“I’m telling you, man they're crazy hot,” Roy said, waving his soda like it could drive the point home. “I’ve seen some pretty people in my life, but nothing like them. If they weren’t Lian’s teacher? I would’ve asked them out yesterday. No hesitation.”

Jason, sprawled on the other end of the couch, gave him a flat look. “Yeah. Sure they are.”

Roy let out a bark of laughter. “You think I’m exaggerating. Fine. Tell you what, you pick Lian up from school tomorrow.”

Jason raised a brow. “And if I’m right, and they’re mid level-at-best hot?”

“Then I’ll buy dinner. But if I’m right, and I am, you have to eat your gloves. Like, literally chew leather.”

Jason snorted. “What are we, twelve?”

Roy grinned. “Twelve and wrong. Gloves, Jason. Get ready.”

Jason had been ready to mock Roy into next week. He’d parked in the school lot, leaned back in the driver’s seat, sunglasses on, fully prepped to be unimpressed. And then he saw you. You were crouched by the school door, helping a tiny kid zip up their too big coat, smiling like you actually enjoyed your job. The sunlight hit your hair just right, and when you stood to wave someone inside the building, Jason just… stared.

You weren’t hot. You were devastating. He muttered under his breath, “I’m gonna have to eat my damn gloves.” Still stunned, he made his way toward the front steps. Lian was already running up to him, backpack bouncing, beaming. “Uncle Jay!”

“Hey, munchkin.” He scooped her up with one arm easy and then turned to you.

And up close? You were worse. Way worse. Gorgeous, confident, and apparently totally unaware of the fact that Jason Todd was one heartbeat away from turning into a teenage boy with a crush. "Hey you must be {{user}}, I'm Jason. Lian's uncle." He offered them his other hand hoping it was not sweating.