Chapter Text
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Jason was your first everything, like you were his.
You met as first years at Gotham Academy, a preppy boarding school with a bit of a creepy history. The two of you started in the same friend group. People cycled in and out of your circle, but you two were practically joined at the hip as friends for a year.
By sophomore year, Jason asked you out to Winter Formal. That night, you confessed to each other and started dating.
Now, it’s junior year- you’re both sixteen, which means prom is just around the corner! Though you won’t be able to run as queen just yet, as a junior, you could run for prom princess.
Though you both were academic weapons, consistently alternating as the top two in class, you were popular, and valued your extracurriculars differently.
Your goal was to attend a top university and become a lawyer. You had your eyes set on working with property damage, as your family owned a business that was affected by the frequent villain activity in Gotham City. Although it happens out of necessity, as Batman’s trying to protect people, the fallout in the city affects people in the rougher corners of Gotham trying to run their businesses and make a living. Your family was lucky enough to have a decent lawyer at the time, Dent, who also wound up becoming part of the problem.
Jason was different. His grades were good, he was involved with the baseball team, and got along fairly well with people; Jason just didn’t embrace the spotlight, not quite like you did. Although his adoptive father is loaded, Jason had a rough upbringing before his adoption. There was a point in time when high school, let alone private high school, wasn’t even an option for his future. So he was simple and enjoyed pleasures like English class and baseball practice quietly.
Though Jason didn’t care much for the stuff revolving around prom, Jason was extremely supportive of you. Generally, having him and his family around was great– not only because they were rich, but because they were good people who cared for you as their own.
So here you were, slaving away at posters on a Saturday night in one of the kitchens in Wayne Manor. You were already a part of so many clubs and opportunities on campus, having even begun an annual charity drive that continues to raise thousands (your boyfriend’s dad’s generous private donations don’t count). Having something like prom for college apps doesn’t help tremendously, but it adds a cherry on top.
“Hey, [Name], ready for prom?” Jason’s older brother, Dick, asks, passing through the kitchen to grab a soda.
“Nah, not quite yet,” you admit, shaking the last bit of glitter out of the bottle in your hand. “I still got a couple of weeks, though, so I need to lock in for my campaign. I think I’m gonna do a charity bake sale or something like that.”
“Look at you go,” Dick smiles proudly, leaning against the kitchen counter and drinking his soda. “You’re always on it. Just don’t be too on it, okay? Do you even have a dress yet?”
“Of course I’ve got a dress, Grayson,” you roll your eyes playfully. “I just need to take it in for tailoring.”
“Why don’t you just ask Alfie?” Jason enters the room with takeout, stopping by you to give a quick smooch on your head. “Hi, babe.”
“Hi, babee,” Dick mocks his little brother, earning a death glare.
You laugh and reply, “I’m not asking Alfie to do more. Lord knows he does everything around here. Plus, you know I don’t love asking for favors.”
“Oh, please,” Jason retorts. “It’s not a favor if you’re family.”
“I gotta run,” Dick tosses his soda can and gathers his things. “See you, lovebirds! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
“Your brother’s a goof,” you muse, putting your things away for a moment so you and Jason can eat.
“He needs to shut up,” Jason huffs, a small pout on his lips.
“Aww, big baby Jay is embarrassed,” you coo, gently pinching his cheek.
“Don’t baby me,” he says flatly, but not pushing you away as he reaches for the food in the bag. “Got you Cane’s by the way.”
“You really know the way to a girl’s heart, Todd,” you grin cheekily, reaching for your box combo.
“The posters look great, by the way. Love the glitter,” He smiles, admiring your work. “You’re gonna kill it.”
“Thanks, Jay,” you smile. “How about you? How was practice?”
“Can’t complain,” Jason shrugs, opening his box. “It was pretty chill today. Just running drills and such.”
“Oh!” you perk up, getting up to grab the kitchen remote. “Wanna watch YouTube while we eat?”
“Sure,” Jason nods. “Or we can continue Glee.” You’d been making your way through shows you enjoyed that he didn’t watch. You just started the show as a joke, but Jason surprisingly enjoys it.
“Oh, that’s a good idea!”
But as you switch the TV on, as it seems to do with all the TVs in the manor, the news comes on right away. Something about a robbery in Gotham. Typical.
Jason immediately stands up. “I’m so sorry, but I gotta run.” He wolfs down the one chicken tender that he was able to put sauce on.
He gets his things ready, planting a kiss on your cheek. “Don’t hold up for me if I’m out too long. Have Alfie drive you home, but feel free to stay if your folks are cool with it tonight. I got you craft stuff in that Michael’s bag on top of the fridge.”
“Copy that,” you fake a smile. “See ya later, Jay!”
“See ya! Love you!”
“Love you too.” Typical.
It’s always been like this with him. Normally, you didn’t mind. There was always something off about him. He would leave at the most random times, and somehow it was always when danger was within a 5-10 mile radius. As freshmen, you used to give him shit for it, lovingly, of course. Now that you’ve been at the manor and got to know his family a little better, you realize they’re all like that.
To be honest, you could pry if you wanted to. For the sake of self-indulgence, you had nosy tendencies. But when it came to Jason, you respected his privacy. For the sake of self-preservation, you had the feeling that it would be better if you didn’t know anything. So for the past few years, you’d played dumb and acted like it was normal.
However, as of late, it’s been getting to you. Call it curiosity, but it’s been happening more frequently. And he’s been a bit sloppy with hiding his intentions, just as you’d seen right now. You racked your brain before, trying to figure out why on earth he does this.
But tonight, you were just a kid, disappointed your boyfriend didn’t get to hang out with you for longer.
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Two weeks pass in a blur, and Jason’s escapades have been starting to get to him lately.
His usual cheery facade had been fading. You didn’t tell him, but you knew he failed his calc quiz on Wednesday. And you knew he hadn’t been sleeping lately; anyone could see that.
The Thursday before prom, you confronted him. “Are you okay, Jason?” You frown at Jason as he downs another Celsius.
“Couldn’t be better,” Jason grunts, sitting far from you, looking at the TV. You sit in silence for the duration of whatever 90’s sitcom is playing, as you complete your homework, shrugging it off at first. Once you close your laptop and place it on the coffee table beside you, another glance at your boyfriend tugs at your heartstrings.
“Jay,” you say softly, trying to tread carefully, “did I do something wrong?”
He immediately refuses, “No, no, it’s not you, I promise it isn’t.”
“Is it something else?” you ask. “Someone else?”
“Baby, no.” Jason breaks his stony expression, scooting closer to you, grabbing your hand. “Why would you ever think that?”
“Jason, you’re always on the run,” you say to him for the first time. “I feel like you don’t want to spend time with me anymore.”
He says your name, realizing what he’s been doing must look like to you. “I’m so sorry– I had no idea. Bruce he.. He’s been telling me to prepare for the future and stuff. I’m gonna inherit part of Wayne enterprises, maybe even the whole thing, ‘cause Dick’s been telling me that he doesn’t want his half. Bruce wants me to start training.. To be CEO, of course. Down the line. Yeah.” He pauses, catching your concerned expression after bringing up the company. “Bruce’s okay, you know how he is. Always one step ahead.”
“That’s great, Jason!” you smile, genuinely happy. “I’m actually really excited for you. I feel bad that I’m the only one ever talking about the future.”
“Don’t ever feel bad for that,” Jason replies, throwing an arm around you, relaxing on the couch. “You know I love to hear it. Just think– me, CEO of Wayne Enterprises, with my hot lawyer wife who cares about people.”
“Dude,” you laugh incredulously. “Isn’t it a bit too early for that?”
“Nah,” Jason says, unbothered. “It’s never too early if it’s you.”
You know he’s just talking, and you roll your eyes. But in your heart of hearts, you feel the same way.
"While I'm proud of you," you start. "You need to get some rest. What's good being a CEO if the job's gonna run you to the ground?"
"I know," Jason replies, feeling guilty. You gesture for him to lie on your lap, brushing your hands through his wavy black hair. "I just want you to be okay. And stop drinking that crap. It's bad for you."
You lean down, placing a firm kiss on his forehead, earning a smile. You study the features on his face, memorizing the crinkles around his eyes, the curve of his smile, the dimple that appears among a sprinkle of freckles. You then place a soft kiss on his lips, holding him gently, holding him like he means the world, because to you, he is the world.
"Yes, ma'am," Jason hums, snuggling against you, basking in the feeling of your fingers massaging his scalp. "Anything for my princess."
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It’s finally prom, and you’re at the hotel near the venue, the whole room abuzz. You were able to bring your girlfriends, a few from pretty much each club you’re in, and their boyfriends, one of them being Jason’s baseball teammate.
And of course, Jason is there. Handsome as ever.
You’re wearing a shimmering periwinkle dress that hugs your curves perfectly, your hair in long, flawless curls. As soon as you step out of the bathroom you’re getting dressed in, your friends all gas you up. Music is blaring from someone’s speaker as the girls put on their makeup, while the boys wait in the living room of the suite, taking shots. Everyone’s taking pictures, making TikToks, the works.
Jason is completely taken aback when you step out along with your girlfriends. “You’re gonna drive me crazy,” he says, as a friend snaps pictures of the two of you putting your corsages on each other with her digital camera.
You and your friends wind up taking a couple of shots before exiting to the lobby to await the limo.
“Jay, I’m so excited,” you say, a big grin plastered on your face.
“I’m excited for you, too, sweetheart,” he smiles, kissing your hand. “Tonight’s gonna be a ton of fun. Regardless of whether you win, you’re always my princess.” This makes you beam.
As you take a picture of you holding hands, the white rose on your wrist, and freshly done nails on display, Jason gets an alert from his watch. A message from Bruce. Your stomach drops, and you look at Jason.
He’s never looked so sad, so guilty, trying to speak, “I– “
“Just go,” you drop his hand. “It’s not like you need to be here. I’m the one running for court.”
He looks at you, offended. “[Name], you know that’s not fair,” Jason says a little too loudly, your friends immediately turning to you.
“You want to know what isn’t fair, Jason?” You match his energy, turning red. “What’s not fair is you lying to me.” This earns quiet gasps and mutterings among your friends.
“I’m not lying,” he says defensively, ignoring them. “I told you, it’s Wayne stuff.”
“Uh-huh. Sure.” You don’t even want to look at him. “Just leave, Jason.”
He takes a step back, looking back and forth between you and your friends, who are all now looking at him accusingly. “Whatever. I don’t have time for this.”
And before Alfred pulls up in the limo, he’s gone.
Your friends console you as you enter the limo. “What’s up with him?,” the girl who’s with Jason’s teammate inquires.
“I don’t even know,” he shrugs. “He’s been kind of weird lately.”
“What’s he talking about, ‘Wayne stuff’?” someone else asks.
“Family business,” you say shortly. Alfred looks at you from the rearview mirror, and you exchange a knowing look that Jason’s off doing whatever Jason does. His gaze back is comforting.
“Point is, you’re here, you’re hot, and you’re gonna be princess,” your best friend sitting next to you grabs your shoulder reassuringly. “Forget Todd. I’m gonna kill him later.”
“Thanks,” you take your friend’s hand, grateful for her. “You’re the best.”
And the rest of the night goes well, truth be told. You feel Jason’s absence, but with a couple of extra shots, your party-going friend managed to sneak in God knows how, you wind up forgetting about him and having fun. And, sure, you win prom princess. Your popularity has dubbed you “The People’s Princess,” a reference to your love for Princess Diana, and a testament to the fact that your popularity comes from the fact that you’re kind to everyone.
You go to In-N-Out afterwards, snap a couple of pictures there for your socials, and head back to the hotel for the afterparty, with more of your friends joining you at your suite. More drinks. More pictures.
You blacked out.
The next morning, nothing bad happens. You apparently threw up last night, but you don’t remember. You have a tiny headache at first, but you drink a probiotic and you’re okay. Thank goodness your friends took care of you.
You pour yourself some orange juice, going through last night’s photos on your friends’ shared album, laughing to yourself.
Jason should’ve been there. A nag at the back of your head. Annoying.
Then a notification from Twitter.
BREAKING NEWS: Robin Found Dead at Abandoned Warehouse. Authorities are Investigating.
Holy shit.
One of the guys stumbles out of the bathroom, having slept in the bathtub. He’s the only other person awake and finds you on the balcony. “[Name], did you see this shit?” An Instagram post with the same headline. Some quote from Batman in the bio.
You’d always had a soft spot for the Robins. This is the second one, as far as you’re concerned. It struck a chord to you that he’s just a kid, no older than you. A superhero dying, that’ll always be a big deal. But this is the first sidekick you’ve known about to ever die on the job.
As everyone prepares to go home, it’s all everyone talks about.
Even when you get home to your parents, it’s all they talk about.
The first time you talk about anything else all day is when you get a call from Alfred.
“Hey, Alf,” you say on the phone. “Thanks again for last night.”
“My pleasure, Miss [Last Name],” Alfred replies, his tone sad. “Is this a bad time to speak?”
“No, not at all,”
“I think you should come to the manor. We have something important to discuss.”
You drive to the manor, the June gloom already settling in. You ring the doorbell, and Alfred lets you in, eyes red.
“Oh God, Alf,” you gasp, taken aback. “Are you- is everything okay?”
“Miss, I think you’d like to sit down for this,” Alfred gestures for you inside.
A cup of Earl Grey with oat milk is already ready for you. Thoughtful as always.
Bruce Wayne is sitting at the table, and he looks like shit. A dark red robe is donned over dark blue pajamas, his hair in a mess. His eyebags, usually covered with concealer, are not only there to see, but are so prominent. He’d evidently been crying too.
“Miss [Last Name],” Alfred says plainly, sitting next to you two. “Master Jason is gone.”
Your face goes white.
You look between Alfred and Bruce, silently searching for answers.
Bruce doesn’t answer. He hasn’t even acknowledged you yet. Alfred looks at him expectantly, then walks off.
“Accident,” Bruce says, voice low, trying not to crack. “The damn motorbike. I never should’ve gotten it for him. It’s not safe. Too dangerous,” he says mostly to himself.
You hate to see Bruce like this. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Wayne,” you manage, tears of your own forming. “I.. I should go.”
“No,” he says, “I just want to let you know.. We’re here for you.”
“Mr. Wayne, don’t worry about me,” you immediately wave him off. “He’s your son, I’m just his girlfriend.”
“Yes, but you’re our family now too,” Bruce emphasizes. “And for the last three years of our lives.. Of Jason’s life.” He pauses, the wording stabbing a wound in his heart. “You made it better. He deals with a lot. It took him a while to open up. He had a rough childhood, and there was only so much I could do to make his life better, to try. I was worried, sending him to school, but then he met you and.. And I wasn’t worried anymore. You took him in when he was away from home. And he was so happy with you.”
You’re both openly crying now, and you take Bruce’s hand.
“I feel awful too,” you admit, holding Bruce’s hand. “I- we fought. That was the last conversation I ever had with him. It was bad.”
Bruce looks at you, sadness still in his eyes, but also a sympathy. “We did too. I don’t feel great about it either.”
You sit in silence for a moment, taking a sip of the lukewarm tea. You thank Alfred.
“I want you to feel welcome to keep coming by,” Bruce says. “Just because he’s gone, that doesn’t mean you’re not family anymore. And consider college taken care of.”
Your eyes widen, “But Mr. Wayne– “
“Do it for Jason.”
And so you do. You spend the rest of your life doing everything for Jason. You hang up pictures of him, and you attend his funeral, sitting between Bruce and Dick, who’s heartbroken about his baby brother.
You keep going to school. Your grades dip for a moment, costing you your position as valedictorian, but maintaining your position as salutatorian.
Bruce makes good on his promise to you, paying for all of your college applications. You create a charity in Jason’s name, with Bruce’s help, to financially support social programming for children living in poverty in Gotham.
You visit his gravesite every chance you can, talking to him just as you did before. You'd bring fast food, buy his typical order, and ramble about your day, what show you're watching, and how school's going. You'd tell Jason thanks for helping the baseball team win in spirit. Dick would join you the most, and even brought Barbara by on occasion.
You arrange a seat for Jason at graduation, an empty cap and gown sitting underneath his last school picture. He had a dopey smile that you missed so dearly. You made regalia for him, gorgeous red leis, even decorating his graduation cap to include a quote from a book he loved.
Along with your parents, Bruce, Alfred, and Dick are all in attendance. They announce an annual scholarship in Jason’s name, emphasizing his love for academics and his competitive spirit. You mention him in your speech. You get pictures with him.
"You were supposed to beat me, Todd," you say, placing the regalia down at his gravesite. "I fumbled in AP Lit. That would've been an easy A for you."
To everyone else, Jason is gone. But to you, he’s everywhere. Every time you read a book you like, every time you underline quotes that intrigue you. Every time you eat fast food at an ungodly hour. Every time you watch Glee.
Every time you see a couple on a motorbike, it reminds you of him, not because that’s how he died, but because you remember he took you on your first bike ride to a lookout for your first kiss.
Jason never leaves you. In more ways than one.
˚ ✦ . . ˚ . . ✦ ˚ . ★⋆. ࿐࿔
. ˚ * ✦ . . ✦ ˚ ˚ .˚ ✦ . . ˚ . ੈ✧̣̇˳·˖✶