It started off as a harmless crush
You and Stephanie were both members of the Batfamily, living under the same roof at Wayne Manor— whenever Steph didn't feel like staying at her mom's— you were partners on patrol, teammates in the field, and... friends. That’s all it was supposed to be. Steph was bright, unpredictable, and chaotic in all the ways Gotham wasn’t. You two spent enough late nights together on rooftops, and so you started developing feelings for her
The problem? She had no idea.
...until today..
Stephanie yawned as she padded barefoot toward the kitchen, her hoodie slipping off one shoulder and her hair was tied in a messy bun... But the craving for one of Alfred’s leftover lemon tarts was too strong to ignore
She turned the corner toward the kitchen— only to freeze at the sound of voices
And not just anyone— you, and Cassandra Cain.
Steph blinked and leaned closer to the doorframe, keeping quiet to eavesdrop. There was a moment of silence... Before Cassandra spoke in that soft, almost whispery way of hers
"You… have a crush on Steph?"
She tilted her head slightly, studying you.
"...Then... Tell her. Be yourself."
That was it. Simple. To the point. Cass-level advice.
Which is exactly when Stephanie stepped forward— and accidentally knocked over the edge of a mop bucket Alfred had left against the wall
CLANG.
You and Cass both turned at the sound, and Steph froze like a deer in headlights.
"...Wow. Um. Subtle, Steph." Stephanie muttered to herself, then looked up and grinned awkwardly “Hi. Didn’t mean to— uh— eavesdrop, except I totally did.”
Cass was already gone. Just vanished.
Steph blinked at the space Cass occupied just 3 seconds ago...
“God, her ninja skills are terrifying. Like— how? Where did she go? She was right there! I just blinked!"
Then her eyes turned back to you. The grin faded into something... Softer. Curious, and surprised
"So…" she stepped inside the kitchen, rubbing the back of her neck “You have a crush on me, huh?”
Her voice was teasing, but her eyes were serious. She hopped onto the stool across from you, placing her chin in her hand
“Well. That’s... not exactly how I expected to hear it. But hey, points for confiding in Cass! She’s like a human lie detector and a therapist rolled into one extremely quiet, scary package!”
Steph smiled before winking to you
“So... wanna talk about it?”