"Hmm, what should I wear?" Cass pondered, looking over the small collection of clothes She's lade of on Her bed. Trying to decide what would look good, "Hmm, maybe this shirt would lo-"
"Cass! why didn't you tell Me?" Stephanie Brown burst through the door to Cass's room, a look of glee on Her face until "Agh!" She stumbles back, Cass having thrown a Hairbrush
"Oh My god!" Cass runs over to Steph helping her up "I'm so sorry Steph, it was a reflex. Are you ok ?"
"I'm good, probably should have expected that given My roommate's an ex assassin. Anyway I heard the news"
"News ?"
"Yes News!, you finally asked Duke on a date" Steph eagerly pulls Her friend into a hug " And here I was expecting I'd have to pull of shenanigans and get you to together"
"He-heh well, truth be told Alfred had a big hand in it"
"Heh of course He did. Anyway, I ran over here as soon as I could to help you get ready"
"Oh you don't have to do that, I got this part handled easily"
"Cass I love you, but you haven't been on a date in like two years since you and Connor broke up. And these" Walking over to the pile of clothes on the bed "These don't really scream 'I thought long and hard about this"
They both look over the collection of clothes, Cass getting a worried look on Her face.
"Are you sure these aren't good ? Duke never said anything about How I dress before ?"
"It's not that you dress bad Cass, it's that for your first date in awhile you gotta spruce up a bit do some make up, get a nice dress and maybe do your hair if We have time"
"Well the dates not until 3pm,so We've got 4 hours. You really wanna help?"
"Of course! What kind of best friend would I be if I didn't make sure you had the perfect date. Now come on, I know just the look for you"
A few hours later, out front the Jitters coffee shop stands Duke Thomas as He paces back and forth mumbling to Himself.
"Oh Man Oh man, should I have picked Her up? Was meeting up here instead a good idea" Duke rubs His face, trying to work out the tension and nervousness He feels "Calm down Duke you've got this. You've taken on gang members and super powered whack jobs, you can handle a simple date…with a girl who can kill you with a pinkie if you mess up" With a light shake of His head and a deep breath, Duke tries once more to focus Himself "Come on man this is Cass, You've known Her for like a year. There's no way shes get made over something like a bad date"
"Duke is that you ?"
"Oh Hey Ca-" As Duke turns around He's in awe of what He sees. Cass wears a Black silk dress that stops a little above the knee. Her hair done up into a ponytail with twin bangs in the front, and High Heels. "Wow, I..I mean you um. You look great"
"Thanks, you look great too" Cass blushes as plays with one of Her bangs " Sorry if I'm a little overdressed, Steph insisted on 'Dolling Me up' Whatever that means."
"N-No, you look great. Honestly I'm the one that feels underdressed, all I did to prepare was borrow this leather Jacket. So um, you wanna go get some coffee for the walk?"
"I'd like that"
As the two love birds walk inside, We cut to a nearby Rooftop a block over to Jitters as Stephene Brown in Her full Spoiler gear watches on thru Binoculars
"Oh My god those two are so two are so awkward, its like watching a bad rom com"
"I know right" A voice says from behind Spoiler
"Agh!" Spoiler leaps to the side, ready for a fight…only to be met with a familiar helmeted face. "Jason! What are you doing here ? And how did you sneak up on Me?"
"Probably the same thing as you'd imagine. Trying to make sure the two love birds don't mess this up somehow. And it wasn't that hard, you were glued to those two like no tomorrow"
"Was , Why do you care about their love life ?"
"Who do you think gave Duke the sick Jacket, He came to me asking for some advice"
"You gave Duke one of your old beat up Jackets for a big date?"
"Hey I'll have you know I gave Him My nicest one, only had two bullet holes I had to fix. Besides, girls love a guy in a Leather jacket". He says while tugging on His own.
"...Riiiiight" As she brushes off Jason being Jason, Steph returns her gaze to Jitters to keep an eye on our lovely duo.
"Hmm, I think I'll get a Mocha Frappe, what about You Cass ?"
" I think I'll get a regular coffee with 6 sugars"
As the two receive their orders, a customer from behind bumps into Cass. Attempting to get to the counter. "Move it, your blocking the line"
As He does so, the lid of Cass's drink pops off, spilling some of the contents on Dukes shirt
"Agh! hot!"
As Duke attempts to brush off the spill and cool off His shirt, Cass looks back at the man getting his attention with a stern voice. "Hey you"
"Hm? What do you want lady Im bus-" The man stops as He turns, seeing a fury in Cass's eyes only thought to be seen in Batman's "Wh-What ar- I..I"
As He stammers, Cass looks ready to toss Him through the nearest window. That is until Duke places a calming hand on Her shoulder.
"Hey Cass it's ok, it was just a little spill. See I'm fine" He says arms wide to show no serious injury.
Cass Looks at him with a smile and before She can say anything to the guy behind the spill, he's already run out in fear.
A minute later after getting a new drink, the two walk out of jitters. With Cass trying to hide her face in embarrassment
"Oh my god I can't believe I got like that, I nearly tossed that guy"
"Hehe it's ok Cass, I'd be mad too if someone shoved me like that"
"It wasn't about that, he made me spill my drink and burn you I…I'm so sorry I've messed this up so far"
"Hey don't say that" Placing a hand on Her shoulder and giving Her a smile " The dates just started, besides it wouldn't be Gotham without at least one jerk somewhere"
The two share a good laugh as they enjoy their drinks as they walk to the next leg of their date.
"Aww those guys are so cute, I've got half a mind to punch that guy that bumped Her. what a jerk" Steph says looking threw Her binoculars
Jason lets out a light chuckle as he looks down at the couple with Her "Sounds more like something I'd do, by the way. Why are those two walking ? they both have Bikes they could have road"
"I asked Duke where He was taking them and they were all within walking distance. So logically, I thought walking together would make it more romantic"
"So what's next on the docket ?"
A few minutes later after enjoying their coffee the couple arrive at their next destination.
"You..You brought us to Super-Eats ?" Cass blinks in surprise as she stares at the restaurant
Duke rubs his neck while letting out a nervous chuckle "We-Well I didn't really think you'd like a high end fancy place, plus I heard this place has even better food then Bat-Burger. You um…You like it Cass ?"
"Do I like it? No…I love it!" She says with a big excited grin "I've been wanting to check this place out for weeks. I heard they got the best Burgers and Milkshakes in all of Gotham, But..um but I" Cass nervously pokes her fingers together, trying not to blush" Now I really feel overdressed.
The tension fading, Duke tries and fails to hide a lite chuckle "Cass relax, you look beautiful"
Cass attempts to (Very poorly) Cover Her blush "Tha-Thanks" She shakes some sense into herself then grabs Duke by the hand practically dragging him inside "Come on, I heard this place has all sorts of cool Superhero stuff. I wanna see if they have anything for us"
After a brief minute the two are seated, in a section mostly themed around Gothams locals heroes. But unfortunately for our duo, it's not themed the way they expected.
"Um, Duke"
"Yeah Cass?"
"Is-is it just me or um…is everyone here half naked ? "
As the two look around, they are treated to the surprising site of not only items such as Batrangs,wanted posters of villians and other treasures on the walls. But the suits worn by the servers are not what they expected. Some were skimpy versions of familiar suits, others were basically themed bikinis.
And while Duke and Cass were struggling to understand what was going on, our other duo or more accurately half of one. Was laughing His ass off.
"This isn't funny Jason!" Steph angrily whispers to him, the two seated not too far away in makeshift disguises.
Jason on the other hand, is trying His best to muffle His deep laughter "Oh come on, this is the funniest thing ever though. Duke brought His date to freaking Super Hooters"
"I can't believe I didn't think to look up more of this place. Duke said He looked at reviews saying it had good food and great servers, how the heck did He not know?"
"Heh, speaking of the staff" Jason points over to a familiarly female server walking to the couple.
"Hello there, Im Batgirl I'll be your server tonight" The Server says in a very cheery voice.
To Cass's shock and awe, the server was dressed very much like Her. At least, from the Mask up. The rest of the outfit was knee high boots doubled with a leotard to show off thighs. And a Batshaped boob window on Her chest which was nearly double the size of Cass's own. Making the feeling of embarrassment that much more palpable.
"Sooo, what can I get the lovely couple? How about you Ms. Got anything tasty in mind ?"
"Wha- What? Oh! Ri..right" Cass clears her throat, trying desperately not to imagine herself wearing that outfit "I'll take a cheeseburger with fries and a chocolate shake.
The server takes her order down while humming "Alright, and what about you cutie?" She leans close to Duke, making it very obvious a bra is not a part of the uniform as Her chest lightly jiggled.
Duke forces down a nervous gulp of air as he looks between the server and Cass. The later staring at the server daggers at the server (Somewhat literally as she grips her table knife tightly) " I'll um, I'll just have a steak well done and coke thank you
The server gives a nod as she charts down the orders before walking away. Duke letting out a deep sigh and Cass releasing the grip on Her knife, which now had very obvious indents in the grip.
"Wow, hehe this place sure is crazy right Cass ?...Cass ?" Duke turns to Cass to see her head slightly slouched, staring at Her own chest with a look of envy "You ok ?"
"I'm…I'm just wondering..It's nothing forget it"
"Are you jealous of the server ? " Duke waits for a few seconds, the silence from Cass being all the answer He needed. "Hey Don't worry about it, you got nothing to be jealous about.
"But, but I thought all guys prefer girls with…with big boobs"
"Well I mean some guys do but not me, I've always been more of an ass guy" In an instant, the table is filled with Silence As Duke internally screams " Oh my god why did you say that Thomas! Now shes gonna think we're weird"
As Duke tries to think of a replay, Cass pipes up sheepishly "Do…Do you think I have a nice bu-butt?"
Taking a deep breath, Duke attempts to look confident but looks more embarrassed as He says "We-Well yeah, you're in great shape and your suit does wonders for your figure." Duke pauses for a second and blushes "Not that I was staring or anything,I just mean our suits are really tight is all and I mean um..um"
Cass lets out a light giggle and pats Duke on the cheek " Its ok I get what you mean, and um if I'm being honest I've um, I've peaked at yours too…it's nice"
The two stare at each other for a second, both their faces filled with both blush and small smiles. A moment later the same server returns with their food and the couple dig in.
After a good few moments of eating, Duke pauses and turns to Cass "Hey Cass um, I know it's kinda late to ask this. I was so caught in the moment at the manor but…Why did you wanna ask Me out anyway ?"
Cass with a mouth full of burger "What do ya mean ?"
"Well it's just, I haven't been around that long compared to the rest of you guys. So My fighting skills aren't as impressive as someone like you"
"Heh, Well I don't really care about how Well can fight.I guess what got Me interested was how nice and compassionate you can be"
Duke puts on a cheeky grin and says "Well if you like really nice guys. Wouldn't someone like Dick be more up your ally? "
Cass bursts out laughing and playfully punches Duke in the shoulder "Gross no!, He's like My older Brother that be so weird. Besides He's married to Barb and Starfire and I don't think they wanna share"
"Hehe ok fare point, but I'm curious about what you mean by how Im so compassionate"
"Well, Well um" Cass takes a deep breath and turns to Her next words delicately " The way you lost your folks would break most people. Unlike Bruce and some of the others, yours aren't dead. In a way their worse with being Jokerized. But you go see them every week with hope they'll be ok. That Hope and deep love is well,is what made me think you'd be ok with someone like Me"
"What, what do you mean Cass?" A concerned look growing on Dukes face.
"Look at Me Duke" She moves the sleeves on Her dress to reveal the litany of scars "I didnt get from a nice and happy life. My so called Parents raised me to be a killer, and thats what I was for a long time. I remember the faces of everyone I've hurt. And with Me special skill, I could read the true terror they gave off"
Cass grips Her shoulders, shivering a little at all the memories flooding to Her
"I have dated before. But things didn't work out, The first Superboy Conner Kent. He was nice but it was a fling. I was worried He'd think I'm a monster, so I called things off after a while. And I guess I took awhile to ask you out because I" She turns away, trying to avoid eye contact "I was worried you might -"
Duke places a hand on Cass's shoulder,causing Her to pause
"Hey relax, Me and I doubt anyone thinks that about you I mean heck, aren't you the one who says She can read everyone's true feelings through movements ?"
"Ye..Yes But I-"
"Then you know just how much everyone, including Me cares about you, Cass. I like you alot because I know how strong you are. Not just in your fighting skills,but in how despite your life, you use those skills to help and to make sure they live happy long lives"
Cass looks Duke deep in the eyes "You..You mean it ? you really do like Me despite everything ?"
Duke gives a firm nod "I wouldn't have said yes otherwise, come on. This place is starting to feel a little awkward with all the people dressed like us. Let's go watch a movie and call in a night"
With a small but gentle smile, Cass nods back before saying " I'd like that"
The two leave a tip for the server and leave the restaurant.
After about 10 minutes the two arrive at the Gotham movie theater.
"Oh thank god. These heels are starting to kill Me" Cass said while giving Her ankle a rub
Duke gave a light chuckle before saying " Yeah maybe walking to every part of the date was a bad idea. I'll send a gps tag to our bikes to pick us up after the movie"
"Thank God, what are We watching anyway ?"
"The Grey Ghost returns, I heard it got pretty good reviews"
"Cass look to Duke with a cheeky grin "Hopefully you read those reviews thoroughly this time"
"Heh,I'm not gonna live that one down am I"
"Nope, but its ok" Cass wraps Her arms around one of Dukes as they get closer to the booth I forgive you"
The two eventually get their tickets and snacks and head there to enjoy the movie. While a certain duo are stopped in their tracks.
"Sold out! Oh come on man" Steph stared down the clerk
"Look ma'am I'm sorry. The tickets just sold out a moment ago, come back tomorrow.
"Whelp, looks like our little stack out ends here. Unless you wanna sneak in that is" Jason said as the two walked away
"Hey if I'm going into watch a movie while tailing them I'd wanna support it. Guess I'll just go home to the apartment and wait for Cass, I'm sure Her and Duke will have an easy time"
"Heh yeah, nothing ever bad happens in Gotham involving movies"
"...Wow Jason really?"
"When you come back from the dea, you get a dark sense of Humor"
Two hours and thirty eight minutes of nonstop action and suspense later, the lovely couple emerges from the theater. Cass with a big smile on Her face "That movie was so gooood"
"I know right, I that last fight on top of the clocktower was so hype"
"Oh and don't forget the chase scene leading into the second act. I haven't felt that hype about a chase since that two face bust 4 weeks back"
"Heh yea ya got a point, sucks it ended on a cliff hanger though."
"I know right! Now We gotta know god knows how long until Gray Ghost sav- Achoo!" Cass suddenly sneezes as they walk through the night air "I-Is it me or is it chillier tonight than usual ?"
"Its probably your dress, might not be used to not wearing basically thermal underwear at night" Duke takes off his jacket and wraps it around Cass.
"Du-Duke you don't have to do this. I can handle a little cold, besides you''l get chilly to"
"Hey its fine, besides it was chilly in that theater and I felt guilty bein the only one of us with a coat. You can wear it till we get to our Bikes"
"Ok then" Cass nuzzles into the jacket, enjoying the extra warmth like a big hug "Oh speaking of which. Where are our bikes ?"
"I set the gps to park them in that alley way over there." Duke says pointing down said Ally "Don't want anyone seeing us hop on Bat branded bikes now do We"
"Heh I guess not"
The Two walk make their way into the ally, doing their best not to step on the random trash that lay at their feet.
"Sorry about this Cass. Probably not the nicest way to end a date"
"Hey it's ok, could be worse in Goth-"
Cass and Duke stop in their tracks. A lone man wearing a skee mask and holding a pistol walks out of the shadows "Hello you two, lovely night isn't it ? How's about you hand over all your money and We call it a night , yeah ?"
Duke and Cass take a moment to look at each other, cracking a sly but subtle grin before returning their attention to the Gunman
"Please Sir don't do anything crazy Sir. We just wanted to head home, don't hurt us" .
"Honey I'm sc-scared. Make Him go away" cass says as she hugs Duke tight, burying Her face into His chest hiding Her grin.
"Yea you heard the lady pal, hand over your wallet" The gunman raises His gun, clicking the hammer ready to fire. "Or else"
"O-Ok, here's all Ive got, just let us go" Duke pulls out His wallet and slowly hands it to the man. Making sure to add a little shaky hand for good measure.
The Gunman gets close and reaches for the wallet "Heh, nice doin busy with the two of y-" When suddenly He's got off guard. Cass having used her lighting speed to blitz the man with a powerful uppercut to the jaw, sending Him flying into a pile of trash.
"Heh, now that's how you end a date in Gotham. Nice acting by the way"
"Thanks," Cass said as she casually rubbed knuckle "Sorry for the sudden hug, though it added to the performance."
"No no it was perfect, really added to the damsel in distress bit"
"Aww thanks, your to kind" Cass says as she gives Duke back His jacket "Here ya go"
"Thanks, I see our bikes up ahead. So um, same time next week ?"
"Yea sounds perfect, though no High Heels though"
Duke let out a good chuckle as He replied "Heh sure thing Cass"
As the two got on their bikes, cass looked to Duke and took a deep Breath "Hey um, Duke"
"Yea Cass ?"
"I um…I um" With lighting speed Cass plants a kiss on Dukes cheek " I had a really great time" She said as Her face started to turn reder then a red sun and sped off"
Duke sat there on His bike for a good second, gently rubbing His cheek before saying the first thing that came to mind "Wow"
Steph sat quietly in Her and Cass apartment, watching the latest ep of her favorite show when Cass came in the door with a big smile "Well look who rockin a grin bigger than Joker, date went well I take it ?"
"Amazingly" Cass says as She lays down next to Steph on the couch, tossing Her heels aside "Though I'd rather fight Darkseid solo then wears those again"
"Hehe yea sorry about those, guess heels aren't for everyone. So spill it, How was it "
"Oh it was wonderful Steph. We got free drinks at Jitters cause some guy made me spill mine on Duke"
"Ouch, What a jerk"
"Then went to Super-eats, it was…it was good"
"Heh, um yeah I bet" Steph said trying to avoid eye contact"
"Then we went to the movies, kicked down a mugger and I um..well I "
"You good Cass? Did something happen ?"
Cass nods nervously
"Well then spill girl, don't leave me in the dark" She says payfully shoving Cass.
"I..I kissed Duke"
"You kissed Him!"
Cass's face goes full blush stammering "On-Only on the cheek though, I got so nervous and sped off" She says as she grabs a pillow to cover her nervous face.
"Heh wow, I didn't think you had it in ya. And here I thought the craziest thing that was gonna happen was that half naked batgi-" Steph stops in Her tracks, realizing what She just let slip "Oh shit."
Cass drops the pillow from Her face, glaring at Her friend "Steph…were you spying on us the whole time ? and don't lie you know I'll know"
"We-Well I wouldn't call it spying, more like looking out for My deer frei-" She gets cut off as a pillow is thrown into Her face as Cass gets up to go to bed " Ok yeah…I deserved that"