A/N: Warning for discussions of past abuse.
"So what did you want to talk to me about Dickie bird?"
"Jay, there's something I want... I need to tell you," Dick was bent forwards over his lap, his hair fallen in a way that almost entirely covered his face. To say Jason was worried about his boyfriend was an understatement.
Jason took a deep breath, "Whatever it is, I'm here for you. You know that."
Dick glanced up at him and have the smallest of smiles. Jason attempted to return it but was pretty sure it looked forced.
"There was a guy I dated in high school..."
"I'm pretty sure you dated more than a few guys in high school Dickie." The serious, and concerningly sad, expression on Dick's face made Jason regret saying it the second the words left his lips. Now was definitely not the time. Jason reached forward and squeezed Dick's hand. "Go on"
"He could be absolutely amazing. took me on dates to the best places, bought be all kinds of expensive gifts, was never afraid to hold my hand and let the whole world who he was dating..." The pained expression on Dick's face was enough to tell Jason that there was more to this relationship that his boyfriend was saying.
"He could make me feel like the most special guy in the world but at other times... I don't think I've ever felt as worthless or hated myself as much as he made me feel."
Jason's heart clenched. how dare this guy. How dare anybody make Dick Grayson feel that way.
"He always knew exactly what to say to make me feel really good or really bad," Dick's voice was soft and it took Jason a moment to realise his boyfriend had continued speaking, "And when he got angry... I knew he would hurt me -couldn't of he wanted too- but I always felt so scared just from him raising his voice."
Jason was seeing red at this point. he was going to find out exactly who this bastard was and, fuvk the promise he made to Dick, he was going to shoot him between the eyes.
"Jason?"
Jason blinked and looked down at the older man. only now noticing the tears that stands his tanned cheeks.
"I'm going to kill him."
Dick's eyes widened. he recoiled at the thought. "Jason no! you promised me!" His voice was raised.
"Well that was before I knew somebody had abused you!" Jason's voice raised too and he was only made angrier by the way Dick flinched like he had done so many times before when he was yelled at; now he knew why.
"He-" Dick tried to regain some composure, "He didn't abuse me Jason."
Jason took a deep breath then sat back down, only now realising that he'd even stood.
"Then what do you call it?" Jason bent down to look Dick in the face.
"I- He never hit me or anything like that..."
"You of all people should know there's more than one kind of abuse Dickie." Jason cupped Dick's cheek in his hand, a calloused thumb brushed a tear away from his cheek.
Dick nodded slowly. he leaned forward to rest his head on Jason's shoulder.
"I hate him."
"That's okay Dickie. you're allowed to hate, especially people like him."
Dick let out a quiet sob and clutched the front of Jason's shirt.
Jason let back against the couch. he guessed killing this guy could wait... and maybe he didn't have to kill him, he wasn't sure he could do that to Dick anyway.
Jason stroked his boyfriend's hair.
"I love you. I love you and I promise I won't let anyone hurt you like that again."
