Time: 3:03am
Location: 1007 Mountain Drive, Wayne Manor.
You shuffled in your seat, attempting to find a comfortable position.
Patrol had just finished for you and Jason. You were currently on your way to the mansion to pay your father a visit and discuss the situation regarding your mother.
However, you couldn't get yourself to calm down. Your anxiety was off the charts. As discreetly as you tried, Jason was quick to notice, taking a turn at the next exit and stopping his motorcycle at the side of the road. You stopped your fidgeting, watching as he took his helmet off and ran a hand through his messy hair before turning around,
"Alright, something's up. Mind telling me what's going on in the pretty little head of yours? And don't lie. I know when something's wrong with you, doll", his voice was low and thick, laced with affection and worry. You sighed, splaying your arms out in defeat. He gestured for you to stand. You walked over, standing between his legs while he held your hands, looking up at you expectingly,
"I'm a little bit nervous. II haven't really spoken with my dad for a few months, so, I'm just scared he'll reject me for the decisions I've made. same with everyone else."
He brought a hand up, gently tilting your chin down. Jason could see it, the small tings of sadness in your eyes,
"Hey. Don't you dare think for a second that he would reject you. You're his daughter, (Y/n). From what I've seen all these years, it's pretty obvious he loves you, and knowing how much you've been there for him, I know he will accept you. No matter what."
He spoke so seriously, so firmly. The way he said those words made you believe they were true, even if you didn't want to. He took a deep breath, proceeding,
"I know, it's probably even more pressuring considering I'm gonna be there", he somewhat joked, drifting his gaze off into the passing cars before turning to you,
"But, he will accept you. Hell, he even accepted me after what I've done. You really shouldn't worry. Every step of the way, I'll be there with you, okay? I love you."
You smiled at that, butterflies flying around in your stomach upon seeing the little twinkle in his eyes. This was the first time he's said that in a while, and if you were being honest, you were glad to hear it again. After the Arkham incident, he found it hard to say it to you. Not because he didn't mean it, but, simply because he was hesitant on the idea that you'd reject him. He didn't want to say something that you didn't t want to hear. You leaned forward, wrapping your arms around his neck before leaning your head down on his shoulder,
"I love you too. Thank you so much.", you breathed, feeling as his hands wrapped around your waist, one resting on your lower back. Your scent engulfed him, forcing him to relax into your arms. He pulled back for a split second, looking up at you and grinning mischievously,
"So. Do I get a kiss for that or", you scoffed, playfully glaring at him before walking off to stretch your limbs,
"You'll have to do better than that"
Suddenly, you heard steps pounding across the ground. In alarm, you turned to face him, only to see him running straight at you,
"wHat the fu-"
He picked you up into his arms, carrying you bridal style before leaning down to kiss your lips sweetly. Your irritation quickly faded away as you melted into the kiss. For a few minutes, you both stayed that way, long passionate kisses forcing you to lose breath. You pushed yourself away sadly, pulling out of his arms. He looked at you dreamily through half-lidded eyes, pouting as you moved to sit on his motorcycle,
"Babe", he whined, "We were just getting started". You chuckled, shaking your head,
"We'll finish where we left off later. Now hurry up Redbird",
He quirked an eyebrow your way, adjusting the helmet onto his head,
"Redbird?", he questioned, testing the new nickname with his own mouth. You smirked, strapping your own helmet on,
"Yea. Don't you like it?", he thought it over for a second, a thoughtful smile making its way onto his face. Knowing his background and his past background as robin, it wasn't too bad of a name. He'd be lying if he didn't say it made his heart leap. He started the motorcycle, waiting for a familiar hum to sound,
"It's... cool I guess", he shrugged. You rolled your eyes, gently smiling. You knew he secretly liked it,
"Yea, ok handsome", he chuckled lowly. You wrapped your arms around his waist, mindlessly watching the swaying trees in the dimly light sky that hinted at the wee hours of the morning. He was such a baby at times, but, it was so cute to see this side of him. To see him so carefree, and so loving towards you. It was great.
You looked ahead, the faint outline of the mansion showing up through mirages.
Soon, very soon, you'd get there.
——————————————————————————————
It took you a little longer than anticipated to get into the bat cave after having to scan your hand,-since Jason's identity wasn't 'found'-. You walked ahead of him, listening to the faint grumbles he released about 'being denied' access on purpose'.
Around you, computers glowed, evidently showing someone had been using them. You both glanced at the batmobile, finding no sign of your father,-or anyone-, anywhere. Not even a scent. Though, it was pretty difficult to sniff anyone out in the bat cave. Must've been all the mixed scents. Upon noticing Jason's silence, you turned to him, watching his eyes flicker to the bookcase. It slid open, revealing Alfred with a clear, true smile on his face,
"Oh my. Miss (Y/n)! It is quite a surprise to find you here. You as well master Jason."
"Alfred! I'm so glad to see you." You walked up to him, spreading your arms to give him a hug. His smile widened as he hugged you firmly, clearly missing you. You didn't realize it, but to Alfred, you were almost like a daughter. Jason shortly followed suit, adding in a rather unique secret handshake,
"Wait, Bruce didn't tell you we were coming?"
He stood straight, posture as sharp as ever before quirking an eyebrow,
"No... not that I recall"
Jason nodded at him, opting to sit back and watch your interaction between you and the butler. You caught up with Alfred, telling him what you've been doing, where you've been. He did the same, while quickly informing you that your father was running a bit late from his late-night crime-fighting. Your conversation was cut short when a sudden mischievous tone sliced through the room,
"Don't tell me you've already forgotten about your big brother", you turned, spotting your favorite quirky,-but charming-, sibling. Beside him, was Barbara, who simply opted on waving to you and sending a sympathetic smile after Jason tugged her away. Dick was in his suit, the blue of his Nightwing symbol sharply contrasting against the black spandex,
"Well, there's nothing really exciting about you. Considering we see each other on a daily basis", you teased, watching as he quirked an eyebrow and playfully glared,
"C' mere you", he uncrossed his arms, a smiling making its way onto his face as he wrapped his arms around you,
You smiled up at Dick, quickly noting the small hints of jealousy Jason radiated from your peripheral vision. Your brother seemed to notice as well, turning to give him a taunting smile,
"So, how's this one been treating you? No issues right?", he narrowed his eyes at Jason, a hint of his authoritative but protective aura looming around. The male rolled his eyes, clearly already irritated with Dick's scrutinizing,
"I like to think I'm doing better than you, Grayson"
You reassured him with a nod and a smile,
"He's been good to me. So far at least", You chuckled, noting the playful glare Jason threw your way as he crossed his legs, settling them on the nearby table before leaning his head back into his crossed hands. Someone was grumpy. Though, you couldn't really blame him. He's been pretty tired lately.
Turning away, you looked at the bat cave entrance, seeing as four moving figures entered. "Hey guys ", you commented, watching Cassandra, Stephanie, and Tim enter in their suits,
"(Y/n)!", exclaimed Stephanie, as she ran to give you a bone-crushing hug. Cass stood back, quietly letting the female have her moment before approaching you and giving a rather calm hug.
"It's nice to see you again, sis. Glad you received the new bat communicator I sent. Well, after you broke the first one...and a few more", Tim spoke up, walking over to you. You smirked, looking down at your hip and spotting your black and grey device,
"Hey, if there's anyone to blame, it's Jason. He literally crushed mine so many damn times. He goes through them faster than he goes through bullets"
"I heard that"
You both snickered. For some reason, it was always Jason who smashed your communicators. Usually on missions after being tossed into you.
Now that you noticed, it seemed as if everyone had taken the time to fully appear. Squinting at the side of the bat computers, you spotted a red and black figure that you knew all too well,
"Kate", you nodded at her. She nodded back, revealing a small smile, "I'm kinda surprised to find you here. It's usually not your... cup of tea." You scratched your head sheepishly, hoping you didn't come off as rude,
"Just paying my once a year visit" she joked, walking around to get over to you,
"But, seeing you here, I think it was worth it"
"Father, who told these imbeciles to come? I don't recall you calling any of them"
Instantly, your eyes locked with Damian's, watching as they widened in surprise before dimming down to reveal an uninterested expression,
"It's about time you came. After all the times I saved your ass, you're really going to disappear and never visit? Tt"
You rolled your eyes. He always had the rudest and dumbest things to say. You still couldn't help but smile. Behind him stood your father and Duke. The newly turned hero waved at you enthusiastically before running off to Timothy and Jason. The chatter around you grew a notch as you closed in, kneeling in front of Damian. He averted his eyes, scowl crossing his face,
"I...missed you"
You smiled softly, extending your arms and pulling him into a hug that he reluctantly gave into,
"I missed you too, Dami."
Faint memories flickered in your mind as you remembered the day you met him. He was just as rude and obnoxious as ever. But, he warmed up to you faster than anyone,-besides Alfred and his father of course-. Honestly, this was only possible after you saved him from a mission he thought he could handle himself without telling Bruce. He hated you for that, and also for the fact that you were kinda competition to him, since your mother was Selina and his was Talia. But, after managing to save him for a second time, he saw how valuable and tolerable you were. The times you would train him with dick further added onto that. Hell, you were one of the very few people who didn't really get offended by what he had to say. He gave you a tiny smile, pulling away and walking off to speak to Alfred. He mentioned something about "protecting my damn animals from these asses". You chuckled, shaking your head. It seems somethings never changed. Placing your hands on your hips, you looked at your father,
"Well"
He looked down, dark blue eyes hard with age but soft upon coming into contact with yours. The expression on his face was bland as always. Yet, he still looked huge compared to you, that black cape of his wrapping around him and draping down on the ground,
"Well. Are you going to stand there or give me an actual greeting"
You smirked, watching him sigh and spread his arms apart. You quickly ran into him, giving a bear hug. For a moment you just stood there, feeling comfort and security with your father around. You couldn't see it, but he gave a little smile at how quickly you raced to him,
"Look at her. What a daddy's girl."
You snapped your eyes open, craning your neck over to look at Jason, and everyone else, who, happened to be smirking,
"Let me have my moment will you? It's not everyday I get to do this. Now look away you creeps."
A small rumble came from the figure you embraced. You looked up at your father, perplexed as he chuckled,
"Did you, just laugh?"
"Yes" you blinked once, clearly not believing,
"I'm allowed to enjoy myself once in while, can't I?"
"Well, yea"
For a second, your father mentioned the importance of needing to speak to you in private. You quickly excused yourself from everyone else after he gestured for you to follow him. Silently, you both scanned your hand prints before stepping into the path that had been opened by the bookcase,
"There was something you wanted to discuss. You want the truth regarding your mother", he revealed, stepping away from the grandfather clock presented by the bookcase and heading straight towards the living room of the mansion. You aimlessly looked around as you trailed behind , confused by how straightforward he was being,
"Yes... yes I do. I think I deserve to know"
He nods, settling down on the couch directly in front of you,
"You do"