I hope you all enjoy this Jason Todd/OC story that will start out with some background before jumping forward. It was editing October 10, 2016 as was every chapter up until 5.

The ballroom was bustling with staff members preparing for the event that started in less than three hours. Alfred was taking care of things in the kitchen, ensuring that the wait staff knew what was in each appetizer, and what time to bring out specific dishes that were coming in from the newest caterer. Glancing back, Alfred saw the containers coming in with food, with warming trays ready and a freezer constantly being opened. Although the wait staff and Alfred offered many times, Camilla Marino was insistent that she was fully capable to carry things in with her young assistant- her daughter Julietta.

Camilla had been recommended by Bruce Wayne's friend Zanobi Esposito plenty of times as they were working out a business arrangement. Zanobi even went to the point that he brought in some semifreddos from the bakery that Miss Marino worked at. Bruce enjoyed the passion that Zanobi had for this, even to the point where he claimed that these were the best semifreddos that you could get in the States.

What Zanobi hadn't told Alfred or Bruce was that Camilla had been new to the business of catering. She was doing it as a side business while also working in an Italian coffee shop to support herself and daughter. Camilla's daughter, Julietta, was carrying in some containers before setting them down and smiling at Alfred. If the Butler would have to guess, this girl was around the same age as Master Jason. Dismissing the wait staff to go relax until the banquet were to begin, Alfred went to fetch refreshments for the two. He was sure that they must be thirsty from carrying enough food to appease over 200 people with appetizers and desserts.

Alfred called over Camilla and Julietta as he held out the two glasses for them. "I must insist that you two take a break to at least drink some. After all, you are in for quite a long night." Alfred reason as Camilla gave him a genuine smile.

"Thank you Alfred." She said as Camilla handed her daughter one of the glasses. Having both of them beside one another it was clear to see that they were related. Both with light brown-almost considered blonde hair in loose curls with tanned skin. The most noticeable differences was Camilla had deep brown eyes with a mole beside her left eye, whereas Julietta had hazel eyes and was splattered in freckles. Glancing down, Camilla gave her daughter a look before the young one smiled up at Alred.

"Thank you Mister Pennyworth." Julietta said before finishing it and turned to run and grab more things from the van through the kitchen door. Not paying attention to her surrounding area Julietta crashed into a pair of legs. Falling to the ground, Julietta let out an oof and looked up to see what she collided with.

It was two men, a large man with thick dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard next to a man who looked as if he should be on the cover of a fitness magazine, which you could tell even in his well-tailored suit. The first man helped Julietta up as she rushed out an apology. "I'm so sorry!" Taking a step back, Julietta dusted off her pants.

"Bambino, it's okay." The man said as he let out a small laugh and patted her head.

"Mi dispiace molto Signore Esposito." Camilla rambled out as she pulled Julietta to rest against her. Camilla's face was flustered. "She didn't look where she was going." Julietta, on the other hand, wasn't sure why they were still talking about this since she apologized.

"Camilla, there's nothing to worry about. Jason constantly runs into things since he'll get so focused on his path and not pay attention to anything else." Bruce offered as he glanced between the relaxing Camilla and his friend Zanobi. Smiling, he ushered for Julietta to follow him as the other two were left to speak in Italian with one another. Bruce smiled at her as he helped Julietta grab the last few boxes talking with Julietta as if he had known her for quite some time rather than just the child of someone he had hired before going to speak with Alfred.

-
The gala was well underway, as Julietta watched her mama coming in and out of the kitchen constantly to ensure that everything was in order and trays were being refilled properly. Julietta was in admiration of her mother for doing all this yet still looking beautiful with a twisted ponytail, dangling silver earrings in a black dress, red heels and beautiful smokey make up. Julietta rarely saw her mom wear make-up or care about her attire much until Mr. Esposito entered the coffee shop a few months previously. Zanobi even made the point to come in and chat with Camilla occasionally in the kitchen with a soft touch on the elbow or back.

Wiggling in her chair at the table, Julietta puffed out her cheeks. With her homework done and more interest in the drama going on with her mother's life than going out to socialize with the older guests at the party or find something else to distract herself at the table. The door opened again, this time a bit longer than usual as Julietta looked over to see someone her age.

The boy was dressed up in a well fitted suit with his dark hair combed back and bright eyes scanning the area as if this was some sort of mission. His eyes landed on a plate of zeppole as he licked his lips and walked over towards it. Moving out of the chair, Julietta tip toed behind this boy.

"So, you enjoy deep fried filled pastries?" Julietta questioned as she cupped her hands behind her back as the boy jumped a little bit.

"Oh yeah." The boy said before laughing and rubbing the back of his head before turning to look at Julietta. "Everyone else keeps taking them before I get a chance." The boy angrily huffed as Julietta moved her hand to cover her giggles.

"Well, I may be able to see if mama can leave the leftover for you." She offered as he beam with delight. "Or you could ask Signore Esposito for the address to the coffee shop.

"Please! That would be great." He exclaimed before grabbing a handful and popping one in his mouth.

"I'm Julietta by the way." She offered to go offer her hand but realized his were occupied.

"I'm Jason Todd." He said with his mouth full of pastries. The dark haired boy was grinning ear to ear. Julietta had to figure that he had quite the sweet tooth.

Jason continued to stay and followed Julietta to sit at the table. Raising an eyebrow, she leaned forward to look at her new friend. "Won't your parents be upset at you for hiding in here rather than being out socializing with Gotham's elite?" Her brain went through what she had learned in school about the original families of Gotham and from the tabloids trying to figure out who Jason's parents were.

"Nope." Jason popped out as he leaned in a bit. "My guardian is way too busy with everyone flocking me to worry about where I am at these boring events." Jason said with a whine before pointing to the food over there. "At least the food is always great." He added as the kitchen door opened again with Camilla and Zanobi walking in again. They hadn't noticed the kids so Julietta leaned over and grabbed Jason's hand dragging him to hide behind the large fridge and empty containers.

Jason turned Julietta to look at him with a confused expression as she grinned and whispered. "Signore Esposito has been visiting mama all the time at the coffee shop, and even helped her get this contract with Bruce Wayne." Turning, Julietta leaned over to peek her eyes around the fridge as Jason leaned against her to see too. Quietly, she added. "Mama hasn't dated since she split with papa and I think they'd be great together. He makes her laugh."

Jason was grinning as he watched the two adults interact before leaning even closer to whisper. "Well, if it helps, Zanobi always brags about her to Bruce and Alfred for her cooking, to intelligence and even her ability to speak Italian.

Julietta smiled ear to ear as they continued watching until a cough pulled them away from watching. Glancing back, the two kids saw Bruce standing behind the pair. "Is snooping something you two should be doing?" Both looked at one another as they gave Bruce an awkward smile.

They both thought of the same word. "Busted."

Julietta reacted first as she looked up to Bruce. "Sorry Mister Wayne, I wanted to spy and dragged Jason to join me. Please don't tell his guardians." She asked while clasping her hands together. "We weren't causing any harm."

Jason looked at Julietta with a raised eyebrow before chuckling and whispering. "Bruce is my guardian."

-
"Bruce we could still go onto Patrol today afterwards." The now fourteen year old Jason whined as he adjusted his tie once more. It had been nearly five years since he met Julietta and Camilla.

Sighing, Bruce put a hand on Jason's shoulder and crouched a bit to look him in the eye. "Jason, we aren't going to rush through the wedding just to go on patrol. We deserve a night off once in a while. We had a busy month, take the time to relax." Bruce recommended as his young ward nodded slowly.

Pausing, Jason weighed the pros and cons before nodding slowly and walking with Bruce to the car. Bruce was concerned for his ward since Jason was getting more aggressive during the missions and eager to take on missions. This was the closest event that Bruce knew would help Jason unwind.

The car ride was long when they arrived to the church. It was a large stone church with beautiful stained glass, that made the inside of the church bask with a magical glow. Reporters were outside along the rode waiting to catch a photo of this Cinderella story. After all, it wasn't every day that a millionaire known for his wineries and other investments was marrying an Italian immigrant who had been working in a coffee shop previously.

Jason and Bruce met Bruce's date for the wedding at the entrance where Julietta greeted them. She smiled at the trio, making sure to introduce herself to Bruce's date before hugging Jason. Seeing the young teens close to one another, it was clear to see how much they had grown in the past few years with Jason starting to grow taller than his friend. Jason let the hug linger as a small flush was on his face. Bruce grinned as he diverted his focus elsewhere.

Every day, Julietta was blooming into a kind and beautiful young woman that look greatly like her own mother. Finally the hug separated as Julietta looked over to Bruce. "I'm so glad you could make it today, mama is so nervous but everything seems to be running smoothly." Grinning, she glanced backwards towards the inside of the church. "But this is all thanks you Mr. Wayne, after all Mr. Esposito asked mama out at the event." Wistfully sighing, Julietta snuck a glance at Jason- who was oblivious before waving for them to follow her. They were all sitting in the front row with Julietta since they were basically family.

Julietta and Jason immediately sat with one another as Julietta pulled out a phone from some mysterious pocket in her dress and leaned to converse more privately with Jason. His hand rested on the pew behind her back.

"So, you remember that blogger I told you about? They believe Two Face was the one responsible for the bridge being taken out last night." Julietta began as she scrolled down on the phone screen. "They think it was to take out the competitor's main travel route for shipments of drugs coming into Gotham and take them for themselves." Jason smiled at her as he leaned forward to look at the screen. He couldn't help but be amused that she was always reading up about the criminals of Gotham. Julietta would message him at all hours of the day, even risking it during class about her theories regarding anything relating to Batman and Robin. Jason was amused by hearing Julietta ramble about the Dynamic Duo.

Pointing to a photo, Julietta glanced up before down again. The photo showed some of Two Face's goons holding guns and putting crates into their own vehicle with labels that this blogger said meant various drugs in coded numbers. "Now you notice that Batman and Robin were nowhere around here. I think that Two Face purposely diverted Batman and Robin's attention to do this. After all, if he got rid of the competition, he could create a larger empire and monopolize the market, charging double at least for the portions he's already selling in the streets."

Jason took some time to think before shrugging. "That's pretty genius of Two Face." Jason was trying not to think about the latest case when he was unable to work on it. "So, does Camilla know that once again you're investigating them?" Jason questioned.

Julietta shook her head while putting her phone away. "She would be so upset if I did, even if she heard that I was looking into criminals." Puffing her cheeks a bit, she leaned back with her bare shoulder blade touching Jason's hand.

"If she asks, I'm just excited about high school and the wedding, got it?" Julietta added with a serious look before holding out her pinkie to him. She waited for Jason to wrap his pinkie around hers before flashing him a smile. "Just think, we'll be in school together this time and you can torment me in person."

Jason feigned being upset as he placed a hand on his chest. "Torment? That seems like a harsh word to use for your best friend. I prefer 'keep you company.'" Chuckling, Jason could hear the music begin before tapping his fingers against her shoulder. "Anyways, it's time."

-
The wedding and dinner following had gone beautifully. The dancefloor was now full of their guests dancing to the upbeat music while chatting and enjoying alcoholic beverages. Camilla and Zanobi were sitting down after doing the first dance and Daddy/Daughter dance. Julietta swayed through the crowd before taking a seat in the reception beside Jason. She rested her head on her hand before tilting her head.

"You have to be bored just sitting here." Julietta remarked as Jason shrugged. If he was honest, he would much rather be throwing punches while on patrol.

Jason shook his head. "Nah, I'm just a bit warm." He replied nonchalantly as he noticed the concern on his friend's face. He knew that Julietta would react soon if Jason didn't stop her. "But it's fine tho-" he began but Julietta had already began to drag Jason through the crowd towards the glass doors. Julietta pushed them open and he felt much better the moment the cool breeze hit his skin.

Moving her hand now, Julietta intertwined their fingers to get him to follow her until they reached a fountain. Sitting on the edge of the fountain, Julietta glanced to his hand before hesitantly letting his go.

Jason missed having her pleasantly warm hand in his but shook it off and stood nearby.

"Better Jason?" Julietta questioned while tilting her head. Moving to sit beside her, Jason distracted his hand by playing with water.

"Much better, I enjoy being away from all those people." There was a comfortable silence, as Julietta glanced around and bit her lip.

"So…" Julietta hesitantly began before looking towards him. "What's it really like being brought into all this." She questioned waving with one hand to gesture to the large property of the custom mansion. It had its own garden that was practically a maze. "These people have had a cucchiaio d'Argento in their mouths their whole life! Before today, I just had to see them when my step papa hosted events and insisted I come."

Sighing heavily, Julietta leaned her head against Jason's shoulder. "I still remember only having hand me downs and struggling to make it to the next pay day for food." Jason let the silence take hold for a moment before he began to speak.

"Honestly… it's going to be hard Jules, these people have their own code of ethics." Jason's arm wrapped around Julietta's shoulder as the other one continued to play with the water in the fountain. "But just know, I've been here for you since we met and I will always be there to help." Chuckling, he glanced down to look into Julietta's hazel eyes. "Besides, if any of them give you trouble, you can always just clock them."

Laughing against Jason, she rested a hand on his thigh and stared forward. "I think mama would throw a fit if I got in trouble," grinning she added. "but she'd be more upset if I didn't finish the fight." Jason smirked with the one side curled up a bit more as he pulled his hand out of the water to flick it in Julietta's face.

Gasping in shock, Julietta pulled away with a look of betrayal, before the challenge set in as she flicked water towards Jason. Flicks soon became splashes as they both became drenched in water when Julietta tried pushing Jason in only to be dragged in herself.

Getting out of the water, Julietta bursted into laughter and dropped to lay on the grass. Jason fell beside her while his eyes watched her cheerful face. Julietta stopped laughing to look back at him. He wasn't sure how long they stared at each other, or that they were staring until a drop of moisture landing on his nose brought his focus back. Looking up, Jason saw the stormy sky as he jumped up and held his hand out for her. Jason waited until she wrapped her hands around his before he pulled her onto his own two feet. They walked slowly back until the rain began to pour heavily down as they ran inside.

Inside there was many couples slow dancing to a romantic song that was heavy with the piano. In the center was Camilla and Zanobi leading the dance. Walking behind the crowd, Julietta led Jason until they found a spot to watch. Their intertwined hands fell to her side as her grip loosened. Jason could see Julietta watching her mama dance with her new step papa. Jason could see the soft and whimsical look in her eyes. Jason could tell that Julietta was thinking about how it must be dancing. Taking a chance, Jason placed his hand on the small of her back.

"Follow my lead." He whispered to her as Jason led her to the edge of the dance floor. His hand moved to intertwine with his as Jason pulled her close with his other hand on her lower back. Julietta placed her hand on his shoulder as she smiled up at him. Julietta let Jason instruct her for a bit until they fell into a familiar rhythm. Jason felt Julietta rest her head on his shoulder, as his breath hitched for a moment hearing a whispered.

"Is this something you were taught in school?"

"Yes, but you've been the best partner." Jason responded with his head gently resting against hers. His eyes scanned the dance floor to see Bruce dancing with his date as the bride and groom walking to watch the rain. Julietta had told Jason that it was good luck for the wedding if it rain apparently. Jason hoped this new family got all the happiness, and that the evening could last forever.