There are, in Damian’s experience, certain things that someone just doesn’t expect to happen. Even in his life as a vigilante, and as an assassin before that, there were still things that could surprise and startle him (not that he’d ever admit it, of course). Even Damian’s constant alert state couldn’t warn him of things like: what appeared to be a young girl seeming to almost materialize from thin air, tiny hands promptly buried in Titus’s wiry fur even as the Dane gave an indignant huff. But, though surprised, the boy didn’t let it slow him for a moment as he pulled the leash taught, drawing Titus back towards him even as the dog tipped his ears towards the strange child, obviously curious.
❝ Titus, heel. ❞ The command was sharp and biting in a way that immediately made the Dane tilt his gaze back towards Damian, sitting heavily even as liquid eyes watched as his boy squinted at the newcomer in disapproval. ❝ Don’t you know to ask before touching? ❞