Chapter Text
Bruce sat in the dimly lit room, the soft hum of medical equipment a constant reminder of Jason’s fragile state. Three days had passed since Jason was brought to the Watchtower. The advanced facilities and constant care had stabilized him, but he was still unconscious. The boys were sprawled across the chairs and floor of the waiting area, exhausted from days of worry and sleepless nights. Bruce sat by Jason’s bed, the quiet hum of the medical equipment the only sound in the room. He held Jason’s medical file in his hands, his eyes scanning the list of injuries cataloged there. Each entry felt like a stab to his heart, a testament to how much Jason had endured.
Multiple rib fractures, some recently broken, others improperly healed from past trauma. Severe bruising along the torso and limbs, indicative of repeated blunt force trauma. Lacerations on the back and legs, some fresh, others scarred over from lack of proper medical treatment. Internal bleeding, requiring immediate surgical intervention to stabilize. Possible fractures in the right arm and left leg. A gunshot wound to the food, causing significant damage to bones and soft tissue. Signs of dehydration and malnutrition.
Bruce closed his eyes, rubbing them. His eyes floated to another section, cataloging past injuries discovered.
Several healed fractures in the ribs and arms, suggesting previous incidents of violence. Scars from lacerations and burns, some showing signs of infection that had healed poorly. Evidence of long-term physical abuse, including old bruising patterns consistent with restraint or captivity. Evidence of long-term sexual abuse, untreated syphillis was found to be present. Rapid HIV test returned negative, follow up needed in six months.
Bruce’s hands trembled as he read through the detailed accounts. Every injury told a story of pain and endurance, each scar a silent witness to Jason’s suffering. Bruce’s mind was a whirlwind of guilt and self-recrimination. How had he missed this? How had he let Jason slip through the cracks?
“I failed you,” he whispered, his voice breaking with emotion. He could barely see the words on the page through the tears that blurred his vision. “I’m so sorry, Jason.”
The door to the room opened quietly, and Clark stepped inside, his presence a calming force amidst Bruce’s turmoil. He approached Bruce, his expression a mix of concern and empathy.
“Bruce,” Clark said softly, “you need to rest. You’ve been here for hours.”
Bruce didn’t look up from the file. “I can’t. I can’t… I can’t stop thinking about how I failed him. I should have seen the signs. I should have protected him.”
Clark placed a hand on Bruce’s shoulder, a gesture of solidarity and support. “You can’t blame yourself for this, Bruce. He has been hiding this for years.”
Bruce shook his head, his grip on the file tightening. “But I’m Batman. I’m supposed to notice these things. I’m supposed to protect those who can’t protect themselves. And I failed.”
Clark knelt beside Bruce, meeting his gaze with steady blue eyes. “You can’t be everywhere at once. You do everything you can, but you’re still human. Jason’s here now, and he’s getting the help he needs because of you.”
Bruce looked at Clark, the weight of his guilt still heavy on his shoulders. “It doesn’t feel like enough.”
Clark squeezed his shoulder gently. “We all have regrets, Bruce. But beating yourself up over them won’t change the past. What matters now is that you’re here for him. That you’re doing everything you can to help him heal.”
Bruce took a deep breath, trying to let Clark’s words sink in. He glanced back at Jason, the boy’s face pale but peaceful in his sleep. “I just want him to be okay.”
“He will be,” Clark said with conviction. “He’s strong. And he had you and the others to support him.”
There was a moment of silence as Bruce absorbed this. Then Clark smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “‘You know, Jason mentioned something interesting to me before he fell asleep on the way here.”
Bruce raised an eyebrow. “What’s that?”
“He said Wonder Woman was his favorite member of the Justice League,” Clark said, chuckling softly.
Bruce couldn’t help but smile, a small, weary smile. “Really? Wonder Woman?”
Clark nodded, and Bruce sighed, turning back to Jason with a smile. Clark left the room and Bruce reached out, taking Jason’s hand in his own, and whispered, “We’re here for you, Jason. Always.”
He sat back, trying to push the guilt and worry out of his mind. He thought about all the other times he had seen Jason smile, the times he had heard Jason laugh with his boys. He thought about the strength Jason had shown, surviving through all the abuse and pain. Bruce knew that Jason was a fighter, and he was determined to be there for him every step of the way.
The door opened again, and Bruce looked up to see Alfred entering the room. The butler’s face was drawn with concern, but he managed a comforting smile for Bruce. “How is he, Master Bruce?”
Bruce sighed, looking back at Jason. “He’s stable, for now. It’s… it’s a lot, Alfred.”
Alfred nodded, placing a reassuring hand on Bruce’s shoulder. “He is in good hands, sir. The doctors here are the best, you know that. And Master Jason’s strong. He will pull through this.”
-
Jason’s eyes fluttered open, and he was immediately disoriented by the stark, sterile brightness of the room. His mind was a haze of confusion and fragmented memories. He struggled to recall what had happened, the events blending together in a blur of pain and desperation.
He tried to sit up, wincing as a sharp pain radiated through his body. He glanced around and realized he was alone in the room. The beeping of machines and the unfamiliar surroundings made him uneasy. His eyes fell on the IVs attached to his arm, and a surge of panic welled up inside him. He gritted his teeth and yanked the needles out, ignoring the string as blood trickled from the puncture sites.
His body protested as he swung his legs over the side of the bed, but he pushed through the pain. He had dealt with worse before. Jason stood, his legs trembling slightly beneath him, but he forced himself to take a step, then another. He needed to find someone, anyone who could tell him where he was and what was happening.
The hallway was eerily quiet as he wandered, each step sending jolts of pain through his battered body. He paused for a moment, leaning against the wall to steady himself. Voices reached his ears, panicked and urgent, but he couldn’t make out the words. He pressed on, driven by the need to find answers.
Suddenly, a blur of red and yellow zipped past him, creating a gust of wind that nearly knocked him off balance. The blur stopped at the end of the hallway, revealing The Flash. The hero’s eyes widened in relief as he saw Jason.
“Jason! What are you doing out here?” Flash asked, his voice a mix of concern and astonishment.
Jason shrugged, his face a mask of indifference. “I wanted to find people.”
Flash let out a breath. “Come on, let’s get you back to the infirmary. Everyone’s been worried sick.”
Without waiting for a response, Flash gently but firmly took Jason by the arm and guided him back down the hallway. Jason’s steps were slow and unsteady, but Flash’s presence reassured him, a constant support in his disoriented state.
When they reached the infirmary, the doors slid open to reveal the entire family gathered inside, their faces etched with anxiety. Bruce was the first to notice them, his eyes widening in shock and relief as he saw Jason.
“Jason!” Bruce exclaimed, rushing forward to him. “What were you thinking?”
Jason shrugged again, looking a bit sheepish. “I just… I didn’t like being alone.”
Bruce nodded, his voice softening. “You’re not alone anymore. You’re safe now.”
-
Once Jason was settled back into bed, the family gathered around him, their faces a mixture of relief and concern. Bruce sat closest, his eyes never leaving Jason’s face. Tim, Dick, and Damian hovered nearby, their protective instincts on high alert. They were all acutely aware of how fragile this moment was.
Doctor Destiny entered the room, her expression professional but gentle. She moved to Jason’s bedside and began checking his vitals. “How are you feeling, Jason?” she asked, her tone soft and reassuring.
Jason shrugged, wincing slightly at the movement. “I’m okay, I guess.”
Doctor Destiny nodded, glancing at the IV stand nearby. “We need to get you back on some pain medication and fluids.”
Jason’s eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. “No needles. I don’t want any more needles.”
Bruce frowned. “Jason, you need the medication. It will help with the pain and prevent infection.”
“I said no,” Jason snapped, his voice sharper than he intended. “No needles.”
Tim stepped forward, his eyes pleading. “Jason, please. We just want to help you.”
“I don’t care,” Jason retorted, his gaze fierce. “I’m not letting anyone stick me with anything. I can handle the pain.”
The room fell silent, the tension palpable. The family exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of how to proceed. They knew Jason had been through unimaginable horrors, and they didn’t want to push him too hard, but they were deeply concerned for his well-being.
Doctor Destiny sighed, stepping back. “Alright, Jason. We won’t force you. But if you change your mind, please let us know.”
Jason nodded, his expression softening slightly. “Thanks.”
Doctor Destiny hesitated before speaking again, her tone more serious. “Jason, there’s something else we need to discuss. During your examination there was indication of a history of… sexual assault. Would you like them to step out while we talk about this?”
Jason stiffened, a flash of vulnerability crossing his face. He glanced around at his family, their worried eyes fixed on him. After a moment’s hesitation, his eyes drifted to Tim and Damian. “Tim and Damian should leave. Dick and Bruce can stay.”
Tim and Damian seemed like they wanted to argue, but left anyway.
Doctor Destiny nodded, taking a seat beside the bed. She spoke gently, but her questions were direct, probing the painful memories Jason had tried to bury.
“Jason, I need you to be honest with me. Did they ever force you into situations where you had no choice?”
Jason’s face flushed with shame, his voice barely above a whisper. “Yeah.”
“How often did they happen?”
Jason’s jaw tightened, his eyes dropping to the blanket. “A lot,” he muttered. “It happened a lot.”
Bruce’s fists clenched at his sides, his heart breaking for the boy in front of him. Dick’s hand tightened into a fish, his knuckles white.
Doctor Destiny continued, her voice steady. “Did you know the people who did this to you?”
Jason nodded, swallowing hard. “Yeah. Two-Face’s men. Sometimes… sometimes him.”
A collective shudder went through the room. Bruce’s eyes closed briefly, as if in silent prayer. His hands trembled at his side, and Dick’s face twisted in a mixture of rage and sorrow.
“It wasn’t that bad though, really I-” Dick cut Jason off quickly. “Jason, this is serious. You can’t just downplay it.”
Jason’s eyes flashed with defiance and embarrassment. “I’m not downplaying it, Dick. I just.. I don’t want you guys to think I’m weak.”
“Jason,” Bruce’s voice was soft but firm, “we don’t think you’re weak. What you went through… no one should ever have to endure that. We’re just trying to understand, so we can help you.”
Jason looked to Dick. He took a deep breath, his defenses crumbling. “I know. I just… I hate talking about it. I hate remembering it.”
Doctor Destiny reached out, placing a comforting hand on his arm. “It’s okay, Jason. You’re incredibly brave for even being here and talking about this. We’re here to support you, no matter what.”
Doctor Destiny continued, “Jason, there are a few more things we need to discuss regarding your injuries and treatment. I know this is difficult, but it’s important for your recovery.”
Jason nodded, steeling himself for what was to come. The doctor listed his injuries to Jason. Each item on the list felt like a punch to the gut for Bruce and Dick.
Bruce’s heart ached with every word. He couldn’t help but think about how he had failed Jason. As Batman, he prided himself on his ability to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves, but he hadn’t seen the signs. He hadn’t saved Jason from this nightmare.
“I’m so sorry, Jason,” Bruce said, his voice barely a whisper. “I’m so sorry I didn’t see what was happening. I Should have been there for you.”
Jason shook his head. “It’s not your fault, Bruce. I didn’t tell anyone. I thought I could handle it on my own.”
Bruce let out a shaky sigh, looking down at the floor. Jason’s eyes flashed to Dick, who was looking at his father sadly. Jason cleared his throat.
Jason swallowed hard, his mind drifting back to a night that felt like a lifetime ago. “Do you remember when you saved me and my mom from that robber? I was just a kid, and she was working late at the diner. We were walking home, and these guys came out of nowhere, pulling a gun on us.”
Bruce’s expression softened, but his brow furrowed slightly as he tried to recall the event. “I save a lot of people, Jason. Can you tell me more?”
Jason’s eyes filled with tears as he continued, his voice trembling. “You stopped him, Bruce. You saved us. I remember looking up at you, thinking you were the coolest person in the world. My hero.”
Bruce searched his memories, and slowly, the details began to resurface. “You were walking down an alley, right? Near that old diner on 8th Street?”
Jason nodded vigorously, tears spilling over. “Yes, exactly! He had a gun, and he pointed it at my mom. I tried to stand in front of her, to protect her, but he shoved me down. And then you appeared, like a shadow, and took them down.”
Bruce’s eyes widened as he fully remembered. “You were so small, but you didn’t hesitate. You stood up to him, even though he was three times your size.”
Jason managed a small, fragile smile. “You told me I was brave. That night, it kept me going. All those nights with Two-Face, all the pain and fear… I kept thinking about you. About how you saved us. It gave me hope. It made me believe that one day, you’d save me again.”
Bruce’s voice was choked with emotion as he responded, “Jason, I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you sooner. But I promise you, I’m here now. And I won’t let anything happen to you again.”
Jason’s eyes filled with more tears as he nodded, the burden of his ordeal beginning to lift ever so slightly. “I know, Bruce. I believe you.”
Clark, who had been quietly standing at the door, stepped forward. “Jason, you’re incredibly strong. You’ve been through so much, and yet here you are, still fighting.”
Jason nodded. “I had to believe in something. And I believed in Batman.”
Bruce squeezed his hand, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “And now you can believe in all of us. We’re not going anywhere.”
Doctor Destiny, who had been patiently waiting, approached the bed once more. “Jason, I know this is difficult, but you need to rest. Your body needs time to heal, and we need to make sure you’re not in any pain.”
Jason glanced at the IV stand, a flash of fear crossing his face. “No needles. Please.”
Bruce turned to Doctor Destiny, his voice gentle but firm. “We’ll find another way. No needles.”
The doctor nodded, though she looked uneasy. “Alright, Jason. We’ll manage without the IVs for now. But you need to let us help you in other ways, okay?”
Jason sighed but nodded, appreciating the compromise. “Okay. Thanks.”
As the family settled back into their places around Jason’s bed, the room was filled with a quiet, determined resolve. They knew the road ahead would be long and difficult, but they also knew they would face it together. And with their love and support, Jason would heal. One step at a time.
Bruce couldn’t shake the memory of Jason’s confession. It was both a burden and a gift, knowing that he had been Jason’s beacon of hope. He vowed to live up to that ideal, to be the hero Jason saw in him, not just as Batman, but as Bruce Wayne–the man who loved and cared for this brave, broken boy.
Jason’s eyes fluttered closed, exhaustion finally claiming him. As he drifted off to sleep, Bruce leaned in and whispered, “Rest now, Jason. We’re here. You’re safe. And you’re never alone.”
With those words, Jason surrendered to sleep, the promise of a future filled with hope and healing a soft lullaby in his head.
-
A week had passed since Jason woke up. Despite his initial resistance, he was slowly beginning to recover, though the process was anything but easy. Under the watchful eyes of the Justice League and his own family, Jason’s physical therapy had become a crucial part of his daily routine.
Jason stood in a large, well-lit room with Tim by his side. The room was equipped with various pieces of exercise equipment, and Jason was currently working on leg lifts. His face was contorted in concentration and pain, sweat dripping down his brow. Tim hovered nearby, his concern palpable.
“Maybe we should take a break,” Tim suggested, his voice gentle but firm. “You’ve been at this for an hour.”
Jason’s eyes flashed with anger. “No, I can keep going. I need to keep going.”
Tim held up his hands in a placating gesture. “Jason, I get it. But pushing yourself too hard won’t help. It might actually set you back.”
Jason’s frustration boiled over, and he snapped, “I don’t need you treating me like I’m made of glass, Tim! I’ve been through hell and back. I’ve had to be strong because no one else was there to help me!”
Tim took a step back, his face showing a mix of hurt and confusion. “I’m just trying to help you, Jason. We all are. No one thinks you’re weak.”
Jason’s eyes blazed with fury. “Then stop acting like it! I’m not fragile. I don’t need your pity. I’ve survived worse than this on my own. I don’t need you or anyone else telling me what I can or can’t handle.”
The room fell silent, Jason’s harsh breaths echoing in the space. Tim took a deep breath, trying to keep his emotions in check. “Jason, we’re not pitying you. We care about you. We want to make sure you’re okay. Pushing yourself too hard too fast isn’t the way to heal.”
Jason’s shoulders slumped, some of the fire leaving his eyes. “I’ve always had to be strong, Tim. No one’s ever treated me like I was fragile. I can’t stand it now, especially not from all of you.”
Ti’m expression softened, and he stepped closer to Jason, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I know, Jason. I know you’ve had to be strong. Fuck, you’re one of the strongest people I know, Jason.”
Jason’s eyes were clouded over. “I had to be. When you’re alone, you don’t have a choice.”
Tim nodded. “But you’re not alone now. You have us. We’re your family, and we’re not going anywhere.”
Jason nodded slowly, the weight of Tim’s words sinking in. “I know. It’s just… hard to get used to.”
“I get it,” Tim said softly. “But we’ll be here every step of the way. You don’t have to go through this alone.”
They continued the exercises, the room filled with the sounds of effort and determination. In that moment, Jason began to understand that strength wasn’t just about enduring pain alone; it was about accepting support from those who cared about him. And for the first time in a long while, he felt a glimmer of hope that he might just be able to heal, both physically and emotionally.
-
Jason woke with a shout, his body drenched in sweat, his heart pounding furiously against his ribcage. The images from his nightmare clung to his mind, refusing to fade. He gasped for air, feeling as though he was suffocating under an invisible weight. His hands shook as he ran them through his hair, trying to ground himself in the present, but the panic surged through him, unrelenting. His breathing came in short, frantic gasps, his vision tunneling as the room seemed to close in around him.
Suddenly, the door to his room burst open, and Damian rushed in, his eyes wide with concern. “Jason!” he called out, crossing the room in quick strides. He reached out to touch Jason, but Jason violently flinched back, his eyes wild with fear.
“Don’t touch me!” Jason gasped, pressing himself against the headboard. He couldn’t distinguish Damian from the faceless threats in his nightmares. The panic attack had him in its grip, making it impossible to see clearly or think rationally.
Damian looked genuinely worried. He stopped a few feet away, his hands raised in a placating gesture. “It’s okay, Jason. I’m not going to hurt you. It’s just me, Damian.”
Jason tried to steady his breathing, but the panic attack only tightened its hold on him. He clutched his chest, feeling as if his lungs were being squeezed. “I.. I can’t… breath,” he managed to choke out, his voice trembling with fear and frustration.
Damian took a deep breath himself, trying to stay calm for Jason’s sake. He sat on the edge of the bed, maintaining a respectful distance. “Jason, listen to me. You’re safe. Breathe with me, okay? In and out, slowly.” He demonstrated slow, deep breaths, and Jason struggled to follow his lead, focusing on the younger boy’s calm presence.
After what felt like an eternity, Jason’s breathing began to stabilize, the room slowly coming back into focus. He wiped at his eyes, embarrassed by his outburst. “I’m sorry, Damian. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
Damian shook his head. “You don’t need to apologize.” He hesitated for a moment before asking, “Do you want to talk about the nightmare?”
Jason’s instinct was to refuse. He didn’t want to burden Damian with the horrors that haunted his sleep, especially not someone so young. “It was nothing. Just a bad dream.”
Damian frowned, clearly not buying it. “Jason, I know it wasn’t ‘just a bad dream’. You’ve been through a lot. Talking about it might help.”
Jason sighed, running a hand through his hair again. “Damian, you’re young. You don’t need to hear about the things I’ve been through. It doesn’t make me weak to keep it to myself.”
Damian’s expression hardened with determination. “Jason, I’ve never seen you as weak. Ever. You’re one of the strongest people I know. You survived things that would break most people. I… I look up to you.”
Jason looked at Damian, taken aback by the sincerity in his voice. “You… look up to me?”
“Yes,” Damian said firmly. “And I want to help you, just like you've helped me. I promise to protect you, Jason. You’re not alone in this.”
Jason felt a lump form in his throat. The earnestness in Damian’s words touched something deep within him. “Thanks, Damian. That means a lot.”
Damian offered a small, reassuring smile. “Do you want me to stay with you tonight? I can keep watch.”
Jason hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Yeah, that would be nice.”
Damian moved to grab a chair but then decided to sit on the floor next to Jason’s bed instead. “I’ll be right here if you need anything,” he said.
Jason lay back down, his body still trembling slightly from the aftereffects of the nightmare. But having Damian there, watching over him, made him feel a bit more secure. As his eyes started to droop, he felt Damian’s hand slip into his own, a comforting gesture that grounded him.
“'Ahlam saeidat ya 'akhi,” Damian muttered, his voice soft and soothing.
Jason managed a faint smile. “‘Ahlam saeidat ya ‘akhi,” he whispered back before finally succumbing to sleep, the terror of his nightmare fading in the presence of his young protector.
-
Jason stood in the kitchen with Alfred, the scent of herbs and spices filling the air. They were preparing dinner for the family, and Jason found the simple task of chopping vegetables and stirring pots to be strangely therapeutic. Alfred, ever the patient teacher, guided him through each step, offering gentle corrections and praise.
“You’re doing quite well, Master Jason,” Alfred said, his voice warm. You’ve a natural talent for this.”
Jason gave a small smile. “Thanks, Alfred. It helps take my mind off things.”
Alfred nodded, understanding. “Cooking can be quite the salve for the soul. Now, if you could just hold this bowl while I prepare the next ingredients.”
Jason took the bowl, feeling a bit of pride in being able to help. But as he turned to set it on the counter, his foot caught on the edge of the rug, and he stumbled. The bowl slipped from his hands, crashing to the floor and shattering into countless pieces. The noise was deafening in the quiet kitchen.
Instantly, Jason’s heart raced. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” he stammered, dropping to his knees to gather the broken pieces, his hands shaking. “I didn’t mean to,, I’ll clean it up. Please, I’m sorry.”
Alfred moved quickly to his side, gently grabbing Jason’s shoulder. “Master Jason, it’s alright. It is just a bowl.”
But Jason flinched violently at the touch, his breath coming in rapid, shallow gasps. In his panic, he cut his hand on one of the shards, blood mingling with the mess on the floor. “I’m sorry, Alfred, please… I didn’t mean to..”
“Master Jason, stop,” Alfred said firmly, but not unkindly. He took hold of Jason’s wrist, careful to avoid the cut. “Look at me. It’s alright. You’re not in trouble. Accidents happen.”
Jason’s eyes were wide with fear, but Alfred’s steady presence began to break through the haze of panic. “But… the bowl…. I broke it…”
“A bowl can be replaced. You cannot,” Alfred said gently. He reached for a clean towel and pressed it to Jason’s bleeding hand. “Let’s take care of this first.”
Jason nodded, trembling slightly, as Alfred guided him to sit at the kitchen table. The butler quickly retrieved a first aid kit and began to clean and bandage the cut with practiced ease.
“Master Jason,” Alfred began , his tone gentle but firm, “you must understand something very important. In this house, you will never be punished for an accident. No one here will ever hurt you. If anyone ever does, you must tell me immediately so I can deal with them.”
Jason looked up at Alfred, a mix of confusion and hope in his eyes. “Really? You’re not mad?”
Alfred smiled warmly. “Not in the least. We all make mistakes. It’s how we learn and grow. What matters is that you’re safe.”
The tension in Jason’s shoulders began to ease. He took a deep breath, letting Alfred’s words sink in. “Thank you, Alfred.”
“You’re quite welcome, my dear boy,” Alfred replied. He finished bandaging the cut and patted Jason’s shoulder reassuringly. “Now, why don’t we clean up the mess together, and then we can continue with dinner?”
Jason nodded, feeling a bit more steady. With Alfred’s help, they cleared the broken pieces and resumed their cooking, the comforting routine slowly bringing Jason back to a state of calm. As they worked, Jason couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of safety and belonging, something he hadn’t felt in a very long time.
-
Jason stood in the training room, fists clenched as he threw punch after punch at the heavy bag. The rhythmic thuds echoed through the cave, each strike filled with pent-up frustration. Dick watched from the entrance, concern etched on his face. He’d been observing Jason closely since he returned to the Manor, seeing the signs of Jason’s struggle and pain, but not knowing how to help.
“Jay, you need to take it easy,” Dick called out, stepping into the room. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard.”
Jason didn’t stop. He didn’t even look up. “I’m fine,” he muttered, his voice tense.
“You’re not fine,” Dick insisted, moving closer. “You’re exhausted, and you’re going to hurt yourself.”
Jason finally stopped, his shoulders heaving as he caught his breath. He turned to face Dick, his eyes blazing with anger. “You think I can’t handle a little training? After everything I’ve been through?”
Dick sighed, running a hand through his hair. ‘That’s not what I’m saying. I just… I worry about you, Jason. You don’t have to prove anything to us.”
Jason’s jaw tightened. “I’m not trying to prove anything. I just need to be strong.”
“We know you’re strong, Jason,” Dick said softly. “But it’s okay to take a break, to let yourself heal.”
Jason scoffed. “I don’t need your pity. I’m not some fragile kid you need to coddle.”
Dick’s eyes flashed with frustration. “I’m not coddling you, Jason! I’m trying to help you. Why can’t you see that?”
“Help me? You think you can help me?” Jason laughed bitterly. “You weren’t there, Dick. You don’t know what it was like!”
“I know I wasn’t there,” Dick replied, his voice cracking with emotion. “And that’s what kills me, Jason. I should’ve been there for you. I should’ve done more.”
Jason’s anger flared. “I don’t need you to protect me! I can take care of myself. I always have.”
Dick took a step closer, his face inches from Jason’s. “And look where that got you!”
The words hung in the air, heavy and charged. Jason clenched his fists, his body trembling with pent-up rage and frustration. Without warning, he lunged at Dick, throwing a wild punch.
Dick barely dodged, his eyes widening in surprise. “Jason, what the–”
Jason swung again, this time connecting with Dick’s jaw. “You think you know me? You think you understand?”
Dick staggered back but quickly regained his footing. “Jason, stop. This isn’t–”
But Jason didn’t stop. He threw punch after punch, his movements fueled by a life’s worth of pain and anger. Dick blocked and dodged as best as he could, but Jason’s attacks were relentless.
“Fight back!” Jason yelled, his voice breaking. “Fight back, dammit!”
Dick finally relented, meeting Jason’s blows with his own. They traded punches, the sound of fists meeting flesh echoing through the cave. Despite his smaller size, Jason held his own, his training and raw emotion giving him an edge.
“You’re stronger than I thought,” Dick panted, ducking under a wild swing. “But this won’t solve anything.”
Jason’s eyes blazed with fury. “Shut up! Just shut the fuck up!”
He landed a solid punch to Dick’s ribs, but the effort cost him. His movements had slowed, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Dick saw his chance and grabbed Jason’s wrist, twisting it behind his back and pulling him into a tight hold.
“Let me go!” Jason struggled, his voice breaking with frustration.
“Not until you calm down,” Dick said, his own breath heavy. “I’m not your enemy, Jay.”
Jason fought against Dick’s hold for a few moments longer before his strength gave out. He slumped against Dick, his body shaking with sobs. “I can’t… I can’t do this anymore.”
Dick loosened his grip, pulling Jason into a hug. “It’s okay, Jason. You’re safe now. You’re not alone.”
Jason buried his face in Dick’s shoulder, his tears soaking through the fabric of Dick’s shift. “I don’t know how to be strong anymore.”
“You don’t have to be,” Dick whispered, holding Jason tightly. “Not by yourself. We’re here for you.”
They stayed like that for a long time, the raw emotion of the moment hanging between them. Slowly, Jason’s sobs subsided, his breathing evening out. Dick pulled back just enough to look in the eyes.
“You’re not weak, Jason,” Dick said firmly. “You’re the strongest person I know. But it’s okay to lean on us. It’s okay to let us in.”
Jason nodded, wiping at his eyes. “I just… I don’t know how to let go of all this anger.”
Dick smiled sadly. “We’ll figure it out together. One step at a time.”
As they stood there, the bond between them strengthened, forged in the fires of their shared pain and newfound understanding. It was the beginning of a new chapter, one where they would face their struggles together, as family.