Red Love

Chapter 37

"So baby pull me closer..." I laugh as Stephanie sings along to the song coming from the stereo, her voice gradually getting louder. "We ain't never getting older!" She exclaims as she pushes herself up so that she's almost in a standing position.

I burst into another round of laughter, followed by Jason and Kat. Our laughter floats from our throats and into the nighttime silence. I look around me to make sure we aren't disturbing anybody, but I'm met by nothing but clear sky. Not that anyone would come this way. Jason explained to me that it was a secret path to Wayne Manor. No one knows of it.

"That I know you can't afford. Bite that tattoo on your shoulder!" Stephanie continues the lyrics, and by now, Kat has joined in. Even I can't help myself and begin to quietly sing along to the catchy song. Not soon after, Jason chimes in, and we all scream the song into the black expanse.

A car horn sounds behind us, and I turn to meet Cass's playful yet sarcastic eyes.

"Hey, shut up and sit down before I make you." She calls from the car behind us. The others in the car smirk and nod, showing their support for Cass.

Stephanie, Kat, Jason, and I go back to laughing, but Stephanie sits down regardless, and we all quiet our voices.

We continue to hum to the tune of other songs as we take the dark path that leads to Wayne Manor.

We pull into the garage, singing out the last note of That's What I Like, then Jason pulls the keys from the ignition.

"Oh...that was fun." Stephanie sighs while stretching her arms.

"Apparently." Barbara smiles.

We all share a laugh before heading inside. I walk beside Jason, his arm draped around my waist.

"Did you have fun today?" He ask as we walk through one of many halls.

"Lots." I say, nodding my head and making my ponytail bob.

"Good. It's always nice to see you having fun, enjoying yourself." Jason says.

"Yeah, I like this version of me a lot more." I say while trying to repress certain memories.

We walk deeper into the house, telling jokes and teasing each other along the way, and finally ending up in Stephanie's room.

"And she just punched me! Square in the jaw! I had a huge black and blue bruise for days!" Stephanie exclaims, finishing the story she was telling. We laugh once again.

"The lesson there was that you need to stop talking." Cass says as she nudges Steph.

"This coming from the girl that used to be mute but now can't keep her own trap shut." Jason smirks.

"Watch it, Todd." Cass snaps. She turns and glares at Jason, who is still smirking.

"Jason, you say that sentence as if you know how to shut up." Kody says, a smirk appearing on her face while Jason's fades.

Kat reaches over and gives Kody a high five.

Jason turns to me and raises an eyebrow while pulling puppy dog eyes.

"Are you going to let them get away with doing that?" He pouts.

"Ummmm...let me think about it...yes." I nod. Everyone laughs except Jason.

"But you're my girlfriend." He pretends to whimper.

"So." I shrug.

"You're supposed to defend me." He states.

I look him over, smiling. "Nah, that's ok."

Everyone except Jason burst into yet another fit of laughter. Steph and Cass reach over, giving me a thumbs up, and I notice Kody smirking at me while nodding.