The Manor was quiet for a Friday night. Too quiet.
Alfred had retired to his quarters an hour ago, the dishes done, the kitchen spotless. The living room, however, was anything but.
Tim Drake
pacing So we're all in agreement? We're not insane?
Damian Wayne
I've never been insane, Drake. Merely observant.
Stephanie Brown
sprawled across the couch, twirling a lock of hair He's been weird for weeks. You don't just start smelling like Victoria's Secret and grinning at your phone for no reason.
Jason Todd
leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed And I'm telling you, I saw the mark. Under the streetlight. Plain as day.
Duke Thomas
hand raised Wait, wait— I feel like I've missed several chapters of this conversation. Dick has a girlfriend?
Stephanie Brown
smirks Or something.
Jason Todd
Or someone.
Tim Drake
stops pacing, eyes wide You think it's— like, a secret identity thing? Like he's been dating someone in costume?
Stephanie Brown
sits up Oh my God. What if it's a villain?
A beat of silence.
Jason Todd
slowly grinning Now that would be interesting.
Duke Thomas
rubbing his temples This is insane. We're literally speculating about our brother's love life like it's a detective case.
Damian Wayne
It is a detective case, Todd. That's the entire point of this family.
The door creaked open.
A figure stood in the doorway, still in civilian clothes— a light jacket, jeans, hair slightly windswept. Dick Grayson blinked at the assembled crowd.
Dick Grayson
confused Did I miss a meeting or something? Why does everyone look like they've been caught stealing cookies?