Bruce said nothing about bringing Jason 'home', exactly where he'd asked if it was up to Bruce, focusing instead on pulling his cowl down so it hung around his neck. Gloves came next so his hands were free and he could wash up and sanitize them. The last thing they needed was Jason's leg getting infected.
When he returned to the table, he cut open Jason's pantleg and frowned down at the damage. It was in bad shape. He'd get X-rays to confirm, but as he prodded around at it, he was pretty sure it was going to need to be snapped back into place and Jason would likely be limping one-legged for a few months until it healed properly. The thought did occur to Bruce that maybe Jason would stay here, let Bruce take care of him...
But he couldn't allow himself to think that was a guarantee. Jason's moods were mercurial at best.
"I'm going to give you something for the pain," he said finally after a thorough investigation. "And then I'll take some x-rays and we'll go from there." He forced himself to look at Jason, directly in his eyes, still seeing the shimmer of tears in them but Jason certainly looked better now that he was out of the claustrophobic deluge. "All right?"
When he returned to the table, he cut open Jason's pantleg and frowned down at the damage. It was in bad shape. He'd get X-rays to confirm, but as he prodded around at it, he was pretty sure it was going to need to be snapped back into place and Jason would likely be limping one-legged for a few months until it healed properly. The thought did occur to Bruce that maybe Jason would stay here, let Bruce take care of him...
But he couldn't allow himself to think that was a guarantee. Jason's moods were mercurial at best.
"I'm going to give you something for the pain," he said finally after a thorough investigation. "And then I'll take some x-rays and we'll go from there." He forced himself to look at Jason, directly in his eyes, still seeing the shimmer of tears in them but Jason certainly looked better now that he was out of the claustrophobic deluge. "All right?"
He wasn't really expecting an answer. Bruce wasn't the most talkative creature in existence to begin with and adding in the stress and emergency of the night and Jason knew better then to think he was going to get an actual conversation out of the man.
It was something that used to chafe Dick to no end, but Jason had understood it. Even back in his booty shorts and pixie boots days. Instead, he let himself rest back against the bed, his body starting to communicate with him exactly how badly he was hurt. His hands were on fire, shards of wood and concrete debris still embedded in his fingers. His lungs ached from how much dust he'd inhaled. He was...He was in bad shape.
But he was alive.
He was alive because Bruce had come for him.
He reached up with one blood covered hand, knowing that Bruce wouldn't care that he left streaks on his face. "You saved me. You came for me. I...I was as good as dead in that building." His fingers trailed over the man's features, a slight tremble in them before all at once he was curling his fingers in the neck of the suit and using it to haul the broad man down.
The kiss was light, almost shy, but Jason initiated it.
"Knock me out. I'll move less and you'll be able to do a better job without me screaming loud enough to wake Alfred."
'I trust you'.
It was something that used to chafe Dick to no end, but Jason had understood it. Even back in his booty shorts and pixie boots days. Instead, he let himself rest back against the bed, his body starting to communicate with him exactly how badly he was hurt. His hands were on fire, shards of wood and concrete debris still embedded in his fingers. His lungs ached from how much dust he'd inhaled. He was...He was in bad shape.
But he was alive.
He was alive because Bruce had come for him.
He reached up with one blood covered hand, knowing that Bruce wouldn't care that he left streaks on his face. "You saved me. You came for me. I...I was as good as dead in that building." His fingers trailed over the man's features, a slight tremble in them before all at once he was curling his fingers in the neck of the suit and using it to haul the broad man down.
The kiss was light, almost shy, but Jason initiated it.
"Knock me out. I'll move less and you'll be able to do a better job without me screaming loud enough to wake Alfred."
'I trust you'.
Leave it to Jason to do the one thing that Bruce least expected from his wayward son. The kiss was so gentle and tender and full of misplaced longing, and Bruce understood it so very well. These moments of trauma ultimately brought him closer to Jason whether or not he wanted them to. He let the brush of lips happen, content to have Jason smear blood all over his face if that's all it took to get what he desired.
The rumble of a groan left his lips as Jason pulled away, understanding why but ultimately disappointed as well. Anyway, Bruce already had a syringe in hand, easing it into Jason's thigh where the medicine would slide through his veins and ease him into a worry-free sleep.
"I'll be here," he said, his own free hand cupping Jason's cheek. "The entire time."
Bruce waited until Jason knocked out before he started on the leg, the fingers, undressing Jason efficiently so he could get to every single bruise and scab. Leg first, then he'd worry about the rest.
The rumble of a groan left his lips as Jason pulled away, understanding why but ultimately disappointed as well. Anyway, Bruce already had a syringe in hand, easing it into Jason's thigh where the medicine would slide through his veins and ease him into a worry-free sleep.
"I'll be here," he said, his own free hand cupping Jason's cheek. "The entire time."
Bruce waited until Jason knocked out before he started on the leg, the fingers, undressing Jason efficiently so he could get to every single bruise and scab. Leg first, then he'd worry about the rest.
Their relationship had never been particularly stable or healthy. Jason had been a feisty, scrappy little thing with far too much life experience for someone so young. He'd demanded an emotional connection that Bruce either hadn't been willing to give him...or hadn't been able. Dying and then coming back-coming home hadn't changed that. Not really.
They came together as they always had, needy and desperate. Each craving something that the other could almost offer. They'd lose themselves in each other's bodies and for a few short hours things were good. But then the Mission would continue and Jason would wake up alone to reports of Batman arriving on the scene of some petty crime halfway across the city and the cycle would start all over again.
But this time was different, right? Bruce had saved him. Had grappled across the city to pull him from a building that was going to slowly crush him to death. Bruce had chosen him, right?
Right?
He woke up slowly, his body heavy and sluggish with pain medication. It was just enough to knock off the edge and Jason groaned as he carefully started to process his injuries. His hands were bandaged, but not bound. His head hurt, but not badly enough for a concussion. Mostly, it was just his leg, which was reset and splinted all the way up to his hip. It was propped up on a pillow and half melted ice packs ran along either side.
He wasn't surprised that he was only in his underwear. Nor was he surprised to find himself staring at a familiar ceiling when he finally blinked open his eyes.
"B-Bruce?"
They came together as they always had, needy and desperate. Each craving something that the other could almost offer. They'd lose themselves in each other's bodies and for a few short hours things were good. But then the Mission would continue and Jason would wake up alone to reports of Batman arriving on the scene of some petty crime halfway across the city and the cycle would start all over again.
But this time was different, right? Bruce had saved him. Had grappled across the city to pull him from a building that was going to slowly crush him to death. Bruce had chosen him, right?
Right?
He woke up slowly, his body heavy and sluggish with pain medication. It was just enough to knock off the edge and Jason groaned as he carefully started to process his injuries. His hands were bandaged, but not bound. His head hurt, but not badly enough for a concussion. Mostly, it was just his leg, which was reset and splinted all the way up to his hip. It was propped up on a pillow and half melted ice packs ran along either side.
He wasn't surprised that he was only in his underwear. Nor was he surprised to find himself staring at a familiar ceiling when he finally blinked open his eyes.
"B-Bruce?"
When Bruce heard his name, he moved from where he was wringing a wet towel out in the en suite. He'd removed his uniform and was only in a pair of lounge pants at the moment, his broad chest full of fresh scars and old wounds, some of them caused by the very person he was currently coming to check on. Jason was a hell of a shot and even better with a knife.
"I'm right here, Jason," Bruce said, his voice low with promise as he approached the bed and looked down at the state of Jason. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm right here, Jason," Bruce said, his voice low with promise as he approached the bed and looked down at the state of Jason. "How are you feeling?"
Marks for marks, scars for scars. They'd each carved themselves into the other's skin, Bruce with a batarang to Jason's throat, Jason with blades and his guns.
He watched Bruce come towards him, his gaze flicking to that broad, marked up chest repeatedly. He hurt and he was drugged and he was exhausted, but Bruce had always been able to side step all of that. The man was beautiful. Powerful and commanding in a way that both set every instinct in Jason on edge and laid them out to relax at the same time.
Like cuddling up to a purring big cat.
"Like I was crushed by my own building. How bad is my leg?"
He watched Bruce come towards him, his gaze flicking to that broad, marked up chest repeatedly. He hurt and he was drugged and he was exhausted, but Bruce had always been able to side step all of that. The man was beautiful. Powerful and commanding in a way that both set every instinct in Jason on edge and laid them out to relax at the same time.
Like cuddling up to a purring big cat.
"Like I was crushed by my own building. How bad is my leg?"
(From here.)
Mmm, I haven't gotten my hands on you all week, baby. I ain't gunna promise shit, but for you I'll at least try.
[His grin was openly flirty and he gave a playful little wink at the newbie. To his surprise, the other man shifted a little and glanced at Greene briefly before he shot them a quick smirk. The expression was gone before Greene looked back over at him and Jason's brow arched a little.
Interesting.]
Babe...how many other other people in your office are openly gay?
[Greene sputtered, looking a little like he'd bitten into a lemon.] I don't see how that is one, any of your business or two, pertinent to the conversation!
Really? Quote: It's not enough when your boyfriend is running up more costs. End quote. That sounds to me like he doesn't ask everyone else in your department for more than 'I need it'. What's that sound like to you, Larry?
[The newbie shifted, mumbling an excuse and gesturing with his pilfered plate before ducking out of the conversation.]
Mmm, I haven't gotten my hands on you all week, baby. I ain't gunna promise shit, but for you I'll at least try.
[His grin was openly flirty and he gave a playful little wink at the newbie. To his surprise, the other man shifted a little and glanced at Greene briefly before he shot them a quick smirk. The expression was gone before Greene looked back over at him and Jason's brow arched a little.
Interesting.]
Babe...how many other other people in your office are openly gay?
[Greene sputtered, looking a little like he'd bitten into a lemon.] I don't see how that is one, any of your business or two, pertinent to the conversation!
Really? Quote: It's not enough when your boyfriend is running up more costs. End quote. That sounds to me like he doesn't ask everyone else in your department for more than 'I need it'. What's that sound like to you, Larry?
[The newbie shifted, mumbling an excuse and gesturing with his pilfered plate before ducking out of the conversation.]
"You won't be able to walk on it for a while," he said, plainly, not missing the slow, lazy drag of Jason's gaze over his body. He knew what he looked like and exactly how vulnerable Jason was, and he wasn't above using those things to get what he wanted from Jason in particular. "But it will heal. I reset the bone, so it will be slow going."
Bruce took a seat on the edge of the bed beside Jason, his hips brushing Jason's almost casually. Almost like an accident. And when he reached out, it was to get Jason's pulse and feel for his fever, not just to linger and touch him again.
"I don't know yet who was beyond the explosions, but I'm close," he said. "I'll find them."
Bruce took a seat on the edge of the bed beside Jason, his hips brushing Jason's almost casually. Almost like an accident. And when he reached out, it was to get Jason's pulse and feel for his fever, not just to linger and touch him again.
"I don't know yet who was beyond the explosions, but I'm close," he said. "I'll find them."
The news, as dramatic and serious as it was, didn't really come as a surprise. One didn't survive a building collapse without something to show for it. And if anyone other than a doctor was going to reset his leg, Bruce was the next best option. The man had probably spent at least an hour meticulously ultrasounding his leg to make sure that each and every piece was back where it belonged. More importantly, if Bruce thought that Jason needed an actual surgeon, he wouldn't have hesitated to stage an excuse and he would have woken up in the hospital, not Bruce's bedroom.
He closed his eyes when Bruce sat next to him, soaking in the warmth of him. His hip against his own, his hands on his face.... To the casual observer, it would be almost clinical, but Jason knew better. He had known this man and his tastes for most of his life, after all. Keeping his eyes closed, he turned into the touch, brushing his lips against that large, calloused palm.
"Sionis or Dent. They're the only ones with the resources to know that I got that building. Maybe a few small time gangs I've been picking apart. Whoever did it thought it was empty, so they did it to send a message.
Stop. Just...stop. I'm too tired for this song and dance and you...you pulled me outta there and just fucking lay down and let me pretend I'm 14 again, okay? Let me pretend we're still us and I'm allowed to be comforted by your heartbeat again."
He closed his eyes when Bruce sat next to him, soaking in the warmth of him. His hip against his own, his hands on his face.... To the casual observer, it would be almost clinical, but Jason knew better. He had known this man and his tastes for most of his life, after all. Keeping his eyes closed, he turned into the touch, brushing his lips against that large, calloused palm.
"Sionis or Dent. They're the only ones with the resources to know that I got that building. Maybe a few small time gangs I've been picking apart. Whoever did it thought it was empty, so they did it to send a message.
Stop. Just...stop. I'm too tired for this song and dance and you...you pulled me outta there and just fucking lay down and let me pretend I'm 14 again, okay? Let me pretend we're still us and I'm allowed to be comforted by your heartbeat again."
Edited 2024-08-22 00:17 (UTC)
Bruce stopped, pulling his hands back and looking Jason over. He hadn't anticipated that Jason would be this eager for him, that he'd nearly be begging for Bruce to touch him. And the reminder of what they'd done when Jason was much, much younger didn't go unnoticed either.
"What is it that you're asking from me?" Bruce asked, his voice quiet enough to exist just between them. He wasn't sure if he was capable of holding Jason without making it something more, no matter the injuries.
"What is it that you're asking from me?" Bruce asked, his voice quiet enough to exist just between them. He wasn't sure if he was capable of holding Jason without making it something more, no matter the injuries.
"Fucking hell..." He scrubbed at his face with one bandaged hand, irritation creeping back up along his spine. "I hurt, I'm drugged and you just saved my life. Can you not overthink everything for one night and let me be okay with you holding me? And if that means fucking me, then fine. Help me roll over and prop up my leg so you don't jostle it too much. Or I could suck you off like I used to do. If...If you'd want that."
The last bit came out a little unsure. It was an offer he hadn't made since they'd started seeing each other again, too angry to trust himself and well aware that a layer of violence was expected between them. But if Bruce choking him on his cock got the man to lay the fuck down...well, it wouldn't be the first time.
"All I've ever fucking wanted was to feel like you loved me enough to chose me over your damned mission for one fucking night and it finally happens and you're making me talk about it. Fucking rude, B."
The last bit came out a little unsure. It was an offer he hadn't made since they'd started seeing each other again, too angry to trust himself and well aware that a layer of violence was expected between them. But if Bruce choking him on his cock got the man to lay the fuck down...well, it wouldn't be the first time.
"All I've ever fucking wanted was to feel like you loved me enough to chose me over your damned mission for one fucking night and it finally happens and you're making me talk about it. Fucking rude, B."
I'm not...
[ Dick still feels like he's way too slow, mentally and physically, frustratingly so. Technically it's probably a very slight difference from his baseline, but for someone like him, used to pushing himself so hard, to strive for the absolute limits of what he can tangibly achieve, even a marginal hindrance is a big deal. Worse, he knows that if he pushes it right now he'd be a mess, and at least he doesn't have an immediate incentive to try to put the suit back on, to get back out there, but getting through to Jason, not letting this moment go? That feels as important as anything could be.
He's aware that he's missed moments before. Too many. Times when he should have reached out and couldn't, because he felt guilty. Because he thought that he'd just be angrily slapped away. Because he was angry, too emotional to see things clearly when he really should have been the one capable of a rational view. ]
Jay, wait— [ He reaches, instinctively, for Jason's arm, or his hand, whatever happens to be close enough. ] Please.
[ He couldn't physically stop Jason from leaving even if he wanted to. It's not like that, he's not making demands. He's asking. ]
[ Dick still feels like he's way too slow, mentally and physically, frustratingly so. Technically it's probably a very slight difference from his baseline, but for someone like him, used to pushing himself so hard, to strive for the absolute limits of what he can tangibly achieve, even a marginal hindrance is a big deal. Worse, he knows that if he pushes it right now he'd be a mess, and at least he doesn't have an immediate incentive to try to put the suit back on, to get back out there, but getting through to Jason, not letting this moment go? That feels as important as anything could be.
He's aware that he's missed moments before. Too many. Times when he should have reached out and couldn't, because he felt guilty. Because he thought that he'd just be angrily slapped away. Because he was angry, too emotional to see things clearly when he really should have been the one capable of a rational view. ]
Jay, wait— [ He reaches, instinctively, for Jason's arm, or his hand, whatever happens to be close enough. ] Please.
[ He couldn't physically stop Jason from leaving even if he wanted to. It's not like that, he's not making demands. He's asking. ]
[Edward blinked, equally surprised by the reaction to Jason's teasing. Maybe the upcoming change would be an improvement, after all. Even if it was Jason's presence swaying the newcomer, Edward was more than happy to exploit that as long as he needed to.
Besides, Jason's presence came with other benefits. Edward hid his smile behind the flimsy paper cup of coffee he was nursing, listening to the sputtering of his personal headache. A moment later, it was just the three of them. He let a hand wander back to find Jason's side, drawing Greene's eyes to the touch.]
It does feel personal. [He tilted his head musingly, as if just now thinking things over.] One might even say targetted. That would reflect poorly on you if true. I'd hate for your new employer to think you could prove a liability to them.
[The man scowled, looking like he was considering a retort, but after a glance at Jason, he made a disgusted noise and spun on his heel.] Fine, you're not my problem soon anyway. Have fun explaining bankrupting your department when I'm gone, Nashton.
[Edward watched him leave, waiting till he was out of earshot to speak again.] I never fail to be impressed by your talent. I thought I was going to be stuck all night.
[Tossing his cup into a nearby bin, he turned and grabbed Jason's hand, drawing himself close to the larger man's side like they were actually a couple.] Let's head for the exit. I'll give you a bonus if you can get us out of here without anyone else bothering me.
[Surely not too difficult given the looks Jason drew from most of his coworkers but a little extra motivation wouldn't hurt.]
Besides, Jason's presence came with other benefits. Edward hid his smile behind the flimsy paper cup of coffee he was nursing, listening to the sputtering of his personal headache. A moment later, it was just the three of them. He let a hand wander back to find Jason's side, drawing Greene's eyes to the touch.]
It does feel personal. [He tilted his head musingly, as if just now thinking things over.] One might even say targetted. That would reflect poorly on you if true. I'd hate for your new employer to think you could prove a liability to them.
[The man scowled, looking like he was considering a retort, but after a glance at Jason, he made a disgusted noise and spun on his heel.] Fine, you're not my problem soon anyway. Have fun explaining bankrupting your department when I'm gone, Nashton.
[Edward watched him leave, waiting till he was out of earshot to speak again.] I never fail to be impressed by your talent. I thought I was going to be stuck all night.
[Tossing his cup into a nearby bin, he turned and grabbed Jason's hand, drawing himself close to the larger man's side like they were actually a couple.] Let's head for the exit. I'll give you a bonus if you can get us out of here without anyone else bothering me.
[Surely not too difficult given the looks Jason drew from most of his coworkers but a little extra motivation wouldn't hurt.]
Edited 2024-08-22 13:24 (UTC)
[It seemed like maybe the replacement had a better head on his shoulders than Greene. Though, from what Jason had seen of the latter, that wasn't that difficult to pull off. Greene was snobby and judgmental and Jason could see the man being perfectly at ease at one of his father's galas.
It didn't endear him to the man at all. There was a reason he'd left that life as soon as he'd been able to and didn't go back to it, no matter how much easier it would be.
Smirking at Greene's retreating back, Jason turned his attention back to his would be date.]
I didn't know you had a function tonight or I would have tried to re-work my schedule.
[If he'd had enough time, he could have traded with Roy, but Roy had already made plans to take Lian to the botanical gardens. And really, who was he to deny his favorite niece time with her father? But he was there now and freedom was so close it was almost tangible.
Almost.
Wrapping his arm around Edward's waist, he started to navigate his way to the door. The dark ink that twisted up along both his arms combined with the silver in both his eyebrow and his lip cleared the path for them for the most part, but even that didn't dissuade everyone. Jason caught sight of a woman he recognized from previous nights like this one. She was smiling and heading their way, half waving as if to catch his attention and Jason remembered exactly how long the woman could talk when she got going.
He didn't let her have the chance.
He ducked his head like Edward was whispering in his ear...then laughed and tugged the older man around to face him. They hadn't talked about this and he wasn't 100% sure that he wasn't ruining their deal by overstepping, but he didn't let himself hesitate to draw the man into his arms and bow his head to kiss him.
Most people got uncomfortable when faced with public displays of affection. He was hoping that she was one of them.
Did that mean that he had to put quite so much passion and tongue into that kiss? No. But if he was only going to have one chance to kiss Edward, he was going to make it worthwhile.]
It didn't endear him to the man at all. There was a reason he'd left that life as soon as he'd been able to and didn't go back to it, no matter how much easier it would be.
Smirking at Greene's retreating back, Jason turned his attention back to his would be date.]
I didn't know you had a function tonight or I would have tried to re-work my schedule.
[If he'd had enough time, he could have traded with Roy, but Roy had already made plans to take Lian to the botanical gardens. And really, who was he to deny his favorite niece time with her father? But he was there now and freedom was so close it was almost tangible.
Almost.
Wrapping his arm around Edward's waist, he started to navigate his way to the door. The dark ink that twisted up along both his arms combined with the silver in both his eyebrow and his lip cleared the path for them for the most part, but even that didn't dissuade everyone. Jason caught sight of a woman he recognized from previous nights like this one. She was smiling and heading their way, half waving as if to catch his attention and Jason remembered exactly how long the woman could talk when she got going.
He didn't let her have the chance.
He ducked his head like Edward was whispering in his ear...then laughed and tugged the older man around to face him. They hadn't talked about this and he wasn't 100% sure that he wasn't ruining their deal by overstepping, but he didn't let himself hesitate to draw the man into his arms and bow his head to kiss him.
Most people got uncomfortable when faced with public displays of affection. He was hoping that she was one of them.
Did that mean that he had to put quite so much passion and tongue into that kiss? No. But if he was only going to have one chance to kiss Edward, he was going to make it worthwhile.]
If Jason actually thought Bruce had given up on the mission for an entire night, he certainly had another think coming and it would be a terrible wake-up call that Bruce was a zebra who never changed his stripes. He was practically incapable of it. His mind always a thousand miles away and a thousand miles ahead, never allowing himself the chance to just exist and be vulnerable with someone he cared for.
He hummed in thought, already imagining this was not going to end well, but then again, it never did. So he eased onto the bed beside Jason, taking up more space than any human man should be capable of, and turning Jason carefully onto his side with his leg still propped up. No matter what they did, Jason had to keep it elevated and still to heal and the one thing Bruce wouldn't do was compromise Jason's future health for a fuck.
"Come here then," he said, knowing full well Jason couldn't exactly 'come here' like normal and that Bruce had to be the one to slide his hands around his waist and haul him close. Bruce's front to Jason's back, he put his body flush against Jason's, half-hard just from the sight of Jason if he was honest but just letting them both get situated first. One massive arm around Jason's middle, the other smoothing his hair out of his face. "I've got you."
He hummed in thought, already imagining this was not going to end well, but then again, it never did. So he eased onto the bed beside Jason, taking up more space than any human man should be capable of, and turning Jason carefully onto his side with his leg still propped up. No matter what they did, Jason had to keep it elevated and still to heal and the one thing Bruce wouldn't do was compromise Jason's future health for a fuck.
"Come here then," he said, knowing full well Jason couldn't exactly 'come here' like normal and that Bruce had to be the one to slide his hands around his waist and haul him close. Bruce's front to Jason's back, he put his body flush against Jason's, half-hard just from the sight of Jason if he was honest but just letting them both get situated first. One massive arm around Jason's middle, the other smoothing his hair out of his face. "I've got you."
Nothing they ever did ended well. The closest they'd ever come had been before, because Jason had come to Bruce already familiar with sex and the knowledge that pain came with it. Bruce hadn't needed to watch him from afar until his needs outgrew his caution because Jason had come to the Manor expecting to be taken to Bruce's bed.
It was what he was good at. What he'd been doing to survive. Why the hell would Bruce Wayne keep him around if he wasn't warming his bed? It wasn't until he'd become Robin that Bruce had actually taken his offer seriously, but those early years? Just the two of them? It had been good. Yeah, it hurt, but it was a good hurt and it was different if Bruce was the one hurting him. It was different if Bruce was the one doing a lot of things to him. Bruce loved him.
It was why he'd taken the accusations of pushing Garzonas so personally. No. It was why he'd taken Bruce being so angry about Garzonas' death so personally. He hadn't pushed the man, but he wasn't sad to see him dead and...and it drove a wedge between them that had only gotten wider.
But for tonight, he wanted that wedge gone. Tonight, he wanted to curl up against Bruce's chest and pretend like their lives had gone a different direction. Pretend that they could have this, for just a few hours.
It hurt to roll onto his side, but with Bruce's strong hands to help him, he went easily. Having the broad warmth of Bruce's chest against his back was soothing and he sighed softly as he shifted back, threading the bandaged fingers of one hand into the hand that draped across his hips. The other got a small, almost shy brush of his lips before he closed his eyes and let himself relax back into that hold.
"I know you do. I know, dad."
It was what he was good at. What he'd been doing to survive. Why the hell would Bruce Wayne keep him around if he wasn't warming his bed? It wasn't until he'd become Robin that Bruce had actually taken his offer seriously, but those early years? Just the two of them? It had been good. Yeah, it hurt, but it was a good hurt and it was different if Bruce was the one hurting him. It was different if Bruce was the one doing a lot of things to him. Bruce loved him.
It was why he'd taken the accusations of pushing Garzonas so personally. No. It was why he'd taken Bruce being so angry about Garzonas' death so personally. He hadn't pushed the man, but he wasn't sad to see him dead and...and it drove a wedge between them that had only gotten wider.
But for tonight, he wanted that wedge gone. Tonight, he wanted to curl up against Bruce's chest and pretend like their lives had gone a different direction. Pretend that they could have this, for just a few hours.
It hurt to roll onto his side, but with Bruce's strong hands to help him, he went easily. Having the broad warmth of Bruce's chest against his back was soothing and he sighed softly as he shifted back, threading the bandaged fingers of one hand into the hand that draped across his hips. The other got a small, almost shy brush of his lips before he closed his eyes and let himself relax back into that hold.
"I know you do. I know, dad."
"You know how much it drives me crazy when you call me that," Bruce purred, dragging his lips along the back of Jason's neck, his collar bones, his shoulder. "It's been a long time." A long time since they'd been together like this, longer since Jason had really wanted it as much as Bruce did. Or maybe that wasn't true, as Bruce knew his want of his son was more than anyone should want another person.
If he had it his way, he'd keep Jason locked up for his own entertainment only. To be used at his whims, loved so deeply that no one else could ever see.
"Tell me if it's too much." And that wasn't exactly because he was worried about Jason getting hurt (or not just because, anyway) but more because he liked being the one to both hurt and heal him.
If he had it his way, he'd keep Jason locked up for his own entertainment only. To be used at his whims, loved so deeply that no one else could ever see.
"Tell me if it's too much." And that wasn't exactly because he was worried about Jason getting hurt (or not just because, anyway) but more because he liked being the one to both hurt and heal him.
The irony was that it would have been so easy for Jason to have ended up exactly that. Bruce Wayne's personal play toy, kept away from the world save for when Bruce wanted to show him off. That was exactly what he'd been expecting all those years ago when Batman had dropped him off at Wayne manor and Alfred had bustled him away to shove him in a bathtub while the butler made him food.
It had been being Robin that had given him enough sense of purpose that he'd looked away from that life of pampered play thing. He could help people. He did help people. And he was good at it. It was why he hadn't left Gotham when he'd decided to stop trying to kill Bruce and Tim. He was useful, a symbol to people that even Batman couldn't really touch.
Lips roamed his skin and Jason shivered and bowed his head to offer more space to be explored. His own body was sluggish, blood loss and shock keeping his cock soft and still in his underwear, but that didn't stop him from basking in the attention being offered.
"Yeah, that's usually what happens when you slit someone's throat. They stop being so easy." But for as harsh as his words could have been, his tone carried almost no heat at all. In fact, he arched his back a little, the hand laced with Bruce's guiding the larger man's up to his chest. His nipples had always been sensitive and their years of separation had only made them more so.
"It's okay, daddy. You can hurt me a little bit. I can take it..."
It had been being Robin that had given him enough sense of purpose that he'd looked away from that life of pampered play thing. He could help people. He did help people. And he was good at it. It was why he hadn't left Gotham when he'd decided to stop trying to kill Bruce and Tim. He was useful, a symbol to people that even Batman couldn't really touch.
Lips roamed his skin and Jason shivered and bowed his head to offer more space to be explored. His own body was sluggish, blood loss and shock keeping his cock soft and still in his underwear, but that didn't stop him from basking in the attention being offered.
"Yeah, that's usually what happens when you slit someone's throat. They stop being so easy." But for as harsh as his words could have been, his tone carried almost no heat at all. In fact, he arched his back a little, the hand laced with Bruce's guiding the larger man's up to his chest. His nipples had always been sensitive and their years of separation had only made them more so.
"It's okay, daddy. You can hurt me a little bit. I can take it..."
Mm, I thought I'd be able to avoid it this time, or I would have told you. [He huffed, annoyed he'd underestimated his employer's need to force these gatherings on him despite his distaste.] I've been here since before any of them turned up today, but that's still not enough to get me out of this waste of time.
[He forced the sulky look off his face as Jason wrapped an arm around him, and they made their way towards the door. It was easier to forget his irritation with the looks that most of his coworkers turned their way, looks that only encouraged Edward to smirk and press tighter against the younger man's side. It didn't matter that Jason had only come for the promised payment; he was getting Edward out of there, and that was all that mattered.
Although the opportunity to press himself against the solid wall of muscle that was his supposed boyfriend wasn't so bad either. It had been a while since Edward had had time for anything of the sort, be it a one-night stand or actually dating. It was frustrating to realise how badly he'd missed casual contact like this. But so long as Jason didn't know, he figured he could indulge a little.
His good mood abruptly soured when he caught sight of one of the wittering idiots that made up management approaching them. He was going to be stuck there for another hour at least if someone didn't-
Jason tugged him around, pulling him closer and before he could ask why there was a pair of lips pressed against his own.
Edward pressed into the kiss immediately, mouth opening at the first brush of Jason's tongue. This was another thing he'd missed, even as, in the back of his mind, he recognised the strategy for what it was. Jason was making a good show, and it would be a shame to waste the effort.
It was too easy to lose himself in the kiss, at least until a voice called from nearby-] Get a room already!
[Pulling away, Edward ignored the heat he could feel in his cheeks, keeping his eyes on Jason as he tugged them towards the door again.] Yes, I think we should before you give me any more ideas.
[The plan had been a success as no one stopped them as he dragged Jason quickly out to the elevator and down to the carpark. He only released the younger man when he'd dragged Jason over to where he could see the distinctive motorcycle parked. Edward came to a halt beside it, forcing himself to turn and smirk at Jason like he usually would.]
An expert rescue as usual. I should have called you in earlier.
[He forced the sulky look off his face as Jason wrapped an arm around him, and they made their way towards the door. It was easier to forget his irritation with the looks that most of his coworkers turned their way, looks that only encouraged Edward to smirk and press tighter against the younger man's side. It didn't matter that Jason had only come for the promised payment; he was getting Edward out of there, and that was all that mattered.
Although the opportunity to press himself against the solid wall of muscle that was his supposed boyfriend wasn't so bad either. It had been a while since Edward had had time for anything of the sort, be it a one-night stand or actually dating. It was frustrating to realise how badly he'd missed casual contact like this. But so long as Jason didn't know, he figured he could indulge a little.
His good mood abruptly soured when he caught sight of one of the wittering idiots that made up management approaching them. He was going to be stuck there for another hour at least if someone didn't-
Jason tugged him around, pulling him closer and before he could ask why there was a pair of lips pressed against his own.
Edward pressed into the kiss immediately, mouth opening at the first brush of Jason's tongue. This was another thing he'd missed, even as, in the back of his mind, he recognised the strategy for what it was. Jason was making a good show, and it would be a shame to waste the effort.
It was too easy to lose himself in the kiss, at least until a voice called from nearby-] Get a room already!
[Pulling away, Edward ignored the heat he could feel in his cheeks, keeping his eyes on Jason as he tugged them towards the door again.] Yes, I think we should before you give me any more ideas.
[The plan had been a success as no one stopped them as he dragged Jason quickly out to the elevator and down to the carpark. He only released the younger man when he'd dragged Jason over to where he could see the distinctive motorcycle parked. Edward came to a halt beside it, forcing himself to turn and smirk at Jason like he usually would.]
An expert rescue as usual. I should have called you in earlier.
You know, I actually was doing the whole detective shit show when this happened.
[He gestured to his mottled torso, huffing a little before he settled back to sip at his coffee. He'd been working undercover, embedding himself into a gang that was actively recruiting. He'd been expecting to get hazed and he hadn't been disappointed, but two weeks in and someone had started to get twitchy about the newbies.
The Bat had hit their weapons run and Jason had barely managed to drag out a couple of the younger greenhorns before he'd gotten snared with the rest. Jason had been lucky. The others, not so much. Though, nearly two months of work getting thrown out the window all because Bruce couldn't just fucking trust him had been a bitter pill to swallow.
Dick's words snapped him out of his brewing foul mood and he arched a surprised brow. And if his cheeks colored just a little, well...so fucking what?]
Nah, you were fine. I was the annoying little shit head that Bruce had scooped up out of the gutter and thrown at you. I would have hated me, too.
[He gestured to his mottled torso, huffing a little before he settled back to sip at his coffee. He'd been working undercover, embedding himself into a gang that was actively recruiting. He'd been expecting to get hazed and he hadn't been disappointed, but two weeks in and someone had started to get twitchy about the newbies.
The Bat had hit their weapons run and Jason had barely managed to drag out a couple of the younger greenhorns before he'd gotten snared with the rest. Jason had been lucky. The others, not so much. Though, nearly two months of work getting thrown out the window all because Bruce couldn't just fucking trust him had been a bitter pill to swallow.
Dick's words snapped him out of his brewing foul mood and he arched a surprised brow. And if his cheeks colored just a little, well...so fucking what?]
Nah, you were fine. I was the annoying little shit head that Bruce had scooped up out of the gutter and thrown at you. I would have hated me, too.
[He accepted both the cup and the kiss with a tired smile, sipping carefully at the former. His lip was split enough that the heat stung, but it soothed more than it aggravated and Jason let out a pleased hum.]
Perfect. You know me so well, babe. Thank yo-Oh! Ouch..
[The burn wasn't terrible, but it would probably add to his scars in a few places. Mostly, he was just annoyed that wearing his armor for the next several days was going to be miserable.]
Remind me to look into fireproofing when I'm a little less likely to pass out on the toilet.
Perfect. You know me so well, babe. Thank yo-Oh! Ouch..
[The burn wasn't terrible, but it would probably add to his scars in a few places. Mostly, he was just annoyed that wearing his armor for the next several days was going to be miserable.]
Remind me to look into fireproofing when I'm a little less likely to pass out on the toilet.
No worries ^_^ My brain also took a few days to reset.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
deadbirdarising
2024-08-24 02:15 pm (UTC)(link)
[He was asking.
When was the last time someone asked him for anything without just demanding it?
It was that more than the hand on his arm that made him stop, muscles tense under Dick's touch. He didn't pull away, though. He thought about it. It would have been easy, even if Dick wasn't concussed and recovering from what looked like a rather impressive beat down.
It was still weird, the whole 'taller' thing.
Huffing out a small, joyless laugh, he turned and let that grip on his arm guide him back to the table.]
Seriously, it's not a big deal. Just drop it. Eat your breakfast, Goldie.
When was the last time someone asked him for anything without just demanding it?
It was that more than the hand on his arm that made him stop, muscles tense under Dick's touch. He didn't pull away, though. He thought about it. It would have been easy, even if Dick wasn't concussed and recovering from what looked like a rather impressive beat down.
It was still weird, the whole 'taller' thing.
Huffing out a small, joyless laugh, he turned and let that grip on his arm guide him back to the table.]
Seriously, it's not a big deal. Just drop it. Eat your breakfast, Goldie.
If you need more just holler. I've got just about everything legal you'd find in the trauma section of a well stocked ambulance and a few things you won't find. And don't worry about the towels.
[She looked up from the laptop, her rapid typing not even slowing slightly as she blinked, cocking her head to one side.] That looks like an autopsy scar? [Her tone was part curious and part satisfied as if she'd had something confirmed] You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.
[She looked up from the laptop, her rapid typing not even slowing slightly as she blinked, cocking her head to one side.] That looks like an autopsy scar? [Her tone was part curious and part satisfied as if she'd had something confirmed] You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.
[ Jason's determined not to let anything more than that moment of vulnerability slip, but at least he stays, and it relaxes most of the tension out of his shoulders. But he doesn't let go either, only belatedly realizing that himself, that he still has his hand on Jason's arm, thumb brushing instinctively against his skin, a gentle gesture of affection that just feels right. He could blame it on still being out of it, if Jason were to object to it.
He's not dropping it. He can't, and he's pretty sure that he shouldn't. In the past it's been a lot easier to let go, or so he thought, and lately that's been weighing on his mind. That he shouldn't have let Jason drift away from him like that, no matter how tough it was to keep him close. The apparent difference between letting Jason have his space and letting him think that everyone was giving up on him was never clear enough, was it?
Dick doesn't have much of an appetite, even though Jason's right, he should eat. ]
Maybe it is a big deal to me.
He's not dropping it. He can't, and he's pretty sure that he shouldn't. In the past it's been a lot easier to let go, or so he thought, and lately that's been weighing on his mind. That he shouldn't have let Jason drift away from him like that, no matter how tough it was to keep him close. The apparent difference between letting Jason have his space and letting him think that everyone was giving up on him was never clear enough, was it?
Dick doesn't have much of an appetite, even though Jason's right, he should eat. ]
Maybe it is a big deal to me.
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