It was the last year of high school. Late enough that you were ready to drop everyone and never speak to them again. But still far too early to do so. You kept dreaming about what it would be like to leave, to start a whole new life. One without complicated relationships and situations. Your friends had been on your case recently, a fight in the friend group you weren’t participating in. They said you were distant and acted like you didn’t really want to be with them. You said you just didn’t have the energy to resolve fights you weren’t a part of. You knew very well they were probably right. So you did what you do best, you distanced more. In class you were laser focused on your work. After school ended you headed straight home. Now lunch, that was the difficult part. You needed to find a seat where people wouldn’t bother you, where no one would be asking stupid questions. You figured you’d just sit with the most intimidating person you can find (that didn’t seem to have it out for you).

So you sat down across from Damian.

His face didn’t reveal much, only a hint of surprise. Like his calculator told him four plus four equaled nine. He didn’t say anything though, only let out a quiet ”hmph”. You didn’t say anything either, just sat and ate in silence. Not an awkward silence, surprisingly. But a silence that said there wasn’t a need to say anything. He looked at you, at your hair, your shirt, even your food. He let out the slightest breath that almost sounded like praise. You were honestly a bit too nervous to make a sound at all. You’d heard about him, of course you had. The kid who allegedly transferred here because he beat up three classmates at his last school, at the same time. It was only a rumor, but one you didn’t have much trouble believing. He had a strong build, one that suggested he was pretty active. His hair and clothes screamed money. But his face, wow, it conveyed so much in a single glance you couldn’t begin to deconstruct it. You couldn’t look away. Obviously, he noticed.

”Do you always stare so obviously?” He remarked, his voice laced with condescension.

”You have a very captivating face.” You admitted, shrugging your shoulders in an attempt to keep casual. ”I’m [name]”

”I’m aware”, he responded. Short, efficient, unusual.

You stopped talking after that, sitting in slightly more awkward silence for the next ten minutes. Then, right as you were considering leaving, he did what you would soon know him for. His peculiar way of asking questions, being not asking at all. ”We have the class”, he said, ”let’s go.”

AP lit, the class didn’t start for another twenty minutes (thanks to a generous shift in schedule this year). Yet you followed him, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Damian was like a magnet for someone like you, someone tired of people and their demands. You were sure he had his own, but clearly they were different. When you reached the classroom he sat down in his (presumably) usual seat. The center of the last row. You sat down next to him.

”So..” you clicked your tongue, unsure of what to say. Unsure of if you had to say anything at all. ”Do you like cows?”

”I have one in my backyard.”

”What?!”

…

You simply didn’t separate after that. Every lunch, every class you shared, even after school. If you were seen with anyone, there was at least a 90% chance it was with Damian. You learned a lot about him. How he loves animals, how he has far too many siblings for a peaceful home life, how incredible his mind can be. You learned that full name is Damian Al Ghul Wayne, and that he first met his father pretty late in life. Your favourite thing about him, however, was without a doubt how kind he was, and the lengths he went to to hide it. He’d buy you coffee but scoff and say it’s only so you don’t fall asleep on his notebook (which he let you borrow so you could copy his notes for the class you always found a little too draining). He’d give you his jacket and say ”yours is beyond inefficient anyway.” He’d stand up for someone being mocked then tell you ”well, someone had to do it” with an eyeroll. He never made things awkward by prying or complicating things over something small. He didn’t shy away from saying things because he thought they’d hurt you.

”Your notes are terrible.”

”That shirt is horrendous.”

”That guy is not worthy of you.”

And yeah the statements could be rude, but it was honestly you’d always craved. And his actions spoke a lot louder than curt statements.

He’d help you fix your notes.

He’d give you the extra sweater he carried in his bag that he swore he didn’t bring for you.

He’d show you that you have him, and that he’s doing everything he can to make sure it stays that way.

Damian was the kind of person you only meet once in your life. And you weren’t going to let your instincts ruin that. Every time you felt that voice in your head scream ”Run! He’s getting too close! You’re gonna get hurt!” you forced yourself to breathe, look at him, and stay. That helped. What helped more was knowing his mind was probably screaming the same thing. He’d told you once he didn’t like being vulnerable, it was against his nature and against everything he grew up believing. He had said it with so much intention, so much fear, that you almost froze. You remembered exactly what you told him.

”Well, it’s nice to know we’re going against our instincts together. You’re not alone, Damian. I’ll make sure that’s not the case. I promise.”

And that’s the most important promise you’ve ever made.

You first noticed it during late nights in the Manor, when the rest of the world had finally gone quiet and you were both too restless to sleep. The halls were dark, the city beyond the windows glowing faintly like distant stars, and everything felt suspended in that strange in-between where tomorrow hadn’t arrived yet and yesterday was already fading.

You would find him in the library, always in the same corner, surrounded by half-open books and the low hum of a single lamp.

He would look up when you entered.

Not surprised.

Never surprised.

Just… relieved.

You never said it out loud, but you felt it. The way his shoulders loosened the moment he saw you. The way his gaze softened, just a fraction, like something inside him had settled into place.

You started bringing him tea. He pretended he didn’t care. You both knew he did.

Tonight was no different.

Rain whispered against the tall windows. The house was too quiet. You hovered in the doorway, debating whether to disturb him, when he spoke without looking up.

“You may enter.”

You smiled. “Still creepy.”

His mouth twitched.

You crossed the room, setting the mug beside his stack of books. Steam curled upward, carrying the faint scent of chamomile and honey. He paused his reading.

“…Thank you.”

You took the seat across from him, curling your legs beneath you. The chair was too big, the room too dim, and everything about the moment felt soft in a way neither of you were good at acknowledging.

Minutes passed in silence.

Comfortable. Easy.

Your eyes drifted to the rain sliding down the glass. “Do you ever think about leaving?” you asked quietly.

He looked up.

“Leaving where.”

“Here. Gotham. Everything.” You shrugged. “Just… disappearing.”

His gaze held yours. “No.”

The word came out too fast.

You raised an eyebrow.

“I mean,” he corrected, “I have obligations.”

You nodded. “Right.”

He studied you for a moment. “Why do you ask?”

You hesitated. Then, “Sometimes I feel like I don’t belong anywhere.”

Something in his chest tightened.

He closed his book, more carefully than necessary. “You belong here.”

The certainty in his voice made your breath catch.

You looked away. “You don’t get to decide that.”

He leaned forward slightly. “I do when it concerns my home.”

You laughed softly. “Your home?”

“Yes.”

There it was again — the way he included you without even realizing it.

You didn’t respond. You couldn’t.

The silence returned, but it had changed. It felt heavier. Fuller.

Your shoulder brushed his when you shifted. Neither of you moved away.

You became aware of him in a way that made your heart ache: the steady rhythm of his breathing, the warmth radiating from his arm, the way his presence grounded the entire room.

You wondered if he felt it too.

His fingers curled against the edge of the table, just inches from yours. Close enough that you could see the faint scars along his knuckles. Close enough that if either of you moved, even slightly…

Neither of you did.

“Damian,” you murmured, “what happens when the mission is over?”

He frowned. “Which mission.”

“All of them.”

He didn’t answer right away.

When he did, his voice was quieter than you’d ever heard it. “I do not think… the mission ever truly ends.”

You nodded. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

His eyes searched your face. “Why.”

You swallowed. “Because someday I’ll have to leave.”

His breath faltered.

The word leave echoed in his mind like something breaking.

“You will not,” he said.

You looked at him. “You don’t know that.”

He held your gaze. “I know.”

Something in his expression — fierce, protective, painfully sincere — made your chest tighten.

You looked away first.

“Sometimes,” you whispered, “I wish I could just stay. In this moment. With you. And not think about anything else.”

His voice was barely audible. “So do I.”

Your head snapped up.

He looked almost startled by his own words, but he didn’t take them back.

For a moment, everything stopped.

The rain.

The clock.

The world.

It was just the two of you, suspended in the fragile space between truth and fear.

You shifted closer without meaning to.

He did the same.

Your knees brushed. Your hands nearly touched.

His heart was racing. He knew it was. He wondered if you could hear it.

You were looking at him now, really looking — like you were memorizing him, like you were afraid he might disappear if you blinked.

“Damian,” you said, your voice soft, “do you ever think about… us?”

He swallowed.

Every day.

Every night.

Every time you smiled at him.

Every time you walked into a room and the world felt steadier.

But he said only, “Often.”

Your breath caught.

You reached for his hand before you could overthink it. Your fingers brushed his, tentative, uncertain.

He froze.

Then, slowly, he turned his hand over and laced your fingers together.

The contact was gentle. Reverent. Like he was afraid the moment might shatter if he held you too tightly.

Your heart felt too big for your chest.

Neither of you spoke.

You didn’t need to.

The rain kept falling. The clock kept ticking. The world kept moving.

But the space between your heartbeats felt infinite.

He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring. He didn’t know how to promise anything. He only knew this:

He wanted this moment.

He wanted you in it.

He wanted the quiet, the closeness, the unspoken love that was slowly, softly, becoming impossible to ignore.

You leaned your forehead against his shoulder.

He exhaled, the tension in his body melting, and rested his cheek against your hair.

In that silence, in that fragile closeness, something sacred took root.

Not loud.

Not fast.

Just real.

author’s note:

Though this feeling- this destruction was oh so painful. Part of you- part of you clung to it. Maybe it was because these horrible and draining emotions helped you focus on something other-other than the betrayal and other then... other than your inadequacies. After all, Damian wouldn't have chosen S/N right? if you have been better if you had been greater, if you had just been more, maybe- just maybe he wouldn't have left- he wouldn't have abandoned you.

These thoughts had you up at night despite the heartbreak roaring through your mind. It made adjusting to your new life in Metropolis so much harder. And even though you had developed a poker face of sorts, your new roommate Jon Kent always seemed to know when you were struggling.

It wasn't as though he could read your mind or that he had any feelings for you, but more as that he knew you so well. He was, in a sense, the sibling- the brother you had needed. A person to rely on and to confide in. It was surprising how willing Jon was to listen to your woes despite the fact that he was close friends with Damian. Despite the fact that he knew your sister, he knew her well, he still listened to everything that had happened and your point of view of it all.

It was even more surprising that he comforted you. Not in a soft way, but in the ruffling of hair and saying that your family, your sister and even Damian didn't deserve you. Before continuing with even if you really are annoying. You had laughed, tears spilling from your eyes before nodding.

Regardless of Jon's comments and the quiet messages of encouragement from Oracle saying she won't tell Damian where you were at and that you were in the right, your mind still scrambled and screamed.

It's all your fault

he left because you aren't good enough

you should have died that night

These swirls of terror overtook you at the worst of times. In the dead of night when you were all alone; in crowded rooms at parties Jon had convinced you to go to; even in your sleep. Yanking you from the one peace and bliss you had to the roaring of self-hatred and scorn. And today was no different.

Just as the soft hues of light brushed the horizon, your mind bellowed and twisted, pulling you from sweet dreams of the past you longed to return to.

Partially panting you sat up, teeth sinking into your bottom lip as you intertwined a hand into your hair. Squeezing your eyes shut you focused on your racing heart instead of the thoughts that fought to be known.

Moments later there was a knock on your door. Sighing heavily, you slipped from bed and walked over to the door. Opening it with a weak wave you turned back towards your bed. In the doorway Jon stood a worried look on his face.

"Are you okay?" He whispered, having clearly been awoken by your frantic episode.

"I guess, I mean nothing out of the ordinary is happening." You grumbled in reply, rubbing your brow.

There was silence between the two of you and Jon walked into your room flopping onto your bed with a slight grunt, "So all the fun times?"

"Of course, what else would you expect from me?"

Jon laughed slightly and you sank onto the ground leaning your head half against the bed, half against Jon's leg. Something stirred and shifted in you and closing your eyes you muttered a question,

"Do-do you hear it too?"

"Your voices? no, I think those are your special friends."

Shooting him a glare of sorts you swatted at his leg, and he chuckled before letting out a soft yawn. There was more silence before he sighed.

"Okay, okay you're serious... yeah. I do. I mean it's not like what you're going through but I hear the doubts and negative thoughts too."

Something about his words made you want to protest, to say it wasn't that bad, or really untrue. Something also struck a match in your chest, alighting warmth and comfort and something almost burst.

Swallowing back your tears you leaned back a bit to see his face before you continued.

"So... I'm not crazy or awful for having voices tell me all the bad things I've done?'

Jon snorted and you had to resist the urge to punch him. He sits up glancing down at you before sighing dramatically.

"No, that doesn't make you crazy. You are perfectly crazy all on your own."

With that a wave of relief came over you as you jumped to your feet. Jon rose and you pushed at him a smile of sorts on your face. He gasped dramatically before reaching out to push you back. You dodged his hands as laughter began to build in your chest.

"oh, it is so on." Jon muttered and a laugh escaped you.

Turning you skidded out of your room, avoiding Jon's attempts to push you as you hurried down the hall into the kitchen. Your feet slid across hardwood floors almost gliding when your foot caught on a chair leg, and you practically flew forwards, your face slamming straight onto the ground.

A bit of pain raced over you, but it was familiar enough for you to know that the most you would have is a bruise.

There was silence, then roaring laughter and you hazily pushed yourself up to see Jon cackling. His hand pressed to his stomach as he laughed at your fall.

"You are such a dick." You mumbled as you pushed yourself up.

Jon did not seem to care and continued to laugh. You rolled your eyes before pushing yourself to your feet. His laughter seemed to halt as you turned towards him. He paused, weakly smiling, "Is this the part where I run?"

Smiling slowly, you tilted your head and shrugged.

"It can be; however I am willing to negotiate."

He hesitated, eyes going wide as he looked around the room clearly noticing the hardwood floors and his feet in socks.

"Ah okay, uhm how does hot chocolate sound?"

You narrowed your eyes taking a step forwards, Jon's hands went out and he blinked a few times taking a step back.

"And a donut or pastry or whatever you like."

You took another step forwards and Jon flinched raising his hands to cover himself as he squeaked out,

"From Nonna's!"

You hesitated, recalling the Italian woman's small cafe and all the baked goods inside. Including her delightful assortment of drinks.

"I want extra whipped cream on my drink and a bag of stuff."

Jon paused, looking up at you slowly, his eyes narrowed, "Is that all?"

You thought for a moment and nodded, "Yes."

He held out a hand slightly shaking, and you grinned, "Deal."

After a somewhat civil handshake, you took a step back feeling something warm in your chest.

"I'll get my shoes and coat!"

Bounding back to your room you grabbed a pair of shoes and a coat before practically skipping back into the kitchen. Jon had his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall, a strange look on his face. As you pulled your coat and shoes on you approached him.

"Ready?"

He hesitated, making eye contact with you and blanching. He cleared his throat, eyes darting towards the front door.

"I- i I uh... I don't think going now is a good idea-"

You rolled your eyes, "You promised, we are going no backing out, we shook on it!"

But something about his hesitance made your stomach churn, pins and needles beginning to bounce on your chest.

Jon opened his mouth to say something else and you walked over to the door, your hand resting on the handle when something escapes him.

"Wait!" He almost squeaks.

You hesitated for a moment before looking back to the door and slowly opening it. An empty hallway stood before you and you tilted to show Jon. Snorting a laugh at his surprise you scrunched up your nose giving him a teasing look, hoping to make him roll his eyes- or at the very least stop his nervous behavior.

"Does the big bad empty space scare you Little Johnny?" You asked in a voice you'd use on a child.

Jon seemed to relax, his shoulders dropping and air leaving him as he stared at the doorway; clearly not registering your taunt. A second passed before his head snapped in your direction and he narrowed his eyes.

"Seriously? Little Johnny?"

You shrugged, "What else am I supposed to call you? Your name???"

This made him laugh, which calmed the buzzing on your chest and churning in your stomach. Yet, something about the look in his eyes made the pins and needles dig deeper, moving to the back of your neck and shoulders.

Jon moved towards you and the door, seeming more relaxed than before but... something seemed off. However, you didn't know Jon well enough to know what exactly that meant.

He gestured out the doorway smiling slightly, "Shall we?"

Pausing you nodded, a slur of worries being pushed back in your mind as you smiled, "Of course!"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Surprisingly, despite the early hour, Nonna's was in fact open. You were not in fact Nonna's first customers; however, you were able to get your order in. You had to wait but waiting for Nonna's goodies was worth it.

Though, Jon was acting a bit odd. Looking at his phone frequently as he shifted from one foot to the other, eyes darting to the door every once in a while. After nearly ten minutes of this behavior, you were suspicious. Elbowing his side, you tilted your head and opened your mouth to ask him what was going on when Nonna called out your name. You moved to get your order, smiling at Nonna from behind the counter.

"Here's what you asked for piccolina, I added some extra's since you and that patatino," She gestured to Jon who was staring at the door frozen, "over there are looking a little thin."

You nodded smiling, as you took your bag and hot chocolate from her, happy for the food but worried as the pins and needles stabbed into your neck and shoulders, dancing around your heart.

"Buongiorno Nonna."

"Torna Presto, Piccolina!"

Nonna beamed as she moved on to her next customer. Turning back towards Jon you moved towards him, brow furrowed as you stopped at his side.

"What the heck, are you okay Jon?"

He didn't reply, instead he stiffed as the bell to Nonna's rang. His eyes locked on who just entered as he took a breath in slowly. Confused, you looked to see what was making him so still.

Standing in the doorway, disheveled and sweating was none other than Damian Wayne. The two of you made eye contact and you felt the air and color leave you. Heart hammering, you froze for a singular moment, long enough to see the recognition and relief in his eyes.

Something warm blossomed in your chest, a wave of joy that wrapped around your throat. It squeezed at your heart as a bitter taste coated your tongue and you weakly took a breath in. He was here, he was here. It was almost instinctual to lean in and hug him. To start some sort of physical contact as if you make sure he was here-truly here. Then the tight pulsing of your veins and breathing of your lungs yanked you back into reality. He- he had betrayed you, he- he had abandoned you. Pulling back, you squeezed your hand into a fist, eyes raking over him before noticing the movement just beyond his shoulder. No, the person behind him. She looked a little frazzled, but still as perfect as ever. Looking back to Damian the sluggish feeling of betrayal up your spine.

A wave of emotions fierce and roaring climbed up your throat as you backed away from the door. For a moment you couldn't breathe, and the world was spinning as a realization crashed down around you.

He was here.

Why was he here? Why did he have to come just as you were starting to get numb to all those emotions? Why did he have to come after you just made it past an episode? Why did he come? Why? Why?!

Swallowing you pushed back your worries and fears, back the questions and pain. Gripping your hot chocolate tighter as you let out a slow breath, then you began walking towards the door. Hoping your nonchalant attitude would make them ignore you or so baffled you could slip past. As you made it to the doorway, you began to slide towards the street, outside of the store-the place with no escape, to the open and free air that allowed you the opportunity to turn and leave.

Unfortunately, your hopes were in vain. A hand clamped down on your arm, pulling you in. And you blinked, looking to find Damian Wayne practically towering next to you. Eyes frantically racing over your face and body, worry covering every feature as you felt his heavy breaths on your skin. Hell, his heaving chest nearly touched your arms as you felt his heat.

"Y/N."

Taking another breath you gave him a blank look, your eyes instantly drawn to your sister loitering behind him. A muddled mixture of emotions on her face.

"If," You began calmly, your eyes locking on his nose, so you don't have to look into his eyes, "you're here because you think I'm trying to steal Jon or poison him against you, you should know I'm not. And there's no reason to worry."

You saw his jaw twitch and his grip tightened on your arm as he pulled you in even closer. Faintly, you could feel Jon lingering behind you. Clearly watching and waiting for a moment that deemed too much for you or a spot to intervene.

"I am not here because of that."

You bit the inside of your cheek as you looked away from Damian's face. Eyes once again drawing to your sister, whose brow was furrowed, a scowl of sorts on her face.

"Then why are you here?" You softly asked nails digging into your palm as you looked towards the floor.

"I'm here for you."

Snapping up, you raised your head and made the unfortunate mistake of meeting Damian's gaze. There was some kind of pain you noticed in his eyes. Pain, worry and something you refused to believe was real.

Longing

Looking away you tried to focus to stay calm, but your heart refused to listen.

Liar one side of it hissed

For me? the other side sobbed

Pushing down your feuding heart, you tried to think, think of the real reason he could be here. It took just a moment for you to come to what you thought was a viable conclusion.

He was here to show you how awful you really were.

He was here to prove he was in the right, and you were wrong.

To show that you weren't good enough.

That your sister was and that's the whole reason he chose her was because you weren't good enough.

Because you weren't enough.

The air stopped in your chest, and it was then you noticed your sister's gaze locked on Damian's hand gripping your arm. Forcing a breath you swallowed, your free hand to touch the one holding you there.

Almost instantly, Damian let go of your arm, his brows creased as his gaze flicked, just for a moment to Jon. Quickly looking back at you, almost as if he was scared, you'd disappear or be gone since he took his eyes off of you, Damian let out a long breath. Then, he stepped back until he was on the sidewalk, out of the doorway but blocking any escape onto the street.

Part of you hated that he knew you well enough to know you'd try to escape. Knew you well enough to know cornering you in a public place would not only make you even more hostile but frustrated people knew your personal business. Damian knew you well enough to know that even though you wanted to run, you did not want to impede on others.

Grinding your teeth, you exited Nonna's. You didn't have much of a choice other than moving out of the doorway fully and standing so close to Damian you were practically pressed into his side.

His hand was brushing your cheek, and you found a frown searing itself into his face.

"There is a bruise forming... what happened? How did this occur? Did someone harm you? Who hurt you?"

It took everything in you not to shove him away screaming,

YOU

YOU HURT ME

YOU CONTINUE TO HURT ME, OVER AND OVER AGAIN!

when will you stop hurting me?

Instead, you gently moved his hand from your face and tightly smiled your eyes drifting to Jon, confused why he hadn't stepped in or tried to help you escape yet.

"I'm fine, I just fell earlier. It was an accident, don't-" You stopped.

Don't worry.

Why did you need to say that? Why did you need to reassure him you were okay?

Why why why?

"You fell?" Damian murmurs, eyes narrowed, clearly unconvinced.

"Yes," You retorted, taking in a breath, "I was running around the apartment and my foot caught a chair leg. Ask Jon, he was there."

"I know."

Stepping closer to you, your sister cleared her throat, smiling tightly, fully capturing your attention, "Y/N how are you liking Metropolis?"

"It's fine," You began narrowing your eyes as you looked her over, "why-"

Before you could even finish your question, she interrupted gesturing to Jon with a smug look on her face.

"Is he your boyfriend?"

"Who, Jon? No, no. He's my friend, a good friend, but just a friend."

Part of you wanted to look at Damian as you said this, but you kept your composure enough to keep your gaze on S/N. However, she rolled her eyes at your comment almost as if she didn't believe you. And there was a look on her face that made something in you snap. Taking a step closer to her you scowled, crossing your arms.

"What the hell are you doing here anyways? I thought you were happily living in Gotham now," You hesitantly shot Damian a look before turning back to her, "I thought you both were."

Your sister weakly laughed, "Well, things have been... interesting. Adjusting to living in a new city is difficult, you should know that."

"I'm doing perfectly fine here; in fact, I was doing great until you- until the two of you showed up."

S/N blinked in surprise almost recoiling from your words. She opened her mouth, clearly prepared to spin a sob story to make you feel bad when Damian pulled you away from her.

"Be quiet, S/N."

"But Da-"

"I said quiet. It is atrocious enough that you followed me here. I do not need you aggregating things with Y/N by lying again."

"It's not lying exactly-"

There was a loud crash that rocketed you all straight into silence. You paused, looking around before taking a step forwards, trying to figure out where the sound was coming from.

At first you couldn't even see past the roof of the stores just beyond Nonna's. But as you slid into the empty street, you noticed a blur of colors. A familiar blur of colors.

Red and Blue.

"Oh shit," You whispered as an alarm of sorts began to blare.

You turned to shout to the others what was going on when a blast of sorts had you stumbling backwards. Looking up you saw a building tumbling towards you.

Blinking, everything seemed to go deathly still as a low whirling began in your ears. You turned, your eyes slowly blinking again as the building got closer to you and figures- blurred figures raced towards you as the whirling rose to a rumble then a voice, shout- no screaming your name. Before dust and rubble covered your eyes and something heavy struck your head sending you into pitch black darkness.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Dust and what must have been ash floated in the air. Catching on your eyelashes and blurring your vision as you stirred. Blinking to find heavy rock and metal-rubble surrounding you. Wincing, you shifted in an attempt to get on your feet when you heard a groan.

Turning, you found just a few feet behind you a dusty and twitching person. Rubbing the dust away before you got closer you noticed a slab of concrete, a crimson splotch barely visible just on the area it made contact with the person's leg.

Moving closer, you noticed the familiar figure- the face and eyes. Moving closer you realized it was Damian. Going still you bit your lip as he grunted, clearly waking up.

Part of you wanted to just stare, to wait for him to notice you. But you also- the pain in your chest grew at the sight of him. Fallen and pinned, injured-bleeding; he was hurt. And-and in front of you. How could you just stand by and watch?

How was he even here? He was far away when the building fell and yet-here he was.

Moving closer you began to focus on his pinned leg, he blinked clearly trying to sit up.

"What are you doing here?" You muttered as you crouched near the slab.

"Pardon?"

"What are you doing over here! You should be by Nonna's safe from falling rubble and being trapped in a growing hellhole!" Peering around the slab, you noticed it wasn't too large. And there was definitely enough room for you to lift it up.

"You-"

"I what?" You snapped, shooting him a glare.

He hesitated, seeming to realize what you were doing as you took in a deep breath and slid your fingers under the concrete.

"I was attempting to reach you. To-to- remove you from danger."

You froze, air stopping in your lungs as sweat coated your hands. Gripping the slap harder you yanked upwards, heart racing. The slab rose just enough for his leg to slip free. Rolling, he cursed and scrambled away from the slab as the sweat weakened your grip and the slab fell back in place.

Silence overcame the two of you and you sighed deeply before remarking, "... you pushed me out of the way of falling rubble?"

"It is possible that situation occurred."

"Damian-"

"It is my belief that in consideration of our current... situation, we would be at a loss in continuing to bicker on what exactly occurred so that I would result in being confined here with you."

"Then what exactly should we be doing?"

"Perhaps we can discuss what truly occurred in reference to when your sister came to Gotham."

Your teeth sank onto the inner part of your cheek as you let out a hissing breath. Nails digging into the palm of your hands as you turned to him.

Frustrated, sad and-and angry.

Angry that this whole situation came about and that you were being pushed once again to listen. To understand. That what happened was always going to happen.

But part of you... part of you wanted to listen. To hear his explanation and get rid of the ever-growing pit of abyss in your chest. To listen and understand what he did. That it never really was between you and her. That you were enough and that, that.... he would choose you.

However, you knew it was too late for something like that to occur. He had chosen her. Just as everyone else did, just as everyone always will.

You were never and will never be anyone's first choice. Especially when your sister was an option. Especially when you were just simply you. Not something greater or grander like she was, like others will be.

So, you need to make a choice. Hear him out, listen to the same story you've heard hundreds of times before or sit in the unknowing. Questioning whether or not it actually was the same, whether or not you weren't enough. Questioning if he really did choose her over you.

And you weren't exactly good with questions, with curiosities and wonderings. But you were tired of hearing all the reasons your sister was better...

Maybe this time will make you realize the truth. Maybe this time, hearing the words of devotion to your sister from someone who you so deeply loved and trusted would make you realize it will always be her. Maybe it will make you realize you need to stop hoping and wishing and wanting it to be you. Because in the end it never will be.

Swallowing, you relaxed your hand and jaw. Sinking onto the dusty ground with a sigh you shrugged.

"Fine, fine. Why the hell not, tell me your little sob story. I'll listen. I won't cry or shout or say you're lying. Tell me the truth and it will all be over."

He began pulling himself across the ground closer to you. You locked your jaw, wincing before going still.

"It- There- A misunderstanding occurred. I wish to rectify this, because... for a lack of superior terminology, it is not what you think."

You raised an eyebrow as he slid even closer to you, sweat beading on his brow. Mixing with the dust and dirt that clung to his face, sliding down his face drawing your eye to his face- his jaw and- no.

no

"Really now?" You sneered.

"Y/N-" He began and you rolled your eyes.

"Damian stop with the antics, call me as you usually do."

"... I regularly address you in this manner."

"Wha- no- wait..." You paused blinking a few times as faint memories raced across your mind, with his voice always calling you by your first name, "when did you stop calling me by my last name?"

"Is that what you truly wish to know?"

You took a risk and met his gaze, seeing the unwavering determination in his eyes. Almost as if he'd tell you anything you wanted to know.

"Y- no. No, just continue, continue please."

He paused for just a moment before nodding weakly and continuing, "When your sister first arrived in Gotham, I was... concerned. You had previously stated that your accounts could be biased. Therefore, I desired to comprehend the truth in your... contemptuous relationship. Thus, I enacted a strategy to ascertain your sister's true intentions."

Strategy... a plan-he- he wait

"You-you... you wanted to know what my sister wanted with me?"

Eyes still locked onto each other you watched him sigh heavily, his jaw locking as he readjusted himself.

"In essence, I yearned to distinguish if your belief is correct or if your judgment was clouded due to... past grievances."

He...wa-he wanted to know the truth. Was there really anything wrong with that? After all he wouldn't have come all this way if he... if he truly chose your sister.

Speaking of your sister... what- what did he find that made him- made him decide to lie to you??

"... And what exactly did you discover?"

At this he broke eye contact and your stomach dropped. You were wrong, you were wrong she wasn't trying to hurt you. She wasn't being cruel. oh lord what had you done-

"You- you... your perspective on the matter is accurate. Extensively accurate. In fact, according to my comprehension, your sister not only dislikes you- but she wishes to have you... under her control."

wait, you were right? You were right? Then- then what exactly was she trying to do? Why was she so cruel? Why did he use those methods to discover this?

"So, you're telling me that you flirted with and went on a date with my sister because you wanted to know what her intentions with me were?"

"That is correct."

"And... she hates me."

Damian winced as he attempted to slide even closer to you. It was then you realized how you were leaning back, shoulders straight, arms crossed and nails in palm. Tense you were so tense.

"Hardly, rather she- well rather it appears to me she is... envious of you."

This startled you. What, what on earth could he mean by envious?

"Envious?”

"Ugh, perhaps the word jealous provides more clarity."

"She's-... she's jealous of me?" You were barely able to get the words out as your shoulders sank and Damian's hand brushed against your leg.

He shifted once again, pulling himself so he was seated at your side. He was panting and his brow was soaked in sweat.

"That is how I have come to understand it."

It- none of this made any sense.

"Why?"

"As far as I was able to discern, she envy's your strength against society and peer's ideals on who you are and how you should behave."

He reached out, gently grabbing your hand and holding it in his own as you stared at the rubble surrounding the two of you. There was more silence when he squeezed your hand. You turned to him and he half heartedly gestured to his leg before remarking,

"Is this not when you scold me for causing further injury to myself? Better yet, why have you not voiced any complaints or objections to my actions?"

"Because you did it to yourself, who am I to tell you what to do?" You snorted rolling your eyes as you took his hand in return, "besides would you have actually listened to me?"

"I do not believe I would."

"Exactly."

For a moment or two, it almost felt as though everything was going back to the way it was supposed to be. In fact, you were just about to lean into him when a thought crossed your mind.

why did he hide it? Why did he not include you? Why keep it from you?

"Why didn't you tell me?"

He was quiet and you swallowed, waiting for the weak explanation of how he realized he didn't like you all that much. Instead, you got,

"I- wished to inform you of my discoveries... but only after I obtained a method to prevent her from ever... from allowing her envy to create contention between the two of you."

Contention... wait-wait was- was he trying to protect you?

"You- you were trying to figure out how to prevent her from being mean to me?"

"I was attempting to, but... you ran away."

A heat of sorts rose up in your chest and burned away the fleeting sensation of relief and regret.

"I did not run away," You snapped, pulling your hand from his as you glared, "I left."

"I apologize," He said, his face pale as he reached out for you once again, "It seemed, at the time, that you were running."

It wasn't a wrong assumption exactly but... how- how did he-

"How did you find me?" You whispered.

"I- I will give you this information under an immovable condition."

You raised your head brow furrowed with suspicion rising in your throat, "And what is that?"

"You- you cannot act and must think through all I will tell. You must listen because there is much I will say."

Someone- someone had given you up. Someone had betrayed you...again.

"Fine."

"My... family, those who knew, would not even acknowledge your absence. So do not worry, they still hold your confidence in high regard."

You relaxed slightly, swallowing as a weight on your shoulders lifted. Making eye contact you raised an eyebrow and nodded.

"I searched for any trace and found none. It is my belief that Gordon erased your tracks... regardless I- i had begun to lose hope when... when Kent reached out to me."

You froze, your chest tightening as your nail instinctively stabbed into your palm. Biting your lip, you looked away as a heavy darkness clouded your mind. Clutching onto your shoulders and sinking into your skin as a pain of sorts danced across your veins.

"He was... concerned about my wellbeing. And soon, yours. He informed me he knew of your location, but it wasn't until he said you were looking gaunt- that it was evident not only with your action but with your appearance. You- he said-" Damian paused, swallowing as it seemed almost as if he was in pain as he continued, "you were suffering. And that though he did not wish to betray you, your welfare was far more important."

This was, this was odd. You had never experienced someone- someone doing something for your own good even though you were against it.

"Jon- Jon told you where I was because he was worried?"

"Yes, he- he ordered me to come to your side," Damian chuckled, "To explain and clarify what occurred. That he could not bear to see you in such a state for any longer."

"Ah... and you didn't originally tell me because-because you were trying to protect me?"

Damian blinked a few times, turning to you, confusion clinging to his features as you noted his flushed cheeks, more than likely due to his strenuous efforts to reach your side, "Pardon?"

"You approached my sister, trying to figure out what she wanted because you didn't want me to get hurt. You even wanted to come up with a plan to stop her from hurting me. So, you wanted to protect me."

He tilted his head and shrugged, eyes raking over your face as if he was taking it in for the first time.

"With it phrased in that manner, yes. It appears that way."

"why."

"What?'

"Why did you-" You hesitated faintly recalling Damian calling you friend and you stopped.

You knew why he did it. At least most of it. A better question to ask- a question ringing in your mind over and over again was,

"Why didn't you tell me from the beginning?"

"I- I am afraid I do not understand."

"Why didn't you tell me you were planning on figuring out what my sister wanted? Why did you lie to me? Why did you hide this from me?"

"I feared it would harm you."

"How?"

"You- you tend to be... excessively sensitive with matters involving your sister. I did not want you to... worry whether or not your intentions or beliefs about what happened with your sister were incorrect."

You paused, something sparking in your chest. A light of hope or joy. Something warm and happy that began to spread, the fact he knew you well enough to know you'd think that way-

But it didn't entirely make sense.

Damian would usually be there with you shaking his arms crossed as he sighed at your thoughts. Saying something along the lines of "you need not think that way. While I loathe to admit it, I made mistakes as well. And as Father has said, to make mistakes is human.... though I doubt he himself follows this proverb."

Looking him over you raised your head, eyes once again narrowed. Suspicion-a light more curious suspicion- rose up on your skin. Itching and crawling as confusion clouded your mind.

"What doesn't make sense."

He blinked, looking to you his brow furrowed pain etched into his face as he let out a ragged breath.

"I would appreciate some elaboration."

"That reason doesn't make sense."

"I beg your pardon?"

"You-... just as well as you know me Damian, I know you. And I know that me being worried I was wrong about my sister is not a good enough reason you'd keep that plan from me."

He faltered, wincing as he avoided your eyes, "It- at the time it appeared to me that you were... compromised emotionally due to your sister's unexpected arrival. I did not want to-to pressure you more with this... scheme of mine."

You snorted, crossing your arms as you gave him an irritated and amused look.

"Damian, even after my grandma died, who I was really close with. After I got back from her funeral, you still felt the need to tell me I was lacking when on patrol."

He shifted, eyes drifting away from you, his jaw locked.

"I do not understand how that circumstance and the present conversation connect."

"You are lying to me right now. I don't know why, and I honestly don't really care. I just want the truth."

He breathed out a heavy sigh before meeting your gaze, "I have grown a great deal since then. I now better understand what is appropriate and what is not."

"Damian."

Something stirred in you, it ached that he was still lying and-and you couldn't understand why. You didn't care about why truthfully. As long as you knew the truth, he could keep all the secrets about why he had lied that he wanted.

"I am telling you the truth." He seethed.

"I don't believe you; it doesn't make sense."

"Y/N-"

"Why would you do that?" You threw your hands up, shaking your head in confusion, that ache turning into a burning flame" Why would you care all of the sudden-"

"BECAUSE I HAVE AMOROUS FEELINGS FOR YOU!"

The flame went out and all of the anger and frustration disappeared in the blink of an eye. You tilted your head, confusion overtaking everything, "...what?"

"I have amorous feelings... for you."

Confusion grew and grew buzzing in your chest and throat. None of this made sense what- amorous, what in the hell did that mean?

"I- I don't understand, Damian what are you saying-"

He pressed on, "Just as you told me when saying goodbye, it hurts to see you in such a state-it burns me alive to harm you in any way because- because."

Your throat went dry the confusion beginning to fade, "Damian-"

"Because I am in love with you."

The world went still and you couldn't breathe. His words ringing over and over again in your mind.

Because I am in love with you

I am in love with you

love

A faint shifting sound caused you to let out a breath, air flushing in and out of your lungs.

"You-you... what?"

"I, myself, do not fully comprehend the scope of these... emotions. However, I am not going to deny them any longer."

His voice dropped, and he reached out, taking your hands in his, pulling you in closer.

"I am in love with you, when I heard you say that you felt the same and-and that I had hurt you. It nearly destroyed me. Especially since I could not fix my mistake. Especially because I could not comfort you. I could not even see your face. But your voice- I heard all the pain and sorrow I had caused." He released your hands and cupped your face pressing his forehead against yours, "Knowing I had done that in an attempt to keep you safe- that it was all my fault... I have not slept since you left. I have not ate- I have not lived since you left me."

You swallowed heat racing across your cheeks as you met his gaze. That longing you saw earlier burning so much brighter. The regret and sorrow swirling in between his eyes as you felt the tremble in his grip.

"I regret every action of mine that led me here- that hurt you. And I ask you to forgive me for my lunacy-for my arrogance and stupidity."

Head spinning you breathed slowly, confused and-and happy. He- he hadn't betrayed you.

"Seeing you once again-I... " He paused, shifting his grip, "I could not breathe for a moment. You- you were so stunning standing before me.... I understand if you-you feel different, but I beg of you. Please let me stay by your side. I care not if it is in Gotham or here. I- I am certain that without you- without your mere presence I will not survive."

In fact, he was always on your side. Always. He never chose he- it was- it was always you.

He chose you

You

You squeezed your eyes shut, heart hammering in your chest as your eyes burned and something warm slipped down your cheek.

"Oh-ah I- I apologize. I did- I did not intend-"

Something bubbled in your stomach almost making you laugh at his worry and frantic words that happened merely because of a few tears.

"Damian I'm okay," You whispered, opening your eyes seeing the panic on his face as you sniffed, "Happy- these are happy tears."

"oh- I... so you are not angry with me?"

"No- no I'm happy," You replied wiping away your tears, "happy I was wrong, happy you feel the same and-and..."

Damian went still and you pressed your head fully against his closing your eyes.

"I love you Damian, I still do. And- I-i... I accept your apology. It will take time for me to-to be comfortable once again but... I am willing to try-try at something more."

Opening your eyes, you felt your face flush even darker as you could see the pure and utter joy on his face. He leaned in and you did as well, eyes beginning to flutter when there was a crash of sorts.

Your eyes flew open, and you found just a few feet away from where you and Damian sat was now a hole. A gaping hole that led outside-into the clear open air and warmth. Just outside of the hole a figure floated faint streams of light catching to reveal colors to you.

Red and Blue.

Weakly laughing you raised a hand, "uh, ha, Hey Supes."

There was silence for a moment and Superman floated into the small alcove of rubble and dust. He looked at the two of you and raised an eyebrow.

"Are you both alright?"

You nodded slowly before hesitating, "Uh no- no."

You turned to Damian who was very pale and clinging to you. Swallowing you gestured to his leg turning back to Superman.

"His leg- it got caught under some stuff when we got stuck here. I think it might be broken or something."

There was a moment of silence before Superman flew closer to the two of you and in a second, he had pulled the two of you into his arms.

It was a matter of moments before you were outside, the sun bright as he set the two of you down. Pointing towards the paramedics nearby.

"You can get help there."

"Thank you!" You said with a smile as you grabbed onto Damian's arm.

Superman nodded with a smile before taking off, probably to help others. Damian half shuffled towards you wincing slightly and you began to reach for him when he said under his breath,

"And here I was desiring the opportunity to rescue you."

A heat rushed over you, and it almost seemed as if your body moved on its own. Your hands grabbing the collar of his shirt as you pulled him to you, pressing your lips against his.

There were a few moments, with your lips pressed against his, where nothing happened. Then, in an instant, with a wince of pain and body shaking, he grabbed onto your arm and kissed you back.

Heart, hammering you pulled away, almost panting as a slight feeling of regret coating your throat. Looking at his face you found a dazed look and released his shirt. Almost instantly he began tumbling towards the ground. Arms shooting out you captured him, pulling him close.

He winced muttering curses as he used your shoulder to pull himself up. Looking around you found people staring phones up and lights flashing.

"Oh shit," you whispered.

Damian shifted and you realized he wanted to move. Slowly walking half carrying him you began your trek towards the paramedics. Leaning against you he began muttering things,

"They will be relentless in their mockings for months."

Rolling your eyes, you steadied him, his head resting on your shoulder as you moved closer to the paramedics.

"Is it, all of this, the teasing and pain... is it all worth it?"

Shifting so he could look at your you he smiled, eyes locked on your face a soft and warm gaze- so heartfelt and yearning as he replied,

"If I am with you? Always."

Tag List:

You and Robin had become a couple shortly after the crew saved her at Enies Lobby. Having joined a week after she did, you fell for her as soon as your eyes met. You could sense there was a deep yet indescribable pain in the way she looked not just at you, but at everyone else on the ship as well.

Hesitant to get too close too fast and scare her off, you opted to take your time in getting to know everything about her - where she came from, her likes and dislikes, and what she did for fun. It was through your time together you started to think you were out of your depth.

Not only were you naturally introverted, you had already resigned yourself to the idea someone as beautiful and intelligent as her could never feel the same way about you. Despite this, you were still able to bond over how much the two of you had in common. Little did you know…the love you grew to have for her was indeed reciprocated.

A confession didn’t occur until after the tumultuousness of her rescue. After almost having lost her once, there was no way you’d ever let her go through an experience like that again. You still remember it like it was yesterday.

Robin, I know you’ve been hurt, betrayed, and treated as if you were some kind of monster. While I can never truly understand how that feels and changes you as a person, I can make you a promise: For as long as we’re together, I will NEVER allow you to go through that again. I’m yours, forever and always…if you’ll have me.

Neither of you could stop crying at that point, but it didn’t matter. Words weren’t needed. The two of you embraced and the deal was sealed.

Not long after, Franky surprised the both of you. After returning from the two years of training every member of the crew underwent, he built a separate room for you to share. While bunking with Nami was always fun, being able to have a moment to yourselves was a nice option.

“Robin? I’m coming in…” you say as you knock on the door to alert her of your presence.

As you enter the room, you see her sitting on the bed still wearing the lilac kimono she had acquired in Wano. Your breath hitched each time you saw her in it and your heart began to race. You shut the door and walk toward her.

“Hey, beautiful! What are…” you stop mid-question at the sound of soft sniffles. Rushing to her side, you take a seat next to her.

“What’s wrong?” Concern obvious in the tone of your voice.

Placing the back of her hand to her mouth, she whimpers again, nodding her head in the negative. “It’s nothing, love, don’t worry,” she says, tears quietly streaming down her cheeks.

You rub her leg to comfort her. “Flower, please talk to me. You’ve been more quiet than usual since the battles ended. Are your injuries bothering you? I can go get Chopper,” you say, hoping she won’t be too proud to allow you to get her some help.

Wiping her tears away, she places her other hand atop yours, resting them together on her lap. She faces you, her eyes bluer than the waters of even the clearest ocean. The tears that linger make them glisten in a sadly stunning way. Even distraught she was a sight to behold.

“When I was fighting Black Maria, she called me a tramp and a burden to the crew. In the heat of the battle, none of that even registered. But now, those words…‘you’re a burden’… I can’t help but wonder sometimes if there’s some truth to that statement.”

You flip your hand over and hold hers tight. Giving it a reassuring squeeze, you wordlessly urge her to continue.

“At times, I do feel like I don’t belong. After spending years being treated like I wasn’t needed or that my existence itself was a crime…what if it’s all true and I’ve been lying to myself? I’m not proud of what I’ve done in the past, but I had to do it if I wanted any chance at survival…” tears burst forth once again, and you pull her into your lap and hold her close to your chest. You kiss the top of her head as you wait until she regains her composure.

Once she settles down, you caress her cheek as she listens to the steady rhythm of your heart. This grounds her and helps her clear her head.

“Robin, my love, you’re certainly not a burden and you shouldn’t be ashamed of what you had to do to survive. You said it yourself - you simply want to live.” Your soft smile brings a stop to her crying.

“You were alone for a very long time, and from such a young age, at that. The crew wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t here. We love and need you. Nami has someone she looks up to as an older sister, and the knowledge only you have helps her construct accurate maps. Usopp takes inspiration from your scary stories to come up with new weapons to protect himself.” You feel her chuckle against you at the humorous images this evokes.

“Zoro respects the strength and will you have, and only steps in to protect you when he feels it’s needed. Sanji cooks for all of us, but you know he’d make anything you asked of him to special order, just for you. I did actually feel a little bad when he cried when we told him we were together.” You both laugh at the memory of him sobbing on the kitchen counter after you revealed to the crew you were an item.

“Brook appreciates you for being one of the first crew members to accept a skeleton joining and seeing him as a person. Jinbei admires your battle ability and has mentioned to me he wouldn’t want to fight you. Franky has someone to talk to about Pluton and the potential of what the world government would do with it.” You pause for a moment to let her take in your words before continuing.

“Of course, Chopper sees you as a mother figure even if he doesn’t admit it. He’d be lost without your calm, steady presence amongst this rambunctious crew. Most importantly, there’s Luffy. You are the one who is going to help guide him and the rest of this crew to our dreams. He can only become king of the pirates with all of our help - everyone here has a role to play, and none of us are here by mistake. This crew is your nakama and they would never see you as a burden.”

Placing a finger gently under her chin, you tilt her head up to look at you. “As for me, you taught me how to love and that someone like me is worthy of being loved by someone like you. You allow me to be me and accept me without judgment. I would do anything for you, flower. If anything happened to you, I’d turn this world upside down to save you. Do you not remember what I told you when I confessed? I’m yours, forever and always. I love you, Robin,” you declare as you kiss her forehead. She smiles up at you as she leans in closer.

“You have no idea what that means to me. Thank you. You always know what to say to make me feel better. I love you, too, y/n,” she whispers as she leans in and gently brushes her lips against yours. You kiss for what seems like an eternity in the best way, but a sense of unease causes you to pull back.

Taking her hands in yours, you ask, “Wait…are you sure you want this? I didn’t say what I said for any other reason but to make you see how cherished you are and I don’t want you to feel li-”

“Shhh,” she places a finger to your lips before you can finish. “Trust me. I think this is something we both need right now.”

Who am I to argue?

She pulls you back to her and captures your mouth with hers. The soft sounds coming from both of you cause your body to thrum with need, but you don’t dare make a move. It’s her turn to feel empowered and what better way than to let her take the reins?

Her body weight shifts, and you move further back onto the bed you share with her. The scent of the freshly washed sheets underneath you mixed with the familiar smell of tea and old books on her skin is enough to drive you mad, but somehow you remain in control of your senses.

Robin slides on top of you, and your bodies fit together as if you were made for one another. The pad of her thumb now traces your bottom lip as if it were a page from her favorite story. Your tongue darts out for a taste, and you see the pupils of her gorgeous sapphire eyes dilate. Taking her hand and turning it slightly, you place a kiss on her palm. Your mouth meets her wrist and you can feel her pulse quicken against your lips.

She extracts herself from your grip and her hands seek the hem of your shirt. The feel of her fingertips on your flesh nearly sets you on fire. Despite having done this many times before, there’s a renewed sense of urgency to this moment. Your hands get lost in tangles of raven-black hair as you draw her into a deeper kiss.

The moan she lets out echoes throughout your body as she tugs at your top, coaxing you to assist her in shedding it. You pull it up and over your head, only to see she’s shedding her kimono. Your mouth runs dry. You’ve seen this play out before, but the sight never ceases to remind you just how lucky you are.

Eager to be as close as possible, you both quickly remove the remainder of your clothing.

Her tender kisses make you so dizzy you’re glad she’s the one on top. As she moves her hand to caress your breast, you can’t stop yourself from groaning her name.

“Robin…”

You feel her mouth form a grin against yours. She takes pride in knowing what you like and never fails to make your head spin.

“Yes, love…let me make you feel as good as you’ve made me feel tonight.” Her words are sweet and tender in tone, but erotic at the same time. You feel her fingers teasing at your nipple and your body arches into hers.

“Oh god…please…Robin…”

Her touches remain light, conveying the emotion of this delicate moment. She’s treating you as if you might break, and for all you know, she may be right. You feel her elegant hand brush past your belly, and your face flushes - not out of embarrassment, but out of knowledge and anticipation of what’s coming next.

Your arousal already coats the inside of your thighs, and you’re aching to feel her touch where it’s most needed. As if she’s read your mind, you feel her middle finger tease your entrance. Your head slams back into the pillow, and your reaction tells her you can easily take another finger. Robin meets no resistance as she slides into you.

“Ahhhhhh…Robin…”

“Mmmm…I love hearing you call out my name. You know I’ll always be there for you in any way you need me. Especially like this,” her movements are steady, practiced. You know each other’s bodies down to a science.

“Robin…going to…”

She dips her head down to your ear, the heat of her breath warming your skin. Her teeth graze the shell of your ear as her seductive voice - the voice that is both tender and teasing at the same time - whispers, “I know…let me hear you…”

And just like that, you shatter. Your eyes snap shut from the intensity of your orgasm, but the image of Robin’s beautiful smile remains etched in your mind.

She carefully moves to lay beside you and kisses your cheek as you bask in the afterglow of what’s just occurred. A strand of your hair sticks to your flushed face, and you feel her soft fingers brush it away as your breathing slows. When you turn your head to look over at her, you’re greeted by her gleaming smile.

“Welcome back, love,” she whispers coyly.

You lean over to kiss her and, in no time at all, your positions are now reversed. Words can only convey so much - now it’s her turn. When your lips part, you look into her eyes and say, “Now let me show you how loved you are.”

She wraps her arms around your neck and pulls you back down towards her, your mouths crashing together once more. You feel her tongue push past your lips and suddenly your chest feels like it’s on fire. Your hand hovers over her breast and you feel her hum in anticipation. Sliding your thumb back and forth over her hardening nipple, she sighs at your touch.

“I love how intelligent you are,” you murmur as you lean up to kiss her forehead. Making your way back to her lips, you continue, “I love your wit and humor, even when it’s dark and freaks out Usopp.” You feel her chuckle vibrate against your teeth. Knowing she’s now completely relaxed, you glide your hand from her breast to between her legs. She gasps as you lubricate your fingers with her slick.

As you kiss her neck, you whisper, “You are the bravest, strongest woman I know and it’s one of the many reasons I look up to you.” You mark her neck, leaving a reminder you know she’ll see in the morning and playfully chastise you for later.

Resting your chin on her chest, you watch as she closes her eyes in ecstasy at the feel of your fingertips on her bud. The beating of her heart is the most beautiful rhythm you’ve ever heard and reflects the vision that now lies beneath you.

“Your caring heart and selflessness are just a few of the many traits I adore.” You continue showering her in affirmations as you slide your finger up and down her slit.

“Y/n…I need you,” she whimpers.

“Of course, my flower. You know I’m always here to take care of you,” you reply as you sit up and gently part her legs. Positioning yourself between them, you place one hand next to her head for support. Your cores now aligned, you start to slowly thrust against her.

“Ohhhhhhh yes!” she moans.

You start to speed up your rhythm as the evidence of your arousal mixes with her own. With your other hand, you reach for hers and your fingers interlock.

Between ragged breaths, you somehow choke out, “I thank the universe every day for you. I love you, Robin.”

Her head snaps back and you feel her tremble under you. She moans your name between your whispers ‘I love you’ as her orgasm washes over her. You watch as she comes undone. As the only one who gets to see this side of her, you feel like the luckiest person in all of the Grand Line.

You grind out your own release and come once again, nearly toppling over. When you next open your eyes, a red-faced Robin is smiling back up at you. Bringing your face to hers, you nuzzle your nose against hers before lying down next to her. You pull her to you, her head pillowed comfortably against your chest. You run your hand through her hair and bring her hand to your chest where your heart steadily beats for her.

Kissing her forehead, you say, “I love you. You’re not a burden, and you’re not alone anymore. If you ever have these thoughts or feelings again, promise me you’ll come to me. We’ll talk it out. Or do this again,” you say with a wink.