Chapter Text
The rhythmic grind of metal on metal filled Jason Todd's machine shop, mingling with the scent of oil and gasoline. He was hunched over a dismantled motorcycle engine, completely absorbed in his work, when the bell over the door chimed.
"Well, well, look who's still alive," a familiar, chipper voice drawled.
Jason straightened up, wiping grease from his hands with a rag. Stephanie Brown was leaning against the doorframe, a mischievous grin on her face. Beside her, Cassandra Cain stood with her usual quiet intensity, eyes observing everything. And bringing up the rear was Duke Thomas, a relaxed smile on his face.
"What do you guys want?" Jason grunted, though a hint of a smile played on his lips. "Don't you have, you know, heroing to do?"
"Just checking in on our favorite grumpy mechanic," Steph said, strolling further into the shop. "See how life's treating you. Any new… developments?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
"You won't get anything out of me, Steph," Jason retorted, turning back to his engine.
But he spoke too soon. In a blur of motion, Cassandra had already moved. Her hand dipped into his pocket, extracting his phone before he even registered her presence. Before he could protest beyond a startled "Hey!", she'd already unlocked it, her fingers flying across the screen with impossible speed.
"Cass!" Jason exclaimed, lunging for his phone, but it was too late. Steph and Duke crowded around Cassandra, peering over her shoulders.
Then came the exclamations.
"Oh, wow!" Steph breathed, her voice a mix of awe and surprise. "Jason, who is this? Is she a model? She's incredibly beautiful, and so tall! And she looks so sweet, too." Her eyes were wide, captivated by the images of Gia on his screen – her pale skin, luminous hair, and striking violet eyes captured in various candid moments.
Duke whistled softly. "Yeah, man. You really outdid yourself."
Jason, for his part, threw his hands up in exasperation, a blush creeping up his neck. "Give me that back, you nosey little brats!" But even as he tried to snatch his phone, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. They were right. Gia was absolutely breathtaking.
"Hey!" Jason roared, his face flushing crimson as he snatched his phone back. But the damage was done. Cassandra, silent and swift, had already shared the photos to the dreaded Bat-Family group chat.
Almost instantly, the notifications started pinging.
Damian was, predictably, the first to respond. 'Exaggerated Chest size. Likely a paid companion. Todd's deplorable taste knows no bounds.'
A wave of relief washed over Jason when he saw Alfred's calm, dignified response. 'She appears to be a very pleasant young woman, Master Jason.'
Then came Kate's blunt query. 'Does she have a sister?'
Helena sent several heart emojis 'She's Pretty'
Bárbara quickly congratulated him 'congratulations it was about time! Her hair looks amazing! I would like some tips!'
Dick and Tim, in their usual synchronized fashion, bombarded the chat with a string of heart-eye and fire emojis, followed by playful teasing that made Jason groan aloud.
And then, the one he'd been dreading. Bruce. 'I'd like to meet her, Jason. Perhaps a dinner?'
Jason's jaw clenched. His private life, especially with Gia, was something he fiercely guarded. He glared at the culprits. "You three!" he snarled, pointing a grease-stained finger at Stephanie, Cassandra, and Duke. "What part of 'my personal life is none of your damn business' do you not understand?! You just put my girlfriend on blast to the entire dysfunctional circus! I oughta..."
He trailed off, too exasperated to finish the threat. The trio just shrugged, a mix of sheepishness and suppressed amusement on their faces. Jason sighed, running a hand through his hair. This was going to be a long afternoon.