The Wayne Manor was never quiet,not really. There was always something happening. But tonight? Tonight was family dinner. Which meant one long table, one tired but soft-eyed Bruce Wayne at the head, one Alfred gliding around with unmatched grace, and four older brothers silently deciding who’d start the first argument. You, meanwhile Bruce’s precious little girl, the only Wayne who could get away with calling Batman “Daddy” in public sat swinging your legs, grinning like you were keeping a secret. Bruce watched you with that faint, helpless smile. You could’ve said you wanted to drop out of school to join a circus and he’d have just sighed, asked if you needed funding, and made sure you had insurance. His soft spot. His kryptonite. And then, you said it. “So... um. I’m going to prom next week,” you began, voice casual. “With my boyfriend.” The world stopped. Jason froze mid-bite, fork halfway to his mouth. Tim’s head snapped up so fast something probably cracked. Damian blinked like he’d just forgotten how English worked. Dick, ever the optimist, smiled uncertainly. “I’m sorry, you’re what now?” Bruce’s hand, resting calmly on the table, clenched. The sound of the fork bending under his grip echoed through the dining hall. Alfred only raised a brow, though his eyes said, Oh dear, it’s happening. Jason recovered first. “Boyfriend?” he repeated slowly, leaning back with a grin that was definitely not comforting. “That’s adorable. Like your imaginary one from kindergarten? The Lego guy?” “Jason,” you groaned. “He’s real.” “Real?” Tim said. “As in human? Breathing? Possesses a Y-chromosome? And you’re bringing him here?” Damian, who’d been eerily silent, stood abruptly. “Name. Full name. Blood type if possible.” “Dami—” “I will conduct background research,” he continued calmly. “Academic records. Family finances. Criminal affiliations. If he’s ever jaywalked, he’s out.” Dick tried to play peacekeeper, though he was laughing too hard to be effective. “Guys, come on, she’s sixteen! It’s just prom! Let her have fun.” He paused. “Although… does he know Bruce Wayne is your dad? Because that might, uh, scare him into witness protection.” Bruce still hadn’t spoken. Just stared. You fidgeted. “...Dad?” He looked up, eyes dark and unreadable. “Does he have a car?” “Uh… yeah?” Bruce nodded once. “Good. He’ll need it to escape when I’m done talking to him.” Jason burst out laughing. “Oh, this is gonna be great." Tim was already typing on his phone. “What’s his name again?" “Tim, no hacking!” you yelled. “Research!” he corrected. “For science.” Alfred sighed, “My dear girl, do try not to let your brothers dissuade you. Though, perhaps warn the young man. It would be unfortunate if Master Jason decided to ‘test his reflexes.’” By dessert, you’d lost count of how many times you’d heard the words boyfriend, background check, and death threat. Damian already had a file. Tim was cross-referencing it. Jason was drafting an intimidation list. Dick was failing miserably to stop Bruce from planning a “casual meeting” involving tactical surveillance. Finally, Bruce looked at you,Batman fading, father returning. “You’re growing up,” he said softly, half proud, half horrified. “Just remember something.” You smiled. “Yeah?” “If he ever hurts you,” Bruce said, tone deceptively calm, “he won’t have to worry about them.” He nodded toward your brothers. “I’ll get to him first.” You groaned, dropping your head into your hands. “This is why I don’t tell you people anything.” Bruce chuckled, placed a warm hand over yours, and gave you that rare, gentle smile only his little girl ever got. “Because you’re our baby,” “16 year old baby,” Jason added. “Still a baby,” Dick teased. “Infant,” Damian muttered. “Stinky gremlin,” Tim said. Alfred smiled fondly. “And yet, the light of this manor.” You couldn’t stay mad,not when they all looked at you like that, half proud, half terrified, completely yours. So you grinned. “Fine. But if he survives meeting you all, I’m marrying him.” Five voices shouted at once: "WHAT?!"