The Shadow Files-
The Jason Todd Chapters – Ch. 1 - Stubbornness
"Jason, I'd like you to meet my niece Catarena. Normally she lives with us but she's training and studying abroad." Bruce said as they stood in the Batcave together.
Catarena smiled warmly.
"It's nice to meet you." She said to Jason as she held out her hand.
Jason was a scrawny 15 year old, who hadn't hit his growth spurt yet but he had fire in his eyes. Cat was glad Bruce may have found another Robin. There was something unique to having Robin with Batman; it was essential to Batman's survival and not just as helpfulness as having a partner is. Robin kept him from going too deep into his own darkness. Though there was something off about the boy. Catarena sensed he had his own darkness. Jason took Catarena's hand and shook it briefly but did not offer a smile in return.
"What a stupid name. You might as well be named Catnip." Jason said and Cat sighed, sometimes she hated being right.
Cat turned to Bruce, who was frowning at Jason.
"Charming, what do you plan to do with him?" She asked, switching gears.
"Train him to be Robin. While you're here would you train him a bit? See what he's got?" Bruce asked and Cat grinned but Jason interrupted.
"You want me to fight her! I'll take her out no problem!" Jason said and Cat's grin got even wider.
She knew Bruce wanted her to access his level of fighting and to give him a training run down while Bruce patrolled the streets. The last thing they needed was a hot head rookie kid running around.
"Excellent. Let's see what you've got." Cat said.
Of course as Jason and Cat spared Jason could not lay one finger on Cat no matter what he did or the taunts he tried. Cat dodged him with expert skill, he was no match for her and never would be but Cat was the perfect training partner. For the time being Cat refrained from telling Jason about what she was and Bruce picked up on her wishes. She felt he was too young to understand the whole story and part of her didn't trust him yet.
Bruce was pleased with Jason's sparing session with Cat. He had raw talent and potential but one nod from Bruce and Cat knocked him on his ass so fast it knocked the wind out of him. He choked and huffed for air as Cat helped him to sit up. He wasn't angry at Cat for showing him up but more amused by her.
"That was very good, you have real skill. Catarena will train you while she's here. If you listen and learn well you may be almost as good as her one day." Bruce said and Jason was raring to go.
"Bring it! I will be better than you one day." He said and Cat couldn't hold back a small laugh.
"Perhaps you will be. I would very much like to see that." Cat said the amusement still in her voice.
The days passed and Catarena trained Jason every day. They were bonding and Jason was warming up to Cat. He took a real liking to her.
"You're so cool Catnip. I hope I'm as good as you one day." He said and Cat smirked.
"I'm sure you will be. You've got a lot of growing to do. I bet the next time I visit you'll be taller than me." Cat said as she humored the nickname he had for her, it was growing on her.
"Why do you have to go? You could train here with us." He said sadly.
"I could but it's not the same, you know that. I want to train like Bruce has trained. You might want to one day too. It's for my future as Shadow." She explained.
She could tell he was sad but accepted her explanation.
"I won't be gone forever. I'll come visit once in a while." She promised; to comfort him.
She realized that what the boy craved most was love. To be loved by a mother or a sister in her case and help him grow up but her destiny was calling her elsewhere. Cat was then startled by Jason wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his head on her chest. After a second she hugged him and held him close.
"When do you leave?" He asked softly.
"Early in the morning." She replied.
"You'll say goodbye before you go right?" He asked.
"You'll still be asleep." She said.
"I don't care, wake me up. Promise?" He said.
"Ok I promise. Now, how about we sneak out and get some ice cream or something?" She asked and his eyes light up.
Catarena was away for two years and only returned every so often for a short period of time to make appearances as Bruce's niece and a "college student". She needed people to believe she was only away at college; which she was to some extent. She could get away with being away at "college" for about seven years or so. Though, she wouldn't need that long for any schooling. If she really let herself show her smarts she could be done with any masters program in the normal four years of college, possibly less. Granted that would be with continuous study.
Catarena was returning for a slightly longer visit, during one of the holidays even though her family rarely celebrated them. In all honesty she was missing her family. Spending too much time alone in the woods she was worried she was losing her humanity.
Cat arrived home and not surprisingly Bruce and Jason were out patrolling. This gave Cat the chance for some quality time with Alfred. She told him about all of her travels and studying. They got plenty of time to talk because as expected the Duo didn't return until very early in the morning, around 3am and Cat was surprised by the time, she was expecting later.
Bruce was expecting her home but she wasn't sure if Jason knew. When they arrived at the cave Jason's grin told her he didn't know. Bruce walked up with a smile and placed his hand warmly on her shoulder.
"Did you have a good trip?" He asked and she shrugged.
"It was alright, you know I don't like flying." She said and he nodded with a smile.
"We'll have breakfast in a few hours. We need some sleep." Bruce said, emphasizing the some in Jason's direction.
Cat nodded to Bruce and hugged him, then letting him get some rest. As soon as Bruce was gone Jason scooped Cat up into a big hug, spinning her around a little. Cat was shocked at how much he had changed. The last time she'd seen him he'd been fifteen short and skinny; and now he was seventeen an inch taller than her and filled out all over. He was a handsome grown man now right before her eyes. She was happy to see him again. He set her down and looked at her face closely, still holding her in his arms. She looked away, feeling self conscious.
"You're as beautiful as the first day I saw you. You haven't changed; well accept your hair is SO long." He said and Cat blushed but became sad.
Jason still didn't know about her not ageing, and the way Cat liked to track the passing of time was to grow her hair.
"Well it's only been two years. I'm at that age where you don't change much. But look at you! All grown up. I told you you'd be taller than me. You shot up like a weed." She said as her hands rested on his muscular shoulders.
He grinned and nodded, laughing slightly with nerves.
"How old are you again?"
"I'm Dick's age."
"You look younger, like closer to my age maybe younger." He said.
She was tempted to tell him her secret but wasn't sure she wanted to. She couldn't explain what was stopping her. For the first time since she was changed she cared what he would think of her. He hadn't grown up with her like Dick; an outsider but still a part of the family.
"Well, I'm flattered thank you. You look tired, you should get some sleep." She said as she shifted in his arms.
He let her go and took off his mask, running his fingers through his hair. As much as he wanted to stay up he needed some sleep.
"Yeah I should sleep. I bet you're tired too. See you at breakfast?" He said as he started taking off his uniform.
Cat was at the stairs and turned to look at him.
"You bet." She said with a smile and turned to go up to the manor.
She blushed deeply and hated the way her body was reacting but she didn't blame it. She was in her twenties, never been kissed, been to a dance or even on a date. The closest she'd come to these things was in her dreams. She could clearly see how Jason was seeing her now the same way most men looked at her. He was a teenager with raging hormones in a house full of men and too much testosterone. She didn't blame him and part of her wanted to see how things would play out. Remnants of her childish days wanted to kiss him to make Dick jealous for not kissing her when he had the chance but she could sense he regretted it every time he saw her. Cat decided she'd see what Jason wanted out of curiosity. In her room she threw off her travel clothes and climbed into bed for a nap despite it being far too early for her to sleep; she really had lost all sense of human life. It was time for a fresh start.
At breakfast early the next morning Cat recounted all that she had been doing. It was nice to sit and actually have a meal with family for a change. Bruce was pleased and it was decided that while Cat was in town she would train Jason and he would not have to patrol. Bruce was worried he was working Jason too hard.
"A vacation huh? How did I get so lucky?" Jason asked jokingly.
"You're young and need more rest. I've been working you too hard. I'm sorry." Bruce said and Jason shrugged.
Cat could see that Jason was stubborn and a little brash now. She could see that Jason thought he could take on the world when in fact he could not. She worried he'd push himself too far one day. Bruce's word was final and Cat could see Jason was at least a little glad for the time off.
They started right away having the cave's training facility to themselves. Jason showed Cat all that he had learned.
"You've improved greatly. I'm impressed." Cat said.
"I told you I'd be better than you one day."
"Oh you think you are not do you?" Cat challenged despite knowing he never would be.
"Yeah I think so. Let's have a go." He challenged back and Cat laughed a little.
"Work first, play later." Cat said and she knew Jason would not let the challenge go but for now did.
He was very practical to take the chance to learn something new before a fight.
Jason was a fast learner and easy to teach. He took Cat's direction well and after little correction he improved three fold almost every time. A week went by and Cat had taught him all that she had learned so far. Now they just had to hone his skills. Above all she taught him patience and balance for his fighting. It wasn't physical balance, but more of an inner balance. Being part cat she could still sense he had something dark clouding him and hoped this training would help.
They were warming up one morning with a sparring session and Jason couldn't help bringing up the challenge again.
"So now that I know all that you know. How about we spar? Winner gets something from the other." He said.
"What will we fight for?" She asked.
"Anything you can think of." He replied.
Cat thought for a moment as they warmed up.
"Alright I'm in, but I shall have to think of something when I win." She said and Jason laughed.
"Ok and when I win you have to go on a date with me."
His words caught Cat by such surprise she stopped mid block and Jason landed his first hit against Cat ever. Cat faltered and Jason was shocked, he didn't think his condition would take her by surprise.
"Did I surprise you?" He asked as he touched her arm, she was still staring off.
She looked at him then.
"Of course you did. Why do you want that?" She asked.
"Why not? You're beautiful. Hasn't anyone ever asked you out before?" He asked.
"No." She blurted before she could stop herself.
She was now thoroughly embarrassed.
"Are you serious? Not even Dick?" He asked.
"No." Cat replied sternly, angry all over again at Dick's rejection of her.
Jason picked up on this and brushed her arm and she looked at him.
"He's a fool." Jason said softly which made Cat's heart flutter.
Frustrated at her emotions she stepped away from him.
"Yes he is. We don't have time for dates but I'll play your game. Lets fight already." She said in annoyance but not at Jason.
Jason smirked and prepared himself then motioned for her to start.
They fought and Cat kept it evenly matched. She realized the outcome would be up to her and whether or not she wanted him to take her on a date. She had never been on one and really wanted to see what it was all about. she reasoned with herself that it would be a good experience to learn how to handle for later. Her naivety gave away her "age". But at the same time she liked Jason and wanted to prove Dick wrong. That she could handle the pain in the end and hold onto the good memories. Catarena could not make up her mind but her body decided for her. Before she could react Jason hit her again. Striking the side of her face. It didn't hurt and it should have unfazed her but she went down. She let her body's momentum take her to the floor. She laid there a second; shocked at the answer her body had given her warring mind.
"Catnip!"
Jason was at her side in a second, worried he had hurt her. Her eyes were closed as he rolled her onto her back, but she opened them when he touched her face. His eyes were full of concern and she couldn't keep a smile in, but it was a soft smile.
"I guess you win." She said.
"Forget about that right now. Are you alright?" He asked as he helped her to sit up and then checked her face where he'd hit her but he wouldn't find a mark.
"Yes I'm fine. You just stunned me." She said as she got up.
"You're getting very good. Pretty soon you'll be knocking me down every time." She added.
"You were distracted the whole fight. Your mind was somewhere else but I'll accept the victory. We're going out tonight so be ready, five o'clock. Fancy but not too formal. I'll pick you up at your room." He said with an amused grin.
She was still staring at him even after he was gone, but quickly snapped out of it. She went straight to her room to decide what to wear but that wasn't an issue. The problem was her hair. The dress she wanted to wear was just above the knee and her hair was about that length. It looked strange that way. It had been long before she'd left for two years and she never thought to cut it. She quickly sought out Alfred and found him cleaning, which did not surprise her, though she wondered why he cleaned so much. The house was always spotless. It must have been a slow week, she reasoned.
"Ah miss Catarena. Are you and Master Jason taking a day off?" He asked.
"Yes, something like that."
She said not sure of how to ask him but he asked for her.
"What can I do for you? You seem like you need me for something." He asked.
"Yes, I was wondering if you could trim my hair. I realize it's gotten too long. It's longer than a dress I want to wear tonight." She said.
"I'd be happy to help. Let's go to the kitchen." Alfred said and they went.
Alfred gathered the items he'd need and debated where to do it.
"How about I sit on the counter?" Cat suggested.
"Brilliant idea." Alfred said and Cat hopped onto the counter easily and sat down.
Alfred spread a sheet on the floor to catch her hair and got to work.
"How much shall I cut?"
"To my waist will be fine. Thank you."
"Are you doing something special tonight?" Alfred asked.
Cat was hesitant to respond.
"Yes… I… have a date." Cat said with disbelief in her voice.
She could sense Alfred's surprise.
"With Master Jason?" He guessed.
"Yes."
"Oh how lovely. Will this be your first date?"
"Yes, first ever." She said.
"Oh! That's quite exciting. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time. Will this be a reoccurring event with Jason?"
"I'm not sure. I don't know what to think." Cat said with a deep blush.
"Ah young love is always confusing. It's about risks. You're young."
"Please don't tell Bruce or mention it to Jason. I'm not sure where Jason's going with this. He surprised me with this request this morning."
"I see. Well mum's the word miss. Your secrets safe with me. Speaking of secrets."
"No, not yet. Maybe." Cat said and Alfred understood.
They were silent for a while until Jason strolled into the kitchen. Cat became tense and blushed when Jason caught her eye with a smirk on his face.
"Hungry again Master Jason?" Alfred asked.
"Always Al." Jason said.
"Shall I make something for you?"
"Nah I just need a snack. I've got dinner plans." He said as he munched on something.
"Aw I liked your hair long Catnip." Jason said.
"It was in the way and Alfred's only trimming it." Cat told him without making much eye contact.
She couldn't keep from blushing.
"Oh good. See ya." Jason said with a wink that Alfred couldn't see.
Cat was blushing so much she was almost sweating. Thankfully Alfred was finished with her hair and she felt a lot lighter despite him only taking off a foot.
"There you are miss. How is that?" Alfred asked as she hopped off the counter.
It was to her waist and layered the way she liked. Alfred never ceased to amaze her, he really was an everyman.
"It's perfect Alfred. Thank you."
"My pleasure Miss." He said and Cat went back to her room.
She had enough time to change and get ready. In her bathroom she trimmed her bangs to match her new hair and did her hair. At five o'clock on the dot there was a knock at her door. Cat opened it and there stood Jason holding some roses and dressed in a basic tux jacket with a white t-shirt and black pants. He looked sharp and handsome. Cat took the roses and smelled them. Jason took a rose and broke the stem and tucked it into her hair that was pinned up a little.
"You look beautiful Catnip. Your hair looks nice. Al did a great job."
"Thank you."
"Shall we?" He asked and Cat nodded as she set down the roses.
Jason took her arm tucking it around his and they departed.
Jason drove them to a restaurant in the city. It wasn't too expensive or classy which suited them. Bruce Wayne would not be caught in this place. This was the everyman's expensive restaurant. It was romantic and perfect; especially for a first date. The iconic Italian restaurant with intimate seating and dim lighting a candle inside red glass and a rose at every table. Though more upscale than cheesy Italian restaurants with live music and dancing it still did not seem too formal.
The dinner was wonderful and everything Cat could have dreamed for a date but she felt the date was coming to an end too quickly and neither of them had the guts to dance in public. Jason picked up on Cat's need to not draw attention to herself. After dinner Jason suggested they go for a walk, it was hard to pass up on such a clear beautiful night. Cat had a similar but better idea.
"I'd like to show you something. We'll still be going for a walk but staying close to home." Cat said and Jason nodded in approval.
He drove them back to the manor and they parked in the garage. Cat led the way, grabbing a flashlight as she went. It was more for Jason's comfort, as she could see in the dark especially with the moon so big and bright. When Jason saw they were going into the woods he hesitated. Cat turned and grinned, kicking off her heels at the edge of the trees.
"Come on, what's the matter? You scared?" She asked and he scowled.
"No! What could be in the woods that's so cool?"He asked.
"It's a really awesome and special place to me. I want to show you. Don't worry… I'll keep you safe." She said with a smirk.
"Ha! Right! Isn't that supposed to be my line?" He asked.
Cat rolled her eyes and grabbed his hand, pulling him into the trees and onto a tiny trail Cat had trampled over their years.
Jason tightened his hand on hers and followed her, flashlight leading the way. Cat traveled the path like a pro and Jason couldn't believe she was doing it barefoot. He always suspected there was something special about her, like there was some secret she was keeping but he wanted her to tell him when she was ready. He could tell it was very deep and personal.
They walked for quite a while and just before Jason was going to complain they broke free of the path and into a clearing. It was flat and open, not very big but the most eye catching part were the roses. These were no ordinary roses. The first ever naturally growing blue roses. Jason's face was priceless.
"Alfred's blue roses… he developed them, got them to bloom naturally. Some of them spread with red roses in the woods. Alfred wanted to take them out and keep them to the garden but I stopped him."
"This is amazing Catnip. Thank you for sharing it with me." Jason said as he moved closer to Cat wrapping his arm around her waist.
"You think this is cool just wait. It gets better." Cat said as she turned off the flashlight and looked up through the trees to the sky. He followed her gaze and the sky was ablaze with stars. A rarity for life in the city. Jason's jaw was dropped to the ground. Cat turned to him and grinned up at him as his eyes danced over the sky. She lifted her hand and pushed his jaw closed. Her touch brought his gaze to her and he laughed at himself.
"Ok, I was too chicken to ask earlier… Dance with me?" He asked as his right hand took her left in his as he pulled her close to him.
"Dance? We don't have any music." She said but he moved slowly anyway.
"We don't need music." He said as he continued to move around.
Cat let him dance her around.
"You know, you've totally shown up my roses. Mine seem pathetic compared to these." He said.
"Yours aren't pathetic. You got them from the garden didn't you?" She asked.
"How'd you know?"
"I could pick out Alfred's roses anywhere." She said and he laughed.
"He's got quite the green thumb." Jason said as they danced.
They looked into each other's eyes like any other couple on their first date. He then moved her left hand to his waist and he brought his right hand to her cheek and brushed his fingers there and in her hair. Catarena couldn't understand why her heart was pounding but she knew something was coming. Jason was inching closer to her face and his hand was holding her cheek.
"What are you doing?" She asked which shocked him.
"He didn't even kiss you!" Jason asked and Cat knew who he was referring to.
"No." Cat said with a bit of anger and Jason brushed her cheek with his thumb.
"He turned you down… What an idiot." He said.
Cat stared into his eyes, amazed by his perceptiveness. Her eyes threatened to water over but he stopped them with his next words.
"I'll give you what you want." He whispered softly and then took her lips with his, pushing his mouth against hers and pulling her mouth with little suction.
She relaxed instantly in his arms but her heart was still pounding. She wanted to explore kissing him all night but something was nagging at her. Something she had to tell him before they got any closer.
"There's something I need to tell you about myself." She said and he nodded.
"Ah the super secret you're keeping." He said.
"You know?" she asked in disbelief.
"Not exactly. I know there's something special about you that is very personal. I wanted to let you or Bruce tell me when you're ready. So, if you're sure you want to tell me I'm ready." He said and she was so amazed.
"Ok, but this is more something I need to show you." She said, indicating he needed to let her go but he didn't budge.
"Oh no I'm not making Dick's mistake. I'm not letting you go." He said and she closed her eyes.
"Ok." She said as she took a deep breath and in his arms she transformed.
She refused to look at him until he made a move but she was trembling slightly. He never flinched or faltered his breath remained the same and heart was beating steadily but he just didn't move; until suddenly his left hand moved. He caressed her cheek and her features softened.
"What happened? Who did this to you?" He asked.
"A man named Dr. Dorian. He kidnapped me on my seventeenth birthday. There was nothing Batman or Robin could have don't to prevent this. It was complete chance. Dorian was obsessed with cats and picked me because of my name. This was when I learned who Batman was. I ran wild in the streets for a month and Bruce had to tell me his secret to get me to come home." Cat said as she finished the basic story.
She still hadn't looked at him. He moved his finger under her chin and lifted her head slightly.
"Look at me please." He said and she opened her eyes, which glowed blue with the moon light.
His eyes were full of awe.
"Amazing… thank you for telling me. And if Dick rejected you because of this I'm gonna knee him in the balls."
"No! No… this wasn't it." She told him.
"Good, but can I still rub what he's missing in his face for you?" He asked and Cat laughed lightly.
"Please do." She said with a grin.
He raised his hand and petted her head, feeling her large cat ear flatten against her head until he brought his hand to her cheek again. He brought her lips to his again. She untransformed and kissed him back; this time with a weight off her shoulders.
They kissed for some time and Jason was content to give Cat exactly what Dick had denied her. Jason reassured her Dick was missing a lot and assured her she was an amazing kisser. They would have kissed forever but the sun would be up soon and they needed some rest.
"Go on another date with me, tomorrow night. We can train all day. We'll do something less formal and more normal." He said as they walked back to the manor.
"Alright, I'd like that." She said and he grinned.
He kissed her goodnight and they parted ways.
The next morning Jason eyed her with a smirk as she entered the cave. She blushed and turned on her heels away from him as she transformed. Her tail flicked behind her and he laughed a little.
"So, I was thinking we should go to a movie tonight." He said. Cat turned back to him with interest.
"I can't remember if I've ever seen a movie. Alfred may have taken me when I was little." Cat said.
Jason shook his head.
"What am I going to do with you? You just haven't lived Catnip." He said teasingly.
Cat shrugged and it was time to get down to business. Though, this time she didn't not hold back, and Jason could tell the difference. His surprised face told her that.
"So that's why I can never hit you." He said and she nodded.
"And when you manage to…you can't hurt me. Go ahead hit me as hard as you can." She said.
He was shocked but shook his head.
"No that's ok I believe you." He replied.
"Fine I'll show you." She said and before he could stop her she cut her arm.
Blood dripped onto the floor but it stopped and he watched it heal before his eyes. He ran his fingers over her arm and he watched it heal before his eyes. He ran his fingers over her arm and then looked at her, his eyes full of awe.
"I will never age. I'll never get sick and survive anything." She told him.
"What age are you stuck at?" He asked.
"Seventeen." She replied and he was silent for a moment thinking things over.
"So Dick… rejected you because you're not ageing?" He asked and Cat looked away pouting in anger.
"Pretty much, spouted some nonsense about protecting me. Saving me from a broken heart. But that's inevitable. Everyone will die except me." She said and Jason wrapped an arm around her as he lifted her chin so she'd look at him. She looked into his eyes and he smiled.
"He's still a moron now I want to knee him even more." He said and Cat laughed.
Jason brushed his thumb against her cheek and brought her to his lips. She closed her eyes and kissed him as he embraced her. At this rate they would never get anything done.
"We're supposed to be training." Cat said softly as she broke the kiss for a moment.
"But kissing you feels so good." He whispered and she laughed softly.
Before they could start kissing again Cat suddenly noticed they weren't alone and her head snapped toward the cave entrance. Dick was standing not 100 feet from them, his eyes wide. Cat glared briefly at Dick but stepped away from Jason a step. Jason was grinning smugly at Dick.
"Working hard I see." Dick teased.
Cat growled under her breath and turned away to hide her blushing face.
"Actually yes, you wanna spar Dick?" Jason asked with a little too much emphasis on Dick's name.
Dick grinned and stepped forward.
"You're on." Dick replied and they squared off on the training arena that had been set up.
Cat perched herself on an obstacle on the edge of the arena. Feeling catty and uninterested she watched off the edge of her nose. She groaned at their need for male posturing but Jason needed to test his new skills with another opponent than herself, and someone who would hit back harder.
They got right down to business barely seeing if the other were ready. They were evenly matched but had completely the opposite fighting styles. Dick used his many years knowledge of acrobatics to his advantage; while Jason was younger and slightly quicker on his feet using spontaneity to his advantage. Though Dick had more practice reading opponents. Jason was holding his own but was getting the workout of his life. Cat could also tell each of them was biting their tongues to not talk about her. And of course Dick couldn't keep his big mouth shut.
"So, you and Cat huh?" Dick asked.
"And that's your business why?" Jason asked.
"Just curious. She's like a sister to me. I'm like a protective older brother." Dick said and Jason laughed.
"Isn't she a few months older than you? And I heard there had been something more between you two but you rejected her… Your loss, my gain." Jason said.
Cat was glad Dick was getting things rubbed in his face. Despite them not officially discussing what the relationship was Cat knew Jason would stand up for her and would say anything to do it.
"If she told you everything in a few years she would look younger than me and you."
"You think she cares what other people would think? I was under the impression that love knows no bounds. You could say you're trying to protect her from the pain but she's in pain now and she'll be in pain when we all die. You're such a moron if you didn't even think of that!" Jason spat at Dick.
Jason's words hit home. It was always a slap in the face when someone pointed these facts out. She was jolted from her thoughts when she realized they were both staring at her. She looked at them, their faces full of concern. She felt something drip off her cheek and realized she was crying. Her mood instantly changed. She stood quickly and glared at Dick.
"He's right. You are a moron. I will learn to deal with this pain in time and I will fill my life with good memories to hold onto." She said and then departed for the mansion upstairs.
Dick followed after her with Jason right behind him. Dick caught up to her in the vast living room.
"Cat…I ...I." Dick stammered.
"You what? You're sorry? You want to take it all back! Well, you're too late! So butt out of my personal life … Big Brother. I'll date whomever I please." She said coldly and moved toward the stairs to her room.
Jason caught Cat in her path, concern in his eyes.
"I'm fine. I just need a minute." She told him and he let her retreat to her room.
Once Cat was out of sight Jason turned to Dick.
"If you want to keep her from a broken heart why do you keep doing this to her? I'd say grow some balls and be with her but I do like her. I'm falling in love with her but I'll let her decide what's best for her. Even if it's just to fill her life with good memories." Jason said.
"You'd just have a fling with her and not care?" Dick asked darkly.
"If that's what she wants. And I do care. I care more than you obviously." Jason said and then went upstairs to talk to Cat.
Jason reached her door and knocked.
"Come in." Cat replied knowing it was Jason.
Jason entered and saw her standing by her balcony doors. He went up to her and she smiled to reassure him she was ok.
"Catnip… I'm sorry."
"It's ok Jason I'm glad you said that to Dick. Sometimes I forget about what my future will be like."
"And Dick's reasoning's have gotten to you too. I can tell you're not sure if you want to have something with me. I understand but like you said fill your life with happy memories. Why not let me help you. We can have an amazing time together. Whatever you want I'll be it with you." He said and she smiled, the tears threatening to come.
She was afraid but she wanted it even if it didn't last long.
"Don't be afraid. You said you have to learn eventually. Why not learn with me? Lets back up and forget Dick ever showed up ok?" He said as he brushed his fingers across her cheek.
She nodded as she took a deep breath.
"Now, where were we?" He asked as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to kiss her again, but she leaned away as she laughed.
"We're supposed to be training." She said.
"But this could be training." Jason whispered in her ear as he then kissed her neck.
Cat laughed at how it tickled.
"Ok but this is leisurely training we need to work on training to keep you from getting killed." She said.
"Oh well not that you're more specific." He said teasingly, "I still like this training better." He added as he started kissing her neck again.
"Later!" Cat half scolded but she couldn't keep from smiling.
Jason let her go and they returned to the cave to train for real. Cat was worried she wouldn't be able to focus but Jason behaved himself for the most part. He did take his shirt off, showing off his toned chest and arms which made Cat blush.
Within the next few days Jason and Cat had a wonderful, memorable time being a couple and when Cat had to leave again he told her he'd wait for her until she made an official decision. Cat was thinking hard about a lot of things and toying with ideas she and Jason hadn't come up with yet. She had been toying with the idea of asking Jason to become like her. Being away from him for a while was helping her really thing about this option. Jason had no one accept this life. Catarena thought it would be easy for him to live this life, but then again she wondered if she could be so selfish to ask someone to give up aging or changing for her.