For Helena, winter was marked by her brother's return to the City and his sudden presence in their lives again, just as the thaw meant he would disappear again. It was something she'd become accustomed to, something she'd silently counted on once the weather began to turn cold and the leaves began to fall from the trees. And, in some ways, she was now accustomed to actually considering Damian her brother, though he continued to confuse and frustrate her half of the time. She was sure she'd never understand him the way she understood Dick. Perhaps Damian could say the same of her.

Now the temperature had dropped again, signaling that Damian would return, if he was still alive. There really wasn't an if; Helena knew he was equipped to survive and handle anything that was thrown his way. Still, something about his departure still left her feeling angry and unsettled, and she worried for him in spite of everything that had ever happened between them. He was still her brother, whether he wanted that role or not. Part of her would always be worried for him, just as part of him would be angry at him for leaving all together and another part would love him unconditionally.

As it was now, she set about making silent preparations for him. She was never sure just when he would arrive, only that he would, and that when he did he'd probably want a nice, welcoming bed waiting for him. This was something she did for him out of habit now, without Dick knowing, without telling Liam.

Damian had a place. All he had to do now was come and claim it.