Steph stared at the gourmet waffle menu with a look bordering on worship, and Jason hid a smile behind his menu, eyes skimming the breakfast platters as his stomach reminded him that Pentabux at six am didn’t keep a belly full all day. He’d been planning to invite just Steph out on a special day…might as well call it a date, Todd, because it sure as hell is after those kisses earlier. God, I’ve been in love for months now, but tonight…He studied her adorably messy ponytail, all full curls as natural as his own, her gorgeous dress and the way it flowed over her amazing figure, those eyes so full of love and life and joy even after the hell she’d been through…the drill-scars on her arms and lower legs.
The scars had healed over enough that if she was moving, you barely saw them; she certainly didn’t care if his scarred ass saw them anymore, not after the last six months of training in shorts and a croptop in his warehouse sparring arena. After all, Jason’s own scars started on his forearms and lower legs too, and mapped out over his back and chest, with the edge of one just barely visible into his hairline on the back of his neck…We haven’t talked scars, but…well, maybe it’s the whole dead thing, or just a Narrows thing, or just…two people who get one another thing. But I don’t feel self-conscious with her, and I don’t think she feels too much with me. It’s…comforting, and falling in love with her? It’s just icing on the cake.
Jason hadn’t ever expected to really get married when he was a kid; it wasn’t important then. And when he became Robin, he was still young enough and naive enough to not care; he was Robin! He had Batman! He didn’t need anything else…
I need that now…and Jason hoped Steph might need it too. Might want it too. But that was hatching his chickens before he’d even gotten the eggs, so he flicked his eyes over the menu once again, and decided on the extra large breakfast platter, with waffles instead of pancakes and extra bacon.
“Jay, what are you ordering?” Steph murmured, still gazing in wonder at the varieties, and he smiled, setting his menu to the side and propping his head in one hand.
“I’m thinkin’ the big platter for me, with waffles and more bacon.”
“…oh god, that sounds good, but they have an amazing looking mixed berry waffle combo…” She showed him, looking dazzled by it, and he groaned a little.
“That looks great, babe…tell you what, you could get that, and we can share?” She brightened at that, and when their waiter came back over, Steph ordered with glee, making sure to get extra eggs too, and hash browns (and Jason didn’t mind at all, he was swooning at how cute she looked), then settled back, looking happy and sipping her coffee with a sigh. He sipped his too, relaxing at the rush of caffeine, and she gave him a shy smile. “Something on your mind, sweetheart?”
“…You?” He grinned at that, color high on his cheeks, and leaned over to kiss her, lingering and squeezing her free hand.
“Same here…I know we…haven’t talked in depth about dating, but…um…”
“Yes. Yes, a thousand times, yes…I can talk to you, and with you, and I…you make me feel loved and encouraged, and so damn happy, Jason.” He blushed at that, really blushed, because he had sincerely been trying his hardest to make her feel good about herself…after what Tim had done, and oh, Jason wanted to beat the fuck out of that annoying fuckin’ twerp, even still. But it was also in the little things, like how proud he was of her being a good mom to her baby, especially because she’d given the little girl up for adoption. How Steph worked on campus, did full college hours, and patrolled the Narrows with him every night. How she always made his heart leap with joy when she smiled at him.
“…I’m glad…” He murmured, then took a deep breath. “I wanted you to feel good, baby. I mean that. You…fuck, you’ve had to deal with so much, so so so much over the years…and you’re barely twenty-one, and it’s just utter bullshit that no one else has ever had a goddamn good word to say to you, except maybe Al and Dick.”
“And you.” Steph’s immediate response made him blush again, but he firmed his chin, nodding, even though that one hit him hard in the heart.
“…and me. Always me. I mean that. I…know I was a grumpy asshole the night we met…” She chuckled, and he felt a grin touch his lips again, because he remembered that night well, and the grumpy façade had dropped like a concrete boot in the bay when she’d suckerpunched Red Robin for ordering her about.
“Oh, I can forgive that, considering you weren’t grumpy for long.”
“Hell no, I wasn’t after that punch, I think I was equal parts horny and oh-god-marry-me.” Steph laughed at that, really laughed, her bright giggle filling the restaurant, and though Jason was sure this swanky place would get them glared at…people actually looked happy to see a young couple laughing and joking, and he felt a warmth settle over his whole being.
“He was being such an ass, and I know he was doing that to get a rise out of both of us…but, honestly, it felt good to tell him where to shove it and punch him in the nose. I was better off patrolling with you anyway, and I think that first night, even with all the awkwardness of getting to know one another’s tactics, was still better than my first night with B and Tim.” Jason laughed at that, deep in his chest, and leaned over to kiss her again, warm and hot and so so happy.
“…That’s the best compliment I’ve ever been paid, baby. Thank you.” Her eyes softened, and she raised the hands they’d entwined together, kissing his knuckles with a tenderness that took his breath away. He couldn’t remember anyone ever being so gentle with him…
“The best one I’ve ever gotten was the day you told me I was a better Robin than Tim.” She murmured, and Jason gently drew their hands back to his lips, kissing her knuckles this time. “You were so honest and pure about it…”
“It’s true.” She sucked in a breath now, eyes wide, and Jason kissed her wrist, eyes locked on hers. “You’re intuitive and smart, you’re an amazing detective…but you have something that Tim still hasn’t mastered. That even Damian has in spades, and that poor kid’s as fucked up as I am.”
“…what’s that…” She whispered, and Jason smiled, warm and real and happy.
The route to Steph’s apartment was a little bit difficult in a truck, but with the little bit of time he had to spare, he found a decent place to park in one of the quiet parking lots provided by the city, surprised to find a spot under an awning for a change. Jason loaded up his reuseable bags; it was a bit of a walk to Steph’s place from here, but with his jacket over the bags and his hood up, he was mostly protected, and this rain was a gentle one, not one of the hurricane-force bastards from the South. Boots splashing through puddles as he walked, Jason made his way through the Narrows, checking on everyone he passed with careful glances.
Everyone’s looking good…that’s a relief. Then again, Steph and I have been working hard to get people the help they need…and having Pops foot the bill goes a long way. It was the agreement that Bruce had eagerly signed with Jason; Red Hood would stop most of his killing, and Batman would fund the repair work needed to get the Narrows and Gotham back up to where they needed to be. Not that Bruce wasn’t already doing that, but having his and Steph’s eyes and ears in the thick of things made the job easier, and he’d already admitted that even his “Lefty” persona wasn’t half as good at sussing out what needed done as Jason’s quiet questioning or Steph’s cheerful chatter.
He did try his best, but throwing money at things down here ain’t the way to fix things…he knows that now, thankfully, and hey, he is listening. And on top of that, I think he enjoys the challenge of fixing things without making it feel gentrified. That had been Jason’s worry; that commercial investors would flood the area and ruin things for the people just trying to survive…but Bruce had had other plans for them. I think his lawyers were gnawing on their desks in boredom; siccing them on the scummy landlords and assholes trying to take over was exactly what they needed. Jason grinned to himself as he waved to the local bakery shop owner, taking a break from her work and sipping a cup of coffee, flour dusting her dark hair and apron.
Instead, Bruce had quietly bought out all the landlords in the area, installed a set of vetted managers to act as landlords with a dedicated maintenance staff…and made the entirety of the Narrows rent-controlled for the next fifty years. Jason had been awestruck when Bruce had revealed his plan, and he still remembered how worried the old man looked, hands clenched together, lips pursed thin.
‘“Jason…do you think it’s a good idea? I plan on leveling out the rents so that they’re reasonable, and every place will get a renovation, with free stays at hotels while the work is done…and if there’s a dedicated staff, I figure that way we can tackle problems before they become disasters. And no one person controls the rent…it all goes into the maintenance budget and to pay the managers, and the managers work as a team.”’
‘“…if you weren’t my dad, I’d kiss you right now.”’ Jason grinned to himself at Bruce’s blush of pleasure and happiness, and hummed a little as he gently kicked a soccer ball back into a yard. I’m sure it’d grate on people’s nerves to still have someone running it all, but…well, Pops does know how to pick his managers, and so far, there’s been nothing but good reviews. Nearly every tenant he’d talked to had been ecstatic. Between rent control, utilities dropping because things were getting fixed, and quality of life improving, the Narrows had become a place of hope, rather than despair…and he chuckled as he almost walked right past Steph’s building, long legs already warmed up for a jaunt around the neighborhood.
Later, Red; your girl’s gonna be wanting those waffles. He walked up the stoop and keyed in her visitor code; usually, he went in through the roof, but well, that was…kind of a dick move during the daylight, and this kept him from being caught. With care, he shook himself free of water before stepping inside, wiped his boots on the mat, and started up the stairs, wondering if he should call in a favor to get the elevator fixed. It wasn’t like stairs were hard, but he knew this building had a lot of elders…I’ll ask around, see if anyone’s got a job for it yet. Probably, it’s one of Bruce’s buildings now, and it can be hard to find a qualified tech with the time to spare.
As he crested the third floor, he mused a little more. Though, given the enrollment numbers at GothTech, I have a feeling that we’ll have plenty of engineers and handyfolks within the next year. Giving kids and adults a free certification in whatever they want through vocational school has been a godsend for the whole city; we need qualified people doing the work, and with Wayne Industries paying them the right amounts, we’re getting the kind of numbers that Gotham U wishes they had. Sure, there’s grants and stuff, but…well, GothTech doesn’t have complicated history with the Maroni and Falcone clans.
Hell, even Steph had transferred into the nursing program at GT, and Jason was seriously considering the automotive mechanics classes, if for nothing else to fix the goddamn sputter in his motorcycle. Only so many Youtube videos I can watch…He grumbled to himself as he made it up to the eight floor, hardly even panting despite his legs burning a little, and he knocked on Steph’s door with a sigh of relief, shelving his thoughts for a later day. Digging into his bag as he heard her approach, he held up the Eevee plate with a winsome grin on his face, and when Steph opened the door, her squeal of delight was the best sound he’d heard all day.
“Eevee!”
“Saw it and thought of you, baby. Shall we waffle?” Her laughter was all Jason needed, and he scooped her up into a kiss as she pulled him inside…but the smirk on her face as she pulled away just made him grin even bigger.
“Better get to work, Hood, I’m expecting only the best golden waffles.”
“And only the best golden waffles for my lady. With sprinkles.”
“…I love you.”
“Love you too, Stephie.” She dragged him to the tiny kitchen, where apparently some cleaning had gone on this morning; dishes were freshly washed in the drainer and the counter had been cleared off of all of Steph’s normal debris, which made Jason smile fondly as he set down his finds on her tiny table. Together, they unboxed the waffle maker and wiped down the plates, and Steph pulled out a mixing bowl and spatula while Jason laid out the ingredients and got the maker warming, spraying it lightly with a bit of oil. With her direction, he started mixing up the batter while Steph surveyed the haul in front of her.
“Hmmm…”
“What sounds good first, sweetheart?”
“Well, I had berries last night…I think chocolate chips this morning!” He chuckled and set the bowl down for her to dump two heaping cupfuls of chips into the batter, stirring it expertly before stealing the half-cup to start ladling in batter, remembering what he’d looked up last night before he’d crashed. “Ohhhh those look so good.”
“Hell yeah they do, and I’m not normally a chocolate fan to that extent.” She kissed him and he melted into her kisses, the last vestiges of his nightmare from this morning finally breaking away. Something must’ve shown on his face, because she cupped his cheek, eyes worried, and he just pressed a kiss to her palm, nuzzling in close.
“You okay, Jay?”
“Mmn…just a really bad nightmare this morning.” Jason didn’t have to say what from; she knew. She knew better than anyone…it was what had made them really bond when they’d first met, when he was so angry still from…well, everything, and hadn’t been inclined to care about anyone in the Batfamily. Steph, however, had dug in under his skin, demanded that he at least talk things out…and he pulled her into a hug, rocking her close. “Thought of you, though, and that helped.” Her smile was brilliant against his skin, and he pulled back just enough to kiss her…when the stink of burned batter filled the kitchen and they both sprang apart with a yelp, flipping over the waffle maker and digging out the now charred waffle.
“Oh shit, shit shit…”
“It’s okay, babe, I shoulda paid more attention…” Steph cracked open her window, and Jason was glad for the cleansing scent of the rain outside while he tossed the lost waffle into the trash, fanning the smell out with a towel. They surveyed the wafflemaker, making sure it wasn’t toast, and with a sigh of relief, he cleaned off the crusted bits and laughed a little. “…Well, that was exciting.” Steph gave a chuckle, and they kissed again, this time with all the time in the world.
Jason woke up around five am, bleary and in a tangle of blankets again from yet another nightmare…Sweat-soaked, he peeled himself out of his bed with a grimace and stripped first himself, then the bed, tossing everything into his washing machine before turning on the shower and stepping inside. Lukewarm woke him up a little better than hot right now, and felt better on his scarred skin; he leaned heavily against the tile, head tipped back as his waterfall nozzle rained down on him. The familiar sound of the washer going was a comfort, and piece by piece, he brought himself back to the present, breathing slowly, evenly, just as Bruce had taught him all those years ago…
“…Fuck.” He sighed out, and started washing up, glad for the indie shop he supported down the street that made its own soaps, shampoos, and conditioners. They were bar form, of course, but the natural scents helped ground him…anything heavily chemically scented was too triggering, too much like the factory he’d died in. A lot of things triggered that…tannerite, for one, which was why in all his varied explosions, he’d only ever used C4. Iron…He unconsciously touched the cheekbone that Talia had had her surgeons rebuild, for even the Pit couldn’t do everything. Not on a body that had been so badly brutalized that it’d been a closed casket funeral…
“Knock it off, Todd.” He growled out to himself, scrubbing furiously now. Fuckin’ don’t go down that path again, Jason…you know where it leads. Besides, you promised you’d make waffles this morning. Can’t leave a lady waiting. Steph’s smile filled his mind, and Jason relaxed, as he had for months now around his Batgirl…and he felt a tiny smile tug at his lips. He didn’t have a waffle iron; he rarely did more than griddle cakes, eggs, and bacon for himself, and that’s when he felt like cooking, so it was a good thing he’d woken up before his alarm; he had time to run to the nearest Lux-Mart. He finished his shower, relaxed now, and other than rescuing his book from the floor and setting it on his nightstand, left his bed to airdry for a while; he’d learned that lesson the hard way.
Dark jeans, boxer-briefs, a soft tee shirt, socks, his boots, and a hoodie, and he was ready to brave the pre-dawn crowds. He twirled his keys on one finger as he made his way down the stairs to his garage, and side-stepped the engine for Roy’s Corvette, unlocking the truck and opening the door with a flick of a button. It was dark still; small wonder, it was just barely five forty-five, and the sun wouldn’t be up for another hour or so…the garage door slid closed behind him with a whisper, and Jason set out for the Lux-Mart, following the main roads this morning, since they weren’t clogged yet by the early morning commuters. A few early birds passed him, and he waved at the Batmobile as they both continued on out of the city, since the nearest of Lux Luthor’s monster all-in-one stores was in the suburbs on the mainland.
Jason’s phone buzzed, and he answered it on the dash with a grin, glad for his blue-tooth dashboard connection.
“Hey Pops.”
“I thought that was you, Jason…what has you out so early?” Bruce’s voice was warm, exhausted, but for once, actually pretty damned friendly, and Jason hummed a little, smirking to see the ‘mobile keeping pace with him.
“Well, I promised I’d bring Steph waffles this morning as incentive to get her homework done…and then I realized I didn’t have a waffle iron.” Bruce laughed at that, low and surprisingly genuine, while he heard a squawk from Tim. Now, he didn’t…completely hate his replacement in the Robin line-up; certainly, he adored Steph and Damian. But Tim was…well, everything that Jason hadn’t ever been, and Jason was still too aware of how similar Tim and Bruce really were. Dick had commented on it, last time he’d come up from Bludhaven, and if Dick could see it…well. Jason still felt like he’d been the downgrade from Dick, and that Tim was the super upgrade.
It wasn’t true…but emotions could be ugly, ugly things.
And Tim had stolen his ex-girlfriend’s waffles.
“Well then, that makes complete sense…do you two need anything from us? We had a busy night dealing with Boyle again.” Jason winced; Ferris Boyle had been a problem since Bruce’s early days, even before Dick, and Jason hated the man almost as much as he hated Joker. Totally aside from how he’d fucked up Victor Fries, his actions regarding Nora had been absolutely appalling. He wanted custody of her so that he could experiment on her…and since Victor is now a supervillain…goddamn, I’m glad Bruce was able to win custody of her.
“Bastard…was he after Nora again?”
“And Victor. We convinced Fries to come back to Wayne Inc. and talk to us about Nora’s future; we’ve made some serious progress towards a cure, and with his research, we might just have what we need. And I’ve been working on something to help him as well…But we can talk about it later.” A yawn broke his sentence, and Jason smiled fondly.
“Go home, Pops; Steph and I will take patrol tonight. You two take the night off.”
“…Thank you, Jason. I really appreciate it; Damian and Tim do too.”
“Yes, thank you, akhi.” Damian’s voice was softer over the phone, tired, and Jason smiled, though he grit his teeth when Tim spoke up.
“Sure, thanks Hood. Hope you two actually get some patrolling done, and don’t just make out on a roof.”
“…Well, Timmy, I’m quite certain we’ll keep our professionalism at the fore. After all, we wouldn’t want to attract undue attention…like Kon did the other night.” Jason responded, voice sickeningly sweet as Tim choked over the phone call, and Bruce made an inquisitive noise.
“We were going over tactical plans!”
“Tim, I’m sure it’s fine.” Bruce’s voice was gentle, but curious, and Jason felt his grin stretch to maniacal proportions.
“Oh, of course you were! Silly ol’ me, ‘tactical plans’, of course! Must’ve been wall plans!” Jason replied sweetly, and Tim choked again, a strangled noise coming over the line. Bruce snorted suddenly, clearly understanding now, and Damian just sighed; Jason could almost hear his eyes rolling.
“Drake, do not give Todd grief for kissing; we all know you regularly have intercourse with Kon-El.” Tim’s voice was pitched even higher now, babbling as Bruce snorted again, clearly holding back laughter, and Jason snickered.
“Damian, Lil D, I want you to know how much I love you right now.”
“As I love and cherish you, akhi. Please do tell Grayson this.”
“DO NOT TELL DICK ANYTHING, JASON, I SWEAR TO GOD.”
“Then don’t steal Stephie’s waffles again, and I won’t~” He purred, and Tim let out a heavy sigh.
“…I apologize to her later.”
“So good to work with you, Tim, it’s just such a pleasure!”
“God, I hate you sometimes.” Bruce was laughing now, deep and highly amused, and Jason gave the ‘mobile a salute as he turned off towards the Lux-Mart, still snickering.
“Love you too, Timmy; good night, you three, I’m off to waffle-maker hunt.”
“Love you too, Jay; good luck! And tell Steph we love her too for me, will you?” Bruce asked, over the other twos’ groaning, and Jason chuckled.
“Of course, Pops. See ya.”
“See you.” The call winked out, and Jason pulled into the Lux-Mart, still grinning. He grabbed up his phone, double checked his wallet, and headed into the store, grabbing a cart. He didn’t want to buy a ton of stuff…but he knew he’d need more room than a basket. Appliances first; he grabbed a waffle-maker, one with interchangeable plates, and from the small selection, picked a Millennium Falcon and an Eevee (both for Steph), since they’d traded favorite Pokémon a few weeks ago, then favorite films. He was always looking for Pride and Prejudice/Sense and Sensibility stuff, or even just basic literary things, but hey, he liked Eevee too (even if his favorite was still Rapidash), and Star Wars was a familiar favorite from his childhood.
From there, he grabbed utensils that he knew he didn’t have, then a few things from pharmacy to cover his personal stores for the week. Bandages, wraps, gauze, alcohol…all the usual stuff, and then he made his way to the grocery area, where things were getting a little bit busier. Two boxes of waffle/pancake mix, maple syrup, and a carton of eggs; a package of bacon made the cut too, as did a gallon of milk, a bottle of his favorite fancy protein juice smoothie, and as he made his way into the produce section, a bag each of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. He also got a couple apples, good for a snack as well as baking into the batter, and a pair of pomegranates. Bananas too, just as small bunch, and a small tub of butter.
On a whim, he also grabbed sugary snacks for later, mostly Hostess cakes and some Little Debbie stuff, and a big bag of Chex Mix; not healthy, no, but they held up to patrols well, and he’d gone hungry too many nights to ever feel good about not having food around. Besides…his stay in the Lazarus Pit hadn’t just accelerated his healing factor…it’d forced his metabolism onto a higher level, and now he could almost match Kon pound for pound with food. He also grabbed some pizzas; just in case, he liked to have them. Checking his watch, Jason bit off a swear; it was seven am already, and it was easily a half-hour drive back into Gotham.
He got through self checkout with ease, and hauled his finds out of the store, leaving the cart at the entrance and legging it to his truck. To his surprise, clouds that hadn’t been visible in the darkness were rolling over the whole of Gotham City, heavy thunder rumbling out on the ocean, and in the low light from the rising sun, he made a few quick calculations. He had just enough time to get back to the city before the rain really started; he loaded up his backseat and tore ass out of the parking lot, hopping on the freeway in record time. He glanced around, confused at the lack of cars…then laughed to himself.
Of course it was empty; it was Sunday. I think I’m getting to love Sundays now…Jason thought to himself as he gunned it back to Steph’s place, settling back for the drive with a sigh. Just then, the familiar strains of ‘Home’ came onto the radio, and Jason grinned, then started singing along.
Jason parked the truck in one of the public lots just outside the main market district, finding a decent spot just before the big evening rush, and Steph was happy to have his hand back out to the ground, tucking her hand into the crook of his elbow as he led her gently over the pitted gravel lot. Certainly, she could have done it herself with a little extra time, but…well, leaning on Jason was nice, and Steph was, frankly, enjoying the attention. Maybe it was just the fact that we were young, and totally mismatched, but Tim…never acted like this with me. Sure, he’d help me if I really needed it, but just being a gentleman? Just doing it for the sake of being nice? Definitely not. And Jason, of all people, didn’t hurry her along, nor did he patronize her; he was steady, strong, and encouraging, giving her sweet smiles as they found their footing back onto solid concrete.
“Sorry about that, I should have looked for a better lot…” She shook her head, kissing his cheek again on her tiptoes, and Jason blushed all over again, and when had Tim ever apologized? She couldn’t remember.
“Jason, that’s so not a problem; this is nice and close, so we don’t have to take a shuttle out to the truck, and a little gravel isn’t going to hurt us.” His eyes softened a little more at that, and she patted his bicep, snuggling close. “Besides, you made me a happy woman just by taking me out like this, y’know? Not every day a girl gets her crush to like her back.” Steph felt him freeze, and she glanced up, worried now…only for Jason to catch her lips in a searing kiss that struck her like a bolt of lightning. Oh…Jason pulled back, panting just a little, and Steph gave a tiny moan, clinging to his arms where he’d wrapped her up tight, and he pressed his forehead to hers, brilliant eyes glowing, just a tiny bit, from the Lazarus Pit.
“…Baby, I’ve cared about you for so damned long.” He whispered, and it was Steph’s turn to freeze, eyes wide as saucers. “You never treated me like an outcast, never judged me…”
“You make me feel like I belong.” Steph whispered back, her voice cracking, and Jason’s eyes closed in pain, honest, real pain, before he kissed her again.
“You belong with me.” He murmured, and oh, her heart took a swan dive. “You belong on our patrol, you belong in my arms…Stephie, baby, you belong. And if B or the Replacement or anyone fuckin’ tells you otherwise, I’ll blow off their goddamn kneecaps.” Jason growled, and Steph burst into slightly teary giggles, laughing as he grinned, his hackles lowering at her joy.
“…Maybe like, just shoot through the bicep or something?”
“Fuck no, kneecappin’ teaches a proper lesson.” He muttered, but Jason was already calming down, snuggling her close as Steph took a deep breath and let it out, centering herself. “But seriously. You fuckin’ belong; you were Robin, Batgirl, and now you’re Spoiler again…fuck, you’re a Dead Robin, you’re extra special.” Steph smiled at that, and Jason nuzzled her cheek, his lips softening back into that familiar grin. “I mean, you were extra special already, but…”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Todd.”
“Ain’t flattery if it’s true, Ms. Brown. C’mon…I’ll bet you’re hungry, I know you missed out on Al’s waffles today.” Steph made a face again, but let Jason turn her back towards the market and restaurant district, feeling her stomach growl at the thought of something other than protein bars.
“I’m still pissed at Tim for that.” The fucker had told Alfred that Steph had texted him that she and Jason both were running late, and so when they’d arrived at the normal time, Alfred had already gone out to do his errands, and Bruce and Tim had just finished demolishing the waffle supply. Jason had been angry, but Steph had been both livid and hurt; one punch to the nose for Red Robin and she’d stormed out, Jason right behind her after tossing Tim into the trash, and they’d hit up Pentabux in the Business District for coffee and pricy snacks to tide them over. Jason had paid, of course, because he’d insisted that Steph save her money; he was making more than enough for both of them.
Hmm. Maybe that’s when I realized he was more than just a friend…He’d been so protective over her, and yet, encouraging too. He’d taken over her training, helping her lock in all the skills she’d been thrown into one by one. And the whole time, he’d been grumpy, but never at her…it was always “Goddammit, B, he shoulda shown you how to duck and roll properly, do it like this to protect your head.” or “Fuck that twerp of a replacement…You’re doin’ great, Blondie, keep that punch lined up and you’ll never need another blow to knock down a henchman.” Steph was in the best shape of her life, physically…and surprisingly enough, mentally too. She leaned into his chest, and Jason slid his arm away from hers long enough to wrap it around her shoulders, keeping her closer now.
“As you should be. C’mon, you’re gonna love what I have in mind, Stephie.”
Contrary to practically every asshole in Metropolis’ assumptions, Gotham had sunny days. Sunny days, in fact, bright and cheerful and blue with wispy soft clouds high, high in the sky, the skyscrapers all colorful and glimmering, the suburbs and apartment blocks full of life. Part of that life was aided by the Wayne family fortunes, and the Martha Wayne Foundation’s constant commitment to bettering the world for those who had been left in the dust by city council members and the Mayor’s office.
Even down in the Narrows, hardy flowers and little vegetable gardens, built in raised planters or punching through cracks in the sidewalks and alleys, tended by a trio of elderly florists, who even now were passing on their skills and bounty to the eager, pinched faces of the orphans who swarmed them.
It was good to see.
Even the various gang members left those hardy planters unmolested, walking around the dandelions and ice plants and stubborn ivy, and very few of even the most violent pricks to walk Gotham’s streets were willing to harm their own people, worn down and battered by all those above them. The Narrows might have been a place where supervillains recruited their henchmen, but it remained quietly protected, safer than many other boroughs of the city… And today, one such of its protectors, Spoiler, was settled quietly up on the rooftop of the old Baudelaire Flower shop, smiling a little as she watched over her neighborhood.
Sure, she could be patrolling; it was a Saturday, after all, but it was the first warm day of spring, a balmy seventy-two degrees with a light wind and a tiny hint of rain on the breeze. There weren’t any clouds in sight, but on the ocean as Gotham was, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if a spring storm built up and washed the city clean again. It’d just happened a week prior, and would again and again, and frankly, that was Steph’s favorite part of spring, even if she did love the sun. Thanks to Wayne Industries again for helping eliminate the acid rain problem that Gotham had been plagued with, and of course, a little…extra help shutting down Black Mask’s old metal plant had brought clearer skies back to Gotham, and so much less pollution.
Hell, it’d even brought jobs; she could see the solar panels glinting off the old smokestacks from the factories down by the bay, and the shipping warehouses that ringed the bay were full of new goods and former henchmen happy to have good paying jobs again without all the danger. Even the villains hadn’t had much problem with the changes; Joker hardly cared one way or another, Two-Face was perfectly fine with it, since, after all, it brought ‘balance’, and Penguin was actually going somewhat legit by retrofitting the old factories (and hadn’t that been a surprise to Bruce; turned out there was more profit in being better at the job than anyone else, and Cobblepot knew how to work that system). Harley and Ivy had both retired to live in Robinson Park, taking over an old caretaker’s cottage and managing the park’s needs quite neatly, thank you very much.
Black Mask, however…Steph closed her eyes to the memories, swallowing the anger and fear and pain, and opened them again at the familiar hissss of a helmet being removed, heavy boots crunching over the gravel on the rooftop beside her. Jason sat down on the ledge next to her, his red domino mask crinkling with his eyes over a warm smile, and Steph couldn’t help but smile back, sliding her own hood and mask down and letting her braid out of confinement, pulling her goggles up to keep back her bangs. Jason’s presence, as always, washed away the nightmare fuel that was Black Mask and his fucked up sins, and Steph breathed a little easier.
“Old memories, Blondie?” Damn, but he could read her like a book, but it wasn’t…like the others; even Dick could be too much at times, for all that he was a goofy sweetheart. Jason…well, maybe it was because they were both kids from the streets, a sort of trust that they were all raised with that just bled between them, like ink in the rain.
“Yeah…I appreciate the distraction, Jase. Thank you.” He chuckled at that, warm and low and so sexy, and Steph held back a sigh, her tummy curling with knots of pleasure and joy at him He was just…so kind and sweet to her, and those penetrating green-blue eyes held an interest that she’d fought to even see in Tim’s…All in all? Flirting with the Red Hood was a hell of a lot more fun. But first, always first, was their jobs; this was their home, and they would do anything to protect it.
“No problem…kinda figured from the look on your face. How’s the Narrows?” He kept his voice light, gentle, and Steph adored him for it; it was casual, understanding, and not another goddamn demand. Like B. Like Tim.
“Lookin’ good, everyone’s been…well, honestly, in a pretty decent mood today. One of the usual troublemakers was even napping under a tree over at the churchyard, so I just left him be after talking to John.”
“Father John okay’d it?”
“He said, and I quote; “Better anyone comes here to rest, than to cause trouble to others. I welcome them all with open arms and a cool drink.’” Jason smiled at that, another real, honest smile, and Steph grinned back; both of them liked Father John, not in the least because he looked like the pastoral version of Santa. He’d been setting out large coolers full of lemonade, tea, and water for people to take as they pleased when Steph had walked up, and knowing John, probably some homemade cookies too. And his only fee was a handshake, a hug, or a blessing, which had won him both Spoiler and Red Hood’s undying (or would it be dying? Kinda hard to tell) affection.
“I love that old guy. So, since things are looking decent, and I was just at the docks, even the old gangsters are sunning themselves over a game of Scopa. I saw Cobblepot and his crew working on the old paper factory, and really, doing a damn fine job of it. Even told him so myself, and I never thought I’d see the day Oswald Cobblepot didn’t try and shoot me on sight. Maybe the world really is ending.” She laughed at that, happy and bright, and he laughed too, pulling her easily into a hug against his side, and Steph shamelessly leaned into his bulk, sighing happily as he rubbed her shoulder. “So, fellow Dead Robin; how about we let B and the Replacement patrol tonight, and we go enjoy ourselves, hmm?” He murmured, lips moving against her forehead, and Steph nuzzled up a little, wrapping her arms around his waist.
That sounds an awful lot like a date to me… Her subconscious whispered, and she felt a blush creep up her cheeks…but she pulled back a little to meet his eyes, reading the unspoken truth in them. He met her gaze, a tiny blush on his own face, covering strong cheekbones that could have been a dead ringer for Bruce Wayne if you didn’t know better, the wind playing with his soft wavy locks, the lone streak of white fluttering against his forehead. Jason Todd was devastatingly handsome, fiercely intelligent, and dangerous as the Narrows themselves…and Steph smiled, feeling those knots uncurl in happiness at the honest hope in his eyes.
“What’d you have in mind?” His grin was as bright as the sunshine bathing them both, and he winked.
“Asshole cop.” Jason grumbled as they walked back towards the truck, and Steph giggled wildly, her lipstick only just cleaned up from the wipes she kept in her bag, eyes dancing as they made their way through the crowded Saturday night boardwalk, said asshole cop glaring behind them. Sure, they maybe got a little too into making out on the bench, but Jason had been so thrilled by her reference, and Steph was just…absolutely in love with Jason. So. Y’know. One thing led to another and Jason’s hand had crept up her skirt while she’d straddled his lap…
And then Officer O’Grady had blown his whistle. Right in their ears.
“I agree…sorry he got your bad side…” Jason shot her a grateful smile, and she kissed his cheek softly, all sympathy. The explosion when he was fifteen had ruptured his eardrum, and high-pitched sounds bothered the hell out of him on his left side still, which was why his helmet had specialized protective ear guards, and he wore sound-reducing plugs with his domino. It…was perhaps one of the few things that Bruce and Jason had bonded over; Bruce used similar ones for his own cowl, and had adapted Jason’s with regard to the minor hearing loss.
“Eh…At least it didn’t make my tinnitus start up. All he had to do was cough or somethin’…” Steph agreed, and rubbed his back soothingly, smiling as Jason squeezed her shoulder and kissed her temple. As much as she’d liked the idea of the Ferris Wheel…O’Grady was following, she could sense his eyes on her ass, and evidently, so could Jason; he raised his free arm to flip the cop off and hugged her a little closer, arm sliding down to wrap around her waist. Not to grope her, not that Steph would have minded…but she smiled, snuggling in close anyway. It was possessive without making her the possession.
Makes Dean look like the pervert he was. Creep. And Jason and I are what…three years apart? She made a few mental calculations and nodded to herself, satisfied; they were right at three years and two months apart, and while she and Tim were the same age…she had more in common with Jay. More shared life experience, too…
“Babe? You okay there? You look like you’re a million miles away…” Jason murmured, pausing at the entrance to the carpark, and Steph shook herself, smiling up at him.
“Yeah…sorry, was just…thinking about things.”
“…Good things? Bad things?”
“A little bad, then a little good. I promise, I’m okay…just…maybe more tired than I realized.” She winced at that, but Jason just chuckled, warm and sweet.
“I don’t doubt it, we were both up early. As fun as the bench was…how about we head back and get some rest, hmm?”
“Yes please…Um…do…you mind if I ask you to take me home?” His eyes softened at that, dark green with the night, and he kissed her softly, guiding her back over the gravel with care.
“Not at all, sweetheart; besides, I don’t put out on the first date.” Steph burst into giggles at that, and Jason snickered, helping her back up into the truck. He hopped over the hood, every inch the reckless Bat-boy, which made Steph break into more giggles. Joining her in the cab, he swooped in for a kiss that Steph gladly gave, and carefully got them out of the parking space, bitching a little about idiot tourists and shitty drivers as he made his way to the road again. “Goddamn fuckin’ cop could be over here clearing this mess out…”
“At least Penguin’s men have it well-lit again; the city didn’t do shit about that.” Steph growled out, suddenly feeling far more charitable to Cobblepot and his crew. Whatever else Oswald might have once been, fatherhood seemed to have mellowed him immensely, and his mostly-legit wealth was going into things like lighting the Mile, same with Bruce; hell, Bruce had even sent baby gifts, both has Wayne and Batman, since Cobblepot had largely dropped out of the Rogues’ with the birth of his daughter.
“Yeah, I think B thanked him for it the other day, Barb was shocked on the comms because they actually had a polite conversation; he asked about Robin, B asked about Tracey and little Eugenie.”
“Awwwww…I’ll get a purple penguin for her when I go out on patrol tomorrow.” Jason chuckled at that, and Steph relaxed into his shoulder, fine with taking the back roads home to her apartment. Here too, the little improvements had made things better for everyone, not just the wealthy Gothamites; lights brightened the once gloomy alleys, and people, feeling safer, had begun cleaning them up. Dumpsters had been moved to the backs of the buildings, and play areas built, full of beat up toys. Old sawhorses and a few semi-straight boards sporting carefully repaired flowerpots full of cheap herbs and little flowers leaned against the brownstones, painted bright with cheap acrylic and leftover housepaint.
Graffiti artists, once the bane of the neighborhoods, had been given purpose and permission to express themselves via the Wayne Urban Art grants, and now murals of every color covered the once ugly cement walls. Meanwhile the old abandoned lots, once ignored by the city, had been bought up by Wayne Industries and given to the neighborhoods as small leisure areas, with young saplings and soft grass and little free gardens, tended carefully by gardeners hired by Bruce himself.
Crime still ran rampant, of course; hell, that’s why they still had patrols.
But more and more, that crime was white-collar or supervillain; the average Joe was happy to have a good job again, and a place to call home that wasn’t covered in trash and grime. Petty criminals with a family to feed or a dangerous addiction had more avenues for help now, with flyers on every corner, and kind counselors available night and day. And the only requirement was only “if you know someone else who needs us, please bring them here.” Steph approved of that, as did Jason, and Bruce had only smiled and said “I thought of you two when we set that up.” Highest compliment he’s ever given us, I think…it…it really has made a difference. Just in my life alone…
Crystal Brown had been among the first he’d welcomed to the program, and Steph had broken down crying on Bruce’s shoulder the day her mom had come home clean. Really clean now; whatever else might have happened between them, Steph was just glad to have her mom back…and Jason had had much the same reaction, so Alfred had told her, when Roy’d gone through it too. Roy was Jay’s best friend in the whole world…she smiled a little. I’d almost be jealous, but…Cass is my best friend. And if Cass swung that way, I’d have dated her in a heartbeat, I think…I’m not mad that he and Roy were a pair. I’m just glad they’re still friends.
“Gotta say, B’s really made home feel a lot less gentrified, and more…”
“Alive.” She murmured, and Jason nodded, his voice a little tight as he pulled into her apartment’s lot.
“…I was worried, when he started this, that it’d be the Bowery all over again.” He murmured, and she squeezed his arm, taking a deep breath.
“Me too, if we’re being honest here. But…it’s not. It’s not. It’s…what we would have wanted. Hell, he even retrofitted the Starlight with green tech so that the Narrows’ best babysitter didn’t have to close down.” He laughed, soft and sweet, and kissed her forehead.
“Tell me about it, I begged him to bankroll it when I was a kid because…well, it’s the last original roller rink on the East Coast. I couldn’t bear to see it torn down. I think he started doing it after I died…kinda sweet, to be honest.”
“That’s what I would have done…Ooh. We should go skating next time.” Steph mused, and Jason’s answer was in a hot, sweet kiss, his eyes dancing in the streetlights.
“It’s a date. C’mon, I’ll walk you to your door?” He suggested, offering his hand, and Steph let him pull her out, heart as light as a feather. He was easy to lean into, not handsy in the slightest, big hands rubbing up and down her back, and already, Steph was boneless against his chest, drowsing as they rode the elevator back up. Their hands clasped, Steph swung them a little as they pulled apart, yawning widely as the elevator stopped and she could lead him back down to her apartment door, pulling out her key.
“Mmn…thank you. I love you…and I hope this is still okay?” She murmured, hopeful and more than a little nervous. Jason kissed her again, then once more, and bussed her nose with his own, the smile on his lips as clear a confirmation as the words…but she liked hearing him anyway.
“I love you too, babe, and this is so okay. Get some rest, alrighty? Tim took our patrol tonight, B sent me an apology text earlier, so we’re good till tomorrow.”
“Good. Bastard should know better than to get between me and waffles.” The roguish grin on Jason’s face made her grin back, and he stroked her hair back over her ear again, something she never let Dean or Tim do, because it felt…weird with them. It felt right with Jay.
“Goddamn right, Blondie. Sleep tight, babe, can I bring you waffles in the morning, or are you waffled out?”
“Jay, if you bring me waffles in the morning, I’ll put out, alright? Waffles are life.” She retorted, and he fell back with a snicker, shaking his head as he kissed her.
“Well hell, if it’s really that easy, babe…” She swatted his arm, still grinning, and he kissed her once more, leaning into her doorway in a gesture that should have felt intimidating…but like before, well…it was Jay. It felt right. Steph kissed him back, sighing softly, and he pulled back to kiss her in the center of her forehead. “Head to bed, babe, I’m not far off. If you need anything, call me, okay?”
“Mmn, sounds good…are you really gonna bring me waffles?” She replied, hopeful, and he grinned again, his smile as addictive as his kisses.
“Goddamn right I will, babe. What time works?”
“Probably eight, at least? I need to get up early, do housework, do homework…” She made a face, and he made a face with her.
“Ugh. Well, I can help with the former, and as for the latter, I can be a quiet boyfriend and clean my guns?”
“Deal…See you then?” Steph wanted to crash, she really did, she was yawning so much now…but she didn’t want him to go…
“See you then. Goodnight, Stephie.” He murmured, kissing her once more, then closed the door for her. She leaned against it, listening to him slip down the stairs, and smiled, stepping out of her sandals with a groan of relief (they were cute, but she was tired enough for them to start hurting finally), and made quick work of taking off the rest of her make up, hanging up her dress, changing into comfy undies and a huge tee shirt. Taking down her hair, she glanced over at her phone…and grinned to see his number light up on the screen. She swiped to answer, and leaned back against the pillows.
“Miss me already, handsome?” He chuckled, warm and low, and it didn’t matter that she’d been hearing it all night; she could hear it a million times, and never get tired of it.
“You know it, baby. Figured you’d probably have trouble getting to sleep, as tired as you were, so…I thought maybe I could read to you?” He sounded so hopeful over the line, and Steph’s breath hitched in her chest. Oh…
“…I’d really, really like that. What did you have in mind?” She could see his grin as she closed her eyes, and heard the soft sound of pages turning, the faintest creak of an old book opening.
They’d agreed to meet up at four in the afternoon after a quick run back to their respective apartments to shower and change out of their patrol gear, and Steph bit her lip as she tugged the towel a little tighter around her chest, wondering just what would be best to wear out. She’d asked Jason for an idea of what might be best, thinking he’d probably want to go clubbing (their usual whenever Dick and Kate were in town) or go to barhopping (Roy and/or Artemis), but he’d paused, giving her question serious thought as he stopped the motorcycle outside her apartment building.
“Honestly? Wear something comfortable to walk around in, if you’re up for it? I…wanted to do something a little different. Kinda celebrate the weather, y’know?” And she did know…He’d been blushing at that, sweet and shy and a little more school boy, a little less sexy asshole, and she’d hopped off and given him a kiss on the cheek, beaming at the butterflies in her tummy. “Oh…”
“Alrighty, that sounds good. Make sure you’re the same?” She almost asked, but Steph decided to add a little more weight to that one; ninety percent of the time, Jason would pull off his armor and change tee shirts, but otherwise, it was always the black/gray camo pants, the tan jacket, and a black shirt. Every. Single. Time. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hot as fuck, but I know damn good and well the man has more in his closet than just that. Jason had been a mob boss himself for a time, and she still lusted over the thought that some day, she might see him in the black and red suits…But for today?
Today was casual cute, for both of them.
“Deal, only fair. I’ll be back at four, okay?”
“Sounds good; are we going on your bike?”
“Actually, I had a different plan for transportation, if that’s okay?” She nodded, actually a bit relieved, and he beamed, then leaned in and kissed her, full on the lips…and oh, that made those butterflies burst into life all over again. She’d floated up to her apartment in a daze, and after a quick pause to do her dishes (just in case, y’know, she might have company later) and a shower, she’d put up her hair in a curly soft messy pony, bangs fluffed out and cute, then followed that up with some classic make up. A touch of mascara, a wickedly sharp wing on each eye’s liner, a brush of purple eyeshadow, then rosy red (because why not make sure he knew she was interested too?), then a soft pale pink to brighten just under her eyebrows.
Rose red lipstick completed the look, and she grinned a little, feeling vintage and sexy and cute, then strolled out, still in her towel, to peruse her clothes. After a long conference with herself, she was left with three possibilities. All were cute; all were comfy, and only one required a heel higher than an inch to look fabulous in. That one, the bodycon dress in deep amaranthine, she put away after a long look; it was super cute, but definitely more club than ‘about town’. She also decided against the denim short-shorts and purple crop top; not quite the look she was going for, to be honest, and as pretty as the shimmery crop top was, it might actually be too cool for today.
That left her with the dress she’d bought a month ago, and she smiled as she undid the buttons on the front of the bodice, pulling out a matching set of lingerie in dark red to put on first. She’d found it in a shop just outside the Narrows, and lusted over it for weeks before working up the courage to go in. Thankfully, the woman who ran the shop was from a similar background, and rather than most boutiques, who looked at Steph’s eclectic style and judged, this lady had helped her pick out the right size dress, a cute pair of kitten-heels to go with it, and even a shawl to match. Purple linen, with black polka dots, soft and cool against her hand, made up a lovely day-dress with a sweetheart neckline, fluttery cap sleeves, and a lovely, knee-length, full skirt. With pockets.
And it was easy to step into, sliding up her hips with a whisper of linen on her skin, buttoning with no gaping (which, from experience, Steph could tell anyone was a fuckin’ miracle.) Steph stepped into the matching heels, and gathered up a cute flowered handbag she’d picked up at the thrift store that rather accented her new dress, matched some studs to the color of the dress, and pulled the wide-brimmed sunhat out of her closet, giggling as she spun in her mirror, feeling cute and happy and just…girlish in a way that she’d never felt. Even when she was a little girl…
Thankfully, a knock sounded at the door, rapping in the familiar Bat-pattern they’d all been taught, knocking her melancholy out of orbit and Steph glanced at her phone. 3:58…I love a man who’s never late. She happily danced her way to the door, and when she opened it…Stephanie Brown froze, jaw dropping.
Because standing at her door, holding a bouquet of purple roses (and where the fuck did he find PURPLE roses, of all things?!) was Jason Peter Todd, looking as starstruck as she felt, dressed down in a pair of soft gray jeans that hugged his glorious thighs and ass, a pair of slightly battered red Converse, and a red cotton button down over a soft black tank top, buttoned up almost all the way, but left free on the last two buttons, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his shirt tucked in, wonder of wonders…She felt herself start to drool a little, and snapped out of it with difficulty, because UNF.
“Oh…Jase…are those for me?” He suddenly snapped back to himself too, looking absolutely adorable as he blushed and nodded.
“Oh, uh, yeah…Thought you might like these, given that your favorite color is pretty much a dead giveaway.” He grinned as she laughed, the ice between them melting once more into easy friendship, and she took the flowers, beckoning him inside as she pulled a vase out of her cupboard. She smiled to see him looking around with interest at her books, her game systems, even her tentative bits of crochet with the soft yarns she’d bought months ago, and still hadn’t quite finished.
“…See something you like?” He blushed, glancing up from reading the back of one of her fantasy books, and grinned sheepishly as she finished putting the last of her roses in their new home. They smelled so so good, and already were opening up, and she hugged her arms to herself shyly as she walked back to him. Jason shelved the book with infinite care, and his eyes seemed to warm even more, his smile creasing his eyes in all the ways she’d always loved in her fantasy guys.
“I do indeed…you look…God, you look absolutely amazing in that dress, you know that? It’s so fuckin’ cute.”
“You look amazing in that shirt and those jeans…I mean it!” He turned away, blushing at that, looking shy now, and she caught his hands in hers, blue eyes trained on his. “Seriously. It’s a good look.”
“…Thank you.” He murmured, smile returning to his lips, and she took a risk, rising up on her tiptoes to press a soft kiss to his lips. He kissed her back, just as soft and sweet, and Steph didn’t know if she wanted to go out after all; this was…this was really nice. Jason pulled back, though, and she sighed a little, making him chuckle as he wrapped an arm gently around her waist. “Believe me, babe, I hate to stop kissing you, but I did make us some nice plans for dinner, if you’re still up for it?”
“Oh? What might dinner be?” He grinned at that, so much more in his own comfort zone now, and nodded his head to the west, where the sun was starting to lower in the sky, just a little.
“Care to let me surprise you?” Steph smiled, and put her arm around his waist in return, scooping her handbag up again.
“I suppose I can, this one time…” She rolled her eyes and he laughed, letting her lock and close the door before guiding her to the stairs, and walking down them in time with her, which, given his longer legs, was definitely something she appreciated.
“I promise, you won’t be disappointed.” As they walked out of the building, Steph was surprised to see a nice, large red truck waiting for them, and Jason’s hand up into the cab was just as nice as the interior, though it wasn’t leather, thankfully, but comfy heavy cotton seats. Dark grey with white accents, made it look a little more typical while still appealing to his color scheme, and Steph wasn’t surprised to spot a very, very well hidden (but not if you’re a Bat) gun compartment just under the dash. He gave her a worried look when he realized where her eyes were looking, but she met Jason’s worry with a smile, and kissed his cheek.
“You know me, Jase; I’m not gonna lecture you.” Jason’s tension melted away at that, and he chuckled, turning on the truck and backing neatly out of the space.
“I should, by now; but I still…panic, I guess? Too many years of being lambasted by B.”
“Don’t I know it…but…eh, we both grew up here. We both know what really stops criminals.” She murmured, and he breathed an ‘Amen’ at that, his right hand gently squeezing her left hand as he drove them towards the livelier market side of the bay.
“Still, I appreciate your…I guess, kindness? Tact?” Steph just smiled, twining her fingers with his, and grinning a little when his big thumb began to rub circles in the side of her hand.
“Let’s go with understanding.” She replied softly, and he gave her a flash of a smile and a squeeze.
Steph breathed in the scent of Jason’s soap (something natural and sage-y, probably something he found online from an indie seller) and the distant tang of gunpowder, and let him hold her close, the steady tosses and CRACK of the metal milk bottles toppling over behind them a bit of white noise to drown out the memories. She’d be five now…Steph snuggled into Jason’s chest a little, more, relaxing as his big hand rubbed up and down her back, nose buried in her hair as they just…leaned together, letting the sea wind ruffle her skirt and his shirt. Five years old. I wonder if she got Dean’s eyes? Or my hair? Best not to wonder too much, though, Stephie, you know where that leads…
The postpartum depression was a mantle she hadn’t really understood at first; being sad made sense, of course, but the fatigue, the listlessness, the apathy…Tim had gotten frustrated when she hadn’t really fought it off, and with Bruce’s reluctant yes, had inducted her as Robin anyway. And for a time, that had worked…training kept her too tired to focus on her feelings, and detective work kept her mind occupied…but it was always lurking there. And I never dealt with it. Not until after Black Mask…She flinched, that memory all too vivid, and Jason’s arms tightened, just a little, his voice soft and deep.
“Babe?”
“Sorry…sorry…just…thinking about…that…led to thinking about what Sionis did to me…” He gently drew her back, not breaking the embrace by a long shot, but rested his forehead against hers, eyes dark now with simmering rage. She studied him, well aware that Jason, of all the family, was the one person most likely lose his shit again…and yet, she had never felt safer. His eyes closed, and when they opened again, that rage was banked, tempered with a love so fierce that that was what took her breath away, melting into his kiss without a moment of concern.
“…One day, I will kill that fucker.”
“…I might just help you.” He paused, lips thinning again, but Steph just gave him a weary smile. “I mean it. I get Bruce’s personal oath against murder…but you and I know all too well what really cleans up the streets, Jay…and Sionis has had it coming for a long, long time. He might entertain high company, but we all know what he is.” His lips quirked up at that, and she kissed him again, and again, gently teasing a real smile from him once more.
“And that is?”
“A man whose inferiority complex is fully justified.” Jason burst into laughter at that, sagging back against the light pole as he snickered breathlessly, hugging her close and kissing her as soon as he had air to do so, which made her laugh too, her grin almost hurting with how wide it was.
“Christ on a cracker, Steph, that’s it, there’s no other woman in the world for me.” She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck, purring when he followed her away from the pole in an easy sort of dance, their bodies finding a rhythm that was almost fighting…almost. “Marry me…”
“First date, waffles for dinner, and a marriage proposal? Mr. Todd, you’re spoiling me absolutely rotten!” He grinned wickedly and drew her into a kiss, twirling with her in his arms as they danced over the dock’s walkway, footsteps light as air. The sunset through the various carnival hawker stands lit up their dance as they made their way down the dock towards the rides, and Steph felt her heart stutter as it caught the red of his shirt for a moment, then the toss of her ponytail, glowing golden in the light. They danced like two flames, and though she wasn’t as good as Cass or Kate, Steph didn’t know that it mattered; Jason was good enough for both of them.
“Well, Ms. Brown, I had it on good authority from a little birdie that you deserved it…” He murmured, his eyes so soft and open now, that rage vanished in a sea of love, and Steph let herself fall all the way into that kiss, one that felt…more than the others, and the others had been damned good…She nipped his lower lip, and he nipped her back, and their dance faded with the last of the sun, the solar-powered LED string bulbs that criss-crossed overhead bursting to bright light, and Steph pulled back just enough, her eyes wide, heart pounding. Judging by the awestruck look on Jason’s face, he wasn’t much better, and he so gently kissed the center of her forehead. “…is this too much, baby?”
“…it’s amazing, Jason…” She murmured, having closed her eyes and leaned into him, and she looked up again, hoping against hope that her will showed in her glance. “I mean it. And the answer’s…most likely yes. I’d like a couple more dates, just…to be sure, but…yes.” He blinked, confused, then his eyes went huge…and she just giggled. “Surprised?”
“…and absolutely fuckin’ delighted. And patient. You say when, I’ll be ready, babe. I mean it.” Jason’s expression relaxed a little, and he nuzzled her lips for another kiss, grinning as she giggled. “Toldja you belonged in this family...”
“You did…and you were right.”
“Oh? That’s a rarity.” She laughed, swatting his bicep gently, and he smirked. “About what?”
