17016/Cassandra Cain's 'No Stabby' Birthday Party

Cassandra Cain's 'No Stabby' Birthday Party
Date of Scene:	27 January 2024
Location:	Starlight Skate, Gotham City
Synopsis:	Friends of Cassandra gather at the Starlight Skate rink to give Cassandra Cain a first birthday party now that they actually know what day she was born on.
Cast of Characters:	Stephanie Brown, Talia al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Harper Row, Laura Kinney, Jason Todd, Damian Wayne, Phoebe Beacon, Bruce Wayne, Cassandra Cain

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Stephanie Brown has posed:
The Starlight Skate is a Gotham icon. It had been a community social hub a half century ago before the world changed and the explosion in the number of opportunities beckoning for a share of one's freetime happened.

Somehow it has continued on though, the roller skating rink containing an arcade with a mix of old stand up games and newer titles including dancing and virtual reality. Whether you're the next aspiring Guitar Hero or you want to battle it out in space, Starlight has a game for you.

A large concessions area has plenty of seating, and serves up a menu that has changed only a little over the decades the skating rink has been in session. Pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, and similar treats are piping hot and ready to be consumed.

The main portion of the large building, of course, is the actual skating surface itself. A large oval that has a light display that does its best to live up to the name "Starlight" once the lights are turned down and all those effects turned on.

Today, the skating rink has been closed to the public for a private party. There are party streamers and bunting all over the place, and a big banner reads: "Happy Birthday Cassandra!!" It is a surprise party, though one look after coming inside the doors is enough to reveal what's going on.

As for Cassandra herself? She wasn't told about the event that would be held here. Instead Cass just got a text message from Stephanie, with enough advanced notice to feel sure Cass would be able to make it.

> Cass. Need you at 15100 Wabash Street. 8PM exactly. Normal clothes. No weapons.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
What did one get a girl that had no real idea of personal belongings or of possessions? And that had not had a real concept of childhood? Scratch that, make that any sort of concept. Talia had spent quite a bit of time considering it. Get the girl something exotic, get the girl something normal.. She had tracked things through the grapevine, spent some time doing research, and managed to join the group ahead of time, whether she had been given a specific invite or not. But, she was present and being subtle - if only as she didn't want to do anything to distract.
    So she's over leaning against one of the walls of the rink, her arms crossed together and looking generally relaxed as she glances about and evaluates things. It will be very hard to 'surprise' Cassandra.. But they also need to do something so that the girl doesn't decide this is an ambush and that she has to go down and drop everyone there and then interrogate them. Cassandra's upbringing doesn't lend itself well to surprises, well intentioned or otherwise.
    So Talia's focus is for now making sure that Cassandra doesn't make her entrance by dropping down and dropping /them/ like a hunter.

Dick Grayson has posed:
    Dick let Steph do her thing with the party, simply handing over a credit card for expenses. She's much better at this sort of thing, so he just stood back and watched her go.

    Besides, he had not a clue in the world what Cassandra might want as a gift.

    He's currently seated at one of the tables at the side of the skating area, sipping at a soda while he waits for the guest of honor to arrive.

Harper Row has posed:
Harper arrived unfashionably early so as not to be late. She's got her shoulders hunched, near one of the tables, eyes roaming about the other assembled friends and allies. One heel is bouncing like she's trying to keep the beat to some speed metal with a kick drum pedal. And yet Guitar Hero calls to her with a flippy-flappy siren song during this painful moment of inaction. The waiting is killing her.

Her mouth quests towards the revolving end of the straw of her fountain drink while she eyes the main entrance.

Laura Kinney has posed:
X-23 doesn't really do birthdays all that often. It's less of a special event for someone who was grown in a big vat. But there are people she makes exceptions for. Mostly on the Outsiders. And, because she's not currently engaged in some mysterious covert operation, it seems like maybe the polite thing would be to stop by and wish the birthday girl well.

Given who is holding the party and who it's for she assumes security is covered. And only turns up half an hour early to sit down wind sniffing for threats. The Laura Kinney version of phoning her security checks in.

The petite mutant is dressed casually in charcoal greys and muted blacks. A hoodie and yoga pants. Sneakers she doesn't mind losing if she has to pop her claws.

Her usual really. If perhaps lacking in holstered weapons. (They are securely locked away in an unmarked vehicle within a short run from the venue). But it allows her to slip into the venue with the minimum of fuss.

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd arrives on his own, his '69 Mustang rumbling to a stop. Emerging with a present in hand, he heads inside. He's wearing a a black t-shirt - with a neon green skull grinning from behind slot-lensed sunglasses. Under it is bright orange lettering in a front straight from the 80's that declares: THE NIGHT BEGINS TO SHINE. Faded and ripped denim jeans and like new white/red/black Air Jordan 4 high tops laced low so that the puffy tongue stands up and the hem of his jeans can tuck down behind. A red windbreaker is worn over it all as he enters. If this is some sort ofa fashion statement, it may require a flow chart to figure out.

Looking around, he saunters slowly farther into the Cavern of Cool from decades past. Seeing Dick and Harper he nods and offers a quiet, "Hey" on his way to set down the holographic silver paper wrapped package with other gifts before swinging back over.

"Looks great. Please tell me Steph didn't decide for a surprise guest jumping out of a cake, though? They may not survive the experience" he says with a crooked smirk.

Damian Wayne has posed:
Stephanie had put Damian on 'cake' duty. Which was a trap, really, because Cassandra Cain doesn't really do processed sweets. A few days before the birthday, though, he had found an alternative. Placing in order, he had arrived before the party to pick up the party trays and then made his way to the skating rink, carrying the main event for Cassandra's party, while trying to handle two other boxes.

"We're here, we're here." Damian offers as he slips in before Stephanie sends out the invite. Making his way to the main table, he sets out a large tray and uncovers it. On the tray? It's not a cake.

Instead, it's carrots, celery, tomatos, cauliflower and other assorted vegetables set up to look like a mermaid's reef. A little mermaid doll, made up to look like Cass is sitting amongst the colorful veggies and he beams proudly as he sets out the various dips for the veggies.

"Don't worry..." he gestures to the other box. "A Batburger cake for the rest of us heathens." a smirk as he sets down the sugary treat decorated with Bat-Mite Meal toys and colorfully reads 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY CASSANDRA'.

Once those are set down, he is moving into position for Cassandra's arrival. And /pointedly/ away from windows and doors and into a very secure little area, in case Cass shows up in typical Cass fashion.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe had rushed in, a scarf over her shoulders, her hair all kinks and coils in its natural poofiness, all pink and everywhere, wearing a "I DIG IT" T-shirt with a skeleton digging into a grave in bright yellow, and a pair of ripped jeans, old sneakers, and an open hoodie that definitely was too large for her frame, carrying a gift wrapped in sunshiney bright sunflower wrapping paper with a blue bow.

    "Now, is it a birthday cake flavored batburger, or just a frozen cake that came *from* Batburger?" Phoebe questions, her nose wrinkling. "I still can't get over the birthday-cake flavored wieners."

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Bruce Wayne was there. But when it comes to a surprise party and not being seen, that is certainly one of his specialties. He will manifest from the shadows when the time is right. It is what he does.

Damian Wayne has posed:
"Won't know until you try it." Damian retorts. But he really went to a bakery and had them make a facsmilie Batburger cake. Because he wasn't going to buy a frozen cake. That's totally someone else's thing.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
Looking around, Cass wonders what they're all doing. She runs a hand over her head, watching Damian move into a corner, and gives a small eyeroll. He said he was losing his edge. Little does he know...

This is the BEST group to go up against, in training. Still, you'd think that they'd look behind them once in a while. Scent neutralized, doesn't move to draw attention. Heartbeat calmed, she keeps it in time with the others.

Still, this is so very weird. Not really sure what to make of it. So, after a moment of watching and having no idea what to do about all the stuff (really, streamers aren't something she deals with often) Cass says:

"What up?"

She's just kind of there, looking confused. Like she was hanging out or something. This isn't a big win, it's a '...uh...hi?'

Possibly causing heart attacks, though.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown is waiting with the others, wearing a pair of blue jeans and a light tan sweatshirt. One of those that looks nice and thick and warm. Not that the skating rink is all that cold inside, though it's still Gotham winter outside.

"Aw, Damian, that's great," Stephanie says of the mermaid vegetable 'cake' that he brings. She nods her approval and then goes back to watching the door.

So of course she jumps when Cass is there inside already and speaks up. Stephanie turns to find her and lets out a big grin. "Surprise!" she calls. "Happy birthday Cassandra!" After anyone else has had a chance to join in and it gets quiet, Stephanie says, "This is your birthday party."

Talia al Ghul has posed:
Now, this is surprising lightly over to Talia. The girl has come here openly. Talia goes to keep her body language generally still and relaxed. She makes the assumption that the girl will be adjusting and figuring out what is going on and it will take her somewhat to figure thing sout from the body language. She doesn't need more noise.

So Talia goes to draw her hands together and clasps them at the wrists, giving a formal bow over in the direction of the Daughter of Shiva. A gesture of respect and congratulations. A formal bow over and then a iwthdraw of her hands up to her body, standing formally and respectfully.

Harper Row has posed:
Harper finger-guns greetings back at those that offer them. Hunkering down like a gremlin at her table. Her bottom jaw hinges, momentarily showing teeth. More trollish now, considering what the cake(s) may taste like when she's able to get her mitts on a piece. Her heel bouncey-bounces, giving a big nod and wink to Jason as he passes.

Her yap opens to latch onto the plastic straw. And nearly puts it into her eyesocket when Cass makes her presence known from an unexpected quadrant. The straw end does boop and snag on a ring piercing near her mouth and hauls up her lip, giving her a kind of hokey redneck ~Hruuuh~ expression to add to the look of surprise.

"Ppfffffttttttt." Is the first thing out of her mouth. The next is to chime in, adding her own voice to the, "Surrrrprise!" On us.

Damian Wayne has posed:
Damian had wondered why he felt the need to be prepared. He didn't realize he had caught onto Cassandra's presence and was mentally preparing himself for it by backing away. Fine. She's right. He might still have some of that edge left to him. He just needs to rehone and sharpen it.

It's six months until his birthday. Plenty of time to prepare.

"Surprise, Cassandra." he offers with a tip of his head, game respecting game as he joins in the chorus of well-wishers.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "Surprise!" Phoebe adds to the din as Cassandra, giving a wiggle of her fingers and a couple of bright sparkles of light from her hands.

    It's not strictly a 'whole lot of magic'.

    She stands back a little bit to not crowd the birthday girl, and leans against the railing as she ties her Absolutely Everywhere Hair up into some semblance of containment.

Dick Grayson has posed:
    Dick isn't easily startled, a result of years of training both with Bruce and the police. And so, when Cass makes herself known, the only reaction is a rather quick look in the direction her voice came from. He then adds his voice to what is probably a somewhat ragged 'Surprise!" as various people react to her sudden appearance.

    Glancing over to Steph, he grins and shrugs a little. Of course Cass isn't going to do something as pedestrian as walking through the actual door. He wonders for a moment what window was popped out or lock was picked, then shakes his head. The damage deposit will cover it.

    "It's a birthday party Cass" he says, adding "No combat tonight, except possibly against space invaders" with a gesture towards the arcade portion of the building.

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd offers nods around to the others as they arrive. He had walked over to the fountain drink machine and was in the middle of creating a Suicide drink as Cass declared her presence. His cup was half full and already looking murky as the different sodas mix together.

He doesn't holler 'Surprise!' because that would just not be him. But he grins. Until the surprise is on him and chilled soda bubbles over the top of his cup and down over his hand.

"... dammit.." he mutters. Dumping the cup out, he starts over. The mix has to be -perfect-. Suicide takes proper planning and preperation. /zing.

Finally turning he wanders back, pausing to pat Damian on the back. Or more correctly? Wipe his sticky hand on the back of Damian's shirt or coat. It's what Little Bothers are for.

Laura Kinney has posed:
It's not really in Laura's nature to shout surprise at someone either. A surprise should be silent and generally the person receiving it doesn't have any time to react. Or do much thinking (or anything else for that matter) from that point onwards.... Okay it might be that the type of surprise she's used to is generally fatal. And even she knows that's probably pretty rude behaviour for a party.

So instead she raises an eyebrow and shrugs at the birthday girl while heading over to the other people in the room she recognises. More familiar with the Outsiders than the wider Bat-Clan. Besides Cassandra will know the meaning of her shrug as well as any spoken word.

"We were supposed to bring gifts, right?" she asides to one of her team-mates. Voice low enough she might be speaking into subvocal team comms. "I got /something/ but I have no idea if it's suitable..."

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Watching from the sort of shadowy alcove that always felt more comfortable to the Batman than a ballroom did to Bruce Wayne, the patriarch of the Bat Family observes quietly the celebration of Cassandra's birthday. And he feels gratitude for those who see to these things. There are times that he even forgets Dick's birthday, and he was the first of them.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
Ritualistic greeting and well wishes done, Talia Al Ghul goes to let the others move to serenade the girl in ways that are meaning to them. She gives a soft smile over to Bruce, then goes to lay her own gift over on the table. Bulky looking, extremely light if one had poked at it, and many small pieces within. Placed to the side to be out of the way and to let those more personalized for the girl be stacked above so to be more visible. Then, Talia Al Ghul is moving along to watch the festivities.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown smiles back to Dick. "Didn't really expect it to go down any other way. Though the puzzled look means it was still a surprise. Right?" she says back to him before giving a warm laugh.

She's all grins at getting the chance to do this for Cassandra. Stephanie looks around the room at all the faces that showed up for Cassandra today. Another grin is flashed, this time over to Harper. "By the way, the games are all free. Snack bar too," she offers to the other young woman, before turning back to the rest.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
And it is a surprise! Regardless of if Cass was inside or out, she honestly had no idea that this was 'that event'. She doesn't keep track of dates, nor did she really pay attention when they found out what her birthday was last year. So, this is a thing that's happening!

Cass' face looks serious, and she nods quietly as she takes in everyone's faces and motions. She's parsing exactly what level of response she's expected to give, and she slowly starts to smile. It looks almost shy, as she clearly ticks to the idea that this is a way of being...valued?

"I have...friends," she says, softly, her voice not carrying. But every person here would hear it. She puts out her hand to hold onto Stephanie's, if it's there. But it doesn't look like gifts are the big draw, anyway. It's the fact that this is here.

Damian Wayne has posed:
When Jason comes by him to use him as a napkin, Damian frowns faintly, his expression for a moment confused. He starts to move his foot to accidentally put in the path of his older brother, but decides to withhold it at the last moment.

Revenge will come on a date to be determined. The young man instead just hangs back and continues to watch the celebration, a glances towards his father - that he sees in the shadows.

There's a small nod, and then back to people watching and arms settled casually around his chest in thought.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "Yeah, it's OK to bring a gift, Laura, and Cass would be appreciative of pretty much anything. Or puzzled by it. Or both." she states with a little grin, and she rubs the back of her neck. She takes a deep breath and lets it out, looking to the assembled Bats and other vigilantes in the room.

    Jason's use of Damian as a napkin makes her snort in amusement, with her lifting her hand to hide her smile.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown definitely has a hand there to grasp that of Cassandra when she reaches. She gives a squeeze and nods her head. "You do have friends," she agrees with Cass. And then leans into her to give her a shoulder nudge in lieu of a hug since her arm is buy having its hand held.

"This is the first year that we've known Cass' birthday date," Stephanie mentions quietly to everyone else. "So glad everyone here could make it," she says, beaming a smile back over to the birthday girl.

Stephanie gives Cass time to soak it all in. The mermaid vegetable cake and the presents can come after everyone's had a chance to talk to her.

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd offers an innocent 'what' look to Damian, but the glint in his eyes shows that he is very much aware of what he did and that the not-so-littlest Robin figured it out. That payback has been reserved, well that will just make for a memorable 'bonding' moment down the road, won't it?

He slurps at his lidless cup of comingled sodas and nods in approval. He's still got it. Aw yeah. Flashbacks to childhood lurking around the rink come to his mind.

"Missed this place. I lifted so many wallets here one nig..." he pauses. Probably a story for another time he considers with a side glance toward Bruce.

Leaning against the edge of a table, he nods to Cass as she says she has friends.

"And Family." It's quiet. Easy to miss among the rest of the chatter.

Harper Row has posed:
Harper rubs at her mouth with the back of her hand and sidles up to Laura. "You know what gift you can get me for mine." Harper pantomimes pulling on some sort of backpack, then proceeds to yank at an invisible pull string. Mock wide-eyed shock for a moment for extra effect.

She grins to Laura and pat-a-pats on her shoulder. "It's the thought that counts. And making time." She adds, "And cake."

Harper peers over at the antics and blows out her cheeks before adopting a gassy smile.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Oh, Bruce may be off to the side, but he does not miss Jason's comment. That earns an eyebrow that so closely resembles the one appearing on the Batman's cowl that it might actually strike hear into the hearts of the cowardly and superstitious lot. If any of those were here.

But just like Jason, most here came from something far from what they are now. And they have all evolved to do good.

Bruce glances over towards Talia, remembering the way Robbie stared at her the other night. Even Talia. Maybe.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
The hand squeezes, and Cass takes that moment with her oldest and best friend.

She looks up, past Stephanie, to everyone that she cares about. Phoebe, who brings her the best foods and dances. Laura, who will never let her down. Jason, who thinks he's pretending but cares so very much. Harper, who confuses her on purpose but with so much hope. Talia, who is so close to earning that hug she so wants. Damian, who is stronger than even he knows. And Dick, who I would never forget shut up I love you! And Bruce, who is invisible and shut up.

And for an instant her face is clouded, remembering those who couldn't be here. But it passes, and she lets fly with a beaming smile, then lets go Steph's hand to walk forward. "Party?" She says it like a suggestion. Then gestures to the skating rink, and the games. Oh and the food. :)

Talia al Ghul has posed:
And Robbie had stared at her for a very, very good reason. One that Talia is all too aware of. She would turn over to give a half smile over at Bruce once more and gives another formal curtsy with her hands drawn up together in something elaborate and ritualistic, before watching Cassandra enjoy herself over with her friends and her faily.

Here, things are peaceful. The girl has a night of meaningfulness to her.

Laura Kinney has posed:
Having been re-assured that she's following the right point of etiquette Laura slips a small brick shaped parcel from her hoodie. Simple brown parcel paper and string to wrap it. It's got a 'this could be a bomb' vibe to it but that's probably just her particular practical wrapping style. "Harper not even I think every plane I get on will explode. Chances are fairly slim we'll need to bring our own parachutes."

There's a hint of a smile because now someone will be getting HALO parachute lessons for her birthday.

Not Cass though. She's getting the suspicious parcel which is added to the gift table. (And no it does not tick!)

"I still think the best way to avoid surprise parties is throwing your own birthday celebrations. Sadly it's really hard to find criminals willing to schedule things on the right dates."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "Yeah. Last year someone else threw a party on my birthday, but that's what I get for assigned celebrations of birth." Phoeb mutters to Laura and Harper, and shrugs her shoulder. "And a parachute's never strictly a *bad* idea." she adds on, looking on as the brick is added. Phoebe purses her lips at the brick and becomes very curious, but she gives a small smile to Cass, and with a flourish she produces a bright red daisy from her sweatshirt pocket, and offers it to Cass with a bright grin.

    "Happy Birthday Cass."

Cassandra Cain has posed:
A small thing, but you have to know that it was going to happen. A little plush pteranodon shows up, just appearing on the table. It has a note on it: 'Happy birthday Cass. Barbara.' It has attached a 'dinosaur of the month club membership' card.

Dang you Barbara, how dare you out-sneak the sneakies!

Damian Wayne has posed:
Glancing down at his phone as it chimes, Damian frowns a little. It's his night for the patrol. Coming over to Cass, he gives her arm a firm little squeeze, before offering to the other. "Have things to tend to tonight." he offers in mild apology, even if most of them here know what he means. "It is good to see us all together. We should do this more often."

"But not that often." he quickly amends, as he heads for the entrance. As for his gift? When Cass opens it, it is a large Meowth statue in a 'Lucky Cat' pose with a magikarp in it's lap and a waving arm for good fortune.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/APoAAOSwU9tic4gp/s-l1600.jpg

And once he's outside, he whistles idly to himself as he walks the parking lot. Coming up to his father's car, he opens the trunk, taking out a few tools and hmms to himself, heading right to the Red Mobile. "Hello. I will not hurt you." he promises.

And within five minutes? Both front tires from Jason's car have been removed and rolled away to be set next to the dumpster for him to find later, with the car settled nicely on a pair of cinder blocks.

Revenge enjoys a touch of irony when served.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
Talia al Ghul would give a smile over at those present. And she walsk over towards Bruce. Her arm goes up over to his, and it would rest on his arm. Then she would go to rest her head over on his shoulder, watching out at things. "You've given them a family. And a home. Nothing could be more meaningful or make a bigger difference."

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown lets Cassandra's hand go so she can go and greet everyone. And basically be immersed in the love of her family. It makes Stephanie beam and she moves to stand in front of Dick, leaning back against him and finding his hand with hers.

"She deserves this so much," Stephanie tells him softly. She beams smiles over to everyone as they show the Asian young woman how much she means to them.

A special smile is reserved for Bruce, waiting until the Wayne scion meets her eyes before shining it over him. For the blond girl from the broken home with the jailbird father and absentee addicted mother, moments like this are as precious as they can be possibly be.

Dick Grayson has posed:
    Dick nods and replies softly "She definitely does." He looks around at everyone gathered, "Really, they all do. We've got a strange family here, but somehow it works."

    "At this point, I can't imagine not having these folks around. And I don't even want to think of the shape the city would be in if they weren't." He raises his voice a little to say "Ok, everyone can now rush for either cake or veggies, depending on your chosen diet. Cass, Steph can show you the fun of unwrapping presents."

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason Todd watches as Cass begins to unwrap her gives. His gift is wrapped in silver paper that has holographic confetti streamers in the pattern and a black ribbon and bow. Inside is a set of motorcycle keys and a card that reads: 'Come by my garage. I have a bike for you. We'll customize it to your liking. - Jay'

He sips at his soda, eyes flickering to Damian as he seems to disappear to.. somewhere. He'll figure out what's up a bit later.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
Over on the table, Talia's gift has been left underneath the others that are more personal. In it of all things are several boxes of She-Ra: Princesses of Power toys for whenever they're opened. And presuming that Cassandra grapss the concept of 'cartoons' or not. Talia just goes to watch th einteractions, a smile on her face.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
Cass loves the flower. She bends down, so Phoebe can put it into her hair, but first she squeezes the girl's hands in grateful thanks. She opens the box from Laura, making certain to look as if she's disarming a bomb the whole while, and turns out to be a musicbox that actually makes her cry.

She opens the gift from Talia, finding the most odd assortment of She-Ra dolls, and looks oddly confused. But she'll learn, she'll learn. The keys from Jason also make her nod, but this is a gift that will...well, you'll all know what happens there.

She sees the cat thing that Damian did, and sighs. Such is life, with the odd things the internet does. But she loves it anyway. The beautiful, perfect-fitting crown of flowers from Phoebe, which will never fade or die. Every colour, wound with silvery ribbons, which joins the flower atop her head.

Oh. She also wants to skate, because she's very much into doing that, but that can be after. With much squealing and laughs, which never happened and shall be denied forevermore. But admitted, with sly smiles and shyness. Sometimes.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe indeed puts the flower in Cassandra's hair before she goes to open gifts. She smiles, brushing her fingers lightly through the air, and then awkwardly backing off, and going to go lean against a handy piece of railing, and looks to Jason.

    She sniffs the air and then gives an upnod to his drink.

    "Is that Gotham City Sewer Water?" she asks with her eyebrows raised up.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
There is one more gift. One that Cass missed until now. With everyone doing all of the things, with food being eaten and Phoebe sniffing Jason. With the party kicking up, and some people sneaking off to patrol. City's got to be safe, after all. There is one more gift.

It's from Steph and Dick, but it's...well, you'll see. The book is a photo album. When she opens it up, there are pictures of all the family in there. At various ages. There's one of Damian at 13 curled up sleeping with Goliath. Pictures of Steph as a toddler, middle school doing gymnastics. Swimming at the public pool. Pictures of Jason, Alfred helping him with homework. Working on a motorcycle. Christmas at the Manor with Bruce, Jason, Alfred and Dick all together. Phoebe with peas in her hair. And one, with a special place, of Cassandra during her ballet recital. With a smile that will live forever, the room lit around her.

And then also, a few pictures of Cassandra that Stephanie has snapped over the years. You know, embarrasing ones of us all. Because Steph made this, and she's a deeply troubled soul. XD

And on that note, the party goes on. But maybe, just maybe, another picture will be added later of something that happened tonight. After all, Bruce has a camera in that shadow in there? Right?