#damian: this man is less than the servants at grandfather's

[ghostbsuter]

"Hey constantine, who's that?" Someone asks and Connie looks down at Danny, blue eyes staring back at him.

"My coworker."

"He's my dad."

"What?"

"What."

—

Who knew John Constantine would gain a ward, one being such a little mischievous bastard with bright eyes and good heart.

He certainly didn't.

Nor did he expect the stabby Robin to get into a heated argument with his ward, gesturing to his form next to Batman and spit venom.

"But‐ Damian! Look at him! I can fix him!" Danny argues back and Robin, so done with this, rips his mask off and—

Oh.

They have the same face.

Connie looks at Batman, nervous what the reveal will change.

("I don't care if you can 'fix' him, danyal! Return to Father, to me!")

Batman stares back.

("Connie is dad shaped! I chose him myself, damian! Leave me and my choice alone!")

The day will only get longer, it seems.

[catxsnow]

MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW BEST D.W.

Request: Would it be possible to request a Damian one shot abt him protecting you from Talia? Like she dosent like you at all so she tries to either kill you or manipulate you into breaking up with Damian.

Warning: Violence, angst, Talia being a b i t c h, mentions of blood. 

A/N: Take two people. Never trusting mobile to post ever again. Anyways, I hope you enjoy rather than getting just the title lol

Word Count: 4.1k 

Damian didn't like Gotham at first. It was cold, gross, the city was filled with those who didn't understand the greatness outside of the city walls. He hated being away from his mother and grandfather, as well as the strict rule that his father had given him. He was no prince there, he was nothing but a rich man's son.

It seemed at first that Bruce was doing everything in his power to suppress everything that Damian grew up with. No killing, no servants, even hiding him in the shadows with the assumption that his mother was going to take him back. It made Damian feel like this was never meant to be his home.

Even when moving to the Titan Tower, he still didn't feel at home. The people there were childish, irresponsible, he didn't fit in there as well. He didn't fit in anywhere until he met you.

You had joined the Teen Titans just a week after Damian had arrived. A broken upbringing with nothing but your mentors trying to get you to succeed where they never could. You had skills, too many not to put them to use. So, when Kori found you, she welcomed you with open arms - a home that would treat you right.

Much like Damian, you were cold and cut off. Maybe that was what attracted him to you, or maybe it was your skills that put him up for a challenge. Either way, Damian felt flustered around you and he hated it. Lucky for him, you were much the same way.

One long night of sparring with him - an endless battle that neither of you would admit defeat - you had finally broke him down. Damian had you pinned, and as much as he didn't want to let his guard down, he couldn't stop himself from leaning in to kiss you. He never acted like this, like a hormonal teenage boy.

Late night patrols, early morning training, as many hours throughout the day you would spend together. Your teammates - Beast Boy in particular - continuously felt left out whenever you and Damian were together. Only Dick was happy to see that the two of you were spending so much time together.

You were good for Damian. He was less harsh, more willing to accept others, hell he even said thank you more often. It wasn't like you had meant to change him - he just thrived to be a better person because of you. You were everything to him.

When years passed and it was time came for him to move back to Gotham, you had come with him. Damian wouldn't dare to leave you again. Not when he swore that he found - as many would say - his soulmate. You loved Damian, more than anyone ever had his whole life. The feeling for him was new, but he couldn't get enough of it.

It was the first time you were in Gotham. Just like the rumors, the city was horrifying. Crime was everywhere, people dying in the streets, you didn't know how Damian lived there for so long. This wasn't your home, but Damian was. Wherever he wanted to go, you were there with him.

Damian grabbed your hand from across the seat. He was you worried as you looked out the windows. Bruce's home was far nicer than anything you had seen so far, but the drive was still far enough away. You smiled as Damian kissed the back of your hand, a small gesture that made your heart flutter every time.

"You could have stayed, I would have come visit you often," Damian offered to you. A joking smile was on his face. He knew damn well that you weren't going to just stay with the Titans when he was across the country. You loved him too much to have that distance.

"Damian Wayne, if you think I'm gonna let you out of my sight you're mistaken," you half joked. Of course you trusted him with every fiber of your being, but you also knew how damn reckless he was. Bruce would have his back, but he needed a partner, not a leader. "Besides I know you don't sleep well at night."

Damian rolled his eyes. He had told you once that he slept better with you in his arms and you hadn't let him live it down since. You meant this in the best way, you loved to be the reason that Damian felt at peace. However, being in this city, you weren't sure how much peace you would have.

The gates of the Manor finally pulled into sight. You couldn't get over how massive his home was. Damian squeezed your hand as your mouth dropped in shock. You knew how rich Bruce Wayne was, but this? This was crazy. His home was larger than any home that you had ever seen.

Damian's excitement for you quickly changed. Instead of the empty drive way that he had expected, a singular person stood by the door. You watched as his nerves grew tense. It was a woman, dark skin and long hair. She stood as if she expected the world to bow at her feet.

"What's wrong?"

"My mother." You suddenly understood why he was so worried. Damian's mother was cruel, unloving, and only craved power. It had been years since she had dropped Damian off in Gotham and the same amount of time since he had seen her last. Whatever Talia was here for, it couldn't have been good.

The car barely stopped before Damian jumped out. His fists were tight at his sides as he approached his mother. Although you were sure he wished for you to stay in the car, you couldn't just wait. Talia looked less than pleased to see you stepping out of the same vehicle as her son.

Damian joined his mother's gaze. The grim look on his face softened as he saw you. As much as he didn't want you meeting his mother, he was glad that you were there to support him. Unlike usual, he didn't grab your hand, nor did you make the move to. Talia was not the kind of lady you wanted to make a bad first impression on.

It didn't seem to matter though. You hadn't said, or done anything, and she was already glaring at you. To her surprise, you only shot her the same look back. Bad impression or not, you were going to stand up for yourself. Damian would keep you safe, even if it was against his own mother.

"Who is this, Damian?" She asked. Talia acted as if you weren't even there. Damian had told you about her, but you never expected her to be this bad within the first five minutes of meeting her. Moving to Gotham, you were worried enough about meeting Bruce without his cape and cowl, you didn't think you would have to see her as well.

"This is (Y/N)," Damian told her. "A valued teammate, as well as... my beloved," he confessed while grabbing onto your hand for the first time since leaving the car. Talia's eyes narrowed at you - of course she had known everything about you. She kept eyes on Damian, and when you popped up, she learned everything there was to know.

Which meant that she already knew of your relationship. And, if you were to guess correctly, she knew of your departure to Gotham alongside her son. The whole reason she was in Gotham was to see you, or more so to analyze you. Damian should have been with royal blood, not a street scum like you.

"I want you to come home, Damian," Talia suddenly announced. While you only looked up in shock, Damian's face hardened. This was so like her - the second that he was happy and finally feeling at home she had to come in and ruin it. This time, he wouldn't allow it. She didn't control him anymore, no one did. Not even Bruce.

"No," he disagreed. His grip on your hand tightened - whether in frustration or a reminder that you were there - you weren't sure. "I am home. Gotham, the Titans, with (Y/N), this is my home now. I'm not leaving here, not now, not ever. Father is my legal guardian now, not you. You made sure of that when you left me stranded here."

"Damian you belong with me, you belong in the League," Talia's voice was tight. She was obviously trying not to take him by force, not while you were there. Damian was her son, and she would get him back by any means necessary. "Take your grandfather's place, this was what you were meant to do."

"I meant to be Robin," Damian argued. He had done great things under his new alias. So many lives saved, he had learned so much from being there. He learned from Bruce, Dick, his friends, you. He learned so much from you - he learned to love, not to fight. "I'm staying."

"I think it's time for you to go," You spoke up for the first time. If Talia's looks could kill, you would have been dead ten times over. No one ever talked back to her like that, and for someone as lowly as you? She couldn't accept it. If it wasn't for Damian stepping between the two of you, you swore that she would have made an attempt on your life right there.

Without another word, Talia left the Manor. You didn't realize how tight your grip on Damian was until he placed his other hand over yours. You loosened your hold, and as soon as his mother was out of sight, collapsed into his arms. Damian held you tight, though he wasn't sure if it was for your assurance or his.

"It's okay, my love," Damian whispered. He kissed the top of your head, your forehead, and finally your lips. "She won't be an issue for us, not while we're with my father."

"I trust you, Damian. Always."

><

It had been weeks since you were in Gotham. Bruce had taken you under his wing for the time being. Damian was protective of you as always, he wouldn't let you leave without him. To be honest you were happy that he was at you side. Gotham wasn't the kind of place you wanted to venture on your own.

It was different without your teammates watching you back. You only had Damian to have your six and sometimes that lead to some close calls. In the end, he always kept you safe. No matter the situation, he would protect you at all costs.

On that cold night, Damian had gone out with his father, leaving you home alone. Your wrist ached from your previous night, and although you promised that you were fine to go out, Damian insisted that you stayed in. So, with your wrist wrapped and a movie playing, you felt more relaxed than you had in weeks.

Damian left you that evening with a firm kiss and a promise that he would be back before you knew it. As always, you melted into his hold, never wanting to let him leave you. He left with promises to you of making up for it in anyway he could. Damian just wanted you happy while he was home.

He thrived every day to see you smile. Seeing you happy was the only thing that he cared about anymore. So, seeing your pout as he hopped into the Batmobile beside his father nearly convinced him to stay with you. Alfred was gone for the night which meant that you would be truly alone for the first time since you had joined the Titans. The silence would be tranquil.

Unfortunately for you, that peace didn't last long.

After training to be a hero your whole life, you could feel when someone was sneaking up on you. At first, you assumed it to be a robbery; Bruce was rich. But as Batman? His security was near impossible to get into. Whoever this was, they were good. Really good. Your phone buzzed beside you, but you didn't have the time to check what it was.

The blade of a sword sliced through the air, narrowly missing you. You had been just quick enough to roll out of the way. The intruder wore a mask covering the lower half of their face, but you had known instantly who this was. Talia Al Ghul.

You assumed she had come alone. If she saw you as nothing but a low-life hero from the streets, then she assumed that she could handle you by herself. Truth be told, you had never gone against someone as skilled as her, she could easily handle you on your own, especially with your weakened wrist.

You ran through the room and towards the kitchen. It was far closer than the entrance of the cave - and you were sure that she knew where it was as well. Talia ran after you. She ducked the second she ran into the kitchen - you had thrown the closest frying pan towards her head. Thankfully it distracted her enough to grab some sort of weapon - a knife.

It was much shorter than her sword and it felt awkward in your opposite hand. You hoped that Damian and Bruce were already on their way back, that it was him texting you earlier, but you knew not to get your hopes up. Alfred was gone for the night and you were truly alone in the house.

Talia twirled the blade around before lunging at you. She did attack after attack, each one barely being blocked by your knife. You needed to get to the cave, at least then you stood a chance with some actual weapons. Unfortunately, you weren't quick enough to block her next shot.

Talia's sword sliced through your shirt and into your arm. Blood soaked your skin as you cried out in pain. You knew that she didn't like you, but to go as far as to assassinate you within her son's home? That was pushing far past being a terrible mother.

Glass shattered as you ducked from her next shot. The lights above you sparked as she broke though them. The room had become pitch black and you only hoped to use that as an advantage. You knew this house far better than she did.

As long as you could get a head start to the cave, you would be fine. Silently, you slipped past her, hoping to avoid the crunch of broken glass on the floor. Talia was a trained assassin, sneaking around her would be impossible - and it was. The second she heard your footsteps, she had blindly attacked.

The tip of her sword nicked your cheek, but it was enough to let her know exactly where you were. Without caution anymore, you ran full speed to the entrance of the cave. Thankfully, you had made it before her.

You grabbed the first weapon you could see - Damian's backup sword. It felt heavy in your opposite hand, but as soon as you tried to hold it in your dominant, you nearly cried out in pain. Damian was right, you were too hurt to go out that night; then again maybe it would have been safer if you had. Talia must have been waiting for the opportunity that you were alone.

Talia stood before you, her mask still up. "What's wrong, Talia?" You asked, her eyes narrowed as you said her name. "Jealous that your son loves me more than you? Or maybe that Bruce cares for me more than he did you? This isn't about Damian not coming home, this is more personal than that, isn't it?"

"Damian belongs with royalty," Talia ripped off her mask. You knew that you were riling her up, but you only hoped that it would waste enough time for Damian to come, if he was coming. This was a fight you could not win alone, you knew that. "You're nothing but filth off the streets."

"So what, you're gonna kill me?" You backed away from her. Your heart rate was erratic from fear. Damian was a damn good fighter, but his mother? She was deadly. "How're you going to explain that one to him? How do you think he's going to react when he finds out that you killed the person he loves? He'll never want to see you again."

"He's never going to know it was me!" Talia raised her voice. She charged towards you, bringing her weapon down towards you. You just barely blocked it. The sword was extremely uncomfortable in your hold but you it was far better than a measly kitchen knife. She could tell you were weak from it.

Talia pushed down harder, the edge of her sword coming dangerously close to your face. In the blink of an eye, she pulled away and grabbed your weakened wrist. Talia slammed it into her knee, making you scream in agony. You dropped your weapon to grab your now broken wrist, falling right into her palm of her hands.

A forceful kick was placed against your ribs, knocking you down and making you completely at her mercy. Your body screamed in unbearable pain. Blood soaked your clothes, your bones broken or cracked. Talia had taken you down in a mere matter of minutes. You never stood a chance against someone like her.

To your surprise, Talia dropped her sword as well. There was no way that she had suddenly changed her mind or decided to give up, she had you right where she wanted you. The smirk on her face, knowing that she had defeated you so easily, was etched into your brain. Whatever she was planning, she had already won.

Talia pulled out the gun strapped to her thigh. You hadn't even noticed it until this moment. There was no way that you would ever dodge a bullet, not at this range. With a last chance of hope, you reached out for you sword once more - but she was too quick. A bullet shot rang out as it bounced off the floor inched from your hand.

You retracted back to your place, looking up at her with a grim look. There was no chance you were about to plead for you life. Talia had the gun pointed directly at your forehead. "You'll never have my son."

"Neither will you." Blood dripped down your face. You gripped onto your wrist, and tried to steady your breathing. You refused to look away from Talia's murderous eyes. Death awaited you - that was something you had to accept. Talia had no mercy.

Suddenly, a light blinded Talia's face. Her gaze was averted, but that wasn't what caused you to falter. A loud shot echoed through the cave, followed by a searing pain. In her brief moment of loss of attention, Talia had pulled the trigger. She had missed her hopeful target, instead the bullet and pierced your shoulder, creating a sickening crack as it went through bone.

"NO!" You knew this to be Damian's voice. He hovered above you, panic written all over. His hands pressed into your wounds to try and stop the bleeding. He could hear the battle of his mother and father but all that mattered was you. He was petrified for you. Your eyes wavered, wanting so desperately to fall asleep.

"You're going to be okay. I promise, stay with me. Beloved, you're gonna be fine. Stay awake, please. Please I need you. I need you to stay with me." He was the last thing you saw as darkness clouded over you.

><

Talia had done a lot of damage to you. The cut on your arm, and your cheek needed stitched. Your collar bone practically shattered and you would need to wear a brace for months before it was healed. The wrist she had snapped would heal like any other broken wrist would. Cracked ribs and a broken ego. You were benched for a long time to come.

Damian wouldn't leave you side. He was there if you needed anything or if you were in pain. Guilt clouded him, he should have known that his mother would do something like this. He was a fool to leave you alone like that. Never again.

"Be careful, beloved."

You liked the attention from him. Damian was at your side more than he ever was before. In private, he was constantly covering you in kisses. He showed a side of himself that you or anyone else had never seen before. It was nice to see him so... normal.

Damian spent every spare moment with you. Whether it was helping you with simple tasks that you were yet to be able to accomplish or be there to give you a kiss when you were feeling down. The last thing he wanted to see was for you to fall into a funk because of his mother. He tried his best to keep your spirits up but this was hard. Harder than anything you had done.

Years of being the one to save people and now you were the one that needed to be saved. It was unbearable. You hated the feeling of constantly needing help. Damian made sure to not suffocate you, he knew what it was like to hate feeling pitied.

Evenings were spent trying to get you back on your feet. Nights spent with Alfred, watching of your boyfriend and his father. Damian coming home to smoother you with attention the second that you were alone in his room. That was your favourite part of the days.

Everyone hoped your recovery to be speedy - even your teammates went out of their way to visit you. It was nice to see all your friends together again, as well as the rest of Damian's family that you had finally met. It seemed that everyone had gained a vendetta against Talia that night.

"Damian, I can do this, you just have to give me some space."

When you finally got the cast on your wrist off, you had gone straight back into training. Much to Damian's dismay - as well as your doctor's. The sling was still on your shoulder, and would be for several more weeks. However, you were tired of sitting around like this. You felt weak from the lack of training.

Damian watched as you stood under the pull up bar. You eyed it, curious as to if you really could do this or not. In one swift motion, you jumped up and grabbed the bar with your single hand. Holding yourself up wasn't the issue, it was a matter of if you could pull yourself up with only one hand like you used to.

With all the strength you could muster, you attempted to do a chin up. You had almost made it before your arm gave out on you. Your hand slipped from the bar and you barely landed on both feet. Damian was by your side in a second, though he could see how frustrated you were at this. He understood not being able to achieve what he wanted most.

"You don't have to prove your strength to me, beloved," Damian assured. He cupped your cheeks with both hands, pulling you in for a quick kiss. However, as the pad of this thumb swiped across the scar that his mother left he frowned. Even after all this time he still blamed himself of this.

"And you don't have to feel guilty for what happened," You countered. You placed your palm over top of his a small smile on your lips. "You came and saved me, that's what matters. Like you, Bruce, everyone, said, I'll get back to where I was eventually. Things like this happen, I can't let it stop me."

"You're too brave," Damian shook his head. Always pushing your limits, defying your odds. As much as he admired it, he wished that you wouldn't. Damian wanted you safe, and sometimes he questioned if that was ever going to be found while you were with him. However, he wasn't willing to lose you to test it. You were by his side, always.

"I learned it from you, my love."

[behindheremeraldeyes]

damirae week 2021 tuesday, May 4th - enemies to lovers & dark fantasy/ fairytale

title: bewitched

summary: “There’s a sly and satisfied smirk playing on her lips, and for a moment, he knows she has bewitched him, body and soul. This girl— this demon— is going to be his downfall. " Ao3 // ffnet

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It is a moonless night when the most powerful members of the League of Assassins are gathered in the catacombs of the sacred city of Eth Alth’eban. There are at least 20 men wearing dark-green hoods to cover their faces, each holding a lit candle in order to provide just the minimum luminosity for the ceremony that is about to take place. Their leader, Damian Al’Ghul, stands straight as he holds his powerful countenance, his emerald eyes never leaving the deteriorated book in his hands. A conjuring circle has been drawn with the ancient sand of the white desert, and at this moment, all the preparations have been concluded.

At last, the time has come. After spending years studying the dark arts and reading countless manuscripts on the matter, Damian is finally ready to take the next step towards a prosperous future. He is about to do what his predecessors never had the guts to, and with this action, a new era for the League is about to begin. He will make his grandfather proud by rewriting the history of their organization. He will be respected and his name, finally, immortalized.

“From hell, I, Damian Al’Ghul summon thou. Break the gates, unleash thy power and come forward. Step into this world now that the shadows cover this land. Be mine, demon, and my heart shall be yours for eternity.” He closes the book, handling it to one of the servants standing next to him. His hand reaches for the dagger in his belt, and in a fraction of a second, he tears the skin of his right hand. Red blood oozes from the sash and he lets it drip over the circle, tinging the white sand into a bright crimson. “Azarath Metrion Zinthos.”

The last words come as a whisper and a profound silence envelops the room. A couple of seconds pass, and though he can practically touch the thick anxiety of his subordinates around him, there’s no room for hesitation in his core. His pulse suddenly increases and it’s as if he can feel his heart constricting inside his ribcage. It’s not painful, not in the least. In fact, it gives him a feeling of fulfillment, and as he embraces this feeling, the ground beneath his feet starts to shake.

A dust of wind invades the catacombs, the lights of a few candles fading in consequence. Suddenly, an ominous fog swirls inside the circle, delicate at first, but quickly escalating into a dark vortex. Breathing gets harder, as if all the oxygen is quickly vanishing, and from the corner of his eyes, he can see some of the elder man falling on their knees, holding their throats and gasping for air. He doesn’t move, though. He can’t, for his feet are suddenly too heavy and something tells him he shouldn’t move a single muscle.

So he doesn’t. He stands his ground for what feels like an eternity, but eventually, the turmoil ceases and a dark sphere appears over the circle, floating steadily. His ears capture the sound of his men recovering, and some even take a step closer to him, as if to offer their prince some support. They have their blades ready, but Damian knows they won’t do anything unless he commands them to. There’s no need for violence. At least not yet.

After almost a full minute, the orb then dissolves and a small figure is now kneeled on the floor, the runes of the circle now shinning with a purple aura. His men are left in pure awe at the scene in front of them, but Damian doesn’t let those feelings take over him. His eyes are slowly studying the figure, and it doesn’t take long for him to realize the demon he has summoned has a human form— the form of a woman, apparently.

Her head is lowered, dark hair falling forward. She’s naked, her bare skin pale as the finest porcelain and slim curves outlining her figure. Her arms are wrapped across her chest in a protective way, and he is quick to notice the way she’s shivering. She’s cold, he thinks. It’s mid winter here, and perhaps, she must still be used to the warmer temperatures of hell.

“Bring me a source of fire. Now.” He orders, and his subordinates don’t question, quickly lighting a brazier. In a swift move, then, Damian unbuttons the cape that falls over his shoulders and wraps it around her. He’s crouched now, his feet invading the circle and his face just a few inches away from hers. When he reaches out for her now covered shoulder, she trembles under his touch. His eyes squint a bit, and slowly, he watches as she finally lifts her face.

Their eyes are connected now. His emeralds and her amethyst clashing and he can’t find it in himself to look away. She’s enticing, seductive, even. Her eyes are as deep as autumn’s starry skies, and her rosy lips are slowly parting as she studies his expression. There’s a red crystal on her forehead, and it’s as if flames are dancing inside of it.

Damian is mesmerized by her ethereal beauty. She’s probably the most beautiful creature he has ever seen, and for a moment, her pure looks make him forget that she is, in fact, a demon. A demon he has summoned to help him achieve his goals.

Once realization strikes him back, he blinks and breaks eye contact. He stands up, his imposing figure now towering over her body as he reaches out, offering his hand to help her stand. At first, her eyes are just staring at him, but eventually, she accepts his gesture and he can properly feel her icy touch clashing against his warm skin. Though her legs are still shaky, she manages to stand up, and as expected, she’s smaller than him. She lets go of his hand once she’s confident enough to stand alone, and though her eyes were only filled with confusion until this point, now, he can see a new flame behind her irises.

She’s examining her surroundings now, and he wonders if she’s either planning a way to escape or to kill all of them— for their sake, he hopes it’s not the latter. The demoness takes a deep breath, then, and her attention returns to him.

“So you’re the one who’s summoned me.” Her voice is low, almost velvety, and he senses an inch of growing confidence in it.

“Yes.” He confirms. “You will help me achieve my goals.” His eyes are determined as those words roll out of his tongue, and that determination evokes a smirk on her lips.

“Oh, is that so? How can you be so sure of that? Tell me what’s stopping me from killing you and all of your men?”

The lack of hesitation in her voice causes a turmoil in his men, and they were quick to unsheathe their blades. Rage fills their hearts, and their blood-thirst is almost palpable now.

“Just say the word, your majesty.” One of them says, and it’s clear that they only need the minimum approval from Damian to slit her throat.

“Is this your pathetic excuse for backup?” She huffs, not bothering to spare them a single glance. They’re growing more irritated, but she pays them no mind. ”I see why you needed a demon, then.”

“You devil creature! How dare yo— “

“Enough.” He says, firmly, with a reprimanding tone towards his men. If anything, he won’t let them fall for her tricky games so easily. He’s glaring at her now, yet she doesn’t seem intimidated by him in the least. “If you wanted us dead, you would’ve done it by now.”

“Very astute, your majesty.” She mocks, finally turning her amethyst orbs to his men. “At ease, gentlemen. No one needs to die here tonight. Now, if you don’t mind, I would like to speak alone with you, Damian Al’Ghul.”

“Very well.” He turns to his men. “You can leave now.”

“What?! Master Damian, we shouldn’t have done this. We can just kill her and get back to the way we were before. We can—“

“Don’t you dare finish this sentence, sergeant.” He speaks, harshly. “I forbid you or anyone else in this facility to bring her any harm. Have I made myself clear?” There’s a screaming silence after his words, but eventually, his men bow their heads in acceptance. Hands are clenched into tight fists, and at last, her smirk fades from her face. For that, Damian is thankful.

In less than a second, all the men surrounding them leave the room. The light from the lit fire outlines their silhouettes as they now stand face to face. She’s still wrapped around his green and golden cape, and there’s a serious expression decorating her features now.

“So, Damian…” She starts, squinting her eyes in defiance. With her powers, the magic book he’s used to conjure the spells comes floating to her hands, and she’s quick to start flipping through its dusty pages. “You might be aware of this already, but you have used a pretty powerful grimoire to summon a demon like me. The mage who wrote this spells certainly knew what he was doing, for he’s found a way to turn the tables against us, evil creatures.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means we can’t just fool you, humans, into doing whatever we want like we’ve been doing for the past centuries.” She smirks. “At least not so easily anymore. With the spells in this book, giving you my real name or stuff like that makes absolutely no difference.”

“And what is it? Your name, I mean.”

Her eyes stare at him for a while, and though she takes a couple of seconds to try and read him, eventually, she gives in. “Raven. You can call me Raven.”

“Raven.” He tests her name in his own voice, and unconsciously, he finds himself enjoying the way it rolls out of his tongue. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“Pleasure is all mine.” She replies, finally closing the book with a loud noise. “Well, you’ve summoned me from the depths of hell, Damian. You don’t need to tell me your reasons for it, but please, do tell me, what is it that you want me to do? How can I serve you?”

He nods at her, and even if Damian knows better than to simply trust a demon, he believes she’s being genuine. Though there are still a lot of things he has yet to learn about dark magic, he knows that the book he’s used gives him the higher ground against her. There are taming spells there that can subdue her to his wills, and if anything, she’s not allowed to kill him. They’re bound together for as long as he wants to, and giving her his heart in exchange for that felt quite acceptable.

They’re each holding the strings of each other’s lives, and with that, he believes they will find balance.

“I want what all the humans in my position want, Raven. I want enough power to protect my man and the things we stand for. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Nothing more, huh?” Her brows quirk, and she takes a few steps closer to him. Her eyes are on his, and he would be lying if he said he didn’t spot a certain curiosity in her demeanor. “Don’t you want to rule the world, Damian? Don’t you want to be feared by nations and create your own empire?”

“No.” He says, promptly. “A true leader should not be feared, but respected.”

“How very honorable for a human.” She teases, finally returning the book to him. “But this is none of my business. I’m in no position to defy your wishes. I’m bound to consent if that’s what you want.”

She turns away from him, then, and he watches as his cape dances around her slim legs. She stretches her arms and neck, and that’s when he reminds himself that, even if she’s a creature from hell, Raven still has her own wishes and desires. They’ve made a contract, and even if the odds are in his favor, there must be something in it for her, too. He refuses to believe that a human heart is enough to pay for what could be a life of servitude.

The leader of the Assassins takes a deep breath, then, as he decides to venture unexplored territory. His intentions are noble— at least he thinks they are— and he doesn’t hesitate before speaking. “And what is it that you want, Raven?”

“Me?” She asks, curiosity lacing her voice. She turns to face him once more, and he catches a glimpse of interest in her amethyst eyes. “What do you mean?”

“I’m asking you what is it that you want. What will you get from helping me?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” She asks, her tongue instinctively running across her lower lip. “I’ll be finally free, Damian.”

“Free?” He arcs his brows as he tries to understand her words. “Can you really be free while bounded to a human?”

“You humans have a very idealistic sense of freedom. We are bound together, that’s true, but that doesn’t mean you’re taking away my freedom. It’s quite the opposite, in fact.”

“How so?”

“You took me away from hell, Damian. And though it might not be the worst place for us, demons, it’s still pretty hard not to lose control when all of those suffering souls are screaming inside your head.” She smiles, weakly, but genuinely. “Now that I’m only connected to you, it’s easier to think straight. My mind isn’t crowded anymore, and that alone sets me free. If you are to put me in a cage for the rest of your life, so be it. At least I will some peace.”

His lips go agape after her words, and he feels his heart skipping a beat. Though he initially believed to know enough about demons due to his previous studies, Damian now knows that there’s a lot more about them he has yet to understand. They’re creatures with thoughts and emotions, and some of them might still carry some traces of humanity. Though malice and wickedness might prevail in their core, perhaps— just perhaps— some of them can come to comprehend feelings such as mercy and happiness.

Perhaps, together, they can eventually comprehend the meaning of love.

The heart inside his chest, though no longer his, beats faster as his eyes continue to stare at her. A sense of dignity and justice takes over him, and before he knows it, his hand is already placed over her shoulder. His touch is tender, and he watches as bewilderment spreads around her face. “You won’t be trapped in a cage, Raven. I want you to rule by my side, and we will stand together against whatever might come for us. I will give you anything you might desire. I will keep you safe.”

As his words sink in, a slow smile takes over her lips, and she uses her right hand to remove his from her shoulder. “A human protecting a demon… How amusing.” Her small fingers are now holding his, and he notices how foreign her touch feels. Still, she’s gentle. “Not trapping a demon in a cage, huh… You might regret this decision later, Damian.”

“I won’t.” He nods, his grip on her fingers tightening. “You will be free by my side. I give you my word.”

His promises come out almost as a whisper, and he watches as her expression, though still very strict, shows signs of excitement. Her amethyst eyes seem to shine brighter now, and her thin lips are slowly turning upwards. Right now, Damian is captivated by her genuine beauty and he can’t control the sudden desire to have her that has grown inside of him. Perhaps it’s part of the original contract or even a curse she’s putting on him. Whatever it is, he can’t find it in himself to fight against this urge.

Raven blinks one more time, and slowly, her hand slides from his and she’s now cupping his cheek. Her thumb slides across his olive skin, and he can’t help but allow the weight of his head to rest over her palm. Their eyes are connected and he can feel a soft breeze coming from her slightly parted lips. She’s incredibly close now. So close that if he leans in, his lips might brush hers. The thought of kissing her crosses his mind, and though it might seem too misplaced, it’s not completely absurd.

She’s the owner of his heart, after all. Though the meaning of it might not be the same for her, he is still human. He is still a man.

“Raven, I—“

“Shh…” She silences him, her eyes now only half opened. “Don’t say anything you might regret later.”

“I— “

Before he can even finish his words, Raven is the one who closes the gap between them. Her lips are pressed firmly against his in a soft and chaste kiss, and his body is quick to respond to her action. His arm slowly snakes around her small body, bringing her closer so they can deepen the kiss. Damian can feel the curves of her bare breasts against his chest and he can feel his body warming up at her touch.

Their tongues brush softly against one another, and once he adds a little roughness to the kiss, he’s able to elicit a soft moan from the depths of her throat. She responds to him promptly, their lips moving in perfect synchrony. Though it might not be natural for two extremely different creatures to engage in such actions, the desire running through his veins seems to be controlling his movements, and he doesn’t think he has the strength to break free.

His mind is revolving around her right now, and though it might feel a little clouded, Damian doesn’t think he has ever felt more powerful or sane in his entire life. He can barely feel his own heart beating anymore, but the power that now courses through his body is making him feel incredibly alive.

What is she doing to him? He doesn’t know, not really. However, he doesn’t really care about it right now.

He’s entranced by her, and there’s no turning back anymore. At least not until his heart stops beating.

His need for air forces him to retreat momentarily, their foreheads resting against one another. His lungs are desperate for fresh air, and judging by the way her ribcage is moving fast, he assumes she’s just as needy.

“What have you done to me?” He asks, still breathless. The turmoil inside his body seems to be fading, and at last, he can think straight again.

“Nothing your heart didn’t wish for, Damian.” Raven answers, sliding her hand across his chest, until it’s placed over his heart. She can feel it beating against her palm, and he notices how focused she seems. There’s a sly and satisfied smirk playing on her lips, and for a moment, he knows she has bewitched him, body and soul. This girl— this demon— is going to be his downfall.

And the worst part is that he’s looking forward to it.

fin.

----------

a/n: day 2 and here we are! Ngl, I had this idea while watching a weird show and I’m pretty happy with the result. Both Raven and Damian are such amazing characters to play with, and I think it’s our duty as shippers to explore them and their love. Well, what did you think? Hope you’ve enjoyed it! Thank you for reading it, and see ya!

[elareine]

Promt: Jason and Tim have tea with Alfred and tell him about their relationship

They meet every Wednesday on Alfred’s afternoon off. Alfred doesn’t know whether Bruce is aware of the arrangement. He doesn’t care. 

Now, Alfred loves Bruce like a son. A son he certainly never planned on having before he had him, a son of a different father, but a son nonetheless. It makes his position in the family a bit awkward, he considers - not quite a servant, but not quite a grandfather, either. 

With Dick, it’s uncomplicated. He was not so much a son as a younger brother to Bruce, at first, and Alfred was too relieved about the brightness he brought to the manor to consider his own relationship with Dick. He still thinks of Dick that way: glad of the influence he is on Bruce and very, very proud. 

Tim wanted to have his own father be a real father, and then he wanted Bruce to fill that spot. Alfred was never in the running. Damian is clearly Bruce’s, too. When Bruce was gone, it was Dick who took over. Cass loves Alfred, he knows, but she doesn’t need him. 

Jason is different. 

Here is a fundamental principle Alfred worries Bruce is starting to forget: You’re supposed to be partisan about your child. Being a parent doesn’t mean being ‘neutral’ or ‘impartial’. That goes double for a child that never had anyone on his side before. 

(Bruce has always underestimated his own impact.)

At first, Alfred wasn’t happy about the somewhat unwashed youth his master dragged into the manor, he admits. It took a lot of patience with Jason. 

But the lad spent more time in the kitchen than all the other Robins combined. Not to eat, no, though he certainly did a lot of that, too. Jason, it turned out, wanted to learn from him. He asked Alfred about his time in the military, about books and tea and art and recipes, looking all the time as if he knew he wasn’t wanted but was so, so determined not to care. He had been no one’s child for too long, and he wasn’t Bruce’s, not yet. 

At that moment, Alfred decided that Jason would be his.  

It was Alfred who taught him to appreciate the finer things in life without being blinded by the luxury the Waynes took for granted. He made sure to ask about the books Jason had read when they prepared meals. They went to visit museums together. Jason learned waltzing in Alfred’s guiding arms. Alfred even shared his tea with him. 

He wanted to make sure Jason knew he always would have a home to return to. 

And he mourned Jason. 

Alfred doesn’t like to think about it. 

Once Alfred learnt about Jason’s return, he sought him out. Jason rejected him, of course. But if Alfred were so easily deterred, he would have left Wayne Manor behind a long time ago. That principle of partisanship? It’s also applicable to an angry and traumatised young man. Bruce, of all people, should know. 

So now this: Wednesday afternoon tea with Jason. 

At first, they keep their conversations neutral. Alfred is quite happy to discuss literature with someone cultured enough to appreciate it, though he disagrees with Jason’s notion that poetry can only be appreciated in its original language. Not everyone can become fluent in a foreign language within months. 

Gradually, other topics sneak in. He’s watching Jason find his way back into life, Alfred realises as he listens to Jason talk about Mr Harper and Miss Kori, and then later about other Outlaws, other people he is letting into his heart. 

They don’t talk about Bruce. Alfred would be willing to, but he understands that Jason is not ready, might not ever be. 

(There is one month that Jason doesn’t make it to their meetings because he cannot leave the bed. He doesn’t tell Alfred why. He doesn’t need to. Alfred has seen the bloodstain’s on Bruce’s gloves. 

It isn’t often that Alfred feels this helpless.)

However, other members of the family are not off-limits anymore. Alfred welcomes the opportunity to discuss Damian with someone who regards him with the same mix of exasperation and care. The insight Jason provides about the Lazarus Pit is quite helpful. 

They discuss Dick’s latest self-sacrifice, Cass’ ballet lessons and Stephanie’s pranks. Lately, Tim’s name has been mentioned more and more. It seems the two are developing a friendship. Alfred approves wholeheartedly. It’s a gain for the entire family to have them in each other’s corner. 

Then Jason starts asking about love. Alfred does his best to answer, but even as they discuss Corinthians 13:4-8, Shakespeare and E.E. Cummings, he wonders. 

On a Wednesday in July, Jason answers his unspoken question. In fact, he blurts it out as soon as their tea is served. 

“I’ve… recently started seeing someone.” 

Alfred raises an eyebrow. “Ah?” 

“Tim.” 

Alfred smiles. His intuition was right again. 

Jason keeps talking. “Look, I know it has to be a bit weird for you. But I actually think we’re good for each other, you know? And I won’t leave him like - like some other people did, or complain about him being a vigilante or working too much-“ 

Bemusedly, Alfred realises that Jason is trying to reassure him that he, Jason, is good for Tim. 

“Master Jason,” he interrupts the flow of words, “I have no reason to doubt you. How about you let Master Tim know that he can join us now?” 

Jason hesitates, then gives him a crooked smile and takes out his phone to send a quick text. “Should’ve known nothing gets by you.” 

Alfred silently agrees, but he’s too polite to say so out loud. 

Less than a minute later, the door of the cafe opens.

Tim greets him with a shy, “Hello, Alfred,” as he takes a seat beside Jason. 

“Hello, Master Tim. Thank you for joining us. Tea?” 

“It’s just this once,” Tim hastens to explain. “I won’t intrude on your time again. I just… wanted to introduce myself. As Jason’s boyfriend, I mean. Obviously, you know me. Uh.” 

Ah, these boys.

Alfred notes approvingly that Tim is holding Jason’s hand under the table. He’ll trust Tim with Jason’s heart, he decides - but it won’t hurt to drop a few hints of what will happen should that trust be misplaced. 

After all, Alfred never claimed to be neutral. 

[headquartersforlievmuses]

► Damian Wayne

Damian Wayne is the son of Batman and Talia al Ghul. This makes him an heir to the world's greatest crime-fighter, and its greatest super-villain Ra's al Ghul. Damian became the fifth Robin, working alongside Dick Grayson as Batman. Damian's existence was initially unknown to Batman. Genetically perfected and grown in an artificial womb, Damian was intended to be a formidable warrior. Raised by Talia and the League of Assassins, Damian became a talented martial artist by the time he was a pre-teen.

Damian was seen years later when Talia had him spy on Bruce with her. Talia revealed Damian's existence to Bruce Wayne at ten years old and left him in his father's custody in an effort to disrupt Batman's work. Precocious, spoiled, selfish and violent, Damian battled Robin (Tim Drake), whom Damian wanted to replace as Batman's sidekick, and sucker punched him off the T. Rex model in the Batcave. Grounded by Batman, Damian escaped, donned a variant Robin costume made of Jason Todd's old tunic and assorted League of Assassin gear, and got into a fight with the villainous Spook, whom he decapitated. Although misguided and malicious, Damian seemed to genuinely want to aid Batman's war on crime as Damian saw himself as Wayne's true son though that remained unconfirmed.

Eventually, Batman confronted Talia, but both Talia and Damian were soon caught in an explosion. They survived the explosion, but a badly injured Damian required transplants of harvested organs, which his mother ordered her physicians to carry out. Damian made a full recovery.

Talia, Head of the Demon, takes Damian to the Australian Outback where he is tutored in the secret history of his grandfather, Ra's al Ghul. Talia is unaware that a former servant of Ra's, named White Ghost, plans to use Damian as a shell for the soul of Ra's to return to Earth. This process would, of course, kill Damian. Talia is able to save her son from his fate at the last minute.

Sometime after surviving Ra's resurrection, Damian had sensed that someone is out to get Batman. In response to this, Talia began to formulate a plan. It was later revealed that Bruce Wayne had performed a DNA test on Damian to determine any blood connection between them. After learning of Batman's disappearance, Talia took Damian to Wayne Manor, where they deactivated a series of traps and saved Commissioner James Gordon in the process. Damian rescued Alfred from a burning batcave and the kid took the Batmobile, driving it to Arkham in order to aid Batman against the Black Glove. On the road, Damian knocks an ambulance off a bridge, much to Alfred's dismay.

After Batman's apparent death, Damian was left in the care of Alfred Pennyworth and trained by Dick Grayson.

While Gotham was drowning in chaos, crime and corruption, Damian was joy riding in the Batmobile with a friend when Oracle called him to send him on a mission to the Gotham Harbor. Oracle took control of the car, but Killer Croc and Poison Ivy attacked the Batmobile and Croc knocked the car off the road into a stream. Damian was terrified and tried to talk his way out of the situation, but Croc was about to eat Damian until he was saved by Nightwing, who used the Bat-Glider to take Damian out of danger. While they were flying, they were shot out of the air and upon landing they were quickly surrounded by Black Mask's goons. Suddenly an impostor Batman appeared and shot the criminals, killing them all. Dick fought the impostor, who was revealed to be Jason Todd. Jason shot Damian in the chest and Dick took Damian back to the Batcave, where Alfred healed Damian's wounds.

Despite working as Grayson's Robin, Damian expresses a strong willingness to take over the Batman identity himself if Dick is not "up to it." Damian has no respect for Grayson, and tells him that he needs to earn it if he wants his respect.

It is revealed that Damian has begun to visit his father's former friend and enemy Thomas Elliot, also known as Hush, in the prison at the top of Wayne Tower that Dick and Tim put him in, and engages him in chess games. Damian claims that these visits are out of his curiosity for why Hush would alter his appearance to that of Bruce Wayne's. But Hush suspects that the visits are rather Damian's form of grieving for Bruce and a way to "spend time with your old man."

It appears that under Dick's teachings, Damian has begun to grow a conscience and has even demonstrated signs of empathy, particularly towards children. This is demonstrated by his behavior during a mission with the new Azrael and more recently during a Christmas case, in which Damian and Dick find the bodies of several dismembered kids, causing Damian to vomit in horror.

Damian also becomes involved with the Wayne Enterprises' board members during one board meeting led by Lucius Fox. He manages to track down financial irregularities within the Wayne Enterprises accounts, intimidating the board of members along the way. The board becomes impressed that the young Wayne has such impressive business capabilities despite his young age, apparently inherited from his father.

After Tim Drake is revealed to have named as Bruce Wayne's heir in accordance of his will made prior of his disappearance, Damian has filed an injunction with the boards to against Drake since he is Wayne's son.

After Bruce's skull was taken from his grave, Damian and Dick decide to bring the rest of his skeleton, along with those of Damian's paternal grandparents, to their base beneath Wayne Tower. Damian is quite shaken by the sight of the bones of his family. On the way to the cave, Dick's body is possessed by Deadman, whom Damian lashes out at in confusion. Deadman then possesses and leaves Damian's body, subsequently passing his knowledge of the attack of the Black Lanterns onto him. The two heroes then prepare for the Black Lantern's assault on Gotham. After raiding the Army Reserve National Guard Armory, Dick, Damian, and the arriving Tim Drake, are able to save Commissioner Gordon, Oracle, and the surviving police officers at Gotham Central from the reanimated versions of the original Dark Knight's deceased rogue gallery members. However, they then find themselves having a horrific encounter with Batman and the Red Robin's parents - the Flying Graysons and Jack and Janet Drake - reanimated as Black Lanterns.. Dick and Tim send Damian with the Gordons to their underground base while they battle the Black Lanterns. Dick eventually orders Damian through their comm-links to send one of his Wingers with Mr. Freeze's gun. Grayson uses the weapon to cryogenically suspend himself and Tim, forcing the Black Lanterns to retreat as they are unable to read any sign of life of them. Deadman later revives the former Boy Wonders.

Talia begun to clone Damian as she has realized that her son has completely sided with Dick Grayson and the Bat-Family. Damian finally stands up for his Robin mantle, telling Talia that being Robin was the best thing that he had ever done, and Talia does not need to save him from something he chooses to be. Talia then shows Damian the cloned version of himself, whom she sees as Damian's younger brother. Talia admits to Damian, that even though she loves him, he is no longer welcome and is now considered an enemy of the House of al Ghul. Damian defiantly replied that he hoped that he would be a worthy one. Damian (as Robin) is then seen teaming up with Batman and Alfred to begin the search for Bruce Wayne.

Dick Grayson eventually sees that Damian requires friendship and compassion in order to curb his harsh methods. So Grayson takes Damian to Titans Tower, where Damian, despite not being a teenager, takes steps to become the leader of the Teen Titans. His first mission ends in disaster after a super powered teen, who was using his powers in revenge for being bullied, is attacked by Damian after Raven is able to calm him down and the teen lashes out and escapes.

Upon his return to Gotham, Grayson notices that Damian's time with the Titans has made him more patient and he is less prone to use his weapons. After apologizing to Damian about his time with the Titans being a bust, Damian states that he knows Grayson sent him there to find friends but "[he has] one in Gotham and that's more than enough" implying that Grayson is the only friend he will need.

Bruce and Damian begin patrolling together as Batman and Robin for the first time. Bruce tries teaching Damian about the sanctity of life, but has trouble relating with his son. Damian begins showing restraint, which Bruce commends, although Alfred still criticizes him for not being supportive enough. Bruce buys Damian a dog named Titus to teach him compassion. They were both targeted by a super-villain named Nobody. They are kidnapped by Nobody, who tries to show Batman that his no-kill methods are ineffective. He encourages Robin's darker side and tries to take him as an apprentice. Robin angrily leaves the Batcave to work with Nobody, who asks him to execute a criminal. Robin reveals that he was lying, and refuses to betray his father. Nobody decides to torture Robin, continuing his personal vendetta against Batman. When Batman discovers their location, he beats Nobody mercilessly. Nobody swears that he will return and kill their friends, so Damian shoots and kills him. Instead of growing angry, Bruce reacts with compassion. When Damian gets out of the hospital, they talk about how difficult it is to adjust from the life of an assassin. Despite their differences, they play with Titus and enjoy spending more time together as father and son.

Bruce and Damian begin working together against his mother Talia, revealed as the head of Leviathan. During a fight in a meat factory, he converts to vegetarianism and adopts a pet named Bat-Cow. He is believed dead when he was shot in the head by an assassin named Goatboy. It was revealed that Talia has created another clone as his replacement, the obedient fully-grown Heretic. Robin is shown to have faked his death, and is confined to the Batcave at Batman's orders. To avoid the bounty on his head, he begins using the name Redbird and switches to a new costume. This allows him to team up with Jason Todd, who is using the Wingman identity. They work together with Batman Incorporated to take down the League of Assassins' top killers. However, Batman tells Damian he has to quit crime-fighting altogether. Bruce reveals that he has seen Damian's future, as told through "Batman in Bethlehem". If Damian does not retire, his actions will lead to a plague that forces the President to nuke Gotham. Batman Incorporated fights Leviathan in the streets, while Damian is forced to stay inside. Alfred Pennyworth gets him a cat to take care of, who he also names Alfred. Damian refuses to stay home while his allies are dying, and Alfred allows him to leave knowing he cannot be stopped.[48] He flies his exo-skeleton into the center of the battle, where Leviathan has taken over Wayne Tower. He neutralizes the child soldiers, and teams up with Dick Grayson to take down the remaining assassins. The Heretic flings Grayson aside, and challenges Damian to a sword-fight. Despite his bravery and refusal to give up, Damian is impaled through the chest and killed.

After various trials and tribulations involving his corpse, mainly revolving around Ra's al Ghul and Apokolips, Batman managed to rescue his son's body and, though using the Omega Sanction infused within a Chaos Crystal shard, brought Damian back to life within the Batcave.

On his 13th birthday Damian is sent a package by his grandfather Ra's al Ghul, which contains a dead Robin. After a meeting with his mother Talia, he discovers that it is a warning from his cousin Mara al Ghul, who has chosen him as her prey as part of an initiation ritual she must undertake in order to properly join the League of Assassins. Mara has been made leader of a group known as the Demon's Fist, which was originally supposed to be lead by Damian but became hers when he chose to leave the league. They too have chosen targets that they must hunt down in order to ascend to the league, Damian descides to collect the other Demon's fist's targets in order to form the new Teen Titans; this includes Starfire, Beast Boy, Raven and Kid Flash.

While searching for a tree for Christmas,  Jonathan Samuel Kent accidentally torched some woodlands near a swamp in Hamilton. He was subsequently rescued by Maya Ducard aka Nobody and Goliath. Jon later awakened in the Batcave and found out that Robin had been keeping him under surveillance for a long time. The two initially did not get along, and the situation was further complicated when Batman and Superman arrived, blaming each other for the conflict.

Powers 

Archery: Damian asserted that his training with the League of Assassins gave him greater mastery of the bow than even Green Arrow.

Artistry: Damian is considered as skilled with a brush as he is with a sword.

Business Management: Trained by his mother and the League of Assassins in the way of controlling a company with an iron grip. Even as a young boy he knows that in business there are wars and even in war there are assassins. Damian is involved with the Wayne Enterprises' board members. He even intimidated the board members by tracking down financial irregularities within the Wayne Enterprises' accounts.

Disguise: Damian has disguised himself as an elderly busdriver and a substitute teacher.

Driving: He learned to drive at the age of five.

Martial Arts: Trained by the League of Assassins, Damian has stated he knows just as many martial arts as Batman and can use them more effectively. This may be a largely overstated comment but one should not ask for verification. Damian may not be physically tough but he knows how to control his weight and has stated that he knows, "one thousand ways to kill a man." Damian's training has made him a formidable hand-to-hand combatant able to defeat or hold his own against multiple opponents, armed opponents or skilled hand-to-hand combatants.

Genius Level Intellect: Damian has inherited a genius IQ from his father.

Mimicry: Damian can imitate anyone's voice and speech patterns perfectly as he imitated Tim Drake's voice in order to gain access to the Batcave.

Peak Human Condition

Pedagogy: He once taught a geology class for a day at Jon Smith's school.

Stealth: Damian was able to sneak into Gotham City and furthermore into the Batcave virtually undetected until he felt necessary. Of all the Robins, Damian may be the one that is the most silent.

Swordsmanship: Damian assaulted both Tim Drake and Bruce Wayne on separate occasions with his sword, apparently the same sword used by Ra's al Ghul. Although Damian no longer uses his sword he may be unmatched with one if armed correctly.

Throwing: Damian is trained by the League of Assassins in shuriken throwing and further trained by Batman in Batarang throwing.

Arrogance: More often than not, Damian believes himself to be better than he is, this has allowed him to underestimate opponents as well as irritate his allies.

Damian has declared himself a vegetarian.

Damian has a strong love for animals. Pets he has owned include Goliath, Bat-Cow, Titus (dog), and Pennyworth (cat).

Verses

tba

[marudny-robot]

Learning a lesson - ch.1

Title: Learning a lesson Fandom: DCU, Batman (Comics) Rating: 16 years old and up Additional notes: Reverse!Batfam AU Summary: Damian Wayne – Son of Batman and Talia Al Ghul; Grandson of Demon's Head – is ten years old when he is send to live with his Father to learn from him. Although his Father's teachings often confuse him (and seem foolish compared to League's training) – Damian will do everything in his power, to prove that he is worthy to be called his Father's Son. There's also Tim Drake, who curses the day he met Damian. Bad luck can't seem to leave him alone, just as much as Bruce Wayne's son. At least, his Mother seems to be more interested in his life, so maybe it's not that bad? Chapter: 1/?

A/N: For those who read my note in June about Tim&Damian fic: I apologize for the wait. To everyone: Enjoy.

Damian was ten when he was send to live with his Father. Don't misunderstand him. It was his dream to meet his Father. To meet the person his Mother always called Beloved, and whom his very hard to please Grandfather respected. To learn from the person he heard such amazing stories about. To show him his abilities, his talents, how he trained, learned and fought only to be worthy to stand with Him, side by side.

Apparently, it was his first mistake.

If Damian could allow himself to be sad… that would be the emotion he felt, after meeting his hero for the first time.

He still couldn't understand how he was allowed to stay in the Manor, despite his Father clearly not being happy with him there. Something about his Mother saying that – yes, he truly is – his Father's Son and his purpose for arriving here. She didn't contacted his Father after this, nor didn't allowed herself to be found. She even didn't allow Damian to contact her. Damian could understand that – his Father was Detective, as his Grandfather called him. He wouldn't be surprised if, by contacting his Mother, Damian would reveal her to him.

Still, living in the Manor with his Father – what was supposed to be his dream – wasn't really… interesting. He wasn't allowed to patrol with his Father, despite clearly being good asset. Even Pennyworth was against the idea of Damian patrolling, or even helping with patrol.

(Damian couldn't understand how his Father was advised by his butler, of all things!)

So, as a true warrior he was taught to be, he didn't give up. He fought for little things. For being able to train his body. For being able to train his mind – especially his detective skills. For being able to train those things under his Father tutelage.

Time went and his Father relented. He could train with his Father. He was showed many things, from how to look for the most concealed clues to how use everything around him to gain advantage in fight. His Father even showed him – in Damian's opinion – rather odd things, like: how to take care of injured or how to gain information from people, without threatening or torturing them. Nevertheless, skills are skills, and only fool don't see advantage in additional knowledge.

Despite Damian's many arguments, his Father never allowed him to patrol during that time. Damian wasn't worried. Soon, he would show his Father his worth. Damian didn't spend all his time on training and polishing his many skills – no matter how he wanted to. His Father insisted (and Pennyworth backed him up!) that he would go to school. And, begrudgingly, he went.

He always did extra work. Didn't allowed his grades to be less then excellent.

Unfortunately, he made his second mistake, by fighting once with other student – it was that idiot's fault, really. Damian just defended his Father's honor (rightfully so!), when that neanderthal called his Father an imbecile. He was really happy to hear bones breaking, to be honest. It's sad, he was stopped before he could inflict more damage. For some reason Father (and Pennyworth – Damian had to remember that apparently that senile servant have some power over his Father) weren't happy with that information. He wasn't beaten, or something worse, as a punishment. He was only lectured and his training time got reduced for a week. It was very light punishment, compared to what he was used to (seeing or receiving), but he wasn't stupid to point that out loud. Still, despite being there no real punishment, Damian saw the effect of his actions. He had lost in his Father's (and Pennyworth's) eyes. Gaining back what he lost was going to be harder work than before, that's for sure.

But he didn't let that crush him. So, he worked harder for his goal.

He started with school. Some classmate told him that questioning authority would bring him only trouble, no matter how wrong it is. So, his Father never had a chance to be called, because Damian never reduced his teachers to crying mess. See? He tried.

&&&

Year passed and Damian learned and got accustomed to his new life. To Gotham, the Manor and it's occupants. But he wouldn't call it acceptable.

During that time, no matter how hard he worked and tried and listened and helped, he couldn't made his Father see his worth. Bruce Wayne spent more time with him,talked with him, trained him and teach him – yes. But there was always some hesitation in his eyes. The lack of trust.

Damian sometimes thought about hating his Father. But it was rare precedence.

Surprisingly, also during that time, he… not started liking, but was thankful for Pennyworth. The old Butler must have started trusting him, that's why he became more helpful lately. Once in a while Damian could see pity in his eyes, but it lasted short. Practically, ended whenever that Old Fool saw Damian watching him. Good. Damian hated pity and was glad, that the Old Man at least tried to hide it. That, he understood. Damian tried too. He could find some respect for him for that.

&&&

The real change happened during his second year in Gotham. It was late March. His Father was working on finding the lair of new gang in the city. Unfortunately, they tried their luck in kidnapping, making the whole case priority for Batman. Damian, after living for year and almost three months with his Father, knew to some point, how that man's thought process went. He was aware, that with such important case, Batman simply couldn't be for all of Gotham, until kids return safe and kidnappers went to prison.

So Damian dared and offered help.

He predicted that answer, but still – it hurt.

Days later, Damian still played the obedient son. He saw his Father working day and night on the case, juggling WE, Batman, his Brucie persona for reporters and still listening to Damian, when he talked about his day or give his thought about some of Batman's cases.

He also saw how his Father slept less and less. How sluggish he became and tired. Pennyworth also saw this and shared Damian's worries.

After a week and a half, he decided to act.

Just as he saw his Father driving away, he turned to Pennyworth and stated:

“I'm going to help him. I'll be back before him.”

He was about to turn back and go for his suit (secretly made for this occasion) and weapons, when he was stopped by Butler's hand on his shoulder. Damian looked at him in question.

Alfred Pennyworth looked at his young charge and sighed sadly. With gesture, told Damian to follow him. They stopped before work table, cluttered with parts and tools. Damian was silent when Alfred opened the drawer and pulled two comm units from it. He activated them for boy to see and then put them both in Damian's hands.

“Second one is as a precaution. Don't take any of them out until you came back. Report to me every half an hour. And please – be safe, Master Damian.”

Damian looked him in the eyes. “I will.” He promised. “But why…?”

“You would go anyway, even if I told you not to. I wanted to make sure you would be able to call for help, if need arises.”

&&&

As promised, Damian tried to not go into dangerous situation too often (But really, it depended on how they would describe dangerous). He could hear his Father talking to Pennyworth over his comm, but he didn't say anything to any of them. He would report to Pennyworth later, on a private line. He didn't want his Father to know where Damian currently is. No. His Father, as well as Batman, was a stubborn man. He wouldn't ask for help, so help had to go to him directly – even if it would be against his direct orders.

Besides, it could always be the chance to show his Father. What were some half-witted thugs for a Trained Warrior like him?

At about hour till the end of his patrol time (0:30 am, as Pennyworth insisted), Damian lazily wandered near the beginning of Crime Alley. Surprisingly, streets were mostly empty – safe for that box full of kittens, abandoned near one street.

It was quite silent here – no small businesses here, no people going in and out of their homes, nor any wandering teenagers or drunks. Not counting noises from homes high above (and there were some windows with lights on), it didn't seem as anyone would notice him.

Damian quickly went to the animals and crouched in front of the box.

There were three black kittens, with white paws and white spots in various places. Damian slowly started to pet one kitten's head with his finger.

They are nice, he thought.

He always wanted a pet. It's not like he didn't have contact with the animals at all (some of Mother's or Grandfather's subject worked with those). It was more that he wasn't allowed to have one. Something about him being too attached and it being used against him.

Ridiculous.

Damian saw people being tortured or even killed by his Grandfather (or by any of his assassins), many times. And he was well aware why some of his teacher suddenly couldn't teach him any more.

He grunted. To think, he was still thought by people as faint-hearted. It greatly annoyed Damian.

His musings were stopped, when he suddenly heard noise far down the street. Damian hid in the alleyway, glancing from behind the building in the direction of the source of the noise.

Five men were walking in Damian's direction. What was worth pointing out, was the fact that two of those men, was considered suspect in the kidnapping case, that Batman was taking care of. Damian smiled, grateful that he decided to hack computer in the Cave, to read his Father's case-notes.

His mood immediately got better.

The men passed Damian without noticing him. Damian waited few more moments, to make a reasonable distance, then started following them.

He left the kittens, promising himself, to look for them the next day.

Damian followed the suspects for about fifteen minutes, hiding in the dark. During his last stop, he hid behind the car – little nearer than he kept his distance. The men stopped before the red-bricked four-storied building. Single light above the front doors, shone on them. They went inside, lighting the way and making it easier for Damian to see where they are going, through the windows. They stopped on the third floor. Not long later, lights went on in the window the most far away from Damian.

Bruce's son looked on the other side of the street. The old gray building had five stories and was almost wide as the red one. He looked up. The roof seemed as the better place to observe.

He almost smiled, thinking how easy today's patrol seemed to be.

Then – Something on the roof caught his attention.

Wait. Damian looked closely at the dark figure above. It was small, and was moving. Standing near the edge of the roof, only shape was clear enough to see. Person? Damian thought. Child perhaps? If yes, then that kid could be potential target.

Damian moved by the shadows to alleyway between buildings. Not choosing metal stairway, for possible noise, he climbed up using windows, balcony or anything giving him advantage. Upon arriving on the roof, he immediately hid in the shadows. Damian didn't go directly to the figure, choosing to circle it from the left. He stopped about five meters from it. Dark figure wasn't now as non-recognizable as before, but it didn't make Damian happy. Child before him didn't saw nor heard him - which was good. But that kid was probably too absorbed in his thought, considering how intensely he gazed low, at the red building. Little fingers were moving along something dark, near kid's chest.

Wait.

Was that child  t a k i n g  p i c t u r e s? Doesn't matter.

Damian silently moved behind the kid, then, when he stood directly behind kid's back, he dragged the kid away from the edge of the roof.

“Wha-!”

“Shhh!” Damian clapped one hand on kid's mouth. “We don't want anyone to look here!” he said silently near kid's ear.

The kid struggled to escape, but Damian was bigger and stronger than him. He easily hold the him in one place.

Damian choose this time to look properly at the kid.

The kid – or rather little boy in his arms, looked about seven or eight years old. Thin – judging by face and hands. With baggy sweater and opened denim jacket on him. Short dark hair. It was hard to decide if the boy was homeless or not.

His musings were stopped, when the boy bit his hand.

“Let me go!” the boy shouted, as soon as Damian took his hand away.

“Don't shout! I work with Batman! I'm here to help!”

Boy stilled in his struggling. Then, slowly, he turned his head to look at Damian.

“I don't believe you. Batman always works alone.” Boy said in tone, as he was telling him, a very  o b v i o u s  fact.

Great. Damian looked slightly annoyed at kid – what is he gonna do now?

“What were you doing here?” Ha asked. “Where are your parents?”

Boy just looked more intensely at Damian (and Damian was very glad in that moment for his concealed eyes).

“I'm not supposed to talk to strangers.” That cheeky-

“Too late.” replied Damian shortly. “Besides, do you know how dangerous is here? There are kidnappers in that building you were looking at. Why were you doing it anyway?”

Kid's face just… blanked for a second. Then he moved his head slightly, in question.

“Are you a kidnapper?” The boy asked. And before Damian had a chance to reply at that absurd- “No, you can't be. You are also a kid. It would be strange for a kid to be a kidnapper.” Boy continued, furrowing his eyebrows. “What are YOU doing here? And how do you know about kidnappers? Are you working for them?! Or maybe-”

“Enough!” Damian stopped him. He turned the boy, so he was standing in front of him, and hold the boy by his shoulders.

“Listen here, now. If you are as smart as you think you are, you should know how stupid you are by being here. As for me - I work with Batman, and I don't care if you believe it or not. It's the truth. Just as well as that there are kidnappers in that building. Now - ” Damian glared at the boy. ”You are going to tell me what were you doing here, who you are and where are your parents. No games. Do. You. Understand?”

“F i n e.” The boy crossed his little arms and scowled. “I'm Alvin. I was taking pictures of that building, 'couse it has cool graffiti on it. My parents aren't home right now. I honestly didn't know there was someone – especially kidnappers there. Happy?”

“No.” Damian sighed. “You are annoying and I don't know what to do with you now.”

“You could leave me here?”

“Unacceptable. Annoying or not – you are a child in very bad place for you, so technically you need my help. Besides…” He paused, as he saw camera hanging on the boy's neck. What's the chance that kid got some good shots of the real kidnappers?  ”– give me you camera.”

“NO!” Alvin hided camera with his arms. “How do I know, you are not a bad guy, huh?”

“How do I know, you aren't hiding very important evidence there! Give it to me!”

“NO!” Damian thought he could easily take camera off Alvin, but the boy was fighting so much, and – as much as thin his patience was getting – he wasn't planning on hurting the kid (even by accident). When he (at least) took it off kid's neck and was holding in his hand, Alvin started to fight even more. Grabbing at his arms, kicking, trying to bite – anything for Damian to release his camera.

They were slowly getting back to roof's edge – the same side Damian was coming by. The fight became more heated (or annoying, in young Wayne's case). When they both could see the staircase below, Damian tried not to push the kid down there – but because of that, he accidentally dropped the camera.

They both stopped, when they heard sudden crash.

“Tt.” Damian commented, while looking down on the fallen object. Alvin looked devastated.

“YOU! You owe me new camera!” Alvin shouted at Damian, pointing his finger accusingly.

“I own you nothing. If you didn't try to take it from me, it wouldn't be destroyed now.” He answered , while going down the same way he came. He hoped that there was still a chance of film being intact.

“You took it from me FIRST!”

“And YOU were acting SUSPICIOUS! Now, go home kid, while I go do my job.” Damian hadn't heard boy's response, nor looked if the boy went or stayed, as he got down to get the remains of destroyed camera.

Tt. He should have stayed with the kittens.

&&&

Next morning, Tim Drake walked in circles in his room, while he was replaying last night situation.

Destroyed camera – while he was sad it happened – he knew it was replaceable. The film – was not.

Tim thanked every god he could remember the name of, that he changed the film before going out. No Batman shots were taken that night – only some landscapes, buildings, birds, cool stuff… and, of course, kidnappers.

(Or, at least, some bad quality shots of their faces and better ones of the building)

It could have gone better.

Hopefully, that strange kid wouldn't be looking for him? Who Tim was kidding – he said he worked for a Batman!

HA! That was a good one!

Tim knew that Batman didn't have any partners. He worked alone, probably to hide his identity (which – Tim strongly suspected – was really Bruce Wayne, or someone working with him).

“Wait.” Tim said aloud to no-one in particular while abruptly stopping. “Doesn't Bruce Wayne have  a son?”

Oh crap. Thought Tim, remembering about soon to be Wayne Gala. If there's a chance that Bruce Wayne's son is the kid from last night, then he will recognize me instantly. And Tim couldn't   s t a y  h o m e  for that one, because his parents wanted him to go. (Saying, he's old enough to not make an embarrassment.) Hopefully, he wouldn't have to meet the kid?

Fat chance. Tim knew what his parents where thinking. Make friends with the Wayne boy – they would  n o t  say -  but surely, will strongly imply.

No - avoidance will not be an option here. Tim had to prepare for the outcome, when the kid will (surely) recognize him.

Don't admit to anything. He said to himself. There's always a chance he won't remember you.

Besides – what if he does? Then what he will say to me? In front of all those people? That he worked for  B a t m a n? That he saw me alone in places where little boys shouldn't be? It will make him look crazy and it's not I, who has to make an impression during that Gala.

Yeah, it may not be that bad. Just make sure there are always some gossiping people near them, if he has to interact with Mr Wayne's son at all.

(And who knows? Maybe he could make younger Wayne pay him for his destroyed camera.)

&&&

Shit. Damian thought as he looked few days later at the developed photographs. Miraculously – film was not destroyed.

(Also, apparently, Pennyworth knew how to chemically develop them – that man surprises him with each day…)

Still – despite the not the best quality of those photos, but still good enough to recognize people in them – it didn't changed the fact, that that kid took those pictures for a reason.

And what reason had that kid, to take photos of the kidnappers?

Many questions popped in Damian's head. Who was that kid really? Why he was there? Why he took those photos? Was he aware what and whom he was taking shots of?

Anyway, he thought annoyed, he had certain Alvin to find.

And he had to find a way to give crucial evidence to his Father – hopefully, without explaining method of acquisition.

&&&

To say, that Bruce was happy, upon given the photographs, was clearly a misunderstanding.

Sure, Batman now had good clues, or even evidence, but he also knew where Damian had been.

How? The envelope containing those photographs addressed to him? For what reason would Bruce Wayne had interest in kidnappers? Not forgetting that Damian was too calm when asked about his thought on this precedence. He sighed.

(He had to remember to teach that boy how to lie. Maybe, as a parent, he should be happy, that he could read him like a book, but Damian would need that skill in the future. Bruce didn't even try to hope otherwise. As a rule, he didn't lie to himself.)

He relaxed in his chair and looked once again at the monitor in the Cave, displaying his report on the current case.

Lost in thought, he started to recall the day (or rather evening, just before patrol), when Damian came to the Manor. It was hard to believe back then – and it still sometimes is – that he has a son. A ten year old boy, who he met – whom he heard about – for the first time, back then.

(Of course, he really started to believe after he did the DNA test. G-d knows how many times various women tried that trick to get a hand on his money. Even Alfred probably doesn't know how many there were!) (Scratch that. Alfred probably knows. And keeps a little notebook with names.)

But going back to that day. Talia. Talia – still beautiful, as the first time he saw her She came to the Manor day later, after Damian, to prove to him that yes, Damian was their son, Beloved. Please, take care of him. (She left next day, without saying goodbye, without saying anything.)

He grunted. Thinking about what happened, won't help him now. He needs to prepare for the future.

Like an upcoming Gala.

The Gala was to be held in three days, and during which he would officially present Damian to the people (or rather higher class) of Gotham. To be honest, Bruce dreaded that day. He didn't want to let those vultures meet his son and wished that those short statements he left year ago to the media would had been enough.

(It's never enough for the media. Still, it was miracle that, after Damian's arrival, the Wayne family had about month to themselves before people started talking.)

Anyway, Bruce thought - it was better to do those things on his terms. That's why a need for hosting a Gala – to minimize surprises, by being in his territory and to tell people! Because Brucie doesn't have secrets! No need to look there when I can tell you most of it! (Especially, when Bruce choose earlier “what” to say on the matter).

Thankfully, Alfred took care of the general preparation. Preparing a ballroom, choosing the menu… Considering that invitation's were send long ago, what was left for Bruce was to seal or hide the various entries to the Cave. Because, unfortunately – drunk, horny and overly curious people have bad habit of going where they shouldn't.

He slowly stood up from the chair. He would better start now, when he has time. Maybe he should ask Damian to help him? Show him where everything is, how to open some of them…

Wait. There was a chance, that his son would interpret it as for asking for help with patrol.

Bruce sighed annoyed, going slowly up the stairs. He still need to talk to him about his last help. He knew what Damian is capable of. He knew how he fights, how he thinks… But still, Bruce was now a parent and he didn't want to harm his ten year old son by taking him with him on patrol! (Doesn't matter, that Damian might have seen worse. Point is: he shouldn't have been exposed to it at all!)

Tt. During all the years of his training, he never learned how to rise a ten year old. He never thought he would even need that knowledge. Unfortunately, it is how it is and Bruce is responsible enough to admit that he simply doesn't know what to do. Maybe parenting books would help him? If they covered chapter on League of Assassins, then  m a y b e.

Maybe Alfred would help him?

Wait. Alfred probably helped Damian with the photographs.

Damn it. He has to look for help somewhere else.

Bruce grunted annoyed once more. Lost in thoughts, he went to the floor where the currently used bedrooms where. When he got there, he slowed in his steps, walking down the corridor to Damian's door.

He didn't have any concrete plan yet, but he had a good idea on what he should do (and what he was working on from the beginning). Building trust.

He knocked on Damian's door.

&&&

It was the night of The Gala.

What that gala make it stood out from the rest, was the fact, that he was to attend.

'Wayne's Heir Gala' was it called by press and public. Damian was simultaneously happy, that – since he started living with his Father – he had time to be away from the public eye (“adjusting” Pennyworth said), and frustrated, that he had to attend one at all.

(He had to stop sulking now. Mother wouldn't like it. No. She would tell him to act as he is supposed to do. Not to embarrass her. Make her proud.)

(…Damian would like for her to also attend. That would be the first event like this without her.)

Pennyworth came, with Damian's cleaned and ironed suit in his wrinkled hand. Damian just nodded, but didn't comment or make any other movement as butler put the clothing on Damian's bed.

“Young Master, your official introduction would be about hour later after the start of the Gala. If you don't want to be there earlier, you don't have to.” said butler.

“That's alright, Pennyworth. I will be there from the start. I'm aware of what is expected from me.” answered Damian, not looking at old butler, as he was picking his suit.

“…If you wish so, Young Master. Know at least, that your Father wouldn't think any less of you if you would choose differently. Now, excuse me – I have to look at preparations.”

Damian didn't looked up from his suit, nor he said anything to retreating butler. What Pennyworth wanted to tell him? That his Father think of him as worthy? Why wouldn't his Father said so, then? Why would he send his staff to tell him that?

His Grandfather usually relayed messages to him by assassins and slaves. When he did it, it was a sign that he wasn't considering Damian as important. Or that he was as important as those, he was given massages by.

…Was his Father doing the same? Then what is with the message itself? Considering, those two… was his Father mocking him? You a r e  important, but not enough to be wanted and needed from the start.

Damian's mood worsened.

Now Pennyworth's offer sounded wonderful. Damian dreaded looking at socialites eyes, seeing their mocking (as his Father's) gaze. He hates being laughed at as much as he hates being seen as stupid child.

True, Damian admitted to himself, I am young and I still have many things to learn.

But I am Son of Talia Al Ghul and Batman! Their Firstborn! I am Grandson of Ra's Al Ghul! I was trained to be Warrior and raised to be the Leader!

He looked at his reflection in the window. Fire burning in his heart, was seen in his eyes. He was angry at world (at his life). He wanted to change it.

He decided.

I will show them all, that I deserve only respect.

&&&

Damian silently allowed old women to pinch his cheeks, younger ones to coo over him (and make other annoying sweet noises) and for all men to make loud comments of “How he looks like you!” “What a bright young man!” and other complimentary ones.

It was annoying, but manageable.

Unfortunately, those events also invited people, who had quite different thing to say.

From the start of the event, Damian stood beside his Father.

As planned before, he left answering questions to him, only thanking people when he was supposed to.

It didn't mean, he liked when people in sickly innocent voice were asking questions.

(No – they weren't asking. They were accusing. Insulting. Pointing fingers at him and his Father, when asking why now? Who's the mother? Where is she? Where is she from? Does he even understands what are we saying?)

(And his Father would give the same answers every time. Gotham wasn't safe for Bruce Wayne's child. He was with his mother's family. She died last year. Beautiful and smart woman. Not from States. I won't say more about her – it's still hurtful bringing her up in conversation, you know? Yes, Damian is fluent in English and two other languages. Did you know he is the best in his class?)

He studied the room lazily. He didn't know most of the people here, but he recognized some kids from the Academy. Not that he was overly enthusiastic to see them during the weekend.

Although it was …little fun to see them squirm in his presence. As their parents dragged them to Damian, urging, saying, commending as parents could “Say hi to your friend”.

Damian was civil –  but he didn't want help those people believe, that their child is anything but the nuisance to him.

Waynes were higher on the Gotham's socialites food chain. It wasn't his job to play friends.

It was hour after his official introduction – two hours since the start of the Gala. His was getting more and more annoyed with every person coming to him and his Father.

(Speaking of his Father – he was in awe, as that man still perfectly fooled everyone with his Brucie act. Hopefully, he could one day learn that Art of Acting and Deception from him.)

Still, everything was slowly getting on Damian's nerves. He entertained himself with studying the room and his occupants, but it also started to get boring. His gaze turned to the buffet table. He WAS getting slightly hungry…

“…Damian?”

He turned abruptly to his Father.

“Damian, those are Janet and Jack Drake. And this is their son – Timothy. Say “hi”, son.

Damian looked from the adults to the boy standing in front of him. He didn't saw him in Gotham Academy, that's for sure. But something was telling him that he knew the kid from somewhere. Drakes' son looked younger then him. Scrawny. With short black hair.

The boy outstretched his hand to the handshake.

“Hello.” he said. And that's when it hit Damian. He knew him.

He completed the handshake. “Hello” Alvin. “Timothy.”

Damian looked at Bruce.

“Father, would you mind if Timothy and I go eat?”

Bruce looked at him, as if Damian just now grown second head. Moment later Brucie laughed loudly and ruffled his hair.

“Of course, champ! We can't let you, boys starving! But remember – nothing alcoholic! You are still too young for that!”

Jack Drake laughed with his Father. His wife smiled shyly at Damian and pushed her son slightly in his direction. Tim didn't have time to say anything, before he was grabbed by Damian and dragged away to the buffet.

Tim's wrist was free, only after the boy's were far away from their parents, standing beside the center of the long buffet table.

Tim massaged his wrist. “What is your problem?” he asked Damian.

“My problem? I don't have a problem!”

Tim rose one eyebrow, while looking at him – then ignored Damian for the chocolate cupcakes near them. Damian grated his teeth.

“Look at me, when I'm talking to you!” he shouted irritated.

“Why are you yelling at me like that?” Tim asked between the bites. Damian grabbed him by the tie, so now their faces were inches apart.

“Stop acting like an imbecile and tell me: what were you doing week ago on that rooftop?”

Damian observed Tim's face. The Drake's boy stilled suddenly, after hearing the question. His eyes wide, greatly portraying the deer in the headlights. Damian, mentally congratulating himself, released the hold on boy's tie.

Timothy calmed down. “I don't know, what you are talking about.” he replied coolly.

That avoidance only angered Damian. “Don't play games with me!” he hissed. “You know perfectly well what I am talking about!”

Tim gave Damian hard stare, then proceeded to take another chocolate cupcake from the tray. Before he had a chance to grab one, his hand was caught by the wrist.

He looked up at Damian's deep green eyes. He could swear, he saw his soon demise in them.

“Look.” Tim whispered. “Do you really want to ask such questions, where everyone can hear? Think. If anyone is listening, then what would people talk about? Me? Some rich kid, or Wayne? You already don't have the best reputation, you know?

Damian, still glaring at Timothy, slowly let go of his wrist. “It isn't the end of our …conversation.”

Tim nodded, biting on the cupcake. “I know…” He replied after swallowing. “…You still owe me the camera, by the way.” Then took another bite, completely focusing on the food before him.

Damian's eyes widened, then – when words sank in – he slowly smirked.

“But I never said anything about the camera.”

Tim stopped mid-bite. “Crap.” He muttered to the cupcake in his hand. As looking for a way out, his gaze wandered everywhere, while avoiding looking at Damian as best as he could. Then – clearly surprised – he looked somewhere far behind Damian.

“What is  t h a t?!” Tim asked aloud, pointing in direction he was looking at.

Damian looked where Tim was pointing, then turned back to the boy – only to see said boy retreating to the dance floor. You fucking–

Before he had a chance to move, Janet Drake was walking in his direction.

And, surprisingly, she was dragging her son with her.

Damian choose this moment to take a breath and control his anger. Because, if that woman thinks, that I hurt her son- No. Anger won't help him. Unfortunately, that brat was right, and Damian's actions here have enormous impact on his Father's good name.

Mrs Drake stood before Damian – tall and imposing. It was complete opposite to her son (who's wrist was still tightly clutched by his mother), who tried to be as less seen as possible. Especially by Damian.

Janet crouched to Damian's height. Her lips formed in tight smile, as if she wasn't happy to have any apparent conversation they were about to. Her icy blue eyes were different story. She was looking at him from head to toes, observing Damian, as one would observe some kind of rare creature.

“Hello Damian” she said aloud, then – while looking the boy in the eyes – whispering, she added: “You look just like Talia.”

Damian's eyes widened in surprise then immediately narrowed. Janet stood up. “I believe, you would be capable of looking out for my son. Am I wrong?” Without waiting for Damian's answer, she addressed Tim, while letting go of his wrist. She started to slowly brush her son's hair with her hand. “Don't be too hard on him Timothy.”

Tim – while not used to this acts of affection – didn't stop his Mother. He looked up to her and dared to smile shyly.

“I won't be, Mother.”

Janet returned the smile with her special one. That one with too pointed teeth and mocking gaze, which she reserved when something went exactly according to her plan.

(It was also the only kind of real smile Tim saw her do.)

“Good. I'm going to your Father. Play nice, boys.”

She walked away, toward center of the room, where her husband were talking with Bruce Wayne. Damian observed her, until she vanished between other people.

He didn't like this. That woman seemed to be bigger threat than her son. He would have to get some information on her. Contacting his Mother may be a problem – at least, until he finds secure way to do so. For the rest of the Gala, thought, he had to not look suspicious.

“Come with me.” He said, grabbing Tim by the arm. For now, he will ensure Timothy would be far away from places he shouldn't be.