He knew where to find her when all her other primary dwellings proved to be empty. Iris was not one to freely roam the Manor without him, and she was habitual in where she could be found. Maybe he had been foolish to check his bathroom last, but at the rush of steam and sweet-smelling air, his shoulders sagged. At least, this conversation wouldn't have to wait much longer.
Damian made his footfalls heavier than usual, not wanting to startle the girl where she lounged. The image made him pause, a smile struggling not to form on his face. He had never been one to use the claw foot tub - showers were much quicker and were easier to get out of in case of an emergency. At least it was getting put to use for once, colored bubbles dotting the surface of the water, obscuring his view. The closer he became the stronger the smell became, mint and citrus and something sweet he couldn't identify at once, and when he saw the music player sitting on the floor he realized that was why she was being unresponsive.
He sighed, shaking his head. He was glad that one of them was responsible out of the two of them. If both of them were as unguarded as she proved to be in her weakest moments, perhaps it would be best for them not to be together. He took a seat on the tiled floor, reaching over and turning her music off. She opened one eye to peek at him, and then the other, watching in silence as he coiled up the small electronic, earbuds pulling out with ease.
"What's wrong, Damian?"
Damian leaned back against the wall, facing her. He watched as her eyes danced between his own, concern written on her flushed features, sitting up a little and causing a ripple in the water. He really wished she hadn't done that. Talking to her was going to be hard enough as it was.
"We need to have a discussion." He picked a stray hair from his jeans, raising his eyes to the ceiling. She remained silent, her head tilted, waiting for him to continue to speak. "I want—… need to know your—… view point on having children."
There was an even further quiet, one that was no longer concerned or worried but hesitant, caught off guard by his words. They stared at each other, her eyebrows drawn and water dripping distractedly down her chest, and he hoped his expression didn't betray his unnerved he felt. He had always been one for brash words and he'd always been quick to anger, but this was uncharted territory for the Wayne. She was completely unmapped, unexplored, and even though he hoped he knew how she would respond, he could never be certain. She was as multifaceted as the ring on her finger, always catching light at never the same angle as before.
She acted without speaking, reaching toward the end of the bath tub and pulling out the drain stop. Unashamed, she stood and climbed out of the tub, reaching for the towel hanging not too far away, and pulled it around herself like a blanket. Without explanation she lowered herself onto his lap, wet hair dripping onto his shirt and warm lips pressing against his cheek.
"What do you think, Damian?" Irey finally spoke, pulling back far enough to get a good look at his face. "You know, it won't be easy. Not like Kori or Stephanie. I'm not wired right."
"None of this has been easy, Iris," he murmured, reaching an arm around her and pulling her closer, putting his nose in her hair. The sweet citrus smell was overwhelming, and he closed his eyes momentarily, exhaling a sigh. "It never will be."
"Then I suppose we'll rise to the challenge, whenever that may be." He could hear the smile in her voice and was content to stay where he was, her feet against his thigh and head under his chin. "You up for some more ginger in your life?"
"…I'd prefer not, but…"
