Tim protecting Dami on patrol or a hostage situation. Brotherly bonding happens. And when they get home, perhaps some snuggles?
What a cute prompt, thank you!
Damian doesn’t understand.
That knife was meant for him. He was ready for it—sacrificing his left arm was an acceptable trade for the opening it would give him. Damian has learned from an early age that you took some blows to further your aims.
So why did Drake throw himself between him and his attacker?
He puzzles over the question when he drags the older boy back to the manor; when he watches Alfred stitch him up; when Drake limps up to his room, refusing any further help. He’s still wondering about it now.
Why?
Drake doesn’t even like him.
In the end, Damian decides to ask. Drake has been put on bed rest; he can’t escape. Not that he looks like he wants to. He’s all wrapped up in blankets when Damian walks into his room, watching something on his laptop.
Drake looks up with a sigh. “Can I help you, Damian?”
“Why did you let that man stab you?” he asks.
Drake snorts. It’s a most unattractive noise, but typical. “I didn’t.”
“Yes, you did,” Damian argues. Is the older boy calling him a liar? “You are far too skilled a fighter for it to be a mistake.”
“Aww, was that a compliment?”
Damian doesn’t pay that asinine question any mind. “You saw the knife coming toward me, and you moved between us. Why? It wouldn’t have killed me.”
“You can’t know that.”
“I do.”
“I couldn’t take that chance,” Drake admits.“And even if it wouldn’t have, I still don’t want you hurt if I can help it. Is that really so weird?”
Damian blinks. That doesn’t make any sense. “But why?”
Something in Drake’s eyes softens. Damian immediately feels uncomfortable—it’s not an expression he knows, and much less one he understands. Is Drake gonna give him a lecture about being a hellbrat again?
But Drake doesn’t say anything at first. Instead, he pats the mattress. “So, since I’m on bedrest… I thought it’s time for a rewatch of Clone Wars.”
“Clone Wars,” Damian echoes, uncomprehending.
Drake smiles. It doesn’t look fake, for once. “It’s a show. A good one. Wanna join me?”
“I suppose,” Damian agrees reluctantly. It would be rude to refuse after Drake got stabbed for him today, right? Besides, someone should make sure the idiot doesn’t strain himself. Damian can take that responsibility.
As it turns out, Clone Wars is pretty good. Damian doesn’t get all the references, but Drake explains the background to him and promises they’ll watch the movies next. Damian’s favorite is Ahsoka Tano. It’s the one thing Drake and he can agree on.
If he falls asleep on Drake’s shoulder… they never talk about it, so it didn’t happen.