Single Valentine's Day?

Rose and Red

It was a cold snowy Thursday on this Valentine's Day. In the morning, as usual, Alfred dropped Tim, Damian and Cassandra to their respective school. She was the last to drop in front of the school gate. As usual, there were numerous curious glances and stares when each of them were walking out of the luxurious black car. They were the ''chosen ones'', the lucky bastards adopted by one of the richest man of Gotham City, and its most mysterious resident too; Bruce Wayne. And having Wayne as a last name in the school register indeed brought attention, often unwanted. 

Cassandra hurried inside the school, towards its reassuring warmth. However, reassuring warmth or not, as usual, she was welcomed with noise. Teens chattering loudly, yelling, running around, pushing each others...But as she was walking towards her locker, the chattering decreased of a notch. She could feel the stares and curious glances. However, barely anyone spoke to her at all. As a high school stereotype, Cassandra would be the huge introvert and shy girl. Truth was that she had a hard time speaking. Though her speech improved, she wasn't comfortable to talk to anyone else outside of the Bat Family. Of course, she had few acquaintances since the beginning of the school year, but she preferred to spend her time alone, thinking. At least, no one would suspect her to be a vigilante. 

From her locker, she witnessed a couple. The girl was throwing her arms around her beloved's neck, covering him in kisses. They had exchanged gifts. How sweet...how adorable...That kind of love seemed marvelous too. How did it feel like? She could read them both. They were overwhelmed in joy and pure bliss. They loved each others deeply. What an uncanny bond she wanted to experience too! 

At diner, she was sitting in the cafeteria. Her eyes was gazing at the flower stand. ''2$/EACH FOR YOUR VALENTINE!'', it said. Cassandra remembered yesterday's conversation during the supper, her class about Valentine's Day, this special day she never celebrated. 

Cassandra: ''What's...Valentine's Day?''

Odd stares. 

Stephanie: ''That...that means you've never been worried about boys in your entire life?!''

Cassandra: ''What...for?''

Awkward silence. Dick cleared his throat.

Dick: ''First, Valentine's Day is a special day, especially for couple. Your 'Valentine' is your loved one. They show their loved one their appreciation, how much they love each others. They often spend the day together, make something special just the two of them.''

Jason: ''And when the sun's getting low, they make out. That simple. Am I right, the birds turn into rabbits during this 'special' day?''

He snickered, looking at Tim and Stephanie, then at Dick and Barbara. Tim nearly choked on his chicken, blushing angrily at Jason.

Tim: ''Fugkr gyou, Togg!''

Dick only let out a sigh, facepalming. 

Alfred: ''Young Masters, please...

Cassandra: ''And...you all have...Valentine?''

She asked curiously. Tim and Stephanie held their hand discretly under the table. That was a yes. Dick and Barbara glanced at each others with a faint grin. Big yes. 

Alfred: ''I am too old for these things.''

He chuckled softly. taking off the empty plates and glasses. Cassandra stood up to help him. And that was it for supper. Only there was an odd gleam in Jason's eyes...

As she was lost in this recent memory, Cassandra felt a soft pat on her shoulder. She immediatly grabbed the wrist of its owner firmly and spun around on her seat. The guy was someone in some of her class...His free hand was behind his back and he seemed a little flushed. Jace, was it? The one many called a nerd jokingly since he was a fan of books and his grades were always top notch.