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Jason breaks into Bruce's safehouse after a job gone wrong
An injured Bruce needs a distraction
A Post-It note conversation
A tipping point between the past long dead and the future just within grasp
Fucking doesn't mean getting along
Another party, another flirting session
Jay goads Bruce into leaving work early to come fuck his throat
A drunk and wounded Jay sends some salacious texts and Bruce comes to check on him
Bruce sacrifices himself for a civilian and Jay helps him clean up
Edited 2025-12-29 09:50 (UTC)
(From here~!)
[Bruce didn't spy on his kids in the same way that Jason didn't spy on his siblings. Honestly, having a few stalker tendencies seems to be a pre-requisite in this family. It was what made them all so incredibly tight knit...and also what caused the most drama.
Granted, Jason could very easily take the blame for quite a bit of that drama.
He also had some of Damian's art up on his wall, right along side a photo that had to have been taken by Tim during his patrol. A shadow box displayed his League weapons as well as the Batarang that had carved so neatly through his throat. Morbid? Maybe.
But no more morbid than the case he knew was in the Cave.
On the couch, Jason finally stirred, the drawing up of the blanket pulling a small, wounded sound from his throat. There was a rasping sound as cloth dragged against bandages and a keen eye might notice the bit of red that was already staining the blanket. It wasn't a lot, yet. But assuming he'd texted upon arriving back at his apartment from patching himself up, it wasn't the best sign.]
B?
[Oops. He was awake.]
[Bruce didn't spy on his kids in the same way that Jason didn't spy on his siblings. Honestly, having a few stalker tendencies seems to be a pre-requisite in this family. It was what made them all so incredibly tight knit...and also what caused the most drama.
Granted, Jason could very easily take the blame for quite a bit of that drama.
He also had some of Damian's art up on his wall, right along side a photo that had to have been taken by Tim during his patrol. A shadow box displayed his League weapons as well as the Batarang that had carved so neatly through his throat. Morbid? Maybe.
But no more morbid than the case he knew was in the Cave.
On the couch, Jason finally stirred, the drawing up of the blanket pulling a small, wounded sound from his throat. There was a rasping sound as cloth dragged against bandages and a keen eye might notice the bit of red that was already staining the blanket. It wasn't a lot, yet. But assuming he'd texted upon arriving back at his apartment from patching himself up, it wasn't the best sign.]
B?
[Oops. He was awake.]
Edited 2024-12-24 06:12 (UTC)
[ Bruce could have slipped away. It certainly would have been easier, give Bruce some time to figure out what he wanted to say when Jason asked him questions. But he doesn't. For some reason - maybe it's the blood on the blanket - Bruce just steps back so there's a bit of room to move between them. ]
You should have come to the Cave. You need antibiotics.
[ He's not mad. But he's using his Batman voice, partly out of concern, partly as way to feel like he's got some kind of control over the situation. People usually listened when a hulking wall of muscle spoke like that. ]
You should have come to the Cave. You need antibiotics.
[ He's not mad. But he's using his Batman voice, partly out of concern, partly as way to feel like he's got some kind of control over the situation. People usually listened when a hulking wall of muscle spoke like that. ]
[Unfortunately for Bruce, Jason had spent a considerable few of his formative years with that voice in his ear. He didn't really qualify as 'people' anymore. Probably for a lot of reasons besides just that one, to be honest.
What that voice did accomplish, however, was to chase away the sleepy confusion on Jason's face. He'd woken up to find his father over him and he'd been confused, but quiet. Just that question of a name. Then Batman spoke instead of his father and his lips tightened and his eyes closed and when they reopened, a wall that had been down was firmly back in place.]
I got antibiotics. I'm not stupid, B. 'Sides, it's not like I still have codes to get in and I probably would have bled out while I was breaking in.
[So, he'd done the next best thing: broken into one of Bruce's safehouses.
He hurt, but laying on the couch while Batman loomed over him made him feel vulnerable in all the wrong ways, so he grunted as he pushed himself up to at least be sitting. The blanket fell away, exposing the long bandage that was taped over his side. It also happened to expose the thick, Y shaped scar that bisected his entire torso.]
What that voice did accomplish, however, was to chase away the sleepy confusion on Jason's face. He'd woken up to find his father over him and he'd been confused, but quiet. Just that question of a name. Then Batman spoke instead of his father and his lips tightened and his eyes closed and when they reopened, a wall that had been down was firmly back in place.]
I got antibiotics. I'm not stupid, B. 'Sides, it's not like I still have codes to get in and I probably would have bled out while I was breaking in.
[So, he'd done the next best thing: broken into one of Bruce's safehouses.
He hurt, but laying on the couch while Batman loomed over him made him feel vulnerable in all the wrong ways, so he grunted as he pushed himself up to at least be sitting. The blanket fell away, exposing the long bandage that was taped over his side. It also happened to expose the thick, Y shaped scar that bisected his entire torso.]
[ Bruce remembers a time when Jason first returned that Alfred told him: "He needs Bruce Wayne's help. Not Batman trying to fight him." Often, the line between the two gets blurred. Batman helping is Bruce Wayne helping. It was just more often than not that Batman's reach was longer. Able to stop with one hand and offering the other to help pick yourself up again.
The bloody blanket, the bandage, and the wall that's between them now reminds him there are better ways to express his concern. Jason is not Robin anymore, expected to fall in line, to follow orders and never question them. To be a good soldier. Right now, though, Jason wasn't a soldier. He was Bruce's son and Bruce needed to remember that too. ]
What happened?
[ His voice softens, though not enough that the Batman mask is off. He asks to clarify, to figure out if this is something he needs to be concerned about. If it's put Jason in such a bad way, he's concerned regardless. But he needed to know if his night was about to get even longer. ]
The bloody blanket, the bandage, and the wall that's between them now reminds him there are better ways to express his concern. Jason is not Robin anymore, expected to fall in line, to follow orders and never question them. To be a good soldier. Right now, though, Jason wasn't a soldier. He was Bruce's son and Bruce needed to remember that too. ]
What happened?
[ His voice softens, though not enough that the Batman mask is off. He asks to clarify, to figure out if this is something he needs to be concerned about. If it's put Jason in such a bad way, he's concerned regardless. But he needed to know if his night was about to get even longer. ]
[Alfred had always been the wisest of all of them. The gentle butler's guiding hand could be seen on all their shoulders from time to time and Jason had always beamed under it.
Now, he just missed the man with his whole damned heart.
Exhausted just from sitting up, the younger man let himself take a moment to breath through the pain before he bothered answering. Bruce could be patient or he could fuck right off, Jason didn't much care. Eventually, he looked back up and waved a hand to dismiss the concern.
(Though, he was a little pleased by the 'what happened' instead of an automatic 'what did you do'.) ]
Some idiots down at the docks trying to bring through an assload of weapons. I dealt with them.
[A pause and he huffed a self-deprecative chuckle.]
I didn't kill them, don't worry. They were flunkies at best. They're cooling their heels in lock up.
If you're going to break into my apartment, can you get me a glass of water? The jug in the fridge, not tap.
Now, he just missed the man with his whole damned heart.
Exhausted just from sitting up, the younger man let himself take a moment to breath through the pain before he bothered answering. Bruce could be patient or he could fuck right off, Jason didn't much care. Eventually, he looked back up and waved a hand to dismiss the concern.
(Though, he was a little pleased by the 'what happened' instead of an automatic 'what did you do'.) ]
Some idiots down at the docks trying to bring through an assload of weapons. I dealt with them.
[A pause and he huffed a self-deprecative chuckle.]
I didn't kill them, don't worry. They were flunkies at best. They're cooling their heels in lock up.
If you're going to break into my apartment, can you get me a glass of water? The jug in the fridge, not tap.
[ Jason bust wasn't the first of its kind this week. Bruce and Tim had stopped a similar shipment not Just a few days prior. It raised certain questions and Bruce wondered if they might have a turf war on their hands if they did not shut it down.
But, that would have to wait.
Jason had asked for water while Bruce was working through the possible implications of two gun busts in the same week. He checks the fridge and the cabinets for a glass and comes back to Jason a moment later. ]
Well you did break into my safe house. I'd say we're even.
[ It's meant to be lighthearted; he doesn't begrudge Jason taking whatever he needed from the safe house. Supplies could be restocked. ]
I wanted to check on you. Make sure you didn't need anything else. Like painkillers.
But, that would have to wait.
Jason had asked for water while Bruce was working through the possible implications of two gun busts in the same week. He checks the fridge and the cabinets for a glass and comes back to Jason a moment later. ]
Well you did break into my safe house. I'd say we're even.
[ It's meant to be lighthearted; he doesn't begrudge Jason taking whatever he needed from the safe house. Supplies could be restocked. ]
I wanted to check on you. Make sure you didn't need anything else. Like painkillers.
[A holiday gang war. Festive and very Gotham. Too bad Jason was going to have to sit the rest of the party out if his stiff movements were a sign. Maybe he had some notes he'd be willing to share....if Bruce could be human enough to ask for them like he was a person and not one of his little toy soldiers. Red Hood might not be a Bat, but he still understood the importance of keeping meticulous notes.
The hard part came in trying to get him to share.
Taking the glass from Bruce, Jason did his best to ignore how the water in the glass sloshed with his shakes, leaning a little so that he didn't accidentally get his bandage wet as he drained half the glass in three long pulls.]
I'm good with Tylenol. If I'd needed anything else, I would have just stolen it from you.
[He flashed a cheeky, lopsided grin, for a split second looking so much like the young man he should have been before the exhaustion crept back into his eyes and the expression fell.
He'd never been one for strong narcotics. Watching the woman he called his mother waste away needle by needle had made him wary of trying such things for himself. Now that he was older, his best friend was a recovering addict as well, so he'd just gotten used to never having anything stronger than over the counter meds. It was amazing what one could do with sheer force of will.]
I figured you'd cut patrol short tonight. Be at the manor with everyone else. Try to teach the Demon child all about the power of love and holiday cheer. Does Dick still try to get everyone to sing carols?
The hard part came in trying to get him to share.
Taking the glass from Bruce, Jason did his best to ignore how the water in the glass sloshed with his shakes, leaning a little so that he didn't accidentally get his bandage wet as he drained half the glass in three long pulls.]
I'm good with Tylenol. If I'd needed anything else, I would have just stolen it from you.
[He flashed a cheeky, lopsided grin, for a split second looking so much like the young man he should have been before the exhaustion crept back into his eyes and the expression fell.
He'd never been one for strong narcotics. Watching the woman he called his mother waste away needle by needle had made him wary of trying such things for himself. Now that he was older, his best friend was a recovering addict as well, so he'd just gotten used to never having anything stronger than over the counter meds. It was amazing what one could do with sheer force of will.]
I figured you'd cut patrol short tonight. Be at the manor with everyone else. Try to teach the Demon child all about the power of love and holiday cheer. Does Dick still try to get everyone to sing carols?
That was the plan.
[ For the most part, the night had been a quiet one. A few break ins and an attempted mugging. Nothing that'd require Batman to be out for longer than a couple of hours. Jason had been an impromptu stop, but it wasn't out of the way. Bruce could do another pass and turn in for the night and to spend time with the others without it taking much time at all.
But plans changed it would seem.
If something big was going down, it needed to be investigated and stopped before it got out of hand. That meant hunting down someone he figured would have a hand in a brewing gang war. Oswald Cobblepot. ]
But I'm going to look into those guns first. Do you have anything you need to tell me? [ Ask like a normal person? Nailed it. ]
[ For the most part, the night had been a quiet one. A few break ins and an attempted mugging. Nothing that'd require Batman to be out for longer than a couple of hours. Jason had been an impromptu stop, but it wasn't out of the way. Bruce could do another pass and turn in for the night and to spend time with the others without it taking much time at all.
But plans changed it would seem.
If something big was going down, it needed to be investigated and stopped before it got out of hand. That meant hunting down someone he figured would have a hand in a brewing gang war. Oswald Cobblepot. ]
But I'm going to look into those guns first. Do you have anything you need to tell me? [ Ask like a normal person? Nailed it. ]
[Oh, he recognized that set in those broad shoulders. Going home early wasn't gunna happen now. Jason rolled his eyes, considering for several long moment to just give Bats his information and go back to sleep.
What did he care if Bruce slept through Christmas again? None of those idiots were his problem anymore. It wasn't like he was going to benefit from trying to talk sense into their dad.
Except....Damian deserved to have a Christmas. A real one.
Sighing softly, he reached up to gently rub at a bruise that was rapidly darkening on his cheekbone.]
No. Go home, Bruce. Be with them. I ate a grenade in the middle of their operation tonight, they're not gunna be up and moving again for a while. Give yourself 24 fucking hours to be a human father, then I'll send you my info and you can take the whole goddamned flock hunting. I'll even let you travel through my territory without getting pissy about it. [Mostly because he was probably still going to be unconscious, but whatever.]
Twenty-four hours, Bruce. Give them 24 hours of your attention. They need you.
[I need you.]
What did he care if Bruce slept through Christmas again? None of those idiots were his problem anymore. It wasn't like he was going to benefit from trying to talk sense into their dad.
Except....Damian deserved to have a Christmas. A real one.
Sighing softly, he reached up to gently rub at a bruise that was rapidly darkening on his cheekbone.]
No. Go home, Bruce. Be with them. I ate a grenade in the middle of their operation tonight, they're not gunna be up and moving again for a while. Give yourself 24 fucking hours to be a human father, then I'll send you my info and you can take the whole goddamned flock hunting. I'll even let you travel through my territory without getting pissy about it. [Mostly because he was probably still going to be unconscious, but whatever.]
Twenty-four hours, Bruce. Give them 24 hours of your attention. They need you.
[I need you.]
[ Honestly, Bruce should have seen that coming. The silence that followed after he asked Jason for information seemed too long to be anything but a refusal. And it was fine; he knew how to get information out of people. Jason's intel would just save him some time.
But the conversation goes in a direction he wasn't expecting. Go home where he was needed. Give his kids 24 hours. In 24 hours, Cobblepot could be in Bludhaven and Gotham could be on fire. Or maybe it wouldn't. Maybe it would be fine and tomorrow night he could get right back to being consumed by his mission.
What a choice. ]
I'll have Alfred bring you some food. [ Other than that, he made no promises. ]
But the conversation goes in a direction he wasn't expecting. Go home where he was needed. Give his kids 24 hours. In 24 hours, Cobblepot could be in Bludhaven and Gotham could be on fire. Or maybe it wouldn't. Maybe it would be fine and tomorrow night he could get right back to being consumed by his mission.
What a choice. ]
I'll have Alfred bring you some food. [ Other than that, he made no promises. ]
[What a choice, indeed. Go back out into the night to face a man who may or may not be involved with the weapon trafficking...or go home to a house of people who loved him. Some of which had traveled to make it, even.
Bruce wasn't the only one who split his time between family and the mission.]
Yeah, that sounds about right.
[No promises, no discussion of logic. Just an idea in his head and full throttle ahead. 'What did you do?' instead of 'What happened?', followed by two months of pretending like nothing had happened while stonewalling him from basic human interaction. It was very on brand.]
Whatever. Reset the locks on your way out.
[He was angry and hurt for people who didn't even like him (and maybe for that boy who still ached in his heart), but he was beaten and bruised and all that emotion was making his head throb...so instead of standing up and lashing out, he carefully laid himself back down and pulled the blanket back up.]
Bruce wasn't the only one who split his time between family and the mission.]
Yeah, that sounds about right.
[No promises, no discussion of logic. Just an idea in his head and full throttle ahead. 'What did you do?' instead of 'What happened?', followed by two months of pretending like nothing had happened while stonewalling him from basic human interaction. It was very on brand.]
Whatever. Reset the locks on your way out.
[He was angry and hurt for people who didn't even like him (and maybe for that boy who still ached in his heart), but he was beaten and bruised and all that emotion was making his head throb...so instead of standing up and lashing out, he carefully laid himself back down and pulled the blanket back up.]
[ Gotham needed him. It didn't stop needing him just because it was a holiday. Or that his son deserved his attention. Bruce was such a shining example of that. He shouldn't have to be Gotham's self-styled hero. He should be with his family on Christmas Eve, with his parents and his children. But he didn't have the life he deserved. People so rarely got that. They got the one they were dealt and they have to learn to live within the confines of it.
That didn't make it right. But there was nothing he could do about it. Damian would understand. He'd been trained to understand. ]
If you change your mind about that intel, you know how to reach me.
[ There's no goodbye, but there is a sense of finality in the way Bruce speaks. He turns to go out the way he came in, resetting the locks as he was asked. In the car, he calls Alfred and asks him to prepare a plate of food for Jason. He'd by later to pick it up. He had a stop to make first. ]
That didn't make it right. But there was nothing he could do about it. Damian would understand. He'd been trained to understand. ]
If you change your mind about that intel, you know how to reach me.
[ There's no goodbye, but there is a sense of finality in the way Bruce speaks. He turns to go out the way he came in, resetting the locks as he was asked. In the car, he calls Alfred and asks him to prepare a plate of food for Jason. He'd by later to pick it up. He had a stop to make first. ]
[Of course the only thing he said was about the work. That was all he ever said. All he ever did. (That wasn't fair and he knew it, but he hurt too much to listen to the little bit of rational thought that was still kept so carefully secreted away.) He laid there, listening to Bruce's steps up the stairs, then his security chimed as rearmed and...and he was gone. Back out into the night that was more important to him than the family he'd surrounded himself with.
It took a while for Jason to manage to fall back asleep, irritation mingling with pain to form something thick and toxin at the back of his throat. Eventually, he got up and moved back into his bedroom and that was colder, but the change of location helped to soothe his hackles a little. He could stand being a little chilly and bleeding on his sheets if it meant he could sleep.
In the morning, he'd send his report via Oracle's network and then he might just leave Gotham for a while. Maybe visit Roy in Star City. He'd figure it out. Later.]
It took a while for Jason to manage to fall back asleep, irritation mingling with pain to form something thick and toxin at the back of his throat. Eventually, he got up and moved back into his bedroom and that was colder, but the change of location helped to soothe his hackles a little. He could stand being a little chilly and bleeding on his sheets if it meant he could sleep.
In the morning, he'd send his report via Oracle's network and then he might just leave Gotham for a while. Maybe visit Roy in Star City. He'd figure it out. Later.]
[ If ever asked, Bruce would say it's because of Jason that he does eventually go home before sunrise. His first stop(s) were with a few known Penguin associates and scaring them into giving up Oswald's potential plans for the future. None of them mentioned gunrunning, but did say Penguin was still in town and would be for a few days more.
That's all he needed. The rest could wait. He went home and spent those early morning hours in the company of his children and Alfred. It was good a choice. He was glad he made it, even if the investigation lived rent free at the front of his mind. He was present enough that he wouldn't be missed in the long run.
Alfred is up early, 6am, to start breakfast before they opened presents. Bruce slept until Damian made him get up. All of them gather at the table to eat and laugh while Bruce worked his way through Jason's report at the head of the table. It's early afternoon when Bruce returns to Jason's apartment, as Bruce Wayne this time. He even knocks on the door like a normal person, all the while juggling a care package from Alfred and several gifts. ]
That's all he needed. The rest could wait. He went home and spent those early morning hours in the company of his children and Alfred. It was good a choice. He was glad he made it, even if the investigation lived rent free at the front of his mind. He was present enough that he wouldn't be missed in the long run.
Alfred is up early, 6am, to start breakfast before they opened presents. Bruce slept until Damian made him get up. All of them gather at the table to eat and laugh while Bruce worked his way through Jason's report at the head of the table. It's early afternoon when Bruce returns to Jason's apartment, as Bruce Wayne this time. He even knocks on the door like a normal person, all the while juggling a care package from Alfred and several gifts. ]
[The morning had found Jason a bit of a mess, but a very careful shower and a bandage change had helped that immensely. He'd redressed in his softest old Great Frog band tee under a thick brown cardigan and his favorite worn to hell Wonder Woman sweat pants and after a cup of tea, he'd felt human enough to send Bruce his report. He'd changed a few of his notes and smaller details to keep the man from snooping into anything else in the East End, but nothing that was important to this particular case.
Apparently, Jason has been dealing with this case longer than Bruce had thought. The shipment that Batman and Red Robin had thwarted was just the first that had happened outside of Jason's purview.
By the time a knock sounded from his front door, Jason was up and slowly moving around his kitchen. It wasn't going particularly well, but he'd managed to pull one of his frozen premade meals out of his freezer and was waiting for his oven to preheat when the sharp sound came. He rolled his eyes and made his slow way over, already talking as he started opening the door.]
I told you, Ginger, I'm not up to going to a Christmas dinner. I love that you asked me and any other time I'd be happy to go, you know I miss the kid-s. Oh. What are you doing here?
[His tone had changed as soon as he got a look at who was waiting, but it wasn't a bad change. Brucie to Bruce instead of Brucie to Batman. He wasn't blocking, just dropping Jace in favor of being himself as he shuffled back to let his father into his apartment. In the light of day, it was actually a pretty nice space, considering the location.]
Hope you didn't drive anything expensive. And you probably want to check for your catalytic converter when you get home. Come in, before you drop something. What is all this...?
Apparently, Jason has been dealing with this case longer than Bruce had thought. The shipment that Batman and Red Robin had thwarted was just the first that had happened outside of Jason's purview.
By the time a knock sounded from his front door, Jason was up and slowly moving around his kitchen. It wasn't going particularly well, but he'd managed to pull one of his frozen premade meals out of his freezer and was waiting for his oven to preheat when the sharp sound came. He rolled his eyes and made his slow way over, already talking as he started opening the door.]
I told you, Ginger, I'm not up to going to a Christmas dinner. I love that you asked me and any other time I'd be happy to go, you know I miss the kid-s. Oh. What are you doing here?
[His tone had changed as soon as he got a look at who was waiting, but it wasn't a bad change. Brucie to Bruce instead of Brucie to Batman. He wasn't blocking, just dropping Jace in favor of being himself as he shuffled back to let his father into his apartment. In the light of day, it was actually a pretty nice space, considering the location.]
Hope you didn't drive anything expensive. And you probably want to check for your catalytic converter when you get home. Come in, before you drop something. What is all this...?
[ Bruce doesn't regret spending the morning with his family. That was the entire point of gathering at the manor in the first place: to see everyone (even if he kept detailed records of what they were up to. No, it isn't spying). Seeing them face to face was always better than reading reports on their activities or seeing blurry pictures of them on the news.
But it's still hard to put down the work. Even for just 24 hours. Because there was still so much of it to be done. While Cobblepot was still on his radar, Jason's notes had given Bruce several other avenues to explore and he was itching to get back to it. All of it waiting for him to pour over when he was ready.
He just had to take care of his son first.
His first steps into Jason's space are more respectful than they had been the night before. No disarming alarms or traps. No looming. Okay a little looming, but he's a tall guy so it couldn't be helped. Instead it was all very much a father paying a visit to the son who never calls. ]
The car's fine. Alfred dropped me off. He'll be back in a little while. [ A wry smile ] If you can handle my company for that long.
[ Carefully, Bruce begins setting each package on the countertop nearby, pointing at each as he answers Jason's question. ]
Care package from Alfred. Tim's gift, Dick's, Damian and mine, Alfred, and Barbara. They wanted to come deliver everything personally, but I figured you didn't want a houseful. [ Since he didn't come to the manor. ]
But it's still hard to put down the work. Even for just 24 hours. Because there was still so much of it to be done. While Cobblepot was still on his radar, Jason's notes had given Bruce several other avenues to explore and he was itching to get back to it. All of it waiting for him to pour over when he was ready.
He just had to take care of his son first.
His first steps into Jason's space are more respectful than they had been the night before. No disarming alarms or traps. No looming. Okay a little looming, but he's a tall guy so it couldn't be helped. Instead it was all very much a father paying a visit to the son who never calls. ]
The car's fine. Alfred dropped me off. He'll be back in a little while. [ A wry smile ] If you can handle my company for that long.
[ Carefully, Bruce begins setting each package on the countertop nearby, pointing at each as he answers Jason's question. ]
Care package from Alfred. Tim's gift, Dick's, Damian and mine, Alfred, and Barbara. They wanted to come deliver everything personally, but I figured you didn't want a houseful. [ Since he didn't come to the manor. ]
[The looming actually wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been. Willis Todd had not been a small man, a fact that young Jason had been made acutely aware of on numerous occasions before his biological father had finally been arrested. By the time that Jason had come to live with Bruce and Alfred, malnutrition and two years of living on the streets had taken their toll on his growth, but he'd always had the ear marks of taking after his father. Big feet, big hands, gangly proportions. Even with the waste of his younger years, he probably would have at least gotten to Dickie's height had he survived long enough to hit his last couple of growth spurts.
He hadn't, of course, but in the end that had actually been a benefit in this scenario. Talia finally dunking him into the Pit had wiped the malnutrition off his slate, as well as a few other odds and ends that he'd picked up while doing what he had to survive. At 17, he came up from the Pit with a hunger that hadn't been satisfied for another two years and at the end of that final growth spurt, he'd made it to only a few inches short of Bruce's impressive height, with almost as much bulk to match.
He arched a brow -well, as best he could with a black eye- at all the packages being set onto his counter, confusion clear as he glanced from the pile back to Bruce, then back to the pile. He could understand the care package from Alfred and maybe the gift from his would be grandfather and Babs, but everyone else?]
Wait. Why...? I mean, it's not like anyone has gotten me anything before.
[To be fair, it had only been in the last year or so that he'd managed to shake off the worst of the anger from the Pit. He'd been carefully edging closer to his would be family, darting in to help when they needed him, but he'd never stayed. He'd assumed they hadn't wanted him to stay.]
I need some tea to deal with this. You....want some? I don't have any earl grey, but I have a caramel chai blend that I promise not to tell anyone you'll like.
[Pleasantries were hard when one wasn't used to going through the motions, okay. He was awkward.]
He hadn't, of course, but in the end that had actually been a benefit in this scenario. Talia finally dunking him into the Pit had wiped the malnutrition off his slate, as well as a few other odds and ends that he'd picked up while doing what he had to survive. At 17, he came up from the Pit with a hunger that hadn't been satisfied for another two years and at the end of that final growth spurt, he'd made it to only a few inches short of Bruce's impressive height, with almost as much bulk to match.
He arched a brow -well, as best he could with a black eye- at all the packages being set onto his counter, confusion clear as he glanced from the pile back to Bruce, then back to the pile. He could understand the care package from Alfred and maybe the gift from his would be grandfather and Babs, but everyone else?]
Wait. Why...? I mean, it's not like anyone has gotten me anything before.
[To be fair, it had only been in the last year or so that he'd managed to shake off the worst of the anger from the Pit. He'd been carefully edging closer to his would be family, darting in to help when they needed him, but he'd never stayed. He'd assumed they hadn't wanted him to stay.]
I need some tea to deal with this. You....want some? I don't have any earl grey, but I have a caramel chai blend that I promise not to tell anyone you'll like.
[Pleasantries were hard when one wasn't used to going through the motions, okay. He was awkward.]
[ Jason's apartment wasn't the only thing Bruce was getting a clearer picture of in the light of day. His low light lenses had given him an idea of the extent of Jason's injuries. But seeing him now in the daylight? It didn't settle him. It made him even more ready to tackle the issue. Whoever was behind this needed to pay. As dearly as Jason had in stopping the gun shipment.
As for the gifts, Damian hadn't wanted to give Jason anything. He'd said if Todd couldn't be bothered to show up, his gifts were fair game. That was Bruce's cue to get Jason his things before they vanished. It's true it'd been some time since Bruce had gotten Jason anything. But their relationship had been so contentious, so hot and cold that it hadn't really seem to matter. There was more fighting than there'd been opportunities to exchange gifts. At least until now.
If they were going to get better, they had to start somewhere.]
Because [ They cared. Bruce cared. ] you were invited to the manor and we weren't going to leave you out. If you don't want them, donate them.
[ Though he should consider it carefully. Since there's a few first editions among the gifts. ]
Yes, I'll have some. Probably not as good as Alfred's, but we're not all perfect.
As for the gifts, Damian hadn't wanted to give Jason anything. He'd said if Todd couldn't be bothered to show up, his gifts were fair game. That was Bruce's cue to get Jason his things before they vanished. It's true it'd been some time since Bruce had gotten Jason anything. But their relationship had been so contentious, so hot and cold that it hadn't really seem to matter. There was more fighting than there'd been opportunities to exchange gifts. At least until now.
If they were going to get better, they had to start somewhere.]
Because [ They cared. Bruce cared. ] you were invited to the manor and we weren't going to leave you out. If you don't want them, donate them.
[ Though he should consider it carefully. Since there's a few first editions among the gifts. ]
Yes, I'll have some. Probably not as good as Alfred's, but we're not all perfect.
No!
[It came out a little faster than he'd intended it to and he cleared his throat and hurriedly turned to flip off the oven and grab his kettle off the back burner of his stove to fill it up.]
I mean...I'm not gunna donate them.
[He was blushing a little as he plonked the kettle back onto the burner, the freckles that usually just faded into his regular skin tone standing out a little against the red.
He wanted the gifts. He was just surprised that they'd been gotten. It made it easier to stop calling himself stupid as he left the kettle to heat and shuffled over to the tiny little hall sliding door closet that served as he surprisingly well stocked pantry. It took a little effort in his wounded state, but eventually he was able to kneel enough to grab an oversized canvas bag from the back corner.
By the time he got back up and made it back over to Bruce, the kettle was threatening to whistle and Jason had lost most of his color...but the bag contained boxes. Boxes wrapped in simple, plain silver colored paper with names attached via post it note in Jason's careful handwriting.
There was one there for everyone. Even Bruce.
Jason didn't meet his dad's eye as he made his way back over to the stove to grab the kettle and start the tea.]
Don't worry. None of it will explode. Well....Dick's might, but only if he's an idiot.
[It came out a little faster than he'd intended it to and he cleared his throat and hurriedly turned to flip off the oven and grab his kettle off the back burner of his stove to fill it up.]
I mean...I'm not gunna donate them.
[He was blushing a little as he plonked the kettle back onto the burner, the freckles that usually just faded into his regular skin tone standing out a little against the red.
He wanted the gifts. He was just surprised that they'd been gotten. It made it easier to stop calling himself stupid as he left the kettle to heat and shuffled over to the tiny little hall sliding door closet that served as he surprisingly well stocked pantry. It took a little effort in his wounded state, but eventually he was able to kneel enough to grab an oversized canvas bag from the back corner.
By the time he got back up and made it back over to Bruce, the kettle was threatening to whistle and Jason had lost most of his color...but the bag contained boxes. Boxes wrapped in simple, plain silver colored paper with names attached via post it note in Jason's careful handwriting.
There was one there for everyone. Even Bruce.
Jason didn't meet his dad's eye as he made his way back over to the stove to grab the kettle and start the tea.]
Don't worry. None of it will explode. Well....Dick's might, but only if he's an idiot.
Edited 2024-12-27 07:19 (UTC)
[ There's relief in not being totally rejected. Maybe they were not so far gone that this couldn't be fixed. He watched with a curious eye as Jason shuffles to the closet and work himself into a kneel to reach for the bag. ]
Jason, let me do that.
[ Despite his injuries, he's still pretty fast. Bruce accepts the bag and peers inside. He's not surprised there are gifts for the others. He is surprised to see one for himself. And not displeased by it. In fact, he even smiles. ]
You didn't have to do this. Thank you. I'll make sure they get them. [ But since he's right here, no reason he can't open his gift now, right? He finds the box labeled as his own and peels away the wrapping paper so he can look inside. ]
Jason, let me do that.
[ Despite his injuries, he's still pretty fast. Bruce accepts the bag and peers inside. He's not surprised there are gifts for the others. He is surprised to see one for himself. And not displeased by it. In fact, he even smiles. ]
You didn't have to do this. Thank you. I'll make sure they get them. [ But since he's right here, no reason he can't open his gift now, right? He finds the box labeled as his own and peels away the wrapping paper so he can look inside. ]
[Maybe they weren't. They wouldn't know unless they tried.
He'd waved off the offer to help, too proud to admit that bending enough to grab the bag was a hard thing, but then he'd gotten it and made his way back like his small, pained sounds hadn't been a thing. Making tea was another hurdle, but fussing with the pot and the leaves gave him an excuse to not watch his dad's face as that gift was opened.
The gift that turned out to be a...pen? An old fashioned style fountain pen, complete with a bottle of ink nestled next to it in the box for refilling. It was slightly thicker than a normal pen and it had a good weight even in hands as large as theirs.]
I remember you always bitching about how you had to be careful while signing shit at work cause you'd always snap your pen and get ink all over you. So...I had that made. It won't break. You could stab someone with that thing and it still won't break.
It's stupid. You probably have a dozen even better ones forgotten in your desk somewhere.
[He shrugged, still not looking over at his dad as he fussed with the tea.]
He'd waved off the offer to help, too proud to admit that bending enough to grab the bag was a hard thing, but then he'd gotten it and made his way back like his small, pained sounds hadn't been a thing. Making tea was another hurdle, but fussing with the pot and the leaves gave him an excuse to not watch his dad's face as that gift was opened.
The gift that turned out to be a...pen? An old fashioned style fountain pen, complete with a bottle of ink nestled next to it in the box for refilling. It was slightly thicker than a normal pen and it had a good weight even in hands as large as theirs.]
I remember you always bitching about how you had to be careful while signing shit at work cause you'd always snap your pen and get ink all over you. So...I had that made. It won't break. You could stab someone with that thing and it still won't break.
It's stupid. You probably have a dozen even better ones forgotten in your desk somewhere.
[He shrugged, still not looking over at his dad as he fussed with the tea.]
[ Bruce had been sure Jason wasn't listening when he complained about getting ink on his hands. He'd spent a small fortune on pens for how often they would snap while Bruce used them. This one was made with him in mind, so clearly he had been listening after all. It does something to his heart. He won't say what, but it's a good feeling.
He sets the box it came in aside so he can pick it up and test the weight of it. It's clearly well made and fits well in his hand. Taking a piece of the wrapper, he signs his name with it. That it had potential to double as a weapon seems appropriate for a gift from Jason.
This is the most he's smiled in...well ages. ]
Thank you. This is perfect.
He sets the box it came in aside so he can pick it up and test the weight of it. It's clearly well made and fits well in his hand. Taking a piece of the wrapper, he signs his name with it. That it had potential to double as a weapon seems appropriate for a gift from Jason.
This is the most he's smiled in...well ages. ]
Thank you. This is perfect.
['Fancy' pens weren't designed with grip strength like theirs in mind. Most of them could barely tolerate being dropped, let alone the force that Bruce could press down with when he wasn't paying attention. And if someone had irritated him?
Those poor pens hadn't stood a chance.]
You-? You're welcome. I'm glad you like it.
[He wasn't awkward at all.
Picking up the full tea pot, he brought it over to the small, two seater table. A couple of mugs dangled from his fingers so that he could do it all in one trip. Mostly.]
Grab the cream outta the fridge? And there's a sugar jar on the counter.
[The table was way too small to keep things stored on it. Besides, he mostly only used it when he wanted to sit down and do a deep clean on all of his blades. Which is probably why the wood still had a little bit of metal oil scent to it.]
You gunna leave that piece of paper here? Could hock that shit on E-bay for a months worth of groceries.
Those poor pens hadn't stood a chance.]
You-? You're welcome. I'm glad you like it.
[He wasn't awkward at all.
Picking up the full tea pot, he brought it over to the small, two seater table. A couple of mugs dangled from his fingers so that he could do it all in one trip. Mostly.]
Grab the cream outta the fridge? And there's a sugar jar on the counter.
[The table was way too small to keep things stored on it. Besides, he mostly only used it when he wanted to sit down and do a deep clean on all of his blades. Which is probably why the wood still had a little bit of metal oil scent to it.]
You gunna leave that piece of paper here? Could hock that shit on E-bay for a months worth of groceries.
[ Bruce knows he is not an easy man to get along with. Nor an easy one to love. There are too many defenses to reach the heart of him that most people give up at the first sign of resistance. He's a pretty face with a lot of money, but not much else to people who did not matter. It kept them from getting too close, from asking too many questions. It kept him isolated.
Jason had the luxury of coming into his life as a child, so Bruce's defenses were not nearly so impenetrable.
It's just the wedge Joker put between them and Bruce's guilt kept there that made these little moments so awkward. How do you come together again when you've spent so many years broken? Maybe it started with a pen.
Bruce joins Jason at the table after he gets the cream and sugar, setting it between them. ]
If you're gonna sell my signature, at least let me write it better. [ With some embellishment or flourish. Something eye catching. Bruce is quiet a minute before he continues: ]
If you need help, just say the word.
[ He doesn't expect Jason to accept. But Bruce just wants him to know help is there. ]
Jason had the luxury of coming into his life as a child, so Bruce's defenses were not nearly so impenetrable.
It's just the wedge Joker put between them and Bruce's guilt kept there that made these little moments so awkward. How do you come together again when you've spent so many years broken? Maybe it started with a pen.
Bruce joins Jason at the table after he gets the cream and sugar, setting it between them. ]
If you're gonna sell my signature, at least let me write it better. [ With some embellishment or flourish. Something eye catching. Bruce is quiet a minute before he continues: ]
If you need help, just say the word.
[ He doesn't expect Jason to accept. But Bruce just wants him to know help is there. ]
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