The dinner table was set with an array of dishes — a quiet contrast to the buzzing noise of Wayne Manor just beyond the dining room doors. Jason sat nervously, fingers tapping lightly on the polished wood, stealing glances toward the seat across from him.

The door opened, and in walked a tall, confident teenager with an easy grin — Dick Grayson.

"Hey, you must be Jason," Dick said, sliding into the chair beside him. "Bruce's new ward."

Jason nodded, voice tight. "Yeah. That's me."

Dick's grin widened. "Don't worry, I know it's weird at first. But trust me, it gets easier."

Jason tried to relax, the unfamiliar weight of the moment settling between them.

"So," Dick said, leaning back, "how're you holding up with all this?"

Jason shrugged. "It's a lot. But I'm trying."

Dick nodded knowingly. "You'll find your place. We're all figuring it out."

For the first time since arriving at Wayne Manor, Jason felt a flicker of something like hope — and maybe even a hint of friendship.

Jason pushed his food around on his plate, still feeling a bit out of place. Dick noticed and gave him a reassuring nod.

"Look, I know this whole Bruce thing can feel like stepping into a spotlight you didn't ask for," Dick said, his voice easy but sincere. "I felt the same way when I first came here."

Jason looked up, a distant expression in his eyes. "Yeah... it's different. But Maeve's at school with me. She's the only thing that feels like home."

Dick raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like she means a lot to you."

Jason nodded slowly. "She does. And Melina — she was like a mother to me despite only being sixteen when I first met her. Always watching out, keeping me safe. Sometimes tougher than anyone else, but always there."

Dick nodded, intrigued. "Sounds like she means a lot."

Jason shrugged, his smile growing a little mischievous. "She's tough, no nonsense. But I think she'd probably like you. You've got that calm confidence, but not the kind that talks down to people. Melina respects that."

Dick chuckled, leaning back. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Jason grinned. "It is one."

A soft respect flickered in Dick's gaze. "That kind of family, even if it's complicated, shapes you. Sounds like you've got a lot of strength because of them."

Jason smiled faintly, the weight in his chest easing a little. "Yeah, I guess I do. That's why I can't just leave it all behind."

Dick leaned back with a knowing grin. "You're gonna need that strength here, but you won't be doing it alone."

Jason nodded, feeling something like hope for the first time in a while. "Thanks, Dick. That means a lot."

Dick's grin widened. "No problem. Welcome to the family, Jason. It's chaotic, but it's home."

As Jason and Dick continued their conversation, the door opened quietly. Bruce stepped in, his presence commanding yet calm. He smiled warmly at the two.

"Mind if I join you?" Bruce asked.

Jason nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Of course."

Bruce pulled up a chair and sat down. "I wanted to check in—see how you're settling in."

Jason glanced at Dick, then back at Bruce. "It's... different, but good. I'm trying to get used to it."

Bruce nodded thoughtfully. "I'm glad. You're doing well."

Jason took a breath, then spoke carefully. "I was wondering... would it be okay if Melina and Maeve came over for dinner sometime? I want them to meet you."

Bruce's eyes softened. "Of course. I'd like to meet them."

Jason smiled, relief washing over him. "Thanks. It would mean a lot."

Dick grinned. "Sounds like the start of a proper family dinner. I'm in."

Bruce chuckled. "Exactly."

One week later,

A soft buzz filled the small apartment as Melina paced, glancing occasionally at the worn clock on the wall. Maeve sat on the bed, nervously twisting a strand of hair.

"It's just dinner," Melina said, trying to sound casual. "Not a job interview."

Maeve looked up, biting her lip. "I know, but... it's Wayne Manor. That's... different."

Melina stopped pacing and gave Maeve a small smile. "Yeah, it is. But you're gonna be fine. Just be yourself."

Maeve nodded slowly, then glanced at the outfit Melina had picked out for her—a simple but clean dress. "You really think I should wear this?"

Melina's eyes softened. "You'll look amazing. Bruce and the others will see you — not just the tough street kid, but who you really are."

Maeve took a deep breath, feeling the weight of that. "I just don't want to mess this up."

Melina crouched beside her, steadying her with a firm look. "You won't. We've been through worse than this. Just remember — this is your chance. And I'm right there with you."

Maeve smiled, the nervousness easing just a bit. "Thanks, Mel."

Melina ruffled her hair, the tough exterior softening for a moment. "Let's get ready. Dinner with the Waynes isn't every day."

The sleek black car, Bruce had sent for the girls, pulled up to the grand gates of Wayne Manor, the heavy iron slowly swinging open as if welcoming them into another world. Melina tightened her grip on Maeve's hand, sensing the nervous energy radiating from her sister.

"Remember," Melina whispered, "just be yourself."

Maeve nodded, her heart pounding as they stepped out onto the perfectly manicured driveway. The manor loomed ahead — imposing but elegant, full of history and secrets.

Inside, the warm glow of chandeliers and soft classical music made the vast hall feel less intimidating. Jason was already there, waiting by the fireplace with a genuine smile that eased some of Maeve's tension.

"Maeve! Melina!" Jason greeted, pulling them both into a quick hug. "You made it."

Melina smiled, her usual guardedness softening. "Yeah, we made it."

Bruce appeared moments later, extending his hand to Melina and then Maeve. "Welcome to Wayne Manor. I'm glad you could come."

Maeve exchanged a shy smile with him. "Thank you, Mr. Wayne."

Bruce nodded, his eyes kind but serious. "Please, call me Bruce."

As they were led to the dining room, the sisters exchanged a glance — a mix of wonder, nerves, and the silent promise that whatever came next, they had each other.

The grand dining room buzzed softly with quiet conversation and the clink of silverware. The long table was set immaculately, candles flickering gently, casting warm light on the faces around it.

Jason sat beside Maeve, his fingers occasionally brushing hers under the table. Melina sat nearby, still a bit guarded but visibly more relaxed than when they arrived.

Bruce sat at the head of the table, a calm and composed presence. And then, the door opened again — this time, Dick Grayson stepped in, his easy smile immediately filling the room with a lighter energy.

"Hope I'm not too late," Dick joked as he took a seat beside Jason.

Melina gave him a small nod of acknowledgment, a subtle but meaningful sign of approval. Maeve's eyes lit up at the sight of him, clearly glad to see a familiar face.

Bruce smiled, "Dick's a part of the family now, too."

Dick grinned, "More like the annoying big brother."

Jason chuckled softly. "I think we could use one."

The evening unfolded with stories shared, laughter echoing through the manor's walls, and a rare feeling of belonging settling over the group.

For a night, the weight of their pasts lifted, replaced by something softer — the beginnings of a new family.

As laughter echoed around the dining table, Dick caught Melina's eye across the room. With a sly grin, he leaned in slightly and said, "So, Melina, I have heard that you're the tough older sister slash mother keeping everyone in line?"

Melina arched an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Someone's got to. Otherwise, this chaos would spiral out of control."

Dick chuckled softly. "I like a woman who knows how to handle chaos. Maybe you could teach me a thing or two."

Melina tilted her head, playful fire in her eyes. "Careful what you wish for, Grayson. I'm not exactly the patient type."

Jason glanced between them, amused. "Careful, Melina. Dick's got a reputation for keeping up."

Melina shot Dick a glance. "We'll see if he can keep pace."

Dick's grin widened. "Challenge accepted."

Maeve, sitting nearby, smiled quietly at the exchange — glad to see Melina letting her guard down, even just a little.

Bruce observed the scene with a knowing smile. "Looks like you two might just keep each other on your toes."

Conversation buzzed around the table, and for once, the air in Wayne Manor felt light. Jason leaned toward Maeve, whispering something that made her giggle — a real, unguarded laugh that hadn't been heard much in recent years.

Dick, sitting just a few seats down, paused mid-sip of his water and tilted his head at them. He watched Jason smile — soft, a little shy — while Maeve tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, cheeks pink with quiet joy.

Dick placed a hand over his heart with exaggerated sincerity. "Aww. Look at you two."

Jason froze, giving Dick the side-eye. "Dick, don't."

But it was too late.

"Seriously," Dick continued, grinning, "this is like watching a baby deer fall in love with a storm cloud. It's weirdly adorable."

Maeve hid her face behind her hand, laughing quietly. Jason groaned and slouched in his seat.

Melina snorted into her water. "God, you're annoying."

"I try," Dick said, raising his glass in a toast. "To young love, intimidating older sisters, and the most awkward kid I've ever seen try to flirt."

Jason muttered under his breath, but Maeve caught his hand under the table and gave it a small squeeze. He relaxed instantly.

Dick noticed. He smiled more genuinely this time.

"Alright," he said, softer now, "but seriously? You two are good for each other. It's nice to see."