Sam heads home, the smile not leaving her face. Despite her thing for running, Sam has been doing better. She got better about it before Jason died. And she's choosing tonight, to not run from it. A part of her thought maybe she would because Jason deserves better. But her heart beats to the sound of his name. And there is nothing she'll ever be able to do about it. He has ruined her for anyone else and she can't even be mad because she only ever wants him anyway. Even if that means friends. So, instead of running and punishing herself tonight, Sam lets the smile plaster itself over her face and she lets her heart beat wildly while her stomach spins with butterflies.

Molly's attention is pulled to the door as Sam leans against it, closing it.

"Hey." Moly chimes. "How'd it go?" She asks, seeing the lazy smile across Sam's face, gathering hope for her friends.

"Good." Sam pushes off the door before she kicks off her shoes. "Tim suspects nothing. I'm sure he will at some point and we're gonna start tomorrow." Sam explains, noticing the laptop open in front of Molly but seeing Goodreads open instead of anything of importance, immediately telling Sam Molly's been waiting for her.

"Oh, we're?" Molly beams with a teasing grin. "So you guys talked?" Molly's eyes track Sam as she walks over to the sink.

"Yes." Sam answers and the smile doesn't budge. "We train Tim tomorrow." Sam states casually as she grabs a small bag of Cheetos from the cabinet beside the sink.

Molly eyes Sam as she jumps onto the counter, sitting to face Molly before opening her bag of Cheetos. She offers no other explanation. No part of Molly should even be surprised because of course, Sam isn't going to give her any detail unless she asks specific questions.

"You haven't spoken to him in a month and a half. You've been asking about him at least every other day. And that's it?"

Sam sways her feet, not quite letting her heels touch the cabinet below her as she shrugs. "It's kind of weird. I don't know." Sam shakes her head before eating a Cheeto. "It was really nice to see him though." Her voice is soft as she diverts her eyes to the bag in her hands, a tender smile on her lips.

Molly's chest warms with Sam's response. It's not that she's been miserable or even all too unhappy over the last month. It's just that it's very clear something is missing. It's clear that it's been hard for Sam and some of that is her own doing to herself. Tonight, Sam seems calm, not as on edge as she usually is. Before tonight, it was as if Sam was just anticipating something horrible to happen at any second but now she's sitting peacefully on the counter, her face clear of any worry lines and her brows aren't tugged together in thought. It's a bit of a relief from where Molly is sitting.

"Are you done punishing yourself?" Molly asks.

Sam snaps her attention back to Molly before she scoffs. "What?"

"You're punishing yourself for what happened." Molly states simply. Sam won't explain hardly anything about her own blame. Molly isn't sure if it's just the death of Jason or if it's the whole fallout after, maybe both. But, Molly does know Sam and she knows Sam's been punishing herself, regardless on if she'll ever talk about it. "Are you done? Now that you got to talk to him. I told you, he's doing okay."

"You always said you're worried." Sam points a Cheeto at Molly, intentionally avoiding the question.

"There will never be a point in time I'm not worried about him. He's Jason. Red Hood, Robin, just Jason. He's always up to something." Molly states with a soft laugh.

"Yeah, yeah, he is." Sam lets out a sigh. "I just...I really didn't think he wanted to talk." Sam shrugs her shoulders. "I didn't want to intrude on his space and ruin something for him, ya know? I mean...he died and he was really getting help and trying to get better, I didn't wanna call and ruin that for him." Sam shakes her head as she chews the inside of her cheek.

That is not the full reason but it is the reason she's willing to say. She knows if she tells Molly everything, Molly will tell her that it's ridiculous. She'll say it's been forgiven. She'll tell Jason and Jason will feel guilty, probably. Jason will bring it up so it doesn't eat Sam alive. It's not something Sam wants at all right now. So, Sam sticks with half the story.

"I get it." Molly nods her head. "At least you guys are talking now." Molly smiles softly. "I could have told you he wanted to talk though if that was all you needed to know."

"Did he say something?" Sam questions almost a little too quickly, making Molly laugh.

"No." Molly shakes her head. "But he always asked about you. He was asking Gar, too." Molly explains simply as she watches Sam's brows furrow. "He wouldn't have if he didn't want to talk. You two have got to learn how to communicate."

"You're talking to Gar?" Sam asks, bypassing the entire point of Molly's explanation.

"Yeah?" Molly questions easily but she takes a page from Sam's book and offers no other explanation. "Don't change the subject."

Sam lets out a chortle. "Pretty sure all of our problems would be solved if we communicated." Sam scrunches her nose before finishing off her Cheetos.

"Okay, so we're in agreement. So, tomorrow, you're gonna see him and tell him that you still think about him all the time and this time a part was a huge waste of time?" Molly gives her a cheeky grin.

Sam nods quickly before flipping her off with the raise of her brows, making Molly just laugh in response. "I'm gonna shower and head to bed though. I will update you when there is something to be updated on with the Jason front."

"Thank you." Molly beams with sarcasm.

Meanwhile, Jason is with Tim. Tim has a lot of questions, that's for sure. Sam said he was insistent but Jason had no idea. Tim has been asking questions ever since Sam left and it's not even annoying. He just wants to know things about Robin and Batman, being a vigilante, stuff about Jason. Jason finds it a bit funny because it's very reminiscent of his early days as Robin, filled with questions and hope. Tim wants to know about Red Hood but he avoids asking about his death. It's mostly what he's doing now and how it all works. He asks about his Robin days. Jason doesn't talk a lot about them but he tries to offer something that isn't bitter or sad or discouraging for Tim.

"Think I'll find Venta?" Tim asks, changing up his line of questioning for a minute.

"Don't know." Jason shrugs before he takes a squig of his beer. "If Sam can't figure it out with you, might not even be in the city." Jason lies with ease.

"What do I do then?" Tim is desperate for this mission to go smoothly. It's his first time as Robin and he doesn't want to let Dick down.

"Go back to Metropolis." Jason states.

"Yeah, I guess." Tim lets out a defeated sigh.

If anyone knows what it's like to not want to disappoint someone like Dick, it's Jason. It's hard and he doesn't fault Dick for this plan. Jason will give it to him, it makes sense, it's a good idea. But, Tim isn't going to find Venta and Jason feels for him.

"Boyfriend, huh?" Jason changes the subject in hopes of taking Tim's mind off of Venta for at least a second.

"Uh, yeah." Tim nods his head, shifting in his seat. "Bernard." Tim's heart weighs heavy in his chest.

"Bernard?" Jason questions bluntly.

"Yeah, what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing." Jason shakes his head. "How long has he been out?"

"A while." Tim says sadly.

Jason watches Tim fiddling with his half-empty water bottle in front of him. All things considered, Jason thinks Tim is handling everything well, at least on the outside. Jason is certain if Sam were the one in the coma, Dick wouldn't get him to leave under any circumstance. He'd be fighting tooth and nail until she were out of the coma, even if that maybe would not be the smartest or best route.

Usually, Jason is really good at compartmentalizing, partially through training with Bruce and partially due to trauma. But, anytime it ever came to Sam, it got a little muddied. He could still be Robin, no problem but in a situation like Tim is in, Jason isn't so sure he'd be able to work anything else until he knew she was okay. Tim seems to be able to put his emotions, his anger and care for others, aside for what must be done. Dick still isn't always the best at it.

Jason thinks this might make Tim a better Robin.

"Hey, the Titans will figure out. Always do." Jason assures him.

"Yeah." Tim lets out a sigh with a soft nod, hoping he's right. "Can I ask you something?"

"You've been asking me shit." Jason quips back.

"How'd you do it?" Tim asks bluntly. "Sam said she's been hurt a lot. Doing this. How'd you deal with it?"

Being here is not as easy as Tim is making it seem. The excitement of this is definitely helping but Bernard is still in the back of his head. Every time Gar or Dick or Conner text him, he almost has a panic attack, terrified it'll be bad news about Bernard. He feels like he's not helping and if anyone should be helping his boyfriend, it should absolutely be him. But, Dick is the leader and he can't just go against him. Tim still needs to prove that he can be a good Robin. It's as if he's being torn in two and maybe Jason isn't the best person to ask given everything but Jason is at least very honest.

"Cuts and bruises are different than a coma." Jason states, unsure how else he's supposed to answer.

"You know what I mean, man." Tim almost groans with a plea.

Jason pauses for a few seconds, knowing he doesn't exactly have an answer. The person he should be asking is Sam because if she can get up and continue this after everything, anyone can. For Jason, it's always been that he has no choice. It's always been about survival, it's still about survival. He can't just sit around and hope for the best. Jason's never been sit around and wait person anyway. Something has to be done. Unfortunately for Tim, that's about all the advice Jason is going to be able to give him.

"Just do it." Jason answers. "Moping about it isn't going to help. You get up and do something."

"I'm here." Tim states.

"Because Dick needed you to do something. That's still doing something, right?" Jason raises though he does understand Tim's argument.

"Yeah, but shouldn't I be there to help?" Tim asks. "This is great, ya know? On my own, being Robin! It's like the coolest thing ever. But, why couldn't this wait?" Tim shakes his head with a soft scoff.

"I'm sure he's got his reasons." Jason assures him. "Look, man, Dick's doing what's best for you to be Robin and you know they're trying to figure it out. This is still helping." Jason tries to offer some reason to Tim before he gets to his feet. "Come on. I'll show you your room." Jason jerks his head towards the door. "Don't sweat it, alright? Dick's got it handled." Jason states and it's still a little weird having a little faith in Dick but given all of the events that happened, Dick hasn't given Jason too hard of a time when they've talked.

Jason shows Tim to a room. It's not much. A TV and a couch, that's mostly it but it'll do. Tim won't be in Gotham long anyway. Jason fetches him a blanket and tells him he has free reign of the place, just don't break anything and then he's off to his own room.

He's switched rooms since the last time Sam was here. The mattresses is sat up against the north wall but he has an ensuite bathroom. The door to the ensuite is a few feet from the mattress, the head of the mattress and the doorframe on the same wall. Two dressers stand on the wall opposite. He has a turn table and some vinyls. A bookshelf stands tall, loaded with books right next to the bedroom door. It is not much, especially compared to the Manor and the Tower but it's his. And it's the things he likes.

Jason heads for the shower, expecting to get it done and over with before trying to get some sleep. But, despite feeling fine all day, something starts feeling wrong. He thought he felt fine, all things considered, but as he tugs his hoodie and shirt over his head, his hands start to shake. They're practically vibrating right off on his wrists and his heart starts to thunder in his chest. Something in his body feels wrong, like something is going to melt out of his ears. It gets harder to breathe and his head gets dizzy. There's a feeling like maybe his eyesight might start to go next while his hands grip the edge of the sink to stabilize himself. Every muscle in his legs starts to feel numb and weak while the shaking has moved up to his elbows. His arms feel like cinderblocks so he slams his eyes shut and tries to breathe.

He doesn't know what this is. It doesn't feel quite like a panic attack. Those always felt explosive. They are loud in comparison. But this? This feels quiet and it feels sharp, deafening. It creeps on him and then hits him in full force when he's not looking. It always passes but it scares the shit out of him that this might not just be a bad panic attack. What if the Pit is calling him back? He hates the thought but he knows it has to, right? Because being alive doesn't feel quite right either. Nothing feels quite right anymore.

The feeling starts to pass in a few minutes while Jason looks to the mirror. He hates that white streak. Dick didn't even get it. Jason gets dunked in the Pit and Jason comes back a monster with a white streak of hair, feeling like he's going to be ripped back to his own grave in a matter of time. Dick on the other hand seems fine and his hair is fucking normal. What the fuck is even up with that?

There aren't any bruises decorating his face and he can't help but think you might have been relieved. You always were. But, you don't see the y scar staring back at him in the mirror or the red and black bruises over his torso from the other night. He is thankful for that. They hurt. Jason doesn't waste much more time on it before he gets in the shower. He has to get up early, an appointment with Leslie and all.

By the time the next day rolls around, Sam picks up Tim from Jason's, Jason nowhere to be found. All she got was that he had left early and he said he'd be back later. Very Jason not to give out any form of detail. And maybe she's a little disappointed she missed him. But, she doesn't show it as her and Tim head off to Harbor, Tim hoping to find Venta while Sam is just playing along. Mostly, she wants to see how he interrogates people, see if he's any good at it. Tim has never seemed the violent type but she's thinking him as Robin might surprise her since he's so dedicated to the cause.

So, the two of them go and they spend a few hours doing this. Sam takes a backseat, watching as Tim tries to get answers. Sam gives out pointers whenever he lets someone go because he's not the best at it. He's not bad but Sam feels like he can do better. He can figure out anything, he just needs to get better at threatening people even though she knows these people are in fact innocent so she is not actually inciting violence this time. Innocent people don't need to get hurt just so Tim can learn how to be Robin.

After a few hours, Sam suggests they head back, clearly they aren't going to find anything out. And she's hungry. Tim reluctantly agrees, mostly because Sam suggested they visit his parents really quick, grab some food, and head back. So, they do, making casual conversations on the way.

By the time they get back, they find Jason in his own training room, the room they were in last night. He's at the monitors working on something but spins around in a chair once they walk in, Tim holding a take-out bag.

"Got you food." Tim states, digging in the bag for Jason's.

Jason's eyes dart to Sam who takes her mask off and offers him a soft smile. "I'm gonna change. Don't touch my food..." Sam's eyes narrow at Jason. "Jason."

"I don't eat your food." Jason snarks back as he takes the container from Tim.

"The fuck you do." Sam quips back before she spins on her heels, heading to the bathroom down the hall.

Sam changes quickly, ready to just eat her lunch. She still goes to Excellent Gotham a few times a week and she's still not bored of it. Once she's in her street clothes, she heads back to the room to find the boys practically scarfing down their food with Jason still sat by the monitors and Tim at the small table.

"Where were you this morning?" Sam asks as she takes a seat beside Tim.

"Busy." Jason answers, mouth full of food. "Something for Babs." Jason lies, keeping it casual.

It's not that he cares if she knows he's going to see Leslie again or that he cares much if Tim knows. It's that he doesn't want to get into it. There's still a lot of work to be done and it's his work to be done so he keeps it close to his chest.

"Right." Sam nods her head, eying him carefully before she opens her own take-out container.

"She's got you working something, right?" Jason asks, careful not to make it seem like he's brushing her off entirely.

"Yeah, seems like it's just the one guy running shit but there might be more to it." Sam explains as she eats.

"So you guys just work with the commissioner?" Tim asks as he looks between the two of them.

Sam and Jason glance between each other before they shrug their shoulders.

"Kind of." Sam answers.

"Basically." Jason answers. "There's some shit the GCPD can't do because of red tape or legal reasons so she sends us."

"We have to make money somehow." Sam says sarcastically. 

Tim shakes his head. "Do you ever get used to it? I mean this has been awesome over the past few weeks."

Jason looks down at his food. He would not say someone just gets used to it, not really. There is always some form of excitement that takes over when he puts a suit on and he goes out. There's always some form of excitement facing off with people who can kill him and who want to kill him. That part is slightly different now, he almost feels just the tint of anxiety. Death became a reality and he is not invincible but he goes out. It's still something he genuinely feels good about. It's different and there isn't this huge sense of pride with it anymore but he still likes it. It's not so much that someone just gets used to it.

"Not really." Jason answers softly.

Sam doesn't think she'll ever be used to it. It's a routine, sure. That part of the job she is used to but everything else? Not so much. She still absolutely loves doing it but it's different than before. It almost felt somewhat of an obligation then, living with the Titans and then Batman and Robin. But now, it's entirely her choice. This is her choice to do this and that is cathartic in a way. She's taking control of her life but that doesn't mean she's used to going out and willingly putting herself in front of gunfire and a bunch of people who want to kill her. She isn't used to the pain that comes with it. Maybe going out every night to protect people is something someone gets used to but possibly dying for other people with such violence is not. Losing people to this life is not.

"I don't think so." Sam answers honestly.

The three of them continue their meals, Tim finishing first. He's back on his feet as soon as he's done, rushing to throw away his takeout dish as Jason and Sam watch him. He's still got the suit on and he doesn't look like he's going to change. Something about it makes Sam think this is probably how Jason was when he first got the suit. He probably slept in it.

"I'm gonna go back out there." Tim declares to the room.

Jason looks to Sam and Sam looks to Jason. Are they supposed to stop him? He looks pretty determined. Stopping him might seem suspicious. Stopping him might be worse off for his training.

"You think you'll find anything out?" Jason questions.

"I have to. It's my job." Tim states and that's when Sam knows they should let him go alone.

"Call if you need anything. Keep your phone on and I'll have Molly track it in case you get into any trouble like you did last night." Sam offers a simple smile.

"Right...yeah okay, thanks." Tim gives her a sheepish smile before he darts right out of the room, the bo staff in hand.

"He's gonna get his ass kicked." Jason mutters.

"Definitely." Sam nods her head.

"Why'd you let him go then?" Jason nearly chortles as he takes another bite.

"Why didn't you stop him?" Sam chortles right back. Tim is also Jason's job. "He has a job to do and we'll never be able to train him in any of this if he actually thinks he can do it. I get Dick is building confidence or whatever but Tim's detective skills will only get him so far." Sam states.

"That's why I didn't stop him." Jason laughs with the shake of his head.

The room falls silent as they continue their food. Sam texts Molly letting her know about Tim and just to keep an ear out in case something hits the fan and Sam and Jason need to go help him. Tim is only supposed to be asking questions, he should be fine until he gets back so Sam isn't too worried and neither is Jason.

"Still the Shimmer case?" Sam asks as she tosses her takeout away.

"Uh, yeah and another one." Jason states, turning back to the monitors, pulling up a few missing posters for kids.

"More missing kids?" Sam questions as she takes a seat beside him.

"Nope." Jason starts, shaking his head in annoyance. "We know where most of them are which is the problem." Jason huffs.

"Do I even want to know?" Sam asks cautiously with a grimace.

"They've got them spread out across the city but anytime anyone gets close, they move. I think it's someone in the department running it." Jason explains, glancing to Sam. "MAde a whole fucking business of selling kids."

"Fucking gross." Sam grimaces as she tugs her sleeves over her hands. "Are they keeping them in Gotham though?"

"These ones." Jasn pulls up about ten posters as he gestures to the screen. "We haven't gotten a sighting or word about in about two weeks so I don't think so. But the others we've seen here and there or heard something. Babs wants me to be careful, track who I can until I find the one running it. Then let her take it from there." Jason lets out a bitter scoff, still hellbent on fighting Babs tooth and nail over this one.

"Right, but you're Jason Todd who doesn't do that. So what are you actually going to do about it?" Sam asks with hope Jason will take it into his own hands. Anyone who's willing to just sell kids for who knows what, shouldn't be able to get locked away and then let free to do it all over again in a different city.

"Scare him out into the open and then kill him. Selling fucking kids. No one gets to just go through the fucking justice system that'll let them out to do it all over again. Babs is gonna be pissed but I don't fucking care." Jason huffs, determination written over every line of his face.

"Good, fuck that guy." Sam scoffs and she'd be lying if she didn't want in. "Need any help?" Sam asks, keeping her eyes on the screen to not seem too eager about offering help.

Jason laughs softly. "I thought you didn't team?" Jason quips, looking back at her with the raise of his brows. It's the same look he always gave her when he just wanted to watch her squirm, the question at hand not even being a real question.

Her heart to thunder in her chest again and maybe sitting so close to him was just her subconscious because she swears she didn't do it on purpose. It's the way he grins back at her just as he always did whenever he was trying to fuck with her. Before, before things got all messy and real, he'd scoot closer to her and wiggle his brows. But, he doesn't. He keeps his signature smirk as Sam's eyes are locked on his. She forgot how much she loves the color green.

"That wasn't a no and I thought you didn't team anymore." Sam quips back, leaning her elbow on the table, resting her head on her hand as her brows raise at him.

He'd always team with her if she asked.

"Could make an exception." Jason raises back.

"Aw, just for me?" Sam scrunches her nose at him.

"Could be fun." Jason teases as his heart erupts into pooling lava.

"Could be." Sam nods her head, chewing the inside of her cheek. "Loser."

Jason lets out a laugh. "Actually, yeah, I think you can help." Jason cuts it short pulling a mug shot of a woman Sam helped last week. "Know her right?"

"Yeah, she was one of the women I got out of the ring I'm working. She flipped." Sam states.

"Rumor has it, she was working with my guy first." Jason explains.

"Right, and he got bored as they do, recruit someone else." Sam states.

"Think you could talk to her?"Jason asks. "She'll know, at least, who he is, could fucking help."

"She wouldn't give us any names." Sam shrugs before her brows furrow. "You said you guys think he's working for the department?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Well, she bypassed the whole system and clearance Babs set up. She's not in the program either. I checked. Babs said it was some sort of glitch or something but I don't think she believes it." Sam explains.

"Well, what about her friends? We can try to find her but until then, what about her friends?" Jason asks, knowing someone had to slip at some point. The more people involved, the harder it is to keep secrets. People love telling secrets.

"Yeah, yeah, uh...we have a few we're watching and one in our program. I can try." Sam offers with a simple nod.

"Thank you." Jason offers a subtle, closed-mouth smile.

"Of course, happy to help." Sam offers the same smile back.

The room falls silent between them while Sam watches Jason look over his monitors. He really has the whole setup now. Scans over the city, security system, alerts. It reminds her a little of the Batcave and Titans tower. Her and Molly don't have quite the extensive system Jason does but it works for them. She's happy he's got it all laid out though. It makes her feel like he might be being a little safe out there, maybe taking a little extra caution for his life.

Jason glances at her and he wonders how this would be different if so much time hadn't passed, if things were different between them. He wonders if they'd be more of a team, working these missions together. He wonders if she'd be here with him or if she'd still live with Molly. Would Sam still take up a different part of the city? That actually would make more sense. Three vigilantes spread out can cover more ground but he thinks about it anyway. Would they be training together still? Would they meet up halfway through patrol for a quick snack by his favorite gargoyle or the roof near the wolf enclosure at the zoo? Too much time passed and he really wishes it wouldn't have.

It's for the best, he tells himself over and over to try and convince himself it is. He wants her so bad still that it is killing him but he can't let her down like he did before. That is not fair and he's worried he's not ready. And this is the second time they've spoken in a month and a half. That doesn't seem fair to even spring it on her. But she should know, right? Jason wonders if she should or maybe too much time has passed there, too. Maybe she thinks his feelings have changed with the lack of contact.

They haven't. They never could.

He just wants her to be happy even if it's not with him.

Jason clears his throat. "How have you been anyways?" Jason answers, trying to ease his own thoughts. "Molly and Gar said you're okay." Jason says softly and he says it on purpose, testing the waters.

Sam's brows pull together, watching as the corner of his mouth pulls up just slightly. The honesty of him asking their friends is new. "You asking about me, Jay?" The sarcasm isn't as strong as it normally is as if she's genuinely surprised he's being blunt about it but she isn't bad. Molly mentioned it last night but Sam didn't press, thinking it didn't mean much but with Jason stating it, it has to.

Jason shrugs. "I know you ask about me." Jason quips back grinning back at her, taking a shot in the dark with his assumption. If he's been asking, he's hoping she was, too.

Of course, she does but she wants to know how he knows that. And then she remembers. Jason Todd knows every single thing about her, inside and out. Even in his worst mental health days, somewhere deep inside his guarded heart, he knows she always loved him. Of course, she's asked about him. She has to. She doesn't want to live in a world where she doesn't check on him. It would be a dull and grey world and that's just not one she wants to live in.

Sam sucks her teeth, an uncontrollable smile coming to her face. "I always have to check on you." Sam says quietly, looking to the screens. Jason wants to combust. "I, uh, yeah, I've been okay." Sam pulls in a breath, not letting her words linger in the air for too long. "Living with Molly is different but it's nice." Sam nods her head quickly. "How are you?"

"Good." Jason answers. "Yeah, it's uh, it's cool being away from Bruce and being able to do my own thing." Jason nods his head.

Sam tilts her head, narrowing her eyes. "Why are they worried about you then?" Sam questions carefully.

"They're always worried, like you." Jason quips.

"Because you always give us reason to be worried." Sam widens her eyes at him.

"I don't fucking know, honestly. Think they just are." Jason clears his throat again, desperately wishing people didn't worry so much about him. It makes the guilt heavier. "After everything."

"Yeah, that's, uh, yeah, t-that makes sense." Sam's face falls as Jason watches the sadness rip itself across her features.

"What about you? They're worried about you, too." Jason nods his head up at her.

Sam pulls in a breath. "Uh...yeah it's just...I don't know." Sam shakes her head. "Same reason maybe and uh, just...being out there." Sam nods her head, omitting the parts about some nightmares and some reckless tendencies that were not there a few months ago.

It's not full truth. It's because she's a bit more reckless now. Not anything like Jason was at the end but a little bit. She patrols a lot and that worries them. For Sam, she just never wants anyone to go through what she did. There is an irony in that given she won't hesitate to take a life if deserving of it's their life or hers. But, she thinks of innocent people. Innocent people don't deserve to be like Jason Todd and innocent people don't deserve to be her. Being covered in a loved one's blood is traumatizing. She still has nightmares.

"You sure you're alright?" Jason asks as his eyes narrow slightly as if he has some sort of sixth sense always telling when something's going on with her.

There's a single second where Sam almost bears it all to him. She almost tells him why she picked a fight last night and why she never called. She almost tells him why she patrols more than he does -- according to Molly. There's a part of her that almost wants to tell him because she would have before. But that was before, this is now. It's different now. He doesn't have to carry it for her anymore. It's not fair to him.

Sam nods. "Yeah, are you sure?" Sam points a finger to her head.

"Yeah, yeah, uh I've been seeing Leslie." Jason admits despite him wanting to keep it close to his chest. He can always tell when something is picking at her, he considers this an olive branch, an offering of acknowledgment that he's still here. He watches Sam take a breath, relief almost washing over her face. "It's helping a little." Jason nods his head. "Maybe you and Bruce were right about it." Jason lets out a soft chuckle.

"I'm usually right about most things." Sam smirks right back at him. "I'm glad you're going and that it's helping." Sam smiles softly at him, genuinely relieved he decided to go back. "You look really good, Jay."

"So do you." Jason whispers softly.

The words "I miss you" choke through Jason's throat, shredding the flesh into pieces. They get stuck and seep into the open wounds, reabsorbing themselves right into his flesh as the blood drowns them from ever coming to the surface. Before, they always told each other they missed each other but something about the words now feel too weighted. There's too much emotion tied to them. There are too many feelings tugged onto every single letter. The words will never be simply platonic again because how can they be?

He misses the way her hand would run through his hair after he's had a nightmare. And the way she'd kiss his head lazily before she'd eventually fall asleep. He misses the way she'd tell him she loves him as if it's the only words she'd ever known and how even when they were said lazily and with sleep still in her eyes, they all weighed the same. It always meant the same. He misses being able to tell her everything and being able to expose his worst parts to her without ever being judged. And how her hand fit perfectly in his and the way she'd warm up her hands with her powers before rubbing out the knots in his back. He misses how she'd kiss him and immediately start smiling as if it is the one thing that would make her happy even on her worst day.

He misses the way they were allowed to love each other.

Sam almost picks up her hand and runs  it through the white streak of hair just to mess with it. She almost does but catches herself. Maybe if they were still friends who had talked over the last month, she would have but not now. She doesn't want to invade his personal space. Jason has always been a bit skittish. She remembers some of the first times she stepped into his space, touched him in ways he didn't seem to expect. He'd freeze, his entire body would tense as if Sam were going to hurt him even if all she did was rest her hand on his cheek. Over time, he'd relax but she remembers that and it breaks her heart. She wonders if he'd freeze like that again or if he'd relax eventually.

"So," Sam pulls in a breath. "This is officially your new place?" Sam asks as she looks around the room.

"Yeah," Jason chuckles, his eyes still locked on her. "Did ya want a tour?" Jason offers.

"Yeah, actually that'd be cool." Sam laughs softly as Jason stands up.

He shakes his head and then offers her his hand on purpose. "Come on." Jason jerks his head.

Sam looks at his hand and then back his eyes. Her hand goes into his as she gets up. He drives her crazy and maybe this isn't the cat-and-mouse game they always played but she offers it anyway, for old times' sake.

"Shithead." Sam mutters once she's to her feet and her hand is back at her side.

Jason laughs this soft laugh that feels the way the first 'I love you' does. "Babe." Jason says back, for old times' sake.

The two of them start the tour. It's not a house. It's an orphanage that closed down years ago. Sam finds it a bit ironic this is one of the places he picked but she keeps it quiet. So, Jason leads her around, showing her some of the rooms and explains some of the things he wants to do. He wants one of them to be a library because of course he does. Another room he wants to dedicate solely to a kitchen and another to a training room, weight room, monitor room like the Batcave. There's another one he wants just for a shooting range to keep it all contained. Sam swears he has it all figured out. And then they get to his bedroom, last on the tour because it was furthest away from where they started.

Sam nods her head, looking at the bookcases. "Makes sense." She points to it. "I'm glad you don't have to hide it." Sam nods her head at him with a soft smile, the scrapbook page she made him for his birthday does not go unnoticed on top of the bookshelf.

Jason looks to the floor, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Yeah, it's nice." Jason looks around with a subtle smile.

"I really like it, Jay." Sam says honestly. "Do you like it?"

Jason looks around some more feeling a sense of warmth and and pride in his chest. "Yeah, I do." Jason nods. "It's not the manor or anything."

"You always said the manor wasn't the real you anyway. This the real you?" Sam asks.

Jason pulls in a breath, his eyes still scanning around the room. He isn't sure if it's all him, really. It's hard to tell these days what's really him and what's leftover from his previous life. It's hard to tell if those two things can bleed into one or if the past him died with the crowbar. He likes to think this will be the real him. Better. But, Sam always knew him better than anyone, sometimes better than he knew himself.

"You tell me." Jason shrugs softly as his eyes land back on Sam.

"I think so." Sam gives him a tender smile. "Simple, repurposing something left to rot. Making it into something good. I think it's very you. And I do not think it is a coincidence that there are empty rooms." Sam offers him a cheeky smirk with a soft laugh. "Expecting guests at some point."

Jason chuckles as his cheeks start to burn. "Shut the fuck up." Jason glances to the floor and then back to her before he gestures a hand out. "You planning on needing a place to stay?" Jason quips.

"If you're offering." Sam quips back and she watches him shift his weight to his right leg before rolling his shoulders.

Jason's heart skips a beat right into his throat. "What? Bored of Molly already?"

"Nah, just fun to fuck wit you, still." Sam teases him with a toothy grin.

"Right." Jason scoffs but a smile is on his face, maybe his heart sinks a little even if he knew it was a joke to begin with.

The room falls silent and something about this doesn't feel right. It's weird not living together with no thought of ever living together again. Sam's always been just fine on her own and she loves living with Molly but it's always Jason she wishes were there when she gets home. Missing him has become routine but not in a way she ever gets used to. Missing him is just there, all the time. It's exhausting missing him.

"Might have to take up the offer though when I get hurt." Sam clears her throat, tugging her sleeves down. Jason's brows furrow at her. "Molly fusses over it."

"You planning on getting hurt anytime soon?" Jason asks as concern washes over his face.

"No." Sam scoffs. "I just mean...ya know?" Sam shrugs her shoulders.

Molly isn't squeamish. She never has been, not from what Sam remembers prior to her mom dying. but, Sam got hurt her first week living with Molly and it really wasn't anything. It was just a long cut, not too deep, won't even scar. But, Molly fussed over it and there was a lot of blood. Sam isn't too oblivious to know why Molly suddenly fusses over blood. She just can't tell Jason that, it's not fair to him.

"It's Molly, she worries." Sam brushes it off.

Jason nods his head with understanding, sensing there's something more but he chooses not to dig. "You're always welcome to stay, Sammy." Jason pulls in a soft breath with a subtle smile.

"Thanks, Jay." Sam gives him a small and shy smile.

"Of course." Jason says softly and he decides to leave it there. "Wanna keep waiting for Tim? Check on him?"

"We should. If something happens, Dick will kill us." Sam laughs softly.

"Yeah, we aren't fighting for once, don't wanna get back there." Jason chuckles as the two of them head back to his current training room.

The two of them take their seats beside each other. Sam gets a text from Molly letting her know everything with Tim seems okay from where she's sitting. So, the two of them wait on the monitors, figuring he'll be fine. Nothing too bad has been going down around Harbor anyway.

A few hours later, Tim comes back looking quite a bit defeated. He greets the two before he heads off to change. Jason and Sam actually feel bad for him. He has so much hope of getting this done when there isn't anything to get done. They entirely understand why Dick sent him on a fake mission. It makes perfect sense and in a way, it's teaching him he is not perfect. He won't win all of them and he can ask for help. That's when they realize that is likely Dck's real point. They can step it up.

Tim walks back in a few minutes later still looking a little defeated. The case is in one hand and his bo staff is in the other. He puts the case down against the wall and takes a place on the mat in the middle of the room. Sam lets out a soft laugh. Apparently, part of being a vigilante is needing to train in order to work out frustration.

"Follow my lead." Jason whispers to her right before he gets up and heads over to the fridge while Tim is moving his staff through the air and between his hands.

"I asked everybody down on Harbor about this guy, Venta. And nobody's heard of him." Tim states in frustration, watching as Jason grabs a beer from the fridge.

"Must be in deep cover." Jason states, popping the cap from the beer, the cap clanking on the floor. Sam gets up from her seat, moving to lean against the table that sits off to the side but in between the boys. "Or dead." Jason suggests before taking a sip from the bottle. Tim offers a simple glare to him, not liking the answer as he continues with his Bo staff. "You like that thing?" Jason asks, closing some of the distance between the boys. "Can you actually use it?" Jason stops about two feet in front of Tim.

Tim holds the staff over his right shoulder, facing Jason. This is his chance. "Why don't we go a few rounds and I'll show you?" Tim asks, almost seeming confident in his ask.

Jason looks to the floor, eying his beer and then he looks to Sam, a smirk on his face. Jason knows without a second thought that this is going to be fun for him, not so much for Tim. He raises his brows quickly before taking another sip on his way over to the table to put the beer down.

"You're going to regret asking that." Sam quips and she'd be lying if she said she didn't admit his confidence, even if unwarranted.

"What?" Tim asks, trying to conceal his sudden concern.

"You'll see." Sam laughs softly, crossing her arms over her chest.

Jason walks back over, the boys locking eyes on each other the whole time. Sam can't tell if Tim asked because Jason was Robin and he thinks it'll be fun and cool. Or if he asked for some training and now is regretting it because Jason was Robin and now Red Hood and he knows this will only end in pain.

Jason nods up at Tim. "One round." Jason states.

Tim takes up the challenge, taking a step back as he points the end of the Bo staff as Jason's chest. There's a very small and subtle smile trying to make its way onto Tim's face. Jason gives it a few seconds before smacking the bo staff right out of Tim's hands, sending it to the ground. Tim lets out a breath with a sudden jolt, almost defeat and even a little embarrassment covers his face.

Jason grins more to himself than anything. "Maybe two rounds." Jason states before looking over to Sam. "You wanna try?"

Sam pushes off the table, switching places with Jason while Tim picks up his staff. "Cool?" Sam asks Tim.

Tim nods a few times, trying to hide his excitement of getting to train with the both of them. "Yeah, we're good."

Tim takes a step back and this time, he holds the staff closer to himself, his grip tighter. His feet are planted better on the ground but Sam knows he doesn't stand a chance. Tim doesn't expect sparring to be mean. But she trained with Jason who would kick someone while they were down just to make sure they're prepared for everything.

The staff is pointed at Sam and then Tim pulls it to the side quickly, about to use it to smack Sam with it in order to make the first move to not make the same mistake as last time. But Sam grabs the end of the staff before it can even come close and in a quick and fluid motion, she yanks it right from his hands, flipping the staff in her hands and pointing it right at his head.

"Alright." Tim lets out a sigh as Sam hands the staff back over.

"You need some help." Jason states, walking back over to them. "You're never gonna get this Venta guy if you can't even last a few seconds between us."

"There hasn't been a lot of time to train." Tim almost groans with the shake of his head.

"Yeah, I heard." Sam nods her head. "Gar told me. Well, you're here." Sam shrugs her shoulders.

"Been a while since I sparred with anyone." Jason looks between them, something menacing behind his eyes.

"What'd you say, Tim?" Sam asks with a taunting grin.

"Wait, really?" Tim asks as his eyes go wide. "You guys will help?"

"Well, I don't want you to get killed." Sam states.

"Yeah, we're not trying to watch you sign your death certificate while you're here."

"Yeah, yeah, thanks." Tim beams with a large smile.

"I'm gonna change real quick, warm him up." Jason nods at Sam before he walks to the door.

"You guys are gonna help me?" Tim asks. "This is really cool. Thank you."

"You're a dork." Sam states, watching Tim chew his cheek. "It was so cool being trained by Robin though." Sam gushes. 

"He's not gonna go easy on me, is he?" Tim asks as he nods his head, realizing who he just signed up to train with.

Sam lets out a cackle. "Fuck no. Jason doesn't go easy on anyone." Sam lets out a laugh as she sits on the floor and starts stretching.

Tim joins her and starts stretching. "How is this going to work with your combat thing?" Tim asks.

"I try to ignore it. It's actually a little easier to ignore now, like sparring with people I trust."

"You can ignore it?" Tim's brows furrow at her. "How's that work?"

"Eh, kind of it. It's not really ignoring it as just pretending like it isn't there. It's kind of hard to explain. I just noticed, even back at the Tower, it just wasn't as strong training with everyone. I don't know." Sam shrugs softly.

Jason comes back a few minutes later, going to the back room where there's a jukebox. While Jason gets some music going, Sam and Tim get to their feet. Tim grabs his bo staff, moving it around again as if he's preparing. Sam watches over her shoulder at Jason.

He's gained a bit more muscle over the last month and a half. The shirt he's wearing fits him well, cutting just below his waist. The sleeves hug his biceps that she swears are bigger and it's tighter around his chest. Her eyes trail down to his sweatpants. There's no difference there but there was something about Jason in sweatpants that she found to be the most attractive.

Jason turns back around, catching her staring. Heat runs over his cheeks as he smirks back at her. It's cheeky and arrogant, just as it always is. Sam rolls her eyes, turning back around. Jason walks over to them and Tim gets ready.

"Okay, give me what you got." Tim says with confidence, swinging the bo staff around fluidly.

Jason doesn't even let him finish the sentence before he yanks the Bo staff from Tim with almost no effort and then smacks Tim on the side of the head, making him fall to the ground. Sam bursts out laughing as Tim looks up at Jason with surprise.

"You rely too much on your toys." Jason states sternly. Tim gets back to his feet, holding his head. "Okay." Jason says calmly and he's starting to feel in his element again. "On three, I'm gonna attack. You ready?" Jason asks.

Tim gets his stance ready, a little wobbly on his feet. "Ready."

"One." Jason says and then immediately goes to smack Tim again but this time Tim blocks his arm only for Jason to kick Tim in the back of the knee, sending him right back to the ground.

"What the fuck." Tim says, quickly getting back on his feet. "You said three!"

"Yeah! The Riddler's not gonna count." Jason strikes right back.

Tim looks to Sam for help. This is completely different than how he's been training to Conner and Gar. With Gar, they count off and spar, Gar definitely seems to go easy on him with TIm's lack of experience. And to be fair, a lot of the training with Conner is Tim just hitting him with no effect at all. But, Jason really isn't going to play fair. Tim's only hope is that Sam will.

"No one out there is going to tell you when they're going to attack. You just have to know." Sam states, not willing to help. "You're a Titan today and we're here but you're gonna be on your own. You're going to be helpless one day. Learn today never to be helpless." Sam nods her head, taking her turn with him.

The two of them get into their stances. Sam knows she won't be nearly as ruthless as Jason. They only have a few days to get Tim in shape to fight a demon but that doesn't mean Sam and Jason both have to be completely ruthless the whole time. She'll cut Tim some slack. He can take it anyway. He'll be fine.

Sam goes to take a single step forward, making Tim try to attack and block first. But, Sam never finishes the step. Instead, it only makes Tim come closer to her which makes her grab his arm and spin the two of them around, pinning his arm behind his back. Tim lets out a yell and Sam lets go, going back to her stance.

"Ow." Tim groans at her.

"You're fine. It'll feel better in a minute." Sam smiles back at him. "Come at me."

Tim does as told, trying to land a hit to her hand but Sam blocks him before he ever gets close and then she kicks him in the knee, just hard enough to send him to the ground. Sam looks to Jason. Oh, Tim needs help.

"You told me to come at you." Tim groans. "I thought you were just gonna block."

"Yeah, no." Sam laughs softly. "Not happening."

"Because the Riddler's not gonna block." Tim almost mocks Jason.

"None of them are going to just block." Sam corrects him. "Your turn, Jay."

Jason takes over again while Sam grabs a Gatorade from the fridge, pulling out one for the boys, too. Jason actually starts teaching now, showing Tim how to properly block and when. He shows him different ways and the best ways. Tim does know some of the blocks, he's just not used to them quite yet which is a relief.

Once Tim seems steady there, Sam switches with Jason and instead, Sam blocks Tim. She shows Tim how she does it and how quick it is for her. The thought behind it is that she is not the only one with this. If Tim runs into someone with this power, he needs to know how he's supposed to land a hit. So, that's his job. Watch her, and learn how she blocks and finds a weakness in order to hit. That's what Jason did. Tim only gets somewhat close a few times before Jason and Sam switch again.

This time, Jason starts teaching Tim how to make contact. Again, Dick has shown Tim some defense which is a help but he hasn't had much time to practice. So, the boys work on that for a few minutes before Jason shows him a few more things. After a few minutes, Sam switches with Jason. Sam and Tim go back and forth for a few minutes before Jason decides to up more. They only have a few days to get Tim ready. Now, it's two against one.

"Come on, me against you two?" Tim groans.

Sam and Jason look between each other and they both shrug as if sharing the same brain.

"No." They say.

"We're all against each other." Jason answers casually.

"You have to watch what we're both doing not only against each other but when we come for you. No teams. Every man for himself." Sam states.

The three of them take their positions before Jason gives the go-ahead. The three of them lunge for each other. Sam hits Jason first, knowing Jason would likely go for Tim first. Is it going a little easy on Tim? Sure. But, Sam knows going all out isn't going to help him, not right now. So, she kicks the back of Jason's leg first, giving Tim the opportunity to get one hit to his head. Jason is quick to fight right back, knocking Tim in the face before he turns around, nearly kicking Sam before she jumps out of the way and lands a second hit to Tim's chest.

The three of them keep this up for the next half hour. Sam and Jason try to divide their time between each other and Tim, making sure he's getting plenty of chances to not only try to take them down but also block them. They're being careful not to go too hard but make sure they aren't going too easy either. The more they go, Tim gets tired but he never gives up. About halfway through, Tim gets into his own rhythm, able to block more of Sam and Jason. He lands a hit to Sam once while she hits Jason and he hands just a handful of hits to Jason. It builds his confidence anytime he lands anything and blocks one of them.

After a half hour of sparring, the three of them take seats on the floor, bottles of Gatorade right beside them as their chests heave. Jason's eyes land on Sam with her messy ponytail and the yellow of her eye fading. She has the Gatorade to her lips and he sees the silver chain peaking out from the collar of her t-shirt. There a bruise on her right bicep, that's more recent but it's not bad. And he watches as she smiles and then laughs at Tim as Tim lays back, complaining that he might be dying. There's been something about her smile and her laugh that could make Jason smile even on his worst days. Maybe she is doing better. He really hopes she is. She looks so happy.

Sam gets up, Jason unable to peel his eyes away from her. He always loved the way she looked in sweatpants. She has on black joggers that hug her thighs just a little bit and pinch right at her ankles. Her t-shirt is shorter, cutting right at her waist and Jason can't stop staring. He swears she is fucking stunning.

Sam grabs them a few of Jason's granola bars and when she turns around, Jason is staring at her. So, she looks at the granola bars and then at Jason before she throws one right at his head. It bonks him, causing Tim to burst out into a fit of laughter.

"Something about needing to block or something?" Tim quips, barely finishing his sentence before Sam and Jason throw a granola bar at him. Tim flails trying to block them unsuccessfully.

Sam grabs a few more before she takes her seat back beside Jason, giving him a few granola bars, keeping some for herself while Tim snacks on the ones the two threw at him. It's nice being able to get a little bit of a break. Jason is actually really enjoying this. It feels like old times and he's actually helping. Dick is trusting him to work with Sam and help make sure Tim is prepared to fight this big bad. That's a big compliment as far as Jason is concerned. And Tim seems to be enjoying himself even if they are going hard on him. Jason always liked helping train the others and this is throwing him right back but in a good way where he's not bitter about it. He's just glad to help. He feels needed.

And it doesn't hurt that Sam is here and they're getting along. It feels different than it did before. But, it's really nice. They're still laughing and they still think the same way. They're still on the same page with everything. It's just nice to be able to spend some time with her and check in on her. Jason has missed her more than words could ever describe and he wonders if they'll be able to keep this going once Tim leaves. He really hopes they can. And he watches her toss another bar at Tim with a smile and he decides, he will try. He'll try to keep this up after Tim leaves.

Just because Tim will leave, doesn't mean Sam and Jason have to go back to not talking. The not talking was the hard part but now that they are, it feels easy again. It feels like they don't have to give each other space the size of half the damn city. They can do this without having to sacrifice having each other in their lives. Jason decides as he watches her laugh, he's going to keep trying to have her in his life and he hopes she'll have him, too.

The three of them spar for another half hour before Jason teaches Tim more about his staff. Dick was the one who like the bo staff and Jason wasn't much to rely on it but Bruce made him learn. Jason always thought it was because of Dick but he's realizing it was just preparation to be able to use anything and everything as a weapon just in case. So, Sam sits back and watches the two of them go back and forth.

Once they're done, Jason sends Tim off to shower first. Jason plops down in the chair beside Sam as she gives him a soft laugh. He's been thinking through this whole training session that maybe they can step up their game. Tim is going to need to experience based on what Jason has heard about Brother Blood.

"So," Jason clears his throat. "Penguin has a shipment of guns coming in tomorrow night." Jason states.

Sam's eyes narrow slightly, knowing Jason has an idea of some sort. "Does he?"

Jason nods his head as casually as he can. "Shouldn't be too hard. In and out kind of thing. Grab and leave."

"Uh, huh." Sam nods, turning to face him with a teasing grin. "Where ya going with this, Jay?"

"Could take Tim." Jason offers, casually before a smirk crosses over his lips as he crosses his arms. His eyes lock on hers. "Wanna?"

"You want us to take Tim on a mission to steal Penguin's guns?" Sam asks but she thinks it's a great idea. What better training than an actual mission of some sort?

"Good training. We can watch him and he can watch us. See how it's really done. Especially if he's going to be Robin." Jason offers with ease but he's thinking he really doesn't need to convince Sam.

A crooked smile creeps on her face. "You know I'd never turn down an opportunity like this." Sam laughs softly.

"Yeah?" Jason asks, hope in his voice.

"He'll yeah. It'll be fun anyway. I helped you and Bruce with Penguin a couple of times and like once it got a bit dicey. We'll be fine." Sam beams at him. "I miss fucking with Penguin."

"You would." Jason tilts his head back with a booming laugh and the void in his chest starts to not feel as hollow.

Sam's smile turns soft and warm with his laugh. She remembers back at the tower and how he was treated. There was a lot going on that was bigger than him, bigger than them. but, she thinks about that and the general disdain everyone had for him at the time and she's watching him laugh now. She always wondered how anyone could feel anything but love for him. How could someone not be completely in love with him? Because she's sitting here feeling just as she always did around him.

Sam read once that studies suggest it takes three to six months to get over someone, which sounded a little miserable. It has not been even three months but it's been a month and a half and it feels like nothing even wavered in her feelings for him. She is just as in love with him today as she was sitting on the floor of the training room in San Fransisco and maybe that doesn't have to be a bad thing.

"You're having fun, aren't you?" Sam asks.

Jason grins back over at her. "It's not horrible."

"Uh-huh." Sam laughs as she shakes her head. "Well, you look like you're having a good time." Sam shrugs her shoulders at him as she chews the inside of her cheek. "And thanks to you, Tim will be great."

"Stroking my ego?" Jason quips back. "You get hit in the head too hard?"

"Shut up." Sam groans as she gives him a gentle shove.

"Thank you." Jason laughs softly. "He'll be great because of you, too though, ya know?" Jason questions.

"Awww, now look who's being nice." Sam teases with the scrunch of her nose.

"I can be nice." Jason smirks right back at her.

"Yeah..." Sam lets out a soft sigh. "You have your moments." Sam laughs softly as she checks her phone. "Hey, uh.." Her brows furrow. "If we were done for the day, I was gonna head out." Sam pulls in a breath, not really wanting to leave quite yet. "There are some people I wanna check up on before patrol tonight." Sam explains.

"Yeah, of course." Jason feels the disappointment cloud his chest. "I'll, uh, I'll call you if something goes down and text you the time." Jason nods, careful to let his disappointment show.

"Okay." Sam smiles softly, ready to get the rest of the day over with so she can see him tomorrow. "I'll see you tomorrow, Jay."

"See you tomorrow." Jason smiles softly before Sam leaves the room, allowing Jason to himself for the night.