The Arrangement

CH 6 - Dinner

The Manor was right there. The lights were on, and people were definitely there.

"You're nervous."

"I shouldn't be. I've killed grown men. Taken down organizations, crippled countries. Why am I scared of a family dinner?" Syn asked as she wiped her sweaty palms on her dress, only to curse and try to fix her dress.

Damian watches as she frets over her dress, reaching across the consul to grab her face and make her look at him. " I...They are going to love you." He runs his fingers across her cheek, and she nuzzles into his hand. " I know Alfred already does."

"Do I need anyone else approval?"

"nope," she giggles, kissing his palm.

"Are we ready?"

"Yeah, let's do this." Damian got out to open her door. He took her hand as she stepped out of the car.

"Gorgeous".

Syn took another deep breath as they approached the door. It swung open before they could even knock. And there he stood in all his glory, preen and proper, suit pressed and buttoned to perfection. He opens the door all the way, motioning them in. " It's nice to meet you in person, Mr.Pennyworth." Syn bowed, " Damian speaks highly of you."

Alfred smiled genuinely. " It's nice to meet you in person as well. Welcome to our home," he said. The others are in the sitting room. Dinner will be served shortly." Damian thanked Alfred and took her hand, leading the way. She could already hear them gathered down the hall and the siblings teasing and arguing. They took a moment outside the room. Damian gave her hand a good squeeze. And smiled.

-

"Do you think she's as crazy as Damian? Or what he used to be?" Stephanie asked. Like the others, she was both excited and wary, considering that she was Damian's fiance and a member of the League.

"I'm just hoping she doesn't stab me," Tim said as he slouched onto the couch. He doubted lunch was on his side tonight.

"She won't stab you," Dick reassured him, pulling him aside hu. Tim falls into his side, not fighting it.

"I don't know, he's quite stabbable," Jason teased, " I would know" Dick threw a pillow at him.

"Don't be quick to judge, especially when you haven't met her," Barbara said, pointing to her wheelchair, which was set up next to the couch.

"I'm still shocked he's got a girlfriend," Tim said.

"Fiance," Duke corrected. They were still getting used to that. "I wonder what she'll be like that."

"Here," Cassandra announced.

Since Syn was a League member and knew they wouldn't bother with their civilian mask, there would be no hint of Brucie. It would be unmasked Batman tonight. Jason sighed as he caught the look on Bruce's face. While tonight was a dinner for everyone else, it was a mission for Bruce. How unfortunate.

-

The room was silent as they walked in hand in hand. They watched as Bruce stood from his seat, hands clasped behind his back.

"Father, this is my fiance Syn. Syn, this is my father, Bruce Wayne."

"Nice to meet you, sir. I've heard many great things about you," Syn said, giving him a slight bow.

"I'm sorry to say I wasn't made aware of you until recently."

"I'm aware," she said with a small smile. Unphased.

"These are my siblings-" Before he could even begin, Dick was already up and in front of them.

"Hi, my name is Richard, but everyone calls me- "