𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐘 & 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐀𝐑〘 𝙳𝙲 〙

𝙲𝙷. 𝟷 || 𝙵𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝙳𝚊𝚢

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normal. adjective

nor.mal | \ ˈnȯr-məl \

1. a: conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern: characterized by that which is considered usual, typical, or routine

b: according with, constituting, or not deviating from a norm, rule, procedure, or principle

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A normal childhood would consist of being taken care of properly by parents, visiting grandparents from time to time, and if the child were to have siblings, then they'd play together. Education starts at home and usually the mother would teach her child colors, the alphabet, and some animals. Meanwhile, the father would head out early for work and come home to a warm family meal. Siblings would play, sometimes they'd fight, but mostly just trivial arguments over toys.

That was not Damian's normal.

His childhood consisted of being taken care of by the servants of the compound. He'd spar to death with his grandfather and if he ever showed weakness, he was immediately punished without mercy. His education far preceded those of kids his age; they'd be learning the alphabet, but he was learning calligraphy. While they were reading picture books, he was studying Hamlet.

Kill or be killed, that was the mantra he stood by in his childhood.

His mother...

Where to start...

Well, for one thing, she is far from what one would consider a "normal" mother. Just from his birth, it already wasn't normal. His mother had him developed in a test tube rather than in a womb so that he could be born perfect. Her form of "care" consisted of to-the-death sparring, bloody punishments, psychologically traumatizing him, and basically making him the sad li'l shit he was today.

If he was being honest, his father wasn't any better. He didn't even bother taking care of Damian when he was dumped on his doorstep. He essentially rejected his entire son's existence. Then the bastard had to go and disappear, leaving not even a smidge of good memories for Damian.

His siblings... He and Drake were always at odds. Todd calls him "Demon Spawn" and that says enough of what his "sibling," thinks of him.

Truly, his only family was Alfred and Grayson, who, though he will never admit out loud, make him feel normal.

But at this point in time, he really wanted to kill them.

"What do you mean I have to go to school?!"

Damian's roar echoed throughout the spacious mansion, though the only two other occupants of the said mansion were right in front of him.

His day was just going peacefully. He spent the day being productive -- working out, sharpening his tools, reading classic literature, and drawing. It was fairly quiet and he was enjoying the rare peace he had as Grayson often felt the need to associate with him and "deepen their bond as brothers." He should've known the small peace he reveled in was the calm before the storm.