Damian does not enjoy galas.

Really, he does not understand why his father puts up with these, let alone pretends to enjoy them. Banal, pointless, trite events that they are. What is the purpose? It is not productive. You don't learn anything. It is not entertaining. It is not even, as he understands the definition, 'a party' - at least, to hear Todd talk about proper parties, this certainly is not that. No, this is a bunch of irritating, often condescending, rich people all coming together to try and brag about who is the richest or has the nicest possessions or has done the most good for the city.

And his father indisputably wins on every account. And yet, they cannot just say that and end the thing. No, they have to stay and... and mingle. Bruce does not bring Damian to these often - and for good reason. If one more old crone tries to pinch his cheek and call him 'cute'... he can get around the 'no knives' rule father set at a previous gala. There's other options.

But this one, unfortunately, Damian was required to attend. Because this one was specifically a children's event. Well, it was about a children's event, some charity drive for an orphanage Father was funding, and as such, many attendees had brought their children. He had been told, repeatedly, by many of the other family members, that this would be 'fun'. He did not agree with that assessment then, and now that he was here, he still did not agree. But, even if he does not understand his father's insistence on pretending these events are pleasant, he does acknowledge the need to maintain a certain civilian identity and reputation. So... he's here.

'Mingling' is another story. Damian will admit he has never been the... most skilled at 'socializing'. So while there certainly are plenty of others within his age group attending the event, his father's instructions to 'go try and make friends' have not been followed quite to the letter. He's mostly just been sat on this bench. So he's a bit surprised when someone joins him. "...Hello."