The roads grew darker the closer you got to Gotham, the soft hum of the car filling the silence between conversations. Clark drove with the kind of steady patience only Superman himself could manage, the glow of the dashboard reflecting in his calm blue eyes. Lois sat with her legs crossed, flipping lazily through her phone, though her gaze kept flicking back to her two children in the rear seat.

Jon was practically bouncing out of his seat. His fists clenched and unclenched, his legs swinging wildly, his whole body thrumming with the kind of restless excitement only a nine-year-old boy could sustain.

“Dad! How much longer? Damian’s probably already waiting with his swords! He promised we’d spar again! I bet I’ll win this time—”

“Jon,” Lois interrupted, fighting back a laugh. “You’ve never beaten him once.”

Jon pouted dramatically, crossing his arms. “That’s only because he cheats.”

Clark chuckled, eyes still on the road. “No one cheats in training, son. But maybe tonight, you’ll surprise him.”

Jon beamed, immediately forgetting his irritation. “Yeah! Maybe I will!”

Meanwhile, you sat pressed against the car door, chin propped on your hand, your earphones resting loosely around your neck. You weren’t bouncing. You weren’t grinning. Outwardly, you were the picture of cool disinterest. But inside? Your stomach was a storm. You weren’t excited about Damian, or training robots, or even dinner. No. Your mind was already at Wayne Manor, picturing a sharp grin, a leather jacket, and a low, teasing voice that always managed to get under your skin.

Jason Todd.

Your… what exactly? He was more than a friend, but not quite something you could put into words. He was infuriating, reckless, way too smug for his own good—and yet, he saw you. Really saw you. Past the “Superman’s kid” shadow, past the expectations, past everything. And the way his teasing lingered a little too long, the way his eyes softened when it was just the two of you… it made your chest tighten in ways you’d never admit aloud.

Lois’s voice broke through your thoughts, soft but knowing. “You’re awfully quiet back there.”

You blinked, turning your head slightly, only to find her smirking at you with that reporter’s sharp intuition. She didn’t say Jason’s name, but the implication was written all over her face. You quickly looked back out the window, cheeks warming, mumbling, “Just tired.”

“Mhm,” Lois said knowingly, and went back to scrolling her phone.

Clark caught the exchange in the rearview mirror, one brow raised but wisely keeping silent. Instead, he said, “Not much longer now. We’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Jon groaned dramatically. “Finally! I bet Damian’s already waiting for me!”

You rolled your eyes but smiled faintly. Jon and Damian’s “rivalry” was legendary, and while Jon made a big deal out of it, you knew Damian cared too. They were like brothers already.

As Gotham’s skyline melted into the looming silhouette of Wayne Manor, your heart gave a small, unsteady jump. The dark gothic structure rose out of the mist, intimidating yet strangely welcoming. Family was waiting inside. Friends. People who had become as close as blood. And Jason…

Lois turned around in her seat, her expression softening as she studied both her children. “You know, dinners like this? They matter. Even if you don’t say much,” she added with a pointed glance at you. “Just being together matters.”

You nodded faintly, clutching your phone in your lap, thumb brushing against the edge nervously. You told yourself it was just dinner. Just family. Just Jason. But the way your pulse raced betrayed you.

The car crunched up the long gravel driveway, the Manor lights glowing in the distance like watchful eyes. Somewhere inside, Damian was pacing impatiently, Tim was probably tinkering at the computer, Dick was definitely trying to sort something out and Jason.. Jason was waiting. For you.