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Chapter: 21

Tori sat on the roof of Wayne Manor, the winter chill kissing her skin and making her one and only battle wound ache. She had cried out all her tears, thankfully away from Bruce where no one could see. No one had actually been up there when she'd raced upstairs and for that, she was thankful. She couldn't believe it was all over. No more Oracle, no more saving people—no more finding out what happened—if it was true that Bruce wouldn't let her back in the cave. It was afterall somewhere she didn't belong. So where did she belong? Tori couldn't go to London, and now the Manor felt wrong now…it felt cold and unfriendly; right as it was starting to feel like home too. Tori searched her memories, trying to find one that showed her Bruce teaching her any form of fighting…but there were none or at least there weren't any that she remembered. He only ever taught her the fundamentals. It was Dick that taught her gymnastics and Tim who showed her some of the forms for the bo staff. She didn't even know how to throw a batarang,

"So, I hear I missed an awesome fight a while ago," a familiar voice said from behind her. Tori didn't turn around but allowed a small smile and a sniff to clear her stuffy nose,

"Well one of them walked away while the other left in tears,"

"We've all had our fights with B. It won't be forever. He always threatens it will be but it never is,"

"You said it yourself, I have no training and no experience…plus I'm stupid,"

"Actually right now you might be the smartest person on the planet with that chip of yours,"

"All that knowledge and I still got you hurt," Tori said, still staring at the stars and full moon. Silence reigned, Tori stayed where she was, sitting with her knees to her chest while Jason stood in silence behind her. Maybe he was watching the skies or maybe he was thinking of what to say next. Tori beat him to it,

"You know. Out of everything in my memory timeline, nothing frustrates me the most other than you,"

"Oh?" Jason asked, "Why's that?"

"I remember nearly everything. There's a gap where the year Mac took me is…but it's growing smaller…the other is you. I remember Tim, Dick, Steph, Bruce, Barbara, Commissioner Gordon, my parents, Jess, all my siblings, even Olivia and Zoe…but I don't remember you. At least not clearly. And I don't know why!" she stood up then, her back still to him. Tori no longer felt angry at Bruce now that the opportunity for some answers revealed itself. It was a mystery that haunted her as much as the year before. Had Jason done something horrible to her in the past? Was that why her memories of him were so dim and so little,

"Liam had said we were close you know. After you left in London…I didn't really believe him because…well you're you. You're arrogant and sarcastic often to the point of being rude…but your funny and kind and nice at the same time which is strange but not strange. I don't even know if I should trust you. I don't remember anything about you other than you like bread-any kind- and the color red. You're birthday is August sixteenth only I don't know how I know that…and this is all so weird that I know only some things about you but you know practically everything about me. Why is that? Why do you know me?"

She still had her back to him, but she was now standing with her arms wrapped around herself, afraid to see what kind of facial expression he was showing. His response was slow, a pregnant pause before he spoke, but he sounded like he was repeating something written in a script. It was like he was saying something he didn't want to, but knew he had to,

"I'm flattered you think I know everything about you. But you're not that special Toria," it was meant to be mean and rude, but as he uttered it something sparked…something clicked. Tori stiffened in shock as a sudden feeling washed over her, like something was unlocking…some feeling of peace and happiness…something homely. It was gone as soon as it came, but she liked how it felt…like how a really good and happy memory felt when you actually remembered experiencing it. But Tori didn't know what memory that was…nothing appeared. She wanted—no, needed—to feel that again, she needed to see what that memory was. Tori stood up straight and looked back at Jason. He was frowning, waiting for her reaction, his verdigris eyes so familiar, like her own, cast to the ground of the roof,

"Say that again," she demanded, Jason looked up confused,

"What?" Tori turned fully to face him,

"Say that again, exactly that," she said again,

"Why?" he asked, scowling slightly at her, trying to figure out what was so significant about what he had said,

"Please. Just do it. Humor me," she stated, pleading with her eyes. Jason stared at her for a second before sighing,

"I'm flattered you think I know everything about you but you're not that special Toria," His eyes widened as he finished the sentence, like he realized something shocking but Tori didn't care. It was that name. Toria…Toria, a nickname. It was a memory, something whispered to her softly by her ear. It was a name that sent chills to her arms and a soaring feeling in her chest. Tori had experienced memories before, but never like this…never like she was actually living and experiencing them. That name, was a memory linked to a series of others…each one more significant than the last. Her heart pounded as she was pulled into the memories of her mind.

Tori was ten, she was old enough to walk around by herself at the gala. Sure she didn't know anyone here, she just wanted to look around. She'd never been to Wayne Manor before and it was the perfect opportunity to look for secret passageways! Pulling her hand from her step-father's grip she bounded away ignoring the shouts of her parents, they had their hand full with six year-old Ali and two year-old Cameron, and they couldn't go after her. She ran to the nearest hallway only to stop, it was really dark…and shadows lined the walls like the ones in her bedroom. Tori would have gone back had she not seen the gold of her older brother Liam 's hair disappear up the stairway, he followed another boy with dark dark hair. Curiosity bloomed, where were they going? Steeling her nerves she followed.

They went up and up and up, she had to keep her distance otherwise they would send her back, and she didn't want to go back to boring conversations and weird fizzy drinks in gasses and no kids to really talk to. The only reason mommy and Max had brought them was because Bruce Wayne had two kids, adopted kids actually, that they thought would get along with the Crownes. Too bad one of them was too old and the other too moody…though it seemed Liam had made a friend with the younger one. She didn't remember their names that well…though one had eyes like mommy which was very rare according to Max. As they climbed further, the echoes off the ceiling allowed for the two boys' conversation to trickle down to her,

"—are you sure we're allowed to go up here?" Liam asked, his voice in Tori's opinion, sounding scared,

"It's my house. I can go where I want. Trust me Liam, we'll be fine. There's much more to see from the roof than from the stupid ballroom," the other kid said, his voice sounded gruff for a twelve year-old, "No one ever looks up, and that's where the important things are,"

"That's stupid,"

"You don't have to come along, if you're scared—,"

"—No! I'm not!" Liam snapped,

"Then come on, scaredy cat," the boy said. Tori smiled, this was so cool! She didn't even know you could walk on roofs! She quickly but quietly followed them down the hallways on the top floor until they reached a door. When they went through Tori scampered through it just before it closed. A rush of cold air blew in her face and she climbed the stairs to where another door lay open to the outside. Tori didn't go through right away, she wanted to scare them…especially Liam…he had stolen her pop-tart that morning and that was punishable by a sneak scare attack,

"I don't see how being up here is so much better than being downstairs," Liam was saying,

"Are you kidding me? You can see everything," the other kid said, leaping up on the railing, "This was supposed to be an attic, but was destroyed by a fire and never rebuilt. They built a better one around the west wing. They put the railing in when someone accidentally fell to their death by coming up here drunk,"

"Like you are if you stay up there," Liam said dryly, leaning his elbows on the stone railing, "What can you even see from up here?"

"The stars, Gotham city skyline, cars, rivers, trees, satellites, asteroids, planes, blimps, and people. I see stinky socialite people with more gossip than honor and more money than they know what to do with,"

"Great," Liam said, yawning, "Forgive me, I'm tired, but you also just bored me with that whole speech,"

"Shut up Crowne," he sneered, plopping down on the railing so he was facing where she was hiding. Rather than get caught by him she decided to make her move,

"BOO!" she shouted, jumping out. Liam jumped a foot in the air while the other just stared at her puzzled,

"How did you get up here?" Liam demanded,

"I followed you!" Tori said, very proud of herself,

"I'm telling mom you scared me!"

"I'll tell her you broke her favorite mug!"

"I don't think she'll care, you weren't supposed to wander!" Liam snapped before sprinting down the stairs leaving her and the other boy alone on the rooftop. Tori suddenly felt very shy and just stood there in her pretty blue dress with her hands clasped behind her back. The boy just sat on the railing, a frown on his face,

"You followed us and I didn't hear you?" he asked, more like mused to himself, after a moment of silence. Tori shrugged and offered him a small smile,

"I'm a quiet walker," she said shyly. The boy grinned,

"Well little ninja, why did you follow us," Tori bit her lip, a nervous habit mommy often told her to stop since it gave Tori sores sometimes, wondering if telling him would make him laugh at her. She decided to give it a shot,

"I like old and big houses, they remind me of castles and fortresses and knights and round tables. I like looking for secret passages," she said, giggling at the end slightly embarrassed. He seemed to think it was funny as well,

"It is a pretty big house," he agreed, "What's your name?"

"Victoria…but don't call me that. Call me Tori or something," she said,

"Okay Tori or something. I'm Jason. Jason Todd," Tori walked over next to him and leaned on there railing looking over the edge and up at the sky, Jason turned so he could look out as well,

"Aren't you going to ask me why I stayed and didn't go down with my brother?" she asked, Jason looked at her an eyebrow raised,

"Do you want me to?" she rolled her eyes, "Why did you stay?"

"I like high places…and I like the stars," she said, smiling up at the twinkling flaming balls of gas before looking over at Jason and smiling.

Time flew forward like pages of a book flipping. Each gala or party Jason and Tori would escape and find the highest point they could and just sit there for hours. Talking, people watching and dropping fake bugs on unsuspecting patrons, heiresses and billionaires—avoiding their parents or guardian of course—it didn't matter where. Whether it was a roof or a light fixture big enough for two, they would find a way to it. This became a game to them: who could get there the fastest, who could find the greatest spot to go and who could hit the most champagne glasses with fake little beetles. It was wonderful to have a friend like Jason. Someone who's actually lived on the other side of Gotham life. He wouldn't talk about it much, but when he did it filled Tori's world with understanding in not just the white, blue blood way of life but the black and bleak side as well. It was intriguing.

The year went by. Tori, an eleven year-old, and a taller thirteen year-old tried to cram themselves into an inverse dome shaped light fixture in Queen Manor. Every time the location of each gala changed and with it so did Jason and Tori. Each month there was a gala that each of them begged to go to just so they could continue their game, even though they were getting too old and too big to be a part of it. They talked and laughed and shared secrets…though not all of them…and just enjoyed each others company.

Twelve year-old Tori and fourteen year-old Jason met once again on the rooftop of Wayne Manor. Jason was agitated,

"He lied to me Tori," Jason spat, "he fucking lied to me,"

"I know Jason, you told me," Tori said, trying to sound reasonable, "But he's a parent, parents lie a lot,"

"He is not my parent," Jason nearly snarled, "he doesn't trust me, yet he's the one who's been keeping secrets? He's a fucking hypocrite," Tori looked at him sadly,

"He cares about you. He knew this would hurt you," Jason glared at her, though she knew the anger was not actually directed at her, "Tim said—,"

"I don't care what your stupid rich brat friend said. All I know is that he lied and all I know is that I'm going to find the truth, with or without him!"

"What's that supposed to mean?!" Tori called after Jason as he marched across the rooftop to the door. He didn't answer as he stomped down the stairs, the door slamming behind him,

"Okay. Bye." she said softly.

The next time Tori came to the roof, she was alone.
She had tears in her eyes.

The next year when Tori came to the roof, she was still alone. It was the gym roof of their school, it was Homecoming. The moon was full in the sky and it was early spring. She was wearing a simple dress, white sprinkled with little yellow flowers. Tori held a crown of fake flowers in her hands and she twirled it absentmindedly as she looked over the people coming and going, the city was sparkling with lights and sounding with sirens that were as familiar to her as her alarm clock,

"I miss you Jay," she said, "Paxton gave me this flower crown. I think he likes me…but I have to confess…I wish you'd given me it and not him," she whispered the last part, as if he could hear her. With a single tear and a sigh she turned and left the rooftop, leaving the flower crown in her place.

Another year and still Tori is alone. She's back at Wayne Manor and she just stands there, her eyes closed as she breathed in and out. It was winter yet she was up there with no sweater, but she was fine. Tori loved the cold. It was her place of peace and happy memories. She really should have thanked her brother for running away to tattle on her, if he hadn't she wouldn't have met Jason at all. Tori tossed that thought away and slowly walked up to the edge before leaning against the snowy railing. Everything in winter always seemed suspended, like it was waiting for something. Winter was a magical season, filled with hot chocolate, snow, marshmallows, fires and the smell of fire smoke from chimneys and pine trees. It was peaceful, though sometimes deadly and scary especially when a storm blew through. But on nights like that night, it was peaceful, filled with the potential for magic and miracles.

Tori heard a light thump of boots, and her heart skipped a beat. She snapped her eyes open wide, but she did not turn around. Tori was unsure as to what to do. She heard the crunch of snow under shoes grow nearer and nearer and still she was too scared to turn around. She was afraid it would all be a dream, but it was possible. The others wouldn't tell her anything, but she'd been guessing…but those guesses never felt real. Finally she spoke,

"I-is it really you?" she whispered,

"You knew?" was the response. His voice sounded different…though that was to be expected of a sixteen year old. It could be the dark red helmet, but she just wasn't sure,

"I've known for a while now," was all she said,

"O2," he said, "very original," Tori felt her lip quiver before the tears spilled out,

"I thought you were dead," she half whispered have choked out,

"I was dead," was all he said. Silence followed as Tori struggled to contain her crying,

"Take it off," she said finally. He looked at her though she couldn't tell his expression due to the helmet,

"Take it off," she said again, "The helmet. I need to be positive it's you. I need to know," he stood for a second, not moving. Tori wondered if this person was actually who she thought it was or if it was another lie. She wondered if it was a kidnapper here to take her away for ransom…she suddenly felt uneasy. Finally he reached up and pulled it off. Tori gasped and threw a hand over her mouth. It was Jason. Her Jason. His hair, his blue-green eyes, his nose and mouth…it was him. Alive and breathing. Tears started flowing again before she threw herself at him. First to hug him, then to slap him in the face,

"Ow," was all he said, rubbing his cheek, "What was that for?"

"Getting yourself killed and making me have to go with Paxton to the homecoming dance instead of you!" she said angrily. Jason glared at her,

"Sorry Tor, it wasn't exactly planned," he growled angrily, but Tori just found it endearing, like something that reminded people of happier times. Jason then cocked his head to the side, a wondrous expression crossing his face,

"You wanted to go to the dance with me?" he asked, Tori flushed scarlet,

"Oh, wow. I don't even know why I brought that up, it's so far down on the list but I was just annoyed that it was Paxton because he's a prick and—you know what, forget I said anything about the stupid dance," she said, turning even redder as he just smiled bigger and took a step closer to her,

"I would come by here—Gotham…every once in a while," Jason said, stepping a step closer until they were chest to nose…he was one tall dude,

"You did?" Tori asked, looking up at him with a shy smile on her face,

"The people I was with didn't like it…but I didn't care. I saw you one time, at your school on the roof…and…I um…well—," he seemed to be thinking of something to say,

"What?" she asked,

"I…I have something for you," he said, pulling out an old and slightly bent flower crown. Tori couldn't help it, she let out a laugh, "Since your date was so lame last time, the least I can do is recreate the crowning part of it," he said gently placing the crown on her head. It stuck up oddly in the back and he tried to press it down. The feeling of his hand on the back of her head sent tingles down her spine and she couldn't help but blush even more than before,

"You know for a guy who kills people, you are very charming," she said, placing a hand on his cheek,

"I can't stay long," Jason said,

"What why?" her hand dropped,

"I'm needed somewhere,"

"Where? Who are you with?" Tori asked,

"Nothing you need to worry about," he said,

"Wait…no. Stay," she said, pleading with her eyes as he started to turn to leap up to the rest of the roof. Jason did stop, as if rethinking something, before turning to face her. He grabbed her, not too roughly at all, by the arms and pulled her forward planting his lips on her's. Tori nearly gasped with shock, but she didn't stop him…she didn't want to. She kissed back and in the time span of a millisecond the kiss was over and Jason was gone. Tori turned, feeling light headed, to the railing. She stood there, a warm feeling in her chest and a tingling on her lips, smiling she touched her fingers to them…relishing the memory and the knowledge that her feelings for him were not unrequited.

Jason came back. A few months before both of their birthdays in August. It was not the first time they saw each other since the kiss. He would sneak into the batcave while Tori was there alone as O2 and talk and kiss and talk and kiss some more. They would wander around the city as civilians, visiting places Tori would have never dared to go alone. Eating, talking and holding hands like couples are supposed to do. Sure, Jason was still his sarcastic, hateful and slightly cynical self, but he was lighter…happier around her. She loved that he was like that…and she loved that he had chose her. Over everyone in the world, he had chosen her. Tori had never been in love before, but to her—this was love—doing things you never would have before being with that person. Going on long walks and talking about deep things, laughing at stupid jokes while chilling on some worn out sofa in a suspiciously cheap apartment building—that was love.

—And no one knew. Well Tori suspected that Alfred knew, how else had all the security systems in the cave mysteriously shut down whenever Jason snuck in? They would eat bread and he would surprise her at school by signaling with his red coat and disappearing down the alleyway nextdoor, greeting each other by calling, "Hey you!" down the alley to make sure it really was the other. They would ride around on his motorcycle and walk along the docks of Gotham Harbor. Tori loved how he would come up behind her and hug her, whispering his new nickname, only reserved for her from him,

"Toria…my beautiful Toria," she loved him…she loved how he made her feel. Once he returned to his family, things got even better. Sure, no one knew. But it made speaking to one another better, not some horrible sin that resulted in punishment—Jason afterall was a killer—and while it bothered her to no end she knew she could not change his mind no matter who she was to him. It was something they never really addressed, neither of them wanted to nudge that issue with a ten foot pole. Jason and Bruce argued about it enough for the both of them just to avoid it all together. It is a struggle to stop something that's almost beyond second nature to someone.

Everything was perfect and happy and magical. She was making a difference in Gotham and she was with a man she might truly love.
He was hers and she was his. Her Jay and his Toria.

Tori blinked back to the present. Her mind whirled at what she had just witnessed, it was like she'd just awakened from a deep sleep, like Sleeping Beauty. Had that all been real? Had she and Jason been together, like a couple? Tori could feel butterflies and her heart pounded as she just stared at Jason who looked very confused and concerned for her. She didn't know what to say, she just opened and closed her mouth trying to find the words to describe what she had just witnessed,

"I—I just, I mean…we…did this—was that real?" She mumbled,

"What? What did you see? Is what real?" Jason asked, looking very worried as he hobbled down the step toward her. She could see the wrapping around his chest where the bullet had entered his side. Tori couldn't think of anything to say without sounding crazy, but she needed to know for sure…she needed to feel that emotion again…she wanted to feel that thrilling warmth and the joy of being loved. Tori took a chance, he was there and he would remember. Tori grabbed either side of her face and kissed him.

Tori felt it, the warmth and giddiness exactly how she remembered it. Tori hadn't realized how lonely she'd been feeling despite learning about her relations with Dick and Tim. The memories had been real. They had been together—only she had forgotten. Tori pulled away and stared at Jason's shocked wide eyes worriedly,

"You remembered?" he asked, still looking stunned. Tori smiled sadly,

"Yes, it was Toria that triggered it…I-I miss you calling me that," she said, shyly biting her lip…she couldn't believe it was real…being together had been real,

"I thought you'd never remember," Jason said, putting his hands on either side of her face, Tori couldn't help but laugh, though she felt tears falling down her cheeks,

"I'm so happy I finally remember," she whispered, Jason smiled back at her and pulled her in for another kiss. Suddenly her fight with Bruce didn't matter. All that mattered was her, Jason and the night sky glittering above them.

A/N:

To Dragonfan47: You were spot on with your prediction in the reviews! :)

I HAD to add romance into the story and I can't wait to expand on this later in the story!

I don't remember if it was Paxton Powers who was the older man in Batman Beyond or if it was Derek Powers...so for this story it's going to be Paxton. (Since this does happen before Batman Beyond and the evil dude in BB would be younger at this point...though I don't know how much younger. Hmm...).

Toria, the end of VicTORIA, was a play on Troia(Donna Troy) who was a love interest for Jason if I remember correctly.

The attic story I just made up so Jason can try and spook little Liam :)

Hope you Enjoyed! REVIEW!