More BruJay~

Replies to Reviews:

Bloodyloveless: Haha glad to have caught you then lol. That's totally fine, take your time, thanks again for following them + reading. Yeah Jason is probably just a tsundere. And that nickname for Dick came from 'The Batman' series. LOL if only, we all want more. Someone needs to create a device that reads minds so typing a chapter up would be a piece of cake. Loving all the feedback btw XDD, I try to keep the characters in character as much as possible and create a world/atmosphere that's close to canon. Hahaha and funny thing is, Bruce isn't even that old in this one. Yeah knock yrself out, Thanks for the reviews!

TheBlueMoonRose: Thanks thanks dude! ^ ^

Disclaimer in first chapter.

Chapter 5:

"Huh? Despite what you think, I actually enjoy reading books too. A lot. But I don't have the same luxury as you."

"In your eyes you could be doing other things." Bruce read his mind.

"Yeah, other better things."

"Well since you have the evening off, why not pick something you like?"

The teen pondered, and ultimately took him up on his offer as he silently strolled around the shelves. After picking one that caught his eye, he waltzed back to the area and half laid down on the loveseat sofa which was perpendicular to the arm chair. He rested his head on the armchair facing Bruce, and laid his legs straight out in front of him, flipping through the book. Before he knew it, he was entirely engulfed in the story and forgot about the world around him. The two just comfortably sat there in silence, in each other's company without saying anything. Oddly enough, it wasn't as awkward as Jason would have thought it'd be.

Bruce looked up from his book to glance at Jason, after a good while, almost forgetting for a second that the younger was still there. Initially, he assumed the teen went to sleep because he hadn't budged at all. However, to his surprise Jason flipped through another page and was still engrossed in his story. The younger had yet to notice that he was being observed. Bruce scoffed to himself. The company wasn't all so bad, he mused as he closed the book. Though, it was time for him to get up, he did have a conference next morning after all.

The elder abruptly stood up, causing Jason to snap his head towards him. "Don't mind me. I'll be heading out now. I have a conference to physically attend first thing in the morning."

The teen blinked, glimpsing at the time, not realizing how long it had been. "Er, actually I should probably be getting to bed too." He sat up and went to return the book.

"You can keep it."

"What?"

"You can keep the book, you seem quite fond of it."

"I mean I wasn't that—okay whatever." The teen looked away bashfully. After that, they went to their respective rooms, murmuring a quick good night.

Jason slept peacefully that night. It was also nice to destress the night before, just reading to his content with no one or nothing to bug him. The teen woke up feeling hella refreshed and involuntarily went downstairs after peeking out the window once. The smell of pancakes, coffee and breakfast led him straight into the kitchen where to no surprise he found Alfred.

"Morning Alf," He called out.

"Good morning Master Jason. How are you feeling?"

"Better than ever."

"You're also right on time, I'm almost finished preparing breakfast."

"Mh, sounds great. I'm gonna go to the bathroom then," The younger ushered and the other nodded.

After he brushed and everything, the teen took a seat on the table and began digging in. He was halfway into his breakfast when he noticed something. "Isn't Bruce eating?"

"Actually, Master Bruce already left for work. He had a board meeting to attend."

"Oh. Right." Last night's words suddenly hit him.

"Master Bruce says to rest and leave whenever you want. Though, you're welcome to stay longer."

Jason felt pampered. He could totally get used to this, even though he knows he shouldn't. "I appreciate the offer but I should be heading back." Then again, Bruce didn't owe him any more than he was giving him. Frankly, he didn't want to impinge on a stranger more than he already was.

"In that case, take some chocolate croissants with you."

"You bet."

"Now where did you get these?" Dick curiously asked when Jason come home with a whole box of packaged homemade croissants.

"Uh…the friend I told you I was staying over last night—he had extras." The teen lied.

"Wow lucky you... but this many extras?"

"Yeah I don't know just stop asking so many questions." Jason said irritated. "Just accept it or leave it."

"I want a chocolate croissant." Tim accepted without any questions asked.

Four Months Later

It was quiet one night. Really quiet. For once, there were no crimes, no criminals to chase, no commotion whatsoever, as Batman and Robin trailed the streets. Since nothing was requiring their attention, the pair ended the patrol early that night and returned to the manor.

Batman was slightly against it, since all he knew was work, but Jason managed to convince to call it an early night.

"It's okay to chill now and then B." Jason told as they exited the batmobile and removed their costumes.

"How so?"

"Uh…ever heard of a movie?"

"…"

"Wait you haven't?" The teen swung himself around to look at the other.

"I have." The elder sternly corrected. "I just don't do movies."

"Then you haven't seen any good ones." Jason pulled on his T-shirt and sweatpants, while Bruce wore his turtleneck. "Show me your collection." Bruce complied and guided him to his theater room with an extra large white screen on one of the walls and a projector in the back.

"What the hell?! This is like a mini theater!"

"In a way, I suppose." Bruce walked to the DVD collection.

"Whoa you have all of them! Great now I can't pick." The teen roamed his eyes through the stack. Meanwhile, Bruce went ahead and took a seat on one of the theater chairs. He wasn't too sure about this but the teen looked invested so he didn't have the heart to tell him otherwise.

"This one's good, perfect balance of humor, action, mystery and kickass." Jason finally picked one out.

Bruce wasn't a huge fan of fiction, but it was certainly nostalgic. Story books, movies, theater—he recalled doing all of those with his parents. He found himself smiling internally at the fond memories.

"Okay, it's on, get settled—oh wait, you want popcorn?"

"Whatever you want Jason."

"I'll be right back!" Jason jogged out the room. This would be different. Bruce also wasn't used to not thinking about work, criminals, or other Batman stuff for an evening.

And Jason made sure he wouldn't—whether that was intentionally or unintentionally. The teen kept chiming in now and then throughout the movie, adding commentary or explaining the plot to him, like he didn't know anything. It was adorable and proved Bruce that he was still a young kid at heart.

"Never gets old!" The ravenette stretched his arms. "I'm impressed you made it all the way through old man."

"I can handle that much."

"So you can, heh. By the way, you gonna finish those popcorn?" The younger pointed to Bruce's bowl who was sitting right next to him. The elder handed them to him.

"So should we get to some real work now?"

Jason groaned at that. "And you say I'm a workaholic, are you kidding? You're killing the mood."

"Mood?"

"Yeah, I'm sleepy as fxck after that movie, can't we just sleep? That's what tonight was supposed to be all about—chilling."

Bruce raised a brow. "I thought it was about teaching me to relax."

The teen gave him a sheepish smile. "Stop being so stringent." He poked his elbow on the elder's shoulder. Bruce stared at him with a doubting look. The younger brushed it off and stood up, twisting his waist until a sudden realization hit him, causing him to scowl. "Shit. I have to go home though…" 'Ugh…he didn't want to commute all the way back…way to ruin the mood for real.'

"Stay the night. The wayne manor has more than enough rooms for one person." Bruce almost demanded. "Though I do believe you should just live here. As Robin, you should be ready at all times and be with The Batman."

"Mh, nah I can't…" The ravenette was conflicted. As tempting as that offer was, he was afraid he was getting too close to Bruce. He looked up to him, and Bruce taught him so much. But he didn't want it to be anything more because he found himself relying on the other more and more and opening up to him more. It was a bit out of his character and that troubled him.

"Fine, let me drop you off then." Bruce stood up as well and Jason was mildly stunned that the elder gave in so quickly.

"No its okay, Alfred can drop me off…"

"No grab your jacket and come downstairs." Bruce went ahead before him. Jason scoffed to himself. Bruce wasn't kidding when he said 'his rules and his rules only.' Jason was stubborn but Batman made sure he got his way. However, in spite of all that, the teen still respected that kind of authoritative bold persona. He also liked that Bruce didn't brush him off and even when he would act elusive, the elder still took care of him.

Bruce dropped him off, watching Jason step out and bend down just enough to look through the window. "Night."

"Good night." The elder responded sternly, but Jason could feel a smile in his voice.

The ravenette brought home another bag of desserts. Apparently Bruce received them as a gift from work, but he wasn't a huge fan of sweets, so Alfred passed it on to the teen. Roy was already waiting for him at their place when Jason returned, who handed the bag to Dick.

"Aw look at you, working so hard—you make your daddy so proud." Roy bantered.

"Who are you again?" Jason grimaced at his carefree friend. "Who made you what now?"

"Hey I look after you—been doing so since we were in middle school." The redhead naturally reached out for a chocolate piece when Dick opened the box and set it on the living room table.

"Who said you could have some?" Now it was Jason's turn to mess with him.

"Oh come on, don't be like that." Roy tossed the chocolate in his mouth regardless. "So, where's this boujee place that you work at?"

The ravenette averted his eyes, lying. "It's just another bar."

"Mn? Where?" His nosy friend asked between chews.

"Che. Why don't you mind your own business and focus on eating before you accidently choke." The teen cursed him, flicking a finger at his forehead once. Roy only gave him an unsatisfactory expression in response to that but also didn't mind the latter option. While they were bickering Tim walked into the living room as well, sitting in their company.

"Okay man, relax, I was just curious. It's not like I'm gonna start working there tomorrow—holy shit unless you're involved in something shad—"

That was the last straw, Jason thought as he began to strangle him. He didn't need Roy giving Dick any ideas who was busy on his phone but most likely still listening to them. "I'm gonna kill you if you keep talking."

"Will you two cut it?" Dick finally turned to them, fully distracted. "That's dangerous."

"Jason said he was going to kill Roy." Tim tattled, nibbling on a piece of chocolate as well.

"Jason!" Dick scolded.

"I was joking obviously!"

"Just refrain from the death threats and profanities please. Especially in front of Tim." Dick sighed. Even if Tim was only two years younger than him, he was still treated like the baby of the family.

"Fine fine, geez."

"It's alright Dick, I'm old enough to understand what's wrong and what's right." Tim chimed in.

"Aw how cute, he's saying his first words." Jason teased, earning a glare from the younger teen himself.

"Don't make me do research on this place you're working at. 'cause you seem keen on keeping it a secret." Tim threatened.

"Now that you mention it, you've never even mentioned the name of the place." Dick put a finger on his chin in thought.

"Ugh you guys are annoying as fxck. It's really not that big of a deal. It's the one on the other side of town, they were desperate to hire someone—that's all."

"…ok… I trust you Jason but just be careful. You probably lied about your age." Dick requested with concern and seriousness dancing in his eyes. He knew that despite Jason's attitude, he was responsible enough to have jobs in the past and know when or when not to pick a fight, but that still didn't stop him from worrying about the teen who always bit off more than he could chew.

"Nothing I can't handle." The teen brushed it off, wondering if he'd really have to get a job as a façade…especially since he refused any money or help from Bruce… But even when he made himself very clear, Alfred would still gift him educational supplies, food and clothes from time to time. And sometimes the butler was just as stubborn as his master.

"Now leave me alone, what is this some kinda interrogation? Sheesh, I need fresh air." The ravenette jumped up from his position on the couch and went straight out the door. It was nice to have a family that cared and he was grateful for that, but at the same time, they could be quite meddlesome.

A few more months passed by and Jason considered himself a pro at his vigilante craft. Albeit Bruce would argue otherwise since 'there was always room for improvement,' according to him but even so the elder would admit that Jason had improved exponentially since he first started.

Jason also seemed happier with his life, like it had some purpose, as if slowly he was making a change. He was nearing the end of his school year as well, and would be graduating in another two months. Moreover, he enjoyed and appreciated all the gifts and food he brought home—they really helped cut down the costs of food for their family. Ever since he met the old butler, their fridge would be full with leftovers 24-7. Dick also received a small promotion from work and was working harder than ever, but certainly less stressed than before. It was nice to see his brother smile and spend time with them in the evenings with Alfred's delicious cooking or the expensive desserts from Bruce that were always thrown his way.

Meanwhile his relationship with Bruce, couldn't be better. In the beginning he sometimes found himself vexed by the other's solid orders but now they had developed a mutual understanding of each other. Once in a while, they would have a movie night, or Bruce would introduce him to another old people's sport. The teen would laugh at Bruce's sour face every time he taunted him by calling him old. In reality, Jason was well aware Bruce wasn't old, far from that, and even if he was, he looked fine and fit as hell.

Additionally, Jason secretly saw him as a role model or somewhat of a father figure that he never had. Though, he'd never confess that.

"Okay Dick, I'm out! After work, I'm gonna stay over at my friend's house." Jason called out from the door.

"Okay! Wait! Which friend?" Dick shouted back from the bedroom.

"Er—Roy! See ya!" The teen quickly whisked out the door before Dick could ask anymore questions. Roy was the first name that popped up in his head, but he figured it'd be okay since they used to have sleepovers plenty of times in the past.

"Text me when you get off work!" Was the last thing Jason heard as the door slammed shut. These days he was always excited for Bruce to pick him up so they could blow off the usual steam in the batcave or get ready for patrol.

"Ah, I forgot to ask him what clothes he wanted to wash…" Dick thought out loud, when he realized it was his turn to do the laundry. "It's fine I'll just call him." The elder fetched his phone and rang Jason, who didn't pick up at all.

'Weird, he texted that his shift ended two hours ago, he should be at Roy's right now…' Dick tried once more before he automatically called Roy, who picked up right away.

"What's up?"

"Hey Roy, this is Dick, can you ask Jason what clothes he's washing."

"Huh? Um, how? You want me to call him?" Roy was very much puzzled at the request.

"…Isn't he at your house? He said he's sleeping over."

"What? Nah dude, no way. I would know. I'm at home right now, and I don't see a Jason here." The redhead laughed. "We never agreed on a sleepover today."

"…" The line was silent as Dick tried to compose his thoughts and fury. "I cannot. Believe. Him. He is so busted when he comes home."

To be continued…

Hahaha XD sorry Jay , it was only a matter of time your lies would get caught.