Straight Venomous

FIVE

Bruce Wayne knew people, he understood them in a way most others couldn't. At least not without serious work, if he put his mind to something it was only a matter of time before it played out exactly as he wanted, he could could on hand the times he'd failed and it wasn't a brag, rather a simple fact. Predicting behavioral patterns came with the job, and he was very good at his job.

If you could recognize the pattern  it wasn't hard to predict the next move, and Damian was no exception to this rule.

He was hungry for validation, recognition and glory, but also knowledge. It unnerved the younger man to be in the unknown. Got deep beneath his skin, Bruce understood if he waited long enough his prideful heir wouldn't be able to help himself and investigate you on his own. It was both a test for you and his son, a test of patience.

How would you conduct yourself when facing a brute like Robin? What would Damian do when faced with a stronger opponent? These pressing queries held his mind in a vice like grip, the hunger pain that sat heavy in his stomach wouldn't be quelled until he got those answers.

And he found those answers faster than he thought.

You were street smart, calculating and careful, so he knew the only way he'd get you to reveal yourself was through provocation. This is where Damian came in. Bruce stood within the shadows of a nearby building, watching the interaction with hawk like attention,  ready to pounce the moment either of you got out of hand.

When the time came thankfully neither of you questioned his sudden appearance, seemingly grateful for the interruption, at least you were, Damian looked like he was about to lose it. Bruce took a silent joy in in the way you subtly shifted behind him. Damian clearly made you uncomfortable despite the power difference, while he had you in experience and strategy you outclassed him physically, in ways even Bruce didn't fully comprehend.

Yet.

So you could change form, a stronger faster, truth be told frightening form, but nothing he hadn't seen before.

You were burdened with this incredible responsibility at such a young age, clearly you had no idea of your full capabilities and he was itching to be the mentor you so obviously needed, the hesitation and anxiety you displayed made it all the more clear to him, you needed help, someone with the proper experience and strength to guide you along the right path.

It been hours since the interaction but you still held firmly in his thoughts. A huff of air escaped the quiet man, the bright screens before him bathed his skin in an eerie glow, the atmosphere was usually dark as ya know, he works in a cave, but there was a particular  heaviness hanging over him like a water balloon resting on a tack, all it takes is the slightest nudge, and he'd be drenched in it, soaked in the dangerous feeling, like a storm foreshadowing its destruction, his blue eyes were tired, the job added 50 years to his expressions alone, and after a nearly 12 hour patrol, he'd earned at least a wink of rest. Everything in his body urged him to take a break, but he couldn't. Not when you were dangling in the jaws of a wolf, it took him maybe five minutes to find out where you worked, more specifically who you worked under, Oswald had been a thorn in his side since he'd first dawned the cowl, it been a long while since he'd tried anything but silence from that man was never a reason to relax. He was as grimey as they came, and would double cross anyone who stood in his way if it meant getting what he wanted. The balloon bursted the moment the information entered his brain. You were so misguided, too trusting of such a vile human, and without considering your wants and needs he quickly decided you'd be his latest project  protégé.

After all, he's trained his fair share of hero's, and you'd be the newest success. He could see it now, he'd study your condition whilst instilling his sense of justice along the way, you'd appreciate his tutelage and thrive under his care and guidance. You were already so incredible despite the circumstances surrounding you, but if you continued on your path alone he was sure you'd cross the point of no return, he needed to get to you before Gotham did and you killed someone. (OhBrucieYouHaveNoIdea)