#jondami arranged marriage au

[jonathan-samuel-smith]

Chapters: 2/27 Fandom: Super Sons (Comics) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Jonathan Samuel Kent/Damian Wayne, Batfamily Members & Jonathan Samuel Kent, Minor or Background Relationship(s), Roy Harper/Jason Todd, Dick Grayson/Koriand'r Characters: Jonathan Samuel Kent, Damian Wayne, Talia al Ghul, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Lois Lane, Clark Kent, Stephanie Brown, Duke Thomas, Tim Drake, Jason Todd, Roy Harper, Lian Harper, Mar'i Grayson, Jake Grayson, Koriand'r (DCU), Original Characters, Martha Kent, Jonathan "Pa" Kent, Kathy Branden, Maya Ducard, Colin Wilkes, Jerry the Turkey (DCU), Alfred the Cat (DCU), Titus | Damian Wayne's Dog, Ace the Bat-Hound (DCU), Goliath (DCU), Bat-Cow (DCU) Additional Tags: Arranged Marriage, Alternate Universe - Arranged Marriage, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Meet the Family, References to ABBA, Weddings, Wedding Fluff, Wedding Night, Wedding Planning, Wedding Rings, Marriage Proposal, Marriage, Fluff, Action & Romance, Christmas, Bialya, Piano, Eventual Smut, Demisexual Damian Wayne, Autism, Aged-Up Character(s) Summary: Jon yawned and stretched. “I’m a little tired. I think I’ll head to bed after supper.” 

“I won’t be able to spend the evening with you anyway, I have patrol with my father.”

“Ah yeah, that’s right. I dunno why but I’d almost forgotten you were a vigilante.”

Damian laughed. “Were my pets too domestic for the image of ‘Sword Robin’, as they like to call me?”

“Sword Robin is my favorite Robin. And not just cause he’s you. I mean, I liked him before I met you. Er. I guess that means I liked you before I met you.”

“It’s fine, Jon, I know what you mean. Most people have a favorite robin, I’m flattered that I am yours.”

Jon smiled. “Helps that he’s pretty cute.”

Damian grinned. “I have cutting good looks and a cutting sharp sword. What’s not to love?” he said haughtily. Jon laughed. 

[jonathan-samuel-smith]

One of the themes in this fic has wound up being how much joy they bring each other. Jon has a crush already and Damian is just really happy to talk with Jon about his special interests. Jon is also very happy to be talking about this subject, Damian's more than a pretty face.

Jerry is enjoying the attention.

I wanted to draw them because I am obsessed with these guys and "if there's no new content, make it yourself" and so I drew a moment from chapter 2 of my jondami arranged marriage au fic To Wed A Warrior, the next chapter which this takes place in will be posted around the end of the day on Nov 1st!

[fishfingersandjellybabies]

Arranged marriage damijon anon here~ how would Damian react to the whole situation? Like he'd probably have to be dressed up in fact wedding clothing and then have to meet his "suitor" and like he's probably all upset but also????maybe flustered???? And then Jon comes in like "yo can I marry ur son?" And Talia's like "ye" and I just would love to see Damian's reaction to that y'know?? Haha

haha Damian is just FLABBERGASTED and then is just like ‘there is no way in hell im marrying you, you idiot.’ and Bruce and Clark are both just in despair like: CAN WE PLEASE JUST HAVE NO ONE GET MARRIED.

But then Jon explains to Damian in private that he’s not doing it for the marriage part, he’s doing it to protect and save Damian and Damian eventually comes to appreciate that and agrees, making Jon promise that ‘it’s not a real marriage, just to get us all safely away from my mother’ and Jon’s like YEA TOTES BRUH.

and then like three years later theyre madly in love and think this whole garbage mess is funny and Damian’s real fate after all haha.

[elareine]

Fic Masterpost

For a masterpost of my tumblr ficlets, see here.

Note: I’ve added fics with multiple pairings to every relevant category.

Jason Todd/Tim Drake

Secret Witness (34k, ao3) CSI except with ghosts. WIP. 

A Hope Like You (12k, ao3) A/b/o with single dad Jason and identity porn. WIP. 

Silver and shadow and vision of things not seen (8k, ao3) WW2 and post-WW2 urban fantasy noir. WIP.

Turn yourself toward home (4k, ao3) Retired pirate seeks retired navy officer.

The space between us (8k, ao3) Mr. & Mrs. Smith in space.

Hold me (like you held on to life) (6k, ao3) Vampire sex to spite the parents.

If I know you (4k, ao3) Annoyed witch cares for sleeping prince.

Lifelong learning (5k, ao3) College, but it’s not an AU.

safe with me (14k, ao3) Figuring out intimacy, with a dash of d/s.

Ornamental (2k, ao3)  Christmas party butt plug fun.

Far away (1k, ao3 I tumblr) + So close (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Tim’s in space and then he’s not.

Like no other pain (2k, ao3) Soulmates, but Tim makes it angsty. 

If I had a type (then baby it would be you) (1k, ao3 I tumblr) One-night stand with surprise bondmark.  

The Sacredness of Tears (13k, ao3)  Tim gets the ability to travel through time, but somehow that’s not the main story. 

The Reluctant Brides (13k, ao3) Genderbent regency.

Adamare (9k, ao3 I tumblr: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) Harry Potter AU. 

What demons they carry (5k, ao3 I tumblr: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) Outsider POV of demon!Tim.

Shelter (19k, ao3) Royalty arranged marriage. 

glaukopis, promachos, atrytone (4k, ao3 I tumblr:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) A god and his reincarnated lover.

Not the hurricane (2k, ao3 I tumblr) Soft handjobs. 

Night falling softly and without mercy (4k, ao3 I tumblr) When you want to marry your bodyguard but are pretty sure he means to kill you. 

Reasons to be jealous (4k, ao3 I tumblr) Unfounded jealousy crack. Side DickDami.

Just a fool for you (6k, ao3 I tumblr) The Regency Daemon Thing. (Part two of ‘foolish, perhabs’)

A fool’s game (1k, ao3 I tumblr)  Outsider POV of The Regency Daemon Thing. (Part one of ‘foolish, perhabs’)

A fool to believe (2k, ao3 I tumblr) Epistolary companion to The Regency Daemon Thing. (Part three of ‘foolish, perhabs’)

Blood will tell (9k, ao3) October Daye AU. 

So easy to begin (4k, ao3) Dealin’ with fear toxin and trauma, a/b/o-style. 

Somebody ring the alarm (2k, ao3) Strangers flirting while undercover.

To love and to honour (6k, ao3) Five anniversaries and a wedding. 

A question of trust (3k, ao3) Jason hides an injury.

The Wedding Job (3k, ao3) Leverage-style heist.

One day the slipper fits (2k, ao3) The perils of not-dating. 

Dick Grayson/Jason Todd 

clock ticking (sudden silence) (7k, ao3 I tumblr) Dick’s soulmate timer is an asshole. 

The stars gaze back (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Stardust AU with more swearing.

In the Shallows (20k, ao3) Celebrity ‘She Loves Me’ AU.

I dream of our story (our fairytale) (1k, ao3 I tumblr)  Epilogue to In the Shallows. 

A revolution is a simple thing (6k, ao3) Anastasia AU.

Dick Grayson/Damian Wayne

Soft, sweet (and never too much) (2k, ao3) Sweet and kinky PWP.

Don't make me close one more door (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Bodyguard AU. Dami goes undercover and develops feelings. 

Misperceptions (6k, ao3 I tumblr) DamiDick-centric compaion to Reasons to be jealous.

Damian Wayne/Tim Drake

These stars will guide us home (2k, ao3 I tumblr) Developing feelings while being far apart.

Vigil (4k, ao3 I tumblr) Injuries, cuddles and feelings. DamiTim, Joyfire+Dick.

That sacred bond (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Fake marriage for the aliens.

Jason Todd/Roy Harper

Winners get road rash with @scootboot97​ (3k, ao3 I tumblr) College AU dorks and oral. 

Of wizards and black knights (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Cyberpunk damsel in not-so-much distress. 

Dick Grayson/Bruce Wayne

Wonder (2k, ao3) Officer Grayson partners up with Batman.

All that's dead and gone and passed tonight (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Hunger Games AU. 

Tim Drake/Conner Kent

Met a boy (cute as can be) (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Summer romance.

Snow comes down in June (2k, ao3 I tumblr) College dumbasses try to stay friends.

Jason Todd/Damian Wayne

That word on your skin (2k, ao3 I tumblr) Getting the same tattoo is one way to ask for a date.

warmth, shared (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Jason’s feeling old and gets cuddles on a mountain.

Jason Todd/Roy Harper/Tim Drake

At its core (1k, ao3 I tumblr)  Considering fatherhood and marriage. 

Turning point (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Cuddles against nightmares, with a surprise ghost.

Other ships (DC)

Vigil (4k, ao3 I tumblr) Injuries, cuddles and feelings. Joyfire+Dick, DamiTim. 

The wonderful everyday (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Flirting in an Ikea. Joyfire.

Down, down (2k, ao3 I tumblr) Prince visits tentacled sea witch. Superbat.

Would make me whole (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Angsty jerk-off session. JayRoyDick.

Promises (whispered, shouted) (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Injuries in the desert with not much hope. JonDami.

Won't you die tonight for love (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Vampire marriage surprisingly includes a third person. DamiJayTim.

You still look like a movie (2k, ao3 I tumblr) High school teachers pine. DickWally, side JayTim.

Spellbound (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Morning after marred by worry about a love potion. Trinity.

Through the night (we'll make it) (2k, ao3 I tumblr) H/C vignettes. Robinpile.

Gen (DC) 

rewind, fast forward, stop (3k, ao3 I tumblr)  Deaged Jason angst. Jason, batfamily.

In silence (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Jason’s telepathy doesn’t help him with Bruce. Jason, Bruce.

A soft place to land (2k, ao3) Trying to get Bruce to retire. Jason, Dick, batfamily.

touched your head gently (felt my heart melt) (7k, ao3) Movie-verse Floyd as a father through the years. Floyd, Zoe, squad. 

Will someone tell me what's going on tonight (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Dick’s OC boyfriend is an asshole, Wally offers comfort. Dick/OC (past), Bruce, Wally

At its core (1k, ao3 I tumblr) Considering fatherhood and marriage. Duke-centric, side JayRoyTim.

Hockey RPF

Sometimes I lie (4k, ao3) An FBI agent and his informant. SidGeno.

Finding Surety  (13k, ao3) Fake Dating. Marner/Matthews.  

Do you know (I still miss you) (6k, ao3) Getting back together with a little help from your friends. Eichel/McDavid. (Part two of ‘Read all about it’)

The name that history wrote (8k, ao3) Harry Potter AU, triwizard tournament. Eichel/McDavid.

the whole world's out of sync (9k, ao3) 13 going on 30 AU. SidGeno.

stellar nucleosynthesis (13k, ao3) Magical realism and truth spells. Danny/Claude.

But you were always on my mind (7k, ao3) Soulmarks complicated by dyslexia.

Feather (9k, ao3) Crimean war magical realism AU. SidGeno.

Other fandoms

starts with truth (MCU, 8k, ao3) If Steve talked to Tony and Pepper earlier about the winter soldier. SteveTonyPepper.

someday my prince will come (X-Men Movies, 7k, ao3) Erik deals with an enchanted forest. Cherik.

Nothing easy worth doing (Power Rangers, 2k, ao3) Superheroing while autistic - pros and cons. 

Shoot me down (Star Wars, 12k, ao3) Kier survives. Everything else still happens. LeiaKierHan.

Ask his mind (ask his heart) (Star Wars, 2k, ao3)  Anakin gets dosed with sex pollen. ObiKin. 

A Woman is Herself (Lady Sherlock, 7k, ao3) Joanna Watson character study. JoannaJohn. 

Will it burn forever (this light) (King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, 11k, ao3) Love spell adventures. ArthurTristan. (There’s a podcast!)

Someday soon (Arashi RPF, 1k, ao3) A glance into the future. Ohmiya. 

With fates to come (D.Gray-man, 1k, ao3) Tikki is Cassandra. TikkiAllen.

Dedication with @magoril​ (FBAWTFT, 2k, ao3) Theseus fixes things for his brother. TinaNewt. 

Shiny things (FBAWTFT, 2k, ao3) Percival gets a service Niffler. Gen. 

[jonathan-samuel-smith]

Chapters: 4/27 Fandom: Super Sons (Comics) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Jonathan Samuel Kent/Damian Wayne, Batfamily Members & Jonathan Samuel Kent, Minor or Background Relationship(s), Roy Harper/Jason Todd, Dick Grayson/Koriand'r Characters: Jonathan Samuel Kent, Damian Wayne, Talia al Ghul, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Lois Lane, Clark Kent, Stephanie Brown, Duke Thomas, Tim Drake, Jason Todd, Roy Harper, Lian Harper, Mar'i Grayson, Jake Grayson, Koriand'r (DCU), Original Characters, Martha Kent, Jonathan "Pa" Kent, Kathy Branden, Maya Ducard, Colin Wilkes, Jerry the Turkey (DCU), Alfred the Cat (DCU), Titus | Damian Wayne's Dog, Ace the Bat-Hound (DCU), Goliath (DCU), Bat-Cow (DCU) Additional Tags: Arranged Marriage, Alternate Universe - Arranged Marriage, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Meet the Family, References to ABBA, Weddings, Wedding Fluff, Wedding Night, Wedding Planning, Wedding Rings, Marriage Proposal, Marriage, Fluff, Action & Romance, Christmas, Bialya, Piano, Eventual Smut, Demisexual Damian Wayne, Autism, Aged-Up Character(s) Chapter 4 Summary:

Damian meets Kathy for the first time.

[dankgemestho]

Damian and Jon hugging, from ch 3 of my fic To Wed a Warrior, which will be posted on the night of Nov. 8

Edit: I forgot I wanted to add freckles from now on! Edit 2: I also forgot Damian's scars!

[jonathan-samuel-smith]

It irks me that the overwhelming majority of Damijon arranged marriage fics on ao3 are negative towards the concept. The view in white America is that it's immoral, forced marriage, about control. I have to say that's a racist mischaracterization. Arranged marriages are completely normal practices as capable of being healthy as any marriage and arguably moreso. My culture throws the baby out with the bathwater worrying about abuse like it's somehow arranged marriage's fault and not the abusers'. Arranged marriage is voluntary.

When I search for the arranged marriage tag I want to see them being arranged to marry, not forbidden lovers because one of them is betrothed to another. It especially bothers me because Damian is Pakistani. Imposing our arbitrary morals onto his fictional life. We think we do it better but dating, courtship, arranged betrothal, they're all just different ways of partnering up. What matters is the connection, the companionship.

I've noticed it's a problem specifically with the super sons as my other ships have a more equal balance of pro vs anti arranged marriage fics. I think I'll write my own fic. Talia as a good mom who sets Damian up with Jon. Jon's nervous about it but he forms a strong connection and companionship and eventually falls deeply in love (where my demiromantics at?) To where he's so greatful to Talia.

Damian at first sees it as his duty but then when he gets to know Jon he realizes that Talia did this to try to better her son's life, not control it. She gives him a talk about how the marriage is entirely up to him. after that Damian allows his feelings to come into the picture, expecting resentment to creep in but instead receives a flood of affection towards Jon.

For their wedding I think I'll do some research on wedding traditions from the area the league is set in and base their ceremony on that. If you want to reblog to add anything on like for example resources about weddings and arranged marriages I would be. So so happy.

Final note: I don't think Talia would set them up as children! I do think it could be cute in fiction but it's certainly not realistic.

[dankgemestho]

I wanted to draw this little scene from chapter 3 of my fic To Wed a Warrior (which I'll probably post soon because I'm feeling very tired since daylight savings started). Damian has put a little bit of concealer on his scars to make them look less bad since he's in public. This is my first time drawing an action scene!

[jonathan-samuel-smith]

Chapters: 3/27 Fandom: Super Sons (Comics) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Jonathan Samuel Kent/Damian Wayne, Batfamily Members & Jonathan Samuel Kent, Minor or Background Relationship(s), Roy Harper/Jason Todd, Dick Grayson/Koriand'r Characters: Jonathan Samuel Kent, Damian Wayne, Talia al Ghul, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Lois Lane, Clark Kent, Stephanie Brown, Duke Thomas, Tim Drake, Jason Todd, Roy Harper, Lian Harper, Mar'i Grayson, Jake Grayson, Koriand'r (DCU), Original Characters, Martha Kent, Jonathan "Pa" Kent, Kathy Branden, Maya Ducard, Colin Wilkes, Jerry the Turkey (DCU), Alfred the Cat (DCU), Titus | Damian Wayne's Dog, Ace the Bat-Hound (DCU), Goliath (DCU), Bat-Cow (DCU) Additional Tags: Arranged Marriage, Alternate Universe - Arranged Marriage, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Meet the Family, References to ABBA, Weddings, Wedding Fluff, Wedding Night, Wedding Planning, Wedding Rings, Marriage Proposal, Marriage, Fluff, Action & Romance, Christmas, Bialya, Piano, Eventual Smut, Demisexual Damian Wayne, Autism, Aged-Up Character(s) Summary:

Good mom Talia arranges a marriage between Damian and Jon. Bruce's side of the family is NOT happy. Damian and Jon are. Meanwhile, Jon has avoided using his powers ever since he had an accident with his laser vision as a child, and Superman believes that Robin could help him get the confidence to use his powers again. Maybe he can also help Jon make sense of these weird dreams he's been having lately... Damian is getting in touch with his heritage and his family will have to learn to accept him for who he is. If it's easy enough for Jon, a stranger, it should be for them, too. ***smut in chapters 23 and 26, the rest is rated Teen, and I've made sure you can skip the smut chapters and not miss out on too much.

Chapter 3 is out! Worked so hard on the art for this one, I've got a headache! I'm proud of myself though! I hope you enjoy!

[jonathan-samuel-smith]

I wrote 5 chapters today for my jondami arranged marriage au let's fucking go!!! It went a lot quicker after my mom told me to not go back and reread what I wrote until after I finished the rough draft (it got too long for me to attempt to do so anyway. It's the longest thing I've ever written, over 23k words). One of them was even an outsider pov which to me is very pog. I started on the next chapter and it's Steph's time to shine, I love her so much. Once I get the rough draft done for all the chapters I'm going to try to post weekly. But I still have another 15 chapters minimum before the wedding, so I'll try not to get too ahead of myself.

PS let me know any fun wedding traditions you'd want to see in JonDami's wedding. I'm definitely doing a Chinese tea ceremony.

[jonathan-samuel-smith]

Hello everyone, I come offering the outtakes from chapter 3 of my wip jondami arranged marriage au. I wrote them texting and i was talking with my mom and i realized "I could literally have written only a handful of texts and then alluded to them texting later in dialogue." But a lot of people like chatfics so here's what I got, most of it i'll be cutting.

Damian: Flight training Wed.? We could go for boba after.

Jon: Okay! I can’t sleep over tho.

Damian: That is fine.

Jon: Okay! Hey thanks for helping me with the piano and stuff. 

Damian: No thanks are necessary. I enjoy spending time with you.

Jon: 🙂 Goodnight!

Damian: Goodnight.

Damian went to bed and woke up at 4am as usual, did his morning training, ran with the dogs, and checked his phone.

Jon: Good morning! How did you sleep?

Damian: Uninterrupted for 6 hours, as I prefer it.

Jon: U only sleep 6 hours a night?

Damian: Yes. I microsleep during the day to keep well rested.

Jon: Oh. Is that some sort of assassin training thing?

Damian: Yes.

Jon: I’m hungry

Damian: Would you like me to order you some food?

Jon: U don’t have to do that! I will just get a banana

Damian: If you are sure. You should eat more than that.

Jon: I’ll get some yogurt too.

Damian: Good.

Damian thought it was odd that Jon kept texting him for non-urgent reasons, but he wasn’t displeased.

Jon: What are you gonna have for breakfast?

Damian: Khadi soup.

Jon: Ooo what’s that?

Damian: Yogurt as well. I assume you are not asking for the entire recipe. It is a tangy, spicy soup.

Jon: Interesting! I’d try it. Sounds good.

Damian: It is good. Many Americans think it is weird.

Jon: I don’t think it’s weird! [Jon is typing…]

Jon: What is your plan for today?

Damian: I have online classes for veterinary school. After that I will be volunteering at the animal shelter. 

Jon: How do online classes work with vet school? 

Damian: I have a few in-person classes and exams, and I have to have volunteer hours logged.

Jon: Cool! Sounds like a lot of work.

Damian: It is something I enjoy doing.

Jon: Then I am glad you are able to do it!

Damian stopped checking his phone so he could focus on his classes, and Jon did the same. 

Jon: Just got out of math. Math is so hard! Why did I think being a scientist was a good idea? T~T

Damian: You are being dramatic.

Jon: Yes. Do you not approve?

Damian: It does not bother me.

Jon: Cafeteria food is so bland :( 

Jon: GTG class again!

Damian: I have not tried it.

Jon: That class was so interesting! We are learning about thermodynamics. Damian: I’ve built my own internal combustion engine.

Jon: Oh, wow, cool! Can I see it?

Damian: I suppose. I will get you a picture when I get home from volunteering.

Jon: Okay! Have fun with the animals!

Damian: [Picture Sent]

Damian: Here it is. It powers the version of the batmobile that I built.

Jon: So. Cool. Can I show this to my teacher?

Damian: You cannot. 

Jon: Aw, OK. No problem!

Damian: [Picture Sent] Jon: OMG is that you at the animal shelter?

Damian: Yes. I am bottle feeding these kittens currently because the mother cannot breastfeed them.

Jon: Soooo cute! 😍

Damian: Yes, they are.

Jon: You, too!

Damian: Oh.

Damian: Thank you.

Jon: You look so happy!

Damian: I’m heading home now.

Jon: I’m already at home! Studying. Stu-DYING.

Damian: Needlessly dramatic, again.

Jon: Yep!

Jon: [Picture Sent]

Jon: Me with Krypto! And Kon. Kon says hi.

Damian: Tell him I said hello as well.

Jon: Done! Don’t you think we look cute too?

Damian: Yes, you and the dog. No comment on Kon.

Jon: 😂

Damian: I’m going on patrol now, Goodnight.

Jon: Goodnight!

[jonathan-samuel-smith]

God damnit all I wanna do is write my arranged marriage au! This is why everything so far has been a drawing! I've been writing a minimum of 2k words a day on my wip and I'm so obsessed with it. I can't believe I'm going to be letting qpr JonDami opportunity go to waste! I need to do *something* though... Ah, maybe I'll finish that sketch. It'll work for the prompt if I change a little bit about it. But I'm going to work on my au now.

My day 5 is a collab on AO3 so I'm gonna try to wait for the work to be posted before I upload it, but if for whatever reason they don't post it today (internet access or something) i will post it solo. I also did a cute sketch for another scene in the work that I didn't end up going with and I might finish it after Super Sons Week. I really need to work on my fic for day 6! Haven't started it yet. Chop chop, Isaac.

[fishfingersandjellybabies]

The Crown Found in Rose Thorns - fic

Characters: Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson, Talia al Ghul, Jon Kent, Cassandra Cain, Bruce Wayne Pairing: jondami Summary: “My name is Jonathan Kent, of the Kingdom of Krypton. And I’m here to marry Prince Damian of the Kingdom of Gotham.” A/N: I told @berryfartsart some medieval jondami headcanons inspired by the DKOS announcement and they cyberbullied me into writing the AU for it. (Kidding, of course.) Anyway get ready for some old fashion slow burns and smoopy goopy love~ (but like...eventually, this won’t be fast updated haha)

~~

Damian huffed, crossing his arms, wincing as the Cassandra pulled the brush through his curls once more.

“This is a farce.” He droned. “A complete jester act.”

Talia chuckled, but didn’t look back at her son. Continued brushing her own hair.

“It’s going to be the same as the past three days.” Damian warned. “They’re all simpletons not worthy of my time, or anyone else’s.”

“Then I would at least like to remind you, my dear precious boy.” Talia hummed, effortlessly twirling her hair into a braid. “That I am not asking you to marry today. I am asking you to explore what traits might appeal to you, what kingdoms you trust, or don’t.”

Damian winced as his sister tugged gently at his hair, and scoffed. “It shouldn’t be up to me. My marriage is unimportant.” He mumbled. “You should be focusing on the heir’s marriage.”

Talia sighed, dropping her brush onto her vanity and standing. She stared into the mirror for a moment before leaning over and plucking Damian’s crown off its stand. She turned and slowly walked across the room, staring warmly down at Damian as she approached him.

“Richard does not have a threat hanging over his life.” She murmured, pushing his bangs back before carefully placing the crown on his head. “Richard does not need all the protection he can get.”

“And our brother already has a suitor.” Cassandra chimed in with a giggle. “That warrior princess from the Tamaranean lands.”

“Indeed.” Talia agreed. “So even if he needed any protection from something he could not handle himself, it appears he already has it.”

“Jason then.” Damian tried. He twisted to look at Cassandra. “Or you.” He sat up. “You’re already betrothed to that bard woman!” He turned back to his mother. “Why can’t we make a big deal about her nuptials instead!”

“Because her grandfather is not threatening to steal her away and hold her prisoner and eventually murder her for power.” Talia laughed, holding Damian’s face with a hand on his cheek. “And I am not above a political marriage if that means you have two kingdoms protecting you instead of just ours.”

Damian pursed his lips, ignored the heat rising through his face. “…And if I pick no one to attempt a courtship?”

“Like I said, my beloved.” Talia leaned down and kissed his forehead. “I am not above political marriage to protect you.” She smiled, eyes darting between his. “Even if you forever hate me for it.”

She stood back up, adjusted his crown, then Cassandra’s, then her own, and turned to glide out of the room.

~~

The throne room was abuzz with citizens of the town, and even visitors who had come to try their luck and win Prince Damian’s hand.

Damian sighed as he followed Richard onto their altar. Scanning the room, he could already see no one of merit, and no one of interest. So it was going to be another boring, pointless, wasted day.

“This should be for you.” Damian mumbled again.

Richard snorted, plopping into his seat. “Sorry I found love on my own, little one. Without Mother and Father’s help.” He smirked. “Besides, you should be nice to me. I don’t have to sit here with you all day. I’m just here out of the goodness of my heart, and fondness for my poor, sorrowful, lonely little brother.”

“Piss off. You’re here to amuse yourself at my expense.” Damian rolled his eyes, sitting more politely in the throne next to him. “And so you can go cackle at my misfortune with our brothers later.”

“Nonsense. We cackle at your misfortune on a normal day too.” Richard promised with a wink. “How’s that growth spurt treating you anyway?”

Damian frowned, tugging at his sleeves. “…I have requested a new fitting with Alfred after today’s…festivities.”

Dick smiled again, running his fingers through Damian’s neatly combed curls. “Your clothes will fit for longer than a week one day soon, kiddo.” He let his fingers fall from Damian’s hair to his cheek. “…I’m not just here to keep you company, you know.”

“…Oh?”

“Mhm.” Richard nodded. Damian watched as his blue eyes darted around the room. “I’m here to vet your potential suitors. Make sure they are good enough for you, strong enough to protect you-”

“I can protect myself, thank you.”

“-and this is the fourth day of the festivities. No doubt your grandfather has heard of them by now. Someone has to make sure no undesirables have snuck in, or attempt to make a move.”

“Do you truly think he would be so brash?” Damian questioned. “Besides, this whole thing was Mother’s doing. So, I thought that was why Father keeps attending, to keep watch.”

“He is. But like I said, this is the fourth day. Enough time to get word and move to strike. And forgive me if I’d rather be safe than sorry.” Richard smiled apologetically. “So Father and I are in here, Jason and Cassandra are running the perimeter and Timothy is monitoring the guard towers.”

Damian sighed, staring out into the crowd once more. A few of the guests were glancing their way now. Giggling and falling back into their whispers. Some of the less modest ones outright stared, giving Damian as flirty a smile as they could.

“…Well, as much as I appreciate your concern, I’m afraid it will all be for naught.” Damian drooped in his chair and crossed his arms. “If today is anything like the past three, it will be the most boring day of your life, and nothing will come to fruition.”

“Never say never, little one.” Richard offered dreamily. “Love strikes when you least expect it.”

“Love.” Damian scoffed, glancing over as Bruce and Talia entered the room, hands clasped between them. “Who said any of this was for love?”

“Well.” Richard hummed. “It is because we love you.” He offered. “And we’re hoping not to make this an arranged affair. That we can find you happiness in a partner as well as protection. That’s why we want you to choose.”

“And if I never choose anyone?”

Richard blinked, then offered a smile. But it was sad, almost pitying.

Damian crossed his arms tighter, glancing towards their parents as the King and Queen sat next to them.

“As I keep telling you all, I can protect myself.” Damian mumbled. “And I’m content being alone.”

Richard kept his sad smile. Damian refused to look at him anymore.

~~

Damian wanted to rip his hair out.

As he had predicted many times that day, it was just more of the same.

A blacksmith offering the best weapons, and the safest house on the continent.

A nomad promising a life of adventure and delicious foods.

A group of sisters offering as many heirs as they could carry, and their father as the sole brave knight to protect them all.

A witch and a wizard together, offering magic as protection and endless fertility to continue the kingdom’s bloodline.

A princess offering the best clothes and parties.

A duke who…wasn’t even sure why he was there. He was sent by his father, and didn’t even know Damian’s name.

A young woman who merely offered her humor and loyalty. She could make him laugh, and made it clear that was all she had.

Damian almost agreed to meet with her, if only because he appreciated her honesty.

The sun was dipping in the sky outside the western window, and Damian could feel his stomach starting to growl. He glanced to his brother, who had sat all but stock-still all day, doing exactly as he’d said he would. Watching the room, vetting the visitors. Making sure these potential suitors were good enough for his littlest brother.

“…How many more do you think Mother will have stroll through here?” Damian whispered. “I don’t think I can take much more of this mind-numbing torture.”

Richard chuckled. “I’ll give her four more, then push for a recess. Alright?”

“Thank you.” Damian breathed in relief, glancing out towards the room. The crowd had thinned slightly, with some parties departing when their candidate was politely rejected. Others were just the local townsfolk, remaining purely to stick their noses in royal business.

Talia called for the next suitor to step up, and on the far side of the room, Damian saw three people stepping forward. But before they could make it even a yard, one of the large doors across from the thrones groaned open.

“Am I late?” A male voice called. A wave of chuckles swam around the room, and even Damian found himself smirking.

“Depends on what you’re looking for, son.” Bruce called. Despite the normal nature of the interruption, Damian could already see both his father and brother had put their hands on the hilt of their swords.

“Apologies, Your Highnesses,” Alfred appeared behind the man. He sent a glare over his shoulder as he passed by him. “I had asked him to wait a few moments, but he clearly refused. I do hope we aren’t interrupting.”

“No.” Bruce waved to three people apologetically, who nodded and disappeared back into the crowd. “If he is here for Damian, then we can hear him out.”

“I am!” The stranger called. When he moved, the sound of armor clanked around him. “Um, yes. I mean. I am. I am here for Prince Damian.”

“…Though tardiness is not a good first impression, I must say.” Talia scolded quietly. Bruce gave her a gentle smile and patted her hand. “Bring him forward.”

“Great!” The man – young, by the sound of it, probably closer to a boy – called, leaping past Alfred. “I mean, uh, thank you, Your Highness. For the opportunity.”

Damian watched the man as he walked the long carpet forward, and he felt his eyes narrowing in curiosity. He had dark hair that seemed permanently windblown framing his face, and an awkward smile that almost seemed like it was about to burst from his face.

What really struck Damian’s interest, however, were his eyes. They were a sharp violet, a color Damian didn’t recall ever seeing on a human being before. They were fascinating. Beautiful, even, if he really had to describe them.

As he approached, Damian realized the man – boy, he truly was a boy – was around his age. Seventeen like himself at most, but more likely a year or two younger. What surprised him about that, though, was the armour he wore. While a sparkling silver and recently cleaned, Damian could see nicks and dents in it, even a few shadows that could easily be blood stains, if he got close enough to look.

Barely seventeen and already a battle-worn war veteran?

Attached to the shoulder plate of his armour was a brooch that fastened his bright red cloak together around his neck. It was gold, shaped like a freshly cut diamond, with a large S painted blue on the inside.

Damian didn’t recognize the coat of arms. And Damian knew all the coat of arms of every kingdom and town on the continent.

That was suspicious.

He glanced to his side again. Richard had not taken his hand off his sword.

The boy had reached their feet now, that large smile still adorning his face.

“Hello.” He said plainly. “My name is Jonathan Kent, of the Kingdom of Krypton.”

Talia huffed, raising her head. “And what are you here for, Sir Jonathan?”

Jonathan’s smile, impossibly, seemed to widen.

“Well, Your Highness.” He started, turning his head to stare directly at Damian. Damian found himself flinching under the intense gaze. “I’m here to marry Prince Damian of the Kingdom of Gotham.”

A wave of gasps rolled through the room, followed by an almost deathly silence. While they were all here to propose a courtship and future with the prince, no one had dared to be so forward! Just as no one should have. It was presumptuous and out of place. Everyone knew that. Everyone.

Bruce and Talia glanced at each other, and Richard had the gall to stifle a laugh in his fist.

But Damian.

He was tired, he was annoyed. He was fed up with this charade that had not only taken up almost a week of his life, but one he did not want to partake in, in the first place. He was fed up with people looking at him. Fed up with being treated like a thing, a prize.

So as his parents glanced at each other, and the court calmed themselves over the offense, Damian stood, moving to the front of the altar.

“I beg your pardon?” He spat, brushing off Richard’s fingers as he tried to grab him. “How dare you think I’d want to marry a nameless peasant such as yourself.”

“Well, past experience says you wouldn’t be that against it.” Jonathan shrugged, armor clanking. “But that also is a moot point, because I’m not a peasant. I’m Jonathan, from the Kingdom of Krypto-”

“I’ve never heard of it.” Damian declared. “And I know every kingdom here to the coasts. Which makes you a liar, dear knight.”

The moniker was all but sneered, but Jonathan just let his smile grow a little wider, a little…fonder.

Suddenly Jonathan glanced over Damian’s shoulder. “My father’s name is Clark Kent, but he also sometimes goes by Kal. You’ve fought at his side before, King Bruce.”

Damian whirled around to find his father nodding. “Indeed I have.” Bruce frowned. “I don’t recall him being from any kingdom though. He called himself a traveler.”

“A…recent development.” Jonathan admitted. “One we are still getting used to. But Krypton is his – our – home, and once the truth was discovered, they welcomed us back with open arms.”

“Your father is king?” Jonathan nodded. “Quite the…development, as you said.” Bruce murmured. He glanced at Dick, who shook his head. “He never mentioned a son.”

“He has two. Myself and my older brother, Connor.” A nervous chuckle. “He was…very protective of us as we traveled. Hid us in forests and with witches when he and mother had dealings in towns and villages. Apparently whatever ousted him from Krypton all those years ago, he was afraid we would be its next target.”

“None of this is relevant to today.” Damian cut in, whirling back around to face the suitor. “How long have you been under the title of prince?”

“A few years.”

“And in a few years you did not learn any manners?” Damian scolded, crossing his arms. “You do not enter another’s kingdom and demand someone’s hand in marriage.”

“I did not demand.” Jonathan countered. “I promised.”

Damian felt heat rise to his cheeks. “And who said I would choose you? How do you know I have not chosen anyone to court yet?”

“Past experience.”

“Past experience with who?”

“You.”

The room’s silence grew tense. Damian’s hands balled into fists.

“I have never met you for a second in my life.”

Jonathan lowered his voice. “Are you so sure?”

Damian narrowed his eyes, and opened his mouth to respond, but was interrupted by his mother.

“Damian.” She hummed. “…What do you think of this…gentleman? Are you interested in him?”

“I think he’s a complete buffoon.” Damian answered instantly. Jonathan chuckled to himself. “An arrogant, deceptive moron.”

Jonathan merely blinked. “Your Highness, that doesn’t answer her question.”

Damian felt a blush blossoming on his face. “You-”

“And if we’re going to marry within the year, perhaps you should answer quickly, so we can begin our courtship.”

“Again, who said I would ever want to marry you?” Damian demanded.

Jonathan shrugged again. “Well, so far, you haven’t said you don’t.”

Damian felt his jaw go rigid. This idiot. This disrespectful, uneducated boy who claims he fell into power. So sure of himself, so narcissistic. And he already thought Damian belonged to him? That Damian was already his?

That smile was still plastered to his face. It was mischievous, and held a secret.

Held a challenge.

Say no, it said. I dare you. Let me embarrass you in front of your court and walk away with your tail between your legs. I dare you.

Damian never could turn down a dare. A test. And if it was a challenge Jonathan Kent of Krypton wanted, it was a challenge he would get.

He wanted to court Damian? Fine. Let him court Damian. Damian would eat him alive. Emotionally tear him limb from limb. Send him crawling back to Krypton wondering why he ever even bothered with the youngest Prince of Gotham.

After a moment, Damian returned the smile, slowly walked down the altar steps, and moved towards the knight. Stopped only inches away, and stared up into those mystical purple eyes.

There was something in those eyes, Damian noted. Something just out of reach. Purposefully hidden. Hidden from everyone? Or just Damian?

This close, and Damian was reminded once more of the marks on his armor. The red shadows he’d noticed before, he could now confirm were blood. Old and flaking, and much more of it than he first realized. Not his own, Damian decided, based on their locations. Blood from others.

Mischievous…and dangerous.

(And beautiful!, his brain supplied. But he ignored that part. Stayed focused on the challenge at hand.)

He glanced down between them when he noticed Jonathan’s fingers twitch, like he wanted to reach out. Want to touch him. Damian let his gaze rise. Smirked, and reveled in the scene of Jonathan biting his lip, just slightly.

“Yes, Mother.” He whispered. But his voice was heard through the whole room. “I think I am interested.”

Jonathan kept his gaze. Whispered back, “I knew you would be.”

“Your arrogance will be the death of you, Traveler.” Damian hummed, turning away. He began back up the steps, was almost to the top, when he heard the quietest words ever spoken.

“No, I do believe only you will be, love.”

Damian spun back around at the tender sound, his face heating up. Jonathan was still staring, but now his gaze was softer, more adoring. Like he’d known Damian for years.

Like he really was here just to profess his eternal love and marry him on the spot.

…Curious.

Suddenly, a hand was on Damian’s shoulder, and he turned to find Richard above him, watching Jonathan as he tugged Damian back to his seat.

Talia began speaking to Jonathan, Bruce adding a word or two, as Richard and Damian sat back down. That look was gone from Jonathan’s face now, back to business as the queen set a time for him to return the next day to spend time with her son.

“…First impression?” Damian murmured to his brother. He felt himself twitching every so often, when Jonathan would glance his way.

“Honestly? Suspicious.” Richard returned. “I’ll need to look deeper into this history he’s claiming. See if Father and I can get a hold of Clark. Find out about the status of Krypton.” Richard paused, then looked over at him. “Are you honestly interested in him?”

Damian shrugged. “If not for love, then for my personal entertainment.”

“That’s cruel, if he’s genuine.”

“Do you think he is?”

Richard looked back. The knight was bowing to their parents now. Stood, and turned to the two of them to bow again. When he stood upright once more, he gave Damian a wink, then turned to walk back down the aisle and out of the room.

Richard clicked his tongue as Jonathan disappeared out the large door. Glanced at Damian with a sly smile. “…Ask me again after your first date tomorrow.”

Damian groaned and slumped in his throne.

[dankgemestho]

I wanted to draw them because I am obsessed with these guys and "if there's no new content, make it yourself" and so I drew a moment from chapter 2 of my jondami arranged marriage au fic To Wed A Warrior, the next chapter which this takes place in will be posted around the end of the day on Nov 1st!

[spider-jaysart]

I love how Damian just took down that guy lol and Jon being amazed by it is adorable! This looks really awesome!!✨

I wanted to draw this little scene from chapter 3 of my fic To Wed a Warrior (which I'll probably post soon because I'm feeling very tired since daylight savings started). Damian has put a little bit of concealer on his scars to make them look less bad since he's in public. This is my first time drawing an action scene!

[spider-jaysart]

Awwww!! It looks great!!✨

I wanted to draw them because I am obsessed with these guys and "if there's no new content, make it yourself" and so I drew a moment from chapter 2 of my jondami arranged marriage au fic To Wed A Warrior, the next chapter which this takes place in will be posted around the end of the day on Nov 1st!