His teacher assigned them the impossible task: to create a masterpiece worthy of the upcoming school art gallery.

And to his worst nightmare, as a dual team.

Ever since Bruce decided to support his son by enrolling him in Gotham School of Fine Arts, Damian felt like he had found his place for the first time. He had been doing well in art school, honestly, very well... in terms of grades. Socially, he was still struggling.

So, he had managed to develop a rivalry with a particular student in his class. It was almost instantaneous, as soon as he set foot in the classroom, it was as if the universe conspired to pair him up with his rival throughout these long school years.

It started with minor clashes, comparing themselves with each other and arguing over who could achieve a better grade on the next project. It was ridiculous; the League of Assassins hadn't trained them for this. But, there was something satisfying about this competition that made him crave more.

Damian had hoped that the teacher would pair him with any other student. But to his misfortune, he had to hear his name being paired with his rival's.

And so he ended up here, with his free hours in a working room, his sharp eyes fixed on the empty sketchbook. His classmate was on the other side of the table, preparing the canvas and gathering the missing materials.

He eyed the new challenge, his gaze scanning over the supplies spread across the table. Paints, brushes, canvases, charcoal—all essential for a masterpiece. Damian picked up a sketchbook and pencil, choosing to start there. Letting his mind guide his hand, he began to doodle aimlessly, as if hoping that something would click in his mind at any moment.

"So," he began, adding a few more lines to the rough sketch, "any ideas you have to offer?"

He looked up, leaving the pencil inches away to analyze his rival. The impending debates for this project were already looming. They had different styles to drawing and painting, including the use of additional objects. Luck is against him.