Chapter 16: One of Us

"Jason!" Scarlett shouted down the hallway, a strand of hair pressed within a straightening iron. "Can you please take the casserole out of the fridge? I'm almost ready!"From his place on the living room couch, Jason set his phone down on the coffee table with a sigh. "Damn...and there I was thinking we weren't gonna make it! I was almost getting my hopes up!""In your dreams!" Scarlett could hear Jason laughing to himself in the other room, which only made her smile grow. It had been six months since Talia's reign of terror ended. Just as Jason predicted, she managed to escape her holding cell at GCPD before the Blackgate Prison convoy arrived. Thankfully, they hadn't heard a word from her since, and no more symbols were reported around the city. It took another few days for Scarlett to fully regain her strength after waking up, but her scratches and bruises healed completely thanks to Alfred's handiwork. The only thing left to remind her of the ordeal was the white strand of hair next to her face, which she quickly grew to love. The Wayne family was very attentive to her during her stay at the manor, especially Jason. The two spent a lot of time sitting in her bedroom talking about his life as a vigilante and what their future would look like together. When the time came for Scarlett to go home, Jason was anxious when she asked to see her apartment. Nothing had been done since the League of Assasins destroyed it during her attack. It was precisely the way Jason had found it that fateful afternoon. As it turned out, several of Scarlett's neighbors filed noise complaints during her abduction, but nothing was done until building maintenance noticed the broken windows over a week later. The building management attempted to sue her for damages, but Bruce was able to smooth over the situation and cover the cost of repairs. In the meantime, Jason convinced Scarlett to stay with him at his apartment in the East End. It wasn't the nicest place, but Scarlett didn't mind. Her trained eye for beauty and style made the dingy studio into a comfortable home in no time. When Scarlett's apartment manager called a month later to say she could move back in, it was an easy decision to cancel her lease instead. The two had been living together ever since.Scarlett emerged from the bedroom wearing a fitted red sweater dress, knee-high black boots, and candy cane earrings. Jason leaned against the fridge, looking her up and down with a lustful grin. "Ho, ho, ho..." She slapped him playfully on the shoulder. "Excuse me! Is that any way to talk to your girlfriend?""Depends on what mood she's in."She rolled her eyes in amusement as he pulled her in by the waist and started kissing down the side of her neck. After a moment, he looked around the kitchen and nodded to the pan of food Scarlett had made. "I don't know why you went to so much trouble. Alfred cooks enough at Christmas to feed an entire village.""Jason, your family is an entire village," she remarked. "But it's okay...I wanted to do it as a thank you for all the help Alfred's given me."In reality, a casserole wasn't enough to thank Alfred for all his support. After her recovery, Scarlett decided it would be smart to learn basic first aid. Based on what Jason told her about his nightly patrol accidents, she knew she had to be prepared for the worst. She wanted to help his family in their war against crime in any way she could, and after they risked their lives to save her, it felt like the least she could do. Scarlett started going to the manor twice a week for one-on-one training with Alfred. He taught her how to stitch and staple cuts, tourniquet limbs, remove bits of glass and shrapnel, and compress bullet holes. For a brief moment, Scarlett wondered whether a career in health services was in her future. If only the sight of blood and torn tissue didn't make her dizzy."Besides..." she continued. "I want your family to like me.""Why don't you think they like you?"She shrugged. "I don't know. They just seem kind of...intense. That's all."Jason chuckled. "They are intense. That's how I know they're fine with you. If they didn't like you, they'd play fake nice and kiss your ass like they do everyone else they're trying to fool. The fact that they treat you like a real person who's strong enough to handle their intensity means you're already in the fold."Scarlett couldn't help but smile at the thought that she—an ordinary girl from upstate with no superhuman powers or special abilities—was considered a part of the "Bat Family" for no reason other than she was Jason's girl. It was touching, in a way. Just then, Scarlett's cell phone started ringing from somewhere in the other room."Wonder who that could be..." she said.Jason went into the bedroom and found Scarlett's phone resting on her nightstand. He looked at the screen for a moment, then handed it to her. "It's Steven Hartwell."Scarlett glanced at the clock in the kitchen. It was almost 3 p.m. If she weren't careful, they'd go from being fashionably late to outright rude. Not wanting to put off her manager, she decided she'd speak for just a few minutes."Hey, Stevie," she greeted warmly."Hey, Kiddo! Merry Christmas!" he replied jovially. In the background, Scarlett could hear holiday music and the sound of young children laughing."Merry Christmas! Did Robbie and Annaliese like their presents?""They loved them! Annie's been holding her new doll all day and Robbie's already trying to shoot pigeons out of the tree with his new slingshot.""Yeah, well...thank my boyfriend for that idea.""Oh, I will...and depending on what my son breaks with it, I might just send him the bill too."Scarlett giggled. "Great! Now...please tell me you're just calling to say Merry Christmas and not because you're working.""You got me! I don't usually answer the phone on holidays, but I'm glad I didn't miss this call. Do you remember the reps from Victoria's Secret that we worked with at Panessa back in March? Apparently, you made a good impression on them. You've been chosen to do a holiday ad campaign. They want you in New York on the 27th. I know it's short notice, but it's all expenses paid."Scarlett fell back onto the couch, stunned. "You're kidding...they're covering all of it?""Yep. Airfare, gas, hotels, and lunch on the day of the shoot. And that's not all. These ads are going on billboards in Times Square and will be running by New Year's."Scarlett leaned her head back and closed her eyes. She thought she was finally ready to leave the modeling world behind for good. She didn't need the false sense of validation to keep her going anymore. Just the thought of all those people criticizing her appearance, whispering behind her back, and gathering around her with measuring tape made her stomach turn. She wanted to seek out new passions and take her life in a different direction. To her way of thinking, accepting the job would be putting her right back to square one. Back to the same place she was that night heading home on Jade Street—exhausted and miserable with her life. It would have made every moment of strife she endured at Talia's hands and the emotional empowerment she gathered from it meaningless. Yet, there were still bills to pay. Jason couldn't cover both of them on his own and she didn't want him to. Going to Bruce was beneath them both. Also, getting another job with only a high school diploma and no previous experience was next to impossible. Whatever job she could find would probably make her just as miserable for half the pay. "How much are they offering?" she inquired at last. "$175 an hour for a full eight-hour day, and because this is a billboard campaign, I'm negotiating a bonus for you. You're looking at another 10k there. This isn't like the little catalog sessions you're used to, Scarlett. We're getting serious now."She wanted to jump for joy and bang her head against the wall at the same time. It felt like a tug-of-war between her dreams and reality. "It sounds amazing, Stevie...really.""I'm sensing a 'but'..."She laughed wryly. He did know her so well. "But...there's something I've been meaning to tell you. I...I'm thinking about giving up modeling. Permanently."There was silence on the other end of the line. The only thing Scarlett could hear was her heartbeat in her ears pounding nervously. "Wow...I, uh...can't say that didn't throw me for a loop!" Steven replied with a bewildered chuckle.Scarlett sighed. "I know...but I've been thinking about this a lot. For years, actually. I mean...this was never what I wanted to do with my life. You know what my mom was like. She's the reason I started doing this in the first place. I only took it back up when I came to Gotham because I needed the money and it was the only thing I knew how to do. I've done a lot of growing up recently and I'm ready to start a new chapter. I need to figure out what interests me for a change. I can't keep living her dream.""I understand," he said at last."Really? You're not mad?""Kiddo, I've known you since you were eighteen. I know you don't just make decisions on a whim. You're a very careful person. If you've decided that you're done modeling, you mean it. I've seen a change in you over the last year. You're a lot more confident and you have a clearer sense of direction than you used to. I wonder if some of that is because of Jason. He's been good for you."She smiled to herself. "I agree. He's made me see that I'm fine just the way I am. I don't need to waste my life trying to fit someone else's ridiculous standards. I'm not under my mother's thumb anymore and this is my chance to find out who I am and what I want out of life.""I get it, Kiddo. I was the same way when I left home.""So...you're really not mad?" she asked apprehensively. "I mean, I know how much work we've put into my career. You probably think I'm blowing a big opportunity, right?""Scarlett, I've been an agent for ten years. I've seen so many young girls like you go into this business with their heads full of dreams, only to be crushed within the first few weeks on the job. This isn't an easy life. You've got to have a thick skin. There's a ton of pressure for you to be perfect. It's a lot for one person to handle. I know I couldn't do the same in your shoes. You've impressed me." Scarlett smiled, touched by his support. "If I'm being perfectly honest, I think you've got what it takes to go far in this business. You're star is rising. Otherwise, you wouldn't have gotten the offer you just did. But, in the end, you've got to do what's best for you. And only you know what that is.""But what about you? My money is your money. If I quit, then are you out of a job?""I'm fine. I've got a dozen other clients. You just happen to be my favorite."Scarlett laughed. "I bet you say that to your other clients, too.""I plead the fifth. So then...what's next for Scarlett Vesper? ""I'm not sure yet. I've been thinking about going to school. I never went to college and that's always been a huge regret.""That's certainly smart. Just remember that college costs money and you've got bills to pay. I know modeling isn't the most stable job, but it can pay big. I'd hate to see you take out student loans and go into debt before you're thirty, especially after you've come so far.""I know...I've been thinking about that too," she moaned, burying her head in her hand. "I'm not trying to talk you out of your decision. I care more about you and your well-being than any commission. I've come to see you like a second daughter, and whatever makes you happy makes me happy...but just think about it. The Victoria's Secret people want an answer by tomorrow afternoon. It'll be the biggest gig you've gotten so far and will go a long way toward your college fund."Scarlett nodded. She peered over at Jason, who was watching her near the front door with a concerned look on his face. Scarlett said goodbye to Steven and hung up the phone with a sigh. She approached Jason timidly, a searching look in her eyes."Don't let anyone guilt you into something you don't want to do," he stated. "You can find another job. And if you want to go to school, we'll make it happen. If you decide to take the job anyway, even if it's just to end your modeling career with a bang, then you know I'll back you up. But if anyone makes any comments about your weight, I'll shove the measuring tape up their ass."Scarlett couldn't help but laugh as she wrapped her arms around him. He rested his chin on her head and rubbed her back. "You've got until tomorrow to answer, right?" he continued. "So in the meantime, don't stress over it. My family will give you enough for one day."Scarlett rolled her eyes with a bemused smile and followed him out the door....Gotham in December was usually frigid and gloomy, but that didn't seem to affect Wayne Manor in the least. A fresh blanket of pristine, sparkling snow covered the ground on the front lawns. Strands of rainbow lights twinkled over the roof and windows. Garlands wrapped around the front staircase railings and two oversized wreaths hung on the towering front doors. Jason pulled his red Lamborgini into the circular driveway and parked last in the line of other cars, then he and Scarlett jogged up the stairs to the front door. With a slightly nervous breath, she reached up and tapped the heavy brass knocker. "Why are you knocking? I lived here!" Jason chuckled. "Well, now we're guests...and guests don't just barge in! It's rude!" she chided. Jason held up his hands in surrender with an amused grin. After a moment, the door opened to reveal Alfred in a festive green sweater and knitted vest."Ah, Master Todd...Miss Vesper. Happy Christmas to you both," he stated with a charming smile and a bow of his head. Jason nodded silently. Scarlett shook her head at him and gave Alfred a warm hug. "Happy Christmas to you too! We're sorry we're late, and we brought some food."Alfred threw a teasing look at Jason as he took the casserole pan from her and started toward the kitchen. "Heaven forbid Master Todd should bother with manners when his lovely lady has them in abundance."Scarlett giggled as she followed behind him. Jason laughed along sarcastically until they were out of sight. He had always been closer to Alfred than anyone else in the family. It made him happy to see Scarlett forming a close friendship with him, even if his being the subject of their jokes was the price to pay. Knowing Scarlett would be helping in the kitchen until dinner was served, Jason decided to brave the inevitable and find the rest of his family. He went down a side hallway off the grand foyer and ducked his head around the doorframe cautiously. Sure enough, everyone was gathered in the living room with drinks in their hands. An antique gramophone was playing a classical Christmas record and a fire was roaring inside the black marble fireplace.It looked like the whole family was there this year: Bruce, Selina, Dick, Barbara, Tim, Stephanie, Cassandra, Damian—who had come back from a training mission in the fall and was outraged about the fight with his mother—and even Kate was making a rare appearance.Tim looked up and happened to spot Jason on the edge of the door frame. "Finally! We thought you weren't coming!"Everyone whirled around. To Jason's surprise, they seemed glad to see him. Feeling he had no choice but to come in and socialize, he wandered slowly into the room and tried to avoid everyone's eyes."What? You didn't play hooky this year?" Kate asked."The girlfriend wanted to come. Unless I want to end up sleeping on the couch, it's just better to do what she says. You know how it is."She raised her glass to him. "Touché.""Speaking of, where is Scarlett?" Barbara asked, peering around Jason's shoulder."She's helping Alfred in the kitchen."She shook her head with a knowing smile. "Of course she is. She's too sweet.""And she brought your favorite...chicken tortilla casserole."Barbara, Dick, and Tim exchanged eager glances. "Careful. If we start liking Scarlett's food too much, Alfred will take it personally," Bruce chuckled."Or you'll be getting a new sous chef," Selina added, and soon everyone was laughing along, including Jason.As the family split off into smaller groups to continue their conversations, Jason helped himself to some blackberry brandy from the crystal decanter on the end table. He nearly drained his cup in one gulp and the strong sweet liquor gave him a pleasant burn at the back of his throat.Even if he and his family were on better terms, a little bit of liquid courage made them a lot easier to tolerate. He wouldn't get too drunk, though. For Scarlett's sake. It was her first Christmas with his family and the last thing he wanted to do was embarrass her, especially since she wanted to make a good impression. Besides, if the past year had proven anything to him, it's that his family wasn't all bad. If nothing else, they could be relied on. From the corner of the room, Dick watched his brother as Barbara wheeled herself next to his chair. "So...is the honeymoon phase over yet? Or are the two of you still jumping each other's bones all the time?" he teased.And there it was—the reason Jason needed alcohol to get through a family function. Barbara shook her head as Jason sunk into the armchair across from them. "Boy, they don't call you Dick for nothing, do they?" Jason quipped. "Why are you so obsessed with my love life? Is Barb giving you a bad case of blue balls or something? They'd match your pretty blue outfit and glowy blue sticks.""I'm just curious," Dick laughed. "I mean, you and Scarlett have been dating for almost a year, right? That's the longest relationship you've ever had!""It'll be a year in March," Jason replied."See! You even remember your anniversary! You're a big ol' sap...and I bet you secretly love it."Jason rolled his eyes and downed the rest of his drink. Barbara smacked Dick on the arm, and he recoiled in surprise."What's wrong with that, exactly?" she rebutted. "Women like it when their boyfriends pay attention to the little things! I'm sure Scarlett is no different. Besides, we all change a little when we fall in love with the right person. It's about growing and maturing.""Which Dick knows nothing about," Jason taunted, earning a glare from his older brother. "Besides...maybe some things about me needed to change."Dick made doe eyes at Jason. "I can hardly believe it...Scarlett has turned our little Jason into a thoughtful, emotionally developed human being with a heart and a conscience.""Better than decapitating cartel thugs and putting their heads in duffel bags, right?" Barbara winced. "I still can't believe you did that.""Yeah, well that was a different time. A different me..." he said ruefully.It was true. Even he had to admit that he was hardly the same bitter, vengeful person he was before. Scarlett's softness was like a healing balm to his broken soul and violent temper. "How is she handling it?" Dick asked, suddenly serious. "The night job."Jason sighed. "I think dealing with Talia put things into perspective for her. She knows how important it is that I keep going out there. Otherwise, Talia and those other psychopaths would have free reign over Gotham. But I try not to tell her too much about what goes on out there. Even if she gets why I dispose of these animals, I can see talking about it bothers her. She cares too much. She's too good for this place. Hell, she's too good for me.""But that's just it," Tim stated, joining their conversation. "She's a good person. And you need that. This family needs that."Jason looked around the room, a small understanding smile slowly appearing on his lips. Everyone in their family was lost in some way, each haunted by a past experience that transformed them into monsters who thrived in the shadows. They weren't symbols of hope as much as they were creatures to be feared. Preventing others from living through the same trauma was their most redeeming quality.But in the end, were any of them really good at heart? Yes, they fought for the innocent. Yes, they did what others couldn't or wouldn't. But in reality, they hurt people. They caused as many tragedies as they prevented. Sometimes, innocent blood was spilled in the process of stopping a greater threat. Anyone they dared to get close to either ended up dead or just as broken. All the while, their real feelings were buried...their true identities hidden behind masks that stripped them of their humanity. There was still a large part of Jason that feared Scarlett would become another causality in their endless crusade. The pure-hearted sadly never lasted long in their world. When the worst happened, he wondered if that lifestyle would leave her emotionally shattered or if the constant turmoil would wear her to the bone until she was as hollow inside as he was. Thankfully, Scarlett was proving to be stronger than he realized. She might have been kind and soft-spoken, but no less determined. Her heart was pure and full of nothing but love and acceptance, but she would easily stand up for herself and others in the face of injustice. She had demons of her own, yet still managed to be warm and understanding. She was the kind of good they all wished they could be, Jason included. And in that way Tim was right. They did need her. ...Jason's comment about Alfred cooking enough to feed a village was an understatement. Stretched from one end of the dining room table to the other was every festive dish imaginable: Baked turkey, prime rib, smoked ham, sausage rolls, mashed potatoes, candied yams, stuffing, roasted carrots, figgy pudding, sticky toffee, at least three different kinds of pie, and Scarlett's pan of casserole. Dinner itself was a completely new experience for Scarlett. The room was alive with a pleasant commotion. Jason's brothers compared battle scars and the girls traded funny patrol stories. They exploded Christmas crackers and occasionally sent bits of food flying across the table when someone made a bad joke. It was mayhem of the best kind. For the first time in her life, Scarlett felt like she was part of a real family. An odd family for sure, but one that cared for their own and never judged each other.Just then, Scarlett felt her phone vibrating in her pocket. She discreetly checked the screen under the table, which revealed a text from Steven."Just sent the Victoria's Secret contract to your email."She let out a sigh and shook her head. It was only a matter of time before real life came back to sour her mood. Time was quickly running out on the offer and she still had no idea what to do. "Is everything all right?"Scarlett glanced up in surprise. From a few places down at the head of the table, Bruce was giving her a curious look. Even though months had passed since they officially met, it still amazed her that she knew Batman in such an informal setting. He had shown her nothing but kindness since they met, but he still terrified her. She could only imagine the kind of effect he had on criminals. "Sorry...my agent just sent a bunch of paperwork for a shoot in New York later this week."Bruce nodded, then studied her expression. "You don't seem happy about it."She couldn't stop herself from smiling. No wonder he was called the World's Greatest Detective. Nothing ever escaped his notice. "It's just...I've been trying to quit modeling and go to school. It was never my dream job and I have literally zero skills to fall back on. I figured taking classes would help give me some direction." She glanced down at her phone screen. "But this job my agent sent me is really good...enough to get my modeling career off the ground. I've worked so hard to get where I am and it feels like I'm throwing it all away for nothing. I can't really afford to quit anyhow...and I definitely can't if I decide to go to school. I just feel like I'm standing at a crossroads right now. Both paths seem equally good and bad..."She took a breath and looked up at Bruce, suddenly aware that he'd been silently listening to her rant the entire time. "I'm sorry...that was probably really boring and way too much information."Bruce gave her a slight smile and shook his head. "No, not at all. I've found myself facing similar crossroads many times.""What did you do?" she asked."I realized that the easiest path is not always the best in the long run. Sometimes, taking the gamble ends up being the better choice. It also helps if you have trusted people in your corner who can make the decision easier and give you support when you need it.""Jason has been really supportive lately," Scarlett replied. "I wasn't necessarily talking about Jason in this case...but I'm glad to hear it. I meant that if you need financial aid for school, don't be afraid to ask. Jason might not want my help, but that's his choice. You don't have to let it be yours...especially if it helps you achieve your dreams.""That's very kind...but I couldn't accept," she replied nervously. "It's too much money. I'd never be able to pay you back...""You don't need to. I have more than enough to support my mission and provide for what this family needs, college included. You're a part of this family now, so anything you need to set you on the right path, we can provide. Besides, think of it as a thank you for everything you've done for Jason.""What do you mean?"Bruce shot a quick look at Jason on the other end of the table. "Before he met you, Jason liked to pretend he didn't need us. We were just a nuisance and a constant reminder of bad memories. The further he stayed away, the less angry he was. He also doesn't agree with my rules about our mission, so being on his own means he doesn't have to answer to me. And if Talia hadn't involved you in her plans, Jason would have gone after her alone at the risk of his own life rather than call us. He's stubborn...just like his mentor."The two shared a laugh. "But you being in danger meant the stakes were much higher," he continued. "He didn't trust himself to go after her without putting both of your lives in jeopardy. That tells me he's matured and is using more caution than he used to. It also seems like he's learning to let his walls down. Without you, I guarantee he wouldn't be at this table tonight. You've had a positive influence on his life...and I'm grateful. He deserves to be happy.""He saves me just as much as I save him," Scarlett replied. "But thank you."Bruce gave her a grateful smile. "Now...as far as your job goes...there are internships at Wayne Enterprises that require no experience at all and pay generously. Everything you need to know you can learn in training. It was a program we started to give underprivileged youth, struggling single parents, and anyone without an advanced degree a chance at gaining useful skills. You might give it a chance just to see if the corporate world is in your interest.""Isn't that nepotism?" she inquired with a laugh. Bruce shrugged. "My company, my rules. But in all seriousness, there is a hiring process for our interns that I am not a part of. You'll have to go through the interview stage and pass a background check the same as any other job. There is a chance you might not be accepted during the first round, but if you come in with the same dedication and enthusiasm you've shown so far, it will go a long way." "That's incredibly generous...," she said, feeling the emotions start to rise in the back of her throat. "I think I'll take you up on that. As long as Jason's okay with it."Bruce sighed. "He'll probably see it as me using my influence to muscle into his life, but that's his grudge with me...not you. Do whatever makes the most sense for your future...and never feel for a second that you're not deserving of it. After all, this is a family built on second chances."Scarlett gazed around the table at the rest of the Bat Family and smiled to herself. All of their lives were marked by tragedy, but one man taking a chance on them gave them a sense of home and a new purpose in life. They proved that family isn't always bound by blood. Sometimes, they're bound by a singular experience or event that ties them together in a deeper way. And now, Scarlett was one of them. ..."So...how are things going with you and Jason now that you're living together?" Barbara asked as she and Scarlett cleaned up the dining table after dinner.Scarlett threw a glance at Jason, who was pretending to listen to another one of Dick's absurd patrol stories as the two carried a stack of dishes into the kitchen. "Good," she replied. "We're starting to understand each other now, and I've learned to accept both parts of his life.""I'm sure it was a big adjustment, but you've fit into this family really well. Better than a lot of us did at first. Jason was kind of a rough diamond when he first got here, so it's nice to see you've softened his edges." Scarlett smiled. "Being with him and going through what I did with Talia...it changed me too. I've always been afraid of disappointing people, including myself. I never said a bad word about anyone. No matter a person's faults, I always tried to see the good in them.""Sounds exhausting," Selina joked, having heard their conversation from her side of the table. "Yeah, it was. I still try to be positive because I wouldn't have made it out of that dungeon alive if I hadn't...but I didn't let Talia scare me. Even when things looked as bleak as they possibly could, I never gave her the satisfaction of seeing me break. Jason gave me the courage I needed, and after that, my problems didn't seem as big as they used to...like my mom.""How did that end up working out?" Barbara asked. Scarlett shrugged. "I decided it was time to face her. Besides her telling me about the divorce, we hadn't spoken in five years and I figured it was time someone behaved like the bigger person.""You're better than me," Selina remarked. "I would've said to hell with her and let it be.""That's what Jason said. But if I kept refusing to face her, then the memories would control me for the rest of my life. I would be proving to her that I was too scared and too weak to confront her. I needed to do it for myself as much as her.""What happened?" Barbara asked. Scarlett chuckled ironically. "It was...interesting. I called her a few weeks ago. Dad filed for divorce on the grounds of adultery, so they had to go to court. He was able to prove it with emails, letters, text messages...even clothes that weren't his. She got almost nothing in the end and was forced to sell her stuff and move into an apartment. My brother decided to stay with our dad. I guess the divorce affected him pretty badly. He didn't know just how long she had been cheating on our dad, and he was embarrassed when everything came up in court. It'll be good for him to get away from her. Maybe one day we can talk about things and fix our relationship for the better.""What about you and your mom? Were you able to bury the hatchet?" Barbara asked. "Sort of. We're at least on speaking terms again, for better or worse. I told her I was thinking about quitting modeling. She flipped out like I knew she would, but it doesn't matter. I put her on hold until she calmed down, then we said we wouldn't talk about it anymore. She was a little too happy when I told her I was dating Bruce Wayne's son, but not so much when I mentioned he has scars, swears a lot, occasionally smokes, rides motorcycles, and has a criminal record. I told her I couldn't wait for her to meet him. She hung up on me."The three of them burst into laughter. Scarlett looked up to see Jason in the doorway to the kitchen. He gave her a discreet wink. It was incredible to think how far they had come in such a short time. Neither could have predicted that a chance meeting in a dark alley in Gotham nearly one year ago would have brought them together. Theirs turned out to be a love story filled with pain and adversity, but also one of hope and salvation. At Jason's side, Scarlett felt more protected and admired than she had in her entire life. He saw depth and potential in her that no one else did and gave her the confidence she needed to stand up for herself. And in Scarlett, Jason found the one person who would never judge him. Her empathy and open-mindedness gave him a sense of safety and understanding. Her love was like morphine to the pain of his past. And in that crazy year since they met, the two had become virtually inseparable. Every challenge they faced only brought them closer together, proving that love really could exist under the Red Hood. - THE END -