Okay so this is yet another part to the DC one shots, couldn't get it out of my head. Hope you guys like it! I'd love to know what you guys think so let me know! ^~^

Shout-out to my awesome friend Lyssa for giving me some ideas for the ending and for being so cool.

I was nervous.

This was supposed to be a business pleasure trip up to New York City, and it still was I guess. I really hadn't planned on Dick finding out and insist on coming with me wasn't really part of my plan but he was…hard to say no to. It was about time he met them though, I mean we'd been together for the better part of a year and I think Tony would self-combust if I didn't let him meet my boy toy, his words not mine.

I swear, the one time I video chat with him after Dick drops me off at my apartment after a date and he has to notice how flustered I am. After that I hadn't heard the end of it and he even got my dad in on it, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to get everyone together.

It was a miracle I even got our schedules to align in the first place, it was rare my family was ever all in the same place very often. By some act of god I was sent to New York City for a training seminar for the hospital and it just happened to coincide with one of my dad's visits to Stark Tower. I couldn't pass up a chance to get to see all my favorite science nerds at the same time, I mean it was rare that Peter, Tony, and my dad were all together.

The excitement of seeing everyone didn't make me any less nervous though.

We'd come straight from the airport and were now standing in front of Stark Tower, but for some reason I hesitated in going inside.

"Hey what going on in that head of yours?"

I blinked and looked up into Dick's concerned eyes. Trying to play it off, I grabbed his hand and shrugged.

"It's nothing."

He raised a brow and intertwined our fingers.

"Trained by the world's greatest detective remember, you can't lie to me. Somethings bothering you, what is it?"

I smiled wryly.

"Like I could forget. I guess, I'm just nervous."

At that he frowned.

"Why? Do you think they won't like me or something?"

Eyes widening, I shook my head.

"No! No, it's not that I'm sure they'll love you. My family can be a little, overprotective of me and this isn't even half of them. I just, I don't want them scaring you off."

He rolled his eyes and tugged me toward the door.

"Babe, if you can take my crazy family and all that comes with it then I think I can deal with yours. And it'd take a little more than some overprotective family members."

Well that was true, his family wasn't exactly normal.

Grinning as he pecked my cheek, we walked inside.

"Besides, I kinda like you so I wanna stick around for a while."

I swatted at him as we made our way to the elevator.

"Well good for you, I kinda like you too."

Before he could say anything, a familiar British voice filled the elevator.

"Miss Anna it is good to hear your voice again. Shall I bring you up to R&D or straight to the penthouse?"

I started laughing at Dick's reaction, as he jumped in front of me suddenly alert. Pushing him off, I out of habit looked up.

"It's nice to hear you too JARVIS, been too long. I think Tony said they'd meet me in the penthouse, so that will be fine."

I put my hand on my jumpy boyfriend's arm, a smile playing on my lips.

"Yes of course. Shall I alert Mr. Stark you have a guest with you?"

I shook my head.

"No, that's fine. He knew I was bringing Dick with me."

Looking up at the ceiling, Dick seemed to have calmed down.

"Very good Miss."

Curious blue eyes met mine.

"Who was that?"

I bit back a snicker and grinned as his arms snaked around me.

"You could say that was my version of Alfred. Tony invented his AI JARVIS years ago and he's been a part of Stark Industries for a very long time."

He just shook his head.

"Weird."

Leaning back into his arms, I smiled.

"But I'm weird, so you have to like weird a little bit."

He just hummed and turned me around where I was facing him.

"No, I love it."

Oh dear I knew that look.

Before I could tell him this was not the time nor the place, his lips were on mine. And while I knew I should probably push him away, I simply couldn't.

Smiling into his kiss, I responded with fervor as he pushed me against the wall. One of his hands were buried in my hair and the other holding me tightly. I let my arms wrap around his neck and melt into his touch.

Finally he pulled back, a devilish smirk on his lips.

"Dick, we can't do th- oh my god!"

I let out a gasp as his lips traveled down my neck, my eyes fluttering closed as he hit a particularly sensitive spot. He was making me forget why we were here in the first place.

I did try, I can at least comfort myself with that.

When he pulled away his arms curled around me and it was a good thing, Dick had a way of making me weak in the knees.

Smiling, he cupped my face in his hands.

"You are so beautiful."

Then he ran his thumb over my bottom lip before kissing me tenderly, only pulling back when I was breathless.

Dazed, I blinked up at him frowning slightly.

"You are a scoundrel."

He chuckled and pushed a stray wisp of hair behind my ear.

"I don't know what you're talking about. But you might want to, um cover that."

Looking the mirrored surface of the elevator doors, my eyes widened at what I saw. My reflection showed a flushed face, slightly red lips, mussed hair, and on my neck a couple of quickly darkening spot from Dick's…attentions there.

Aghast, by the fact that I let him do it and that I really enjoyed it, as well as knowing my dad would flip if he saw it, I looked up at him shocked.

"You didn't!"

He just smirked.

"Oh but I did."

Hissing out my reply I glared at him.

"Dick! You are about to meet my dad and brothers for the first time and you choose now to do this?!"

Still smirking, he leaned against the wall in a way that made him look even more attractive than he did previously.

"Don't be mad, look your scarf covers it just fine."

Huffing I adjusted my scarf and smiled reluctantly when I saw that he was right. But I put my hands on my hips and mock glared at him a dry tone to my voice.

"I don't know why I'm surprised. That's what I get for dating a hero that happens to be a bad boy at the same time."

He laughed loudly.

"Well you knew what you signed up for sweetheart. I'm incorrigible what can I say?"

This elevator ride was much longer than I remembered and for that I will be eternally thankful. It gave me time to smooth out my hair and try to get rid of the redness on my face and you know try and look like I hadn't just been kissed senseless.

Although Dick was less than helpful, all he did was wrap his arms around me and be adorable by resting his chin on the top of my head, not helping the blushing situation at all.

"At least try and behave yourself in front of my dad okay? Don't let anything any of them say rile you up alright?"

Just as he was about to comment, the elevator slowed to a stop and I pulled out of his hold right as the doors opened. Stepping out I didn't see anyone, hmm that was odd. Walking further into the penthouse with Dick's hand grasped firmly in mine, I looked around for anyone. Just as I was about to ask JARVIS to tell Tony I was here, a fluffy haired blur raced over to me and practically tackled me.

"Anna!"

Startled, I squealed and dropped Dick's hand as Peter picked me up and spun me around. Finally setting me down, the lanky brunette grinned down at me, his brown eyes sparkling with excitement.

"You're still a shrimp, good to see that hasn't changed."

I shoved him and crossed my arms intending to tell him off, but a patronizing voice stopped me.

"Aww Petey, you know she wouldn't be Lisey if she wasn't a shrimp."

Forgetting about Peter's dig at my height, I turned to see Tony and Bruce come in the room.

Tony! Dad!"

Dashing over to them, I buried myself in one of the only things in the world that could make me completely at home; a hug from my dad. He chuckled and pushed a stray strand of hair behind me ear and smiled softly.

"Missed you too princess."

Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I turned to look at a very pouty Tony.

"Hey what about me?"

Pulling out of my dad's hug, I smiled at him.

"Come here you."

After disentangling myself from Tony's clingy embrace, I sighed happily.

"It's so good to see you all again, I can't believe it's been this long."

For a split second I could've sworn both Tony and dad's eyes darted down to my neck, so discreetly I checked to make sure my scarf was still in place. It was, must have just been my imagination.

Then someone clearing their throat was heard behind me and I turned to see Dick smiling at me, while my boys looked at me expectantly.

"Oh sorry, um this is my boyfriend Ric-"

Tony cut me off and stuck a hand out for Dick to shake.

"Oh I know who he is. Richard Grayson, the ward of billionaire Bruce Wayne, heir to Wayne Enterprises. Been holding out on me Lisey, never said you were with someone so high profile. Strange I didn't see any of this in the news."

Dick shook his hand and winked at me.

"We wanted to keep the press out of it, I didn't want paparazzi bothering Anna so we kept it quiet."

I blushed as Peter raised a brow and whistled, while my dad just crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at Dick appraisingly.

"Bruce Banner, nice to finally meet you."

Hmm, I wonder if it was weird that both of our dad's names were Bruce. Never thought about that until right now.

And of course being the charmer he is, Dick smiled politely and stuck his hand out like Tony had done. Dad just kept his arms crossed and looked at him hard, which left Dick hanging awkwardly.

"Um, it's a pleasure. My little brother is a huge fan of your work, as am I. Great things you're doing."

It was true, Tim was the biggest science computer nerd I knew outside of the men in this room. I was so proud of him, he graduated high school early at seventeen and was starting at Stanford in a few months. If here were here I'm sure he'd be freaking out.

The silence was killing me and it had obviously gotten to Peter too because he smiled at Dick.

"I'm Peter Parker, Anna's unofficial brother. You can call me Pete, so you don't get confused with Quill."

Jumping at the opportunity Peter had presented him with, Dick eagerly shook his hand.

"Great to meet you Pete, call me Dick. Uh, Quill?"

I stepped in then, still nervous about the way dad was staring at him. And Tony looked like he was torn between giving him the death glare and trying not to burst out laughing at the name Dick, what a child. Though I'm not at all surprised.

"I guess I forgot, I've got two Peters in my life. Peter Parker my resident smarty pants and then Peter Quill my smart mouth pilot, he just entered the space program, the youngest to ever do so."

Dick just raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Oh, cool. I forgot what a big family you have."

I tensed as my dad took a step forward, the beginnings of a very deadly look on his face.

"You have a problem with big families Dick?"

Here it was, the reason Johnny and I didn't work out (besides the fact he was a huge jerk) was that he wanted nothing to do with my huge family. Dad hated that and so did everyone else, it was half the reason I broke up with him. Being a cheating lying douchebag was the other half.

But I didn't need to worry about that with Dick, he loved family and everything it stood for.

His blue eyes lit up and he smiled lovingly at me before looking my dad dead in the eyes.

"The only problem I've ever had with big families is that I didn't have one as a kid. I think it's really special what you guys have, I know I'd do anything for my brothers."

I sighed in relief as my dad smiled slightly and uncrossed his arms.

"Hmm, nice to know."

Maybe this wasn't going to be the disaster I thought it would be.

Glancing at Tony and Peter before looking back at me, my dad smiled in a way that instantly made me suspicious.

"Anna, I think Peter had something he wanted to show you."

I crinkled my nose in confusion. He was definitely up to something.

"Okay, then let's go."

I reached for Dick's hand but Tony stopped me.

"Ah no, your dad and I are gonna stay here and have a little chat with Dick. You go on with Petey, we'll catch up with you later."

I spoke too soon. This could potentially be a train wreck in the making. Peter laughed, covering quickly with a cough and grabbed my hand pulling me towards the elevator while Tony smirked at me.

This was all a setup, they'd planned on doing this the whole time! I should have known better, I mean it was Tony of course he'd come up with something like this.

I stood firm and didn't let Peter pull me any further, catching Dick's eye.

"No, I'm sure it's fine if you want to come with us."

I glared at Tony and my dad.

"Isn't that right?"

Dad pointed looked away and Tony just met my glare with a determined stare. Dick smiled at me reassuringly and waved me off.

"Its fine, I've got no problem getting to know your dad and brother a little better."

It was the look in his eyes that made me waver and agree to go, like I could deny him anything. And I knew he'd been wanting to meet my dad for a while now, so what could it hurt?

"Okay, see you in a bit. Love you."

I blushed as all three of them gaped at me, and Dick grinned like it was his birthday.

"Love you too babe."

Then he left with the two dumbstruck scientists, while Peter dragged me off with him.

Interrogation was in both of our futures I'm sure.

I couldn't wipe the grin off of my face, hearing her say she loved me, in front of her dad and brothers no less, was still amazing.

Like how did I end up with Anna? It still blew my mind that she stuck around.

I followed her dad and brother into what looked like another part of the huge penthouse suite, sitting at the bar after they did. Banner, it would be weird to call him Bruce, just stared at me while Tony went behind the bar and started pouring some kind of alcohol. After he finished, both of them looked at me, Tony speaking first.

"Alright talk, how did you two meet? Lisey wasn't very forthcoming with details."

Okay no beating around the bush with these two. Leaning back in the barstool I smiled thinking of how crazy it was that we even met at all.

"My brother Tim got mugged and Anna was the one who found him in an alleyway close to her apartment, he would have been in a lot of trouble if she hadn't come across him that night. After he got home and healed up, he wanted to do something to thank her and throwing a benefit for the hospital was all his idea. That's where I met her, at the party and we hit if off pretty well. Been together ever since."

Well that was mostly the truth, although if Tim ever knew that was what I was telling people he wouldn't be happy.

Tony slammed down his glass and narrowed his eyes.

"Hmm, okay why do you like Anna?"

I frowned at him.

"I don't just like Anna, I love her."

I could still feel Banner watching me and Tony looked like he was trying to hide a smile.

"Okay then, why do you love Anna?"

I pursed my lips, a little frustrated that they wanted me to explain myself. But I didn't want to have her family hate me so it was honesty time.

"There's no one reason, everything little thing about her is just…Anna. I love how selfless she is, always wanting to help everyone. I love the way she cares so much about everything, never holding back from loving those kids she works with even if she can't save them. I love how she always knows just what to say, even if I don't want to hear it but I need to. I love it when she finds a way to turn the worst day into the best one just by being her, even if it's only her getting turned around in the manor and being silly. I just…I love everything about her."

Both of them just looked at me in something like shock.

Tony frowned, suspicion appearing his face.

"So her being a knockout has nothing to do with it? Or the fact she has a trust fund that will never run out?"

Wow Anna wasn't kidding when she said they were overprotective. Whoever she'd dated before must have really messed up. But now I was starting to get mad, I could never be that shallow! And did they not just hear any of what I said?

"For the record I didn't know about a trust fund until you said something about it and do you really think I would want to be with someone for the money? I'm not gonna lie, Anna is stunning, gorgeous, and beyond beautiful. Like I'm the luckiest guy on earth that someone as amazing as her is with me. None of that is why I'm in love with her though. Anna's personality and everything that make her who she is, that is what I love."

An excited grin crossed his face.

"My god, you really mean it don't you?"

I ground my teeth and frowned. How hard was it to believe I was in love with Anna? She was easy to love and even easier to fall in love with.

Growling out a response, I did my best not to yell at the smirking inventor.

"For the last time yes! There is no agenda here, I just want to be with the woman I love!"

And that was the truth, I wanted to be with her. End of story.

Banner who had been quiet the whole time, spoke up.

"And I wouldn't accept anything less than that. She deserves someone like you."

My eyes widened as I turned to look at him and to my surprise a very genuine looking smile was present on his face.

"Really?"

He nodded, while Tony was practically bouncing around with excitement behind the bar.

Then his hand darted out and grabbed my arm and he scowled at me. If I hadn't grown up with the bat glare I'd almost say it was scary.

"But you better be planning on marrying her someday. Because if you're not then I swear to everything holy that if you leave and hurt my little princess…well you wouldn't like me when I'm angry."

Maybe just a little scary.

"No! I mean yes, oh god…I would never leave Anna."

He just kept looking at me, brow raised.

"And I guess someday, but I don't think either of us are ready to get…married. But I don-"

Thank god Tony stopped me or who knows what I might have said next.

Huh, is this how Anna feels? She's always blurting stuff out like that.

"Oh cut it out Brucie, you're scaring the kid."

Banner smirked at both of us.

"Well that was the point, but I think he passed. You're a good kid Dick, if Anna wants to be with you then I'm fine with that. You'll treat her right."

It wasn't a question but more of a command, but I caught the hidden warning there.

I treat her right or I'd have him to answer to.

Like I would ever treat Anna any less than the angel she was. Feisty, clumsy little angel that is.

Tony grinned and slapped me on the shoulder.

"Yeah, you're alright. If not a bit unfortunate with the name, bet you had a hell of a time in school."

I rolled my eyes and smiled glad for the change of topic.

"Yeah, you have no idea."

For as crazy overprotective as they were, Anna's family was pretty great. I had a feeling that we would get along just fine.

Although, I can't begin to imagine how holidays are gonna go down. That'll be interesting for sure.

I was on the plane back to Gotham, flying commercial. I'd refused the use of the Wayne private jet that Dick had been fighting for me to use, didn't see the use of it really and my flight was pretty quiet anyways. Gave me lots of time to think about how the weekend had gone. And as first meetings go, I thought it went as best as could be expected.

It had gone a lot better than I thought it would, but being my family it was equal parts embarrassing for me and interrogative for Dick.

But overall I thought the trip had gone pretty well. When Dick told me about his 'chat' with dad and Tony I had a feeling he left a lot out. But as long as they hadn't scared him off I was fine and everyone seemed to really like Dick. So I was glad he came and met my dad.

But I was really glad that the other half of the family hadn't been there. Clint, Tasha, Steve, and Thor could wait until next time. It would have been like throwing him to the lions if they'd been here too.

Smiling as I remembered the fun couple of days we had before Dick had to leave, I sighed contentedly. After that initial meeting, we'd all had a great time. Tony insisted on showing Dick all my old haunts, and I just barely stopped him from pulling out some very embarrassing photo albums. No one ever needed to see my awkward middle school pictures, something like that should never see the light of day again.

But I hated secrets, which was why was frowning deeply at my bag of stale complementary pretzels at the moment.

Anyone who knew me knew how I felt about secrets, but I understood the importance of them and necessity they sometimes were. That didn't stop me from hating them though and I almost had a sixth sense when it came to being able to tell if someone was lying to me. So when Dick told me he had to leave early to head back to Gotham because Bruce needed his help with some kind of bust, I knew it was total crap.

Honestly he should know better by now, I might have believed him in the first couple months of our relationship but not now. There were a couple of things that tipped me off.

One, I don't think Bruce would ever openly ask for anyone's help for anything. At least not for something as commonplace as the average Gotham drug ring. And as I'd come to learn, the Batman was more of a 'trick you into helping' kind of guy.

And two, there was no way Dick would ever leave something as important as this early for anything less than an emergency. He'd been after me forever to meet my dad and when I finally put it together he leaves? Yeah it wasn't some run of the mill drugs bust, whatever it was it had to be really important to take precedence over this.

But all in all the trip was really great, Dick leaving early withstanding. I was sad it had to end but I was ready to go home.

And Gotham had really become home for me.

"Please fasten your seatbelts as we begin our descent."

At the announcement from the pilot, I looked out the window and watched as we approached the smog covered skyline, grinning as it got closer.

I hadn't told anyone to pick me up at the airport, I kinda wanted to surprise Dick since he took off so suddenly. In fact I told Dick I was staying an extra day because I knew he'd want to pick me up, although he'd been strangely quiet since he left New York. Only a couple of texts and one call, it was a little weird.

Dick was always texting me, especially after the whole Riddler thing. I thought it was sweet and I never had a problem with it, so it felt off when he didn't. Honestly I loved how affectionate he was always some kind of touching with him, his hands were never far from mine. No complaints from me, it was just one of the many things I loved about him.

But I'm sure everything was fine, Dick would let me know if something was wrong. At least I hope he would.

So I hopped a cab back to my apartment and wondered if I should listen to Tony and get a car, it did was tiring to always have to get a taxi. But the rate of carjacking's and auto theft in Gotham didn't make it seem like a good idea. The only place I really went that I couldn't walk was Wayne Manor anyways, so I was fine for the time being.

Once I got home I unpacked my stuff. Since I had an earlier flight, it was right about lunchtime so I made a little something to eat, changed into some comfy clothes and flopped on the couch. Plane rides always made me tired for some reason, so a power nap didn't sound too bad.

But before I could close my eyes, my phone rang. Glancing at it, I saw that it was Tim so I answered.

"Hey Timmy, what's up?"

It had been a while since I'd seen him, a couple of weeks at least. I knew he was super busy getting ready for the move to California, so I figured we could get together before he left.

"Oh I wasn't expecting you to answer, I thought you'd be busy doing stuff in New York."

Putting the phone on speaker I set the phone on my chest, tucked my hands into my hoodie and laid back on my couch with a smile.

"Never too busy for you Tim, what's up?"

By comfy clothes, that meant all my superhero stuff. It started out as a joke, getting a batman t-shirt and wearing it when I knew I'd see Bruce. But then it turned into a game of how much Bat related stuff I could find. Dick was ticked that I couldn't find any Nightwing stuff to wear, I thought it was hilarious and so did Tim. Right now I was wearing the Robin hoodie he got me with some black leggings that had little bats at the ankle. Maybe I'd send him a picture of me wearing the hoodie, Tim always got a kick out of it when I had it on.

"Um well, I wanted to tell you something."

I frowned, he sounded off.

"Are you okay, did something happen?"

He sighed.

"You could say that."

I sat up, suddenly very worried.

"Tim, talk to me what is going on?"

There was a beat of silence before he answered me.

"I'm leaving for California early, like today."

Thank god! I thought he was hurt or something really awful.

"Oh, why the sudden decision? Thought you weren't leaving until it was closer to the start of the semester. I wanted to get together before you left, not cool of you to just up and leave Tim."

There was a beat of silence before he answered me.

"I'm sorry Anna, I wanted to hang out too. But a breaking my leg and a couple ribs made it seem like a good idea, get out of Gotham for a while."

I leapt up from the couch and exploded.

"WHAT?! Timothy Drake you tell me everything right now or so help me I will…well I don't know what I'll do! Talk, right now!"

I fumed, pacing around my little living room. I held back a cry of indignation when he started laughing, this was not funny.

"Calm down Anna, I'm fine. It was just a fight gone wrong and Bruce thought going to California early would be good. Settle in, heal up in time for classes. Take a break from being Robin for a while, in fact I was thinking of a name change, breaking off from Bats. What do you think of Red Robin?"

Suddenly a thought came to me and I stopped, frozen in the middle of the room ignoring his question.

"Tim, did Dick know about this? Is that why he came home early?"

His silence was answer enough and I growled.

"He is in so much trouble! How could he keep something like this from me?!"

Tim quickly jumped in trying to calm me down.

"Hey, I asked him not to tell you! I didn't want you rushing back here and working yourself into a panic like you are right now. If you want to be mad be mad at me."

Taking a deep breath I closed my eyes and rubbed my face.

"Tim I'm not mad, I'm livid. But not at you, not really. It's just the fact that it happened at all and I wasn't here to fix you."

He sighed.

"You can't always fix everything Anna."

Opening my eyes, I glanced at my forgotten lunch now too upset to eat anything.

"I know, but I just wish I could. God I want to hit something right now!"

He chuckled, and it only slightly put me at ease. If he could do that, then his ribs weren't as bad off as I was thinking they were.

"That's unusually aggressive for you, guess we're a bad influence on you."

I smiled wryly.

"The worst, the absolute worst. Although you and Dick insisting on making sure I could at least fend off the average mugger wasn't a bad idea."

He huffed and I could just see him rolling his eyes.

"You shouldn't have to worry about that kind of thing at all, but since you won't move out of the cruddy section of town that you insist on living in, what choice did we have? And if I remember correctly, you still have a lot of work to do if you want to be able to go out at night by yourself without giving Dick a heart attack."

Sitting back down, I played with the trim on my throw pillow absentmindedly.

"Working on it, I'm not a superhero like you guys. But really, you're okay?"

His voice grew exasperated.

"I am fine, stop worrying about me. I've got a sweet setup waiting for me in Cali, and yes I will take it easy."

I smiled, like he or anyone else could ever stop me from worrying over the people I cared about.

"Okay then, but don't surprised if I show up at your apartment to check up on you. Got it?"

He snorted.

"It'd shock me if you didn't. I've got to go, I'll call you later okay?"

"Alright, talk to you soon. Bye Tim."

Then he hung up and I let my phone fall out of my hands back onto the couch.

Mad at the fact he'd been hurt and I hadn't been there, I got up and put on my beat up old tennis shoes and grabbed my bag.

I was still really upset at the whole thing and a good workout would probably take my mind off of it. So I headed to Wayne Manor, intending to take advantage of the invitation to use the very nice gym they had. Besides, Dick did tell me to practice what he'd taught me.

Not that it was anything your run of the mill defense class wouldn't have taught me, but he insisted on being the one to teach me. As it turns out, if you don't keep up practicing the red belt you claim to have isn't all that effective.

I think it had more to do with his peace of mind, knowing that I was capable of handling myself more than anything. That and he just loved it when he got the upper hand (which was always) and pinned me to the mat. Like I said he is such a scoundrel, not that I minded all that much.

I was at the manor all the time, either hanging out with Alfred and Tim or spending time with Dick. I mean why go to the movies when you have your own private theater in house? Many a date was spent curled up in the movie room in his arms, though most of the time the movie was forgotten entirely.

Although, I hadn't been up there as much lately, the past two months had been extremely hectic. I was either busy with work or I'd meet Dick somewhere else, strange now that I thought about it.

Putting that out of my mind I called another cab, and was soon dropped off in front of the enormous place. I thought it was odd when Alfred wasn't there to let me in, but because I knew it was okay I came inside anyways.

After a while I'd finally figured out the twists and turns and could find the gym without getting lost. So I went straight there without looking for Dick, I was a little peeved with him for not telling me about Tim even if he'd been asked not to. If I ran into him now, I'd probably get frustrated and yell at him. I didn't want to do that, not after such a great trip in New York.

So I channeled my anger into the punching dummy, imagining it to be the person who'd hurt Tim. I usually wasn't like this but something about Tim (or anyone I loved really) getting hurt turned me into a person that I didn't really like. I was like this with my kids at the hospital too, any time I had to deal with a rather insensitive coworker or some of the just awful parents, I lost it. Makes me wonder how much more protective I'd be of my own kids.

Forgetting most of what Dick had taught me in my frustration, I attacked the standing dummy sloppily.

I was no batgirl, that was for sure but I tried my hardest. Accentuating each hit or kick with a little cry, I kept it up until finally I felt most of my anger slip away.

Breathing heavily, I leaned against the punching dummy that I had been whaling on.

I froze when I felt someone's eyes on me. Turning around slowly, I expected to see Dick watching me but it wasn't him, in fact I had no idea who I was looking at.

Behind me was a boy, he looked to be about nine or ten. He had dark tanned skin, like that of someone from the Middle East and tousled jet black hair. I wasn't that much taller than him, he was not even a foot shorter than me. He held himself with rigid posture and his green eyes swept over me as if trying to figure something out.

If it weren't for the darker skin tone and intense green eyes I would have said I was looking at a younger Bruce Wayne.

I smiled brightly at him, and raised a hand in greeting.

"Hi, I don't think we've met before."

He tilted his head, studying me for a moment before replying.

"I am Damian Wayne. Who are you?"

My eyes widened, now everything made sense. Dick insisting on going out and not spending time here at the manor, Tim meeting me for lunch in the city instead of just coming here. For some reason they had wanted to hide the boy now staring at me. Why was the question though? Unless there was something else going on I didn't know about.

And he was certainly Bruce's son, there was no doubt of that.

Ignoring his question, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. Namely how much like his father he looked.

"You look just like him, like Bruce I mean."

He raised a brow and I could tell he was pleased with my observation.

"You know father?"

I shrugged.

My relationship with Bruce was…interesting. I knew that at first he hadn't really liked that I knew about the family's nighttime activities. But over time, and many, many visits to the manor he'd warmed up to me. I think how happy Dick and I were was a big factor in that, he really loved his sons and only wanted the best for them.

"You could say that, I'm well acquainted with the inhabitants of this manor. Your father is the one who told me I could use the gym anytime I wanted. I'm not all that good though, my teacher is easily distracted you could say."

For the first time something akin to a smile played at his lips, it was more like a smirk though.

"That is an understatement, your form is awful."

Wait a second…

I looked at him and put a hand on my hip.

"Were you watching me?"

I smirked as I spotted a flash of embarrassment in his eyes.

"Tt, I was merely looking to see if you were a threat and you clearly are not."

I bit back a laugh, he seemed so serious and I felt that laughing would make him mad.

"Well why don't you show me what I'm doing wrong? I know I could use the help."

Frowning suspiciously, he didn't move.

"You wish me to teach you? Why?"

Brushing back the stray wisps of hair that had escaped my bun, I grinned.

"You look like someone who knows what they're talking about and I have no reason not to trust you."

For a split second he looked completely shocked but it was gone before I could confirm it. His eyes brightened and he took a step forward.

"Of course I know what I'm talking about! I was trained by the best, I will be far superior to the dolt that was teaching you previously!"

I smiled at his enthusiasm, but wondered what I had just agreed to when I saw the positively devilish look on his face.

"Then let's get started, just tell me what to do Mister Wayne."

I swear he puffed up in pride like a balloon inflating, it was adorable.

And he was just a kid, how much could he have to show me anyways?

A lot. I should have known better than to underestimate a Wayne.

It had to have been at least thirty to forty five minutes later and I landed on my back once again. The small boy standing over me with a smirk.

I groaned and laid there looking up at his smug face.

"Ugh, I think you need to walk me though what I'm doing wrong one more time."

Damian just shook his head. I'd lost count of how many times I'd landed on my back only to look up at that look, smug and frustrated at the same time.

"You keep making the same mistake each time. It is a simple matter of you miscalculating the timing and not applying what I've showed you. That and you just can't beat me."

The haughty look on his face was hilarious, it didn't belong on a kid his age. But I didn't dare laugh at him, instead I slowly got up and stretched my arms behind my back.

"And I doubt I ever will, but I can at least I can handle myself when I have to walk home in the dark."

Watching me as I walked over to my bag and pulled out a water bottle, he furrowed his brow.

"Why would you be walking home in the dark?"

I held up a finger as I downed a good three fourths of the water and then dumped the rest on my head, sighing at how good it felt.

"I work at the hospital and I live only a couple block away, so I just walk there. But sometimes I have to work nights and I end up walking home really late at night and Gotham isn't the safest place to be after dark."

He looked at me with a new light in his eyes as he leaned against the wall.

"You are a healer. You should not have to worry about things like that."

My lips quirked upwards and I came to sit on the floor next to him.

"And just what is that supposed to mean? I can't take care of myself because I'm a woman?"

He rolled his eyes.

"Don't twist my words. I merely mean that as a healer you should be protected, where I come from people of your status are protected most highly for the knowledge they possess."

I smiled at him fondly, deciding right then that I liked him. I wonder how much he knew about Bruce's night job, because I could see him wanting to be completely involved in all of it. In fact, now knowing that Tim was out of commission and the fact I'd read an article on the latest Batman and Robin sighting on the plane ride home made the suspicions I was beginning to have about him very plausible.

"That is really sweet, you're a good kid Damian. And I like that, healer. No one's ever called me that before."

He didn't look at me but nodded. I don't think he knew what to make of what I said.

"Well it fits, because you are obviously not a fighter."

I rolled my eyes and was about to tell him to tone down the tude but I got a better idea.

Maybe I could take him surprise and get the jump on him. That would knock him down a peg for sure.

I tried to actually use what he'd been attempting to teach me and swiped my leg under his feet in an attempt to knock him down. It only slightly knocked him off balance and I'm sure it was only because he wasn't excepting me to try, but it was enough for me to leap up and try to tackle him.

It was a valiant attempt, one that failed miserably.

For someone so small, he was very strong and extremely fast. I thought that because I was bigger than him I'd be able to win this one but no, in seconds he's twisted around and had gained the upper hand. He just hovered over me with yet another smirk.

I had seen that look too many times in the last hour and it was getting old.

Growling playfully I lunged upwards and threw him off, jumping up into the defensive stance he'd corrected earlier.

"I can be a fighter if I want to, just try me."

Green eyes snapping, he dashed forward without saying a word and in one smooth move he had done a front handspring over me, now having the advantage of attacking from behind.

Still in shock from the whole flipping over me thing I turned slowly, too slow as it seemed. Using a move that I could never even begin to counter, I found my feet knocked out from under me and I was falling backwards again.

I recognized he was being very gentle with me and totally holding back. I could've hit the mat a lot harder but something he did made it a lot softer of a landing.

Crying out in surprise as he grabbed my wrists and pinned them above my head with one hand, his other arm at my throat.

I tried to yank out of his grasp but he was firm in his hold.

Wow for a kid he was really strong, then again I wasn't Superman.

So I smiled up at him in defeat, panting and out of breath.

"Worth a shot."

Still holding my arms down, he took most of the pressure off of my neck (not that there had ever been much to begin with) and rolled his eyes but I could see a small smile playing around the corner of his mouth.

"It appears you may have potential after all."

I got the feeling there was a lot to him that I didn't know, and that his childhood hadn't been anything close to normal. No kids his age should know half this stuff and the stiff way he talked was a tip off for sure. Now I was ninety nine percent positive that I was looking at the newest Robin, it all fit and it wasn't like it was hard to piece together. With Tim out Bats would need a Robin; Damian was, with the skills he so obviously possessed was the logical choice.

Just as I was about to tell him it was only because I had a good teacher, the sound of a something crashing to the floor startled both of us.

"Oh my god! Get off of her!"

In an instant Dick had grabbed the back of Damian's shirt and tossed him off of me. In seconds I was off of the floor and in the arms of a very upset worried boyfriend. His hands ghosted over me, looking for injury.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

When I didn't answer immediately and just blinked confusedly at him, his eyes grew wide.

"You have a concussion don't you?"

I just frowned at him, still out of breath from a minute ago. Before I could tell him to calm down, Dick rounded on Damian with a snarl.

"I know you don't get the whole right and wrong thing just yet but this is on the list of thing you never under any circumstances do ever! What did she even do, look at you wrong so you decide to attack her?"

Damian had picked himself up from where Dick had thrown him and the look on his face was murderous, he was the very picture of pissed off.

"Only Drake's face can make me that mad, but your voice comes a close second. If my intent was to harm her then it would already be accomplished, and if you ever do that again I will cripple you!"

I could see things escalating quickly and I took a step forward to stop anything from getting out of hand.

But Damian had to open his mouth.

"Not like you could stop me anyways."

It was only when Dick lunged at him, did I snap out of it. Dashing between them, I shoved Damian behind me and glared at Dick.

"Hey! Stop that right now!"

Dick looked at me in total confusion as Damian peaked out from behind me. I don't think he appreciated my pushing him but he didn't say anything.

"But he was hurting you."

I rolled my eyes and frowned at him.

"No he wasn't, he was just helping me."

His face flushed in anger and his eyes grew comically wide.

"Helping you!? It looked like he was trying to kill you!"

Glaring, I crossed my arms in frustration.

"I think I'd know if someone was trying to kill me Dick. Damian was being nothing but helpful, he's a really good teacher if a little full of himself. And he doesn't see the need to go so easy on me."

I'd had the feeling for a while that Dick was more than soft in our training sessions, and it obviously hadn't done me any favors.

Caught red handed there, Dick pointedly looked away and I frowned at him again.

Stepping forward, the shorter boy looked at Dick with disdain.

"Unlike you, I wasn't raised in a barn Grayson. Teaching our healers to protect themselves is not something to play with, unless you don't really care for her safety."

I could tell Dick was just about to snap.

"Why you little…"

I turned and looked at the boy with a disapproving glance.

"You stop antagonizing him, that's not helping."

Damian looked up at me with a petulant pout on his face and opened his mouth as to protest but I raised a brow.

"I said cut it out."

Then looking back at Dick, I ignored the huff from Damian.

"And you, calm down. Honestly I don't see what the problem is here."

I watched as Dick started waving his hands in the air, something he did when he was agitated.

"Calm down? Problem? My problem is he had you on the floor and could've seriously hurt or killed you!"

I narrowed my eyes as he took a threatening step forward and grabbed Damian's shoulders, pulling him close to me protectively.

"Richard Grayson if you so much as lay a hand on him you're going to regret it! He's just a kid and I will not tolerate you acting like this! What is wrong with you?"

His mouth dropped open and he just stared at me in shock. Maybe because I never called him that, or maybe because he realized how mad he was making me

Either way he wasn't taking the hint.

"You can't be serious! He's a little monster and oh my god you are not doing this!"

I was starting to get fed up at how ridiculous he was acting.

"Doing what? Keep you from attacking a nine year old?"

We both ignored Damian's indignant cry that he was in fact ten.

"No, that thing where you go all mama bear over someone you just met! And him of all people!"

While Damian had managed to take my mind off of why I was mad in the first place, Dick brought all that anger right back. I saw red and snapped at him.

"Well I'm sorry if it's such a problem for you but I'm not gonna stand here and listen to this right now."

Grabbing Damian's wrist, because I wasn't about to leave him here alone with Dick, I started tugging him towards the door.

"Hey where are you going?!"

Not stopping I called over my shoulder.

"Away, before I say something I'll regret later."

He didn't say anything else to stop me so I stalked out with Damian and kept walking until I was far enough away for my vision to clear. Stopping I sighed and let go off Damian's wrist and rubbed my face in embarrassment.

Looking at the boy I'd dragged with me, I bit my lip.

"I swear I'm not normally like that."

He tilted his head and looked at me strangely.

"You defended me, why? You just met me today."

I frowned.

"I may have originally been upset about something else but Dick was way out of line. He was wrong to say what he did."

His face hardened and his fists clenched.

"Was he? You don't know anything about me."

If there was anything to snap me out of a bad mood it was a kid hurting, and there was obviously a lot of hurt in this boy's life. Smiling softly at him, I cautiously put my hand on his shoulder.

"I don't need to Damian, you're a kid not a monster. Whatever it is that makes you think that or whatever you've done in the past doesn't matter to me. Every day is a new day, your past may shape you but it does not define you. And besides, I trust you."

For the first time since meeting him his face showed true shock and if I wasn't mistaken a little bit of awe. He just looked at me for a moment before replying.

"How can you be so naive and simpleminded?"

I shrugged and laughed quietly.

"My dad liked to say that I wore my heart on my sleeve and could fall in love in an afternoon. Simplicity and naivety at its finest. I've always been like that, and I don't really take well to people getting picked on. That's just who I am I guess, can't help it."

He shook his head and I'm positive there was small smile on his face.

"I suppose that's not a bad thing. As father keeps telling me…love is not a weakness. And although definitely not physically strong, you seem to be strong of heart."

Grinning, I reached down and as I'd wanted to all afternoon, ruffled his hair much to his displeasure.

"Not all of us can be superheroes little bird, maybe you can help me with my technique again sometime?"

His eyes grew wide and I once again tried not to laugh as he schooled his expression to a cool look of disinterest. His reaction confirmed my suspicions, and I hated that I was right. He was still so young! Being Robin wasn't a safe job, and I could only hope Bruce would keep him safe.

"Of course, as if I could let that imbecilic peasant continue your training. I will have Pennyworth contact you on when your next lesson is."

Watching as he marched off down the hall, I decided to head back to the gym and clean up. Sticking my head around the door I sighed in relief when I saw that Dick was gone and I had some time to think of what to say to him. I'd really gone off on him and needed to apologize or at the very least tell him why I was so angry and that it wasn't really directed at him.

So without looking back I walked into the locker room, quickly showered and changed into the Robin hoodie I'd taken off when I got here along some jeans.

Sitting on one of the benches I began to brush out my hair, with the intention of going to find Dick after I was done. Humming to myself I detangled my hair and quickly braided it. Wasting no more time I jumped up and went out to look for my boyfriend, but I found someone else instead.

Right as I turned the corner I saw Bruce coming out of what I'm assuming was his office and he spotted me right away, a twinkle in his eyes as he saw what I was wearing. Now that I couldn't slip away, I walked over to him with a panicky smile. As great as he was about me and Dick, Bruce still made me a little nervous.

He was the gosh darned Batman for goodness sake! I'd be crazy not to be a little intimidated by him. But as it was he smiled warmly at me.

"Anna, back from New York I see."

It wasn't a question or observation, it was a statement. He already knew I was back, because I'm pretty sure there was some kind of bat tracker on my phone.

I started playing with the damp end of my braid and nodded.

"Yeah, we had a great time. My family really seemed to like Dick, not that I thought they wouldn't."

Not willing to beat around the bush, I asked him what I'd been wondering all afternoon.

"How bad was it?"

His eyes hardened but I didn't look away.

"You talked to Tim."

"I did, he called me earlier. But all he would say was that it was a fight gone wrong."

I put a hand on my hip expectantly, losing my hesitancy as he raised a brow.

"He'll be fine Anna, Tim's tough. But he will be taking a break from our nightly activities for a while."

That wasn't really what I wanted but judging by the look on his face that was all I was gonna get. Sighing I shook away the many questions about Tim and changed topics.

"So I met your son, Damian I mean. He took it upon himself to show me what I was doing wrong in the gym. He's a good teacher, if a bit demanding."

His eyes widened ever so slightly.

"I'm sure he is, Damian is…different. I hope he wasn't too rough with you, he can forget himself sometimes."

Shaking my head I smiled.

"Oh no, I could tell he was being very careful. It was sweet really, we were having fun. Well we were until Dick came in."

Alright I was still irritated with Dick, both for being absolutely terrible to Damian and for going so soft on me. I just didn't understand what he was thinking.

At his questioning look, I told him what had happened in the gym earlier. After I finished an understanding look entered his eyes.

"Ah well, as I'm sure you've noticed Damian isn't like most kids his age. His…mother raised him on a very different set of values, one's that didn't teach him much about being careful not to hurt others."

What was he raised by assassins? Wait, no I don't want to know, knowing this family he probably was.

"But he overreacted right? I mean Damian wouldn't have actually hurt me, he was only trying to help me."

He just raised a brow.

"And that's fantastic, but he's…still learning. Every day is better but some habits are hard to break. So when Dick saw what he did…"

Now I was starting to feel guilty for blowing up at Dick the way I did. Rubbing the back of my neck I looked up at Bruce.

"Dick had a good reason to be worried, didn't he? And I just went off on him."

This time Bruce smiled fondly at me.

"Anna, something you have to know about Dick, is that he is fiercely protective of the people he loves. And he loves you very much, so don't be too hard on him."

I'm such a bad girlfriend, he was only trying to protect me and I went and chewed him out. Drooping with guilt I frowned up at Bruce.

"Wow, I am the worst aren't I?"

Then to my surprise and shock he started laughing. I furrowed my brow and waited for him to stop.

"I know what the worst looks like Anna, and you are not it. It was just a misunderstanding."

I grinned at him, a new side of the mysterious Bruce Wayne revealed to me.

"I'm…I'm gonna go find him. Thanks Bruce!"

I only slowed as he called after me.

"And Anna, thank you for what you said to Damian."

I looked back at him over my shoulder and stopped short at the grateful look in his eye.

"He needed to hear it from someone without bias and I appreciate it."

I smiled warmly at him.

"I meant every word, he's a great kid. Plus I think he's appointed himself as my new self-defense teacher, so I'm sure I'll get to spend lots of time with him. At least I hope he meant it, I'd like to get to know him better."

He smirked and I was once again struck by the resemblance between him and Damian.

"Good luck with that, he won't go easy on you."

Returning the smirk I started walking again.

"I'm counting on it. None of you boys have ever made it easy on me, wouldn't have it any other way."

As I left the hallway, I could hear him chuckling and I could've sworn I saw a flash of bright green eyes watching me before heading off to find Dick.

Shrugging it off, I made my way outside to the enormous gardens thinking Dick might be out here as he often was when he wasn't hidden away in the Batcave.

After a few minutes of looking and enjoying the carefully sculpted rose bushes, I gave up and started to go back inside.

"Hey."

I jumped at the sudden sound and spun around. How he does that I'll never know, maybe it has something to do with the acrobat in him. Only about two feet behind me was Dick standing there with his hands behind his back and a sheepish smile on his face.

"Um here, these are for you."

Thrusting his hand forward, he shoved a very large handful of fragrant white flowers in my hands. Gardenias, my favorite flower. He was trying to apologize when I was the one needing to do it. He wasn't making this easy for me. Smiling briefly at the flowers, I looked up at him guiltily.

"I shouldn't have gotten so angry, you were just protecting me and I practically bit your head off. I'm sorry."

He looked down and moved closer to me ever so slightly.

"I'm sorry too, I overreacted. It's just the last time I saw him on top of someone like that, he put someone in the hospital. I was afraid that…"

He stepped closer, making the gap between us very small as I let the hand holding the flowers fall to my side. Looking up at him, I bit my lip before replying.

"I'm sorry, never meant to scare you. Honest Damian was only trying to help me, he's a sweetheart, deep, deep down."

Dick raised his brows and snorted.

"Yeah, like subterranean deep. But if anyone could get him to act less vicious then it'd be you, god knows someone needs to."

I smiled playfully.

"Well I like him, he's certainly a better teacher than you are.

He smirked and edged closer still, to where the space between us was nonexistent.

"Is that so?"

The sparkle in his eyes told me that everything was fine with us, so I grinned.

"Mmhm, you've got nothing on little bird. I think I'll let him take over any and all self-defense training from now on."

For a fraction of a second I saw surprise in his eyes then understanding.

"Don't let him hear you say that or I will never hear the end of it. He already thinks he's the best Robin, hearing someone say it will just make his ego even bigger."

I laughed.

"Well Tim will always be the best Robin to me."

An affronted look appeared on his face.

"What about me?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Well, I didn't live here or know you when you were Robin and without Tim I never would've met you, so he's my favorite."

He frowned and huffed.

"Definitely don't let Damian hear that, he hates Tim. Rivalry and all that. But I can't believe I'm not your favorite."

Letting my hand come to rest on his shoulder, I leaned forward.

"If it's any consolation Nightwing is my favorite hero hands down, there's just something about him that's..."

I dropped the flowers as he bent down, our faces now just inches from each other.

"That's what?"

Smirking I brought my other hand and wrapped it around his neck, as his arms circled my waist.

"Just something incredibly thrilling knowing the man behind the mask is mine."

His eyes darkened, and he licked his lips.

"Hmm, mine I like that."

Then his lips crashed onto mine, tender and passionate. As my eyes drifted closed and our foreheads pressed against each other, I felt him smile as I tangled my hands in his hair. I took a shaky breath as his fingers started rubbing small circles on my lower back.

Every time he kissed me, it was like falling in love all over again. I would never get enough of it, he was addictive in the best way. His touch did things to me, total ecstasy in his arms, the world just faded away.

But everything has to end, even a moment this wonderful.

Still reeling, I kept my eyes closed as he pulled away and reveled in the wonderful aftertaste of mint, cloves and a sharp bitterness that so encompassed Dick.

The sound of grass rustling behind us told me we were no longer alone, and reluctantly I disentangled my hands from his now gloriously messy hair.

Only at the sound of an exasperated sigh did I open my eyes, and I felt torn between laughing and wanting to disappear from embarrassment.

Looking at us with an amused sparkle in his eyes was Alfred.

"Oh dear, did I interrupt you?"

Rolling his eyes, Dick shook his head.

"Not at all. Was there something you needed Alfred?"

The butler smiled and nodded.

"Yes, I was looking for Miss Anna."

Then he looked at me, as I tried to beat down the flush on my face.

"Master Damian wishes you to know that, from now on every Saturday you are to meet him in the gym at precisely three o'clock."

Dick ran a hand through his hair.

"And he couldn't wait to tell her later?"

If there was a way of politely smirking, Alfred had it down.

"He also said to mention that Master Bruce extended an invitation to dinner, if you wanted that is."

I smiled at just how sweet that was, while Dick just looked confused.

"But Bruce always has an open invitation on dinner, why would Damian want you to tell her that?"

It looked like Alfred was about to laugh, but he contained it to a nonchalant smile.

"If I may offer an explanation, I think the young master may have a crush on Miss Anna. He looked positively smitten and I believe I heard him asking what the policy on betrothal was in Gotham."

I stifled a giggle at the expression of alarm slowly growing on Dick's face as he turned to look at me

"Hell no…what did you say to him?! How on earth could this happen?!"

I shrugged innocently and grinned.

"You know how I am with kids, I love them and they love me. I think it's kinda cute."

This time I did laugh at the absolutely horrified look on his face, and I could hear a snicker from Alfred as well.

"Cute? He could try and murder me in my sleep in a crazy ploy to get rid of competition! Or…or he could randomly show up while you're at work! Oh god you didn't tell him where you work did you?"

I just shook my head and followed Alfred back inside.

"No, we need to talk about this! Come back here!"

I could hear him coming up behind me so I dashed forward before he could catch me. Snickering, I darted down one of the many halls and hid behind the corner as he ran by.

"Come on my life could be in danger thanks to your adorableness, you gotta do something about this!"

As soon as I knew he was out of ear shot, I let out another laugh. I knew he was joking around…mostly.

Realizing I was close to the library I decided to see if I could find something to read until dinner. I hadn't had much time lately and was going to take advantage of the vast Wayne library.

"Are you going to stay?"

I jumped at the sudden voice and turned to see Damian leaning on the wall behind me. What was with these batboys and their sneaking up on me?

I smiled at him, and nodded.

"I'd love to Damian, thanks for asking."

Straightening, he inclined his head.

"It was Father who asked."

I held back an eye roll at the stiff front he put up, and resumed my pace.

"Well thanks anyways. I was just about to go in the library, would you like to join me?"

A curious look crossed his face.

"You like to read?"

I glanced over at him and nodded.

"I love to read, the classics are my favorites. That and poetry, I really enjoy that as well. There's something so beautiful about the way words can flow so smoothly."

I smiled fondly, thinking of how Aunt Tasha made sure I was well read and Uncle Steve taught me how to draw.

"My Aunt and Uncle both wanted me to have a well-rounded upbringing, they would read to me as a kid. All sorts of things, but I really latched onto poetry, especially in other languages. It always sounds the best in the original tongue it was written in."

Lips twitching upwards, he fell in step beside me. It was as close as a smile as I would get, so I took it.

And then almost slyly he looked over at me, once more surprising me as he opened his mouth.

"في كل مرة أتحدث أقل عنك أعتقد المزيد عنك"

I stopped short at the lilting words and raised my brows. While I didn't know the language, I could tell it was some dialect of Arabic. It was a far cry from the Romanian Dick would sometimes slip into when he was rather distracted or riled up, but beautiful all the same.

"What does that mean?"

He didn't answer my question but asked me one instead.

"Have you ever read any of Nizar al Qubbani's works?"

I shook my head and smiled as he looked up at me.

"I haven't, but if that was what you were quoting I'd like to."

He hesitated only a moment.

"I could show you, if you want. Father has several original copies."

Reaching the huge room filled with books I stopped at the door and looked at him meeting his piercing green eyes with a soft smile.

"I'd like nothing better. Lead the way little bird."

As he took off in the maze of shelves, I saw Dick in the hall rubbing his face exasperatedly. He must have heard the exchange between Damian and me.

"You just had to encourage him didn't you?"

I grinned as he walked over to me and grabbed my hand.

"You know there are two things I can never resist. Cute kids and good literature, sorry babe."

He rolled his eyes and smirked

"Sure you are. But it's good for him I guess, so you do your thing and I'll see you at dinner?"

Surprised he wasn't asking me to leave with him, I darted forwards and pecked him on the lips.

"Wouldn't miss it hot stuff."

Just then there was a shuffling sound in the shelves and Damian's voice drifted towards us, interrupting whatever Dick had been about to say.

"Are you coming Annalise? I found it and a few more I think you might like, as well as the translated versions."

Only after he planted a sloppy kiss on my cheek with a grin, did he release my hand allowing me to go find Damian. It didn't take long at all, I found him surrounded by a pile of old leather bound books at one of the tables spaced throughout the large room.

"I'm here, just got caught up for a second."

Looking up with a slight frown he watched as I sat in the chair next to him.

"Grayson."

Biting back a laugh for the hundredth time today, I smiled at him again.

"Yeah, he'd been looking for me but he knows I can't refrain from new reading material. I'll see him later at dinner anyways."

A pleased look appeared on his face and he reached for one of the many books in front of us.

"This one is called بلدي الحبيب يطلب مني. It was one of Mother's favorites."

Loving the smooth way the words flowed, I sighed happily. I wonder just how many languages he spoke, probably several.

A thought came to me as he opened the book.

"Oh and Damian?"

He didn't say anything but looked up at me expectantly.

"You can call me Anna if you want, most people do."

He rolled his eyes.

"I am not most people مثل القمر."

Chuckling quietly, I trailed my finger lightly across the spine of the book closest to me.

"No you are not, much too modest for that. That thing you said at the end, what did it mean?"

Smirking he ignored my question and leafed through the pages of the book until finding the one he was looking for.

Oh well I'd try and look it up later, right now I had some reading to with the littlest Wayne.

Okay first off, I am working on the next chapter of TTAD. It's just giving me trouble but it is in the works. And you know midterms...so yeah.

Secondly, I feel that Damian may have been out of character so I apologize to any hard core fans of batman for OCCness. I just thought it was cute so that's were it ended up.

And thirdly, I had so much fun with these Batman one shots. As of now I'm leaving this open ended (can you say Jason Todd?) for more but if I don't want to end up writing an entirely different story I need to move on. So there is room for more just not right now.

What is currently in progress for the one shots are as follows.

Harry Potter crossover, is in the same AU of Anna as Thor and Loki's little sister. Featuring the twins.

Flash one shot

And a Sherlock one that I'm outlining.

Once again, I am always open to ideas and requests. And I love to toss around ideas so feel free to PM me whenever.

Now then, here are the translations in order of appearance.

Every time I talk less about you I think more about you. - Quote from one of Nizar al Qubbani's poems.

My Beloved Asks - Absolutely beautiful poem by Nizar al Qubbani I highly recommend checking him and his works out.

Like the moon - means you are found to be quite beautiful.

Thanks to jayctivst on tumblr for help and advice on the poems and translations. Go check her out runs a fab batfam blog. Oh and if you haven't go check out all the cool fanart of Anna and Dani on my tumblr at Finding Beauty In My Pain, there should be a link on my profile.

Thanks for reading! ^~^