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Chapter Text

Monday, March 18, 2024 - 05:54

*Jason Peter Todd (Red Hood)*

    When I woke up, I just, knew today was going a little bit of h*ll coming up. I didn’t know what had to lead me to believe this, but I trusted my gut, especially after my time on the streets. I was on alert the entire day then around four o'clock I took a nap. Although I never let my guard completely down, today I had it surrounding me, protecting me, separating me, more than usual. It turns out my gut was right, and by raising my guard up higher today, made me tired. Roy had laughed and then forced me to sleep, The absolute irony of it did not get lost on Roy, the *ss. I drifted off on the couch and was met with a blood-red smile, that made my gut scream run , and my body to feel in agony. I felt every hit, cut, and bruise he gave me.

When I woke up with his voice ringing in my ears, Another memory gained , I thought bitterly. After I realized where I was, I collapsed recognizing my home , not another warehouse that I have to keep changing, because of the bats. I glanced at my lit-up phone and it read 1: 33pm, with 8 text messages, and 1 call. It isn’t that much, I thought, but a place to relax , claim, and feel calm . I breathed, and I got up, then I saw a poster, or something, with a red on it, It looked like bloo - Blood, Blood, Blood -, and then I collapsed-laid- down, this time on the coffee metal table. The thing I sat on was cold and hard, then a bitter thought whispered, Doesn't the firm table remind you of that hard, cold …

Floor. I am on the damn floor, with Him over me. I hear him laugh-no, no, no- His laughter means pain. I don’t want to feel any- no more, no more pain, please-more pain. Then He asks me if I want to have more fun -no, no, no, please no- Then He laughs, laughs, and lau- BEEP why is he beeping?

I shoot up, from a panic att- from panic, with his mocking voice in my ear, and… It is new, the words are new... ´I couldn’t have the original Wonder Boy, otherwise ¨Lil’ X¨ will come for me, and then Bats couldn’t kill me, ´cause he´d ruin his fun!´ And his voice on the nickname, there was so much bitterness, and his lips did not smile, they had frowned. I took out my phone to stop reviewing memories, and looked at the time, 2:27 pm, and saw another message, it was from Golden Boy…

-_-

Hey, I wud lIk 2 c you, U c%d cum Ovr & watch a mvie o gAm. I M OpN rownd 7:20 pm o 8:10 pm. I also wnt 2 introduce U 2 SOME1. Wanna Come?

. : .

    I reread the text, and groaned he used teen text ´slang´, I hate reading that! Then I noticed the 1, oh hero stuff , then I noticed the 2, Both? Well, okay, I haven’t heard from him lately, so I could check up, on him . With that thought, I wondered what was going on with him, I haven’t seen him out of heroing for a while and the bastard deserves it for faking his death. Then there is the ´introduce´ part, who could they be?, I put those thoughts in a box for later and texted him back…

-_-

Yeah, I can come over for either time, when should we hang? Also, does tomorrow work? I’m going to be in Blüdhaven anyway, so does Wednesday sound good to you, Goldie?

f U wnt U cn stA d night? 2nt o 2moro. I hav plenty of room, & f we drink U won’t hav 2 go home, U cn jst crash.

I might, but I have a place.

OK c u!

See you later, D*ckwad.

. : .

I rubbed my temples, now I can try to find out what was going on, I sighed, This F*cking headache! It won’t just go away! I finished checking my texts, from informants, and tips. After I finished on my phone, I got up and ate some food, and started a soup in the kitchen. I heard a knock on the door, and some arguing voices, Oh , I thought, that’s probably Roy and Kori, they must be back from scouting. I opened the door, and went back to the kitchen, to finish up my soup. I then questioned them, ¨Roy, Kori, How did it go? And Roy, I thought you took your keys?¨ As an afterthought, I added, ¨I know Kori left hers, and by the way, we are having Caldo de res , or that beef soup that Kori likes.¨ I heard Kori laughing, and Roy’s bodies, Thump, as it hit the couch. I turned around and saw Roy’s embarrassed checks disappear behind his hands, and a sigh followed. 

A thought passed through my mind, Well, this will probably be amusing, Kori responded, ¨We were talking to the guy undercover, also you won the bet Jason, but this Arse -nal-¨ 

I heard an offended shout, ¨ Hey! ¨ From the couch, and I felt a smile curl on my face. 

    Yet the Alien persisted, ¨…keys were in his pocket. As we were talking to the gang’s pickpocket and thief for more information, this idiot let this pickpocket brush past him. That’s probably when he stole his keys and then disappeared, and we don't notice ´till after lunch. Until we were in the elevator, that said keys were missing. Anyways, I call, first shower!¨ After she finishes their tale, I snort and look him over. I take note of a tan line on his wrist, A watch or bracelet, perhaps? Then I glance up and see Kori leave to shower.

    I voice my thoughts as a hint, ¨Were you wearing something on your wrist?¨ I turned to see his reaction, his hands immediately grab his wrists and a groan of embarrassment. I let out a snort at his embarrassment, I turned around just as my Caldo de res , finished up, I then took pity on Roy. ¨Hey, Roy! Set the table, then go wash up.¨ I ordered and then added, ¨You guys can have this tomorrow, ´cause I am visiting someone in Blüd´, while I am there. They can cook, better than your lazy *ss, and are almost as good as Alfred.¨ I saw him register the sentences while setting the table, and suddenly he froze.

    I coked my head to ask ´What?´ when he repeated a part of my statement disbelievingly, ¨ They can cook...almost as good as Alfred! ´ Then he questioned me, ¨I don't know anyone who can cook as good as Alfred, who are you visiting? I thought you were visiting, you know? Blue Bird , but he can't cook!¨ I raised my eyebrows at this, he can cook really well, then after his breath, he continued disbelievingly, ¨He f*cking blew up the microwave, making Soup, Canned Soup! ´Hood! Canned! With Alfred right there and then...¨ After that, I started tuning him out, I added a roll next to each bowl. I was slightly confused at that, I had seen him in the Kitchen. He flowed from one area to the next, and he had more grace in there then walking.  I remember him warning me not to scare him when he was in the Kitchen, ’cause, at Haly's Circus, he learned to throw knives, after having a knife almost hit my head when I walked in the room. During dinner, I asked for more info, and he said he might throw a knife at me because of his Bat-lessons mixing with his previous reflexes. I shook my head to get rid of my thoughts and heard Kori open a door. 

So then I spoke, ¨Go, take a shower, and we'll drink after dinner. Now, Go!¨ I set the bowls at the table and heard him muttering as he went to clean up. Why do they not know Goldie? Hell, he was their best friend and fiancé at one point! , I questioned myself, then I shook my head, It's not my business. I took a breath, and relaxed to enjoy the ´calm before a storm´, ´cause a storm was coming, a big one. I could feel it in my gut.

-:-

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 - 011:47

    I was on to the new Büldhaven, from Gotham, I had already driven 30min, so I should of have had 5 or so more minutes but I had 35 to 40 minutes because of how bad the traffic is. I heard my phone ringing and glanced at the caller ID, it said Sneaky Sister, I huffed out a laugh. She must have changed it when I saw her three days ago, at her dance recital, Now that flight was worth it . I hit the green accept button on my phone, which was in my phone holder on the dashboard. 

      ”Hey, Cass!” I greeted her.

      ”Hey, Jay...” She replied trailing off. I glanced at her and saw her distressed, I then looked up at the signs. 

     One of them showed some food options at the next turn, so I asked her, ”I can turn over soon? It's about lunchtime right now.” I awaited her response while a silver/light gray truck passed by me. She nodded, we talked about how dance was going for her and how some of her cases in Hong Kong were going, as I started getting ready to pull over. We also talked about my food options. When I got my food and sat at a table, I asked her, ”What did you want to know?”

     ”Okay, can you lie with your body?” Cass questioned me. I thought about it, Can you lie with your body? That would be leading people on with your body… Wait! Didn't Dick mention something like that, ’You can lead people with your body, from being non-threatening with a victim, to acting like you don't care when someone is at gunpoint. I learned from my parents that even if you're uncomfortable the show must go on.’ So I guess you can…

     ”Cass, don't we do that a lot? ” I asked in return. ”Appearing non-threatening to victims, or pretending to still be unconscious. Acting like we're not hurt at school or during paparazzi pictures. Also, really good actors use their bodies to make the story realistic.” I explained my thoughts. I then took the turn and drove into the cycle of restaurants. 

     I waited for Cass’s response, and then heard her repeat, ”Acting?” 

     ”Yeah, Acting, when you pretend to be someone else, or as you said to lie with their body, to be someone else. Spies, actors, and some people that use psychology use it.” I defined the word and explained my thoughts. I then took my phone and started filling up on gas.

     I heard her hum and waited in response to my explanation, then after a minute she spoke, ”What was Dick, before, he was with Bruce?” Her question threw me a little off-balance, I thought about it as I paid, He was an acrobat,  in a circus… Mmm, his job would be to please the audience and make whatever he's doing look effortless. I got into the car and drove as I was thinking, So he would be acting as he's perform- Perform! A performer!

     ”I believe he would be called a performer, like how you're a dancer and you're ’job’ so to speak, is to look effortless. Then as you dance you display emotions. That's what Dick did except with his acrobatic flippy stuff.” I explained and then compared them. I then ordered a sub-sandwich. As I sat down I glanced at the screen, Cass looked even more troubled than when I started talking to her. I decided to question her, ”Hey, Cass, you normally would ask Dick about this stuff, and you would probably get more info from him. He is pretty good at reading people, not as good as you, but that's part of why he can wear thinner armor when out. His main excuse is he needs it to be flexible. So why ask me? He would be more than happy to answer your questions.” 

     After I finished Cass answered, ”He came to my recital and when I asked how he was, he said he was okay, but his body screamed hurt, happy, betrayal, love, sad, must protect, tired for a second or two earlier. Then his body went to love, protect, happy after and that is what he almost always looks like. His body lied, his words lied, his eyes lied, his tone lied. He lied.” She sounded frustrated with being able to be lied to. I thought about it, Dick who ’can't’ lie, was able to lie to Cass. Are there any instances where Dick is contradicting? Um, OH!

     ”Hey, Cassandra, can Dick Cook?” I quickly asked. 

     She looked confused but still answered, ”No, he isn't allowed in Alfreds Kitchen, Why?”

     I sent her three photos, ”Just look at the photos I sent you. The first one he's teaching me how to cook, a friend of his named Rose took it, it's during the second Titans. The second one is my favorite dish of his, Gypsy John, and the third one is Alfred and him in the kitchen cooking. I just found out yesterday that Kori and Roy didn't know he could cook, and he lived with one of them.” When she came back from looking at photos, we started at each other. I quickly realized something, ”Cass if we shared this it could ruin some of his relationships, and how you described him earlier, ” hurt, happy, betrayal, love, sad, must protect, tired ,” worries me.” I hesitated and then continued, ”I'll look into it, okay?” She agreed and hung up after we said our goodbyes. Time to see what's going on with Golie-locks, I took a breath and continued on my way to Blüdhaven.

Chapter Text

*Richard John Grayson (Nightwing)*

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 - 02:28

    I landed on a rooftop and stole a breath of smog, from the sky, and my wings were tight in my skin confining them. I got them when Ren was with Папа,  and I kept them a secret from Batman. Although Catwomen kinda knows about them, she knows one of ´Havens 'cats’ has wings, just not that that ´cat´ was me, spelled by magic. That was a week, I typed out that I had an undercover mission, but really Catwomen was taking care of me as a cat.. We, all of the me’s and Deathstroke, think we got them from the unfinished Talon/Gray Son mutation thing and then all of our trauma. I think the only Bat-family person that knows about my wings in human form is Robin-

Mine!, a dark voice, I call Talon, whispered at his name, My Owlet! My Little Talon! Talon claimed. He doesn't like to communicate to everyone this way, mostly he communicates through Renegade. 

I try to ignore that voice, but then Renegade, another voice, answers, He dese r ves to wo r k with his fathe r , and should we r eally be r aising him? Especially with all of ou r t r auma? Then they start having the same argument like always when Damian comes up, I take a breath and rub my face. 

I glance at the clock in my mask, and it reads 0 3:31 , I take a moment to look around and almost flinch. I go home before I can have a breakdown, because of That one roof. I just shake my head and go home, I have to prepare because Jason and Rae are meeting again, as my adopted daughter and my...brother? No, my friend, perhaps? We really aren't close enough to be brothers, and we are on friendly terms right now, So yeah, Jason is a… friend. Another thought hit me, Jason will also meet Amy, oh, god! They will either be best friends or… rivals? Yeah, rivals.

Yeah, they could be, but only once they get over, avoid, or Jason finds explanation for all illegal shit… or Amy doesn't assume with his guns. Also, don’t forget even if she knows we are Nightwing you still gotta hide your Renegade-Talon-Watcher stuff. Ren responds.

- He was the little fighter that took Robin from us then apologized once he realized what it meant to us. He's also the other part of the life bond, we are the reason he crawled out of his own grave, because of that deal… Also, can we go see Chavo tomorrow?- Richard or Gray identifies, then questions.

Not tomorrow, how about we see Robin on Friday? After school? I questioned trying to ignore my guilt towards the deal I made.

- That works for me, and Tals is just happy to see ’ His Owlet’ apparently.- Gray speaks for both himself and Talon

Also, doesn't he, Робин and Маленькая Птица already know Raven, ´cause of Titans? Ren asked to reaffirm.

Yeah, they do… I confirmed confusedly.

Then why are we introducing them when they al ready know each other?

- He knows of Raven the Titan, Ren, not our adopted daughter Rae, or how we really know each other. He doesn't know Rae was a part of us, Dick, Don, and Rae! Remember!?!- Gray responded offendedly.

Guys, could you not bring up Dick? I questioned sadly, for Dick couldn’t take control after Donna died, and completely disappeared when Damian died. There was so-

Sorry, Nightwing. Ren replies earnestly.

-Sorry ’Wing- Richard apologies.

I sighed, and went to my Bat-Family known or appearance apartment and cleaned it up a bit. After relaxing I let Richard take over. He went on to Rae's place that's right next to the Bat apartment. He went where it was secretly attached and curled up on top of her bedspread. Since he couldn't fall asleep under it with Rae in a different dimension, he took seven melatonin, so our tolerance wouldn’t stop us going to sleep. 

I went to Talon and Rens area, it had a fireplace, a training room, with multiple types of blades, and a small haunt. I sat in a chair by the fireplace and faced Talon, and finally I spoke, “Talon, you can’t do that on Friday. You know we can’t act like he is our son. No matter how much we want to.”

He responded, “He is My Little Talon. I can not leave. I can not act. I can not care. But, he is My- Our Owlet!” As he spoke he shifted his body in a way only Ren could read, and Renegade was next to him shifting and twitching his body in response. It was different than most humans, and how they expressed emotions, so neither Richard or I could read him as well as Ren. I don’t think Cass would be able to either.

I sigh feeling tired, “I know you can’t take control, but when I’m with him you can’t say stuff like that. You know it subconsciously makes me act more parental to him, and that would upset Bruce. That leads to him taking his anger out on somebody, probably Damian and me because of his jealousy, or Jason, and they have come so far from 3 years ago.”

I look up and Talon seems to be considering this, and then Ren jumps in, “Tal, just don’t do it a round Chavo or Bruce. You can just talk to us, or me, if you need to, you know we feel same, Da?” Talon nods, then chips, which we take as agreement. Talon then goes to his-their, at this point, section.

I nod to Ren then I ask concerned, “How are you holding up with the anniversary coming up? And the big switch of time between SPYRAL and now?”

Ren starts playing oblivious, “I'm dealing okay, and also I am not one you-”

I interrupted him, “We’ve practically lost three parents at this point, Ren, this one we thought wouldn’t die because he could take a bullet to the brain. He was to you what Richards Tati was to him, he was your Папа. Just as Bruce was my Dad, before we both changed. Please don’t do that, it’ll just hurt more later on…Trust me, I know.”

After a long pause and Ren concluded I was not backing down, he responded, “I don’t want to talk about it, Da? I just don’t.”

I sighed in relief, at least he is admitting it to himself, to reassure him I spoke, “I am just worried, I- We don’t want what happened to Dick to happen to you. Having you here helps with the trauma, and if we help each other with the trauma it works out for all of us, you stay and we aren’t overwhelmed. Taran- SHE proved that, along with Blockbuster, Mirage, and Firefly.” Then I added , “I also care so there is that bit.”

Ren went to speak, “I-I-I’m-m s-sor-”

I interrupted him again, “You don’t have to be, just express yourself. If your angry spar, if you want a hug or something ask, okay? You can even just hang out with Talon if you want, just take care of yourself.¨” I paused to let him think then continued, ¨I'll let you think on it, ´night, Ren.” I then went to my section, with rooftops, stars, and coding surrounding me.

-:-:-  

*Richard John Grayson (Richard)*

Wednesday, March, 18th, 2020 - 07:14

    I feel a weight on my body, I hear a tick-tock sort of noise, and I open my eyes. Even though I can nearly breathe, and I can't move, I look around. I'm in a metal-like pod that is heavy and doesn’t hold my head and parts of my arms, but it's constricting me, I panic a bit and the beeping speeds up. I try to think of a protocol, there is beeping but no solid evidence for a bomb, and I’m contained so Protocol BC2. Rule 1: Calm and Act, I slow my breathing and recite all 307 nerve takedowns in my mind while smiling at ease. Rule 2: Observe and Distract, I look around and don't see anyone taking in little details. Rule 3: Remember and Escape, I start thinking ’I was writing out a-no, the letter then I…’ That's when it comes rushing back to me in broken pieces.’ Owlman, Superwomen, the broadcast. I then blink and the door opens, when I blink again Batman is in front of me, Batmans here, I'm safe, he can save me, right? I then see Selina in her catsuit, and Lex Luthor with what looks to be an abnormally tall person that looks like a professional weight lifter. The person looks like they have gray skin, and wearing a superman like costume, a clone then? I blink and see Lex Luthor bring his hand towards me, and I feel like I can’t breathe. Oh My God I can’t breathe Ican’tBreathe!Ican’tBreathe!Ican’tBr- Beeeeeeeeeeeeep!

I shoot awake from my nightmare, I glance at the clock and see 7:15 am reading out on it. I roll over and turn off the alarm, I go over to my computer and log my sleep like I promised Billy I’d do. I rub my eyes as sleep has already fled from my body, and I have work today to do. I got up and drank three cups of coffee and two bowls of sugary cereal, before leaving for work. As I came in I saw Amy,  I brought the two coffee mugs over. While walking into the precinct and I called out, ”Hey, Amy, can I do something useful or am I still doing paperwork?” I saw her roll her eyes, but she felt amused. 

I heard her respond as I walked up to my desk, ”Well, Rookie, ’till that sprain disappears from your wrist, you're still on desk duty.” I went to ’remind’ her I was a detective now thank you very much, and then I saw her eyes take a mischievous glint as she added, ”Grayson, I'm still going to call you Rookie no matter what position you're in, and if your board, just do your paperwork. You aren't being paid to look pretty.”

After sitting down, I wittily replied back, ”You think I'm pretty?” While facing her, fluttering my eyelashes, and having placed my hands under my chin for dramatic effect. I then did my ’Richie Wayne Smile’ acting charming. 

I saw her laugh then she snarkily replied, ”Yeah, Rookie, you are pretty annoying, and take your elbows off your desk and get started, there's a lot of paperwork. Anyway it is 8 o’clock and I have 15 minutes till I have to go into a boring meeting.” She snagged her coffee and probably went to reprimand one of the cops or talk to one. Then I got started on the stack of torcher with ’Wing and Ren chiming in, either being a nuisance or helpful. The day goes by normally with them helping me get through it, with their tips and bantering.

-:-:-  

*Richard John Grayson (Richard)*

Wednesday, March, 18th, 2020 - 05:54

I was just finishing off my last file, when I saw an opportunity to talk to Amy. Between Ren and ‘Wings proding I was going to invite her to dinner tomorrow, to meet Jason. Though I want them to meet, I want it to be controlled. I walked up to her and caught the tail of what she was saying, ¨...put your coffee on the copy machine, again. Do you understand that officer?¨ As this was happening she gestured angrily, and glared at one of the cops leaning on a desk away from her. A Rookie, I would guess if she wasn’t so mad, so that would be an older cop , I thought. I then started to approach, as the cop was nodding with fear in their eyes. Probably hoping for an escape , I thought dryly. 

I then interrupted Amy's ´Glare of Doom´ as I call it, ¨Hey, Amy! I was hoping to discuss something with you.¨ I said with a pointed look to the cop. I saw her look into my eyes and sigh when she realized I wasn't trying to save anyone from her wrath. After her sigh the cop hightailed it out of there, and we were all alone-

We still can't murder her he, too- Ren started to joke.

Hey! No murder in Dick, Richard, or Nightwing mindsets! That makes instincts take over that we aren't supposed to use! Nightwing insests.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, calm down, I was just making joke, Da? No nee-Ren quickly corrected himself and probably was about to get defensive, then he and Nightwng will give me a headache.

¨Rookie?¨ I got called back to my conversation, when Amy interrupted their bickering. She spoke a second time, ¨You here with me?¨ 

In response I nodded and ignored their argument, then responded, ¨I'm having a...friend come over on Thursday, would you like to come? I'll be cooking one of my recipes...¨”I trailed off with the obvious carrot on the stick.

She started teasing me, ¨Yeah I'll come but, you'll only cook your recipes for your… friend ? She must be a special friend you have there, Greenie.¨

I shook my head amused, then bantered back, ¨Well, I  was eight when we met, and he just turned 7.¨

I then said playfully with a hint of truth, ¨My special friend, as you call him, I got to know by him, by us being being put in the same place.¨

¨Wait, do you mean you dealt with Gothams CPS?” After my nod she continued, ¨What ´place´ were you guys?

¨Well actually after my parents died, I was wrongly sent to juvie in Gotham, because of a racist CPS worker claiming there was no space in the orphanages. They gave me my new american ‘ legal’ name Alexander John and the jail cells at the precinct were all full...¨ I took a breath to cool down but I trailed off a bit after noticing the fury in her eyes, and only once I was sure she was back in control I continued after my explanation, “...Then 8 year old me, who was filled with anger and hurt, started sneaking out of Juvie at night trying to find and kill my parents murder. Batman noticed me doing this, and told me off at least 15 times. Then three months of being in there and sneaking out Bruce took me in as his ward, he let me change my name back and helped me refine my poor english. Then when I was around 14 and a half we got in an argument and I stormed out.” I took a breath and told the simple version of the story that I told everyone, because no one is going to die because I couldn't keep my mouth shut and I’m not going to be locked up because they believe I’m insane for thinking the Court of Owls is real. ”I went to Jump City for a year, and made a group of a few other runaways, Then when I came back two years later, he had adopted another kid. That kid is a year and a half younger than me, and is my ‘ special friend’ that you're talking about.” I let out a breath and smile, at Amy. 

I then shift the conversation away from me and concern about my wellbeing and ask Amy how her kids are, and ask, “Can I introduce my..” I think, child , but I say,  “..brother to them when I babysit next weekend?” As I get confirmation that I can, I feel Talon’s possessiveness and happiness mixing with my own happiness of seeing Damian even more than usual. I excuse myself when my break is over and go back to finish my work.

Then I hear Talon pipe up, Work’s Over, Talon Fly? 

I check the time and see the largest hand on the one, the small black hand on the six, and I respond, Since Nightwing put the camera and microphones up yesterday, or early this morning yes, but please keep in mind the three rules of No Killing, No Going After the Court, and No Messing with Bats.  I slide out of my Desk and go to clock out. Time for Talon to Have some fun, maybe Throw B off my trail, tempt B to go after the court, and give me some time to see/talk to Nightwing.