[He could feel their eyes on him. It itched a little, but not in the way that Bruce's eyes burned. There was no judgement from them. No disappointment or heavy sighs. There were no cold calculations behind dark green eyes like from Talia. No accusations of weakness.
It itched, but for the first time in days, it felt like maybe he could breath again.
He didn't open his eyes when they asked him his preference, but he did let out a small huff of air like someone had sat on his gut. His instinct was to ask for the Earl Grey, for the familiar flavors that always reminded him of early weekend mornings with Alfred in the kitchen, a radio show on in the background as he watched the old butler whisk eggs with practiced ease.]
Green, please.
[Bitter and nothing at all like the black tea he'd known. He didn't deserve the Earl Grey. Alfred deserved better than someone like him as a grandson.]
[ Wren just nodded and got the green ready. The Earl Grey was there for him if he ever changed his mind, though.
Quite literally. They didn't drink it for themself, but they remembered him talking about it. ]
You're welcome to turn on the TV or the radio if you want - or check the music collection, as long as you remember at least half of it is my dad's.
[ Not that they had anything against a dedicated collection of Jimmy Buffet from the late 70s through the 90s, but it very pointedly was not their purchase choice.
Offer to be more comfortable given, they continued in the kitchen until everything was ready and they brought over the food and set the mug down on a nearby endtable that mainly housed a lamp and a spider plant and whatever books Wren was reading at the moment, sitting on the couch as well. ]
[Any other day, he would have jumped at the chance to sort through the music, no doubt giving Wren at least a little bit of shit for how comprehensive that Jimmy Buffet collection really was. But today, he only shook his head and let his eyes stay closed, listening to the soft, easy sounds of them puttering in their kitchen.
It was soothing in a way he hadn't expected and by the time Wren brought him both plate and mug, he was already a little less tense. He still turned towards the sound of their approaching footsteps, but he didn't jump out of his skin when they leaned over him to set the mug down. Instead, he blinked open his eyes and just watched them move, taking the offered plate with clumsy, and clumsily bandaged hands.]
[ Laugh it up while you can, Jason. Who here has not fallen in love in the library once upon a time?
After that first time, Wren was surprised at how they weren't as self-concious about their home as they had expected to be. Jason didn't seem to mind that it was small and cluttered, if anything the way he became at ease ... he seemed to enjoy that. And they liked that. Him enjoying being in their space. ]
Of course.
[ For more than just the food. They're quiet for a few moments, giving them both a little time to eat before they ask- ]
[They settled in next to him and he found himself breathing a little easier, their heat a balm against the constant itch of Not Right in his skin. It took a little effort to figure out how to eat the burger without getting grease or ketchup on his bandages, and in the end he just gave up and sacrificed them in favor of actually getting the food into his mouth.
His stomach gave a lurch after his first swallow and he chewed his second bite a little longer as he tried to remember when the last time he'd eaten had been. He couldn't remember for sure and...well, it wouldn't be the first time he'd lost himself in his darkness for days. The second bite went down a little easier, and by the third his appetite had returned with a vengeance.
He was halfway through the burger in just the time before Wren asked their question, and he gave a small, one shouldered shrug, keeping his eyes firmly on his plate.]
It's nothing serious. Just some splinters.
[Not an answer, but it was answer adjacent? Wren didn't need to hear about how he'd demolished one of his training dummies. That wasn't a normal thing to do. Right?]
[ Maybe not, but there was little about Jason that was normal, and in general Wren liked that. Even though their expression goes vaguely concerned, after a moment of silence they decide to not press it right now. ]
... stay with me tonight?
[ It comes out a bit more bluntly than they had planned on, but Jason never seemed to mind that. Normally it's his place when they have a sleepover, more space, it makes sense, but he's here now and again Wren feels that worry that if they let him out of their sight it might be a while before they see him again. ]
[He'd never minded their bluntness. It was refreshing after so long with Talia's sharp tongue. But it still came out of left field and he took a moment to blink down at his plate.
He wanted to. The thought of laying down with their warm weight against his side, maybe even with his head on their chest so he could listen to the strong, steady beat was...enticing. He was exhausted, he could feel it now that he was sitting and actually eating something. Could feel his body starting to shiver like he was cold, even though he wasn't. He wanted to lay down and let them soothe him to sleep like a babe.
But all of this had started with a nightmare. He didn't remember it, not the details of it, but he'd woken up in a panic. He'd tried to work out the excess energy, but it had only gotten worse from there and now? Now, he was so tired but the thought of the terrors that awaited him if he closed his eyes...]
I-...it's not a good idea. Don't wanna hurt you.
[But he wanted to and it was clear in his voice and in his eyes as he turned to offer them a sad little smile.]
[ If they couldn't hear that want in his voice, maybe they'd let it go, but -- they reach out to gently place a hand on his arm, warm and steady. ]
You won't hurt me.
[ Even if they weren't able to defend themself, they trust Jason. If he's a danger to anyone right now, it's himself. They're sure of it. That had always been the vibe they got off of him, though. That so much of what he carried was turned inwards, hurting himself before he hurt anyone else. Running from something maybe in the literal sense but also trying to escape himself.
There were worse places for it. It wasn't like every single out of towner wasn't noticed and gossiped about the second they drove through and stopped for anything other than gas and directions back to the freeway. ]
You don't have to be good company. Just be company.
[They were so sincere and it was that more than any sense of comfort that finally chipped away at the wall of fear that he'd been encased in for too many hours to count. He closed his eyes, letting himself really feel the exhaustion that was sank so deep into his bones and he gave a small nod as he leaned against their shoulder, burger forgotten back on his plate.
He probably should finish eating and probably should re-wrap his hands now that his bandages were dirty, but he was so fucking tired.]
Just...please don't let me hurt you. Promise me that.
[ The hand on Jason's arm goes to slide around his shoulder, to go up to gently card through his hair. Soft, intimate. ]
Promise.
[ The word is murmured against his hair as they press a kiss to the top of his head. ]
Finish eating, we'll get your bandages changed and then call it an early night. How's that sound?
[ They don't have anything else that can't wait until tomorrow, and Jason looks like he needs a solid twelve hours sleep, minimum. If they can help him get even a little of that, it'll be worth anything. ]
[It took longer than he cared to admit, first finishing off the last of his burger, then letting them unwrap the mess that were his hands. His knuckles were almost black, they were so bruised, with deep splits over each knuckle that bled freely once the gauze was peeled away. He'd cited splinters and there were more than a few marks that spoke to that truth, as well.
He didn't look at his hands as they tended to them. Didn't look at them, either. Shame was written clear as day on his face, but he didn't pull away. He let them rewrap his hands, holding still despite how much it had to hurt...and only when they were satisfied did he finally look up.]
[ Wren finished off their own food as well, cleaning up the dishes and getting out their own well stocked medical supplies to get Jason's hands re-wrapped. They only allowed themself one deeply worried look at him at the extent of the damage before they focused on taking care of it.
They were no doctor, but they were surprisingly on par with what was needed for people who did the kind of work Jason used to. Some experience in 'take care of it yourself instead of going to a hospital'. Then again, there was only one doctor in town with a small clinic and the actual hospital was an hour drive away with no traffic.
They were as gentle but thorough as they could be, no need to rush with it, their own hands strong and careful even as their heart broke for what turmoil had to have led to this. Whatever darkness Jason still carried, still ran from.
They pressed a soft kiss to his fingers. ]
Thank you for letting me help. Let's get you to bed, huh?
['Quiet' seemed to be the name of Jason's game. He was always kind of a quiet guy when he wasn't intentionally being loud, but he'd been quiet from the moment he'd gotten there. Not awkward or reluctant, like he was being quiet because he wanted to hide something.
Quiet like something hurt. Something beyond just his hands.
He was still as Wren first unwrapped and then cleaned the bruises and cuts. Not so much as a flinch at the antiseptic or the pressure of the fresh gauze. As Wren was an old pro at patching up wounds, Jason was an old pro at being patched up. His body was a map of old scars, after all. Surely someone who took that much of a beating was used to be patched up.
So why did a few drops of something wet fall onto Wren's hair when they bent to kiss his fresh bandages? Why did one large, clumsy hand turn to gently cup their cheek?
'You're too good for me' was on the tip of his tongue, but instead he just gave another small nod and let himself be lead through Wren's home until he could pull them down with him into the mattress, letting them get comfortable before he settled in against them, arms around their hips and ear resting on their chest so he could hear their heartbeat.]
[ It would probably be more comfortable if they'd gotten changed into pajamas, and Wren filed that thought away for later. Jason bringing some over, maybe an overnight bag to keep there. The thought warmed them almost as much as Jason did curled up against them in the bed, Wren half wrapped around him in return. They stroked their fingers through his hair as he rested it against their chest, humming a soft and easy rhythm. A Jimmy Buffet song their dad used to sing to them to get them to sleep - he didn't know any traditional lullabies, but Come Monday was sweet and easy. They hoped it would help bring Jason comfort, too. ]
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From Memes
Re: From Memes
All Fun and Games Until Someone Mouths Off.
Safe Harbor
[He could feel their eyes on him. It itched a little, but not in the way that Bruce's eyes burned. There was no judgement from them. No disappointment or heavy sighs. There were no cold calculations behind dark green eyes like from Talia. No accusations of weakness.
It itched, but for the first time in days, it felt like maybe he could breath again.
He didn't open his eyes when they asked him his preference, but he did let out a small huff of air like someone had sat on his gut. His instinct was to ask for the Earl Grey, for the familiar flavors that always reminded him of early weekend mornings with Alfred in the kitchen, a radio show on in the background as he watched the old butler whisk eggs with practiced ease.]
Green, please.
[Bitter and nothing at all like the black tea he'd known. He didn't deserve the Earl Grey. Alfred deserved better than someone like him as a grandson.]
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Quite literally. They didn't drink it for themself, but they remembered him talking about it. ]
You're welcome to turn on the TV or the radio if you want - or check the music collection, as long as you remember at least half of it is my dad's.
[ Not that they had anything against a dedicated collection of Jimmy Buffet from the late 70s through the 90s, but it very pointedly was not their purchase choice.
Offer to be more comfortable given, they continued in the kitchen until everything was ready and they brought over the food and set the mug down on a nearby endtable that mainly housed a lamp and a spider plant and whatever books Wren was reading at the moment, sitting on the couch as well. ]
Order up, here we go.
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It was soothing in a way he hadn't expected and by the time Wren brought him both plate and mug, he was already a little less tense. He still turned towards the sound of their approaching footsteps, but he didn't jump out of his skin when they leaned over him to set the mug down. Instead, he blinked open his eyes and just watched them move, taking the offered plate with clumsy, and clumsily bandaged hands.]
...thank you.
[For more than just the food.]
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Laugh it up while you can, Jason. Who here has not fallen in love in the library once upon a time?After that first time, Wren was surprised at how they weren't as self-concious about their home as they had expected to be. Jason didn't seem to mind that it was small and cluttered, if anything the way he became at ease ... he seemed to enjoy that. And they liked that. Him enjoying being in their space. ]
Of course.
[ For more than just the food. They're quiet for a few moments, giving them both a little time to eat before they ask- ]
... What happened to your hands?
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Not fair, Wren![They settled in next to him and he found himself breathing a little easier, their heat a balm against the constant itch of Not Right in his skin. It took a little effort to figure out how to eat the burger without getting grease or ketchup on his bandages, and in the end he just gave up and sacrificed them in favor of actually getting the food into his mouth.
His stomach gave a lurch after his first swallow and he chewed his second bite a little longer as he tried to remember when the last time he'd eaten had been. He couldn't remember for sure and...well, it wouldn't be the first time he'd lost himself in his darkness for days. The second bite went down a little easier, and by the third his appetite had returned with a vengeance.
He was halfway through the burger in just the time before Wren asked their question, and he gave a small, one shouldered shrug, keeping his eyes firmly on his plate.]
It's nothing serious. Just some splinters.
[Not an answer, but it was answer adjacent? Wren didn't need to hear about how he'd demolished one of his training dummies. That wasn't a normal thing to do. Right?]
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... stay with me tonight?
[ It comes out a bit more bluntly than they had planned on, but Jason never seemed to mind that. Normally it's his place when they have a sleepover, more space, it makes sense, but he's here now and again Wren feels that worry that if they let him out of their sight it might be a while before they see him again. ]
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He wanted to. The thought of laying down with their warm weight against his side, maybe even with his head on their chest so he could listen to the strong, steady beat was...enticing. He was exhausted, he could feel it now that he was sitting and actually eating something. Could feel his body starting to shiver like he was cold, even though he wasn't. He wanted to lay down and let them soothe him to sleep like a babe.
But all of this had started with a nightmare. He didn't remember it, not the details of it, but he'd woken up in a panic. He'd tried to work out the excess energy, but it had only gotten worse from there and now? Now, he was so tired but the thought of the terrors that awaited him if he closed his eyes...]
I-...it's not a good idea. Don't wanna hurt you.
[But he wanted to and it was clear in his voice and in his eyes as he turned to offer them a sad little smile.]
'M not good company, Wren.
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You won't hurt me.
[ Even if they weren't able to defend themself, they trust Jason. If he's a danger to anyone right now, it's himself. They're sure of it. That had always been the vibe they got off of him, though. That so much of what he carried was turned inwards, hurting himself before he hurt anyone else. Running from something maybe in the literal sense but also trying to escape himself.
There were worse places for it. It wasn't like every single out of towner wasn't noticed and gossiped about the second they drove through and stopped for anything other than gas and directions back to the freeway. ]
You don't have to be good company. Just be company.
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He probably should finish eating and probably should re-wrap his hands now that his bandages were dirty, but he was so fucking tired.]
Just...please don't let me hurt you. Promise me that.
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Promise.
[ The word is murmured against his hair as they press a kiss to the top of his head. ]
Finish eating, we'll get your bandages changed and then call it an early night. How's that sound?
[ They don't have anything else that can't wait until tomorrow, and Jason looks like he needs a solid twelve hours sleep, minimum. If they can help him get even a little of that, it'll be worth anything. ]
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He didn't look at his hands as they tended to them. Didn't look at them, either. Shame was written clear as day on his face, but he didn't pull away. He let them rewrap his hands, holding still despite how much it had to hurt...and only when they were satisfied did he finally look up.]
I'm sorry...
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They were no doctor, but they were surprisingly on par with what was needed for people who did the kind of work Jason used to. Some experience in 'take care of it yourself instead of going to a hospital'. Then again, there was only one doctor in town with a small clinic and the actual hospital was an hour drive away with no traffic.
They were as gentle but thorough as they could be, no need to rush with it, their own hands strong and careful even as their heart broke for what turmoil had to have led to this. Whatever darkness Jason still carried, still ran from.
They pressed a soft kiss to his fingers. ]
Thank you for letting me help. Let's get you to bed, huh?
no subject
Quiet like something hurt. Something beyond just his hands.
He was still as Wren first unwrapped and then cleaned the bruises and cuts. Not so much as a flinch at the antiseptic or the pressure of the fresh gauze. As Wren was an old pro at patching up wounds, Jason was an old pro at being patched up. His body was a map of old scars, after all. Surely someone who took that much of a beating was used to be patched up.
So why did a few drops of something wet fall onto Wren's hair when they bent to kiss his fresh bandages? Why did one large, clumsy hand turn to gently cup their cheek?
'You're too good for me' was on the tip of his tongue, but instead he just gave another small nod and let himself be lead through Wren's home until he could pull them down with him into the mattress, letting them get comfortable before he settled in against them, arms around their hips and ear resting on their chest so he could hear their heartbeat.]
no subject