@cassxndracain

It was a mission made for STEALTH, and Artemis didn’t know anyone stealthier than Cassandra Cain. The girl had stealth trained into her horrifically by the League, and despite it she had prospered and become the hero she is today. The mission was simple. Get the gear (very important, very dangerous, alien gear) to the safe house, IE, Star Labs. It could have been simple if there weren’t so many villain types after it. No one even knew what it did yet and there they want- wanting to take it for themselves, just in case. 

“Ready to get going?” She asked the younger girl. Artemis was in the driver’s seat, and they were using one of ‘The Batman’s’ specially made mobiles. According to the mission briefing Cassandra would know all the special buttons to hit when the baddies were inevitably on their tails. 

-

“Yes,” Cass confirmed, offering the other girl a smile. She was happy that Artemis had thought of her for this mission -- of course, her skills were ideally suited to the task, but she was still reveling in the idea that people trusted her. Her childhood -- if one could call it that -- with the League didn’t work against her, as she always feared it would. 

She tapped a button on the console, rendering the windows opaque, so that those on the outside couldn’t see them looking in. “Luicus…” She smiled faintly. “Was working. On this one. If you press…” She pointed to another button. “The car will…be armored.”

Open starter for @assemblestarter

Laura held back a laugh. “You want to take me…out? Usually when somebody says that to me they’re holding a gun.”  She raised an eyebrow, “But you’ve got my attention, New York’s a big place, where do you want to go?” 

-

Cass’s eyes widened slightly. Has she made a mistake? She had been fairly sure that it was a common phrase, but maybe she was wrong. English was a difficult language to learn, and it had so many minutiae and strange turns of phrases that really didn’t make that much sense when you thought about them. 

She brightened when she realized that the other woman had understood. “For fun,” she clarified, smiling at her. “There is a cat cafe,” she said, her eyes widening a little again. “Where you can…adopt a cat. If you want one. It could be fun.”

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     Damian could only draw from his own experience, but when he had been placed under his father’s care it had felt like a fresh start. He had never known such lengths of unconditional love before or how it felt to know that there were people that would always have his back, even on occasions when he would prefer that they didn’t. He had never known such pride in the work that he was doing. No longer did he need to serve his greater purpose as rightful heir, in fact, as far as Bruce was concerned; all Damian needed to do was simply be. He could never assume that Cass felt the exact way that he did, but he knew that this family meant just as much to her. “Anything good?” Damian smirked softly. His patrols had been pretty boring as of late, which, in the bigger picture was certainly not a bad thing by any means, but it sure made for a long night. “I’m fine. The same, pretty much” he nodded. “I know…I’m not good at making plans, I’m sorry. But I’d like to” He had missed her, a lot. “Which movie did you watch?”

-

Cass smiled softly as Damian spoke. “Mmm,” she hummed, considering his words, thinking about the past few nights. “I…helped a woman. Get her purse back. From a mugger.” She smiled serenely. “I beat him up. He deserved it. She said thank you. She gave me…” She mimed unwrapping a candy. “A caramel. It’s yummy. Have you had one?” She smiled softly. “Fine?” she said. “Fine-fine or Damian-fine?” Meaning, actually fine, or was he just saying he was fine? She nodded, reaching out to pat his hand gently. “I would, too,” she said. She looked over at him, a little giggle leaving her lips. “The Mummy,” she said. “It was a little scary. But mostly funny.”

Continued from here for @cassxndracain​

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     Tommy’s brows furrowed as she other spoke slowly, worrying suddenly that she was afraid of him, or at the very least cautious. He took a step back, just in case, and shook his head gently. “I know, sorry. It was just a weird happenstance…I didn’t want you to worry that I was following you for anything weird or anything…I’m just new around here” He wanted to make friends, and he forgot sometimes that his approach could be too much. 

-

Cass frowned a little as he stepped back from her, wondering if it was out of fear or an attempt to pacify her. She used to be so adept at reading body language, but after everything that had happened to her, this skill had changed. “I wasn’t worried,” she said, a faint smile touching her lips. She could handle herself against just about anyone after all. “It’s okay,” she said, with another little smile. “I’m Cass.”

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Lian looked at the girl she was rather familiar with her given their last meeting she liked hoe quiet she seemed to be. Only talking when completely necessary but also she had a look within her eyes that told her she was always analyzing  date from what she’d seen. “ Civil War huh? That’s a rather depressing theme to look into but then again to each is their own” she mused taking a look at the book smiling softly “does Alfred give you homework to ensure you’ve done your reading?” She teased.

-

Cass looked up at her and gave a little shrug, smiling faintly. “History is sad,” she said. “At least sometimes. But still worth learning.” She touched the cover of the book gently, running a finger over the title and lookikng up at Lian. “It’s a part of…everything. We should know.” She gave a little laugh. “No,” she said. “We talk about it. Helps me remember. And Alfred…” She paused and smiled. “Knows everything. Or that’s how…it feels. I like talking…to him. About what I’m reading.”

Jubilee smiled, “No, no pets unfortunately. I grew up with a dog, but that was a long time ago.”  She let her hand run over a cat’s fluffy back as it passed her. “I love cats though, I feel l like they just…get me if that makes any sense.”  She glanced at the menu again and nodded, “Thank you though, I think I’m gonna have the mango boba and a muffin.”  She looked at Cass excitedly, “Last time we went out you had me order, I’m impressed you’re feeling confident enough to do it! I can tell you’re really making progress.” 

-

Cass smiled softly. “I like dogs,” she said. “They’re very sweet. And loyal. Damian has a dog. He named him Titus.” She reached out a hand as the cat drifted past, smiling again when the creature gently sniffed her fingers and rubbed up against her hand. 

She offered the other young woman another smile. “That sounds good,” she said. “I think…” She glanced at the menu herself, her expression thoughtful. “A…latte,” she said. “And a muffin, too.” 

Her expression brightened as Jubilee spoke. “Thank you,” she said. “I’m trying.” She smiled again. “I’ll be right back.” She went to the counter to place the order, and came back a few minutes later, holding a tray. “Here you go,” she said, smiling softly.

Open Starter @assemblestarter​

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     “ - Okay, and please hear me out because this is going to sound really random and weird but…” Tommy sighed, shaking his head as he realized he’d definitely been caught tailing the other. “Do you ever get a weird deja vu feeling about a face? Like you’ve seen it before somewhere but you have absolutely no idea where? Cause…You just have one of this faces, I guess. I don’t know”

-

Cass looked up, her eyebrows drawing together as Tommy spoke. “No,” she said simply. She considered his words for a moment, nibbling on her lower lip. “Maybe…” She paused again. “I remind you of…” She shrugged and spread her hands to indicate that it could be anyone. “Someone?” She looked at him. “I don’t…know you.” Another pause. “Sorry.”

[ STUDY ] :  for  your  muse  to  join  mine  to  study / read  || @cassxndracain​

Lian never had much time or resources growing up when it came to learning, she learn street smarts, which alley to hide, and which person was kind enough to kids to feed. But now in this time and with her friends, she expressed slight interest in learning other things as well. So when she happened around Cass studying something or other she plopped down on the chair next to her. “So what are you studying? You are pretty deep in that book”

-

Cass looked up as Lian spoke, a shy smile touching her lips. She was working on her social skills, slowly, and she thought she was getting better -- but being pulled from her book like this felt like someone had tapped into a shell she was in, and it made her feel almost like her old reserved self. “Oh, I…” She looked up at Lian. “It’s just…about the…the Civil War. I’m learning about it.” She paused. “Alfred is helping.”

“It is.” She was betting on her falling asleep during the movie with the blanket, Babs had done it many times, it was that comfortable. Barbara nodded agreeing with her. she was so proud of how far Cass had come. “We are a family. The bats, the birds.” she said referring to the bats and the birds of prey they were both apart of. “You okay Cass?” she asked wondering if something was bothering her, it felt like she was clinging to this family idea tonight and she knew Cass’ background wasn’t the easiest. 

-

A smile broke out on Cass’s face as Babs agreed they were a family. The way she had grown up certainly had never encouraged family ties -- in fact, it had actively worked against that. She had been trained, not raised. But now, with the Waynes, and with the Birds of Prey, she was finally beginning to learn what it was like to really have a family. “Oh, yes,” she said, smiling softly as she answered Babs’ question. “I was just…thinking. That it’s nice. To have a family.” She smiled again. “I didn’t before. But I do now.”

Closed Starter for @cassxndracain​

Jubilee looked around the cafe as she waited for Cass to put in her order. 

There were cats everywhere, on perches, resting in arm chairs, one or two sitting on other customer’s laps. She’d never been to a cat cafe before but she wanted to get to know Cass better and this seemed as good a way as any to do it. 

Sitting down at a pair of over stuffed chairs Jubilee grinned and asked, “So, how did you find this place?” 

-

Cass smiled brightly as Jubilee spoke. “I looked it up,” she said. “My friend…showed me boba. The tea. So I looked up…boba places.” She paused, looking around. “They also have coffee,” she said. “If you don’t like boba. And hot chocolate. And tea.” 

A cat jumped lightly into her lap and she smiled, gently stroking the cat along the length of its back. “Do you have one?” she said, pointing to the cat in her lap. “I don’t. I like them though.” She paused, considering. “I’ve never had any,” she said. “Any pets.” Unless you counted Damian letting her pet Titus. 

“Do you…” She pointed to the menu. “Know what you want? I can order. For both of us.”

☆ﾟ*·ﾟCHUCKLING SOFTLY AS he realized who stood in front of him. Awkwardly, Alfred ran his hand through his hair, feeling somewhat embarrassed now. “I thought I might search for ways to connect with the youth,” he explained, straightening himself him, adjusting his shirt, attempting to look a bit more presentable. “Perhaps this wasn’t the best idea. I do not want to frighten anyone,” he explained. Was Alfred really even acting like Alfred right now? Laughing to himself, he knew that he was being a bit foolish. “I think so, but I do not understand how anyone does this multiple days. I do believe my legs will feel much like pudding tomorrow.”

-

Cass giggled. “Why? You aren’t old,” she said. “We like you. The way you are.” She looked at him for a moment, thinking about it, a smile touching her lips. “No, not scared,” she said. “More…surprised.” A soft giggle left her lips as she spoke, looking up at him. She gave a little smile as he spoke, shrugging slightly. “I don’t,” she said. “But I’m usually…” She smiled faintly. “Busy.” Of course Alfred knew perfectly well what she was busy with. “And too many people…” She glanced around the club before looking back at Alfred, shrugging again. “It can be…a lot. Sometimes.”

Closed Starter for @cassxndracain​

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     Damian’s lip twitched with the hint of a smile as he noticed that Cassandra was also up on the roof. It was a popular place of choice for his family, it seemed. Particularly when stressed. Without a word he moved closer, taking a seat beside her before he let out a heavy sigh. “Are you doing okay?” Damian asked, turning to look at her. Patrol schedules had meant that he’d barely seen most of his siblings more recently, but he was the most worried about Cass. Like him, she’d prefer to suffer in silence than ask for help. It was something he wished she wouldn’t, but he could understand nevertheless. “Just checking in”

-

Cass smiled brightly and waved at Damian as he met her gaze. She loved everyone she had come to call family since arriving at Wayne Manor, including Damian himself. “Yes,” she assured him, smiling again. “I’ve been patrolling.” There was a touch of pride in her voice, still, after all this time. It meant everything to her that she was so well trusted. “Are you okay?” she asked in return, looking over at him. “It’s been…” Cass offered him a little smile. “A while. Since we’ve talked. I saw…Babs. The other day. We watched a movie.”

“Yes, it was a birthday present. You like?” she petting the soft blanket as Cass did. Barbara made a mental note to give one to Cass for her upcoming birthday this year, she figured if she liked this one she might want one of her own. “I’m sure she misses you too, next mission she has maybe I can get you to accompany her.” she offered. She never liked putting Cass in harms way even though she could very easily take care of herself, but it was good to keep sharp. “That’s why we doing this, to help people. Especially here.” 

-

“Yes,” Cass said with a little smile. “It’s very soft. It seems comfy.” Her expression brightened further as Babs spoke, and she nodded. “That would be fun!” she said. “And smart. Being together…” She gave a firm little nod. “It’s good. Safer. You know?” She nodded again, looking over at Babs with a soft smile. “Yes,” she said. “And I like…” She paused, carefully gathering her words. “Helping…with you. With all of you. It’s family. Family helping each other. And others.”

“Ok sweet! I’m on it. Go ahead and sit and i’ll get us something.” she grinned. The one thing about what she’d gone through, is that her hair wasn’t prone to light up at every thought she had now. She wasn’t sure if that was a blessing…or just sad. “ I’ll be right back.” she said going to grab them both a drink. She knew she was taking a risk getting so close to her family, but she couldn’t help it. She missed them. She’d deal with Yara later. 

-

“Thank you,” Cass said, with a soft smile, nodding as Mar’i went to get in line. She grabbed a table for them, sitting perched slightly forward on her seat, as though she were guarding the other chair until Mar’i sat down. She watched Mar’i with interest as she waited for her to come back, wondering if ordering boba was simpler or more complex than ordering a coffee. Tim had helped her do that at first.

Barbara smoothed the blanket Cass had put overtop of her, the material was soft on her fingertips, a cashmere blanket from her mother. Bab’s had never been into laps or over the top things but she had to admit her mother had good taste. “Sounds good to me Cass. Like I said you’re always welcome.” she told her reaching out to touch her shoulder in a comforting gesture. Cass had come a long way and Barbara had always been very protective of her like a sister or daughter. “Good! Busy with Oracle, Dinah and I have a lead on the case but I took the night off. How about you? Everything going okay?”

-

Cass gently ran her fingers over the weave of the blanket, smiling a little. “Soft,” she murmured. “From your mom?” She had met the elder Barbara a few times -- the woman was fierce, to say the least. Cass’s first opinion of her was that maybe Miss Kean would have done better in Cass’s childhood environment than she had. She saw a lot of similarities between mother and daughter, but the younger Babs had more of a gentleness. She looked over at her friend and smiled as Barbara touched her shoulder. “Thank you,” she said. She brightened. “Dinah!” she said. “I miss her too.” She smiled. “Yes,” she said. “Patrol is good. I like being…able to help people.”

Babs looked up at Cass and smiled excitedly. “Yes, that’s the one. It’s one of my favourites, got a little bit of everything in there! Perfect for a good movie night.” she was happy she had chosen something Cass was happy to watch. Babs didn’t have sisters growing up, actually for the most part she was an only child and when Peter came along she was already an adult, but it was nice being so close with Cass and Steph. “I missed you too Cass, you know you can pop by whenever. It’s usually just me here.” 

-

Cass smiled back at her and clasped her hands together. “Yes,” she said warmly. “Perfect.” Sitting next to Babs on the couch again, she carefully spread the blanket over them both, making sure they were both equally covered while also looking out for the bowl of popcorn. “I will,” she promised, smiling again, and then considered. “I’ll call first,” she added. “It’s polite.” She looked over at Babs. “How are you?” she said, looking at her friend’s face for a moment. “Really,” she added, having the feeling that something might be off with her. 

Beth took a sip of her martini, legs crossed as she sat at the bar of the Siren’s Club. She had just gotten into the city a week or so ago. “This is a shit. I thought this was supposed to be a high end place? I’ve licked things off sorority girls tastier than this..” she frowned putting the glass down. @assemblestarter​

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Cass frowned as the woman spoe, her eyebrows pulling together. “Mine is good,” she said. She privately thought the other woman was perhaps just picky. Or…judging by the sorority girls comment, maybe she just had unique taste. Cass mostly came here because she knew Barbara’s mom owned the place, and she wanted to support her friend’s mother. She wasn’t really much of a drinker herself. “Maybe…try the wine?” she suggested, trying to be helpful. “I’ve had it before. It’s good.”