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“You're sure about this right, Jaybird?” Roy was fumbling with his tie in the mirror.
Jason walked in and grunted, making Roy shift down as he slid the closet door open and pulled his jacket off the hanger.
“Chickenin' out on me?”
“Pfft. No. No. Just. I mean it's for a good cause and all, but like it's going to cause a stir right? Like that's the point.”
“What are you getting at dude?”
“I just know school is already weird for you. Do you really want to add 'took a guy to prom' to your list of shit to deal with?”
Jason scoffed and grabbed Roy by the ends of his undone tie, pulling Roy to face him. Roy's breath caught, but he was pretty sure he wasn't blushing. Jason started tying the tie for him with expert movements.
“The school's not going to hassle me 'cuz I'm Bruce's kid. So if me getting shit tonight means next year a dude gets to take his boyfriend or some chick gets to slow dance with her girl, 'cuz I set a precedent or whatever, then yeah. Totally worth it. Why doesn't your shirt fit right?”
“It's my only dress shirt dude. I thought it still fit. Honest,” he lifted his hands palm up and gave that crooked smile that always made Jason's stomach flutter.
“Dude.”
“Dude, what? I never wear suits if I can help it. How was I supposed to know that my neck got bigger?”
Jason just laughed, shaking his head, “I'd offer you one of mine but I know it wouldn't fit.”
“Sure, you have a scrawny neck.”
Jason pursed his lips in faux anger and punched Roy in the arm.
Roy smiled at the younger guy and tried to put those lips out of his mind. This wasn't a real date. They were just making a statement. Plus he knew Jason liked girls, they had talked about their types more than once.
Apparently something showed on his face, “Did I hurt you Harper?”
Roy made a dismissive sound, “You know I can take a hit Jaybird. You ready to head out?”
“Yeah. Let me go grab Alfred. He's insisting on driving us to dinner and then the dance. Even though he knows I can drive us.”
Jason headed down the stairs first and Roy gave his hair a final check in the mirror before he followed after him. But when Roy got to the front door he stopped. Alfred wasn't there with Jason. Bruce was. And Jason was having a quiet but animated conversation with his adoptive dad.
“Hey Mister Wayne,” Roy said announcing his presence before he could accidentally overhear.
Jason sighed, “Fine.”
“I'll see you boys in the car,” Bruce said, heading out.
“Problems?”
“Ugggghhhh. Bruce wants to drive us.”
“Oookay?”
“He wants people to know that he supports his son,” a pause and a deep breath, “being gay.”
“He knows this is just like a political statement or whatever...”
“That's what I tried to tell him. But he's insisting.”
Roy shrugged, “I mean it could be worse.”
Jason looked quizzically.
“Like he could tell you not to, or stop you from going at all.”
“Yeah. I guess. You ready to get this over with?”
“Driving with Bat-Dad or the Prom in general?”
“I dunno man.”
Roy smiled, “Come on Jay. This is going to be fun.”
***
The car ride was at least fifty percent more awkward than Roy expected.
Bruce was horrified to learn that their plan was just to get burgers before the dance, “Jason, this is your first proper event date, you can't just get burgers. Let me take you to Luciano's, I'll drop you off and after you eat I'll take you to the dance.”
“Luciano's? Doesn't that place take months to...” Roy started but Jason interrupted him.
Pointing at Bruce in the driver's seat, “Bruce Wayne, remember?”
“Riiiight.”
“Wonderful. I'll drop you off and two hours should be enough time for dinner right?” Bruce changed their route slightly heading towards the restaurant. After a few minutes of silence Bruce spoke up again, “Oh Jason, where am I picking up your boutonnieres? I forgot to ask Alfred.”
“Boutonnieres?” Jason asked, his mouth suddenly feeling dry.
“Yes son, you got flowers for your date right?”
“Uh...”
“Right.”
“I don't know if we really need those Mister Wayne,” Roy tried to be helpful.
“Nonsense. If you're going to make the splash that you want, you can't do it without looking the part. I'll take care of it, you boys have a good dinner.”
The remainder of the car ride was mostly silent as Bruce drove, occasionally mumbling to himself. Roy suspected he was on comms, not just talking to himself. But his mentor, Oliver, was just as likely to do either, so maybe, Roy idly thought, so was The Bat.
At Luciano's they were seated immediately, much to the frustration of a few waiting couples. If Jason thought the host called him 'Mister Wayne' a few too many times or a little louder than needed, he really couldn't blame the man. And it did have the desired reaction of mollifying the other groups.
Jason wondered to himself why Roy seemed to have gotten quiet, and after the two had ordered, he asked, “What's up Roy? You good?”
“You've noticed that people have noticed us right?”
Jason gave the dining area a once over visually, letting his eyes do all the work and keeping his head firmly forward and focused on his date, on Roy, “Shit,” Jason breathed quietly, realizing that yes, people had noticed them. And in this restaurant, if any of these people had kids, they would know tonight was Gotham Academy's prom.
“I think the rags are going to get wind of Bruce Wayne's kid's prom date before Bruce gets back to pick us up.”
“Shit,” Jason repeated, “This is why I just wanted to get burgers.”
The waiter returned with a selection of appetizers Bruce had apparently ordered for the two preemptively.
“I dunno, it solidifies the story right? Now if the school wants to make a thing out of it, they also have to deal with the press too.”
“Yeah. Yeah that's good I guess. But like being in the papers isn't exactly what you signed on for.”
Roy shrugged, “Ollie might get peeved, but I'm in now,” he said motioning to the food, “plus this looks delicious.”
“Is that the way to your heart, Harper?”
“I'm no Wally, but,” Roy shrugged again and then just smiled at Jason in a way that made his heart jump in his chest.
“Well it's probably good I know now that you're not going to be a cheap date.”
“There is nothing cheap about this, Jaybird,” he said motioning his hand in front of his body vertically while grabbing one of the appetizers and popping it in his mouth.
Jason laughed brightly and Roy hoped his normally rosy complexion hid how it made him blush.
They talked while waiting for dinner, falling into an easy banter that they seemed to naturally slide towards whenever they were together. Jason tried not to get distracted from the conversation when Roy tossed his head in a laugh and a couple locks of his red hair escaped the neat pony tail he had wrangled it into. Roy's hair was notorious for being able to escape any ponytail, bun, or braid. One of the locks hung messily over Roy's left eye, making his green eyes and freckles seem somehow even more breathtaking.
“You doin' okay there Jaybird?” Roy asked sticking the tip of his thumb between his lips to clean off a bit of sauce and, Jason though, give him an aneurysm.
But you didn't make it to your teen years on the streets of South Gotham by being slow on your feet, so Jason recovered fast, “Totally. Just thinkin' how jealous all the girls are going to be,” and then without thinking he reached up and tucked the stray bit of hair behind Roy's ear. His chest tight with the feeling of Roy's warm skin on his hand.
Roy instinctively brushed both of his hands across his temples and behind his ears, tucking back any remaining stray hair, and trying to shield his face with his hands and the motion. He didn't want Jason to see him flush like that. Roy put on a laugh as he rubbed the bridge of his nose with his fist, more camouflage.
“I, huh, I don't think I've ever had someone jealous of my date.”
“First, I was talking about me. Second... Dude. You dated Donna!”
“Oh. Er. Yeah, Donna. I guess. Uh. Wait? Girls jealous you've got me on your arm? You're the dapper bad-boy billionaire.”
Jason knew what he had been trying to say a minute ago, but now he was floundering. Did Roy not know how absolutely gorgeous he was? How anyone who was even remotely interested in guys would see his arms and want to just touch them. To melt into them...
To get lost in those piercing green eyes and hook his hands into that long hair. To. Shit. He was staring. Come on Todd, you gotta get out of this. This isn't a date for him, he's just your partner on another job. Get your head on straight and focus.
“Earth to Jason.”
“Hee, yeah, I'm here. Just thinking about the splash that this dapper bad-boy billionaire is going to make bringing a guy as his prom date, and that date being Oliver Queen's genius adopted son.”
“And older. You know that'll be a thing.”
“A lot of people go with upperclassmen. And you're not that much older than I am. I'm a sophomore and you're...”
Roy cut him off, “Technically graduated.”
“But essentially a senior. You're only seventeen.”
“But like you said,” Roy gave him a crooked smile, “I'm a genius.”
“A genius and an idiot, the best combination.”
Roy laughed and Jason was glad that it looked like he had avoided shoving his foot too far into his mouth.
A second saving grace came moments later when their entree's were brought out. Eating was given the priority over more conversation, and almost as if on cue, the waiter returned just as they were finishing their plates.
“Can I interest you gentlemen in dessert this evening?”
Roy cocked an eyebrow at Jason, leaving that choice to him, “That would be lovely, thank you.”
The waiter handed them each a menu and waited while they made their choices. Jason went with his traditional favorite, tiramisu. Roy went for the tartufo, which was apparently some sort of ice cream truffle.
“How much time till Bruce gets back?” Roy asked.
“We've still got a little time, you won't have to inhale your dessert.”
“Cool. Eating ice cream too fast is the worst.”
“Brain freeze?”
“Nah. It just seems rude.”
“To the ice cream?”
“Yeah. Like if you just inhale it you're not savoring it. You're not giving it the,” he wiggled his fingers in place of a word, “it deserves.”
“You're an odd one Roy, you know that right?”
“That's why you like me.”
Jason blinked. Shit. Was it that obvious. But Roy was here, did that mean it was okay? Did that mean it was mutual?
Roy saw the blink, saw the panic behind it. He hadn't meant it like that. Actually he did, he just hadn't meant to say it out loud. Jason's face was saying that slip was dangerous territory. Damnit Harper. How could he get himself out of this?
“...We're both odd. We make a good team. Best pals, taking on the world,” Roy finished.
Jason's heart collapsed, but outwardly he smiled.
Dessert was delivered and with it a hopeful respite from awkwardness. Roy's tartufo was layers of chocolate and french vanilla ice cream in a hard chocolate shell surrounding a core of cherries, and if his face was any indication, it was fantastic. The tiramisu on the other hand, Jason was certain, straight from heaven.
“I don't know why we bothered with dinner. We should have just had this,” Jason said, motioning at the tiramisu with his fork.
“I've never had tiramisu before,” Roy said, “Pretty good, I take it?”
“Ohh, dude. You haven't lived.”
Roy lifted one eyebrow and wiggled his fork in the general direction of Jason's dessert.
Jason gave him that faux grumpy look again and slid the plate towards Roy, “Just one bite. And only because I'm a gentleman.”
Roy snorted as he took a piece. The look that crossed his face as he tasted the tiramisu was one Jason had thought only appeared in fancy porn. It was a look of complete ecstasy, happiness, and contentment, all rolled into one. Jason was pretty sure Roy's eyes rolled into the back of his head for a moment, and the quiet noise he made was not one he was prepared to hear in relation to either food or his best friend.
“Fuck.”
“Told you it was good.”
“Dude that's not good. That's possibly the best thing I have ever put in my mouth.”
Jason shook his head as he laughed, trying to clear the image of Roy enjoying the tiramisu from his mind, “Really?”
Roy opened his mouth to say something, then promptly closed it, and just shrugged.
As they finished their desserts, Jason turning down a taste of Roy's and fending off a try for a second bite of his, the waiter swung back by to let them know that Mister Wayne had called ahead to let them know he would be arriving shortly.
“And now onto the main event,” Jason said, offering his hand to Roy.
“Let's do this,” Roy replied, taking Jason's hand and getting to his feet.
They were both smiling as they slid into the back seat of the car.
“How was dinner?” Bruce asked.
“Fantastic as always.”
“Good, good.”
“Uh, hey Bruce. This whole thing might make the papers. I'm sorry.”
“What's there to be sorry for Jay?”
“I just wanted to make a point about the school's unofficial policy of not allowing same gender couples to go to prom together, especially since the rules don't actually say you can't. And Roy was cool enough to go along with the whole thing and be my date. But now it looks like it might become like a whole thing. And people are probably going to want you to like answer questions and junk. And I didn't mean for that to happen.”
“You boys are going to go to prom, and dance, and take pictures, and have a fabulous time. You don't worry about any media flack. You're both minors, and if anyone starts hassling you, we'll make sure to remind them of that. Plus, I'm driving you to make my position on this very clear. And even if it wasn't going to become a whole thing I'd still be driving you so that you knew where I stood.”
“You're pretty cool Mister Wayne.”
“Thanks Roy. But I'm also a dad. So need I remind you that you are a bit older than my Jason and I expect you to behave yourself tonight?”
“Uh. No sir. I'll behave.”
“Good. I would hate to get a call saying my boy was caught sneaking around to make out with his date.”
Both Jason and Roy sputtered at this, but before they could say anything the car was pulled up outside the old converted hotel where the prom was taking place. Bruce picked up two packages from the front seat and passed them back to the flabbergasted teens. It was their cross matching boutonnieres. One red and black, the other black and red, both with small white accents.
“You can put those on each other while you're in line, unless you think you need a hand.”
“I think I can manage to not stab Roy.”
“No promises Mister Wayne, but I can probably manage. I'm pretty good with pointy objects.”
Bruce laughed, getting out of the car and coming around to open the door for them. “Go have fun you two. Either I or Alfred will pick you up at midnight. But you can call if you need me before then.”
Jason gave him a quick hug and then he and Roy headed for the line.
They managed to pin the flowers on each other without drawing blood, which Jason counted as a win since his hands were suddenly shaking. No one had particularly noticed them when they fist got into line, but with the boutonnieres that quickly began to change. They could hear whispers starting to ripple up and down the line.
Roy leaned in close and spoke quietly, “It's go time. How far do you want to play this?”
Jason took a deep breath to steady himself and then shot his hand out and grabbed Roy's hand.
Roy's breath hitched and then smiled, “We got this Jaybird. You and me. Against the world.”
Jason was mostly looking at his feet, trying not to blush. That's when he noticed them.
“Roy, what the fuck are you wearing on your feet?” His voice was quiet, and he hadn't let go of Roy's hand.
“Uh, shoes.”
“No,” Jason said motioning at his own shoes, “These are shoes. Those are...Harper, you told me you had shoes.”
“These are the most intact shoes I've got Jay. Plus, they're red.”
Jason pressed his fingers to his eyes, “They're red doesn't really negate the fact that you're wearing skate shoes with a suit.”
“Just 'cuz I don't have shoes with the fancy little leather lacy stuff like yours. No one's going to care what shoes I'm wearing.”
Jason knew Roy was right, but seriously. Jason sighed.
Roy whispered in Jason's ear again, “I promise I'll try not to embarrass you tonight.”
“You're not going to embarrass me Roy. I'll probably do that myself,” Jason smiled. He was glad that Roy was doing this with him. They made a good team. And if Jason sometimes wanted them to be more than best friends, well that was a problem for future him.
As suspected the ticket window tried to deny them entry. But Jason had checked all the rules multiple times and knew that everything was either specifically allowed, like Roy's age and graduation status, or specifically not mentioned like same gender couples. Jason knew that in past years same gender couples had been told they couldn't attend, and none of them had been willing to fight it, which made sense in a lot of ways. When you were pretty sure your classmates were going to give you a shit time no matter what, adding the fuel of making a stink about going to prom to that fire just didn't seem worth it.
Which is why Jason wanted to do this. His classmates didn't much care for him, and he didn't give two shits. They gave him hell, but at the end of the day he got to go home and fight crime alongside Batman, or the Titans. Nothing they could put him through for being an orphan from the roughest part of Gotham, a juvenile delinquent, or Bruce Wayne's newest project kid could outweigh the good things. And his classmates deciding to be homophobic garbage wasn't going to change that either. So he could stand to make a scene about prom.
And he was.
There were now three people 'helping' resolve Jason & Roy's ticket issue. Searching for anything that they could use to deny the pair entry.
Roy could tell Jason was trying to keep himself calm. He squeezed his hand and when Jason met his eyes he smiled. He wanted to convey that he knew how hard this was and how he knew Jason could do it. They could do it together. He was sure he couldn't get that across with just a look, but Jason smiled back and Roy could feel the anger draining out of him.
The school had pulled in a couple extra chaperones to help other students with their tickets while they resolved the 'Jason Issue', but as the line behind them began to dwindle and the music inside began to pick up, Jason decided it was time to pull out the big gun.
“If you're not going to let me attend my own prom because of a rule that doesn't actually exist I can call my dad, you know, Bruce Wayne, and he can come pick me up, so I can go meet with his lawyers instead of going inside and dancing like any other sophomore.”
Roy squeezed his hand, “Yeah, I'm sure dad, I mean Oliver...” he cocked his head to the side and made a point of heavy eye contact, “...Queen. Would fly out with a couple of his too. Just so we were both represented properly.”
Jason squeezed his hand back and smiled inwardly at how good it was to have backup like Roy.
After leaving them to confer for a few minutes it was finally decided that yes, Jason and Roy could attend. Tickets were paid for, names were given for the entrance, and the two were free to head inside.
Now they just had to deal with an entire school's worth of other teens.
***
As they approached the ballroom the beat of the music started to pick up and Jason's hand tensed around Roy's. Roy glanced over at him and Jason nodded towards one of the hallways. Once they were safely away from the crowd Jason seemed to deflate.
“Shit man, are you okay?” Roy asked.
“I'll be okay. I just need a minute before we jump into the next fight.”
“Makes you almost miss Riddler or something punchable, huh?”
“Dude if I could just punch homophobia until it went away I would be so happy.”
“Yeah, instead it's the one that does the punching.”
“I shouldn't be hoping for someone to try somethin’ tonight should I?”
Roy shrugged, “Probably not. But if things happen... self defense is a good defense.”
Jason laughed, visibly relaxing.
“You got a game plan for once we get inside?”
“I figured we could dance for a bit, make ourselves seen. They’ll announce our names when we walk in, but I’ve heard most people ignore that because of the music’s volume. Then get terrible photos to cement the date story. Beyond that... I dunno, I'd offer to introduce you to people but I don't really have a lot of friends here.”
“Sounds solid to me. You ready?”
“I think so. Yeah. Let's do this.”
Jason grabbed Roy's hand and lead him towards the ballroom and it's thumping music.
When they walked into the ballroom the Master of Ceremonies took their ticket and announced them. There was a murmur that sifted through the crowd and pockets of people turned to look at them. Some tried to be subtle, some didn't care. Some wore neutral expressions with their fancy dresses and tuxedos, while some bristled with anger under their expensive formal wear.
“Jay, we got this,” Roy whispered, then louder, “Let's hit the floor, I love this song.”
Roy had already started bopping along with the music before they reached the dance floor and Jason found himself smiling and starting to dance along. When Roy realized Jason was dancing too, he began to grin. That smile was contagious Jason thought, and he was so glad to be here with Roy. Sure, he could be an idiot, and he wasn't the most put together human you might meet, but when he set his mind to something, nothing was going to dissuade him.
The DJ played three upbeat pop tunes in a row and Roy was about to see if Jason wanted to take a quick break when the tempo slowed down considerably and the pulsing lights dimmed. Couples were pairing off all over the dance floor and had begun swaying to the music.
*The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful, stop me and steal my breath*
Roy looked at Jason.
Jason looked at Roy.
Roy looked like a deer caught in headlights. So Jason did the only thing he could think of. The one thing he both desperately wanted to do and was afraid to do. He slid his hand around Roy's waist and pulled him close. Jason could swear he saw Roy's eyes twinkle as he put his own hand on Jason's waist, while his other gently played over Jason's shoulder. Jason followed suit with his off hand and they began to dance. One step, two step, slight turn, one step, two step, slight turn.
*I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips, instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above*
Roy leaned his head towards Jason, and gently set their temples together. Jason's heart did a somersault. His eyes were closed and all he cared about was this moment. One sided or not, he had never felt so content and he was damned if he would let anything outside of them spoil this song.
Roy for his part was letting his eyes drift open and closed. He couldn't bring himself to go fully into safe mode with some of the murmurs he had caught. But he wanted to etch this moment, the feel of Jason in his arms, the way that cologne was making his stomach flutter, into his mind for eternity.
*And I dropped out, I burned up, I fought my way back from the dead*
One step, two step, slight turn, one step, two step, slight turn. Jason shifted, bringing his face to the crook of Roy's neck, and Roy felt him take a deep, slightly shaky breath.
“You okay, Jaybird?”
Slowly Jason lifted his head, “Mmmm.” Then quietly he said, “In case this is our only slow dance. I. At the end of the song I mean. Um. Well I was thinking it would be a good idea...”
Roy wants to say 'Kiss me Jay' or maybe just kiss Jason now before the song was even over. But that's not what they're doing. For Jason this is all acting. Jason is nervous, not that he would ever admit to that. Putting yourself in the cross hairs, even when you believe in the reason, is always difficult. Roy's here to be his partner, his backup. Roy can do that.
“I trust you Jay. I've got your back.”
Jason's hand tightens ever so slightly on Roy's hip and Roy mirrors the motion.
One step, two step, slight turn, one step, two step, slight turn.
*And I'll be better when I'm older, I'll be the greatest fan of your life*
Jason pulls himself back slightly, his hands tensing on Roy. His face seems to be overthinking this. Roy smiles is small crooked smile and Jason relaxes, leaning forward. Their lips touch and everything else seems to stop.
Roy thinks this is like being electrocuted, only better. Every bit of his skin is alive with the feeling. Jason tastes like that tiramisu and Roy knows he will always associate kissing Jason and the dessert.
Jason's body flushes starting at his chest and it radiates out to his fingers and up to his ears. Roy's lips are amazingly soft with a pressing strength behind them. He realizes too late that his lips are parting and his tongue touches Roy's lips. Roy parts for him with a hum. Jason's heart is beating too fast, he's loosing all sense of his surroundings, this heaven is becoming dangerous.
The music begins to fade out into the next song and couples begin to drift apart as the tempo picks back up. And without a word they jerk apart, wide eyed, hands shaking. Jason's eyes are everywhere all at once, looking for threats. Roy steadies himself and grabs Jason's wrist.
“Let's get a drink.”
“Mm, uh, yeah.”
They flee the dance floor, playing at being collected, calm. Inside they are both in knots.
Jason sees a few shocked faces and a couple scattered chuckles. Roy on the other hand hears the unkind things said as they pass by. He is pretty sure that if he were still in school, something like this would push him further into the closet than he already was.
Then it happens. Jason is ordering them sodas from the refreshment table, still holding Roy's hand, like some sort of lifeline. When a hand comes down hard on his shoulder, his hand tenses around Roy's, his other fighting the urge to curl into a fist. When it comes to fight or flight, Jason always chooses fight.
“You got balls, Todd.”
“Fuck,” Jason whispers to himself, he knew that voice. It was Tommy Deckard, a football jock and one of Jason's constant tormentors.
Rolling his shoulder to disengage Tommy's hand, Jason turns around. He lets Roy's hand drop from his, only to have Roy grab it again when he turned around to confront the voice as well.
“Hey Deckard. Having a nice night?” Jason didn't want to start a fight. He really didn't. He could be tactful. Probably.
“I knew you were a punk, but this isn't the type of punk I thought people meant.”
Jason bristled.
Roy put his hand out, “Hi, name's Roy. If either of us is a punk, it's definitely me,” Deckard hadn't taken his offered hand, so he punctuated his statement by pointing at himself with his thumb while making a click with his mouth as he smiled his cockiest smile.
“We were surprised to hear Todd could get himself a date. Didn't think he's be dumb enough to bring a dude though. Lemmie guess, you know him from his street days and wanted to bum around a classy party so you gave him a pity date?” Every word was laced with loathing.
“Nah. Our dads are, friends? Colleagues? Whatever. Means Jay and I get to spend plenty of time together, 'specially since I graduated early. I get to fly out here whenever I want,” Jason was shocked at how Roy had completely taken the conversation over and was grinding Deckard's face in it. “Isn't that right?” At this Roy smiled at Jason and bumped their shoulders together.
“Totally. If I was going to bother coming to prom, I was going to bring someone I wanted to spend time with.”
“And who makes you smile.”
“And who makes me smile,” Jason smiled, he was getting the hang of using their normal banter as a weapon.
“You are disgusting. Wayne really scraped the barrel when he found you.” Deckard rolled his eyes, and Jason could tell that he wasn't willing to throw the first punch, which meant that Jason could extricate them from this situation.
“Nope. We are thirsty,” Jason turned and grabbed their sodas, “Have fun Deckard, photos and dancing are calling our names.”
“See ya,” Roy said, wiggling his fingers towards Deckard, smiling as he trailed after Jason back towards the dance floor.
Tommy just stood there, bewildered by how his taunts had seemingly no effect on the pair. Before they reached the dance floor Jason veered off towards one of the empty cafe tables set around the ballroom. Setting his drink down he ran his hand over his face and exhaled.
“Uggggh. That could have gone...”
“Worse,” Roy supplied.
“Yeah.”
“I mean it could have gone better to I think.”
“I think only if it hadn't happened at all.”
“Probably.”
Jason took a long drink, “Thanks for that. Pretty quick thinkin’.”
“My mouth is good at getting me both into and out of trouble pretty fast. Speaking of, we've got a group incoming. Your six.”
“What do we have this time.”
“Three girls,” Roy cocked his head sideways, “I think this one is going to go better.”
“Why do you say that?”
“At least one of them has a compass tattoo on her wrist.”
“What does that have to do with...” Roy cut him off.
“Hello ladies. Having fun?”
“How'd you do it, Todd?” The girl with the tattoo asked, she sounded furious.
Jason turned around, “Oh, hi Zee. How'd I do what?”
She pointed accusingly at Roy, “Get the school to let you bring him.”
“Nothing in the rules said I couldn't.”
“And yet any time someone else has tried, they get shot down.”
“Look, I don't know why you're mad at me.”
“Because she couldn't bring me, dumbass,” The redhead to Zee's right said.
“Maggie. I'm sorry. I didn't know. If I had we could have coordinated...” Jason was at a loss for words and just ended up flapping his hands a couple of times.
“Sorry to butt in, I'm Roy.”
“You don't even go here,” Zee was still scowling.
“Nope. I'm from Star City. Jason asked me to be his date so I flew out.”
“What the fuck Todd?”
“What, like anyone at this school would have gone with me?”
“I mean he's not wrong. Especially if he wanted to ask another dude. He would have gotten his nose broken,” The third girl, Courtney, said.
Jason motioned at her, “Exactly. Which I think Deckard wanted to do anyways.”
“Deckard always wants to punch you.”
“He really does.”
“I've got an idea,” Roy perked up suddenly and everyone looked at him, “Instead of being mad at Jay, lets all go dance. And then after we can put our heads together and figure out how to cement what my very handsome date did tonight into real policy for next year.”
Jason gave Roy a look, expecting to see joking behind his eyes, but there was none there. For all outward appearances Roy was completely sincere about the compliment, and wanting to help. How did he do that? How did he slip so easily into this?
“Yeah Zinda, I wanna dance. Plus, if Jason and, Roy? Get their photos first I bet you can get yours with Maggie and the photographer won't make a stink. Then it'll be almost like you got to be real dates,” Courtney was practically vibrating as she spoke.
Jason looked at Zee and winked, holding his hand out to Roy, “May I have this dance?”
“I thought you'd never ask,” Roy said chuckling as the five of them headed back onto the dance floor.
Jason liked this. He would never admit it. But he liked this feeling of having friends, of having a group. Maybe when this was all over they could hang out more, like normal teenagers.
When the next slow dance started Jason fit himself neatly into Roy's arms and he saw Zee and Maggie take a hesitant step to do the same. Then Courtney put her hands on both of their backs, pushed them together, laughed, and ran off. The two began to slowly dance, and smiles washed across their faces, contentment overriding the previous hesitation. Jason turned his attention back to his own dance partner and realized that Roy had a similar smile. He was a good man, to be that happy for Zee and Maggie.
Roy knew Jason worked out a lot, he was one of the Bats after all. But knowing he was muscular, and seeing those muscles from across a rooftop or during training was really nothing in comparison to feeling Jason's bicep under his hand, or feeling that strength in how he held Roy's hip. A jolt of something ran through him as Jason leaned in and whispered in his ear.
“What was the whole tattoo thing about?”
“The compass rose... It was a World War Two thing. Lesbians would get it tattooed on their wrist, where a watch would cover during the day. And at night it was a way for them to spot each other. That way no one ended up in jail for flirting with the wrong person. It hasn't been common in like fifty years, but the placement is pretty deliberate.”
Jason was a little in awe, “Dude, how do you even know all that?”
“One of my aunties, Ajéí, she was a code breaker during the war. She had a tattoo just like that. She told me about all the pretty girls she dated before she came home.”
Roy doesn't say that having a lesbian aunt helped him come to terms with the fact that he liked guys. Or that it didn't help him deal with also liking women. Intellectually he knew that bisexuality was a thing, but that didn't stop everything around him from telling him he was fake or just hadn't accepted being gay yet. And maybe if it was for someone like Jason, he could just be gay. It was dangerous, but it was also easy.
Jason wonders what it would be like to have someone to look up to like that. Someone you could talk to about being gay and not worry about getting judged. Someone you didn't have to pretend to be straight around. It sounded freeing. Jason wondered if Bruce could be that understanding, or emotionally available. Probably not.
The song began to fade into the next, this one also slow. He was smiling. If asked, he would say it was because Zee and Maggie got to dance together longer, but secretly he was happy that he didn't have to pull away from Roy just yet. He sighed as Roy's head dipped down and rested on his shoulder.
And before any of them were ready, the tempo began to pick up with a new song, the dance floor got a bit more crowded, and Courtney was running up to them beaming.
She grabbed Maggie and Jason's arms and giggling cooed over the music, “Picture time lovebirds!”
Jason didn't know Courtney well. She had transferred in to Gotham Academy mid-Freshman year. He did know she was bubbly, blonde, well liked, and also apparently some sort of force of nature; based on how they were all carried off in her wake towards the photographer's line.
“Okay, so first you two get your photos,” she said pointing to Jason, “Since whatever you did to get the school to let you bring Roy should work on the photographer if she gives you any guff. And then from there, Maggie and Zinda can get their photo,” she paused for a moment, “Ooh, yes! And then group photo of the five of us! We have got to mem-orial-ize tonight.”
Roy put his arm around Courtney's shoulder, “I like you, you are infectiously positive.”
“She is always like this,” Maggie says rolling her eyes in a very loving way.
How do you lovingly roll your eyes, Jason thinks.
They chat absently while waiting in line. It turns out that Jason and Maggie are the only two born and raised in Gotham.
Roy mentions being raised in Arizona, by his uncle, not getting into the fact that he's a white kid who grew up in the Navajo Nation. He decides this isn't the type of light conversation to bring that into. And then he talks about getting adopted by Ollie and moving to Star City, leaving out pretty much everything important of that story.
Courtney tells them she was born in California and lived in Nebraska with her mom and step-dad for a few years before they all moved to Gotham. She gives her personal opinions on which ocean is better the Pacific or Atlantic (Pacific), who has better baseball teams (Coast City Angels), and what street pizza joint is the best (OG Nate's on 257th and Gimlet).
Zee is from Metropolis, she's in Gotham because of her dad. She doesn't give any flourishes or details Jason notes.
Before anyone grills Jason for his 'tragic backstory' they're at the front of the line and the photographer is shuffling Roy and Jason up to the curtain with a most disinterested wave. She positions Roy behind Jason because he is just a bit taller and sets them into the universal awkward prom-photo pose.
Jason is certain that this is the most he's touched Roy outside of sparing before. The feel of Roy's hands on his hips, their fingers carded together, makes his stomach tighten. He wants to pretend for a minute that this is real. Roy takes a deep breath behind him and they smile.
Snap
They are shuffled to the side and Maggie and Zee take their place. Zee is considerably taller than Maggie, so she gets the honor of wrapping her hands around her girlfriend's waist. Their fingers lace together naturally and Roy wonders how long they've been a couple.
Snap
Courtney grabs Jason and Roy and hauls them forward for the group shot. The photographer positions Roy and Zee on the outside, with their hands on their date's hips, and Courtney on a cheesy Grecian pillar stool at the center. Just before the photographer can take the shot, her hands shoot up taking Jason and Maggie's free hands in her's. Everyone smiles.
Snap
“More dancing Muffin?” Zee asks Maggie.
“Oh yes, absolutely.”
Jason bites his lip, “muffin?” he half asks half laughs under his breath.
Roy leans closer, “Be nice... Jaybird.”
Oh. Wait. What? Jason is certain that he no longer knows what is up and what is down.
“Dancing!” Courtney squees, “I'm going to go put in a bunch of slow dance requests, meet you on the dance floor!” and to Jason's amazement she literally skips off.
***
The rest of the night is a blur of the five of them dancing to every boppy pop tune the dj plays and then Courtney pulling a disappearing act any time a slow song starts. And while many of the rude looks are still happening, most of the hateful whispers stop after a couple hours.
After a couple more slow dances, Maggie and Zee seem to be getting more comfortable dancing with people watching. They even share a few kisses, Roy notes, and then realizes he really would like to kiss Jason again.
Damnit Harper.
The lights were dim and pulsing slowly but Roy thought he saw Jason's cheeks flush as he was turned to get a good view of Maggie and Zee kiss. A deep breath was unmistakable though.
“Should we be kissing more?” Jason sounded almost small.
Roy let his hand come up to brush the hair back from Jason's temple, “Just because other couples are, doesn't mean we have to. I think we've got people convinced.”
“I. I don't want Deckard to think he scared me.”
“I'm pretty sure nothing scares you.”
“But they don't know that me.”
And Roy says something he has been feeling all night, “Kiss me Jaybird.”
Jason is happy the music is loud enough to cover the noise he mostly stops himself from making. Roy's hand is already on his face, warm and distracting.
Don't be afraid.
It's just like jumping off a roof.
Jason closes his eyes and steels his nerves.
He jumps.
His hand moves from Roy's arm to the nape of his neck and brings his lips to Roy's pulling Roy close. Roy murmurs into his lips. As they sway along to the music each of them slowly pulls the other closer.
The kiss ends before the song, but they don't pull apart. Jason lays his head on Roy's shoulder, contented to stay like this as long as he's able. His fingers absently twine themselves through Roy's ponytail, and he marvels at how soft it is. Maybe Roy would let him braid it. That would be too weird right?
Roy smiles as Jason begins playing with his hair. He turns his head slightly and leans a bit, resting his cheek against Jason and his lips brushing against Jason's ear. He looks forward to a day when he might get the chance to dance with a boyfriend like this.
And the lights change, the tempo jumps, the crowd cheers.
*We like to party, we like, we like to party*
Jason's head pops off of Roy's shoulder, “Nooope.”
And before Roy can react Jason is dragging him towards the cafe table they have staked out as theirs. Maggie and Zee join them moments later. Not getting stuck in a Venga-conga-line seems to have been an unspoken group choice.
“Okay! Now who wants pancakes?” Courtney says, bounding up to the table with five sodas. Jason is sure for a split second that she seems to glow with happiness.
“Yesss, pancakes,” Maggie moans, “I need them in my face.”
“Uh,” Jason says, checking his watch, “Bruce or Alfred are supposed to pick us up here at midnight.”
“I can give you a ride! There's plenty of room in my car,” Then she fixes him with an intense look, “Paaancakess.”
“If Bruce is cool with us getting a ride and staying out late...er. Pancakes do sound amazing. I absolutely danced off dinner,” Roy says.
Zee shrugs, “I’m not really much of a pancake fan, but I’ll go with Maggie.”
“Who likes waffles?” Jason asks, all of a sudden having a wonderful-terrible idea.
“Waffles!” All four of the other teens cheer to Jason's surprise.
“Okay. I have to call Bruce to make sure it's cool. And Courtney, it means driving to the best place in Gotham, that happens to also be in South Gotham.”
“Yes! I'm in!”
“Okay, I'll be back in a bit. Unless you don't want me to leave you without,” he cocked his head at Roy and smiled, “backup.”
“Nah. I mean, I'll come with you. I'd rather you didn't run into Deckard solo.”
Jason swallowed hard, “Probably a good call.”
“We'll stay here and hold down the fort. Table. Whatever,” Courtney offered.
“Aww, I wanna build a blanket fort now,” Maggie added.
***
“Welcome to Waffle King. My favorite middle of the night breakfast spot in all of Gotham.”
“It looks...” Courtney started.
“Punk rock as fuck,” Roy finished, “This is awesome Jay.”
“How'd you find this place Todd?” Zee asked.
“Uh. Well. Fuck it. I spent a lot of time here after my folks died and before I met Bruce.”
“Did you foster parents just let you wander around South Gotham?” Courtney asked.
Roy blanched.
Jason just laughed, “I didn't have foster 'rents, Courtney. I was on my own for a bit over a year before I met Bruce and he gave me a home.”
He led them inside and to the big booth at the back that would fit all of them. When Roy described the place as punk rock from the outside he might have been joking, but inside the real character was revealed. This place was the diner equivalent of a dive bar. The booth seats were more duct tape than vinyl, and the walls were thick with old event posters. There was a jukebox near their table and an ancient pinball machine at the front. The lights were dim and the smell of old cigarettes was noticeable even in this supposed non-smoking section. There was only one other occupied table, a solo guy nursing a coffee and toast.
The waitress at the counter looked up from her crossword as they entered and gave them a tired smile and nodded. Her hair was green, her eyes jet black, and she had more piercings in her ears than Roy could count easily on their way past.
“When you say on your own?”
“I lived on the street, or squatted,” he shrugged, “Between the last year taking care of my mom and after she died, I missed a couple years of school, but contrary to popular belief I'm pretty smart and was able to catch back up.”
“I. Uh. I didn't know.”
“I don't really advertise it. The fact that I'm Bruce's second adopted orphan son gets me enough grief. Some people know I grew up down here, and they give me shit for that too. But the whole camping under cardboard and uh, scrounging... for waffle money. That I keep pretty close to the chest.”
The waitress brought menus over and gave the group of them a look.
“Tonight's not Es-Gee's prom.”
“Nope. Gotham Academy's,” And before she could chide them for 'slumming it', Jason added, “But after that, I had to come back to my part of Gotham, can't forget where you're from, right?”
“Right.”
“Is that Toad I hear out there?” A voice came from the kitchen window.
“Hey Milt. Yeah it's me. Brought some friends in for waffles and probably bottomless hashbrowns... If I know Roy.”
“Bottomless hashbrowns?” Both Roy and Maggie asked in a reverent tone.
“Yeah. They're amazing. This place is why I didn't starve.”
The waitress smiled upon hearing the cook recognize Jason's voice, “I'll be back to get yer order in a few. You want coffees?”
“Yes please,” All five chorused.
Roy turned to look at Jason, “Toad?”
Jason's face turned darker than Roy had seen it in a very long time, “Only Milt gets to call me that.”
“On Me.”
“You didn't know.”
Maggie reached across the table and grabbed Jason's hand, “They have a twelve egg omelet.”
“Like I said, this is why I didn't starve.”
“Muffin, are you really hungry enough for a twelve egg omelet?” Zee asked.
“Oh heck no Zinda. But they have one. I'm getting the pancakes. Because pancakes.”
Zee smiled at her.
“Here's your coffees. Know what you wanna eat tonight?”
“I'm getting the King's Waffles,” Zee said.
“Good choice,” Jason said, “I'm going with the strawberry waffles tonight. I need some comfort food.”
“Bottomless hasbrowns and a side of sausage for me,” Roy said.
“You're a side of sausage,” Maggie snorted, followed quickly by, “I'd like the pancake stack please.”
“I'm getting the pancake stack too, thank you,” Courtney had collected their menus while everyone was ordering and offered them to the waitress with a smile.
“I'll get this in. Flag me down if you need a coffee refill.”
“Does the jukebox work?” Roy asked.
“It did last time I was here,” Jason answered, “Wanna put some tunes on?”
“Yeah. I'll be back.”
The waitress came back by and dropped off a carafe of water for them.
“This place is interesting,” Zee said, “Reminds me of some of the places I used to go with friends back before I moved to Gotham.”
“Lot of dive cafes in Metropolis?” Jason raised an eyebrow.
“Oh, yeah,” Zee paused, “In Metropolis.”
Jason thought that was an odd way of answering him. He'd file that away for later. Sure he wasn't the World's Greatest Detective like Bruce, or a great detective like Dick, but he wasn't just fists. He could do the smart, look at clues stuff too. The song that started on the jukebox wasn't one he specifically remembered from the last time he was here but the feel of the music was the same. The jukebox had an ever changing selection of CDs to choose from but they were mostly punk, or metal, with the occasional ska mixed in. Nothing particularly quiet, nothing particularly slow.
Roy came back to the table his head bopping and shoulders moving with the beat. He had loosened his tie and undone the top two buttons of his shirt, now looking much more like the Roy Harper that Jason was used to. His hair was escaping the ponytail even more than it had been during the prom. He must have had to put it back up so many times over the course of the night. Seeing Jason looking at him, Roy pulled his shoulders in close and shimmied them at Jason, pursing his lips in a silly half smile, then laughed and practically threw himself into the booth.
“Roy, you're fun,” Maggie stated, pushing gently on Roy's shoulder from across the table.
In response, Roy smirked and shot off a pair of snapping finger guns, “I aim to please.”
“Uhhhhhhgg, really?” Jason moaned, pulling his hand down his face at the shear ridiculousness of that wordplay.
“Okay. I gotta know. You two seem so opposite. Dish, how did you meet?” Courtney plopped her head onto her hands and looked at the two of them expectantly.
Roy looked at Jason.
Jason looked at Roy.
Shit.
Roy, as usual was the quicker of the pair, “Jay's dad, Bruce and my mentor Ollie know each other through. Business stuff. We met at one of their big event things. It was... Um...”
“Was it one of Bruce's Justice Reform Galas? Or...” Jason supplied, maybe they could build a story based on mutual bad memories.
“Yeah. That was it...”
“And Dick introduced us...”
“Dick is Jay's older, also adopted brother. He's a year older than I am. Great guy.”
“Total pain.”
“Shit, he's gonna kick my ass.”
“What?” The whole table, including Jason, asked.
“For taking his 'baby brother' to prom... You know how protective of you he is.”
“He referred to me as his 'replacement' for the first year I was at the manor,” Jason said, giving Roy a pointed look.
“That's terrible!” Maggie said, her face a mix of pity and horror.
“Eh. We've gotten over it. He's not too bad.”
“So how long have you two known each other?” Zee asked, nursing her black coffee.
Roy counted on his fingers, his lips moving silently.
“Three or so years,” Jason supplied.
Roy laughed, “Yeah, that's what I came up with too. But we've been spending a lot more time together over the last year. Since I graduated.”
“Aww,” Courtney cooed.
Jason raised an eyebrow at that.
“I love it when friends finally realize they should be more than just friends.”
Jason felt himself starting to blush furiously. He looked at Roy. Roy's ears were as red as the hot sauce in the condiment basket.
Zee came to the rescue, “Not everyone who goes to prom together is a couple Courtney. Just because you're a hopeless romantic.”
Roy coughed into his fist, “Yeah. I. Um.”
Jason wasn't blushing anymore.
“Oh look. Food!” Maggie said, her voice trilling in excitement to change the subject.
The waitress made three trips with food and then coffee refills as the group of five started in on their piles of late night breakfast food, conversation forgotten.
Between bites, Maggie said, head bopping, “I love this song. This jukebox is the greatest.”
*Well it's just you and me baby, No one else we can trust, We'll say nothin' to no one*
“Who's this?” Jason asks.
“The Refreshments,” Roy answers, “It's so upbeat for a song about robbery.”
“And before this one?” Zee asked, “I liked it. I enjoy a good horn section.”
“Dance Hall Crashers. If you like a good horn section, I'll make you an amazing mixtape.”
“Ah the true mark of friendship. The mixtape,” Courtney said laughing between bites of what was probably more syrup than pancake.
*Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac, yeah. The boy's a time bomb*
“Mmm, good call Roy,” Jason mumbles his heading starting to bop along.
“What can I say, I know what you like.”
They made eye contact and the smile on Roy's face was so soft and inviting. His hair falling down and framing his face, making his eyes sparkle even in the dim diner lighting. Jason couldn't help but return the smile. His chest was warm and he felt content.
Across the table Maggie and Zee had their fingers laced together and Zee had her lips pressed gently to Maggie's knuckles. Courtney could have looked like the odd man out, but instead she was leaning back in the booth, a smile on her face staring at the ceiling. Her fingers tapping away on the backs of the seats, absentmindedly keeping time to the jukebox.
Another group entered and headed for one of the smaller booths.
Back in this corner, they were in their own little world and it was bliss. Just five normal teenagers having a night out after prom, listening to music and cracking jokes. This Jason thought, is what life should be. He loved being Robin, he loved taking down criminals, loved working with Batman... But oh to just be normal for a night. This he needed.
Click
Their world shattered as the sound of a gun cocked from the front of diner.
Five heads swiveled towards the sound.
One of the new group was at the register, his gun pointed at the waitress. He was speaking quietly. His three companions were focused on him.
Courtney whispered, “They're robbing a diner?”
“Down here, that sort of thing doesn't matter as much,” Jason hissed through his teeth.
“What's the plan?” Maggie asked.
“Plan?” Jason and Roy asked in unison.
“Do. I meant what do we do.”
A wicked grin crossed Zee's face, “This.”
She had unlaced her fingers from Maggie's and with a quick kiss on her forehead she launched herself out of the booth and towards the front of the diner.
*Just a castaway, an island lost at sea oh. Another lonely day, there's no one here but me oh*
Jason and Roy exchanged a look, having a conversation without the need for any words.
“Stay safe,” Jason said over his shoulder at Courtney and Maggie as he and Roy rolled and sprinted after Zee.
Neither of them heard the short laugh that Courtney gave in response.
Roy knew Jason's strengths in a fight, but he also knew they were going to have to be careful, neither of them were in costume and these were people Jason knew from his civilian life.
*I hope that someone gets my. Message in a bottle, yeah*
Zinda was almost to the gunman, he was still focused on the waitress. His friends still hadn't noticed her moving. She needed to disarm him. She wanted to get his attention off the waitress, for him to turn the gun, but in these quarters she couldn't risk her, friends, getting hit. Yelling wouldn't work. She would just have to chance... There was movement behind her, Jason and Roy were moving up as well. They moved like they were familiar with a fight. Good. That would make this easier.
Roy grabbed a bottle of hot sauce from one of the tables on his way past and made eye contact with Zee that he hoped she could interpret.
The drums and guitar on the jukebox swelled in their ears.
*A year has passed since I wrote my note. But I should have known this right from the start*
Roy griped the bottle, pulled his arm back and let it fly. The bottle connected with the side of the gunman's face. The cap, apparently loose, flying off from the impact. His vision is blurred from the spray, and now they have his attention. He turned the gun from the waitress but thankfully doesn't fire indiscriminately.
Zinda is right there and ready. She had seen the bottle in Roy's hand and the look he gave her had made his plan clear. It was like working with the Blackhawks, words weren't needed when you meshed well. She came to a stop and as soon as the bottle hit, her leg was up, a spinning kick to remove the gun from play. Fingers crunched under the force of her foot connecting. She was really glad she had worn heeled boots instead of pumps. She could fight in pumps, but she hated it.
Now the gunman's companions had noticed and they were moving.
Jason rolled toward the nearest of the three and brought three quick jabs up into his gut, ribs and jaw as he kicked himself up. The thug got in a shot to Jason's temple making his head snap to the side. Jason in turn dropped low to avoid another blow and swept his foot out to catch the guy’s leg, hoping to bring him down. As he does, he catches a streak of blonde out of his peripheral vision. Courtney rushing the second thug.
What the fuck is she doing?
The man reached for her long hair and as her head turned towards Jason, he's sure she's smiling. She rolls her head in a large circle arching her back and snaps up a knee, catching the guy under the jaw. A yell is cut short as his mouth snaps shut violently.
Damn.
Roy is impressed at Zee's kick, the precision it takes to disarm someone with a kick isn't luck. He wants to focus on taking this guy out, but Zee seems capable, and the third thug is rushing towards him, knife in hand. Giving a quick glance towards Jason he can see that he... And Courtney seem to have the other two under control.
Roy dodges the knife, grabbing for the guy's elbow. He spins, bringing it behind the thug hard enough to make him loosen his grip, not hard enough to break. It hits the ground and Roy kicks it away from the fight, back towards their table.
*Only hope can keep us together, yeah.*
The now former gunman is pissed. He swings at Zinda and she hops backwards out of his reach. In retaliation she steps quickly back in and strikes out twice. The first he dodges, the second connects, but his hand wraps around her fist. She tries to strike again, to free her hand, but he uses the leverage to bring her solar plexus down on his knee. The air is knocked from her lungs as he lets go. She doubles over.
Courtney's opponent managed to stay standing despite the several vicious kicks to his shins that she has peppered him with. She's managed to keep him off balance with a series of seemingly random punches and twirls. She's focusing on his jaw, it's his weak spot after the first strike she dealt and she's pretty sure that if she can get off one more solid hit there he'll drop. She finds herself wishing for the range of motion of a shorter skirt.
Jason takes another punch to the gut and he takes a deep breath sputtering breath. He's had several openings to finish this fight, but nothing he can do without looking too competent, or nothing he can do without his gear. Just gotta take some punches and hope for the right moment. He sees Roy disarm his opponent, and Zee double over from a knee to the chest. Courtney seems to be holding her own, but her opponent, like Jason's, just won't quit.
Maggie is no longer at their table, she saw Zinda double over and can't let that stand. She knows her girlfriend can take care of herself in a brawl, and that technically she doesn't need help, but Maggie is going to help anyways.
The gunman starts coming towards Maggie, or she realizes, towards where the gun had skidded to. Without thinking Maggie grabs the carafe of water and slides it down the length of the counter towards Zinda.
“Babe!” She shouts over the music and fighting.
*Love can mend your life*
Zinda hears Maggie yell, but it's not in distress. She hears the sound of glass sliding down the bar and her hand is reaching out before she can even think to do it. The carafe is in her hand by the neck. Heavy from the water. Heavy from the thick glass. Zinda's eyes glitter as she straightens and take a step towards the gunman's back. Lifting the carafe over her head she brings it down on his.
The sound of shattering glass stops everyone as if a spell had been cast.
The gunman drops to the ground like a wet sack of bricks.
Zinda turns to the remaining three robbers. Two thirds of a heavy broken bottle in her hand.
The time they take to stare at her is time that Courtney, Jason, and Roy don't waste.
Courtney gets off that perfect hit to her opponent's jaw, dropping him to the ground.
Jason kicks his opponent and he crashes backwards, hitting his head on a table on his way down.
Roy wraps his arm around his foe's neck and flexes. Using his right leg to pull the guy's legs out from under him. The guy slumps towards the ground and Roy carefully counts out the thugs breathing. He wants him to be unconscious, not dead.
*I'm sending out an SOS. I'm sending out an SOS. I'm sending out an SOS*
Zinda sets the broken carafe on the counter and looks at the waitress, “I'm sorry. I had to do something.” The silence is broken by a door closing and an older gentleman wearing a white apron walking in. He's taking his coat off when he notices the four unconscious men on the floor, “What the shit?!?”
“Oh my god, Milt I'm so sorry,” Jason stammers.
Milt's eyes are wide as he tries to take everything in. He sees the gun and freezes.
No one says anything for what might be two seconds and might be an eon.
“Cand, what happened?” Milt finally asks, turning his attention to the waitress.
“They came in, sat down, and then that one,” She says pointing to the one covered in hot sauce and water, “came up here, pulled a gun on me and tried to rob us. But before I knew what was happening...” She trails off, her hands vaguely motioning at the five teens.
“Toad. What the shit?”
“In my defense, Zee started it.”
Zee glowered at him.
“Well, no technically they started it. But I wasn't going to let her jump in without backup. And I sure as hell wasn't going to let them rob you either,” Jason looks down at his hands, “I couldn't do that.”
Milt was pressing his thumb and middle fingers into his closed eyes, clearly trying to think, “Wayne is going to be furious if you have to deal with the cops down here.”
“I'm sorry,” Jason says quietly.
Roy thinks he sounds much younger than he has in all the years they've known each other.
Milt looks around the diner, poking each of the robbers with his shoe, making sure they're all breathing. He makes eye contact with the one other patron momentarily, the blonde man nods almost imperceptibly.
“Okay kids, here's what we're going to do. Cand, grab the zip ties from the toolbox. We'll cuff these guys and throw them out back by the dumpsters. You kids are going to grab your things and head home. You left before they came in. We'll call G.C.P.D. after you head out, let 'em know that these jerks tried to rob us but some cape showed up, knocked 'em out, and took off. No muss, no fuss. No reason for you kids to be involved.”
Jason wants to mention that the thugs saw their faces, but before he can, Roy speaks up.
“Sir. Not to sound ungrateful but literally everyone in this diner saw us, including them. I don't think they're going to just go along with that story.”
Milt looks at Jason, his features softening, “Toad, you trust me right?”
“Y-yes sir.”
“I've got this handled.”
“And that guy's just going to lie for you?” Zee asks incredulously.
“I only lie for myself, luv,” The blonde at the back says, “but the way I remember it, some capes took these tossers down and split. I was enough of a gentleman to help Miss Cand truss 'em up and haul 'em out back for the rozzer,” He lights a cigarette and goes back to his coffee.
“But they're going to wake up and remember us,” Zee says, giving the blonde a glare.
“No they won't, luv.”
“You can't kill them!” Maggie sputters out.
“Hold up there, luv. Murders not really my style. But trust ol' Milt. What I said I saw,” He holds one hand out palm up, “Is what they saw,” He lifts his other hand palm up. He fixes Jason with a look, like he's trying to communicate something without actually saying it out loud.
Jason takes a deep breath. He feels like he knows this guy, but just can't place it.
“Roy, you trust me right?”
“Jayb-, Jay, I trust you.”
“Courtney, Zee, Maggie, I know we don't know each other super well, but please trust me. If Milt says he's got this, I believe he does. We don't wanna explain this to the cops. We did them a solid. Let them return the favor.”
“And no one dies?” Maggie asks.
“No one dies.” Milt assures her.
“It's your call Jason, I'll follow your lead,” Zee is the first to speak.
Maggie and Courtney both nod in agreement.
“Okay. Let's settle the tab so we can make like a tree and get the fuck out of here,” Roy says.
Jason gives Roy a look that might say 'you're an idiot' and might say 'you're an idiot but I love you'. Roy just smiles in response.
They pay their bill while Milt zip ties each of the robber's hands behind their backs and their ankles together, then he and the blonde fellow haul each one out the back door.
After they've paid and before they leave Jason finds Milt, “I'm sorry. I just didn't want you our the diner to get hurt. And then I went and made it happen anyways.”
“Hey, no you didn't. You're always trying to take care of people. And you did that tonight. I'm glad you've got friends to back you up, Toad, you deserve it,” He put his huge hand on Jason's shoulder and all of a sudden Jason feels like he's ten years old again and Milt is the only adult he can trust, “Now, you kids gotta get out of here so we can call the cops before those jerks wake up too much. Keep yourself out of trouble, Toad. Now git.”
“Yes sir,” Jason mumbles out, then heads to grab his friends. And after tonight he thinks they might all be friends.
On their way out the door Roy's sure he hears the blonde guy say to someone, “That Machine Head cover is fine and all, but nothin' doin' to the original.”
***
They’re all piled back into Courtney's car and headed back north. Jason is quieter than normal. Roy want's to ask if there's anything he can do to help, but quarters are too tight for that. Maggie is leaning forward, her hand draped over the back of the passenger seat to hold Zee's hand. Courtney is focused on the road. The silence is killing Roy. He doesn't do awkward silences well.
“Ok, Zee. I gotta ask. How did you manage to bust a carafe over that dude's head like a beer bottle, and without killing him? That takes skill. I'm impressed.”
“Your skill with a hot sauce bottle was also pretty impressive. Did you loosen the lid before you threw it?”
Roy wonders if this is a test.
“I didn't, but that would have been a neat trick,” He lies.
“I,” Zee starts and then immediately pauses.
Roy notices that Jason is at least paying attention now.
“My father is a Green Lantern,” Jason, Roy, and Courtney all sputter, “Guy Gardner.”
Before he can stop himself, Jason quietly snickers, “One hitter quitter.”
Roy elbows him.
“What was that?” Zee spins in her seat to fix Jason with a fierce gaze.
“Nothing, just. Uh, wow. Your dad's a Green Lantern. That's. Wow,” Jason tries to cover.
“Like yourself, I'm adopted. But since he's a cape, as Milt put it, he thought I should know how to take care of myself in a fight.”
“Well you can tell Daddy Gee-elle that he did a hell of a job. That spin kick you pulled off was amazing,” Courtney adds.
“You're one to talk Courtney. You're pretty, um, dexterous in a fight too,” Jason said.
“Well unlike you all, I'm not adopted. But my birth dad is an dumbass. I mean crook. Well, really I mean both. My step-dad has had me in self defense classes since pretty much forever. And you're no slouch either Jason.”
“I grew up in South Gotham, and have made it to a ripe old age of fifteen. You pick things up.”
Jason can see Roy trying not to laugh.
“Whadda about you Maggie? Any hidden martial arts training we didn't get to see tonight?” Roy asks because honestly this whole conversation is hilarious.
“No more than any girl growing up in freakin' Gotham with parents who can rub two brain cells together. I have been vaccinated against Joker Venom three times though.”
“Also, she is fantastic backup,” Zee adds, “She got me that carafe at the perfect moment.”
“Well I hope we don't need stop any more diner robberies, but if we do it's be nice to have you guys with me. We make a pretty good team,” Roy says laughing.
“Yeah we do,” Jason agrees, “Thanks for coming out with me tonight. It was fun.”
“And on that note,” Courtney says, “We have arrived a chateau du Maggie.”
“I don't think that's remotely proper French, Courtney,” Zee responds.
“Shush. Go walk your girlfriend home and give her a big goodnight smooch so we can drop you off next.”
Maggie's house was a beautiful little brownstone with wrought iron trim around the front planters. It had, Roy thought, the perfect number of steps to the front door to make a goodnight kiss practically cinematic. And as that cinematic moment happened, the three in the car averted their eyes to give Maggie and Zee some privacy.
“I'm guessing you're staying with Jason tonight, right Roy? I'm not driving you to Star City.”
“Oh, yeah. I'm totally crashing with Jay. I'll head back tomorrow or Sunday.”
“So fancy. I wish I could zip back and forth between coasts to visit my boyfriend. Not that I have a boyfriend. But still. Whatever. You're lucky.”
Jason was speechless.
Roy just quietly mouthed the word, “Boyfriend.”
Roy thinks, he would absolutely jet back and forth across the country to see his boyfriend if it were Jason. Hell, he already does that, and they aren't even dating.
Jason realized that even though Maggie had gotten out of the car, they were still pressed together like she was there. As though they needed to be this close. Roy knew he could move right? He didn't have to stay this way. Jason didn't want him to move. He knew that soon enough this night would be over and things would go back to the way they were before. He hoped they would go back to the way they had been. He didn't want things to be weird with Roy. As much as Jason was crushing on him, he also really cared for Roy as a friend.
This had all seemed like such a good idea when he came up with it. Now people thought Roy was his boyfriend.
Jason thought he'd like that a lot more if it were true.
Zee climbed back in the car.
“And we're off,” Courtney said, in her ever sparkling manner, “It works out pretty well that Zee's place is about half-way between here and your place Jason.”
“After you drop us, I hope you don't have to go too much further to your place.”
“Nah, not terrible. It's a little bit towards the Academy from there. You guys will have to come over some time. My dad's a total techie so we have an amazing stereo system. We can share all our favorite music and watch movies.”
“I thought your dad was a criminal?”
“Eh. My bio dad is. My step-dad might as well be my real dad. Pat's more of a dad than Sam ever was. Even though when my mom remarried I didn't want to believe that. So, sometimes I forget and call Pat dad,” She paused, staring intently at the road and making sure to get the right exit, “There's some word salad of my family history. Sorry for the expo dump. Welcome to how my brain works.”
“Hey, no problem,” Jason says, “you got to hear my boring origin story earlier.”
“I feel like you maybe shared more than you wanted to because I was prying.”
“Nah, if Jay doesn't want to talk about something not even a herd of stampeding ayání would get him to open up.”
“Rude,” Jason says, bumping into Roy with his shoulder.
“True,” Roy says, starting to give Jason's thigh a squeeze before he realizes what he's doing.
“Well Roy, you've gotta come hang out with us again.” Zee says as Courtney pulls the car to a stop, “If for no other reason than I have to ask you why I feel like I know the word ayání. I just can't place where I know it from.”
Normally, Roy is fast talking and fast thinking. But hearing someone, someone likely more white than even he is, pronounce a Diné word properly after having only heard it once... That threw him for a loop. He just sat there and looked at Zee.
Jason saw his friend flounder and jumped to his aid, “Will do. We'll get together at Courtney's for pizza and music or something.”
Zee leaned over and gave Courtney a hug before opening the car door, “Have a good night. See you Monday Jason, Courtney.”
“By-eee.”
Roy was still dumbstruck.
After the door had closed, Jason waved his hand in front of Roy's face, “Earth to Roy. Anyone home?”
Roy gave a quick shake of his head like he was clearing away some thought, “Yeah, I'm good. Her pronunciation was just really damn good.”
“What does that word mean?” Courtney asked, pulling back out into traffic and heading in the general direction of Wayne Manor.
“Buffalo.”
“Ah, but like in one of the Indian languages.”
Jason could feel Roy tense up next to him.
“We're not Indians,” Roy managed to get out before taking a shaky breath in.
“I'm sorry. I didn't mean.”
“It's fine,” Roy was not in fact fine.
Jason put his hand on Roy's. Jason hoped it would come of as friendly and not overtly romantic. He leaned in close so that only Roy could hear him, “Take a deep breath and tell me how I can help.”
“I don't know. I'm too tired to explain anything tactfully. And I don't feel like I should have to,” Roy whispered back through gritted teeth.
“I've got you,” Jason said to Roy as quietly as he could, and then to Courtney, “It means buffalo in the Diné language, or what most non-natives know as Navajo. Indian isn't really a good. Eh. Just maybe don't use that as a catch-all.”
“Oh. I'm-”
Roy cut her off, “You don't have to apologize, I'd just rather not get into it right now if that's cool. Maybe next time? Like while Zee's grilling me about words apparently.”
“Sure.”
Jason thought this might be the most subdued he'd ever seen Courtney. He'd be sure to explain on Monday that Roy wasn't mad at her exactly, and try and explain the no apology thing too. That one was still hard for Jason sometimes.
“It's probably better if we don't get into it right now anyways. I know vaguely where you live Jason,” She said gesturing wildly with her left hand, “But other than over there-ish, I'm lost. You'll have to be my navigator.”
“Can do,” He leaned forward and towards the center of the car, almost draping himself across Roy's lap to do it.
He looked back over his shoulder at Roy and smiled, hoping to get one in return. It paid off when he made eye contact with Roy, who dropped his head to the side smiling and ran his hand through his hair like he had done at dinner. That shouldn't be nearly so attractive, Jason thought.
Turning his focus back to the front, he said, “Okay, two more intersections and then you'll take a right. Then you'll just follow that road until it starts going uphill.”
Roy really wanted to skim his fingers over Jason's back. Just soft comforting touches as Jason was lounging across his lap. He was also trying desperately not to think about the fact that Jason was draped across his lap like this. Not after those kisses they had shared, or the almost constant touch of Jason's hand in his throughout the night.
Damnit Harper, focus.
That was the problem though. Jason was right there and Roy was focused on him.
Focus on something else, Harper.
Like the fact that Zee had busted a heavy glass bottle over a dude's head without killing him. Or that Zee's adopted dad is a Green Freaking Lantern. Or that Jason's plan of making it so a girl could slow dance with her girlfriend at prom had worked. Or that he had gotten to dance with Jason at that prom. That Jason had kissed him.
Damnit Harper.
Apparenty, Roy had zoned out completely because they were pulling up to the Wayne Manor gates as Roy was trying to focus on anything but Jason again.
“Thanks so much for hanging out with us tonight Jason. You too Roy. It was awesome to meet you and I can't wait to get together again,” She paused, “And if neither Maggie or Zee say it, thanks for making it so they could have tonight, even if it wasn't officially official.”
“I'm glad we could help. And next year we'll make it so there isn't a fight at the door.”
“I am all for this plan.”
“Drive safe Courtney. I had fun,” Roy said, immediately beginning to yawn.
“Go sleep you two,” Then she laughed, “Like actual sleep not like sleeping sleep.”
Jason and Roy waved and headed up towards the house as Courtney drove off.
“Not like sleeping sleep?” Roy looked at Jason, one eyebrow trying to escape into his hairline.
“I think she was telling us not to have sex.”
Roy choked and tripped on one of the steps up to the house, “Oh. Yep. That's probably what she meant. Uh.”
“I think Bruce would kill both of us.”
Roy laughed, “Yep. He would absolutely kill me.”
Jason flushed at that and was glad none of the big lights were on in the manor. Everything was pretty well shadowed. He was sure he was reading way too much into that statement. As they headed upstairs towards Jason's bedroom and the guestroom next door that Roy was staying in, Jason stopped.
“Roy.”
“Yeah Jaybird.”
“Thank you for tonight.”
“No problem.”
“I mean it. Sure, you agreeing to be my date literally made this happen. But having you at my side. That meant a lot. I’m glad it was you with me tonight.”
“And it was pretty fun too.”
“Yeah, it was fun.”
“Jaybird.”
“Yeah Roy.”
As the words formed in Roy's mouth he began to reach out for Jason's hand. Maybe he should just go for it.
“Ah good evening sirs. I'm glad you've made it home safely. Do you need anything before you turn in for the night?”
Roy jumped. For an old guy, Alfred was ridiculously sneaky.
“Thanks Alfred. I think we're good. Just about to head into our rooms,” Jason didn't seem startled by the suddenly appearing butler.
“Indeed sirs. Sleep well,” Alfred said as he disappeared the way he had come.
“Sorry he spooked you.”
“He didn't spook me, he just surprised me, that's all.”
Jason reached out and gave Roy's arm a squeeze as they headed up to their rooms.
“See you at breakfast?”
“Yeah. Sleep well Jaybird.”
“You too Harper.”
As Jason was closing his bedroom door he thought he heard Roy say, 'Dream good dreams'. And Jason was pretty sure he would. But what was he going to do with those tomorrow?
Roy was opening the guestroom door as he saw Jason slipping away into his bedroom, “Dream good dreams Jaybird,” Roy said quietly. He shut the door behind himself and tossed himself on the bed. He suspected his own dreams were going to be a mess. He should probably come up with a plan, or maybe make some sort of decision at least. He could still tell Jason how he felt. But it might ruin everything. Uggh. That was a problem for future Roy. Right now Roy needed some sleep.
He got undressed and carefully laid his suit out over one of the chairs. He was happy to find that the boutonniere was still in one piece, gingerly he unpinned it and set it on the desk. He grabbed his sweatpants from his overnight bag and pulled them on. Sleeping in his boxers in Wayne Manor made him irrationally uncomfortable. Crawling under the covers he heard Jason's shower kick on.
Fuck.
That was not going to help him sleep. He closed his eyes and pretended to sleep until he finally drifted off. The thought of Jason's lips pressed to his as they stood under the water of a shower together the last thing filtering through his mind.
Jason was unknowingly mirroring Roy's movements in his own room. He took his suit off, and checked it for damage before draping it over the back of his chair. He carefully removed the boutonniere and set it on the desk, wondering if it would be super weird to try to keep it. He pulled a pair of sleep pants from his dresser and he should just climb into bed. But he wasn't going to be able to sleep yet. A shower would help. Wash off the day so he could start fresh tomorrow. That's what he was telling himself. Not that a shower would let him dwell on those kisses. Or Roy's arms. Or that crooked smile of his.
Damnit.
Yep. He needed a shower or he was never going to get to sleep.
He took his time, scrubbing out his hair, getting the fight out from under his nails, and then just let himself collapse back into the wall as he played out the whole evening in his head again. The water running over him, keeping him warm and letting him imagine the night ending here, but with them together. Hands on each other, mouths on each other. Feeling the uptick in Roy's smile under Jason's lips as they kiss.
He let his mind wander until he was shaking into his hand. Jason was glad to already be in the shower. A quick clean up and he was grabbing his sleep pants. His mind was clear, and his body exhausted. Now he could sleep.
And he did.