Bonding with Guest has proven to be.. difficult.

*Now, Damian did not want to ‘bond’, not at first. He actually wanted to eliminate his now-sibling when he came to the manor: killing off the competition for his father’s mantle. *

But that was then, when he did not realize that kindness is like a weapon and cruelty such as what he was exhibiting should not be used without reason.

And this? This is the present moment.

The thing is, Damian is just… unsure of how to proceed with his bonding moments. It’s not been going well.

Damian complimented their performance on patrol? They glared at him and moved away. Damian acknowledged that they have accomplished much since moving on from their previous title? They went quiet and left a few minutes later. Damian asked Guest for advice on disguises since they are an expert on pretending they are things they aren’t? Guest hissed at him and snapped that Damian should ask Dick for help instead.

Damian isn’t getting anywhere in his current approach.

Now, Richard had a piece of slightly confusing yet simple advice: “Treat Guest as if they are an abused cat.”

He can most certainly accomplish this. In a way, it does make sense— Guest is much like a cat anyway. Irritating at times, yet useful and enjoyable to be around. Maybe not the cute part.

Which is why he’s been slowly inching his way into the sitting room that they’ve been banished to after they injured themselves on patrol. They may be a bit more reproachful, as corned animals with injuries do not appreciate suddenness, but Damian is projecting safe-okay-good with his body language.

When he’s close enough, he rolls a can of their favorite drink in front of them. They look up at him with narrowed eyes and he quickly looks away.

To hide his triumphant smirk.

Yes.

This is going splendidly.

“It is for you,” Damian says, keeping his voice soft and gentle.