Feelings and Connections

The rhythmic hum of the car's engine filled the silence as Bruce Wayne drove through Gotham's streets, his hands steady on the wheel. Maggie sat in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed out the window, watching the city blur by. She wore a hoodie that swallowed her petite frame, its sleeves covering the scars she'd become all too aware of. The quiet between them was comfortable, though the occasional glance from Bruce hinted at something more on his mind.

"You doing okay?" Bruce asked, breaking the silence.

Maggie turned to him, offering a small smile. "Yeah. Just tired. Hospitals aren't exactly known for their amazing sleep."

Bruce chuckled softly. "They're not. But I think you'll sleep better at home."

"Definitely. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed," Maggie said, adjusting her position as she leaned her head against the window. "Thanks for picking me up yourself."

"I wouldn't let anyone else do it," Bruce replied. His tone was firm but warm, the protective edge unmistakable.

Maggie studied his profile for a moment, sensing there was more he wasn't saying. "You're being weirdly quiet. Is everything okay?"

Bruce gave her a quick glance before returning his eyes to the road. "Everything's fine. Just thinking."

"About?" she prodded.

"You'll see," he said cryptically, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Maggie narrowed her eyes at him but let it drop. She leaned back in her seat, resigning herself to wait and see what he was up to. When the sleek black car pulled into the circular driveway of Wayne Manor, Maggie immediately noticed the house seemed different. Several windows glowed with warm light, and there was an unusual liveliness about the place.

"Is Alfred throwing a secret party or something?" Maggie teased as Bruce parked the car.

"Not exactly," Bruce said, stepping out and walking around to open her door. "Come on."

Maggie hesitated, looking at him suspiciously. "What did you do?"

Bruce smirked but didn't answer, simply extending a hand to help her out of the car. With a reluctant sigh, she accepted and let him lead her toward the house. As they reached the front door, Bruce paused, his hand resting on the doorknob.

"Maggie," he began, his voice softer now. "I know things have been… hard. I thought you could use a little surprise."

Maggie tilted her head, curious and slightly anxious. "What kind of surprise?"

Bruce pushed the door open, and Maggie's eyes widened as she stepped inside.

In the middle of the grand foyer was Barbara Gordon, smiling warmly despite the wheelchair she now occupied. The sunlight streaming through the large windows illuminated her auburn hair, which was pulled back in a neat ponytail. She had a small bouquet of flowers in her lap.

"Barbara?" Maggie whispered, her voice catching.

"Hey, Maggie," Barbara said softly. "I figured you could use a familiar face to welcome you home."

Maggie's eyes welled up with tears as she quickly crossed the room, kneeling beside Barbara's wheelchair and wrapping her arms around her. "I can't believe you're here," she said, her voice muffled against Barbara's shoulder.

Barbara hugged her back gently. "Of course I'm here. "

Pulling back, Maggie looked at her friend, wiping at her damp cheeks. "You didn't have to do this. You should be resting, too."

Barbara laughed softly. "Trust me, I've been resting way too much. Besides, you're worth it."

Bruce, standing near the doorway, watched the interaction with a rare, soft smile. He gave Maggie a nod when she glanced back at him.

"I thought you'd appreciate having Barbara here," Bruce said. 

Maggie sniffled, a smile breaking through her tears. "This is the best surprise ever. Thank you."

Barbara reached out, squeezing Maggie's hand. 

Dick leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed and a playful smirk on his face. "Alright, everyone. Everything's set up in the other room. Alfred and Jason are waiting."

Maggie, sitting in the grand living room with Barbara and Bruce, raised an eyebrow. "What's in the other room?"

"You'll see," Dick teased, motioning for her to follow. 

Barbara wheeled herself forward with a chuckle. "It better be good, Grayson."

Bruce helped Maggie up, supporting her as she walked slowly toward the other room, her steps still tentative but determined. Dick held the door open as they entered the large dining hall. The table was beautifully set with plates of steaming food, courtesy of Alfred's impeccable cooking. In the center, a collection of wrapped and unwrapped gifts sat, each one from Maggie's summer trip to England.

Jason, leaning back in a chair with his legs casually crossed, glanced up as they entered. "Took you long enough," he said, though his grin betrayed his excitement.

Maggie's cheeks flushed as she saw everyone's attention on her. "You guys didn't have to do all this."

"It's not for us," Alfred said with his usual warmth, gesturing to the gifts. "You brought these back for everyone, didn't you?"

Maggie nodded sheepishly. "Yeah, but I didn't exactly get to hand them out..."

Jason twirled the compass necklace around his fingers, the one Maggie had already given him. "Well, I got mine," he said, his tone light. "Figured you might want to play Santa and hand out the rest."

Maggie rolled her eyes and began sorting through the pile, holding up each gift as she tried to remember who it was meant for.

First, Maggie handed a delicately wrapped box to Alfred. "This one's for you," she said. "I found it in a small shop in London. It reminded me of you."

Alfred carefully unwrapped the box to reveal a delicate porcelain tea set painted with intricate floral designs. His eyes softened as he examined it. "Miss Maggie, this is exquisite. Thank you."

Next, she picked up a beautifully bound journal cover was embossed with a constellation design. "Barbara, this is for you."

Barbara took the book and her smile grew as she flipped through the pages. "This is perfect, Maggie. Thank you."

Dick leaned over, eyeing the remaining gifts. "Do I get anything, or did you forget your favorite big brother?"

Maggie laughed and tossed him a smaller package. "How could I forget you, Dick? You're impossible to miss."

Dick unwrapped his gift, revealing a vintage pocket watch. It had a sleek, classic design with an engraving on the back that read *"Time flies, but memories last forever."*. "Very nice," he said, examining it. 

The final gift was an old Map of Gotham about two hundred years old. Maggie hesitated before handing it to Bruce. "This one's for you, Dad."

Bruce carefully unwrapping it to revealing the map. Maggie bit her lip as she explained, "I saw it and thought it might like it."

Bruce stared at the old historical map of Gotham for a long moment before looking at Maggie. "It's beautiful," he said softly. "Thank you."

As everyone admired their gifts, Alfred began serving the food, and the room filled with light chatter and laughter. Maggie felt a warmth in her chest, realizing how much she had missed this—her family, her friends, and the sense of belonging that filled Wayne Manor. Bruce, watching from the head of the table, allowed himself a rare smile. For a moment, everything felt right again.

A week later.

Jason extended his hand without a word. Maggie slid her fingers into his. The warmth of his grip was steady and reassuring, grounding her as they descended the grand staircase together.

"You're in a weirdly good mood this morning," Maggie teased, her anxiety easing slightly at the sight of Jason's relaxed smirk.

"Why wouldn't I be? It's the first day I get to show this off," Jason replied, his smirk widening.

Maggie tilted her head, confused, until they stepped out into the morning light. There, parked in the driveway, was a gleaming, restored classic Mustang—its dark blue paint shining like polished sapphire under the sun. The chrome detailing and vintage style made it look like it had rolled right out of an old-school movie.

Maggie slowed her pace, her gaze glued to the car. "Is… is that what I think it is?"

Jason smirked, twirling the keys on his finger. "Yep. All summer, baby. Blood, sweat, and more grease than I care to admit. But she's finally ready."

"You worked on this all summer?" Maggie asked, incredulous, as they stepped outside. She let go of his hand to walk around the car, taking in every detail. "It's incredible, Jay. Like, this could be in a car show!"

Jason shrugged, but the faint pink on his cheeks gave away his pride. "Figured it'd be worth it. Something cool for senior year, right? Besides, we're allowed to drive ourselves now. No more Alfred awkwardly dropping us off like we're in middle school."

Maggie laughed. "Alfred's not that bad, but I see your point. This definitely beats the Wayne Town Car."

Jason leaned against the driver's door, his smirk growing wider. "Thought you'd say that. So… you ready to roll in style?"

Maggie crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, trying to stifle a grin. "What are you trying to do? Impress the entire school?"

Jason chuckled, opening the passenger door for her. "Maybe a little."

Maggie blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice. For all his swagger, Jason had a way of knowing exactly how to calm her nerves without making a big deal out of it. She smiled softly and slid into the passenger seat, running her hands over the pristine interior.

"Alright, Jaybird. Let's see if this thing is as good as it looks."

Jason rounded the car and hopped into the driver's seat. His hands gripped the wheel confidently as he fired up the engine. The Mustang roared to life, its growl reverberating through the driveway.

He glanced over at Maggie with a mischievous grin. "Buckle up, Mags."

With a laugh and a shake of her head, Maggie fastened her seatbelt. The Mustang rolled smoothly out of the Wayne Manor driveway and onto the winding road that led toward Gotham Prep. The powerful engine purred, a deep, steady hum that seemed to echo the confident energy radiating from Jason. His hands were steady on the wheel, the sunlight reflecting off the polished chrome of the dashboard. Maggie leaned back in her seat, letting out a soft sigh as they picked up speed. The city unfolded around them, the early morning light casting a warm glow over Gotham's towering skyline. She glanced sideways at Jason, who had one hand resting casually on the wheel, his other draped over the gear shift. There was an ease in the way he handled the car, like he was completely at home behind the wheel of the Mustang he'd poured his heart into all summer. His confidence was infectious.

"You really did an amazing job on this car," Maggie said, breaking the comfortable silence. "I mean, I knew you were good, but this is next level."

Jason turned his head briefly, flashing her a lopsided grin. "You sound surprised. Don't tell me you doubted me."

"Not doubting," she replied, smirking. "Just… pleasantly impressed."

"Good," Jason said, shifting gears as they cruised onto a broader avenue. "Because we're gonna turn some heads when we roll into that senior lot."

Maggie rolled her eyes but couldn't help laughing. "You're impossible."

Jason glanced at her, his grin softening. "Yeah, but you love me."

Maggie shook her head, her laughter quieting as she looked out the window. The familiar streets of Gotham whizzed by, but they felt different now—lighter, less intimidating. Maybe it was the car, or maybe it was the boy sitting beside her, but the weight of missing nearly three weeks of senior year suddenly didn't feel as crushing.

"I was really nervous about today," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "Still kind of am. There's just… so much to catch up on, so many people asking questions I don't want to answer."

Jason's grip on the wheel tightened slightly, and he glanced over at her. "You don't owe anyone answers, Mags. You went through hell. You're here, you're okay—that's all that matters."

Maggie turned to him, her expression softening. "You make it sound so easy."

"It's not," Jason admitted. "But you don't have to go through it alone. I'm here. You've got your friends. Even Bruce, in his own awkward, broody way."

His words settled over her like a warm blanket, easing the last of the tension in her shoulders. She smiled, reaching out to rest her hand on his where it rested on the gear shift.

"Thanks, Jay," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. 

Jason glanced at her, the faintest hint of pink coloring his cheeks, but he simply nodded. "Anytime, Mags."

As the Mustang cruised through the city streets, Maggie felt her earlier anxiety melting away, replaced by the thrill of the ride and the comforting presence of her boyfriend by her side. 

The Mustang growled softly as Jason pulled into the Gotham Prep senior parking lot, its shiny dark blue exterior gleaming under the morning sun. A few students already milling around turned their heads at the sight of the classic car, their conversations pausing mid-sentence. Jason couldn't hide the smirk tugging at his lips as he eased the car into a prime parking spot near the entrance.

"Well, we've officially arrived," Jason said, shutting off the engine and giving the steering wheel a light pat, as if congratulating the Mustang on its debut performance.

Maggie, sitting in the passenger seat, glanced out the window, her heart racing. The familiar buzz of the schoolyard filled the air—students chatting, laughter echoing, car doors slamming. She could already feel the curious stares directed their way, and it made her stomach flip.

Jason noticed her hesitation and reached over to gently tap her hand. "Hey," he said, his voice calm. "You good?"

She turned to him, her fingers fiddling with the strap of her school bag. "Yeah, just… a lot of eyes."

Jason chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "They're looking at the car, not you. Well… maybe a little at you. You are pretty."

Maggie gave him a small smile, rolling her eyes. "Smooth."

"Hey, it's the truth," Jason said with a shrug. Then, his voice softened. "Seriously, Mags, don't worry about them. You walk in there like the badass you are. They'll move on to something else by lunchtime."

She exhaled slowly, his words helping to steady her nerves. "You're right. Let's just get this over with."

Jason nodded, pushing open the driver's side door and stepping out. As he rounded the car to open her door, a couple of his friends called out, "Yo, Todd! Sweet ride!" Jason waved them off with a casual grin.

Maggie climbed out, adjusting her school bag over her shoulder. The murmurs around them felt louder now, but Jason was quick to step beside her, slipping his hand into hers. The simple gesture grounded her, and she squeezed his hand in silent thanks.

As they began walking toward the school entrance, Jason leaned in slightly, his voice low enough for only her to hear. "Remember, senior parking lot privileges. We're basically royalty now."

Maggie laughed softly despite herself, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous."

"And you're smiling," Jason pointed out. "Mission accomplished."

The Mustang sat behind them, already gaining a small crowd of admirers, but Maggie barely noticed anymore. With Jason by her side, the stares and whispers felt less daunting. Together, they stepped through the school doors. 

The hum of chatter and the clanging of lockers filled the air as Jason and Maggie walked into the hallway, hand in hand. Heads turned as the pair passed—some students whispered; others openly stared. It wasn't everyday Gotham Prep's most elusive couple made their status public, and after Maggie's month-long absence, the sight of her back at school was enough to stir a wave of curiosity. As they approached Maggie's locker, a familiar voice called out, cutting through the noise.

"Maggie!" 

Stephanie and Emily weaved through the crowd, their faces lighting up the moment they spotted her. Before Maggie could react, they were on her, pulling her into a tight, almost crushing hug.

"You're back!" Stephanie exclaimed; her voice tinged with relief. "Oh my gosh, we were so worried about you."

Emily nodded, her eyes misting slightly. "You were in a coma for like a month, Mags. A whole month! Do you have any idea how freaked out we were?"

Maggie tensed, caught off guard by their raw emotions. "Guys, I'm okay now," she said softly, managing a reassuring smile. "Really."

Jason stood off to the side, leaning casually against a locker, his sharp eyes watching the exchange. He stayed quiet but close, just in case.

Stephanie pulled back, scanning Maggie like she still didn't believe it. "You look okay, but... I mean, the Joker?" Her voice dropped to a whisper, her eyes wide.

"That's insane. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, but… I don't even know how you're standing here right now."

Emily nodded, glancing briefly at Jason. "And, like, I'd be a mess."

Maggie shifted uncomfortably, her fingers brushing against the strap of her bag. "It's… a lot. But I'm here. That's what matters, right?"

Jason straightened up, stepping closer. "It *is* all that matters," he said firmly, his protective edge evident. His hand rested lightly on Maggie's shoulder, a silent reassurance.

Stephanie and Emily exchanged a glance, clearly picking up on Jason's tone. "Okay, okay," Stephanie said quickly, her expression softening.

"But seriously, we're so glad you're back. It wasn't the same without you."

Emily nodded, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes. "And, uh, I guess now we know why *he* was so grumpy the whole time you were gone."

Jason rolled his eyes, but Maggie let out a soft laugh. "He wasn't *that* bad, right?" she teased, glancing up at him.

Jason smirked. "Don't believe her. I was miserable."

Stephanie grinned. "Aw, look at you two! So, this is official-official now?"

Maggie's cheeks turned pink, but she nodded. "Yeah… it's official."

The girls squealed, pulling her into another hug. "Finally!" Emily said. "We've been waiting for this since like last spring."

The warmth of the moment was interrupted by the warning bell, its sharp ring cutting through the air.

"We'll grill you about *everything* at lunch," Stephanie said, giving Maggie a final squeeze. "And I mean *everything*—England, Jason. We need details."

Emily shot Jason a cheeky grin. "Take good care of her, Todd."

Jason smirked. "Always."

As Stephanie and Emily disappeared into the crowd, Maggie exhaled deeply, the weight of their questions and concern still lingering.

"You okay?" Jason asked, his voice low as he turned to her.

"Yeah," she said, looking up at him with a small smile. "It's… a lot."

Jason nodded, taking her hand again as they headed toward their first class. "Just let me know if it's too much, okay?"

"I will," Maggie said, squeezing Jason's hand, her smile small but genuine. 

Jason stopped walking, gently pulling her to the side of the bustling hallway. The crowd of students swirled around them, but he didn't seem to notice—or care. He turned to face her fully, his eyes soft as they met hers.

"You've got this," Jason said, his voice low but steady. "I'll see you after class, okay?"

Before Maggie could respond, Jason leaned in, closing the small distance between them. His lips brushed hers in a soft, lingering kiss—gentle and reassuring. Maggie's cheeks flushed as they broke apart, but she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face.

"You're really going all-in on this boyfriend thing, huh?"

Jason smirked, his usual cockiness slipping through. "You better believe it."

The warning bell rang again, louder this time, pulling them back to reality. Jason stepped back, his hand brushing hers one last time before he started walking down the hall toward his class.

"Don't be late, Mags," he called over his shoulder, flashing her one of his trademark grins.

Maggie shook her head, still smiling as she headed toward her own class. The butterflies in her stomach had nothing to do with nerves anymore. 

Maggie stepped into her first class, the familiar walls of the lecture hall feeling both comforting and foreign after her extended absence. The noise of students chatting died down the moment they noticed her. Whispers began to ripple across the room like a wave.

"Is that Maggie Wayne?" 

"She's finally back?" 

"Did you hear about what happened with the Joker?" 

Once seated, Maggie unpacked her notebook and pen, trying to focus as the teacher began the lesson. The content—an overview of the semester's work so far—felt overwhelming. Equations swirled on the board, and Maggie realized how much she had missed. Her notebook remained mostly blank as she tried to keep up, but her mind drifted to the conversations she knew were happening behind her.

The whispers didn't stop, even as the teacher called for silence. 

"Do you think she's okay?" 

"She looks pale. I'd be traumatized, too." 

"Did she really almost die?"

Maggie's stomach twisted, and she fought the urge to turn around and snap at them. Instead, she focused on taking slow, deep breaths and jotting down what little she could. The class felt endless, each tick of the clock a reminder of how far behind she was.

Maggie splashed cold water on her face, leaning over the sink in the quiet school restroom. The brief break between her second and third classes was the first moment she'd had to herself all morning, and she desperately needed it. She closed her eyes, letting the coolness calm her racing thoughts. Just as she reached for a paper towel, the restroom door creaked open. Maggie glanced in the mirror, her stomach sinking as she saw Alexis walk in, flanked by two of her loyal followers. Their heels clicked against the tiled floor, and their smug expressions made it clear this wasn't a coincidence.

"Well, well," Alexis began.

Maggie stiffened but kept her tone neutral. "What do you want, Alexis?"

"Oh, nothing much," Alexis said, leaning against the sink next to Maggie. Her friends blocked the door, crossing their arms as if on cue. "I was just curious. You've been, like, *so* secretive about what happened. I mean, the Joker? … what was he like?"

Maggie turned to face her, her jaw tightening.

"I'm not talking about that."

Alexis smirked, clearly unfazed. "Come on, Maggie. Everyone's dying to know. Or, well, too bad *you* didn't—"

"Stop," Maggie cut in, her voice low and firm, though her hands shook slightly.

Alexis stepped closer, her smirk growing. "Oh, don't be so sensitive. I mean, it's not every day someone gets to meet Gotham's most infamous psycho and lives to tell the tale. Speaking of which…" She reached out, grabbing the hem of Maggie's blazer.

"You must have some *serious* scars. Let's see."

Maggie stepped back, her eyes wide with a mix of anger and fear. "Don't touch me."

Alexis didn't back down. "Oh, relax. It's not like I'm going to hurt you. I just want to see what all the fuss is about."

Before Maggie could react, Alexis's hand darted forward, grabbing the edge of her shirt. The sudden invasion of her space triggered a wave of panic, and Maggie's hand shot out, shoving Alexis hard enough to make her stumble back.

"Don't you *dare*," Maggie snapped, her voice trembling with suppressed fury.

Alexis recovered quickly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as her friends' stifled giggles.

"Wow, touchy, aren't we?" she sneered. "What's the big deal?"

Maggie stood her ground, glaring at Alexis.

"Grow up and leave me alone."

Alexis rolled her eyes, opening her mouth to retort, but before she could speak, the air in the restroom seemed to shift. A strange, almost oppressive chill crept in, causing the overhead lights to flicker. The corners of the room darkened unnaturally, the shadows stretching and twisting as though alive.

"What the—" Alexis began, but her voice faltered as the shadows along the walls began to move.

One by one, the dark tendrils slithered toward her and her friends, their movements fluid and deliberate. Alexis's smug confidence vanished, replaced by wide-eyed panic. Her friends screamed as the tendrils coiled around the edges of their skirts and shoes, pulling at them just enough to send them stumbling back.

"What's happening?" one of Alexis's friends shrieked, clutching her arm.

"Let's get out of here!" another cried, frantically trying to kick away a shadow that darted toward her.

The tendrils lashed out again, this time curling dangerously close to Alexis. Her face paled as she stumbled backward, her bravado crumbling. She screamed, turning on her heel and bolting for the door. Her friends didn't need further prompting. They followed, shrieking, as the shadows chased them to the threshold, stopping just short of the doorway. The restroom door swung shut behind them, leaving Maggie alone in the suddenly still and silent space. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stared at the shadows retreating to their normal places along the walls and floor, as though nothing had happened. The air seemed to warm again, and the lights flickered back to normal.

Maggie took a shaky step back, her hands gripping the sink for support. "What… was that?" she whispered to herself.

Her reflection in the mirror stared back, her pale face and wide eyes reflecting the fear and confusion roiling inside her. For a brief moment, she thought she heard a familiar voice in the back of her mind—a soft, almost amused tone.

*They won't bother you again.*

"Lillyanna?" Maggie whispered, her voice trembling as she looked around the eerily quiet restroom. There was no response, only the faint sound of the fluorescent lights humming above. The air still felt heavy, like a residue from whatever had just happened. Grabbing her bag, she quickly headed toward the door, her shoes clicking softly against the tiled floor. The shadows seemed normal now, still and unassuming, but she couldn't shake the feeling of unseen eyes watching her.

The moment she stepped into the hallway, she bumped Jason.

"Mags," he said, steadying her by the shoulders. His sharp eyes immediately scanned her face, noting her pale complexion and wide eyes.

"What happened?"

Maggie hesitated, her mind racing. She wasn't sure how to explain what had just happened without sounding crazy. 

"They… they cornered me," she started, her voice shaky. 

"Alexis started asking questions, and then she tried to—" She broke off, glancing around as if someone might overhear.

"Tried to what?" Jason pressed, his voice low but urgent.

"She tried to lift my shirt," Maggie admitted, her tone bitter. "She wanted to see my scars."

Jason's jaw clenched, his hands tightening slightly on her shoulders. "She what?!"

Maggie shook her head. "It doesn't matter. They're gone now."

Jason stepped back, his fists curling at his sides. "Damn right they're gone. I'll make sure—"

"No," Maggie interrupted, her voice firm despite the tremble in it. "Don't. They won't bother me again."

Jason narrowed his eyes, studying her. "What makes you so sure?"

Maggie hesitated, biting her lip.

"Let's just say… they got what they deserved," she said carefully.

Jason's gaze softened slightly, though suspicion lingered in his expression. "Mags… if something else happened—"

"I'm fine," she insisted, though her voice wavered. "I just want to get to class, okay?"

Jason sighed, "Alright. But if they come near you again, they're going to have to deal with me."

Maggie managed a small smile. "Thanks, Jay."

"Come on. I'll walk you to your next class."

As they walked down the hallway, the whispers around them grew louder. Students were buzzing about Alexis and her friends. Maggie and Jason walked side by side into the crowded cafeteria, trays in hand. The buzz of conversation filled the air, but one topic stood out above the rest—the rumor about Alexis and her friends running screaming out of the bathroom.

"Did you hear about Alexis?" 

"They said she was screaming about shadows or something." 

"Do you think the bathroom's haunted?" 

Maggie kept her head down, hoping to avoid the curious glances being thrown her way. Jason, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed, his usual air of confidence steady as ever. He led her to their usual table, where Stephanie and Emily were already waiting.

"There they are!" Stephanie exclaimed, waving them over. "Took you long enough."

"Yeah, we were starting to think you bailed," Emily added with a grin.

Jason rolled his eyes as he set his tray down, pulling out a chair for Maggie before sitting beside her. "We had a run-in with Alexis earlier," he said, his tone sharp.

"That girl's got issues."

Stephanie's eyes widened. "Wait, you saw her? Please tell me you know what happened."

Maggie shifted uncomfortably, her fork poking at her salad.

"It's nothing," she said quickly. "She was just being… Alexis."

"Uh, Alexis ran out of the bathroom screaming like she'd seen a ghost," Emily said, leaning forward with a smirk.

"That's not 'just being Alexis.' What did you do to her?"

Jason chuckled, crossing his arms.

"Let's just say Maggie handled herself."

Maggie shot him a look but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips.

"Can we not talk about Alexis? She's not worth it."

Stephanie and Emily exchanged a glance but let it go, shifting gears instead.

"Fine," Stephanie said, grinning. "But you're not getting off that easy, Mags. Spill. What was Eton College like? And England? You've been holding out on us!"

Maggie relaxed slightly, grateful for the change in topic.

"England was… amazing," she said, her voice warming. "Eton was intimidating at first, but I got used to it. The classes were tough, but the experience was worth it. I even got to visit some castles."

"Castles?" Emily said, her eyes wide. "Like actual, real-life castles?"

Maggie nodded. "Yep. They were incredible—so much history. I even picked up a little souvenir for myself." She held up her wrist, showing off the charm bracelet Jason had given her before she left and the small castle charm, she'd added.

"See? This one's from England."

Emily and Stephanie leaned in to get a better look. "That's so cute!" Emily said.

"Wait, is that a Robin charm?"

Maggie's cheeks flushed slightly, and she glanced at Jason, who smirked knowingly.

"Yeah, Jason gave it to me before I left for England."

Stephanie grinned, nudging Emily.

"Aw, that's so sweet. You two are just too much."

"Don't start," Jason said, though his smirk never faded.

Maggie shook her head, laughing softly.

"Anyway, the charm bracelet's kind of like a memory keeper. I'm planning to add more charms whenever something special happens."

"That's such a great idea," Stephanie said. "And honestly, it's perfect for you."

The conversation shifted to lighter topics—school gossip, upcoming events, and their plans for the weekend. As the group laughed and chatted, Maggie felt herself finally relaxing and a sense of normalcy returning. 

The small office was cozy but cluttered, with motivational posters lining the walls and stacks of college brochures piled on the desk. Maggie shifted nervously in her seat as Mrs. Harp, Gotham Prep's guidance counselor, shuffled through a folder labeled with Maggie's name.

"Well, Maggie," Mrs. Harp began, adjusting her glasses as she looked over her notes. "I'm so glad you're back. We've got a lot to catch up on."

Maggie nodded, clutching her notebook tightly in her lap. "Yeah, I know. I've missed a lot."

Mrs. Harp smiled warmly. "It's okay. We're here to help you get back on track. Let's start with your classes. Your teachers have been kind enough to provide a list of assignments and notes you've missed. You'll have some catching up to do, but it's manageable."

Maggie exhaled, relieved to hear a plan was already in place.

"Okay. That's good. I've been worried about falling behind, especially with senior year being so important."

"I understand completely," Mrs. Harp said, pulling out a stack of papers and handing them to Maggie.

"These are the assignments and deadlines for each class. I recommend starting with the smaller tasks to ease back in, then tackling the bigger projects once you've gotten your footing."

Maggie nodded, flipping through the stack. "Got it. And… college applications?"

Mrs. Harp's face lit up. "Ah, yes. We've got some upcoming deadlines to keep in mind. Have you decided on your top choices yet?"

Maggie hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the papers. "Gotham City University, particularly the fast-track science program to graduate degree is on the top of the list, and I'm thinking about a few schools like, Metropolis University, Yale and Oxford."

Mrs. Harp smiled approvingly.

"Excellent choices. You've got the grades and extracurriculars to make a strong case. If you'd like, we can review your personal statement next week to ensure it's polished and ready to go."

"That would be great," Maggie said, her confidence growing slightly. "Thank you."

"Of course," Mrs. Harp said, making a note in her planner.

"One last thing—how are you feeling about being back? Adjusting okay?"

Maggie hesitated, her smile faltering.

"It's… a little overwhelming. Everyone's asking questions, and the workload feels huge, but… I'll figure it out."

Mrs. Harp leaned forward, her expression kind. "You don't have to figure it out alone, Maggie. If you ever need to talk, my door is always open and it's okay to ask for help."

Maggie offered a small smile. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

"Good," Mrs. Harp said, standing and extending her hand. "You've got this."

Maggie shook her hand, feeling a flicker of hope as she gathered her papers and left the office. As she stepped into the hallway, she spotted Jason leaning casually against a locker, waiting for her. His familiar smirk.

"Ready to head out?" he asked, pushing off the locker and falling into step beside her.

"Yeah," Maggie said, tucking the papers into her bag. "Just a little more to add to the to-do list."

The Mustang's engine purred as Jason drove down the streets of Gotham, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows over the road. Maggie sat in the passenger seat, her bag on her lap and a small stack of assignments in her hands. She flipped through the papers, writing the answers to the questions.

Jason glanced over, raising an eyebrow. "You're really going to start working on homework in the car?"

Maggie smirked, not looking up. "Might as well. I've got a lot to catch up on."

Jason chuckled softly, his grip steady on the wheel. "Just don't get car sick."

Maggie frowned, finally looking up. "I'm not going to get car sick."

Jason's smirk widened, his tone teasing.

"You sure about that? Because I seem to remember a story Dick told—something about you being, what, ten years old? Reading in the back seat, insisting you were fine until you weren't?"

Maggie's cheeks flushed, and she groaned, burying her face in her hands.

"He did not tell you that."

"Oh, he did," Jason said, laughing now.

"Apparently, Bruce had to pull over, and you threw up all over the side of the road. What was it—a book about princesses or something?"

"It was not about princesses," Maggie muttered, her face still red.

"It was *A Little Princess*. There's a difference."

Jason snorted. "Sure, sure. All I'm saying is, maybe don't risk a repeat performance."

Maggie glared at him, though she couldn't keep the smile off her face.

"I was ten. I can handle it now."

Jason shrugged, clearly enjoying himself. "Alright, but if I have to pull over, you owe me detailing on this car."

"Deal," Maggie said, rolling her eyes. She set the papers down in her lap and looked out the window, deciding to give herself a break—for now.

"I can't believe Dick told you that story."

Jason grinned, glancing at her briefly. "What are big brothers for if not embarrassing you? Besides, it's a cute story."

"It's not cute," Maggie muttered, but her smile lingered.

The car fell into a comfortable silence, the hum of the engine and the cityscape rolling by lulling her into a sense of calm. Jason reached over briefly, his fingers brushing hers as he tapped her hand.

"You'll catch up on everything, Mags. Don't stress."

He shot her a quick smile before turning his attention back to the road. 

The soft glow of Maggie's desk lamp illuminated the piles of papers and textbooks scattered across her desk. She sat hunched over, scribbling answers into a notebook, her brows furrowed in concentration. The rest of the room was dim, the outside world long forgotten as she lost herself in catching up on the mountain of assignments. A knock sounded at the door, followed by Jason stepping in without waiting for an answer. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her for a moment before speaking.

"Mags, you've been at this for hours. Take a break."

"I can't," Maggie muttered without looking up. "I'm behind enough as it is."

Jason sighed, stepping closer. "You're gonna burn yourself out. Come on, let's hit the gym. A little training will clear your head."

"Not now," Maggie said sharply, flipping to the next page of her notes.

Jason frowned, his patience waning. "Maggie, seriously. You need to step away for a bit. You'll still have time to finish this later."

"I said not now, Jason!" Maggie snapped.

Jason's lips tightened, but he wasn't one to give up easily. He reached out, lightly tugging on her arm to pull her out of the chair. "Let's go. You'll feel better—"

Before he could finish, a dark shadow tendril shot out from the corner of the room, slashing through the air between them. It didn't make contact, but it was close enough to force Jason to take a step back. His eyes widened, and he instinctively raised his arms in a defensive stance. Maggie gasped, jerking her arm away from him as the tendril retreated back into the corner, fading into the darkness like it had never been there. Her breath came in quick, shallow bursts, her hands trembling as she stared at the spot where the shadow had emerged. Jason, now standing a few feet away, lowered his arms but didn't move closer. His expression was a mix of shock and concern.

"What the hell was that?"

"I-I didn't mean to," Maggie stammered, pushing her chair back as if trying to put distance between herself and the corner of the room.

"It just… it just happened."

Jason's gaze flicked to the corner where the shadow had vanished, then back to her.

"Maggie, What's going on?"

"I don't know," Maggie admitted, her voice trembling.

"They… they just come out when I'm upset. I didn't mean to—it wasn't on purpose."

Jason's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression thoughtful but still edged with concern.

"Mags… did the same thing happen with Alexis? Is that why she and her friends ran screaming down the hallway?"

Maggie hesitated, her eyes darting away from his. She didn't want to admit it, but she couldn't deny it either.

"Maybe," she said quietly.

"I didn't mean for it to happen then, either. I was just… angry, and scared, and then it just happened."

Jason let out a slow breath, running a hand through his hair.

"Maggie, this is serious. You've got to figure out how to control it."

She folded her arms tightly, her knuckles white as she gripped her elbows.

"I know that, Jason. But I don't even know where to start."

Jason crouched slightly, trying to catch her eye.

"Maybe start by talking to someone who can help. Bruce? Constantine?'

Maggie shook her head fiercely, stepping back.

"No."

Jason straightened up, crossing his arms. "So, what's your plan? Just keep pretending this isn't happening until it gets worse?"

"I don't know!" Maggie snapped, frustration bubbling to the surface.

"I just… I need time. I'll figure it out, okay?"

Jason exhaled sharply, clearly wanting to press further, but he held back. Instead, he softened his tone.

"Alright. But you don't have it figure it out, promise me you'll talk to someone."

Maggie hesitated, then nodded reluctantly.

"Okay. But you're right about one thing—I need a break. And… I do need to catch up on training."

Jason smirked faintly, the tension easing slightly between them. "Training sounds like a good place to start. Plus, you'll get to hit something. That's always therapeutic."

Maggie let out a small laugh, her shoulders relaxing.

"You're not wrong."

Jason stepped back, motioning toward the door.

"Come on. Let's head to the gym. No shadows allowed this time."

Maggie pulled her hair into a messy ponytail as she stepped into the training room, dressed in a fitted black tank top and workout leggings. Her sneakers squeaked lightly on the polished floor as she took in the familiar space. The room was outfitted with everything from punching bags to high-tech equipment, all meticulously maintained—a testament to Bruce's rigorous training routines. Jason was already there, stretching near the mats, his usual casual confidence on full display in his sleeveless training shirt and athletic pants. He glanced up when Maggie entered and smirked.

"Took you long enough."

Maggie rolled her eyes, stepping onto the mat.

"You're lucky I agreed to this at all."

Jason stood, rolling his shoulders as he moved toward her.

"You'll thank me later when you're not drowning in frustration. Sometimes, you just need to hit something."

Maggie raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, is that your professional opinion?"

"Absolutely," Jason replied with a grin. He gestured toward the punching bag hanging nearby.

"Alright, show me what you've got."

Maggie approached the bag, shaking out her arms and taking a steadying breath. She threw a series of punches—quick jabs followed by a strong cross. The bag barely swayed, but her form was clean and precise.

"Not bad," Jason said, circling around her.

"But you're holding back. Hit it like you mean it."

"I am," Maggie protested, frowning.

Jason stopped beside her and tapped the bag lightly. "Mags, this thing isn't made of glass. Don't be afraid to let it out."

Maggie hesitated, glancing at him. She wasn't sure if he meant the physical strength she was still rebuilding—or the shadows she was trying so hard to suppress. Either way, she knew he was right. She adjusted her stance, clenched her fists tighter, and launched into another round of punches, each one landing with more force. The bag swayed noticeably this time, and Jason nodded in approval.

"There you go," he said. "Keep that up, and you might actually knock me down one day."

Maggie smirked, her breath coming faster as she landed a hard kick to the bag.

"Don't tempt me."

"I'd like to see you try."

Jason laughed, stepping back to watch her continue.

After a solid twenty minutes on the punching bag, Maggie leaned against it, wiping sweat from her brow. Jason handed her a water bottle, his expression less teasing now and more impressed.

"You've been keeping up."

Maggie took a long sip of water and sat beside him, her body buzzing with the satisfying exhaustion of physical effort.

"Thanks. It's been a while since I trained like this. It feels… good."

Jason nodded, tossing his water bottle between his hands.

"See? Told you this would help."

Maggie smiled faintly, glancing at him.

"Okay, fine. You were right."

Jason grinned, leaning back on his hands. "I'm gonna need that in writing."

"Don't push it," she said with a laugh, nudging his arm.

Maggie nudged Jason's arm playfully, her smirk softening as their eyes met. Jason chuckled, shaking his head, but the look in his eyes shifted—warmer, softer. Before she could say anything, he leaned in, brushing a hand against her cheek, and kissed her. The kiss was tender at first, but as Maggie leaned into it, the moment deepened. Her heart raced, and time seemed to slow. Neither of them noticed the shadows creeping from the corners of the training room, curling toward them like silent sentinels. As the kiss continued, the air around them changed. The shadows surged forward, wrapping around their bodies in a strange, protective embrace. Jason pulled back slightly, his brow furrowing.

"Mags, what's—"

Before he could finish, the shadows tightened, and everything went dark. A rush of movement, like falling through a void, made their stomachs flip. And then—bam! The two of them landed unceremoniously on Maggie's bed in a tangle of limbs, the mattress creaking under their sudden weight. Jason groaned; his hand pressed against the bedspread as he tried to orient himself. Maggie was sprawled beneath him, her wide eyes staring up at him.

"What the hell just happened?" Jason asked, his voice still dazed.

Maggie blinked, her breath catching as she realized where they were.

"I think… the shadows moved us."

Jason looked around, recognizing her room instantly. He pushed himself up on one elbow, still hovering over her.

"They moved us? As in, teleported us? To your bed?"

Maggie's cheeks flushed as she struggled to sit up, her hands pushing against his chest.

"It wasn't on purpose! I didn't ask them to do this!"

Jason rolled off her and sat at the edge of the bed, raking a hand through his hair.

"Well, that's definitely a first," he muttered, glancing at the shadows still lingering in the corners of the room.

"You've got some seriously weird powers, Mags."

Maggie sat up fully, clutching a pillow to her chest.

"I know, okay? I don't know why this keeps happening. It's like they act on their own when I get emotional or something."

Jason turned to her, his expression softening. "Hey, it's okay. It's weird, sure, but you're fine. We're fine."

Then, with a teasing smirk, he added, "Though if they're gonna toss us around, maybe warn me next time. My back's not a fan of crash landings."

Maggie let out a small laugh, though her nerves were still raw. "I'll add it to my to-do list: 'Learn how to control creepy shadow powers so I don't drag my boyfriend onto my bed via vortex.'"

Jason grinned, leaning back slightly. "Not the worst way to get here, but yeah, probably a good idea."

She rolled her eyes, throwing the pillow at him, which he caught effortlessly, tossing it lightly back onto the bed with a smirk. His expression shifted slightly as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"Alright, Mags," he said, his tone calm but curious. "What were you feeling—or thinking—when the shadows decided to teleport us here? You've gotta admit, it wasn't random."

Maggie's cheeks flushed as she hugged her knees to her chest, avoiding his gaze.

"I don't know," she muttered, though her voice betrayed her embarrassment.

Jason raised an eyebrow, watching her closely. "Come on, Mags. Something triggered it. You were feeling something. Spill."

She sighed, fiddling with a loose thread on her leggings.

"We were… kissing," she started, her voice barely above a whisper.

"And I guess I was feeling, you know…turned on."

Jason leaned back slightly, crossing his arms as he waited for more.

"Okay, and?"

"And I might have… wished for more privacy," Maggie admitted, her face burning as she finally looked up at him.

"I mean, we were in the training room. Anyone could've walked in!"

Jason blinked, then let out a low chuckle.

"So, your shadows heard you and decided, 'Hey, let's give these two lovebirds a little alone time'?"

Maggie groaned, burying her face in her hands.

"Don't make it sound worse than it already is."

Jason laughed, leaning over to gently nudge her shoulder.

"I'm not! It's just… kind of amazing. You felt something, wished for something, and they made it happen. That's not just random powers, Mags. That's connection."

She peeked at him through her fingers, still flustered. "Yeah, but it's also kind of terrifying."

Jason's laughter faded, and his tone softened.

"That's why you've gotta figure this out. Learn to control it before it controls you. You're not doing anything wrong."

She nodded slowly, her hands dropping back to her lap.

"I guess it makes sense. I was feeling something really strongly, and they just… reacted."

Jason smirked again, leaning back on his hands.

"Well, I'll say this: your shadows definitely know how to make an entrance. But next time, maybe give me a heads-up if they're about to whisk us off somewhere."

Maggie managed a small laugh, the tension in her chest easing slightly.

"I'll try, but I'm still figuring this out as I go."

Jason nodded, his smirk softening into something more sincere. "But for now, let's maybe keep the shadow teleports to a minimum, yeah?"

She smiled, nudging his arm playfully.

"Deal. But only if you promise to stop laughing about it."

Jason raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Alright, alright. I'll try."