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"You think she'll be okay?"
Propping his phone between his shoulder and his ear. Damian listens to his mother's voice come through the speakers. He'd been handed a whole folder that required the use of both of his hands, so had momentarily lost track of the conversation to use his phone without hands. Pulling him back into the conversation with her familiar voice, Damian answered back.
"I hope so." Realizing that his words didn't sound particularly encouraging, Damian added, "She won't be alone. I made sure to call in a few favours, there were no shortage of people looking to help. Hopefully it'll help her get used to being around more people."
"And you think Mara will trust them?"
Damian made a curious noise with his throat, considering his mothers words. Unable to leave his cousin alone, he'd been doing his best to reach a hand out to her with little to no expectations about how she'll choose to react. Whenever she declines his invitations or leaves a gathering early, Damian doesn't take it to heart. More so than anyone else, he understands what it feels like to integrate ourself into society.
Knowing all of this after experiencing it first hand. Damian still often finds himself feeling a little lost. So many people had a hand in helping him get used to his new place in Gotham at the beginning. It hadn't been a smooth transition at all. The sheer amount of arguments and fights he'd had with the other members could all be catalogued into an extensive list.
Reflected back on to see how far they'd all come. But seriously, after that first, initial rocky period in their lives. There were so many people that spoke to him, listened to him and leant him a hand. Mara Al Ghul didn't have the same network that Damian had been given when he came to Gotham. Trying to singlehandedly expand her support system was not easy.
It was even pushing Damian out of his own comfort zone. Making friends was still incredibly difficult, and a lot of his connections came through other people he was already acquainted with. Damian found himself relying on people he knows, to create opportunities for Mara to make friends of her own. Using his connections with these people, Damian hoped to let them connect smoothly.
Having only met a handful of times, Damian had gone through Roy to get into contact with Lian. She'd come back to spending time in Gotham, but he hadn't had a clue as to how to get into contact with her. Roy only teased him a little about phoning him up for help, but was genuine when he handed over his daughters number. On patrol that night, Damian had sought her out.
"Carrie explained it better," After Damian had started detailing the plan to Lian, he realized it was a little harder to cover everything by himself, "We want to have a place for teens to go to that doesn't cost them money. It gets them off the streets and allows them to participate in the arts. Our goal is to start with one acting centre, I'm involving my cousin in the foundations of setting it up, but I'd appreciate it if you could help advise her."
A similar conversation had been had with Rose. Neither of the girls had all that much experience in drama or acting, but they didn't decline his offer. Both setting up in Gotham to stay local. They'd been there with Damian when he'd received the keys to the building he'd bought. It was decently sized and completely empty inside. The job of setting up would fall to them.
Focusing back on his phone call with Talia, "Carrie and I are working through the logistics of everything. What I wanted from the girls was a more personal touch. Of course, I could pay someone to go through and set up the interior, but I want it to feel inviting. My experience with these sorts of things is limited, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to get people involved. Hopefully local kids can see it come together by the hands of other kids."
By the end of his words, Damian realized he sounded a little desperate. As if he was justifying his actions and hoping that they'd be well received by the person on the other end of the line. Though he had nothing to worry himself over, Damian still often found himself tied up in knots. Worrying about how others perceive him as he thrives towards discovering himself.
"Oh, my love. What a big heart you have."
From the corner of Damian's eye, he could see Carrie flicking through sheets of paper. They'd been stuck inside all day. Getting this phone call from his mother had been the only break in the repetitive cycle of staring at sheets of paper. All of them had started blending into one before he squeezed his eyes shot, searching for his phone blindly before picking up.
It made his heart beat a little faster to hear his mums voice like this. Carrie had looked up when she heard her name mentioned, but she'd resumed her search for some specific document. Others like Bruce had offered to help with this side of things, but they'd wanted to be involved in the process. It as the entire point of setting it up themselves.
That being said, it was still dreadfully draining. Being able to hear her voice through the phone was like coming across a fresh spring. She sounded more relaxed than she had in a while. She'd accompanied Mara to the building earlier and had taken out her phone to call Damian after watching her walk inside. Though she worried for her niece, she seemed pleased by this development.
"I'll have to trust in her that she'll be okay." Talia reasoned, the sounds Damian could hear aside from her voice painted a picture that sounded like his mum getting back into her car. "You'll make sure to swing by the next chance you get, just to check in on her?"
"Of course."
"Be well then, I hope everything goes well on your end. Until I see you."
With their goodbyes shared through the phone. Damian was finally able to focus his full attention on the folder held between both of his hands. He let his phone get discarded somewhere, laying the folder out in front of him. There were things to be compared and remeasured. Estimations to be made, and a whole lot of legal work that neither of them had too much experience in but they were making do.
Thankfully, there were a lot of things made easier by the fact that Damian is Bruce's son. They didn't have to agonize too much but the process made them feel as if the end goal would be hard won. So, they stuck with it and continued to push through with all the paperwork. Letting the other three focus their time and attention on the inside of the building.
"We're still going ahead with this age range?" Carrie asked, holding up their original list of ideas.
It had all originated with a single afternoon. Carrie had come over to help direct Damian through some classes, helping him express and understand a few things that always seemed to slip his understanding. A soft, melodic tune had been playing throughout the room. Low enough to not be distracting and the windows had been pushed open just enough to let a breeze come through.
Carrie's ability to communicate and explain things was awe-inspiring. Without her help, Damian would've found himself struggling even more than he had at the begging. Though it wasn't like he didn't feel things, it felt like he couldn't loosen himself up to express more than what he often defaulted to. His range and development in understanding himself, allowed him to better express himself around others.
Not wanting to limit himself and appreciating the art of shifting and adjusting your personality. Damian had followed her directions and instructions closely. Taking everything in and growing as a person, as a result of her guidance. Having benefitted so much from what Carrie offered him, Damian had thought about how wonderful of a gift, something like acting was.
Alfred had called them down for some late lunch. Letting them continue on uninterrupted until he felt they'd miss their window of opportunity for food. Both of them sat side by side at the kitchen island, with plates in front of them. Fruits had been prepared, each of them had a separate bowl containing a variety of grapes, and apple slices as well as juicy strawberries.
Sandwiches containing different fillings had also been prepared for them. The atmosphere in the kitchen had been lovely. Keeping to himself as he goes back to making the preparations for dinner, Alfred had left the small radio on. News stories flooded the small enclosed space. A few lighthearted tales, things that have been won and accomplished. However, there weren't exclusively lighter stories discussed.
"Many of these kids just don't stand a chance."
Sighing as she listened to the news story, Carrie lamented over the unfortunate circumstances of many teens in Gotham. Petty activities like vandalism and going into areas, apparently causing a nuisance and displeasing the adults walking around. She commented on the fact that there weren't many spaces for kids nowadays. Some are able to find things to participate in, but that not everyone has the same access to safe spaces or activities to do.
Not being a fan of strawberries and trying not to get noticed by Alfred. With his back turned to them, Carrie slips her strawberries into Damian's bowl. Talking all the while. Multitasking in the hopes that Alfred doesn't catch on, but as if he has eyes on the back of his head, Alfred tells her to eat her fruits. She'd managed to successfully move most of her strawberries over, begrudgingly eating the three that remained.
While she was trying to flatter Alfred. Damian was thinking over what she said, and only when she nudged his arm and told him they should be finishing up their session soon. Then Damian seemed to have something click in his head. With wide eyes, Damian conveyed his thoughts to Carrie. At first, she'd just quietly listened as he tried to articulate himself.
A smile blossomed on her face as Damian made his point. If they could make some sort of youth centre, around something like acting or drama, perhaps kids would have somewhere to go in the evening. Not only giving them a safe space off the streets, but also something to do. With enough people, they could even consider putting on plays and participating in fundraiser events.
Giving them goals to achieve and things to strive towards. The more Carrie and Damian discussed it back and forth, the more excited they seemed to get. Alfred watched on as they raced through the final scraps of their meal, thanking him, before racing off. It had started just like that, and a few simple ideas jotted down. Looking at that sheet once again, Damian realized just how far along in their plans they'd come.
Eventually the behind the scenes aspect of this venture didn't leave the both of them empty and depleted of energy. They were able to show their faces around, down at the centre. Upon hearing Damian's plans, Harper had invited herself down to take part and dragged Duke along with her. So, it was always quite loud whenever Damian is there to have a look around.
His eyes always searching around for Mara. Damian tries to not crowd her too much, wanting to support her at the side and not loom over her. Spotting her and keeping an eye on her, talking with her but never dragging her away. He doesn't want to pressure her, but he's glad to see her opening up bit by bit. Actually participating in discussions as they discuss what colours feel the most inviting. Not wanting to allow the walls to simply be painted black or something more ominous.
Damian had opened an account with money for them to take from. Couches had been brought in, wracks for clothes and costumes had also been purchased but stood empty for the moment. Chairs had been brought in, and they'd spoken to someone already about having a stage put in. The building was mostly made up of one large room, which they would be using for the most part.
Rose came over to chat with Damian near the front of the building. He'd gone ahead and asked Joey if he could lend them a hand. Though any advice he had for decorating the interior of the building was appreciated, coming from an artist. But Damian was actually interested in commissioning him for some original art pieces. Intending to also create some artwork to hang around, giving the space the right feel.
"Your cousin has such an eye for details." Rose's voice was full of admiration, a smile on her face as she spoke, "Seriously, whenever we start setting things up. We find ourselves referring back to her each time, it's like she can tell with minimal effort, whether things are lined up or not. Without her, we'd probably spend most of our time arguing back and forth about whether it's too left or too right."
"Al Ghul's are good with details."
There was pride in Damian's voice as he said that. They all have such a skill of technical details and the small things. It's to their benefit as often as it is to their detriment. Damian's glad that Mara can put it to good use, especially over something so minor and harmless. A reminder that not all of her skills begin and end with her ability to kill.
Perhaps there are things she'd used originally for murder, that come in handy for more mundane tasks. Rose even explained that she'd suggested some colours that don't stain so easy. She was smiling like she was enjoying things. Even though she'd been called in to help, it's not like she didn't appreciate having the opportunity to participate in some developments that were street level.
Having her hand in something that didn't have to do with fighting and murder. It felt good, and Rose made sure Damian knew she appreciated that he'd gone out of his way to ask her in particular. Their wait wasn't much longer than their conversation, and Joey showed up in no time. An easygoing grin and his usual confident but very relaxed personality, a welcome sight.
Watching his hands move as he signed things, Damian answered back with his hands. Following along for a bit, Rose greeted her brother before leaving the two of them to their work. They wouldn't be doing anything major on that day, just outlining some ideas for a cohesive theme. Not wanting to restrict the mood to just regular themes for drama, but also not wanting it to haphazardly be combined as if they had no integrity as artists.
Carrie showed up with a few trays of tricks. Precariously balancing them all before Duke rushed over to lend a hand, squinting to read the descriptions written on top of all the cups. A pair of drinks were left by Damian and Joey, but they were too focused in their discussion to notice. Hands flying a mile a minute as they tried to combine their thoughts.
Hearing each other out and then offering new and more developed ideas. They'd already sketched out a few concepts and written up a few dot point reminders for later by the time they realized their drinks were cooling. No longer as warm as before, they held the drinks close as they continued. Though they didn't make art that was all that similar, their drive to express themselves was quite similar.
A little while later, Damian was embarrassed to have a visitor at the not yet opened centre. He recognized Kyle Rayner whose smile was broad and almost a little cheeky as he explained that Bruce had called in a favour. Kyle, as another artist, had made a few pieces to donate to them. Wanting to add to the centre. Damian was flustered to receive such a gift, his thanks was genuine.
Even though the centre wasn't complete. As time passed, they watched it blossom into something genuine and comforting. Paintings and decorations had been hung up, and a number of plants had been brought in to add some extra colour. Eventually, the stage had been completely built and the lighting had been upgraded. A small section for food and other refreshments was created, and often ransacked by the volunteers Damian had brought on.
"I've never seen this one before." Lian had pointed to one of the plays mentioned in the booklet Damian held, "I hope the kids can show us it some time."
Lian had a brownie slice in her mouth as she sat on the arm of the chair Damian was sat in. Listening to him explaining some of the things that would be taught here. Damian was under no illusion that he could spread himself much thinner than he already had. Between finishing up his experiences learning under other doctors, and his other commitments, he couldn't come by to be the one to teach these kids.
On top of that, he still felt like a student himself. Carrie hadn't let up despite their busy schedules and still made sure to make time to come by Wayne Manor to advise and guide Damian. It's why he'd completely left that up to Carrie who was thrilled. Not only just herself, but she'd found a number of people who needed the experiences and jumped at the chance to take part.
By the time they were finishing things up. People had begun to take notice, and curious parents had come by to inquire. Asking about cost and questioning the type of payment plans. After the discovery that it was all completely free took hold of them, the news spread further. Poorer kids who hadn't perked up at the sight of the fancy new centre, now widened their eyes.
Not doing this alone, Damian had thanked everyone who'd taken part with him. They did a few small promotional runs but for the most part, news had spread to a lot of those who needed it. Kids of all ages flocked to the doors once they opened, and were excited to sign themselves up. Everyone raised their hands and exclaimed 'not it' when it came to volunteering at the door that first evening, Duke found himself duped and sat at the fold out table.
Sat on the edge of the stage swinging her legs, Lian spoke, "It's good to see so many people interested. But I don't think it'll be enough to entice our target audience completely."
Though they'd been able to bring kids in off the street with their plan. Carrie had explained the motivations behind their original plan, and that they wanted to go after kids who really needed something. Some of them would take the initiative to come out by themselves. Finding their way over. Not all of the kids could though, and they'd need a gentle nudge in the right direction.
"We could scout them out on patrol later?" Damian suggested, a little distracted as he watched Mara get lifted into the area by an overly excited Harper.
"I like the way you think, little bat."
Rolling his eyes at her after focusing back in. Lian grinned, excited by the nickname she'd found out about and held onto for dear life. Her smile softened a little afterwards though, eyes gentle as she looked out at the kids who're eager to join. Many of the people Damian had brought on understood the streets or came from the type of backgrounds that left people at odds with the greater society around them.
He understood that this meant something to all of them. Even though a lot of his desire had been directed towards putting Mara around likeminded and encouraging individuals, his heart was big enough to consider everyone involved. This was something good, and they'd come so far together. As they'd gotten further in their work, they hadn't had to spare so much of their time towards the task.
Now completely finished, and unveiling the new centre to the public, all of them felt a little saddened. Most of those he'd brought on to volunteer went over to look around, steal some food and talk with the newcomers. The only one that was left was Mara. She didn't head off with the rest of them. Subdued but not tense, she came to stand by Damian's side.
The both of the leant up against the stage. Their heights similar, marks on their skin all representative of the upbringing they'd had. Showing off the lives they'd lived up until this point. It contrasted with the gentle lights turned on overhead. The soft sounds of chatter, and the joyful laughter coming from kids walking in and having a look around.
For the most part, both of them stayed silent as they watched from afar. Though Damian had developed in leaps and bounds, getting involved in such large crowds as a civilian often left him at a loss. Similarly, Mara was still developing her people skills. It was nice to be able to sit back after everything had been accomplished and just watch on as everything unfolds before their eyes.
"Thank you."
Startled, Damian was embarrassed at the fact that he almost jumped, "What for? You were the one coming by every few days, putting the effort in. I couldn't have done this without you."
"Yes you could have."
Her words were sure but not harsh. Damian was a little uncertain, casting a glance her way but he saw her expression seemed quite relaxed. She looked on at all the kids with a complicated look, a little envious but not malicious. Truly, she felt good about what they'd done. Being able to participate in this, meant more to her than she'd realized it would when she'd first agreed to it.
"Not only could you have paid people to help, but you have more than a few people who'd help if you just asked. Look at the one's you brought on. I know you dragged me out to Gotham to help me, and you got me involved for my sake. I'm thankful and I want you to know I appreciate it. None of this is easy to me and I can't say you don't understand that I'm going through, so I hope you understand me when I say I'm trying."
"I know you'll probably go back when we're done." Damian's voice was even as he spoke, and her silence was basically her agreeing with his statement. "But I want you to know that you're welcome back, whenever you wish to come by. We'll get them practising within a few months. If you want to come by again, I'm sure they can show you what you've done for them."
Looking at Damian with a lopsided attempt at a smile, Mara said, "When I come back, I'll show you what you've done for me as well."
After Damian had initially tried to help her, Mara hadn't taken him seriously. Had spent so long after that fact, stewing in her anger. Letting frustration, confusion and envy consume her. But she'd worked her way out of that emotional pit. Had started listening to Damian and accepting his invitations. She still had a long way to go before she was satisfied, and she imagined there were still mistakes to be made.
But she wanted to go away and focus on herself. Having been allowed to see what it was like to be surrounded by kindness, and people who cared. Mara wanted to put in more effort than ever. Confident that she could make something of herself. Using her own two hands and motivating herself, Mara wanted to come back and show Damian the type of person she'd become.
The evening continued on smoothly after everyone was signed up. Everyone had their contact information written down, for things like their carers to be contacted in times of emergency. Collected information regarding allergies and medical circumstances. Carrie took the lead, explaining things to everyone and walking them around the space, pointing things out.
Watching on, Damian was impressed by her ability to draw a crowd. Keeping their attention on her as she spoke animatedly. Damian had learnt a lot from Carrie, but he was glad she would have a far wider reach than just himself. Her guidance helped him, and now she would be helping no less than a couple tens of kids. His smile felt permanent on his face.
By the end of the night, everyone was exhausted. Everyone else had been sent home and the kids had all left. The centre wouldn't be constantly manned by an educator. Books and informative sheets about acting and drama were left for people to entertain themselves with. It was a safe, secure place that people could come to when they needed it. But people still had to warm up to the space.
Left alone, Carrie and Damian sat against one of the walls. Cups of coffee in their hands, and bodies feeling the extent of their exhaustion. Having poured so much into this, it was like a dream to see it unfold. They felt like they had so much to say but that it also wouldn't be enough. Sitting in silence, they both soaked up the fruits of their labour and what it meant to them.
"We did it."
"Ha." Damian let out a laugh that turned into a sigh, slumping further against the wall, "We did."
Leaning her head back against the wall, Carrie seemed satisfied as she said, "This is important."
"I hope it'll help."
Agreeing, her words added onto Damian's hope, "It doesn't immediately fix anything. But it's a start, a way to help that focuses on these kids actually getting to enjoy themselves and feel safe."
"It's important that they feel safe."
"Hopefully we won't run into any trouble. We don't let anything slide, everything is to be taken seriously. I'm sure there will be fights and disagreements in the future with such a mix of kids, however, their safety is paramount. I won't accept anything less than everyone feeling welcomed."
"Thank you, for taking this so seriously."
Feeling her eyes drooping, Carrie gets herself up off the floor and pulls Damian up after herself. Though both of them came together to create this idea. Both of them feel grateful that the other took their thoughts seriously. It was only through the combination of their efforts, that they had anything to start with. This wouldn't be perfect, but it would highlight all their hopes and dreams.
"Let's head home. I know you were making plans with Lian earlier, don't leave her waiting. You have kids to help out!"