The Robins as…
PLAYERS AT A CARD GAME/BOARD GAME
>>> — <<<
DICK:
You’d think that with him being the Robin with his heart on his sleeve, a respected vigilante to both superheroes and villains alike, and a beloved “constant” throughout the Multiverse, he wouldn’t do you dirty. And it’s moments like these, when you’re looking into his oh-so-warm eyes during a Poker game, that he banks on just that.
Jason and Tim: *watching close-up surveillance footage of Dick talking to Batman via the Batcomputer*
Jason: *frowning* Uh, what are we looking for again?
Tim: *rewinding the footage* Look closely! There’s a glint! A glint in his eyes!
Jason: Yeah, so?
Tim: That’s Dick’s tell! I’ve been trying to figure it out for years. Watch as he very calmly tells Bruce that Batnopoly Night went without a hitch while Alfred was busy putting out the fire in the library.
Damian: There’s no “glint”, Drake. His charm is his greatest con. We’ve all known it. We just fall for it every time.
Damian: *narrows his eyes* And, frankly, we need to learn it.
But he’s really not as competitive as you’d think. He’s just happy with any excuse for the family to get together outside of being vigilantes.
Damian: -Tt- Are you losing on purpose, Grayson?
Dick: *grinning* Why would you say that, Little D? Maybe you’re just better at this game than I am.
Tim: *scoffing* He’s a big boy, Dick. Tell him that you just don’t want him to throw a tantrum and walk out again.
Jason: *chuckling while figuring out his next move* Good times.
>>> — <<<
JASON:
His experience on the streets and on the field have made him nearly unbeatable at most games in the Manor.
Red Hood: Let me play in one of your casinos, all the games I want for however many times I want, free of charge, with none of your henchmen breathing down my neck.
Penguin [on the phone]: Ha! Have you gone mad, Bat Brat? What’s in it for me?
Red Hood: I won’t blow it up for another week.
Penguin: …
Red Hood: I mean, I’d let the guests get out first, duh-doy. But wouldn’t it be nice to have that place of business for seven more days?
If you ask him what his secret is, he’d probably just shrug and say, “Guts”. But don’t put mind games past him either.
Dick: *smirking* Is Little Wing about to fo-ooold?
Jason: Nah. Not when I have this. *drops his gun where his cards should be*
Tim: *rolls his eyes* Dude, you can’t just pull that thing out every time you’re about to lose.
Jason: *using his cards to scratch his chin* Oh, yeah? I can even do it when I’m about to win.
Damian: *stabs the table with his sword* And of this you’re certain, Todd?
Dick: Uh, guys… Maybe we should review the mechanics of this game?
Perhaps the best part about playing with (or against) him is that he’s not a sore loser. He’s learned the hard way that holding grudges can hold you back. Besides, if he’s being honest, he’s really looking forward to spending time with the family outside of “work”, too.
>>> — <<<
TIM:
Should it be a surprise that he prefers role-playing games? The detective in him just won’t quit.
Jason: *rubbing his hands in anticipation* Fina-freakin’-lly! “Batcaves and Beasties”, baby!
Damian: And I shall be Batcave Command–
Tim: *unceremoniously ripping the plastic off the shiny, new box with a Wayne Games logo* Not today, Blood Brat. This limited edition set was my design, so I take the lead.
Five and half hours later…
Dick: *rubbing his chin thoughtfully* Timmy? If I didn’t know better, I’d say we’re in the middle of solving the cold case you’ve been working on for three weeks now…
Damian: *throws his hands up in frustration* I knew it! “Jamie Gordie the Comish”? How stupid do you think we are, Drake? And what part of “Game Night” didn’t you understand?
Tim: *gets up from the table* Then maybe don’t pressure me into it when I’ve been working on a cold case for three weeks!
Jason: *shrugs* I don’t know about you guys, but I’m actually digging these apparently-not-so-imaginary scenarios.
It’s a challenge when you’re playing against someone as intellectual as him, but not for the reason you may think.
Tim: It’s statistically impossible!
Damian: That you lost? Of course not. Drake, need I remind you that, by definition, losers lose?
Tim: But I –
Jason: Timbo, we love you, but if you say “I ran the numbers” one more time, I swear to Bats…
Dick: That’s it. *takes out the game’s instruction manual and scribbles on it* Tim, I’m sorry, but it’s now officially illegal for you to do this much research for fun time.
>>> — <<<
DAMIAN:
He likes his games ancient and sophisticated. None of that 21st-century tomfoolery! We’re talking Chess, Tawla, Mancala…
Damian: *carefully contemplating his next move*
Clock: *tick-tocking*
Tumbleweed: *rustling*
Ants: *pitter-pattering*
Jason: *yawning*
Tim: *snoring loudly*
Dick: *Google-ing how to play the game*
Damian: -Tt- To say you’re all uncultured swine would be an insult to the swine.
Who’s he kidding? He definitely (though secretly) loves those “juvenile” games. It’s uncertain what he’s worse at, though: losing or winning.
During patrol…
Nightwing: *staring at Tim* Is that a… bite mark on your chin?
Red Robin: *setting up surveillance equipment* Oh, that reminds me. Hey, Jay, would you lend me one of your full-face helmets for next Game Night?
Red Hood: *gives Tim a thumbs up*
Nightwing: So… did Damian win or lose to you?
Red Robin: *looks back at Dick, deadpan* Wanna guess? Because believe me when I say that it could go either way.
Red Hood: *chuckling while aiming his scope at Black Mask’s window* Good times.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
@dangerous-doodle , I know this wasn’t exactly a “The Robins as” kind of Ask, but I thought I’d leave it to you guys to decide who the best is. Thanks! It’s one of those prompts that I’d like to eventually flesh out with the rest of the Batfamily included.
(Honestly, I rarely play card or board games, but I grew up with people who took the fun quite seriously. Ha ha.)
