Author's Note: Can you believe we're two-fifths of the way through this series? Because I sure can't.
I was asked yesterday whether or not the events in this series are outside of my Spark in the Dark series, and the answer is yes. Anything that is part of Spark will be specifically stated as such, and added to the ongoing chronological list of Spark stories that I keep on my blog.
And now to the question that, judging from your reviews yesterday (which were numerous and wonderful, and for which I thank you), many of you are waiting for; there will be a Hawaii trip story posting during the first couple weeks of the year. I was going to wait until I actually went to Hawaii for the first time myself next fall to write it, but you all convinced me otherwise. There probably won't be much action, but there will be sufficient Batfam bonding for all, and that's almost as good. So, on that note, here's a little piece with Dick and Jason. Happy reading!
Jason was standing at the end of one of the Manor's long upper corridors and staring down at the grounds pensively when his name was spoken behind him. ...Who the hell is that? he thought, annoyance flashing through his veins despite the speaker's pleasant tone. It's definitely not Alfred or Bruce, I know that much. Turning around slowly, he gave the man waiting for him an assessing glance, going from head to foot and then back to the smiling face. What are you grinning about? See something funny? he nearly barked. Just in time, the luxurious surroundings reminded him that this wasn't his usual neighborhood and that he was not, therefore, expected to react to every advance with a mixture of caution and assertive braggadocio, and he bit the words back. "Yeah?" he asked roughly instead.
"I'm Dick," the figure came forward with one hand extended. "Bruce has told me a lot about you, and I wanted to meet you."
"...Oh," he ignored the hand. "Yeah. He, uh...he mentioned you a couple times." Every time, as a matter of fact, he kept to himself. Every time I put on the costume, he gets that weird look in his eye like he's actually seeing someone else. Like he's seeing you. Even when he doesn't actually say anything about it, it's easy to tell who he's thinking about. "Hey."
"Yeah..." Dick reached up to rub the back of his neck when his gesture of greeting wasn't returned. "I haven't really been his favorite topic of conversation the last year or so, I guess," he commented, a note of regret tingeing his voice.
Are you sure about that? Jason snarked mentally. Because if that's the case, I don't think he's aware of it. "Oh. Okay. Well...he mentioned you before, anyway."
Seeming to snap out of whatever reverie he'd been trapped in, the taller male put a smile back on. "I'm glad. That makes this a slightly less awkward introduction," he joked. "Like I said, he's told me a lot about you these last few days, while we've been...catching up...but I thought I should meet you in person. It's not every day there's a new Robin, you know?"
"...No. I don't know." You don't even sound bitter about that, he puzzled. I thought you might...I don't know, resent me, if we ever met. Unless...would Bruce ask you to come back? He said you have a new name now, but I could see him asking anyway. The way he talks about you all the time, he'd probably be happier with you at his side. Is that why you're really here, is to...to take your mask back? Until now he hadn't stopped to take stock of just how important having a secret identity had become to him in the short months since he had been struck by the dangerous whim to strip the Batmobile of its hubcaps, but once the suggestion that Robin might be taken from him was made he became immediately defensive. "So, what, you've made up, or whatever? Are you coming back now, or...?" He crossed his arms as he spoke, his brow darkening.
"Weeeeell...in a way I guess I'm coming home," Dick contemplated, moving to the window and resting against the frame. "I'm still going to live in Bludhaven, of course – I like it there, I have a fun job, and I think people are finally starting to really appreciate Nightwing – but I'll be coming around a lot more often now. At least, I hope to. And I know you don't live here full time, but we'll probably see each other fairly often. Alfred will have my head if I miss coming by next week for Christmas now that Bruce and I can manage to be in the same room together again, for one, and I figured you'll be here, too. To be honest, though," he blushed slightly, "I mostly came by because I...I always wanted a little brother. When I heard that I actually have one now, I, uh...I got excited. I couldn't wait to meet you. It's like an early Christmas present.".
"...You don't even know me," Jason said, more curious than wary as he relaxed under the promise that his mask was not being quested after.
"Nope, I don't," the dark-haired form gave a lopsided grin. "That's why I struck up a conversation. So I could get to know you better." He paused. "You don't mind, do you? I'm not trying to annoy you or anything, honest."
"...No," the younger male shook his head before he knew what he was doing. What is it about this guy? he mused. I've barely known him for five minutes and I feel...at ease with him, almost. It's weird. Did he hypnotize me or something? I should probably stop talking, but...well, there's not really any reason to hurt his feelings by being rude, especially since I know I'm going to have to see him again so long as I keep coming here. "I...don't mind, I guess."
"Great!" Dick exclaimed, settling in further against his leaning post. "So...gosh, tell me about yourself. Bruce explained how you met," he waved a hand in the air, "- and let me just say that I would never have had the spine to try and rip off the Batmobile, so wow to that – but that only tells me so much."
"What...what do you want to know?" Jason asked carefully. I'm not telling you about mom, or where I live, or...or any of that. It's none of your business. Even as he protested the unbroached questions, though, he had a sense that his new acquaintance wouldn't dream of asking them, and that simple certainty made his tension ease even further.
"School's as good a place to start as any, don't you think?"
"I'm not a fan of it. Next?"
Dick looked surprised for a moment, but recovered quickly. "All right. Do you like being Robin? Bruce said you're doing a pretty good job training," he complimented.
"He did?" It was Jason's turn to be taken aback. "I mean...wait, don't you want to talk about school any more? That was a pretty quick topic change."
"You didn't seem like you wanted to talk about school," Dick shrugged, "so I thought I'd try out something else. Don't get me wrong, if you want to talk about it, that's fine with me. I just assumed that if you tell everyone you meet that you're 'not a fan' of school then you probably have enough people ragging on you about how important it is."
"And what, you're not going to do that?" the teen countered. "You're going to try and be the 'cool' adult, is that it?"
"No," Dick shook his head, seemingly not taking offense at Jason's suddenly less-than-generous tone. "I just think it would be hypocritical for someone who dropped out of college after only one semester because it was boring to give a lecture about liking school. Don't you?"
"I...yeah. I guess it would be," Jason gave in, calming once more. Huh. Bruce didn't mention that part. You quit college? I could see that pissing him off. "So...you said you have a fun job anyway? Even without a bunch of extra school?"
"I wouldn't say there wasn't extra school-"
"Oh."
"-but it was fun school. Police Academy," he explained. "It was like..." He trailed off for a long moment. "It was like Batman boot camp, but way easier. And now I get to catch criminals day and night, so...I have no room to complain."
"...I'm not really a fan of cops any more than I am of school," Jason said flatly, ducking his head. "Although..."
"Although what?" Dick pressed kindly, craning his neck to see the boy's face.
"Well...I guess you don't seem so bad, for a cop."
"Thanks. I try not to be a dick in uniform."
The pun was terrible, but Jason snorted at it anyway. "Cute," he said sarcastically.
"I've been looking for an excuse to use that one. So," he stretched, "you don't like school, you're not a fan of cops...but you didn't answer my question earlier."
"What question?"
"How's being Robin?"
"...It's..." It's personal, he wanted to say. He'd told Bruce and Alfred both that he liked the position when they had asked, but he hadn't gone into any detail and they hadn't pushed. It's personal, but...well, you were Robin once. You know how it is, right? "...It's pretty fucking awesome," he confessed.
"First off, I'm really, really glad that you like it," Dick beamed. "Batman needs Robin, and it's a really fantastic gig. Second," his voice became conspiratorial, "don't ever let Alfred hear you drop an F-bomb. Even Bruce still worries that he's going to wash his mouth out with soap when he lets one slip. Trust me, you don't want to tick Alfred off."
"I got that sense, yeah. I don't know," he sighed, warming to the mutually interesting subject. "This place...it's kind of hard to get used to. There are a lot of rules. I'm...not used to that."
"It takes some adjusting to, that's for sure. Trust me, I came here from a traveling circus." His eyes grew distant momentarily, leading Jason to wonder how much more there was than that to his predecessor's back story. "I, uh...I remember. But you'll get used to it," he brightened. "If you're being allowed to train as Robin, then you've got to be smart. Even if you don't like school much," he teased gently. "All the rules make sense, so they're easy for smart people to grasp. You'll be fine. And if you're ever unsure about it, then...well, I know we just met and all, but I don't mind if you come to me with questions or whatever. Only if you want to, of course. And if you get into trouble with Bruce...let's just say I know how to talk to Bruce. I can't promise I'll get you off the hook every time, but I'm willing to try."
"...Why?" Sure, you used to be Robin before me, but...why would you make that offer already? You don't know me. You owe me nothing. Why?
"I like you," Dick told him frankly. "And I remember what it was like to grow up here. It's great, don't get me wrong, but...occasionally it would have been nice to have a big brother who'd been there before and could help me through some of the things I found really annoying at the time. I didn't have that, obviously, but...that doesn't mean you shouldn't, if you want it. I'm willing. Just...you know, give me a call."
"...A brother." There's that damn word again. I wish he'd quit throwing it around like that. I never wanted a brother that I can remember. Although it might be kind of...convenient, I suppose, to have someone who knows the streets. Or the halls, in the case of this place.
"Yeah. You're Robin now; I was Robin then; and Bruce took us both in. It might not sound like much right off the bat – yeah, I meant that one too," he chuckled, "– but believe me, there are no two other people in the world that will end up sharing the sorts of things, the sorts of experiences, that we will. That's partly a promise, and partly a warning, just so you know. It isn't all pretty, not by any stretch of the imagination."
Bruce had said the same thing to him, Jason recalled, and the statement had inspired a question in him at the time. Now, wondering if the former Robin's answer would match that of his mentor, he asked it again. "Is it worth it, though?"
"Worth it?" Dick held his gaze through a beat. "Absolutely, Jay. Abso-freaking-lutely."
"...'Jay'?" an eyebrow arched.
"Sure. Is that okay? I won't call you that if you don't want, I just have a penchant for passing out nicknames. That one seems to suit you."
...Have I ever had a nickname before that wasn't a derogatory term? I don't know... "No, it's...it's cool. I don't mind."
"Cool."
"...Hey, Dick?"
"Mm-hmm?"
"Uh...well...I was wondering..."
"Wondering what?"
"Ah...this place is pretty fancy, right?"
"How'd you guess?" Dick laughed. "Go on."
"It's just...I've never been to a fancy Christmas before. Is it...how fancy is it?" That worry had been rankling ever since Alfred had made it clear that, while his obligations to his mother understandably came first, his presence at the Manor for at least a small portion of the holiday would be greatly appreciated. It was, in fact, what he had been staring out the window and wrestling with when he had been interrupted, and while he hadn't been able to work up the nerve to ask either of the resident adults what he should expect on the 25th Dick was close enough to his age and experience that the inquiry managed to slip out.
"It's so fancy," the older boy answered solemnly, "that when I lived here I was expected to come downstairs in my pajamas without doing my hair so that I could open my presents first thing. After that Alfred would lay out breakfast, which was so formal that they thought something was wrong with me if I didn't spend it talking about all of the great presents I got while I drew smiley faces on my waffles with the syrup. Then, of course, I had to play with all of that neat stuff I'd just opened, at least until I passed out from the sugar crash around two. Bruce would usually nap, too, and then wake me up for an early dinner. That you do have to kind of get dressed for, and use table manners and all of that, but," he winked, "I think you can handle it."
"...It's really so relaxed? I thought Alfred-"
"Alfred's a big softie under that stiff upper lip. Just follow the rules and mind your manners, and he'll be slipping you cookies after patrol in no time."
"...Huh." That's not as bad as I thought. I expected...I don't know, a big party or something, I guess. The sort of thing you see in the papers. Something I would never, ever want to go to. "Thanks for the tip. His cookies are good."
"Oh, god, yes. Yes they are," Dick nearly drooled. "...You know what? Talking about Christmas morning like that...I think I'll see if I can get the Eve off, or at least get off early, and maybe spend that night here. Bruce already asked if I would, but I'm scheduled to work. Still, I bet if I switch someone for New Year's Day I can swing it. No one wants to work with a hangover, but I'll be on the roofs anyway, so no Champagne for me. We used to go look at Christmas lights," he remembered, doubling back. "...You should come along, Jay. It's fun, Alfred packs hot cocoa and coffee and we make up better lyrics to the carols on the radio while we drive around."
"That...does sound like fun," Jason had to admit. "But..."
"Well, see what you can do," Dick told him lightly after a brief pause. "If you can't, you can't, and no hard feelings. But if you can...well, I think that would be pretty awesome."
"I...okay. I'll, uh...I'll see what I can do." Anything's got to be better than sitting around a cold, boring apartment watching mom get smashed. If I only go for a couple of hours, she should be all right. And if you're really going to be there, he considered his new acquaintance, then it might actually be kind of...fun. A fun Christmas. What a concept.
"Great!" With that Dick straightened up and glanced at his watch. "Hey, I have to go. But...well, here," he pulled out his phone. "What's your number? I'll text you, then you'll have mine. You know, in case you need something, or have a question, or just want to talk, or...whatever, really."
"Aah...I don't hafafo."
"...Huh?"
"I don't have...a phone," Jason forced out, embarrassment staining his cheeks.
"Seriously? Bruce is a dork for not getting you one yet. Don't worry about it," he shrugged, pulling out his wallet. "Here, take this. It's my card. It's got my work and cell numbers, so you're covered. As for the cell...well, suffice it to say that you just made my Christmas shopping way easier."
"...Wait, what? Don't..." Don't get me anything. I can't get you anything back...
"Don't worry, I won't get anything too...'fancy,'" Dick threw him an understanding smile. "Unless that's what you want?"
...Why do I feel like if I tell you not to buy my anything you're going to get the newest, most expensive thing the salesperson shows you? Shit... "Less fancy would probably be better," he gave in. I don't really want anyone to try and stab my over a phone. That's a dumb thing to have to beat someone up over.
"You got it. Now," his arm extended itself again, "since we've gotten to know each other a little better now and it sounds like we'll be seeing each other again soon...do you think I can have that handshake?"
"Uh...sure," Jason conceded slowly, still hesitant about touching despite the considerable opening up he'd done over the past twenty minutes. As soon as their palms connected, he found himself encased in a hug the likes of which he had never experienced before. Jesus, guy, you're...you're really good at this, he almost fought before physical and emotional warmth soaked into him, forcing him to just accept the gesture. That was...kind of nice, he admitted when he was released a few seconds later. I almost wish it hadn't ended so soon...
"It's okay," Dick assured him. "I give out cuddles like crazy on Christmas. And all the time, really. So, if you're ever low on hugs...you know who to call," he tapped the heavy bit of paper that had somehow transferred from his hand to Jason's during the embrace. "Good talk, Jay. I'm looking forward to the next one." With that and a quicksilver grin, he started down the hall. "Oh, one more thing?" he asked, turning back after a few steps.
"What's that?"
"...Take care of Bruce for me when I'm not around, huh? It's important."
"He seems pretty good at taking care of himself." When that remark drew a small pout, Jason gave in without fully understanding why. "...But I'll try."
"Fantastic. Thanks, little brother. I owe you one." And then he was gone, ducking around a corner and passing out of sight.
Wayne Manor's newest denizen stared after him for a long second, then shuffled back to the outpost he'd been manning when his strange visitor had arrived. That was weird. He's so...friendly. How is he so friendly? He sure as hell didn't learn it from Bruce, unless that guy has changed a lot since they stopped talking. He raised the card he held in order to read it. 'Officer R. J. Grayson, BPD.' Well, he wasn't lying about being a cop, he thought, running his thumb over the raised seal of the City of Bludhaven. I still don't want to believe that he really is one, though. He's...he's so...likeable, his face twisted. But I don't think he's doing it for any gain, that's the thing. I think he's just...like that. Nice, and...caring. It's freaky.
He paused as Dick appeared on the lawn below and headed for the garage. As he watched, the man stopped and looked up searchingly. When his gaze came to rest on the window Jason stood in, his arm went up in a wave, and the teen felt himself return it almost without thinking. He's weird, but...he's also kind of great. What's way stranger, he mused, swiveling slowly on his heel in order to head downstairs and let Alfred know that he had decided he would do what he could to make an appearance on Christmas Day, and possibly the night before as well, is that I never minded not having a...a brother...before today. Now...now I'm getting the feeling that he's not going to let me mind that for long. His lips curved upward slightly as he slipped the card into his pocket and recalled the warmth and welcome that had surrounded him in the man's embrace. And I think I might be kind of okay with that.