he didn't expect it. he really didn't expect it. he assumed that parties weren't your thing. sure, they weren't his either, but he didn't think he'd find you at this one. Dick had assured him that it wasn't too unhinged, that it was just people Damian's age. he explained that Damian needed to get out more, make some friends, but Damian ended up tuning him out. the party turned out to be filled with teenage and young superheroes- the exact place Damian did not want to be.

he was surprised Diana let you come to this party. she always told you to take your duties as a hero seriously, especially as her child and sidekick. but to be fair, you were trailing behind Donna all night until Jaime and Raven cornered you and roped you into their chaos. Damian stands far in the corner, spotting you from across the room. the smile taking over the lips was easy, punctuated by the warm laugh that spills from your lips. he knows you're laughing at something stupid Jaime said. his stomach twists into knots like ribbons. he thought he could just wait it out until Dick was ready to leave.

he spent the evening avoiding you after that. not even a look, a stolen glance, a thought. all spent trying to get away from his feelings. the leap of his heart anytime he saw you, the way his gaze softened when you spoke, the way he was just drawn to you like a magnet. drat, how had he not known it before?! Damian had always saw love as a weakness, a distraction, something that slows him down. he hadn't realized until so very late that he deeply in love with you.

unfortunately for him, everyone else had already picked up on it. Gar had been standing next to him for a while, silent. he shoots Damian a look, because somehow, you keep getting closer, and closer as your small group traverse the small space. when Jaime and Raven leave for a second, that's when Damian is unceremoniously shoved in your direction. he's never one to shy away from a challenge, it's just how he is, but right now he just wants to run away and wait in the car for the rest of the night. but your lips are already curving into that pretty smile and he melts. maybe it's the little bit of alcohol thrumming through his veins, but he suddenly feels confident. he takes a deep breath, nearly shouting over the music as he says, "i didn't think i'd see you here."