Shadowed Threads

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Like something had been clawing at him since the moment she disappeared.

Marinette let out a breath, watching him.

"You were worried."

Damian scoffed, arms tightening over his chest. "Tt. Do not be ridiculous."

Marinette smirked. "You so were."

Damian glared. "Todd has made you insufferable."

Marinette laughed softly, though it sent sharp pain through her ribs.

She pressed a hand over her side, wincing.

Damian's eyes flashed with something unreadable.

Then-softer, barely audible.

"You could have died."

Marinette's breath caught.

Because he wasn't mocking anymore.

Wasn't scolding or throwing insults or rolling his eyes.

This wasn't Damian Wayne, heir to the League.

This was Damian, her brother.

The one who had stayed behind.

The one who had refused to leave her alone in this cave, bleeding and broken.

And Marinette felt it.

Felt the weight of everything he wasn't saying.

And that?

That meant more than any words.

⸻

Marinette shifted slightly, slowly reaching out.

Her hand landed on his gloved one, squeezing lightly.

Damian froze.

But he didn't pull away.

Didn't move.

Just stood there, jaw tight, shoulders stiff.

Marinette's voice was quiet, steady.

"I'm okay, Dami."

His fingers twitched.

And when he finally spoke, it was softer.

So much softer.

"No. You are not."

Marinette swallowed hard.

Because he wasn't wrong.

She felt like hell.

Her body was weak, her mind still struggling against the remnants of Joker's gas.

She had been so close to dying.

And Damian had watched it happen.

Watched her get taken.

Watched Jason bring her back half-dead.

And now?

Now he was just waiting.

Waiting for her to leave him too.

Marinette's chest ached.

Not from the wound.

But from the weight of that realization.

She tightened her grip on his hand.

"I'm not going anywhere."

Damian's eyes flickered.

Something sharp, vulnerable, fragile flashed in them for just a moment-

Then it was gone.

He exhaled sharply, finally pulling his hand away.

But not before giving hers a brief, firm squeeze.

Then-his voice, back to its usual gruff tone.

"Hmph. You had better not."

Marinette smiled.

Because that?

That was as close to an 'I care' as Damian Wayne would ever get.

And it was more than enough.

⸻

The Batcave was still quiet.

The others were still out there, finishing the fight.

Jason was probably hunting Joker down like an animal.

But here?

Here in the cave, with Damian standing guard, arms crossed, ever vigilant-

Marinette didn't feel alone.

She felt safe.

And for the first time in hours-

She let herself rest.