Work Text:
"Damian?" A soft voice whispered as his door shut. The sound of light footsteps filled the room. "Um.. I'm going to turn the light on," and shortly after a click was heard and light filled the room.
After a few moments of silence the voice spoke, "Uh- where are you Damian?" Damian stayed silent, he didn't want her to see him like this. The reason he was like this was embarrassing enough.
It happened that weekend, he went home to visit his father and older brother. He was excited to tell him about his recent achievements; such as, being top of his class or winning his soccer tournament. Damian knew his father wouldn't care but even still he clung on to the hope that his father would acknowledge him–finally be proud of him.
So, you can imagine his surprise when he did acknowledge him–just not in the way he was hoping.
"How dare you." His father–Donovan, snapped. "Acting as if you've done something to prove yourself." Damian gulped as he moved away from his father's icy gaze.
"Look at me when I'm talking to you." Donovan quickly shot in response to Damian's gaze. "And you think you have something to be proud of." He almost laughed.
"Demetrius was telling me of his achievements before you so rudely interrupted." Donovan said as he turned to look at Demetrius, "why don't you tell him what you've accomplished". Donovan had a sickly smile as he looked at them.
"Oh that's quite alright father, it was nothing too impressive" Demetrius politely smiled at his father.
"You're so humble Demetrius, a true Desmond" Donovan said, sharing a glance to Damian. "You see, not only is Demetrius top of his class, he's remained top of his class since he started going to school."
"He earns awards all the time for things like, 'volunteering', 'sports', 'academics', 'extra-curriculars'." Donovan finished with a sigh. "In other words, don't come to me with your useless 'achievements'." Damian caught a lump in his throat as he restrained himself from crying.
"Next time you think you've accomplished something, Demetrius already did, way before you." Donovan turned as he finally finished talking to Damian. Giving his full attention to his eldest son.
Now here Damian is in the present time; wondering, 'why not me' . He bit his lip to suppress any sobs.
"Damian, please." The soft voice reappeared. Damian took a deep breath–curling even further into himself. The soft footsteps gradually grew louder until they stopped. Which was shortly followed by a gasp.
"Oh there you are Damian!" The voice said as they knelt to the ground. They brought their hand to his hair and slowly stroked it. Soon enough, his breathing calmed down and he looked up.
"What are you even doing here, Anya?" Damian softly inquired. She simply smiled at him, moving her hand from his head to his back, giving it a quick pat.
"I knew something was up when you didn't show up today, so I came here to check on you". Anya smiled again. A light blush made its way to his cheeks.
"You don't have to tell me what happened, just let me make sure you're okay," Anya softly spoke as she leaned in to hug him. After a moment Damian returned the hug, resting his head in the crane of Anya's neck.
"I-im just cold.." he mumbled, leaning further into her touch.
"Right," Anya softly laughed–holding him softly.
"Let's just stay like this for a while.." he says so quietly Anya almost didn't hear him.
She smiles as she suppresses a giggle, holding him ever so slightly tighter.