Being back in Gotham is almost surreal. When Sam was uprooted over a year ago, she wasn't sure if she'd ever make it back. Hell, she didn't think she'd ever make it out of that basement, let alone back home. But, here she is. She's back in Gotham and there's a weight that is lifted from her shoulders.

She knew she missed it but she didn't realize how much until now, standing outside of Wayne Manor. This isn't even her home, the Manor, but it is a staple in Gotham. Sam thought maybe she would miss San Francisco and want to go back after a week or so, but right now, she's positive that won't be the case. This is home.

And then there's Jason who's standing confidently with a content smile pulling at his face. She has Jason here. Sam swears she is happier around him, no matter where she is. He makes the world better, her world. They've only known each other a few months now but it feels like they've been friends their entire lives and she wouldn't trade him for anything. She is so happy to be here with him.

"Want the tour?" Jason asks, carrying her bag for her and he's got this sly grin, the one she's missed more than she thought possible.

"Of Wayne Manor, hell yeah, lead the way." Sam's smile is so bright and Jason missed her, too.

This is his home. A part of him still isn't exactly used to it. He's not sure if he ever will be entirely, it's not exactly him but it's his home. And he's welcoming Sam right into it because, despite his inhabitations and the paranoia that leaks into the brightest parts of his mind, he knows he can trust her with his home. With those parts of himself and he is just so happy to have her here with him. Just him.

Jason gestures an arm out forward, ushering her forward and the two of them walk inside. Jason leads Sam to her room first to set her bag down. He opens the door for her and allows her inside while he leans against the doorframe, sticking his hands in his front pockets. Sam walks in, looking around and taking the room in. He's missed her.

It's only been a month but it's felt like the longest month of his life. Jason knew he missed her, that was undeniable. But, he didn't realize just how much until he picked her up from Titans Tower. He saw her and the smile that split his face was uncontrollable. He remembers that day he left with Rose, how Sam wanted to convince him to stay but she didn't because she didn't want to be selfish. He gets it now because he wanted to ask her if she'd come back with him sooner, when he left with Bruce. That's not fair to Gar and he knows that and he'd never ask her to pick between the two of them. But he wishes he would have anyway because a month away from her feels like an eternity.

"What do ya think?" Jason asks, his voice has this warmth to it that Sam's never heard before. She wonders if the warmth is because this is home and Titans Tower always felt like a hotel.

"It's big." Sam laughs. "Of course it is. And it's dark and moody, very on brand for fucking Batman." Sam rolls her eyes, putting her bag down on the bed.

"Yeah, it's his thing." Jason chortles. "I'm right down the hall." Jason jerks his head to the left.

"You're always right down the hall. Can't stand to be that far away from me, huh?" Sam gives him a smirk with the wiggle of her brows.

Jason feels the blush creep across his face. "You came here with me, babe." Jason quips and he's missed this, too. They don't play the game over text.

Sam rolls her eyes but her smile is starting to hurt her cheeks. "You gave me no choice, shithead."

"You wouldn't have it any other way."

"Yeah, okay." Sam looks down to her shoes and back to Jason before walking up to him. "Tour?"

"Come on." Jason pushes himself off the doorframe and the two of them start the tour.

Jason leads her around the manor, showing her the living rooms and kitchens because of course, there's more than one of both. He shows her the several bathrooms and an in-home gym and training room. Jason ends the tour though, with his favorite room of the house, the library. He opens the doors with confidence, walking right inside to allow Sam to follow him.

Sam looks around, seeing large library shelves holding tons of books. There are windows against the wall facing her and a couch up against it with a small coffee table right in front of the window. The couch is the same as the ones in all the living rooms. Bruce definitely has a theme. Dark and moody. Jason's smile is soft as he looks at Sam.

"You would end the tour here." Sam states softly.

"You surprised?"

"Not even a little bit." Sam smiles softly at him because he didn't need to show the room to her. She doesn't like to read but he did anyway, because it's his thing. "Favorite room?"

Jason nods. "Yeah, spend a lot of time in here or training." Jason's eyes look up with the last word.

"Of course." Sam laughs softly. "It's cool."

Jason shrugs a shoulder. "Yeah, it is."

He looks content, comfortable. There's an easiness about him here. Back at the tower, he seemed on edge a lot, even before Deathstroke. He always had this wall that, everyone would argue wasn't worth the effort to knock down, but Sam never had any issues. It was a wall though, a sturdy brick wall that was completely unmovable. But, here, right now, he looks so content and comfortable. No one would ever know the horrors he's experienced by looking at him right now.

Sam walks up to him. "How are you?" She points a finger to her head. "Ya know?"

"I'm fine." Jason shrugs the question off. He doesn't wanna go there today. "How're you?"

"You sure?" Sam asks and she's just checking on him. "Happy to be back." Sam answers so simply that Jason's heart explodes in warmth.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Jason urges, the smile splits his face. "You look happy." Jason chuckles softly.

It feels different. Getting on the plane and Sam telling him about some of the Titans stuff he's missed. It feels different but in a good way. It's like with the tower, there was all this added pressure for the both of them. Expectations to be something more than what they were dealt. And there were the feelings she had for Gar that Jason tries his best to tip-toe around. But right now, they get to exist together outside of those expectations. He is Robin and he gets to be Robin like he has been. Sam gets to just exist in a home. It is comfortable, already and they have each other. It feels different but in a way Jason's never quite felt before.

"Wanna get some food?" Jason asks.

"You hitting me on, Jay?" The corner of her mouth twitches into a teasing smirk.

It's the game the two of them love so much. This time though, there isn't anything standing in their way to actually play the game how Jason wants to. A little more contact, make the game a little more thrilling.

"Got a problem with it?" Jason smirks back, taking a step forward, closing the short distance between you.

Sam narrows her eyes and she's surprised by the comment but she would never have a problem with it. "Well, if I'm gonna get good out of it, I guess not."

Jason laughs. "Oh, so you're using me for food, huh?"

"I do like food, Jay."

"Wow." Jason nods his head dramatically. "Didn't think you'd use me. I'm so hurt."

"Shut up." Sam groans, rolling her eyes. "Where we going?"

"I'll make burgers." Jason holds a prideful grin.

"You can cook?" Sam quips.

"Hell yeah, I can cook." Jason gestures his hands towards himself as if Sam should have always known. She's never seen him cook anything more than a breakfast sandwich and an omelet.

"Well, make me food!" Sam fake whines at him.

"Well, since you asked so fucking nicely." Jason scoffs but his grin holds steady.

The two of them head to the kitchen that leads out into the back courtyard. That's another thing Sam is somehow surprised by. Of course, there's a courtyard, but it's shocking nonetheless. It's so weird being here and being able to live here. She wonders how Jason ever adjusted because she's not sure she can. But, she doesn't say anything to Jason, instead, she watches him grab burgers from the fridge which were very clearly previously prepared and she thinks it's sweet. Jason already had food prepped and there's something so incredibly kind and thoughtful about it, it's almost surprising. But, she still says nothing and instead just watches him fire up the grill once they get outside.

"So," Sam asks from her spot at the outdoor table. "How's Gotham been?"

"Bruce is letting me be Robin some more." Jason boasts, flipping one of the burgers.

"Really? That's awesome, Jay. I'm happy for you."

"Yeah, it's been great." Jason's smile is warm and tender. "Went on Patrol last night."

Jason wasn't really sure if Bruce would let him after the whole Deathstroke fiasco. He thought maybe Bruce would want him to take some more time off and learn his lesson about going off on his own. But, Bruce let him right back out with him.

"How'd it go?"

"Great," Jason holds his head with pride and he neglects to tell her it hasn't been going that well every other night. "Took down some of Penguin's men."

"Oh, he's still doing his Penguin thing?"

"Yeah." Jason chortles. "Still making everyone else do the dirty work so his hands stay clean."

"Gotta give it to him, smart." Sam lets out a laugh.

Jason looks over with a scrunched nose. "Siding with a bad guy now? You alright?" Jason can't help but laugh because he agrees with her. It's Penguin, sure he does some fucked up shit sometimes, but usually, he's the least of their problems.

"No, I'm just saying. If more of the fucks did what Penguin does, they wouldn't get caught."

"We still catch Penguin." Jason points the spatula at her.

"Yeah, but not nearly as often as guys like Mr. Freeze or even Scarecrow. Scarecrow got people to do his shit, too sure, but the whole Fear Gas really pinned him." Sam points a finger at him to mock him but Jason's brows furrow as he looks at her with confusion. "What?"

"Don't like Batman but you sure know a lot of the bad guys, huh?" Jason teases.

"Fuck Batman." Sam lets out a laugh and she decides to throw him a bone, just to see him get all flustered. "I like Robin though."

Jason feels the heat creep onto his cheeks again and he turns away in hopes Sam doesn't notice. She does though and her stomach swarms. He's cute when he's flustered.

"Suit do it for ya?" Jason manages to get out as he flips the burgers.

"It's the eye shadow and the cape."

"Shut up!" Jason groans through a laugh, tilting his head back.

"Look at you, being a batboy again though." Sam teases with the scrunch of her nose and maybe that's why he seems like he's in such a good mood. Robin means everything to him.

"Alright." Jason shakes his head and she drives him crazy in the best way possible. "How was being a Titan?" He looks over at her.

"Pretty good." Sam shrugs. "We took down part of some illegal gun trading ring."

"Yeah?" Jason perks up with the comment.

"Mhm, pretty cool. We didn't get all of them, Dick was figuring out a plan to get all of them when I left but yeah, it was pretty cool." Sam offers him a soft smile.

It was definitely cool being a Titan. She felt useful. She was going something good and helping people with her friends. It didn't feel like she was wasting away anymore. It was as if she had some sort of purpose even if it also felt draining. Fighting and taking down these guys is fun, thrilling, and empowering. But, she isn't sure that's the best thing for her right now. The paranoia is still in the front of her mind, worried about it backfiring one day. She knows it's not best to be a Titan or a vigilante at all for right now. She wants to feel normal for at least a little bit before getting back into it. She is so certain she will be getting back into it, just after a little time.

"Use your powers?" Jason asks, plucking one of the burgers from the grill and putting it on a plate.

"Knives and fists, actually." Sam holds her head up high.

"Why don't you use your powers? You have them." Jason continues to place the rest of the burgers onto the plate.

Sam shrugs. "I dunno." She lets out a sigh. "I don't like the acid." She watches as Jason walks over to the table, placing the plate right in the middle amongst the condiments and buns. Jason hands Sam a plate. "Thanks."

"Is it because of Jerry?" Jason asks, grabbing Sam a bun and handing it to her.

"Yeah, like...using it means he still won, ya know?" Sam uses a pair of tongs to put a burger onto her bun while Jason gets his plate ready.

"He didn't though, you beat the shit out of him and he's locked up. You won." Jason takes a seat with his food, right next to Sam rather than across the table.

"Yeah, I know but..." She pauses, grabbing the ketchup. "Using them just reminds me of everything he did to me and that it's his fault. With the clairvoyance, I can't help it. So, that's fine and that protects me but the acid...I don't have to use it." Sam clears her throat. "There's also that whole thing about getting kidnapped, ya know? Bit worried that might happen again if someone knows."

The only people Sam knows with powers are the Titans. But, it seems they're the ones getting kidnapped for having powers. Rachel was basically being hunted for sport, Gar did get kidnapped, and Conner was made in a test tube then kidnapped because of it. Sam is pretty content not using her powers if that's the risk she's taking. She does not want to be locked in another basement. Over her dead body. Then, there is Jerry. He won if she uses them. He gave them to her against her will. He doesn't get to win. She escaped him and nearly killed him. He gets to lose.

"Yeah," Jason sucks in a breath. "Kidnapping shit is a good point." Jason lets out a scoff.

She's been held captive twice in under two years. She has a point and Jason can't say he blames her. And she witnessed that be the reason for Gar being kidnapped and tortured, and brainwashed. Jason knows enough about what Jerry did to her to understand her resistance and hesitance with using her powers. He does, however, wish she weren't scared because they could protect her. But, he keeps that to himself because he can't dispute her fear and that's not his place to do so. He is, however, certain he'd go to the ends of the Earth to find her if ever happened again.

"Fuck that piece of shit though. If you ever want to use your powers, you should out of spite." Jason states. "It's like a fuck you to him. He gave you powers so he could have them and now he gets to rot the fuck away in prison."

"Thank you, Jay." Sam lets out a soft laugh. "You've got a point." Sam does like the idea of spite. There is no better fuel than spite sometimes.

"I always have a point." Jason chuckles, adding mustard to his burger.

"Gross." Sam grimaces. "You absolutely do not."

"What?"

"Mustard."

"You're just using ketchup!"

"Ketchup is good."

"It's fucking tomatoes."

"So? Yum." Sam chuckles before taking a bite, Jason eying her. "Okay." Sam swallows. "Why is this the best burger I've ever had?" Of all things Jason Todd can do, cooking seems to be the weirdest. Theater nerd, bookworm, chef?

"I told you I can cook." Jason holds a triumphant smile.

"Seriously? How? How do you know how to cook?!"

There's a sad smile that crosses his lips as he takes his own bite. "My mom." Jason swallows. "I used to cook for us. She was always high out of her fucking mind so it was I cook or we both starve." Jason shrugs his shoulders. "You get creative when you don't have more than a handful of shit that's actually edible."

"You took care of her?" Sam asks, her voice gentle.

Sam's never asked about his mom. It didn't seem like a topic he'd ever want to discuss. She never wants to talk about her dad. But, they've been through so much shit together, Sam doesn't think any question could possibly be off limits between the two of them. And Jason taking care of his mom actually makes perfect sense. That explains a lot about him.

Jason nods softly. "Yeah," He shrugs a shoulder. "She was my mom."

"I kind of thought you hated her." Sam states honestly, she hates her dad so she always figured Jason hated his mom. But it was different. While Jason's mom was an addict, she at least didn't abandon him.

"No." Jason shakes his head. "I'm mad because fucking drugs, right? Why the fuck wasn't I good enough for her? To quit, get help, or some shit. But, I don't hate her. I always took care of her."

No one really gets that part of him. To have no hatred for his mom, of all people. Every day, she'd pick drugs over him. She'd date her dealers who were always terrible people. A lot of them abused Jason and his mom either did not care because she got a discount on whatever her drug of choice was at the time or she was so far gone, she didn't even notice. But, it was the two of them a lot and it was his job to take care of her, even if it never should have been. She was his mom.

"That's nice of you and honestly, good for you. It never should have been your responsibility."

"Yeah, but it was." Jason scoffs. "How about you?" Jason jerks his head up towards her in a quick motion. His mom is still sore spot for him, though. "Like, do you ever...wish you knew your dad?"

Jason never asked about her dad because he does, hate his dad. Jason lived with his mom because his dad was down and out. A part of Jason didn't blame him. Addicts aren't easy to be with but Jaso was a kid. He never should have been left alone to take care of his mom. And when he did see his dad, sometimes he's get mad because Jason's always had a smart mouth, always been a troublemaker, and his dad would snap sometimes. Jason doesn't have a grudge against him, but he doesn't like him either. So, he never asked.

Sam's brows furrow as she continues to eat her burger. "I don't know. Not really. I only saw him once, he came to yell at my mom. It was something about her not letting him see me or something. He shoved her and he was high as fuck. Never showed up again. Like, I wish I knew him but he also picked drugs over me and I don't want someone who's gonna pick drugs over me in my life. Even if it's to tell him to go fuck himself." Sam shrugs. "I think I just want to know why but not enough to look for him or even hear him out if he shows up. Not worth my time."

Jason lets out a soft chuckle and that's something he gets. He wanted to know why his dad was the way he was but it wasn't worth it to ask. It wouldn't have made the situation better. It wouldn't have changed anything. It probably would have made things worse.

"Dads, right?" Jason lets out a scoff.

"Yeah." Sam scoffs and for a second, she thinks that at least he has Bruce. Bruce might not be the best by a long shot, but he at least cares about him. "Anyway," Sam sighs. "This is seriously really good." Sam smiles at him. "I think you should cook for me all the time." Sam beams.

"Oh, now you want me to be your personal chef?" Jason quips.

"You're so good at it, Jay." Sam leans in closer to him, batting her eyelashes and Jason's heart stops in his chest. Maybe he misses that feeling, too.

"Kissing my ass?" Jason's brows wave at her.

"Is it working?" Sam's smile turns cheeky.

"You could keep going."

Sam lets out a booming laugh, sitting back up in her chair. "I missed you so fucking much."

"Yeah, I missed you, too." Jason chuckles softly.

Sam makes him feel so at ease with everything. He's haunted and damaged and a little bit of a mess, but he doesn't feel any of those things with her. He just feels like Jason Todd. And that is refreshing. And he misses her laugh and the way her eyes crinkle at the corners when she smiles at him. He missed the way his heart likes to do summersaults around her and the taunting smirks she gives him. He missed the easiness she provides.

"Alright, how're things, really?" Jason asks, sitting back in his chair, nudging her knee with his.

Sam's brows furrow. "What do you mean?"

"Nightmares, training." Jason answers as smoothly as he can.

Maybe he's been asking about her. Sam doesn't lie to him but she omits information and Jason's not mad about it. He never could be. He does it, too but with him not being at the tower, maybe he's asked Gar and Dick a few times how she's been. They tell him point blank. At the end of the day, Gar and Dick know the two of them are the only ones who could ever get through to each other. So, when Jason asks, they tell him.

Sam pauses, looking at him and how does he know that? Jason shows he cares in different ways than most people. Like, for example, he doesn't tell them. That's too much, too real. Instead, he does things for them. But this, for him to know that, he'd have to be asking about her. Of course, he could have figured it out. If anyone knows her the best, it would be him but the way he said it, Sam is positive that's not it.

"You asking about me?"

Jason shrugs. "And what if I am?"

Sam wants to combust. They tiptoe around the inevitable conversation. It's bound to happen one way or another. But it's day one in Gotham and neither of them want to go there yet. So, Sam dodges the game, just for that question.

"Yeah, I, uh, I don't know." Sam shrugs. "Most nights I wake up from a nightmare. I don't really like to sleep anymore." Sam chews the inside of her cheek.

Jason looks at her and he hates that for her. But he doesn't really sleep either. Deathstroke has permanently destroyed parts of him and that includes the ability to get any real sleep. "You gotta find a way to sleep, Sammy."

"Yeah," Sam scoffs. "But then I can't sleep anyway so I train instead. But clearly, you knew that." Sam widens her eyes at him. "Clears my head. Sometimes I can sleep a little after."

"Same nightmares as before?"

"With the added attack of the tower, Gar dying. Lots of me dying, lots of me being the one who kills you and Gar. I don't know."

"I'm sorry." Jason apologizes and he wants to do something that'll help but he doesn't know what. Not anything outside the routine they had fallen into at the tower. "Hey, uh, as long as you try to fucking sleep, you can always come into my room when you have a nightmare. I can read to you like before." Jason offers, going back to his food to intentionally avoid looking at her.

She adores him with every piece of her. If Sam didn't know any better, she'd swear the sun revolved around him. "Thanks, Jay. Might have to take you up on it." Sam laughs softly. "How're yours?"

"Who said I'm having nightmares?"

Sam shrugs. "Just have a feeling." Sam's had texts from him at all hours of the day and night. If he weren't having nightmares, he'd be sleeping at some point.

Jason sucks in a breath. "Same shit. Deathstroke. Someone chasing me around the manor with a gun. They shoot me and I wake up before I die, I guess. Shit's fucked." Jason lets out a scoff.

"I'm sorry." Sam nudges his leg with her knee and a sense of worry comes over her. That's a new nightmare and she wonders if it's getting worse instead of better. "My room will always be open for you, too." She offers a soft smile.

"Thanks." Jason chuckles softly.

"You and me." Sam goes back to her food and Jason swears he only ever wants it to be him and her.

"You and me." Jason repeats.

As Sam and Jason finish their conversation, Bruce comes home. He greets Sam with a kind smile and a hello. He asked how the flight was. Sam explains that it was good and she is very thankful and appreciative that he is allowing her to stay at the Manor. She's still pretty sure it's just a favor to Jason and not just out of the kindness of his heart. But, she'll definitely take what she can get. Gotham is home and this is allowing her to be home, with her best friend.

The rest of the day goes by and Sam finds herself exploring the Manor with Jason until Bruce needed Jason for something Batman-related. So, Sam got to occupy herself for a lot of the day. She did text Gar and let him know they landed and everything was good. She promised she'd keep in touch. This is nice though. There's something that feels so good about it and she actually feels a little more at ease. She felt at home in San Francisco, at the tower with everyone, but not like this. This feels like it will be home again in such a specific way. It makes her so happy.

Later that night, Jason finds Sam in the living room, scrolling through her phone. He's just gotten back from patrol with Bruce and it didn't go too well. And the only thing he wants to do is sit down with her, forget about it entirely. And she is completely oblivious to him standing in the doorway. But, he has a soft smile daunting his face. He's so happy to have her here. The world doesn't feel so heavy with her here now.

"Hey." Jason greets her, plopping down right beside her, nearly sitting on her.

"Excuse the fuck outta you." Sam snaps her head in his direction, but she doesn't move away. She gets a look at a purple bruise hugging his jaw and blues circling his right eye, kissing the skin.

"What're you doing?" Jason questions, looking over at her phone,

Sam jerks her phone away, furrowing her brows at him. He's so nosy. "Well, I was scrolling through Instagram until you sat on me."

"I didn't sit on you, I sat next to you." Jason smirks at her.

"Your big ass thigh is literally on my leg." Sam points to him barely on her. She pokes his leg, hard, and he doesn't move, just laughs. His leg is strong against hers, it nearly hurts her finger with the poke.

"Are you complaining?" His eyes darken and he's giving her that troubled smirk of his that sets her entire body on fire.

"You're heavy, yes." Sam shoves him with a laugh and Jason barely even moves.

"Seriously, you have got to do better than that, babe."

"Fine." Sam yanks her leg from him with very little effort and swings both of her legs over him, leaning her back against the arm of the couch.

"That did so much." Jason chortles. He rests his hands on her shins, tapping with his thumbs and Sam shakes her head.

Jason's been...touchy today. They've always joked and played chicken with each other. Sam is always the chicken. But, today, he's very touchy. When walking around the Manor, he'd reach for her hand or put his hand on the small of her back to guide her through the courtyard. And she doesn't mind but she's wondering why that is. What changed in the month they've been a part that Jason is suddenly touchy? And Jason knows he's doing it. A part of him is doing it because it's just them. He doesn't have to worry about overstepping his best friend anymore. They can play this game the way Jason likes to play. A little more contact, make the game of chicken a little more thrilling. And the other part of him, wants to see where it'll actually go. For real this time, despite everything.

"But I have won because this is comfortable." Sam gives him a large toothy grin and Jason does that crooked smile, where he's almost biting his bottom lip, like he's thinking something mischievous. Sam swears he's the prettiest person she's ever met.

Jason leans forward, plucking the book off the coffee table in front of them. Sam watches him carefully over her phone. Jason lifts his legs up, hers still on top of his, and rests his feet on the coffee table before opening the book where he has a piece of paper as a bookmark. The bruise on his jaw shines against the low light, moving with his jaw as he swallows. Sam finds herself thinking she likes the way the bruises always look on his skin. He looks perfect even with the blacks and blues and purples and reds. But, the other part of her, hates that's covered in bruises. He never should be.

She sits all the way up and moves closer to him, placing her fingers on his jaw. Jason's heart stutters in his chest but he lets her finish. She turns his face so she can get a look at the bruises that hug his jaw and paint his opposite eye. Her touch is so gentle and tender, Jason isn't sure if he'd ever get used to it. It's been so long since he's felt this, he almost wants to jump right out of his skin. But, he doesn't dare move because, despite his better judgment, he likes when Sam is like this. It's a side of her no one else ever really get to see and it makes him feel wanted.

"What happened?" She asks softly.

Jason is like a graphite drawing, small details in colored pencil. Messy and decorated with shades of blues and purples. But beautiful and soft. Despite the messy smudges and the accidental hard edges and hand prints, he's so beautiful. He is this beautiful graphite masterpiece that Sam thinks should be on display everywhere. There is an effortless about him and ease about him. He pays those purple and blue splotches no mind as the corner of his mouth quirks into his signature grin. He's so unbothered and pretty. The graphite isn't damaged or too messy, the smudges make him...him.

"Dickweed got a few lucky hits in." Jason scoffs and there's a tiny of arrogance that flashes across his eyes. "Got 'em back though." Jason wiggles his brows and Sam brushes her thumb over the bruise on his jawline before shaking her head.

"Of course you did." She laughs softly, pulling her hand away and Jason just almost grabs her hand back.

She knew she missed him. That was obvious every single day. A coldness came over like the first cold front of the winter. Expected but disappointing anyway. Sam didn't know she missed this much though. She had no idea she gave him this part of herself and he took it back to Gotham with him. She thinks of the Iron Giant, how when he blew up and parts of himself went everywhere, his parts echoed, finding home. Sam thinks that's how her heart is with him. He has a part of it, maybe without even knowing, and her heart beats and aches until she's with him. She never realized that's what the pain was until now, now that's it gone.

Sam, instead of going back to his face, wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him into her. The hug catches him off guard, Sam hugs him but there's usually some bigger reason behind it. Deathstroke, almost dying twice, leaving, meeting again. There's usually something bigger there but Jason doesn't get the sense that's what this hug is for. So, he reaches up and hugs her back.

She scares him. Jason Todd is not supposed to be scared of anything and lately fear has been taking over his life. And he's scared of her, but not in that petrifying and paralyzing way that'll get him killed one day. He's scared because they've been here before and he backed out. He pushed and ran and then she ran. They're runners and pushers, it's embedded so tightly through their DNA, Jason doesn't think anything would ever stop them. And he's so scared to let himself exist with her in the way he so desperately wants to. He could never handle her leaving him and he couldn't handle hurting her. So, he pulls away, not too far, but enough to look at her.

"What's up?" Jason asks, his eyes darting over her face and his expression is careful, desperate not to give away the ache of his chest.

Sam shakes her head, biting the inside of her cheek. "Can't hug you?"

"Always got a reason." The corner of his mouth twitches up but it's sad. If someone hugs him, even her, there's usually a reason.

"I just missed you." Sam shrugs her shoulders with ease.

That night in the bathroom after Deathstroke, she remembers thinking it would easier. He was right. They were, are, a mess. And without ever saying it, they knew they'd die for the other if it came to it. She remembers how painful it was and she thought maybe, just maybe, it was because that night was so messy and so much, terrifying, that that's why it hurt. That's why she was scared of it. But, then he's back in Gotham for a month and she thinks maybe none of that even matters because being away from him doesn't feel very good either. She just missed him and she doesn't want to miss him again. And yet, she still finds herself biting back everything she wants to tell him, because at least there's no consequences if they don't talk about it. It's just them.

Jason can feel the heat creeping onto his face. "You've said like six fucking times today." Jason lets out a laugh that Sam wears is better than any sound she's ever heard before. "I knew you wanted me, but fuck."

"Shut the fuck up." Sam lets out a groan but she can't get the smile to fall from her face. "Want you." Sam scoffs. "You're the one who wants me."

The smirk dances across Jason's face. "Babe, if I wanted you, I'd have you." Jason has never told a bigger lie because he does want her but he's hoping she doesn't see through it, just yet.

"Yeah, okay." Sam rolls her eyes. "Like to see you fucking try, Jay." Sam taunts and there's nothing holding them back from it now. Sam isn't a Titan right now. There's no Gar or Rose. It's literally just the two of them for the first time since they've known each other. And Sam sees Jason pause and she's won. "Mhm, exactly. I win." Sam hums triumphantly and Jason doesn't take losing gently.

If this is the game she wants to play, he'll play ball. No one else is here anyway. Jason gets this darkness that crosses his eyes and all Sam does is smile to herself proudly, going back to looking at her phone.. Sam is so positive, for once, he doesn't have a comeback. But, Jason sticks his finger in his book and stretches his right arm out, grabbing the collar of her hoodie and pulling her forward, bringing her an inch from his face.

Sam's eyes nearly bug out of her head, her breath catches in the very back of her throat. She swears she can taste her heartbeat in her mouth. Her stomach flips upside down, her bones feeling like they're turning to Jell-O. How the fuck does he do that? His eyes are forest green in the low light of the living room and Sam swears it's her favorite color now. That specific shade of green that should be named after Jason, himself.

Jason's eyes dart between her eyes and her lips, he's doing it on purpose. Jason does everything with intention. Impulsive? Yes. But, he has a purpose for everything that he does. He's careful even when he's impulsive.

"Mhm, exactly." Jason's voice is low, mocking her.

Sam finally lets out a breath and looks to his lips. For a split second, just a fraction of a second, she knows that if she closes that distance, he loses. They're picking up this game of chicken as if no time has passed and it feels like no time has passed. It feels like it did before Gar, before Rose, before Deathstroke. It feels like it did before shit hit the fan. And she knows if she does something about it now, she'll win. And she wants to do it so badly, but she isn't sure she wants to be the one to do it this time. And, Sam likes the cocky and arrogant smirk he gets when he wins.

"Fuck you." Sam finally gets the bitter words out of her mouth and Jason's grin switches to cockiness, a triumphant win he doesn't realize was handed to him.

Jason lets go of the collar of her hoodie, Sam falling back against the arm of the couch. "I win."

"You're so obnoxious." Sam lets out a whine and Jason sees the genuine smile pulling at the right side of her mouth.

"Just the way you like me." Jason chortles, leaning back in his seat.

Sam almost tells him. But, she doesn't think she actually has to. The both of them know. They are not that obvious. They already know there's more here. Jason saw the way she was with Gar compared to how she is with him and he's not so oblivious to not realize why even if it's hard to believe. And Sam saw how he was with Rose, he's different with her and Jason doesn't let just anyone in. But they do nothing about it because of fear and this is easier. The game they play, knowing something will happen sooner or later. This is easier than the conversations of risking the other breaking each other's hearts. Taking those pieces of each other and the other tossing them into the river to drown. The risk is just a little too much for both of them right now and they don't need the talk to know.

Jason looks down at his book before looking back to her. "Wanna watch something?"

Sam's brows furrow as she shakes her head, as if to be doing a double-take of his words. "You? Wanna watch a movie?" She looks up at him.

"Haven't watched anything in a while." Jason offers the softest of shrugs, trying to brush it off. He wants to watch something because that's her thing.

"I always want to watch something." Sam chews the inside of her cheek. "What'd ya have in mind?"

"You pick." Jason chuckles, putting the piece of paperback in the book before tossing it onto the coffee table.

"I have suddenly forgotten every movie I have ever watched in my entire life." Sam blinks at him and Jason can't help but laugh.

"Well, scroll." Jason leans over her to grab the remote from the table beside the armrest.

He's leaning over her, a little too close and Sam's heart thunders. She can smell his soap on him and a hint of what she swears his in cologne he'd wear at the tower. A smile pulls at her lips, thinking that is a weird thing to put on after a shower at three in the morning. It's such a Jason thing to do and she really does just adore him. Jason grabs the remote, hovering just above her with a wild grin and he did it on purpose.

"Here." Jason states with ease, seeing the red creep onto her cheeks.

"Getting pretty close there, Jay." Sam whispers, blinking at him and she takes a page out of his book, actively glancing between his eyes and lips.

"You were in the way." Jason doesn't move and he can feel his stomach twist and turn.

"Right, could have asked me to grab the remote." Sam puts her hand on his, intentionally stalling as she grabs the remote, keeping her eyes on him.

"Could have." Jason shrugs a shoulder and he almost rests his forehead against hers because he can see her eyes darting across his face. But, it's Sam who does it first.

She can't help it. He gets close and it's the only thing she ever wants, to keep him as close to her as long as possible. She feels warm when he's this close and the second he backs away, she's cold again and she hates being cold. And Jason's entire brain is short-circuiting. Half of him is screaming 'do it' over and over again. It's screaming and banging at the inner walls of his mind, suffocating nearly every other reasonable thought he could possibly have. Then, there's the other part that thinks it's too soon even if he so desperately wants to cave to the voices in his head. And he is almost terrified of what would happen if he were the one to actually do it this time.

"Did you put on cologne?" Sam questions him because one of them has to say something eventually and she decides, she'll do something if he has one of his usual quips. She pulls away just enough to look at him and his eyes shoot wide open.

"No." He scoffs, heat creeping up his neck as he finally back away. He didn't think she'd notice.

Sam chuckles softly as she starts to feel the cold creep over her bones. She was hoping he'd have a quip. "Okay, sure." Sam shrugs, looking at the TV and she can still feel her heart in her throat. "Smells good." Jason gains a soft smile with her words as he watches her look at the TV.

She starts scrolling through the home page, just in case anything sparks her interest. She looks up in the corner to see if it says which profile it is. The picture is a picture of Jason, not smiling at the camera and the photo is simple but Sam thinks it's cute. So, she scrolls comfortably and naturally sees one of the Saw movies recommended followed by Human Centipede and she cringes with the sight of the movie. Sam swears it's the grossest movie she's ever seen and would like unsee it. The Walking Dead is under Jason's continue watching, he's on season 2 and Sam smiles. Jason doesn't watch TV but he's watching one of her shows.

"Oh! Here." Sam clicks a movie and looks at Jason excitedly.

"Yeah...?" Jason chuckles softly and adoration bubbles in his stomach because he loves when she goes on little movie rants.

"Happy Death Day."

"Happy Death Day?" Jason nods. "Am I supposed to know what the fuck that is?"

"One of the best movies ever!" Sam yells excitedly and Jason loves when she gets excited over movies. There's an innocence about it. Sam is anything but innocent so when she's like this, Jason really likes it. "Groundhog Day?"

Jason shakes his head, looking at her with more confusion. "Which is?"

"Groundhog Day is a movie where the character repeats the same day over and over again."

"Ugh." Jason groans, tossing his head back against the back of the couch. "You like those movies?!"

"No! I don't like Groundhog Day, that's not my point. I like this movie." She laughs. "She has to repeat the same day over and over until she finds her killer."

"Oh, she just gets do-overs."

"Yep, because Tree is a final girl and she's a fun one, too." Sam grins up at him. "Have I ever steered you wrong?" Sam offers him a pitiful pout and Jason nearly rolls his eyes into oblivion.

"No, you fucking haven't." Jason groans. She is usually right but then he remembers something she did have him do once. "Actually, no that's a lie. Remember that time you told me it was a good idea to use one of those smoke canons things on Dick while he made his coffee." Jason reminds her and Sam nearly laughs herself into a fit of tears.

"It was a good idea! He was pissed, he spilled coffee everywhere! There was blue dust covering the entire kitchen! He was blue for days! It was worth it."

It was about three weeks after Dick had brought Sam back to the tower. Jason wanted to get Dick back for something stupid that happened in training. He had the bright idea to use one of the smoke canons they use for parties that are supposed to be non-toxic. He went to Sam, asking if it was a good idea or if he should think of something even better. Sam did not take long to tell him it was a great idea. She pictured Dick covered in blue smoke that would probably stain and he'd look like the guy from Big Fat Liar. That was enough for her to think it was a great idea.

Dick did not think so. Jason snuck into the kitchen, behind Dick and hid behind the counters before popping out and shooting one of the canons at Dick. Dick's coffee mug hit the ground, shattering while coffee spilled everywhere. And he was covered in blue smoke. Sam was in the living, laughing so hard she started choking. Jason's laugh bounced off of every wall and Dick wanted to yell because what the fuck? It was five in the morning. And this what he's dealing with. Dick wasn't actually mad though, not at first because it took a little bit of dedication for Jason to pull it off and for Sam to be awake at five in the morning. He stood there, completely silent as if to be questioning every life choice he's made that lead him to that exact moment before finally muttering "I'm not cleaning this" and Jason immediately said he would through his fit of laughter.

It was after the shower that Dick was not happy. Sam was right, it did stain and he did look like the guy from Big Fat Liar. He still wasn't that mad but he was going to dish out something because now he's blue. Jason swore up and down it was worth it. And Gar and Rachel got a good laugh out of it, too. Rachel didn't even want to think it was funny but Dick was in the training room trying to be so serious about something but none of them could take him seriously with a face as blue as Blue from Blue's Clues.

"I got double chores for a week!" Jason yells.

"Well, it was a good idea for me. I got a good fucking laugh out of it and you had to pick up some my chores. So, I did not steer you wrong. I steered you exactly where I wanted you."

All Jason can do is blink at her, he wants to laugh. Sam's just as conniving as he is. She does it differently and he'll definitely be getting her back for that.

"Yeah, don't think you thought that far ahead."

"Oh, didn't I?" Sam wiggles her brows at him.

"No." Jason states but his word is slightly unsure.

"Guess you'll never know." Sam shrugs cheekily, looking back to the TV and she changes the subject before Jason can dispute the discussion "Hey, Jay."

"No, fuck you." Jason scoffs, the corners of his mouth perking up.

"You should get me a blanket." Sam offers a toothy, pleading smile.

"Do I look like a fucking maid to you?"

"I don't think you want me to answer that." Sam snickers to herself and it takes everything in Jason not to start laughing and immediately get up to get her a blanket.

"Fuck you, no!" Jason huffs, she'll be the death of him, he swears it.

"Please." Sam leans forward, pouting her bottom lip. "It's chilly."

"It's fucking July." Jason's voice booms as he finally lets the laugh slip.

"And three in the morning." Sam bats her eyes at him.

"You're so annoying." Jason scoffs, moving her legs off him before he gets up.

"Maybe so, but you think it's cute."

"Do I?" Jason quips, Sam can see his canines through his fake scowl. He's cute when he pretends to be mad. And Jason always thinks she's cute, even when she's not trying to be.

"Of course you do." Sam holds her head up. "I think you're cute."

"Alright, shut up, pause the damn movie. What blanket you want?"

"Doesn't matter, your pick." Sam's smile turns soft and Jason nods his head slowly before turning around and heading down the hallway.

They say home is where the heart is. Jason thought that was a load of shit. His heart has belonged to several people, several places. His home, the library, his mom, his uncle, Bruce. He swore if home were a place, it would not just be the thing he loves. It would be a place he felt safe and comfortable, where he didn't always have to look over his shoulder. It would be a place where he didn't feel like he needed to hide a tire iron under his pillow or a baseball bat under his bed. He wouldn't feel like he needs to hide food around the house, just to make sure he always has a stash, just in case. It would be a place of comfort and safety and peace. But, he's walking to his room to grab a blanket for Sam and he thinks he feels more at home now than he ever has before. Jason pretends like he doesn't know why that is, even if it's chewing and biting and tugging the very center of his chest.

"Here's your damn blanket." Jason comes back, tossing it over Sam's head.

"Hey!" Sam yells, pulling the blanket away, leaving her faded pink hair filled with static. Jason lets out a soft laugh as he plops down beside her once more. "Rude."

"I got the blanket." Jason quips back. "You gonna share?"

"It's JuLy." Sam mocks him while she swings her legs back over his. She spreads the blanket over her legs, covering Jason, too.

Jason gains a grin looking back at her and Sam plays the movie. The movie plays for a few minutes, before Sam breaks the silence and she thinks maybe Jason's rubbed off on her because now she can't shut up. She ignores the feeling that maybe it's because they haven't talked like this in a month. She ignores that maybe it's just her missing him.

"You seem comfortable here." Sam states, looking over him.

"Yeah," Jasons nods his head. "Gotham is fucking shitshow, but like you said, it's home." He shrugs a shoulder, a fond smile on his lips.

"Yeah." Sam agrees with him.

"You seem comfortable here, too. It's your first day but you seem like you've been living here as long as I have."

Sam offers him a kind smile. "Yeah...it feels nice. I like it here." Sam thinks maybe she could feel comfortable anywhere as long as Jason is there.

He always offers a different type of comfort than Gar ever did. Gar offered comfort, it's just different with Jason. He offers it with quips rather than tender words and kind touches. He offers it with sarcasm and fire in his bones. Gar offered it with softness and gentle words. Jason offers comfort in a way that makes Sam feel understood.

Jason moves his legs from under her and slides his on the couch, maneuvering himself to lean against the back of the couch, partially on Sam so he can lie down with his elbow holding his head up. The exhaustion of lack of sleep and patrol is finally catching up with him. He's not sure if he could hold his head up much longer just sitting up. And Sam smiles at him, a soft and loving smile.

"Tired?" Sam asks.

"I'm fine." Jason answers and Sam thinks maybe it's a reflex, to always say he's fine. She hopes he breaks the habit and chooses honesty one day.

"Mhm." Sam rolls her eyes. "Just lay down, I'm not gonna fucking bite you."

"You do give biter vibes." Jason huffs and Sam taps the top of his head. "Hey!" Jason lets out a laugh, looking up at her.

"I don't bite people!" Sam glares at him before a flash of teasing comes across her eyes. "Well...not like this."

Jason smirks. "Oh, that's what you're into? Yeah, that tracks."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean, Jay?"

Jason laughs loudly. "Nothing." Jason continues to snicker.

"Maybe I will bite you." Sam mutters.

"You can bite me in that context all you fuckin want, babe."

Sam's words jumble in her mouth like they're all rushing out once and caused a traffic jam. How does he always do that?

"Don't threaten me with a good time." Sam quips and the response catches Jason off guard. He's surprised she had a comeback.

"Wouldn't be a threat." Jason fires back.

"Lay down." Sam rolls her eyes and stretches out her arms, welcoming him to lay with her. She thinks her smile might be stuck on her face like glue.

Jason smiles softly to himself and he does as told, scotting up closer to her, resting his head between her chest and stomach. She's the only person he's ever felt comfortable enough to lay like this with.

A kind warmth fills Sam's stomach with the butterflies swarming around. He's so soft. He's so soft and he's so good. He deserves everything good to happen to him. Jason being rough around the edges but soft around her. It makes her want to melt right into the floor. He's fucking cute. And Sam lifts her hand, tangling her fingers in his hair, spinning his curls around her finger. Jason hums and he doesn't remember the last time someone played with his hair but it's nice. It's relaxing and Sam just keeps doing it while the movie plays, absentmindedly enjoying the closeness. The both of them could easily get used to this.