Archive of Our Own ^beta

Ever since Duke went upstairs, everyone has been looking at his boyfriend’s background information, and it’s not looking good. Duke’s boyfriend doesn’t have a criminal record, and his parents have decent jobs, so that also makes him a bit more acceptable in Bruce’s eyes. His mom is an attorney who’s actually very well known. His dad is a cancer doctor and he specifically works with children.

Bruce was truly relieved when he heard that. It’s one thing for someone to be a criminal, but if their family also happens to be criminals, their trust will also go down. Bruce just hopes that this boy treats Duke like he’s his everything.

Bruce would watch the world burn if someone breaks Duke’s heart, and that ‘no killing’ rule might just fly out of the window, specifically for them. Since this is also Duke’s first boyfriend, since they’ve been dating for a few years, Bruce will have to be extra careful to not scare the kid away. He’s known for doing that to all of his kids partners.

“So, he’s not a criminal.” Tim said while looking at Bruce, who had a neutral expression on his face. This expression is deadly in a way, because nobody knows what he’s thinking.

“Bruce, I’m sure the kid’s nice, and his parents also have great careers.” Clark said softly as he put a hand on Bruce’s shoulder. “Yeah, and he seems like a really nice kid, and Duke really likes him.” Dick said while smiling softly, but that smile also held concern.

Bruce took a deep breath. He needed to calm down and think about this for a few minutes. His baby, his ray of sunshine and his only child that would actually allow him to baby him. That’s his baby, his innocent baby who’s found himself a boyfriend that loves him so much. Bruce just doesn’t want his baby to leave the nest just yet, and he’s not very happy with Duke growing up so quickly, because he’s still Bruce’s baby.

All of this thinking was giving Bruce a headache, and it wasn’t helping the fact that Jason was calling him dramatic and Steph was still talking about how hot the guy was. Bruce couldn't even have a few moments of silence to think, and he was actually about to leave to go into his office to think for a bit, but Duke came skipping down the stairs while smiling.

Tim closed his laptop and took out his phone quickly, Jason went back to skimming though his book, since he wouldn’t get anywhere with all this drama going on, Steph and Cass acted like they were chatting about boys or a new drama, Damian was just running his fingers over his katana blade, Dick wasn’t even acting like he was doing something, and Bruce switched his facial expressions real quick as he smiled softly when he saw Duke come down the stairs.

“This is going to be great.” Jason mumbled and Bruce shot him a glare before his attention was back on Duke, who had finally stopped right in front of him and Clark. Duke’s eyes were shining and he was grinning so wide. His cheeks were puffed out from him smiling and he held his phone in his hand.

“Dad, guess what?!” Duke said excitedly and Bruce smiled softly at him as he grabbed onto Duke’s hand and pulled him onto his lap. “I’m assuming it’s good news?” Bruce said softly and Duke nodded. “Baek Hyeon agreed to come over for dinner on Friday, it’s going to be so fun and I can’t wait for you to meet him!” Duke exclaimed and Bruce held onto Duke tightly and tried not to frown.

“That’s great, chum. You should go tell Alfred about our special guest so he can avoid any food allergies and so he knows ahead of time.” Bruce said softly as he rubbed Duke’s back and Duke nodded and got out of Bruce’s lap and went to go find Alfred. Once Duke was out of earshot, Damian scoffed.

“To think we must see this buffoon once more. Father, you should decline this invite and make up some story so Thomas won’t become emotional.” Damian commented as he looked at Bruce with a scowl on his face. Bruce sighed.

“I’ve already allowed Duke to invite his boy- his friend to dinner. I won’t take his smile away from him.” Bruce says reluctantly. He doesn’t dislike this dinner plan, but he’s not ready to see Duke dating, but he has to keep his promise so he won’t break Duke’s heart.

“So, I’m obviously going to see this drama unfold.” Jason said as he moved his book away from his face and his smirk was shown to everyone. “I’m also joining because I’m not missing a chance to see that hot boy again.” Steph said in a dreamy voice and a loud sigh.

“Well since everyone is coming, can I also join you guys for dinner?” Clark asked softly as his gaze was only on Bruce. His main reason for coming to this dinner was just so he could keep Bruce from scaring that kid.

“Absolutely no-“ Damian started to say but Bruce cut him off. “Sure, at least I can have you by my side during all of this.” Bruce said softly and he kissed Clark on the cheek.

“Ewww.”

“Get a room.”

“Disgusting.”

“I’m out.”

Was heard throughout the room, and all of Bruce’s kids dispersed from the living room. “So, do you want to watch a movie or…” Clark asked but his words were obviously hinting at something else. “Only if we get to cuddle.” Bruce said shyly and Clark’s eyes softened. “You know I’d always cuddle you if you ask.” Clark said softly as he lifted Bruce into his arms and walked both upstairs.

Friday

Friday has finally come and everyone is nervous. Bruce has specifically asked for everyone to be on their best behaviors and try not to pull any punches (Damian) or any knives (Damian again). Everyone was also dressed casually, because Bruce didn’t want to overwhelm the kid, even though he didn’t want the kid to be there in the first place.

Throughout the week, Duke has been chatting about his boyfriend throughout dinner time and even when they were just having a family night. He was so excited about this whole thing, that he was working himself up with how nervous he was right now.

“What if he doesn’t like the food? What if you guys don’t like him?” Duke said as the time slowly started to creep up on him. It was about 30 minutes till his boyfriend arrived, and he was pacing the living room. “I already don’t li-“ Damian started to say, but Dick covered his mouth and smiled softly.

“I’m sure we’ll like him, and it’s already a good thing if he treats you right.” Dick said softly as Damian glared at him. Duke turned to look at Dick, and he smiled.

“Thanks, but I really hope you guys like him. We’ve been together for so long, and I really hope you guys see what I see in him. I mean, I want my family to support my relationship, because my biological parents supported us.” Duke admitted and Bruce didn’t know whether to cry or to hug Duke tightly.

Dick was already tearing up and Jason was avoiding eye contact with everyone, but you could see the frown on his face. Clark moved over to Duke and hugged him.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure everyone will like your partner, and I think Bruce might like him the most, isn’t the right baby?” Clark said as Duke and him turned their attention towards Bruce, who was sitting down on the couch. Bruce looked at Duke, who looked so worried and then looked at Clark, who was giving him an encouraging look. Bruce smiled softly as he stood up and walked over towards Duke. Clark backed up a bit and Bruce took Duke into his arms.

“I have nothing to worry about if your parents approved of him. I trust their judgment, since they love you just as much as I do. I’m sure I’ll get along with your boyfriend just fine.” Bruce said softly and Duke sniffled and squeezed Bruce tightly. “Thank you.” Duke whispered and Bruce kept his hold on Duke.

“Group hug.” Steph called out and she dragged Cass with her as they joined Duke and Bruce’s hug. Jason and Damian were dragged by Dick, and Tim also walked towards the ground and they all surrounded Duke and Bruce. Clark was the last to join the hug, because he was reluctant at first, since it was a family moment, but Duke grabbed onto his arm and pulled him in too. The hug didn’t last too long, for obvious reasons.

“Okay, I didn’t come for this lovely dovey shit.” Jason said as he tried to move away from the arms wrapped around him. “Unhand me, Grayson.” Damian growled out as he tried to free himself from the hug. The only thing that actually broke the hug was the sound of a doorbell ringing. Everyone pulled away and Duke ran towards the door. Bruce followed his excited son and everyone else made their way towards the dining room (Bruce planned this all out beforehand).

Alfred was already at the door and Baek Hyeon was already inside and he took off his shoes at the front door. “Hyeon.” Duke said softly as he ran into Baek Hyeon’s arms and Baek lifted him into his arms and hugged him tightly. “Hey baby.” Hyeon said softly as he set Duke down on the ground and he kept a hand on Duke's waist as he turned his attention towards Bruce. Hyeon bowed deeply and when he stood back up, he smiled politely.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Wayne.” Hyeon said kindly and Bruce smiled. “Nice to meet you too. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Bruce said as he held out his hand for Hyeon to shake. Hyeon shook Bruce’s hand and looked at Duke. “I hope it was all good things.” Hyeon said and Duke smiled sheepishly. “I wouldn’t talk bad about you without you being here.” Duke giggled out playfully and Hyeon grinned.

“Well, at least I can hear some crazy stories about you as well.” Hyeon said as he smiled softly at Duke. Bruce felt a bit awkward watching them flirt right in front of him, so he cleared his throat and they both looked at him. “Why don’t we join the others in the kitchen?” Bruce asked softly and Duke nodded and grabbed onto Hyeon’s hand before walking with him into the kitchen. Bruce looked at Alfred, who was smiling and when he turned to Bruce, he chuckled.

“Young love, such an exciting thing to experience, wouldn’t you agree Master Bruce?” Alfred asked softly and Bruce nodded. “So long as that love is actually there, anyways, is dinner almost ready?” Bruce asked softly and Alfred nodded. “I just need a few more minutes before I bring dinner out, but I’m sure you would much rather it this way than to speak while eating.” Alfred said and Bruce nodded.

“Thank you Alfred.” Bruce said softly before he left into the dining area. In the dining room, Bruce walked into see everyone staring at Duke and Hyeon. Duke and Hyeon were sitting side by side, and they were just like when everyone first saw them. Hyeon was smiling and his expression was full of love while watching Duke talk. Duke was talking about something random and Bruce had no idea what he was talking about, but his chatter stopped once Bruce walked into the room.

Bruce walked towards the middle seat and sat down in front of everyone. He was actually eyeing his kids while he was doing so, and he saw what he expected.

Jason was smirking the whole time while watching everyone else, Clark was trying and failing to start a conversation with Duke and Hyeon, Dick was holding onto Damian, who had his hand underneath the table and probably gripping a knife, Steph was giving Hyeon a flirty look, Cass was trying and failing to snap Steph out of her daze, and Tim was drinking some coffee while shaking his head at Stephanie.

When Bruce sat down though, Jason started a conversation while keeping his smirk on his face. “Nice of you to join us, old man.” Jason commented and Bruce sighed. “Jason.” Bruce said in a warning tone but Jason didn’t back down. Jason turned his attention over to Duke and Hyeon. “So, you two love birds have been dating for a few years, that’s longer than their relationship.” Jason pointed out as he pointed towards Clark and Bruce. Hyeon smiled as Duke giggled.

“Now that you’ve mentioned it, we're an older couple than them. It's so cool, babe?” Duke asked softly and Hyeon nodded. “I’m sure Mr. Wayne and his partner will work out, just like us.” Hyeon said while smiling and Jason cackled as he saw how flustered Clark became and Bruce glared at him. Jason got the exact reaction he wanted out of Bruce. Dick decided to change the subject before an argument broke out.

“So, how did you two start dating?” Dick asked and Duke giggled.

“It’s such a silly story. Basically, Hyeon just transferred to my school, and he could only speak a few words in English, and when the teacher asked if anyone could help Hyeon out, I volunteered. I tried learning how to speak Korean just so I could communicate with him a bit better, and I accidentally said something that sounded like a confession. Hyeon was confused at first, but he actually accepted it and decided that we were now dating, since he accepted my confession. I was confused when he started to become more clingy and loving to me, but when he finally told me that I confessed to him in Korean, I explained what happened and then how I actually fell in love with him, and we’ve been dating ever since.” Duke said while smiling and Hyeon was nodding throughout the story.

Dick gleamed and Steph awed (mainly because the story was cute and not because she was a bit jealous). “Ugh, that’s sweeter than how those two met.” Jason groaned out and Tim nodded. “Those two were already dating before they told us, and they already knew each other, so they fell for each other pretty quickly.” Tim said and Hyeon nodded. Damian was clenching his teeth the whole time, and Cass was just smiling throughout the whole thing.

The food eventually got set on the table, and they continued to chat about a few things and Bruce was starting to like Hyeon, which was surprising because he didn’t think he would. It was right before dessert that something happened. Hyeon was wiping off Duke’s mouth with a napkin because Duke was a bit of a messy eater, when he phone started ringing with an alert.

The table grew silent from its chatter and Duke looked at Hyeon as he pulled his phone out. Hyeon must have gotten a text about something serious because his expression turned serious and he wasn’t smiling.

“Um, is everything okay?” Dick asked in confusion and concern and Hyeon looked up at him. “It’s nothing, I...um…I need to leave, something came up.” Hyeon said and the way he said it made a few people suspicious. Hyeon turned to a pouting Duke and Hyeon’s eyes softened. “I’m sorry baby, something happened and I need to deal with it, but I promise to text you when I get home.” Hyeon said as he pressed a kiss on Duke’s forehead and stood up.

“I’m sorry for leaving early, but thank you so much for inviting me to dinner, Mr. Wayne.” Hyeon said as he bowed to a concerned looking Bruce and he picked up his plate and brought it to the kitchen (he thanked Alfred while he was inside) and then he walked towards the front door. Duke quickly followed behind him and Bruce also wanted to follow him but Clark stopped him and pointed towards his ear. Bruce understood that signal, Clark was listening in on their conversation.

Duke met Hyeon at the front door while he was putting on his shoes. “Do you really have to leave so early?” Duke asked softly and Hyeon turned to look at him and cupped his cheek.

“I’m sorry, but something came up at home, I promise to make it up to you and your family, but I really have to go. Make sure you eat an extra helping of dessert, since I won’t be able to eat it with you, and don’t forget to wipe your face clean once you're done, you’re usually more messy when you eat sweets. Also, I’ll text you first to see if you’re asleep, but if you text me back, we can FaceTime each other and I’ll talk to you until you fall asleep on call. I’m so sorry again, baby. I love you.” Hyeon said softly as he pressed a kiss to Duke’s lips, who was now smiling softly.

“I love you too, please be careful on your way home.” Duke said softly and he hugged Hyeon tightly. Once they pulled away, Hyeon opened the door. “I promise, baby.” Hyeon said before he walked out and Duke closed the door behind him while smiling and holding onto his fluttering heart. When he walked back into the kitchen in a daze with eyes full of love, everyone was watching him.

“Oh he’s down bad.” Steph giggled out. “Honestly, he’s such a nice guy, I can see why you fell for him.” Tim said softly. “Good job Narrows, you picked out a good one.” Jason said and Duke beamed. “Duke, you can invite him over whenever, I’m more than happy to talk with him more.” Bruce said softly and Duke got up and hugged him.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Duke exclaimed and Bruce hugged him back. “I guess he’s worthy of Thomas, but only for right now.” Damian scoffed out and everyone laughed at his comment, even though Damian didn’t say anything funny.

It was late in the night when the news came. “Breaking News, New Vigilante spotted in Bludhaven, the question remains, who is this new vigilante and are they working with the bats?” Too bad nobody was there to watch the news.

Duke got his FaceTime call sometime later in the night, and let’s just say that talking wasn’t the only thing they were doing, luckily everyone else was out doing their own thing, so they couldn’t hear what was happening, and thank goodness the rooms were soundproof.