It started that summer

Panic

I shut Damian's door and sighed, he's so stubborn I'm not sure that he's listening to anything I'm saying. Alfred smiled and handed me some water and a pill, "For your headache sir,"

"Thank you," he looked at me then back at Damian's door. "He's a stubborn kid,"

"Ah, you were just like him when you were his age, Master Bruce." I raised a brow, "Passionate, always in a hurry and struggling. Master Damian is young, he will make mistakes."

"Alfred this is too many times this month he's pulled something like this." I took the pill and looked at the family portrait on the wall with a frown. "He's determined and a fighter. But I'm sick of watching my kids get hurt. He's not a soldier, he's my son."

Alfred wrapped his arms around me, stress began to melt off like he had always made it. "Your parents would be so proud of you. Master Damian will be okay. He's Wayne, he'll come around. I'll tend to the boys," he reassured me then walked to the rest of the kids.

I rubbed my face and looked back at Damian's door. I laughed for a moment, he was Talia's kid just like he was clearly mine. He has Dicks heart, but mainly towards animals, Tims's intelligence, Barbara's wisdom, and Jason's combat, and spirit. *THUD THUD THUD* I ran back to Damian's room, I opened the door and let out a sigh of relief. He was still there. So what was that noise?

Damian moved towards me from his bed, he shyly looked up, "Father. . . I know you are deeply disappointed in me and upset. I'm... I apologize for my actions. I know," he bit his lip and held his shirt, I took and knee and got to his level, "I know I am a bad person and cannot make up for what I've done in the league," He wiped his watery eyes, and I pulled his little body into my protective arms.

What did they say to you?

"Shhh," I pulled him in closer, "You were just a kid Damian. You are still a kid. You're okay, you have nothing to make up for. Yes, I'm disappointed but it's only because I want you to be safe and follow the rules. I'm so proud of you Damian. After everything you've been taught, you still see the best in people and show people love and mercy you didn't get." I rubbed his hair and looked down at his sad eyes, "Hey how about this, tomorrow I don't go to work, we'll go to that art museum you've been wanting to go to. How about that?"

"Really Father? But ... but I've committed a wrong shouldn't I be punished?"

"You are grounded," I reminded him, "but I'm the one who messed up. I haven't been there for you like I should be. You are my son before you're a robin." I squeezed him tightly one more time. He smiled and wiped away his tears. "Now get some rest, we've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow."

"Father, do I have your permission to visit Greyson before I go to bed?"

"Alright but don't be long-"

"And make sure Batcow is okay?"

"Fine but-"

"Oh and check on Titus?"

"Dam-"

"I think I need to refill Alfred the cat's water-"

"Damian," I sighed, his eyes sparkled in the moonlight, just like Mom's always used to do. "Just be quick okay," I chuckled.

"I will!" He ran past me and to his personal zoo. I stood up and shut his door. I looked around questioning what I heard earlier. If it wasn't Damian trying to sneak out then maybe I was just hearing things. 

Maybe I am starting to get too old for this.

*WOOSH* *CRACK* THUD*

I rushed towards the wall as the family portrait swung. I grabbed the corner and carefully laid it down. I looked past the edge of the wall, a light shadow staggered from the stairs. My hand instinctively went into my pocket grabbing a Bat-a-rang, I stealthily moved alongside the wall. All the boys were with Alfred or each other so who belongs to this shadow? Gunshots rang out and a hole appeared in the wall next to me. I ran up the stairs as the intruder's footsteps grew nearer. I heard a thud, followed by the sound of a gun sliding across the floor. "Jason's... gun? Jason!" I called. I chased after him, my heart racing with fear, I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I finally caught up to him on the rooftop, where he was frantically holding his head and stumbling around, his chest heaving with each breath. His eyes were wide with terror and I could see sweat pouring down his face. It was clear that something was seriously wrong. I slowly approached, he turned and started moving toward the edge of the roof, his movements unsteady and uncoordinated. I could only imagine the worst, I had to act quickly to prevent him from hurting himself.