If there was one thing Bruce Wayne had never quite mastered, it was walking into a room where he didn’t already know the outcome. The al Ghul palace loomed ahead of them—ancient stone, carved arches, incense drifting lazily through mountain air that was far too thin for Gotham sensibilities. Bruce walked at the front, hands clasped behind his back, posture calm in the way that suggested he was very much not calm. Behind him— Richard Grayson was looking around like he’d wandered into a historical reenactment and was having a great time with it.

This place is incredible Dick murmured You think they do tours? Maybe a gift shop?

Jason snorted Yeah, grab a mug that says I Visited Nanda Parvat and All I Got Was Trauma

Tim, already distracted, added I’d buy one.

Bruce sighed quietly. Focus.

They stopped before the palace doors.

This was it. Damian. His youngest. Gone for years. Letters that were too formal, too careful. Growth Bruce had only been able to infer from reports and whispers. A son who had chosen his own path—one Bruce had hoped was better than the one laid out for him at birth.

Bruce raised a hand.

The doors opened before he could knock. And there you were.

You leaned slightly against the doorframe like this was your house—because it was—and eyed the four men on the steps with open curiosity. Not alarmed. Not impressed. Just… amused.

You smiled first.

Hi you said. Can I help you?

Dick blinked. Once. Twice.

Jason muttered Huh.

Tim tilted his head, already recalibrating. You’re… not a monk.

Excellent observation you replied cheerfully

Bruce cleared his throat. We’re here to see Damian Wayne.

Oh you said, brightening. Yes. That’s my husband.

There it was.

• •
  Richard’s eyebrows shot up so fast they nearly left his face* —Your what?

Jason laughed, sharp and incredulous. No way. No. Absolutely not. You’re telling me Damian—

Tim stared at you like you’d just rewritten physics Statistically improbable, yet here we are.

Bruce just looked at you. Long. Careful. Like he was filing away every detail at once.

You’re married he said.

You nodded Very.

Jason put his hands on his hips. How did the murder gremlin pull that off?

I am standing right here Damian’s voice cut in sharply.

He stepped into view behind you, arms crossed, expression already set to annoyed. Taller than Bruce remembered. Older. Self-possessed in a way that spoke of responsibility rather than rebellion. His eyes flicked to his family.

….You came he said.

Richard broke into a grin. Kid! You didn’t even tell us you were dating, let alone married!

Damian scowled It was not relevant.