"I don't know either." Bruce could go either way. "But if nothing else, I'll know I did my best."

He has to draw his self-esteem from somewhere, but it won't be from depending on his father's approval; Damian's learned to take pride in his accomplishments in his father's absence. He's gotten better - better at being a detective, better at being a person, and he did that without the original Batman.

He grins, suddenly, over his mug.

"But still not telling you my real name. It has to be earned, and my standards are exacting."

Actually, it's only when he or Grayson have screwed up and misspoke. The only one he's told purposefully is Todd, and that was because Todd is Todd.