(no subject)

[backwordscompatible]

[It all started because she lost a bet.]

[...granted, the final results of said bet may have been in question because she technically DID reach the reactors first. In the sense that her fellow Automata corrupted individuals had gotten there, stolen half the cargo, and brought it to her so she would know how and what to update. But then, HE had ACTUALLY reached the reactors. And, as there was no real way of determining when exactly these two separate incidents took place, the bet essentially ended in a tie.]

[She decided that tie went to him. Because, what she was about to do? Definitely didn't feel like losing.]

We interrupt your irregularly scheduled Preschool Fantasy for a very important Public Service Announcement:

Robin is the Best, Most Superior Robin to ever Robin. I concede to this fact.

[Thats what you get for not color-coding yourselves, boys, Gosh]

After all, I practically owe the kid my life. [No, she doesn't.] When I was in danger of de-rezzing from corruption complications, he stayed by my side, held my hand, and whispered words of the most gentle encouragement to help me focus and remember myself.

[Not even close to what actually happened.]

So...yeah, now you know.

[And knowing is half the battle!  /cue Reading Rainbow logo]

Comments

[mysunnydisposition]

Two questions. First, are you talking about the smallest Robin or the slightly larger one? And second, if it's the small one, are you being threatened at knifepoint right now? Do you need help?

[earlybird]

Shut it, peanut gallery.

[ That isn't even correct hostage procedure. He can hear you. ]

And you--

[ Now that accusing, telepathic tone of voice is whirling on Zatanna with a hiss. ]

This isn't what we agreed on.

[ Embarrassed? Embarrassed. It's likely Dick can attest to the red creeping up Damian's neck right now. ]

[mysunnydisposition]

Why am I not surprised it's you after all?

So, what'd you do to get her to tell such blatant lies? Were threats involved?

[earlybird]

[ Wow don't act like you know him?? Huff puff. ]

No. And I didn't do anything, she's lying through her teeth.

[ F u m i n g (the humiliation burns). ]

There was no hand-holding involved!

[mysunnydisposition]

Are you sure? Because you always seemed like the warm and gentle encouragement type to me...

[earlybird]

The warm and gentle slip of a knife through ribs--

[ Sweet, reassuring threats of stabbing. Welcome to day one with Damian again, Steph. ]

[mysunnydisposition]

Yeah, yeah, we're all terrified. Honestly.

[earlybird]

You should be. You're a Batgirl, not my Batgirl.

[ So no loyalties to you, blondie.

Anybody who doesn't know Damian would take that dark little tone as completely sincere. And it is completely sincere. He fully means to be as terrifying and intimidating and threatening as his father.

Anybody who does know Damian, however, knows it's just his version of a pout. Effect ruined. ]

[backwordscompatible]

[Those few months' time growing accustomed to M'gann's telepathic connection were coming in hand right then, because Zatanna somehow managed to keep her mental thoughts clear, concise, and even with a clearly faux innocent tone.]

Actually, this is exactly what we agreed on. You win, I sing your praises publicly. Which you did, so I did.

[earlybird]

[ He's gritting his mental teeth. ]

This is slander. Mischaracterization. I did none of that!

[ He's so offended. Didn't hold her hand, not even for a second. ]

[backwordscompatible]

[So maybe she exaggerated a few minor details.]

Is it really such a bad thing for other people to think you were nice to me?

[earlybird]

Yes. Robin isn't nice. Batman and I are successful because we're not seen as 'nice.'

[ A fair point. Powerless vigilantes are effective largely because of their ability to inspire fear. Of course, that means he sees other Travelers as potential enemies -- which, given the Marks going around... ]

[backwordscompatible]

The Robin I know is. Very nice, in fact. And guess what? Back home? Still successful.

[There's also the part where she doesn't see everyone around her as a potential enemy, so...yeah.]

[earlybird]

If his Gotham is anything like my Gotham? I promise you, Robin is much less nice on the job.

[ Damian has just the tone of voice to make it sound like she, maybe, doesn't know Dick as well as she thinks, equal parts haughty and pointed. ]

[backwordscompatible]

[Was it possible to telepathically hear an eye roll?]

I'm not a job. I'm his friend.

[earlybird]

So?

[ Kid's not getting it. To Damian, friendship is an abstract concept. And, the way he sees it, something that's promptly set aside when a Robin is Robin-ing. ]

[backwordscompatible]

...what do you mean, so?

I was going to make a joke about the fact that you'll understand when you're older, but now I'm starting to worry about what you actually understand NOW.

[earlybird]

I understand plenty.

[ Annoyance ringing through, loud and clear, a huff at the end of his breath. ]

You're the one who's not getting it.

[ Like two ships passing in the night. ]

[backwordscompatible]

[Where at least one of the Captains was blindfolded.]

I think Robin would beg to differ.

[backwordscompatible]

The smallest one.

And there are no knives involved. I promise. This was all me.

[You could hear the mischievous tone, even through telepathy. She knew exactly what she was doing.]

[mysunnydisposition]

There might be knives involved soon, if you're not careful. He sounds a little upset.

[backwordscompatible]

I couldn't imagine why.

[Yes, she could.]

He wanted me to proclaim his superiority. The whole bet was his idea in the first place, even. I'm only upholding my part.

[mysunnydisposition]

Oh, well. He probably should have been a little more specific about the deal, then.

[ She knows you're listening, Damian, and you have only yourself to blame. ]

[backwordscompatible]

[Zatanna was pretty much banking on him listening in. He could insist he wasn't, but she wouldn't believe him.]

I thought it was pretty straightforward.

It's not my fault he can't handle a compliment.

[earlybird]

[ At this point he's absolutely stewing in sullen silence and pretending he's not listening but also he hates you both. Wretched witches. Deceitful. Treacherous.

(Along the telepathic line there is the faintest echo of a pissed off -tt-!) ]