Apologize for the long wait~!

Disclaimer in first chapter.

Chapter 20

Tim stood by the railing of the balcony, leaning his elbows against it while he aimlessly stared into the abysmal night. The Titan's tower was located at the edge of the sea, so the air at night was always chilly. Before Tim's thoughts could space out, he heard an unwelcomed knock on the sliding glass door. The brunette whipped his head to find Superboy—the last person he wanted to see—standing by the door.

Tim heaved an obvious agitated sigh as he looked back towards the dark sea. Superboy ignored the unwelcome and walked towards him anyhow. "What do you want now? Aren't we done?"

Conner looked away, formulating some kind of response in his head as his brows furrowed. "Maybe I spoke out of hand…" He struggled to get anything close to an apology out.

"Maybe?" Tim repeated with vitriol. He heard the other click his tongue once.

"Okay fine, have it your way. I was out of hand."

"If you're here to make yourself feel better than leave. You're not helping here." Tim disregarded.

"What the hell? I'm trying to apologize here." Conner argued.

"Well I still haven't heard an apology."

"…"

"Exactly. Leave. The door's behind you."

"…I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Now you're pushing it." Conner grunted.

"Oh well, I guess I'll settle with that. I'm amazed that even made it out of you." Tim scoffed, feeling better already seeing Conner so troubled like this. "I bet the others put you up to this anyway." Superboy flinched, guilty as charged. "I knew it.~" Tim hummed.

"Don't make me out to be a pushover, I wanted to come out too."

"Oh really? I'm impressed." Tim finally looked at him, grinning, catching his confession. Superboy fought back an annoyed unwilling blush as his posture relaxed and he leaned against the railing as well with his back.

"Now you're smiling." Superboy rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, I'm having fun seeing you like this."

"Che. Whatever. So? Am I forgiven?" Superboy side glanced his way.

"Mhm…maybe?"

"Are you playing with me right now?! I even apologized!" Conner was back at it again, snapping without even realizing.

Tim stared at him for a good minute until he realized what he did. "Man, you really gotta do something about that temper of yours." He nonchalantly spoke.

"Ughh…" Conner palmed his forehead once.

"Don't make me take it back now. After all, it took the whole team and the universe to get a small sorry out of you." Tim continued to tease.

"Do whatever you want." Conner argued but wasn't holding a grudge. It was odd, if anything he felt a tad closer to the other teen. He hardly expressed himself as much with the other teammates.

W: Dick

W: Talk to me.

Wally sent that last text over an hour ago but received no response in return. It had been a whole day since he returned from the mission, and he was aware Dick was likely back as well. 'Maybe he's busy…' "Ughh!" Wally was laying down but restlessly sat up. 'He should be home right now…should I give him a call…or, better yet! I have an idea.' The redhead immediately dialed another number up.

"Hello?" Tim answered the phone.

"Hey~! Timmy~ I need your help~" Wally whined.

"…What happened between you two now?"

"Wow, you're so perceptive." The redhead chuckled, guilty as charged. "Anyways, can you pass it to Dick? I feel like he might not pick up if I call…"

"Uh, sure, I would…but I haven't returned home yet. I've been out for a week helping the Titans." Tim told.

'Oh, that's right, I forgot.' "Oh wow, that sounds great—look at you~! But okay, I understand…" 'I guess Dick also hasn't told him that I'm Flash yet…'

There was silence on the other end for a moment. "Sigh. Okay, hold on. Really, you two need to get together or already to relieve all this tension."

"Timmy…"

"I was going to leave tomorrow morning since the mission has already been concluded, but…I guess I can leave earlier…" Time voiced out loud.

"Aw, Timmy, why are you such an angel—I swear I'll make it up to you."

"It's fine. If you don't call me again regarding Dick, that'll be more than enough. Anyways, I'll text you when I get home. I'm going to pack my stuff."

"Are you sure? Sorry for the trouble bro." With that Wally hung up and waited patiently.

Tim went to his room and began packing. He came out with his duffel bag. The gang was downstairs eating dinner.

"Where are you going?" A deep monotone voice called out. Tim turned to find Super Boy at the foot of the living room.

"Home. I can't live here forever. My job is over."

"…Weren't you leaving in the morning?"

"Yeah… but a friend called and needed me." Tim elaborated.

Superboy frowned. "Who?"

"What does it matter?" Tim raised a confused brow. "You don't know him. Anyways, I'll say my goodbyes to the others when I head down. I would like to say it's been a pleasure..." Tim extended a cordial hand but Superboy just stood there. "Listen, you're strong and a vital part to the team in your own way, but only if you cooperate with them."

"Hn." For once the ravenette didn't have a snarky comeback. "I'll call Superman for you..."

'Why does he sound so down?' Tim thought, wondering if he was reading too much into things. The brunette waited for him to get off the phone.

"He's on his way."

"Okay, thanks." They awkwardly stood there for a good minute. "Um," Tim hesitated. They weren't friends…he didn't need to make an effort…but at the same time there was this tension or invisible allure between them, that no matter how much they bickered they couldn't look away from each other… "You have a phone right?"

Conner looked up puzzled by the random inquiry. "Yes."

"Hand it over." Conner obliged and Tim began punching some numbers before sending a text. "Here, I don't know why I'm doing this. But here's my number. If you ever want to rant again, you're welcome to call."

Conner took the phone back, staring at a for a second unexpectedly before bashfully looking away. "Hmp, as if."

"Just saying." Tim smiled light-heartedly. Conner then heard a beep on his phone indicating that Superman had arrived to take Tim back. The two headed downstairs, met the others and saw Tim off.

Tim made it back home, greeted Dick with a hug before going back to his room to unpack. After he settled down, he discreetly dialed Wally. "Hey, I'm back. You ready?"

"Are you kidding, I haven't moved an inch!"

"Seriously, you're helpless. Don't screw it up or else Dick won't be taking any phone calls from me either." The teen warned.

"Yes sir!"

Tim walked into Dick's room. "Hey, there's a call for you." Dick gave him a puzzled look, not anticipating a call from anyone.

"Who?"

"Just take it. Thank me later." Tim tossed and exited the room. Dick was even more confused now as he brought the phone to his ear.

"Hello?"

"Hi. How've you been?" The redhead slowly spoke up.

"What—Wally—"

"Don't hang up! Please hear me out—please just talk to me. You're driving me insane…" Wally wailed.

"…"

"Look, I'm sorry Dick. I'm really sorry for hiding my identity for so long. I was just trying to protect myself, the League and you. But I promise I won't withhold anything from you going forward so please take me back."

"Sigh. I know…I've been thinking…I know you were in a pinch…it must've been hard to choose one or the other, but …I guess my ego's just hurt that's all…"

"Aw, Dick, you're the best." Wally sounded like he was close to tears. "I swear I won't hide anything again. Our friendship is really important to me."

"Okay, okay. I trust you. I didn't mean to ignore you…" Dick felt a bit guilty too.

"Its okay! That doesn't matter now—can we hang out later. I really wanna see you."

"Mh, sure." Dick quietly said, secretly looking forward to it. Wally let out a breath of relief.

Jason got caught with some underground gangs and a few nasty lacerations on his arms and legs. "Geez, they really don't hold back with those knives…" 'Guess better knives than guns. He'd hate to come back with gun shot wounds.' Jason was in the batcave tending his injuries. Alfred lent him a hand earlier but Jason said he could take it from the wrapping.

"I should probably hurry up before Bruce comes back." Jason voiced out loud to no one in particular. He should've taken this back to his room, but he didn't want to dirty the upstairs. "Ouch…" He clenched the bandage too tightly and caused some of the blood from his leg to ooze. The teen twitched when the batcave elevator opened. 'Dammit.' Jason shifted away in attempt to hide his injury.

"Jason. You're back." Bruce said, loosening his tie while he stepped towards him. He was still wearing his three-piece suit from work.

"Apparently." Jay commented.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing at all."

The elder walked over to him and was taken aback by the bloodied bandages on his bicep and calf. "What have you been up to?" He asked with subtle concern.

"Patrolling, as usual."

"No, where did you get those injuries?"

"Like I said, patrolling." The ravenette feigned ignorance.

"Jason." Bruce uttered sternly. "Where have you been patrolling? Why are those cuts so deep?" Bruce was well aware of the criminals they dealt with in Gotham, so injuries were nothing new, yet he was suddenly having a hard time seeing those on Jason. His gut instinct wanted to refrain the teen from going out again. The impulse was odd to him, since Jason was still somewhat Robin.

"Just dealing with some druggies, that's all." Jay dismissed.

"Which ones?" Bruce didn't drop the subject, as he folded his tie and tucked it into his blazer pocket.

"Why does it matter? You want me to cite names now?" the younger rolled his eyes.

"I have a certainty you have those names."

"Ugh," There was really no winning against Bruce. He was too stubborn. And Jason considered himself to be quite adamant too.

"Speak up. I'm listening."

"You're not gonna drop this, are you dad?"

"You can act however you want but you will start explaining."

"…" Jason hesitated, wondering what lies to fabricate.

"And no lying."

The teen's shoulders slumped. Who was he kidding? Batman would find out one way or the other. "I'm infiltrating the whole drug trade, undercover. And partnered with Black Mask. Geez, it was such a great plan and going so well, I wanted to see your shocked face by the end of it, but you just went ahead and ruined the surprise." The ravenette dropped his chin onto his palm.

"Black Mask? Why are you working with Black Mask alone? He's more dangerous than he appears." Bruce selectively heard the relevant bits.

"Nah~ he's not that intimidating. And his security's a joke." Jason mocked.

"This doesn't seem like an appropriate mission to jump into right after recovering."

"It's fine Bruce, like I said, I got it under control."

"That's under control? Any deeper and it would have punctured a large vessel."

"Stop being so negative, Batman."

"Jason. I'm serious. This is too complicated for your involvement." Bruce crossed his arms.

The teen was keeping it lighthearted but now he was beginning to get annoyed. "So? What are you suggesting? To quit? Forget it. I started this. I'm going to finish it. Anyways, if you'll excuse me, I have to be at a party later tonight so I gotta get ready for that."

"You're not going. It's too dangerous."

"Bruce. Stop telling me what to do. I am going." He stood up and glared straight into the elder's eyes who challenged him back. "Why don't you get it? I can go places you can't because they don't fully know me. I can do things Batman can't."

"It's still risky."

"Am I hearing this from you? Risky is exactly what we do. Just trust me this once. Please."

"…I would like to. However, if I deem it to become too dangerous, I'm pulling you out." Bruce pronounced.

Jason sighed. "Fine, but that won't happen."

"Where's the party? I'll drop you off." Bruce was stripping out of his clothes.

"Uh, I won't be going in as RedHood. I'm going as a casino owner. I'm the one holding the party. I know they'll take advantage of the busy environment and location to smuggle some high-quality drugs."

"I see. I'll still drop you off. Get ready." Bruce instructed. Jason nodded, disappearing into the manor and returning in a tuxedo. Bruce drove him to the desired location.

"Thanks Bruce."

"Be careful." Was all Bruce said before driving off.

Hours into the party, Jason continued to give his business smiles and conversed with multiple rich customers along with underground bosses who were undercover as well. Jason never stayed in one spot of the club and surveilled the entire area. In the process he accidentally bumped into a slightly taller man who gripped his bicep tightly to stabilize him.

Jason winced. 'Shit, it's the arm with the cut…'

"You look like a kid running this show." The man joked. He looked to be in his early forties, looking good for his age, with dark brown hair sleeked back to the side.

"Trust me, I'm not or else I wouldn't be running this place. Have we met before?" Jason forced a smile and extended a hand.

"Roman Sionis." Roman took his hand, sizing him up. In his eyes, Jason had the vibe of a wild animal who was trying to appear tamed. He was like a diamond in the rough.

"A pleasure."

"By the way, are you okay?" Roman pointed to his arm sleeve that had a small red spot on it now.

"Huh?" Jason flexed his arm to see the blood staining his sleeve. "Great. The cut probably opened. It's no big deal." He began to unroll the sleeve all the way up to the cut and missed the way Roman's eyes widened as he recognized the cut. "I'll just was this off and rewrap it again."

"…" Roman studied him. "…Allow me to help." He followed him to the bathroom. While the teen was facing away, Roman's cold eyes stared at him before he karate-chopped him from behind. Jason hadn't seen that coming from a mile and instantly blacked out in his arms.

The next time the ravenette opened his eyes, he was no longer in the casino. His wrists and ankles were tied and he was on the ground. There was also a bag next to him against the wall. 'This certainly felt like déjà vu…' Jason groaned.

"Well, well, well who do we have here?" A voice emersed from the shadows. It was Roman Sionis. "Redhood huh? Does that ring a bell?"

Jason's heart stopped as he looked up. 'Wait. Who was this guy? How did he know that?' "Roman Sionis." He feigned innocence. "What's the meaning of this? Didn't like the drinks?"

"Spare me the pretense. I know it's you. But I never would've expected that cocky Hood to be nothing more than a kid."

'Who the fxck…wait. No way. Black Mask?' Jason's eyes widened when he put the pieces together. 'It had to be him. There was no one else.' But he always considered the guy to be a sixty year old geezer. 'Fxck. I knew he couldn't be trusted but that was fast.' "A kid who could kick your ass." Jason snarled, giving in. He earned a kick to the face for that.

"So, who're you working with? You're affiliated with the Bats after all—that's why go around with that imitation bat symbol on chest." Black Mask tried again. Jason didn't respond to that immediately. He already told him he worked alone. "You're Bruce's little party partner too."

"What?" The teen gawked.

"I was there during that party too. It piqued everyone's curiosity when Bruce Wayne didn't walk in with a dazzling woman. You got a little side job too huh? As a whore. Who would've guessed?"

'He's referring to that convention…before the whole joker incident…'

"Hurt, old man?"

"Watch who you're calling old." The elder kicked him again but this time on his side to flip him over on his back. Jason grunted as he was now laying on his back. Before he continued, Roman reached over to wear a mask, different from his usual Black Mask, and pulled out a knife. The elder returned to Jason and began ripping his clothes apart starting with his short, not caring if the cuts grazed his skin. He then moved to his legs, making a large cut at his thigh. "We'll see who you're really working with now." Roman took out his phone and began recording himself after dialing someone.

'What is he thinking?' The teen pondered as the bell rang.

"Bats! You picked up! I knew you'd respond to a distress call!" Black mask hooted. Jason flinched at the name.

"…What's the meaning of this? Who are you?" Bruce answered from the batcave without video, but Black Mask's face was all over his monitor. He didn't recognize him right away due to the mask. "You're about to find out. But first, look who I have here? Look any familiar?" Black Mask gripped a hand full of the teen's hair lifting his face up and bringing him into frame.

Bruce's breath hitched when he saw the teen's maskless, bare face, with a red bruise forming on his cheek. He stiffened in his chair, wanting to erupt out of it right away but trying to keep his cool. 'This is dangerous…has his identity been revealed?' "What exactly do you want? I don't know who that is."

"Oh? Then you don't mind if I kill him?"

Bruce's jaw clenched so hard it might have snapped off.

To Be Continued…

Sorry cliff-hanger -_- and I know it may seem like I'm derailing from the plot but trust me there will be some BruJay action VERY soon. Jay just has to finish this mission to prove it to Bruce. It's all part of his growing up/maturing arc lol and for Bruce's inner feelings to come up more realistically, or something like that. Just hang in there. In the meantime, Wally x Dick and Tim x Conner are getting somewhere …

Thanks for reading and plz review~