.11

Carlisle doesn't officially meet any of them until three weeks later, not all at once. The reason for their meeting is simple. Jason. He asks her to accompany him to a party. Whose party you may be wondering, it wasn't actually important, just that Jason needed to go to find out some information for a new case. It takes a while for her to agree considering the last formal event she attended was the one her brother died at. But at the last minute she does.

It's for Jason. She tells herself, and lately she's beginning to realize she'd do almost anything for him. What neither of them realize though when deciding to go that the other Wayne boys will also be attending, with their father. It seemed she was really going to get to meet the family.

Jason puts on the persona of a rich aristocrat easily enough, years of watching Bruce do it paying off. For Carlisle it's like turning on a light. While she may have been out of that scene for coming on three years it's not a hard mask to put back on. Rich people had the tendency to be so self-absorbed that they didn't notice a slight of hand. Her parents were.

Also she loved any excuse to dress up. Give her a break the woman had to wear scrubs most of the time.

She looked over at Jason, in the driver seat of her car. He looked nice. His usually unruly black hair had been slicked back, with the exception of a few white strands that had stubbornly fallen. Nice dark blue suit tailored just for him, she hadn't even realized he owned one that nice and he'd taken out his earing. Which she was slightly sad to see go.

He looked over at her, she smiled turning her head back to look out the window. Jason took in the softness of her features. She was picturesque. Hair curled and pinned up, makeup was natural but done skillfully. He'd seen the dress she picked once or twice when she'd go through her closet for something or another. Mauve in color, one shouldered, it flattered her figure.

Jason thought she looked beautiful.

There arrival at the party doesn't go completely unnoticed by a few members of high society already there. Carlisle's family wasn't from Gotham, but they had been well known among the 1%. She was the only living child of Marcel and Jeralean Tollar. They were familiar with her face. Jason was lucky, as sick as that sounded, that he didn't look much like he used too or else this could have been worse.

Instead he got to play boyfriend to the former princess of New Orleans. A title she'd been given as a child and had given up when she decided to be a functional member of society.

She clung to his arm the moment he opened the car door for her. He was her anchor, if she let go she might fly away. Jason knew these sorts of things held bad memories for her which was why when he asked he first stressed that she didn't have too.

"Why don't we start with a drink?" He suggest, knowing she was going to need it. They both were.

"Good idea." She does manage to smile at him. Which was a plus in his book. Hopefully he could get what he needed quickly and then they could leave.

Contrary to what Jason and the others might have believed. There wasn't a lot that he missed when concerning his children. Especially since learning of Jason's resurrection and the subsequent fall out. You can bet without any doubt that Bruce Wayne was in fact keeping up with his wayward son's activities. He was the world's greatest detective.

Now he did not in fact have any intention of getting involved. He had learned from past experience that unless what Jason was doing going to hurt someone or himself that he did not need to intervene. What his son was doing with the young woman was not hurting anyone. Or at least it hadn't proved to be a danger yet.

She was making sure that Jason stayed in his current state of living and Bruce for once was perfectly okay with that. So he was going to trust Jason's judgement for once. He was not getting involved.

The only reason beside social obligation he had for attending this event was the fact there was a rumor of a new drug ring among the upper class and it was beginning to get out of hand. He hadn't realized that Jason would be looking into the same thing. Or that he'd be willing to go so far as to come to this party to investigate.

A minor overlook on his part.

Dick's reaction of seeing his brother in public with what appeared to be a high status girl one his arm had been one for the books. What he didn't know was that Dick and his others sons had already been acquainted with Carlisle Tollar and she'd left an interesting impression on them. Bruce raises a brow at his oldest, Dick closes him mouth.

"That's Jason." He points out the obvious, and it takes a lot out of the billionaire not to sigh. Before he has a chance to respond both Tim and Damian appear at either side of him. Damian pushing himself between his father and Grayson.

Bruce holds up his hand silencing them before they even have a chance. "Yes that is Jason. No I was not aware he would be here." He meets each of their gazes then. No they weren't going to do anything, yet, stop bothering him. There was a job to do.

Jason groans, downing his entire glass. Carlisle even in heels still has to look up at him. Eyes worried. "Jay are you okay?" She preens. He rubs a hand over his face.

"Yeah, I didn't realize they would be here." He makes a subtle motion to where the entire Wayne family was gathered. Carlisle looks at them and then back at him, only slightly confused. She had a suspicion but Jason had neither confirmed nor denied said suspicion so she couldn't be sure.

"That's Bruce Wayne." She states. Jason looks at her from the corner of his eye. A moment of sudden realization. He'd never given her that information, only that he'd been taken in by Batman. Not Bruce Wayne. Batman.

Even after all this time he still tried to protect the old man. Robin always looked out for Batman.

"Bruce is legally my father." He tells her quietly. Carlisle hides her surprise well. She hadn't expected him to say anything.

"We can leave. Go get greasy diner food and go take a walk through the park." Carlisle offers him a very nice sounding out, he squeezes her arm. Offers her a smile and shakes his head.

"Maybe later. I'm alright. Besides I want to see how long it will take you to tell someone off. You seemed about ready to bite that ladies head off just then." He teases and she discreetly pinches him. Jason just laughs.

Whatever rebuttal she had is cut short by someone approaching them. "Carlisle Tollar is that you?" A blonde male, probably a few years older than them speaks. Carlisle takes a small step closer to Jason. His eyes narrow just slightly at the man. He could feel the air around her change.

"Aw don't be shy sweetheart, it me Elijah Marques. Remember." She stares at him as if she wished to set him on fire. He takes a step closer. Jason steps slightly in front of her then squaring his shoulders. Carlisle lays a hand on his arm. Their eyes meet and she shakes her head.

"I'm not shy, and I haven't forgotten. I thought you were incarcerated down in A'lanta on a rape charge." He wisely takes a step back. Jason's imposing figure and the steal in her voice help. Carlisle's eyes on fire.

"You've been out of the loop for a while sweetheart, those charges were rightfully dropped." He smirks at her. Carlisle inhales through her nose, her hand touching Jason's arm shakes.

"How convenient for you. It must be nice to have a father so rich that he can get you out of an airtight case and then ship you across the country so you don't cause him any more embarrassment." Jason wasn't sure how she knew this guy but it was very clear that Carlisle was not a fan.

His fist clenches at his side, becoming red in the face. This wasn't what he had expected to happen the audacity. She was not the docile girl he remembered. "You cunt!" Is all he manages to get out, and then he's staggering backward handing going up to touch the stinging flesh of his cheek.

Carlisle looked back at Jason taking in his expression. It was a mix of outrage, surprise, and satisfaction. She shot cheeky grin at him. "That is how long it takes." Mirthful she tries to joke. Her back turned she doesn't see Elijah move to retaliate. Jason reaches for her pulling back out of the way and close to his chest just as soon as the blonde goes to strike.

Only to be stopped by Bruce Wayne grabbing his arm and twisting behind the young man's back. "I think you have had too much to drink sir. I'd say this young lady was in the right." Jason grip on Carlisle tightens ever so slightly. She keeps her back to them, until she hears someone escort Elijah away. Listening to Bruce freaking Wayne take control of the situation like a complete boss.

Jason stares at the man like he's grown a second head. What was he doing? Instead of trying to figure that one out he turned his attention back to the shaking woman in his arms. She takes a deep breath. "I'm sorry." He shakes his head.

"Miss are you alright?" Bruce speaking directly to her then is what pulls her attention away from the look Jason is giving her. She had some explaining to do. Jason doesn't let go of her as she turns around, by now they gained a bit of attention.

Carlisle nods. "I'm fine. Sorry to have disturbed your evening Mr. Wayne." She answer coolly, the socialite mask slowly falling back into place. Her mother would have been appalled by her actions.

The man just offers her a knowing look and a rather fake smile. "No bother, I assure you." He then looks over her head to Jason who has tensed considerably behind her. This was turning out to be a very bad night for them.

"Turns out those chargers he said were dropped weren't." And it just keeps getting worse. Dick says as he joins them, followed closely by the two younger boys. Jason wants to scream. Carlisle placed her hand on top of the one he had rested on her bare shoulder. Giving it a small squeeze, the gesture doesn't go unnoticed.

"Jay I think I need some fresh air. Sorry again Mr. Wayne." She looks up at him. It's an out he gladly takes. Jason carefully leads them away from the prying eyes of the crowd and his family. He knew they'd only get a few minutes of peace before one of those nosy detectives decided to follow. They ducked out using the nearest door. A balcony overlooking a small garden.

Carlisle leaned against the rails eyes looking out to the garden. Her arms wrapped tight around her frame. Jason was leaned the opposite way looking into the venue. While unfortunate what just happened it had given him a real nice opportunity to plant a bug under the refreshment table. One designed to pick up every conversation. But he was only half paying attention to it.

You can guess where the other half of it was. Or who if you wanted him to be real specific.

"Car, what was that?" He finally questions not sure how much more time he'll have before they will be interrupted.

"He's the reason my sister is dead." She closes her eyes, trying to force the tears forming away. Carlisle doesn't regret causing a scene. That man had deserved so much worse. Jason turns his entire focus to her. The objective be damned, there were other ways to get information.

She shifts to be a little closer to him. Leaning her head against his shoulder. He watches the tears silently stream down her face. Once again she's brought him to a loss of words.

Que the interruption he knew was coming.

"He's in Gotham now, and I have the feeling the slew of unsolved assault cases the GCPT has right now will be solved quickly." Carlisle doesn't move at hearing what she assumes is Jason's older brother speak. It's not Bruce that man had a distinct voice, but she doesn't feel up to facing anyone right now. Also Jason goes a different sort of ridged when his siblings are around.

"Go away Dick."

"Just came to check up on you." He says holding his hands out in a surrendering manner. Dick's eyes wonder over to Carlisle she hasn't moved. It's easy to see what his brother sees in her. She whispers something to Jason that Dick doesn't catch. Jason rolls his eyes.

"How's your nose?" Jason asks, Carlisle cracks a smile and snorts lifting her head from his shoulder. Dick narrows his eyes at his brother and at the back of her head. Carlisle turns around then whipping the tears from her eyes.

"Better. It was set well, although the nurse who did it lacked decorum. How's your leg?" He picks his words carefully. Carlisle eyes still watery, and slightly red just grins.

"Healing." Jason responds shortly, crossing his arms over his chest. Were they seriously about to play this game?

The balcony door opens, out steps one Damian Wayne in all his eleven year old glory. "Grayson, father says it's time to get back to work. Stop allowing Todd to distract you." Carlisle can't help it she straight up laughs then. This was too much. All three of them give her an odd look, for completely different reason, Jason tries to hide his smirk.

"Tt. Todd it would appear your girlfriend is broken."

She looks over at Jason eyes begging for his permission. He'd basically handed her the keys earlier with his comment about Bruce being his father. Jason knew she wasn't stupid, they'd been friends for too long for things not to have slipped. Roy and Kori weren't always the best secret keepers either. He knew she would figure it out. His no longer hidden smirk is enough for her.

"I never did get to thank you for calling that ambulance for me." Carlisle speaks quietly, still considerate of their surroundings, and smiles brightly at the child.

Dick's eyes widen, and Damian's expression rages. "You told her!" The boy demands, Jason shakes his head with a smirk. Brat. Carlisle sure knew how to rile them up.

"Sweetie, Jay didn't tell me anything. But you just did. Now go get the other one and we'll make this official." Yeah, Dick can really see what his brother sees in her.

She was something else.

Oh god, what was Bruce going to do when he finds out she knew their secret. The oldest runs his hand over his face groaning. He was so dead. Bruce was going to kill him.

XOXOX

I think this is a good place to stop now. Getting to the actual part of the story now. We'll see how it goes. Please let me know what you think!

Thank you for reading!

Sincerely, La'Rae