Over the next week, Sam and Jason continue their new dynamic. It's fun for the both of them and it feels safe. They don't feel too much pressure with each other and they're both really happy. It always starts with their game and then one of them makes the move. That's usually who wins and it's fun. 

Now, Sam is sitting in the kitchen on one of the laptops reading through a Reddit thread about the Titans. Steam is practically coming out of her ears as Jason walks in.

"You good?" Jason chuckles, seeing her look like she wants to chuck the laptop out a window.

"Look at this!" Sam yells, pointing at the laptop screen that shows a Reddit thread that's discussing the vigilante names of the Titans.

"What the fuck am I looking at?" Jason chuckles, his hand resting on the back of her chair and the other hand on the counter as he leans in.

"Acid Fingers!" Sam fumes, pointing dramatically at the screen.

Jason bursts into a fit of laughter. "That you?" He glances at her and he knows this is going to be fun.

"I guess!" Sam yells, her hands flying above her head.

Jason shakes his head, looking through more of the names and they just keep more ridiculous. He's taking a mental note of every name to call her the next time she makes fun of him being Robin.

"Melty Hands?" Jason continues to chuckle, this is ridiculous.

"Glow girl!" Sam gets more dramatic. "Who the fuck is Freddy Freeman and how can I kill him?!"

Jason looks at her and she's so mad but he swears she's endearing. "I think it's great." Jason lets his laugh subside.

Sam snaps her neck at him, eyes wide, steam nearly coming out of her ears. "WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN YOU THINK IT'S GREAT?!?!?! YOU GOT BEASTBOY, SUPERBOY, NIGHTWING, STARFIRE, AND FUCKING ACID FINGERS?!?!?!?!!? WHAT THE FUCK."

He thinks it's funny how annoyed she is by it. It's not even a big deal given she's not actually a Titan at this current point in time and he has a vivid memory of her saying she doesn't even like vigilante names from last week. And the only thing he wants to do is kiss the scowl off her face.

"Acid Fingers is a great one." Jason tilts his head back, unable to control his laughing.

"I'm gonna hunt this little shit down. Acid Fingers." Sam lets out a scoff.

"I like it." Jason says through a laugh. "I'm calling you that, now."

"Don't you fucking dare, Jason Todd!"

Jason's voice drops, his face coming closer to hers as he goes to taunt her. "What are you gonna do about it, Acid Fingers?"

Sam looks back at him and the annoyance of the whole thing almost melts away because he looks at her like that, eyes darting to her lips and soft and nothing else even matters. But then he would win.

"You're named after a fucking bird. And you don't even look like a robin! You look more like a parrot."

Jason's brows furrow but he keeps his stance close to her. "A parrot?" Jason chortles.

"Red, green, black, yellow. Parrot. Robins are not that colorful." Sam snarks and Jason can see her trying desperately not to let a smirk come to her lips.

"Still better than, acid fingers. Could have called you Sulfar, Nitric, Bombardier, Scorpian!" Jason says enthusiastically. "Cobra could work, I guess, but that doesn't fit, I don't think." He nods his head just once, his brows are just slightly knitted together.

Sam blinks at him. "I'm actually gonna kill you." Her words are softer this time, holding no venom with the hollow threat.

"You can try, Acid Fingers."

"Jason Todd, so fucking help me." Sam lets out a groan and she knows he will never let this go.

"What're you gonna do about it, babe?"

"You're such a brat." Sam states softly.

Jason's laugh bellows through the kitchen as he leans up with the laugh. Bruce peaks in to see what the yelling is about but he just sees Jason laughing hysterically, happier than Bruce has ever seen him before. Sam looks like she's about to actually commit mass murder but Bruce catches the hint of smile on her face as she watches Jason laugh. Bruce smiles to himself before walking off and leaving the two of them to themselves.

"I'm gonna tell this little shit--" Sam starts, turning back to the laptop.

"Okay," Jason cuts her off, yanking her laptop away from her and closing it. "He's probably like twelve." Jason laughs. "And you don't even like the name thing so, Acid Fingers, get a grip."

"It's so stupid." Sam whines before it turns into a laugh. "It's so dumb!"

"Hey, I'm a bird and Dick still fucking chose Nightwing, kept the bird thing going. All of the bat stuff is called bat-something." Jason chortles and he's got a devious smirk.

"It's all so dumb." Sam get tears from laughing.

"I think Dick actually named most of the stuff. He named the batcomputer." Jason explains.

"OH, but I call you guys Batsons and I don't even get a laugh." Sam rolls her eyes.

"You called us Batsons?"

"Yeah! Are you not the sons of Batman?"

"I guess." Jason mocks her.

"Shut the fuck up, Jaybird." Sam groans, tilting her head back.

Jason can't stop the laugh that escapes his mouth with the nickname. "Better than shithead, brat, and Acid Fingers." Jason gives Sam a wild grin and all she can do is groan. "Come on, get up." Jason offers her his free hand while Sam reaches for the laptop. "No, enough internet for you today, fucking nerd. I want you to meet someone today."

"You have friends?" Sam quips and Jason's jaw drops as he narrows his eyes at her. "And don't say me or Gar."

"Shut the fuck up!" Jason laughs. "I have more friends than you do!" Sam goes to open her mouth but Jason goes first. "Don't say me or Gar."

"Don't say me or Gar." Sam mutters under her breath, mocking him. "Okay, Krypto."

"Krypto is a dog, he doesn't fucking count!" Jason's eyes widen and that's something he really likes about her. Considering Krypto as a friend.

"I'm telling him you said that. You're gonna hurt his feelings, you're a monster!" Sam yells dramatically, placing her hand over her heart.

"You're so dramatic!" Jason doesn't remember a time he laughed this much with anyone.

"You wear a cape and put black eye shadow around your entire eye socket." Sam deadpans, blinking at him.

"You were a cape and put black eye shadow around your entire eye socket." Jason makes a face, mocking her as he mutters under his breath. Sam lets out a laugh and she adores him. "Come on, Acid Fingers."

"See, dramatic." Sam points a finger at him, a cocky smile on her lips.

There are bubbles exploding through his veins as she looks at him with big eyes and that smile that could set the world on fire. He doesn't know what that feeling is but he wants to chase it as fast and as long as he can.

"Come on, seriously. I think you'll like her."

"Her?" Sam raises a brow at him and she hates the way she finds her stomach twist at the thought. She's his friend, too and look where they are right now.

"Jealous?" Jason quips and maybe he's hoping she will be.

She almost says yes but if they're just messing around, that's not very fair. But, he's taunting her again and he always does that. They spend nearly all their time together so she takes another route.

"Should I be?" Sam quips with confidence and she's so sure that he's hers even if her stomach fills with the warmth of green at the mention of a friend that's a girl.

Jason shrugs because it's the easiest answer in the world. "Nope."

"Fine." Sam takes his hand in hers, getting to her feet. "Where we going?"

"For coffee in the city. Trust me, I think you'll like her and you need more friends."

"Aw, but this is so fun." Sam scrunches her nose. "I'm kind of an asshole."

"Have you met me?" Jason gestures to himself with the arm holding the laptop. "She won't care. If she can tolerate my shit, she can tolerate yours." Jason rests the laptop on the counter, Sam going to grab it but Jason yanks her back, pulling her against him. "Seriously?"

"No." Sam shakes her head, getting a grin before sliding her free hand up to his neck. "Knew you'd do that." She pulls him into her and kisses him deeply. She can feel Jason relax under her touch as she nips at his bottom, Jason groaning against her. When she pulls away, his smile is soft and she's got that grin that makes Jason's head spin. "See, I can plan ahead."

"Alright." Jason's voice is breathless as he recovers. "Fuck off."

"Taking the bike?"

"Always." Jason chuckles. "Come on." Jason pulls her along with him, his hand tangled with hers. "We'll be back." Jason peaks into the living room, giving Bruce a nod.

"Bye, Bruce!" Sam smiles softly at him.

"Be careful," Bruce states as the two of them head off.

"Okay, trust me, I think you'll like her." Jason beams, hands in the pockets of his pants as they walk the short distance to the door of a local coffee shop.

He's been friends with Molly for almost two years. Similar to Sam, Molly doesn't really take his shit but she lets him do his thing, she lets him be. She doesn't know everything but she's always been a good friend to him. Molly was the first person Jason even really considered a close friend. And introducing Sam to Molly, sure, is so Sam can have another friend because he believes wholeheartedly they'll get along. But, it's also another introduction to things that are his. Into his world. He doesn't have many friends, but he has Molly.

"Dunno, last girl I tried to be friends with, I punched her in the face." Sam chortles, watching as Jason grabs the handle of the door.

"Aren't you two good now?" He shakes his head in confusion,

"Yeah," Sam laughs and she can feel the nerves trickling into her throat. Meeting new people isn't always the most comfortable thing in the world. "I'm just saying though, that happened."

"Well, don't punch this one in the face, alright? She's cool, I swear." Jason assures her. "She also doesn't know about the whole Robin and Batman and Titans shit so don't say shit about that." Jason warns quietly, whispering in her ear before he opens the door.

"Yeah, figured that." Sam nods softly.

Jason holds the door open for her as she walks inside and he follows right behind her. Sam looks around the coffee shop as Jason joins her at her side and then Sam's eyes land on someone familiar sitting at a table alone near the windows. Her eyes widen as her stomach drops because it's Gotham sure but Gotham is a big enough city. Hell, her and Jason did have some overlap being homeless and they never crossed paths. But, this still seems so bizarre and Sam finds it hard to believe.

The girl looks up from her phone, spotting Jason first and offers him a wide smile. But, then her eyes land on Sam beside him and her eyes go wide, the smile falling. Jason glances between the two of them, growing more confused by the second.

"Molly?" Sam nearly yells as she ignores Jason beside her.

"Samantha?" Molly gets up and starts the walk over to the both of them.

Sam meets Molly in the middle, her steps slow and Sam can't believe it's Molly. Her heart thunders in her ears as her eyes start to water. Molly pulls Sam into a hug as they meet in the middle and it's a piece home back in place for Sam. A part of her thought, maybe, she's never see her again. Maybe she'd make the effort to never be seen again because that would easier than explaining everything but Molly hugs her and that would have been a bad decision.

"You know each other?" Jason questions as the girls pull away.

"You know Jason?!" The girls question at the same time, looking to the boy who looks more confused than he has ever looked in his life.

"You first." Sam says.

"One of the shelters. My mom died not long after you took off. How about you?" Molly asks as she glances between the two of them, silently putting a few pieces together.

"Uhhh..." Sam looks to Jason, realizing that explaining her story to someone she actually knows makes the whole lying thing a little more difficult. Molly knows her tells. "It's a long story but San Francisco. He got Bruce to let me stay with them."

"Well, okay." Molly laughs, her eyes landing on Sam. "I've missed you." Molly's eyes grow teary.

Sam nods, the feeling in her chest growing heavy. "Me too. I'm....I'm so sorry about your mom. I-I should--"

"No, no, it's okay. You were processing yourself, it's okay. I tried to find you."

The guilt comes back, gnawing at her bones because Sam actively chose to be alone. It was her decision and she never had to leave Molly. Maybe had she just stuck it out, maybe she could have stayed. Her mom was like a second mom and maybe they could have worked something out. Then Molly wouldn't have been alone. Sam should have known. Social media is a thing.

"And you found Jason instead." Sam glances to him. "I am so sorry." Sam laughs.

"Fuck you." Jason groans but it turns into more of a laugh. "So, this is the friend you talked about in San Francisco?" Jason asks.

"Yeah." Sam nods.

"And Sam's the friend that ran away?" Jason pieces everything together and he doesn't know how he didn't figure that out.

"Are you surprised?" Molly quips, looking back at Sam.

Jason lets out a laugh but his attention is only on Sam. "No, she does run."

"So do you." Sam's eyes widen as she snaps her attention to Jason.

"Well, I got us a table." Molly gestures back to her spot.

The three of them make their way to Molly's table. Jason and Sam sit side by side while Molly sits across from them. It does not go unnoticed the way Jason pulled out Sam's chair and the way Sam watched him until he sat down, almost subconsciously.

Molly raises a brow at the two of them. "Are you two...like?"

Both of them look like deer in headlights with the question. That question was a lot easier to answer a week ago but today it feels a little more complicated. Despite their agreement to keep this whole friends with benefits thing between the two of them, they both do not want to say no. But, they aren't together and they are friends so saying anything other than no, would be a lie.

"No." Jason lets out a breath, and he hates the bitter taste of the word. "She's just using me for a roof." Jason finds himself able to quip and he intentionally keeps his attention on Molly.

It stings, just a little but not because it's not true. But because Sam wants to explain what they are to Molly. She wants to brag about him.

"You literally offered. I was gonna just live on the streets." Sam quips back, holding her head high.

"Well, I wasn't gonna let you." Jason scoffs.

"No, we're friends. I just like to fuck with him." Sam looks back to Molly and Molly swears there's something there. But, she brushes it off because she hasn't seen Sam in a long time and maybe that's all it is.

"Oh, so that hasn't changed." Molly laughs softly.

Molly and Sam get talking, catching up. Sam mostly asks about Molly to avoid talking about herself. But, Molly has always been the mom friend. The caretaker of the two of them. Sam has never been one to want to talk about herself, but she is quieter than normal. She was living in San Francisco. There's a story there and she seems happy yet she isn't saying much. Maybe she's changed more than Molly thinks she has but it seems weird.

"Okay, that's enough about me. Tell me about you." Molly takes a sip of her coffee and Sam nearly stiffens in her seat. "What happened?"

Sam's voice sticks in the back of her throat and Jason actively sees her eyes go distant. Talking about the stuff with him is easy, he didn't know her before. There's no worry of disappointing him. None of this was Sam's fault, but a part of her thinks telling Molly, will make Molly disappointed. Gar reminded Sam of Molly. Too kind for the world. Gives that look when something bad happens that Sam hates so much. And she tugs down the sleeves of her hoodie. Jason rests a hand on her knee under the table, Sam looking back at him as if it snaps her out of her haunting thoughts. He offers her a grin and then a subtle shrug.

"Uh..." Sam shakes her head. "I was, uh, I-I was out with living with this guy, foster care, and he moved us to San Francisco." Sam nods her head, trying to find a way to lie. "Uh, he was kind of down and out. He had something wrong with him." Sam rolls her eyes, knowing that's an easy way to put it and then she comes up with the lie. "He wasn't in any place to, uh, to care for anyone. I guess, so he called this guy he knew which was Dick and that's how I ended up meeting Jason. Dick already took him in so, ya know, that's kind of it, I guess."

Molly nods her head and she always knows when Sam is lying. Sam has a bad poker face. When she's lying, she'll stutter and then blurt something out as if the light bulb goes off with the lie. And Jason can see Molly wanting to ask more questions, so he interjects, squeezing Sam's knee before placing his hand on the table.

"Yeah, Dick wasn't so bad. If foster parents or shit got overwhelmed or financial shit came up, he'd offer a place. Wasn't all bad." Jason shakes his head and Sam swears he's the best person she's ever met. He's also a better liar.

Molly's brows furrow and she can't tell when Jason lies. He's better at it. "So, Bruce sent you to live with him and then you happened to get sent there, too?"

"Yeah, Dick was adopted by Bruce." Jason states. "So, kind of fit. Sam showed up like a month later."

"Yeah, he just brought me back and Jason has been up my ass ever since." Sam sends him a smirk before offering him a thankful nod and a nudge with her knee.

"He get you into trouble, too?" Molly asks, a teasing smile coming to her face.

"I didn't get you into that much trouble." Jason defends with a laugh.

"How many times were we chased by the cops?" Molly quips.

"Oh, there's a story there, share." Sam beams.

"He was teaching me how to get the hubcaps off cars." Molly's eyes widen slightly as if to be taunting Jason.

"Fucking hubcaps." Sam grits her teeth as she lets out a sigh.

Jason lets out a booming laugh. "And she didn't get fucking caught, did you, Molly?"

"You got caught robbing cars?" Molly asks.

"Look, I tripped and the pavement was wet, okay? It's the city's fault!" Sam laughs.

"The city's fault," Molly repeats with the shake of her head.

"And hey, she got me into trouble." Jason lets out a huff and Sam glares at him. "You told me to turn Dick blue! Or that time we were eavesdropping but I was doing it to make fun of you and Rachel was giving me a death glare for fucking two days when she caught us. That time you got me to try and sneak out after Dick enforced a curfew just so we could go to a midnight premiere of a movie!" Jason shrugs his arm over the back of his chair as he faces Sam.

Sam beams as she laughs because getting him in trouble with Dick is one of her favorite pastimes. He makes it so easy. "Okay and what about the Nerf war you started and Dick nailed all of us later that night? Or that time you said it would be funny to change all of the passcodes to fucking 42069 or when it was your idea to bookmark the weirdest out-of-context shit we could think of on all the shared electronics? And turning Dick blue, was technically your idea, I just told you to do it."

"What...what did you bookmark?" Molly asks hesitantly.

Jason gains a smirk, snickering it himself. "Use your imagination."

"It was not porn." Sam assures her. "We just wanted Dick to have some serious questions and boy did he."

"See, it was fun." Jason defends his stance.

"You ever do that to Bruce?" Sam questions.

"Oh, I did bookmark porn." Jason cackles while Molly groans and Sam lets out a scoff.

"Of course you did." Molly nods her head.

The conversation continues, Jason and Sam bouncing back and forth with stories, almost all of them about harassing Dick. But they tell stories about Gar and Rachel, too. Movie nights and video games, they have good things to say about Rachel. Molly is attentive and the entire time, she grows more confused about their dynamic. Molly's known Jason long enough now and she deems them fairly close but she's never seen him like this before. Not with anyone. And Molly remembers how Sam was and this is new, too. She isn't going to badger them but she definitely takes notice in how Jason's hand keeps dodging under the table every so often and Sam looks at him every single time.

"Here." Molly hands over her phone over to Sam. "Put in your number."

Sam takes the phone with gentle hands, typing away and then Molly gets a glimpse at the fading ligature scars as her sleeves fall down. Molly looks directly at Jason and he just shakes his head quickly, silently pleading with her not to bring it up. They're having a good time. If Molly brings it up, Jason knows Sam will shut down as she fumbles for another lie. He doesn't want this exchange to go that way. They're long-lost friends and Sam will tell her in her own time but now is clearly not when Sam wants to discuss any of it. And Molly accepts the plea.

"I go by Sam, now, by the way." Sam offers a soft smile as she hands the phone back.

"Got it." Molly nods softly and she swallows her questions.

"Well, we should probably head out. Bruce has a thing for us later." Jason clears his throat, standing from his seat.

Sam looks at her phone and knows it's because Jason will want to get a sparring session in before he goes on patrol. "Forgot about that." Sam stands with Jason while Molly follows suit.

The two girls hug quickly, saying their goodbyes before Jason and Sam head for the door.

He didn't know Molly was her friend. Sam went through her social media and archived those posts before Jason followed her. It was easier that way, Sam told herself. It's why she also soft-blocked her because while she wanted to reach out, the idea of doing so and her knowing Sam was alive somewhere was terrifying. Sam was terrified she'd be mad, never forgive her for it. That's not Molly but it was scary anyway. So, Jason didn't know. But, Sam finds herself eternally grateful anyway. And she thinks he's the only one who would have noticed her apprehension about talking.

Jason and Sam get to the bike. Jason gets on first while Sam stands off to the side. Jason is ready to go but Sam is still watching him, her helmet on her hip. She's looking at him and sometimes, she gives him this stare where Jason thinks she might be able to see through him. Like, maybe she can see every thought that passes through his head. It almost makes him want to push. Just almost because he can never decipher exactly what the look means.

"What? Not getting on?" Jason asks, securing his helmet on his head.

"Thank you." Sam lets out a breath. "You didn't have to cover for me."

Jason shrugs his shoulders and he knows the look isn't one of thanks because she doesn't get it every time he does something for her. That's not it either. "'Know you don't like talking about that shit. And you clearly didn't want to."

He wishes he had someone that would cover for him because sometimes, giving the same damn spiel about his mom and dad and uncle just gets a little tiring. That's why he always handles it nonchalantly. Not having to air out dirty laundry and baggage is a privilege and Jason thinks Sam should have that privilege, even if it's just for today.

"Yeah, but thanks. I don't think anyone would have been as quick as you were about it."

Jason nods his head. "Hey, look, I'm just glad you got your friend back." He'll always cover for her if she wants him to.

"Yeah, now I have you, Gar, Molly, and Krypto." Her smile is so bright Jason thinks it could light up all of Gotham.

"He's still a dog." Jason quips back.

"He's still the bestest boy out of all of you." Sam holds her head up high, popping her helmet on her head.

"If you fucking call me the bestest boy, I will stop fucking talking to you."

"Awwww, you seem the type to have a praise kink though." Sam quips, getting on the back as Jason lets out a scoff, his words nearly lodging in his throat.

"Not according to my notes from last night." Jason chuckles. "That'd be you." He turns his head to look back at her and he's thankful for the helmet hiding the burning of his cheeks.

Sam slides her face shield down. "Oh, so you're taking notes?"

Jason nearly chokes on his own laugh. "Fuck off. You ready?"

"I guess." Sam mocks him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.

Back at Wayne Manor, the two of them change into athletic wear and meet in the training room. They spar as per usual. Jason beats Sam every time. But she's getting better. Every time they spar, Jason finds himself impressed because she picks up a lot on what he does and then mimics it. It's not helping her in sparring him, but he's completely confident it will help her in any real fight with anyone else. It's smart.

After their showers, Jason starts food for the both of them. Sam helps as much as Jason will let her. This is his element and she finds it endearing. She watches him and listens when he tells the story of how Alfred taught him. He's so airy about it, enthusiastic, and a little sad. He didn't know Alfred very long before he died but he clearly meant a lot to Jason. And Sam thinks she could listen to him all night if he'll keep talking.

Once dinner is done, Sam, Jason, and Bruce eat together. Jason and Sam mostly talk about meeting up with Molly and Jason learning from Alfred because he decided to bake cookies at four in the morning and woke him up. It's actually the first time Sam is seeing Bruce in this light and for the first time, she kind of understands Jason's view of him. Just kind of. He doesn't seem so bad.

After dinner, Sam and Jason do the dishes. Jason washes while Sam dries. Jason glances over to her every so often and some of this almost makes him feel uneasy. It's easy with her and it feels normal but easy and normal aren't things he normally gets to experience. He's a vigilante superhero. That's not normal or easy but this feels that way with her. Cooking dinner, doing the dishes. He wonders if this will always be like this. Just him and her doing the dishes before patrol. And he gets this small hint of a smile at the thought of it because he almost has a feeling of security in thinking about the future with her.

And then Sam snaps him from his thoughts, picking up her leg and bending her knee to kick him in the butt. Her laugh reverberates against the walls and Jason's heart skips at the sound. And he has to laugh with her, splashing the soaping water at her.

"Fuck you." Jason chortles, his nose scrunching.

"Time and place, Jay." Sam beams up at him and Jason gains his signature smirk, licking his lips.

"Got time before patrol." Jason states.

"Don't wanna wear you out." Sam quips as Jason hands her the last plate.

"Like to see you try, babe." Jason wiggles his brows while Sam's cheeks start to burn. "Hey," Jason shakes his head. "You wanna see if you can come out with us tonight?" Jason asks.

He's been wanting to ask all week. Sam's seemed to be enjoying her break away from being a vigilante and Jason doesn't really understand that part of her. But she did say she'd want to get back out there. He figures maybe tonight could be the night.

"Why? You want me to come?" Sam flashes him a grin as he dries his hands and tosses the towel to the side.

Jason looks up with his eyes, a smirk dancing over his lips. "Maybe."

Sam shakes her head, resting the dry plate to the side as she turns around, leaning her back against the counter. "Maybe another time, bring it up to Bruce." Sam smirks at him and she is wanting to get back out there. It's only been a few weeks but she misses it. That night with Jason, last week was so fun, sure, Bruce will be there. But it's something and she can get back to feeling useful if Bruce will let her.

"Yeah?" Jason's heart jumps to his throat and wants to reach and grab her waist.

"Yeah, kicking ass with you is fun." Sam gives him a wild smile and he thinks he's going to combust.

"Alright, I'll ask." Jason nods his head and Sam gets the sight a sheepish but accomplished smile on his lips. He's just so damn cute. "Wanna check out the Batcave before we have to get ready?"

"Uh, yeah." Sam states quickly. "Finally."

Jason takes her hand in his and leads her to the grandfather clock in the living room. Jason changes the time on the clock making the grandfather clock slide across the floor, leading into a stone hallway. Sam finds that to be a weird point of access but it is hidden and kind of cool. She'll give Bruce that.

On the walk through the cave, going deeper under the house, Jason gives Sam a rundown of the rules. No joyrides in the Batmobile, don't tell anyone or show anyone. Simple rules that Sam already figured but Jason was told to make sure to go over them even though Jason knows Bruce will later anyway.

"This is it." Jason stretches his arms out as they enter the Batcave, passing by some tech and a hallway where they can see the Batmobile sitting.

It really is a cave. Sam isn't sure exactly what she expected, but she didn't think the cave thing was literal. And yet. Here she is, standing in a massive cave under Wayne Manor. There are things from the Riddler, Scarecrow, Mr. Freeze, and several other of Gotham's most notorious almost on display throughout the cave. Sam spots a dinosaur off to the side and she almost asks. She almost asks what the fuck but decides it's probably better she doesn't know why Bruce has a T-rex in the Batcave.

"It's literally a cave under his house." Sam states in awe as they reach one of the display cases that holds the Robin suit.

"Yeah." Jason chuckles, looking to his shoes and back to her. "Bats and caves go hand in hand."

"I guess." Sam laughs softly as she eyes the Robin suit. "Your suit always like this?"

"Yeah." Jason nods his head. "Only comes out when we're out or when I'm traveling. Bruce's in another case hidden away." Jason explains.

"Interesting." Sam nods her head. It's weird seeing it on display but now she gets the display room back at the tower. It was a Bruce thing. She thinks she prefers that room over the case. IT never felt as cold. "And the batcomputer?" She asks, turning around to see a giant computer sitting in the middle of the room.

"Yeah, that's where a lot of it goes down. Researching, tracking those freaks down." Jason boasts and he does love this gig.

Sam thinks he's cute when he talks about it. His entire face lights up every single time. It means the entire world to him. And she wonders why, if it's more than just him wanting to be helpful and wanting to feel useful. But, she decides maybe she won't ask.

"This is so sick," Sam beams back at him. "Batman whatever, but this shit is cool." Sam is amazed, looking around. She never thought she'd be in the actual Batcave at any point in her life.

"Right?" Jason agrees, leaning his lower back against the desk under the computer screens.

Sam walks up to him and stands right in front of him, Jason eying her carefully. It's as if every day, he shows her something new and she likes him that much more. She sees parts of him no one else is ever allowed to and she's seeing the Batcave which might be Bruce's but it's Jason's, too. And she likes that this is how it is. She likes where they are and how they are. She likes him, all of him. But she looks at him with a satisfied and happy grin as she looks around the Batcave and the dangers of it all settle into the marrow of her bones.

They lost Donna. She knows already. But seeing the Batcave is another reminder of what he does as Robin. No powers. Just human doing his best out there to help people. And that part scares her. Worried he won't come home one day. So, she closes the distance between them and swears she won't ever tell him that.

Sam smirks, instead, Jason's eyes darting her up and down. "What's up?" Jason nods his head, his hands still gripping the desk under him.

Sam shrugs, cupping his face before she presses her lips to his. It sucks the breath right out of him and he doesn't miss a beat, bringing his hands to her hips and yanking her as close to him as possible. Their mouths intertwine into one and Jason lives for this. It's the not talking shit that they do. It's the way she can kiss him now and know that's it.

They kiss and then sometimes more happens, or sometimes this is all it is. And that works for him because he's allowed to like her from this distance. He's allowed to let his heart and his blood adjust to the idea of it. To the idea of trusting another person like this. It allows him time to be careful with himself and with her. He can be sure they won't hurt each other like this. And he loves the way her mouth moves with his.

Sam pulls away, her hands lightly gliding over his shoulders. "Don't do anything fucking stupid tonight, Jay." There's a flicker of worry that crosses her eyes, for just a split second and Jason can see it.

Jason squeezes her hips, a sign of reassurance. "Of course not." Jason chuckles. "Got a plan."

"Mhm." Sam hums. "Always got a plan."

"Always, babe." Jason furrows his brows, letting a smirk come to his lips. "Don't worry so much.".

Sam shrugs a shoulder. "Someone has to."

Jason laughs softly, squeezing her hips again. "I'll be fine." Jason moves his hand to her chin moving her face closer to his again. "I got it." His voice goes a little graveled before he kisses her again.

Jason and Bruce get ready to leave not long after Jason and Sam come back from the Batcave. This leaves Sam alone in the Manor again. She doesn't mind it much, but it gives her a little bit more space to think and she was never a huge fan of thinking.

Her mind goes back to the tower that night it was attacked. And she wonders what would happen if someone figured out Bruce was Batman and then attacked the manor. What if it happens when they're not home? What if it's people like CADMUS? Where there's a lot of them and they're strong and she's outnumbered? What if they want metahumans? The panic starts to set in so Sam goes to her room and locks the door, grabbing a few of her knives.

She places one of the switchblades under her pillow, making sure it's locked before doing so. And then she places another in both of her nightstands, making sure there's always one around. Then she hides one on top of the fireplace in the middle of the room, just in case. When she's done, she sits down with a knife in hand and pulls out her phone.

She calls Gar who, naturally answers after only a few rings. They talk every day still so her calling didn't send up any red flags. Sam kicks off the conversation by asking how things are going and what he's up to. Gar asks the same back and Sam just says she's kind of freaked herself out a little and she's trying to be honest about it. She knows she's just being paranoid but she's freaked out anyway. So, Gar offers to stay on the phone with her until the Titans have to leave.

She keeps in touch with the Titans regularly. Dick and Kory check in with her every so often to make sure everything is going okay. It's kind of nice actually. Being across the entire country and still having them on her side. She didn't really expect it but it is nice and she appreciates it. And talking with Gar is helping a little. So, when Gar says he has to go, Sam finds herself getting up and grabbing her scrapbooking things before sitting back on the bed and turning on a movie.

It's after three by the time Jason and Bruce get home. Sam can hear them come in so she gets up to unlock and up open her door, assuming Jason will find his way to her once he's changed and showered.

It's less than fifteen later when Jason appears in her doorway. Jason gets a look at her sitting cross-legged on her bed, her scrapbook stuff scattered about her entire bed and a knife sitting just off to the side. His brow quirks at it but thinks maybe she needed it for something. And he goes back to thinking about her being beautiful and content like this. In her element with a movie on, in pajamas and her hair tied back in a ponytail, something she's been doing more since their first night in this established dynamic. And he can't help but smile softly.

"Hey." Jason says, keeping his stance. But his voice is a little groggy and he hates the way it sounds.

"How'd it go?" Sam asks, barely glancing at him to not seem too eager to see him.

But there's silence that follows. Seeing her, it brought him a sense of relief and comfort. A stark contrast to what he's actually feeling right about now. Patrol did not go well. And he can't lie because she'll look over at him fully eventually and call his bluff. So, instead, he hangs his head and lets the silence swallow him hole.

Sam looks over, not liking the silence and her entire face falls at the sight of him She quickly gets up from the bed and closes the distance between them. It's hard. They've been injured together and she sees him with bruises all the time, but it's hard. He's in pain, taking hits and getting hurt. And it hurts to see him beat up and feeling beat up. At least most nights when he comes home with a bruise, he's got that cocky grin and some story about kicking someone's ass. But, that's not the look he's giving her right now and it hurts.

"What the hell happend?" Sam asks, looking over his face, her hand lightly coming up to cup his jaw.

There's a light red bruise hugging his opposite jaw, a purple bruise starting right under his eye, and, blood is still dripping down the side of his face and his lip. There's a cut on his neck and Bruce was there. How did he even manage to get hurt?

Jason shrugs, a dullness in his usually vibrant eyes. "Did not go to plan." He looks exhausted.

Sam knows he hasn't been sleeping much but this is bad. He looks defeated and she doesn't understand how he's managing to get so beat up when Bruce is supposed to be beside him. It doesn't make any sense.

"Fucks sake, Jay." Sam shakes her head. "Come on." She reaches down for his hand and drags him to the bathroom that sits between their rooms.

Jason takes a seat on the counter directing Sam to one of the cabinets that has all of the first aid supplies.

Jason's hands are shaking as he tries to calm down, resting them in his lap as he waits. A part of him doesn't even want her help right now. He wants to fight this. Fight everything and everyone around him, it should have been fine tonight. He's done this a million times but then he gets so fucking lost in his head, he loses it. It's not fair. And he's terrified Bruce is gonna catch on and take Robin away. How is he supposed to be Robin if he can't fight crime without getting hurt?

"Are you okay?" Sam asks, grabbing an alcohol pad to start cleaning the cut on his forehead.

"I'm fine." Jason grits his teeth.

"What happened?" Sam cleans up the blood softly before moving up the cut, Jason barely even flinching with the sting.

"Just some fucking bullshit." The worst part is, he doesn't even know what actually happened. He just knows he paused again and all he can feel through his entire bloodstream is shame.

"That's descriptive," Sam states, glancing to his face and searching for any sign of anything other than exhaustion but she comes up empty.

"It doesn't fucking matter, I fucked up again." Jason's scoff is bitter while Sam grabs another alcohol pad and starts cleaning the cut on his neck. Jason hisses in return, scrunching his nose.

"Did you?" Sam asks, looking to his eyes and then back to the cut.

"Clearly."

"Just because you got hurt doesn't mean you fucked up, Jay." Sam keeps her voice level and calm, knowing this side of him all too well.

"Bruce said I did." Jason mutters and Sam pulls away, tossing the alcohol pad in the trash.

"What do you mean?" Sam's brows furrow as she grabs a gauze pad, lightly holding it to his head to stop the bleeding.

"Didn't listen, went off on this guy before Bruce was ready."

"Okay, so what happened?" Sam presses.

She doesn't get it. Why would he do that? He's capable but why wouldn't he just listen to Bruce? It's not like this is new to either of them. It doesn't make any sense.

"Doesn't fucking matter." His voice is snippy but defeated and Sam gets a glimpse at his shaky hands.

"Jay, hey, look, I'm worried about you, okay?" Sam eyes him carefully deciding not to ask why he would do that. He's beating himself enough without her badgering him about his decision-making. "Your hands are still shaking." She offers a subtle nod, placing her free hand on top of his.

"Just an adrenaline dump." Jason brushes it off. He doesn't need her disappointed and worrying too much.

"Are you sure?" Sam isn't buying it. His hands shook like this after Deathstroke.

"Yeah, I'm fucking fine, alright? It's just bullshit, should have had him and I don't know. I don't know what happened."

It's not her. It'll never be her that's the problem but he can't stand the way he can't do anything anymore without being paralyzed with fear. And he hates how he can feel the burning in the back of his eyes because it's like he's losing his ability to be good at the one thing he always felt good enough for. Robin. And who he is if he can't do that anymore? And he's just so damn mad at himself.

Sam nods softly. "Okay, well, if you're not, you can tell me. I won't tell Bruce." Sam tries her best to reason with him.

She's worried. And when he looks like this, every part of her wants to fight the entire universe for him. All she wants is to make it all go away for him. And she just wants him to be okay again.

Jason thinks about telling her. She won't judge him or be mad like Bruce. She'll nod and tell him it's not his fault. But he can't do that to her because he knows she worries about him. She's never kissed him before patrol before. He's not that dense.

"I'm fine, I don't know what happened, really." Jason urges and he gains a smile, placing his hand over Sam's that's holding the gauze. "Don't worry so fucking much."

"I'm always gonna worry about you, Jay," Sam rolls her eyes and grabs the butterfly stitches. And she pauses for a second, sucking in a breath and decides to bite down her question. But Jason can see it picking at her as she goes to place the stitches.

"What?" Jason questions, looking up at her.

Sam shakes her head and she wants to ask him if he's ever thought about taking a break to take care of himself but she thinks maybe he'll take it the wrong way right now. He's beating himself up enough and asking that now is going to make it worse. But, she can't help but worry about him and there's something off. She can see it across his face.

"I want to ask you something but I think you're gonna take it the wrong way and push me away." Sam states, keeping her stare on the cut.

He's looking up at her, watching as his heart stops in his chest. He doesn't want to push her away but if it's a question she's worried about, he knows he's not going to like it. Maybe he will push. And that's not very fair to her.

"I won't." Jason states, letting a breath fall harshly into the air.

"Promise? Because I don't mean anything by it." Sam treads lightly and she knows him. She's going to ask and he's going to get mad.

"Okay." Jason's voice is flat.

Sam places the final stitch before she makes eye contact with him and places her hands over his in his lap. They're cold and Jason's hands are never cold.

"Have....have you thought...about taking a break from Robin?"

Jason feels his stomach fall a hundred stories. His heart stutters and everything feels cold. How could she possibly ask him that? Just because a break works for her, doesn't mean it'll work for him. She knows how much Robin means to him and she's asking him anyway. How can she ask that of him?

"You don't want me to be Robin?!" Jason barks, his brows pulling into a harsh line and she knew he'd take it the wrong way.

"No." Sam shakes her head. "That's not what I'm saying. I'm just--"

"What?! Bruce thought I needed a fucking break!" Jason pulls his hands from hers and Sam takes a step back. "Dick wouldn't fucking let me and look where that lead us! Taking a fucking break doesn't do fucking shit!"

"Hey, no, that's not what I'm saying, Jay. They forced a break onto you!" Sam yells back. "I mean you, have you thought about taking a break for you? On your own terms. Not for them. Fuck them. You know damn well I am on your side 100% of the time."

"But you're asking! You don't think I'm good enough for--"

"Shut up." Sam cuts him off. "Don't put that shit on me because I didn't say anything. I asked you a question. Don't try and read between lines that aren't there. I am asking you because I am worried and I know you don't like it but that's just too damn bad, Jay. You ARE good enough. I'm taking a break and what? Do you think I'm not good enough for it?"

Jason pauses. "No...you are." Jason scoffs. "But I didn't fucking ask you to!"

"I know! And I'm not asking you to." Sam shakes her head. "I don't even know if I think you need a break, but if I did, I still would never ask you to take a break. It's not my place to ask that of you. I--" Sam feels her heart skip and she is terrified of losing him. That's what this whole thing boils down to. She can't lose him. "I just..."

"What?" Jason asks but this time, he lacks some of the venom, getting the sense something's going on.

"I...I just..." Sam stutters because she has so much to say and none of the words will come out. They stick to her vocal cords as if it's a lifeline to everything she's come to adore over the last few months. "You....you go out every night with Bruce and...." The lump grows in her throat as her brows furrow and Jason feels the guilt seep into his blood. Maybe her question wasn't about him. "I don't know." She shakes her head. "You're human, ya know? No powers and...I know that, obviously. Deathstroke and shit but uh...I don't know."

"What?" Jason pushes and there's a fear that creeps into his voice.

She almost tells him she's worried about him not coming home. She almost tells him that if he goes out one night and doesn't come home, she'd lose it entirely. She almost tells him he's it for her. But, none of those words make their way to the surface because what they are is fun and what they are isn't too pressured and what they are allows them to exist in a simple bubble. What they are allows them a safe distance from pain.

Jason thinks this is gonna be it. This is gonna be where she finally says the words and it changes everything. He's not ready to commit to it. It still scares the ever-living shit out of him and he also knows that turning her down again would be miserable. To go back to being just friends? Nothing else? That is agonizing. So, he sits nearly paralyzed, waiting to see where this going.

"I'm just worried about you, Jay." Sam sticks to her usual form of concern and Jason can't figure out why his heart just fell into the pit of his stomach.

Jason lets out a breath that's almost painful. He needs a way to reassure her that he's fine. But, he swears that's going to be harder than it should be. She sees through every piece of bullshit he's thrown at her. But, he has to try anyway because Jason has to believe he'll be fine and that he's just a little off. It'll all be fine in the end. He just needs a little more time.

"Don't worry so much." Jason states and extends his arm out for her. Sam closes the distance between them, standing between his legs. "I'm fine, alright? You don't have shit to worry about. I'm just a little off my game. It's not a thing."

Sam rests her forehead against his and Jason lets out a relieved breath. "I, um...." Sam pauses for a second. "Just really care about you. Not sure what I would do if I lost you, ya know?"

He has never had anyone so afraid of losing him before. It's foreign. He doesn't know how to process it or what to do with it. He can't stop being a vigilante and deep down, he knows Sam would never ask him to stop and he doesn't even really believe she wants him to. But, she makes valid points and he also knows that if it were her coming like he does, he'd be worried, too.

Jason pulls away, cupping her face with his hands. "You're not gonna lose me, alright?" Jason gets a cheeky grin. "I'm fine."

He wants to push and run and flee. He wants to get the hell away from this conversation. It's the exposure of being a little vulnerable. Before, he could get used to it but now they have that added layer of benefits and she's saying she's terrified of him dying and he feels so exposed.

Sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. Smoke exposure can lead to lung cancer, COPD, and smoke inhalation, all of which are deadly. Exposure to elements while being unprepared is also deadly. Exposure is deadly and he feels that fear knocking and pounding at the back of his head and against his rib cage. 

And yet he finds himself wondering how someone who also hates being so exposed, just like him, is finding it in herself to expose that part of her. Sam doesn't stutter much around him anymore but she just did, a lot, which means she was nervous. Exposed but she did it anyway for him and he doesn't fucking get it. It might as well be rocket science at this point.

And if he weren't so damn terrified of exposure and commitment and everything around him, he'd tell her he's afraid of losing her, too.

So, instead of running or pushing like he so desperately wants to do, he rests his forehead back against hers while Sam's eyes close. Her thumbs run over his thighs and they fall into a silence as if knowing there should be more aid in this conversation. But neither one of them are willing to say it.

Jason's heart is beating against his ribs and he thinks his heart is directly beating in search for hers. Maybe it's always been beating for a place to call home and it longs for Sam's because she's the closest thing to home he's ever felt. And he wishes he could just tell her that.

But where words fail, actions can speak.

He pulls away, and lifts her chin, kissing her lips gently and softly. He can feel Sam smile against him and it brings him a sense of ease. The night still weighs heavy on his chest and in his stomach but she kisses him back, just as gently, and it makes the night seem a little easier to swallow. The way she kisses him, makes it a little easier for him to swallow the words he wishes he could say.

"What was that for?" Sam asks softly because he's never kissed her like that before.

"Thanks for giving a shit about me." Jason lets out a breath.

Sam lets out a laugh, her nose scrunching. "Always." Sam sucks in a breath and she wants to understand every part of him. Jason isn't all that hard to figure out but there are some things Sam realizes she's never asked. And all she ever wants to do is to be there for him and understand him, just as he does for her. "Can I ask you something?" Sam asks, pulling away to finish tending to the cut on his neck.

"Sure." Jason tilts his head so she can have better access to the cut.

"Why does Robin mean so much to you?" Sam glances to him, seeing his brows pull together in a harsh line. "I'm just wondering. I never asked before."

Jason lets out a breath. "I get to help people." Jason states. "Get to kickass with Batman every night, it's the sickest gig in the world." Jason chortles and his laugh makes her heart warm.

"That it? Get to kick some ass helping people?" Sam asks but the corner of her mouth is tugged up.

"I'm good at it." Jason states as Sam finishes placing the gauze pad.

His entire life, he's never felt good enough but he's always had this heart of gold. He's always just wanted to help and be helpful. That's it. And Robin lets him do that in such a big way. He doesn't even have the right words to describe it and a part of him doesn't even want to because he thinks it might sound lame out loud. But, he can see Sam offering him a soft smile.

"Yeah, you are the better Robin." Sam laughs softly.

"Yeah, thanks." Jason chuckles softly and he plays a big game but it's hard filling in Dick's shoes sometimes. "Just feel fucking important I guess. Like what I do matters."

Sam pauses, her brows furrowing and she's making it her mission to always make sure he feels important. She places her hands on his thighs while Jason's hands come to her hips. "I am not Robin but, uh, you're important to me, too, ya know? Even without Robin."

Heat rises to Jason's cheeks and he never really knows what to say when she says something like that. "Thanks." He clears his throat because he's worried this might go to a talk of sorts with the comment and he doesn't want it to go there. It can't go there. "What were you working on?"

"Scrapbook." Sam states and she decides to let him switch the conversation.

"What's it about?"

"It's a secret," Sam teases him, looking back at him before she grabs a wet rag and starts cleaning the cut on his lip.

"Come on," Jason groans, smirking under her touch. "Can't even tell me?"

"Nope." Sam pops the p and her mouth is tugged into a grin.

"Wow, thought there were no secrets between us." The sarcasm drips from his words.

Sam pulls away and grins at him. "Oh, that are plenty of secrets, Jason Todd."

"Oh yeah, like what?" Jason's voice drops and he knows what she's doing.

"They wouldn't be secrets if I told you." Sam's eyes widen at him.

He wants to hear all of her secrets. All the good, the bad, and the ugly. Jason holds many secrets close to his chest and Sam does, too but he wants to know hers. He'd be willing to sit and tell her more of his if she can do the same. She's the only one he's ever felt that way with. He wants to know every detail.

"Tell me one." His voice goes soft, catching Sam off guard.

Sam rests the rag in the sink, placing her hands back on his thighs. "Then you have to tell me one." Her eyes narrow slightly, a smirk dancing over her lips.

Jason gets a smirk, his eyes darting between her eyes and lips. "Deal."

She thinks all of her secrets are about him. He knows everything else. She's told him it all whether he knows it or not. The only ones she has left are the ones about him and those are the ones most guarded. They are hers. They stay locked behind her ribcage to keep her and Jason like this. Flirt and fun and no strings attached. But, he's got these big green eyes that make her secrets want to spill out carelessly.

"Okay, are we having a discussion about these secrets or not?" Sam asks bluntly and she wants to know what's safe to tell him now. She doesn't want the talk yet. What they're doing is fun and easy. She doesn't want to complicate it just yet.

Jason shakes his head. "Nope." He doesn't want the talk either. This is comfortable. He wants to be comfortable a little bit longer with her.

"It was always you." Sam's voice is so quiet Jason almost doesn't hear her and Jason just eyes her as her eyes divert to her hands slightly gripping his thighs.

If things didn't get complicated with Rose and the attack on the tower, and if he wouldn't have pushed her away and if she wouldn't have run, she would have told him. She would have just said the words but all of those things happened. And while she doesn't want that conversation right now because things would change too much too soon, she does want him to know. He beats himself up when things go wrong and Jason thinks he's not worthy of being cared for or important to other people. He deserves to know.

His heart nearly stops in his chest. He racks his brain, trying to figure out exactly what that means because it cannot mean what he thinks it means. But he's almost positive there can't be anything else she means by that. He remembers every conversation they've ever had and she wouldn't tell him something he wouldn't remember. The only thing that comes to his head is him and Gar. And that thought is banging and pending against his ribcage, trying to thrash its way out into the open air and ask. To verify that's true. But, he can't. His ribcage stays closed and locked and guarded.

"Don't dig into it." Sam states finally looking back at him and see the gears in his head start to move. "Your turn."

Jason bounces too many secrets around on his head. He could tell her so many. He's thought about kissing her since that day in the training room where she told him what happened to her. He wishes he would have kissed her both of those nights in the bathroom. He should have asked her to leave with him. But all of those seem too heavy and he knows Sam will want to dig into them. That's not fair to her. He won't do that. And that's why he doesn't tell her it should have been her, it's always been her. She deserves to know, too but she'll dig and he knows she will. That's not fair. So, he picks something else that's still honest, but not something that'll bother her.

"I like when you help me like this. Never liked when Bruce or Alfred would offer." Jason's voice is soft but a little hesitant.

Sam offers him a gentle smile and she actually expected him to say something less serious, something more of a joke. She was okay with that. So, this is surprising.

"I'll always clean you up." Sam laughs softly.

Jason isn't gonna talk about it. Not even that, it's too much tonight so instead, he pulls her closer to her before sliding his hands up to her face and bringing her lips to his.

Over the next few weeks, things continue as normal. Sam and Jason continue their new arrangement and it's going well. They've managed to keep it between the two of them, not even realizing Bruce and Molly have definitely figured something was going on. They're existing in their own bubble together. Bruce upped Sam's training so he knows what she's capable of. He's happy to have her along on patrol but he's going to make sure she's safe just as he did with Jason and Dick.

Training with Bruce is different than Dick and Jason. Dick was defensive, Jason is offensive, and Bruce is a mix of both as well as observing. But, Sam follows along with him just fine and Bruce has Sam fitted for a suit because if someone is going on patrol with him, they need extra protection. Sam isn't thrilled but she got to pick the colors and ask for a cape. So, she'll go with it. And Sam has felt comfortable enough on the bike, with Jason's teaching, that she applied for a motorcycle license and is just waiting for the all-clear. Jason assures her that they approve most people and she doesn't need a standard license to even apply. So, she's not worried.

Sam, now though, is hanging out with Molly at Molly's apartment in Crime Alley. They've been hanging out a lot more and Sam feels so happy. They were best friends their entire lives and she missed her. It's why she never mentioned her by name. Keeping her name out of her mouth, kept the ache of missing her at a distance. But they're back together and Molly missed her, too. She always worried Sam found herself dead somewhere. She's relieved she was just across the country.

"I missed this place." Sam lets a sigh, opening the take-out box.

"I swear, we'd eat there every weekend. I haven't had this is forever." Molly laughs softly. It was Sam's favorite place, eating there hurt.

"Really? This was the first place I wanted to hit when I got back. Jason and me went the very next day I was here." Sam beams.

"Oh, you took Jason to your favorite take-out place?" Molly asks with a grin, her sitting down and opening her own take-out back.

"Yeah! He needs to experience it, too." Sam defends. "Why?"

"Just funny." Molly laughs softly. "Seems nothing has changed though. Getting the same order."

"And the place looks the exact same." Sam gestures her fork at Molly. "Tim still helping out, just as a full-time employee now."

"Yeah, instead him running orders in between doing his homework." Molly laughs and Tim is the son of the owners of the restaurant. They aren't friends by any means but they've had their fair share of conversations over the years. Tim was always in the restaurant when the girls would pop in and the natural order of things would be to talk to people around the same age.

"Feels so homey." Sam smiles softly.

Sam's phone vibrates and Molly has noticed her face lights up when Sam checks it. She starts typing and there's this smile on her lips that warms Molly's heart. Sam has always been a little cynical, just a little. But she was also happy. It's just, Molly hasn't seen Sam like this and she's been different. In some ways a good different and in others, not so much.

"How are you? It's been a few weeks and I haven't asked in a while. I wanted to give you some space." Molly's voice is kind as she starts on her food.

"I'm really good, actually." Sam answers honestly.

She's still having nightmares and she looks over her shoulder still. But, she doesn't feel nearly as paranoid. The nightmares are slowing down. She's getting a little more sleep. And then there's Jason. He makes her feel so at ease with everything.

"Good, you look happy." Molly's smile is gentle and warm.

"Yeah..." Sam lets out a soft sigh. Sam isn't sure she's ever been this happy as she types away as at a text which is of course just Jason asking what her and Molly are up to.

"So...you and Jason...?" Molly raises a brow at Sam.

"What about us?" Sam answers slowly, resting her phone on the table.

"You like him." Molly teases softly.

"Do I?" Sam quips.

"Yes. You have never been more obvious about something in your life." Molly laughs.

"What do you mean?" Sam snorts with the shake of her head.

It's not so much that she cares that Molly knows. It's that she knows Molly and she knows Molly is going to have a whole lot of questions as to why Sam hasn't told him yet. In order for Sam to answer that honestly, she would have to tell Molly about Deathstroke which means Robin and she can't do that.

"Well, no one calls him Jay so there's that. You two are always touching each other in some way which is very uncharacteristic of the both of you. The way you guys joke with each other. You talk about him a lot. You talk about the other people but not like you talk about Jason. Then there's the way you look at—"

"Okay." Sam cuts her off, getting the point. She didn't realize she made it so obvious. "I get it."

"So?" Molly presses.

"Yeah, he just...." Sam pauses and a sad smile comes to her lips. "I really, really like him and he's such a brat, ya know? But...I don't know. He's...good. I don't know, he gets me and I get him. It's like we don't even have to talk to get it, I guess." Sam's brows furrow. "I don't know."

"He likes you, too you know?" Molly pokes at her food.

"How do you figure?" Sam chuckles and she's always hoping he does but she highly doubts that's a detail Jason told Molly.

"He watches you. Like, always. When he says something he thinks is funny, he immediately looks at you to see if you laugh which, by the way, you always do and Jason isn't that funny." Molly teases and it gets a laugh out of Sam. "He's really protective of you, I mean, he is with most but it's different with you, remember when we saw that move last week?"

"Yes?" Sam questions and she's not entirely sure what that has to do with anything.

It went as it always does when they go to see a movie. Sam teases Jason about how few movies he's seen and he calls her a nerd and tells her to get out more. As far as Sam remembers, it went as it always does.

"There was a guy eyeing you and you were oblivious to it because you were too busy watching Jason but Jason was staring that guy down so hard, I thought Jason was going to walk over and hit him, the guy left. If looks could kill, that guy would have been dead. Also, don't tell him I told you this, okay?"

"Okay?"

"When he came back, he told me about this girl and I've never heard him talk like that about someone before. He said she drove him insane but was also one of the coolest people he's ever met. And he missed her. I kind of thought he was talking about Rose. Like he wasn't over her because he said he was excited this girl was coming to Gotham but then you walked into the coffee shop that day and I knew he was talking about you not Rose. So, for what it's worth, he likes you."

Jason looped Molly in about Rose when he got back. He didn't tell her much but he did tell her. So, when Jason was also talking about this other girl, Molly kind of figured it'd be Rose because Jason, as long as Molly has known him at least, hasn't been with many people. It's not all that shocking with his inability to let people in so Molly always thought it was Rose. But, she watches Jason and Sam and realizes all those good things she's heard, were always about Sam. Not Rose. And Molly, for one, thinks the two of them would be good together.

A soft, sheepish smile tugs at Sam's lips as her heart burns in her chest. "I didn't realize he talked about me."

It's a little surprising since it's Jason. But, Sam's heart warms with the idea of him telling anyone about her. And him being excited for her to be in Gotham with him.

"You know Jason, super open and great at communication." Molly laughs softly. "So, have you told him?"

Sam shakes her head. "No..." Sam mutters as she takes a drink of her water.

"Why not!? You always tell people and he likes you, too." Molly groans and Jason, she completely understands not saying anything but Sam? Not so much.

"It's complicated." Sam lets out a sigh knowing complicated is an easy way to put it.

"Life is too short and you like him, he likes you. What's so complicated?"

Sam runs every reason through her head. Deathstroke, almost dying, Gar, Rose, not wanting to get hurt again. Not wanting to Jason to die for her and Jason not wanting her to die for him. The whole idea of a relationship is terrifying. They're both a little bit of mess at this exact point in time. The endless trauma that seems to follow them both around. And friends with benefits is fun. There are several reasons why this is complicated but most of those Sam can't tell Molly. But, she can tell her one reason.

"I....okay...I can't tell you everything and I'm asking you to not ask about everything, okay? It's not my shit to tell. I can't tell you without telling you everyone else's shit and that's not fair."

"Okay?" Molly nods her head slowly, her brows furrowing together, unsure what Sam could possibly mean by any of that.

"So, uh....you just have to take what I tell you and don't ask questions and do not dig, I know you love to dig into things, so please don't."

"Okay, but you're freaking me out." Molly forces a small laugh.

"It's fine. But, look, something happened and uh....we got hurt. And I kissed him." Sam cuts out every other important detail, knowing that likely makes very little sense.

"You did?!"

"Yeah, and I uh, I don't know. We went back home and we helping each other out and he told me he couldn't. He had his reasons and I...I agreed with him enough, I guess. And he said, that I was into Gar and he was into Rose anyway it wouldn't work with us. And that was the end of it." Sam pokes her food with a fork because maybe that conversation still stings a little bit.

"You did it again." Molly groans as she she shakes her head.

"Yep." Sam nods her head. "I know I realized that later. I should have fought but I did like Gar and he liked Rose. Those were facts we both knew. So, Iet him push and I ran. And now, I'm....worried tof I tell him, he won't pick me again and that'll suck. I know I put Gar in that shitty situation and that's not fair but I don't want him to push again. It just sucked."

Sam is not a pick-me person but it hurt anyway. And she knows that the odds of Jason pushing again, after everything and with where they stand right now, are probably pretty slim. But, there is that chance because he kissed her back that night, too. He never said he didn't like her. But, that's also a very, very small reason for not telling him. Sam thinks she could suck up the fear of it if it weren't for everything else but she can't tell Molly that. She can just give her this one, miniscule reason. 

"Right, but you let him. And I'm telling you he liked you. What's the worst that can happen if you tell him?" Molly shrugs her shoulders.

"We'd have to talk about it and neither of us want to." Sam chortles.

"So don't? You tell him and then he tells you and that can be the end of it, you don't need to have this whole contract discussed and signed about it."

"Yeah..." Sam lets out a sigh. "There is more to it but that's what I can tell you."

"We'll, regardless, you should tell him. You would be good together." Molly shrugs softly, a cheeky smile pulling at her lips.

"I will, I swear. But, we're just having fun right now and I think we're both comfortable here for now." Sam takes a bite of her food with the shrug of her shoulders. "What about you?" Sam asks changing it back to Molly. "Seeing anyone?"

Molly laughs softly, getting the hint to switch subjects. "Kind of. There's a girl, Sheila."

"Oh, Sheila?" Sam's eyes widen. "Go on." Sam urges with a wide smile.

When Sam gets back of the Manor, she goes looking for Jason. While things are getting better for Sam, they almost seemed to have stalled for Jason. He feels happy. That's not the issue. The issue is patrolling as Robin and then the lack of sleep. His nightmares are several times a week and he can't bring himself to sleep some nights. He lays with Sam and she falls asleep. He never expects her or wants her to stay up and suffer with him. Everything is just hard. And he's so angry about it.

He's scared of everything that moves sideways and he never used to be like that. He couldn't afford to be like that. All he does is feel weak and every time he fucks up on patrol, it gets worse. He feels that much more like a failure and disappointment to Bruce. Every time a nightmare hits, he feels worse. And he hates that his leg still hurts. It's not fair and he's fine, usually. He deals with it. But, there are some days, like today, when the world feels a little heavier.

"Hey." Sam greets him quietly as she walks into the library, Jason seated on the couch against the windows with a book open.

He looks over the book and he smiles, almost subconsciously. "Hey, how's Molly?"

"Good, we got food from that place I like." Sam smiles softly as she walks further into the room. He's reading Frankenstein again and she thinks the bags under his eyes are darker today. "Reading, huh?" She tilts her head slightly to the right.

"Yeah," Jason answers plainly.

They sleep together nearly every night and Jason doesn't know, but she feels him awake sometimes. And when they try not to sleep in each other's rooms, usually one of them wakes up from a nightmare anyway and wanders into the other's room. More often than not, it's Jason coming into her room. And sometimes, she's the one that goes into his room to wake him up because he's screaming so loud, it wakes her up in her own room. The only reason she isn't completely freaking out is because he's getting better about talking about his nightmares with her. But, it's clear it bothers him. Sam wishes more than anything she knew how to help him.

"Loud?" Sam asks and that's one thing he adores and appreciates about her. She's never afraid to ask him about it. And she never really has to. She knows. He never has to tell her. No one knows him like she does.

"Yeah."

"Wanna talk about it?"

Jason shakes his head, a gentle smirk on his lips. "Nope."

"Okay." Sam smile at him. "I'll be right back." She spins on her heels and darts out of the room, leaving Jason a little confused.

He goes back to reading his book until Sam walks in, carrying her scrapbook supplies in both arms, she has a warm but wide smile tugging at her lips. She sits on the floor at the table in front of Jason. Jason watches her get her supplies spread across the table and that's another thing about her. She just joins him. She accepts him not talking about everything because he will. He always tells her what's going on with him eventually. But until he's ready, she just sits with him so he's never alone.

"I'll just do my thing and you can talk if you want to or read." She smiles widely at him as she looks over her shoulder.

Jason lets out a soft chuckle. "Can read out loud if you want."

"I think you just like to hear yourself talk." Sam chuckles, looking back at the table.

"And you don't?" Jason chortles.

"I didn't say I didn't," Sam laughs softly and she could listen to him read an instruction manual and still be entertained.

"Yeah, alright. Did you want context?"

"No, you can just read." Sam answers softly, leaning over the table to open to the page in scrapbook she was last working on. And Jason starts reading.

Jason continues to read out loud and Sam works on putting her page together. Jason looks over his book after every paragraph, not even realizing he's doing it so often. But he can see some of what she's doing and she's working a page that looks to be all of the Titans. He can see a picture of Dick and Gar laid out while there's another one of Rachel on the actual page. And he smiles softly. He just likes her so much and he is so aware of it. She's in her own little bubble with him reading to her and he thinks this is how it should be because it's peaceful.

Jason has never known peace. Between how he grew up and the streets and Robin, peace isn't exactly in his life. He didn't even think he knew a life could have peace. But then he meets Sam and somewhere between the chaos of their lives and falling into comfort with her, he realizes he's at peace when she's around.

He wakes up from a nightmare and there she is looking at him with blue eyes and a look of worry across her face. But one that wreaks of kindness and adoration. And the nightmares don't seem so scary anymore. And then when things feel too heavy, she walks in and holds the world up with him. When he wants to absolutely lose it because patrol didn't go well and Bruce lectures him, she gives him a smirk and it quiets the thoughts. When he thinks he's not worthy of anything good, she kisses him and he swears she is good. And maybe, just maybe, there is a part of him that can be deserving of her. When Jason doesn't think he knows what peace is, Sam walks in and decides to be his peace for him.

"Are you ever gonna show me?" Jason asks, looking up from his book and leaning slightly over the couch to get a better look.

Sam shoves her book away from him. "You're so nosy." Sam gives him a fake whine. "Maybe."

"Just maybe?" Jason leans all the way up, trying to get a look at the other side and Sam moves it away.

"It's not done!" Sam turns to give him the fakest scowl he's ever seen.

"Sneak peak?" Jason gives her a cheeky smile.

"While that is cute of you, no."

Jason puts his finger in his book and swings his legs to the floor, planting his feet down. He leans over to her, closing most of the distance between them. His grin is wicked and wild like a rogue wave and Sam wants to drown right into him.

"You're just gonna make me wait?" Jason's voice drops.

"Patience is a virtue, Jay." Sam licks her lips as she looks to his.

"I'm not a patient person."

"Oh, I know." Sam laughs softly as Jason gets closer to her, his nose brushing over hers and Sam swears she'll never get used to it. She can feel him leaning over her though and she pulls away, moving the book over. "Nice try."

Jason leans back with a booming laugh. "Worth a shot."

"Gotta be quicker than that, Jay."

"But you'll show me, right? When it's done?"

"Yes, of course." Sam rolls her eyes. "It's just a book about you guys so I'll give that. You get to know what it's about." Sam's entire chest burns with his interest in her thing.

"The whole book?" Jason raises a brow.

"Mhm. You all get a dedicated page. But that's it, you don't get any more than that."

Jason's voice catches in his throat because if they all get a dedicated page, that means he does, too. "Oh, I get a page, huh?"

"Yes." Sam chews the inside of her cheek. "If you stop being so nosy, maybe you'll get two."

Jason wants to crack his rips wide open and let her take his heart right out of its place. He thinks maybe he was born with a broken heart, maybe it was supposed to be permanently damaged. And as he grew up, people took more pieces of his broken heart leaving him with this shell of something that doesn't even resemble a heart. Because it's guarded by so much barbed wire and latches, it's nearly impossible to access. But he wants to take all of that away and let Sam takes what's left of it. He wants to give her every damaged piece of him he has left and maybe, just maybe, she'll offer a piece of hers for him. And his heart won't be permanently broken after all. Maybe. Just maybe, he's been wrong his entire life and he doesn't have to be broken forever.

Maybe he was born with a broken heart but maybe his heart wasn't destined to be permanently damaged.

"I'll take that." Jason beams at her and he wants to be involved in all of her hobbies.

He's not sentimental, but he wants to take all the pictures he possibly can in case she ever wants them for a scrapbook. And he wants to go to her silly hobby stores and help her pick up more supplies. He wants to learn about how she chooses a topic and how she plans her pages. He wants to know all of it.

"Can you show me how you do your scrapbooks sometime?"

Sam's brows furrow. "Um...yeah, of course. Didn't think you'd be into it."

"You like it." Jason states and Sam is so head over heels for him.

"Can you teach me how to cook some of your favorites then?" Sam asks. "You like it." She states with ease.

Jason's smile is soft and loving. "Yeah, of course. Don't wanna learn your favorites?"

Sam shrugs. "Yeah I do but...then I can make yours. You always make stuff for me."

"Alright." Jason chuckles softly and the both of them wonder how long they'll do this for. That was not a friendly thing they just offered and they both know it. "I'll teach you something tomorrow."

"Then I'll teach you tomorrow, too." Sam beams at him. "Think of a topic you want to do and find some pictures."

"Yes, ma'am." Sarcasm fills his words but he's so excited to learn about her thing. Jason leans in closer once more, almost kissing her before their attention is pulled to the doors by Bruce clearing his throat.

"Sorry to interrupt." Bruce states, eyeing the two of them and he finds this whole thing amusing. They actually think he has no idea what's going on.

Jason leans back a little in his seat, cheeks shooting a fire engine red while Sam keeps her attention on Bruce. Why do the older bats keep interrupting and how the hell do they always know? Jason though, can see that Bruce doesn't look mad or annoyed. He actually looks happy.

"Why are you so happy?" Jason questions.

"That's him being happy?" Sam whispers as she turns around to look at him and Jason chuckles quietly.

"Your suit has arrived." Bruce offers her a soft smile.

In all honesty, Sam thought that it would take longer but she can't be too surprised. This is Bruce Wayne.

"No shit?" Sam questions and while she likes to tease Jason about his suit, she does actually think it's kind of cool and she's been excited waiting for this day to come. That also means, she should be able to finally join them on patrol.

Jason moves to the edge of his seat because while this is Sam's suit, he's just as excited. He remembers the first day he got to put on the Robin suit and he still deems that the best day of his life. He doesn't think it'll be like that for Sam but he's excited for her anyway.

"Would you like to see it?" Bruce asks.

"Hell yeah." Sam closes her scrapbook and gets to her feet, Jason immediately joining her.

The two of them follow Bruce down to the Batcave. Bruce hands her a suitcase, one similar to the one Jason has for the Robin suit. Sam heads off to the bathroom/changing area and gets changed. She looks in the mirror and she beams with a sense of pride.

It's so lame and it's impractical to have to change but she really likes it. In a way, it's as if it solidifies her role as a vigilante. She wears a mask and that's fine but this is different. This actually hides her identity better than just a mask does and she feels as if this is what she's meant to do. The suit is the symbol of vigilantism and she feels so proud of it. It does not define her but she holds her head up high anyway. It just fits perfectly and it's hers. So, she walks out with her head high, a pep in her step.

Jason's eyes widen as he smiles widely, getting up from his seat at the batcomputer when Sam comes into view. The suit is black but it has Pacific blue accents. The tactical belt is Pacific blue and the cape, that naturally has a hood, is also Pacific blue. There are two vertical stripes of blue fabric down her sides, the gloves that go almost to her elbows are blue as are her boots. The holsters hugging her thighs are even blue. Instead of a domino mask like Jason and Dick, she has a mask on the lower half of her face covering her mouth because Sam hated the whole eyeshadow thing. She prefers her mouth to be covered and that is also blue. And Jason thinks she looks absolutely amazing.

"Holy shit." Jason gawks.

"It's so cool, right?!!" Sam beams, nearly jumping.

Jason can't help but laugh. Of all people, he didn't think Sam would actually think the suit thing was cool. She's made fun of him a hand full of times about the Robin suit, mostly about the mask and cape. But, he finds it amusing anyway because she's beaming at him and she's the one that asked for the cape.

"I thought you said it was lame." Jason smirks at her.

"It is but it's so fucking cool!" Sam is so excited and Jason can see the smile in her eyes. "Is my cape fireproof and bulletproof?" Sam looks at Bruce who has a sense of pride. She is not his vigilante in the same way Jason and Dick are and were but he thinks she'll do just fine.

"Yes, of course. All of your knives and tools fit in your belt and in the holsters." Bruce explains.

"This is so fucking cool, Bruce." Sam thinks she might vibrate right out of the suit from being too excited. "Thank you, seriously."

"You're very welcome."

"So, I can go on patrol now?" Sam looks between the two of them.

"We go tonight." Bruce offers her a nod.

"You're a bat now." Jason quips, earning a fake glare from Sam.

"Guess, it's worth it. I mean, my cape is cooler than yours." Sam states as she pulls the hood over her head. "I got a hood."

Jason lets out a heart-filled laugh. "Yeah, but yours was modeled after mine." Jason quips.

"Still it's so cool." Sam can't even fire back because this is just the coolest thing ever. "Gar is gonna lose his mind."

"He's gonna have a fuck ton of questions about it." Jason lets out a laugh.

"I know! But he'll think it's cool!"

"You're gonna hang out in that all day, aren't you?" Jason leans back against the desk to the batcomputer, a cocky and knowing grin on his lips.

"It is tempting." Sam lets out a laugh as she looks down over the suit.

"You'll be able to wear it plenty." Bruce chuckles and she reminds him of Dick and Jason when they first put on their Robin suits.

Jason even said it was the best day of his life. It's like the suit makes it all real. It makes what they do a reality, a sense of purpose. A sense of hope and that's why Bruce does it, recruits Robins. To help them and offer them a sense of purpose and hope. Even if things don't always go to plan.

"Thank you, again." Sam says genuinely.

"You're welcome."

"Can...can I show Gar? And the Titans?" Sam asks.

She's not exactly sure where the line is on telling people. She knows he can't just out telling any random person, or friend that's not in their line of work. But it's the Titans, all of which know about Bruce.

"Yes." Bruce chuckles softly. "Just put it in the case when you're done." Bruce states before he exits the cave.

Sam pulls out her phone and takes a selfie, her eyes smiling for her and Jason shakes his head. She's so pretty and funny and cute. Jason doesn't think he has enough words or even the proper words to describe how he feels about her. Sam walks up to Jason and hands him the phone.

"Wanna take one for me?" Sam asks.

"Sure." Jason chuckles softly and Sam stands in front of him, her hands on her hips with her head held proudly, the hood and the mask concealing most of her face and Jason has to give it to her. The hood was smart. "Here." Jason hands her the phone back as Sam looks at the picture and she can't believe this is happening. Her entire life Batman and Robin have been the vigilantes of Gotham and now she's one of them. It's insane. "It looks really good on you." Jason states softly.

"You think so?" Sam asks with hopeful eyes.

Jason nods, his eyes looking her up and down. "Yeah, it's fucking hot."

"Oh?" Sam questions, pulling down her hood. "You think so?" Jason can't see it, but she's giving him a teasing grin.

"Hell yeah." Jason closes some of the distance between them and he wonders if she sees him like this in the Robin suit. She makes fun of him sure, but now she's the one in a suit and cape.

"Robin suit is pretty hot, too, ya know?" Sam shrugs her shoulders lazily.

"You think so?" Jason's voice drops and he goes to look at her lips, realizing he can't so his eyes come back to hers and he swears he wants to drown in them. "Always making fun of me."

"Hell yeah." Sam pulls the mask off and closes the distance between them. "You're just easy to make fun of."

"Guess we just make a good team, huh?" Jason asks, his voice so low Sam can barely hear him and now he's freely glancing to her lips.

His hands rest on her hips, just above the tackle belt and he's never felt the fabric like this before, on someone else. There's a sturdiness to it. It's thick and textured under his callused palms. And a part of him, while he wants her to come on patrol, was a little nervous about it. With her whole ability to get kidnapped and held captive, or almost, it worries him just a little bit. But, she's wearing this suit and he knows first hand that his suit protects him from so much every night and he doesn't feel so nervous about it anymore.

"Guess so." Sam lays her hands on his sides, lightly holding his t-shirt.

Jason grins before putting a finger under her chin and bringing her face to his, kissing her gently.

That night, Sam goes out on patrol with Jason and Bruce for the first time. Going out with the Titans was always fun and riveting. It's one of the reasons she missed it but they were a big group. But, going out with just Bruce and Jason, it's just the three of them. And there's something about Sam thinks she kind of prefers over the larger group. Even if that means working with Bruce. But, it's fun and she has a great time and patrol goes well. Nothing eventful really happened, just the usual small petty crimes but went well anyway.

The next day comes around Jason teaches Sam how to cook pot roast. It is his favorite meal after all. There's a lot of laughter and stolen glances. Jason's never taught anyone how to cook anything. It's always been him and then Alfred taught him some things. But that's all it ever was. And now he's here with Sam, teaching her and she's like a sponge, absorbing everything he's telling her. She keeps notes on her tablet and Jason thinks it's the cutest thing in the world. She does all of it for him. And for a second, Jason catches him thinking that friends don't do that. Again.

They're friends, that's been established whenever Molly asks. Or Bruce gives them one of his looks that somehow say everything and nothing all at once but they wreak of suspicion. When they first started this, Sam asked if it were friends with benefits and Jason said it'd be fun. It is. It is a lot of fun. But, he does find that maybe they're crossing that line more often than not now where it's not really friends anymore.

She reaches for his hand during movies and TV shows so she can play with his fingers and he rubs her back and plays with her hair. They kiss a lot more than when they're joking or sparring or more. She is dedicated to learning his favorite meals and he's dedicated to learning her hobbies. They sleep together more often than not. They are almost always together or texting when they're not. He always makes sure she's tucked in when he wakes up first. And he swears friends don't do this and a part of him wants to freak out about it. Push her away and call this whole thing quits but he looks over at her as she beams with pure and unfiltered joy, and he knows he won't do that.

He decides, he wants this. Whatever the fuck this is going to be, he wants it forever. With her. He wants her today, tomorrow, and every day after that. Jason wants Sam to give him all of her broken pieces and let him mend them back together or replace them with every whole piece he has left. He swears up and down he doesn't deserve it and he doesn't deserve her. But, right now, in this moment watching her learn his favorite meal with the happiest smile he's ever seen, he can try to be someone who does deserve her. He'll try to be someone she deserves. So, he smiles back at her and walks up to her, wrapping her in his arms before kissing her.

And Sam teaches him stuff about scrapbooking. They went to the store before dinner and Sam is positive they were probably annoying because while Jason is interested, he also is a huge dork. He really enjoyed the googly eyes and insisted he would need them. For what? Sam doesn't know but sure. He was just interested in everything and Sam watched him with stars in her eyes because Molly is the only one who ever showed interest in her things. Molly is the only one who let her go on movie rants but Jason does, too. Jason does with enthusiasm and then it's like he keeps a mental note of everything Sam has ever said. She doesn't know why he does it or how but it makes her feel important in a way she's never felt before.

As the week goes by, Sam thinks patrolling with Bruce is so bizarre. He's been Batman for her entire life and now she's....sitting on rooftops which is an entirely other situation, with him. It's weird as shit. But, she is enjoying it. She likes helping innocent people stay safe. And she gets to spend some more time with Jason, she gets to watch Jason in his favorite element. Kicking ass. And he's hot while he does it, too.

Now, they're back at the Manor and Sam is the first one to shower this time. Showering after patrol is actually the best type of shower. Even if they don't do anything, something about it feels refreshing. For Sam, it's kind of like she comes home and then she doesn't have to be a hero. She can exist. She steps into the shower and that part of herself gets to wash away with the water. She thinks it might be better that way because she thinks Jason's issue is that Robin has become so embedded in every part of him, he doesn't know how to fully separate himself from it. And while she adores him, she doesn't want that.

She watches him and she listens to him scream in the middle of the night. He doesn't deserve it and she doesn't want that either. So, she separates herself from it and when she is here, during the day and after patrol, she is not a hero. She is Sam.

Jason has found himself in the bathroom with her. It's a routine they've gotten into. One of them showers while the other one brushes their teeth and gets mostly ready for bed. Neither of them are even entirely sure how it started but there's a sense of comfort in it. It feels normal and safe this way. Even though the Manor is probably the safest place in all of Gotham.

And Jason can see her through the frosted glass and he adores her. She's pretty and smart as hell, she's dramatic and funny in all the right ways. She gets his sense of humor which is a feat in itself. She gets him and Jason likes to be close to her. She takes care of him in ways no one has ever done. He didn't think he deserved it but she does. She cleans up his cuts and scrapes and never even flinches. She gives him a look sometimes with the roll of her eyes and all he can do is smirk because he knows she worries but she supports him anyway because it's his thing. And she rubs his back and she always knows when his leg hurts.

Jason thinks maybe Sam doesn't know he notices when she notices but he does because she's always extra cautious around him. She takes care of him and he's thinking it should be the other way around.

"Hey, can I come in?" Jason asks, hiding the hesitance in his voice.

Sam's brows furrow but she's not about to tell him no. "Um...sure?" Jason hears her laugh and his body erupts with goosebumps.

He strips down and pulls the door open just enough to get in the shower with her.

Sam turns around, feeling the cool breeze on her skin. "What're you doing?" Sam asks through a laugh. He's never joined her for a shower before, not that she minds.

"Thought I'd help." Jason offers her a smirk.

Sam's brows raise. "With?"

"You wash your hair yet?" Jason questions and Sam's watching his expression carefully and sometimes, he's really, really good at hiding exactly what he's feeling and thinking. And this is one of those times.

"Yes." She states, her eyes slightly narrowing at him.

"Anything else?"

"No." Sam can't help but laugh and Jason loves the way it echoes on the title walls.

"I'll wash your back for you." Jason holds his head up high and Sam offers him a shrug, turning around.

Jason grabs his own soap and pours some in his hands. Once his hands are lathered, he gently runs his hands over her shoulders and Sam's entire body erupts with goosebumps, static settling into the marrow of her bones. Jason is always gentle with her, even when he's not. He's careful and tender. But, this is different. They aren't laying down together or laughing about something stupid. And he's doing this just because. And it's just so nice of him and sweet and tender. All words Sam thinks no one else would ever use to describe him. But she does.

Jason rinses his hands once he's finished rubbing the soap in and he uses his hands to start washing it away. He's careful over the scars, not wanting to put too much pressure on them but he allows himself to trace over them. He wishes she didn't have them, not because he doesn't like them, but because she shouldn't have been put through that. He'd go to hell and back to prevent it from ever happening again. If anyone deserves better in this world, it's her. It's always her.

Jason presses a kiss to the top of her shoulder and Sam turns her head to look at him. Her eyes are soft, brows slightly knitted together. She loves how his hair sticks to his forehead when it's wet and the way his skin glistens with the waterdrops. She feels her heart start to race in her chest as he moves up her neck and she has never wanted anyone more than she wants him. She thinks he's ruined her for anyone that could have possibly come after him. And every part of her couldn't be happier about it.

"You didn't use my soap." Sam whispers as Jason kisses her neck, her tilting her head to give him better access.

"Nope." Jason mutters against her skin before nipping at the base of her neck.

"Why's that?" Sam questions, her eyes closing and she thinks she might suffocate under his touch. She feels him smirk against her skin, setting her entire body on fire.

"Because." Jason answers before he starts sucking a spot into her neck and he definitely does it on purpose. He likes when she smells like him.

Jason nips at the skin once more, pulling away to see the deep maroon on her skin. And he smiles proudly to himself, before kissing the area and then kissing back to her shoulder again. Sam isn't sure what he's doing but she swears he could do this all night and she'd feel lucky.

Lucky is not how she has felt, ever. There have been moments where she's realized what she had before, with her mom, was lucky. And she realizes Dick finding her was also lucky. Finding these friends was lucky. Finding Jason was lucky. But, she's never considered herself a lucky person. Disaster and heartbreak seem to follow her around like a magnetic tornado. But, Jason is here and he's kissing her softly and gently and he's taking care of her and for the first time, she thinks she might be lucky.

Lucky to have him and deserve someone like him. She is lucky to be here with him today and for the first time, she doesn't let the paranoia of something bad coming, ruin this moment. Whenever something good happens to her, something bad follows but right now, with Jason, she doesn't have a single thought like that. Because even with them not together, she is lucky to have him. And she knows it.

Sam turns around, looking up at him and Jason loves her eyes. Deep blue like the Pacific. Sharks would thrive in her eyes. "Let me." Sam whispers softly, grabbing her soap from the shelf and Jason chuckles softly, turning around.

Sam gets some soap on her hands and starts massaging it into his shoulders. Jason dips his head and he really could just evaporate into oblivion under her touch. It does something so special to him that he doesn't think he can explain. But he feels wanted and cared for. She is careful, minding the scar on his back like he did with her and she traces over it, just like he did. And she massages some of the muscle as she rubs the soap in because Jason's always too tense and his back is always filled with knots.

Jason lets out a soft groan as she works out a knot under the warm water and he doesn't know how she knows to do it. He doesn't know why she does it and normally that would bother him. To not have the why. But, it's Sam and he doesn't need to know. Because he trusts her.

Sam kisses his back as she washes the soap away and Jason feels exposed again but in a way, he thinks he could live like this forever. Exposed to only her. It's not so scary when it's with her. And Sam can feel him relax under her touch as she smiles against his skin. She can always get him to relax. And she always notices.

He'll be tense, maybe he doesn't even realize it, but then she takes his hand in hers or she kisses him anywhere or she puts her legs on top of his and suddenly, she sees him let out a breath as if he's never been able to breathe properly in his life. And his shoulders move forward just a little and he gains this half-cocked grin, every single time.

When they started this whole thing, Sam knew. She knew how she felt about him because she's always known. And she knew he did, too. They hate conversations about feelings because it's exposing themselves to being left bleeding wide open. It exposes them to the elements of heartache and being alone. It leaves them exposed to allowing someone else to hold the hammer that could finally shatter the last remaining pieces of their hearts. And they do enough bleeding and breaking for themselves. But, they don't need to have the conversation because they've always known. Even when they want to deny it because that sometimes still seems easier than allowing each other to hold the hammer.

Sam slides her hands up his chest and rests her cheek against his back, hugging him softly. She feels Jason vibrate as a chuckle pulls through his lungs. He rests his hands on top of hers before picking one of them up and kissing the top of it. Jason turns around and places his hands on her hips, squeezing softly and he loves how her skin is soft compared to his hands. Sam offers him a gentle smile as she rests her hands on his shoulders and she loves the way his shoulders feel on her hands, warm and sturdy.

"You didn't use my soap." Jason states with so much warmth Sam swears she'll never be cold again.

"Nope." Sam smiles up at him.

"Why's that?" Jason dips his head closer to her.

He holds her hips like they're a lifeline to hope and happiness. And he wants to hold on forever because sometimes he needs a reason to keep holding onto hope. And Sam, in the middle of the chaos, offers him that hope. And he wants her, he wants this, late nights in the shower with her after patrol, cooking dinner with her, doing dishes, reading and hanging out in the library with her, today, tomorrow, and every day after that.

"Because." Sam whispers softly, brushing her nose against his.

Jason rests his forehead against hers and closes his eyes for just a second. There's this feeling in his chest, something he doesn't think he's ever felt before. It's in his chest and his stomach and seeping into every crevice of his brain. It's in his blood and bones and knees. It's warm like a campfire and thrilling. It's like lightning struck his entire body and this vibrating, burning feeling is the aftermath. He feels so happy. And instead of butterflies in his stomach, it's more like lightning bugs coming out during the first warm day of the year. Flickering with light and warmth, glowing. A reminder that the cold days are only temporary and it will be warm again. It's easy and subtle and calming. And scary and thrilling and exciting and happy. It's everything all at once. He doesn't know exactly what that feeling is, what the vibrating in his bones is or the weakness in his knees is, but he knows it feels like home with Sam.

Sam presses her lips to his and it's gentle and soft. The kiss is sweet as honey and Jason pulls her impossibly close to him, their chests touching. And he wants to devour her.

Sam snakes her hands into his wet hair, giving a light tug and Jason's hands trail to her ass, giving her a squeeze. She squeals against him and Jason chuckles against her lips. And she feels his length growing between them.

She takes him into her hand, pumping him slowly and eagerly while Jason bites her bottom lip. The heat grows between Sam's thighs as the kiss grows sloppy. Jason is heaving softly against her and his right hand snakes between the two of them, teasing her hole with a single finger. Sam's knees weaken with the touch and she lets out a soft whimper, feeling her body desperate for more.

"Eager, huh?" Jason chuckles hoarsely against her lips.

"So are you." Sam quips back, pumping just the tip as she feels precum leak onto her hand and mixing with the water. Jason lets out a groan, jerking his hips forward. "You're perfect, Jay." Sam whispers against his lips.

Jason's heart booms against his ribcage as his head swims with praise. His cock twitches in her hand and the only thing he wants to do is pin her against the wall and drown right into her.

"Shit." Jason mutters as Sam pumps him quicker, squeezing more at the tip before going back down the shaft.

Jason slides a second finger into Sam, her letting out another moan. His palm brushes over her clit with every pump and it's like a bolt of electricity every single time. Her breath hitches as she feels Jason smirk against her lips. His fingers curl into her further, gaining an eclectic moan from her and he loves the way her moans sound reverberating against the walls.

"C'mere." Jason mutters pulling his hand away as Sam lets out a whimper from the lack of contact.

Jason grabs her hips and turns her around so she's facing the wall. Jason lines himself up with her hole as Sam places her hands on the wall for security. Jason slides in with ease thanks to her wetness and the water spraying down on them. Jason starts pumping into her softly and then firmly. Sam's moans grow louder. Jason grabs a fistful of her hair, pulling her up to him.

"Shh, don't want Bruce to hear." Jason's voice is graveled and Sam whimpers, eyes rolling back.

"Jay." Sam whines. "More."

Jason particularly likes these situations where he can get her to nearly beg him to fuck her. It sends his entire body into a lust-filled frenzy, taking all of his self-control not to completely lose it.

"What was that?" Jason asks, a snicker lingering in his voice.

Sam's voice catches in her throat, a whine falling from her lips as Jason's thrusts stall. She bucks your hips back, trying to get more contact, trying to desperately fill every part of her. Jason lets her hair go, gripping her hips tighter so she can't move.

"I didn't quite hear you." He teases and Sam wants to bite the smirk off his lips she knows he's wearing right now.

"More, Jay." Sam gets out through gritted teeth. "Please."

Jason chuckles, pulling out and slamming into her. "Anything for you, princess."

Jason pumps harder, fast, and deeper into her gaping hole and she can feel herself about to unravel. Jason can feel it with the way her pussy clenches around his cock with every thrust. He reaches his hand down to circle her clit.

Sam lets out a quiet gasp before it turns into a near pornographic moan. Tears brim her eyes as the pit in her stomach grows thicker and heavier. Her body feels like it's on fire while her hands almost try to grip the slick tile wall. Jason moves his free hand to her mouth, him still pumping eagerly into her.

"C'mon, babe," Jason's voice is low and raspy, hot and lust-filled. "Wanna feel you cum on my cock." Jason nips her neck.

Sam mutters against his hand as her eyes roll back in her head, bolts of electricity ripping through her body. Her knees shake as her teeth sink into Jason's hand. Jason lets out a hiss as his thrusts become sloppy and erratic.

He feels himself nearing his own orgasm and he quickly pulls out, spraying into the shower and down the drain. His chest heaves as he hangs his head, the high lingering around him as Sam turns around. Sam offers him a lazy and lust-blown smile. Her breathing is ragged but she does adore him with every piece of her.

Jason's pupils nearly cover every piece of green in his eyes but there's a delighted and tender smile on his lips. Sam watches his chest rise quickly, the water highlighting every raised and toned muscle on his torso. His hair sticks slick to his forehead and there's just something about him that makes her feel alive.

"Can I wash your hair?" Sam asks bluntly and Jason lets out a booming laugh.

He looks back at her, brows raised. "Really?"

Sam shrugs. "Yeah, of course. I like your hair." There's a wide, toothy smile on her face as her eyes are hopeful and lively.

Jason shrugs one shoulder, a delicate smile pulling his lips up. "Sure." He chuckles before washing his hands under the water. 

The next morning rolls around and Sam makes sure she's up earlier than usual, before Jason. It's his birthday today. She wanted to make sure she could grab his presents and be back in his room before he wakes up. So, she's quiet and careful getting up and heading to her room.

She grabs the wrapped presents she has hidden under her bed and then she heads back to Jason's room. When she gets back, he's stirring awake so she hides the presents behind her back before getting back on the bed, sitting on her knees.

"Morning," Jason says groggily but he's got this lazy and tired smile that makes Sam melt.

He's so confused. She's smiling and the morning sun peaking in through the curtains is kissing her skin in just the right ways. She looks so beautiful. But she is never up before he is, not when it's not because of a nightmare. Yet, here she is, smiling and beaming and he can't even imagine why.

"Good morning, happy birthday, Jay." Sam bounces slightly on her knees and Jason lets out a tired laugh.

"Thank you." He shakes his head, grabbing his phone from the charger and checking the time. "You woke up early for that?"

"Yes." Sam nods her head once and she feels the nervousness flood her veins. "It's your birthday, of course, I did."

"It's not a big deal." Jason lets out a scoff and his birthday has never been a big deal. He was lucky if anyone even remembered besides himself.

"Yeah, it is." Sam states confidently. "I got you some stuff." She safes softly as Jason sits up.

"You fucking got me something?" Jason questions, trying to figure out when she would have done that and how.

Sam gives him a shy smile, reaching behind her and grabbing one of the presents. "Of course, I did." She hands it to him and it's wrapped in metallic red wrapping paper and Jason can't help but think it matches his suit. She did it on purpose.

He takes the gift softly from her and Sam watches him nervously, waiting to see if he likes it. Jason's heart stops as he opens a first-edition Frankenstein that's in a clear display case box. He looks to Sam with wide eyes and he never expected this. He doesn't own first editions. He's never asked because he's so worried he'll ruin them but Sam wrapped it in a box for a display. How the hell did she even know that? And he's only read it to her once and she knew it was one of his favorites.

"A first edition?" There's a softness in his voice as if he's unsure how to react.

Sam nods softly. "I asked Bruce for help but yeah." Sam reaches behind her and grabs the other one. "Here."

After dinner a few weeks ago, she followed Bruce into the living room to ask for help in getting Jason a few things for his birthday. She hates even having to ask but she knew nothing about getting first editions of books or money to get those first editions. But, Bruce was really nice and actually seemed happy to help.

"You didn't have to." Jason shakes his head, his grip on the case light, careful not to smudge it.

"I know but I wanted to." Sam shrugs her shoulders softly and she thinks he deserves the entire world.

Jason shakes his head and opens the next present. This time, it's a first edition of Pride and Prejudice wrapped the exact same way and he just doesn't know how she knew that. How she knew these two books and also to put them into display cases.  No one's ever paid such close attention to the things he likes, besides Bruce.

"Another one!?"

"I know you really like those books. You're a fast reader but I see you with Frankenstein and Pride and Prejudice often enough to know you really like them. And they're two of the books you have two copies of." Sam points to the corner of his room where he has his bookshelf. "Also...uh....there's more." Sam says with hesitance and she reaches behind herself, grabbing two thick sheets of paper and she hands them to him with shaking hands. "I made those for you."

Jason's entire face softens as he looks over the first one. It's like a scrapbook page, like what she showed him to do. But this one has what looks like torn pages from Frankenstein, his favorite exerts and quotes. There are pictures from the movie and Jason just blinks at her before moving the second one. This one is the same but for Pride and Prejudice and he is so confused but he feels so important and he can't even begin to understand it. He just doesn't know how she knew all of that about him without him ever having to tell her.

"How the fuck did you even know?" Jason's voice is breathy. "My favorite lines and shit?"

"When I saw you had two copies, I looked in them and saw you annotate one like a fucking nerd," Sam gives him a smirk. "So, uh, I did not destroy a book. I just used Photoshop and made the book page images using your quotes and stuff you had underlined and had notes next to. Molly helped with the proofreading to make sure I had it all right." Sam explains, the nervousness growing in her stomach because she can't tell if he likes them or not.

"Why would you do all this?" His brows are pulled in a tight line, no smirk or grin across his face and she's thinking maybe she overstepped.

She knows they cross the friend boundary all the time. A part of her wants to stop saying they're just friends when someone asks at this point. But, they are and she's wondering if this was too much. But, he means the world to her and he struggles with himself. She just wants him to know he's important to her, everyday.

"Because you're my favorite person." Sam sucks in a breath. "And this is the day the earth was blessed with your insane presence." Sam laughs softly. "You deserve it."

"Thank you, Sammy." Jason looks back to the pages and he thinks this must have taken a lot of time and planning. He thinks this must have been something important to her to make because she doesn't show anyone her scrapbook stuff. But, she made this for him. He's not sentimental, but he swears he'll hold onto this for the rest of his life.

"Do you like—"

"Yeah! I fucking love it, thank you, I'm serious. I'm gonna frame these ya know?" Jason lets out a soft laugh, giving her a teasing grin.

Sam feels the blush running over her cheeks. "I'm glad you like them, Jay."

Jason scoots closer to her and puts his hand under her chin. "Thank you." His voice is soft before he presses a kiss to her lips and Sam wants to live here forever. Sam thinks his birthday might be her favorite day of the year.

"How do you remember all of this shit?" Jason pulls away, scanning her face.

"Because it's important to you." Sam states so casually and Jason is so shocked he can't find any words. It's as if it were the easiest sentence she ever said. "It matters to you so it matters to me."

That feeling in his chest is back. It's coming at him in full force like a wrecking ball. Banging and pounding against every bone in his body. He's sitting down but he swears his knees are weak and his head is foggy. His chest is on fucking fire but the only thing he feels right now is a tender and comforting type of warmth.

"Thank you." Jason pulls her into him and kisses her again and he thinks this is the only thing he wants to do for the rest of his life. With her.