Just Robin Oneshots Part 2

angst with a happy ending because i'm sad but need the comfort of some happiness

EDIT: TW BLOOD

One on one time with Connor was something Dick wasn't used to but it made a lot of sense for them to spend time together. They were both made to be something they didn't want to be one way or another. They were reformed weapons turned heroes. Big corporations and groups were behind them, wishing for their return to their side, but they'd never go back. So, in theory, they should spend a lot of time together but they just didn't. Probably due to Dick's family taking up half of his time and the two gingers in his life taking up the other half. This rare time together was purely due to the subject of the mission the team was going on. Batman explained that they had to sit this one out because the nature of it "could be triggering". The team wasn't allowed to tell them and they weren't allowed to ask. Obviously this was rather annoying and they had a full-length argument but you can guess who won it.

They sat in silence for the most part. Neither were really talkers but Connor decided that after watching static for half an hour he should at least try to have a conversation with the kid he was sitting next to. "So how have you been?" That was how you started conversations right? 

"Okay. Wally and Babs have been helping me with social skills. I was unaware that I don't blink from time to time," he explained. Connor hummed, a little preoccupied with congratulating himself on beginning a conversation. M'gann would be very proud of him when she found out he was the one to ask about his day. "You?"

"Well. M'gann and I have been practicing baking. I can make cinnamon rolls." Dick perked upon hearing that. A spark of excitement went off in his blue-yellow eyes. "Do you like baking?" he added, interested in the reaction he got.

"Very much so. It helps me relax since it's not as unpredictable as other activities."

"I like it for that reason too. We could try and make something to pass the time?" he suggested. Wow, he was on a roll with socializing today. It just seemed easier with Dick. Probably because he answered the question and didn't waffle on about something else for ten minutes. The younger nodded excitedly. He vaulted over the couch and ran to the kitchen, climbing up onto the kitchen island to wait for the older. Connor stood up with a small smile and joined him in the kitchen. He brought out the recipe book M'gann had and passed it over. "I didn't take you for the baking type," he commented as the boy flipped through the pages. 

"Same could be said for you. Judging by your fighting style, I didn't think we shared the hobby," Dick replied. He paused flicking through the pages and resaid that in his head. "That was rude, wasn't it? I've been told I come off rude."

"I've been told that too. If you ask me, there are too many rules to social interaction," he responded. 

"Exactly! Always tell the truth but you have to say it in a way that doesn't upset anyone and there are times where you should lie but those times change. It's a minefield." He passed over the book with his finger on one recipe. Simple pumpkin spice muffins. It was fall after all so it wasn't that unexpected of a choice. They rummaged through the cupboards and gathered up the ingredients they needed. Luckily, M'gann kept the kitchen fully stocked so they didn't need to go out to buy anything. That would've been way too much effort for a simple batch of muffins.

They measured them out and mixed them together, happily working on their own jobs in silence. Silence seemed to be what they were most comfortable with but Connor pushed for conversation. If not to develop his own social skills but to help Dick with his. They were both in the same boat when it came to talking so working together on it would be like sparring. Word sparring. "Is there anything else you find that helps you relax?" he inquired.