Once again, I own nothing. This is AU, I am taking bits and pieces from the comic, the movie, and my own imagination. Take my poll…PLEASE! Current status is Bat Boys: Dick in 1st, Jason in 2nd. Baddies: Ra's in 1st, Joker in 2nd and Two-Face one vote behind in 3rd.

Bruce sat at Dick's side, watching him breathe. Leslie had temporarily removed the breathing tube.

"This can be risky Bruce. If we keep him on the machine, his body may stop breathing on its own, permanently. Especially since that part of his brain is healing"

These sessions happened every other day, for now. During each one they monitored him carefully, watching for complications in his breathing, like the one he experienced in surgery, and dips in his blood oxygen level. At the present moment he was bouncing between 94% and 91% with supplemental oxygen, any lower and they would re-intubate.

"Master Bruce" Alfred stepped into the dark room "Mr. Kent is here to see you"

Bruce hesitated "Thank you Alfred"

The grandfatherly butler stepped to Dick's side "It is good to have his here instead of the clinic" he commented softly "it makes it easier to keep an eye on all of you"

Brace gave a small chuckle, something that had become far too infrequent for Alfred's liking. Bruce put his head in his hands "What can we do Alfred?" he whispered "I feel helpless"

Alfred nodded "Yes, you always were a difficult one to sit still" he placed a hand on his former ward's shoulder "patience, you cannot force some things. Richard is strong; he has a chance, don't give up on him" He paused for a moment "Do not give up on Ja…"

"I do not want to discuss him at this time, Alfred" Bruce growled angrily

Alfred nodded "Mr. Kent is waiting in the cave, I'll watch him"

Bruce sighed and stood, laying his hand on Dick's forehead as he turned to leave.

"I could always go up in a lead suit and break it up"

Damn Clark, you really never cease to amaze me.

Bruce shook his head "with that much Kryptonite, even a solid lead suit wouldn't fully protect you, especially with the smashing"

Clark considered it for a moment the nodded "Got any better ideas?"

"Working on it"

Clark nodded "You've had a lot on your plate"

Bruce grit his teeth. Don't go there.

Clark caught on to the tense silence and dropped the subject.

"Are you going?"

Clark shrugged "Yeah, I'll see what he has to say"

Bruce grit his teeth "I won't be there to bail you out"

Clark laughed "I won't need you to bail me out" he said as he turned away.

Out of the corner of his eye he watched Clark leave "there's more to this" he growled "I'm sure of it" he stopped as his computer flashed the identity of someone entering the cave. His ever present frown deepened "I was wondering if you were going to come back"

"Wow, I'm feeling the love" Jason snapped moving toward the stairs "I'm going to see Dick"

Bruce gave him a glare "And why should I simply let your walk into my house after…"

"Bruce" Diana walked it "We have a serious problem

Bruce shifted his eyes to the Amazon.

"Luthor" she said shortly.

Bruce looked at Jason.

Jason grit his teeth "I'm here to clear my name" he tossed Bruce the vial.

Bruce caught it, not taking his death glare off his prodigal son "Do. Not. Move" he growled turning away.

Jason crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall and watched his former mentor work. His eyes wandered to the staircase leading to the mansion.

"Bruce" Diana came up behind the Dark Knight "If he wanted to do anything he wouldn't have come to you first"

Bruce watched the computer analyze the liquid before pressing his com-link "Alfred, Jason is here. Meet him at the stairs"

"Certainly sir" the English voice answered

Jason withheld a sigh of relief as he walked up the steps and disappeared into the mansion above.

Alfred nodded as Jason appeared through the clock that served as the cave's main entrance "Welcome home, Master Jason"

Jason stopped "Hey Alfred" he said carefully looking around "Are Tim and Damian here?"

Alfred gave a small smile "Master Timothy was dragged on last minute Christmas shopping with Miss Stephanie a short while ago and Master Damien is in the gardens terrorizing the native wildlife"

Jason nodded "So we are alone?"

Alfred nodded "Mostly sir, Miss Gordon arrived a short while ago and is upstairs"

Jason looked up the stairs. The bedroom that had long been designated as his elder brother's was visible from his place on first floor. The door was partially open, but no light came from the entryway, leaving an almost foreboding aura about the room. The somewhat steady beep of a heart monitor was heard even from such a distance. "How is he?"

Alfred followed his gaze "He's not out of the woods yet, but he's holding on"

Jason bit his lip "Has he said anything?"

Alfred looked at him, a rare look of shock on his face "Master Richard has not awakened since he was found"

Jason stumbled back, ever so slightly, in shock "He's in a coma?"

Alfred nodded "I'm afraid so"

Jason swallowed "what have I done?" He whispered

Alfred stepped forward and placed a hand on the young man's shoulder "Master Jason, was it your intent to harm him?"

Jason looked at the man he had come to see and his grandfather "No…I…I don't know why…"

Alfred cut him off "Then I do not blame you for this, and I highly doubt he would either"

Jason sighed "Can I see him?"

Alfred nodded "Of course"

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