[ Ugh. These things used to be more comfortable to sit on - there's metal digging into his thighs. If Pennyworth were to walk in and see them both now, up here in the expensive chandeliers, he would have very severe words for them. Well, for Damian, mostly. He's supposed to be setting an example.

Heaving out a snort through his nose, he leans forward, resting his arms on his knees. ]

If I didn't want to deal with you, I wouldn't even bother. Whether Father wished it or not. [ Blunt as ever. ]

You're wrong. Batman needs a Robin. [ Matter of fact. Even if Damian has worked solo since he graduated the nest, Batman is part of a team of two. Tim has his own team now (with that Kent), and Jason enjoys working solo too much to ever consider a permanent partnership again. ]

But-- being here, Richard, isn't about usefulness, or about what others need from you. Whether you wish to be Robin or not, it doesn't matter. You are here, and you are our brother. You have been the minute Bruce brought you home.

[ Haughtily, he adds: ] Besides, I dislike everyone. You are all equally annoying little siblings. Timothy nags me whenever I return home injured, Jason keeps trying to steal my bike for himself, Cassandra won't stop feeding Titus table scraps and he keeps getting fatter, and you can be a flip-happy maniac when Alfred has fed you sugar.

[ Damian's inner manchild is showing. The eldest is not so cold -- or as mature -- as he seems. ]