid in my arms. Sure Damian put on an act usually but he was a kid, a kid who lost his grandfather and whole world in an instant.

I leaned down and pulled him back, he tried to hide his face but I brought his face to look towards me. I quickly wiped his tears and gave him a small smile, even if he couldn't see it I hoped the feeling would be enough.

"You're gonna be okay Damian. I know your dad, he's..." I paused as I looked at him closely. I resented Bruce, a lot in fact, but it didn't change the fact that he was Damian's father, and I couldn't allow him going in there hating his father just because of what happened to me. My grievances weren't his grievances. "Your dads very kind. He'll take great care of you. Also, try to extend some patience to your brothers, they're menaces and I'm sure you'll despise them but just try and give them a chance...for me." Damian seemed to think about it for a while before nodding.

"I'm not leaving you Orca. I'll stay in contact with you no matter what." I ruffled his hair, a small smile peaking through on his face.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." He nodded before pulling me into another hug. His head rested carefully on my shoulder, I just ran my fingers through his hair as I let him relax. Things were going to be rough for a while, so I was happy if I could give him a moment to breathe.

The meet up was in a few hours, until then I would comfort him and encourage him to stay strong.

———————

The time came quicker than I'd like, sitting with Damian was so refreshing, I didn't want to let him go again. But I knew it was better for him, my pain shouldn't stop him from having a happy life. A safe, comfortable life. Normalcy.

I looked to the clock and quickly ruffled Damian's hair to bring him out of his book. It was something he'd received from his grandfather apparently.

He turned to me with a raised eyebrow. I watched him for a second, taking in the moment. This could quite possibly be the last time I see Damian in person, for a long time at least, I could already feel tears pricking my eyes at the idea. I'd grown too attached to him for him to be leaving so quickly like this.