Archive of Our Own ^beta

Damian sat on his bed cross legged. His laptop was perched on his legs as he absently pet Alfred, who was snuggled against his side. The tuxedo cat normally tried to hop into his lap when he was on his computer. It seemed his animal companion was too tired tonight. Too comfortable. Something Damian was not at the moment. It was utterly embarrassing that he needed to stoop to this level. He hadn’t pressed the button yet, and the words started at him from the screen. ‘How to be a good little brother’. Taking a shaky breath, he clicked it. The screen flashed as the website returned a plethora of results. 

He frowned. 

Most of them were not what he was looking for. He was seeking guidance on how to be a younger brother, not an older one. Some of the advice has hidden beneath pay walls too. How greedy of them, hiding potentially valuable information. Was laying out how to be a good sibling worthy of such protection? The news, perhaps. He found a site, wikihow. It was dedicated to explaining all things. Including how to be a good brother. It did not specify a younger brother, but he would have to accept it. There was also a related link on how to be a good big sibling. As there had been such slim pickings in the search engine results, he would reluctantly accept it. 

Damian had to admit to himself that he needed as much assistance and guidance as possible. When he had lived with mother, he had been an only child. All of her love and care was focused on him. With father, he had to share. He also needed to get along with the others and develop relationships with them. Not needed. Wanted. It was something he wanted. He had watched out of the corner of his eye as Todd had ruffled Drake’s hair. Or how Cain easily hugged Richard. They were totally at ease with each other. Yet all of them, save the eldest, would tense when he came near.

They were not wrong to do so. 

Damian had not endeared himself to his siblings. 

That was why he was going to change. He would garner their support and affection. He would be an incredible little brother, as he did well in anything he put his mind to! 

His confidence began to dissipate upon reading through the articles. They were surface level, with basic, almost trivial knowledge. This couldn’t be right! Huffing, he closed his laptop and got off the bed. Alfred looked up sleepily, displeased that his owner was leaving his side. 

“I will be back, I must consult your namesake.” 

The cat could not understand him, but it soothed him to know that he had not left his pet without informing them of where he was headed. Pennyworth was in the dining room, dusting the fine china and crystal that was housed in the ornate oak china cabinet. 

“Is there something you needed, Master Damian?” Pennyworth asked without turning around. Nothing escaped Pennyworth’s all seeing eye. 

“I have a query. When Todd arrived at the manor, how long did it take for Richard and Todd to get along and behave like siblings?” Pennyworth paused and put down the microfiber cloth. 

“Master Jason and Master Dick did not get along well at first. It took some time. Perhaps a few months before Master Dick was teaching Master Jason gymnastics and other tricks.” 

A few months. That could be anywhere from three to six months. That was just between Richard and Todd, Damian had other siblings as well. 

“How was it for the rest of my siblings? Did they become close quickly?” He hoped not. He hoped he wasn’t the only one that struggled to connect. 

“Master Dick got along well with Master Tim and Miss Cassandra quickly. Almost immediately. Master Tim and Miss Cassandra developed a relationship fast too. Why are you asking, Master Damian?” 

Pennyworth was kind. He had helped Damian in the past. He could trust the man. No, he should be able to. Damian was trying to change his way of thinking, but it was hard. He’d only known what his mother and grandfather had taught him. It had taken coming here, to Gotham and to Wayne Manor before he had begun to learn differently. 

“I want that kind of relationship. I want them to see me as their little brother,” he confided. “What I have found online seems… simple. Plebian. I am aware that I have not behaved the best in the past. I merely… wish to have what they have with each other.” 

Sorrow flashed briefly across Pennyworth’s face before it smoothed to a kinder, softer look. His knees creaking with their age, Pennyworth kneeled next to him, putting his hand on Damian’s shoulder. 

“Spend time with them. Show them you care. Listen to them. Do things that they like with them. That is my advice, lad.”

It was similar to the advice he had read online, but it was more believable and comforting coming from the older butler. Damian nodded slightly before returning to his bedroom with Alfred the cat. There was much he needed to think about and he needed to plan his attempts to get in his elder sibling’s good graces. 

Richard should be the easiest to connect to. They already had a rapport, since he had been Damian’s Batman for a while. It had been Richard who had worked hard to slowly chip away at the brainwashing and misguided thinking of his maternal family. As such, it had been rather simple to request Richard to come to the manor. Damian had not divulged yet exactly why he wanted his eldest brother here. He would have to do so soon. This was something he desired, yet it was still so difficult to voice it. It was stuck in his throat. 

“Ri- Brother. Can you teach me how to fly on the trapeze as you do?” 

Richard froze, mid conversation about some of his recent exploits in Bludhaven. Damian felt his cheeks begin to burn. Was his simple request that out of character for him? He was trying to change though! To be a better person than he once was! To be… to be worthy of the title brother. Little brother. It was something Richard had referred to him before, but not often. Was that perhaps the is-? 

“Dami! Of course! Let’s go!” 

He barely had any time to react as he was picked up and held against Richard’s chest like a small child. He was eleven! He wasn’t a toddler! 

“Richard!” He sputtered. “Put me down!” 

“Nope!” Richard crowed happily, carrying him towards the indoor gym. “You called me brother and want to learn about the trapeze, so we’re doing it now! We need to do it before you change your mind.”

“I wouldn’t change my mind!” He protested. 

It was undignified to be carried like this, however Richard was pleased by it. Should he relent for now? It wasn’t uncomfortable. It was rather nice to be held close like this. To be held by his brother. It was not as if others were watching. Yes, it would be fine. 

His brother brought them into the gymnasium and both of them changed into loose workout clothes. They practiced the basics of a dismount and how one would create the firm hold that was imperative to dangle from another’s arms. Richard was far more exuberant than usual. His pattern of speech had changed slightly as well, using the term Damian had been looking for. 

Brother.

“Dami! Come on, little brother!” 

“Yes! That’s my little brother!”

It was a bit much, but that was Richard. It made him feel light, far lighter than he had before. Something loosened in his chest, and Damian felt more at ease. Flying through the air on patrol was just something they did, but now, hanging from Richard’s grip and swinging back and forth, a net protecting him down below, Damian felt free. Like he could fly. He understood why Richard loved this so much. The freedom of it all was intoxicating. 

It made Damian feel bold, like he could do anything. Hence why he asked Richard if he could try cereal. He did not do it shyly, like his brother claimed! Damian asked with dignity and in a normal manor. He wasn’t shy! Richard put him on his shoulders on the way to the kitchen for a post workout snack. Damian was counting it as a work out. He was unused to being on someone’s shoulders. While he felt incredibly tall, his position was somewhat wobbly. He had nothing to fear, as Richard held onto his legs tightly. 

His elder brother confided to him that he hid his sugary cereal in the uppermost cabinets, the ones that would require Pennyworth to get a stepladder. These cabinets contained items that were not used often, such as the pan to cook a turkey in. Not that Pennyworth cooked anymore after he’d procured Jerry. It would be far too cruel to eat one of Jerry’s brethren. 

Once he’d grabbed the box, Richard set him down, explaining how it was important to have a good ratio between milk and cereal so that it did not become soggy too soon. Personally, Damian didn’t think it was that important, however Richard was the expert. It was slightly unnerving to eat his first bite under his brother’s watchful eye. He knew Richard was excited for his reaction, but Damian was unused to someone staring intently at him while he ate. It was… far too sweet, but he could understand the desire to consume something with a crunch in the morning. A piece of toast would be far more suitable though. 

“Well? What’d you think?” 

Oh no. Richard would want him to sing its praises, but it was merely passable. 

“It is edible.” Should he add more to his review? “The crunch is nice.” 

Richard laughed, taking the bowl from him and starting to eat it himself.

“Thanks for trying it, baby bat. You’re a good little brother. Why don’t you get an apple and some peanut butter? I know you love that.” 

It warmed Damian’s heart once more to be called a sweet nickname and to be referred to as a good little brother. He wasn’t just a normal one, he was good . They ate their snacks and talked before spending the rest of the afternoon and evening together before patrolling beside each other as Nightwing and Robin. When he fell asleep that night, Damian felt content, knowing that he had been accepted by at least one of his siblings. 

It was difficult to get alone time with Todd. 

That was why Damian was utilizing this method: breaking into Todd’s apartment. He’d have to hope that Todd’s desire to have a family would prevent him from kicking him out. Or that he looked comfortable enough that Todd would not have the heart to move him. Todd would often refuse to move when Alfred the cat used him as a seat. Richard called Damian cute and sweet often, despite his surly attitude and katana. That made him similar enough to a cat, did it not? 

Nonetheless, he was here in the apartment minutes after Todd had left to go to the grocery store. Damian perused the shelves. Would it be too heavy handed to choose Pride and Prejudice, Todd’s favorite book? Or should he pick a less well known option as Emma or Persuasion? He doubted Todd was often able to converse with others about those. Yes, he’d pick Persuasion. 

Damian grabbed the blanket that was fouled neatly on top of the couch and wrapped himself in it and began to read. The prose was good. It began with heartbreak between two young people. The theme of status was not new. From Todd’s rants about his favorite book, class status and love were common in Austen’s works. It was interesting, but being wrapped up in a soft blanket that smelled faintly of sandalwood and gunpowder - Todd’s scent - caused him to doze off. He came back to awareness, hearing rustling from the room. 

Damian sat up, his hair sticking up at odd angles. Todd, who was in the kitchen unpacking groceries, raised an eyebrow. 

“Did’ja have a nice nap, Demon Brat?”

“It was unexpected but clearly needed.”

“Good. Then you can get out.” 

“And if I wish to stay?” 

Todd didn’t have an answer for that, so Damian looked for the book, Persuasion. 

“It’s on the coffee table. It fell when you passed out. Don’t drop my books again,” Todd told him gruffly. 

So it was. He grabbed it and then returned to his comfortable position nestled inside the blanket. Once Todd finished putting all of the groceries into the fridge he came over and sat down on the other end of the couch and turned on some baking cooking show. There was someone named Merry Berry, which was a peculiar name as it rhymed. Todd did not come any closer to him, merely sat there. Should he approach? If it was Richard, he could have already pulled Damian over to cuddle him. Todd was not Richard. Damian did not think he would appreciate sudden hugs and snuggles. It was also not Damian’s style to initiate such a thing. He was doing his best to change. To be a better sibling. 

Hesitantly, Damian set the book back on the coffee table. Todd turned to look at him. 

“Didn’t like it?”

“No. Not that. It was interesting.” This was his chance to talk with Todd about Jane Austen! “I did not get very far, but what I did read matches thematically from what I know of her other work. Pride and Prejudice also contains the major theme of love spanning across social class, does it not?” Todd looked surprised, pleasantly so, as the edge of one side of his lips moved upward. 

“Huh. Keep reading, kid. They’re different, but you’re not wrong.”

“Did you not want to talk about Jane Austen?” 

This... this was what the guide had said. Participate in things your sibling liked and connect with them. Did Todd not desire to do that with him? He had let Damian sleep and had not removed him from his apartment, so there must be some affection for him buried in Todd’s heart. Right? Or was he being foolish?

“Do you? You don’t seem ‘ta be the type,” Todd countered. Damian and Todd held each other’s gaze until Damian sighed and looked away. Honesty was preferred by father and his siblings. 

“It is not my favorite. I do not mind reading it. It was entertaining. I simply… wished to have more to speak with you about, brother.” 

Todd did not move. 

Ah. 

It seemed that he had failed already. 

Damian had more of a repertoire with Todd than he did with Cain or Drake. Todd was supposed to be the second easiest to connect with. To have acknowledge him as a brother. This hurt more than he’d expected, as he blinked trying to hold back tears. Todd sighed, rubbing his hand over his face before turning back to look at Damian. 

“Look. You don’t need to read Jane Austen to hang out with me. It’s nice of ya, but you don’t need to,” Todd turned off the TV and got up, holding out a hand to Damian. “Come one, let’s do somethin’ I’m sure you’ll love. We’ll make some pasta, or a stew, or somethin’ and you can show off your knife skills. How ‘bout that?”

Damian took the offered hand, hope alighting anew. Jason led him to the kitchen, pulling out a variety of vegetables. Cucumber, tomato, bell peppers, red onion, and more. Jason directed him on how to make an appealing salad and how to make garlic bread as pasta boiled in the water on the stove. There was not much room in the kitchen, and it was nice being close to his brother. It was fascinating to see how cooking could relate to their nightlife. Jason had incredible timing and needed to be prepared at all of the different stages and had Damian cleaning the dishes as they went. That way the sink was free to drain the pasta. The timer for the garlic bread went off just after the pasta was drained. 

Jason stirred the marinara sauce that was on the stove quickly before explaining to Damian his simple recipe for a very light vinaigrette that did not take away from the taste of the salad and vegetables within it. Three parts water, two parts white vinegar, and one part oil along with a half teaspoon of salt and pepper was the secret. Once mixed together, it was then poured in the salad bowl and tossed, covering the romaine and spinach leaves evenly before the bell peppers, red onion, tomato, and cucumber were added. It was a hearty meal, for having been prepared so quickly. Jason lamented on using marinara from a jar, but stated that he’d show Damian how to make a proper vegetarian marinara sauce one day. It was Jason’s final words on the matter that made Damian’s day. 

“No brother of mine, who actually has cooking skills, is gonna go through life not knowing how to make marinara sauce! It’s a basic life skill!” 

Yes, this bonding experience had been a success and he was looking forward to learning more from Jason regarding cooking and the kitchen in the future. 

Pennyworth was delighted to take Damian to a showing of the Gotham ballet and procure tickets for him. Damian was tempted to call Jon and ask him to come with, but ultimately decided against it. If he was to show his sincerity, he needed to go alone, that way it was clear it had been his intention to come and he had not been dragged here by another. He was the youngest one at the performance and many stared at him. Damian had purchased a bouquet of flowers to give to Cain after the performance to congratulate her. 

The ballet was the Nutcracker, one that would surely bring many to view it as it was one of, if not the most recognizable ballets in the world. Cain was one of the background dancers, showing up in a multitude of costumes throughout the performance. During the intermission, he saw Cain’s head peek out from behind the curtain and wave at him before she was pulled away by her coworkers. She had seen him, which was good. Had she seen the flowers? Damian had wanted them to be a surprise, but there was nothing he could do if she had already spotted them. 

The remainder of the show was good. He enjoyed it more than he thought he would. Damian hung back after the performance, expecting that Cain would come find him. She did, coming down with her hair still up and her make up on, but now in a pair of leggings and a faded Wayne Enterprise T-Shirt. 

Damian approached her and held out the flowers. She took them with a smile. Cain didn’t always speak, only doing so when comfortable. He knew sign language and if she was not feeling up for it, he could guess what she meant or wanted based on her body language. His interpretations were nowhere near as accurate as Cain’s skills, but it would do in a pinch. 

“Congratulations, sister. It was a lovely performance.”  

She took the flowers, smiling widely and then pulled him into a hug. He was surprised, but allowed himself to relax and embrace Cassandra back. She pressed a kiss to the top of his head, to his utter shock, pulling back with an embarrassed blush. How else was he supposed to react to that? She had never done that before, and the only people who had were Mother and Richard, though it happened rarely. 

“Little brother,” she said kindly, grabbing his hand and leading him backstage. 

He didn’t resist the instinct to stay close to her and the other dancers came closer and crowded around them. 

“This is your little brother, right Cass?” 

“Oh, he’s so cute!” 

“Awww, look, he’s shy!” 

He was not shy! Damian glared at them, yet it only made them coo and fawn over him more. He stuck to Cassandra’s side like glue. Cassandra was happy with the praise and attention Damian was getting, smiling. Why would she be this happy that he’d come?

“Yes. Damian is my brother,” Cassandra told her coworkers. 

“When are your other brothers going to visit, Cass?” 

“Yeah, your dad and some of your friends have come, but I don’t think any of your brothers have come before.” 

“Damian is first,” she replied. 

He was? He’d assumed that Richard would have been, considering how he tried his best to support all of his siblings. Damian was aware that Richard couldn’t attend everything, as he did have his own life and his own city to protect. It made him feel special, that he was the first of Cassandra’s brothers to come to one of her ballet performances. It was also something that would have to change. He’d get Richard and Jason to come. They should give their sister’s job their patronage! Father too. He would likely enjoy going, more to support his daughter than to see the performance. Perhaps they could get a box and all come as a family. That was perhaps a bit far-fetched and aspirational, but it was a pleasant day dream. No one could fault him for that. 

“Do you like ballet, Damian?” One of Cassandra’s coworkers asked him. 

“It is a beautiful and unique style of dance,” he replied. They giggled. 

“Has Cass taught you any ballet moves Damian?” Another asked. Cassandra was putting her items in her back, getting ready to leave the theater. 

“She has not, but I have also not let her know I am interested. I would like to learn a few moves, should she be amendable to teaching me.” 

“What a little gentleman.” 

“He’s such a posh little guy.”

“Yeah, I love the slight British accent that he has. It’s so cute.” 

Damian could really do without them talking as if he wasn’t here and all of… their praise. It wasn’t that he disliked praise, it felt strange to be given such compliments for existing. For his mere presence. Cassandra should be finished getting her items soon, and then they could leave these annoying people behind. 

Thankfully, she tapped his shoulder but a moment later and helped usher him out from backstage. His sister had driven here, so he got in the passenger seat of the car. 

“Don’t have to learn,” she told him after they pulled out of the parking lot. There was only one thing he could think of that she was referring to. 

“I want to. I have learned gymnastics from Richard. Jason and I practice marksmanship. I wish to spend more time with you.” He felt slightly uncomfortable voicing that, but it was the truth.

“Then tomorrow. You will learn tomorrow.” It was a weekend, so the next day he would be free from school. 

“Good. I am happy to hear that.” She laughed softly, glancing over at him while she drove. 

“Cute little brother.” 

As she stated, the next day, early in the morning, Cassandra was testing his flexibility and strength. Once she finished testing him, she began to direct him, mostly through demonstrating and moving his body into position. It was an enjoyable morning. She was going to teach him whenever she was in town, and he promised to get more of their siblings to come to her performances. Overall, Damian felt like he’s been successful at developing his familial relationship with his sister. 

Drake was difficult to speak to. Damian usually only saw him when they were in the cave before or after patrol. Drake completed his own work and then often worked on cold cases. It was admirable, how he did so much to assist them in ridding Gotham of organized crime and the Rogues, who were often called villains or super villains. Although they were human and could not save everyone, Drake attempted to give as many as possible closure. It was noble of him. Thus, Damian was hoping to spend time with Drake by providing support and assisting with the cases. 

“Drake. You cannot sit here all night working on these.” There. He had begun the conversation. 

“I’m not going to sit here all night, Gremlin. I just try to knock out around ten to fifteen a night. Then I go to bed,” Drake countered tightly. 

“At that rate it will take you years to solve all of them.” Why was Drake gritting his teeth? There was no need for that! “Therefore I will assist you. It would be best if all of these were taken care of before I become Batman.” 

Drake whirled around in his seat with a scowl on his face. He had to resist the urge to move away from his sibling. 

“I don’t need your help. You’ll just mess everything up,” Drake bit out, fire in his eyes. Damian narrowed his eyes. 

“Yes, you do. You will get to bed sooner and sleep longer if I assist you.” The chair creaked ominously as Drake gripped the chair harder, looking ready to spar with Damian at a moment’s notice. 

Really!

Why was Drake so angry? He was offering his time and assistance! Damian just wanted to spend time together! That’s what all of the online guides recommended! He had yet to observe what Drake’s hobbies and likes were, as the teenager was always neck deep in cases! How could he concoct the perfect way to show that he wanted to have a sibling bond not knowing what Drake liked? It would be cheating if he asked Richard, Jason, or Cassandra. This was something Damian needed to do on his own. He was the one who had severely damaged his relationships with his siblings, albeit unknowingly due to the brainwashing from his Mother and Grandfather, so he needed to be the one to put in the effort to fix it. However, the others had all met Damian where he was at! 

Why couldn’t Drake?

Damian didn’t get a chance to continue the conversation as he was picked up by Jason and rather unceremoniously thrown over the large man’s shoulder. 

“Come on brat. Bed time.” Damian began pounding on his brother’s back, though not with his full strength. He did not wish to harm Jason. 

“Jason! Put me down! I do not have a bed time!”

“Sorry baby bird, he’s a little cranky. You’ll be up soon, yeah?” Jason completely ignored his caterwauling. Drake relaxed at Jason’s words, rubbing his hand over his face. 

“Yeah… yeah, like I said, once I finish fifteen of them. I have eight already done for the night, so I’m over halfway.” 

Damian gave up struggling once they were in the elevator. Jason had far too strong of a grip on him, so he let his form hang limply, limbs swaying as his brother walked through the manor. This was utterly humiliating. His breath left his lungs as Jason deposited him on his bed. His elder brother looked at him, his hands on his hips. 

“I know what you’re trying to do, kid. But cornering Tim after patrol when he’s tired as hell? Nah, that’s not gonna work. You two are just going to fight. First with words, then y’ll be punching each other’s lights out.” 

“It was… not progressing as I’d hoped, but we were talking!” he argued. 

“Is talking all ya really want? Or do you want to call him brother? Call him ‘Timothy’ like ya call me Jason and Dick Richard. You want to go to a first name basis, yeah? Not a last name one?” He fidgeted on the bed. 

“That is the ultimate goal, yes.”

“Well, the way you’re goin’ about it, you’ll win the battle but lose the war. Tim likes skateboarding and he likes photography. With how much bein’ Red Robin takes over his life, he only skates with Kon, so that’s out. Try the photography route. The lil’ stalker’ll always love his photos.” 

Stalker was clearly a word with a negative connotation, but Jason said it so fondly. Would Drake prefer to stalk Damian? Would that make his brother happy? Would that let Damian be able to sit next to him on the couch? And patrol with him without it being ordered by Father? He had much to think about. 

“‘Ight. Brush your teeth, do all that crap, and then go ta bed!”

Damian had no ideas for how he was going to entice Drake into stalking him. Thus, that idea went into the bin. While it irked him to accept advice from Jason on how to connect with Drake, he had to admit he needed it. Photography. The obvious answer to that was to use his own knowledge of art and discuss that with Drake. Yet… Damian had never seen Drake’s photography equipment? If he even had any. Which led to him sneaking into Drake’s room at the manor. It had not changed much since the last time he’d been in here, setting up traps for an unsuspecting Drake. 

He shook his head. 

No, that was not why he was here. He was here to find the items related to photography as well as any prints Drake had. If he had a better idea of the subjects Drake liked to photograph, then he could plan their bonding outing better. Inside the closet, near the back was where he struck gold. There were two skateboards along with camera carrying cases. He opened the first and was immediately impressed by the size of the lens. Admittedly, he did not know much about cameras and photography. If Drake wanted to explain it to him, he would happily listen to it. It surprisingly had some battery life left, despite however long it had been since it had been used. 

Damian began flipping through the pictures. There were images of the Titans in civilian attire. San Francisco. Then… there were a large amount of night shots of Gotham. It took him a moment to realize that he was looking at an image of Nightwing flipping as he jumped from building to building. It captured his eldest brother’s grace and fluidity perfectly. Intrigued, he kept looking. There was Jason, perched on his favorite gargoyle and staring out over the city. Brown and Cassandra eating ice cream on top of a BatBurger. Father as he crouched in the puddles on a slowly drying street, bagging evidence. On and on it went. Had this perhaps been the kind of stalking Jason had been referring to? No wonder he had sounded fond. These images captured them in their nightlife, yes. However, there was a beauty to it. Richard’s gymnastic prowess. Jason’s protectiveness. Cassandra’s joy. Father’s brilliant detective work. 

All of them were captured artistically in the shots. 

Except for him. 

Damian had spotted himself a few times in the images. His form was always blurred and secondary to the true subject of the image. It stung. He deserved it. Damian had not been kind to Drake when he had first arrived. He had attempted to commit fratricide against Drake multiple times before he’d realized it was not acceptable. It was not normal to desire to do that. As he learned more and more about Gotham and the culture of the United States, he came to realize that the abuse and torment he had suffered under to become excellent in killing was wrong. 

That killing was wrong. 

He was partially to blame, as he had been the one to cut Drake’s line and place traps in his bedroom. Yet he was not fully, due to his twisted view on the world that Richard and Pennyworth had painstakingly untwisted and corrected. Father had assisted as well, but Damian would credit his brother and the beloved family butler for doing the lion’s share of the work. 

“What are you doing?” hissed an angry voice from behind him. 

Damian spun around, still holding the camera in his hands. He had been caught. There was no use lying. That was also something he was working on, being truthful. He straightened his spine. 

“I am looking at your pictures. They are very artistic.” A compliment should help quell Drake’s anger towards him. 

Or not. 

Drake took the camera and was looking it over, checking that it was not damaged. He huffed. He was trying to get into Drake’s good graces! He would not purposely damage the delicate equipment! Drake clearly did not understand that. They kept miscommunicating somehow, and Damian wasn’t sure what to do. He wasn’t sure how he could fix that. Why was it so difficult to connect with Drake? Was the damage severe? Was it possible that he could never gain that brotherly relationship that he wanted?

“I didn’t damage it.” Drake’s eyes narrowed at him. 

“Right. Get out of my room. You’re not supposed to be in here. Why are you in here?” 

“I was looking for your camera. Jason mentioned you had one.” 

“Jason? Since when do you - Nevermind. Why do you need a camera? Aren’t the ones on your suit or your phone good enough?” There was still so much suspicion in Drake’s tone. 

If Damian revealed his true intentions, it might allow him to connect with Drake. Or it could ensure that his brother never let him in. It was a gamble. He normally did not like to risk such things, but not having an adequate explanation could also seriously jeopardize his relationship with Drake. 

“I do not need it for a case. You do photography, albeit rarely. That is a form of art. I draw and paint, which is also art. I have… been looking for ways to connect with you. I was not expecting to be caught.” Drake smiled sharply. 

“You’ve seen it. Now leave.” 

Panic and desperation welled up within him. 

“Wait! Do you not wish to talk about art?” 

“No. Get out.” 

Drake attempted to usher Damian out of the room. He dug his heels in, but it was not enough to prevent himself from being kicked out. He turned around and grabbed Drake’s arm before the door could be closed. 

“Do you not wish to be brothers with me?”

“Why would I want to be brothers with someone who tried to kill me?” 

Ice poured through his veins. Oh. He’d - Right - Damian gulped and steeled himself. This was his last ditch attempt. At least for today, possibly for a few months or years, depending on how this went. 

“I apologize. I was under the incorrect assumption that I needed to kill you to take your place, to prove myself as Father’s heir and take the mantle of Robin. I was given incorrect information by my mother. She… poisoned me against you. Similar to how she did for Jason against you and Father. It does not excuse my actions, but I hope you can grant me some grace due to that. I repeat.”

“I am sorry for trying to kill you.” 

Drake’s emotions warred across his face. Butterflies fluttered uselessly in Damian’s stomach. A decision must have been reached, as Drake removed his arm from Damian’s grip and slammed the door in his face. Numbly, he heard Drake sink to the floor. That… That had gone poorly. 

Eyes stinging with unshed tears, he ran through the halls. Alfred. He needed Alfred. Batcow too. Damian procured the protesting tuxedo cat from the library and ran to the stall that Batcow called home. She was chewing her cud, laying down in the fresh bed of straw he’d given her this morning. Her ears perked up upon seeing him, letting Damian burrow into her side with no complaint. The cat did though. Alfred was not pleased with having been carried through the manor while Damian was running, squirming and struggling to get out of Damian’s grip. 

He let the cat go, knowing he would be back. 

Here, alone with his animals, Damian could let himself cry. They would not judge him for his tears. They would not call him weak. It took only twenty minutes before Alfred was asking to lay in Damian’s lap, his head butting against Damian’s arms. Absent-mindedly, he pet the feline, his tears long having dried up, but surely leaving streaks on his face. 

“Damian.” He stilled, hearing Drake’s voice. 

The teen opened the stall and approached. Batcow shifted slightly, unsure of this human who rarely, if ever, visited her. Damian hid his face in her rough, scratchy hide. Drake sat down in the straw. This was humiliating. He was fine if his animals saw him, but not others. Not those who weren’t his family! And Drake… Drake didn’t want to be his brother. He’d made that clear enough. 

“I um.” Drake began, “I accept your apology.” 

Wonderful. 

That didn’t make him feel better.

“It’s… I thought it over. I think about things. A lot. Probably over analyze what people do. Occam’s razor, in a sense. The simplest answer is the best one. Which was the one you were telling me.” 

His hand touched Damian’s back. His hurting heart was slowly filling with hope. He raised his head and looked at his brother. It took him a moment, as the words kept getting stuck in his throat. 

“Timothy… is there any hope of us being brothers?” There was more he needed to ask, but he could not bring himself to. 

“There’s hope. We’re not… the best at talking. Or understanding each other. Um. Did you still want to talk about art? And photography?” 

He could see the words for what they were. An olive branch. Damian sniffed and rubbed his eyes and cheeks. He did not want any traces of his tears to remain. 

“Yes, Timothy. I would like to discuss art. There are a variety of basic principles one must learn when it comes to drawing. I am assuming that lighting and shading and value are concepts that you must know for photography. Perspective as well. However, I am not sure if there are differences in how one implements those concepts in photography. Could you elaborate?”

“Well. For photography, you can manipulate your lighting and shading to an extent when you’re outside. It’s obviously easier inside. Have you seen those umbrella things? I don’t have …”

Damian was pondering. There had been some discussion between his peers in regards to sleepovers and family outings. He couldn’t remember either of those things happening with his family. They had done a movie night before. Timothy had fallen asleep less than ten minutes in and Jason got very heated when the female lead fell for the subpar male lead. The character was far too possessive and the couple was destined for a break up. While he might agree with Jason, that did not mean he believed in berating the screen and destroying the experience for the others. Similarly, they had participated in a game night that had unceremoniously ended when there was a breakout at Arkham. 

He wanted a family outing. It was selfish of him to want one, to have something to boast about the next Monday when he returned from school. Pennyworth would surely help him plan one. The question though was what should they do. Swimming was out of the question. Jason would not feel comfortable with that. While a picnic was nice in theory, there was a high likelihood it would rain on them. Gotham was not known for its sunny days and clear nights. Quite the opposite in fact. 

What should they do? 

Getting up from his desk, he left to find Pennyworth in the kitchen. He would not be able to adequately concentrate on his homework until he procured advice from his grandfather the butler. Vegetable scraps were simmering in a massive stock pot while Pennyworth expertly layered slices of eggplant, zucchini, and squash. It looked as though Ratatouille was for dinner that night. 

“Pennyworth. I require your advice.” 

“Greetings Master Damian. Do speak up, I didn’t hear you announce yourself.” Ah. He had not knocked nor greeted Pennyworth in a satisfactory fashion. 

“Hello Pennyworth. Dinner smells lovely. Would you like some help?” 

“Why thank you Master Damian. How kind. The vegetable stock could be stirred. Other than that, there is nothing for you to do. Now, what can I help you with?” Damian stood on his tip toes, stirring the stock as it slowly boiled. He could not wait until he hit his growth spurt. 

“I wish to plan a family outing with my siblings and my father. You are invited as well, of course. However, I am unsure of what kind of outing would be suitable for everyone,” he confessed. 

“Hmm. Sometimes, it is best to plan things based on your likes or things you think will be enjoyed by the majority of people. You cannot appease everyone, and if they wish to spend time with you, even if it is not the most interesting thing in the world for them, they will come anyway. However, I do have a suggestion that should be acceptable for everyone. Have you watched The Gray Ghost? Master Bruce enjoyed it growing up, and it was something he watched with Masters Dick and Jason. Yourself, Master Tim, and Miss Cass have not watched it, but I believe it would pique all of your interest.” 

“I have not watched it. I believe I have heard it mentioned once or twice before. I am a bit unsure, as a previous movie night did not go well, in my opinion. Timothy fell asleep and Jason yelled at the feature.” 

“It is an older detective show. As each episode is approximately twenty minutes, due to the remaining time of the thirty minute run was taken by ads. Master Bruce has the boxed set. As they are not that long, It should be feasible for you all to watch an episode after returning from patrol,” Pennyworth suggested. With all of the vegetables laid out perfectly, the man opened the oven and slid it in, setting a timer. 

“Yes, that would work. I will see if everyone is available to stay later on Saturday evening to watch an episode of The Grey Ghost. Thank you, Pennyworth. As always, your counsel is invaluable.” Damian pulled out his phone and began to compose a message in the family chat. 

“You are most welcome, Master Damian. I will ensure appropriate snacks are available.”

It was time.

They had all agreed to watch an episode with him after patrol. It had luckily been a relatively quiet night. Timothy and Cassandra had been on a stakeout, however nothing had been seen yet at the property they were watching. Father and Damian had been tracing some globs of clay that had been reported around the city. It seemed that Clayface was loose in the city, which was strange, as Arkham reported that he was still in his cell. Something was afoot, but they were unsure what. Richard and Jason were doing something that involved a club and drugs and Jason’s stipulation for Richard working with him was that he not reveal the specifics of the case.

That was to think over later. 

It was now time for Damian to get his family into the theater room. It felt like herding cats. When he finally got them all into the theater, he realized there wasn’t enough space for him. Not really. His brothers had sprawled out on the large sectional couch. Cassandra was cuddled next to Father, who was on one end while Jason was on the other. Richard and Timothy were in the middle. Damian froze. This… this was supposed to be his time. His time with his family! Yet there was no clear spot for him!

Father, who had been discussing something with Cassandra, noticed Damian’s dilemma. Still talking to Damian’s sister, he beckoned for him to come closer. Still nervous, Damian walked forward, wondering what his father wanted. He couldn’t control his slight squeak of surprise as he was picked up by his father and placed in his lap.

Oh

This was his spot, with his family. 

Damian settled in, resting against his father’s broad chest. There was something very comforting by being held in strong, warm arms. His siblings bickered softly, trying to get each other to move to make a space for Pennyworth. Said man arrived, giving each member their own bowl of popcorn before settling in next to Jason. The episode began, and they all quieted down. For the first time since he’d come to Gotham, Damian felt fully part of the family.