Becoming Nightshade

The grand hall of Wayne Manor was intimidating, even for someone like Jason Todd, who wasn't easily shaken, even at 15 years old. The towering ceilings, marble floors, and rows of expensive artifacts screamed wealth, a far cry from the cracked streets and dim alleyways of Gotham's Narrows where he'd spent most of his life. He could feel the weight of the place pressing on him, reminding him he didn't belong.

"Try not to break anything, alright?" Bruce had said with a half-smile before leaving him there, like a fish out of water. Jason scowled, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jacket. Sure, Batman had taken him in, but that didn't mean he had to like any of this. The wealth. The formalities. The people who acted like their every word mattered just because they had more money than sense.

And then she walked in

Maggie Wayne. The daughter of Bruce Wayne, the legendary playboy billionaire and, secretly, Gotham's greatest detective. Jason had heard about her, of course. Bruce had mentioned her in passing—his "bright spark" as he called her. But he hadn't expected this. A girl smaller than him, about 15 years old with her nose buried in a book, a pen tucked behind her ear, and an expression that said she didn't care about the world around her.

She barely glanced at him, muttering something under her breath as she scribbled into the pages of a journal while walking past him.

Jason cleared his throat, waiting for her to acknowledge him. Nothing. She was in her own world.

"Hey," Jason called out, annoyance creeping into his voice. "You gonna pretend I'm not here?"

Maggie paused, lifting her gaze slowly from the book, fixing her bright, sharp green eyes on him as if she was only now registering his presence. She had a piercing stare as if she was looking right into your soul, and Jason found it unnerving.

"Oh, you're the new Robin," she said, her tone clipped, with an air of boredom. "Jason, right?"

Jason raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. And you're the princess of this place?"

Maggie's eyes narrowed, a flicker of something behind them—annoyance, maybe—but she kept her composure. "Maggie Wayne. And I'm not a princess or some helpless socialite that needs looking after."

Jason crossed his arms. "Good, 'cause I'm not into babysitting."

Maggie gave him a flat look, snapping her journal shut. "You think just because my father found you, makes you special?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, sizing him up.

Jason's fists clenched. Who did this kid think she was? "And you think you're some kinda genius just 'cause you're good at school or whatever? Gotham's different out there. The streets, the people—books can't teach you how to survive."

Maggie stood her ground. Her stature much smaller than his, but her presence somehow filling the room. "I know more about Gotham than you think, Jason Todd. Just because I live here doesn't mean I'm blind to what goes on outside." She picked up her book, tucking it under her arm, her chin raised slightly. "I study. I learn. And I know things you couldn't even imagine."

Jason snorted. "Yeah, you know things from books. Bet you've never been in a real fight, huh?"

"You know, I've trained with Bruce—and Dick Grayson."

"Yeah?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe. "And? What, you want a medal or something?"

Maggie rolled her eyes. "No, Jason. I'm just saying, maybe you shouldn't assume I'm just a snobby little rich girl."

"So, what, you can throw a punch?" Jason shot back, crossing his arms. "That doesn't mean you can really fight."

Maggie's gaze didn't waver. "It's more than just throwing punches. I've trained with my father since I was eight. Hand-to-hand combat, gymnastics, Krav Maga, Jiu-Jitsu—you name it."

Jason blinked, momentarily thrown off by the conviction in her voice. There was something raw in her words, determination.

Alright," he said, his voice still carrying that street-smart attitude, "so maybe you can fight. Doesn't mean you know what it's like to survive on your own. I didn't have anyone training me in a fancy mansion. I had to learn fast—on the streets, with no back up."

Maggie raised an eyebrow, unfazed by his tone. "I'm not saying I've had it as hard as you," she said. "But we're not so different, you know."

Jason scoffed again, but there was less conviction behind it now. "Yeah, right. What would a rich girl like you know?"

Maggie's eyes softened, and for the first time since they'd started talking, her voice lowered. "I know what it's like to feel alone."

 He stared at her, taken off guard by her sudden vulnerability. He hadn't expected her to go there.

"You think I don't know what my father does? What he risks every night?" Maggie continued; Her voice steady but with an undercurrent of emotion. "I grew up knowing that my dad might not come home one day. Every time he puts on that cape and leaves, there's a chance he won't make it back."

Maggie shook her head slightly, regaining her composure. "But I get it, Jason. I know what it's like to have to prove yourself."

Jason stared at her. He wasn't sure if he liked Maggie Wayne. She was too sharp, too confident, and too much like Bruce for his liking. But there was something about her—something real, something raw—that he couldn't ignore.

"So, what?" Jason finally muttered, his voice quieter now. "You want me to believe you're some kind of mini-Batgirl?"

Maggie gave an almost imperceptible smile. "No. I'm not Batgirl. I'm not Robin either. I'm just… me."

Jason didn't respond for a moment. Then, with a shrug, he gave her a challenging look. "Alright, Wayne. Maybe we'll have to spar sometime, see if you can back up all that talk."

Before Jason could walk away from Maggie, Bruce Wayne followed by Alfred walks in. The imposing figure of Batman, even in his tailored suit, made the room feel smaller, the air heavier. Alfred, as always, had an air of calm dignity, but his sharp eyes missed nothing. Bruce took one look at Jason and Maggie, reading the tension in the room with the ease of someone who'd seen this kind of dynamic play out a hundred times before. His piercing blue gaze flicked between them, but he didn't immediately speak. Instead, he crossed his arms, his expression as unreadable as ever.

"Well," Bruce said finally, his deep voice filling the room. "I see you two have met."

Jason straightened up a bit, his natural rebellious posture only slightly lessened under the weight of Bruce's presence. "Yeah," he muttered, glancing sideways at Maggie, with her arms crossed. 

Maggie shot Jason a quick look, as if daring him to say something more, but she remained silent, standing her ground.

Alfred gave a small smile as he surveyed the scene. "I trust the meeting went smoothly, Miss Maggie? Master Jason?"

Jason snorted. "About as smooth as you'd expect, considering she thinks she's some kind of martial arts prodigy."

Maggie opened her mouth to respond, but Bruce cut her off with a raised hand. "Jason," he said, his voice firm but not harsh, "Maggie's been training for years."

Jason shifted uncomfortably, not liking the idea of being corrected, especially in front of Maggie. "Yeah, so she said," he muttered.

Bruce turned his gaze to Maggie. "Maggie, I hope you're not trying to prove anything here." His tone softening when speaking to her.

Bruce glanced at her and then back at Jason. "I wanted you two to meet," he said, his tone more measured now. "You come from different worlds, but you're both part of this one now. Maggie, you've trained your whole life, but you could learn from Jason's instincts. And Jason, Maggie can help you refine your technique. She's a strategist. You two could make each other better."

Jason shifted uncomfortably again, his instinctive defensiveness still simmering beneath the surface. "So, what, you want us to be, like, a team now?" he asked, half-sarcastic but also unsure.

Bruce's eyes softened, just a fraction, as he looked between the two of them. "In this family, we work together. That doesn't mean you have to be best friends overnight, but you do have to respect each other."

Maggie glanced at Jason, the competitive glint still there, but something in her expression had softened too. "I can respect that," she said after a moment, though her tone was still edged with that cool confidence she always carried. "As long as Jason's ready to learn a thing or two."

Jason scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, we'll see who's learning from who."

Alfred, sensing the tension had lowered just enough, cleared his throat lightly. "Might I suggest we leave further… discussions for the training room, perhaps? Miss Maggie, Master Jason, I'm sure a proper sparring session might settle these matters more effectively than words."

Jason raised an eyebrow, glancing at Bruce. "Is that okay with you, or is your 'bright spark' too precious to get knocked around a bit?"

Bruce didn't flinch. "Maggie can handle herself," he said evenly. "But if you want to spar, I expect you both to keep it professional. You're training, not fighting each other."

Maggie smiled faintly at that. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll take it easy on him."

Jason rolled his eyes again but couldn't suppress a smirk. "Alright, Wayne. I'll play nice... For now."

Bruce nodded, looking satisfied. "Good. Alfred, prep the training room."

As Alfred left to make the arrangements, Bruce lingered for a moment, watching the two of them. Jason's rough edges and Maggie's sharp intellect were like flint and steel, sparking against each other, but he could see the potential there. He knew they could learn from each other—if they didn't kill each other first.

"Remember," Bruce said, his voice quiet but commanding as he started to leave, "it's not just about who's stronger or faster. It's about trust. That's what keeps us alive."

As Bruce exited the room, Jason and Maggie were left standing there, the weight of his words hanging between them.

Jason glanced at Maggie, with a smirk. "You heard the man. Try not to fall behind, 'bright spark.'"

Maggie, ever the strategist, gave him a level look. "I was just about to say the same to you, Todd."

With that, they both headed toward the training room.

The training room in Wayne Manor was a stark contrast to the opulent halls outside. It was all clean lines and functional design, equipped with mats, weights, and all the gear necessary to train Gotham's greatest heroes. The dim lighting overhead cast long shadows across the sparring mats, creating a sense of quiet focus.

Jason Todd stretched his neck side to side, his hands wrapped in training tape, as he watched Maggie Wayne step onto the mat across from him. She was dressed in sleek, black workout gear, her posture relaxed but alert. There was a hint of a smirk on her lips, the same one that had been bugging Jason.

"You sure you're ready for this, princess?" Jason teased, his eyes narrowing as he rolled his shoulders.

Maggie's smirk widened slightly. "I don't need you to take it easy on me, Jason. But feel free to back out if you're not up for it."

Jason scoffed, shaking his head. "Yeah, right. Let's just get this over with."

From the corner of the room, Bruce Wayne and Alfred stood watching. Bruce's expression was impassive, his arms crossed as his eyes flicked between the two, silently evaluating their every move. Alfred, on the other hand, was more reserved, though his sharp eyes betrayed a quiet curiosity about how this was going to play out.

The two circled each other, both waiting for the other to make the first move. The tension in the air was thick, neither willing to back down. Maggie struck first, darting forward with a quick jab aimed at Jason's midsection. But Jason, fast and fluid from his years on the streets, sidestepped easily and countered with a sweeping kick that barely missed Maggie's legs as she nimbly dodged back.

"Not bad," Jason muttered, eyes narrowing, as if surprised by her speed.

"That's just the warm-up," Maggie replied.

They exchanged a few more blows, testing each other's reflexes. Maggie's style was precise and calculated, her strikes well-aimed and deliberate. Jason, in contrast, fought with raw aggression, relying on speed and instinct, throwing punches with a force that made each dodge from Maggie feel like a narrow escape.

"You sure you didn't grow up in a bubble?" Jason taunted, launching a quick combination of punches.

Maggie ducked under the strikes and retaliated with a sharp elbow aimed at Jason's side, catching him just enough to throw him off balance. "I told you, "She said, her voice calm despite the action, "I've trained with the best."

Jason grunted, annoyed but impressed. He hadn't expected her to be this good. He lunged forward, aiming to close the distance between them. This time, Maggie couldn't dodge fast enough, and Jason swept her legs out from under her. She hit the mat with a thud but recovered quickly, rolling back to her feet before Jason could capitalize.

Bruce's eyes narrowed slightly at the exchange, his focus never wavering. Alfred stood beside him, observing quietly, hands clasped behind his back.

"Master Jason seems to be enjoying himself," Alfred commented dryly, though there was a faint glimmer of amusement in his voice.

Bruce nodded slightly. "He's testing her. But she's holding her own."

Back on the mat, Maggie shifted her stance, her eyes locking onto Jason with renewed intensity. She wasn't about to let him have the upper hand.

Jason grinned, sensing the shift. "What, getting serious now?"

Without responding, Maggie rushed him, her movements suddenly more aggressive. She landed a quick series of strikes—one, two, three—forcing Jason to go on the defensive. Her speed caught him off guard, and for a moment, he was struggling to keep up. Jason blocked a punch, then another, but Maggie's footwork was too quick. She slipped to his side, hooking her leg behind his and sweeping him off his feet. Jason hit the mat hard, the impact echoing through the room.

From the sidelines, Bruce raised an eyebrow. Alfred merely cleared his throat softly, as if trying not to seem too amused.

Jason groaned, pushing himself up, the sting of defeat making his blood boil. "Lucky shot," he muttered, but there was a new glint in his eyes. He wasn't about to let her show him up like that.

Maggie, standing poised and ready, shrugged. "Told you not to underestimate me."

Jason was back on his feet in an instant, his jaw clenched. "Alright, Wayne. No more games."

They squared off again, but this time, the mood had shifted. Jason was no longer holding back. He came at her hard, faster and more aggressive than before. Maggie ducked, dodged, and deflected his strikes, but Jason's ferocity was overwhelming. He pressed her back toward the edge of the mat, his fists a blur of motion. But Maggie was no amateur. She kept her cool, waiting for the right moment. When Jason overcommitted on a punch, she sidestepped, spinning around him and locking his arm in a swift hold, using his own momentum against him. Jason's eyes narrowed, and for a second, Maggie thought she had him. Then Jason grinned—a split-second shift in his expression that Maggie didn't catch in time.As she tightened her hold, Jason's free hand shot out, grabbing a handful of the sand Bruce used to coat the training mats for grip. In a quick, dirty move, he flung it straight into Maggie's eyes. Blinded, she gasped and instinctively loosened her grip. Jason twisted free, spinning behind her and sweeping her legs out from under her in one smooth motion. Maggie hit the mat hard, the shock of the fall knocking the wind out of her. Jason wasted no time. He dropped down, pinning her with a knee pressed against her back, grabbing her wrists and holding them down.

"Yield," Jason growled, his voice smug with victory.

"Both of you—stop," Bruce said, his voice firm but not angry. He crossed his arms, looking between. "There's something to learn here."

Maggie, still rubbing her eyes, glanced at her father. She wanted to protest, but Bruce raised a hand.

"Maggie, you've got discipline, control, and skill. But fights in the field won't always play out in a controlled environment like this. Jason showed you that. You need to be ready for the unexpected." His gaze shifted to Jason, whose smirk had faded under Bruce's scrutiny.

"And you, Jason," Bruce continued, "you've got raw instincts, creativity, and street smarts. But you lack respect for the art of combat. Dirty tricks might work once or twice, but they'll get you in trouble if you rely on them. Learn from Maggie's discipline if you want to last in the long run."

Jason scoffed quietly, but Bruce ignored it, looking at both of them. "You two can learn a lot from each other, if you're willing to put aside your pride. Practice together, and you'll both get stronger."

Bruce stepped back, giving them one last look. "That's enough for today." With that, he turned and left the training room, his footsteps echoing as he disappeared down the hall as Alfred followed behind him.

The silence stretched between Maggie and Jason, tension thick in the air. Maggie's fists were clenched at her sides, her face tight with anger. "I can't believe you pulled that stunt," she hissed.

Jason rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on, princess. You act like you've never been in a real fight before."

"Because I fight with skill, not cheap tricks!" Maggie snapped, her voice rising. "You think that makes you smart? It makes you a coward."

Before Jason could respond, the door to the training room creaked open, a voice familiar to Maggie called out, breaking the tension.

"Maggie!"

Both Maggie and Jason turned toward the doorway to see Dick Grayson, leaning casually against the frame, a warm but curious smile on his face. He pushed off the door and approached with easy confidence.

"Dick!" Maggie exclaimed, her anger instantly fading. She ran over to him, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. "I didn't know you were coming!"

Dick hugged her back, laughing softly. "Surprise! I thought I'd drop by and see my favorite little sister. Been way too long, right?"

Maggie smiled up at him, her earlier frustration momentarily forgotten. "Definitely too long."

Dick released her and then glanced over at Jason, who was still standing with his arms crossed, looking a little wary. "So," Dick said, raising an eyebrow, "who's the kid?"

Jason's eyes narrowed at the word *kid, clearly not thrilled about the introduction. "Name's Jason Todd."

Dick chuckled, extending a hand. "Dick Grayson. Nice to meet you, Jason."

Jason hesitated for a moment, sizing Dick up, but then grudgingly shook his hand. "You too, I guess."

"Jason's Dad's new project," Maggie said, folding her arms and glaring at Jason again. "Apparently he's the king of fighting dirty."

Dick raised an eyebrow at that, looking between the two of them. "Fighting dirty, huh?" He glanced at Jason, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. "I've been there before. Bruce doesn't take too kindly to it."

Jason scoffed. "Yeah, well, Bruce and I don't see eye to eye on everything."

Dick gave him a knowing look. "I bet you don't." Then he turned back to Maggie, his smile softening. "You, okay?"

Maggie nodded, though her frustration still simmered beneath the surface. "I'm fine. Jason just... likes to bend the rules."

"Like I said, welcome to the real world, princess," Jason muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Dick shot Jason a warning glance. "Ease up, Jason."

Jason shrugged, clearly not interested in hearing that. "Yeah, yeah."

Dick watched Jason for a second longer before turning back to Maggie, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Come on. Let's get out of here."

Maggie smiled, nodding, but as she glanced back at Jason, her eyes were still filled with frustration. "Yeah."

As the two of them started to leave, Jason called out, "See you around, Grayson. And Maggie—next time, no excuses."

As the door closed behind Dick and Maggie, Jason stood there, staring at the empty space they left behind. He clenched his fists, frustration boiling beneath the surface. He had won the fight, but it didn't feel like a victory. Not with Maggie's glare still burning in the back of his mind.

The door creaked open again, and Jason tensed, thinking it was Maggie or Dick coming back for round two. But instead, it was Alfred, stepping into the training room with his usual calm, composed demeanor.

"Master Jason," Alfred said with a gentle smile, "I've come to fetch you. Lunch is ready in the kitchen."

Jason shoved his hands into his pockets, his posture stiff. "Not really hungry."

Alfred tilted his head slightly, studying Jason. "Something bothering you Master Jason?"

Jason let out a frustrated breath, leaning against the wall. "Yeah, First Maggie, then Grayson comes in and acts like I'm some clueless kid."

Alfred raised an eyebrow but didn't interrupt, sensing there was more on Jason mind.

"I don't belong here." Jason muttered, his eyes narrowing as he kicked at the mat with his foot. "Maggie's all —super smart, and Dick? The golden boy. Then there's Bruce…" He trailed off, his frustration giving way to something more vulnerable. "I'm just some street kid, who was dumb enough to try to steal tires off of the bat mobile. What am I even doing here?"

Alfred listened quietly for a moment before responding, his voice calm and measured. "Master Jason, I assure you; you are far from out of place here."

Jason snorted. "Yeah, right. Maggie hates me, and Bruce probably thinks I'm a mistake."

Alfred's gaze softened. He walked over, standing beside Jason but giving him space. "Master Bruce may be many things, but he does not make mistakes. If he chose to take you in, it is because he sees something in you—potential, perhaps a reflection of himself."

Jason frowned, not entirely convinced. "And Maggie?"

Alfred allowed a small smile. "Ah, young Miss Maggie. She is quite the formidable opponent, isn't she?"

"That's one way to put it," Jason muttered. "She thinks she's better than me."

"She doesn't know you yet," Alfred said, his voice kind but firm. "You both come from very different worlds. It may take time but trust me when I say that Miss Maggie is not as unapproachable as she may seem. Like you, she's learning."

Jason glanced at Alfred, not expecting him to take Maggie's side. "Yeah, well, she's got it easy. She's rich, she's Bruce's daughter, and she's probably good at everything."

"She is indeed fortunate in many ways," Alfred agreed, "but that does not mean her path has been without its challenges. Master Bruce has high expectations for her. And I daresay, she feels the weight of those expectations more than you might think."

Jason looked down, thinking about what Alfred said. "I just feel like… I have to prove something. Like I don't measure up."

Alfred nodded thoughtfully. "That feeling is understandable, Master Jason. But you don't have to prove your worth by comparing yourself to others, especially not to Miss Maggie or Master Grayson. You have your own strengths, your own path to walk. And from what I've seen, you're more capable than you give yourself credit for."

Jason didn't respond right away, but Alfred's words seemed to settle something in him. He let out a long breath. "I guess."

Alfred smiled warmly. "Give it time... In the meantime, perhaps lunch will give you the strength for the next round of training. Or, at the very least, the opportunity to sit and reflect."

Jason smirked slightly, the tension easing a little. "Yeah, alright. I guess I could eat."

"Splendid," Alfred said, turning toward the door. "I believe there's a rather excellent sandwich waiting for you."

As they left the training room, Jason glanced at Alfred. "Thanks. You know, for... listening."

Alfred gave a small nod, his eyes twinkling with kindness. "Anytime, Master Jason. Anytime."

The neon sign of the small diner buzzed faintly in the cool Gotham night, casting a soft glow over the window where Dick Grayson and Maggie Wayne sat in a booth, sharing a plate of fries. The place was mostly empty, just a few regulars nursing coffee at the counter. The smell of greasy food and the clinking of dishes filled the air, but it felt oddly comforting—a bit of normalcy in their otherwise complicated lives.

"So, Blüdhaven's been… intense," he said. "It's like Gotham but rougher around the edges, more desperate. But I'm getting things under control. And the big news is, I'm putting together a team."

Maggie raised an eyebrow. "A team?"

Dick nodded. "Yeah, I'm calling them the Titans. Bunch of young people, like us, trying to make a difference. We've got a good mix of skills—some metas, some street fighters. It's starting to come together."

Maggie leaned in, intrigued. "That's awesome, Dick! I mean, forming a whole team? You're really doing your own thing now."

"Trying to," Dick replied, smiling. "It's tough, but it's good. Feels right, you know? And... I've been seeing someone."

Maggie's eyes widened slightly. "Oh? Do tell."

Dick chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Her name's Kori. Koriand'r, actually. She's from another planet, Tamaran. She's amazing—powerful, kind, beautiful."

Maggie smirked. "And here I thought you and Barbara Gordon were endgame."

Dick's expression faltered for a second. "Yeah, Babs and I… we broke up a while back. It just wasn't working anymore. She's focused on her own path, and I needed to find mine. We're still friends, but…"

Maggie shook her head, leaning back in the booth. "Still can't believe it. You two were like... perfect together."

Dick smiled wistfully. "Maybe once, but we've both changed. And Kori… well, it feels different with her. In a good way."

Maggie stared at him for a moment, her head resting on her hand. "If you say so," she muttered, clearly still unconvinced. "I still think you and Babs were a great team."

Dick laughed. "Well, maybe you'll meet Kori and change your mind."

Maggie smiled back before her expression clouded over. She pushed the fries around on her plate, her thoughts shifting. "Speaking of teams... I don't get it. My dad picks some kid off the street to be the new Robin, and yet I'm still on the bench."

Dick looked at her, sensing the frustration in her voice. "Bruce doesn't think you're ready?"

"That's what he says," Maggie replied, rolling her eyes. "Not ready. I mean, I've trained with him since I was eight. I've watched you do it, and I'm more than capable. But instead, he goes and picks up Jason Todd off the street...What's so special about him?"

Dick leaned forward, his tone softening. "I think it's because you're precious to Bruce, Mags. He doesn't want you thrown into that kind of danger. He wants you to have as close to a normal life as possible. High school, friends, experiences that don't involve masks and criminals."

"Normal?" Maggie scoffed. "I'm not normal, Dick. I'll never be normal, no matter how many classes I take at school. And don't even get me started on that. Jason's going to be there too—smug, arrogant, always acting like he so cool."

Dick smirked. "So, you're not a fan?"

Maggie scowled. "He's unbearable. But… I mean," she hesitated, her cheeks flushing a little, "he's kind of cute. In an edgy kind of way."

Dick raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "I didn't know you were into bad boys, Mags."

 "Shut up." As Maggie playful throws a fry at him

"Oh, I'm not letting this one go," Dick teased, laughing. "Sounds like you got a crush."

Maggie rolled her eyes. "Do not!" But couldn't help smiling a little. "He's still a jerk."

"Mm-hmm," Dick said with a smirk. "Sure."

A few months later, the first day of sophomore year at Gotham Prep High School arrived. Maggie Wayne, with her crisp uniform, her long black hair flowing past her shoulders and her neatly packed bag, stood in front of the towering entrance of the prestigious school. She couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and frustration. Beside her, Jason Todd was looking at the school with a smirk, his posture relaxed like he didn't have a care in the world. In his slightly unkempt uniform and hands shoved into his pockets, he stood out against the sea of well-manicured students filing in.

"Ready for day one, princess?" Jason teased, glancing at Maggie with a grin.

Maggie rolled her eyes. "Ready to see you embarrass yourself, street kid."

Jason chuckled. "You wish."

Inside, the halls were buzzing with students finding their lockers, chatting with friends, and preparing for classes. The prestigious atmosphere of Gotham Prep seemed to bear down on Jason, who couldn't help but feel a little out of place. He knew Maggie fit in here with ease—*this* was her world, not his.

"So, what's the plan?" Jason asked as they passed by a hallway. "You gonna keep pretending you're better than me, or are you actually gonna admit you're glad I'm here?"

Maggie shot him a glare. "Don't flatter yourself, Jason. You're just… someone to deal with. And besides, I have friends."

Jason raised an eyebrow. "Sure, sure. You keep telling yourself that."

She tried to ignore him, but her earlier thoughts about him crept in. He still annoyed her, but the more time they spent around each other, the more she saw beyond his bravado. Not that she'd ever admit it out loud, but there was something kind of intriguing about him—a spark she didn't quite understand.

"Hey, Wayne," Jason said, his voice softening for a moment. "This place doesn't have to change who we are. Remember that."

Maggie glanced at him, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. For a split second, she thought about saying something serious back, but instead, she just smirked. "We'll see about that, Todd. Don't get too comfortable."

And with that, they both headed off in different directions down the hall, ready to face whatever challenges Gotham Prep threw their way.

Halfway through the first day. The cafeteria of Gotham Prep was buzzing with the usual first-day energy. Maggie Wayne sat at a table with a few of her friends she known since elementary, books spread out in front of her as they chatted about their schedules. Her neatly organized planner and perfectly balanced tray made it clear she was ready for the challenges of the semester ahead.

"So, Maggie," one of her friends, Emily, began, leaning in. "I heard you're in some crazy advanced placement classes again this year. Aren't they, like, college-level?"

Maggie smiled modestly. "Yeah, some of them count for college credits. It's tough, but I want to get ahead. G.C.U is competitive, and this'll help."

"I don't know how you do it," her friend Stephanie added, shaking her head. "I'm just trying to survive regular high school classes, and you're already prepping for college."

Maggie shrugged, but her pride showed through. "It's just about staying focused."

Emily suddenly grinned mischievously, her voice lowering a little as she leaned in. "Speaking of things getting interesting… What's the deal with Jason Todd? Isn't he the new foster kid living at your place?"

The rest of the group perked up at that, exchanging glances. "Yeah, I saw him earlier in the halls. He's... kind of cute, right?"

Maggie blinked, trying to hide her surprise at the question. "Jason? Uh... I guess. If you're into the whole rebellious thing."

Emily laughed. "Oh, come on, Maggie. Don't tell me you haven't noticed. The mysterious, bad-boy vibe? There's something there."

Maggie felt her cheeks flush slightly. "Please, he's impossible to deal with. He's arrogant, thinks he knows everything, and—"

"And cute," Stephanie interrupted with a grin. "You didn't say he wasn't cute."

Maggie opened her mouth to protest when, as if on cue, Jason strode into the cafeteria, heading their way with another student beside him. His hands were shoved into his pockets, his trademark smirk already plastered on his face. The boy with him, a redhead with a cocky grin and a glint in his eye, was talking animatedly, clearly enjoying Jason's company.

"Speak of the devil," Emily whispered, nudging Maggie.

Jason approached the table, and the redhead with him—Roy—immediately zeroed in on Maggie, a confident smirk forming on his lips. "Well, well, who do we have here?" Roy said, his eyes lingering on Maggie. "Didn't realize Gotham Prep had girls this cute. Jason, you didn't tell me."

Maggie blinked, not catching onto Roy's flirtation, while Jason rolled his eyes. "Roy, chill. That's Maggie."

Roy raised an eyebrow, leaning on the table, clearly unfazed. "Maggie, huh? Well, pleasure to meet you." He held out his hand toward her, grinning as if this were the smoothest move ever.

Maggie shook his hand absentmindedly, more focused on the confusion of her friends staring at Jason. "Uh, yeah, nice to meet you," she said.

Jason sighed, folding his arms. "Anyway, this place is boring as hell. I thought prep school would at least be interesting, but it's all rules and no fun. Same old lectures, and I've barely been here half a day."

Maggie narrowed her eyes at him. "Schools not supposed to be fun, Jason. Maybe if you actually paid attention, you'd realize it's not so bad."

Jason scoffed. "I'll pass. This whole place is just filled with stuck-up rich kids." He glanced around, raising an eyebrow at Maggie's group. "No offense."

Stephanie gave a nervous laugh. "Uh, none taken?"

Roy smirked at Maggie again. "So, Maggie, how's life living with Mr. Bored over here?"

Maggie barely glanced at Roy, still focused on Jason. "It's... fine, I guess. Except when he's being obnoxious, like now."

Jason snorted. "Yeah, well, you're no walk in the park either, princess."

Maggie's friends exchanged amused looks, clearly entertained by the banter. But Maggie's mind was still on the earlier conversation about Jason. Her friends thought he was cute, Roy was blatantly flirting with her, and Jason... well, Jason was just as frustrating as ever. Yet, somehow, she found herself less annoyed than she expected.