Shadows of Gotham

chapter four

Isabella's POV:

I was fifteen, and I had just managed to sneak Jason into my mansion. It wasn't the first time I'd done it, but every time felt like a thrilling adventure. My parents were never home, and the house staff knew better than to question me, so getting Jason inside was more a matter of stealth for fun than necessity.

We tiptoed through the grand hallways, stifling giggles as we avoided creaky floorboards. Finally, we made it to my room, closing the door behind us with a soft click. Jason flopped onto my bed with a dramatic sigh, stretching out like he owned the place. His shirt lifted and exposed his abdomen for a slight second, and I ripped my eyes away.

"Your bed is way too comfortable," he said, grinning up at me. "I'm never leaving."

"Well, you better not get too comfortable," I teased, sitting down next to him. "Someone might come looking for me."

"Nah, we'll hear them coming," Jason replied, propping himself up on one elbow. "You've got, like, a hundred rooms between here and the front door."

I laughed, knowing he was right. My parents' mansion was ridiculously large, a maze of rooms and hallways that I often found lonely and empty. But with Jason here, it felt alive, filled with the kind of energy and excitement only he could bring.

We spent the next hour just hanging out, talking about everything and nothing. Jason had this way of making even the most mundane topics seem interesting. His stories, his jokes, his infectious laughter—they all made my world brighter.

As we lay side by side on my bed, I couldn't help but steal glances at him. He was so close, his dark hair tousled and eyes sparkling with mischief. I had known Jason for months now, and somewhere along the way, my feelings for him had grown into something more than just friendship. But I kept those feelings hidden, convinced that he saw me as nothing more than a little sister. He teased me constantly, always with that playful smirk, and I never dared to hope it could mean something more.

"Hey, Iz," Jason said suddenly, using the nickname he had given me. "You ever think about the future?"

"Sometimes," I replied, trying to sound casual. "Why?"

He shrugged, looking thoughtful. "Just wondering where we'll end up. You know, in a few years."

I turned onto my side to face him, my curiosity piqued. "Where do you see yourself, Jason? What do you want to do?"

He sighed, his gaze drifting to the ceiling. "I don't know. I just want to do something that matters. Help people. Make a difference."

"You will," I said with conviction. "You have a good heart. You'll find your way."

He looked at me then, his eyes softening. "Thanks, Iz. That means a lot coming from you."

There was a moment of silence, a comfortable pause in our conversation. Then, out of nowhere, Jason reached out and took my hand, his fingers warm and reassuring. "You know," he said quietly, "you're one of the best things in my life."

My heart skipped a beat, and I felt my cheeks flush. "Really?"

"Really," he affirmed, squeezing my hand. "You're always there for me. You make me feel like I belong somewhere, like I matter. I don't know what I'd do without you."

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'll always be here for you, Jason. You can count on that."

He smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile that made my chest ache with unspoken feelings. "And I'll always be there for you, too, Izzy. No matter what happens."