( the chuckle has damian curling one of his hands into a fist, tempted to shove it down against grayson's chest, but he manages to stifle the urge before hitting him. instead, he leaves it pressed against him just under damian's chin - a threat, even if it's not one he intends to follow through on.

yet.

he isn't usually one for physical affection, especially not something like this. damian hasn't needed such childish comforts - ever as far as he can remember. but maybe that's part of why he's leaning so heavily onto dick now: why he's listening to the beat of his heart, feeling the way his chest expands as he breathes. )

I told him I couldn't live in a world where you were dead, especially when it's my fault. I tried to explain why I couldn't, that I was--your Robin, Father hadn't wanted me to take on the mantle. He did not have the patience for me. But you tried. ( he's not going to cry again. he's not going to get stuck on what he could have lost if it wasn't for how this place worked. ) If I lost you, especially like that, I don't know what would become of me.