Despite Damian's dearest wishes, he did not snore. Despite Tim's protests, Tim did. As a direct result of the second point, Jason was not sleeping. Not to mention… he'd spent a long time cooped up in that place, and, not counting an unfulfilling and short lived excursion, had spent exactly 0 hours of time doing vigilante things. And many, many hours doing what could be best described as babysitting a delicate bomb.
Surely no one could fault him for wanting to get outside for a few minutes after all that. Of course, he wouldn't care if they did. He groaned, throwing back his head as he pushed out the door and into the cool night air, letting the door bang shut behind him.
Running a hand through his hair, he did his best to exhale all the air in his lungs, even as goosebumps raised over his exposed arms; flimsy t-shirt doing little to block out the chill. Oh, well. He could stay here for a little bit before getting properly dressed to make a supply run later.
Stretching his arms behind his head, he gave a final yawn before shaking his head violently, as if that would dislodge the cobwebs that sewn themselves into his brain. He stepped forward to pace the grounds, maybe visit some of his old favorite trees (perhaps the big oak had survived the Quake here?) when a creaking stopped him dead in his tracks.
"Dick? Uh… what'r you doing up, buddy?"
"...Chicken?"
"Sure. But that doesn't answer what you're doing out in this cold. You'll catch a… a cold."
Dick bit his lip. "I heard the door, Jason. So I… I thought you might be hurt again and… you're leaving, aren't you?"
"What? No. I mean, yes, but not for long. I was gonna walk around a little. Stretch my legs, you know?" Jason strode forward and hovered by Dick on the stairs. "I wouldn't just walk out on ya."
Dick fidgeted. "Mm… I know you maybe want to go. You don't like being stuck here and… and you and Tim and Damian aren't always super happy together. Or with me. Sorry."
"No. No sorries, that's a rule, remember?" Jason waited for Dick to nod before continuing.
"Also. I'm not going to leave just because I fight with my little bros. Bros fight. That's just a thing that happens. I'm not used to being stuck in some house, no. But I won't be forever. We're leaving in a couple days, right? Well, actually, you might not be… no, you're leaving too, it's just complicated… the point is it's not forever! And I wasn't leaving."
"If… if you are, Jason, it's okay. I'm okay with it. I'm sure Tim and Damian will take great care of me."
"Yeah, yeah, I'm sure. But they aren't going to because I'm not going anywhere."
"Why not? You'd… be happier, I think. And Tim and Damian wouldn't make you mad anymore."
"Because… because what's right here is more important than being happy. I… this is important. What we have and what I… should have with Tim and… look, you just do you, kid. I'll take care of the hard stuff, alright? I want to stay. I mean, look at me. I'm in a t-shirt, here. I'm not leaving in New Jersey's November wearing this thing. I'm not even wearing shoes!"
Dick nodded slowly. "M'kay, Jason. But…"
"Nope! There are no buts! I want to stay, I've made up my mind and you can't change it. There's no use trying. Now, who's room did you sneak out of?"
"Tim's." Dick's smiled as Jason slipped his hand into his larger one. Jason pulled open the door and nudged Dick inside.
"I knew it. He's running on coffee and willpower at this point. Probably wouldn't have noticed a stampede of elephants at this point. Kid, you gotta help me force him to sleep more. Brother's prerogative. He's not legally allowed to be mad at you for something I tell you to do."
"Really?"
"Well, he's not allowed to stay mad."
"Chicken?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm really glad you're staying."
"...Me too, Dick."