"You keep staring at me," said the merman as he dipped his honey-ed spoon onto the small teacup he was holding to warm his hands.
"I do," Damian replied, his face flushing.
Tim's green-ish lips pursed.
"May I know why?" he asked, and the half-ling could easily see now the way his slender shoulders tensed and his eyes became guarded. Tim was feeling insecure about his looks again.
He felt himself smile fondly.
"I marked you… when we met," he said. "I hadn't realized I had done so until we met grandfather."
The merman blinked, his fins flapping back and forth.
"Ra's?" he said, as his clawed hand reached to cover his gills. "Did he say something?"
Damian's smile curled back, his eyes lowering.
"He said that my bite was unrefined and that the fact that I had scarred your skin was something I should reflect about and repent accordingly," the young vampire scowled, his cheeks coloring.
Tim smiled at him, his eyes glowing with tenderness.
"He is old fashioned like that," he soothed, reaching to pat his beloved's knee. "Don't mind him, he still believes I'm this delicate little flower that needs to be protected."
Damian grasped the hand in his own, marveling at the scaly texture of his merman's skin, entwining their fingers together as if to absorb the warmth the tea had brought to the limb.
"I did reflect about it," he whispered, his eyes set on their joined hands. "I thought long and hard about the fact that I marked you."
Tim's smile became impossibly sweet then, his head resting on Damian's shoulder as he snuggled up to his side.
"And?" he asked, his thumb caressing he back of Damian's hand.
The half-ling coughed a little.
"I am… conflicted," he said, avoiding Tim's inquisitive gaze. "I don't like to think about the fact that I hurt you, it was uncalled for and I regret it… but…"
"But?" Tim prompted, tilting his head.
"But the fact that I marked you, that I can show the world that you are mine and grandfather never did the same …"
He stopped himself, unable to believe how hot his skin was becoming.
He heard Timothy chuckle then, and felt the merman's razor sharp teeth caress his wrist.
"Possessive man you are," he whispered. "And now I feel I should bite you as well, if only to lay my own claim on you."
"Do so," Damian urged, his eyes wide. "I would be honored to have your mark on me."
Tim chuckled again.
"I can't," he sighed, shaking his head. "I would probably take your finger off if I did, but I do appreciate the sentiment."
Damian nodded, promising himself he would give Timothy his finger – his whole hand if the merman wanted – once his revenge was complete and he had brought back the merman's heart.
Until then.
"… can I bite you again?" he asked, his nose nuzzling Tim's hair.
"Are you sure?" Tim asked, closing his eyes. "I feel like I have to remind you I have sea water instead of blood."
Damian scrunched his nose then, remembering the disgusting taste in his mouth and how it seemed to stick to be the back of his throat for weeks afterwards.
"Don't bother," the merman whispered, tangling his free hand on Damian's hair and looking straight into his eyes. "I'd rather have you kiss me anyways?"
Damian smiled, his fangs glinting under the afternoon sun.
"I can do that."