"God, I love you." Jason said, breathlessly
Artemis smiled softly at her lover. She couldn't imagine ever being with anyone else. No one could ever make her feel the way Jason did.
"I love you too." She replied, reaching up to slowly run her hand through his soft luscious locks.
"Thank you." She said, smiling.
"My pleasure. Literally." Jason laughed which made Artemis smile bigger.
"No.. well, that too." She giggled, which was very unlike her. Jason had a way of causing her to do things that she normally didn't do and she kinda liked it if she were being honest.
"I meant thank you for what you did earlier. No one else would have done that for me." Artemis said and Jason knew exactly what she was referring to.
"I'd do anything for you. You know that." Jason replied, caressing her cheek.
"Not that you needed me too. You could have toke that guy out in two seconds." Jason said with a laugh.
"Yes but I didn't need to call attention to myself." Artemis stated.
"It's not like certain people are ok with me being here." Artemis pointed out.
"I wanted you here and you're my guest so I don't give a damn whose not ok with it." Jason said
"You're father didn't seem to acknowledge us. I think he suspect something." Artemis said and Jason rolled onto his back and looked up at the ceiling. He knew she was right.
"I say let what ever happens happen. I don't care anymore." Jason said, trying to sound casual. She knew he was avoiding talking to his father.
"I'm sure he already knows. That's all I'm saying." She said and turned his head to look at her.
"I really don't wanna talk about this right now. I didn't come up here to talk about this." Jason said and Artemis put her hand on his chest.
"I'm sorry I mentioned it." She said, not wanting to upset him. He already had enough emotional excitement for one night.
"It's fine, A. I know you're right." He said, grasping her hand in his.
"I just don't understand why it's so wrong for us to be together. You would think I would get it by now." He said, continuing to stare at the ceiling.
"Well, for one thing, you're royalty and I have no title." Artemis started explaining.
Jason looked at her.
"Of course you do. You're Lady Artemis Grace." He said, proudly.
"Yes but I only got that title by marriage." She said.
Jason knew she had been married before and he knew she had no choice in the matter. When Lord Dalkiig Hath first laid eyes on Artemis, he was taken by her beauty and had taken her for his wife. Her horrible husband had been killed by her own hand. That was all Jason really knew but he didn't care what she did in her past. He loved her too much to care.
"You deserve it." Jason said, intertwining his finger with hers.
"Second, I'm not exactly the most likable person in the world. According to some people. Not to mention the fact that I was married. " She knew it wasn't appropriate for a royal to marry someone who had been married before. It was just one of the many rules that sucked as far as Jason and Artemis was concerned.
"Also, I'm an Amazon and you're a member of the royal family. No amazon has ever been with a royal." She said
"None of that matters to me." Jason said, caressing her arm lovingly.
"I know." She said softly
"It's not like I even have a right to be in this palace at all." Artemis said, getting up to get dressed. Jason grabbed her around the waist to pull her back.
"What do you mean?" Jason asked, confused
"Never mind. Forget it." Artemis replied, attempting to remove his arm from her waist but failed as Jason refused to budge. He wasn't ready to let her go.
"Where do you think you're going?" Jason asked, pulling her close to him.
Artemis let out a laugh.
"Don't you think we should get dressed?" Asked the red head beauty.
"Why?"
"People will notice us being gone." Artemis said
It's fine." Jason said, kissing her bare shoulder.
"I need some air." Artemis said after a while. She got up and slipped one of Jason's hoodies on that was laying in a nearby chair.
She then opened the balcony's French doors and walked out onto it. She wrapped her arms around herself at feeling the cold night air.
She inhaled deeply and let her thoughts take control. She tried not to think about the things that caused her so much stress but her mind wouldn't let her rest. Not even with the man she loved.
Being next to Jason usually made her forget all her worries but there was one thing she couldn't seem to shake.
Jason came up behind her after a while. He had decided to let her have her space. There was something she wasn't quite telling him and he didn't want to push her to talk.
"A, are you ok? Jason asked softly.
"Yes, I'm fine." She said automatically
She always had a tendency to say she was fine, even if that wasn't exactly true.
Jason wrapped his arms around her middle and kissed her on the head to hopefully give her a little inner peace. He knew she wasn't quite ok. No matter what she said.
"Bruce is giving a speech tomorrow for some grand opening and I have to be there too so I'll be a little busy until late afternoon." Jason said
"That's fine." Artemis said, resting her head on Jason
"What do you say we go out tomorrow night before patrol?" Jason asked, hoping something would help her relax.
"You know how hard it is for you to be out. People always recognize you and the press always wants photos." Artemis said, remembering the last time the couple tried to go out together in public.
"Besides, don't you think people are already talking about us." She said. The press had a way of snapping photos and jumping to conclusions but if they suspected Jason and Artemis are a couple, they wouldn't be wrong.
"Yeah, you're right. We should be more careful I guess." Jason said, a bit disappointed. He just wanted to be able to be with the woman he loves out in the open without having to worry about anything. They were usually careful as they didn't want to expose their relationship but at this point, Jason didn't care. If it wasn't for the drama with his father, Jason wouldn't have been careful anymore.
"Is that the last of them?" Red hoods voice came through the coms. He fired a few shots at the criminals he had been fighting. He no longer used real bullets but the rubber ones hurt a lot.
"I believe so." He heard his brother answer. Jason had been called in by Tim for back up at the docks and it was a good thing he got there in time. His brother had almost been overwhelmed by several thugs and there were more of them so Jason's help was greatly appreciated. They also managed to save a few hostages after taking out the thugs and were satisfied with their progress. It had been a long night.
"We should head back." Tim stated and Jason nodded. The brothers started to leave and Jason turned back and pulled out a knife from his belt to throw at an oncoming thug that was trying to sneak up on them. It hit him right the leg. Jason was ok with that but he knew it would have been faster if he could do things his way.
He and Bruce had come to an agreement. No killing in Gotham. What Jason did outside the kingdom was none of Bruce's concern and Bruce was willing to turn a blind eye to whatever he did elsewhere but as long as they had their agreement, things would be fine between them and it was.
There was no conflict between them anymore. Bruce and Jason had come to understand each other and had a good relationship again. They had been on good terms for a couple of years now and both were happy about having the other back in their lives. That was why Jason avoided talking to Bruce about Artemis. He knew it wouldn't go over well.
Bruce had known Artemis when she was young, arrogant and ruthless. Jason knew a whole different side of her. Jason knew her to be a loving, caring, selfless woman who do anything for someone she loved and who put others before herself. Jason knew Artemis regretted her past and tried to make amends. Jason himself had done things he wished he could forget.
"Jason, are you with me!" Tim asked his brother when he noticed him day dreaming.
Jason snapped out of his thoughts when he heard his brothers voice.
"Sorry, I was thinking." Jason said.
"Yeah, you've been thinking a lot lately." Tim said
"I just have a lot on my mind is all." Jason replied
"A lot meaning stuff about you and Artemis?" Tim asked as they made their way back to their bikes.
Jason wasn't surprised. He figured people would realize that he and the Amazon were more then friends and the first people who would figure that out was his family. They were royals but they were also good at figuring stuff out.
"I guess our little secret is exposed." Jason said getting on his bike.
"I think it's a good thing that you have someone like her." Tim said, letting his brother know he supports his decision.
"Yeah well, I don't think B is gonna feel the same." Jason stated as the two started their bikes and made their way back to the palace.
The place had an underground bunker that they called the bat cave. It was here they operated from and researched all their information on the criminals in the kingdom.
Jason and Tim had made it back to the cave and Tim had retired to his room. Bruce had asked Jason to stay.
Jason had a feeling that Bruce wanted to talk to him about something important.
"What's up?" Jason said, taking a seat in one of the computer chairs in front of the big screen computer.
"Is there anything you would like to tell me?" Bruce asked, turning to face his son.
Jason looked down for a bit. He knew where this was going. Why did he have to do this now?
"Like what?" Jason said, trying to sound casual.
"When were you going to tell me about you and Artemis?" Bruce asked
"I didn't think I needed your permission to date someone." Jason retorted
"Why were you avoiding telling me?" Bruce asked, not taking his eyes off Jason.
"It's obvious, isn't it? You never did like her." Jason said, fighting the urge to get up and walk out to avoid conflict.
"That's not the point. You should have talked to me about it." Bruce said
"What would you have said? That you're happy for me? Or that I'm making a mistake and being stupid?"
"I want you to be happy, Jason. You deserve to be happy." Bruce said and Jason felt that there was a but in there somewhere.
"But not with her, right?" Jason said, seeing the look in his father's eyes.
He just knew Bruce didn't want this relationship to happen but it already was and Jason wasn't going to give it up. He couldn't give up the one thing that made him truly happy.
"Jason," Bruce started, not wanting to upset his second oldest.
"No I get it. You don't like her and that's fine. You don't have to but I'm gonna be with her no matter what. She's the one thing in my life that makes me feel worthy. I can't and I won't walk away from that." Jason stated
"I truly want you to be happy. You know I do. I would do anything to see you happy but listen to me." Bruce said, leaning forward in his chair.
"I don't want you to get hurt. If I knew I could trust Artemis I wouldn't give it a second thought. I just want you safe."
Jason shook his head in disappointment.
"You're being ridiculous. I'm more safe with her then anyone else." Jason retorted, getting frustrated.
"I know how she is, Jason. I just don't want you to make a mistake and regret it later." Bruce noticed Jason cringe and put his head in his hands.
"You have no idea what you're talking about!" Jason shouted, no longer able to control his anger.
He couldn't believe his father was actually trying to protect him from the woman he loved. If only Bruce knew Artemis like Jason did.
"Calm down. I know you don't want to accept it but Artemis isn't the best thing for you." Bruce said, calmly
"You don't know her, Bruce!" Jason said. Bruce could see the anger in his sons eyes.
After a couple of minutes of silence, Jason added,
"You're wrong about her. She's the most amazing woman I've ever known." Jason's voice was calmer this time.
"I know you love her. I've seen the way you look at her." Bruce said
"I just wish I knew you wouldn't get hurt over this."
Jason sighed deeply and he felt like screaming. He just wanted his father to see her as the passionate, loving woman he saw her as.
"She's not like she use to be. People change, Bruce. You should know that as well as anyone." Jason pointed out.
"It's not like I have a good track record myself."
Bruce knew his son wasn't going to give up. Once Jason set his mind to something, there was no turning back and he had never fallen so hard for anyone. That's what worried Bruce. Jason was too much in love to see the truth. This woman could be taking advantage of him, using him to get whatever she wanted. This could be just a game to her and Jason would be left devastated.
Bruce knew he might be a little paranoid and over protective but this was his son. He hated to think what could happen if things didn't go right.
"I wouldn't be telling you this if I felt it wasn't necessary. I just want what's best for you, son."
"Artemis is what's best for me. She makes me feel ok again. I refuse to be without her so you can accept it or don't. I don't give a damn." Jason said, walking to his bike. He turned back to Bruce.
"You said you wanted me to be happy. Why the hell can't you just be happy for me? Why can't you trust my judgment?" Jason said, anger still in his voice.
Bruce looked at his boy. He seemed much older and wiser then his 22 years.
"Because I love you too much to see you get hurt." Was Bruce's reply
Jason climbed on his bike and glared at Bruce. How dare he not trust Artemis when all she ever did was help him on patrol and give him piece of mind. She was a great partner in crime and an amazing lover. Jason knew he could trust her with his life.
After Jason was out of sight, Bruce leaned back in his chair and sighed.
"Perhaps the young man is right. You should just trust him to make good decisions." Came Alfred's voice from behind.
The head of the butlers always knew what to say and he always had a point. Not to mention he was always right.
"I trust him, Alfred. I just can't trust her. Not after what she did to me. She's too aggressive. I don't think I can risk it."
"If you don't learn to accept the woman he loves, you'll loose him and that's the risk you can't take, your majesty." Alfred said calmly
Bruce knew Alfred was right because of course he was. Bruce couldn't bear to loose his son again. Jason had been through so much in his young life and Bruce just wanted to see his son happy. He wanted to see all his kids happy but loosing Jason again was unacceptable. However, Bruce couldn't bring himself to believe that Artemis was good enough for him.
Jason deserves nothing but the best and Bruce had tried to make sure he had the best of everything but he couldn't let his beloved son get hurt by a ruthless woman.
Jason arrived back home and went straight to the liquor cabinet. He pulled out a glass and a bottle and poured him something to drink. He hoped it would ease his stress and lessen his frustration. He didn't know why Bruce didn't just accept Artemis. Well, he did know why but she obviously wasn't the same person Bruce had known several years ago.
"How did patrol go?" Artemis asked, coming into the kitchen.
Jason turned to meet her eyes and just the sight of her was enough to ease his stress.
A worried look appeared on her face and Jason tried to smile to tell her he was ok. Somehow, Artemis could always see through him. Jason felt that no one else knew him like she did.
"Great," Jason replied, taking a drink.
"Are you ok? You seem tense." She said as she walked closer to him and placed her hands on his shoulders.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Jason said, not wanting to worry her.
"It's been a long night is all. I'm just tired." Jason said, trying to not think about the conversation he had with his father.
"I thought you were gonna stay at the palace tonight." Artemis said
"That didn't work out." Jason replied Artemis had a feeling she knew why.
"I think I know what this is about." She said
Jason toke another drink.
"Do you want to talk about it?" She asked, her hand on his shoulder
"What is there to talk about?" Jason said, his face emotionless.
"I'm sorry, Jason. I really am." Artemis said, closing the gap between them.
"It's not your fault. If anyone is to blame it's me." Jason ran both hands through his hair and let out a frustrated sigh
"No need to blame yourself." Artemis stated
"Ever since I came back to Gotham I've been distance. I pushed my family away. I pushed everyone away who tried to help me. I screwed up so much. I gave him a reason not to trust me." Jason said
"I don't think you're the one to blame. It's not you he doesn't trust." Artemis replied, seeming lost in thought.
"Don't worry about it, A." Jason said, sitting his glass down and placing his hand on hers.
"Why don't you go on to bed. You look exhausted." Artemis said, gently brushing his bangs back.
"I think I'll hit the shower. I need one after tonight." Jason said, feeling relaxed by her touch.
"I'll go get the water running." She said as she began to walk upstairs.
A few minutes later, Artemis came out of the bathroom of their shared bedroom wearing a short white silk robe. It had been a gift from Jason last Christmas.
"Your shower is ready, your highness." Artemis said playfully.
She noticed Jason sitting on a couch with his head in his hands.
Artemis walked over to him and placed herself in his lap. Jason gladly put his arms around her and held her close.
"If I could make things better I would." She said, kissing his head.
"I know." Jason replied. "But we're ok.
She wondered if he was telling himself that as much as he was telling her.
"If it comes down to it we can just run away." Jason said.
Artemis laughed softly.
"I would never ask you to leave. This is your home." She replied
They stayed in silence for a while. Just holding each other. Having each other close felt comforting.
"Why don't you go ahead and I'll wait for you in bed." Artemis said
"I won't be long." Jason said, leaning his head on hers.
A hot shower felt amazing. He must have been longer then he thought. When he got out, he came into the room to find his lover on the bed fast asleep. He walked over to the bed and sat down gently as to not wake her. He sat there in silence for a while, enjoying the piece and quite.
He caressed her cheek with his finger and wondered just what he would do without her. He certainly wasn't going to listen to Bruce. He needed her. After the trauma he had been through in his life, he needed something to give him hope. Something to help him stay strong and keep him going. That something was Lady Artemis Grace.
A young Jason enters the underground cave. He had been home for only a few days and his father wasn't happy with him to say the least. He knew his father didn't approve of his ways. Jason knew that was his own fault but he wasn't backing down. He needed to do his own thing. If that meant disappointing his family, that was a chance he was willing to take. He wasn't doing it for himself. He had to protect innocent people. Throwing them in prison didn't do any good when they got out and went back to their old ways.
He knew he was risking a lot. He could be disowned by his family but he thought maybe it was worth it. If they didn't want him anymore, why should he try? He had been on his own for two years. Traveling and learning new things.
"We need to talk, Jason." He heard his father's voice call to him.
Jason turned and stared. Hoping this wouldn't be as bad as he thought.
"Why must we do this? You know the rules and you insist on breaking them."
Jason rolled his eyes at his father and threw his hands up.
"Sorry I'm not your golden boy! Sorry I have a mind of my own and can do my own thing without you always telling me what to do." Jason yelled
His anger was getting the better of him.
"You almost killed someone. We agreed to let you help us as long as you didn't take it too far."
"A murderer Bruce! I almost killed a murderer. He murdered a woman and her two kids. Why does he deserve to live? Jason argued back
"You can't stoop to their level. You know that. You came home and decided to take out everyone you thought didn't deserve to live. Meanwhile, your family was trying to think of how to get you back. Just when we think we did, you go and do something like this." Bruce's glare burned into Jason and Jason glared back.
"Do you want me to leave? It's not like I'm part of the family anymore." Jason said, turning to leave.
"I don't want to fight again. We can work something out." Bruce said, desperate to not loose his son again.
"Why do you think I left in the first place? We can never work something out! We're always gonna be at each other's throats about this." Jason said, turning back to Bruce."
"Please don't leave, Jaylad. I'll let you do your own thing. Just no killing. That's all I ask." Bruce said, hoping somehow, Jason would agree. He didn't want to think about what would happen if he lost his second son again. The kingdom needed all their royals and had missed Jason when he was gone.
Bruce also knew that if it wasn't for him, Jason never would have left in the first place. He needed to find common ground for both of them.
Jason froze at hearing the nickname his father hadn't called him since he was a kid. The desperation in his father's voice made him rethink leaving again. Jason and Bruce had come to an agreement that no killing would take place in Gotham and all seemed right again or at least better.
Jason remembered that argument and the one that had that caused him to leave. He didn't want another fallout with Bruce but he couldn't let Artemis go. She meant too much to him and she was his rock. He tried to think of a way to make things work between them but he feared he might have to choose between his family and the woman he loved.