#damianxreader

The boy looks at me incredulously, as if he didn't believe a word from my mouth.

"You mean to tell me that the people who ran that dinky place you live in claim to be your family? Not only that, they are shape-shifting fairies from your dimension who want to take you with them and make you a member of royal court. Y/N I think that maybe you've been reading too much fan fiction and it's begun to blur your perception of reality and people."

"I'm not lying! it was so cold and impossible. Do you think I would hide in a closet and shake like a leaf for fun?"

"Well you've done weirder things-"

"This not a Joke!" I slam my hands on the table, shaking some of the cups full of pomegranate juice. My nerves are on end feeling for anything wrong, working over time. The bloody sigils glowing in where something was pushing against it. "I knew it was too quiet. It was too perfect. I know this sounds weird and delusional. If you still feel like something I said sounds wrong we can go back to the place in the morning. But it's too much right now, I-I just need to calm down." I slump over the table shaking, tears prickling my eyes. Something, I assume his chair, scrapes against the floor, and his hand rubs at my back.

"I'm sorry, I'll tell the others we are here, and ask them not to bother us. I imagine they'll want to know why." His voice is soft and firm.

I shake my head vigorously, I turn my body to hug him watching the marks on the walls. Something still pressing against it. "Ask them if they go out from now on, wear something Iron, one article of clothing inside out, and some of the blackberry stalks from Alfred's garden."

I had dealt with fairies in the past, one of my caretakers and mentors was a High fae of his world as well. His name was Enlil, an old man who had lost his people and his family to a plague that rotted people of magic from the inside. Enlil took good care of me while evading the Crow. The world he was on failed him and he sent me here. Time was odd there, but he taught me all he could. These sigils are his work, they just don't hold against the Crow.

I let my arms move from his side and open a small pocket, pulling out an iron bracelet. The bracelet had some things fae are repulsed by, marked with symbols, and cursed to those who would harm the wearer. I place it in his hands.

"I want you to wear this, I made it just in case something would happen to my brother. But I see that this might be more difficult than I had originally planned. It won't work on me, I made to many mistakes in the spell carving. But it will on anyone else. It should keep you safe from the....things outside."

He raises a brow but puts the iron thing on.

"I didn't take you for a superstitious person."

"I am a cautious person."

I look out the window. I see, no, feel something, move past it a shiver runs up and down my spine. When I turn around again, he is gone. I sit down on the ground. I hear whispers all around me.

"Y/N~Join us~"

The voice is raspy and quiet, as if directly in my ear to scold me. I stay on the floor contemplating. I can't hear the world around me. Just these voices. So many voices. I can't hear Nightmare. I can't feel the boys. The world around me feels blank. Just the voices. The ones who can't reach me but they know where I am. I feel like I'm back on the ship, again. I want not to exist again. I can't speak my body hurts. I'd rather fight the Crows again. I hate It here.

I hate fairies.

I claw at my face. Anything, to drag myself from this. I feel something cold run down my face. No pain, but I gather that its blood on the floor. I try to move, but my hand slips on the ground at first. I manage to get up again. I force myself to a window and watch the world. I forgo my usual perception of the world and let myself see the world in between.

I blink and frog eyes stare back at me. I jolt back. A twisting grin flashes at me showing sharp teeth caked in blood. A shiver runs down my spine.

"HelLo PriNClinG."

I hold myself, fingers digging into my upper arms.

"Leave me alone!"

The creature cocks his head.

"LeAvE?" It laughs blinking his eyes one at a time.

"Shut up and go away!" I sob, screaming at the window. I want Nightmare, I want my friends, I want my tea.

"hOW UnCoUth WHAT evEr SHouLd i do? the PriNCeliNG is a mESs. NoT LIke olD prinCE, OnLY smiLeD oNce iN 500 yEaRs."  It claws at the glass. "OLd pRInCe likeD wAr AnD blOod, neW PRINCe MOM MADe olD pRINce sofT. DOn't LikE IT."

You could kill him.

My spine straightens, and I drop my hands from my arms.

"Yeah, I can do that. Can't I?"

Then what are you waiting for? My permission?

The beast looks confused at me, frowning.

"PRIncEliNg doEsN'T loOK lIKe PrINcelING."

Kill him now.

I pull out a dagger from my pocket portal.

Bleed him

I step closer to the window eyes meeting the creature.

Cut him open

I raise an arm holding a dagger.

Ha ha!

What am I doing? My arm shakes and the creature laughs at me. My blood boils. Something in me wants to kill this thing I feel it in my body.

Come on Y/N, what's his life to you? This thing doesn't even like you, right? Just give in. Let me take a turn. When have you ever been so weak? Get a move on.

"Shut up! Shut up!! SHUT UP!!!" I throw down the knife. "Get out of my head! I don't need you! I won't kill this thing. I don't care! Mom-"

Mom is dead! Dad is Dead! Want revenge just a little you god fucking idiot! Why not release some of your anger, your frustration? Kill him. Kill him now!

Something appears in the window, no I do, I'm in the glass. A gold-eyed version of me. Choking the creature.

"W-WHat?"

Jubilee huffs monitoring her watch from her seat. I was not expecting a call from anyone much less my friends from home. According to Jubilee, David Alleyne decided to make a device to try and talk to me. He had been working in secret until the rest of my classmates found out. They must not have given him any peace since they found out.

"You know that the professor will give all of you grunt work for the next 3 months for this." I sigh heavily and rub at my temples. I hear someone grumble in the background, Jubilee smacks something that I can't see but the yelp is all too familiar.

"Is that Keller you just hit? I thought he was off-world when did he get back?" Jubilee opens her mouth only for a second before there is advanced movement on the image. When it stills, the blue-eyed black-haired menace of my class seems to be running down a hall—the device in hand.

"Hey Drek, you miss me?"

"Keller, you ether gonna get caught or hurt yourself." I sigh. "But yes, It's good to see you. And your ugly mug." He scoffs and then there is another loss of image with the picture. When it stabilizes, David comes into the image. Upset and red in the face.

"Y/N I'm sorry but we have to cut this short, someone is coming this way." With that the image fades and the Comm makes a beeping sound signaling the end of the call. I slump down in my chair and stare at the device. An old sense of longing fills my soul sinking into my heart. I bring my knees to my chest and start at the floor before me,

'I won't be here for much longer I just have to make it to my birthday. And I can be home again.'

An even heavier realization manifests in me, I would have to say goodbye. It's not like they'll let me live here. Not with my responsibilities and obligations there. Would I even be able to come back?

Nightmare, sensing my distress, curls up at my side and begins to purr. I stroke his fur and stare at the comm again. I sigh taking the Comm, placing it in my box, and shoving it back into the dark corner of my closet with the rest of the stuff I shouldn't worry about. I roll my sleeves up looking over the colorful scars. I think maybe I can pass them off as tattoos. I get ready in my room putting on my clothes for work. Nightmare follows me in and out of my room yowling at me to feed him before I go.

"Nightmare I just fed you," I say looking down at him while I open the door. "and I know for a fact you still have food in there."

I walk out and close the door behind me. When I turn to the hallway I bump into something. All I get is a snicker from above and arms around my middle.

"You really should be more careful about leaving your apartment, you never know who could be blocking your way out." I feel my face flush having been caught off guard and glare up at the green eyes that haven't even left me alone since we've met.

"Boy, I swear to all things good and holy, if you don't let me go to work to help that sweet old couple downstairs. I will end you."

Damian smirks down at me, moving sideways to let me through but not letting me go entirely. His hand seems to grip my wrist as I walk forward.

"Do you intend on leaving me today?"

"No."

"Don't you have anything at all to do?"

"Well, I plan on going to this little mom-and-pop coffee shop where this girl works. I've seen her sneak some of the lemon sugar cubes and snack on them during her shift. Funniest thing I've seen in a while." I purse my lips together and groan. "So I plan to sit on the bar stool on the far side of the counter and watch her like a hawk just in case she does it again and I can get it on Cammera to show you later."

"I would say you're a dick but that would be an insult to your brother." I may not be able to see it but I can feel his grin sear.

"Suppose I get him to join me."

"Then I'll send Nightmare to get your ankles, and groom your hair." I quickly turn around ruffling his already-styled hair and book it down the steps. My ears catch a 'hey!' in the distance behind me. I sign in and get to work. The green-eyed menace trails behind me, fixing his hair and sending me a glare. I purposely get to him last, leaning on the counter to take his order.

"How may I serve you today sir? Would you like a try at our D20 special? Or something else?"

"Tea, if you would be so kind."

"What kind of tea?"

"Black."

"What kind?" I reiterate. He glares at me, I know what he means and what he wants.

"Are you playing a game with me?" I grin at him.

"I'm not sure what you mean sir, I just want to know what order you want. I'm not familiar with our tea products. Perhaps I can recognize a name should it come up." He glares at me.

"Turkish, no sugar, glass cup."

I pull out my notepad and write up the order. I place the pot on the right template and start brewing his tea. I hand him the pot it comes with and the Turkish tea glass. I also handed him some of the tea biscuits we had.

"There you are sir, you'll be expected to pay the bill when you finish." He hums eyeing me above the rim of his cup. He says nothing. I go back to work taking in orders, helping Glen and Martha with the rest of the store, and a D&D game that was nearly too rowdy. Dick came in and nearly left without his coffee, I'm sure his brother shot him a glare that didn't help him remember. When my shift was over, and the shop was locked up, I hardly had enough time to punch in my card before I was pulled out the door.

"Where are you taking me?"

"Out."

"You could have told me you planned something on my break! I would have changed." He pulls me forward, till his arm pulls me close to him, resting on my shoulder. He pulls some shades out and a face mask pulling them up so his face is disguised.

"It doesn't matter to me, I just want to take a walk with you. No interruptions, just you and me." I raise my brow at him but shrug it off.

"You're being weird today, weirder than normal."

He shrugs this time, taking his time leading me to a destination on a rooftop not far from the coffee shop. I snort at the sight before me. A heated blanket, some snacks, and a projector screen sit on the graveled space of the roof.

"It's funny, I don't usually take you for a sap. But this is icing on the cake." I walk forward and look over the setup. "I'm confused at how you managed to keep this popcorn fresh." I look at him through the corner of my eye. "Had some help did you?"

He doesn't say anything and shrugs sitting on the blanket and turning on the projector. "Even if I did you would never get me to admit it."

Rolling my eyes I join him on the warm blanket wrapping some of it around my shoulders. My gaze falls to the sky behind the projector. The remnants of sunlight fade and the satellites just peak through enough in the night sky. The movie starts and its another obscure film in black and white. I feel a sense of unease feel my core. It's been so quiet. Damian's voice pulls me out of my thoughts.

"Is something wrong?"

"No! No...not really. It's just..." I fumble and stuff the feeling down. I lean onto his shoulder and hold his hand my eyes back on the screen. "I'm happy to be here with you that's all. It's thoughtful."

He plays with the ring on my finger, a huh coming out.

"You've been thinking about how nothing with the crow has happened since then right?"

"I mean that can't have been the final fight right? An old god possessed and hell-bent on blood?" He runs a hand through his hair, he's been thinking about it too.

"Let's just take this as a miracle and hope for the best. I promise you will be fine. I've made it my mission to see you back home." He takes my hand to his lips and kisses my ring finger. "I may not know or understand your whole story, what you've seen or what you've been through. But I will see you through this." He pulls me into him and wraps his arms and the blanket around me. "However there is one thing you should be worrying about."

I raise a brow at him and fold my arms across my chest.

"And what would that be?"

He smiles resting his head on mine, his arms laced tighter around me. His hair tickles my face as he stares into me.

         God, I forgot how much I hate homework, the thick packet of busy work that doesn't even help me in any way. I feel the warm mug of lavender tea and use it to massage my cramping hand. With everything that I had missed despite testing out that I knew it all. I must have pissed them off somehow. It's dark outside when I've seen I've finished and I can still hear Molly's last call to me from a few hours ago. Nightmare gnaws at my ankles, he's eaten so he's just bored and that irritates me some but I don't really care. I haven't been called on by oracle for a while now. Something about keeping where the other side, they called it, could reach me. I haven't been to the manor in days, and in turn, I haven't heard from him in a while. I'm not mad, but it's almost lonely.

        I walk over to my couch and pull open a Pandora, and open Enya. I start cleaning up some mess that I let accumulate. I hum to Wild Child as it hits the second chorus. My mother loved this song, it would play after almost every other one in her playlist. I remember complaining about it. Seems foolish now.

HISS!

Nightmare screams bloody murder directing me to the window. I whip around and feel myself freeze. A figure stands on my balcony, green skies, unnatural for Gotham. The figure stands tall, red cloak and glowing green eyes.

"Al?"

"After what happened in Moscow, you will call me Spawn."

He walks through the door closing it shut behind him. "I can't be here long so let me make this simple." He pulls out a box with the professor's symbol. He throws it to me. "Home is facing trouble beyond belief and the safety of existence depends on what you do here. Franklin Richards is doing all he can to keep the monsters at bay. We received information that your friends are getting help from someone here and are arriving sooner than we hoped. They talked about the last resort, as you recall it's how you got free the last time." I open the box and remove the paper, my blood runs cold, and I drop the box. Six bangles drop clink on the ground, each bearing a hieroglyph and a glowing stone.

"No! I can't be her again!"

"You don't have a choice!" His cloak rises around him. I flinch, Spawn sighs calming down. "Beast made your new model, this pair will allow you to be yourself longer." He looks out the window watching the sky. "Your friends have shielded you but know this, they fight in your place. I can take you to them but that's all I can do for you my time here is short."

        I fall to my knees, I shakily take the bangles. I feel the energy surging through them. Infinity stones. I remember when I came to hold them for the first time. Jubilee handing them to me bloody and near death. I remember they sunk into my skin, sinking deep into my bloodstream. I also remember carving them out in a dark alleyway with some broken glass.

        I snap my fingers put on my costume, and slip on the bangles three on each arm the shrink to my skin. They feel hot on my skin. almost burning. I hear Spawn growl.

"No answer?"

"You're going to take me anyway," I take Nightmare in my arms, he's still hissing. "just take me." Something wet falls down my face. I see red cloud my vision, then I can't breathe for a moment. "We're here," It takes me a moment to register where I'm at. It's the underground city in Cairo. Only a few know of its whereabouts.  Fewer can enter. But there they are. The Titans, the Bat crew, and a few others. Most are on the ground bleeding in amounts that should be concerning. "I hope to see home soon. Your uncle is annoying without you there as a filter." He leaves without another word, vanishing in red.

"Y/N! Go home!" I recognize the voice of my partner. But I ignore it. I walk to the danger. I almost cry at what I see. It's a higher rank than what should be here. He's massive, towering over everyone. He seems to smile with his twisted beak. Black leathery skin, soaked in blood and acids. Adorned in gold carrying weapons that seem to be dropping off of him. But like the others, he's off.

"Who are you?! You're not a Crow!"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" I furrow my brows

"You speak English?"

"I speak every language." Nightmare growls the identity of the thing. I glare at the creature.

"Hello, Minthu, God of war. I will give you a second chance to save yourself." I cross my arms to an X touching the back of my hands palms facing out. He only scoffs at me.

"And what could you do? You are nothing but a bug in the sands of this desert. Your master has promised me glorious bloodshed! He will be a god-like no other! Bound to the world of the mighty united as his ambassador! I will finally turn this world and the next sopping their soils in their entrails!"

"Fine, then I have no choice but to end this." The stones burn, but they do their job. I tear the creature down molecule by molecule. I erase him he screams but I continue he was too far gone to help anyway. "I am hell, discord, your death, and terror! I pass Galatic judgment upon you. You are not welcome, your kind, Crow and all. Die!"

I leave nothing. Not blood, not skin. I will the others healed while I'm forcing time and space. I release myself and drop to the floor dust puffing the air around me. I look at the burns on my skin, the same colors as the stone under them. I bleed. I'm tired.

"Y/N!"

        I close my eyes, and for a moment I think. But when I open them I'm back up I'm in the cave. My arms burn but I sit up. I've been changed out of my clothes. I'm currently wearing fresh clothes from my closet I look at my wrists and see that the bangles still attached. I doubt that even if I tried they won't come off. Nightmare mews climbing up on my lap. He asks if I am alright.

"I'm okay, thank you Nightmare. How long was I out?...3 days...I can imagine he's been worried."

"Y/N?"

"That's me, dead or alive," I answer not even turning to the voice. I look at the newcomer. Green eyes stare at me from his chair. His face is pale, but stoic nonetheless. "are you even happy to see me?"

He saunters over as if stalking me. He places a hand on my forehead.

"You're running a fever. Lay back down."

"You're running your mouth, you lay down."

"Cheap retorts won't save you from bed rest."

"Worth a shot."

"Tell me what happened back there."

"I took care of things." I lift my arms. "Same way I escaped back then." He tenderly grabs my arm and grazes the scabs with his thumb. I try not to wince.

"What are they?"

I frown. "Everything and nothing, they're infinity stones. Normally a celestial would be able to use them, but I've adapted to use them. The last time I did, I nearly lost myself. Consumed them. I nearly lost a friend to them. They tried to merge with me. They've attempted to do so again." I give him a smile. "I need to leave, it's started. I have to find an abandoned planet now."

        I attempt to move, but an arm stops me it wraps around my waist keeping me in place. I give the boy a tired look.

"Damian?"

"Shut up. You'll stay under house arrest until further notice. You will not leave this city." I push him off, his hand still holds my wrist.

"It was a joke! I have to stay here anyway." He lets out a shaky sigh bringing my hand to his face.

"Don't do this again. Ever, please."

"Can you take me home then?"

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

        I haven't been allowed to move to do anything to do for a while now. Damian made sure of that. Every time I got up to even make a cup of tea I was forced back into bed, the couch, or the chair. I have been bored out of my mind. Even watching anything was followed by concern. "Damian, if you don't let me watch my show in peace I will jump out the window!"

"Well, you shouldn't have allowed yourself to expend your abilities to the point of not being able to use them."

"I can still use pockets. It's just a matter of healing and everything else Involved."

        As luck would have it I had managed to drain myself to the point of actual pain. The others helped remove scales from my body, but because I wasn't healing I've had to change my bandages just about every day. They haven't been healing as fast as they should. Even slower than the human standard. The stones drained me alright but at least they haven't tried to merge with me, for now.

        I've had time to tell Damian more about the stones. Thanos, the infinity sword, the wars. He was happy I didn't take part in the war. But after hearing about Thanos he asked about more of our villains. I was more than happy to tell him. I started with the mutant ones and ended with Thanos. I even had Nightmare pull up my comm so I can share my database with him. But even with my extensive list, it didn't go on for long. I was so tired of talking I started playing I dream of Jeannie. It wasn't up to his standard, so he turned it off.

        I'm still pouting when he brings me my tea. I smell it and frown.

"Your drink will get cold."

"It's a sleepy-time tea. I asked for Lady Gray."

"What you want isn't always what you want, and you can't have caffeine. It's almost midnight."

"Party pooper." I twist the ring on my finger watching it catch the light. I hear him sip, but I feel his eyes in my skull. "If you have something to say, just say it."

"Would you let me take care of you more often?"

"Hell to the no." He laughs.

"Then stop getting hurt, or you will have no choice." Still holding his cup he kicks my couch making it spring open. Then he sets his mug down and helps me to the bed.

"You could have taken me to my room."

"Then you wouldn't sleep you would stay up till daybreak and blame the sun for existing."

"Valid point you make about the sun, however-" He shoves the tea to my face.

"If you drink it, and get 10 hours max sleep. I will do whatever you want tomorrow. No exceptions." I raise my eyebrow.

"Anything?"

"Yes."

"In a dress dancing like a monkey speaking Klingon?"

"This was much more work than radio city." I sigh leaning back on the brick building. "Surprisingly not as bad as basic training for the X-men."

"There is something tougher than our own streets dam!" Steps gasps for breath shaking out her hand. "The worst part of this was getting your cat to spit out that one guy."

"I was shocked to see that he didn't actually have any toxin marks." Robin glares at the feline who sits on top of a trashcan.

"Yes, he's been training to withhold toxin. I'm so proud." I scratch his head, he purrs happily leaning into my touch. Then he pulls back and starts hacking. He jumps down and spits out something green and shiny. I kneel down and take a closer look.

"Is this," I pick up the piece making the mental note to wash these gloves. "It looks like Crow tech." I tern I over it over and see a symbol of a joker. I hold it up to my partners who both look at each other. "I take it you recognize it."

"It's Joker's."

"The killer clown?"

"That's the one."

        I frown at the piece and look at the cat. He gets the message and goes to the man he spat out, he sniffs around and stops at his wrist. He rips what looks like a watch off and the body shifts. I feel a chill go through my body like a wave, and I hold back a scream. It's a crow. But it doesn't feel like the crows from home it was like before. It looks half-human.

"Is that?" Despite my instinct to do otherwise and walk to the body. I look over the stretched and contorted features of the creature tinted with green. I start to feel sick.

"I think I figured out why your hunters have manifested so early." The ravennette pulls me away from the body. "The joker seems to be experimenting again."

"Did I," A sudden realization overcomes me, I can feel some scales surfacing from under my skin. "those crows at the tower where they-"

"Don't do that, the spiral of guilt won't help you. You will only feel worse and worse. What happened wasn't your fault," He looks to the groaning man on the floor, "most likely they volunteered to become this." I push him.

"I know that! But it doesn't help!" I look at the monster laying on the ground one who was previously human just a moment before. I just stare at it, I can't help but wonder how. How could they do this to themselves with the crow still hundreds of dimensions away? I feel bile rise in my throat.

'I see you've witnessed my handy work, my dear sweet child.'

"No!" I grip the sides of my head, tugging at the strands of hair there. I feel pain erupt in my mind. His voice, echoes.

'Dear child, I will arrive soon. Don't fret, we will continue our work soon enough.'

"NO!" I scream, I lose feeling in my legs and I fall, my knees sting and my head starts pulsing.

"Y/N?" I can hardly hear Robin's voice.

'I can't wait to feel your skin again my child, we will be together very soon. And what glorious bloodshed we will rein. Shall we start with your lover? He looks like he would taste good, how shall we eat him cooked or raw, either way, we'll start with his heart.'

"Shut up!" I shakily take my hand and as quickly as I could manage draw a circle on my forehead. I feel the blood dripping down my face but the voice was gone. I'm pulled up by someone, I feel breath on my face but I can't hear them, I can't see them either.

        My vision goes dim until all I see is darkness. I know I must have blinked because I open my eyes. What I see isn't the alley, instead, I'm on the couch, and Star Trek is playing on my TV. I try to move only to be stopped by an arm on my waist. I follow it to the dark-haired boy. I brush some of my hair out of the way and stop on a bandage. He must have dressed my flesh wound while I was out. I brush my hand through his hair pushing it back as well. I sigh and move his arm. As quietly as I can manage.

        I fill the tub with hot water, as high as I can stand, and pour hydrogen peroxide into it. I wasn't changed out of my clothes so I strip off my jacket to see what was going on underneath. I hiss in pain as I take it off. I'm not surprised to see that scales have spread all over my arms and some of my neck. Some have spread on the side of my face and on my feet. It's not as bad as when I get caught in the rain. It's not good either.

"I'm not going to going to take the rest of this off."

I groan and slowly lower myself into the water. I sigh in contentment as the things fall off of me even if it is slow. I take the bandage off my head and feel the place where the circle would be. I sigh again thankful that it healed already. I close my eyes and lean back.

"You should have woken me."

"SNICKERDOODLE!" I jump and some of the water spills out of the tub. I glare at the assailant, who is glaring back. "Dammed ninja giving me a heart attack!"

"Giving you a heart attack, you nearly gave me one. You went limp like a doll! Not asleep but not awake, you won't answer as you walk home blood dripping down your face. And when you get home, you just sit on one of your chairs. What happened?"

I sink further into the water, furrowing my brow, and stare at the faucet.

"He-no" I correct myself. "It talked to me. Every fear that I had is coming true. If he can call me, he's closer than we have thought. The professor isn't going to be happy about this. And I might have to leave earlier than I had hoped."

"Leave?"

"I can't stay, can I? Not when I am this close. It's obvious that someone has contacted them, aiding in their arrival. I can't stay here for long, I would be putting you in danger." He looks down at his hands slumping over.

"How long do we have."

"I need to cross-reference with the other first." He hums the gets up.

"I'm heading out for a bit, I'll be back before too long. Finish descaling, relax."

"Where are you going?"

"Don't worry about it."

"Damian!"

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

        While he was gone I formed the professor about everything, and as predicted, he was not pleased. He went on to tell me that I should fight only if necessary and avoid more attention and that he was going to talk with everyone to see what we have to do. With that the call ended, I took care of Nightmare and placed him in my room to sleep. I hear the door open not long after. As promised he came back, and 2 hours went by. He gives me a panicked look. I am told to sit down, and he makes us a thing of tea.

"I just got back from the cave, we ran the device. We know who it is who has done this. We had run check-ups to where he was supposed to be. The asylum has lost our culprit, he was replaced with a lookalike."

"You going to fill me in on the who?"

"Not yet, as you had said before the less you know the better." He takes my hands and looks me dead in the eye. "I know you hate it and you just got this place back, but would you consider leaving to a safe house?" I pull away.

"No! I ran enough! Grayson said the crows had taken over, and now we know why. I agreed to fight them and I will. Damian if I leave it's to go back home! I am so close to ending the deal!" I clasp my hands over my mouth, I almost blurted out something that would have voided the contract.

"You're almost done?

        I walk into the hallway as quickly as I can. "We have 3 hours before we need to be at school. I will be leaving in half that time." Once in my room, I quickly close the door and lock it, then change my clothes and school bag. I set up at my desk and review what I need to get done. I don't feel right, my outburst was uncalled for.

        I didn't leave through the door, I went out the window. I felt bad about the fight but I didn't want to face him yet. I Climb down the fire escape and take the next turn out of there. I hope to see Molly again before I give anyone else a moment of my time. Even my teachers. Unfoutonetly the school staff didn't seem to care. I was overwhelmed with question upon question. I miss my first and second class periods during this debriefing, now it's lunch. When I have my tray in hand I scan the crowd for Molly. She finds me first and starts going off about her day while dragging me to a table. I'm sat down at the corner and she sits across from me.

"It's so good to have you back! I missed you so much, I thought I was going to be alone for the rest of school!"

"You still might be, her time here is almost up." Damian's voice perks up from the seat next to me and I jump.

"Dammed ninja, giving me a heart attack!" He scoffs.

"At least my vanishing act is better."

"Yes, you are very good at hiding."

"That's not what I meant." He sighs, brushing some hair out of his face. "I'm sorry, I was wrong."

I choke on my food, Molly even makes a sound of confusion. I give him a concerned look.

"You would tell me if you were a pod person right?" He looks at Molly, who only shakes her head.

"It's a valid question, I said yes."

He looks at her dumbfounded.

"Why? The pod person would most definitely say they weren't."

"Exactly so when they say no that means that they are because one must fully agree to the statement. That's the only way we clear the name of everyone in our friend's group." Molly looks down, then back at Damian. "We are friends now, right?"

I look at Damian, he gives Molly a quirked eyebrow. Then he makes an obvious move with his hand, the one with the ring, gesturing to me.

"I suppose we are, after all, if it weren't for Y/N we wouldn't have met."

"Is that-are you wearing matching rings?" I jump from the table and grab Damian. "I have to ask him about something I'll see you in class. Ahaha! Okay, ba-bye!" I run out of the lunchroom with Damian, I run us into the library and into one of the blacked outed study rooms. I look the door and glare at him.

"What are you doing?" He opens his mouth. "Do not say you don't know what I'm talking about." He plops down in a chair and crosses his legs.

"Did you not want her to know?"

"Molly tends to overreact and I don't know about letting the whole school know about this. Seeing that a quarter of the student body has ties with the press." I lean back on the door. "I don't want people to find my past. She knows about my past, but not everything. As much as I love and trust her, I don't trust the people around her."

"You don't want others to know about your aunt."

"I don't want to find another version of her trying to kill me either." I sit myself down in the seat next to him. "I'm sorry, about earlier. I wanted to tell you sooner, I just wasn't aware of the how."

"Why did you accept my ring if you were going to leave?"

"Because I like being around you, I don't think I've loved being near someone as much as I do with you. I thought about coming back here multiple times after this was over."

"What was your conclusion?"

"Inconclusive, I don't know if anywhere is safe even after. I have my brother to think about, and what about my place at the academy? I don't even know if opening rifts back and forth from the dimensions causes damage. I don't even know what place is safer yet. I wanted to bring it up when the time came, but you know and my big mouth."

"I looked through your files again, It's odd to think about your birthday two months away."

"And I leave April 10."

        He lets out a shaky laugh, combing a hand through his hair.

"I imagine you don't want me to tell anyone."

"I would appreciate it."

He is silent for a moment, I go to wave my hand in front of him he jumps up from his chair. His clutch to the back of my chair. He leans forward his forehead nearly touches mine.

"Why do you have to be so much trouble?! You frustrate me so much and all you do is make me wonder and worry." He glares at me, I snort a little and cup his face.

"How else would you meet your match? I have to keep you on your toes and ground your ego. Besides I can't just give you grief, otherwise, why would you give a promise ring?" He tilts his head but I can feel the heat in my hands. "God you are so cute, I eat up moments like this in media. Who would have thought that you were this adorable." I feel him seize, then he pulls away. He opens his mouth but the door clicks and Molly comes in, I catch a glimpse of the lock picking kit I got her. It takes 5 seconds to use it but I wonder how long she was there.

"I come here to find that you two are somehow dating! I knew it! I have been shipping this since I caught him staring at your project on the neolithic period. I mean everyone was, but the way you tied up with his score was hilarious, and the furious look on his face was awesome." She runs to me and picks up my hand with the ring. "It's so disgustingly adorable how simple this is, I cannot believe this is happening. Did you even kiss him yet?" My face flushes.

"Now hold on a minute-"

"So you haven't even done that yet, I bet all you ever did was cuddle him to sleep."

"Just-"

"It's like watching a playground romance." I look to Damian for help.

"I'll head to class." He walks to the door.

"We have the same class!"

"Excellent! I have more questions for my BFF, that don't include you just close the door."

"Damian?" I feel my voice waver, I see his face is slightly red.

"I'm sorry." Then the door closes behind him and now I'm left with my grinning friend.

"Have mercy."

It's warm, really warm... how nice.

I groan a little moving closer to the warmth nuzzling my face into it.

"Y/N?" I groan and something soothes my head smoothing down my hair. "We need to get down to breakfast, you know who will eat everything if we wait." The voice whispers, my brain can't register it yet.

"Nightmare, I'm not ready. No-no biting." The voice laughs.

"Nightmare is being a wonderful cat at the moment entertaining the playful dog." Something cool presses across my head. "I don't want to have to move you. You won't like it." I peel my eyes open looking up at the noise. Half-lidded green eyes stare down at me. The name finally comes to mind.

"Damian?" He smiles.

"Could you say that again?"

"No biting." He frowns then hands jab at my sides, I shriek.

"I'm awake! Awake! D-Damian stop it ahahaha!" I push against him and his now volatile hands. I finally move out of his grasp and fall to the floor. I pull myself up arms sustaining my weight on the bed. The boy sits shamelessly on the bed arms fitted behind his head.

"Everything I said last night."

"What about it?" He smirks, and I glare at him.

"I take it back." I get up and snap my fingers, thinking of an outfit containing a sweater. I narrow my eyes at him, he's now somewhat bristled with a nervous look. He's jumped out of the bed and is standing next to it. "I'll go down to breakfast, goodbye."

"Wait, you don't mean it." I give it a thought looking at the puzzle piece ring situated on my finger. I hear footsteps knowing that they are his. He stops in front of me and I look closely at him.

"Your right, I don't the ring's too pretty for that." He takes the hand with his own.

"And here I thought It was too simple." I frown at him.

"If you got me something encrusted with precious jewels, I would have recently passed a much longer judgment period." He seems to freeze, then looks a bit sheepish. "You bought several, didn't you." He leads me out the door and into the hall.

"Only three, I had Grayson help. Not that he did much good."

"That's adorable."

"If we say no more of it I will get you an entire raspberry cheesecake." I grip his hand a little tighter leaning into him.

"It's a deal. But how long did you bribe your brother to keep quiet?"

"Crap."

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"If you decide he's worthy enough to marry, I want to know your recipe for your coffee."

"Tim, it's a bit early to downplay your brother for the sake of coffee for a recipe I can give you any time." I deadpan giving him an unimpressed stare. We are in the kitchen today, Alfred has the day off and no one with the exception of one brother knows how to cook.

"It's not like he didn't propose," Tim says under his breath looking to his younger brother, who thankfully has yet to start another fight. But personally, I feel like goating him myself today. It's like new territory is unlocked now and I want to see how far I can go.

"Ah yes his proposal," I Dramaticly wave my hand in the air as if reminiscing a time long past. "I remember it as if it was yesterday." I hear one of the other brothers snort. "So romantic he was, and to do so in a different language as well! How could I say no." I look at him with slightly misty eyes. He retorts with his own appalled look tea in hand. Snickers could be heard from all around. His appalled face flushes, and I start laughing myself.

"Is this because of earlier?"

"Yes, the floor is cold and hard." I calm myself enough so that I can give him a pout, but I end up laughing again.

"Good to see that he's met his match, though by now I would have expected a remark worthy of the son of the Al Ghul clan." The master of the house sets himself down with a thing of bagels and jam next to his red-faced son.

"I don't have words to express the sheer amount of secondhand stupidity this conversation is giving me."

"There is some of it," I say leaning down on the counter between us. "What happened to the snips and quips that made you so icy?"

"If I throw you a stick would you go and chase it?"

"Depends is it made of chocolate or the stuff you leave in your toilet?" He groans.

"Y/N just say shit, stop making this so painful!"

"No Ducking way." He Gritts his teeth and curses through his teeth.

"Why don't you curse like a normal person?" Jason asks stuffing food in his mouth.

"Yeah?" Steph says leaning in next to me on the right.

"I like to savor my words, such things such as cursing are saved for special occasions." I push away from the counter and to the sink. I clean the things that I used for making coffee. Steph again pops in on the side.

"What occasions?"

"You'll know when the time comes." I put the things away in the designated places exactly where I found them. I turn to the people still eating. "I am going out, I will be back before it gets too late."

"Where?" Damian looks puzzled.

"To beg for my job back, I did have to leave on short notice again." I open a pocket and pull out my green heavy-duty jacket and my leather boots. Even though winter here isn't as cold as it would be back home, I would prefer to be warm.

"How are you getting there?" Bruce asks while I open the door.

"Not by grappling hook, besides," I look at my phone. " It's a nice 47 degrees out. It's a nice day for a walk."

With that, I am out. Though it is halfway into my walk for me to sense someone following me. I walk into an alleyway and hide, forcing myself into the shadows crouching down by one of the boxes there. I almost laugh when I see who it is. I wait for him to move to my spot, I don't bother moving because he goes down to my level.

"See me?" He asks, he's wearing glasses, a mask, and a hat to cover his feature.

"No, I felt you. I've been around you enough to sense your energy." He offers me his hand, I take it. He lifts me up and walks me out of the alley. He continues to walk to the coffee house. I notice he's stuffed my hand and his into the pocket of his unzipped black jacket. "If you wanted to walk together I could have waited."

"Why would I give them more ammo? I just snuck out."

"I thought you were grounded?"

"I had to make sure you got here safely." I smile leaning into him.

"How kind of you, are you planning to escort me everywhere?"

"If it means keeping you alive." I play with his fingers in the jacket.

"Thank you." I smile inwardly. We don't say anything more as we walk to the shop. When we do get there the old couple almost leap for joy. I had received many hugs and an earful. They had given me my job back regardless of my time away. They were just happy I was safe and out of danger. I felt tears forming but I hold them in and laugh at the attention. I felt good to see them and I couldn't be happier. They had given us some white hot chocolate and had decided to catch me up on everything that was happening. I was thankful that the store was closed that day. Also thankful that I still had my key. When everything was said and done, I got my job back and the offer of my old place, and we start to head out. Even though I was glad to see the place again was I even allowed to leave the manor? Damian must have figured I was having thoughts about my old place.

"I can talk to him about it." The cold wind blows in hard at this point and I finally shiver. I'm not sure if it's due to the wind or the thought of changing that man's mind. But the thought is tempting nonetheless. Though guilt gnaws at me.

"How would you get him to say yes? A person like him keeps his mind and thoughts to a precise point. From what I have gathered, he's the kind to keep his enemies closer than most?" Even with the facemask, I can tell he's frowning at me.

"You doubt me?"

"Yes and no, really it depends on the day." There's a silence then he picks up speed.

"Challenge accepted."

"What?" He doesn't stop. "Hey! Wait I thought you were escorting me! Damian!"

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"I can't believe you've done this..." I stare at my apartment now refurbished new furniture is placed there with the exception of my pullout couch. I had refused to part with it. Somehow I was moved in. Even though I was sure I was only to be kept within the confines of the manor. It was nice to be alone. Finally. But I can't help but feel like this was off.

"You can't tell me you were comfortable somewhere else unfamiliar. From what I have gathered this place holds a particular sense of peace for you." I glare at the dark-haired menace.

"But It wasn't necessary."

"You wouldn't even sleep on the bed."

"It's the size of my living room! What? Did you want me to drown in the confines of that monstrosity?" He scoffs.

"Knowing you you would have found some way to do it."

"...Rude." I look around the place again and I smile. "How did you do it anyway?"

"Well, it took some give and take. A lot of favors are being recalled and some blackmail. But now your home is bug-free." I know what the feeling is now. He's hiding something.

"There was a catch wasn't there?"

"Indeed, not too terrible if I say so myself."

"Well, what's the catch."

"I live next door." I blink a few times.

"Did I hear you right? Next door, as in the apartment next to me?"

"Yes." I sigh, well it figures this was going to happen. Not that it was a terrible thing to happen.

"You could have just lived in here considering you would have broken in any way."

"Speaking of which I'm not fully moved in yet," He takes off the couch cushions and kicks the side of its couch. I open it and fall to the floor. Then he flops down on it. "So I'll be here for a bit."

"You're going to stock my fridge full of expensive food instead of tasty favorites."

"Yes, and that crappy insurance you had has been replaced with a company one." He props himself on his elbows. "There is also a budget on things I have for you to spend. If you don't spend it I will buy something for you twice the price."

"You cruel monster. You know I'll spend it on books, I have more than I need already. And my insurance was fine."

"Don't lie to me, your insurance covered very little-"

"What's it cover on my windows?" He goes silent and looks to the side.

"Smashed by a rock-"

"I knew it." I laugh a bit and Nightmare starts snickering as much as a cat could. I walk over to him and decide to fall on top of him landing so I was laying the short way to me. I hear an oof but no complaints, however, I do feel arms slide around me.

"If you wanted to be close you might have just told me. Bruising me seems like the opposite of what you would to your partner."

"Ahh," I give him a smirk. "They say life has to hurt in order for you to be truly alive." Nightmare jumps up and lands on his legs stretching out. "And I don't think you were hurt that much. But if you were you cannot escape now." He raises an eyebrow.

"What do you mean I can't escape."

"Because I'm comfortable," Nightmare lets out a soft meow. "Nightmare says your too warm to move from his spot too." He chuckles.

"Wouldn't you feel more comfortable up here," He reaches to the side where a new side table sits and picks up a remote, I hear a click from the TV then I hear the Highlander. "where you can watch the Highlander?" I look to the cat who has decided to move to get a better look at the motion picture. I tilt my head while giving it a thought. "I will throw in a veggie pizza and a few cans of cherry coke." I move into his chest quickly and tighten my arms around him.

"Yes this is very warm, I accept."

"Really? You'll give in that easily?"

"You want some resistance?"

"Naturally." I roll my eyes and press my ring to his matching one. I pour some energy into the space until a pact mark is formed.

"There you go, now the deal has been struck. I require my food and drink good sir! Lest you risk facing the consequences!"

"What would those be?"

"I would read the pact on your wrist, it's in Arabic. Should be easy enough for you." He looks at the mark reading it then back at me.

"A human can't stay awake that long to watch Dr. Who in one sitting."

"That's what you have a problem with, not the fact that you would need to clean the microwave with a nail brush till it sparkles? Or the read my entire romance collection?" He gives me a deadpanned face his green eyes give an unimpressed look.

"Most of those are reasonable."

As promised the pizza arrives just as we start episode 3, he went out to get the soda so I had begun eating the pizza. When he came back he made it seem like I betrayed him by eating when he had his back turned. I retaliate by stuffing a second slice in my mouth. That was a slight mistake because I choke on some of it.

"Serves you right." He laughs and I'm tempted to chuck Nightmare at him.

"I wasn't going to let it go cold."

"I've seen you warm up a hot pocket in your hand, I have no doubt that you could have done the same to the pizza given a choice." I put the cold cherry coke to my cheek. I pout but Take the can.

"You know it's been almost too quiet. It's almost chilling." I look grab the remote and press play on Highlander.

"I have a love-hate relationship with it as well." He grabs my hand and squeezes it. "I don't intend to lose you to a night like this." I smile.

"So paranoid, what will take me? Unless your world has come up with a specific way to suppress mutant powers you're stuck with me."

"Suppose we'll find out on patrol soon enough." I give him a flat stare.

"Another condition." He nods, Stuffing a piece of pizza into his mouth.

"You'll have to go with me and Steph and wear your communication device. We cover this side of the City since we are here." He slides an arm around my waist and pulls me closer. "But we have plenty of time before then." He touches his head to mine, I take ahold of the wrist containing the pact mark and confirm that the deal is complete. I watch as it fades away like running ink.

"Alright," I lean up and rub my nose against his, his face contorts in confusion but doesn't pull away. "But I still want to watch my shows in peace, it's also a school night so we can't stay out too long."

"That's alright with me." He leans closer attempting to copy my previous movements but fails, I struggle to hold in a laugh. He frowns and traps me in his arms. At first, I think he's hugging me and then I feel the nimble fingers.

"Wait! Stop what you're doing!" I try wiggling but my attempt is fruitless.

"I think I can only handle so much teasing before I retaliate."

"Stupid n-Ninja-ha, let go!"

"I'll stop on one condition."

"Anything!"

"Really?" I can feel the smirk, though I can't see his face. His torture doesn't stop but it lessens as he places his head on mine again. "Should I take payment now then?"

*knock* *knock*

"You can't have that much fun till after you are married. It will be easier that way!" We whip our heads around to the window. Steph is on the fire escape crouching down to see us through the window. She opens it and drops it onto the couch.

"I wanted to come early to see what was up and- oooh is that pizza!"

"You are out of bounds!" Damian growls at the girl who has made herself comfortable and eating the pizza. Man, this family is weird.

====

I smooth over my dress and look for seams, I sigh in relief when I don't find any. I look back at the boy in front of me, he is straitened now with his a hand covering the front part of his face.

"Is everything alright?" I ask him. He clears his throat and inhales sharply closing his eyes. When he opens them again he smiles just slightly.

"Yes everything is fine, I just didn't have the right words for a moment. You look beautiful by the way." I feel my face brighten.

"Thank you, you don't look as bad as I thought you would either." His face crinkles and a light chuckle sounds out.

"You can't even give a compliment as your given."

"Someone has to knock you down a peg, something will boost your ego tenfold. I have to do this, who else will." He shakes his head and sighs.

"I don't have the energy to argue," He offers me his arm. "shall we head down? The party's just about started."

"I don't see why not, we can't keep them waiting." I take his arm and start walking with him. "Do you think I'll see Molly?"

"It's a possibility, did you hear the story that was given to the school and her family?"

"No."

"Apparently the government program sent you back home to deal with some things involving your family's murder. You went back to school in the Twin Cities area."

"Simple, and what about you?"

"Studies abroad."

"I wonder what that means now that we are back?" I see him smirk.

"My father has decided to sponsor you, you are staying with us." I stop.

"Sponsor? What do you mean by that?"

"The paperwork was just finished today. As per your parent's written requests, my father isn't your guardian or your stepparent. But you have become his ward under the supervision of the court for your time at school here. You are required to keep up your grades at school, and, though it was not required, they ask you to keep an extracurricular of some sort either at the school or an actual job." He motions for me to move again and we do.

"Why is it optional I get a job?"

"Because father has already set up an account for you."

"Pump the brakes pretty boy. Why is your family giving me money."

"Y/N, you could bearly pay for a broken window, food, and expenses. This is the least we can do."

"You mean a window you broke, then your family broke."

"We paid for a new one."

"I paid for the first one. 600 dollars-"

"You and your goddammed window." There is a moment of silence.

"I don't need the money you know."

"Too bad." He pushes the doors open and more music blasts in my face. People danced most chatted, and European Folk music played in the background. Though my main concern wasn't the people, I scour the area for the one thing I would go to a party for. I spot my target, but as I go to move I forget that I am attached to my escort.

"I know you weren't trying to escape to the dessert table."

"I don't know what you are talking about my good sir. I am definitely here to dance and talk to strangers." I fake a smile attempting to sparkle like an anime character.

"I will let you eat whatever you want from the table as long as you actually attend the party."

"Fiiiiinnnee!" I dramatically wave my free hand. "Show me off! I just want my food after." He stifles a laugh but drags me into the crowd. He introduces me to some people and then some. I do see Molly she and her family wept with joy seeing me alive and well. I felt terrible for lying to her but what else could I do. I told her what I could and from there she went on about what happened while I was away. All the latest gossip, what trends were relevant at school. She even talked about how her father was upset he couldn't sponsor me because Mr.Wayne beat him to it. , I had lost Damian some time ago, and now I was feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally drained. I excused myself to a table and sat down, one of the servers handed me a cup of sparkling cider and I drank that quietly trying to regain any energy I might be able to grab.

"I was looking for you." I look to find emerald eyes staring through me.

"Molly found me and talked my ear off for several hours. What about you?"

"Tsk, I was being bugged by elderly women and my brothers."

"In that order or all at once?"

"I will not dignify that with a response." He shifts himself moving his weight from foot to foot. "I would like to ask for a dance if you're not too tired." He holds out one of his hands. He looks the other way preparing for my answer. I take back the rest of my drink and take his hand.

"Why not, that's what this dress is for isn't it?" He's taken aback a slight hint of color burns his face. His hand tightens around mine and we move to the door exiting out to the garden. "Aren't we dancing?"

"Who said we would dance in there?" He smirks. "Now we will need to run so we can make it to the greenhouse."

After a struggle in the snow and a brisk sprint in heels, we make it to a large garden kept warm with thermal glass. As he leads me farther in I am struck by the beauty of the well-kept garden. Flowers of all different kinds bloomed, I wanted to stop and see more of them. When we do finally stop, we stand before a large Triste Barbaro lilac tree. I inhale deeply, the warm feeling of better times fills my brain. I can't help but smile. "How is it that we are going to dance in this place."

"Father installed a sound system a while back, I just happened to rig it so that we are hearing the live music in the ballroom." He goes to a patch of flowers and rummages around till I hear a click. The music slowly flows into the place. I recognize the tune, it's a song called Cartouche Song by Blackmore's Night.

"You know this one?" He asks me.

"It was one of my dad's favorites." I slowly sway to the music, I can't help myself and sing one of the lyrics."In between dark and light in the underworld."

"You know it by heart then?"

"Very much so." I smile, then a realization dawns on me. "I never actually learned to dance. This might be difficult."

"You went to the first one without any idea of how to dance?"

"I thought I would learn! I just needed to watch them but I was still freaking out by then. The food also distracted me." He gives me an unapproving look nearly glaring at me.

"You have an unhealthy obsession with food." He stands from his place near the flowers and guides me to the center. "Nevertheless I will show you." He lifts his hand taking mine with it. "Just mirror me." I nod and follow along watching for his feet. It takes me two turns into the motions before I settle in on the style. I appreciate the fact that we are not being watched by the peanut gallery of onlookers from the crowd. Though it would have been priceless to see their reactions those times I stepped on his feet. However he hides things fairly naturally, yet this confuses me.

"I have a question."

"Are you going to ask me?" I give him a look.

"Why here? We could have done this in the main hall."

"And become exposed to the tabloids? How would that end for you, a hiding heiress to your grandmother's fortune a person who is by all technicalities is dead?"

"Point taken." I look over his shoulder peering at the outside. The glass has a milky tint, I cannot exactly see how dark it is. "Do you have the time?" Without stopping his rhythm he checks his watch.

"It's 11:50 and before you ask how long we've been here, it's been about an hour since we got here." This news takes me back.

"It's been an hour? I guess I've been having too much fun."

"I find it hard to believe that this is too much fun for you. Seeing as you don't even let yourself have any." I feel something like a cold knife go through me. I know where he's going, his face says it all, normally it would go too far but this is Damian.

"Sure go start poking into my insecurities. I'll just take it." He gives me that smirk that makes me want to punch him. But for the sake of staying in theme, I settle with stepping on his toes. He holds back a hiss of pain, and I give him a smile matching his. We dance for a little more, then we hear counting from outside. Unlike the space station, they count from thirty.

"It looks like it's almost time," I say looking to the entrance.

"Yes, it would seem so. Would you do me a favor?" I raise an eyebrow.

"I don't see why not."

"Would you close your eyes?"

"Really? alright." I do as I'm asked. Subconsciously I listen to the slow count down.

"Y/N, I know that we met not long ago. However, my decision has not wavered." He's not speaking English anymore. "This might seem too forward, or maybe even too fast. But I am not good at words." His hand takes mine securing my wrist, it cold but not unpleasantly so. Then something slides on my finger, I open my eyes and blink at my hand. A silver ring with jagged shapes on one side rests on my ring finger. He lifts the hand interlocking our fingers, I see a similar one mirroring the shape on his ring finger. His lips kiss the ring, and he looks me in the eye contact never wavering. I feel my face burn. "I don't know when this all happened, I only came to this realization recently. Normally one would use a promise ring to signal hope for engagement, but if find this is easier than words. If you hadn't realized it yet, I am confessing. I won't ask you to answer me now, but I would like one soon." I hardly register the words, all I can do is stare at the rings. Though both are silver, mine is darker than his. And I notice a slight trembling. I grip his hand tighter clasping it with both of mine. I feel it still, but not completely. To be honest I think that I do it mostly for me. I sigh shakily, touching his ring with my fingers and moving it around his finger.

"I-"

"He proposed!" Steph pops out from almost nowhere dragging the older brothers behind her.

"Jason you owe me money."

"Like hell, I do mullet brain!"

Arguing and death threats ensue after, mostly on Damian's part. Steph brings me back to the mansion and stuffs me into a room with all the girls. I am overwhelmed by the people currently interrogating me about what just happened. And I mean an interrogation, there was the bright light and a small chair. Barbara eventually brakes it up after getting nowhere and it was time for everyone to go on patrol. Steph was disappointed after finding out it wasn't an engagement but seemed to accept it. I take a walk the long way to my room, with the party long done and over the room is empty and dark. I feel as if I can still hear the party. I look at the ring, I feel my face heat up again. I walk faster to my door and swing it open, the dog and cat run out of the room. I sigh moving into my room and locking the door. I throw off my shoes and change my clothes. I finally have my pajamas on, and flop onto my bed. The balcony door opens, I don't bother asking who, I already know.

"I'm sorry about earlier." Damian plops down next to me, hands behind his head.

"We should have known better." I twist the ring on my finger. It's quiet, too quiet for me. I turn over on my side to look at the boy. He's already watching me. I feel my face heat up again. He's changed into some normal clothes and a black hoodie that somehow hasn't messed up his hair.

"I do have an answer for you."

"Really!?" He grabs my hands quickly. He becomes red in the face as he attempts to move his hands but I stop him.

"I would be honored to be your partner, my answer is yes. I might be here for the long run, anyway. With that in mind, buckle up, you've got a seat on this rollercoaster," I cup his face and kiss his forehead. "and you can't get off till the car reaches a complete stop." He jumps up into a sitting position hand on his face. I sit up too crossing my legs on the bed. "Damian?" I reach out a hand to touch him, then I'm flat on my back again. Ebony black hair tickles my face, warmth at the side of my neck. My arms pinned between my chest and his body.

"Don't move. I can't have you seeing me like this."

"Vulnerable?"I hear his signature 'tsk' and I giggle. I move my hand from between us and card it through his hair. Each strand is soft to the touch he tenses at the feeling. When I move my hand away he catches my wrist. His face moves from his hiding place. His face is flushed to what I believe is a new color of red. I go to cup his cheeks again and he hisses but makes no attempt to move.

"Your hands are cold."

"And your face is better than a hot pocket." I take a good look over his feature once more tracing my thumbs in circles around his cheeks. "You know your eyes kind of remind me of chrome diopside." He glares at me.

"Did you refer my eyes to cheap gemstones?"

"It's not that cheap, the Greeks even used it. They said it would encourage good dreams to sleep next to one or even have one on your head while sleeping. In ancient times it was believed that he had fallen from the tree of life, so the dead had to be buried with this gem to ensure reincarnation and return to life. For the Greeks, it fell out of the sky because it was different from the other stars, it was not vain, nor did it try to outshine the others as a star would try. It already did it on its own. The heavens became jealous and trapped the star on earth." His face flushes again and he tries to move away. I pull him back reaching around him and snuggling into his hoodie.

"Now I'm rather hoping for some good dreams tonight," I snap my finger and the blanket comes over us. "and cozy warm. Now you cannot leave." He sighs wrapping his arms around me.

"You're insufferable."

"You put a ring on it."

"Yes, I did." He takes the hand with the ring and kisses the inside of it. "And I couldn't be any happier."