Little Damian who doesn't know what hugs are and who stabs Tim the first time he tries to give him one
Little Damian who saw noogies as restricting and a form of battle and who gives Steph a black eye for daring to touch him
Little Damian who thinks teasing is another psychological form of torture and destroys Dick the moment the older brother tries to say anything remotely not polite to him
Little Damian who believes there is a hierarchy in his new family, just like there was in his old one, and does not speak if Bruce is in the room unless he's being spoken to.
Little Damian who keeps to himself and trains and learns and does not draw because that is wrong and does not contribute value to anything at all.
Little Damian who watches Tim and Dick and Jason and Steph and Cass and Babs in envy and positive loathing when they show stuff off to Bruce, Tim's pictures, a new move Dick invented, some super cool thing Jason can do with his gun, a funny joke Steph heard that would freak the Justice League out if Batman told it, some special dance routine Cass learned or some new case Barbara cracked
Little Damian who refuses to deviate from what is taught to him, and looks on with disgust and befuddlement as his "siblings" mock and taunt and correct his Father, pointing out other ways to do something or offering up unasked suggestion
Little Damian who doesn't understand that the Manor isn't normally packed with all of Bruce's children, they're just there to help him settle in because they're afraid for him, and how badly Gotham could impact him
Little Damian who does whatever Bruce asks of him, even if it's just a small comment like "Did you not enjoy dinner, Damian? You should at least try to eat your peas." And then finishes the bowl, even if he hates it.
Tim, who notices how much Damian looks up to him, and comes up with a plan.
Dick, who wants really badly for Damian to feel accepted and helps Bruce ration through his emotions and thoughts.
Jason, who recognizes that glint in Damian's eyes and tries his hardest to offer a sparring partner whenever his younger brother might need it.
Steph, who sees him for the kid he is and doesn't even flinch at the barbed comments he throws her way, just keeps trying. (She's not giving up on him. She won't.)
Barbara, who manages to infiltrate the LoA and figure out certain reasons for Damian's responses in situations.
Cass, who is an assassin herself, and understands.
And then Bruce, who listens to his children's advice and starts hugging Damian, sometimes, randomly.
And Damian, who freezes up, flinches, but doesn't pull away. Doesn't dare to even breathe.
Bruce, who feels terrible because every time he so much as touches his son the little boy(because he is so little) tries to hide his visceral reaction
His kids, to tell him to keep going.
And Damian, who after months of receiving hugs and awkward pats on the head and gentle affirmations from his father learns that affection isn't an attack.
Who watches his siblings snipe and jibe and argue and even tussle and sees no blood drawn, no anger in their eyes.
Who learns, slowly, what it means to be a part of a family and not an organization.
Who learns how to live.
