The Family of Bats (DRABBLES)

Ice Cream Stories Part 2

Tim was trying to write an essay for his class, but the tears kept falling from his cheeks onto the paper, smearing the words and ruining the paper.

He heard his door creak open, but he didn't look up.

"Hey, Timbo." He heard Richard say.

Tim quickly got rid of the tears on his cheeks.

"I got you Strawberry!" Richard smiled, waving a carton of Strawberry ice cream around.

"Go away. I have things to do." Tim said, but there was no force or confidence behind his voice.

"Timmy, you're crying. It sounds like you need some ice cream and down time." Dick said, hugging Tim.

Tim burst out crying.

"Why didn't they love me?" Tim sobbed.

"They did. They just didn't know how to show it." Richard said.

It was so obvious that he was lying.

"They locked me in the closet and sometimes the chest! Real parents don't do that!" Tim yelled.

"I know. I know." Dick held Tim closer, flashbacks of his own time in JDC and foster homes before he came to live with Bruce flashed in his head.

"Why didn't they love me?" Tim asked, pain so clear.

"I don't know. But they made a mistake. Because you, Tim, are one of the best brothers I could ever ask for. You're so sweet, and smart, and amazing. You're the best thing that has happened to me." Richard said, carrying Tim down the stairs and to the couch.

Tim snuggled closer, absorbing all the compliments and love Richard was giving.

Tim never heard any of that before he came to Wayne Manor.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Damian Wayne was new to his Father's manor and... children.

Damian frowned as he saw Drake and Grayson cuddling on the couch with Strawberry ice cream, tissues, and the TV on.

What were they doing?

~~~~~~~~~~~

It was two weeks later, that Damian found out why.

He was sitting on his bed, REFUSING to cry.

He was not going to cry over a plebeian's words.

One traitorous tear fell down his cheek.

NO!

Damian furiously whipped the tear from his cheek.

A small sob came from his throat.

NO! NO! NO!

He wasn't crying!

He wasn't going to!

"Dami?" Grayson's head popped in, concern on his face.

"What, Grayson?" Damian asked, sounding angry and hurt.

Richard came in and wrapped his arms around Damian.

"It's okay to cry. No one will make fun of you for it. You're not any less because of it." Dick said, kissing the top of Damian's head.

"I am not crying! I will show no weakness! I am Damian Al-Ghul Wayne, I have NO weaknesses!" Damian yelled.

"Crying isn't a weakness, Damian." Richard said calmly.

"Of course it is! Mother has always said that! Mother hated weak-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Damian asked as he was picked up and put over Dick's shoulder.

"Going to the couch!" Richard smiled.

"WHAT FOR?" Damian demanded to know.

"I will tell you if you stop screaming at me." Dick said.

"Whatever for, Grayson?" Damian asked again.

"We are going to cuddle and eat ice cream and watch movies until you want to talk about why you're crying." Richard said, plopping Damian onto the couch.

Dick left and got a carton of Mango ice cream.

Damian said something, but Richard didn't catch it.

"What was that?" Dick asked.

"Do we have Vanilla?" Damian asked in embarrassment.

"Yeah! Give me a sec." Richard practically skipped to get Vanilla ice cream.

When he came back, he opened the carton, got comfortable on the couch and cuddled Damian.

Damian took a scoop of ice cream.

"So, wanna tell me what's wrong?" Richard asked.

"Someone at school said something. It shouldn't have gotten to me, but it did." Damian said then buried his embarrassed face into Dick's chest.

"Bullies. We all have them in school." Richard frowned.

"Dami, it's not weakness to cry. You can always cry whenever you want. And if you ever need another ice cream night, just ask. It can be from anyone. Me, Bruce, Alfred, Jason, or even Tim. Whenever." Richard smiled at him.

"Thank you...Dick." Damian smiled, hugging Richard and then taking another spoonful.

"But we have to talk about your ice cream choice. Vanilla? Really? You need to explore the world of ice cream a little more." Richard smirked teasingly.

"What other flavors are there?" Damian asked.

Richard had the biggest, brightest smile ever.