Chapter 2:

Not the but the Coffee..

…

Althia was not for your information havin a good night. Gotham never fucking slept, it was just as bad if not worse tha New York City. Especially on pretty intense nights. It was no secret that Gotham had a slight crime problem.. Slight being the understatement of the century but that was hardly the point. Some nights were just worse than others and Althia couldn't wait for the next hour to pass so she could go home after thirty-five hours of being on call. Her downstairs neighbor, a middle aged woman who was a freelance artist, agreed to watch her son while she was at work so luckily she knew they were both safe.

Tonight had been hell and that was putting it nicely. Althia's scrubs were covered in all sorts of fun fluids that she really didn't want to think about right now. Her hair was matted to her face, she was exhausted. She wanted coffee.

Considering by the time she was supposed to leave the sun would be rising she could in theory find a coffee shop open. That sounded like a good idea. Althia left the break room where she'd hid herself for a few minutes of quiet. She needed to check in with the nurses and do one last round to see how her actual patients were.

"You look like absolute shit." Her favorite of the nurses told her, despite the fact that she hadn't asked. Althia knew how bad she looked. She didn't need a verbal confirmation.

"Carla!" Someone scolds and it's met with a shrug. Althia just raises a brow.

"Any new trauma cases? ER's been quiet for a little bit." Her pager had been buzzing all night, so it was strange not to have to deal with the annoying buzz. Carla shook her head offering her a smile.

"Dr. Anders just got in, any new trauma's are being sent to him. You're free to go clean up, Dr. Jackson told me to let you know when you stopped back by the nurses desk. She's in surgery now, so don't bother her. Good work tonight Doctor." Carla told her holding what looked like her patient files hostage.

"But my post-ops…" Althia trailed off as a yawn threatened to spill out her mouth.

"Will be seen by the nurses, go home ." Dr. Anders spoke with absolute authority as he too walked up to the nurses station. He patted her shoulder just sighed.

She wouldn't win this argument against him. Anders was an older man who'd been with Gothan General for a long ass time. No one argued with him and won. Except Dr. Jackson but considering that Anders was her father it didn't count.

"Alright I'm going. Mr. Finch in room 1105 will want a full report, he expects one. And Ms. Wailer is going to want to eat first before she'll listen to anything." Carla and Dr. Anders both roll their eyes as they shoo her away.

First thing she needed to do was go take a quick shower and then, then she could go get coffee.

Gods she couldn't wait for coffee.

…

Jason's night was not going good. He'd unintentionally shot Tim a couple months back and ever since the bats had been making his job really fucking hard. It wasn't his damn fault that Tim got in the way, the kid shouldn't have even been there. If they'd just leave him be shit like that wouldn't happen. He wasn't like he was before, he was better now they needed to let it go.

He could really go for some fucking coffee after the shit night he'd had. All he wanted was to decompress and forget that tonight ever happened. Jason didn't appreciate being tailed while we was tryin to fucking work and he just wanted to drink some coffee that wouldn't do anything for how tired he felt and not to think about it.

So that's what he decided to do. He knew a place that was open at this time of morning and headed there after stopping at his base to change clothes.

There were ever only a few people there, it was sort of a whole in the wall run by a very eccentric individual. So it would be the perfect place to wind down after a long night.

Or it would have been if not for the unfortunate accident of getting coffee spilt all over you. Jason couldn't fucking believe it. But what made matters worse the poor lady who'd ran into him looked like she was about to fucking lose it.

"Gods… shit I am so terribly sorry.." Apology spilling from her mouth, as she practically ignores the fact that she too is covered in coffee. Jason sighed, this was just great.

Jason rubbed a hand over his face and took a deep breath before letting his hand fall onto her shoulder as she frantically tried to clean up the mess made. "Calm down you're giving me anxiety." He practically commands but he can't his tone.

This was slightly annoying.

She stills instantly, but there is something fearful in her posture. Fuck he must have been to harsh. Shit he was not having it today it seemed. He didn't mean to scare her. Not his intention. Jason opens his mouth to apologize but the look in her eyes changes again as she just starts laughing.

Hysterically. Only for a second or two then she's wiping her eyes and clearing her throat.

"Oh my gods, look I am so so very sorry. I live close by and can wash your shirt if you'd like, I need to actually order more coffee so yours will be on me too. Does that sound good?" Before he even has time to answer she's turning and heading back into the cafe. Jason rolls his eyes and follows, because fuck it he still wanted that damn coffee.

"Yeah I guess that's fine, what's your name by the way if I'm gonna get half naked in your apartment I should at least know your name." The way she smiles when he asks, not even giving in to the possible innuendo he's thrown out, her smile reminds him of sunshine in a way that there was something warm and inviting about the look on her face. He liked her smile much more than he should have at that moment.

"I'm Althia, maybe if you're lucky I'll let you get fully naked in my apartment." Jason bit back a laugh, he smirked at her. Well then. If that's how she wanted to play.

"Nice to meet you Althia, I'm Jason. Maybe if you're lucky I'll take you up on that offer." He smirked back and she just laughed, softer than before but still very genuine.

"It's nice to meet you too, shame about those original cups of coffee though. Truly a waste. At least their sacrifice had led to something interesting and fun. Looking forward to getting to know you Jason." She spoke with such sincerity that he couldn't help it but believe her.

He could tell already that they were going to be great friends. Especially since it seemed his sarcastic humor didn't bother her. If anything she'd been more than willing to play along. Interesting and fun.

Yeah he would agree to that statement.

XOXOX

Okay look, I know that the meeting is possibly unrealistic. But in my life I have actually met people who really just go with the flow like Althia does here. She spilt coffee on a stranger, it happens. I think their meeting is really funny and I like to picture it like this.

Anyway thank you for reading!

Have a beautiful day!

Sincerely, La'Rae