[Damian is glad for his mask because it hides the discomfort that passes over his features. He was not prepared to talk about his own feelings on the matter though he should have foreseen them coming up.

He chooses not to comment on Grayson's assumption, focusing instead on the other words.]

Your relationship with him here, the way he is, will be different. You can't be expected to know how to react. [A pause and a frown because his words aren't coming out the way he wants them too. This isn't a lesson, he is trying (and failing) to offer him the comfort of someone who understands.

But it's that same understand that puts him on edge. Honesty with how he feels about missing Grayson is out of the question. He isn't sure he could articulate it if he wanted to. And even if he did want to, it would just be another burden added to Grayson's too small shoulders.]

Grayson...[He moves and places a hand on the boy's arm, reassuring he hopes. The older Grayson was so tactile and this one has proven to be just as drawn to touch even if he's not quite as open about it.]

He is still...the person you admire. The qualities that you're drawn to are still there. [This part, more than anything is from his own experience.] But that doesn't mean you're expected to see him the same way.