It started that summer

The pool

I walked into the kitchen with a smile. "Good morning, Alfred," I said, taking in the sight of him. He was wearing Batman-themed oven mitts and a pink Batman apron—an unexpected but charming gift from Steph.

"Good morning, Master Dick," Alfred replied, setting down a tray of freshly baked cookies. He placed a hand over his heart and gave a small bow. "Thank you for bringing Master Damian back to the Manor safely."

"That was all Jason," I said, waving it off. "Oh, by the way, did you get a chance to check him out?"

"He was asleep when I opened his door. I thought it best to let him rest," Alfred said with a warm smile. "It's nice to see the house full again."

I placed a hand on his shoulder. "It really is." My gaze fell on the kitchen island, piled high with an impressive spread of food. "Whoa, Alfred, you never cease to amaze me."

Just then, the door creaked open. "Am I late?"

I spun around. "TIMMY!" I shouted, rushing to my little brother and swinging him around in a bear hug. "I didn't know you could make it."

"Of course I could. The girls are arriving now, and Duke's running a bit late. Hey, you wanna see this new hacking trick I've learned? It breaks the code in five seconds. I bet I could even hack into the Bat's systems without leaving a trace," Tim said with a smirk.

"Right after you show me," Steph said, stepping in the door.

"If you pair that with my network, we'll be unstoppable," Babs chimed in with a laugh. Cass followed them in, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Where's Jason?" Tim asked.

"I will kill you!" Damian's voice rang out from the stairs.

"Found him," I sighed, rubbing my temples. Wherever Damian was yelling threats, Jason wasn't far behind. "C'mon, guys," I said, turning back to them.

"Todd stole my patrol uniform!" Damian shouted, glaring at Jason, who was lounging against the stairs with messy hair and a groggy demeanor.

"For the last time," Jason gritted out, "I didn't touch your stuff—"

"Language, Jay!" I cut him off.

Babs approached Damian with a sympathetic look. "Are you sure you didn't misplace it somewhere else?"

"I lose things all the time," Steph agreed, brushing her blonde hair off her shoulder.

"I didn't lose it! Todd stole it!" Damian insisted, pointing angrily at Jason.

"Come on, I'll help you look," I said, pulling Damian away. "You guys can start setting up. I'll meet you outside." I followed Damian to his room.

"See!" he said, waving his arms toward a cluttered corner. "That's where I kept it."I sat on his bed, patting the spot next to me. "Dami, I don't think Jason took your uniform. Come here." He grudgingly plopped down beside me, and I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, pulling him close. He squirmed, trying to break free, but soon he was laughing, and the tension in his shoulders eased. He shoved me off the bed, a smile finally breaking through.

"There's the Birthday Boy smile I was hoping for," I said from the floor.

Damian's smile faded as he said, "When I lived with my mother... there were no such pointless celebrations. Why do you celebrate the day someone was born?" His words struck a painful chord. It hurt to think that he didn't understand birthdays at all.

"We celebrate because we care about people and love them," I explained gently. "It's about showing that we're there for them as they grow older. You being here with me is reason enough to celebrate." I pulled out a neatly wrapped present. "Happy birthday, Dami." He eyed the white box warily.