Chapter Text
A butterfly effect- a small wing flap to a tornado sounds ridiculous. But as a metaphor for a seemingly insignificant thing having unforgivable consequence? It made too much sense.
All the more reason to seize control of the winds themselves the moment they sway in your direction.
But sometimes, there is no seizing the wind. Only doing your absolute best to walk forward while being battered around like a fucking rag doll.
Or maybe wind wasn't the right metaphor- more like running into the eye of a tornado and hoping you manage to keep your feet on the ground.
Steph was losing her footing already.
“DAMIAN PLEASE ITS FOR CHARITY!!" Steph begged, slamming her elbows onto the table.
The physical sting of her funny bone meeting stone was nothing when compared to the emotional turmoil from this thirteen year old.
Damian sat coldly, dismissively sipping his glass of apple juice and cruelly ignoring her plight.
Steph groaned, resting her head on the counter and enjoying the small chill. "I would have thought you of all people would be jumping to help some poor defenseless animals not be killed."
Damian set his drink down next to his plate with more force than necessary, finally meeting her gaze with a glare. "Of course I support their mission- but I can simply donate remotely, no need to attend."
Yes- yes very much a need to attend. A need that had to do with a batista whose eyes were like honey pots and laughed like chimes in the wind.
"It's about showing support!" She protested, "A Wayne showing interest in this could mean whole crowds of people coming to support and giving their funds."
"And as a Wayne I could simply donate triple the funds such blatant pandering would otherwise provide."
Damian reached around his glass and picked up a piece of buttered toast on the side, lifting it up to his mouth but pausing before taking a bite as his assessing gaze fixated on Steph. “Why don't you cease your pestering and simply head off on your own?"
Actually, it was anything but simple- because Steph had been tasked with keeping an eye on Damian while Alfred ran some errands around town. Aka- she was on babysitting duty.
Why on earth she was held responsible was a matter of pure desperation.
Bruce was still “On a business trip” outside the fucking Milky Way, and Cass was overseas on her impromptu backpacking trip which totally wasnt also vigilante related.
Jason had on campus classes and “just so happened” to sign up for office hours for one of his professors he set her up, she knew, Babs was still recovering from her latest flare up, Alfred had errands, and…. What was Dick’s excuse again?
Didn't matter now-
The hard part wasn't even watching the brat, it was making sure he didn't KNOW you were meant to be watching him.
Last time someone let it slip they had to call “all hands on deck” and they found Damian sunbathing on a floatie three hours away on a random Jersey beach. He'd been gone for like an hour and a half.
“And on top of that- you waited to inquire about my attendance until the day of, which is completely inconsiderate of my personal schedule- what if I had plans?"
“Do you…have plans?"
Damian took a large bite of toast to avoid answering her question, which was an answer in itself.
But before Steph could push any further, she picked up on a small sound from down the hall. A shuffling and jingle of keys.
No one else was supposed to be home, nor would they be coming home for several hours.
Damian seemed to notice too, and within a blink, toast still in mouth, he now had a butter knife clenched in his hand.
Steph grabbed the butter dish itself, ignoring the look from Damian. But he'd already grabbed the one reasonable weapon and she could always chunk it like a brick.
They met eyes and Damian did several one handed motions. Steph nodded, skirting along the other side of the island and approaching the edge of the counter.
Damian readied the knife as she clutched the butter dish, both flanking each other as the sounds drew closer.
A figure slipped through the doorway and with a war cry they both attacked. The figure let out a girlish scream- limbs flying in the air as it cried out.
She recognized the voice and Oh-
Dick stood, a mess of limbs, his head jerked awkwardly to the side as a butter knife was embedded in the wall just a few inches from his face. The Butter dish had slipped out of her hand and shattered on the floor.
Damian paused, his hand still mid air after having chunked the knife. He reached and pulled the toast out of his mouth. “Oh Richard- you startled us”
Dick buffered, mouth opening and closing like a ventriloquist doll with no speaker. “I startled YOU-” His voice raised into that high tone again.
Damian shrugged and went back over to the table to continue his breakfast as Steph shot Dick a sheepish smile. “Welcome home?"
Dick sighed, his eyes slipping shut for just a moment before his hand slicked his hair back, letting the waves fall back into place. “You know what- why am I surprised?"
He reached up to the knife in the wall and yanked it out with ease, walking over and pausing for a moment. His brows scrunched together before his eyes darted over to the shattered remains of the butter dish on the floor.
Dick sighed again, even heavier this time and just set the knife in the sink to be rinsed off.
“To be fair I wasn't expecting anyone to be home right now-” he said as he walked over to the pantry and pulled out the broom and dust pan.
“Neither of you have school, it's a beautiful day outside- why not make plans?"
Steph skidded around the shard remains and over to Damian, ignoring the growl as she threw her arm around his shoulder. “I mean I t r i e d to invite Damian out to a little local cafe, but he's being stubborn.”
Damian rolled his shoulders, moving like a snake as he tried to slip away but Steph moved faster, continuing to keep balance and bat her eyes at Dick half hunched over the destroyed butter dish while wrangling him.
“Stephanie is the one who sprung these supposed plans on me last minute- with no consideration of my will or scheduling.”
Steph cupped her hand to her cheek as if whispering. “He has no plans,” she said, not lowering her voice whatsoever.
“It would do you good to get out of the house, it's been four days Damian.” Dick said as he lifted up the now full dustpan and emptied it out. “Even Jason stopped sulking already.”
“Bold of you to assume his sulking has not simply transitioned into venting- we both heard the lecture after Bluejay's last patrol.”
To be fair- a lecture over zoom call had less impact that Bruce probably hoped for. Thankfully Jay had found an outlet of investigating some new guy around the alley instead of bullying random Rouges.
Dick didn't protest, but instead leaned against the counter. “So what exactly were you trying to convince him to do?"
“A charity event at a local cafe- I was invited and didn't want to leave by myself, it's an all day thing but I'd like it to get there early before the crowds."
Dick paused- getting a strange look, then again when did he not look strange? "Wait, where is the cafe?"
"Far end, Narrows."
Dick snapped his fingers, and in one fluid motion pulled away from the counter and over towards the fridge. He picked up a bright green caterpillar magnet off and pulled out a piece of paper.
“Sleepy Kitten right?" He said, holding out the sheet of paper to Steph.
Damian tried to look disinterested but Steph could feel his gaze as she looked at the paper flyer for the charity event.
“How'd you even get this?"
“From my cinnamon savior of course-” he said with a cheeky grin.
Steph blinked. That- you know what? She was better off not questioning any of that. She instead accepted it for what it was, an opportunity.
Steph sat up in her chair, flipping the paper out of Dicks hand and showing it off with a beaming grin. “Well you wouldn't wanna disappoint your savior now would you? Means you can drive us!"
Damian let out a squawk, gearing up to object but Steph cut him off, her attention now solely on Dick. “We can grab some brunch, enjoy the ambiance and spend time in the Narrows for once that isn't related to our nightly ventures-”
“That sounds lovely Steph, but I'm still on call- and I don't want to worry about being whisked away half way through.” He sighed, but she caught the small gleam in his eye. He was tempted.
Time to unleash the ultimate secret weapon.
Steph deflated in her seat, letting out a downright pathetic sigh- she could see the betrayal on Damian’s face when he caught on to what she was doing, but it was far too late.
“It's okay… I was just really looking forward to bonding with my brothers.”
And with that, ladies and gentlemen, Dick Grayson-Wayne crumpled like a house of cards. Whipping to Steph with borderline tears in his eyes, horrified at the mere IDEA of denying her “bonding time.”
Dick snatched the paper, already putting the address into his phone and ignoring Damian's increasingly desperate attempts to grab his attention.
“Okay okay it's a short drive, and worse case scenario, I get called over. They don't close until 11- so plenty of time to pick you guys up before then!"
Damian loudly moved his chair- taking his dishes and setting them in the sink. “Well then you two have fun, I shall enjoy an unusually serene estate.”
But right as he moved to wander off Dick grabbed his shoulder. “Oh no you don't- Steph is right, we are in desperate need of some bonding- and you are in desperate need of getting out of the house.”
“Now, both of you get dressed- I need to grab my going out jacket, be ready to head out T-minus twenty minutes!!"
Dick gave no further warning before disappearing down one of the off hallways from the kitchen and leaving Steph and Damian alone.
Damian turned his glare onto Steph, looking as if he hoped to melt her with his gaze alone. He'd been spending way too much time with Jon. “That was low, even for the likes of you Stephanie.”
Steph grinned, leaning down to Damian's height, condescending of course. “Oh trust me baby bat-” she ruffled his hair and stood up, getting a head start upstairs.
She needed all the time she could afford. After all, she was aiming to impress.
“-I can always go lower.”
___________________________________________________________
Damian had desired two things from his afternoon in his father and grandfather's absence. That was to simply enjoy a meal he'd managed to put together himself, and continue to stay indoors.
He was brooding, not “wallowing in his misery.”
But even if he was, it would be justified from the catastrophe that was his brilliant infiltration plan. He had misjudged his opponent, and faced the embarrassment of consequences.
Of course his questions about Drake had only grown, and he didn't intend on stopping his investigation until he got the full puzzle. His failure only meant he needed time to reevaluate.
But before he could begin to start down that avenue, he would need to come to terms with the pit in his chest when he even thought of the man.
However, any chance of planning during his brooding was destroyed by Stephanie's insistent pleading and subsequent winning over of their eldest. Who was disappointingly weak to such clear manipulation.
Well- hopefully such a noble cause would mean better company, or at the very least tolerable.
The car idled as Dick put it in park, quickly unbuckling his seat belt. “Alright best parking in the Narrows- and only a small walk to the cafe, and you guys say the planning was unnecessary.”
“Best spot in the Narrows huh?” Steph asked as she hopped out of the car, adjusting her light blue dress “So we're now only 45% likely to come back to a broken window.”
“No one's going to break our window,” He protested.
“As much as it pains me to agree with Stephanie, you did opt to bring one of Father’s... nicer cars.”
Dick paused, glancing back at the car. “I-…worst case scenario Uncle Harvey’s law firm deals with our insurance.”
Well- Damian couldn't argue with that now could he? Dent was very capable in ways Father often fell short, in other words his oversight was comforting.
This was far from Damian's first time in the Narrows but most of his experiences had been in the dead of night, jumping between rooftops without the time to truly admire the area.
From sunup to sun down, the Narrows were bustling, the threat of violence significantly dropped during the daylight hours.
People were walking all around, on the way to or away from work, dipping in and out of shops or chatting to the side of honking cars and bikes.
There were vendor stands lining the streets, yelling out their wares while debating with customers over the cost of the smallest grape.
One in particular had a whole crew laughing as music played and showing off stands of fruit. The main stand stood a burly man, knife in hand as he chopped up a giant watermelon, the entire cutting board stained bright red.
Damian could smell just how fresh it was.
Dick was already a step ahead, flashing a smile and quickly rattling off some Spanish faster than he could interpret and soon enough all three of them had their own little triangle of the melon.
Damian ignored the smug smirk as he took a bite, the juice practically falling onto the ground despite his best efforts. It was messy, and uncouth, and completely unbecoming of a Wayne or an Al Ghul.
“God this is delicious- I fucking love markets,” Steph moaned as she finished off her piece, glancing over to Damian’s with only a single bite out of it. “You gonna finish that?"
Damian met her eye, and shoved half of the melon in his mouth.
The walk was surprisingly pleasant all things considered, and after finishing their melon and dumping the rinds in a small patch of grass (good fertilizer or at the very least easy access to a hungry animal) they had arrived at the cafe.
It was- eccentric.
The bright blue awning he could see from down the block, and mismatched metal furniture chained to the concrete below, and yet every seat was filled with customers laughing and chatting amongst themselves.
Dick pushed the door open and a small chime bell sounded off as they stepped inside. It was bustling, people gathered, drinks in hand or flipping through books that seemed to come from the half dozen bookshelves lining the walls.
Any wall space that was free had been covered in various works of art or knick knacks.
Steph tapped him on the shoulder and pointed up, pulling Damian’s gaze over towards the second story, a whole library in itself.
Well- seemed someone involved in this establishment had taste.
“Cinnamon boy I just knew I recognized ya-!" A Gotham accented voice called out and Damian’s attention was drawn to the short blonde woman just behind the counter, as she beckoned them forward.
Dick grinned and waved, grabbing both Steph and Damian by the shoulders and mushing them forwards. “Hi Gwen- woah this place is busy isn't it.”
Gwen beamed, a motion he had seen many times by Richard. “Yeah the turnout has been amazing- a lot of these people are regulars stopping by on their lunch break as a show of support, so it'll likely calm down in a half hour or so. But I'm super glad you could stop by- who are these two?"
Damian stepped forward before Richard could butcher his introduction. “My name is Damian Wayne, Richard is my eldest brother- I shall make clear I was dragged here against my will.” He ignored Dicks hiss and steamrolled on.
“But I am pleased at your cause as well as the fact that the manner of your establishment shows some level of taste.”
Gwen blinked, but instead of turning up her nose or laughing him off as most did she just continued to smile. “It's a pleasure Damian, and the decor is all Obi and their folks- you might spot them up in the library, which feel free to browse.”
“We encourage people to read whatever they like but if something has truly caught your eye there are prices inside. Any profit made today, books included, will be donated so please indulge.”
Damian raised his chin, “I just might-”
As soon as he finished Gwen turned her attention to Steph, tilting her head in a way that caused her hair to fall over her face. “And you are?"
Steph- turned pink? “Oh um- My name is Stephanie- or well just Steph, these are kinda my brothers, it's complicated.”
Gwen brushed her hair behind her ear with a small chuckle. “Alright then Just Steph- and no need to explain to me hon- when isn't family complicated?"
Steph laughed just a bit too loudly, throwing her elbow on the counter. “You got that right!" She shifted, her elbow slipping and almost knocking over a jar of pens.
It was only thanks to trained instincts she managed to grab it, and yet she still floundered on putting it back on the counter.
It made no sense-
Stephanie flushing, her odd speech patterns, and now this clumsiness?
Oh for god's sake was Stephanie ill and yet had still insisted on coming?
While Damian appreciated her tenacity for supporting such a mission that was plain idiotic.
He turned to Dick, hoping his eldest would have the insight to pick up and call their visit short. Despite how daft he appeared, Richard was a people person, he picked up on cues that would allude even Cassandra's clever perception.
Dick however, had an understanding gleam in his eyes. But instead of rushing to press his hand against Stephanie's forehead he looked almost- thrilled? Was he debating on her downfall? As far as Damian was aware they had not any recent disagreements.
Ah- except for the condiment man fiasco.
That was it then. Stephanie was sick, Dick was complicit in her suffering out of some petty revenge.
He would expect that sort of behavior from Todd but well, they weren't so different in the end.
Damian would not interfere though, even Dick would not compromise their health and safety no matter how petty, so he would let it slide.
Gwen straightened her posture. “So what can I get ya guys?"
Dick leaned forward, making a show of examining the board then sighing as he turned to Steph. “I have no idea- any suggestions Steph?"
Steph’s eyes widened. “Oh I haven't um- been here before”
Dick tilted his head, curls falling in place and yet piercing blue gaze did not waver. “Really now?" He paused just long enough and then clapped his hands together.
“In that case can I get a medium hot hazelnut coffee? Normal cream and sugar please.”
Gwen nodded, already scurrying off mid order, which seemed unprofessional. But then again this was a small establishment and an even smaller counter space. “Absolutely, anything else?"
Well- if he was forced to be here might as well take advantage of Richard’s wallet.
Steph shoved Dick slightly, moving to step further in front of the counter but leaning over as to be more visible to Gwen. “Can I get an Iced chai and a blueberry muffin…please?"
Damian turned up his nose in distaste, he would not let Stephanie's illness subject her to poor decision making and further her suffering. “Stephanie I am aware you have a horrid taste- but ordering a chai? Here?"
Gwen perked up slightly, but he cared not if he hurt her feelings. It was not an insult to her skill if she was simply given inferior ingredients from the start.
But for some reason Steph jumped to defense. “Actually the owner’s husband is Indian, refuses the apparently bastardized American version- trust me Dami it'll be fine.”
Gwen had since returned to the counter, Richard’s drink in hand. Her eyes were slightly squinted, leaning forward as she seemed to analyze if she believed Steph’s words. Well she must have seen something because suddenly she lit up into a bright grin.
“Coming up!” she laughed. “And for you Damian?"
For a split second Damian felt odd about being called by his name to what was practically a stranger, but well now he had an answer. He needed to ensure Stephanie was in fact not mentally compromised.
“I too will have an Iced chai, and… do you happen to have any middle eastern desserts?"
“Hmm..You wanna slice of Baklava?"
Yes, yes he did.
_________________________________________
Dick was doing everything in his power not to scream as he guided his siblings over to the table. He knew something was up as soon as Steph pulled out her “ultimate secret weapon” one that she had definitely picked up from Jason.
He wasn't as “Easily manipulated” as most of his siblings believed, but after Jason…He always regretted not listening, and he refused to make the same mistake again.
Besides, whatever was important enough for her to pull that was worth taking seriously. And Damian had been wallowing since the moment they arrived back at the manor after Wednesday's whole- event.
It was getting to the point Alfred was concerned over the utter lack of attempted break ins to the cave in Bruce's absence. So it was a win-win situation he decided to take.
And oh god was he thrilled with the outcome.
Steph had a crush, a crush on a barista. It was a hallmark meet cute that made his heart melt. Not to mention after jumping to her defense from Damian, Gwen had appeared just as interested.
Dick sipped his drink, enjoying the subtle nutty taste as he continued to glance at Steph, practically half hung over the table and dreamily starting over at the counter.
Gwen had been right- and in the half hour they had been there, the cafe had cleared up considerably. There was still that quiet humm of chatter from the groups spread out, but it had gotten “quiet”.
He spared a glance at Damian who was still picking at his crumbs of Baklava, his now empty chai cup half tipped over as well as he held a book in his other hand.
“Art of War by Sun Tzu,” which, well- that was about what he'd expected when he disappeared to the upstairs library and returned with a small skip in his step.
The good thing about Dami reading was it was just about the one consistent time he let down his guard. Other than when he was sleepy of course.
Dick leaned over, nudging Steph with his shoulder and shying back a bit as she startled. “Hey- you should take my card and go buy Damian another round before he starts getting hangry.”
Steph glanced over at him before looking back at Dick. Her eyes narrowed just a bit before she sighed. “...You know?”
“I know.” He admitted.
“Am I that obvious?”
“Well-” He paused, “You’re not discrete? But not too bad.”
Dick grabbed the sides of his chair and scooted closer, “Why not go for it? I know you lied about this being your first time chatting.”
Steph's face did something complicated before falling on slight embarrassment. “Well when we first met it wasn't exactly… me.”
“Ah-” In a mask then. A shame, but shockingly, not Dick’s first rodeo with almost that exact scenario. “Well what's stopping you now- you gotta start somewhere.”
“She's busy,” Steph objected, and gestured back to the counter.
Dick looked to the counter and yes, while the cafe had emptied quite a bit there was one patron in particular who was sitting right next to the counter and chatting away with Gwen.
He was a pretty average height guy with mousy Stephanie hair and some freckles spotted across his cheek bones.
Gwen half leaned over the counter chatting to him as he took another large gulp of his drink. They seemed to at least be familiar, comfortable even. But not in a romantic sense from what he guessed, and he was rarely wrong.
“Then we'll both go-” He stood. “You good by yourself Dami?"
Damian didn't even bother looking up from his book, just waving them off dismissively.
Dick held back an eye roll and picked up his plate, He puffed up- ready to not so subtly shove Steph in the direction to help.
But right as he opened his mouth his voice was drowned out by a loud blaring alarm.
Eyes were drawn to them from all over the cafe as he cursed quietly, scrambling to pull his phone out of his pocket.
Silencing the alarm as he checked over the message. Oh shit.
It was a five alarm, and he needed to get over there now, no time to rush them home. Fuck and it was in the warehouse district, that was going to be a mess and a half- maybe even a cover up? He'd need to wait for fire inspector reports before doing much else and-
“Dick?" Steph craned her neck to stare him down “Everything... fine?"
Double Oh shit.
Dick winced, meeting her gaze. “I’m so sorry-”
“Wait…don't do this to me.”
Damian finally tore his eyes off his book as Dick grabbed his bag and began ruffling through it.
“I told you I was on call, I really gotta go-” He protested, pulling out one of his spare debit cards and a hundred in twenties and handed one stack to each of them. “This should cover food and drinks until I can get someone to pick you guys up.”
Damian opened his mouth but Dick quickly moved his hand. “Dami don't you dare call a cab or walk home- just… enjoy the library and I promise I'll make it up to you with a trip to the animal sanctuary.”
Thankfully all the fight left Damian as he handed the debit card to Steph. “Well now what?"
Dick forced his panic to the back of his mind, the call was bad, he knew that if they bothered calling him in.
But he needed to keep a smile, no need to burden them with tragedy more than they already were. And not to worry about them following him to a five alarm fire.
He grinned, a playful smile and ruffled her expertly styled hair. “Well now you gotta roll solo, but this is far from your first time without backup- now be brave and keep an eye on your brother, I love you both.”
Dick pressed a quick kiss to her forehead and to Damian’s before all but rushing out the door.
He didn't wait for a response, he didn't have time for a proper pep talk or even a consolation- he needed to go and now.
And to his luck, the car window hadn't been broken by the time he came back.
So take that 55% odds!!
_______________________________________________
Steph held the card in hand, looking over to Damian who thankfully seemed to have taken Dick’s words seriously and wasn't going to flee the moment she took her eyes off him.
Still- what was she going to do? She prided herself on “not giving a fuck” but right now she very much did, give a fuck that is.
But before she could go down her, totally justified, mental spiral, a small finger jabbed into the side of her arm.
She jumped, whipping to face Damian whose eyebrows were creased in complete distaste.
Ah that was his worried expression. “What's up?"
“I want more food and another of this chai,” Damian demanded. “As for yourself, you look like you could use a warm tea of some kind- and something else… easy on the stomach.”
“Are you… trying to help me?" Steph said, as if she didn't believe her own words. Which she really didn't.
Damian pulled his book further up to obscure his face. “Just- go do what you must, I will wait here unless you require my aid- but we should both hope it doesn't come to that.”
Was Damian- trying to wingman her? It was weirdly adorable, but mostly weird.
But if Damian was being supportive then maybe it wasn't just Dick’s delusion… maybe she could do this.
Steph stood up. “Yeah you're right- I've got this!”
“Uh huh- ask if they have any Warbat.”
She waved him off, already walking over to where Gwen and her friend were, their voices becoming clear as she approached.
“- I don't care how rough your week has been, any more shots and I’ll get a chance to test out if the defib in the back works.”
Her friend scrunched his nose and let out a heavy sigh. “As long as Zeek hasn't got his hands on it, I'm sure it works just fine.”
“I think the bigger concern is Jerry.”
“Wait wait- don't tell me you guys snuck him into the back?"
“Of course not,” Gwen protested, but when the boy raised his brow she avoided his gaze. “He sneaks in all’ his own.”
“Of course he does-” The boy sighed, hunching his shoulders down.
However the moment Steph drew closer to the counter his head jerked up and locked onto her. She almost froze in place then and there- but no she needed to be brave.
Gwen looked up at her, big Stephanie eyes lighting up. “What's up buttercup?"
Steph died then and there, but still managed to find her voice. “Damian finished so I’m grabbing seconds, and maybe a hot tea?"
“Of course!” Gwen beamed, “Ey Alan- You don't mind me bailing right?”
Alan shook his head, pulling his eyes back to his friend and giving a hesitant smile. “Duty calls, just yell at Zeek to hurry with my fries- I’m a paying customer too ya know.”
It seemed a bit chiding, but Gwen only laughed, he had a humor like Jason then- noted.
Steph followed as Gwen walked back to the other side of the counter and by the register.
“Well to start- What kind of tea do you like?"
“Well what do you have?"
Gwen blinked before glancing over to a wall that- oh god. Steph was face to face with a floor to ceiling shelf filled with jars, cans, or small baggies, each an almost handmade looking label of what she could only assume was tea.
“Y e a h- its a cafe, and Obi’s family are tea snobs, if it can be a tea- we probably have it,” Gwen hissed through her teeth.
“That is- kind of amazing but also holy shit?"
Gwen leaned forward on the counter, her blouse ruffling slightly under the aircon. “When I say I first got the job and was told I had to memorize them? I almost quit then and there.”
“So then why didn't you?" Steph asked, eyes scanning but names and colors blended together.
“Eh, it’s Gotham, worse jobs for worse pay- it’s honestly a pretty good gig.” She got a look in her eyes, something almost somber before falling back on Steph. “So- tea?"
“Um… surprise me?"
Whatever was left of Gwen's somber expression vanished. “I'll have that ready in a jiff-” she said with a wink before turning to the tea mountain.
God she was such a fucking lesbian- but hey despite Dick ditching her, she was doing pretty well. Maybe not the stage of flirting but she was working and she didn't want to assume customer service as mutual interest.
Besides- Damian was playing wingman which was not something she ever expected in her lifetime. But go off little man. Steph looked up- and Damian wasn’t at the table.
Lesbian panic aside, she quickly scanned the room but she couldn't see those telltale black spikes anywhere. Where the fuck was-
“Stephanie, have you gotten your tea?"
Steph did not yelp but she most certainly did jump, clutching her chest as she turned a glare onto the brat.
“Damian, my littlest brother whom I love and adore,” she said in a sing-song voice, “I thought you were reading?"
“I finished,” he said, refusing to elaborate.
“Wait what- you just picked it up like a half hour ago?”
Damian's lip curled in a slight sneer. “It was less than a hundred pages- to be still occupied would be an embarrassment.”
Steph sighed, of course, “So you got impatient for your treat- ?"
Damian stepped up, mimicking an intimidation tactic from Jay- but it fell short as soon as she noted he was on his tippy toes. “Have you gone deaf as well? I asked if you received your hot tea- it is imperative that preventive treatment is taken before you reach the next stage.”
“What the fu-”
Steph cut herself off as Gwen returned, a steaming cup in one hand as she set it on the table “Here you go! It's Oolong, with just a little sugar and honey, it's one of my favorite simple blends.”
Her gaze turned to Damian as she smiled. “Need help?"
“Where are your animal books- I would have asked the friend you mentioned but they cannot be located.”
“Oh shi-oot, they probably got distracted sorting something in the back,” Gwen winced. “But yeah animal books are over there, feel free to harass Alan- I swear he knows this place better than I do.”
“Oh and before you go, here take his drink-” Gwen quickly ducked behind the counter and pulled out a coffee cup, a red sleeve and handed it over to Damian.
Damian put both his hands out to grab the coffee and glanced over at Alan, but did not move yet.
He made a not so subtle nod to the tea and refused to tear his eyes away until Steph took a gulp.
Once she did he nodded, satisfied, and headed off.
“He's a strange kid. Cute though,” Gwen admitted with a shrug.
“Oh absolutely, just don't let him hear you say that-”
“Noted,” She chuckled, “and speaking off, which pastry did he want again?"
Steph wracked her brain for a second before snapping her fingers. “He asked about Warbat? I imagine whichever kind that is.”
“Oh yes- I think we have some, it's a different style of Baklava that's cream filled- basically the difference between ice cream and soft serve,” She said, quickly ducking down the large glass dessert counter and pulling out a small rectangular pastry.
“Huh- didn't know that,” Steph admitted as she set the pastry bag aside.
Gwen seemed to light up even more, as if that was possible. “Fascinating right? Honestly I've always loved pastries, it was yet another reason I accepted this job- tea memorization and all.”
“And with Obi’s parents being so obsessed with bringing different cultural treats to Gotham, I learned to make so many more treats and really just facts in general-”
Steph paused, waving her hand out. “Wait wait- do you bake everything?"
Gwen tilted her head aside, her angel wing clips barely keeping the hair out of her face. “Well most of it anyways- but Mrs. Fowler definitely helps.”
“That's- amazing Gwen.”
Gwen turned a shade of pink, and this time Steph wasn't as convinced it was just the lighting. “Thank you- but seriously I better stop before I talk your ear off”
Oh hell no-
Steph practically put half her weight on the counter, “What no no no- you can't just offer the concept of baked goods beyond my Americanized imagination and not tell me absolutely everything?"
“Are… you sure?"
“Absolutely.” More than anything else in her life, literally ever.
“Okay okay if you insist, then how about the fact that a lot of desserts in Japan most were actually introduced by western influence and actual traditional desserts include mochi or dorayaki can still be-”
Oh yeah- soooo very sure.
_______________________________________
Damian balanced the coffee in his hands- it was warm against his palms and yet the smell of espresso was so strong it felt like his eyes would water if he were any weaker a man.
Damian reached the table and went to fork over this monstrosity beverage but paused. Because on the man's laptop was a very familiar logo.
Drake Industries in big print with the small flying dragon just to the side.
Maybe this outing was not, in fact, a waste.
Alan seemed to be even more focused on his computer, avoiding acknowledging Damian whatsoever. Perhaps he recognized him?
It was not uncommon for the Wayne name to be looked down upon by residents of the Narrows or Park Row, seeing them as nothing more than socialites “playing amongst the common folk.”
A while ago- Damian would have said they were right. However- A while ago, was not now.
“Are you an associate of Drake Industries?"
Alan startled, knocking his knees into the table. He barely managed to catch two coffee cups from spilling everywhere.
His reaction time was impressive, but then again his perception of “impressive” feats was extremely warped.
“What-?" He balked, looking at Damian as if he was a ghost.
Damian made a small show of swirling the drink in hand. “An associate of Drake Industries? Your laptop has a sticker of the company logo-”
Alan slapped his laptop shut- looking at the back with an expression of mild horror. Had he forgotten his own decor? Or was he shamed by his work?
“Right.” He grit through his teeth. “So what do you want?"
Damian finally placed the drink on the table. “Well what I want is directions to this establishment's books on various animals- as well the barista asked I give this to you as she is occupied speaking to Stephanie.”
“However I am also intrigued by your connection to Drake Industries- are you one to deny a child their curiosity?"
Alan's face screwed up like he'd sucked on a lemon as he picked up the drink. “Did you poison this?"
Now it was Damian's turn to balk. “I- no?"
God why couldn't Richard be here- Damian was skilled, but not when it came to dealing with civilians who could very easily shut him down with no reprieve.
Something in his tone must have rung true since Alan proceeded to drink the monstrosity, tension practically melting out of his shoulders as his Adam's apple bobbed with each gulp.
He finished with a sigh and reopened his laptop, the small laminated dragon shining, taunting Damian- but he recognized when he shouldn't press.
“Well if you will not answer, will you still aid me in finding a good book?"
Alan still didn't answer, so Damian did the rational thing and loudly pulled out the chair across from him and took a seat.
He stared at the man's head as he hunched over, tapping away at his keyboard.
He was probably waiting for Damian to give up. Were he any normal teen he might have- but considering his training in Nanda Parbat and the fact Damian had done stake outs as Robin in the cold and rain, he would not be so easily dismayed.
Surely his investigative skills- he could locate the section himself and browse to his taste. But now it was a matter of principle.
Alan was good- he'd admit that. He played off occasional glances very well, his only give away was just how each time he set his coffee cup down with more and more force.
It was amusing.
.
.
.
.
About a half hour passed, with Gwen sneaking over his treat since Stephanie had seemed to have forgotten him entirely.
He'd even finished the treat and his new chai tea without wavering from his staredown to the man.
Finally, Alan's chair screeched as he pulled it back, standing up fast enough to almost startle Damian. Almost.
“Fine, fine you want an animal book I'll get you one.”
Alan marched over to a bookshelf just adjacent to where he had been before and without a double glance, plucked a book off and marched back.
He unceremoniously tossed the book at Damian who caught it with ease.
He glanced at the cover and- “A Pocket Guide to Pigeon watching?" Damian asked with a sneer.
Alan nodded, looking amused at his reaction as well. “Amazing and complex creatures, and some we have just about all over- of course I completely understand if it's too boring an animal for you.”
That sounded like a challenge- and Damian was tempted, but what did he have to prove? This was not one of his brothers- there was no bragging rights of being proven correct, just satisfaction.
But would that be enough?
“I'm not getting up again- so it's either that or find something on your own and hope you can reach.”
Damian spared a glance to the shelf that, regrettably, was just a bit higher than he could be able to achieve without some skilled moves that would be otherwise unallowed in his civilian form.
He sighed, but as a final petty notion, he also refused to get up. Remaining sat just across from this Alanokay?
The boy had a slightly awkward expression on his face as he stood just a bit away. He was tall but baby face she could tell he was young, even when drowned in his dark blue hood and sweats.
Despite bronze skin, Steph could practically see the harsh blush the moment their conversation had ceased and attention turned on him.
“Oh shit- I'm so so sorry to interrupt,” He said, hand rubbing the back of his neck.
But Gwen quickly waved her hand out, “It's no problem, I'm still on the clock afterall so dont worry hon- what can I get for you?"
“Mom’s regular please, she's coming home late and I wanna have it ready for her-” He replied, lighting up like the sun and honestly? Steph couldn't even be the least bit annoyed at how sweet he sounded.
Gwen seemed the same, her entire expression radiating nothing but fondness. “Of course Duke- and ya sure you don't need some yourself? You look half dead.”
Duke leaned against the counter, blinking blearily before mustering a bright smile. “I'm all good, just classes kicking my ass- and I thought middle school was rough.”
Steph held her tongue from calling out “Language” on pure instinct. But she paused as she noticed a thin golden chain catch the light. It seemingly slipped out from the hood, and now the pendant lay against the counter.
A small sun- huh, how ironic.
“I love your necklace, it suits you,” Steph complimented, looking away to meet his gaze.
Only then did she notice his eyes, a mid tone brown, had flecks of gold sprinkled throughout the iris.
Duke seemed to wake up as his hand cradled the pendant, and his already bright smile turned beaming. “Thank you! My mom bought it for me its even engraved look”
He flipped it over and sure enough there were the words “My little lark” in beautiful cursive etched into the metal back.
“Your mom sounds amazing, she's lucky to have you-”
“And I'm lucky she doesn't have the heart to kick me out no matter how much of a menace I am” Duke sighed.
“You? A menace? You should meet my brother”
Gwen laughed as she finished up what looked to be a large hot coffee and set it on the counter, the lid being a bright yellow color. “Well if you wont take coffee, how about a chocolate chip cookie-”
Duke's eyes sparkled, but he quickly shook his head as he slipped the necklace back into his hood. “I didn't bring that much cash with me- I walked over ya know?"
“I know,” She said with a sigh. “Good practice never carrying much walkin Narrows, even during the day kid- but consider it on the house.”
Before Duke could decline Gwen had already whipped out a small pastry bag and placed the cookie inside, holding it out.
Duke hesitated to take it, big almost gold colored eyes wide as he stared at the
bag. “Are you sure? I have some change so I can at least give something, it's a fundraiser day afterall.”
Gwen tossed the bag, making Duke catch it mid air as she pulled back. “Today is a day of giving yes, so take the damn cookie Thomas and let me continue my ramblings.”
Duke ducked and in one motion he pulled out a handful of crumpled dollar bills and some change, shoving them in the tip jar.
“I'll be going- thanks Gwen!" He called out quickly before sprinting out, coffee and cookie in hand.
The doorbell chimed as it shut and Steph watched as the kid jumped back, almost running into a taxi- The car beeped as she could practically hear the apologies falling off his lips.
“IM OKAY” Duke mouthed as he shot a thumbs up to the window before disappearing into the crowded streets.
Gwen laughed, shaking her head with a sigh. “God that kid- I love em.”
Steph couldn't agree more, and let out a heavy sigh “Why can't Damian be that much of a sweetheart?"
Gwen shot her hand out with a knowing look. “Don't let his adorableness fool you- kid is a menace, I swear I've seen him tackle more muggers than most officers.”
Steph balked “Seriously? I mean he's tall and has some muscle but this is Gotham.”
“Yup- but he's born n raised, I swear that kid sees danger and runs at it with glee.”
That amount of reckless abandon reminded her of Damian, gave them all a heart attack at least once a week- assassin training aside. Steph looked at the pastry on the counter, shit how long ago did she get that?
She picked up the bag and turned to their table only to find it empty. Oh fuck where the fuck had he gone now? Did he catch a bus home? Dick was going to kill her- no no Alfred was. Dammit she let lesbian longing get in the way of babysitting.
Steph paused as she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder, she met Gwens eye’s with a knowing look as she pointed across the cafe.
Sitting at a completely different table was Damian- one leg crossed over, a book in hand. To anyone else he looked mildly amused, but Steph could tell he was practically vibrating with excitement.
What. The fuck?
Steph quickly walked over, barely recognizing the fact that he was sitting with Gwen's friend Alan and instead focused on the fact Damian looked like- well a kid?
Before she said anything Damian looked up, eyes sparkling and he blurted out, “Did you know Pigeons produce milk to feed to their young?"
Oh my god- he'd finally lost it.
“I- no?"
“They also were used as messenger birds due to their phenomenal homing abilities- especially during several American wars.”
“That's nice Dami, but what are you ta-” Steph winced as Damian slammed his hand on the table.
“Inform Pennyworth that I wish to go birdwatching- he can retrieve the necessary provisions.”
Gwen spoke up, apparently having followed Steph and now only standing a foot or so behind with her hands on her hips. “Alan- what did you do?"
Alan tensed up, avoiding Steph's gaze and oh shit she knew him. Or well sorta- but no mistaking, he was the laptop guy the first time she came here.
“You brushed off the kid onto me-”
“Not a kid,” Damian interrupted, now staring back at his book.
“-The child onto me and he stared at me until I got him a damm book, well I got him a book now what's the problem?"
Gwen rolled her eyes but Steph spoke before she did.
“You broke him.” She said, meeting Alan's light Stephanie eyes and gesturing at Damian. “Look at him, he's broken!"
Alan glanced at Damian and then shrugged. “Not my problem either way- now will you please leave me in peace so I can work?"
“You're always working-” Gwen sighed, bordering on dramatic.
“Because there's always work to be done,” Alan protested. “No rest for the wicked after all, now anything else or can I continue.”
You know what? Steph couldn't deal. Besides, she did what she came here for. She pulled out her phone and texted Jason demanding pick up.
Thankfully she barely had time to send another mildly pleading threat before Jason's typing bubble popped up.
Asshat: [Ha. You lost him?]
Silly Billy: [no]
Silly Billy: [but i'm about to lose my shit if we don't get back]
Asshat: [Coords?]
Steph sent the address and to her relief got a confirmation and a twenty minute ETA. Well that was just enough time to close on a good note and be able to show her face again sometime next week.
“Alright Damian, Jason’s on his way to get us- ready?"
Damian snapped his book shut and held it out to Gwen. “Stephanie, give the good woman Richard’s card, I wish to purchase this book.”
“As you command my liege,” Steph agreed, dropping her head in a bow as she waltzed towards the counter once more.
Gwen looked far too amused as she rang up the book, Steph made sure to click max tip and shove what was left of her spending cash into the tip jar.
“All set!” Gwen said as she handed over the paper bag, book inside.
Damian accepted the bag and then quickly riffled through his pockets. He pulled out the hundred cash Dick had given him and handed it right to Gwen.
“Please put this towards the fundraiser total- and do contact me if the cafe does not reach its goal, Wayne Industries will be happy to make up the dividend,” he proclaimed, then turned heel and walked off.
“He doesn't even have a phone…” Steph amended.
Gwen laughed at that, shoving the money in what looked to be a raccoon shaped cookie jar under the counter. Once she came back up she held out a notebook and pen, now looking somewhat shy?
But before Steph could ask what was up- her attention was instead drawn to Damian who had returned to Alan's table. The man looking on the verge of tears at the sight of him.
God Jason could not show up fast enough.
________________________________________________
Damian tried to withhold his glee at his new treasured possession. Who knew pigeons descended from such mighty beasts as dinosaurs still maintained such complex lives and behaviors?
It was fascinating and he had one person to thank.
Alan looked downright devastated when he noted Damian approaching him again, but whatever slave labor he was enduring under Drake could wait until Damian had his word.
Damian cleared his throat, and waited until the steady clicking of keys had ceased and Alan was looking right at him.
His- huh…
Damian hadn't noticed he was wearing contacts. Something he’d learned was all too common in the west, but it was still a bit unnerving, noting that small circle over the eye.
Eyes were windows to the soul after all, and they obscured.
Damian shook his head- he had returned for a reason after all. “I wanted to thank you, and compliment your good taste,” he said, lifting his chin as he spoke.
Alan blinked, glancing aside, his contact even more visible from the side. “Um- thanks?"
Damian nodded, reaching in his pocket and pulling out a small card that he set on the table, tapping it twice with his finger.
Satisfied, he walked away. The deal was set- as his Mother had taught him.
Damian made his way to the doorway, Stephanie still standing next to Gwen.
God it was as if the whole afternoon they had been glued by the hips, except for whenever Gwen had customers, even then Stephanie was only a few feet away.
At this rate she was going to infect her with whatever illness she had procured through her own carelessness. While Damian normally refused to interfere in his siblings' antics, he would not simply allow her to jeopardize the health of a civilian.
“You should sanitize your hands,” he said, feeling a small pleasure as he startled Stephanie.
“Why's that?" Gwen asked, tilting her head.
“I will not allow Stephanie's carelessness with her own health infect you.”
Steph blinked. “Damian, what the hell are you going on about?"
Damian puffed up his chest, glaring at her. It was one thing to play careless, but to deny when confronted with the facts? That was just disgraceful.
“Your clumsiness, flushed complexion, stuttering sentences, the signs are all there Stephanie.” He stepped closer.
“You are ill, or at least in the beginning stages- and since the hot tea seemed to not have helped, in fact I would say your symptoms have worsened since you have arrived.”
As he spoke, Steph’s entire face turned scarlet, just proving his point. But instead of admitting she had been found, she rushed forward- one hand wrapping around his chest and the other covering his mouth.
Damian thrashed, not wanting to be victim to Stephanie's infection, but she seemed to gather supernatural strength as she began to drag him away. And he refused on principal to stoop to the low of biting her, however tempting.
He barely paid attention to Steph’s stuttered apologies, face an even more vivid shade of crimson as she shoved Damian to the doors.
“Cmon I can hear Jason's bike from here, now lets go.”
Damian screeched behind her hand, caring not for the stares they received.
“I promise I'm not kidnapping him-” Steph called out. “If I was it wouldn't be this asshole!"
Well now Damian had no choice- he sunk his teeth into Stephanie's hand, ignoring her yelp and taking the opportunity to leave the cafe. He would need Jason's aid if he wished to deal with Stephanie effectively afterall.
Steph waved her hand, she could see the teeth imprints, how fucking hard did that brat bite her? Never again- as much as she loved Alfred never again.
Gwen stood in front of her, notebook and pen in hand, her face slightly flushed “Are you... okay?"
“I’m fine-” Steph sighed, “shockingly, not the first time”
Gwen nodded, suddenly turning away and going silent.
Before Steph could ask what was up- a man appeared behind the counter, his silver piercings shining from the lights and holy shit he was built like a brick house, bigger than Jay even.
He met Steph’s eyes, and his expression morphed into what could only be called a “shit eating grin” as he called out “Quit being a pussy and ask for her number already!"
Without a breath passing, Gwen had turned bright red and whipped to him. “Shut up Zeek- before I break your fucking Bat!"
Zeek put his hands up in surrender, but Steph honestly was very occupied.
She- did not compute? Holy fuck had she been hit by some toxin and didn’t notice? Because there was no way this was her reality.
“You um- what?"
Gwen sighed, the fight visibly leaving her. Her hands were so soft… “I would like your number Steph… please.”
Honey pot eyes met hers as she placed the pen in Steph’s hand. “So… is that a yes?"
“YES-!" She winced as some customers turned over. “Yes yes, so much yes um hold on-”
Steph fumbled with opening the pen as she scribbled down her number. And her socials, and she barely held back from writing her social security number.
Gwen took the paper, tearing it off the pad and folding it in half. She stuck it in her apron pocket with a smile. “I'll text you then.”
“Yeah yeah- anytime yeah,” Steph stuttered out. She could feel her phone buzzing in her pocket, and she really did need to catch up with Damian.
“Yeah-” she said, before unceremoniously ducking out the cafe door, her heart still thudding against her chest.
Holy shit-
She can't stop winning.
________________________________________
Tim watched Steph stumble out the door and Gwen practically squeaked as she scurried back behind the counter, dodging Zeek’s attempts to give her an encouraging noogie.
That had been- a lot holy fuck Tim could still feel his heart banging against his ribcage. At least now it was over, and hey Gwen got herself a date.
Did that date have to be Stephanie? No- but the universe hated him.
But that was a fact he'd long since become accustomed too. And just one more thing on his long list of threats to keep track of... yippie.
Add on the fact he forgot he put the damn sticker on his laptop after the third time someone tried kicking him out of his own company building in disguise because apparently he looked like a “lost kid.”
Was he technically a minor? Yes- but also fuck them and THIS identity was twenty six.
Of course Damian of all people would notice and decide to bring it up. Thankfully as a civilian stonewalling was a completely valid method of dealing with people. Especially “strangers” in public.
Speaking of Damian-
At the edge of his table was a small card, it was cream in color, but any information had been placed face side down. So he was left wondering unless he wanted to bear the risk of touching the thing.
Then again- he was Alan. Damian had no reason to poison his coffee, or any reason to add anthrax to a random card. Besides, this Damian was… different.
He was more childish- in a good way at least. Still as socially inept as always, but he hadn't been threatened even once so, improvement.
Tim glanced back at the card and well- Fuck it.
He reached out, fingers gracing against cardstock as he slipped it off the edge to get a grip. He brought the card to his face, flipping it over and reading the inked text on the other side.
Tim blinked, flipping the card over again as if it would suddenly become something else, as if the words would change. But no- he knew exactly what this was.
His lungs strained in his chest as Tim held his breath, his shoulders shaking- but despite his best efforts, his will waned as he burst out in belly laughter.
Eyes watered as Tim’s forehead hit the table, entire body shaking in snickers despite his will, but he just couldn't stop. Every time he tried a new fit of laughter started up.
Honestly if he had any less self restraint, he would be concerned about scaring people of a Joker incident.
But as is, everyone there knew him. Or Alan at least.
And they smiled fondly as he continued to smother his own cackles.
Could anyone really blame him?
When he was just given the business card to the hiring manager at Wayne Industries, the company he used to own.
Damian trying to poach his own employees, the little shit. Even better he knew the brat had to have swiped them from Bruce’s desk, he could even see Bruce’s name scribbled out and Damian added instead.
Did he just carry these things around? How many people had he tried to “hire” on behalf of his dad’s company?
God-
Tim couldn't remember the last time he laughed this hard.
.
.
.
.
.
It was…nice.