Y/N's POV

I woke up, blinking groggily at the ceiling. Something felt... different. My head wasn't pounding, my chest wasn't tight, and for once, my limbs didn't feel like they were weighed down by invisible chains. It hit me a moment later—I'd actually slept. Deeply, peacefully. No nightmares, no tossing and turning.

As I sat up, I noticed the sheets on my bed were still neatly tucked in around the mattress, a far cry from the usual mess I woke up to. I rubbed my eyes, half-expecting this to be some kind of dream. When I realized it wasn't, I couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle.

"Jinx," I muttered under my breath. Of course, it was her doing. Last night, she must've carried me back here after I passed out in the living room. She'd hum something soft, cast a little spell to calm my mind, and leave without a word. Classic Jinx.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stretched. My muscles felt looser than they had in weeks, and my mind wasn't clouded with the usual fog. For once, I felt... normal.

Coffee. That was the next step. I stood, slipped on a hoodie, and shuffled toward the door. As soon as I stepped into the hallway, though, I froze.

Music.

It wasn't the kind of heavy rock or chaotic beats that usually filled the hideout. No, this was something smoother, older—a vintage tune that could only have come from one source. The jukebox. The one Harley and I had stolen from Zucco's mansion ages ago.

I tilted my head, listening closer. Beneath the music was laughter. Soft, genuine, carefree laughter. My brows furrowed as I took a cautious step forward.

Every footfall brought a new wave of memories crashing down on me. Laughter over breakfast, teasing at the table, the sound of Cyborg flipping pancakes while Beast Boy tried to steal them off the griddle. I clenched my fists, forcing the thoughts away. This wasn't the Tower. Those weren't my teammates anymore.

I reached the doorway to the kitchen and stepped inside, squinting against the glare of the morning sunlight streaming through the windows. When my eyes adjusted, I froze again, caught completely off guard by what I saw.

Rose stood by the stove, flipping pancakes with a spatula in one hand and a mug of coffee in the other. She muttered something sarcastic under her breath, smirking as Blackfire—perched on the counter like she owned the place—shot tiny blasts of energy at her to throw her off.

Jinx leaned casually against the jukebox, her fingers tapping along to the beat of the music as she hummed softly.

And Terra... Terra sat cross-legged on the polar bear rug near the table, her knees pulled up to her chest. She wasn't saying much, just quietly eating a pancake, but there was a faint smile on her lips. She swayed gently to the music, her eyes half-closed as if she was lost in her own world.

For a moment, it felt like I'd been thrown back in time. Like I was standing in the Tower again, watching my old team go about their morning routine. But that illusion was shattered the second Blackfire turned her gaze toward me.

"Morning, fearless leader," she said with a smirk, her tone dripping with mockery. "Sleep well? Or did you spend the night brooding over your tragic past again?"

Rose snorted as she poured another round of batter onto the griddle. "Ignore her. I saved you some pancakes. Be grateful."

Jinx pushed off the jukebox and sauntered toward me, her sly grin firmly in place. "Grateful? He should be honored to be graced with our culinary talents. It's not every day you get breakfast cooked by an assassin and taste-tested by a space princess."

Blackfire rolled her eyes. "I'm not a princess anymore. And I'm not tasting anything she cooks. Last time, I nearly died."

I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips despite myself. "Good to see everyone's in a good mood," I said, moving toward the coffee pot.

Rose handed me a plate with an exaggerated flourish as I passed her. "Here. It's not poisoned. Probably."

I took the plate and glanced down at the stack of pancakes. They actually looked edible. "Thanks, Rose. You're a real inspiration," I said dryly before taking a bite.

To my surprise, the pancake was... good. Really good. "Damn. You can actually cook?"

She smirked. "Slade wasn't exactly the 'breakfast in bed' kind of dad. You learn fast or you starve."

The room went quiet for a beat before Blackfire broke it with a snort. "And here I thought you were just born angry and malnourished."

That earned her a glare from Rose, but before she could retort, Jinx stepped in, waving her hands dramatically. "Alright, alright, let's not start a food fight. Not when we've got perfectly good pancakes to eat."

The rest of the morning passed in a blur of lighthearted banter and teasing, the kind of chaotic camaraderie I hadn't realized I'd missed. For a brief, fleeting moment, the weight of our lives—the battles, the grudges, the scars—felt far away.

. . .

I took a seat beside Terra on the polar bear rug, the morning sunlight casting a soft glow across the room. She didn't acknowledge me right away, her focus entirely on the pancake she was eating in small, deliberate bites.

"Morning," I said, keeping my tone light as I stretched out on the rug.

Terra glanced at me briefly, her blue eyes flickering with a hint of acknowledgment, before turning back to her plate without a word.

I sighed softly, leaning back on my hands. It wasn't surprising. She was still adjusting to all of this—the hideout, the team, the new reality she'd chosen. It couldn't be easy for her, and I wasn't exactly the best at making people feel at home.

For a moment, it looked like she was about to say something. Her lips parted slightly, and she hesitated, glancing at me with an almost conflicted expression.

But before she could speak, the door to the hideout burst open with a loud bang.

"GOOD MORNING, TEAM!"

The Joker's unmistakable voice rang out, sending an immediate wave of tension through the room.

Rose dropped her plate, her sword already in her hand, while Jinx lit up her fingers with a dangerous pink glow. Blackfire's fists ignited with her signature violet flames, and even Terra tensed beside me, her body coiled like a spring.

I groaned, dragging a hand down my face. "What the hell do you want, Joker?"

As if on cue, Harley Quinn peeked out from behind him, waving cheerfully at everyone. "Mornin', puddin'! Look at all these sleepy faces!"

Joker strode in like he owned the place, his manic grin plastered across his face. He stopped in front of me, throwing his arms wide as if expecting a hug.

"Ah, my dear Red X!" he cackled. "What's with the cold reception? I didn't even bring any shocking surprises this time!"

I pushed him back before he could get too close, glaring at him. "I'm serious, Joker. What do you want?"

Joker chuckled, brushing imaginary dust off his purple suit. "Oh, just a little something to brighten your day!" He sauntered over to the coffee table, grabbed the remote, and turned on the TV with a flourish.

The screen flickered to life, showing a live broadcast outside Jump City Hospital. The Titans were gathered there, and front and center was Blue Beetle. He looked battered but alive, his left cheek covered with a bandage—no doubt hiding the "X" I'd carved into him.

Cyborg stepped forward, giving an impassioned speech.

"This so-called 'Lost Legion' thinks they can break us with cheap tricks and cowardly tactics. Well, guess what? We're still here, stronger than ever. The next time they try something, we'll be ready!"

The camera panned across the team, showing Raven and Beast Boy standing resolutely beside Cyborg. They didn't look defeated or demoralized. If anything, they looked more determined than ever.

Beside me, Terra's breath hitched. Her body went rigid as the screen lingered on Beast Boy and Raven for a moment too long.

A low growl escaped her throat, so quiet I almost didn't catch it. Without a word, she stood and stormed out of the room, her fists clenched at her sides.

We all flinched when the slam of her door echoed through the hallway.

Joker chuckled, clearly unfazed by the tension he'd caused. "Well, isn't she a fiery one? Can't wait to see how that plays out!"

I turned off the TV and stood, leveling Joker with a glare. "You've had your fun. Get out."

Joker grinned, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. No need to be so touchy, Red. Just thought you'd want to see how your old friends are holding up."

He turned to leave, but not before tossing a wink over his shoulder. "Oh, and don't forget—we've got a big show planned soon. Wouldn't want you to miss it!"

As the door closed behind him and Harley, the room fell into an uneasy silence.

Blackfire was the first to speak, her voice dripping with disdain. "I hate that clown."

"Join the club," Rose muttered, twirling her sword before sheathing it.

I sighed heavily once Joker and Harley finally left, the echo of the slammed door barely fading before the room collectively groaned.

Rose crouched to clean up the broken plate, muttering under her breath about "clowns who don't know when to shut up." Jinx turned back to the jukebox, snapping her fingers to bring the music back to life, while Blackfire stayed perched on the counter, idly flicking an energy orb between her fingers.

I raked a hand through my hair, already feeling the headache settling in. "I'm gonna go get Terra before she broods her way through breakfast," I said, starting toward the hallway.

But before I could even take two steps, the door burst open again with another loud bang.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I return!" Joker's voice rang out, followed by his theatrical entrance into the room.

Groans erupted all around.

"For the love of—" Jinx muttered, rubbing her temples.

"I thought I told you to leave," I said, glaring at him.

Joker raised a hand dramatically. "Ah, but you didn't hear the best part yet!" He stepped further inside, Harley trailing behind him with her arms crossed and an unimpressed look on her face. Joker glanced around the warehouse, his expression exaggeratedly disdainful, before he clapped his hands together.

"I've taken the liberty of liberating a brand-new hideout for the team!" he announced, his grin wide and self-satisfied.

The room went silent for a moment. Then Harley cleared her throat loudly, her eyes narrowing at Joker.

He chuckled nervously, adjusting his tie. "We liberated a new hideout," he corrected, glancing back at her. "With better facilities! Much better. You're gonna love it."

That got everyone's attention. Rose straightened up, her interest piqued, while Jinx leaned against the jukebox, arms crossed. Even Blackfire looked intrigued, though she didn't move from her spot.

I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. "New hideout, huh? How secretive are we talking? It better not be something flashy or obvious."

Joker grinned like he'd been expecting the question. "Oh, don't worry, Red. It's discreet. Hidden. And—" He gestured with a flourish. "—it's got all the bells and whistles. Defensive systems, shiny gadgets, and, get this, working electronics! Like the Batcave, but with personality."

That last comment made me roll my eyes, but I couldn't deny the idea was tempting.

Harley sauntered over and leaned against me, her smile playful. "Big enough to house more people too," she said, winking. "Y'know, if you ever decide to expand this little club of yours. Gotta think ahead, right, sugar?"

Joker clapped his hands again. "Exactly! Consider this my way of saying I'm proud of you, Red. Humiliating those stupid Titans? Top-notch work! You're really coming into your own."

I glanced around the room, taking in the mix of reactions from my team. Rose seemed cautiously interested, Jinx looked curious but wary, and Blackfire was pretending not to care while clearly listening closely.

"Alright," I said finally, crossing my arms. "Let's see this place. But if it's a mess or a trap—"

Joker interrupted with a laugh, throwing an arm around my shoulder. "Oh, ye of little faith! You'll see, Red. It's perfect."

Somehow, I doubted that. But if it was even half as good as he claimed, it might just be worth the trouble.

Time skip

The moment we stepped out of Harvey's beat-up van, the cold air of the hangar hit me. The place reeked of rust and jet fuel, but it wasn't the smell that caught my attention—it was what loomed above us.

"How," Rose started, her tone sharp and incredulous.

"The," Blackfire added, her arms crossed, and a perfectly arched brow raised.

"Fuck?!" Rose finished, voice echoing through the cavernous hangar as we all instinctively clamped our hands over our ears.

I couldn't blame them for their reaction. Hanging above us, docked like something straight out of a Bond villain's wet dream, was a massive airship. It looked futuristic and polished, its sleek hull reflecting the dim light of the hangar.

Joker, standing proudly like he'd just unveiled the Mona Lisa, clapped his hands together. "Ta-da! Your brand-new hideout, courtesy of yours truly!"

Rose rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck. "Yeah, it's impressive," she admitted begrudgingly. "But one question, genius: how the hell are we supposed to get on it?"

Joker opened his mouth, one hand raised like he was about to deliver some genius plan. Then... silence. His mouth hung open for a second longer before he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... Good question."

I groaned, dragging my hand down my face. "You're kidding me. You stole an airship and didn't figure out how we'd actually use it?"

Joker shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey, we used a helicopter to hijack it and bring it here. That counts, right?"

"Unbelievable," Rose muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Blackfire stepped forward, heels clicking against the concrete floor as she inspected the airship with a critical eye. "I'll give you this, Joker: you managed to secure an airship, which is impressive. But it's practically inaccessible to anyone who doesn't fly."

She turned back to face the rest of us, her piercing gaze sharp and authoritative. "Guess that means it's up to me to get everyone onboard."

Blackfire groaned as she sized up the group, clearly not thrilled at the thought of ferrying everyone. "I don't mind carrying you, Y/N," she said with a smirk, "but there's no way I'm carrying Joker or Harley up there."

The group chuckled at that, even Rose letting out a small snort of amusement. Joker, predictably, wasn't fazed. "Oh, come on! I'm not that heavy."

"Emotionally, maybe," Rose shot back, earning a round of laughs.

Harley blew a bubble with her gum, popping it loudly before leaning on Joker's shoulder. "Guess we'll hitch a ride in style later. You kids go on ahead."

I sighed, looking back up at the airship. "Alright, Blackfire. Let's just get this over with."

She rolled her eyes, a faint purple glow emanating from her hands as she approached me. "Hold on tight, weakling."

Before I could snap back, her hands hooked under my arms, and suddenly we were airborne. The hangar grew smaller beneath us as we ascended. I clenched my jaw, refusing to look down.

"You look like you're about to hurl," Blackfire teased.

"Just... fly faster," I muttered, glaring straight ahead.

Her laughter echoed in the open air, the sound surprisingly genuine. "Relax, I've got you. I'm not letting you plummet to your doom. Yet.

"Wait what did you-"

WHOOSH!

"AHHH!! BLACKFIRE NOT THAT FAST!!"

. . .

. . .

I lay flat on the cold metal floor of the airship, panting and trying to keep my lunch where it belonged. My face felt like it was about to match the shade of a ripe tomato, and the only thing keeping me from completely losing it was the steady hum of the engines. The air was thin up here, and I was beginning to regret every decision that led to this point.

Beside me, I heard the unmistakable sound of Jinx vomiting, followed by Rose groaning. I turned my head just in time to see Terra, bracing herself against the edge of the ship, her own stomach clearly in revolt. God, this is a disaster.

Blackfire hovered above us with an amused smirk, clearly enjoying the chaos as she dropped Joker onto Harley, who, with all her usual enthusiasm, tried to catch him. "I gotcha, puddin! I gotcha!" she chirped, but it was all too late. The pair collapsed on the floor in a tangled mess, and Blackfire simply dusted off her clothes as though nothing had happened. She strolled over to me, the grin on her face growing even wider.

"Guess that wasn't so bad, huh?" she teased, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning down slightly to hover above me. "I'll let you ride me anytime, but next time? It won't be for free." She blew me a kiss, her eyes glinting mischievously.

I groaned and rubbed my temples, finally getting the strength to push myself up. "Yeah, thanks, Blackfire. I'll keep that in mind next time," I muttered. At this rate, I wasn't sure there'd be a next time.

After a few moments of recovering—mostly from the chaos of being dropped from the sky like a sack of potatoes—we were able to move around and get our bearings. I stood up, feeling dizzy but determined to get the team sorted. I glanced around at the airship's sleek design, the sharp lines of high-tech materials, and the spacious corridors. The walls were lined with panels that could be adjusted with just a touch, and everything had a pristine, almost futuristic glow to it.

"Well, now that we're not about to barf all over the place," I started, trying to shake off the dizziness, "let me show you what we're working with."

I led the team through the hallways, pointing out various rooms and their functions. "This place is basically built for a team of super-powered psychos like us," I explained, trying to sound confident. "First off, we've got the tech center. It's got enough systems to keep track of any moves the Titans, or anyone else for that matter, make. We've got surveillance, comms, encrypted channels—all the good stuff."

Jinx perked up at that, her eyes lighting up. "Nice. So, I can hack into their systems while sipping coffee in style?"

"Exactly," I said, smiling a little despite myself. "Then we've got the weaponry room. Whatever you need—guns, explosives, gadgets—I'm sure Joker's got something stashed in there." I shot a glance at the man himself, who was probably still tangled up with Harley.

"And the best part?" I grinned. "We've got a fully stocked lab for whatever crazy science experiments we want to get into, and even a small training room for when we want to get our hands dirty without wrecking the ship. Just try not to break anything, Terra."

Terra, still looking a little pale, shot me a glare. "You know I can't control my powers that well yet."

I nodded, understanding. "I know, but that's why the training room's here. You can work on your control without blowing anything up... I hope."

"We also have a sick lounge area," Blackfire added, her arms behind her head as she reclined against one of the walls. "A place to relax and get comfortable, maybe even binge something while we plan our next move."

"And the best part is," I continued, "we've got a fully equipped kitchen—so no more garbage food from convenience stores or fast-food joints. We can actually eat like humans for once."

Harley popped up suddenly behind me. "Did you say kitchen?" she asked with her usual wide-eyed enthusiasm. "I call dibs on the fridge!"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the grin that tugged at the corner of my mouth. "Sure, Harley. Go ahead. It's yours."

As the team continued to look around, I couldn't help but feel a weird sense of satisfaction. Despite all the chaos and insanity surrounding us, this place—this ship—felt like a new beginning.

The excitement of the new hideout was abruptly interrupted by Harley's yelp, drawing everyone's attention. We all turned to see Joker grinning like a maniac, with Harley slung over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "Enjoy yourselves, kids! Show off to the world, make a little noise. I'll be back eventually!" Joker shouted, winking as he carried Harley out of the lounge area.

Harley groaned; her voice muffled against Joker's back. "I already called dibs on the fridge, you clown! Don't forget that!"

As the door swung shut behind them, the rest of us stood in silence for a moment. It wasn't until the echo of their departure faded that the room's atmosphere returned to its usual tension. I turned around to see Terra already heading toward the training area, her usual quiet determination written on her face. The others began to settle onto the large, plush couch in the lounge. Blackfire grabbed the remote and turned on the TV, flicking through channels without any particular interest.

I caught a glimpse of Jinx from the corner of my eye. She was watching Terra's retreating form with an almost knowing smile. Then she turned her gaze back toward me, nodding subtly, a silent understanding passing between us. Terra was going to be a challenge, but she was also our wild card, our most unpredictable member. If I wanted to make this team work, I had to help her find her place here, not just in the physical sense but in the emotional one too.

With that thought in mind, I took a deep breath, my mind already setting my next course of action. I wasn't going to leave Terra to wander off alone in the training area. She needed guidance. She needed someone to show her that, despite everything, she wasn't alone.

I looked back at the others one more time—Blackfire lounging comfortably on the couch, Jinx quietly watching Terra, Rose with her arms crossed, deep in thought—and I made my move. It was time to help Terra, and maybe along the way, I'd help myself too.

To be continued. . .