Accession

Chapter 12: Accession Pt. 2

Dick knocked on Damian's door, "Hey, Dames, you wanna let me in?"

"Go away," Damian growled through the door. Dick shook the knob and found it unlocked. Obviously Damian didnt really want to be left alone.

"Hey kid," Dick said as he walked in and sad beside Damian on the boy's bed. Damian was face down, ignoring Dick, but he still moved a little closer when his older brother sat beside him. "Talk to me," Dick pleaded gently.

"You hope he isnt dead right?" Damian asked.

"Of course, I would give anything to find him alive and well right now...but I know statistics. It's been weeks Dames," Dick stated softly, tears brimming in his eyes.

"I dont know what to feel," Damian said, looking up at Dick, "If he is dead...then I miss him. If he's alive...I hate him."

"Why is that?" Dick asked, feeling like he knew the answer.

"He said he would never leave me," Damain said, "He promised. Why isnt he back yet?"

"Even Batman needs help every once in a while," Dick said.

"There is no Batman, not anymore," Damian muttered. Dick froze up at that. He thought back to Alfred's words from the other day about him taking on responsibilities. The sneaky butler meant more than just Damian, more than Bruce's company, he meant The Batman.

Damian seemed to be thinking the same thing and looked up at Dick suddenly, "You can be Batman!" He paused and quietly muttered, "At least until Father comes back."

"I...Dames, I dont know if I'm quite cut out for it," Dick said shaking his head.

"Please? Just try it? Alfred already made a suit to fit you," Damian pleaded.

Dick looked down at his calloused hands. Years ago he'd dreamed of being the Bat but it just didnt feel right now. Maybe it was the fact he made a new name for himself or just the way the mantle was being passed. He did feel some hope behind it though. This was for Damian and how could he let the kid down. "Okay," Duck conceded, "Let's go."

The two were in the Batcave moments later and Alfred stood there smugly. Wally and Tim stood beside him more or less confused. "I think you have something for me," Dick said with a smirk. Alfred walked over to the uniform cases and stood in front of one.

"This one is yours," Alfred stated.

Dick looked at in surprise, "This one has been here for over a year. I'm not sure I'll fit one of Bruce's uniforms."

"He had me design it for you, I promise it will fit Master Dick," Alfred stated.

Dick looked at it in surprise. Bruce had made him a Batsuit over a year ago. Suddenly he didnt feel as awful about taking the mantle anymore. Bruce was ready for him to take it and it was almost like he was giving his blessing. "Alright Damian, let's get dressed," Dick said as he pulled the uniform down from the case.

Author Note: I've been waiting for this moment since I started this book. I'm so excited.

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