Chapter 4

A/N: 3k words. honestly, I feel like this chapter is a bit blah. The picture above is how Jamie looks like. TY for reading!Day 2

Pain

Jamie felt a white pain in his lower back. The bright lights in the room were starting to blur.

He heard a woman, his mother, cry out his name followed by a painful scream.

Then all at once, the pain was gone, the noise muted itself.

Jamie took his last breath. Submerging himself into darkness. before he felt something cold hit his face.

*Splash*

Jamie woke with an icy start. He scrambled around on his bed before falling over.

"Jamie, I've been calling you for the past ten minutes. It's time to get up bud"

Jamie's breathing was ragged. He put his hand to his face, then the rest of his body, checking himself for wounds.

You frowned "Did I really scare you? Usually, you don't wake up this spooked when I hit you with ice water"

Jamie finally stood up "Y-yea I'm fine. Had a nightmare"

You let out a soft hum in response. You walked over to him and gently placed your hand on his face" wanna talk about it?"

"Not really." He took your hand in his as he leaned into yours.

Another soft hum came from your lips "ya know. I've been having vivid dreams as well." you placed your forehead on his. A gesture the two always do when they are having a heart-to-heart. "you could always wake me if you have nightmares, Jay."

Jamie took a deep breath. He felt like it's been forever since he last had this sort of moment with his mother. He then let out a huff "Mom, I'm sixteen." He pulled away and flipped his wet hair. "I'm too old for that."

You shook your head "is this coming from the same kid who refused to sleep on his own for years?"

Jamie felt his cheeks turn red "I-I-I don't know what you're talking about."

you laughed "I'm sure you don't. I made some pancakes for us. Start eating and get ready for the cafe."

you gave her son a kiss on the head before leaving his room.

Jamie watched his adoptive mother leave the door to his room slightly open. He looked down at his hands with his brows furrowed, "that dream felt more like a memory."

A thought popped up like a light switch had been turned on. He moved to a calendar on his desk and checked the date.

"I died on the 25th. It's the 22nd" A chuckle escaped his lips. Then laughter filled the room "I will not die again."

***

Bruce sat at his usual seat at the dinner table. Tim and Jason bickered about who would get the last Alfred cookie while Damian sat in silence, deep in thought. Dick had his head on the table with the occasional whispers.

"Alright. Who is Y/N?"

Jason and Tim froze then everyone looked at their father who still sipped from his mug.

"We told you, she's the barista we met at the cafe," Jason said, adjusting his hair and sitting down.

"Hmm..." he took another sip of his morning coffee

"Why do you ask father?"

Bruce finally put the mug down and intertwined his fingers together "Forgive me for being nosy, but I couldn't help but notice all the information on her in the bat computer. In addition to your reaction every time her name is mentioned. And this is the longest I've seen Dick stay here in the manor. This includes you, Jason."

Dick groggily sat up and rested his head on his hand "I'm surprised. I thought we'd have at least one more day before you bud in"

Damian looked away from the group feeling embarrassed.

Tim pulled out his phone and showed Bruce a picture of the broken stone. "you know what this is?"

Bruce took the phone in his hand "a Magics stone. Clark and Hal told me about it."

"Of course he knows what it is" Jason sunk in his seat

"Well... uhh... one of us accidentally used it." Tim said, also sinking in his seat.

" 'TT' just say it was me Drake. No need to hide anything now" Damian stood up "Y/N is your wife. And a mother Talia could never be." Damina looked down "I said something foolish and now we are stuck here."

Bruce was taken aback by the sudden declaration his youngest son announced.

"However, she does not remember us. Well... she remembers small things like our favorite food and the nicknames. But she still does not know who we are."

Tim spoke next "when you two got close last night the stone began glowing. Did you feel anything while you were together?"

Bruce nodded his head in affirmation.

Jason quickly sat up and snatched the cookie that was on the table "So, Mr. Wayne needs to go on a date. Don't screw this up, playboy billionaire."

Dick felt another wave of hurt and placed a hand over his head "I-I remember the kid. But man, I think I'm coming down with something."

Alfred placed a mug and a small plate with pain meds next to Dick "might I suggest these master Dick?"

"Yes. Thanks, Alfred"

***

After Dicks headache subsided, the Wayne's gathered in the cave. Dick pulled up a picture of the invitation for the auction "Mom never explicitly mentioned the Jamie kid. But every year, on the 25th she would leave the manor. Or is just...really sad. It was the one time of the year where she didn't smile."

Damian, Tim, and Jason all frowned. Each of them remembering a time where they spoke to their mother on that day.

~~

"Ummi? Where are you going."

Y/N held onto her coat tightly. "Going to see family."

She faced him and gave him a wobbly smile. "I'll be home late. So make sure you eat something before you go out."

Damian could tell she was trying to hold back tears.

"Very well, thank you, mother. I will see you soon."

~~

After eating the food she left him, he suited up and followed her to a cemetery. She knelt in front of the stone and placed flowers down.

Damian saw her mouth move but he was too far to hear. Y/N held onto the stone and cried.

____

Young Jason arrived at the manor ready to surprise his mother with the grade he got at the school science fair. He turned to the butler and smiled."Where's ma?"

"I believe She is in the garden with Master Bruce."

Jason noticed a frown on the butler's face but ignored it as he sprinted to the other side of the mansion

Jason saw Y/N and Bruce sitting together on the outdoor swing. She was wrapped in a blanket leaning on her husband

He slightly opened the garden door.

"I miss him so much, Bruce. He would have loved to be here."Jason's brows furrowed. Who was she talking about? Alfred appeared behind him "Master Jason, why don't you meet her at the dinner table. I'll inform her of your arrival. **Tim was a new addition to the Wayne family. He excitedly prepared for another night as Robin when Y/N walked down in the cave. "Bruce! No way in hell!" Bruce put the cowl on "It'll be fine. He is more than capable of-" "My heart can't take this anymore Bruce! You know what today is and you're suiting up! WITH TIM"Tim looked at Bruce who just turned away from her. He then looked at Y/N who had many tears streaming down her face walking towards him. She gave him a hug. He felt her body shake "If it gets too dangerous please... just leave the scene. I can't lose another child Timmy"

Y/N glared at Bruce who just watched her "If anyone takes my boy away from me, I'm breaking your golden rule Bat" she threatened. ____"So that's why she reacted in that way." Everyone looked at Damian who felt even more guilty about the outburst that got them into their current situation.

"So Jamie died when the GCPD raided the club?" Tim's words were filled with sadness. The room was silent before Bruce spoke up "If I remember correctly, Hal told me that there is one stone on every planet." He turned to face all of his children "if the stone is used then it requires three conditions to undo the spell."

The boys all listened intently to their father's words.

"First, See how it's split in half? Two beings must be holding a piece when it's time to reverse everything. Second, both parties must forgive. And finally, these feelings must be Genuine."

Bruce placed a hand on Damian's shoulder "since you wished for this, it has to be you."

Damian looked at his father in the eyes and nodded. A newfound determination filled his heart.

"In the meantime, All of you should continue life as normal. Damian, will you be joining us on patrol tonight?""Yes father" "good." Bruce adjusted his suit "I'm running late. Thank you all for letting me know."***A simple day had gone by in the cafe. Nothing too out of the ordinary. unlike the previous day. To Jamie's dismay, You had volunteered them for closing duty.

Jamie looked at the clock then let out a groan. It was 10:30 pm

"Jamie, make sure the door is locked. I'll finish the rest of the dishes."

Jamie tossed a drying towel over his shoulder. "Ya know, you work too hard for people who clearly don't deserve it." He walked up behind you and placed his hands on your shoulders "Hey, let's run away."

You looked at him stunned laugh "and where would we go?"

Jamie shrugged "Bahamas. No, Mexico." He gasped "Brazil! I'll get my own carnival float and eat all the food."

You smiled at Your son's enthusiasm "As much as I would love to run away. We cannot. You know what happens to those who try to run."

"Yea yea, the cold room. I know"

The front door of the establishment chimed alerting the two remaining people.

"Did you forget to flip the sign?"

Jamie pinched the bridge of his nose "I'll get them out."

"Nah I got it. If it's just one customer then it's fine. Finish up here."

You opened the kitchen door to see a very handsome man waiting in front of the register. He wore a simple black business suit with his black hair slicked back. You suddenly felt blood rush to your cheeks when you made eye contact with him.

"What can I get ya?" you asked with your signature smile.

The man gave you a warm smile "just a large coffee is fine."

"Alright, the price is on the screen. Swipe when ready."

The man swiped the card effortlessly. The tipping prompt appeared before him. While her back was facing him he put a 'small' tip.

You turned around and handed him his coffee "oh I'm sorry. I forgot to ask you your name."

"Bruce Wayne"

You suddenly forgot to breathe. You're giving coffee to the richest man in Gotham.

You stood there frozen. Shamelessly staring at him.

"Ms. L/N?"

You shook your head  "yes yes right. Sorry. I didn't expect someone of your class to be around this area." You cleared your throat and turned around.

Bruce found it amusing how she was a different person outside the snazzy club. There were also features he didn't notice on full display.

Her beautiful E/C, styled hair, and warm smile made him feel butterflies that he hadn't quite felt before. Honestly, when his sons told him the situation a part of him was a bit skeptical. But seeing her now, he most definitely wanted to put a ring on her finger. "Well, my sons spoke highly of you. I became curious."

You felt like your heart was going to explode from your chest. It was the same feeling you felt last night with Batman. Like your soul screamed 'Kiss the man'. you placed a hand on your face as another blush came in.

Feeling bold, You turned back around and walked closer to the counter "all good things I hope."

"Indeed" he pulled out a card and handed it to her. You bit your bottom lip as you gently removed the card from his fingertips.

The two kept inching closer as if there were a magnetic pull bringing them together.

" What's this Mr.Wayne?"

"My card. You'll need it to answer my question."

"And what question is that?"

Bruce straightened himself and looked at Y/N in the eye "May I take you out for brunch tomorrow? at my estate."

Stunned, You looked at the card then back at him. you noticed him slightly shifting his weight from one leg to the other. Was he nervous? Before you could answer, Jamie walked out of the kitchen "Mom, dishes are done. But I can't seem to find my phone"

You hid the card in your back pocket. you felt like a teenager again with all these random feelings spurring out of the blue.

You smiled at Bruce "I'll get back to you."

Bruce gave her a wink which caused you to giggle as you walked past your son.

Once his mother was far enough away and out of view, He shoved his hands in the pockets of his hood and walked up to the taller male. The only thing separating the two was the counter

"Leave."

Bruce raised an eyebrow "excuse me?"

"First your sons stroll in here eyeballing my mother. Now the man himself appears asking her out." Jamie leaned forward with a pointed finger pressing on his chest " If you're trying to pull a fast one on my mom forget it. She's not some bitch you can get your rich boy hands on."

To say Bruce was surprised was an understatement. Is this the same teenager who eagerly shook his hand the other night? Bruce let out a chuckle at the irony.

"Something funny?"

"No, you remind me a lot of one of my sons. He can be very hostile."

There was an awkward pause. Bruce cleared his throat "I have no intention of using your mother In that way. All of my feelings are genuine."

Jamie scoffed "This isn't some Disney movie. This is the first time I've seen You in our lives. I know your track record. So do yourself a favor and get lost. find another person to sleep with tonight."

Bruce gave him a slight nod then turned to leave.

"There is more than meets the eye, Jamie. I'm sure you know that."

Jamie sucked his teeth. His anger only grew when he noticed the tip left behind.

"We aren't some charity case either. The hell are you getting at?"

Bruce flipped the entrance sign from open to closed and raised his coffee as thanks before leaving.

Y/N walked out of the kitchen handing Jamie his phone "You left it on top of the microwave."

Jamie only hummed in response. You looked at what he was staring at and gasped.

"T-Ten thousand... f-for some coffee."

Jamie sucked his teeth again "Mom, is there something you're not telling me?"

Your brows knit together in confusion "In regards of?"

"The Wayne's"

You thought about your dreams that felt more like memories. The random flashes of one of the boys that popped in your head from time to time. All these family moments without Jamie. You couldn't tell him, he'd probably think the stress of working with the mob and managing the cafe is getting to you.

"We went to high school together." you lied

Jamie raised an eyebrow "seriously?"

"Yup! This has been the first time in years since we reunited."

Jamie hummed in approval "So that's why you knew the boys by name"

You nodded, you hated what you were doing. But you much rather have an understanding of the situation than to get your boy involved. "since you worked diligently today you can take the night off."

"No way! What if Batman shows up."

you grabbed his shoulders and turned him around "I doubt he'll be coming a second night. Don't worry, it'll be fine."

***

Bruce arrived at a quiet home. He placed a hand on his beating heart and took a deep breath.

"Not even Selina had that effect on you master Bruce"

Bruce looked to his right to see Alfred approach him with a slight smile on his face.

"How do you do sneak up on me like that?" He asked his butler, to which only responded with a smile.

Tim eagerly sprinted down the stairs "So? How did it go?"

"Well, I asked her."

"Annnnnnd" Tim couldn't help but smile.

"Her son threatened me before she could give me an answer."

Jason's laughter could be heard from across the hall while Tim slouched his shoulders. "That's the funniest thing I've heard all day."

Tim pulled out his phone "Well, I'll take care of most of the meetings for tomorrow. And I've pushed back some of the ones I can't do. Finished the papers that were due later this week so you should be free for your date. Maybe at some point, Damian can talk to her to reverse this."

Bruce pulled back his hair and looked down at his son "Tim, we don't even know if she'll say yes."

"Of course she will. The two of you are meant to be." Tim reassured.

Jason approached them "I'll be covering for Dick tonight."

Bruce looked at Jason concerned. Then at Tim and Alfred. "What happened?"

**

Damian walked into Dick's room holding on a tray with a bowl of cold water. He placed it down on the side of the bed.

"It would seem to be getting worse." Damian frowned as he twisted the cloth allowing the excess cold water to drip out.

Dick lay on his bed breathing heavily. Out of nowhere, a high fever began to consume him. He insisted that he was fine, but when he fell over in the Batcave Alfred told him to stay the night. 

"Damian? Is that you?" Dick barely managed a whisper.

He felt the cool towel press on his forehead. "Yes Grayson, it is me."

Dick nodded "is Bruce home?"

"To my knowledge, yes."

Dick tried to get up but Damian stopped him "you are in no condition to be out. Please rest."

"I need to know how it went today.""I'm actually waiting on her response," Bruce said standing by the door. Dick smiled "That sounds like mom. Making you wait for her."The sound of his phone ringing seemingly summoned a half-dressed Jason and Tim holding two coffee cups. Bruce answered the phone

"So will you be picking me up? Or should I just show up to your home?"

Bruce's eyes widened. He felt his cheeks grow hot "I can pick you up. how does eleven sound?"

"Wonderful~ I'll text you the address."

She hung up the phone. Bruce looked at Tim who had a smug look on his face "Told you so"

Dick felt like his brain was going to explode. But it wasn't the pain that had him worried. It was the fact that he was losing his memories of Y/N."Alfred will look after you, tonight will be a regular patrol." **You Sat with her legs crossed at the other end of a very long table. Just as you were about to leave for the night you were called for a meeting. Many other men sat along the sides, some giving you a disapproving look. With your boss; Maxwell sat on the other side of the table going over the standards, plan, and emergency exits. You yawned and rested your hand on her palm which caused the man sitting near maxwell to stand.

"Boss. I don't understand why the singer is here with us."

"And she's being really rude." Another one spoke.

Maxwell laughed "No no she's just fine. She sang very well tonight. lets cut her some slack."

You smiled and straightened herself "thank you Max."

There was a slam on the table "you will speak to the boss properly. It would be a shame if that kid of yours suffered due to your incompetence."

Some of the men froze. Maxwell held a smile on his face as he leaned back and watched Y/N's face turn into a sickly smile.

You stood, refusing to break eye contact"do you know what my position is?"

They all mumbled amongst themselves. You began walking towards Maxwell. On occasion, you would gently caress the shoulders of the men who were seated. "I am his right hand."

Some of the men gulped. The clicks of your heels seem louder "I am in charge of most of the lives who serve us. I am the one that gets information."

You pulled a gun that was conveniently on the table "I am the one who has organized most of the event that will be taking place this Friday."

You finally stopped in front of the goon that started all this and placed the gun under his chin. He looked down at you, anger and annoyance evident on his face "How long have you been with us?"

"T-two months.""I see, So you're new." You pressed the gun further up his neck "I'll let this outburst slide. But the next time you threaten to hurt my son again. I'll make sure you die a slow, agonizing,  painful death. Is that understood?"The man nodded his head frantically before You pushed him back to his seat. Maxwell laughed "Y/N doll, please. You're scaring half the room." "Hmph. tell your men to know their place." You turned to walk away "I'll be taking tomorrow off. I have important business to attend to in my personal life." Y/N left the room, making sure to slam the door on her way out. she grabbed her things and began walking back to her small studio apartment.  "hopefully ill have time to sleep."