#dukecass

[astro-bea]

Batman: Night of the Monster Men

The very first interaction of Cass and Duke

[roverjamball]

W9 Duke Thomas

DukeCass Word Count 2,159 words

Following the theme of Moving Day of the Wayne Family Adventures, this is Duke’s first Christmas since moving in. Tim is here and he brought the Titans with him. And Duke’s happy for other now people so he doesn’t feel alone, but he really wants is more time with Cassie, aka Cassandra Cain. There are the conversation Duke hears throughout out the night, as he moves around Wayne Manor

Snow whispered softly against the massive windows of Wayne Manor, layering the city outside in silver calm. Inside, chaos ruled in a way only the Bat Family could manage: laughter echoing down hallways, bickering bouncing off marble pillars, and the scent of cinnamon and pine threaded through everything Alfred touched. Garlands shimmered under chandelier light, and every polished surface reflected the flicker of the giant Christmas tree standing guard in the main hall.

This was Duke Thomas’s first Christmas under the Wayne roof. He still hadn’t quite learned how to walk through the manor without feeling small, but tonight the loneliness pressed less sharply. There were people everywhere now—the Titans mixing with the Bats, Stephanie and Tim tossing jokes over cocoa, Gar, Jamie and Raven standing somewhere between bored and amused. For once, Duke didn’t have to hide in corners pretending to text. But amid all this noise, his eyes kept finding Cassandra Cain.

She moved like smoke between crowds—quiet, grounded, effortlessly graceful. Where others announced themselves, she appeared. A hand on Alfred’s shoulder while he passed out food, a rare half-smile when Damian tried to hang mistletoe three inches too low. Cass didn’t say much, but Duke didn’t need words. A glance was enough.

Near the fireplace, Duke caught a snippet of conversation that made him grin over his mug of cocoa.

Tim Drake: “Look I’m over it, it’s Christmas, but he did try to kill me, Dick. He followed me to Titans Tower no less.” Richard ‘Dick’ Grayson: “Jason. Ever since he took that death trip, he's been a different person.” Tim Drake: “Well, that's no excuse. Raven died four or five times, and she's just sweet as Dr. Pepper.” Dick: “Yeah, yeah. Well, I think it’s closer to four though. Lemme see. Two times with Brother Blood, once with me on the team, once with you—let’s not forget . . .”

Cass stood by the mantle nearby, twisting a red ornament string in her gloved fingers. When Duke looked her way, she tilted her head, curious at the grin flickering over his face. He only shrugged, mouthing, Bats being Bats. Her answering smile looked like approval—or maybe quiet mischief.

By the Christmas tree, wrapping paper began to pile up near a smaller explosion of laughter.

Stephanie Brown: “Hey, Jay, did you buy that sweater knowing that red dot was on it because you could get it at a discount?” Jason Todd: “What? Did I what?” Stephanie Brown: “You did, didn't you?” Jason: “Steph… seriously? I’m actually kind of stunned here. I bust my ass, blow my savings on this ridiculous Christmas sweater—because, you know, I figured I’d do something nice for once—and this is how you thank me? Merry freakin’ Christmas, I guess.” Stephanie Brown: “Well, Alfred told me you did.” Jason: “You told her? How could you tell her? Oh, Et Tu Alfred? Et Tu?” Mr. Pennyworth: “I didn't speak out of turn, Master idiot— ahem, Jason. She tricked you.”

Jason’s grumbling retreated toward the corridor. His footsteps faded into the rumble of Damian’s laughter and the faint notes of Kori’s Tamaran caroling from another room.

Duke watched Cass out of the corner of his eye—she was suppressing a laugh. When she finally exhaled a silent chuckle, her shoulders eased, and Duke felt the tension of the big house melt a little. He wanted to say something, maybe tease Jason with her, but then she was already drifting away to help Alfred carry a tray of pies.

Raven: “I was just in the kitchen and we need ice.” Barbra Gordon: “In winter.” Raven: “I know, but Kori wants to make this Tamaran thing and . .” Jason Todd: “En’uf said. Dick, she’s your girl—let’s take the Bentley.” Tim: “I’ll get some coffee for the ‘nog.”

The clatter of keys signaled the start of yet another adventure. Duke found himself roped in, jacket half-zipped before he realized it. Cass brushed his arm lightly as he left—a blink-and-you-miss-it gesture that steadied him more than it should have.

Snow glittered on the Bentley’s hood as they rolled out the manor gates, laughter fogging the car windows.

Jay: “I’ll drive.” Richard ‘Dick’ Grayson: “And what about your license?” Todd: “What about it?” Richard ‘Dick’ Grayson: “Do you have it?” Todd: “It's fine.” Dick: “It was a yes or no question.” Jay: “Okay, yes, it's fine. We're going up the street, I don't need my license.” Dick: “Jaybird, this is a vintage car, and I’m a cop. You can’t drive unless you have your license on you, so could you go get it. Please?” Jay: “I would, but . . it’s expired.” Dick: “When did your license expire?!” Jay: “I don't know! Like, while I was dead.” Tim: “That’s your excuse for everything recently.” Dick: “Then you're not driving!” Jay: “Well, I drove the Batmobile yesterday.” Dick: “Well, Jaybird that's illegal.”

Duke laughed, warmth spreading through him despite the cold outside. For all their insanity, this was what family looked like—imperfect, ridiculous, but real. He texted Cass a blurry photo of snow on the windshield and the caption: We live dangerously. She replied an emoji—one raised eyebrow and a snowflake.

When they returned, the manor pulsed with life again—music, chatter, and the faint hum of the Titans trying to explain karaoke to Bruce. Duke slipped through the milling guests, snagging a cookie from the dessert table as he passed a new pocket of conversation.

Jamie ‘Blue Beetle’ Reyes: “I’ve heard it too. Gotham has alligators in the sewer.” Tim Drake: “That’s just Killer Croc.” Duke Thomas: “Besides that. Like a normal, but obviously huge gator.” Raven: “I also have a question, pretty boy. Why are you encouraging all this?” Duke: “I wouldn't say I'm encouraging it, I'm just open to the possibility.” Tim Drake: “Well, I'm not. Not unless I see some cold, hard evidence.” Duke: “And maybe it's there. Proof at last, Duke, proof at last.” Raven: “Is he all right?” Stephanie Brown: “I wouldn't say so, no. He's a Batfamily member, so.”

Cass lingered near the edge of the group, an amused look flickering between Duke and Raven. When he caught her eye, she made a subtle motion—two fingers wiggling like an alligator’s jaws. He stifled a laugh.

Later still, the party slowed. The air thickened with warmth and the smell of burnt sugar from too many toasted marshmallows. In a corner near the study firelight pooled golden, where Barbara held court with Garfield and Duke, who was now juggling gifted poetry books in one arm.

Barbra Gordon: “Hey Duke. Where’s Bruce?” Duke Thomas: “He's leading Damian’s cow out the house, again.” Barbs: “Okay. Here are those poetry books you wanted. I used them in the Freshman Lit class I taught last year. If you have any questions about poetry, just ask me.” Garfield ‘Beast Boy’ Logan: “Yeah, I have a question. I understand why guys get into poetry. To get girls. But why do girls like poetry?” Raven: “Because girls think with their brains.”

Cass slipped into the room halfway through that exchange, quiet as ever. She perched on the arm of Duke’s chair, scanning the books. One finger landed on a line of text. She didn’t read it out loud, just met his gaze and nodded—a silent good choice. Duke felt his pulse trip over itself.

Down one corridor, the last scraps of conversation carried softly over the fire.

Damian: “So you're saying... I'm the only one you were ever nice to?” Jason Todd: “Pretty much. I tried to kill replacement. Dick was a Dick to me, and y’know I don’t take no shit.” Jay: “You know, you have a real opportunity here. You can break the cycle. You can be a good brother to Mari’. You can be the one kid in this family who takes care of the younger one and looks out for her.” Damian: “How is that fair?” Jay: “Yeah, you're right.”

Duke passed by, pausing just long enough to catch the warmth in Jason’s tone—rare, genuine. Cass appeared beside him again, silent as moonlight, watching the same moment unfold. Without looking at him, she murmured, “They’re learning.”

He smiled. “We all are. Roof?”

Cassie nodded. 

The strains of laughter and soft music drifted down the hall, the house breathing contentment for once. Snow glimmered beyond the tall windows, and for the first time since he moved in, Duke didn’t feel like a visitor in Wayne Manor. He felt like part of something built from scars, second chances, and every quiet, unspoken thing that passed between him and Cass.

Snow drifted through the quiet night like the slow fluttering of forgotten wishes. The world below them glowed softly with the hush of winter — garlands glimmered, halos of light shimmered upon windowpanes behind them, and the air itself seemed to hold its breath.

Duke Thomas — Signal — sat beside Cassandra beneath the outcropping of the window, on one of the rooftops of the Wayne Manor.

The reflection of Christmas lights dancing along his golden skin his thoughts swirled like the flakes above, fragments of a year’s ache and wonder folding upon each other. He can see past nights, them, together on the roof like this, be Duke hopes this night will be different.

“With so many changes in my life, I know I can rely on you. You are the only thing in my life that feels real.” His voice carried warmth that even the cold wind could not steal — steady, reverent, as though every word was a truth carved carefully from his heart.

Cassandra’s gaze lifted to him slowly, dark eyes wide with something new and fragile, like dawn breaking after too many battles in the dark. Her breath trembled before it became words. “I’ve fallen in love. My first memory is fighting. I didn’t think such violent emotions could happen to someone like me.” In the glow, she looked almost otherworldly — a warrior softened by a peace she didn’t yet understand. The confession left her trembling, not from fear, but from the strangeness of being open — unguarded.

Duke’s hand rose, tentative but certain, the way light touches shadow before merging with it. A lock of her midnight hair had fallen over her cheek; he brushed it aside with a gentleness that made her heart flutter like wings against glass.

“I can’t see anything I don’t like about you,” he said, voice tender with awe. “I could die right now, Cassie, and not regret it. I’m just... happy. I’ve never felt that before. I’m just exactly where I want to be.”

Their foreheads met softly, two stars finding orbit after drifting too long through separate skies. Around them, the snow kept falling, the city whispering faintly through the hush — but in that moment, time itself seemed to pause, bowing to love’s quiet, eternal fire.

For a long, weightless moment, time seemed to surrender to the stillness. The only sound was the quiet conversation between falling snow and beating hearts. Cassandra’s eyes searched Duke’s face — every hesitant tremor of his breath, every shadow softened by light. The warmth between them grew, fragile yet infinite, like the space between a spark and flame.

Duke tilted his head just slightly, a silent question lingering in the air. His hand rested against her cheek now, gloved thumb tracing the edge of her jaw as though memorising her through touch alone. The world faded into a blur of silver and gold — only her eyes remained, deep as the night and full of something unspoken.

When she leaned in, it was barely a movement, almost instinct. The tips of their noses brushed, soft as snowfall. Then her lips found his — hesitant, searching — and the chill around them melted. It wasn’t hurried or grand, but slow and reverent, the kind of kiss that feels like the beginning and ending of everything at once.

The city blurred beyond their small universe: the glitter of lights danced on icicles, a distant choir hummed through open doors, and snow landed quietly in their hair. Cassandra pulled back first, her breath trembling into the space between them. “You make the world quiet,” she whispered.

Duke smiled, forehead resting against hers. “Then I guess I’ll have to stay,” he murmured, his voice a flicker of gold in the winter air.

“I vow to fiercely love you in all your forms, Batgirl, Orphan, my Cassie now and forever.”

And there, beneath the gentle hush of falling snow, they kissed once more — not from uncertainty, but from knowing. The night stretched out like a canvas painted in light, and for the first time, both heroes felt entirely, beautifully human.

@batship-winter

[kitkat5628]

Rating two comics ships (most popular, probably) for each BatFamily character because I'm bored and I want the chaos.

(no I don't. I like my life peaceful. But I also like saying my opinion. Don't kill me over them 😭🙏)

Bruce:

Batman (2016) #25 & Detective Comics #1071 Variant Cover

Bruce x Selina: 10/10. I'll be honest, there are some ships in DC that, imo, you shouldn't touch/mess with. Like I literally got a list and BatCat is on it. Sure it has its bad moments, but what ship doesn't? For the "drama" the writers feels like there's need but we don't need it💔 Aaaanyways, they're my babies. The love and support they give each other is just kqncjsiansj 😩🫶

Bruce x Talia: 6/10. Honestly, while it's not entirely my thing, Bruce and Talia aren't bad together... With good writers, that said. But there's way worse, so a 6 is okay for them.

Selina:

Batman #35 (2016) & Catwoman #33 (2018)

Sooo I don't know if these are exactly Selina's most popular ships aside BatCat, sorry if they aren't, didn't know what to pick :').

Selina x Talia: 7/10. Again, not my thing... But it's not as bad as other ships I've seen (Selina and Dick... Shudders). I don't see it happening tho... But I wouldn't mind seeing them interacting and like, talking about Bruce or how Damian's doing and stuff yk?

Selina x Pamela: 3/10. Eeeh, I can see why it exists, but no. Aka: I prefer Ivy and Harley, lol. And I don't see much the appeal, but I don't mind the ship.

Kate:

DC: Bombshells #45 & Batwoman #17

Kate x Renée: 9/10. My shaylas🫶 I miss them together, I really liked them. But, well, I guess Kate is Renée's friend, the best friend she has (see: The Question: All Along The Watchtower #6 (2025)... I guess it's better than nothing...😭

Kate x Maggie: 5/10. Okay, nothing against Maggie, I kinda like her... But Renée😩 I miss her...

Helena:

Nightwing and Huntress #3 (1998) & BoP #59

Helena x Dick: 9/10. One of my favorite Dick Grayson's ships, to be honest. I loved their chemistry, especially in the 90/00s. Nothing against the Grayson Helena but... Her in the 90s was perfection, fight me.

Helena x Dinah x Babs: 8/10. As I've said in a previous post, I see the Birds of Prey (Like Dinah and Babs) more as the type of close best friends who would kiss and jokingly touch each other, but not date. However... If this had to happen, throw Grayson in and I'm up for it, lol. I mean, come on! He and Babs are dating, he dated Helena and we can work on his relationship with Dinah I guess.

I know her relationship with Question is probably more famous...? But these are comics ships. And her most famous ships were either with Dinah or Babs so I just picked the three together lol. Them three together is quite popular too anyways.

Barbara:

Birds of Prey #15 (1998) & Birds of Prey #21 (1998)

Barbara x Ted: 7/10. Cause they were cute, but I don't know... Ted belongs to Booster— AHEM WHO SAID THAT???!!!! Anyway, as an alternative ship was fine, and had its moment, but not my favorite.

Barbara x Dinah: 8/10. High rate more because of their friendship than the ship itself, honestly... Again, I see them more as really close besties, but if they were to become something I wouldn't go feral lol. Plus... DinahOllie is one of those untouchable ships for me.

Dick:

Dick and Babs: 11/10. They're the ship for me. Been loving their characters first, then found the ship and I remember smiling so brightly. Happy baby Juju😞🙏 Anyways, I love them, seriously. Soulmates and endgame if you ask me.

Dick and Kory: 7/10. Yup. Dick and Kory ain't bad together, they're just not my ship. I found them cute in NTT or old Titans stuff, but they'll never be on DickBabs level for me. But again, I don't dislike them together. One day, they might make it back into Nightwing comics, and I'll still support my man and his happiness no matter what... sure I'll cry a little but yk😭.

Cassandra:

Batgirl #41 (2000) & Detective Comics #943 (2016)

Cassandra x Kon: 7.5/10. Seriously they weren't bad, maybe they could work a little better now, but I'll pass. Kon's got another Cassandra. Still, they were funny together :).

Cassandra x Harper: 7/10. Like for Kon, they're alright. I dunno, I'm very picky with Cassandra's ships, like our girl deserves happiness I know, but I haven't met many ships of her that I actually like much.

Jason:

Red Hood and the Outlaws #25 & Gotham War: Red Hood #2

Jason x Artemis: 9.5/10. YES. Finally a Red Hood ship that doesn't involve characters that are either his family or his family's exes. They had the chemistry, I loved them. Like for Cass, I got sort of an hard time in pairing Jason with someone, but Artemis? I'm absolutely fine with it.

Jason x Rose: 1/10. Meh... I'm sorry, I don't really see it? Did I just not get much into the ship and I'm missing the built up or...? Did I just miss it cause😭 Also, I got mixed feelings on this. She had a story with Dick, not romantically! But kinda weird. And with Tim... Well she sort of harassed him not once but two times, so, yeah... Like imagine the Christmas dinner and events like those.

Stephanie:

Batgirls #1 (2022) Variant Cover & Task Force Z #12

Stephanie x Cassandra: 7/10. Even for this, giving it a 7 because of their friendship. Like for Babs and Dinah, they're the type of best friends who would kiss and jokingly touch, but just that, for me. Again, when it comes to Cass, I'm picky, mostly because I feel like she needs a friend before a lover, and Steph is that exact friend. The best friend she can rely on in every situation. I might be mistaking, haven't read Batgirl (2000) recently, but wasn't Stephanie one of her first friends, if not the first? Sure, we can bring up Babs, but Barbara is a mother figure, Stephanie is a friend. The kind of best friend she'd lie to her parents (Babs and Bruce) to, to help her with anything or sneak out with her even if she's not allowed. That's why I can't see them as more than best friends, honestly not even sisters, even if I feel like Steph would call her "sis" sometimes.

Stephanie x Jason: 1/10. Just... No. Let them be close, but not like that... Let's not turn Stephanie in Barbara and pass her around, please😭🙏 Stephanie is more like the girl who's dating a family member (Tim), got close to his sister (Cass), is disapproved by the father (Bruce) but she'll stick around and build a friendship with everyone.

Tim:

Young Justice #5 (2019) & DC Pride: Tim Drake Special #1

Tim x Stephanie: 10/10. They were everything. Everything. They had the chemistry, the built up, the good and bad moments they overcame... And then? Poof. Into the nothing...? Break-up off panel? Seriously? Give me one good reason at least.

Tim x Bernard: 0/10. Let me explain hold on. It'd be an higher rate if Bernard was his old self. Like genuinely who's this guy? That ain't the Bernard I know. And he and Tim just... met again and got together I guess. Again if that was the old Bernard and the couple were to be momentarily, I'd be fine with it... but I don't know this man, be for real. And to make the couple they had to make Tim and Stephanie break up off panel and act ooc? Why would Tim ghost Steph? Why did Steph just... Accept everything like that. I love TimSteph but my girl has the rights to hit Tim with a brick again😭 She wouldn't just... Be happy for them and be a ray of sunshine, you can't tell me she wouldn't be sadder, come on... And again, that ain't Bernard? That's a new character. Would have made more sense creating a brand new guy to be honest...

I'm glad Tim and Steph are still friends, but honestly? I personally feel like the bestie/sibling vibes people get from them in comics now (not talking about the past) comes off an ooc behavior of Stephanie accepting them immediately because, if she doesn't, it's homophobic. But this is me, you can disagree and it's no problem.

Duke:

Batman & the Signal #1 & Batman and the Outsiders #3

Duke x Izzy: 8/10. I like them, they're nice together :). I don't really have much to say about them tho :')... They really are quite nice though.

Duke x Cassandra: 0/10. I believe there's no need for me to explain why.

Damian:

Batman and Robin #6 & Superman & Robin Special #1 Cover

Damian x Flatline: 7/10. See, this is what I'm talking about. A brand new character as a love interest. Not re-used ones or exes of family (ex: Raven;). They're cute, need to see more of them together.

Damian x Jon: 7/10. Same rate. Because I see them more as best friends too and not more, however... if Jon weren't...now older, sob, and they had grown up together, I wouldn't mind them. They're an all right ship for me.

So these were my opinions on those ships :) if you got any questions about these or other ships, or want to disagree on something, feel free to politely say or ask. I'll gladly answer ^^.

[atetheship]

Made a batcest chart and yes I'm including Babs and Steph since they are bats with -cest being debatable depending on things (apparently).

Went with a simple stoplight colors:

Green ranging from "I could get behind it" to "screaming crying throwing up"

Yellow ranging from "Ok" to "I would like to see more"

Red is no. Nope. Respectfully declined

Do note that timdami/damitim is my OTP and I'm more than willing to throw any other prospects off a cliff so they can be together lol When I'm craving them romantically at least.

[batslovecest]

[User Locked] crystalline by prideinmymouth

Chapters: 1/1 - Words: 2.4k

Rating: NC-17

Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Relationships: Cass/Duke

Additional Tags: Batship Winter 2025, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Hurt/Comfort, First Kiss, Getting Together, Dry Humping, Omega Duke, Omega Cass, POV Duke

Summary:

The bullet in his side probably isn't helping matters either, but Duke has other priorities.

or

cass takes care of duke when he gets hurt, but stitching someone up doesn't help stave off the cold. luckily, cass can help with that too.

(batship winter 2025, week nine: cuddling for warmth, injured on patrol, omegaverse.)

Comments: Ahh, so sweet and refreshing. I'd like this fic condensed into a soda for my enjoyment. Some hurt and then some comfort to soothe it all away. Duke's thoughts are written well.

[batship-winter]

Cuddle on up because we’re right on the edge of Duke Thomas Week!!

[valkylander]

Words:1524

Prompts: Cuddling for Warmth, Injured on Patrol, Edging

Cass has an innovative way to keep Duke conscious, warm, and not bleeding out in an emergency situation.

[damitim]

okay but teen duke would actually be so insufferable about cass being his gf like you know he's bragging to all his buddies at school abt the college aged hottie they all saw drop him off that morning

one of his jealous friends tries to give him shit for having to ride on the back of her bike and duke just hits him with "yeah but she lets me touch her tits while she drives :)" and he officially becomes the coolest guy in the school to all the horny 16 year olds