Chapter 24: People I am Forced to Live With
Damian's POV
My eighth birthday was approaching, when I discovered that my father allowed others to interfere in his life as if they were his own. I was extremely jealous and I did not understand why Father would allow them to live in his house, eat his food, drive his cars, spend his money, and steal his love. Naturally I tried to eliminate them for Father, but I was wrong. I then realized they belong here, just as I do.
Grayson is my eldest and kindest brother. I did not understand him at first; he was a nuisance. I later came to picture Grayson as an ally. I could use him against Todd and Drake. He was the first one to accept me. However, he treated me as if I was a common child.
He or Father would enter my chambers every night with a children's fairy tale book and read to me. Even though I protested, Grayson would pick me up and hold me tightly; he'd brush his lips against my forehead, and tell me that he loved me and mutter other nonsense phrases. He presented me with the gift of a soft stuffed kitten, which one is supposed to sleep with at night.
He takes me horseback riding with him, which we both love to do. He took me to the shelter and allowed me to bring Titus home. He even talked Father into allowing me to keep Titus and my cats: Fluffy, Pancake, Buttons, Buttermilk, Magic, Oreo, Demon, and Alfred.
Grayson is my favorite brother. He always has time for me. I never have to hide my true emotions from him. He allows me to sleep in his bed with him and does not judge my fears. He taught me that it was okay for me to cry and show affection for others; it doesn't make me weak, it only makes me human. Grayson protects me. I respect him and actually try my hardest to do as he tells me on patrol, because he loves me just as I love him.
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Todd is a stupid fool. What he lacks in brains and manners, he makes up for it with brawn. He is the strongest and largest out of us and he is well aware of the fact. At first we both had a strong disapproval and dislike of each other. He had tried to intimidate me, but it did not work. I do not back down from a challenge.
However, Todd does serve as a source of entertainment. He is by far the easiest to blackmail. And he can be rather fun to wrestle with or play fight while we're in the cave. And he is a skilled brawler and the second best swordsman. He is the only one who doesn't hold back like Grayson or Father does in training. Occasionally, Todd allows me to accompany him for target practicing which is rather entertaining. And he did give me his second favorite hunting knife.
And we occasionally do get along, especially while on patrol. We both act on impulses and instinct rather than to plan it through and think it over. That's why we seldom team up together.
And I do respect him. He would make a fine assassin. And he is extremely protective of Drake and me. Yet, he seems to prefer Drake, while I prefer Grayson.
However, Todd despises my animals. I know that he would try to eat them, if it weren't for the fact that he does not wish to upset me. Regardless, I make sure to keep tabs on him and my pets.
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Drake is my least favorite. He is weak and short. I fight with Drake more than I fight with Todd. There are times when I wish Father had never had taken him in and there are times when I am thankful for Drake.
However, we are close in age and height. We can work well together sometimes. And it is entertaining to team up together and create chaos for Grayson and Todd. And we enjoy watching the same TV show together: Phineas and Ferb. We're the same height, so we are normally forced to practice together in the cave. And there is an even number of us, so we can split up into teams.
Rather I like it or not, Drake is my brother. And I would not wish for anything bad to happen to him. I need him and I suppose I love him. In a way, I love all of those I am forced to live with. I would never betray them, not even for my mother or my grandfather.