hey guys, finally finished the birthday finale, I'm not gonna go through their Christmas details since ya know, Christmas passed, so sad ;( ( i love Christmas.) Anyway, they're both in high school, and God, do I remember it all too well. Thank so much for reading! wbd.

Persephone: 14 Damian: 14

Damian waited at her lockers, watching other children pass by, the occasional giggle from girls. Of course, he knew why. It was him, after his whole life of being trained he had developed into quite the looker. Of course, he also knew that those girls were just frivolous and looking at more than his body. His money- his father was Bruce Wayne after all. He heard her coming before she even called his name.

"Damian!" Persephone waved her hand, as she ran up to him.

Damian sighed, even now as a teen, she was still childish.

Persephone grinned, "Guess what? I got a 94 on the math test!" she waved the paper in front of him.

Damian didn't seem a that impressed, "That's great. Anyways, I'll see you at the theaters tonight, just don't forget. Don't walk alone."

Persephone followed him outside, other girls sending dirty looks, of course, they all knew about Persephone, her aunt was quite the benefactor to every charity and gala event. Plus no one else hung around Damian Wayne. Let's say they were jealous of her, but only because she was so close to such a fortune.

Persephone scoffed, "Oh come on Dami, you know I will be fine!"

Damian deadpanned, "You couldn't handle yourself, let alone the dangers of Gotham city."

Persephone stilled, but laughed nervously, "You know that won't happen- because we have Batman and Robin to protect our city."

"Oh really? What about when you broke your wrist?"

"That was 2 years ago! I fell down the stairs, so what? Besides, we both know that there are the other heroes. Like Nightwing!" she snapped her fingers.

Damian cringed slightly, Grayson is skilled- but flirts too much. "Yes, of course."

Persephone sighed, "I bet it would be amazing to meet Robin or Batman in person! Robin just seems so... Heroic."

"Yes, he seems capable."

"I know right!? But you know, Red Robin isn't too bad."

Damian coughed, she doesn't even know she's speaking of Drake.

"Not nearly as skilled as Robin."

Persephone shrugged, "Still, I'll see you tonight, ill be fine I promise."

Damian grabbed her wrist, stilling her before she left, "Be careful. Drive there. Just, drive."

Persephone saw how worried he was, she hugged him, "Don't worry, I'll be safe." she whispered before letting him go.

Damian watched her go, she was very accident prone, he had hoped she would be careful. But one can only hope so much.

Persephone was dressed in her casual clothing, as she walked to the theater that was a few blocks away from her penthouse. The sun has set, revealing the dim glow of the waning crescent moon that hung in the sky. People passed her every so often in the busier parts, she enjoyed the sounds of the buzzing city.

Robin sat atop the roof of a building, watching closely, he heard a voice.

"Robin, come in Robin."

he answered his com, "Robin here, what has happened Drake?"

"Bats says to meet him on the fifth avenue. There's a drug dealing in progress."

Robin sighed, always having to clean up the riff-raff. He began to run across the roods when another voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Robin where are you?" Batmans voice rang through his head.

"I'm on my way father. Tell me we're almost done. Or else I'll be very late to my event." He grunted as he landed, rolling out, getting back up and running once more.

"Ooo, is someone on a date?" Tims' voice broke in.

Robin scoffed, "No. Of course not. It's simply a movie."

Tim chuckled, "Sure sure. Just hurry up, turns out its more than a simple drug dealing, its part of a bigger ring, Bats already called Gordon."

Finally, there was silence as Robin caught up with Batman. He dropped from the shadows to his side, where he and Gordan were talking.

"How many guys do you think got away?"

Batman frowned, "I'm guessing three or four. Robin and I will round them up or alert you when we find them."

Gordon nodded, tipping his head, "Best of luck." and he was on his way.

Barman turned to Robin, "Looks like your patrol is extended."

Robin merely nodded, "Let's go then."

Batman launched his grappling hook, pulling him along with Robin following. Batman narrowed his eyes, those men couldn't have gotten so far on their feet. They found a street ending in two paths, the others all dead end.

"We need to split up. Take right and report if you find them. Good luck." he was on his way, leaving Rohin to go down the other path.

Persephone looked at the buildings around her, she could have sworn they were watching her. She was so close to the theaters, she just had to get through this block. She closed her eyes, one more block. She jumped when she heard a noise like someone was rattling metal cans. She followed the noise, it came from the shadowy alleyway. She stepped into the alley finding the noise coming from a pile in the corner.

"H-hello?" she shuddered nervously.

A scrawny tabby cat jumped out, meowling. Persephone breathed out, reaching for it carefully. The cat sniffed her hand cautiously before momentarily nuzzling it.

"Oh, you gave me quite the scare mister-" the cat growled, the hairs on its back standing on end, and its tail erect. It ran off, leaving Persephone confused. She then heard a deep chuckle, a cruel chuckle. She froze, not wanting to turn around.

"Lookie here boys, we got a pretty little girly. All alone." the first man drawled, he reeked of something Persephone couldn't even describe.

The others laughed cruelly, barking like animals. Persephone's heart began beating like a drum. She turned to face them, there were three. Her first and only reaction was flight, so she kicked a discarded can she saw, distracting them for a very small moment, as she rushed past them. They yelled following her, they were grown men, having more stamina they were gaining. Persephone's mind was racing, the only thing she thought of was running.

Run, run, don't look back.

Persephone sharply turned the corner, into an alleyway blocked by a chain fence, she looked back, she didn't see any of those men. She leaned against the fence, breathing harshly, panting and shaking. Damian would murder something or someone if she wasn't careful. He was protective like that, and her friend from class, Melanie, always told her he was really possessive. She nearly laughed until she saw the men enter the alleyway.

"Get her!" another voice yelled gruffer than the last.

Persephone scrambled up the linked fence, she cut her arm as she did so. She gasped in pain, letting go of the fence, falling halfway as she tried to climb down. She stumbled to stand as she held her injured arm, running as the men followed her. The tears streamed down her face, desperately running for her life she panted heavily. Her body was weakening, as she came to a halt, noticing the wall that had blocked her. Dead end!? She turned to go the other way and only found that the men were there, slowly closing in on her.

The foul-smelling man smirked, "Think you could outrun us girlie?" the others laughed. Persephone was too scared to move, or even scream for help.

"Please- Let me go." Persephone simpered, shaking roughly as blood ran down her arm.

The man laughed, "I don't think so girlie. What do you think Jack?" he directed to a man that had a gun in his pocket.

"She's a bit young, but most of em are." he joked darkly, closing in on her.

Persephone found it in her to scream, she let a shrill shriek out as they neared her.

Robins' ears perked up. Screaming? He decided he had to investigate.

Persephone screamed until the man slapped his hand over her mouth sharply.

"Oh, that was a big mistake girlie," he growled, pushing her against the wall. Persephone whimpered as his hands gripped her chin roughly.

"I'll give you a real reason to scream." he taunted, the strange smell on his breath clouding her mind, invading her nose.

Persephone's screams were muffled as she struggled against the men, kicking at him, her bloody arm swinging at him helplessly. He trailed his fingers down to her neck, gripping roughly on her shoulders, draggings down, pulling her shirt with them. Persephone struggled to get out of his hands, she shoved her elbow into his nose, there was a nasty crunch. He groaned, wiping the small trail of blood, looking at it before returning his wolfish glare to her.

"Your gonna pay for that one." he snarled.

"Hold her still boys," he commanded, and Persephone whimpered, her arms roughly held in place.

He began to invade her, his hands roamed, as she helplessly struggled. She kicked at him again, only for him to catch it.

"Such fire... well see how long until your burn out," he whispered roughly.

Persephone began to wail, as his hands roamed her. She was losing strength and hope, something she always tried to keep. Damian... I'm sorry... She cried, she wouldn't stop, Damian would want her to fight. She kept kicking and struggling. It was only when she had realized that he had a knife in his hands now.

Robin followed the sound of a woman's cries, he saw three men surrounding a smaller figure, he heard muffled crying and decided he needed to stop it. He landed on one, crushing him into the ground, knocking him unconscious.

"It's Robin! We got-" Robin cut him off with a swift swipe kick, slamming his head onto the concrete. He turned to the girl and stopped. He felt time slow as his eyes adjusted in the dimly lit alley. That hair, that face, those eyes. He knew her anywhere. Persephone. She stood on shaky legs, the smell of blood around her, her shirt torn, leaving little decency after what that man had done to her.

"Robin" her voice was shaky and barely a whisper.

Robin caught her before she could fall fo the hard stone floor. Her face was covered in a few streaks of blood and a bruise was already forming on her cheek. His heart pounded, she had better not die, he was going to hurt that man. No, he was going to make him wish he had never breathed.

"Robin, have you found them yet?" Batman's voice rang in his ear.

"Yes. I found them sexually assaulting a girl," he growled, turning to the other man, who cowered slightly.

"Robin, call Gordon. Tie them up and leave them." Batman ordered. Robin ignored his father's orders as he advanced or the man, who fumbled to reach for his gun.

"Robin. Follow the plan. Robin... Rob-" Robin turned off his com. Batman scowled, he turned on the tracker he had placed in Robins suit. He followed it as fast as he could.

Robin threw a Batarang at the gun, knocking it into a dark corner, leaving the man with nothing but a knife. Nothing dangerous to Robin. He slashed the knife before him.

"Don't come any closer!" he nervously stammered.

Robin kicked his hand, causing him to cry out in pain, dropping the knife. He then punched him, feeling satisfied with the crunch of the man's jaw under his knuckle. The man groaned, falling to the ground. Robin pulled out his own blade, holding it to his throat.

"You disgust me. Your nothing but a monster." He spat, pointing it at him.

The men's pleading fell on deaf ears as Robin dug the tip into his shoulder. Watching him beg for his life after he had hurt perhaps the one person that wasn't 'family' that he cared about. Robin froze, No, he needed to fight the bloodthirsty urge to end the pathetic man before him. Batman came down before him, scaring the man.

"Put the blade down Robin." his voice was sharp.

Robin glared into the man's eyes, before dropping the blade.

"If I see you on the streets instead of rotting in prison, I can assure you, every bone in your body will be broken." He threatened darkly, as Batman cuffed him. He tied them all together, before turning to Robin.

"Is the girl alright?" he saw his son cradling her in his arms. That was new.

Batman got closer and noticed that familiar face... Persephone?

Robin lifted her head, her eyes opened slowly.

"Help... He-..." she cried softly, wincing with every movement.

Robin looked up, and Bruce saw something he wouldn't see for a long time in his son's eyes. Concern. Fear.

"She needs medical attention. Now."

Batman called Gordan, "Bring an ambulance with you."

Gordon showed up minutes later, watching as Robin glared at the paramedics, putting Persephone on the bed himself. They nervously strapped her in, checking her stats, and cleaning minor wounds. Robin watched as they closed the doors, driving away with her.

Gordan watched Robin, "What's with the kid? Does he know the girl?"

Robin somehow overheard Gordon, "Persephone Gates"

Gordan jumped, "Geez kid, you got a habit of doing that. Wait, Gates? Ain't her aunt one of the big donors to the charity galas and all that jazz?"

Batman nodded, "Yes. We'll be going now."

"We got this covered. See you around." Gordan said his farewells.

And with that Robin and Batman disappeared into the night, heading for the Batcave. As soon as Robin entered the cave he ripped off his mask, removing her gear at once. Batman watched his son, he's never seen Damian this angry. Well, scratch that, he has.

"What hospital?"

Batman pulled down his cowl, taking on the job of being Bruce Wayne. Billionaire father, at the moment.

"Damian."

"I can't believe she didn't drive. She said she would stay safe," he muttered.

Bruce sighed, "Damian."

"She could have been killed! What made her think that was safe?"

"Damian."

"She could've died. If I-" he was cut off.

"Damian!" Bruce barked.

"What?!" he snapped, before seeing Bruces face.

Damian calmed, "Yes father?"

"I know you're worried. And scared. It's ok, but Persephone is alive. A little scratched up, but she's alive." he reminded his son.

Damian's gaze hardened, "But she should've been safe. She shouldn't be fine. She should be safe and unharmed." he slammed his fist down.

Bruce sighs, sitting down. "Gotham North Hospital. Ask for the room number."

Damian paused, he looked back before leaving, "Thank you, father."

Bruce nodded, he rubbed his head. He hoped that girl was alive. For his son's sake. And all of Gotham's sake.

White lights blazed before Persephone's eyes, flashes of faces in masks. Its fine, you're safe now... Were the last words she heard before everything blacked out.

Persephone's eyes opened, she looked around the room.

"You're awake."

Persephone turned her head, a little too quickly than her sore body would have liked.

"Damian?"

Damian got up from his seat, "Yes."

Persephone sat up slowly, "What happened? I all I remember-" her eyes widened in horror.

Damian grimaced, "Don't worry, those men are going to rot in prison."

Persephone's hands tightened around the sheets, "Dami, I- He, I couldn't get away, then- I'm sorry." she kept murmuring it over and over.

"Persephone"

"Huh?" she sniffled, wiping the tears from her eyes.

"Stop your crying. You're fine, its over. I promise you, you are safe."

Persephone hugged him, her heart pounding in her chest. Damian ran his fingers through her hair. Their touches were always platonic, always as friends. But this was different. Damian felt the slightest of tingles as Persephone's lips pressed into his shoulder as she hugged him.

"I promise you, no one will hurt you. Ever," he whispered fiercely.

"Damian... you can't always protect me."

"I can. And I will."

Persephone sighed, mumbling something into his shoulder. Damian thought he heard- more like felt- her agreeing. I will keep her safe.

The next few weeks she remained in the hospital, Persephone was given an update on her injuries. Of course, Damian was there every day after school. After a month it was hee last day there.

Doctor Thompkins smiled, "You're ready to leave the hospital, under the careful watch of someone. You had a few cuts, the one on your arm was the worse, needed a stitch. Bruising on the shoulders and legs, and facial area. Your ankle was sprained due to landing on it incorrectly. Other than that your fine. I suggest rest, and I heard you're a gymnast?"

Persephone nodded, Thompkins hummed. "No physicals strains like gym or track for 3 weeks to a month. Take the pain meds we give you whenever necessary. Please call me if you need anything else, Miss Gates."

Persephone grinned, "Thank you, Doctor Thompkins. I promise to take it easy."

The Doctor nodded, watching as they left her office.

Persephone smiled, "Oh it feels wonderful to walk again. I was getting tired of lying still."

"tt" "Of course you did."

"So what did I miss at school? How is Melanie?"

Damien's nose turned up, "Same as usual, she's deluded and obnoxious."

"Dami!"

"What? Also, she says she's suspicious of me, and that if I ever hurt your feelings she would 'kick my ass' " he made quotation marks in the air.

Persephone facepalmed, "Melanie- I'm sure she doesn't mean that."

Damian scoffed, "Oh she was very clear about it. Either way, she could never do such a thing to me."

Persephone sighed, "I missed her. She's such a great friend."

Damian scowled, and Persephone nudged him.

"You know what I mean. You'll always be my best guy friend! Nothing can change that Dami."

Things always do.

Of course, it wasn't Persephone's fault when she hit puberty, nor was it Damian's fault when that happened to him. But after being genetically modified as a child, puberty didn't really give him the strifes of acne. Poor Persephone had to handle that, along with other things. Maybe Damian always saw Persephone as he wanted to- his best friend who always seemed happier and more smiley than him- but besides acne, there seemed to be other things that were 'happening' to her.

Damian had been speaking with Persephone in the halls when someone had come up to them.

"Holy shit- Persephone Gates? Is that you?" a familiar voice asked.

Both teens turned to find the old school bully, Carson Wright. Persephone's eyes widened, and Damian stepped forward protectively.

"Carson? How on earth did they let you in this school?" Damian scoffed.

Carson gave Damian a sideways glance, "Same way you did Wayne."

He turned to Persephone, "Well I'll be damned, miss twig finally filled out."

Persephone glanced down, and when he realized what he meant, she blushed furiously, glaring at him.

Carson grinned devilishly, teasing her, "Oh yes, you know what I mean then, don't you? Suppose I'll need a new nickname since you're not a twig anymore."

Damian scowled, "If you don't want to lose your teeth, I suggest you leave her alone."

Carson smirked, "Oh Wayne, still protecting her after all these years? what is she your-" he stopped as he realized shat was going on.

Damian raised an eyebrow, "My what?"

Carson quirked an eyebrow, "Well, what a situation we have here. Miss curves over there, is she your girlfriend now? Ha, a few of us boys had a bet on that, hell I owe someone 20$ now."

Damian scoffed, "And I had a bet going that you'd get more idiotic than you were 3 years ago, I suppose someone can't really get lower than that."

Persephone finally spoke up, "Damian is my best friend."

Carson looked between the two, clearly, both had different plans for each other. "This is actually hilarious. So, you're not dating?"

Persephone nodded, crossing her arms.

Carson flashed a grin, "So that means you're up for grabs? Or that Wayne here is more oblivious than you."

Persephone frowned momentarily, "Yes, but I don't date guys who physically beat people. Especially not you."

Carson's grin faltered, maybe he felt bad about what he had done? a small hint of remorse somewhere in him. He brushed it off.

"Aw come on, give a guy a chance, I'm not so bad." he winked, and Persephone scoffed.

"You've done nothing but hurt me all the time I've known you. But, I believe everyone deserves a second chance. Just not you."

Carson frowned. "Well, you know, the Spring Fling is coming up. Ya know, big dance for us high schoolers."

"Yes, I'm aware. Why?"

Carson shrugged, "If you don't have a date, let me take you."

Damian snapped, "Absolutely not."

Carson raised an eyebrow, "Really? You're not taking her are you Wayne?"

Damian scowled, not replying.

"Exactly, she's free. So what's the harm?"

"That fact that you physically hurt her isn't going away." Damian snarled.

Carson rolled his eyes, "How long are you gonna hang that over my head, Wayne?"

"As long as I'd like Wright."

Persephone huffed, dragging Damian along, "I'll think about it when pigs fly." leaving Carson rather stunned.

Damian scowled, "You're not serious, are you? Even acknowledging the fool?"

Persephone pushed her bangs aside, "Of course not, but, oh I don't know Dami. The dance is in a few weeks..."

Damian scoffed, "But Carson is a complete idiot who is not fit to take you."

Persephone rolled her eyes, "I'm not royalty Dami. Besides, I thought you didn't care for such, 'frivolous events'."

Damian replied, "Well I might as well, only to keep the stupid fools away from you.'

Persephone got inside the limo, greeting Alfred, before returning to her conversation.

"Damian, I can handle myself from a few guys."

"Is that what you thought the night you got assaulted?" he retorted.

Persephone's jaw dropped, scoffing she added, "How dare you. You always hold that against me. What's done is done, and I'm alive. I can take care of myself! I've been doing it for 14 years, before I met you, and even now."

Damian scowled, "Oh yes, so that's why you ended up in the hospital for a month!"

"Don't even start with me, Damian! I'm tired of you bringing that up! It's been four months! Four months What is it with you and always bringing up my mistakes? I'm sorry I can't be a perfect person like you!" She snapped.

Damian would have rather liked this fiery side of her if she was yelling at someone like Drake or Todd.

Damian hissed, "Well Its a shame most people in the world are like you! Foolish airheads that can't tell left from right!"

Persephone blinked, her lip quivered, "Alfred, please stop the car."

Alfred had previously given them their privacy and nodded respectfully. "Yes, Miss Persephone."

She gathered her stuff together, shoving books in her bag.

Damian scowled, "What are you doing?"

Persephone huffed, flinging her backpack over her shoulder. "I'm going home. Goodbye Wayne."

Damian scoffed, "Well enjoy your walk."

Persephone looked so hurt, Damian regretted it but was too prideful. It's always hard to break pride.

"I'm glad you feel so sorry. Good day, Alfred." she acknowledged the butler and left, closing the door calmly.

Damian growled, "Take me home Pennyworth."

Damian entered the house and stomped to his room. Ignoring Graysons greetings, Dick turned to Alfred.

"What happened?"

Alfred sighed, "I'm afraid Damian had an argument with Persephone."

Dick groaned, "Oh D. This is what I meant. I gotta talk to her."

Dick knocked on the door of the penthouse, waiting a moment until a young woman around his age opened the door.

"Oh, Mister Grayson! Please come in." she smiled nervously.

Dick smiled charmingly, "Thank you, I assume your Evelyn? Persephone talks about you a lot."

Evelyn nodded, "If you want mistress Persephone, she's on the balcony. She's been very distressed."

Dick nodded after thanking her and walking out to the balcony where he heard sniffling.

"Persephone?"

She turned her head slightly, "Dick, what are you doing here?" she wiped her eyes, fiddling with her long hair.

Dick shrugged, sitting across from her, "I heard you and Damian had a little argument."

Persephone frowned, "Argument? Is that what he calls them?" she scoffed.

"Look, I know Damian didn't mean any of that. He really loves- I mean cares about you."

Persephone sniffed, "You almost said, love. I don't think he knows what love is."

Dick sighed, "No, i mean, it's not my right to tell you what he feels."

Persephone looked up, "So, you mean he might love me?"

Dick shrugged, "It's not my place to tell you. But all know is when he heard you nearly got... hurt. He was so worried, he begged Bruce to let him see you. Damian has a hard time showing his feelings, so... you might have to show him. That is if you love him or something."

Persephone looked down, flushing, "Dick, I love him with all my heart..." she gasped when she realized what she said. "He's my best friend and in love with him. Oh, that sounds so cliché, doesn't it? I don't really know when or how it happened, but one day I just did. I never even knew it until said it out loud."

Dick blinked, "Wow. I mean that's great, but i kinda knew it."

Persephone sighed, "But... he hurt me. He's never been like that before except for the past months, but i don't want to leave him. I just, it's confusing."

Dick chuckled, "He is, isn't he? Look Sephie, if he doesn't apologize then, that's his fault, he's missing the point. But, you could forgive him easily, just don't give it to him if he doesn't want to be a gentleman."

"Do you mean, that I should make him see what he's missing?"

Dick nodded, "Bingo. Now listen, Damian is pretty protective of you, so, make friends, talk with people, show him you are fine without him. He'll definitely apologize, or something. Maybe if he wants to be stubborn, then go ahead and find a date to the Spring Fling."

"Are you sure it won't make him murder somebody?" she sniffled.

Dick laughed, "No, besides Ba- Bruce has a no killing rule" he joked.

Persephone nodded, hugging Dick momentarily, "Thank you, Dick."

Dick patted her head, "No problem Sephie, you know, Bruce thinks highly of you."

"Really?"

"Yeah, he has a thing for brilliant and good looking orphaned kids."

Persephone laughed, "Seems like it."