The UnTamed

CH 19

"It has potential," Jason said as he stepped over some broken floorboards.

"It needs work," Asta said, lifting her cloak as she tiptoed across the weak floors. I don't smell mold. The roof and outer walls are intact. That's all good." She watched rats scurry across the floors. It was an abandoned apartment building sitting between Crime Alley and the Narrow. They plan to renovate it and put it to use.

They were still debating the use. Of course, they wanted it to house people, but the kind of people was the argument. Jason didn't want to put any stipulations on allowing all people in the building who needed it. Asta didn't want sex workers, drug dealers, or drug users. She had no problems with these people. Their activities and professions, however, were dangerous.

She had first had accounts of sex workers and drug dealers being followed and attacked by clients she didn't want to endanger the other residents. As for the drug users, they use and sometimes overdose; children didn't need to see that. Sometimes, they got desperate and stole. These people were already at rock bottom. They don't need their junkie neighbor stealing what little they have. And she witnessed enough dealers vs users fights to know housing them together wasn't a good idea.

Asta figured they'd find or make housing for them elsewhere. Honestly, the argument didn't matter at the moment. It was the middle of late winter, and the snow was still piled high. Nothing could be done until the snow started to clear.

"This could be a room for the children. A playroom or daycare, perhaps?"

"Perhaps? You talk like Damian."

"What's wrong with that?" she looked to the corner of the room where the ceiling had caved in. The damage was heavy.

"Damian sounds fancy and talks as such." he steps over the debris to get a closer look. " You, however, have a street accent. It's just... sounds funny. Not trying to make fun of you or-"

" You think you can hurt me," she says as she looks out a broken window. There's a lot of space out back, and they could make a playground. I don't wear clothes, I walk around bear-footed, I can't... I've heard or thought of worse," she chuckles to herself. She had a lot of experience with Gotham's cruelty.

"The Basement could be a laundry room," Damian said. He smirked at Jason's flinch.

" What are you doing here?" he was ignored.

" You'll have to order new machines and clean up the needles."

Asta approached him, giving him a peck on the cheek. " It needs more than a clean-up, Damian. Why are you here?"

"To see you and what you're working with. Also, Dick wants some sibling bonding. He and the others are waiting in the car."

Jason groaned before and started making his way outside. "

I don't—" he showed her a bag before she could finish. There went her excuse. " I made sure they were soft and comfortable." She dropped her cloak and pulled a dress from the bag. " It's soft cotton." She slipped on the grey sweater dress. It was soft and thick and stopped just above her knees. He pulled out a pair of socks and black boots that stopped just below her knees.

"Do I look civilized?"

"You look beautiful."

"Why dresses?" Asta asked. She noted that it was always a dress whenever Damian brought her clothes. No matter the season, weather, or occasion, it was always a dress. And Damian did indeed have reasons.

"You don't like clothes. Dresses are flowing and easy to remove once you tire of them." how thoughtful. She smiled and took his arm as he led her out of the building.