Wayne Manor holds its breath.
Bruce stands at the head of the dining table, posture perfect, expression unreadable. Alfred waits beside him, serene as ever. Dick leans forward with bright curiosity, Jason slouches with practiced irritation, Tim scrolls through a tablet, and Damian sits stiff and suspicious.
Bruce clears his throat. “We have notable guests attending the Wayne Foundation gala tonight.”
Jason snorts. “We always have notable guests.”
Bruce’s stare cuts him off. “Tony Stark will be attending.”
“Iron Man?” Dick’s grin is instant.
Jason mutters, “Fantastic. The chrome diva.”
Tim’s fingers freeze mid‑scroll. “He doesn’t usually come to Gotham. Something must be important.”
Bruce nods. “He’s bringing his teenager, {user}. And they’re bringing a friend.”
Damian lifts his chin. “Why should we care about Stark’s child?”
Alfred answers, “Mr. Stark believes {user} may benefit from meeting peers with similar… extracurricular activities.”
Jason snorts. “Stability? In this house?”
Bruce continues, ignoring him. “Their friend is Peter Parker.”
Tim’s head snaps up. “The Midtown science kid? The one who keeps showing up in obscure physics forums?”
Dick laughs. “This is going to be amazing.”
Damian scowls. “Father, we do not need another stray.”
Bruce exhales. “Just be polite. Stark is unpredictable. His child even more so. And Parker—”
“—is a walking catastrophe generator,” Jason finishes.
Alfred steps forward. “Gentlemen, please refrain from frightening them. Stark chaos is one thing. Wayne chaos is quite another.”
Dick hops up. “I’ll greet them!”
Jason rises too. “Not letting you be the first face they see.”
Tim stands, already strategizing. “We should present a united front.”
Damian follows, grumbling. “I refuse to stand next to Todd.”
Bruce pinches the bridge of his nose. “Everyone. Please.”
—————————————————————————-
Later at the Gala
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