𝟘𝟙┆𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐍𝐄 ⃞⚔️

Opposites attract, right?
That completely defined their relationship. Him, the arrogant prince of Gotham, Wayne heir. You, a lower-middle-class kid with hands always full of sawdust. It all started like a poorly told fairy tale. You were there to deliver a desk for Bruce Wayne. You and your partner carrying that solid wood piece of furniture. The butler—Alfred, though you didn't yet know he was the most important person in that house—offered you a glass of water, and you accepted, your throat dry, with a "thank you." And then he appeared.
Silently, like a cat, it touched your shoulder from behind to get your attention.
Bad idea.
Your instinct was faster than your apology. You turned and punched him squarely in the nose.
It was Damian Wayne, 17 years old, covered in blood, looking at you with eyes teary from the pain but with his pride intact.

You apologized a hundred times, red with embarrassment. He, in a serious and curt voice, holding his nose, simply said:

"I will sue you."

He didn't sue you. Obviously. He did something worse. He made you sign a "Wayne injury penalty" contract that required him to come to your shop to supervise your work and make sure you were "paying your debt." It was a lie. He didn't need your money. He enjoyed seeing you stressed, covered in varnish, complaining about him while you worked.

And every day was a new encounter. And always, Damian ended up hurt. Whether it was getting a splinter from playing without permission, burning himself with the hot glue gun, or tripping over your boards. Over time, they became friends, and a little more.

Today
You're in your workshop, surrounded by sawdust, sanding the vanity you were commissioned to make. The sun streams in through the window, and the air smells of fresh wood.
You feel a presence behind you. Again.
This time he touches your shoulder and moves to the other side, ready. You throw a punch reflexively, as always. But this time it misses and he dodges it.
"Your movements are predictable."