The UnTamed

CH 26

Everyone noticed the change. Damian and Asta's behavior and attitude toward each other had changed. They went from clinging to each other to awkwardly dancing around each other, trying to distance themselves but also stay close. They want to be close but also know distance is needed. Bruce couldn't help but feel responsible for the sudden change in their dynamic it hadn't come until after his attempt to talk with them.

Although Bruce wanted to do something to possibly fix it, to make it better, like before, Alfred stopped him and told him to leave them be, to allow them to fix their problems without interference. Unfortunately, He didn't have that conversation with Dick.

"What, Richard?" Damian asked, not even looking up from his paperwork. He listened as Dick stepped into his room and sat on his bed.

"Just wanted to talk to you. See if you're alright."

"Why wouldn't I be? Have I done something to cause concern?"

"Damian," he sighed, he put down his pencil and closed his laptop, turning around." I've noticed you and Astarea have been having problems. I wanted to make sure you were doing alright."

Damian leaned back, crossing his arms. " Problems? what problems?"

"We've noticed that Asta had been distant. Not spending a lot of time at home. More quiet, too. You guys look like you're on the outs."

On the outs is a term used to describe a relationship about to end on the way to a breakup. Damian didn't realize how their relationship looked to others; although he didn't care what others thought, it made him really on the outs.

"Father tried to give us the sex talk. It did not go well."

While everyone was aware that the couple's problems began after talking with Bruce, they had no clue what the talk was about. "The talk?!"

"Mother already told me everything. But I guess he thought I needed a refresher, as did Asta." Damian opened his arms for Alfred. He purred as he curled into his lap. As always, providing comfort. " The subject triggered her. It upset her." Dick watched as Damian dug his fingers into Alfred's fur.

"You know how she doesn't like clothes, preferring nudity." No, no, he didn't. "It triggered her and reminded her of the people, specifically men, who looked at her when she forgot or didn't wear enough clothing."

That definitely put things in a new perspective. Being sexualized by men at a young age, then having a grown man try to explain sex to you, triggering was a kind word. Dick would have to talk to the family about it. Especially the nudity.

"That, along with the discussion of puberty." Dick chuckled

"No one likes puberty, but we all go through it."

"Asta doesn't," he looked at him, confused. " She doesn't go through puberty like we humans do. Her puberty is similar to animals. I believe it is an upsetting reminder that she's not like us, at least not physically." Dick was aware of Asta's physical exam and how it didn't go too well. But once again, Bruce didn't disclose the conflict, simply brushing it off as something to be handled at a late date. A poor decision on his part, and Damian was dealing with the fallout.

"I'm sorry you must go through this, the both of you." Dick stands up, walks over, petting Alfred " I encourage you to talk to her, discuss it, and work things out if you can. Everything will work out eventually," he kisses his forehead. Damian closes his eyes and listens as Dick leaves and closes the door. Opening his eyes, he puts Alfred down and goes back to his paperwork. Even in conflict, the least he could do was ensure the easy transfer of power with Red Hood's Gang.