There is Just no Stopping this Thing Called Love

2: The End

The exotic elegance and golden glitz of the annual Wayne Gala met the couple's eyes as they exited the carriage, the door held open by one of an assortment of footmen.

Jason looped Steph's arm through his and they began to ascend the steps to Wayne Manor.

Alfred smiled at them as he hurried by, ordering a handful of harried staff to their posts.

A valet took their coats and Jason's derby hat, and Jason led Steph to the sparkling ballroom, her white gloved hand resting on his arm and the rustle of her taffeta dress swishing behind them.

The strains of Forget-Me-Not increased as they drew near, the ambient chatter of dozens of guests filling their ears.

They stepped into the ballroom proper, glancing around for the host of the Gala and his extended family.

Steph spotted Bruce's cousin Kate's distinctive red hair immediately, as she was chatting with the other redhead in the room, Jason's older brother Dick's fiancée, Babs.

"Waterfowl incoming," Jason's husky voice sent a shiver down Steph's spine, but she kept her mask on. The first obstacle was approaching them, the red-vested figure determinedly making his way through the groups of Gotham's elite towards them, a wrinkle on his brow.

"Jason," Tim greeted, nodding to her date before lifting her hand to his lips to greet her with a courtly kiss. "Miss Brown," his tone was puzzled as he greeted her.

"Timothy," Jason returned.

Caught between the man who had courted her for a few short weeks before ending their fledgling relationship abruptly and her new fiance, Steph strove to not be overcome by the awkwardness and posturing occurring in front of her.

"Well, this looks like a lovely party, Mr. Drake. I'm sure part of this is due to your advice to Mr. Wayne on the newest trends."

She blatantly ignored Tim's obvious confusion at her appearance, here, on Jason's arm.

"He likes to stay up to date on the newest fads, Miss Brown," he answered hesitantly. "I assure you I provided very little input on this gala's preparations."

"Well, if we miss Mr. Wayne, please relay my compliments on the lovely production." She squeezed Jason's arm, telling him to take her away from the conversation as quickly as was acceptably possible.

"Oh, Jason, Bruce is trying to make you socialise with Mr. Queen's son," Tim muttered as he left.

"Well, that could have gone worse," commented Jason lowly as he spun her past a couple dancing on the edges of the dance floor, her red skirts flaring in a way that pleased Steph. "What is Bruce up to now?"

Steph shrugged. "Mr. Drake is too busy trying to figure out how we know each other; that's probably why he dropped it so precipitously. Bets on if this is Bruce or Brucie acting?"

"He's with the Queens, so probably a bit of both," Jason sighed.

Steph glanced down at her left hand, the glove she was wearing covering her new jewellery.

"I need some champagne," she sighed, snagging a flute off a passing waiter's tray. "Should we invade their conversation?"

Jason glanced over at the group. There was a barely contained look of pure mischief on Roy's face, and Jason groaned. " What is he saying?"

He headed over immediately, Steph following slightly behind so it wouldn't appear as if she was eavesdropping (she was absolutely eavesdropping).

"Why, Jason loves riding. Not as much as his younger brother, I'll grant, but he still goes out a fair bit. I'm sure Mr. Harper would be most welcome to join him!" Bruce enthused.

Jason coughed.

Bruce turned. "Oh, here he is now, how fortuitous! Mr. Harper, this is my second son, Jason Todd. Jason, Mr. Harper."

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance," Roy shook Jason's hand, barely smothering his cackles. "Your father was just telling us you love to ride. Perhaps we could make a joint adventure of it some day?"

"Certainly, certainly. Do let me know when you are available." Jason matched Roy's fake posh tone.

"That vest is a dashing shade of purple, Mr. Todd. Who is your tailor?"

"It's eggplant , thank you. I usually just use Bruce's tailor, Thomas Misell." Jason winked. "Bruce does have good taste."

Steph, sensing the opportunity for more chaos, nudged Jason's arm with her elbow.

He smoothly wrapped his hand through her arm and around her waist, pulling her into his side and joining the circle. "May I introduce Miss Brown, my fiancee? Miss Brown, Mr. Harper and Mr. & Mrs. Queen."

Steph nodded regally. "Delighted to meet you."

Bruce stared at them, a dozen questions on the tip of his tongue, but being in public he had to restrain himself.

The Queens soon moved away to greet a fellow Gala attender from Star City, leaving the couple to Bruce's scrutiny.

"Fiancee?" was the only thing that he could say.

They nodded, beaming.

"I proposed tonight."

"It's nice to formally meet you, Mr. Wayne. I've heard lots about you." Steph made a half-curtsy.

"How long have you been seeing each other?"

"Jason began formally courting me last New Years', but we had been unofficially courting since October?" she glanced up at Jason, who nodded.

Bruce looked relieved that this wasn't an impulsive thing done either to spite him or because one of them was under someone's influence. "Congratulations, then. Pardon me, Miss Brown, but you look familiar...have we met before?"

"I'm a domestic for Dr. Thompson," she supplied. "You may have seen me sometime when you stopped by to donate some money. We really appreciate it, Mr. Wayne. We have been able to help so many more unfortunate souls with your support."

"That is very good to hear, Miss Brown."

Bruce shot Jason a look that told him they would be talking about his surprise fiancee later and excused himself to greet Mr. Palmer.

"Well, that could have gone worse," Steph surmised, relaxing against the wall with her champagne.

"Just wait till Dick returns from his trip and hears about this," groused Jason. "Enjoy the last few minutes of peace while you can."

A/N: I must thank my beta for providing the idea of the Jayroy shenanigans and annoying Bruce. Bruce was at his wits' end finding someone for Jason and even deigned to attempt to set Jason and *gag* Roy Harper Queen up, but luckily for him, Steph already took care of everything.
He may be less grateful once he realizes he'll have to deal with Steph as Jason's lover *and* Roy as his BFF, and them both inciting shenanigans.