𝒞𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒹𝒾𝓉 𝒜𝓋𝒾𝓈 ۵ 𝒟𝒾𝒸𝓀 𝒢𝓇𝒶𝓎𝓈𝑜𝓃

iii

"Tt, Grayson, you needn't pick me up from school. I shall walk myself home if Pennyworth is ill." Damian insisted through the comm, his voice filtered through the motorcycle helmet that was connected to his phone. Dick grinned, even if his little brother couldn't see it.

"Its okay little D, not that we had much going on down at work, just paperwork that needed to be done. I got one of my coworkers to cover for me." The elder explained, narrowly dodging a reckless driver, he was almost there. He eyes the security cameras that he knows from heart and turns through into a backstreet and speeding up.

"You are aware that I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself." Damian protests, not even commenting on the nickname. He sounded annoyed but there was a hint of fondness coating his voice, indecipherable chatter from other students acting as background music to his little brother's chirping.

"I know, but I wanted to pick you up anyway kiddo. Maybe stop and eat at some place on the way home. Alfie should rest for the time being." Dick swerves, avoiding the camera's glare as he bobbed and weaved across the pavement. Damian hummed in agreement. "I'll be there in less than 5 minutes."

He can practically see the slight mischief in Damian's emerald eyes as he challenges. "Do it in three." A wide Cheshire grin tugs on Dick's lips and his body sings at the challenge, momentarily forgetting all about what had conspired less than an hour ago. His voice is dark and seeping with trouble. "You're on."

He makes it in 2 minutes and 40 seconds, whooping when he managed to just slide by a tight corner unscathed -even if there were a few close calls that could've launched him off of his bike. His eyes narrow on the skate park just nearby Gotham Academy and with a daring grin, instead of taking the regular route he turns on a dime and heads for the wooden ramp. He flips the visor up, revealing his blue eyes and daring smirk.

The crowd of children hanging out cleared and watched in awe as Dick went full power towards it and flew up in the sky, doing a full spin in the air with his hands off of the motorcycle, his legs being the only thing keeping him safe. He flashes a showman's smile at the children and a small wink before grappling back onto the vehicle and landing just in front of the school, maneuvering to stop.

He winces as he realizes that he lightly scraped the bumper of the principal's car and turns to his little brother who seemed lightly amused albeit unfazed at his stunt. "Could've done better on the landing." Damian points out and Dick pulls the helmet off, letting his unruly hair swish in the air as he beamed at his brother. "Yeah, yeah. We'll practice it another time, now get your helmet and get on, its time for ice cream." He gets off the cycle and opens up the hidden compartment inside the bike, pulling out a helmet, a leather jacket and gloves. "Put these on."

Damian drops his backpack next to the motorcycle and starts equipping the stuff, taking off his Gotham academy blazer and tie and exchanging it for the gloves and jacket. The little bird grumbled about not needing the clothing but the elder ignored it. While his brother finished up Dick heaved the backpack and shoved it in the compartment, then gently folding up the blazer -knowing Alfred would kill him if he just threw it in- and placing it on top. He shuts the compartment and turns to Damian, seeing him fully ready.

"Y'ready?" He asks, holding his helmet under his arm. Damian raises an eyebrow and -being fluent in Damianese- he takes this as confirmation. Dick slings his legs back over his black, blue and red bike. Small arms wrap around his waist in a firm grip and he looks over his shoulder only to meet a faceful of helmet as Damian lets his head rest on his back.

His lips curl into a small, fond smile before turning back around and pushing his helmet back on. He secures it swiftly and starts revving the engine, taking off. He wasn't nearly as rushed as prior, Damian's silent breaths and his grip squeezing around his hips making him feel at peace and content which made his usually adrenaline seeking body mellow out and enjoy the moment.