Chapter 1. Pilot
Jason
I had only been alive for a few months. I think. From what I was told, it had been almost a year, but I was catatonic. Thanks to dear ol' dad's ex, I was revived. But at a cost. My humanity was shattered. I did things I'm not quite proud of. Killed people who deserved it and some innocent people who got in the way. The blood on my hands will never thoroughly wash away, but I'm done.
Walking to Bruce, sitting at the Bat-computer doing who only knows what with this innovative technology. "Can I help you, Jason?" Bruce didn't even bother looking up at me. Probably working on some files. I would have begged to see them only a few months ago, but today, I just wanted out.
"I'm done, Bruce." His tapping stopped. The air in the cave became cold. Well, colder than a typical cave would be.
"Out?" He asked, "Out of what?"
"You know damn well what I want, Bruce!" I couldn't help but raise my voice. The bastard already had a new Robin and was stringing me along for what? Out of guilt? "I'm done being a Robin. Being a hero." I tossed my old mask at the desk, "I'm done being a martyr for your cause." Bruce looked down at the mask. I was the same one I died in. The same one he still had, along with the rest of my suit, on display in the cave-like I never came back. It was a reminder of what I was. I was his greatest failure. His biggest mistake. Everyone knew it. I was the dead Robin. Then I was the Robin that killed. Dick was always a better Robin and Tim was my replacement. A better Robin and a better son than I could ever be.
"Is that all?" He asked, looking up at me. His cowl was still up, still hiding his face. But I knew he was hurt. Who wouldn't be? His son doesn't want to be a part of the family business anymore. "So, what know?" His voice never wavered. I knew why. Years of training. Years of watching everyone you love die or leave. Doesn't mean it didn't piss me off.
"I'm going to school," I told him. "I'm getting a regular job and living a normal life. I can't do this anymore, Bruce. Not after- " I paused, looking back at the tattered remains of who I once was on display.
"This won't be easy, Jason."
"I know." He took a deep breath and removed his cowl, looking me in the eyes for the first time since I returned.
"You'll have to go public with your revival. Do you have a story?"
"Everyone thought I died in the explosion. Just tell the press I lost my memory and was kidnapped. I gained my memory, escaped, and came home."
Bruce only nodded before looking back at the mask, "Even though you are no longer a part of the team, you're still a part of this family." Bruce stood, mask in hand, "Let me help you get on the right track."
"Bruce, I- "
"As your father, Jason." Bruce gave me a soft smile. One I had only seen maybe twice since meeting him as an orphan. "Let me pay for your college and get you a job at Wayne Enterprises."
"Bruce," I took a deep breath. How else would I get a normal life if I didn't accept? Weighing my options, I sighed and gave a slight nod. "Deal. But I pick my degree. And no CEO stuff. I need to do it for myself."
Bruce nodded, and we shook on it. And just like that, my semester at Gotham University started.
Raven
"Darling, you can't be serious!" My mother sobbed, "Where did I go wrong?"
"Mother, please." I hissed, fed up with her dramatics. "I am attending University, not joining the mob!"
"My daughter, going to a mortal college and being surrounded by those creatures!" My mother let out a loud sob before folding her face into the arm of her velvet chaise.
"Friendly reminder, mother, but you and I are humans as well." I huffed, tapping my foot in annoyance. "Me less human than you."
"Yes, but I married your father, so I don't count." She sat up and snapped her fingers, a martini glass appearing in her hand. "Speaking of which, does he know?"
"Yes." I lied. But my mother knows me too well. It was rare that father and I ever spoke. Our conversations usually ended in a spat and me renouncing his domain.
"Raven, darling," Her eyes cut a sharp glance at me and then to the door of my father's throne room. "If you were going to lie to me, make sure you do so when he isn't eavesdropping."
"Shit," I mumbled just before the door to my mother's sitting room was torn off its hinges.
"No daughter of mine will dwell with those humans! Not after what they had done to us!" My father, Trigon, roared. Besides his giant frame, red skin, four glowing red eyes, and hooves for feet, my father is like any other father, except for the fact that he is the king of hell. Or, well, a circle of hell.
"They were killing their own kin, and you expected them to give a literal demon sanctuary?" I shouted. Losing my temper the second my father got involved was common in this domain.
"See! Even more reason to not go!" my mother stood beside my father, already on his side.
"All I am asking is for a few years to know what it's like to be mortal. I'm not asking to rule Earth!" I huffed.
"It would be better if you did!" My father snarled, "At least then, you would have a proper excuse."
"Father, I'm not a child anymore!"
"No. And that's final!"
"Father!"
"No!" He roared, "Anymore talk of you playing mortal will result in punishment! Do I make myself clear?"
Tears stung my eyes. He would always scold me like some small child, and I have had it. I was treated so fragile. Like I would shatter if he just looked at me. "If it is what you request, My king." I gave a mocking bow before opening a portal to my room.
That was the last straw. I grabbed a few bags from my closet and packed. It didn't take very long with my powers. After double checking my bags and making sure I grabbed enough from the safe, I opened a portal and left into the human world. Only to start school shortly after.
Jason
The first year of school was a breeze compared to the last three years of my life. Legally, I was alive. The press had a field day with that information up until Bruce finally married Selina and they focused on them instead. Sitting in my first class of the semester, I wasn't expecting much. I definitely wasn't expecting this small, pale girl with short curls in her updo to sit next to me. I wasn't expecting her to pull out a Jane Austan book and I couldn't have expected her to instantly raise her hand to call out the teacher.
He sighed, as if knowing what was about to come, "Yes, Ms. Roth?" The old professor looked defeated at the mere sight of her.
"I had noticed that this semesters synopsis primary involves Hemmingway and Steinbeck. Is there a reason we are given a less diverse reading list than most universities?"
The professor sat in his chair and pulled out a pipe, "Hemmingway and Steinbeck are immensely popular authors. They discuss social topics that are very important to our society." He spoke in a tone you that small children would call condescending. The old geezer took a puff of his pipe, the smell reaching the back row of his classroom, making some students cough and others cringe.
"Yes, and I am sure people made the same argument about Hitler. Will we be reading Mein Kampf as well?" The room was silent, all but for the snort that came out of my nose. I can tell why the professor looked so defeated now. This woman was brutal!
"Ms. Roth!" He coughed out, completely unprepared for her words.
"All I'm asking is why we don't have a more diverse reading list. Like Mary Shelly, Jane Austen, Richard Wright? These authors discuss important topics to our society as well. Is there a reason we are not reading anything from them?"
I kept my hand over my mouth-desperately trying not to laugh-and watched her while the professor fumbled over his words, "Well, those books aren't pertinent to our society at the moment- "
"They aren't pertinent? Or are you just a low-class mongrel-"
"Ms. Roth!" The professor stood, ready to rush her out of the class.
"A low-class mongrel who only wishes to show your students the world you live in! And if that's the case, I fear for the future of our society and I question the integrity of this school!"
"Ms. Roth!" The professor got closer, his face beat red. You could feel his embarrassment and rage with each step.
The old geezer was steps away from this mystery woman. He looked ready to snap, that's when I stood up and looked down at the old bastard. "She's got a point. I think I'll be dropping this class, as well."
Looking down at this, strange woman, I couldn't help but smirk. Her eyes were square on the professor, as if I wasn't there. "But, Mr. Todd!"
"I said I was dropping it." I grabbed my books, eyes never leaving her frame. "Ms.," I said, finally breaking her stare, "Would you mind if I escorted you to the deans, I believe we have plenty to discuss."
She collected her books before finally looking at me. Her eyes were breathtaking. A deep blue that I could swear were purple. We kept eye contact for awhile before she gave a soft hum, "If we are heading the same direction, I don't see why not."
"Score." I thought. I couldn't help but smirk at her as we both headed for the deans. "After you." I gave a tiny bow and gestured for her to step out of the row before me. She walked ahead and we exited the class. Only then, did I start laughing. "That was amazing!"
"Oh, and what about that was so amusing?" She hummed, watching me. Her features looked cold. But, if you looked close enough, you could see the shadow of a smirk on her face.
"Well for one, the fact that the old geezer wasn't expecting you to bring up Hitler, and two. You're right. We could all use a little more Jane Austen in our lives."
That shadow of a smile turned into a grin. "Well, I wasn't expecting someone to agree with me, if I'm being honest."
"I'm guessing you pull stunts like this all the time?'
"Know what would give you that idea?" She asked, both of us walking slowly to the deans.
"Well, he looked deflated when you raised your hand in the first place."
"Professor Jones was my English 101 professor." She gave a small giggle. It sounded sweet and airy. Almost like champaign bubbles.
Her giggle must be infectious. Before I knew it, I was chuckling along with her. "You'd think he would have learned by now."
"Some men never do." She sighed, looking up at me with those doe eyes of hers. "But I guess not all men feel the same."
"Believe me, sunshine." I smirked, "The men I grew up with wouldn't have taken that. Hell, the women wouldn't either."
"Sunshine?" She questioned.
"I'd settle for calling you by your name, if you'd like."
"Raven." She stated, extending her right hand out to me. "Raven Roth."
"Jason." I smiled, taking her hand in mine. Her hand was soft. Almost like holding silk. "Jason Todd."
"So, Mr. Todd." She smiled, "I guess that makes us friends now?"
I chuckled, not really wanting to let go of her hand, "If you'd like." We were only a few steps from the deans when I let go of her hands. "I'll let you go first. And after we're done, want to get lunch?"
She paused for a second, putting her soft hand to her chin, "Hmm…" Slowly, she nodded. "I'd like that."
Raven
I had no expectations for this class. I simply came in after reading what our books for the year would be and chose to do something about it. I had no expectations on meeting this man. Sitting next to him was simply a coincidence. It wasn't the fact that he radiated a rage that would give me the confidence to call out the professor. And it definitely wasn't that bored expression. Or his green eyes that reminded me of the pits at home. And it definitely wasn't the fact that his appearance. The fact that he looked like he had been to war with a God and won. No, it was simply an empty seat.
Even though I had no expectation of him walking out with me, I was thankful he did. His laugh is infectious. It took everything in me not to laugh along with him. Once we got to the dean, I was slightly disappointed that the walk was over. But he invited me to lunch. How could I not say yes when we could discuss…book. Yes. Only discuss books. Nothing else. Not like I was excited to see him waiting outside the deans when I was done. Not that I waited for him after he was done. Not that I enjoyed his company at lunch.
"So, you're a sophomore too?" He asked, dipping a fry in his vanilla shake.
I nodded, sipping on my iced tea, "Getting a degree in literature to teach. And you?"
"I'm getting a degree in mechanical engineering. I got a job lined up for when I get out."
"Oh really? Where?" I asked, not really caring.
"Oh, it doesn't matter." Deflecting. It's probably a family business. "So, what else do you do for fun?"
The conversations never seemed to stay in the same place. One minute were talking about school, the next, friends. Then books, then back to family. Before we knew it, we missed two classes. Then three. Before I knew it, we were walking back to the dorms, him holding his books and even my bag.
"I have some free time tomorrow." He said, breaking the comfortable silence we fell under. "If you want to, I don't know, go to the library and study or something." He was embarrassed, and it didn't take my powers to know. His cheeks were flushed and he was avoiding eye contact.
I waited a few seconds before speaking, "Sure." I looked up at him, feeling his joy. It was infectious. Jason felt with everything he had. Sure, most humans did, but with him, it was addicting to feel. Like drinking the sweetest wine, I couldn't get enough. "But are you sure it'll be to study?"
"Well," he whistled, "We could do other things." He smirked, leaning in closer.
"Oh," I smirked, watching his eyes. I could feel his nervousness, but there was something else. Something, sweeter. Almost like pure sugar. I leaned in, "Like what?"
"Well," He pulled away, smirking down at me, "You'll just have to come to the library tomorrow to find out." He smiled, handing me my bag back. I was unaware that we were by the dorms. "I'll see you tomorrow?"
I huffed, playing the same game he was, "Well see." I grabbed my bag before walking to the woman's dorm.
"Tomorrow at two! I'll meet you there!" I turned to respond, but he was already walking off.
I watched for a brief moment before heading into my dorm room. He wasn't like the normal humans I had encountered and I intended on seeing what else was so different about him.
The next day, after class, I went to the library. My heart leapt when I saw him and I knew his heart did the same. His emotions were pure extasy to me. He was a drug and I craved it every day. This continued for days. Then weeks. Then months. Before I knew it, we saw each other every day. Sometimes we went to the library, sometimes the diner. Other times he would show me the town and all its wild places. Comedy clubs, musicals, burlesques, pool bars, fight clubs. He knew all the wild ways of Gotham and it was exhilarating! I had been to Earth before, but only on short visits with my mother. And only for studying purposes. Nothing this fun.
One night, after Jason took me to see "The Music Man" we were hanging out in his favorite pool bar, having a few drinks, and talking.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Jason chuckled. "Shipoopi is your favorite song?"
I took a sip of my martini and shook my head, "I never said it was my favorite. Just stuck in my head."
"It is pretty catchy." He smiled, sipping his drink. "So, what was your favorite?
"It's going to sound generic but there's a reason everyone loves it."
"Till there was you?" Jason grinned, "I don't blame you. Songs got a lot of heart."
"And you?" I asked, watching him lick the beer off his lips. It was rare I saw him drink, but he always ordered one of two drinks. An Old fashion with an orange twist or Schlitz logger. I had never drank before coming here so I have tried a few. I don't care much for beer, but I've always been curious about how it would taste on him. The beer was bitter and foamed in my throat. But he always smelled like spices and something exotic. Maybe he could make a beer taste like fine wine to me.
"I'd have to agree with you."
"Oh bull." I chuckled. "You're just saying that so I don't feel like a dork."
"No seriously. The song is so sincere, that you just have to love it. You could even dance to it."
"And by dance, you mean slow dance, don't you.?"
He grinned and stood up, walking over to the jukebox, and putting a nickel in before "magically" playing the song. He walked over and extended his hand out to me, "Dance with me."
I grabbed his hand as he led to me the empty dancefloor. The world seemed to fade as we danced in the almost empty bar. I could hear nothing but the song and I could only see him. The smell of spice filling me as I rested my head on his thumping chest. He was nervous but I couldn't figure out why. That was until he lifted my chin with his hand and placed a ghost of a kiss on my lips. I leaned in, letting him kiss me more. We didn't stop until the song ended and the stars in my eyes started to fade.
Even though the world came back to me, he was the only thing I saw. "Jason."
"I know were not going steady or anything but, Rae, I really like you." He was more nervous now than when we kissed. Did he think I'd reject him? After all the time we've spent together? After all these emotions I never got to feel?
"I like you too. A lot, actually." Love felt more accurate.
"So what do you say, sunshine, be my girl?"
Be his? "Of course." I sputtered out before I could think. Jason is the one person on Earth and in Hell that could make me this happy. I know my responsibilities but I don't care. I just want him.
The joy I felt off of him was intoxicating. Jason scooped me into his arms and kissed me again. And again. He kissed my lips, cheek, and neck. He was treading into dangerous territory and he knew it.
"So, were official?" I asked.
"We are now." He smiled, leading me back to our table. We finish our drinks and head out to the dorms. "I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Same time and place?" I asked. He nodded and we kissed goodnight.
Jason
After we started dating, nothing really changed. We still spent every moment we could together. Now with just a bit more affection. We spent the rest of our time in school together. The rest of our sophomore year, summers traveling to the beach and trips to Europe. Nightly rendezvous away from prying eyes. Our junior year got a little rocky when an old flame from my hero days came to visit.
"If you guys aren't anything anymore, then why is she here?" Raven asked, tapping her foot on the titles of our favorite diner.
"Because Rose likes drama. She probably heard from one of my brothers about us and wanted to cause problems." I pulled Raven in, "I'm serious, Rae. I didn't know she'd be here and I have no problem telling her to kick rocks."
"Would it be a problem if you did?" She looked up at me. Christ, if when she's mad at me, she's concerned for me. "I used to do some business with her old man, but that was years ago. I honestly haven't even thought of her. Not since you came into my life.
"Am I interrupting something?" Rose asked, " I have a table for us Jason."
"I'm not interested, Rose." I responded, watching her smirk go to a scowl real quick. "I'm not interested in you or whatever your old man needs."
"You're kidding?" She scoffed. "When they told me you were doing this, I thought it was mental breakdown. No one really thought you were serious."
"I am." I looked down at Raven, "Lets get out of here." She nodded, not even looking at Rose once.
It was brief, but stressful. Rose loves getting under my skin and causing me problems. I was more worried she'd rat out my past and who I was. I can't let Raven know. Not yet, at least.
Senior year was stressful for a whole different reason. Classes where a pain and I was planning something big. After two years dating, I knew she was the one. Hell, I knew she was the one when we first met. She put that final nail in the coffin when I kissed her at the bar. Every day I was with her made me fall further and further. How could I not. She was this paragon of everything I ever wanted in life. She's the family I never had and the comfort I never knew. When I'm with her, my past feels like a different life. I have a future when I look at her. Everything I never knew I wanted feels achievable with her. A warm home, peace, comfort, joy. She's all of that and so much more to me.
It was our graduation ceremony when I proposed. It wasn't too big. We both got our diplomas, threw our hats, and said goodbye to old friends.
"I'm surprised your parents didn't show up for the ceremony." I told her, putting my arm around her shoulder.
"Yeah, well they're a little old school." She said, leaning into me.
"Oh right," I said, "They're from the old country."
"What about you "son of a millionaire"?"
I shrugged, "Bruce is always busy so I didn't really extend an invitation. Plus, I kind of want to be alone with you for the day."
"Oh?" She hummed, looking up at me, "only for nefarious purposes, I hope."
I smiled and moved a few inches away, trying my best to keep my cool, "You wound me, little bird."
She giggled, leaning into me, "So, why do you want me all to yourself?"
"It's now or never." I told myself, getting on one knee, "Marry me?" I asked, a little rushed.
"Yes." She said, like it was the most obvious answer on the planet. I felt this sense of calmness wash over me before my heart leapt from my chest.
"Yes?" I asked, she nodded, her smile never leaving her perfect face. I jumped to my feet and picked her up by the waist, swinging her around. "You said yes!" I kissed her. I kept on kissing her. Every time I kissed her, I couldn't stop. She was more addictive than any drug on the street and I could never get enough, "I promise to make you the happiest woman on the planet, Sunshine!"
Raven
I can't say I didn't see the proposal coming. I can feel his emotions and he's been carrying that ring all semester. I just didn't know when. I knew my answer long before he knew when to propose. I was always going to say yes. There's just one problem, he has no clue what I am. I don't even know when to tell him anymore. I was going to tell him when he kissed me, then when we went to Europe, then when Rose caused problems. But it never felt right.
"Let's elope." I told him.
"Really?" He asked, "You don't want some big wedding? Or to invite your family?"
"Weddings are such a hassle." I shrugged off, "Plus," I kissed his chin, "I'm more interested in the honeymoon."
He smirked and kissed my forehead, "Let's do it. I know a nice little hotel to spend the weekend at."
And we eloped that night. Went to the courthouse in a simple white dress and a rented tuxedo. He had the hotel booked and I had the suitcases. Marriage was never on the list of human things I planned to experience, but how could I say no to him. Not when he made existing seem so normal.
I sat on our hotel bed, watching him remove a few things from his suitcase before humming, "Damn, I'll be right back, Rae. I forgot the champagne."
"It's fine, we don't need it." I told him.
"No, I want this night to be perfect," He kissed my forehead, "I'll be back in just a minute. Go ahead and wait here." I nodded and watched him leave the room.
Not seconds later, did a portal open and my mother popped out, her face almost as red as my fathers.
"My word, Raven!" She shrieked, "Have you finished playing normal yet? This is ludacris and-" my mother paused her tirade to look me up and down. I was in nothing but a white, silk nightgown.
Wrapping my body in a blanket I glared, "This isn't hell mother, you can't just barge in on me!"
"What in your father's name are you wearing?"
"A nightgown. I bought it for my-" My cheeks felt flushed and I wanted to faint from the mix of embarrassment and joy. " For my husband."
"Your what?" My mother screeched, putting banshees to shame with her ear piercing shrill. "When your father finds out-"
"There is nothing he can do about it, mother!" I shouted, a glass shattering on the table next to the bed. I hadn't lost my temper in so long, I almost forgot about the side effects of my magic and jumped, "Mother, I am a grown woman and I want to live my life as I see fit."
"So, you marry behind your parents back?"
"Would you let me if I didn't?"
"We could have introduced you to some lovely gentlemen at home."
"It's not the same and you know that!"
"Well, he must be a wonderful man if he knows about what you are."
I froze, wrapping my body tighter in the blanket.
"Raven Roth! You're telling me you married a man that has no clue where you came from or what you are?"
"I was planning on telling him tonight actually…"
"You should have told him long ago!"
"I know I just-"
"You what? Got swept up in some whirlwind romance? Honestly, Raven, you know better! He'll break your heart!"
"He won't! Jason isn't like the humans you've encountered before. He's different."
"Keep telling yourself that." The portal opened back up, "Come home when he breaks your heart, I'll be there with arms wide open and we can forget all about this mess."
"You'll be waiting a long-time mother!" The portal closed and not a moment to soon. Jason soon comes back in with a bottle of champagne and a tray of fruits and cheese.
"Hey, they had a honeymoon package for us. What's wrong?" He always did this. He saw the smallest expressions on my face and just knew what I was feeling.
"I need to tell you something." I sat at the edge of the bed.
He placed the gifts on the nightstand and sat next to me, "You're not already married, are you?"
"No, nothing like that."
I felt relief sweep across him, "Then anything you say can't be that bad."
"Well, it depends on how you feel about magic." He tensed again.
"Don't tell me you're some superhero, little bird."
"I could be, but I'm not. Jason, I'm only half human." I push out. "I'm half demon and I have magic abilities. I can feel other emotions."
"So… you're magical. But you're not a superhero or villain?'
"No, I just want to live a normal, human life. With you."
The air was tense and silent. And then, he laughed. "Of course, I'd marry a witch!" He cackles.
"Is that an insult, Jason," Raven stares intensely at him.
"I mean no disrespect sunshine, it's just with my luck, of course I'd marry a witch."
"It sounds like you're saying so with contempt." I crossed her arms, ready to storm out.
"After all the trouble mystics have caused me, you'd forgive my manic behavior."
"Trouble with- You never told me about that."
"And you never told me you were a witch!"
"Demon technically." I corrected. He laughed again.
"To be honest, I've been hiding my past for you too. Granted it's nothing as grand as being a demon. I used to be a Robin. Even ran around for a few years as an antihero going by the name Red Hood."
"Robin. You mean-"
"Batman's sidekick. There's a few of us, now." He cleared his throat, sitting next to me. "I love you, Raven. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
"I'm hearing a but," I could feel my heart break at the thought of him sending me out. Maybe mother was right? I hope not.
"No but, I just can't go back to that life again."
"And I don't want you to. Jason, I want to live a normal life. I'll even stop using my magic if you want."
"I couldn't ask that of you, Raven. I love you. All of you. Even the part I just found out about." He kisses my cheek and I could feel the fear in both our veins dissipate.
"So, we're in agreement, then?" I ask and he nods. "We live a normal life, with just a bit of weird."
"It wouldn't be us if it wasn't a little weird." He smiles, "Now," he grins "We have champagne, fruit and a weekend all to ourselves."
I can feel the heat in his body and it pulls me in, "Just like Paris?"
"Better than Paris, Mrs. Todd." I remove the blanket from my body, showing him the thin nightgown.
"Shall we, Mr. Todd."
