Daminette December One-Shots

Day 31- New Year's Eve

It was New Year's Eve, and the Wayne Manor living room was alive with laughter, warmth, and the low hum of friendly competition. Family game night had become a cherished tradition in the Wayne household, but tonight, it had an extra layer of celebration. Every corner of the room held a small group engaged in games or conversation, with the soft glow of the fireplace casting a golden light over everyone.

On one side, Marinette, Tim, Damian, and Jon were huddled on the floor, fully engrossed in a high-stakes game of Mecha Strike. Eyes glued to their screens, they muttered quick jabs and encouragement.

"Marinette, you're gonna have to try harder than that!" Tim teased, flashing a grin.

"Oh, I'm just getting started," Marinette shot back, her gaze fierce as she tapped furiously at her controller. "Brace yourselves, boys!"

Jon laughed, nudging Damian. "Think we should watch out for her?"

Damian smirked, focused but clearly impressed. "She's better than most. But she still has to beat me."

In the center of the room, Dick, Cass, Steph, and Jason were deep in a poker game, chips clinking as bets were raised.

"Steph, you sure you want to go all in?" Dick asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

Steph waved him off with a mischievous grin. "What's the point if you don't take risks? Besides, I have a feeling my luck's about to change."

Jason snorted, flicking his cards. "Yeah, I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that you've been cheating since the start."

"Prove it," she shot back, winking. "If you can."

In another corner, Duke was deep in a chess game with Clark, who had Connor leaning over his shoulder for support.

"Dad, he's totally got you," Connor whispered, eyeing Duke's recent move with wide eyes.

Clark grinned. "Maybe he does. Guess I'll just have to think faster." He cast a sidelong glance at Duke. "You've got quite the strategy here."

"Just trying to keep up with Superman," Duke replied, trying not to smile too smugly. "Think you can handle it?"

Near the fireplace, Selina Kyle and Lois Lane were having a low-voiced conversation peppered with laughter and the occasional burst of gossip.

"So then he actually tried to take on the Riddler with a knock-knock joke," Selina murmured, shaking her head as she laughed.

Lois chuckled, looking across the room at Clark. "Boys and their heroics. Who would have thought we'd end up here, right?"

At the far end of the room, Bruce and Alfred sat side by side on a comfortable sofa, sharing the view of their bustling family. Bruce's gaze softened as he looked over the scene, pride and a hint of nostalgia flickering in his expression.

"Never thought I'd see all of them here, together, like this," he said quietly, his voice laced with emotion.

Alfred's eyes crinkled with a warm smile. "It's a sight worth every gray hair, Master Bruce."

After finishing his game, Clark strolled over to join Bruce as Alfred stood and excused himself to head to the kitchen to start preparing dinner. Clark took a seat beside Bruce, giving his friend a friendly nudge.

"It's something, isn't it?" Clark asked, watching everyone with a gentle smile. "To have a family this big?"

Bruce looked down, a bit of hesitance in his voice. "Growing up, it was just me and Alfred. I thought... I'd always be alone. And when Alfred's time comes, I thought maybe I'd go back to that. Alone in this big house." He paused, his voice almost a whisper. "Sometimes, it's hard to believe they're really here."

Clark shook his head, placing a reassuring hand on Bruce's shoulder. "You'll never be alone, Bruce. You've built this. They're your family, in every way that counts. And they'll always be here for you."

Bruce looked at him, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks, Clark. It's... good to hear that."

Just then, Alfred returned, calling everyone to the dining room. "Ladies and gentlemen, dinner is served!"

They all gathered around the long dining table, a magnificent feast. Once everyone was seated, Bruce rose from his chair, clearing his throat as he held up his glass.

"I just want to say a few words before we welcome the new year," he began, his voice steady but warm. "This past year... I realized just how lucky I am to have all of you. You are my family, and I can't imagine my life without any of you in it. Here's to another year, together."

There was a chorus of clinking glasses, followed by cheers and laughter. As everyone dug into their food, the teasing began, of course.

"So, Marinette," Jason said with a playful smirk. "How's it feel spending New Year's Eve with Grumpy Wayne over there?"

Marinette blushed, trying not to smile. "Honestly? It's... amazing. And Damian isn't that grumpy."

"He has his moments," Dick chimed in, chuckling. "It's impressive you've stuck around him this long, Marinette. You must have nerves of steel."

Damian shot them both a glare but couldn't help the small smirk on his lips. "They're just jealous," he muttered to Marinette.

After dinner, as everyone began to settle into conversation and games again, Damian led Marinette out onto the balcony. The cold air was bracing, but they barely felt it, the warmth of the evening still filling them.

"I never thought I'd feel so at home somewhere like this," Marinette admitted, looking up at the stars. "And with someone like you."

Damian's gaze softened as he looked at her. "I feel the same. You... make me feel like I can be myself. Like I don't have to be a Wayne or anything else. Just... me."

She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "You're my anchor, Damian. I think... that's why I'm scared."

He turned to her, a concerned look crossing his face. "Scared of what?"

"In a few months, I'll return to Paris to finish high school. And after that, I was thinking about college in New York." She hesitated, glancing down. "But part of me wonders if that's really what I want."

He squeezed her hand back, his voice steady. "Whatever you decide, I'll support you, Marinette. Whether you stay in Paris or go to New York or anywhere else... I'll be here."

Her eyes softened as she looked at him, warmly filling her chest. "Thank you, Damian. That means everything."

They stood together under the stars, hands clasped, as the countdown to midnight began in the distance. No matter what the future held, they knew they had each other to face it with.

As the clock struck twelve, fireworks burst in the sky, and they exchanged a quiet, heartfelt New Year's kiss—a promise for all that lay ahead.