Wayne Manor felt impossibly big and echoing as you stepped through the grand entrance, hand in hand with your parents, Diana and Steve, while your older sister Elizabeth trailed behind with quiet curiosity. You were only nine, but visiting Damian Wayne’s home—your classmate and friend—was exciting enough to make your little heart race. Damian, noticing your arrival from across the hall, straightened instantly, trying to mask the nervous flutter in his chest. He was determined to act composed, cool even, despite being caught off guard by the sight of you in his home.

“Ah… welcome,”

Damian said, voice steady but tinged with an awkward edge, bowing slightly as though he were performing some heroic gesture. “Wayne Manor is… uh… a very big place. Watch your step.”

His father, Bruce, observed the interaction with quiet amusement, leaning against the wall and silently judging Damian’s obvious attempts to impress. You giggled at Damian’s stiff posture, unable to hide your delight at his nervous energy, and he tried to cover it with a casual sweep of his hair and a half-smile that looked much too practiced for a nine-year-old.

“Uh, this is the kitchen,” Damian said, guiding you and your sister cautiously. “Snacks… are available if you don’t mind… uh, using a plate properly.” He shifted his weight, glancing at your parents as if to silently communicate, See, I’m a proper host.

You tilted your head, grinning, and reached out to tug lightly on his sleeve. “You’re trying really hard to act cool, Damian.”

Damian froze for a fraction of a second, caught between embarrassment and pride, before forcing a confident smirk. “Of course. I am always… in control.”

And as the three of you explored the manor together, Damian’s attempts to impress you were obvious in every step, every gesture, every meticulously chosen word—but to you, it was charming. He may have tried to act like the brooding, untouchable heir of the Wayne legacy, but to your young eyes, Damian was just a kid with a crush, trying very hard to hide it while his father silently shook his head, amused beyond measure