๏ฝฅ:*:๏ฝฅ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โข ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฌ ๐ฑ ๐ ๐ง!๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐ซ
๏ฝฅ:*:๏ฝฅ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐โฆ ๐/๐ง ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฒ๐ง ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ ๐๐ ๐ฒ๐๐๐ซ ๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ฒ ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐ฒ๐๐๐ซ ๐จ๐ฅ๐, ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ญ๐จ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ง๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ. ๐๐ก๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐จ ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฌ ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ข๐ซ ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐, ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ง ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ. ๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฌ, ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ก๐จ ๐ฌ๐๐ซ๐๐ฐ๐๐ ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ง๐๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ง. ๐๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ ๐ญ๐ฐ๐จ ๐ข๐๐ข๐จ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ ๐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฏ๐ ๐ก๐๐ญ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ, ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ญ? ๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐๐, ๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ง๐จ๐ญ.
๏ฝฅ:*:๏ฝฅ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฐ ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ, ๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ, ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ง ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ฌ๐จ๐๐.
๏ฝฅ:*:๏ฝฅ ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ๐ง'๐ญ ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐, ๐๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ ๐๐จ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ ๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ก ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ, ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ ๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ . @navs-bhat ๐'๐ฆ ๐ญ๐๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ฌ๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐จ๐ง'๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ
ษชแด'๊ฑ แดส๊ฑแด แดษด แดส แดกแดแดแดแดแดแด แดแดแดแดแดษดแด. แดกสษชแดส ษช๊ฑษด'แด แด๊ฑ แดแด๊ฑ๊ฑส แด๊ฑ แดสษช๊ฑ
๐๐ง๐-๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ญ๐ฌ:
แดสษชษขษชษดแดส แดษดแด-๊ฑสแดแด
๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ:
แดขแดสแด || แดสแดสแดษขแดแด
แดแดแด แดษดแด โด
แดษดแด || แดกแด แดษดสส ๊ฑแดแด แดแดแดส แดแดสแดส แดแด แดกแดแด แด ษชษดษข๊ฑ แดษดแด ๊ฐแดษดแดสแดส๊ฑ
แดแดกแด || สแดษด สแดส สแดษด
๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ซ๐ซ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐จ๐ญ๐๐ฌ:
ษชษดแดแดสสแดแดแด Qแดแดแดแด #1
ษชษดแดแดสสแดแดแด Qแดแดแดแด #2
ษชษดแดแดสสแดแดแด Qแดแดแดแด #3
ษชษดแดแดสสแดแดแด Qแดแดแดแด #4
ษชษดแดแดสสแดแดแด Qแดแดแดแด #5
ษชษดแดแดสสแดแดแด Qแดแดแดแด #6
ยฉ แดษดแด๊ฐ๊ฐษชแดษชแดส-แดแดสแดแดแด แด -แดกษช๊ฐแด. แด แด ษดแดแด แดแดแดส/๊ฑแดแดแดส/แดสแดษด๊ฑสแดแดแด
The Forgotten Sister
Chapter II โ IV
Pairing: Ekko x Fem!Reader
Tags: Minimal use if Y/N, no specific description of the reader, friends to lovers, CW swearing, CW blood, CW injury, CW violence, CW guns, TW death
A/N: This took me forever to figure out how to not make too dialogue dependent ๐ฐ
Chapter III
...this is Caitlyn?
You thought to yourself. Watching her glower and glare from her spot on the dirty steel floor. This, even though she was, quite literally, free. Free from both the dirty rag bag over her head and the rusty but well-oiled cuffs that would have kept her hands behind her back. She continued, saying something that, paired with her low tone and your lack of focus, you missed. After all, rather than listening to an untrustworthy Piltie enforcer prattle on about heroics, your attention shifted to the subtle movement from the corner of your eye instead. Vi, who opted to lean against the wall just far enough to stay hidden from view while being within earshot, had the most shit-eating grin on her face. She slapped a hand over her face as she tried to stifle the silent giggles that shook her shoulders violently.
"...it's me you want," you catch Caitlyn say as Vi, as if on cue, finally steps into view. Leaning against the door frame with the same shit-eating grin as before.
"My hero~" Vi swoons playfully.
Caitlyn stutters and stammers, flustered and exasperated but relieved all the same. You would have found the banter between them funny, adorable even, except for the fact that your brain couldn't wrap around the fact that your sister...Vi!...had fallen in with a Piltie. And, to add salt to the wound, said blue-haired Piltie, also happened to be an enforcer! It left a funky aftertaste on your tongue just thinking about it.
"Vi says we can trust you," Ekko interjects, eyes hard and icy as he glares at the woman still seated on the floor.
"You get a pass back topside, that's it. Let's go,"
Ekko stands up from his spot on the door's edge and nods at you, then at Vi, before maneuvering between you and moving back towards the tree. You look towards Caitlyn, letting your eyes roam over her features. You study how her shoulders tensed, her breathing slowed, her eyes twitched, and even how her brows knitted in the middle of her forehead. No blatant deception...at least, not yet. With a huff, you turn to hobble after Ekko.
"Who are you!? " Caitlyn asks, her voice bouncing off the steel wall of the makeshift prison, vibrating and echoing.
You stop, slowly turning slightly. The sun shining against you, casting a shadow of your side profile on the floor, you say, almost in a whisper, "Ironic, isn't it? The same group your people have been hunting for for years now welcomes you into their hideout. You'd be black and blue if the other Firelights had their way. But you got to my sister first. Our leader trusts her more than you..."
Slowly, you shuffle your way toward Ekko, who waits with his hand outstretched, ready to catch you should your knee buckle and you stumble. You smile at him, gently...lovingly, sliding your own into his, letting him guide you to stand beside him. The two other girls moved slowly towards you. Vi kept pace with Caitlyn as she took in her surroundings with awe and wonder. It's not an unusual reaction, but one that is more than welcomed. Everyone who ever stepped foot in the hideout for the first time always had the same look of amazement plastered on their faces. And every time, it never failed to make you proud. Knowing that seven long years of pain, effort, and hard work had paid off with each "woah" that would leave their jaw-dropped mouths.
"It's beautiful..."
"If your people had their way, it'd be a pile of rubble and ash..." Ekko says bitterly.
Your hand gently squeezes his, trying to keep him calm, as the words falling from Caitlyn's lips fuel his anger. Tension begins to rise as he squares his shoulders in rage. But your touch does little to stifle Ekko's furry at Caitlyn's next words.
"That's not possible...you're wrong."
Ekko pulls away from you, marching towards the taller blue-haired woman before him. Ready to butt heads and let fists fly at the sheer bullshit of her words. You try to call his name, but it falls on deaf ears.
"You say that one more time..."
Heat builds as both sides stand their ground. Each glaring at the other before Vi finally steps in between them. Pushing the two a few spaces away from one another. Quickly, you take hold of Ekko by his elbow, pulling him closer towards you. Increasing the distance between the two hot heads. You'd rather avoid a full-on brawl if you can. Being on the ground doesn't allow easy access to a med kit from the infirmary on the third floor of the tree. Looking towards you, Vi sighs your name before turning to Ekko and doing the same. Calling his attention
"Guys...she believes in what she's saying, okay? She's not your enemy," Vi says defensively.
"Oh, yeah?" Ekko scoffs, "Then what's this?"
From the glass canister hanging on his waist by the sling over his shoulder, he pulled out a beautiful blue orb no bigger than the average marble. It was strange-looking, yet it felt ethereal. It glowed this beautiful hue of blue as streaks of glittering lights swirled within like a galaxy of stars. You've never seen the likes of it before, never even heard of it. And, judging by the expression on Ekko's face, neither has he. Shuffling closer, you press against his back as you peer over his shoulder with curious eyes. Watching, mesmerized as the orb shimmered where the sun's rays would refract from its smooth, round surface as Ekko rolled it between his gloved fingertips. However, you were roughly jostled out of your reverie as Ekko recoiled, almost accidentally elbowing you in the process, from something Caitly said that you failed to catch.
"What is it?" you and your sister ask in unison, albeit with varying tones and intentions. While yours was asked more out of curiosity, Vi was her usual aggressive self. Almost angrily demanding an explanation.
"It's a gemstone...it was stolen during the attack...by your sister," Caitlyn explains delicately. Quite hesitantly. An understandable approach, considering Vi's very pissed-off rebuke.
"You just forgot to mention that?!"
Jinx...
That was twice now that you've heard of her in one day. And from two separate people from two opposing ends. Something big had to be happening. You hadn't the slightest idea what, but with her, it could be anything. And anything with Jinx was always spelled with trouble...the messy kind of trouble.
"With this, someone with the right knowledge could build any hextech device," Caitlyn continues, "If the enforcers are becoming more aggressive...that's why,"
...hextech...
If this small stone is the key to building hextech, it may be your ticket to saving lives. Saving the hideout, the Lanes, Zaun! If Ekko could find a way to manipulate it, use it...
...we could beat Silco with this...
You thought to yourself...or at least...you thought that you did. Apparently not, though, as all faces turn to you. Ekko, especially, nodded in agreement. Apparently, you said that out loud and maybe a bit too loud.
"That won't solve things," Caitlyn replies to you somberly.
"That's easy for you to say..." You grumble, "You aren't the one with blood on your hands...watching it drip down your fingers as people you promised you'd save die all around you!"
"Look, it's wrong what's been done to you..." Caitlyn says, "You'd be within your rights to keep it. I couldn't blame you. But...if you do, this cycle of violence will never stop."
She speaks of "setting the record straight", Zaun needing "healing", and how she just so happens to have a friend on the council who would "listen". The same sob stories you'd heard before. The same exact words that people would throw around like a ball in a game of catch. Toying with you, who worked hard to make these words a reality. The only difference now was the leverage Ekko held in his fingertips. The gemstone...hextech...maybe...just maybe...they'll finally listen. They'll finally see reason, the truth, and put a stop to all the shit that Zaun and its people were left to deal with on their own. Beside you, you catch Ekko giving you a sideways glance. A familiar expression, one that you have come to know very well. He's made up his mind.
"One condition. I'm the one who gives it to them," He says resolutely.
Thank you to everyone who enjoyed chapter 2!!
@silas-222, @scarletrosesposts, @f1nnfyuu, @rinisfruity14, @vicurious28, @thebiggestsimpoutthere, @miharuki, @mirophobic, @sundaybossanova
MHA ways they would kiss you.
with: tenya iida, katsuki bakugou, kirishima eijirou, izuku midoriya, shoto todoroki, sero hanta, denki kamanari, hitoshi shinso
LABELS: kissy kissy, slightly suggestive.
โฆ
TENYA IIDA โง.*
a strained, hoarse whisper โkiss meโ
KATSUKI BAKUGOU โง.*
pushing you up against the closest solid object, before devouring each other
KIRISHIMA EIJIROU โง.*
hands traveling your body, pulling apart for a second to look at you before kissing the top of your head
IZUKU MIDORIYA โง.*
hearts pounding, unable to open your eyes moments after disconnecting lips
SHOTO TODOROKI โง.*
soft โi love youโs during each parting kiss
SERO HANTA โง.*
lazy kisses, mumbling nonesense into each other mouths
DENKI KAMANARI โง.*
giggling while pulling apart, followed by gentle kisses to your cheeks
HITOSHI SHINSO โง.*
waking up to kisses and his voice reassuring you about how pretty you are
masterlist | actress!reader masterlist
warning: a little bit thirsty, as expected <3
The cast settled into their seats as the crew finished setting up the cameras and lighting.
โWhy am I more nervous for this than any of the other interviews?โ Madelyn laughed, straightening up her dress. The cast had already done a handful of different interviews for the third season of Outer Banks, the famous (or infamous) โThirst Tweetsโ the last on the docket.
โNo I am too, babes.โ Y/n said, shaking Madelynโs leg playfully. The three girls, Madelyn, Madison, and y/n, sat in front chatting while the boys, JD and Drew, were getting their hair โrefreshedโ before they began shooting.
โAlright, so here are your tweets,โ one of the crew members said, handing each of them a phone preloaded with tweets of varying degrees of horniness.
โOh myโโ JD started to shout, but was cut off when Madison elbowed him.
โDonโt start yet!โ Madison giggled, resting her phone in her lap, a blush already rising in her cheeks.
โOk, you guys good?โ The cameraman asked, shooting the cast a thumbs up.
โYes!โ The five of them shouted in unison as the camera began to roll.
โAlrighty, take it awayโฆ Madelyn.โ The secondary camera operator focused on Madelyn, who looked down at her phone.
โOk, this one is pretty straightforward: โMadelyn Cline is a motherโ.โ Madelyn giggled.
โNot just โa motherโ, โmotherโ.โ Madison corrected, causing Madelyn to shake her head bashfully.
โOk, ok, Mads you go.โ Y/n said, elbowing Madison lightly.
โโMadison Bailey please kiss meโ...โ Madison looked into the camera, a cheeky grin on her face. โHa, haโฆ no.โ
The cast laughed before returning to their phones, looking through their tweets.
โโJonathan Davis I am free tomorrow at 5 pm if you want to go on a date and hold hands! Andโฆ redacted, redacted, redactedโ.โ Jonathan read.
โSoundsโฆ fun?โ Y/n commented, glancing back at JD, an eyebrow raised.
โOh, โitโs true. Drew Starkey makes me go feralโ.โ Drew read sheepishly, his cheeks flushing. JD started to make some sort of animal noise, Drew joining in, the two of them playfully going โferalโ behind the girls.
โY/n, does Drew Starkey make you go feral?โ Madelyn asked teasingly.
โNot in whatever way they were doing.โ Y/n stifled a laugh, turning back to Drew, who shook his head with a grin.
โOk, sure. You go, baby.โ Drew said, rolling his eyes playfully.
โAlrightโฆโ Y/n scrolled, looking for a good tweet before continuing, โโy/n is so fine, like please ruin my life I beg of youโ. Wow, thanks I guess? For letting me ruin your life?โ
The cast laughed before continuing back to their tweets, each of them feeling flushed and flattered by the very kind tweets.
โโBefore I watched Outer Banks I always classified the rich as annoying and vowed Iโd never simp over oneโฆโโ Drew read, โโuntil I met Rafe Cameron and flew up his ass like a batโ?โ
โโFlew up his ass like a batโ?โ Y/n asked incredulously, her mouth agape.
โIf somebody walked up to you on the street and said that to youโฆ?โ Madelyn asked Drew.
โMarry me.โ Drew said nonchalantly.
โDrew, I need to ask you a questionโโ Y/n began, but collapsed into a fit of laughter before she could get the words out.
โCan I โfly up your ass like a batโ?โ JD finished, making eye contact with Drew before the two of them moved in for a dramatic kiss, falling away just before their lips wouldโve met. The girls let out surprised screams, grabbing onto each other before laughing.
โโI love my boyfriend with all my heart, I truly do, but Madelyn Cline can sit on my face sheโs so beautifulโ.โ Madelyn read, a small smirk on her face.
โWow, thatโs a lotโฆ real.โ Y/n said. Drewโs head whipped up, a look of confusion on his face.
โIs there something you need to tell us?โ JD quipped, causing y/n to realize exactly what she said.
โNo, no, no,โ Y/n chuckled. โMadelyn Cline is very beautiful, but I am still very much feral for Drew Starkey.โ
โYouโve got a thing for Camerons?โ Madison asked, Madelyn and Drew leaning in with mischievous smiles on their faces.
โYep, yep, thatโs it.โ Y/n laughed, nodding into the camera.
โโY/n is so beautiful, Drew Starkey can you fight?โโ Y/n read with a chuckle, turning to look at Drew.
โYes, yes I can.โ Drew said into the camera, his face completely serious.
โDrew wouldnโt hurt a fly.โ Madelyn clarified.
โOh no, no, I will. Trust.โ Drew raised his eyebrows, wrapping an arm around y/nโs shoulders before pressing a kiss to the top of her head. The cast let out a collective โawwwโ, y/n giggling bashfully.
โโDrew Starkey could rail me anyday. Respectfullyโ.โ Drew chuckled nervously. Madelyn and Madison looked between each other, their jaws dropped.
โOnce again, Iโm flattered. Butโฆ thatโs reserved for this oneโโ Drew grabbed y/nโs shoulder, shaking her playfully. Y/n immediately put her hands over her face, hoping to cover the flustered expression on her face.
โOh my god.โ Y/n mumbled into her hands, the other cast members bursting out into fits of laughter at Drewโs boldness.
โAlright, and cut!โ The cameraman said, the cast letting out cheers as they got up from their seats. As they stood, y/n felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist before turning back to Drew.
โHow you feeling, baby?โ Drew hummed, grinning down at y/n cheekily.
โFlattered. Very.โ Y/n giggled, pressing a kiss to Drewโs jaw.
โWell, a lot of those tweets certainly had someโฆ good ideas.โ Drew whispered.
โStarkey! Youโreโฆ too much.โ Y/n felt her cheeks warm as Drew kissed her languidly.
โAm I wrong though, baby?โ He teased.
โLetโs see when we get to the hotel.โ Y/n said, stepping away from Drew and grabbing his hand as they made their way out of the studioโฆ but she had a feeling they probably werenโt going to make it to the hotel.
word count: 8.8k
summary: "Habibti." The words slip past his tongue naturally as he reads the text on your wrist, and you stare up at him, eyes wide, pupils blown, fascination all over your faceโ you're in love with him.
ุญุจูุจุชู.
You trace it on your skin each morning, gentle smile on your face, dumb like a lovesick idiot. It reminds you that you're loved, even if you have never met your soulmate, ever, in your life. Even when you didn't know, you had panicked and asked your friends if they knew what it was, in which the next seven hours after your seventh birthday was spent crowded around a computer on your iPad, trying to imitate the foreign language on your skin.
After seven hours, your mother, bless her, had noted it was in Arabic. Your father returned home shortly after, helping you translate the word.
Habibti. It meant beloved in Arabic.
Your young heart swelled as your friends gushed over it.
Beloved.ย Your soulmate calls you beloved at first meeting.
You had clung onto it, heart full and spinning. You told yourself that your soulmate must be a romantic just from the fact that he would call you his love first meeting. You had dreams of a fairy tale meeting, falling in front of him in the hallway during school, accidentally bumping into him while out, a stranger offering you an umbrella in the rain, the list goes on. Your friends had gotten tired of you after the second week, all of them off to find their own soulmates. You didn't know anything about him.
But the passion for finding your soulmate wears off just as fast as it had arrived, quickly realizing that you wouldn't be able to find him if you were in a town where you knew everyone. No one would call you that upon first meeting. Even if it was halfway across the world, you stopped dreaming about meeting your soulmate after you started college. If you wanted to meet him, you'd have to travel. You don't know where, but wherever you were allowed, you went. Even if it emptied your pockets and left you desperate in the streets, you had some of the best experiences of your life, all in the name of looking for your soulmate.
Even at graduation, when you're throwing your cap into the sky with your friends, wrist out for the world to see, the characters traced and colored in gold thanks to your friends, the green of the letters shimmering, you're thankful for everything you've poured your soul into. Your soulmate was someone you no longer craved, the world at your fingertips, a job in your pocket, your life set out before you. Fate was strong in your hands, another string in your life. You followed it with fervor, spinning and chasing after it with some childish will in your life.
You push everything related to your soulmate mark back when you step foot into Wayne Enterprises, nodding slowly at the three men as they welcome you to the team. You had expected the older boys, but you didn't complain. Not when Bruce Wayne himself was part of the three men.
"These are my two sons. Tim Drake, he's my third," You shake Tim's hand. "And Damian Wayne. My youngest."
You smile at him too, taking his hand.
"Habibti." The words slip past his tongue naturally as he reads the text on your wrist, and you stare up at him, eyes wide, pupils blown, fascination all over your face. Damian raises a brow at the way you react, breath catching in his throat at how enthralled you are with him, features pulled back, eyes sparkling.
"Woah." You manage, a smile breaking onto your face as the words slip past. Damian does not know you. Hell, he's just met you, yet you were staring at him as if he was your world. You had that lovesick look that he had seen on Dick's face way too many times, and he was getting a little uncomfortable. It must be some sick joke. There's no way his soulmate could look at him like that the first time they meet. Yet, as you stare into his eyes, sun sparkling in your eyes, he finds himself breathless. Shit.
Bruce clears his throat behind the two of you.
"Sorry!" You let go of Damian's hand, the loss of contact knocking the air back into his lungs. "Not many people can read my soulmate mark here in the States. I was just surprised."
"So? Is he your soulmate?" Bruce's lip quirks upward.
Damian lies through his teeth. "No. My words are different."
Tim raises a brow behind Bruce, and Damian gives him a warning look.
"Well, regardless," Bruce hums. "You'll be working closely with my two sons for the next couple of weeks. We're very interested in the medical research you conducted while an undergrad in your major, so we'd like to sponsor your research. Your updates would go to my two sons, and I'll meet with you at the end of the month to see if you need more time."
You nod. "An honor, sir."
"The honor is all ours." Tim smiles, shaking your hand.
"Damian will lead you to the lab."
You follow behind his youngest, eyes still wide, trailing behind him like a lovesick puppy. Even if he wasn't your soulmate, he had called youย belovedย first meeting. You were enthralled. The two of you step into the elevator, and you wait for the door to close before speaking up.
"Are we really not soulmates?" You blink at him.
He shows you his wrist, your words in brown. "We are."
"Oh." You smile at him again. Damian grimaces at how bright you are. The universe sent him a sun because he was grouchy, didn't it?
"This is the lab you'll be using. It is all yours." He hums. "Requests can be sent through the computer, just type it on the notepad."
You nod, glancing around the room, fidgeting.
"What is it?" He raises a brow.
"You're not big on soulmates, are you?" You smile apologetically.
"Not really."
"Alright. Thank you."
Damian is half expecting you to pester him to the moon and back just based on how you looked at him the first time you met. Instead, you spend most of your time holed up in the lab, desperate to replicate results from your previous study. He can't deny that his heart sours a little at how easily you respect his boundaries, but he asked for it himself, so he finds no reason to complain. Huh, he would have to register the soulmate mark with you.
He knocks on the door to your lab, silence answering him. After a couple of minutes, you open the door.
"Sorry, did I make you wait? I had to put everything back." You blink at him.
"We need to register our soulmate bond."
"Ah. Right." You furrow your brows. "When are you available?"
"Tomorrow after work."
"So like... three?"
"Yes."
"Alright. Should I meet you up at the office?"
"I will come down to find you." He glances at the way none of your hair is visible from the cap.
"Alright." You hum. "See you then."
Damian is grasping at anything he can to try and talk to you. He can't believe he's like this, lovesick like some teenager, desperate to talk to you as if you were the only person that mattered in his life. He feels like Dick. It's awful. He loosens his tie as he stands on the elevator, irritation all over his face.
"You look like shit." Tim clicks his tongue.
"Be quiet, Drake." Damian grumbles.
"Registering your soulmate bond?"
"Yeah." He mumbles. "How did your registration go?"
"Smoothly. I told you."
"If only we had met under better circumstances."
"My soulmate didn't stare at me like I was God." Tim shrugs. "Good afternoon, Mr. Strawn."
The man nods.
The two men shut up as Damian steps off at your floor.
"Hey!" You've taken off all the clothes you wear in the lab, dressed for a date. Damian wonders if he's dressed too formal for this. "I brought all my documents. Do you have yours?"
"The city hall has all of my files on hand."
"Forgot, billionaire and all that." You laugh. "Let's get going."
The two of you hitch the next ride down, Damian taking you to his car, opening your door for you, head racing.
"There is always the possibility of us being platonic soulmates." Damian finds himself speaking up as he fastens his seatbelt.
"Yeah." You purse your lips to think. "Would you be alright with that?"
"We are soulmates. The universe obviously has something planned."
"Then what if we're romantic soulmates?"
"Then I suppose we would have to try." Damian pulls out of the parking garage, handing the guard his ticket, driving off. "Are you against it?"
"Oh, definitely not." You smile. "There is no downside for me."
"Not even the public's eye?"
"I've been scrutinized by my family my whole life." You smile. "I blew all my excess scholarship money on travelling because I wanted to meet my soulmate."
"Where did you go?"
"I went to Palestine, Israel, dropped by at Dubai, Egypt, and then my friends and I drove from Istanbul all the way to Western Europe." You count on your fingers. "I had a lot of people greet us first and then notice the writing on my wrist. The emerald green really stands out. I hadn't expected..." Your voice trails off, eyes staring into his, Damian unable to stare back because of the road. "I hadn't expected your eyes to match so nicely. They're breathtaking."
"Do you speak to everyone like this?"
"No." You hum, looking back outside your window. "But I have been told I have a way with words."
"Yeah?" He stops at the red light, turning to stare at your eyes. "I wonder what your eyes look like under the sun."
"Weren't you staring at them a couple days ago?" You pull out your phone.
"That wasn't directly under the sun." He mumbles, starting the car again.
"Doย youย speak to everyone like this?"
"No." He breathes. "Just to you."
You try to fight the warmth spreading up your neck to your cheeks, failing miserably as you resort to hiding your face in your hand for the rest of the ride.
"Is there any specific thing we need to do?"
"My brothers mentioned that we need our words scanned, but that was it." He hums. "You have your passport and license, correct?"
"Yeah." You hum. "Is that all I need?"
"Yes." He grabs a ticket and drives down to park, the two of you getting out of his car. "Come on." He leads the way, eyes pining down the paparazzi immediately. You glance in the direction he glared, only for him to move to block you from their view. The two of you make it into the building quicker, the elevator door closing behind the two of you.
"That was?"
"Paparazzi." He fishes out his phone, making a call." Yes. May we head up immediately? We will be there."
You blink as he presses the top floor, and for a second, you understand what it's like to live as a billionaire. A single phone call puts you at priority. You shift uncomfortably when the two of you arrive at the top floor, following Damian as he steps into the mayor's room, letting you sit down first.
"Ah, Mr. Wayne." He smiles, and you detect the lack of sincerity on his face immediately. Rather, the fake smile causes you to sit straighter, a smile lacking equal truth making its way onto your face. Damian shakes the mayor's hand, sitting down as well. "What brings you here?"
"Brought my soulmate to get our mark registered." He hums. "You have all my documents, so this should be quick, correct?"
"Of course. We just need both of your words scanned, and then the soulmate's legal documents โ You're quite pretty."
You smile at him, laughing lightly. "Thank you. Here's the passport."
"Not a Gotham born, eh?"
"Nope. Moved here for work."
"Do you plan on staying?"
"Well, since my soulmate is here, I don't think moving is that big of a priority right now." You hum.
"May we have your wrist?"
You hold your wrist out, scanner registering the words, and Damian does the same, your words both popping up on the screen.
"What are the characters?"
"Arabic." Your smile turns sweet, bright, even, and the words come tumbling past your lips, like you had been proud to have those as your words your whole life, holding them dear to your heart. Damian's heart stutters in his chest at how enamored you look.
"Was the "woah" first or second?" The mayor turns to ask Damian.
"After. I had read the characters, and the only reaction I was given was "Woah."" Damian hums. "Are we finished?"
"Yes." The mayor laughs. "It's very much a romantic soulmate. Have the two of you..?"
"Not yet." Damian hums, standing up, holding his hand out for you. "Thank you, Mr. Mayor."
"Pleasure's all mine, Mr. Wayne. I hope to see the both of you at the Wayne gala later this year."
Damian leads you back to the elevator, music filling the air as the two of you stand there in silence.
"When would you like our first date to be?" Damian steps to the side, turning to look at you.
"Oh, um." You frown. "I'm not sure. I'd go, but I already submitted my leave for the weekend. My friend and her soulmate are getting married."
Damian raises a brow. "Not here?"
"They're getting married in the Maldives." You laugh awkwardly. "Her soulmate is loaded."
"More than me?" Damian raises a brow playfully.
"Well, loaded in the millionaire way." You smile. "Not billionaire."
"Do you have a date? Should I go with you?"
"Oh." You pause. "I could bring you, huh?" You press your fingers to your lips, pursing them. "I put down a plus one because I was expecting to bring another friend... I suppose it could be you."
"Did you put down a name?"
"No. They do not have a seating chart."
"Mm." He pauses. "is it too fast?"
"No, no!" You smile. "I'll send you the details... via email?" You grimace at how strange it sounds.
"May I have your phone? I can give you my number."
"Yes." You fish it out for him as he hands you his phone. You type your name in, typing habibti under company. You text yourself as he does with himself. The two of you trade phones back, and you send Damian the packing list and details of the wedding immediately. Damian scrolls through the list, pausing.
"Is there a specific invitation I am required to bring?"
"I have both. I will bring them." You smile. "Any other questions?"
The elevator stops at parking, and Damian leads you out. You make a beeline for the car this time, texting your friend to confirm the guest you would be bringing. She asks you if it's your soulmate, and you tell her to check the Gotham Gazette in the morning. She sends you a flurry of texts.
"Will our soulmate bond get leaked?"
"Perhaps by the paparazzi. Why?"
"I'd like for it to be a good photo of me."
"I will let my publicist know."
You check the news the next morning, beaming at how good you look in the photo. Damian looks protective of you, and as you rush to your lab in the morning, your heart is warm. You're glad he has a good eye for that, at the very least. The groupchat explodes with people looking for you, asking if it was true your soulmate was Damian, your friend private texting you to check if your guest was Damian. You only respond to your friend, confirming his attendance. She tells you she expects an expensive gift out of you, and you snort. You joke about relaying her message to Damian.
You tuck everything away as you get back to your experiment.
The end of the day comes quickly, and as you close the lab for the night, you blink when you stare at Damian at the door. You click on your phone, checking to see if you had missed any messages from him, but nothing appears. You raise a brow as you open the door with all of your stuff. "Something wrong, Mr. Wayne?"
"Damian is fine." He nods. "I was wondering what I should bring for your friend's wedding."
"Mm," You frown. "I was going to bring her a nice bottle of wine from one of my travels, but I'm sure you have something much better than that in the winehouse at your place."
"We do. We have a screaming eagle cabernet from the 90s."
"Woah." You blink. "That sounds like a lot. Isn't that like 500k?"
"We have multiple bottles." He insists. "I can bring one."
You grimace. "If you insist."
"It can be our gift. From the both of us."
"The tabloids have already started calling me a gold digger." You laugh.
"My publicist will take care of that. I will have father get you one."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." He hums. "Where do you live? I can drive you home."
"Um." You give him your address. It takes him a moment to figure out where you live, and then the two of you are off.
"I will send someone for you tomorrow," He hums. "We can take the private jet. I already got your tickets refunded."
"Oh. Wow." You blink at him in awe. "That's really kind. Thank you."
"No worries." He hums. "You should get used to it."
"Do all your brothers spoil their soulmates like that?"
"Grayson, the eldest," Damian grumbles. "worships the ground his soulmate steps on. Todd does the same, though less obvious about it. Drake's known his soulmate forever so the two of them click too well. Duke and his soulmate are platonic soulmates, but the two of them get along far better than we do as a family. Steph and Cass both have not found their soulmates and father..." he pauses. "father and his soulmate are... an interesting two."
"So your family all spoil their soulmates?"
"There is nothing out of reach with the amount of money we have. It is not spoiling if we are simply letting them get whatever they want because it is not a burden on us financially." Damian takes a turn. "We do not consider it spoiling."
"That's sweet." You smile. "How big were their rings?"
"Grayson's soulmate got the biggest diamond in existence. None of us could believe our eyes." Damian hums. "How big of a diamond would you want?"
"I'd like you to hand make a ring for me." You grin. "Of course, if you don't have time, I want something the color of your eyes to match my soulmate mark."
"Why not both?" He stops at the door to your apartment.
"How about you?" You open the door, tilting your head at him.
"Whatever color your eyes are."
You hate how good he is with his words.
Damian drives home, your words in the back of his mind. A handmade ring. Maybe you'd be willing to wear his name on your skin if he makes you a ring with a gem the color of his eye. Though, he'd be rushing. Even if his skin burned to touch you and his heart raced to be held by you, he did not wish to rush it. Messing up with you was far scarier than getting hurt during patrol.
He texts the family chat that he would be using the jet the next day, to which Dick had asked eagerly where he was going. Damian leaves him on read. He finds you at the door in the morning the next day, taking your suitcase from you as you yawn.
"Did you have breakfast yet?"
You blink at him, rubbing your eyes. "No. Do you have food?"
"You can have some of Grayson's cereal."
You blink harder as he hands you a bowl with the cereal and milk, and you stare at the cereal brand.
"Wow. The amount of sugar in this could kill someone."
"Some days I wish it were enough to kill Grayson."
You pour out a little bit of the cereal, pouring the milk in, and then dig in. You read the ingredients as Damian goes upstairs, pulling his own luggage down the stairs, meeting you back in the kitchen when you finish. You clean the dishes, setting them to the side as Damian comes to get you.
"You did not need to wash the dishes."
"I didn't want to leave a mess." You reason.
"It's fine. We're leaving now. You ready?"
"Yeah." You grin. "Is takeoff rough?"
"It's very smooth." He hums. "I gave the pilot the address and everything already. We land in around three hours."
"Alright." You hum.
The jet,ย plane, was huge. You blink in surprise at the size as Damian leads you up the steps, and you blink quietly. "Woah."
"Surprised?"
"What's the use of having such a large plane? Isn't the carbon footprint huge?"
"We usually fly first class, but I figured since your friends all wanted to see what kind of a person you were dating, I shouldn't be stingy." Damian hums.
"There's really no need." You laugh.
"Also, more privacy." He hums. "I figured you deserve to know what kind of life I live outside of the tabloids."
You tilt your head at him. "Are you going to tell me you're Batman or something?"
The plane door shuts behind him, and he exhales.
"Robin."
Your eyes widen, lips pursing, surprise on your face.
"Is that too much too quick?"
"No." You pause. "No. That's. That's actually kind of hot."
Damian raises a brow.
"Are you still Robin? Because I thinkโ"
"No," Damian shakes his head. "I run around with another name now, already graduated from the title, but I thought I would tell you since."
"Yeah." You exhale. "What about the weekend?"
"Todd and Drake are here. There is no need to fret."
"So your whole family is in on the business?"
"Yes."
"Wow." You mumble. "That's..."
Damian braces himself for the worst. He doesn't know why, your face is far from disgusted or terrified, but he still does. Maybe you would reject him or tell him to stop. That would be a nightmare.
"And you like doing it?"
"Yes." He raises a brow.
"Um, please don't come back to me dead. Ever. Please." You scratch your cheek. "If you like doing it, then I won't stop you. I'd just prefer you don't die on the job."
"Do not worry. If I were to die, my mother would simply drop me into the Lazarus pit." Damian jokes.
"That's some lore drop there." You blink. "That's real?"
"Yes." He raises a brow. "For the same reason my grandfather is immortal, by the same logic, so would I."
"Woah." You mumble. "I heard rumors of it when I was travelling. I didn't know it existed."
"Fountain of youth."
"Is that why you look so good?"
"No." He shakes his head. "I take care of myself."
"I don't doubt that." You smile.
"And you?"
"I told you I travel." You nod. "Oh, it might be good to tell you about the friend getting married."
You tell him details about how the two of you met, telling him about your other friends at the same time, mumbling about how you thought her soulmate was actually an asshole just from the way he treated her friends, and then casually mentioning his name, Damian blinking.
"Do you know him?"
"Drake has done business with his family before."
"His family's a nightmare. The only reason I'm going is because my friend is an angel. I wouldn't go for any other reason."
Damian finds peace in the way your voice floods his senses, gathering intel on your friends, understanding who he had to avoid and who he could make small talk with. He had a feeling he'd know a couple of the people there from the groom's side, and from the way you talked about him, it wouldn't be pleasant if they found out he was your soulmate. Despite that, he finds that there is no need to worry too much. You were close to the bride's side. That's all that seemed to matter to you. You pause at some point, almost as if you were thinking of something.
"Something wrong?"
"We brought the wine, right?"
"Yes. I had the servants bring it."
"Alright." You mumble. "I'm not looking forward to what the groom has to say to me about you."
"I will stay next to you the whole time. My publicist will deal with everything."
"Speaking of which, who is your publicist?"
Damian smiles. "Grayson's soulmate."
"Ahhh." You laugh. That checks out.
There's not much jetlag when the two of you land, and you stare at the afternoon sun through your shades, hand held up. It's nice and warm, a contrast to the spring weather in Gotham. Damian leads you to the car, making a call as he does, handing you the tablet for you to choose which suite to get upgraded to.
"Are we sharing a bed?" You blink at him.
"We can order a room with two beds if you'd like."
"Would that be rude?"
"Not at all."
Damian finds that you've selected a room with a king bed instead, noticing the way your ears were flushed as you stared out the window. He confirms with the hotel on the call, putting the charge on his father's card. He wondered if you would call this spoiling. His brothers had told him that his soulmate deserved the best treatment, and Damian couldn't really tell what they had meant. He never lived a normal life. He wasn't sure if his normal was their best or if there was something better that he could give them. He opts for staring at your face instead, taking in your features.
"The upgrade." He swallows. "It is alright, right?"
"Yes." You smile at him. "It's more than okay. Thank you, a lot."
"The best, for you." He mumbles.
The two of you settle into the hotel room. Damian glances at the clothes you bring, exhaling quietly to himself when he realizes he brought a decent palette of clothes. The wedding's theme was lavender, and he was starting to get worried that he wouldn't be able to match with you at all, but he's happy to find that you've got colors similar to his.
"Do I need to call you anything?"
"It'd be funny if you call me habibti," You grin. "The bride is a friend from when I first got my soulmate mark. She was there when we tried searching up what the word on my wrist meant."
"Ah. You go back a long time."
"A very long time." You smile. "What was it like for you? Seeing your soulmate mark?"
"My family was in my room at midnight, including my mother, and everyone groaned when I got the most generic word ever. They thought I would never find my soulmate. Todd joked that my soulmate must be blown away by my face." He hums in amusement, noticing you avert your gaze. "I still owe him twenty. Dick's soulmate word was "hello" and only Drake had something remotely entertaining."
"What was it? If you don't mind me asking." You blink at him.
"I quote "We should get married." It was quite the sentence." Damian chuckles.
"That sounds funny." Your lips pull up into a smile. "I had a friend get "we should fuck" as their first sentence. Then I found out my best friend at the time had "Yo." as theirs."
"Did you like your first line?"
"I did." You beam at him, unclasping the clip for your suitcase. "I loved it. When my father told me it meant darling or my love in Arabic, I was elated. I thought my soulmate would be the most romantic man in the world, and I was ecstatic."
"Am I?" Damian raises a brow as you pull out a dress.
"Yes." Your smile stretches impossibly wider. "I'm very happy."
"I'm happy to hear that. What's the dress code for tonight?"
"You brought a polo, right? Rich boy, old money vibes. Polo shirt and khakis."
"Got it." He nods. "What color will you be wearing?"
"Everything I brought is some variation of the color palette for the wedding," You hum. "I'll be wearing this."
"I am sure you'll look dashing in it, habibti." He smiles.
You flush at the word, hiding your face in your dress.
"Is it too much?"
"No." You smile at him. "Just enough. I'll get used to it."
Damian wonders what kind of friends you had at seven. Yet, he finds himself blinking in surprise when the two of you arrive at the event.
"Woah, he's an item..." Your friend's jaw drops, patting your shoulders gently. "Damian Wayne? Pleasure to meet you. I'm your soulmate's best friend."
"No, I am." Another friend butts in.
"You're all wrong." The bride scoffs playfully. "I am."
Damian nods at them.
"We'll bring the gift tomorrow at the wedding." You smile at the bride, rushing off with them as Damian heads over to the side, making small talk with who he assumed the groom was. He finds himself with his eyes on you the whole night, only sparing glances at the people he was talking to when you would stare back at him. You look pretty. He understands why his brothers had clicked with their soulmates so quickly now. He excuses himself at some point, pressing his chest to your back, hand resting on your waist.
"Having fun? That's your second margarita, not to mention your cocktails."
You grin at him, cheeks flushed from the alcohol. "It's actually my fourth."
"I think that is enough." He hums. "There's still a dinner."
"I can hold my alcohol." You mumble, and Damian takes the glass from your hand, downing the whole thing in one gulp. You blink at him, wide-eyed. "Woah."
"Let's get you seated, hm? Dinner starts soon. Cocktail hour is forย afterย the dinner."
"Can I bring a drink to our room later?" You mumble.
"Yes." He excuses the two of you from the bride, settling down where your names were put, and he presses a patch into your skin, rubbing your arm as he waits for the neutralizer to course through your system. He probably should have asked if you were okay with it, but he has one on himself, so it's not like he was actively trying to drug you. You turn your head when you notice him rubbing the patch onto your skin, mind clearing a little.
"What is that?"
"Neutralizer. It helps with filtering alcohol."
"Oh, it works." You grin at him. "Thank you."
"Of course. I have one in my arm too."
"That sure explains why you didn't pass out from the sheer glasses of champagne you were having." You mumble.
"Who's at our table?"
"Two other girls and their soulmates. The two girls that were next to the bride and I earlier."
"Alright." He hums, letting his hand fall down to your side, staring at you as you wave your friends over. "Any exes?"
"Nope. I didn't date anyone that didn't greet me with what was on my wrist. It was pretty easy, considering that most people are ignorant. I also kept a bracelet around my wrist for the most part." You smile. "You?"
"Two. Maybe. I do not know if they count. I hooked up with them while..."
"In costume?"
"yeah."
You shrug, starting a conversation with your friend instead, catching up with her. Damian listens briefly, eyes focused on you instead, enamored with you. He's hopeless, he decides. He has no saving grace from you. He doesn't get to make fun of his brothers anymore, not when he was just like them. Your friends take notice of it, smiling when he notices their gaze. You're loved. Just from the way your friends had smiled at him and then at you, you're loved. He understands why. It'd be hard not to love you.
You excuse yourself early, exhaustion from the plane setting in late, Damian helping you up and leading the two of you back. You let the bride know with a hand on her back, and she shoos you away playfully, mumbling about how you should use protection. You sigh dramatically, telling her you'd make her an aunt on purpose. It was a joke from the way you had said it, but Damian wonders if you'd actually want kids of your own โ shit, his brain was moving fast. He barely knows you.
"Were you actually tired?"
"Any longer and you would've seen how embarrassing my friends get when drunk." You mumble. "Embarassing bunch."
"How embarrassing?" He raises a brow. "My brothers are a nightmare when drunk as well."
"They won't shut up." You press your keycard on the lock. "About me."
"They love you a lot."
"They do." You turn to smile at Damian. "And I love them too, even if they don't shut up about my embarrassing stories when drunk. They're probably embarrassing the bride instead though."
"That would make more sense."
"They kept trying to get people to read the writing on my wrist last time." You hum. "That was after grad."
"So recently."
"Yeah. No one was able to read it." You laugh. "And the ones who could, they didn't say it to me. They called my friends habibti."
"You do not say it with an accent." Damian notices. "Habibti."
"Huh?" You pause while rummaging for your sleepwear. "Oh, yeah. I... my parents got me an Arabic teacher for a little while because I wanted to learn when I first got my mark. I've also visited... a lot of the countries? In part it's because I'd repeat the word to myself until I feel asleep until like..." You avert your gaze, going back to your suitcase. Damian notices you start flushing. "end of high school?"
"Ten years?" Damian exhales. "You whispered your word to yourself before bed for ten years?"
"Yeah." You finally find your pajamas in the baggage. "A little bit of a hopeless romantic, huh?"
Damian doesn't answer you, staring into your eyes instead, unmoving, barely blinking.
"Is it that bad?"
Damian breaks from his trance. "No. Not at all. It's..." endearing โ but he can't say that, so he offers you a nod instead. He curses himself for the lack of game when it came to you, but as you rush to change in the bathroom, he sighs. It's hopeless. He's enamored. He understands why you had stared up at him with your pupils blown wide and lips parted upon first meeting. He does the same now, staring down at you like you were his everything, even if he knew barely anything about you outside of what you had told him. Well, he could always ask Drake to hack and gather intel on you. But it'd be a breach of privacy that he didn't want to cross with you. Ugh.
He pushes his hair back in frustration, opting for clearing his mind with work instead. Even if he had taken the weekend off with you, he should really do something that isn't thinking of all the ways he'd have your skin pressed to his at night โ no, fuck. Damian opens his laptop, clicks on his VPN and the wifi, sorting through the emails from the WE teams instead. He barely notices the sound of the bathroom door opening and you step out with your sleepwear on. At some point, Tim texts him to get off his emails and enjoy the time with you, threatening to bench him. Damian grimaces, wonderingย howย he could get benched in a company situation, but he doesn't argue back. Heย wasย trying to avoid talking to you, after all.
You're in bed on your phone, scrolling through something.
"What are you looking at?" Damian settles on his side of the bed.
"I'm watching my friend's wedding tiktoks." You smile, rolling over to show him. "The preparation ones. She's going to make more tomorrow."
Damian hums. "Can I put an arm around your waist? My arm..."
"Yeah." You grin. "You can touch me."
Damian's breath catches in his throat at how straightforward you are, arm wrapping around your torso slowly, resting his chin on your head, glancing down at your phone.
"Do you think about weddings?"
You close your phone, plugging it back in on the strand, settling yourself in Damian's arms. "Sometimes."
"What kind do you want?"
"I want your name on my skin at the wedding," You mumble, eyes already closed.
"Like bridal henna?"
"Mhm."
Damian struggles to sleep the whole night because of your words. Though, it's not like he's gone without sleep before. Instead, he spends the night matching his breathing to yours, wrapping his arms tighter around you, taking in the scent of your shampoo. At some point his eyes close, body betraying him and falling to the need. He wakes up to you shifting in his arms, turning around to get a look at his face better, lashes blinking on his skin, eyes staring up at him, sun reflecting in them.
Damian's breath hitches, and in his morning stupor, he rests his forehead on yours, staring into your eyes, nose touching yours, the love of the universe in the way he looks at you. His shoulders relax as he continues looking, sure that his pupils have expanded beyond repair, utterly enamored with how you looked in the morning. His arms squeeze around your waist affectionately, moving to bury his head into the crook of your neck, exhaling as he does.
"Good morning." He feels you smile.
"Good morning to you too, habibti." He mumbles back, smile mirroring yours, he's sure.
The wedding moves without too big of an issue, the two of you bring the wine and leave it at the gift table, Damian sits next to you the whole time, watching as you get the bouquet practically launched at you, catching it with a flinch, chasing after the bride with the bouquet as a weapon, messing up your hair in the meantime but getting a laugh out of it. Damian stands to the side, talking only briefly with the groom's family, introducing himself as your soulmate, not Damian Wayne. He was yours first before he was a businessman now. Yours. It rings nicely in his head. He was yours. He would be fine with that โ being yours.
At some point you return to Damian's side, sighing with the bouquet in hand.
"When's our wedding?" You joke, putting the bouquet on the table.
"It'll take a while." Damian hums, smoothing out your hair for you. "We still have to date and get engaged."
"I should've dodged."
"You wouldn't have been able to. Your friend did it on purpose." Damian mumbles, finishing with your hair.
"Is it alright?"
"Yes." He presses his lips to your forehead. "You look great, habibti."
You smile at him, the moon behind you this time.
"When do we fly?"
"I booked the plane for tomorrow." Damian hums. "We can sleep in."
"Oh, bless." You grumble. "The shoes are killing me."
"Would you like mine?" He offers. "Or would you like for me to carry you back?"
You pause, glancing at the emptier hall.
"I wouldn't dare let you take off your shoes for me." You smile at him.
"Sit, please," and you do, settling down as Damian gets on a knee, slipping your heels from your feet, holding onto them with one hand, the other hooking under your knees as he tells you to wrap your arms around his neck. You yelp as he does, and you wave bye to the bride as he settles you in his arms bridal style, your arms around his neck for support as he holds onto your shoes.
"Please don't drop me." You mumble.
"I wouldn't dare." He steps toward the elevator, pressing your floor as you pull the room card out from your pocket. (you had shown him before, with a spin, that your dress had pockets. Damian made a note to remember you liked them.)
He sets you on bed, loosening his tie and placing your heels down by your shoes, taking off his blazer to hang up in the closet. He watches you shimmy out of the dress, naked form to his eyes, breath catching in his throat at the way the moonlight illuminates your skin. He doesn't move, watching as you pull the robe from next to him, body on autopilot as you step into the showers. He'd wash up after you, unbuttoning his shirt and ditching his pants, sorting through his own luggage to find a change of clothes.
You open the door to the bathroom, robe on, blinking at his bare back.
"You're built like a wall." You blurt.
"Am I?" Damian hums.
"Does this come with your family or something? All of you are HUGE." You rub the towel through your hair.
"I suppose it does." Damian stands up, change of clothes in hand. "It's also from the training."
"For night?" You try your best to be vague. Damian appreciates it.
"Yes." He nods. "Would you like to see when we get back?"
"Sure." You grin. "Is it big?"
"It's a cave." Damian closes the door to the bathroom.
"Woah." You mumble. "Wild."
You settle yourself in the bed, back on your phone, yawning as you respond to a couple texts, scrolling through your email, checking the CCTV footage of the experiment you were doing. You had someone checking to see if the experiment was working, and from what they had told you, everything had replicated perfectly. You let out a sigh of relief when you found out. It would be fine. You'd finish with it, and then you'd retire somewhere with the money promised you in the contract. You worked hard for the moment.
You feel the bed dip behind you.
"Looking at the updates?"
"The experiment is moving faster than before." You mumble. "I should be able to report to your father in around a week."
"And then?"
You blink. "Not sure. I was thinking of finding a high rise to live in."
"Not with me?" Damian wraps his arms around you, getting comfortable.
"Don't you still live in the manor?"
"It's comfortable there." He mumbles. "I also have an empty apartment of my own. Would you like to move there?"
"Would you move in with me?" You turn to face him, phone on the nightstand.
"If you'd like."
"Yes, please," You grin. "If you'd like."
"Then I'd love to." He mumbles, reaching over you to close the light.
Damian takes you to the Batcave first, having the servants take your stuff to the apartment without asking you, adjusting the grandfather clock and letting you inside the cave, shutting it behind him. The two of you arrive right before patrol, and you get to meet all of his siblings. All of them. Even Nightwing.
"Who's this?"
"Soulmate." Tim doesn't bother looking at you, pressing his mask on. "Showing her around already? And you call us whipped."
"Shut up, Drake." Damian spits.
"Are you on duty tonight?"
"We take turns." Damian hums.
"Are any of these liquids active?" You stare at the tubes.
"Those two are for Ivy when she attacks. Less these days, but she occasionally strikes us with sex pollen for fun. Those are neutralizers. That one's for Scarecrow's fear toxin, and that oneโ"
You nod along as Damian explains everything to you, waving at his siblings as they head off for patrol.
"Are you tomorrow?"
"Yes." He hums. "Did you want to come along?"
"That's too dangerous." Batman speaks up, and you pause.
"Mr. Wayne." You smile politely. "Didn't peg you to be the type to run around to try and fix crime."
"Desperate times call for desperate situations." He chuckles. "Damian, take care of her. The computer is off limits."
"Yes, father." Damian nods as he disappears too.
"Who's on patrol tomorrow?"
"Father goes every night, and then tomorrow is Spoiler, Orphan, Signal, and I."
"SOS..." You mumble quietly. "Sors. Ross. Ross."
Damian raises a brow.
"Your names." You smile. "You would be team Ross."
"If that makes you happy." He leads you back up the stairs.
"Do you have an intercom?"
"Oracle. She works every night."
"Is she a sibling?"
"No. She used to be Batgirl."
"mm." You nod slowly. "Oh, it's late, huh? I should probably head home."
"You can stay here for the night. I had the servants send your luggage to my apartment. I can drive the two of us to work tomorrow." Damian shuts the clock behind the two of you.
"You have the same hours as us?"
"Yes."
"Speaking of which, how come you and Tim don't go to work together?"
"Tim does not live in the manor. He lives with his soulmate." He leads you to his room. "This is my room. Make yourself comfortable."
You mumble something under your breath about how big the bed is before you head over to the bathroom to wash up. "Are there pajamas I can borrow?" You peek from the door.
"I'll leave them on the bed." He pulls a shirt and clean boxers from his closet, setting them on the bed, settling at his desk, reading through what he would be meeting about the next day. He had hoped Tim would've taken care of the meetings over the weekend, but he supposes he can't avoid everything. It's painfully boring. The meetings are always boring.
"Whatcha looking at?" You come out with a towel in your hair, maneuvering his shirt onto you, putting on his boxers. It's a size too big, and you have to use a hair tie to keep it in place.
"I have a meeting tomorrow."
You shudder. "I don't miss having meetings."
"Did you intern somewhere else?"
"I interned in England for a bit." You lean over his shoulder, staring at the meeting details. "Oh, on the product."
"Yes, the new birth control we're trying to release. The injection."
"It would be helpful. I can't say blocking hormones is good for the body." You mumble. "Does it work on males?"
"We're releasing both versions."
"That's good." You mumble. "It'd be really helpful."
"Dick's soulmate made us read through the entire list of possible side effects of birth control and scared us half to death." Damian hums. "Even father."
"I read through it once."
"Do you take birth control?"
"Nope. Never slept with anyone, didn't plan on sleeping with people." You shrug. "You?"
Damian pauses. "I haven't either."
"Oh, really?" You mumble. "You've dated before."
"Hooked up." He corrects. "I always felt bad after kissing."
You laugh. "That was the universe telling you no."
"Perhaps." He shrugs. "Let's get to bed."
You barely see Damian after that, the two of you busy with your own affairs in the company, busy with moving your stuff into the apartment outside of work. Damian drives you home and helps you with the boxes, but the two of you don't have substantial conversation. Even when you finish the trials and present everything to the board, Damian doesn't get to have a moment with you, invitations to speak at colleges and other locations flooding into your mail. Damian finally catches you as you finish moving into the apartment.
"Habibti." He breathes, arms wrapping around your shoulders, head resting on your head. "I was looking for you."
"You could've called." You smile at him, voice muffled by his chest.
"You were not answering."
"My bad." You wiggle to loosen his arms, smile on your face. "Bruce transferred the money to my account. I'll be taking a break for a bit before I go speak at all those invitations."
"I am going to retire." He grumbles. "I never get to see you."
"We live together." You grin. "You get to see me every day now."
"Not enough." He mumbles. "I will leave Drake to deal with the family business."
"You're needed, you know? They need you for all the charity you guys do now." You pat his chest gently. "All of the animal shelters you volunteer at too."
"Would you like to visit one with me? There's an event tomorrow at the shelter to bring a friend."
"Oh, so I'm just a friend to you?" You tilt your head at him playfully.
"A friend," He presses a kiss to the corner of your left eye. "Habibti," He presses another kiss to the corner of your right eye. "And my soulmate." He rests his forehead on yours, hands on your face, eyes on your lips. "May I?"
You press your lips to his in response.
You're a work of art. Damian finds himself with an arm around your waist much more than he could have ever thought, his own life mingled with yours to the point of no return. You meant so much to him. You were the world to him. Fingers laced with yours at events, lips pressed to your hair in the rays of the morning sun, there was little to complain about and everything to be grateful for. His own little ray of the sun to make his life a little better.
Which is why he finds himself checking for the quality of the diamond, discussing the price of the gem with the dealer, running it through tests just to make sure it was the best. The emeralds he picks are hand-selected too, calling his mother as she teaches him how to discern between the good ones and bad ones. You were still yet to meet her, but for some reason, she had not asked questions, only wishing him luck on the proposal. It would take a while between everything he had on his hands.
"You've been coming back later these days." You hum, resting your head on his chest.
"My apologies, habibti," He mumbles. "I've been busy."
"Even on the nights you don't patrol?"
"Yes." He mumbles. "I am not cheating, if you are worried."
"I wouldn't think of it." You close your eyes. "I trust you."
"I love you, a lot." He whispers, wrapping his fingers around your ring finger.
"I love you too." You mumble back, curling the finger.
Damian struggles with the first two prototypes, fingers too rough against the metal, groaning as he fails again, the jeweler only laughs affectionately, assuring him he would be fine. He tries again and again until the mold comes out how he wants it to look, the gold chosen so that it wouldn't rust. The chances of you wearing your engagement ring while working were rare, but he still wanted to guarantee that it would not rust quickly. You deserved the world, and he'd make sure of it, even in something as simple as the ring he would give you.
On his seventh try, he gets a mold that leaves him satisfied. He had gotten your ring finger fitted before on top of his nightly routine of wrapping his fingers around it, and he was sure it would fit. The gems arrive cut out perfectly, the green diamond compared to his eyes by Dick and his brothers' soulmates a hundred times, assuring him that the color matched his eyes perfectly. Damian almost got his eyes color matched had it not been Bruce himself stepping in, assuring him that it matched his eyes well. The emeralds would match his eyes in different lighting. He was fine. Only then did Damian let the jeweler settle the diamonds into the ring, making sure that the gems wouldn't just tumble out. Not that he didn't trust the jeweler โ he was worried it'd fall out on accident โ alright, he doesn't trust the jeweler.
On the day the ring was completed, Damian had checked it under the light, mumbling to himself about how he hoped you like it. He had made it by hand as you told him you wanted him to, and the gems were all hand selected and picked to match his eyes. You'd be happy with it no matter what he gives you as an engagement ring, he's sure, but he had held your words close to his heart. You deserved an engagement ring you had dreamed of as a child. On the inside of the band, habibti is written in Arabic, a reminder of your soulmate bond, his heart full.
"You're home on time for once!" You beam, throwing your arms around his neck.
"I missed you, habibti." He mumbles, arms wrapped around your waist.
"I made dinner for us since you promised you'd be home today." You pull him along.
As he follows you, the ring in his back pocket feels lighter, your fingers curled around his, lips pulled into a dazzling smile.
He's yours.
From the known past to the unpredictable future, he was yours, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
We need a part two of the harley quinn mother headcanons!
pairings โธบ Mother! Harley Quinn x Teen! Reader.
(PLATONIC FIC)
ยฟRequest? Yes!
sinopsis โธบ Every mother reaches the moment when she sees her chick starting to become independent from the nest. Harley loved you from the moment she found you in that abandoned alley, and now she finds it hard to accept that you are drifting away.
If she knew why you were leaving her behind, she would probably be thinking about putting Robin in the oven.
warnings โธบ Fluff and Angst, Platonic Cuddling, ยฟOOC Harley? Idk, Disturbing Content, Street Fights, Violence, Trauma.
A/N โโ Honestly, I didn't plan on making a continuation of that headcanon, but since you asked (and your requests are sacred to me), here it is! Shoutout to @animequeen4 for the inspiration too!
When you grow up as the child of one of the most notorious supervillains in Gotham, things get a bit complicated. Harley knew this since you entered school, and especially since she separated from the Joker. She had prepared for everything: to protect you from clowns, snakes, and even snakes disguised as clowns. But what she didn't see coming, what truly drove her crazy, was the biggest challenge of all: your adolescence.
Harley noticed it almost immediately. At first, it was small things. Like how you no longer wanted to listen to the music she played at full volume in the lair. Instead, you started listening to your own songs, the ones she described as "unbearable noise." Then came the decoration of your room, which went from posters of heroes and villains to something "weird," according to Harley. โSince when do you like bats so much?โ she would say with an eyebrow raised. But what broke her heart the most was when you stopped letting her dress you. She got frustrated every time she tried to put something on you that she thought looked great, and you would just say, "No, mom, I don't like that anymore."
But the worst, the worst of all, was when you entered high school. You made friends. Friends whose names Harley didn't even know. Horrible! For someone like her, who was used to knowing all the details of your life, that was the worst that could happen. And on top of that, you no longer asked for permission to do things! The worst part was that she had raised you "well" (according to her criteria), so she didn't understand how you ended up at the police station several times for vandalism and disturbances.
"I raised you better than this!" she would shout, completely indignant, while signing the papers to get you out of another detention. Inside, she knew you were going through that rebellious phase, but that didn't make it any easier to cope.
One day, Harley stood at the door of your room, frustrated because you didn't even ask her for help with your math problems anymore. She stared at you, her hands on her hips, and exclaimed, โLook, little birdie, I get you! I know you're growing up and all that, but can you please stop doing it so fast? You're slipping through my fingers!โ
It was a mix of desperation and tenderness. Harley wasn't ready to see you grow up. She knew you were becoming more independent, but in her heart, you would always be her little one. And even though she got frustrated with all these changes, with every new friend or every time you snuck out to go to a party, deep down she just wanted to make sure you were okay.
Puberty was a roller coaster, and Harley was starting to realize that nothing in her villain life had prepared her to deal with it. The first thing she noticed was that you no longer wanted to go out with her for taco Fridays with the girls. Those days when they went shopping, wore neon clothes, and had laughs while window shopping stopped being your thing. Harley watched you from the doorframe, taco in hand, saying, โWhat happened to my buddy? Where's the kid who loved to eat until stuffed full of carnitas?โ
Sometimes, Harley tried not to take it to heart, but it was hard. She crumbled a little every time you locked yourself in your room instead of watching her roll around on the sofas with the Birds of Prey or with the Sirens, planning their next crazy scheme. It was then that she realized she needed help. So, as a good mother (or as close as she could get), she turned to the only person who could understand her frustration... Catwoman.
But the chat with Selina wasnโt exactly helpful. โHarley, sweetheart, I donโt mix with kids. I donโt know what you want me to tell you, mine has four legs and purrs,โ Selina said, taking a sip of her martini while checking out a new leather whip. It was a "thanks, but no thanks," and Harley left with more questions than answers.
Next stop: Ivy. Harley had high hopes that Ivy, with her serenity and green wisdom, would give her the key to understanding you better. But Ivy just shrugged and said, โPlants grow, Harley. Just like kids. You can't stop the natural process.โ Harley frowned. โAnd what do I do when they doesnโt want to tell me who he's with all day?โ Ivy, very zen, replied, โYou could always... spy โ It wasn't exactly the help she was looking for.
After exhausting her resources with the girls, Harley did the unthinkable: she turned to Batman. Yes, Batman! In a conversation that turned out to be as awkward as it was effective, the Dark Knight explained to her what he had learned from raising his multiple Robins: โIt's part of growing up. You just have to be there, but give them space. You can't control everything.โ
Harley, of course, took it with her usual dramatism: โGive them space!? But they doesnโt even want to go for tacos anymore!?โ It was as if the world had turned upside down.
Meanwhile, at school, things werenโt going smoothly either. Your new โfriendsโ were... questionable. People that Harley, if she had known, would have kicked out. But, for your luck (or misfortune), those friends didnโt last long. In the end, the problems they brought with them distanced you from them, and unexpectedly, you found yourself spending more time with Damian again. Harley, of course, had no idea about this. To her, Damian was just the rude boy you sometimes talked to.
There was always something about him that intrigued you, and despite his constant grumbling and "I don't care" attitude, you managed to see beyond that. Between talks about anything (and often about nothing), Damian became someone important to you. Harley had no idea about this mini romance, because if she did, she would probably already be plotting a plan to scare the Wayne boy. โIf you think heโs cute, go for it,โ she had once said with a mischievous wink. And although she didn't think you would take it seriously, here you were, emotionally entangled with Batmanโs son, even though at that time you didn't know he was Batman's son.
It all started with an idea that, in retrospect, wasnโt the best: throwing paint cans at Robin. In your defense, it sounded like a funny prank at the moment. What you didn't calculate was that Robin, being Damian Wayne, wasnโt exactly easy to evade. You ran as if your life depended on it, covering almost twenty kilometers, and the most frustrating part was that he wasnโt even sweating. Every time you turned to see if you had lost him, there he was, impeccable, with that unfriendly look and his expression of "When I catch you, say goodbye to your legs."
When he finally threw you to the ground, ready to give you the lesson of your life, you looked at him more closely. That perfectly styled hair, that look of a thousand deaths, and the sarcasm in every phrase... "Damian?!" you shouted, more out of disbelief than fear. Because, of course, it turns out your boyfriend wasnโt just a rude jerk, but also the damn Robin. The pieces finally fell into place, and you didnโt know whether to laugh or feel betrayed. In the end, you did both.
"What the hell were you thinking?" he reprimanded you with that authoritative voice he usually reserved for criminals and his family. "Throwing paint? Seriously?"
The funny thing is that, even though you were completely exhausted from the chase, your brain didnโt stop working. So instead of apologizing like a normal person, you shrugged and said, "At least it wasn't green paint. That would have been offensive." He didnโt find it so funny.
From that moment on, the romantic dates became something much more... practical. Damian decided that if you were going to get into trouble, at least you should know how to defend yourself, so starry night strolls turned into intense self-defense training sessions. "Nothing says 'I love you' like a well-placed punch," you thought every time Damian corrected your stance. And although at first you considered it the least romantic of gestures, there was something sweet about how he insisted on keeping you safe.
Of course, these "dates" werenโt just training. Eventually, you met Jon Kent, the super-sweet boy who contrasted so much with Damian's serious personality. The trio you formed was a disaster waiting to happen, yet somehow it worked. Between secret missions, night escapades, and 'lots of fun,' the three of you became inseparable. But it was all super secret, because if Batman found out, well, the reprimand wouldnโt be exactly gentle. And Harley... well, donโt even think about what Harley would say if she found out.
But Harley, being Harley, didnโt take long to notice the changes. For her, it was alarming to see how her kid, her little birdie, was starting to come home late through the window, with two colors in his hair that reminded her a bit of her own lifestyle, and some bruises that you, of course, tried to hide. "Did you fall down the stairs again? Seriously?" she would ask skeptically while helping you tend to your wounds.
Her biggest fear wasnโt that you would get into minor trouble, but that he would have come back. Harley began to suspect that the Joker had found you, and that kept her in a constant state of alert. She watched you more closely, trying not to show it, but it was obvious. Nights with Damian always seemed to fly by. Between training, talks, and that connection you both shared, the hours slipped away without either of you noticing. That was how it happened that one particular night, after a long and exhausting session, he decided to walk you home. Not that you needed it, you were perfectly capable of getting home on your own (or so you said), but Damian liked to make sure you got home safely. Plus, it was an excuse to spend more time together.
It was already four in the morning, and you were ready to say goodbye with a kiss when suddenly, three giant hyenas sprang out from under your bed, and Harley, in full ninja mode, dropped from the ceiling with a baseball bat in hand. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!"
You had to close the window, leaving Damian outside, to prevent your mom and the hyenas from getting to the "mom, chill," you tried to calm her, putting yourself between them. "It's not what it looks like."
"Oh no! It looks like you're turning into a mini-Harley with a boyfriend and everything, and I'm not going to sit back and watch how they break your heart like that stupid clown broke mine!"
But you managed to slow her down, and with Harley calmed down (more or less), the tension of the moment seemed to dissolve, but she didnโt stop there. The next morning, she showed up at the Batcave (Only God knows how she found the Batcave), furious, and ready to confront Batman for allowing his son to "seduce" her little birdie. "What kind of father lets his son stay out late with my kid?! This is unacceptable!"
Bruce, who was busy with his screens, barely looked up. He listened to Harleyโs furious monologue while maintaining his typical calm posture, nodding from time to time. When Harley finished, he just raised his thumb calmly, as if giving his approval. "Damian has good taste," was all he said.
"That doesnโt help me, Bats!" Harley exclaimed, frustrated. But Bruce, in his minimalist style, simply added, "You... should spend more time with your kid, Harley. Donโt worry so much. And if you need help, just let me know."
Harley was left speechless. It wasnโt the response she expected, but deep down, she knew Batman was right. She sighed and, resigned, left without more than a warning for Bruce: "Just because you told me that doesnโt mean I wonโt hit you with my bat if things go wrong."
But the truth is that as Harley made her way home, she reflected a little. You were growing up, and although she didnโt like it, it was part of life. You couldnโt be her little one forever, and while the fear of losing you was always present, she knew she had to trust you. After all, she had raised you well (in her own way), and now she could only let you fly a little, like that little bird she often mentioned.
Back at home, she found you lying on the couch, still with some paint in your hair from the prank on Damian. Harley watched you for a while, noticing how much you had grown. Not just in height, but in attitude. The way you had started to move through the world, making your own decisions, forming relationships outside the little universe she had built for you. And that, even though she sometimes denied it, hurt her a little. She sat on the edge of the couch, sighing as she stroked your messy hair.
Harley noticed it before anyone. First, you stopped getting excited about taco Fridays with the girls or going out to dye your hair neon. Then, it was the uncomfortable silence when you no longer sought her advice for anything. You had become more independent, but Harley only saw you drifting away.
Harley sighed and looked at you with a mix of nostalgia and worry. โYouโre growing up... and even though I hate it, I know I canโt stop it. I just want you to know that you will always be my little birdie. No matter how big you get, you will always have a place with me.โ
You stayed silent, noticing how difficult it was for her to say it. Harley had been many things, but she had never stopped being your mother. You smiled at her and nodded, feeling a familiar warmth in your chest. "I love you too, mom. I promise Iโm not drifting away, Iโm just... growing."
Harley gave you a tight hug, and in that moment, you knew that even though everything might change, you would always find that common ground, whether it was stealing marshmallows or just sharing a night under the stars. "Puberty sucks," Harley joked, and for the first time in a long time, you both laughed together.
As the hug lingered, you felt how the outside world faded away, leaving only Harley and you in a bubble of safety and love. "Iโll be here, always ready for you, even if sometimes Iโm a little... crazy,โ she replied with a soft laugh. โBut you know thatโs what makes everything more fun, right?โ
You nodded, and inside, the worry you had felt about drifting away from her faded. There was comfort in knowing that even though the road ahead might be complicated and full of challenges, you had a beacon lighting your way. A mother who, with her craziness and unconditional love, would always guide you home.
"Letโs promise to do more things together, then," you said with determination. "No matter if itโs stealing candy or painting our nails bright colors. There will always be time for that."
"Deal," said Harley, raising her pinky as if sealing a pact. You smiled and linked it with yours. The connection you shared was stronger than any challenge you could face.
"And when itโs time to face the world, Iโll be your ally," she added, a spark of determination shining in her eyes. "Because we will be a team, always."
After that, everything changed, but for the better. Learning to divide your time between everything you loved wasnโt easy, but you knew you would succeed. After all, you had the strongest support: that of your strange yet endearing family, that of your partner, and above all, that of the best mother you could have ever dreamed of.
A/N โโโ Thank you so much for reading! If you'd like to request anything, don't hesitate to ask. I read all of your comments and questions!
Take a Bath!
๐ญ๐ญ need Monster trio (separately) x pregnant reader. all fluffy
like their reaction and how would they be during it ๐
but if u dont want to just ignore this!
how would they react at your pregnancy?
characters: luffy, zoro, sanji
words count: around 0.5k - 0.8k each
masterlist || ao3 || ko-fi
The sea breeze is warm as you stand on the Sunnyโs deck, heart racing. Luffy is lying nearby, hands behind his head, smiling at the sky. His straw hat rests on his face, rising and falling with his steady breaths.
You swallow hard. This is it.
You walk up to him and poke his cheek โLuffy.โ
His nose scrunches up, and he lifts his hat just enough to peek at you โHmm?โ
You sit down next to him. Your hands shake a little. He notices. His hat slides off his face completely, and he blinks at you โWhatโs wrong?โ
You take a deep breath โIโฆ I have something to tell you.โ
Luffy sits up fast. His eyes are wide, full of curiosity โOh! Is it something cool?!โ
You let out a small laugh โYeahโฆ really cool.โ You reach for his hand and place it gently over your stomach. โLuffy, Iโm pregnant.โ
He stares at you. Blinks once. Then twice. His fingers twitch against your belly.
Thenโ โWHAAAAAAT?!โ he jumps up so fast that he nearly topples over. His hands flail before gently grabbing your shoulders โReally?! A baby?! OUR baby?!โ
You nod, laughing at his reaction โYeah.โ
Luffyโs grin stretches wider than youโve ever seen. He wraps his arms around you, squeezing tight โThis is awesome!! Iโm gonna be a dad?!โ he pulls back, eyes sparkling โWait, waitโdoes this mean thereโs a tiny me in there?! Likeโsuper tiny?!โ
You giggle โKind of.โ
Luffy gasps dramatically โThatโs so weirdโbut so cool!!โ he crouches down and presses his ear against your belly, pouting โOi, baby! Can you hear me? Iโm your dad! Your super cool, super strong dad!โ
You ruffle his hair โItโs too early for them to hear you, Luffy.โ
He sits back, looking thoughtful. Then he beams again โI gotta tell everyone!!โ Before you can stop him, he takes a deep breath and thenโ
โGUUUUYS! (Y/N) HAS A BABY IN HER BELLY!โ
Footsteps thunder across the ship as the crew comes running. Nami facepalms, Zoro groans, Sanji faints, Usopp starts panicking, and Chopper yells something about medical checkups.
Luffy just sits there, hands on your stomach, grinning like heโs just found the One Piece.
Months Later
Luffy isโฆ something else during your pregnancy.
He pokes your belly every day, fascinated by how it grows โItโs getting huge!!โ he exclaims one morning, eyes wide โAre you sure thereโs only one baby in there?!โ
He steals extra food from Sanjiโs kitchen and piles it on your plate โEat! The baby needs to be strong, like me!โ
He refuses to let you do anything dangerous โNo fights! No running! No carrying heavy stuff! Thatโs my job now!โ He puffs out his chest making you smile softly at him โCaptainโs orders!โ
At night, he talks to your belly in a serious tone โOkay, listen, baby. When you come out, weโre gonna have so much fun! Iโll show you how to stretch like me! And how to eat tons of meat! And weโll go on super cool adventures!โ
One night, as you lay in bed, his arms wrapped protectively around you, he mumbles sleepily โLove you. Both of you.โ
Your heart melts. You smile, placing your hand over his โLove you too, Luffy.โ
He grins even in his sleep, dreaming of the greatest adventure yet, being a dad.
The evening air is warm as you stand on the deck of the Thousand Sunny, watching the ocean waves. Your heart beats fast, but not from battle or danger, but from the words you need to say.
Behind you, Zoro trains like always. His swords cut through the air with sharp precision, muscles flexing as he moves. His brows furrow in focus, sweat dripping down his forehead.
You take a deep breath. Now or never.
โZoroโ
He stops mid-swing, turning to you โHuh?โ His tone is rough, but his gaze softens when he sees your expression โSomething wrong?โ
You step closer, gripping the hem of your shirt. Your nerves make your fingers twitch, but you push through. You have to tell him.
โโฆI need to tell you something important.โ
Zoro sheaths his swords, sensing your seriousness. He crosses his arms โYeah?โ
You swallow. Then, carefully, you take his hand and place it over your stomach.
โIโm pregnant...โ
Silence.
Zoro doesnโt move. Doesnโt blink. Itโs like the words havenโt registered yet. His hand rests on your stomach, fingers barely pressing into the fabric of your shirt.
โโฆWhat?โ His voice is quiet, actually too quiet for him.
You squeeze his hand โWeโre having a baby, Zoro.โ
His breath catches. He stares at you, eyes flicking between your face and where his hand rests on your stomach. His fingers twitch slightly. A baby. His baby.
Then, suddenly, youโre lifted off the ground.
โZoroโ!โ you laugh as he picks you up effortlessly, holding you close. His grip is firm but careful, like youโre the most precious thing in the world.
When he finally sets you down, his hands linger on your arms, steadying you. His face is unreadable for a second, and then a smirk.
โTch. Guess I really have to get stronger now.โ
You raise an eyebrow โWhy?โ
Zoroโs smirk softens just a little. His thumb brushes your stomach lightly โTo protect both of you.โ
Your heart swells. Heโs serious.
You press your forehead against his โYouโre already strong enough, idiot.โ
Zoro scoffs โThereโs no such thing.โ
Then, after a pause, he mutters โโฆAre you okay?โ
The question is so simple, but the weight behind it makes your eyes sting.
You nod โYeah. Justโฆ nervous.โ
Zoroโs arms tighten around you โMe too.โ
You pull back slightly, surprised โYou? The great Roronoa Zoro? Nervous?โ
He clicks his tongue โTch. This is differentโ he glances at your stomach โFights, enemies, swordsโI know how to handle those. But this?โ His hand brushes your belly again, softer this time โThis is new.โ
You smile, lacing your fingers with his โWeโll figure it out together.โ
He exhales, like a weight has lifted from his chest โYeah.โ
And for the first time in a long time, Zoro doesnโt feel lost at all.
Months Later
Zoro is the most overprotective person ever.
He watches you like a hawk. If you so much as sigh, heโs next to you in a second.
โYou okay?โ
You roll your eyes โYes, Zoro. For the hundredth time, Iโm fine.โ
He grumbles but doesnโt stop hovering.
He always refuses to let you lift anything.
You reach for a barrel and then โPut that down.โ
You try to carry plates from the kitchen and he goes โI got it.โ
You bend down to pick up a book, Zoro glares and โWhat did I just say?โ
He even walks with you everywhere.
โYou donโt have to follow me to the bathroom.โ
โWhat if you trip?โ
โZoro.โ
โโฆWhat if an enemy attacks?โ
You groan, but he just folds his arms and stays put.
He also naps closer to you now.
Zoro still sleeps a lot, but now he always makes sure to be near you. Some days, he dozes off with his head on your lap, his arm draped over your growing belly.
You run your fingers through his hair, feeling his slow, steady breathing. He wonโt say it out loud, but you know heโs nervous, and this is how he comforts himself.
One time, you catch him talking to your stomach when he thinks youโre asleep.
โYou better not kick too hard in thereโฆ Your mom needs to sleepโ His voice is quiet but gruff. Then, after a long pause, he adds, โโฆCanโt wait to meet you, though.โ
Your heart melts.
Later that night, you whisper โAre you scared?โ
Zoro is silent for a moment. Then, he exhales โA little.โ
You lace your fingers with his โMe too.โ
He turns his head to look at you, eyes steady โWeโll figure it out.โ
You smile โYeah.โ
Zoro presses his forehead against yours โGet some sleep.โ
As you drift off, Zoro stays awake a little longer, hand resting on your belly.
For the first time, heโs facing a future he canโt predict, a battle he canโt train for.
But he knows one thing for sureโhe will always protect you. And your child.
No matter what.
The smell of fresh bread and sizzling butter fills the Thousand Sunnyโs kitchen as you sit at the counter, watching Sanji move. He hums to himself while stirring a pot, completely in his element. His blonde hair falls over his eyes, but he doesnโt seem to care.
You take a deep breath, heart racing. Itโs time to tell him.
โSanji...โ you say softly.
He turns instantly, smiling โYes, my love? Dinner will be ready soon.โ
You shake your head โIโฆ need to tell you something first.โ
Sanji notices your serious tone and wipes his hands on a towel before walking over โWhat is it, sweetheart?โ He tucks a strand of hair behind your ear, concern in his ocean-blue eyes.
You take his hand and press it against your stomach.
โIโm pregnantโ
Sanji freezes.
His fingers twitch slightly against your belly, his usual smooth confidence suddenly gone. His mouth opens, but no words come out. His cigarette almost falls from his lips.
โโฆWhat?โ his voice is barely a whisper.
You smile nervously โWeโre having a baby.โ
Sanji stares at you, his eyes wide. Thenโ
THUMP.
His legs give out, and he falls to his knees in front of you. His hands stay on your stomach as he looks up, completely overwhelmed.
โYouโreโฆ serious?โ His voice shakes โIโIโm going to be a father?โ
You nod, tears prickling in your eyes โYeah.โ
A sharp inhale. Then, suddenly, Sanji buries his face against your stomach, arms wrapping around you so gently, as if heโs afraid to break you.
โMon amourโฆ I donโt even know what to sayโ he murmurs, voice thick with emotion. You feel his breath against your skin, warm and shaky โThis is the greatest gift you could ever give me.โ
You stroke his hair, heart swelling โSoโฆ youโre happy?โ
Sanji pulls back slightly, grinning through tears โHappy? (Y/N), I feel like I just won the whole damn world.โ
Then, his hands cup your cheeks, and he kisses youโsoft, deep, full of love.
โWaitโ!โ He pulls away suddenly, eyes wide โYou need food! Proper nutrition! I need toโโ He rushes toward the kitchen, grabbing ingredients at lightning speed โIโll make you something right nowโno, Iโll make ten mealsโno, twenty! The baby needs to eat too!โ
You laugh, watching him run around in a panicked, love-struck frenzy.
Sanji is going to be the best dad.
Months Later
Sanji is the most devoted, doting, over-the-top partner ever.
He refuses to let you do anything.
You try to stand up? Heโs already pulling out a chair for you.
You reach for a glass? Itโs in your hand before you can blink.
You sigh in the heat? Heโs fanning you immediately.
โSanji, Iโm pregnant, not brokenโ you groan.
โMy love, you are carrying our child!โ He places a dramatic hand over his heart โI refuse to let you lift a single finger!โ
Sanji cooks nonstop for you.
โHere, sweetheart, eat this.โ
โSanji, I just ate five minutes agoโโ
โThe baby might still be hungry!โ
He talks to your belly constantly.
โHello, little one! This is your father speaking.โ He presses a kiss to your stomach โI hope youโre nice and comfortable in there. When you come out, Iโll make you the most delicious food in the world!โ
Then, more seriously, he whispers โAnd Iโll take care of you. You and your mother. Forever.โ
Your eyes tear up every time.
At night, Sanji holds you close, his hand resting protectively over your growing belly.
โYou should sleepโ you murmur, noticing heโs still awake.
โIโm justโฆ thinkingโ he admits.
โAbout what?โ
Sanji sighs softly โI never thought Iโd have this,โ he says โA family. Someone to loveโฆ and now, both of you.โ He presses a gentle kiss to your forehead. โItโs like a dream.โ
You smile, lacing your fingers with his โThen letโs make it the best dream ever.โ
Sanji chuckles, pulling you even closer โOui, mon amour.โ
As you drift off, you feel his lips brush against your stomach once more.
And you know, without a doubt Sanji will love this baby with everything he has.
๐๐งธเพเฝฒ ๐๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐๐: Katsuki Bakugo, Izuku Midoriya, Ejiro Kirishima, Shoto Todoroki, Denki Kaminari
ห แกฃ๐ญฉ โน เฃช เฑจเงหโ ๐๐/๐พ๐: nothing scary, just fluff. pet names, all characters are in a relationship with afab! reader, love languages with the core 5
an: thank you for over 100 notes on my last post!
Katsuki Bakugo: He isn't good with his emotions. No surprise to anyone, but he lovess giving gifts. Without a doubt, he would buy you the whole world if he could. He'd burn it into ashes if you asked him to. He would notice what you pick up in stores, then in secret, would buy it for you later.
"oi, I got you this or whatever." He handed you the stuffed animal you picked up earlier. You smiled and accepted his gift. Both of you blushing, you managed to get up and hug him. He insisted you let go, but he accepted your touch like he craved it from the start.
He also appreciates quality time. It doesn't matter what you two could be doing. It could be training, watching him cook, or even sitting beside each other in silence while being on your phones. As long as he knows you're safe with him, he's able to relax.
Izuku Midoriya: I think Izuku would show his love by showing acts of service and quality time. Without a doubt, Izuku would do anything for you. He appreciates the small tasks/favors you ask him to do, like tying your shoes, helping with homework, etc. If it makes him feel included in your life, he'd do it.
He dies every time you ask to hang out. He gets so overwhelmed when he's the one planning. I mean, where do I start? The poor boy goes into a spiral with the amount of date ideas and what he should wear- other stuff as well, but he goes crazy. However, if you were to plan the date, he'd be fine with anything. As long as you're with him, it doesn't matter.
Ejiro Kirishima: His love language is for sure physical touch and words of affirmation. I picture his s/o to work out a lot or have similar motives to become "manly", so you two would practically be touching up each other every time you two train. Despite training, he loves your touch. If you forget to hug or kiss him that day, he might actually die. Physical touch reassures him that you're there for him and you're here to stay.
On the other hand, he loves motivating his girl and what's better motivation than one's words?
"Good job!", "You're doing great baby", "Atta' girl!"
Shoto Todoroki: I personally think that Shoto is 100% on board with quality time with a hint of physical touch. He's not used to it but once he receives it, there's no going back. I mean, he's never gotten the love he deserved so when you came along, you finally filled that open wound.
Like Katsuki, he wouldn't mind some quiet quality time. Where the two of you remain in your own corners, doing whatever, while being in the same room. He would probably study your movements. Peeping over your phone to see what you personally find funny, sad, happy, etc.
With the help of his siblings, he buys meaningful gifts for you. Like something poetic y'know?
Denki Kaminari: I lovee writing for Denki so this might be long. His love language is everything on the scale. He'd want to do things for you, to please your needs and emotions. he values how you feel so much that he's probably put your needs over his but you have to remind him to himself first despite being his girlfriend.
Who can forget quality time? He wouldn't want to spend the day without his baby. He's hovering over you 24/7, waiting for your next move. When you're not with him, you can hear his cute whiny voice asking "where's [reader] :("
He never misses a moment to make you feel loved. Compliments is a major requirement. This obviously goes both ways, but he definitely does over do it sometimes.
If you're not in reach of him, he'll make sure to run towards you, arms wide and everything. It's even worse during y'all's alone time. Imagine cuddling and trying to use the bathroom but your stupid boyfriend won't let you go because he'll "miss your touch"
Finally, he loves giving you things he makes/finds. He'll even pick up flowers from the ground and put them in your hair because it reminds him of you. He's the type of boyfriend to go on Instagram or Pinterest for "homemade gifts" because he probably spends his money on food or his personal interests, but if he has extra money, he makes sure to get something for his loving girlfriend!
Summary: The Wayne family calls you in When they can't snap Tim out of it. (Tim Drake x reader)
Word Count: 2.5K
Notes: Tim is my fav as Robin โค๏ธ Yes, I did read the Hush arc. People are oddly divided if Jason really did try to kill Tim which is an argument for a later day, but it'd still mess with anyone regardless so shhhhh. Enjoy xx
โโโโโโโโโโโโโเผปโเผบโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
It was hardly ever that you were contacted by the Wayne residence, so when you got a call one Friday evening, a cold ball began forming in your stomach. With a surprised stutter you responded that you were still at the Gotham University library, studying up for your finals. Before you even got a chance to ask what was going on, Alfred kindly let you know that he was going to be picking you up before the receiver went dead.
Unsure of what to do, you shifted from foot to foot outside of the library. The night was cold for Spring, the coattails of winter still wrapped around the city. As you fidget you try to think of any reason that they would be calling you. After all, you and Tim had only been dating for eight months or so. In those eight months you had visited the manor maybe twice, much less met his family. Tim had dragged you through the hallways as soon as you hit the foyer, hurrying you to his room so fast that you could only exchange a surprised glance with the members he passed. You could only think of the worst scenarios, minutes stretching for eternity as you trapped yourself inside your mind.
What if they hated you dating Tim? You weren't from an affluent family like they were, growing up in a poor area of Robinson Park. You got into Gotham U on a scholarship, which was how you both had met in the first place. What if they looked down upon that and were going to threaten you to break up with him? If they ever chose to, they certainly would have the power and sway to. Hell, they could chase you out of Gotham entirely and no one would be the wiser. You thought of all these ideas, just to distract yourself from the underlying thought that sat like an unwelcome visitor int he back of your mind.
The little thought that whispered over and over again, 'What if something has happened to Tim?'
The Wayne car rolling to a stop in front of you was enough to snap you out of your worrying, making the ball in your stomach only grow heavier. The visage of Pennyworth, the butler, appears from the driverโs side. He gives you a small, tight, smile and exits the car, opening the back as you descend the stairs.
"After you, dear."
You hesitantly poke your head in as he waves his hand politely to the open door, blood draining from your face. You had expected the car to be empty, but as you studied the shadows it was very clearly not the case. The sturdily built man in front of you had his arm propped up on the window, chin in his palm. His deep blue eyes glinted from the shadows he seemed to melt into, rough timbre floating your way. "Come in."
You anxiously shuffle into the seat, leaving a space between you and the enigmatic Bruce Wayne. There's a tense silence as Alfred gets into the driverโs side and starts the car, headed to the Manor once more. You shuffle in your seat, pulse thudding against your neck.
"It's nice to meet you." you say, clearing your throat awkwardly. The icy eyes of the billionaire flick to you, scanning you up and down.
"And same to you." he says smoothly, staring back out the window with a rich indifference. "I'm sure you know why we called you?"
"Actually, I don't sir." you say gently, fiddling with your fingers. They gave you nothing to work off of, how could they expect you to know what was happening?
"It's about Tim." he says, and your heart flips.
"Is he okay?" falls out before you can even temper your voice properly.
"He'sโฆin a difficult space right now." Bruce hums back at you, worry creasing at the corner of his eyes. "He won't work with any of us, won't come out. We thought that maybe you could help. Actually, Dick recommended we call you."
Dick Grayson. The only brother you had met, albeit only briefly. He had been passing through for a charity event and had come to ask Tim a question, ducking his head inside the bedroom. Tim had gone to get snacks, leaving you to nervously explain who you were. When you mentioned that you were dating Tim, a wide smile had split the older man's face. He'd promptly introduced himself, stepping inside and shaking your hand. Tim had chased him out soon after he arrived back, the elder brother's laughing echoing down the halls long after Tim had shut and locked the door.
"Is it bad?" you whisper out, fists curling on your knees.
"He's alive and physically uninjured, if that's what you're asking. Now, what I'm about to tell you is confidential. You tell anyone, and I mean anyone," Bruce's eyes flash dangerously. "Then there will be severe consequences."
When you nod his shoulders drop slightly, and he uncoils. You had always been intimidated by the man and the sheer power he wielded, but you didn't take him for someone to be so fiercely protective. There was something in his eyes that flickered when he stared you down, a scarred over wound that re-opened at the thought of you harming his family.
"I promise." you say, rising to match Bruce's tone. "I just want to help Tim."
The answer settles the wary father next to you, relaxing back into his seat.
He fills you in, dread filling your stomach more and more. He explains how they've been a target of a terrorist attack, Tim getting caught in the crossfire. The story seems wild and something in the back of your mind gets the impression he isn't telling you everything, but you remind yourself that this is Gotham, and being a rich family paints a rather large target.
"Fear gas?" you whisper, eyebrows furrowed. "I thought Batman put the Scarecrow in Arkham."
Bruce bites his knuckles but nods. "Yeah, that is what I thought too. So, we're suspecting it's either a lackey of his, or the Bat isn't as thorough as he appears." he grunts, teeth relenting their assault so he can cross his arms. "Masked annoyance." he mutters, his nose crinkling.
"How can I help?" you ask, adrenaline rushing through your veins in a mild cocktail of panic.
"Talk to him. get him to come out. We've had a doctor look him over and he'll be fine, he got out of the gassed room in time. His mental is just a bitโฆfragile, right now. He won't accept comfort from us. Some of us can't even get close. So, we thought you might be able to try." Bruce studies you closely. "We want to deal with this before press come snooping. It'll only affect his social life if this gets out before he's had a chance to recover, so I must reiterate the importance of your silence. This is a family matter; we will deal with it as such."
you nod along, swallowing the lump in your throat. "Yes, sir."
"But do not take it to heart if my son doesnโt recognise you." he says firmly. "He isn't himself right now. This isn't a reflection on your or your relationship."
You want to ask about how much he knew about your relationship, but as you open your mouth you're cut off by the voice of Alfred. "We're here, sir."
The car rolls to a stop, and Alfred opens Bruce's door and then yours. The manor is imposing, but you don't get long to look at it before you're ushered away. You're walked to the door of Tim's bedroom; except this time your arm is being led by the sympathetic smile of Pennyworth. He leaves you in peace, and it's never felt more imposing knocking on your boyfriend's door than now.
"Tim?" you call softly, rapping your knuckles against the richly coloured wood. "Are you in there? Can I come in?"
There's no response, making worry knot up in your chest. "I'm coming in, okay?" you call out, hand hesitantly turning the brass knob and opening the door just enough so you can slip inside.
It's dark, only moonlight illuminating the scene before you. His bedsheets have been ripped from the mattress, pillows scattered around. Drawers were open haphazardly, contents spilled across the tiled floor. Your heart lurched spying the sheer curtains that fluttered in front of the open bay windows, worrying that he might have gone out there despite the drop. It calms slightly when you spy him, huddled under the desk. You approach as if regarding a cornered animal, concern twitching in your fingers. The desk was devoid of any objects, swiped clear by a frenzied arm. The drawers were open and empty, content spilled around him.
"Hey, Tim." you say, crouching to him under the desk. He looks a mess, face pressed tightly into his knees. He's curled into a ball, arms tucked under his torso, resting on the front of his thighs. "it's me." your murmur, reaching out gently. "it's just me."
He jumps as your fingers lightly brush against his arm, face snapping up. His eyes are puffy and red rimmed, cheeks stained with tears. His hair is tousled and messy, falling over the shaking of his blue irises. The sight pangs painfully in your heart, and when he no longer pulls away from your touch, your hand slowly circles his wrist. He leans into your touch, body trembling as you pull him towards you. When you manage to get him in a hug you can feel the rapid beating of his heart, the shaky and quickened breaths that he draws into his lungs.
"Please don't hurt me." he whispers, shattering your heart. You look at him wide eyed, gently tilting his face to meet yours.
"Why on earth would I do that?" you breathe out, confusion on your face. His eyes are watery and far away, lips trembling. "I'd never do that, Tim. you know that."
"Please don't leave." he chokes out. "Please. Please don't leave. I don't want to be alone. I don't want to be alone again, I'll work harder, Iโll be smarter, I'll do better." he reassures frantically, pupils shifting rapidly. "I'll do enough this time. I'll meet your expectations. Just don't go."
Your mouth drops and there's nothing that you can say for a few moments. "Oh, Timโฆ" you breathe out. "I'm not going anywhere, okay? absolutely nowhere." you murmur gently. "And you don't need to promise that. You do enough, hell, you do so much. You do so much more than meet expectations, Tim. You surpass them in every way."
he shakes his head at your comforting, hair flopping in front of his eyes.
"I saw them." he mumbles, although you arenโt sure if it is to himself or to you. "They were just here, I saw them.'
"Who?" you ask softly, stroking your thumbs over his cheeks.
"My parents." he mumbles back out. "I saw them. they were here. They said... They said things..."
You sigh.
Bruce had told you that the effect of the gas made people see things, vivid hallucinations conjured up to torture them. You just hadn't been able to comprehend how deep in someone's mind the fear gas was able to pull from. "And there was Jason." he chokes out. "I never meant to replace him, but he wouldn't listen, and then I felt it all over again." he stammers out, spare hand coming to trace along his throat softly. "But Jason turned into Damian, and then he pushed me and I was falling again. I'm not a real son, I'm not a real replacement I'm-"
"Stop." you command, unable to hold your own tears back at his words. You had no idea what he was saying. Jason and Damian hurting him? Tim complained lightly about his brothers at times, but he had equal amount of compliments to give them back (even if they were begrudging). It had to be the toxin messing with his mind, distorting the images he kept conjuring up.
"Tim, your brother's love you." you say. "Bruce loves you, Alfred loves you, I love you. So please," your whisper, hands holding his face. "Please, wake up, Timmie."
His pupils dilate rapidly as he peers up at you, and you can see him struggle to focus. "Please," you plead again softly. "Please come back. Trust me. You're safe."
Water spills over his lash line and his lips curl into a sob, but his body relaxes. He unfurls from the foetal position, absent rocking of his body coming to a slow halt.
"That's it," you breathe out. "Nice and easy, just take a deep breath."
When he relaxes enough for you to crawl under the desk with him, you do, his arms circling your waist as you pull his head forward to rest on your shoulder. He turns and buries his face in your neck, hot tears streaking down your skin as he sobs. "I couldn't dodge it in timeโฆ" he weakly says, hands shaking. "If I had dodged I wouldn't be seeing this. I'm supposed to beโฆI'm supposed to be faster than thatโฆ"
Your lips frown at the despair in his voice. From his tone it seems like he was slowly becoming more lucid, but you still had no idea what he was on about. With a few gentle encouragements you get his frantic murmuring to cease completely, fight draining out of him. You can feel the effects wearing off him as time passes, and you hate to imagine what the toxin must have done to him at full strength. You just run a comforting hand through his hair, scratching lightly at his scalp and occasionally shushing him. When you tilt your head to kiss the top of his head, your eyes narrow in on the piece of paper that had fluttered from his lap.
It had been obscured when he was curled up, pressed to his chest. now that he had begun to relax it had slipped out, landing face up. It was a photo of you, taken in black and white. He had gotten a new camera for his birthday and wanted to try it out, so he brought it to the library the next time you both met up to study together. You were looking up at the camera, smiling softly as the light from the window filtered in behind you. Your eyes follow the curve of your grin to the way your eyes crinkle joyfully as you gaze in his direction. The corners are rolled and creased from the toying of his fingers, and you softly reach out to pick it up.
His arms tighten around you as you move to retrieve it, making you rub his back comfortingly. "I'm not going anywhere." you say softly, pulling the picture back towards you. "I promise," you whisper, looking at yourself in the photo he had been cradling so reverently before you came. "I'm not going anywhere, ever."
And you intended to keep that promise before anything like this happened again.
Guys I am cooked
BATBOYSโ reaction to you asking to do their makeup
Bruce Wayne:
- Would give you a gruff, โNo.โ
- He loves you, but thatโs simply not something heโs interested in.
- You bring it up a few more times and the answer is always the same.
- And then one day, he stares at you while youโre sitting at the expensive vanity he bought you, watching you as you do your eyeliner.
- โYou can put that on me,โ he says after a few moments of mental gymnastics.
- You turn towards him, slightly surprised. โHuh?โ
- Heโs not fond of repeating himself, so heโd just pat his thigh.
- Youโre getting up, because this is a chance of a lifetime, and you quickly settle yourself on his lap.
- His hands hold your hips. He looks at you with those pretty blue eyes expectantly.
- โDo you want a cat eye? Smokey?โ You cup his jaw with your free hand, tilting it.
- He grunts in response. Probably a โbe quiet and do itโ grunt.
- He waits patiently as your fingers work, following your soft-spoken instructions to close his eyelids or look up. Other than that, heโs not moving an inch.
- You do something simpleโjust under his waterline, above his top eyelashes.
- When you're done, you drag him over to the mirror. You werenโt sure what his reaction would be.
- โHm.โ The noise is acknowledging, not displeased.
- You smile at him. โDo you like it?โ
- Thereโs a difference between liking it and not being bothered by it.
- Still, he gives you an imperceptible nod. Just to see you smile wider.
- He didnโt take it off for patrol. His kids teased him about it, and Alfred had a barely-concealed humored expression.
- Itโs the only thing heโll let you do. He doesnโt ask, but at this point, he expects you to put it on.
- Itโs a reminder of you while heโs out, that youโre waiting for him to come back.
Dick Grayson:
- He would probably ask you to do it, instead of the other way around.
- Just out of curiosity.
- But if you brought it up first, heโs immediately sitting.
- โMake me look pretty,โ as if he already isnโt.
- Heโd let you do what you want, however heโll mention how certain colors donโt look good on him.
- Wouldnโt protest if you did a full face. He feels like a pampered princess, and he definitely enjoys the attention youโre giving him.
- He needs progress updates, and information on what youโre using.
- Heโll try to make you annoyed by shutting his eyes when you tell him not to, or talking in the middle of lipstick application.
- โDo you want to be gorgeous or not?โ you huff.
- Yes, he does. He quickly stops.
- When youโre done, heโs gasping at himself, fluttering his lashes.
- He wants to match with you, so he offers to do yours.
- Sits in your lap, just like you did with him.
- Itโsโฆa process.
- But itโs not half bad.
- You both take selfies together.
- Heโs your devoted expirementee, now.
- He sets himself up by sending some of the photos to the Bat-Family group chat.
- Gets hounded on by Jason. Heavily.
- Does he care? Absolutely not. They are totally jealous.
Jason Todd:
- Heโs going to laugh in your face. Sorry.
- And then it turns into confusion when he sees how serious you are.
- Heโd shut it down, at first, but he keeps thinking about it for some reason.
- Secretly scrolls on his phone to look at things that he might like.
- Eventually, he approaches you, inspiration picture in hand, and says, โIt has to look exactly like this or youโre fired.โ
- Itโs simple: light eyeshadow, some eyeliner. Stuff that isnโt super heavy and is still โmasculineโ.
- He can hear the teasing heโd hypothetically endure from everyone as you do it. It pisses him off.
- And then you murmur praises like, โYouโre so handsome,โ and suddenly he doesnโt care. Itโs for you.
- Despite his lighthearted threat, he requests more things, just so you can keep giving him attention.
- Like Grayson, heโd question what you were using. Heโd throw in some stupid comments about how using your fingers to apply stuff would be easier.
- When youโre finished and show him, he doesnโt actually mind it.
- โYou didnโt fuck it up,โ he mumbles.
- Heโll let you do it again. He finds himself enjoying itโthe feeling of your soft brushes against his skin, and how youโd gently guide his head to where you want it.
- One time, while you were perched on his lap, focusing on applying, the door opened. Dick was mid-sentence before he finally processed what was going on.
- โOh, wow.โ
- To make things worse, he snapped a picture and suddenly you were moved off of Jasonโs lap.
- Cue the super unnecessary and dramatic chase in an attempt to get Grayson to delete it.
Tim Drake:
- Heโd look flustered. Why?
- Youโd have to explain itโs just for fun, and how youโre bored.
- Heโll begrudgingly agree. He supposed thereโs no harm.
- He wants you to tell him what youโre doing as you work. Heโs nervous, like youโre going to poke him in the eye or something.
- You donโt want him to be uncomfortable, so you ask, โDo you want me to stop?โ
- Well, your presence and warmth on his lap is enjoyable, and he shakes his head.
- It has his brain quiet down. He just listens to you. He absentmindedly leans into your touch sometimes.
- โDo you want glitter?โ
- โI do want glitter,โ he murmurs. The sentence has his cheeks heat up. When has he ever wanted glitter?
- Of course you donโt tease him, even if itโs cute.
- After you finish, he isnโt sure how to react. He gives an awkward smile.
- โIt would look better on you.โ
- While you put away your makeup, it seems everyone decided they needed him for something.
- He honestly forgot he had it on, so heโs confused why Jason is laughing and Dick is trying not to. Damian looks as amused as he can get.
- Bruce, a clueless bypasser, pauses for a moment. He makes an inquisitive hum before he keeps walking.
- You force all of them to apologize and send them on their way. Tim, who is so very embarrassed, gets an extra amount of love from you.
Damian Wayne:
- Damian would stare you down for an unholy amount of time, like you just said the stupidest thing heโs ever heard.
- Heโs expecting you to backtrack, to take it back. It is a stupid idea.
- But youโre immune. You give him a soft smile. โPlease?โ
- He dislikes how easily he gives in. Very, very much.
- He grumbles a lot, insulting you, even as he holds still.
- He lists things you owe him for letting you do this. A lot of them are said just to mess with you.
- At some point, he gets less irritated. Itโs only because heโs grown tired of wasting his breath.
- You give him the handheld mirror when youโre done, and he takes a long while to inspect himself. He doesnโt care about the fact that thereโs winged eyeliner on his face, he cares that they are uneven.
- He gives you criticism. Actual, somewhat informative criticism.
- โYou need to blend outwards, not in.โ
- He makes you fix it until thereโs no mistakes.
- Itโs actually a weird and kind of unbelievable experience for you.
- You are never doing it againโyou wanted to have fun, not be reprimanded.
- He still has it on when Alfred calls for dinner.
- They all kind of stare. Theyโre too confused to comment.
- โAm I high?โ Jason whispers quietly.
- The only thing Damian says is, โCan someone pass me the salt?โ
doing their nails