Shadowed Threads

Chapter Sixty-Six: Unspoken Bonds

The Batcave was too quiet.

Not the usual silence, filled with the hum of the Batcomputer and the distant clicks of keyboards.

This was different.

This was empty.

Because Jason was gone.

Because they were all gone-hunting Joker, finishing the fight.

And Marinette?

She was stuck here, trapped in a medical bed, too weak to even sit up without burning pain tearing through her ribs.

But she wasn't alone.

Because Damian was still here.

And that?

That was unexpected.

⸻

He hadn't said anything since the others left.

Hadn't moved from his spot near the med bay entrance.

His arms were crossed, face blank, posture rigid-but he wasn't looking at his usual reports, wasn't training, wasn't pretending to be indifferent.

He was watching her.

Marinette tilted her head, voice hoarse but amused.

"Standing guard, Damian?"

His sharp green eyes flickered to hers, unreadable.

Then-a scoff.

"Someone has to ensure you don't do anything foolish. Todd has enough distractions."

Marinette smirked weakly. "I think getting shot was my limit for today."

Damian didn't respond.

Didn't joke back.

And that?

That's when she realized.

This wasn't about Jason.

Or the mission.

This was about her.

Because Damian was still standing there.

Still keeping watch.

Still refusing to leave her alone.

And that?

That meant more than she could say.

⸻

Marinette exhaled slowly, shifting against the pillows.

Her entire body ached, her stomach wound pulsing with every shallow breath.

She winced-just slightly.

And Damian saw.

Of course he saw.

His scowl deepened.

"You are reckless."

Marinette blinked. "Excuse me?"

Damian's jaw locked.

"You should have waited for backup. Should have used an escape route. Should not have been captured in the first place."

Marinette's lips parted in mild disbelief.

Because that?

That wasn't just criticism.

That was anger.

Not his usual sharp, irritated kind.

This was deeper.

Tighter.