Last dip

Steam curled in lazy tendrils above the hot spring as Aaron Reigner sat with Cassandra lying on his chests. Legs spread, neither of them were in a rush to leave, but their time was up. This was it. Their last bath.

Cassandra was the first to open her eyes moan, yawn, and then get out of the water. Aaron followed soon afterward, arms stretching.

He loved sleep. He loved peace. He loved just…relaxing.

Especially with Cassandra.

Thwap, thwap, thwap!

But it was time to go.

As they stepped out of the steaming pool, water cascading down their toned bodies, the sight that greeted them at the door to the change room was unexpected. Eiko Hasigawa, the owner of the hot spring, stood in a traditional kimono, her head bowed low in deep reverence.

Aaron was stoic as ever and crossed his arms. “Yes?”

Eiko straightened, her hands pressed together as if she were greeting royalty. “Thank you."

Cassandra tilted her head, towel draped over her shoulders. "For?"

Eiko gestured toward a small table where two neatly folded packages lay. "For gracing my establishment. It is an honor to have you. Please, I have clothes for you too. And also... these arrived for you."

Aaron exchanged a glance with Cassandra before stepping forward into the changeroom. Eiko went inside and watched as they got dressed.

“Ooh! I like!”

Cassandra Cain stood before the full-length mirror, tilting her head as she examined her reflection. Civilian clothes always felt… odd, restrictive in ways battle gear never did. But if there was one thing she appreciated, it was simplicity.

She was gifted and wore a cropped, black tank top, snug against her athletic frame, the hem stopping just above her navel. Over it, she threw on a loose, white linen button-up, left open. Her shorts were high-waisted, frayed denim, hugging her toned legs but allowing easy movement. Flat, black sandals kept things effortless, and a pair of round, dark sunglasses shielded her sharp eyes from the golden sun.

No jewelry, no unnecessary accessories—just light, breathable clothing that let her melt into the background. That was all she needed.

Across the changeroom, Aaron Reigner was adjusting his shirt, his usual imposing frame softened by the relaxed vacation wear. He was gifted a short-sleeved, fitted button-up in a deep navy blue, the top two buttons undone, revealing a hint of his well-defined chest. The fabric clung just enough to hint at the strength beneath without being overbearing.

His linen pants were off-white, loose but tailored enough to complement his form, cuffed slightly at the ankles where leather sandals completed the ensemble. A sleek, silver watch rested on his wrist, the only nod to luxury in an otherwise understated look.

“All this for us?” Aaron asked.

“Do not underestimate Japan summers nor Jamaican summers,” Eiko said with a soft smile. “One more thing: there are packages for you.”

Aaron saw that. They were on the bench. Aaron went to grab his package. Cassandra followed suit, untying the string around hers. A letter fell onto her palm, and something bright yellow caught her attention—a bracelet.

Cassandra's brown eyes scanned the note as Aaron peered over her shoulder.

Dear Cassandra,

This is Toyman AKA Hiro. I was... struck with inspiration, so I made this new suit. Yes, the bracelet is a suit. Wear it, and you can be Batgirl anytime. Originally, this was supposed to be a prototype that streamlined Batman's Hellbat Suit—less bulky, more nanotech, way stronger.

Best regards, Toyman

Cassandra turned the yellow bracelet over in her hands, eyes narrowing in curiosity. The material was sleek, lightweight, and hummed faintly at her touch. "Ohh."

"This is nice. Hiro is a good guy.”

"Mm." She clipped it around her waist, testing the fit. Perfect.

Aaron then turned to his own package, unfolding the note inside and pulling out a small pocket-sized case.

Dear Aaron,

I packed special condoms in accordance with your unique size. I also hacked into you and Cassandra’s passports. You should have no issues whatsoever traveling the world. Your next destination is Jamaica, right? Have fun. You are the one white guy who we can all respect.

With the utmost respect, Hiro Okamura

“...okay.”

Cassandra, peeking over his arm, squinted at the contents of the case. "...Custom passports?"

Aaron chuckled. “Don’t worry about it. It’s a bit complicated.”

Cassandra slipped her new belt into her pockets. "Thank you.” She bowed to Eiko, copying what she did before. “Japan was nice."

Eiko smiled. "Aaron, Cassandra... if either of you wish to return, please, my doors are always open. The world needs more people like you."