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[brat]

( he's sitting on the bed, at least. even if he's opening the laptop and tucking the picture into the crease between the screen and the plastic around it, leaving it there while he toggles through documents. less because he's interested in what's in them, more because he's waiting for bruce to go to sleep before damian tries to take a nap.

though the question has him pausing, for a moment. eyes look to the picture, squinting at it for a moment while he tries to think of an answer that doesn't sound entirely pathetic. )

You look happy in it, as do your parents. ( it's quiet, contemplative. ) I wanted to memorize it so I can replicate it later.

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( It's a slightly odd thing to say, but. Then again, Damian can be just that at times... not like he himself isn't capable of it either, especially with his still being a little on the socially inept side of things. Still, he blinks in confusion — gently looks over to Damian then. )

Replicate what? ( A beat. ) Being happy?

[brat]

( there's a scowl on his face, but it isn't as if the expression is all that abnormal on damian's face. because bruce's proposed answer is irrational, one cannot replicate happiness, even if damian likely would try if he thought it was possible. happiness is a complex emotion, and not one damian would claim to know all that well. it's the sensation of flying through gotham's skyline, the freeing sensation of having his feet off the ground, grayson's hand against his shoulder, it's - this. the trust displayed between them. but he wouldn't say it's something that he could attempt to replicate based off of an image in front of him, even if he does understand where the confusion could have come from.

he also understands how his phrasing could throw one off. he isn't a normal person by any means, something that has caused strife between him and the rest of his father's menagerie. )

I wanted to make a copy of it.

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( It's... still a little unexpected with what he wants, but. That's Damian for you. He stares to the boy after he clarifies — lets his gaze drop down to the photograph in question before he's looking back ahead. Silent. Until— )

Why?

[brat]

( why is bruce asking him so many questions about his intentions. damian looks to the photo, then back to bruce, then - untucks it from the laptop's frame and tosses it over toward him. closes the laptop after, and sets it down beside him before rolling over onto his side, facing away from the man. )

Nevermind.

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( The framed photograph gently hits him in the chest and he blinks slowly as he watches the way Damian moves about. Quiet again, he stares off across the room — mulls over what to say before he finally mutters a gentle: )

I’m sorry.

[brat]

( it's an apology that bruce doesn't need to provide but does regardless. it's that which gets an answer from damian, rather than the rest of it. bruce is trying, damian is - making an attempt at improving himself, it's only right that he does so in return. )

I don't know what you want me to say.

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You don't have to say anything.

( Because he, himself, doesn't even know what to say. )

[brat]

Then I will sleep.

( he won't. but he will lay here and pretend to. )

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( That's fine, he'll do the same thing. )

Alright. ( A beat. ) If you need anything, I'm here.

( He always will be. )