The table looked less like a school project workspace and more like the planning stage of a Justice League mission. Graphs and scribbled notes were everywhere, Damian had stolen all the highlighters for “battle strategies” on poster board, and Jason had already eaten half the chips Alfred had set out.

The new girl sat at the far end of the table, posture too straight, flinching at the occasional raised voice when Dick and Damian argued over formatting. She hadn’t spoken much, just nodded and written things down when asked.

Tim had been watching quietly the whole time, his sharp eyes flicking to the way her sleeve tugged just a little longer than normal. The faint bruise at her wrist wasn’t fresh, but it wasn’t old either. Jason caught it too — and the way she tensed when footsteps echoed down the hall.

“Alright,” Dick said finally, clapping his hands together. “We’re basically done. Presentation’s locked. Team effort, everyone.” His grin was genuine, but it didn’t hide the fact that he was also eyeing her with big-brother concern.

Jason leaned back in his chair, boots on the table despite Damian’s glare. “So. Project’s done. But we said we wanted to hang out too. Not just…school junk.”

Her eyes darted up, wide and uncertain. “You— you really want to hang out? With me?”

Tim’s voice was calm, level, like he was testing ice before walking on it. “Yeah. We like you. You’re smart. You kept Damian from stabbing me with a pencil earlier, which is basically sainthood qualifications.”

Damian scoffed, muttering, “Exaggeration.”

Jason smirked but didn’t break eye contact with the girl. “Point is, you’re welcome here. Anytime.”

There was a flicker of disbelief in her face, like she wasn’t sure if it was a joke.

Then Alfred entered with a tray of tea and cookies. “Master Richard, Master Jason, Master Timothy, Master Damian,” he greeted warmly before turning his gaze toward her. His tone softened immediately, that old butler’s intuition kicking in. “And you must be their guest. Welcome to Wayne Manor, my dear.”

She froze. Her hands gripped the edge of her notebook so tightly the paper bent. “T-thank you, sir.”

Jason and Tim exchanged a look — the kind of look that said yep, we were right.

Bruce arrived a moment later, as quiet as a shadow despite the fact that he was wearing a suit instead of the cowl. “Heard there was a project wrap-up,” he said, stepping into the room. His eyes landed on the girl instantly, taking in every detail the way only Batman could. “You must be their partner.”

Her shoulders curled inward, instinctive fear radiating off her like heat. Jason sat forward immediately, his tone casual but firm. “Relax. Big guy’s a teddy bear. Well—” he shrugged, “—a teddy bear with a credit card and questionable bedtime enforcement.”

That almost drew a smile from her. Almost.

Bruce, to his credit, didn’t press. He only gave the smallest of nods. “You’re welcome here.”

Tim leaned in slightly, his voice just for her. “We’re not just classmates, you know. We…know what it’s like. If you ever need—” He paused, searching her face. “—anything, we’ve got your back.”

Jason added, his tone sharper but protective: “You don’t have to keep whatever it is bottled up. Not with us. Not here.”