It's my first Batman story! :) I love Cassandra Cain with a passion, and have always felt that she and Tim would have great chemistry... But of course, the writers have neglected that.

So here's what I feel should occur:

Though not fluent like Cassandra, Tim could proudly claim to be semi-literate in body language. The attraction always seemed so obvious; secret smiles and "accidental" brushes of their hands. It had taken him years to realize it, but now that he had, Tim was determined to act on it. He was confident; how could he not be? Her body language screamed attraction- which was why Tim was completely flabbergasted, his brain struggling to process the single syllable that sent a hot, whip-lash pain to his chest.

"No."

Tim blinked, "What?"

Cassandra's entire body was tense as she crossed her arms over her chest, but Tim could catch a hint of remorse in those dark eyes. "You hear."

Tim was more confused than embarrassed at this flat rejection, "I don't understand."

Cassandra couldn't help but bite her lip. Her natural sense of sympathy kicked in and before she could stop herself, she began to explain herself, "Not I don't like you, Tim… I do! Just that…" She stopped and bit down on her tongue.

"What is it, Cass?" Tim encouraged her.

She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, "I am warrior, Tim. Am Batgirl, nothing else."

Tim frowned, "So? I'm Robin. What are you getting at?"

Not for the first time, Cassandra wished she could express herself with words… Now more than ever. When it was crucial to find the right words. When a demanding, and very heartbroken Tim Drake stood in front of her. When a misplaced word could break him in his fragile state. "You- you don't understand. I- I'm undefeatable, Tim. I want- but with you… Emotional baggage." She didn't like the way he suddenly tensed and she struggled to explain herself, "No! Not like that!" She stomped her foot, frustrated, "The Joker- I can beat. Lady Shiva, Ravager, the Riddler- all, simple! Even Batman! No problem!

"But you, Tim…" She looked up and there was agony in those murky eyes, "You- only one can hurt me… And I won't let you try."

Tim froze in his tracks. He stared at her for a long time, his heart throbbing in his chest, but couldn't say anything. And with that, he let Batgirl slip away... back into the shadows where she belonged.

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