25+ | M'suri ~´☘︎`~

"Whatcha lookin' at?" You jumped at the sound of your boyfriend's voice.

"Oh—uh, nothing. Just looking at some photos." You felt bad for lying.

"Hm. What photos?" He leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms, causing his shirt to rise and show off his V-line.

You swallowed thickly, eyeing him up and down. He was wearing gray sweats that hung too low and a black muscle tank he had cropped himself. Talk about an '80s heartthrob.

"It's just photos my friend sent." You could hear her giggling through the phone, saying something along the lines of, "You're in trouble."

"Shut up, I'll call you later." You quickly pressed the red button and locked your phone.

Dick approached the bed, plopping down beside you and resting on his forearm. "Come on, show me… or you're gonna make me think you're doing something naaaughty." He sang the last word, tilting his head as he looked at you with those big doe eyes you adored so much.

You felt horrible finding another man attractive when you had such a caring, loving boyfriend right here. You pouted, looking down at your phone and then back at him. With a sigh, you turned your phone back on and showed him.

"We were talking about Nightwing and how… cute he is."

Dick examined the picture for a second before smirking. "Can't blame you. Dude's got killer quads."

Your eyes widened for a second. "Wait… you're not upset?" You eyed him suspiciously.

He scoffed out a laugh. "No. Why would I be? He's nice-looking. Plus, I got something he doesn't."

You furrowed your eyebrows. "What?"

"You." He swiftly sat up, yanking your thighs toward him and wrapping your legs around his torso. He leaned down, trapping you beneath him as he placed a hand beside your head. Your stomach immediately erupted with butterflies.

"No matter how many superheroes you have a crush on, I'll always have your heart." He smiled, holding your chin in between his thumb and index finger.

"And you're just okay with this?"

He shrugged. "What can I do? You have eyes. Plus, I know you're loyal. It's like you liking one of those anime guys—it's just never going to happen."

You gasped, lightly hitting his chest. “Rude!”

He laughed, but something in his eyes told you he was holding back. You didn't know what it was, but you weren't going to worry about it.

Jason T.

You were watching the late-night news when a story about Red Hood popped up. He had saved the mayor from an assassination attempt. The news reporter stood outside the building where the crime had taken place, explaining how it all went down.

A moment later, they showed shaky phone footage of him carrying the mayor over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes while shooting at what you assumed were the bad guys.

You bit your bottom lip, holding back a smile.

“Mmm, what a man,” you whispered to yourself.

“What was that?”Your boyfriend peeked up from his book.

“Oh, uh… nothing. Just watching the news.” You cleared your throat and pointed to the TV.

“Hm.”

You avoided his gaze and continued watching.

“You… don’t like him, do you?” he asked, marking his page before closing the book. Heat rose up your neck and spread across your cheeks.

“No… maybe?” You winced, not wanting to look at him. “Okaaay! I do. He’s hot, and strong, and he’s for the people!”

Jason scoffed.

“I mean, this guy is like a tank.” He can take a hit and keep moving. I once saw a video of him take out ten drug dealers at once and just walk it off.”

Jason shook his head in disapproval.

“He’s a murderer. Trust me, there’s nothing to admire about him.”His body became tense, almost as if the more he thought about Red Hood, the angrier he got.

A deep silence fell over the room for a few seconds. You slouched into yourself with a frown.

“I-I wouldn’t say that, Jason…”

You continued, “Red Hood is a lifesaver. He fights for the little guys who can’t protect themselves. He might take lives, but what would you rather have—an innocent person dead or a psychotic human trafficker running around the streets?”

“And dare I say…” You covered your face with both hands like you’d just confessed to a crime. “…he’s better than Batman.”

Complete shock took over his face watching you hide behind your hands. Jason’s cheeks turned a dusty rose color.

“Wh-what?! You think Red Hood’s better than Batman?”

“Well, yes. He gets rid of the bad guys. Batman just puts them in jail—or barely that—and then they break out and repeat the cycle. Now, in no way, shape, or form am I saying murder is right. Absolutely not. BUT if it’s between a mom and her kids or a killer clown… kill the clown.”

Jason was stunned. He’d never heard you speak about a topic this adamantly before—not unless it was about one of those romance books you read or the political state of the world. But never about vigilantes or what people like to call anti-hero’s.

Honestly, he was kind of proud.

“I… for the first time in years, I’m speechless.” He admitted.

You shrugged and switched the TV over to Netflix.

“Well, that’s just my take on it. Don’t get too mad over it. I just prefer Red Hood over Batman.”

While you flipped through the menu looking for a movie, Jason hid a proud smile behind his hand. You had unknowingly made him fall for you even harder.

Tim D.

You and your boyfriend Tim were having your monthly shopping trip. He held your hand while carrying your bag in his other hand, while simultaneously being on his phone. You weren’t upset because you knew he was taking care of business.

You smiled happily swinging his hand back and forth looking into the shops as you passed by. One shop in particular caught your attention. You let out a gasp, dragging him behind you.

“Look Tim! It’s Red Robin plushies, oh my goodness.” You smiled gushing over the plushies on display in the window.

“Come, I want one!” You dragged your boyfriend into the shop. You were in awe they had all the justice league in plushie form, including Nightwing, Red Robin and Robin. Of course your favorite was Red Robin.

“Uh babe?”

“Hmm?” You asked looking at the wall of trinkets.

You browsed through the stickers, keychains, bracelets— they had so much stuff. You could spend a fortune in here.

“Just out of curiosity when did you start liking Red Robin?” He asked watching you be so giddy over the overpriced items.

“What do you mean silly I’ve always liked him— I oooh this one would go so well in my car! Imma hang it from the mirror.” You smile waving a tiny Red Robin symbol in his face.

“What do you mean, what do I mean? You’ve never mentioned this guy.”

You frowned. You looked up at nothing trying to remember if you mentioned him or not. You shrug, maybe you didn’t…oops.

“I swear i did, if I didn’t yes I like Red Robin. He’s such the hot nerdy type…kinda like you!”You smirked teasing him. Tim’s face grew a bright red.

“You think I’m hot? Wait— nerdy?!”

You shrugged, “well yes, you’re incredibly smart, very handsome, an extremely hard worker, you manage to remember things I’ve said only once…which is a bit scary but I kinda like it.”

“All the qualities I love in a guy, plus you have a killer physique. Definitely a sleeper build.” You smirked pecking his lips. He stood there stunned, like the first time you ever kissed him.

“Sleeper build?” He repeated your words as if it was a foreign language. If he wasn’t blushing he was blushing now.

You spent the last ten minutes collecting figurines, plushies and stickers of Red Robin and Tim happily paid for it all. The most eager he’s ever been to spend money.

“You actually like Red Robin? Not many people remember he’s even a Robin…” he trialed off with a long look in his eye.

“Of course I do, he’s very brave and smart. People pay more attention to Nightwing but I think he’s just as cool.”

Tim fell silent watching the road as he drove. It wasn’t an awkward silence just a comfortable one almost like he was thinking.

“You said I…had a killer physique?” He glanced at you then back at the road.

You kind of cringed at the word choice hearing it from him.

“maybe, why bring it up now?” You gave him a teasing look.

“Nothing…just wanna show you what it can do. If you allow me” he glanced over to you with a mischievous glint in his eye. You felt the car pick up speed, you let out a flustered giggle.

“You’re a mess Tim.”

Damian W.

You were lying on your boyfriend’s bed while he was immersed in his sketchbook. You were scrolling through Twitter when you pass a tweet posted by Gotham’s_Gossip, it was about Robin.

Robin saves civilians from The Riddler only for said civilians to still feel unsafe. A trash title paired with a blurry picture of Robin swinging from rooftops.

Out of curiosity you clicked the post to read to comments and to your surprise they were really mean.

‘Not surprised he’s rude.’

‘Believable. He saved me from a thief than told me I’m an idiot for being out late’

‘Boooo. Never liked him anyways. That can’t be the same robin batman had before, he was such a joy’

‘Lol why is this kinda funny’

You frowned scrolling further down and they all were hate comments.

“What incompetent people, they wouldn’t know a good hero if they smacked them in the face.” you mumbled spam reporting the post.

“What’s the matter?” Damians smooth voice drifted through the room.

You shut your phone off smacking it on the bed, “nothing its just…Gotham is so hard on Robin. He’s doing his best, all heroes don’t have to be all smiles and rainbows. The guy saved your life and you’re complaining? If I were him I’d let them get roughed up a bit before helping.”

Amused Damian’s lips held a slight smile.

“Beloved, why are you so adamant about defending Robin?”

You shrugged sitting up “I dunno, I always liked him I guess.” You whispered the last part hoping Damian didn’t hear but of course he heard.

Now intrigued he closed his sketchbook and sat up from his desk.

“You…like Robin?” He asked voice full of skepticism.

You contemplated on answering that question. Damian has always had a jealousy streak no matter how many times he denied it, you could always tell.

“Well yes” you answered carefully. “He’s very calculated, strong and incredibly smart when it comes to taking down bad guys bigger than him.”

Damians cocked an eyebrow.

“He doesn’t have to be like Superman. Smiling and taking photos, he’s already putting his life on the line to save the city the least they can do is say thank you geez. You don’t see Mary Sue going out at night with her child’s baseball bat beating up criminals do you?”

For some odd reason that got a small chuckle out of Damian. Maybe the thought of a middle aged mom with a bat sitting on rooftops waiting for criminals amused him.

You chuckled too imagining it.

“It is nothing to worry about, my heart. I’m sure those comments do not bother him. He seems very disciplined and couldn’t care less about what those people think.”

You snorted. “Well they should appreciate him more.”

Damian’s expression softened ever so slightly, “You speak as though you know him personally.”

“I don’t.” You quickly defended. “I just think people are unfair. Everyone praises Batman, but Robin is out there doing the same thing. He’s younger too. That has to be difficult, especially juggling his personal life along with being a vigilante.”

For a moment Damian simply stared at you. Difficult? Most people assumed Robin enjoyed the danger, the violence, the endless patrols. Very few stopped to consider the weight that came with the mantle.

“You think highly of him.”

You nodded “Someone has to, plus I think he’s kinda cute ” The answer came so quickly Damian almost choked on air.

You frowned looking at him. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re trying not to laugh ” A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“I am just merely surprised that is all.” Damian leaned back against his chair. “Tell me. What else do you admire about this Robin?”

You groaned immediately. “See? This is why I didn’t want to answer.”

“Answer.” He pressed.

“You’re being weird about it.” You picked up a pillow throwing it at him, but he caught it effortlessly.

“And you are avoiding the question.” You narrowed your eyes before finally relenting.

“Fine. I think he’s brave.” Damian’s teasing expression faltered. “Brave?”

“Yeah. People hate him, criminals want him dead, reporters make fun of him, and he still goes out every night. I’d quit I don’t have time for all of that.”

A strange warmth settled in Damian’s chest. “You would quit?”

“Oh absolutely. Gotham would be on its own, good luck with fighting off alien and psychotic clowns.” That earned a genuine laugh from him.

You blinked shocked, Damian isn’t the type of person who laughs a lot. Especially not at your corny jokes “Wow. You’re really enjoying this conversation huh?”

He shrugged not hiding it, “Perhaps.”

You narrowed your eyes at him suspicious as to why this conversation amused him so much. “Should I be concerned?”

“No.” He simply answered but the smile never left his face.

You pointed accusingly at him. “You know, for someone who claims not to care about Robin, you’re awfully invested in hearing me compliment him.”

Damian nearly gave himself away. “Perhaps I simply have excellent taste in conversation.” With that he turned around opening his sketchbook once again.

You shrugged him off laying back down busying yourself on your phone.

• At the manor •

“Okay he’s on the move!” Dick clapped his hands together watching a red dot slowly cross the screen. He’s gathered his siblings for what the likes to call operation expose girlfriend. Everyone knows Jason has a girlfriend, it’s not a secret— well much of a secret. They haven't met you yet but, some still think you’re not real, but dick is determined to prove you’re real.

“Why are we doing this again? Didn’t your last operation fail?” Damian asked leaning on the door frame with his arms crossed. Dick waved off his little brother pointing back at the projection screen.

“Anyways…looks like he’s headed to the local grocery story if we beat him there we can catch him walking in. Steph your the employee handing out samples, Cass—“

“Never said I was helping, I’m here to watch you fail.” She chuckled as she leaned against a wall.

Dick rolled his eyes, “Fine” he said through gritted teeth “duke can you be parking lot watch out?”

Duke gave him a cartoonish salute, “yes sir!”

“Damian—“

“Nope.”

Dick grunted visibly fed up with his siblings, “Tim check—“

“Already on it.” Those words brought a smile to Dicks face.

“Perfect. Lets go!”

• Grocery store •

You walked down the grocery store aisle, leaning against the cart as you searched for those crunchy granola bars you loved so much.

“J, baby, can you get that box down for me, please?” He nodded.

A moment later, he placed the green box in the cart, and the two of you continued down the aisle.

“Hey, babe, m'gonna go look for some stuff on my list. I'll be back.”

“M'kay.”

He pressed a kiss to your temple before disappearing down the aisle. You hummed and continued on your way. Wandering into another aisle, you pulled your phone from your pocket to check the rest of your grocery list.

“Alright Pasta, Coffee creamer, and Apple Snaps?” You whispered the list to yourself making sure you weren’t forgetting everything. You silently questioned the Apple Snaps thought, that weird cereal Jason swore tasted exactly the same as the discontinued version from 2008.

You shrugged it off continuing down the aisle. You were so focused on the list that you didn’t notice someone turning the corner.

You hit a relatively hard surface.

“Oh!” A carton of pasta fell hitting the ground.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” a familiar male voice said. You looked up curious. A tall dark-haired man immediately crouched down to help gather the fallen boxes. Where have you seen him?

“No, no, that’s my fault,” you said you chuckled, “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“Nah, definitely mine.” He flashed you a bright smile while stacking the boxes back into your arms.

You tilted your and blinked. He looked oddly familiar like… really familiar. You could’ve sworn you seen him before, but you just couldn’t put your finger on it.

“There we go.” He handed you the last box. “Again, sorry about that.”

You shook your head dismissing him “no, no It’s okay.”

He gave you another sweet smile, “Have a good day.”

“You too!” The man waved and disappeared down the aisle. Weird...You shrugged it off and continued shopping.

Meanwhile…

A few aisles over Jason stood frozen in place. His eye began twitching, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Because standing behind a display of canned beans was Dick Grayson.

Not even trying to hide. Just standing there in cartoonishly big sunglasses indoors. All while holding a newspaper upside down. What an idiot Jason thought, for a man who can solve the most unsolvable crimes within days he’s standing there looking like a goofball.

Jason slowly lowered the box of cereal in his hands.

“Dick.” Dick immediately turned away letting the newspaper fall.

Jason stared… Dick stared back.

“…”

“…”

Then Dick made a ‘smart’ choice and sprinted.

“What the hell—” Jason abandoned the cart and chased after his simple minded brother.

“DICK!” Unfortunately, the second he rounded the corner, Dick was gone, where? He didn’t know. Instead, he found Steph wearing a grocery store apron. A grocery store apron from a completely different grocery chain…

Jason sighed rolling his eyes, it was slowly starting to click why they were here. She was holding a tray of cheese cubes. “Would you like to try a sample, sir?” she asked in a terrible fake accent.

Jason pointed. “You. What are you doing here?”

She shrugged “I don’t know what you mean sir, I work here.”

Jason huffed running his hands down his face “Steph stop playing games, I can see the ear com in your ear”

It was a beat of silence.

“Oh.” Then she threw the tray at him and ran in the same direction Dick disappeared.

“What is WRONG with all of you?” He screamed earning a few glances from shoppers passing by. Across the store, Dick was panting as he ducked behind a display.

“Target spotted me.” He spoke into his comms looking around for said target.

“Obviously,” Tim’s voice crackled through the comms. “You’re the worst spy in human history.”

Dick scrunched his face offended by his brothers jab “I’m not the one sitting in the security room eating popcorn.”

“I’m multitasking.”

“Doubtful.” He scoffed.

While all of this chaos was going down in a local grocery store, Duke stood outside in the parking lot pretending to wash a perfectly clean car. Cass was documenting everything for future blackmail. Damian sat on a bench near the entrance reading a book…actually reading. Because unlike everyone else, he’d openly admitted this mission was stupid.

Jason knew if he found one he’d find them all, he wondered around following clues and found Tim hiding inside a break room with his laptop.

“Tim.” Jason called clearly unamused.

Tim looked up from his laptop with a guilty grin “…Hey bud.”

“Leave.”

Tim pretended to give his demand some thought, “how ‘bout no.”

“I said leave you moron.”

He stood up closing his laptop and approached the taller boy “You can’t prove I’m here because of you.”

Jason’s cold stone expression didn’t waver “You are wearing a headset.”

Tim slowly removed the headset flashing Jason an embarrassed grin. “Im just gonna…go” he pushed his way around Jason who refused to move out of the door way.

Jason watched him retreat down the aisle the rest of his siblings disappeared to. He shook his head pinching the bridge of his nose. “What fuckin’ idiots man.”

By the time you reunited with him twenty minutes later, you were done shopping. He returned to you looking exhausted. You glanced at the overflowing cart then up at him.

You were concerned but nervous to ask “Everything okay?”

“No.”

You glances around awkwardly not sure what to say “…Should I ask?”

“please don't.”

You shrugged not pushing the matter any further “fine with me.”

You continued down to the register in silence wondering how a grocery store visit could wear someone down so quickly.

Jason sighed giving in. “They’re here.”

You blinked confused by what he meant, “who’s they? Are you in trouble Jason? Should we leave?” you began to slightly panic. You knew he partook in some...not so legal activities, but a grocery store out of all things?!

He shook his head waving his hands “NO. no no, it’s nothing bad— well nothing life threatening at least. It’s just…my siblings are here. They followed us”

“Oh.” A beat passed, then it clicked. “Ohhhh.”

“Yeah.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, Jason groaned annoyed you found this amusing.

“Please don’t encourage them.”

You shook your head “I’m trying not to I swear.” You tried to stifle your laugh but failed. Jason couldn’t help himself but join you. His siblings knows how to make his blood boil but seeing you smile will always gets him to smile, no matter what.

•••

Rain hammered against the windshield during the drive home. The storm was arriving in full force. Streetlights reflected off wet pavement while Jason drove one-handed, the other holding your hand.

By the time you made it inside your shared apartment, both of you were damp despite your best efforts.

You carried in two grocery bags while Jason hauled the rest. The kitchen quickly filled with food items scattered across the counters as you did your best to put everything away neatly.

As you put the groceries away you thought about what Jason said at the store.

“babe?”

“Hm?”

You held up a box of pasta as the memory replayed, “I think I bumped into your brother today.”

Jason paused nervous what you’ll say next. “Which one?”

“The really attractive one.”

Jason narrowed his eyes causing you to chuckle.

“kidding geez. The dark-haired one, tan skin, little shorter than you, nice teeth.”

He rolled his eyes “Dick.”

You snapped your fingers as it clicked “Yeah him! we bumped into each other and he helped me.”

“He was actually really nice.” You finished as you put the box of pasta away.

Jason snorted. “He probably didn’t realize who you were.”

“Wait, really?” You always thought everyone knew what you looked like they just haven’t officially met you yet.

“Really.” He confirmed.

That made you laugh harder. “So I accidentally met your brother?” You shook your head amused by this whole thing.

Jason leaned against the counter. “You’re not bothered by all this?”

You paused holding a box of cereal in your hands, you thought for second. They did stalk you today, but they were harmless and their attempt failed.

“Nah, they seem funny.” You just shrugged resuming organizing the groceries

Jason stared at you for a moment, a genuine smile tugged at his lips. Watching you move around the kitchen. He had found someone who isn’t put off by his weird, chaotic family. Then his expression softened.

“Hey doll?”

“Hm?”

He hesitated like he was in deep thought which immediately got your attention.

Jason was never one to hesitate, he was your brain when you two were together. You ask him something he’d immediately answer, don’t know where to eat? He does. Don't know what to watch? he'll choose. Just wanna turn your brain on airplane mode after a long day? he'll hold your hand and guide you wherever he goes.

He never hesitated unless something mattered.

“You ready to meet them?”

You blinked taken aback by his question. “The family?”

“Yeah.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. A nervous tick of his you picked up on.

“You’ve met Alfred. You’ve met Bruce...ya'ready for the rest?” He let out a nervous chuckle. “the others…” he continued. “That’s different.”

You understood what he meant. Meeting the siblings meant something, the love he has for his family runs deep. No matter how much he tries to play it down, you meeting them meant something. He damn near almost shit himself when he introduced you to Bruce.

You stepped closer and reached for his hand, his fingers immediately intertwined with yours.

You smiled looking up at him. You knew the reason he hasn’t introduced you to them yet. They can be overwhelming, even if it’s out of love they do not know what personal space is.

He just wanted to enjoy the quiet with you a little longer and you didn’t mind that. Especially after today.

“I’m ready when you are my love.”

For a moment, the rain was the only sound in the apartment, its rough pitter-patter mimicking the rhythm of his heartbeat. Then Jason squeezed your hand and brought it to his lips, pressing a kiss to your knuckles.

"God, you are gonna kill me one day."

You giggled. "Down that bad?"

"Worse."

You grinned, satisfied with his answer. "Good."

"You say that now, 'til I'm outside your window with a boombox after an argument."

The laugh you shared felt endless, filling the apartment with warmth. When it finally faded, soft thunder rolled outside, and Jason pulled you against his chest. Wrapping you in his big warm arms.

"I absolutely love you. So much that sometimes I think it's dangerous."

You wrapped your arms around his torso, burying yourself impossibly deeper into him.

"I love you too, Jason. So, so much. Nothing could change that."

For a while neither of you said anything else.

There was no rush. No expectations waiting on the other side of the conversation. Just the steady rain against the windows, Jason's heartbeat beneath your ear, and the quiet certainty that you'd still be here whenever he was ready.

Together in your own little world, exactly where you wanted to be.

You decide enough is enough and after class one afternoon, you spot her by the lockers, grabbing a book. Your heart pounds a little as you walk up, but you keep your voice steady.

"Hey, Hinata? Can I talk to you for a sec?"

She freezes and drops her book, fumbling it between her fingers when she picks it up. Her pale eyes go wide and she stares at the floor, hiding her blush. You wait, but she just mumbles under her breath something similar to: "Um... I..."

"Did I do something to make you angry?" you ask, trying to sound gentle but you're a little bit frustrated already.

Hinata's hands shake a tiny bit. She opens her mouth, closes it, and her face gets even redder. You feel this twist of frustration building in your chest. Why won't she just say it? You thought you were a decent person, but clearly something about you makes her want to vanish every time you're near.

"C'mon, just tell me, Hinata. I hate when people hate me," you tell her, leaning into the lockers. "If I upset you, I'd like for you to tell me what I did and..."

"It's nothing!" she finally squeaks out. Before you can even respond, she spins on her heel and basically bolts down the hallway.

You stand there blinking, feeling unsatisfied and kinda stupid. That didn't fix anything.

Later that day you catch one of her friends after practice. You explain the whole weird situation, how Hinata keeps running away like she's allergic to you.

"How can you be so dumb?" She shakes her head, sighing loudly. "She's not mad at you, she just has a crush on you."

"Huh? How do you know that?" you ask again, arching your eyebrows. Suddenly the girl who hates you, likes you? That made no sense!

"She's been crushing on you for the past three years. She gets so nervous around you she can barely speak."

Three years? Your brain short-circuits for a second. All this time you thought she hated you, and instead... oh no. You were the worst crush ever this last time. Everything clicks into place and you feel like the biggest idiot alive.

So you make another decision of fixing it in the best way you know.

The next day you show up with a small bag of her favorite sweets, the ones with the red bean filling you overheard her mention once. Your palms are sweaty as you find her sitting alone on a bench near the school garden, staring at her hands.

You sit down a polite distance away and hold the bag out gently.

"Hey, I brought these for you. I feel really dumb for how I acted earlier, thinking you hated me." You rub the back of your neck, smiling awkwardly. "We don't have to talk if you don't want to, we can just sit here and eat together. If that's okay."

Hinata looks up slowly, eyes wide and shiny. Her blush comes back full force, but this time she doesn't run. She takes the bag with trembling fingers, a tiny, shy smile breaking across her face.

You always knew that her eyes were pretty, that her whole face was gorgeous, but seeing her smiling at you and accepting your apology made your stomach flutter with something better than you ever expected.

Jason appeared in the hallway, hair dripping, but already wearing sweatpants. “You started it without me? I told ya I wanted to watch the opening too—”

He stopped mid-sentence, falling silent, his mouth parting in shock—maybe at the scene? At your calmness with the intruder? Or at the intruder’s sheer audacity?

“Just what I needed,” Jason growled, voice sharp with irritation. “Why the hell are you in my apartment?”

Damian didn’t answer immediately. Instead, chewing calmly. He simply shrugged—after all, how was he supposed to explain that he had only come to check if he was still alive? It had been a whole month since he last saw him. But he wasn’t worried!

“That’s mine—Damian, you should be at home. Your home.” Jason sighed, running a hand down his face. “Get off my couch. And stop eating my food.”

Damian ignored him completely. He leaned further back into the cushions, posture relaxed in a way that made Jason’s eye twitch. Then his gaze shifted slowly toward Jason.

“You look… fuller. Softer,” the younger one commented, his gaze drifting briefly toward you, who watched the argument in silence, before quickly returning to his brother.

Damian tilted his head to the side, as if evaluating a painting.

“Have you reduced your training frequency,” he continued, his voice strangely neutral, not teasing, just observational, “or simply increased your intake of nutritionally void food?”

“Did you just call me fat?”

“…No,” he replied, but then paused to think for a few seconds. “Did I? I merely commented on your body fat—“

Jason crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.

“…Whatever,” he continued, tone quieter now, more thoughtful than before. “You no longer smell like cheap takeout grease and smoke. That is an improvement.”

“…That would be because he finally eats real food now,” you cut in, smiling, proud of your contribution to your boyfriend’s health.

Jason shot you a look over his shoulder, a little wounded that you had indirectly agreed with the little demon.

Damian reached out to grab more popcorn, but Jason slapped his hand away.

“Stop. Eating. My. Food. Okay. Great. Family bonding moment over.” Jason clapped his hands once, sharp and final. “You’ve seen me. Now out. Door. Window. Vent. I don’t care. Pick one.”

Damian’s attention snapped back to you, still ignoring his brother. He straightened slightly where he sat, gaze narrowing with renewed interest.

“You prepare the food?” he asked.

You nodded once. “Most of it.” You smiled. “Do you want to try the dessert?”

“…Dessert?” he repeated.

“I made chocolate cake,” you added casually. “With ganache.”

Damian’s eyes narrowed again. “…Homemade?” he asked.

“Yes.”

You disappeared into the kitchen before your boyfriend could protest.

Jason took a deep breath and dropped onto the couch, far too tired to argue any further. When the younger one opened his mouth to speak, he cut him off immediately.

“Not one more question,” Jason muttered. “Eat in silence.”

him ♡