The final bell of the school year rang out across Gotham Prep, signaling the end of exams and the beginning of summer. The hallways were alive with the energy of students eager to leave behind textbooks and deadlines, their laughter echoing as they poured out of classrooms. For Maggie, Jason, and their friends, the relief was palpable. Junior year was officially over, and it was a milestone they all felt in different ways. Maggie stood by her locker, stuffing her last few books into her bag, as Stephanie and Emily chattered excitedly about summer plans.
"I can't believe we survived finals," Stephanie groaned, leaning against the lockers. "That chemistry exam was brutal."
"Tell me about it," Emily added, tossing her bag over her shoulder. "But we're free now. No more stress for a couple of months!"
Jason appeared down the hall, flanked by Kyle and Mark, his usual confident stride in full display.
"What's all this about 'barely surviving'?" he teased, smirking as he approached. "Junior year wasn't that bad."
Maggie rolled her eyes as she shut her locker.
"Says the guy who barely passed history," she shot back, though her tone was light and playful.
Kyle laughed, clapping Jason on the shoulder.
"Hey, at least he passed. That's all that matters, right?"
"Exactly," Jason said, grinning as he leaned against the lockers beside Maggie. "Besides, I think we deserve a break after everything this year."
Maggie smiled, nodding." It feels… weird. Like, we're so close to the end of High school."
Stephanie sighed dramatically. "Senior year is going to fly by next year, I can already feel it."
Jason glanced at Maggie, his smirk softening into something more genuine.
"So, England's coming up soon, huh?"
Maggie nodded, her smile faltering slightly. "Yeah. It's all starting to feel real now."
As the group filed out of the school, the warm summer sun greeted them.
The lights flicked on, and Maggie jumped as a chorus of voices shouted, "Surprise!"
Maggie laughed, eyes wide, as she took in the decorations: streamers, balloons, a "Bon Voyage" banner, and a cake with a miniature plane on it. Her friends, Stephanie, Emily, along with Jason and his friends Kyle and Mark beamed at her.
"This is amazing!" Maggie said, grinning at everyone.
Stephanie hugged her first. "We couldn't let you just leave without a proper send-off, could we?"
Emily nodded, handing her a plate of cake. "Exactly! England's not getting you without one last party!"
As the night went on, Maggie mingled with her friends, laughing as they swapped stories. Jason watched from across the room, a faint smile on his face, though his eyes kept following her. She caught his glance once or twice, and each time he tried to smile and look upbeat, but she knew him well enough to see the sadness behind it. Finally, she made her way over to him, a soft smile on her face.
"You've been quiet tonight."
He shrugged, trying to look casual. "Just…you know, hanging out."
She nudged him. "Common on let's dance."
Jason sighed but gave her a smile and took her hand, leading her to a quieter corner where they could sway to the music without too many onlookers.
"Can't believe you're really leaving," he murmured, barely meeting her eyes. "It's only for the summer, but…it's going to feel longer."
Maggie tightened her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"I'll be back before you know it. And, hey, you can always get into a little trouble while I'm gone. Make some stories to tell me."
He chuckled softly, though his voice was thick with emotion. "Doesn't feel the same if you're not around to see it."
They stood there in silence for a moment, just swaying, until Maggie pulled back to look at him.
"Promise me something?"
He raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Take care of yourself. And if you ever want to talk, or if you get bored with Kyle and Mark, just call me, okay?"
Jason smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"Fine. But you better actually pick up. None of that 'I'm too busy sightseeing' stuff."
She laughed, but her eyes were glassy. "Deal."
As the party began to wind down, Jason pulled Maggie aside one last time, a nervous look in his eyes.
"Hey, before you go… I got something for you."
Maggie's eyes lit up with curiosity as he pulled a small velvet pouch from his pocket. "Jason, you didn't have to—"
"Yeah, well," he interrupted, avoiding her gaze for a moment. "I wanted to."
He opened the pouch, revealing a delicate bracelet with a small Robin charm next to a heart. Maggie's breath caught as she gently took it, her fingers grazing over the charm.
"It's so…beautiful," she whispered, looking up at him with a soft smile. "I love it."
Maggie slipped the bracelet onto her wrist, admiring how it caught the light and smiled, her eyes softening as she looked at him, her fingers brushing over the bracelet.
"Thank you, Jason. This… this means a lot."
Jason shrugged, trying to keep it casual, but his gaze lingered on her, showing just how much he'd miss her.
"Just don't go finding some British guy to replace me, okay?"
She laughed, a gentle, warm sound, before stepping closer.
"Like anyone could."
They stood there for a heartbeat, the noise of the party fading into the background. Slowly, Maggie leaned in, closing the space between them. Jason met her halfway, their lips brushing in a soft, lingering kiss, both savoring the moment as if trying to make it last until she returned. When they finally pulled away, Jason looked at her, a mix of reluctance and affection in his eyes.
"Come back soon, okay?"
She nodded, her smile soft. "I promise."
As the night came to an end, she walked back toward her friends, her fingers still lightly touching the bracelet, while Jason stayed behind, his heart still racing from the kiss.
Maggie stood in the terminal, clutching her carry-on as she looked at the group gathered to see her off. Bruce placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a rare, warm smile.
"Remember, if you need anything, we're just a call away."
"I know, Dad,"
Alfred stepped forward next, his expression fond but formal.
"Miss Maggie do take care of yourself. And please, no daring escapades without proper guidance," he said with a soft smile.
Maggie chuckled. "I'll be good, Alfred. Promise."
Barbara gave her a quick, tight hug.
"Make sure to take pictures! And bring back something British for me, yeah?"
Maggie laughed, nodding.
Then, it was Dick's turn. He wrapped his arm around her in a brotherly hug, grinning.
"Don't go causing too much trouble across the pond, alright?"
She punched his arm playfully. "Just a little trouble."
Finally, she turned to Jason, her expression softening as their eyes met. He looked like he wanted to say something but settled on a faint smile.
"Don't forget to call. I might actually miss you."
She laughed, pulling him into a quick hug, whispering,
"I'll miss you too."
As she pulled away, Jason slipped something into her hand. She looked down to see a folded piece of paper.
"Read it on the plane," he murmured.
She nodded, pocketing it as she took a step back. With one last wave to all of them, she turned and headed for security, glancing back to see them all watching her go. Maggie settled into her seat on the plane unfolded the piece of paper Jason had slipped into her hand at the airport. His handwriting was messy but unmistakably his. She smoothed it out, her heart already racing as she began to read.
**Mags,**
I didn't know how to say this in person without sounding like an idiot, so here it is on paper. I already miss you, and you haven't even left yet. I'm not great with words, but I needed you to know some stuff. You've got this way of making everything feel less heavy. Even on my worst days, you find a way to pull me out of my head and remind me there's good in the world. You're smart, stubborn, and way too good at putting me in my place—and somehow, I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't say it enough (probably because I'm bad at this kind of thing), but I care about you—a lot. More than I ever thought I could let myself care about anyone. You've been there for me in ways no one else ever has, and I hope I've done the same for you. So, while you're off in England, seeing castles and drinking tea or whatever fancy stuff they do over there, just remember this: Gotham's not the same without you, and neither am I. Take care of yourself, Mags. And if you ever get lonely or need someone to tell you how annoying you are (you know, to keep you humble), call me. I'll pick up. Every time.
Come back soon, okay?
-Jay
P.S. Don't lose the bracelet. It's one-of-a-kind, just like you.
Maggie blinked back tears as she folded the note carefully and tucked it into her bag. She looked down at the bracelet on her wrist, her fingers brushing over the Robin charm, and smiled softly.