Dick and Jay meet for the first time.
Chapter 35: First Impressions
Dick's POV
Upon entering the Batcave, I stopped shortly when I noticed that Batman wasn't alone. I snarled when I saw Bruce lifting some kid from the passenger seat of the Batmobile. That's where I sit. Why is he here? The kid's clothes were torn and dirty and the clothes practically swallowed him. I could see dirt on his face. His hair was greasy and filthy. And he was really skinny and really small. He's probably seven at the oldest.
Bruce dragged the kid over to a chair and told him not to move, before going to the Batcomputer. The kid did as he was told, but I could tell he was scared. His eyes kept scanning the cave for an exit.
I watched as Alfred and Bruce began whispering to each other before they both agreed upon something. Alfred strode over to the boy and took his hand and led him upstairs, just as Bruce removed his cowl and revealed his identity to the boy. My mouth nearly fell open in shock.
They were going to show him the house. They were going to reveal our secret.
"Who is he?" I demanded to know as I approached Bruce.
"His name is Jason Todd."
"Why is he here!" I shouted.
"He might be staying with us for a while."
********Break********
Bruce's POV
I watched as the water turned brown as Alfred scrubbed the dirt off of the boy. The child is filthy.
"Master Bruce, instead of standing there, make yourself useful and see if you can find something clean for the lad to wear." Alfred ordered as I left my bathroom and headed over to Dick's room.
I knew Dick had refused to give up his Superman pajamas after having outgrown them. They should fit Jason. I removed them from the drawer and retreated back to my bathroom. I found Alfred attempting to tackle the dirt and grease in the child's hair with his faithful shampoo.
After the boy was scrubbed clean and he had been changed into fresh clothes, we went down to the kitchen.
I watched as Jason attacked his plate. It was as if he'd never get another chance to eat again.
He's extremely underweight and small. The boy's all alone. His mother is dead and his father is presumed to be dead. The street is no place for a child.
Dick's POV
I glared at the brat stuffing his mouth as if he hadn't eaten in days. His table manners are awful! But, worst of all he was dressed in my old pajamas after Alfred had scrubbed him clean.
I can't wait until Bruce gets rid of him.
"Master Bruce, your public awaits." Alfred said casually as Bruce and I turned to find the Batsignal penetrating the night sky.
Bruce stood up and headed towards the cave as I tried to follow him. However, he stopped me.
"Dick, I want you to see if you can help Alfred out with Jason tonight." He ordered.
"No! I'm your partner! You need me! I don't want to babysit!"
"Richard, that is enough. You will do as you are told. See if you can make Jason more comfortable."
********Break********
Jason's POV
I can't believe that Bruce Wayne is Batman. This is unbelievable. I tried to steal from Batman and he didn't even arrest me or nothing. He's not even a real bat.
I reached down and ran my hands over the silky bed sheets. This has to be a dream. This can't be real. I… I don't belong here.
It's not like Bruce Wayne wants me anyway. He's already got a kid. He doesn't want two. I'm better off on my own than here anyway.
I slid off of the soft and plushy bed as I removed the soft pajamas before putting on my freshly washed and dried old clothes and worn out sneakers.
The thought of stealing something valuable flashed across my mind, but I just couldn't do it. I opened my window and dropped down.
********Break*******
Dick's POV
I smiled as I watched as Jason take off running across the grounds. He probably stole something. But, now he's gone…
But, what if something happens to him? What if he died? It would be all my fault, because I didn't stop him. And what if Bruce got mad at me? What if he replaced me with Jason? What if he didn't want me as his partner anymore? What if he didn't want me as his son anymore?
I scowled before dropping down onto the grass below my balcony. This is just great. Looks like, I'm babysitting again.
********Break*******
Frantically, I glanced around at the empty Gotham streets. I cannot believe that I lost the kid. Ugh! This is just fantastic…
I threw my hands up in defeat and turned down an alley to find Jason walking directly in front of me… Found him.
"Lemme go!" he screamed as I grabbed his wrist.
"No! You're going back to the manor with me." I responded, dragging him through the Gotham streets.
"You can't make me!"
"Can too!"
"Cannot!"
"Can too!"
I quickly let go of him as his teeth sank into my arm.
"You bit me!" I hissed.
"Get over it, I'm sure you've had worse." He smirked.
Before I could respond, a scaly green arm burst through the manhole directly behind Jason. Jason screamed as the reptilian hand wound itself around his waist and pulled him into the sewer.
Killer Croc.
"Jason!" I screamed before going in after him.
I can't just stand there and let him get eaten! I quickly dove into the murky sewer water after him. Grabbing onto his hand, I pulled as hard as I could, while I ramming my sneakers into the criminal's ugly jaws. His hold around Jason loosened as I pulled the kid from his grasp and we surfaced for a matter of seconds as the two of us were quickly pulled back under.
I screamed under the water as the scaly beast sank his jaws into my side, tearing at my flesh. Relief came almost instantly as the jaws were unclamped from my side as I quickly faded into the nothing.
Jason's POV
I took deep breaths as we were carried out of the sewer by Batman. He laid us down on the street before lifting his son's shirt. I grimaced as I saw the blood and the fragments of torn flesh from his side.
He tried to save me. I didn't even think he liked me. Robin and Batman came to my rescue.
I watched somewhat envious as Batman squeezed his only child against him. I gasped as I was pulled into their embrace. It made me feel as if I was a part of their family.
"Let's go home." the gruff voice ordered as he stood up with the two of us in each of his arms.
********Break********
Dick's POV
I awoke the next morning to find Bruce and Jason waiting in the dining room for me. They both had already eaten.
"How are you feeling, Chum?" Bruce asked gently before looking at the bandages around my side.
"I'll live." I stated quietly, noticing Jason eying us from across the table.
"Alfred's making you pancakes." Bruce added before leaving to check on my breakfast.
"Does it hurt?" Jason whispered after an awkward moment of silence.
"I got bit by a croc. Yeah, it hurts." I bitterly responded.
"Oh… thanks for trying to save me." he added quietly as I shrugged.
"I am Robin. Saving people is what I do." I replied as Bruce walked in.
"Alright Jason, it's time to go." Bruce said as a nervous look flashed across Jason's face.
Go? Go where? Was Bruce going to take him back?
I watched as they headed for the garage as I slowly slid off my seat and limped after them.
"Bruce! Stop! You can't take him back!" I screamed. "It was my fault! I shouldn't have let him leave! You can't take him back!"
"Dick, I'm not going to return him. I'm going to adopt him."
"Oh." I stated, feeling rather stupid.
I have always wanted a little brother. I guess I'm finally gonna get one.