One thing that’s always puzzled me, in regards to karma art and such, is…
Why does Lucien’s eye color change?
Discounting karmas with a deliberate eye color change (ie, the vampire karma), Lucien’s eyes tend to change color. It’s different from when Kiro’s eyes change color, as I’m pretty sure Lucien doesn’t need to use his eyes for Copy.
Lemme start with smth simple: What do I think Lucien’s eye color is? Personally, as seen in my art, I view Lucien’s eyes to be the same pink as his tie; a sorta grayish pink. Largely for easier consistency.
And Lucien’s eyes, during his sprites, generally stay the same. In his sprites, his eyes definitely sport a more directly gray color.
For his karmas, however, his eyes can vary a lot from gray to purple, even to a bit of pink or magenta. There doesn’t seem to be a clear correlation between the events per karma and his eyes changing. Is it simply an artist thing? That’s not to say I don’t enjoy Lucien’s eyes changing. It’s fun, lol
I think it’s more of an artist thing. Earlier karma seems to be inspired by Voltage with the paper game style from love Nikki cutscenes. Overtime, the style evolves to be more unique and more crisp and sharper, using more vibrant colors with more detail ( which could also be a art program updates, the artists uses)
[CN] MLQC's Lucien Touching Date English Translation
⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️
This post contains a detailed spoiler for a date that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~
I tenderly kiss his lips, the sensation of his warmth and trembles reminiscent of fluttering butterfly wings.
So clear and yet so real, distant yet within arm's reach.
Translation under the cut!
The sun shines warmly on me, but the worries in my heart do not dissipate. I sigh and roll myself further into the blanket.
[T/N: I really recommend following along the voice acting for complete experience!!!🥹 the whole thing just sounds so incredibly tender. Here's the CN Video link]
I bury my face in the blanket and take a deep breath.
Suddenly, a pair of hands stopped my movements. Lucien's scent mixed with moist warmth invades my nostrils. Along with it, there's a trace of laughter.
Lucien: Has this 'kid' who's wrapped herself up encountered something troubling?
Seeing him gently tuck my disheveled hair behind my ear as he spoke, I let out a soft sigh, gazing into those deep dark eyes.
MC: Do you still remember the visual design course I took before?
MC: The teacher wants to organize an art exhibition with the theme "Touching Beauty".
MC: The artwork I'm preparing is a photo and video series titled "Fledglings Caring for Their Parents".
I open my phone and hand over the backup to Lucien. He takes it and examines it carefully.
MC: In order to capture this moment with the nesting birds, I had the camera set up for almost half a month before finally getting the shot.
Lucien: Hmm... it's evident that our 'photographer' has put a lot of thought and effort into this.
Lucien: From the photo's results, I think it's quite good. Is there any problem with it?
I pat my face to refresh myself, noticing him soothingly stroking my hair, and can't help but sigh again.
MC: Sigh, I was really looking forward to it.
MC: But when I looked at the finished product, I realized I couldn't find that initial "touching feeling" I had in mind!
Lucien tilts his head, supporting his chin, and looks at me with half-dried hair strands hanging in front of his forehead, his eyes shining brightly.
Lucien: Well, why don't you go ahead and tell me, what does "touching" mean to you?
MC: I think... it should be emotions that can be felt by most people from things like family love, life, and nature, and so on.
MC: Then, I had a sudden inspiration and came up with this picture.
MC: The act of young birds feeding their parents not only reflects the continuation of life but also represents family love. It's truly touching people's hearts~
MC: But I didn't expect that when the final film came out, I couldn't seem to feel anything…
I lean dejectedly against Lucien's shoulder, and he naturally pulls me into his embrace, taking my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.
Lucien: What you're saying indeed falls within that category.
Lucien: But MC, have you ever considered that…
Lucien: Perhaps, the purpose of the teacher assigning this topic isn't to have you search for what most people feel, but rather to encourage you to express your own perception.
MC: My own perception?
I feel momentarily confused, and I rub my tired and sore eyes. Just as I'm about to continue thinking, a pair of hands cover my forehead, gently massaging my temples.
Lucien: (gently) We can leave this question for tomorrow to contemplate.
He bends down and gently kisses my forehead, his kiss tender and affectionate, then hugs me as we lie down.
Lucien: It's getting late now. It's time for us to sleep.
A gentle breeze brushes by, lifting the curtains quietly, and sunlight filters through the gaps, creating patches of light on the floor.
I contemplate the next steps of the filming plan absentmindedly, twirling the pen in my hand repeatedly, yet no new ideas are emerging.
When I'm at a loss, Lucien sits down beside me with a visual portfolio in hand.
Lucien: I just received a phone call. The cultural park that the research institute collaborates with in the neighboring city needs me to handle some matters today.
Lucien: Perhaps Miss Producer would like to accompany me?
MC: Of course, I'd be willing to. But, wouldn't it delay your work?
Lucien: It's just some simple matters to take care of. We can spend the rest of the time strolling around the park.
...Unable to come up with a plan for the moment, I think it might be a good idea to go on a trip to relax and unwind. With that in mind, I agree right away.
Just as we are about to set off, my phone suddenly rings. I cast a helpless glance at Lucien and step aside to answer Kiki's call.
After dealing with the unexpected work situation, I was shocked when I suddenly realized that half an hour had passed.
It seems like he heard the sound of me finishing work, and Lucien sets down the book in his hand to look at me.
I rub my temples and smile apologetically.
MC: I didn't expect it to take this long. Is it still possible to leave now?
He glances at his watch, pursing his lips with a hint of seriousness.
Lucien: It's indeed a bit late.
MC: I'm sorry... I…
I'm contemplating how to make amends when he suddenly smiles and takes my hand.
Lucien: But don't worry, we can take a special shortcut.
MC: Hmm? What…
Before I can finish my sentence, he leans in and embraces me, his pleasant grass scent instantly enveloping me.
MC: Pfft, what kind of special shortcut involves a hug?
Lucien: Not only does it require a hug, but it needs to be a tighter one. Though a bit puzzled, I still gently squeeze him, allowing myself to be fully enveloped in his embrace
Feeling my movement, he chuckles softly. The next moment, a refreshing breeze brushes against our skin, and the air carries a hint of moisture.
Lucien: We've arrived.
Lucien's clear voice rings in my ears, and I freeze for a moment before lifting my head.
The architecture before my eyes displays soft and elegant colors. Not far away, there's a well-designed bridge over flowing water, and further beyond are houses that are both elegant and innovative.
I look at Lucien and see him smiling leisurely, and only then do I realize what's going on.
MC: Professor Lucien, you didn't plan this from the beginning, did you?
Lucien: [chuckles] I'm just more adept at achieving the results I want in various ways.
Lucien: However, to better achieve our goals, sometimes it's necessary to make use of certain privileges.
With a playful glint in his eyes, he intertwines his fingers with mine and leads the way towards the pond.
Lucien: You have no business to attend to, so let's take our time and enjoy the scenery along the way. Even if something unexpected happens, it won't disrupt our planned outing.
The koi fish are joyfully swaying their tails, creating layer upon layer of ripples on the water's surface. The emerald green lotus leaves have become their best refuge from the sunlight.
As I lean in closer to the pond to get a better look, a slightly anxious call interrupts my actions.
Staff Member: Professor Lucien!
I turn towards the source of the voice and see a person wearing a white work uniform, panting heavily.
After Lucien responds to the staff member, he stands up and gives me a helpless look. I smile and wave him off, signaling for him to go attend to his work first.
While enjoying the scenery before me, suddenly, my attention is drawn to a snack stand selling cotton candy.
The colorful cotton candies are plump and neatly lined up at the stand. I can almost smell the sweet aroma that belongs to candies.
I pick two from the assortment of cotton candies and as I turn around, I see Lucien walking over as well.
MC: Did you manage to resolve your work so quickly?
Lucien: Mm, there was a slight deviation in one of the research results. I went to check the situation and found the issue.
Lucien: The time ahead belongs to just the two of us.
Lucien says as he turns his gaze to the cotton candy in my hand.
I hesitate between the two flavors for a moment and then with a smile, I hand him the cotton candy shaped like a rabbit.
MC: I'll try the fox this time, and I'll leave the rabbit to you~
The sweetness of the cotton candy melts in our mouths, and Lucien's eyes raised slightly at the taste, his eyes lit up.
Could it be that his cotton candy is really delicious? I can't help but glance over, and I see him subtly curving his lips as if he's aware of my curiosity.
Lucien: Do you want to exchange and try each other's flavors?
I nod and hand over the cotton candy I have in my hand.
But I see him take a bite of the cotton candy in his hand and then lean in closer.
The next second, the warm lips sweetened by the candy engulfed me. Flavor that uniquely belongs to him invades me and my senses.
After finally reclaiming my own breath, I feign wickedness and take a fierce bite of the cotton candy in my hand, saying.
MC: ...Looks like Professor Lucien's candy isn't as sweet as mine!
His eyes slightly curve, and a soft arc forms at the corner of his lips.
Lucien: (whispers very, VERY tenderly) Is that so? I feel that mine has gotten sweeter.
Sweetness intertwines between us, and amidst laughter, my mood surprisingly has become much more lightened.
I follow Lucien's footsteps as we stroll through this autumn scenery, and unknowingly, we've walked deep into the park, where we discover a uniquely designed building.
The building takes on a tiered structure, with a semi-transparent outer layer, blending technology and simplicity in just the right measure.
I can't help but hold Lucien's hand with some curiosity as we walk towards the exhibition hall. The moment we step inside, it feels like I've stumbled into another world.
Glistening streams of light glide across the ink-black walls, and the entire space seems endless. Mysterious and splendid array of colors fills my field of vision.
Glass display cases are scattered throughout the hall, showcasing butterflies of various sizes and colors, with many of them fluttering their wings gracefully.
The beauty before my eyes is truly breathtaking. I find myself widening my eyes and slightly parting my lips, yet I'm at a loss for where to begin with my praise.
Butterflies of various colors freely soar within the exhibition hall, some perched on the walls, others entwined together, creating a remarkably vivid spectacle.
Suddenly, a butterfly flies past me, its wings displaying a beautiful black and gold pattern, casting a radiant trail. I instinctively reach out to touch it, but my hand passes right through.
I raise an eyebrow in surprise and see Lucien slightly tilting his head, watching as the butterfly flutters and passes through his upturned palm.
Lucien: It should be a holographic projection, combined with some systems that allow interaction with real-time images.
MC: So lifelike... I was genuinely fooled just now.
I walk towards the depths of the exhibition hall with great interest. In the first few display cases, images of butterflies cycling through each stage of their life cycle are being showcased using holographic technology.
As I walk into the area dedicated to showcasing different butterfly species, the colors become even more vibrant.
I carefully observe each one, but when I reach the display case in the center, I suddenly can't look away.
Shades of light blue to deep purple on the wing surface are adorned with clusters of white, and when the light falls upon the wings, they shimmer with splendid radiance.
MC: This butterfly is so beautiful... Is it a Morpho Helena?
Lucien: Yes, this butterfly is known as one of the most beautiful in the world. It also has another name - the "Goddess of Light" butterfly.
Lucien speaks, and a hint of amazement flashes in his narrow eyes. Upon hearing his words, I lower my head and carefully examine the butterflies in the cabinet.
MC: It can actually emit light?
Lucien: Its wings have densely packed scales, and inside them, there are pigment particles. So when exposed to light, it refracts the light and produces a shimmer.
MC: No wonder it's called the Goddess of Light... It's like a jewel embedded in the sky.
He raises an eyebrow and gently taps the glass display case with his finger.
Lucien: The specimen of Morpho Helena is very rare. It was mentioned in the project proposal that this specimen will only be on display here for a few days.
Lucien: It seems like we arrived just in time.
Lucien lowers his eyes, and the soft light makes his gaze appear even more profound. I lower my head, gazing at the dazzling shimmer of the butterfly wings, and my heart feels touched.
MC: I'm glad I came here with you; otherwise, I would have missed out on such a unique butterfly.
Lucien: When I saw it mentioned in the project proposal, I guessed that you might like it here.
Lucien turns his head slightly to look at me, and his dark eyes dimming for a moment, making me realize something.
The sudden invitation this morning, the planned itinerary, could it be…
I look up at him, and he's standing amidst the specimens. The shimmering lights blended the colors of the butterflies flowing around Lucien.
MC: Lucien, thank you for bringing me here.
Lucien: Although I'd love to frankly accept your gratitude…. it seems like I've been given even more beauty instead.
Lucien: Because you're here.
He says as he's looking at me, his eyes reflecting my entire presence. Just then, a fluttering butterfly brushes past his cheek, lingering nostalgically for a moment.
My heartbeat slowly accelerates in my chest, as subtle emotions seem to swirl and intertwine in my heart.
I raise the camera and instinctively press the shutter button.
Lucien: MC?
His voice brings me back to reality, and I slightly pause, raising the camera in my hand to gesture toward him.
MC: Ah... I think I've found my "touching beauty".
Lucien watches my actions with a knowing smile, and he gently squeezes my hand, his tone soft.
Lucien: Anything is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp.
Lucien: But, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
Lucien: Something you deliberately chase after is like a butterfly. When you chase it, you can never catch it. But if you sit quietly, it will land on you.
MC: (smiles softly) …I think I might know why my previous work didn't satisfy me.
He gazes at me, the shimmering lights filtering through his hair and falling on his eyelashes. As he shivers slightly, a fleeting glimmer passes through his dark irises.
Lucien: Hmm?
MC: I've always approached my work with a strong sense of purpose, which naturally couldn't touch me from deep inside.
Lucien looks at me and slightly curls his lips.
Lucien: Mm... it seems like you've already let go of the purpose that was troubling you.
Lucien: Perhaps, your butterfly is about to appear.
As soon as Lucien's voice falls, a holographic butterfly lands on my shoulder.
I turn my head in surprise, wanting to observe its appearance closely.
The butterfly seems to sense my gaze, and its wings quiver gently before it slowly takes off again, leaving behind a trail of light.
It flies forward, occasionally turning back to circle around us, as if confirming something.
MC: Is it guiding us?
Lucien: I think taking action might solve this question more effectively than asking.
He takes my hand and follows the butterfly towards the back of the exhibition hall. The moment we step out of the hall, the scenery in front of us changes once again.
Before our eyes is a field of flowers. Tender green branches are bent under the weight of vibrant blooms, and the wind sways the flower branches, causing petals to lift into the air and scatter before finally carpeting the ground.
MC: So beautiful—! It was leading us here all along.
Lucien: Perhaps it's inviting us to touch a real butterfly.
We walk towards the center of the flower field, and that's when we notice numerous different types of butterflies fluttering about, forming clusters of their own.
I'm a bit worried about disturbing them, so I stop in my tracks halfway.
However, Lucien seems to notice my worry and leads me forward.
Lucien: Don't worry, our arrival won't disrupt the tranquility of this little world.
Just as he said, the gracefully dancing butterflies haven't stopped their activities and continue tirelessly sipping nectar from the flowers.
I reach out my hand to touch them, feeling their beauty. Some of the flowers are exceptionally pretty, and I'm curious about their species, thinking of planting some on my balcony.
When I turn to ask Lucien, I see him standing amidst the flowers, quietly admiring the surroundings.
Lucien, enveloped in bright and vibrant colors, appears even more serene. The sunlight shining on him adds a touch of softness.
Suddenly, a butterfly with a shimmering blue glow flaps its wings and lands on Lucien's chest.
He lowers his head and gazes at it, his dark eyes flickering with light and shadow.
I want to touch the perched butterfly, but the startled butterfly instantly flies away, dispersing the beautiful scenery in an instant
I sigh softly, feeling a sense of regret as I try to withdraw my hand before it's suddenly held firmly.
Lucien: (whispers) Do you only have eyes for the butterflies?
He seems dissatisfied with my distraction and gently pulls my hand. Without any defense, I tumble into his embrace.
With our movements, the flying and parched butterflies around us feel disturbed and take off one by one.
Tiny fragments of light pass through their glistening wings and fall onto Lucien's face.
At that moment, it's as if I can hear the sound of their wings fluttering.
MC: Of course I have eyes for you too.
Lucien: Then I've also become a part of the scenery in your eyes.
His gentle gaze conveys his emotions to me, radiance sweeping across his pupils. His eyelashes quivering lightly, casting fragmented shadows.
I can't help but reach out my hand, gently touching his face.
MC: Not just in my eyes, but also a part of the whole scenery.
MC: We both unexpectedly barged into it.
Upon hearing my words, he can't help but chuckle softly. The warm sunlight falls upon his cheeks, making this whole person appear even warmer.
Lucien: Perhaps it's these unexpected surprises that make this world more romantic.
He looks deeply into my eyes, emotions as thick as ink welling up in the depths of his gaze, yet he gently occupies me in this way.
I raise my hand to hug him, and a hint of sweetness twirls around my heart, forming the simplest of sentences.
MC: Well then, since I've barged in, I will just stay and won’t leave~
Lucien: (in an incredibly gentle whisper) You've probably lost the chance to leave a long time ago.
Butterflies transform into the definition of beauty and envelop us tightly. He reaches out, caressing the tips of my ears. His movements touch deep into my heart.
I tenderly kiss his lips, the sensation of his warmth and trembles reminiscent of fluttering butterfly wings.
So clear and yet so real, distant yet within arm's reach.
I instinctively close my eyes, quietly reciting the answer within my heart.
What touches me are not the tangible presences, but the emotions themselves, whether complex or simple.
And also the butterfly on my shoulder, it barged into my life, accompanying and dancing forward with me.
It's a Chinese otome game that got really popular because it has like a hyper realistic style, nice visuals, a non chronologically told story across lifetimes and universes, featuring professional yearners such as
Alien Knight Prince who can teleport but takes public transit because he wants to be normal. Got hit by a car once and the guy who hit him wouldn't let him leave until his mom came and got him
President of Autism and holder of all knowledge ever, good at everything except for taking care of himself. Has a $16 starbucks order that is 110% sugar and like 4 cavities hes ignoring. Tried to quit his job and his boss said no, fuck you, see you Monday
Eccentric Mermaid with abandonment issues who can kill someone 132 different ways, has a dagger you can pull out of his tits. Will die if you dont pay attention to him and will also die if you leave him on a bicycle by himself
Described as an "unkillable monster" by the plot's big bad guy organization, single father of 3 and a disney princess. Wants you to break him like a horse. Likes classic cars, motorcycles, and guns, has exactly 0 licenses for anything.
Cyborg Airforce Bf with every mental disease, there's discourse about whether or not he's your brother but actually he's probably your clone. Was installed as a colonel in the universe's spaceforce by a cult but speaks in rawr XD on his completely public sns.
And then a coming soon graphic because I guess more boys are coming. I hope the next one is a fae or like fae adjacent and hes unemployed
Lucien and MC are visiting Paris together for one of Lucien’s research conferences. They decide to have lunch together at a restaurant that specializes in hamburgers and MC notices a burger on the menu called Le Lucien. It is described as having a sesame bun, mushrooms, caramelized onions, cheese, chives, and dried tomatoes. She thinks the name of the burger is a funny coincidence so she orders it as soon as she sees it.
Lucien however, thinks it’s not a funny coincidence and gets jealous of the burger when MC is happily eating it, looking quite pleased with herself. He thinks to himself and carefully plans about where to bite MC later that night as “punishment” for teasing him with her meal choice for the day.
watched this movie and this scene reminded me so much of calebmc. it made me imagine caleb softly singing this to mc before leaving on one of his missions
A New Member of the Family (Damian Wayne X Sister!Reader)
Characters: Damian Wayne X Sister!Reader, Batfam X Batsis!Reader
Universe: DC, Batman
Warnings: Pregnancy, swearing, mentions of risks of pregnancy, mention of miscarriage, mention of cesarean, childbirth
Request: •Could I have one where Damian’s older sister is pregnant and everyone’s expecting him to be really cold cos he doesnt want a neice/nephew but he’s entirely the opposite and constantly wants to be with y/n to make sure shes okay and when it gets to the point where you can feel the baby kick he’s feeling, and he talks to the bump and hes also the first of his siblings to hold the baby.
You had come to the manor to get Bruce’s opinion on something important, and by the tone of your voice, Bruce knew it couldn’t wait. He took you to his office and sat with you, ready to listen and give his opinion on what was the best option of whatever you were about to ask.
Thoughts/Blurb on Caleb’s new World Underneath story
*SPOILERS FOR WORLD UNDERNEATH ABOVE THE ASHES AND MAIN STORY HOMECOMING WINGS*
So, it’s revealed that Caleb has a whole private facility. He was able to save the previous colonel/captain of the Farspace Fleet and fabricate a lie to EVER about his death by putting him in his privately owned facility that EVER, I’m assuming, has no knowledge of. So, I wonder if the reason that Caleb prevented MC from saving the siblings in Homecoming Wings was so he could ensure that at least the sister was safe from EVER. Iirc, it was said that she died? But with this new information, I believe that he maybe saved her by taking her to his private facility.
Considering his and MC’s past with Gaia and EVER, he wasn’t about to let the same thing happen to the siblings as it had them. It also kind of makes sense as to why he was so adamant about keeping MC safe while she was in Skyhaven during Homecoming Wings.
I’m curious if this will become evident in future main story updates and if Caleb’s new story line will involve him having an underground operation against EVER. If so, I’m excited to see him and MC turn the tables on EVER.
Long story short, Caleb’s been playing EVER and actively working to tear it down from the inside out
Pairing: Dick Grayson/Nightwing x fem!fiance!reader
Genre: Fluff & Humor
Warnings: None!
This story is based on this gif imagine!!!
WC: 1,046
Fanfiction Masterlist
The engagement ring on your finger still feels unreal.
Not in a bad way—no, never that.
Just… new.
Bright.
Like your whole life has tilted slightly into something softer, something warmer.
And somehow, in the chaos that came with loving Dick Grayson, that's saying a lot.
Blüdhaven never really slept.
And neither did he.
But tonight—tonight is different.
Tonight, you're going to Gotham to have dinner with the rest of the Wayne family.
“You ready?” Dick asks you, leaning against the door frame with that easy, boyish grin that somehow survived everything life had thrown at him.
You roll your eyes, slipping on your shoes. “It’s just a family dinner, not a stakeout. Why are you nervous?”
“I’m not nervous,” he said immediately.
You raised a brow at him, not believing him in the slightest.
“…Okay," he sighs, clearly knowing that there's no reason to even keep trying denying it. "I’m a little nervous.”
You laugh gently as you get up from the couch, stepping toward him, tugging lightly on his shirt when you reach him. “Relax D. They already like me.”
“That’s not the problem,” he mutters.
“Oh?” you tease. “Should I be worried?”
Dick hesitates—just for a second—then he sighs. “Jason’s coming.”
You freeze. “…Define ‘coming.’”
“As in physically present. In the same room. With us.” He replies.
You stare at him. “Oh no.”
Dick winces. “Yeah.”
The manor is… exactly as intimidating as you expected it to be.
Elegant.
Quiet.
Heavy with history.
But the second you and Dick step inside, that tension melted just a little.
Because despite everything—despite the legends, the shadows, the weight of the name—they're still a family.
Alfred greeted the two of you at the door warmly.
Bruce gave you a nod that carried more approval than words ever could.
Tim smiled politely.
Damian inspected you like a suspicious cat.
And then—
“Well, if it isn’t the future Mrs. Grayson.”
You didn’t even have to turn around to know who had said that.
“Hi, Jason,” you say, already bracing yourself.
Dick groans softly beside you. “Jay—”
“What?” Jason smirks, hands in his jacket pockets as he steps closer. “I brought a gift.”
You blink. “You… did?”
Dick looks immediately concerned. “You what?”
Jason ignores him, reaching behind his back and tossing something soft into your hands.
It's… a sweatshirt.
Folded.
Innocent.
Suspiciously innocent.
You frown slightly. “Uh… thanks?”
“Go ahead,” Jason says, his grin widening. “Look at what it says on the front.”
“Wait—” Dick says as he grabs your wrist.
Too late.
You unfold it.
And then—
You freeze.
Completely.
Utterly.
Silently.
“…Oh my god.”
Dick leans over your shoulder.
And immediately chokes.
“JASON—”
Across the front, in bold, cheerful letters, it reads:
I LOVE DICK!
There's a beat of silence.
A long one.
And then—
Tim loses it.
Damian makes a strangled noise that might’ve been a laugh.
Even Alfred turns away—very deliberately—to hide a smile.
And Dick?
Dick covers his face with both hands with a groan. “I’m never leaving this house again.”
And Jason?
Jason is thriving.
“What?” he asks innocently, looking over at Dick with a grin. “It’s accurate. She does love you.”
You're still staring at the sweatshirt, your brain trying—and failing—to recover.
“I—Jason, this—this is—”
“Incredible?” he offers.
“Unwearable!” you reply, finally finding the word you wanted to say.
“Oh, come on,” Jason shoots back. “It’s perfect. Engagement gift. Sentimental.”
Dick drops his hands, glaring at him. “There is nothing sentimental about—about—that!”
Jason shrugs. “Says the guy whose entire personality is being lovable.”
That makes you snort.
Dick turns to you, betrayed. “Don’t encourage him.”
“I’m not—” you start, before looking back at the sweatshirt and laugh.
You can’t help it.
It's ridiculous.
It's embarrassing.
It's so Jason.
And weirdly enough… it feels like acceptance.
The kind that doesn’t come with speeches or soft words—but with chaos and teasing and the unspoken: you’re one of us now.
You hold it up again, shaking your head. “You know what? Fine.”
Dick narrows his eyes at you. “What does that mean?”
You smile sweetly. “It means I’m wearing it.”
“YOU’RE WHAT—”
Ten minutes later, you walk back into the room wearing the sweatshirt.
Proudly.
When he sees you, Dick makes a noise somewhere between a gasp and a whimper.
Jason nearly falls off the couch laughing.
Tim has to sit down.
And Damian—Damian actually looks impressed.
You plant your hands on your hips. “Well?”
Jason wipes a tear from his eye. “Best. Decision. Ever.”
Dick walks toward you slowly, staring like you’d just betrayed him on a cosmic level. “I can’t believe you.”
“Oh, you love me,” you tease.
“I do,” he says immediately—then he freezes as the room erupts with laughter again.
You grin, stepping closer and tugging him down by the collar just enough to press a quick kiss to his lips.
“See?” you murmur. “It’s accurate.”
Dick groans softly against your forehead, but his hands slide around your waist anyway, pulling you closer to him.
“I’m marrying a menace.”
“And you’re in love with me,” you say.
“…I really am.”
“Hey, I expect that sweatshirt at the wedding.” Jason calls out from behind you.
Dick doesn’t even turn around. “Get out.”
Later that night, when the house has quieted and the chaos has settled into something softer, Dick finds you curled up on the couch—still wearing the sweatshirt.
He leans against the doorway, watching you for a moment.
There's something warm in his expression.
Something steady.
Home.
“You kept it on,” he says quietly.
You glance up at him, smiling. “Yeah.”
“Even after the trauma?”
You laugh softly. “Even after the trauma.”
He crosses the room and sits beside you, pulling you gently into his side.
Your head rests against his shoulder.
For a moment, neither of you speak.
Then—
“…You know,” he says, voice softer now, “they don’t do that for just anyone.”
You hum. “Public humiliation?”
“Acceptance,” he corrects.
You smile faintly, fingers brushing over the fabric of the sweatshirt. “I figured.”
He presses a kiss to your temple. “I’m really glad it’s you.”
You tilt your head up to look at him, your expression soft, certain. “Me too.”
And even if the sweatshirt was ridiculous—
Even if Jason would never let either of you live it down—
