Life was good, for once in his life. Where Jason had been accustomed to scrounging and struggling just to survive, now he could simply relax and enjoy life, doing the things he liked to do; reading, cooking, learning. But he made a promise to himself to never forget where he came from. Once a week, he would go down to The Bowery, to his old apartment, and remind himself of his origins.
He didn't ever want to forget who he was, or where he came from. He never wanted to become like them. Gotham's Elite were greedy, cruel, spiteful and vindictive. They looked down an everyone less fortunate than them, as if they were inferior, beneath them. He had things now, and he could, for all intents and purposes, consider himself amongst the Elite, but he never would. He knew where he came from, knew who he was, and he wanted to remember that. So on some weekends, he'd give up his free time to volunteer down at the East End Clinic or the soup kitchen.
Kate had been quite kind, as well as generous, to him. She'd bought him a lot of things, necessities aside, when he came to live with her. Among the first things he received from her, was a smartphone, an Apple iPhone 7 Plus to be precise. A phone was indeed a necessity, but a $400 phone was more of a luxury.
Of course, she saw fit to get him his own TV, and so when he came home one day, he found a 50" HD Roku TV mounted on his wall, opposite his bed. Then of course, everyone needed a computer. So one day, when he came home from school, there was a custom-made desktop computer in his room with all of the newest parts, and a thirty-two inch HD computer screen. It was amazing for gaming, when he wasn't using it for reading or studying.
Pretty soon, he also had a tablet and a laptop too. Though were he honest, his favorite thing so far, was a high quality, black motorcycle leather jacket. He was afraid to know how much the thing cost, so he didn't ask, but damn, if he didn't wear it at every opportunity!
At first, he just sort of went along with it, making sure to thank her for everything she gave him. He was grateful beyond words, but eventually, it started to feel like too much. He didn't say anything because he didn't want to seem ungrateful, because he wasn't. But after she came home with an electric guitar one day, he finally decided that enough was enough. Kate was trying too hard, and so he told her as much. She seemed to understand, even tried to apologize, but Jason wouldn't let her. Truth be told, she was the closest thing to a mother he'd had since…well, if he were honest, ever. He loved his birth mother dearly, but she hadn't exactly earned the "mother of the year" award.
On the other hand, Kate seemed happy to fund his education. If there was something he wanted to learn about, something he couldn't learn in High School, if she thought it was worthwhile, she'd pay for it. For one, Jason decided to build on what his father taught him about cars, but for legitimate purposes, of course. And all it cost to go to the manor and taking "cooking lessons" from Alfred, was money for a cab.
Alfred had been more than pleased to take Jason under his wing, so to speak, and teach him how to cook various dishes, from breakfast, to dinner, even dessert. Of course, that also meant he got to see Dick a lot. They weren't dating, per se; they'd hang out, with the occasionally make out session here or there in Dick's room.
Dick had, honestly, been Jason's first kiss. He'd been a little nervous about that, but Dick was patient with him, gentle, caring. He made sure Jason's first kiss was good. Jason could still smell Dick's cologne, still taste mint on his lips. The kiss had been gentle, slow, careful. Dick didn't push, didn't rush things, and honestly, Jason was pretty sure the older boy had ruined him for anyone else.
Today however, was his day. His birthday, specifically. He was turning 15, but he didn't want some extravagant party or anything. Humble as he always was, he was content with just a cake; it was more than his own parents had given him. His birthday was celebrated with comments from his father like "oh look, you're still fuckin' here" or "good job on another year of being a complete and utter disappointment." His mother was usually to high out of her gourd to bother.
If he were honest, it was a little weird to have people around him that cared enough about him to celebrate his birthday. Hell, it was weird just having people around him that cared, but he'd settled into this new life well, he thought.
Jason made his way home by walking down the side walk through the busy streets of Gotham City. He'd donned his favorite pair of jeans, a red t-shirt, and of course his black leather jacket. He had missed the bus because he stayed after to tutor a classmate who was struggling with Algebra, but instead of calling for a ride, he opted to walk. It was a nice day with the sun shining, though a bit chilly due to the slight breeze in the air. No reason why he shouldn't walk.
The teen had his ear buds in and was listening to his Apple iPod Touch as he made his way inside the building and took the elevator up to the loft. Jason hummed the tune of the song to himself while he tapped his foot as the elevator went up to the top floor. The doors slid aside, and Jason dug through his pocket for his keys. He opened the door and slipped inside, kicking his boots off at the door and dropping his backpack on the couch. He turned the iPod off and pulled out the earbuds. As he made his way into the kitchen, Kate, Alfred, and Dick all shouted 'surprise' to him.
Jason flinched a bit at the sudden noise, then smiled from ear to ear, as Alfred moved aside to reveal dinner. From the looks, and the smell, of it, it was home made chili dogs with home fries, covered in cheese and bits of bacon. Jason's eyes flicked over toward Dick, who came back from the refrigerator with a chocolate coconut cake.
"Wow, this is awesome! You guys didn't have to-"
"Nonsense, Master Jason. It was a pleasure! You've been a delight to have around the manor," Alfred replied, giving a bow of his head. Dick grinned as he patted the younger teen's shoulder.
"Birthdays are important! Especially yours," he said, hugging the younger boy and whispered the last part in his ear, making him blush a little.
"Happy birthday, Jason," Kate added in, fixing up a plate for him. Jason grinned like a kid in a candy store and joined them at the kitchen island, chowing down on dinner. Even Alfred joined then, which was quite an interesting sight, since he ate in a rather dignified way with a fork and a knife.
"I asked Alfred to come," Dick explained then as he chowed down on his fries "since he's awesome and you guys are like, besties now," Dick added, flashing a grin. Jason snorted with held back laughter, but nodded.
"Oh yeah, Alfred is pretty awesome,. He's taught me how to make all sorts of cool shit."
"Language, Master Jason."
"Sorry Alfred."
"So I've heard. Jason cooked up that Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe you taught him last week, and it was amazing," Kate complimented, taking a bite of her chili dog. Jason flashed a prideful grin at the woman as he sipped his soda.
"Thanks mom," he replied. Kate, Dick, and Alfred all glanced at him, though he didn't seem to catch what he'd say. Kate smirked a little and playfully jabbed him in the side with her elbow.
"Did you just call me mom?" she asked. Jason started choking on his drink, so she patted him on the back while fighting to suppress her laughter to his reaction. When Jason caught his breath, he blushed a deep shade of red.
"Er…did I?" he asked.
"That's what I hear," Dick piped in.
"Indeed," Alfred added.
"It's fine, I don't mind," Kate replied, waving her hand dismissively. Although she'd be lying if she didn't admit that there was a part of her that found it rather endearing. Jason continued to eat his meal in silence, albeit with his head ducked down a bit, embarrassed.
They traded jokes and banter over dinner and then when they were finished, they sung "Happy Birthday" to Jason and dug into the cake. Jason made an almost exaggerated 'mmm' sound.
"Wow, this is amazing, Alfred," Jason said with his mouth full. Alfred arched an eyebrow at him. He flashed an apologetic smile and swallowed what was in his mouth. "Sorry," he said. Alfred chuckle in amusement, when sudden;y his own phone went off.
"Ah, it would see Master Bruce requires my attention," Alfred said, excusing himself. "Enjoy your birthday, Master Jason," he said, then took his leave. But once the cake was done, Dick and Kate enthusiastically put presents up on the counter for him.
"Here, this one was from Alfred," Dick said cheerily, handing it to Jason. Jason grinned and started pulling open the wrapping paper. What he found inside was an Emeril Lagasse cook book, signed by the man himself.
"Woah, no way! I wish Alfred were here, this is awesome!" Jason chortled, carefully setting the book aside.
"Huh, so it seems the way to Jason's heart is through cooking," Dick teased, winking at him. Jason blushed a little, but flashed a grin. Kate couldn't wait to give Jason her gift. Jason opened it enthusiastically and what he found inside, was a "100 Movies Scratch Off Poster."
"Wow, this is great!" Jason said cheerily, glancing over at Kate. Kate smiled and gave a nod in reply. She gestured toward the post.
"Dick actually helped me pick that out. I thought about what you said about me spending so much money on you, so I thought," she started, pausing for a moment. The two of them shared a look and Kate shrugged "maybe we could watch some movie together." He'd straight up told her she was trying to hard, but after some thought, and input from Dick, it seemed like a good idea to just spend some time with him.
Jason beamed at the suggestion, glancing down at the poster. He set the poster aside, tucking it inside the book to ensure it wouldn't get lost, then glanced up at Kate, stilling smiling.
"Yeah, I think I'd like that," he replied. He turned to Dick when the older boy cleared his throat to get his attention,
"Here, this one is from me," he said, handing Jason a small box. Jason tore open the wrapping paper and opened the box. Inside, was a multilayer black leather woven brained bracelet with a silver Male symbol charm attached to it. Jason stared at it a little in awe as he slipped it on his right wrist. He glanced up at Dick who was also smiling, biting his lip as he watched Jason try it on.
"Wow, it's amazing! Genuine leather, too? This must've been expensive!" Jason said in awe, running his fingers over the woven black leather, holding his arm up to the light. Dick chuckled a bit and raised his left arm. Jason glanced over at him and saw a similar bracelet on his left wrist, also with the male symbol charm.
"I had the custom made. I wanted to ask you to be my boyfriend, but this seemed like a more fun way to go about it," Dick replied nonchalantly, lips tugging into a smirk. Jason's face tinted pink and he sputtered a bit at what Dick was saying. Dick Grayson wanted to be his boyfriend?!
"Well, I certainly didn't see this coming," Kate teased, her voice dripping with obvious sarcasm. Jason's darkened further, but this seemed to only encourage Dick and Kate even more.
"Aw, Jason, you're adorable when you're all flustered," Dick teased, blowing him a kiss across the counter. Kate grinned and pointed vaguely toward his face.
"Isn't that blush just so precious?"
"Okay, stop ganging up on me, you asses," Jason pouted, earning a laugh from both Kate and Dick.
"So, what do you say?" Dick asked in a more serious tone, giving the boy a smile. Jason looked at him, but it was hard to stay mad at him.
"Yeah, I'd love tha-er…Sure, whatever, that'd be cool," Jason replied, trying to play it cool, but Dick quite clearly saw through him, because he grinned like the Cheshire Cat.
"Playing it cool, I can respect that. You're adorable though," he teased, making Jason pout again.
"I'm not adorable! I'm cool," Jason replied, matter-of-factly. Kate giggled beside him.
"He's right, Dick. He's not adorable," she said, glancing over at Dick with a very serious expression.
"Oh no, don't-" Jason started. Kate slowly grinned like the devil as she turned to Jason and pinched his cheek.
"You're absolutely precious!" she teased, speaking in baby talk. Jason pouted again and jumped off of the stool.
"You guys suck," he snapped, struggling not to smile. Kate and Dick laughed, then Dick hopped off of his own stool and pressed a quick kiss to Jason's lips.
"You're really cute, Jason, y'know that?" Dick teased a little more, brushing a lock of black hair out of the younger teen's eyes. Jason blushed again and crossed his arms over his chest. Dick hooked a thumb over his shoulder toward the elevator. "I gotta go, but…maybe you'd like to go out this Saturday?" he asked, flashing another of those smiles that had Jason's stomach doing cartwheels.
"Yeah, sounds great. You gonna tell me where we're going?" Jason asked, arching an eyebrow. Dick gave a shrug of his shoulders as he walked backwards, toward the elevator.
"Yeah, I don't know yet. I think I'm just going to wing it, but either way, it'll be fun, right?" Dick asked, grinning again as he pressed the button on the elevator. Jason flashed a grin back and waved goodbye.
"Yeah sure. See you Saturday." Jason sighed when the man disappeared behind the elevator doors, then turned his attention onto Kate, who was sitting at the kitchen island with a smug smirk on her face. "What?" he asked, his face tinting pink.
"Nothing. Nothing at all," Kate replied innocently as she sauntered into the living room. "How about some movies tonight?" she called. Jason frowned a little bit at her reply, but at the mention of movies, he perked up a bit and followed her into the living room.
"Sure, that sounds great!" he said cheerily, practically skipping into the kitchen to make popcorn for their movies.
It was late, past midnight, with both Kate and Jason sitting on the couch. Jason had passed out an hour earlier and was curled into a ball on the other end of the couch. Kate stuck around for a little bit to make sure he was asleep before she decided that it was time for Batwoman to go on patrol.
As she carefully got up off of the couch and made her way toward the hidden lift at the other end of the loft, she glanced back at Jason to make sure he was still asleep. She heard a groan from the couch, but he otherwise didn't seem to stir at all. She opened the lift and stepped inside, taking it up to her headquarters above. Once she was there, she made her way to the gear locker and started pulling on her Batwoman gear, completing the outfit by pulling on her cowl.
She made her way over to the computer and pulled up a video feed that was linked to the inside of the loft; to her surprise, Jason was no longer asleep on the couch. Curious, she started looking through the various other camera feeds, but he was nowhere in the loft. That was when she heard it; the sound of the lift coming to a stop behind her. She gasped and turned around and the doors opened up to reveal Jason.
"What the-" Jason blurted out, staring around the room wide-eyes in shock as he padded inside. That was when he saw Batwoman, standing in front of the computer. He squinted his eyes, then rubbed them, still slightly tired. "Kate?!" Jason asked in shock. It was the only explanation! Batwoman's headquarters above Kate's lift?! There was no other conclusion to draw!
Batwoman sighed and approached Jason, stopping just a few feet away from him. She pulled off her cowl to, indeed, reveal that Batwoman and Kate Kane were, indeed, one in the same.
"Hello, Jason."