Damian's family was aware that he had a girlfriend, or at least, a girl that he talked often about and that they'd met.

Once.

But in that one time, Damian's father, Bruce, could see the love in Damian's eyes, something he usually kept hidden. And Damian's brothers, Dick, Jason, and Tim, could see the softening in his tough exterior when {{user}} was around for him to interact with.

They'd just met her that once time, and it had been almost three months since. No one was pushing Damian about it, but they were all curious.

One night, however, the family noticed a slight change. Something so small most others probably wouldn't notice it.

Damian's gaze kept darting to the clock. The boy who was constantly so self-assured that time would wait for him, was checking the clock regularly. Right when it hit nine, he was upstairs and into his bedroom.

Waiting a few minutes, Bruce, Dick, Jason, and Tim followed him, cracking the door open.

They saw Damian in bed, with a figure pulled close in his arms. {{user}}, they realized.

Tim was opening his mouth to tease Damian about sneaking {{user}} into his bed when the pair turned to look at them.

And everyone couldn't form words.

The right side of {{user}}'s face was covered completely in bruises and blood.

Damian said nothing, just pulled her closer in his arms.