"There's not usually this many around. It's usually just Batman and Robin and...me. And when I almost got Robin killed..."

Stephanie's head tilted just left of off center, her bright eyes glassing as they stared forward into nothingness. Her mind was preoccupied in that moment with what might have happened in that scenario. And of all the horrible things, only one thing actually escaped her lips and was made audible, even if barely so: "He would have never trusted me again. I almost died, and he kinda lost it. Jason died, and he did lose it. Damian dying?...no, thank you."

Pressure? It was part of it. But rarely did Stephanie get the chance to simply talk about it. Everything had been harder since Alfred's death, losing the one person you could talk to about [i]anything[/i] had maybe been the worst part though. That and never getting to taste another Pennyworth grilled cheese special. Kate Kane was someone Steph could talk to...about anything, now. The very thought brought new life into her face and eyes, a relief of cathartic release that put Steph in a new kind of ease.

She was even smiling when she looked up at Kate upon hearing the invitation. The smile was easy, and small, but there was more hidden behind it. An electric current went through her body; head to tippy-toes, so it felt, at least. It was at that very moment that the Cluemaster's daughter put it together. Why the electric current? Why had Kate averted her eyes in such an obvious, awkward sort of way when she'd walked in?...why did it feel like Kate Kane was asking her out?

Then, like a twelve year old, Stephanie Brown [i]blushed[/i]. It could have been an innocent invitation, but now putting together every sign from their time together...it read like the sweet guy who was happy to be her friend, but too hesitant to make other feelings known. Not that Stephanie had a lot of experience with that, or boys in general. [i]Or girls.[/i]

Her smile grew, unabashed and warm as it could be given the night before. "Sounds good. Meet me at the student center around nine tonight?" Then she rose from her seat and motioned to the door, "I better go talk to him. I'll see you tonight...go get some sleep, yeah?" She paused long enough to enjoy the moment, and Kate Kane, a few moments longer before pushing out the door and losing that smile. Though the warmth hadn't been lost, it was still there her whispered tone when she appeared next to the bed, and the kid.

"I'm so sorry. Please don't ever scare me like that again. Some of us have grown attached...even to a butthead like you." Stephanie kissed her lips faintly at Damian's temple, trying not to smile, or cry, or both. "Now rest while you can, he'll be here soon."