That's What Brothers Are For

Gardening

Cassandra sat beside Alfred as he tended to the Wayne's garden. She studied how he carefully pulled the weeds out and gave the plants just enough water. She smiled as the warm sun shone on her back and the soft breeze brushed her checks. Cassandra loves the outdoors. She mused on how nice it was to sit in the fresh air and just enjoy nature.

"Have you ever tried gardening miss Cain?" Alfred asked, bringing Cassandra out of her thoughts. Cassandra shook her head no.

"Yes, well I don't suppose training to become an assassin includes home economics." He replied dryly.

"I couldn't help but notice you were examining my work."

Cassandra blushed and bowed her head in apology.

"It is quite alright, I'm actually quite pleased that your interested in horticulture. Would you like to assist me?"

Cassandra cautiously nodded her head yes.

"Excellent. Could you start by digging two rows of six, ten-inch holes over there?" Alfred gestured to where he wanted the work done. Cassandra walked over to the spot Alfred asked her to do, and started to dig the holes. She was so engrossed in her work that she didn't notice a man walk up behind here. As he stepped on a branch, she spun around and was about to hit the man with the shovel. The man quickly grabbed her arm and stopped her.

"Woah Cass, I know I haven't visited in a while, but you don't have to attack me."

"Master Todd?" Alfred had heard the commotion and hurried over.

Cassandra stared at the man in front of her. Jason looked about the same as he had seven months ago, besides a few new bruises and scars. He gave her a cocky grin.

"Goodness gracious master Todd, where have you been! We have been worried sick about you!"

"Oh you know Alf, just doing my own thing."

Cassandra wanted to talk, but nothing would come out.

Jason examined Cassandra's work.

"What are you planting? Carrots? You need to make the holes deeper. Also, there isn't enough sun over here. Try planting them by the garage.

"Master Todd, I wasn't informed of your gardening skills." Alfred smiled.

"Yeah well, when my ma was a drug addict I had to get by somehow. So before started stealing from people out of desperation and hunger, I planted a few carrots and tomatoes in my tiny backyard. It was no big deal. Want some help?"

Alfred looked disturbed by Jason's comment, but kept his thoughts to himself.

Cassandra was a little weary of Jason. She knew he was good man, but he could be rude and hot headed at times. She decided though, that it would be alright for him to assist her.

"Sure." Cassandra said quietly.

Jason kneeled down beside Cassandra and started digging the holes.

"I shall inform the others of your arrival." Alfred announced. The elder man started for the house.

"So Cass, how've you been?"

Cassandra was startled by the sudden inquire.

"Fine. Yourself?"

"Pretty crappy actually."

"Oh." Cassandra wasn't quite sure what to say about that. She wondered the reason for his answer, but didn't want to pry.

"I have to admit, I've missed this place. Even though Golden Boy can be clingy, Replacement is pretty boring, and the brat can't keep his... 'comments' to himself, it gets pretty lonely when your... alone."

Cassandra couldn't help but smile. That was Jason's way of saying he missed his family.

"They really missed you as well. They were all worried about you, and they all love you." Cassandra wanted Jason to know that the others care as well.

"What about you?"

Cassandra's face turned bright red. She thought he heart would jump out of her chest.

Jason let out a hearty laugh.

"Just kidding Cass, Don't get so flustered. For an assassin, you can get pretty nervous."

Cassandra calmed down and bowed her head in apology.

"I missed you as well..." She managed to whisper.

"What was that?" Jason teased. Cassandra sent him a death glare.

Jason dropped his shovel and held up his hands, pretending to surrender.

"Okay, okay. Just don't assassinate me."

Cassandra let out a small chuckle. Jason was strangely... amusing. Jason grinned, obviously glad he had made Cassandra laugh.

"Jay!" The two turned their heads to see Dick running toward Jason, with. Tim and Damian not far behind.

"Hey Goldie." Jason greeted nonchalantly as Dick finally reached him. He could barley breathe as Dick nearly crushed him with a hug.

"Why were you gone so long, we were really worried about you!"

Jason shrugged.

"Just had some 'business' to take care of."

"Do I want to know what 'business' you took care of?"

"Probably not." Jason said truthfully.

Tim calmly walked up to Jason.

"Hey Tim. You've gotten a few inches taller since I last saw you."

Tim hugged Jason.

"Yeah, well, when you leave for 7 months stuff changes..." Jason gave him a sad smile and pat his shoulder.

Damian slowly walked up to Jason.

"Hello Todd. I see you've decided to grace us with your presence." He greeted haughtily.

Jason rolled his eyes at Damian's remark and ruffled the young boys hair.

"Aw I missed you too." Jason sneered. Damian growled and ran behind Dick, glaring at Jason.

"Anyway, Bruce should be home in about an hour. You wanna come in?"

Dick offered, gesturing towards the mansion.

"I dunno. Me and the boss man are not exactly on speaking terms..."

"Come on Jay. He really missed you too. He'll be so relived to see you safe."

Jason gave an unattractive snort of disbelief.

"Sure Dicky. Whatever you wanna believe." None the less, Jason started for the house, ignoring Dicks pleas of acknowledgement for Bruce.

"He really did miss you. He may not show it very often, but he does care."

Tim added.

"Sure whatever." Jason waved Tim off.

"Would you like me to prepare a meal Master Jason?"

"Yeah Alf, you know me, I'm always hungry."

"Indeed sir. I shall make your favorite meal."

"Chili dogs?" Jason said with a glimmer of hope. Alfred cringed.

"How about a pot roast with potatoes and fresh baked bread instead."

"Alright, I suppose that sounds good too." Jason said with fake disappointment. Jason loved anything Alfred cooked, and he had to admit, it was good to be home.