𝐉𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐, jasonette

xxiii. 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐞 / 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐫

Jason had no idea what he was thinking. Actually, scratch that, he did, but it was a very vague idea. See, it was simple. All he wanted to do was to give surprise Marinette with her favourite dessert—apple pie.

Obviously, when he first came up with the idea, Jason had to go to Alfred for help because let's be honest, he hadn't the foggiest clue as to what he was doing when he was in the kitchen. None of the members of the Wayne family did—especially Bruce.

Jason's father had the capability of a two-year-old in the kitchen, and on the rare occasion that Bruce decided to wander into the danger zone, Alfred was there in less than a second, ushering him out immediately. Jason always took great enjoyment in watching that happen, especially since Bruce looked like a puppy when he tried to convince Alfred to let him stay for a while.

Although, Jason could understand Alfred's reasons. Bruce had once burnt down the entire kitchen because he was warming some pizza in the microwave. To this day, no one in the family knew what the hell caused that, but since then, Alfred refused to let Bruce within five feet of the kitchen. "No telling what he would end up doing," Alfred used to tell Jason.

That was also probably the reason the Wayne's famed butler was looking at Jason with a slight, but discernible, glint of panic in his eyes. "Well, Master Jason," he said carefully, "What business do you have in the kitchen? Perhaps I can help."

Jason quickly glanced around him, looking for any of Tim's many phones—the idiot could have them bugged for all Jason knew—Dick's fluffy rabbit slippers (he was ridiculously attached to them) and Damian's weapons. No need for his siblings to have any idea of this until it was already done.

As it turned out, Jason wasn't the only one who loved Marinette. His entire family practically worshipped the ground she worked on, a clear sign they liked (read: loved) her—how could Jason blame them for that? It was perfect.

But, it did get frustrating when Damian walked on him and Marinette making out twice, Tim fulfilling the universe's role—interrupting the two of them in ahem moments—and Dick just being his usual self who most likely encouraged Damian and Tim. Basically, whenever Marinette was at the Manor, Jason hardly ever got to spend a moment alone with her, solely because she was already occupied with his attention-vying family.

"I want to make an apple pie," Jason said, answering Alfred's previously asked question. "For Marinette," he added, and the butler gave him a knowing look.

"I suppose you do not want the other young Masters to interrupt?" Alfred was too perceptive for his own good—not that Jason would change anything about it. (Except maybe his tendency to subtly-but-unsubtly fuss when one of them—generally Jason—got seriously injured.)

Jason shrugged embarrassedly, feeling a little awkward now that the real, underlying reason was out in the open. He cringed as he heard Tim and Dick's loud voices overlapping each other, no doubt arguing over something pointless. Jason knew it was only a matter of time before they came running to Alfred to solve it.

Alfred shot Jason a sly smirk, patting him on the shoulder. "Worry not, young Master," he said, striding towards a cupboard full of books. Jason had to blink hard as Alfred pulled out a book, and he resisted the urge to shield his eyes. It was neon green. Opening the book to a specific page, Alfred turned back to Jason, offering the book. "Here is the recipe to the apple pie I assume Miss Marinette likes."

Jason took the book from him and scanned the page quickly. He frowned as he read over the words, barely understanding them. "It looks kinda complicated," he said nervously, twiddling his fingers with the pages.