Cute Dates
Cassie had never been one for romantic dates.
Not because she hated the idea—she just never really pictured herself in that kind of situation.
But Damian?
Damian Wayne?
He had a way of surprising her.
Which was why she was now standing in the Wayne Manor gardens, staring at the ridiculously beautiful setup he had prepared for them.
Fairy lights were woven through the trees, casting a soft golden glow over the small, secluded patio. A blanket was spread out beneath the stars, surrounded by pillows and lanterns, with a small picnic basket sitting at the center.
Cassie blinked.
Then blinked again.
"You did this?" she asked, a little stunned.
Damian, standing beside her, crossed his arms. "Tt. I did not wish to take you somewhere crowded. You dislike unnecessary social interaction."
Cassie smirked, nudging him playfully. "Aw, you know me so well."
Damian rolled his eyes but didn’t deny it.
Cassie plopped down onto the blanket, stretching her arms over her head before grabbing the picnic basket. She lifted the lid and gasped dramatically.
"Wayne. Did you make me food?"
Damian looked away slightly, clearing his throat. "Pennyworth assisted. I only followed instructions."
Cassie grinned, pulling out a small container of pasta and a perfectly wrapped sandwich.
"I can’t believe this. My boyfriend made me dinner."
Damian raised an eyebrow. "Boyfriend?"
Cassie froze.
Her heart jumped into her throat.
She hadn’t meant to say it.
Hadn’t even really thought about it until now.
Damian stared at her, unreadable.
Cassie scrambled to recover, waving a hand. "I mean, I just—I assumed—I mean, are we not—"
"We are," Damian cut in smoothly, picking up his own food.
Cassie blinked. "Wait. Really?"
Damian huffed. "What exactly did you think was happening, Cassiopeia?"
Cassie flushed. "I don’t know! I figured you’d, like, give me a dramatic monologue about honor and commitment or something!"
Damian exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"You are impossible."
"And yet, here you are."
Damian shook his head, but his lips twitched slightly, like he was holding back a smile.
Cassie beamed, taking a bite of her food.
"So. Boyfriend, huh?"
"Tt."
"You like the sound of it, don’t you?"
"Eat your food, Jordan."
Cassie laughed, feeling something warm settle in her chest.
Because this?
This was everything she didn’t know she wanted.
Later
They lay side by side on the blanket, staring up at the stars.
The Gotham skyline flickered in the distance, but up here, surrounded by soft lights and warm air, it almost felt like they were in another world entirely.
Cassie sighed contentedly, turning her head to look at Damian.
"Thanks for this," she murmured.
Damian didn’t respond immediately.
Instead, he turned on his side, resting a hand lightly on her waist, his thumb tracing slow, absentminded circles.
"You deserve something that is only yours," he said finally, voice softer than usual.
Cassie’s heart stumbled.
Because holy shit.
How was he like this?
How was he all sharp edges and cold calculation, but when it came to her, he was gentle?
She swallowed thickly, her fingers twitching at her sides before she reached out, brushing a strand of hair from his face.
"I don’t deserve you," she admitted.
Damian’s brow furrowed slightly.
"That is incorrect."
Cassie huffed a laugh. "You really can’t take a compliment, can you?"
"Tt. I simply do not like hearing you speak nonsense."
Cassie rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the ridiculous smile spreading across her face.
Because this?
This was real.
This was theirs.
And for once?
Cassie wasn’t overthinking a damn thing.