Christmas Time.

Chapter 5

Bruce

When the tiny woman came to my house and started yelling at me, I was startled. I wasn't expecting it, it was left field, and the day where I cut some of the pay to the Orphanages. And when she left, Dick started yelling at me. My own son was yelling at me. I have never seen such hatred in his eyes, and it frightened me. And when he left, it was so much worse. Jason and Tim stayed away from me, Damian was colder then normal, and the girls stayed in their rooms.

It was like a hole was dug into my heart, but I refused to let them see me effected like this. So I went about like nothing happened, and it was hard. And every time I tried to think of the cause, my mind shot right back to the tiny woman.
When Dick, Kor'i, and Mar'i came I was thrilled. Finally, normalcy. And just as I was about to greet them, I heard them talking about the tiny woman. And I refused to let her ruin my Christmas. And I said so. They didn't like that though. And now they're gone. All of them. I really messed up, but I needed the money for new gadgets. And I already donated to a new hospital. What am I suppose to do?

"You could go apologize to them." Alfred said, breaking my train of thought.
I sighed and shook my head. "It won't make any difference. They'll still be mad I didn't give the Orphans the money."
"Then change it. Do you really need new gadgets?"
"Yes! They're the latest model." I tried to reason.
"And I still have a flip phone. Master Bruce, your being stubborn. Swallow you damn pride and apologize."
I have never heard Alfred swear before, and it was really bad that he was. I gulped and looked at my hands.
"I'll do it tomorrow." I whispered, before turning away.

Marinette

Everyone was really nice. It was awkward at first, but it was really nice after Jason and Tim got in a debate on which cookies were better. Damian has been sitting next to me the whole time, and I felt at ease.
When the sun started to set, they started finding places to crash. Jason and Barbara took the the third guest room. Dick, Kor'i, and Mar'i took the bedroom Dick's been staying in. Cassandra and Stephanie took the pull out. Tim took the chair. Leaving only Damian. I gestured for him to follow me, and we walked into my bedroom.

"I'll sleep on the floor. I don't mind." Damian said, as she started to make a bed.
"You can just sleep on the bed...with me." I said, blushing the whole time. "I have a few guy friends that I share with when I'm back in Paris. I really don't mind." I said. "But could you turn around. I gotta change." I whispered.
He nodded and obliged.
I made quick work of changing, before telling him it was ok. I was wearing an over sized red shirt with the words 'Kiss the Miss' on it, and black fuzzy sleep pants. Damians face flushed pink, and I pulled the blankets back.
"Come on. I don't bite." I whispered, a smile on my face. But I was kinda nervous, so I nervously bit my lip.
"Stop, please." He whispered, as he slowly took a seat on the bed.
"Stop what?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.
"Biting your lip." He stated, looking me directly in my eyes. His hand going to rest on my cheek. It was very interment, and my face flushed red.
"Why should I stop?" I whispered. My eyes flicking to his.
"Because it's distracting." He whispered.
"How so?"
"It's-I-I-" he didn't finish what he was saying, because he was looking up. Curious, I followed his line of sight and sighed slightly. Tikki, you sneaky Kwamii. "Is that mistletoe?"
"I think so. I don't remember putting it there though." I whispered breathlessly. "You don't have to-"
I was cut off by Damian kissing me. Well I definitely wasn't expecting this, but I kissed him back. Happy that this is what happened for Christmas. I pulled away first and smiled. I gently pecked him one last time before we laid down, wrapped in each others arms.

When I woke up it was Christmas Eve Day. Slowly looking around, I blushed and smiled at the sleeping form next to me. His arms still securely wrapped around me. I could feel his even breath fan my forehead. I could help but watch him sleep peacefully. But I couldn't lay here forever, so I gently kissed him before prying myself from his arms.
When I got into the kitchen, I made Hot Chocolate and Apple Cider for everyone. And one by one, they woke up. But before they did, I made sure Tikki had everything she needed. I grabbed pen and paper before I started to make a list of what I would need at the grocery store.
"Good morning, Marinette." Damian whispered in my ear.
I jumped slightly, surprised when he got so close. But I relaxed instantly and smiled.
"Good morning, Damian. How did you sleep?" I asked quietly.
"Good. The company was nice." He replied, grabbing some Apple Cider.
"I didn't mind the company either. Strange." I said, before going back to making a list. "Are you sure your father doesn't want to join us? It is Christmas?" I said, directing my question to the room.
"We're sure. He's not really in the Christmas mood this year." Jason said.
I sighed. "It's because I yelled at him, isn't it?"
"No. He's made his secret for out about taking care of the orphanage. Even though he promised." Dick stated.
I looked around the room and saw the sadness radiating from them, and the anger that seemed to mix with it. I finished my list, changed, and headed out the door.
"Don't break anything. You can have water, Apple Cider, or Hot Chocolate. There's muffins,  leftover pancakes, cookies, and gingerbread. Help yourself." I called, and left.

I didn't go directly to the store. No. I was on a mission. I was going to Wayne Manor. This whole thing is my fault, and I'm going to make it right. It's Christmas Eve. So I rang the doorbell and waited. And he answered.

"Hello, I just wanted to apologize for yelling at you a few weeks ago. I was really angry, and I normally don't do that. It's Christmas Eve and I wanted to tell you sorry. If someone's supposedly sponsoring an orphanage, you should make sure they can at least decorate for holidays and enjoy them. You don't know the background of those kids in there. You may be rich, but your not above everyone else. Now, your family doesn't know I'm here, but I wanted to invite you and Alfred to dinner tonight. My apartment isn't as big as your house, but we're making due. Now, you can keep being a Scrooge or you can come to dinner tonight, apologize to your family, and enjoy Christmas. Dinners at 7 if your going to participate. Here is the address." I said handing him a piece of paper. "Please come. I don't get to be with my family for the first time in Christmas, and I wish I was. But thing have prevented me from doing so. Good bye Mr. Wayne." I said before getting back in my car.