The next afternoon, Jason wakes up to the chime of an incoming text message on his phone. He'd slept like shit, even after being out all night and putting the fear of the Red Hood in to the scum of Crime Alley. He blinks slowly in the semidarkness and rolls over to grab the phone off his nightstand. It's rare someone calls him, let alone texts him. The phone is mostly used for word games and Sudoku.
It's Francesca. They'd exchanged phone numbers the evening before. It doesn't surprise him that she's the first to reach out. Typical teenage girl.
Frankie: Hola! It's after 3, but I'm not sure if you're awake yet?
It's after three? Jason rolls back over and stretches. Okay, maybe I got more sleep than I thought. He gets up, goes to the bathroom, and heads to his small kitchen to start a cup of tea before he replies.
Jason: Pretty safe time to assume I'll be awake by.
Her reply is almost instant but Jason ignores the phone in favor of his kettle and preparing his tea. He reads the reply as he settles onto his sofa, warm mug cradled carefully in his hand.
Frankie: Are you going to the library this afternoon?
He smirks as he types out his reply.
Jason: Yeah, eventually. Need to do some shit first. You?
Again, the reply is lightning fast and Jason chuckles. "Teenage girls and their cell phones. What the fuck am I doing again?" he mutters.
Frankie: I practically live there after school. My brothers won't let me work, so this or volunteer at the clinic.
He's impressed by the fact she texts in full sentences. Last time Dick got a hold of his phone number, all he'd gotten were emojis and abbreviated words. The smiling pile of shit emoji became Jason's favorite response to everything the first Robin would send him.
Jason: You do. Girl with a goal, right?
The reply takes a little longer this time. Jason's halfway done with the daily Sudoku puzzle app he downloaded long ago when he sees it come in. He pointedly finishes the puzzle before he reads it.
Frankie: Yeah, but studying is boring if that's all you do. Gotta mix it up a bit!
If that's not a fucking hint, I don't know what is. Jesus Christ, the Replacement is going to laugh his ass off when he finds out about this. Muttering under his breath, Jason types out his reply.
Jason: And just what does an over-achieving high school girl with big dreams and very strange taste in friends do for fun?
This time, he waits, knowing the reply won't take long in coming. Francesca doesn't disappoint.
Frankie: I don't know. It's been a few years since I've really hung out with anyone. I doubt hanging out at the mall is your thing (and it's not mine).
The answer surprises him, but at the same time, it doesn't. Its kind of reassuring that here's someone who is almost as socially inept as he is, just for different reasons.
Jason: There's a coffee shop just down the street from the library on Dixon St. It's not complete shit. My treat. Two hours.
Jason sets down his phone and finishes his tea. It beeps twice at him and he glances over to see the Ok! and See you soon! on the screen before he gets up to take a shower. He took one before falling into bed earlier this morning, but a second one wakes him up more. Makes him feel normal.
He makes a sandwich and sits at his makeshift kitchen table, cleaning his equipment. It's a routine, one that he enjoys as he takes apart his guns and inspects each piece, oiling and polishing as needed. He moves on to his knives, then his grapple gun, and finally his armor. Taking care of what's his is something he's always done; knowing he can fix or repair his gear on his own is a point of pride. He doesn't have Alfred to mend tears in his uniform. He doesn't have access to the Batcave for all the latest goodies.
No, Jason's on his own and that's the way he likes it. Doesn't mean I won't accept the occasional care package from Talia. If it keeps me from having to raid one of the Bat's safehouses for gear, then so be it. Still…I can't help but wonder, if the ID Babs is making me is legit enough I could get a passport with it, then that means I could get a real job.
Jason frowns as something else occurs to him. What would that mean for the Red Hood then? I'm comfortable enough with my drug lord money from when I first came back to Gotham, not to mention the cash Talia gave me before I got established. I don't have to work if I don't want to and I'm careful enough with my money. But a real job…fuck what would I even do?
His thoughts chase around in his head, disturbing the calm of his carefully established routine.
Glancing at his phone, Jason gets up from the table and washes his hands, rinsing off the gun oil in the sink. It's almost time for him to go. He gets dressed. It's just cold enough in the weak December sunlight that he debates putting on a pair of thermals under his worn jeans and decides against it. The bike'll keep me warm enough. Grabbing his backpack, he heads out the door.
The drive is easy enough even in the late afternoon traffic. He finds a parking spot between the coffee shop and the library and goes the rest of the way on foot. It's not a long walk and one he often makes before he heads to the library to study as the shop has a good tea selection.
Jason enters the coffee shop and stops short just inside the doorway. At a small table tucked into a corner facing the door are Barbara and Tim. His eyes widen in surprise and to their credit, theirs do as well, though it's hard to tell with Tim as he's wearing a pair of glasses. What the hell?
"The fuck are the two of you doing here?" Jason asks aggressively as he stomps up to the table, his heavy boots thudding on the cheap wood veneer. "Are you stalking me now?"
Tim stands up quickly but Barbara speaks up first. "No, now settle down. I have your ID."
If there's one person who's always been able to take the wind out of Jason's sails, it's Barbara as he deflates almost instantly. "Gimme a minute," he says almost petulantly and walks over to the nervous looking barista to place his order. He waits at the counter rather than sitting down. Glancing at the clock behind the counter, Jason sees he still has about ten minutes before Francesca arrives. Assuming she's on time rather than early. Fuck. The last thing I need are these two ragging on me.
He accepts his tea from the still nervous looking barista and walks over to the small table Barbara and Tim are sitting at. The Replacement pushes out a chair with his foot for Jason and smiles warily. His overly long hair is pulled back in a messy looking ponytail. More than usual, he looks like a typical college student.
"Okay. I'm settled," Jason grumbles as he takes off his jacket and takes a seat. He's not happy that his back is to the door, but the other two have the better seats already. "So what shit are you talkin' about behind my back?"
Barbara gives him a sharp smile. "There's no need to be grumpy, Jason. If I wanted to talk shit about you, I'll do it to your face."
Touche. "Fine, then why is he here?" He jabs a finger in Tim's direction.
"Catching up," the Replacement says blithely. "As hard as it may be to believe, we were actually talking about one of my classes. You're not the only one studying right now."
Okay, that's news to me. "Dare I ask what?"
"Business. It sucks. Big time." Tim makes a face that looks so put out that Jason can't help but start snickering. Tim's tone changes as he continues, getting sharper. "But I have plans and one of those ultimately involves putting the demon in check."
That's something Jason can get behind and he raises his cup in salute. "That I fully approve of. If I can help in anyway, let me know." The offer surprises him for a second before he realizes he means it. Shit. The little bird is growing on me.
It surprises Tim too if his expression is anything to go by. "I'll keep that in mind," he replies carefully.
Barbara sits there and smiles, hands wrapped around her coffee mug. "Now that we're all friends again, Jason, would you pick up that bag for me?" She gestures at a messenger bag resting on the floor beside her wheelchair.
He raises an eyebrow, but does as he's told and hands it to her.
Opening it up, Babs takes out a file folder. "I need you to read over these and sign or initial where I've marked. You can get them back to me later tonight."
Jason accepts the folder and opens it. The first thing he sees is a summary of the new "life" Barbara has created for him. "Jason Todd Peterson." He gives her a look of his own. "That's not very original."
"But it's something you'll answer to." She grins back at him while Tim takes the opportunity to laugh, not even pretending to hide his grin.
"You, shut up." Jason points at Tim again and returns his attention to the folder. It's all here. Everything that he'll need for a new life. The only things missing are a driver's license and a Social Security card, but he knows that as soon as he gets everything signed and brings it back to the redhead sitting across from him, he'll have that too.
It's suddenly overwhelming and Jason slumps in his chair as he looks over at Babs. Shit, this had to be a ton of work. I know this isn't easy and she's not one to do things by halves. "Thank you, Barbara," he says, voice heavy with suppressed emotion.
"You're welcome, Jay. Just do me proud, okay?" She reaches across the table and Jason automatically grabs the hand being offered and gives it a firm squeeze.
"I will," he nods firmly.
Tim smiles beatifically and looks proud. "Now that this is all straightened out, why don't you go get your little girlfriend and bring her in here? She just walked in, saw us, and turned tail and headed right back out the door." His smile sharpens as he teases Jason.
"Fuck," Jason swears and shoots Tim a glare as he stands up. "I told you, she is not my girlfriend. We are trying to be friends."
Barbara starts laughing, hard. "Oh, I gotta see this. Go get her, Jason. I promise we won't scare her away."
Muttering darkly, Jason heads out the door.
Francesca is sitting at one of the outdoor tables with her back pointedly towards the coffee shop. Jason loudly pulls out one of the wrought iron chairs and takes a seat, startling the young woman as she looks up from where she's madly texting on her phone.
"I'm sorry!" she squeaks, eyes wide in surprise. "I saw you, then I saw them and I figured you wouldn't want me interrupting, so I came out here to wait." She's talking fast, making her slight accent stronger.
Jason waves a hand tiredly. "Yeah, sorry about them. They were here before me, having their own little chat before they were gonna waylay me at the library."
"I see," Francesca says, calming down quickly. "If things have changed, I can just go there instead. I brought my bag." She gestures to the backpack on the ground next to her.
Shaking his head, Jason replies. "No, you're fine. The assholes want to meet you."
Her eyes widen. "Me? But why?"
"Hell if I know." Jason shakes his head. "It's up to you. They're not actually bad people, but don't you dare tell them I said that. I have a reputation to maintain."
Francesca laughs. "For what it's worth, my loyalty is to you. My lips are sealed."
Jason eyes her full lips for a moment, finally noticing she's wearing some makeup if the color he sees is any indication. Shit. I am NOT giving her ideas. Or hope. Or any of that crap. "Lookin' a bit dolled up there, Frankie," he comments idly. "Got a hot date after this?"
She gives him an indignant look. "Of course not. I already told you my plans. Those are not changing, even if you try charming the pants off me." Francesca gives him another of her saucy smiles. "You're welcome to try, but I already know you're an asshole. I've dated enough of those already."
He can't help it, he laughs. Loud and long and full. This is the spunky girl I rescued. Nice to see she's still in there. "Then why the makeup?"
"I'm allowed to act like a teenage girl when I want to. Just because you're an asshole doesn't mean I don't think you're handsome," she retorts with another flirty grin.
"Be still my beating heart," Jason says dramatically, laying a hand over his chest. "C'mon, lets get this over with." He stands up, pushing back the chair with a loud clang and bends over to pick up Francesca's backpack.
"I can carry that," the young woman protests as she gets up.
"I know you can, but someone did try to instill some manners in me when I was younger. They occasionally come out and make an appearance."
Rather than taking his new friend right into the lion's den, Jason leads her up to the counter and tells her to order whatever she wants. The drink surprises him; rather than being girly and super sweet, she orders a mocha with a dash of cinnamon. Her mug is soon in hand and Jason can't stall anymore. Well, he can, but he left some rather important paperwork on the table that he'd rather not leave behind.
He makes sure his scowl is firmly in place as they walk over, but Tim, the little fucker, ignores him as he stands up and holds out his hand to Francesca. "Hi," he says smoothly. "I'm Tim."
Jason's momentarily floored that the Replacement is using his real first name. What is his game?
"Francesca." The young woman juggles her mug for a moment before taking Tim's hand and giving it a firm shake. "It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise." Tim gestures to the redhead next to him. "And this is Barbara."
First names, but not going into anything extra, Jason notices as he sits down and pulls out the extra chair, setting Francesca's bag down next to it. He ignores the polite conversation around him as he picks up his folder to tuck it away into his bag. Sitting back to watch the show, he takes a sip of his tea. I am not having anything to do with this. They want to talk to Frankie, that's on them.
Talk they do, with Babs and Tim asking probing questions to draw Francesca out while offering very little of their own in return. It's to be expected, covering their asses as they are. They know the young woman knows he's the Red Hood, so it's a pretty safe assumption that anyone he associates with has a connection to that part of his life too. It's the main reason why I think this whole friend thing is a bad idea. I'm nothing but trouble.
Tim suddenly lets out a genuine laugh and Jason focuses back on the conversation.
"…taking four classes at GU right now. With everything else I have going on, it's hard enough to juggle things just to make sure I show up to class on time, let alone get my homework in. A six class load seems a bit heavy to start."
"It is," Francesca agrees. "But I've been studying so hard already, I think I can keep it up. Besides, I would graduate a semester early if I can; if I can get summer classes in, then maybe even a year. Then I can find a job and make my brothers proud."
"I'm sure they're already proud of you, Francesca," Barbara comments, her hands loosely wrapped around her mug again. "What you've already managed to accomplish is incredible. When do you take your SATs?"
"Next week. I should have the scores back by January."
Tim shakes his head ruefully. "I almost wish I had taken them. Perhaps I could have opted out of some of the idiot classes I got stuck in last year."
The discussion winds up quickly when Barbara looks at her watch and her eyes widen at the time. "I hate to cut this short, but I've got to go. Dinah's in town and we've got dinner plans," she explains to Tim and Jason. Her sharp blue gaze lands back on Francesca. "It was very nice to meet you. I'm glad to see Jason's learning how to make friends."
"Hey!" Jason protests. "I know how to make friends!"
"Dogs and cats don't count, Jaybird." Babs flashes him a bright smile, knowing she's got the last word in as she wheels away.
Jason glares balefully at the retreating figure before turning his attention back to the table. "I'd say I was the bigger man here. I didn't bring up Dickieboy at all," he says to Tim.
"He's still chasing after her," Tim replies. "I think he's finally wearing her down."
Jason can't help the loud snort of disbelief he makes. "More like she's finally getting him trained on how not to be an idiot."
Francesca starts laughing at the two of them. Two pairs of surprised blue eyes meet her dark brown ones. "I don't know the whole story here and I don't need to, but Barbara seems like the kind of woman who knows what she wants. If she wants this guy, then she'll have him. End of story."
Tim pulls out his phone. "Can you say that again so I can record it? I'd love to throw this in Dick's face next time he starts going on about Babs giving him the runaround."
"Shit, Replacement, don't you have enough crap on him already?" Jason shakes his head in amusement. If there's been one thing he's learned about his replacement these last few weeks studying together, it's that Tim likes to know everything about everyone. Whether he uses it for good or for evil, he hasn't decided, but Tim seems like he's not above using it for his own purposes when the need suits him.
"Not with him. You forget, he saw me through some of my best times, as well as some of my worst." Tim makes a wry face. "There was this one time when I was just starting out as…" he stops abruptly, apparently remembering they have an audience.
To her credit, Francesca simply shrugs. "Sorry," she apologizes. "I can go if you guys want to talk about stuff I don't need know."
"Frankie, there's a ton of shit you don't need to know about, that's just the way it is." Jason drawls as he sips his tea and gives Tim a dark look.
"I should be the one to apologize," Tim says, taking the hint. "I know better than to slip like that."
The slight quirk of his lips though clue Jason in to something else. His replacement hadn't slipped on accident. He had done it on purpose. Jason narrows his eyes at the younger man. What is his game? Timmy's always ten steps ahead of everyone, he's gotta be up to something.
Before Jason can say anything, Tim finishes his coffee with a few quick swallows and stands up. "Jay, I was going to help you study tonight, but I think you should take a night off instead and have some fun. Be a normal person for once. I'm sure Francesca would love to help out with that. See you later!" He grabs his own messenger bag and runs off.
Twisting in his chair, Jason shouts after the young man, "We're not dating!"
Tim's laughter echoes through the room as he exits the coffee shop.
Jason hangs his head and heaves a great sigh. "I take back what I said earlier. They're both bad people. Especially Tim. Never believe anything he says. Never."
Francesca pats Jason's hand soothingly. "It's okay. They're just teasing you because they care. And can. We know we're not dating, so they can say what they like."
"Fucking assholes, both of them." Jason finishes his tea and gives the young woman next to him an arch look. "Ready to study like the nerds we are?"
"Bring it on."