A/N: Thanks to all you wonderful people who took the time to comment on the last chapter, I hugely appreciate it. Sending lots of good thoughts for the New Year your way! :)

oOo

It was cold and Jason wished it would hurry the hell up and snow. If he had to put up with temperatures like this then he wanted something to show for it.

A swish sounded behind him and he turned just in time to see Batman and Robin land on the roof. "Well you two took your sweet time!" he grumbled.

"We were delayed," Batman replied while Robin dropped his gaze to the ground and tugged at one of his gloves. Jason couldn't help but notice that his Robin costume now had long sleeves.

Knowing better than to ask what had delayed them, Jason faced Batman. "I did a sweep of the city while I was waiting; looks like something big is going down at the docks."

Batman narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Batman growled, looking distinctly unhappy. Jason was pretty pissed as well. An entire week of busting their asses to ensure tonight was quiet on the streets and some moron had decided to derail their well-laid plans. Jason's only consolation was that he could now beat the tar out of said moron.

"Let's go," Batman ordered, swinging off of the roof and into the night. Robin and Red Hood followed quickly.

It didn't take long to arrive at the docks. The trio landed on a warehouse roof and assessed the situation. There were at least eight men with guns patrolling a secluded area of the docks while another five were stationed on the deck of a small boat. Lights in the warehouse just across from the boat suggested that whatever was going down was happening in there.

"Want me to scope out the warehouse?" Jason asked.

"No," said Batman. "I'll go. Wait here." Then he was gone, melting into the darkness.

Shrugging, Jason studied the men below instead. They were all wearing masks, but while the men on the docks were carrying handguns, the ones on the boats held TAR-21 assault rifles. He frowned. That was some pretty heavy firepower.

"RH, you think this is a drugs shipment?" Robin asked.

"If it is, it's a big one."

"They're not shipping drugs, they're shipping guns," a new voice told them, causing them to spin around, weapons at the ready.

"Relax, it's me," said a tall, red-haired figure.

Robin dropped his hands. "Speedy! What are you doing here?"

"It's Red Arrow," he ground out. "I've been tracking these guys from Star City – Brick is behind the sale, but I don't know who he's selling to."

"Do you know what kind of guns they're selling?"

"M4 carbines."

Robin's eyes widened. "Those are military standard semi-automatics!"

"Exactly. So what are you two just standing around here for?"

"Waiting," Robin explained while Jason scowled. "Batman's checking out the warehouse before we hit them. You in?"

The older teen looked irritated. "Considering this was my bust to begin with–"

"But not your city," Jason interrupted, glaring at him. Of all the heroes they could have run into tonight, why did it have to be Roy Bloody Harper? The angry teenager set his teeth on edge with his I-hate-everybody shtick. Not to mention that his I-won't-do-a-damn-thing-I'm-told attitude was a poor example for Robin.

"It's not your city either!" Roy snapped, glaring back. The dislike was mutual.

"Does it matter whose city it is?" Robin interjected, voice tinged with annoyance. "There's a bunch of armed goons down there selling high-powered automatic weapons! What matters is that they don't hit the streets!"

"Robin is right," growled a deep voice and Batman emerged from the shadows. "Whatever your issues are with one another, forget them until we get this done."

Jason and Red Arrow nodded but continued to glare at one another.

"Batman," Robin addressed him, "do you know who the buyer is?"

"It's Black Mask. And we need to move quickly; if they get those guns off of the boat, it will be much harder to take them down."

"What's the plan?" Roy demanded.

"Red Hood and Robin will take out the men on the boat first without alerting those on the docks. Robin, once the boat is clear I want you to take it out into open water so the other men can't access those guns."

Robin nodded and Batman turned to the older teenager. "Red Arrow, you and I will incapacitate the men watching the perimeter; we lose the element of surprise once Robin starts up that boat."

"How many are in the warehouse?" Jason wanted to know.

"Nine, including Black Mask and Brick."

"That makes seventeen once we take out the guns on the boat," Jason calculated. "That gives us a few butts each to kick!"

"Black Mask and Brick won't be that easy to take down," Roy reminded him snidely.

"Never said they would!" Jason shot back.

"Enough!" Batman growled. "Robin, Red Hood, you know what to do."

Jason shot the red-haired teenager a last dirty look. "Let's go, Robin."

He and Robin used the shadows to swoop silently onto a larger boat moored beside the gun-runners' vessel. Cautiously they peered over the side, evaluating the situation.

Two of the men were just retreating below deck, leaving three up top. It was too silent to advance from the water; the splashes would be clearly heard. Not to mention that Jason had zero intention of getting wet. He considered rappelling from this boat onto the roof of the smaller boat and turned to inform Robin of that plan, but the boy was nowhere to be seen. Snapping to look behind him then turning back to view the gun-runners' boat, Jason's mouth fell open as he spotted Robin slipping in through one of the port-hole windows.

How in the hell did he do that?! I never heard him move!

Jason would have been impressed if he weren't so pissed at Robin for flying solo. Quickly, he removed a weighted rope from his jacket – his grapple gun would have made too much noise – and whirled it before tossing it towards the other boat where it wrapped silently around the pole on the cabin roof.

He tugged, making sure it was secure, before tying his end to the railing and sliding neatly down onto the roof of the other boat where he cut the rope, letting it drift back towards the larger boat. He peered over the edge of the roof. Two men stood directly below him, their attention on the docks in front. Jason smirked, dropping silently behind them. They were out cold and trussed up in less than fifteen seconds.

He glanced towards the docks making sure the men there couldn't see him before moving towards the bow of the boat where he knew the third man was. The other two were below deck with Robin. Jason scowled; he was itching to get down there and make sure the boy was alright.

A sharp blow to the skull took care of the third man and Jason dragged his unconscious form to where the bodies of the other two were. They would have to get them off the boat before Robin took it into open water.

Heading below deck, the silence niggled at Jason; there were no sounds of a struggle or voices, and he wondered where Robin was.

In the narrow galley passage, a door swung slightly with the listing of the boat. Approaching it, he carefully pushed it open to find the final two men unconscious and tightly bound beside a massive cargo of guns.

Suddenly, someone dropped on him from above and Jason whirled, ready to fight as the figure landed behind him.

"Chill, RH!" laughed a familiar voice. "It's me."

Robin stood there, grinning up at him.

"Jeez, Kid, don't do that!" Jason grumbled, putting his bat-a-rangs away. "I could have taken your head off!"

"No, you wouldn't, you're too good," Robin replied simply. "Help me get them upstairs; they were too heavy for me to move."

"Let's take the big guy first," said Jason, eyeing the man's frame in resignation. "Grab his legs."

Robin complied and they carried the unconscious figure above deck. Jason used the task as an opportunity to lecture Robin on the dangers of boarding the boat alone, scolding rapidly while the boy rolled his eyes.

"Dude, chill!" Robin interrupted as they dropped the big guy with the other three men. "It worked, didn't it? Besides, I knew there was no way you were fitting through that port-hole and that it'd be quicker if I took out the two downstairs first."

"But what if something had gone wrong?" Jason argued as they returned below deck. "You shouldn't disobey orders like that! You know, I blame Red Arrow for this; he's a bad influence."

"Okay, first, I can take care of myself! Second, I didn't disobey orders; Batman never specified that we had to stay together. And third, what do you have against Red Arrow?"

"What do I have against Red Arrow?" Jason grunted as they lifted the final man and moved towards the door. "For starters, he's an angry idiot who doesn't listen to anything he's told. Second, he swears too much around people he shouldn't and third, he has a serious attitude problem!"

Robin started to laugh.

"What's so damn funny?" Jason snapped as they hoisted the man up the stairs between them.

"You are! You do know you just described yourself?"

Jason spluttered with indignation. "Are you saying we're alike?!"

"Is the sky blue?"

They reached the top of the steps just as gunfire shattered the silence.

"Looks like we've been busted!" Jason snapped. "Get to the cab and start that engine! I'll get these guys off and keep the others at bay!"

Robin disappeared, leaving Jason to drag the last man towards the gangplank where he rolled him down onto the docks below. The same fate followed for the next man who grunted as he was unceremoniously shoved after his partner. But before Jason could roll the third one off, gunfire whistled overhead and he was forced to take cover behind the boat's railing.

"Dammit!" he snapped, producing his own gun and firing at the approaching goon squad.

They scattered quickly, obviously surprised that someone who worked with Batman carried a gun. Jason knew Batman didn't approve but he felt naked without his gun, and right now said firearm was coming in pretty damn handy. He discharged the weapon again and while the men scuttled for cover, used the opportunity to seize a third man and literally throw him over the railings. He landed with a loud thump on the docks below.

The roar of an engine sounded and Jason swore under his breath as the boat shuddered to life. The last two men were still on the boat. He'd never get them off before the boat moved into open water, but he couldn't leave them here with Robin and the guns – nor could he abandon Batman and Red Arrow to take care of the goons on the dock and in the warehouse by themselves; the men were too well armed.

His dilemma was solved when Batman suddenly dropped from overhead and grabbed one of the unconscious men, throwing him over his shoulder. "Get the other one!" he ordered, firing his grapple gun and swooping away once more.

Jason quickly followed suit just as the boat began to move. Swinging towards the docks, he threw the unconscious criminal at the men who were shooting at him and the body slammed into them at full force, knocking them to the ground and sending their weapons scattering across the dock. He continued forward, smashing feet first into one of the men and sending him backwards. Quickly, Jason cold-cocked him and he slumped into unconsciousness.

Whirling, he dashed into the fray where Batman was currently embroiled in combat with several armed goons. Two bound figures struggled on the ground a little further away and Jason could just discern Roy on one of the metal shipping containers, shooting arrows with deadly accuracy. A third figure dropped as one of Roy's arrows hit him, encasing him in a long coil of rope. But the teenager was forced to retreat as a hail of gunfire snickered towards him; Black Mask, Brick and the men from the warehouse had joined the fracas.

Jason threw a hard right at the nearest man and, while he was stunned, used him as a shield against the onslaught of bullets. That definitely wasn't a move Batman would approve of, but if these guys were willing to shoot their own then that wasn't his problem. A bullet tore into the criminal's shoulder and he went limp, causing Jason to drop him. The injured man crashed to the ground. Exposed once more, Jason sprang at one of the men that he had disarmed when he swept onto the dock. Within seconds, that man joined his unconscious comrades in arms.

Jason took a split second to evaluate how they were faring. Three men were bound and squirming on the ground, while a fourth was trapped in a large net; a result of Roy's arrows. Five more lay unconscious several feet away, casualties of Batman's fighting prowess. Jason was irritated to realize that he had only incapacitated three on the docks.

Time to even the score!

While Batman was dispensing with the last of the henchmen, Jason bounded towards Black Mask only to find himself brutally slammed into a wall by Brick, who appeared from out of the shadows. A massive hand seized his throat and lifted him clear off the ground. Jason gasped and scrabbled at the paw cutting off his air.

Suddenly a bang erupted and Brick stumbled, releasing Jason, who tucked and rolled out of his way. As he jumped to his feet, his eyes fell on Roy, who was standing behind Brick, bow and arrow aimed and at the ready. Jason realized that it was one of his exploding arrows that had saved him and scowled. He really didn't want to be indebted to Roy Harper.

Brick snarled and spun around, fixing his gaze on the red-haired teenager. "You're really starting to become a pain in my ass, Kid!"

"Happy to be of service," Roy growled back.

The man's face darkened in anger. "Well, your service is no longer needed!" Brick raised his arm and Jason could see a detonator in his hand.

"Look out! He– " Jason was thrown off his feet as a massive explosion rocked the docks. Roy was also knocked to the ground while his bow and arrow flew from his hands.

Son of a bitch was ready for us! thought Jason furiously, tumbling further away from Brick and towards Roy as flames shot up around them.

"You alright?" he grunted at Roy, who was clambering to his feet.

"Fine. Where–"

A snicker of bullets whizzed towards them, forcing them to retreat; Brick had produced a machine pistol and was firing rapidly at them. Jason glanced around quickly, searching for cover, and his gaze landed on Batman facing off against Black Mask on the other side of the flames.

Brick fired again, forcing Roy and Jason to dive in opposite directions. Jason landed behind one of the crates that had fallen in the explosion, while Roy ducked behind a parked van. Brick roared with laughter as he sprayed the ground with bullets.

Gritting his teeth, Jason returned fire, but his own gun was no match for Brick's automatic. He was just pausing to reload when from somewhere overhead echoed a creepy little laugh. Without warning, the crane above them came to life and the massive crate in its grasp was dropped on an unsuspecting Brick, smashing on impact and its contents pinning the behemoth to the ground.

Brick gave a howl of rage and fired sporadically upwards, his gun hand still free, before a bat-a-rang flew through the air knocking it from his grasp and sending it scattering across the dock.

Jason stood up just in time to see Robin land gracefully in front of the pinned criminal. "Robin! What the hell?! You're supposed to be taking the guns out into open water!" He stalked over to the boy who turned, looking very pleased with himself.

"Relax, RH. The boat's anchored just outside the harbour. I radioed Gotham PD and they're sending a boat to collect the shipment." He tilted his head hearing a wail of sirens in the distance. "Huh, sounds like they decided to send reinforcements here as well. Too bad we didn't leave them any butt to kick!" He gave Jason a cocky grin just as Roy joined them.

The archer was glaring at the young teenager. "Robin, are you insane taking on Brick like that? He could rip you in two!"

Robin rolled his eyes. "I didn't take him on; I dropped a crate on him! Big difference. And in case you didn't notice, I just saved both your asses!"

"Language!" Jason and Roy snapped at once.

Robin blinked, then laughed at their annoyed expressions. "Awww, you guys are even speaking in tandem now! Isn't that cute?"

Jason scowled and folded his arms at Robin's teasing. No, it was not cute! He and Roy Harper were nothing alike!

"Where's Batman?" Roy demanded, seemingly equally irritated to be compared to Jason.

"Securing the men and Black Mask on the other side of those flames." Robin pointed in that direction. "You know, we should probably–" His words were cut off with a sudden squawk as he was dragged to the ground.

While they were talking, they had failed to notice Brick manage to partially wriggle out from under the crate. With both hands free, he had seized Robin's right arm and yanked him down towards him, where he immediately put a knife to the boy's throat while one massive hand kept a tight grip on his arm.

"Nobody move!" Brick snarled, pushing the knife close to the jugular. He smirked at Roy. "Looks like your service is required after all, Speedy. Get in that crane and get this thing off me!"

Roy looked like he wanted to rip Brick apart as he complied. Jason watched him approach the ladder that led up to the cab of the crane and start to climb.

"Back away, Hood," Brick addressed Jason, pressing the blade precariously into Robin's throat. "Back away far or I'll paint this whole area red!"

Jason did as ordered, growling through gritted teeth the whole time. "Hurt him and you're a dead man, Brick!"

The big man's smirk widened and Jason itched to put his fist through that grin.

But they had both underestimated Robin. Without warning, the teenager swiftly twisted sideways and kicked his leg up into Brick's hand, knocking the knife away. Before either Jason or Brick could react, Robin smashed his fist into Brick's nose, eliciting a howl of pain from the man. He loosened his grip on Robin's arm and the boy had almost pulled free until Brick, eyes watering, seized the sleeve of his uniform.

"Let. Go!" Robin hissed dangerously while one meaty paw clamped down on his right wrist.

"Make me, Bird Boy!"

Running towards them, Jason heard the crack that Brick's nose made when Robin slammed the heel of his left hand upwards into it with deadly force, followed by a ripping sound as Robin's sleeve tore when he yanked his arm from Brick's grasp, leaving his glove in the man's hand. Quickly, he tumbled out of arm's reach, snapping to his feet beside Jason.

"Nice move, Kid," said Jason, patting his shoulder.

Robin grinned. "Told you I could take care of myself."

"I'm gonna kill you, you little louse!" Brick screamed at Robin. His eyes were streaming.

"Good luck with that," said Robin in amusement. The wail of sirens drew closer. "But in case you hadn't noticed, you're pretty screwed right now."

Brick's response was to hurl Robin's own glove at the teenager where it smacked against the boy's chest and dropped to the ground with a plop.

Robin raised an eyebrow. "A temper tantrum? Seriously? Dude, what are you, three?" He bent down to pick up the glove. "Thanks for this though, I was just wondering how to get it back."

"You little– " Brick froze and his eyes narrowed.

Jason was surprised to see a gleeful grin unfurl across his face and felt something drop in the pit of his stomach at the sudden change of mood.

The criminal kept his eyes on Robin, his nasty grin growing wider. "You know, Kid, normally I would tear you apart for that stunt but –" his eyes went to Robin's exposed arm "– it looks like someone beat me to it."

Robin froze and Jason dropped his gaze to where Brick was staring. His heart thudded painfully. Robin's torn sleeve revealed the name 'Joker' etched into his skin in all its red raw, gory detail. It was the first time since his brutal encounter with the clown that Jason had seen his arm; Dick was always careful to keep those scars hidden. Jason hadn't realized until now how little they had faded as the angry, livid red stripes glared up at him.

"Looks like you're someone else's bitch!" Brick sneered at the boy.

Robin huddled into himself and his arms disappeared beneath his cape. Jason moved to smash the giant's ugly mug in, but someone else beat him to it as an arrow exploded in the man's face.

Jason turned to find Roy standing behind them, his bow and arrow at the ready once more.

"Exploding Nichrome, you son of a bitch!" he snarled, his face dark with anger. "Hurts like hell and makes your eyes feel like they're being scrubbed with sandpaper for days afterwards. Let's just see how observant you are when you're trying to claw your eyes out!"

Jason felt a grim satisfaction to see Brick whimpering and rubbing at his eyes. It was the first time ever he approved of Roy Harper's actions.

But as Robin's devastated expression tore at something deep within him, Jason wondered angrily just why the hell it had to be for something like this.

oOo

Jason arrived at Wayne Manor before noon the next day. After the incident at the docks, it had been late when he finished patrol and he was exhausted, but he was also very anxious to see Dick.

After Brick's cruel taunt, Robin had retreated into himself, not speaking to anyone. Once the Gotham PD had taken the men into custody and retrieved the stash of guns, Batman had decided to take the miserable boy home, leaving Jason to finish patrol. But he hadn't been alone; Roy, to his credit, had assisted him.

United in their anger against Brick and their pity for Robin, Jason and Roy – while not quite bosom buddies – had managed to put aside their sniping and patrolled Gotham City with something akin to civility. Jason had reluctantly conceded that perhaps Roy wasn't the biggest ass in the world.

He would never admit that to him though.

Ringing the bell of the massive ebony front door, Jason stuck his hands in his pockets and scowled. Everything had been going so well! He knew Dick had been nervous about returning to the role of Robin and, despite his own overprotectiveness, Jason had been pleased to see the boy's confidence return – even if it was because he had saved Red Hood's butt! He sighed angrily. Why the hell did Brick have to ruin it?

The door opened to reveal Alfred in his usual coat and tails. "Good morning, Master Jason," he intoned, standing aside to let him in.

"Hi, Alfred," he replied, stepping into the hall. "Where's Dick?"

"Master Dick is in the living room. The Christmas tree arrived this morning and he is attempting to decorate it."

"Attempting?"

"I do not believe Master Dick's heart is in the task this year."

Jason's own heart sank at that news. Dick had been so excited about the tree yesterday. "Did he say something to you?"

"No, but Master Bruce enlightened me on the events of last night's patrol." Alfred looked sad. "Also, the absence of Christmas music and the Santa hat that Master Dick usually dons for this task suggest the lad is not himself."

Dammit! "Where's Bruce?"

"Master Bruce is on the phone in his office. He received an urgent call from Lucius Fox this morning."

Jason couldn't help but feel mildly irritated at Bruce. It was Sunday; couldn't he forget about Wayne Enterprises for one bloody day? "Thanks, Alfred. I'll just go check on Dick, okay?"

"Of course, Sir. Can I bring you anything?"

"No thanks, Alfred," Jason called back over his shoulder, already trotting down the long corridor to the living room.

Entering the room, he found most of the furniture had been moved aside to accommodate the massive tree which stood proudly in the centre of the room. Boxes of decorations were strewn around the tree, while a large, two-sided ladder was propped next to it. The large antique desk that was normally located behind the couch had been pulled up in front of the tree and Dick was sitting cross-legged on it, his back to Jason while he stared up at the tree.

Jason could tell by how still Dick was that he was upset. Normally the boy was a ball of energy; twisting, fidgeting, squirming, moving. He decided to take a slightly light-hearted approach until he could determine whether Dick wanted to talk or not. "Does Alfred know this room looks like a bomb hit it?"

Dick turned. "Hey, Jason," he said quietly, making no attempt to hide his mood.

Jason could tell at once that he needed to talk to someone. He came around the desk and sat beside Dick, one leg crossed under him and the other hanging down the side as he faced the boy. "You okay?"

Dick shook his head, his eyes on the Christmas decorations in his hands; two green balls with gold writing on them. No, not writing – names. One ball had the name 'John' painted on it in big looping letters, while the other read 'Mary'. Jason felt his pulse speed up slightly. Weren't those Dick's parents' names?

"My Dad made these," Dick told him softly. "It's a Grayson family tradition to have the name of everyone in the family on a Christmas tree decoration."

"Where's yours?"

Dick indicated with his chin towards the boxes. "Over there somewhere. Mine's red of course," he added, somewhat bitterly. "Robin's colours."

"Did your dad make yours?" Jason asked quietly. He had never heard Dick talk about his family before.

Dick nodded. "My first Christmas here, I made Bruce and Alfred's," he whispered, voice quivering. Hurriedly, he swiped at his eyes. "Sorry," he muttered.

"Hey, you don't ever need to apologise for missing your folks," Jason told him gently.

Dick didn't respond, his eyes remaining glued to the baubles. Jason put a hand on his arm and just waited.

Finally, "Jay, do…do you think my parents would be proud of me?" Dick looked up at him, his eyes suspiciously wet.

Jason immediately shifted closer, putting an arm around Dick's shoulders. "Kiddo, I know they'd be proud of you. Why would you even ask that?"

"Because of what I do as Robin. I know I'm being a hero and saving people and everything, but…after Joker…I don't know…I sometimes wonder if Mom and Dad would be mad or disappointed in me for putting myself in danger."

"Dick, that's insane! You save people's lives! Why would they be disappointed in you?!"

Dick's gaze was on the Christmas decorations once more. "I know it sounds crazy, but…they died and I'm still alive. And I know that they'd want me to keep living…so why do I do something that could very easily get me killed? Jay, I kind of feel like maybe I'm disrespecting their memory or something by going out and fighting crime…like I'm throwing being alive back in their faces, or like I don't value my own life and that would disappoint them." He shrugged. "I don't know."

Jason was stunned. Those were very dark and very deep thoughts for a thirteen-year-old to be having. He had to think for a moment before he responded. "Dick, you got involved in crime fighting to get revenge for your parents' deaths, right?"

"Justice," Dick corrected, glancing up quickly.

Jason gave a small smile at the difference between them. He was all about vengeance, but for Dick, this was about justice. "Kid, right there shows the reason your parents would be proud of you."

"Huh?" Dick looked confused.

"Dick, despite everything you've been through, you still believe in justice. That kind of optimism is a very rare quality – most people in your shoes would turn into bitter idiots who feel sorry for themselves! Take me for example–"

"You're not a bitter idiot!"

Jason smiled. "Maybe not now, but I used to be; it took learning a very hard lesson before I stopped being an ass." Jason didn't mention that it was Dick's near death at the hands of the Joker that had been that lesson; he wasn't sure how Dick would feel about that. "And I still suck at putting people first! But you don't. Even now, you're not thinking about yourself, you're wondering how your parents would feel." He squeezed the boy's shoulder. "Dick, you're probably the most unselfish person I know and you're only thirteen. Trust me, your parents would be very proud of you."

"Thanks, Jay," he said, eyes returning to the baubles in his hands yet again.

Jason nudged him. "You don't sound very convinced."

Dick shrugged.

"I'll take that as a no. Dick, what's brought all this on? Does it have anything to do with Brick last night?"

Dick nodded, not looking at him.

Fucking bastard! "Want to tell me how that ass and your parents are connected?"

"They're not…exactly. It's just…" Dick looked up, his expression wretched. "Brick thought it was hilarious that Joker had done this!" He ripped his sleeve back to reveal the horrible scars once more. "And he looked at me like…like I was insane for still being there! Like I was a little kid who didn't belong! And ever since this –" Dick shook his exposed arm angrily "– everyone has been acting like Robin can't hack it anymore!

"Do you think Robin can't hack it anymore?" Jason asked carefully.

"No! But no one seems to be giving me a chance to prove that – even you and Batman! Don't think I don't know that you spent the last week working overtime on patrol trying to make things easier for me last night."

Jason winced. Guess I wasn't as subtle as I thought. "Guilty as charged. But you know we're only doing it because we care, right?"

"I know. But, Jason, I'm never going to get past what happened with Joker if you guys don't give me a chance to move on. How am I supposed to forget what happened when you keep babying me and making me feel helpless? It's bad enough that I have to remember it every time I take a shower or change clothes!" Scowling, he pulled his sleeve down, hiding the scars once more.

Jason felt a stab of pity. Why the hell hadn't that super club Bruce was a member of found a way to fade those scars? Weren't the League supposed to have some of the brightest minds in the world? He resolved to tackle Bruce about that as soon as he could. "Dick, I'm sorry we've been making you feel like that, neither Bruce or I mean to."

"I know you don't. But now that you know, can you just...stop? Please?"

Jason sighed. "I'll make a deal with you – no more kid gloves when you're Robin. But the overprotection still stands when you're not. That's my job in case you've forgotten."

Dick grinned slightly. "Deal."

"Feel better?"

"A little." He looked up at Jason. "Thanks, Jay."

"Anytime. You know that." Jason squeezed his shoulder before removing his arm. "Now, what are we going to do about this tree?"

"We?" Dick looked hopeful. "You mean you're going to help?"

Jason shrugged. "Why not? I'm here, aren't I? I can't promise I'll be any good though, I've never decorated a tree before. Will that be okay with you, Mr. I'm-not-happy-unless-the-tree-is-perfect?"

"Just fine so long as you take direction well!" Dick shot back. "We don't do shoddy trees here in Wayne Manor."

Jason chuckled. "Whatever. Where do we start?"

"With the right tools," Dick told him with a sly grin, then jumped off the desk and started digging in one of the boxes. "Here we go!" He stood up and held out a Santa hat.

Jason stared at the offensive item. "I am not wearing that!"

"But it's part of the uniform for decorating a tree!"

"I don't care if it's made of gold and can make me invisible! I'm still not putting it on."

"Please, Jason?" Dick begged. "Bruce never wants to decorate the tree and I haven't really had the chance to share Christmas with anyone since…since…"

"Since your folks," Jason finished. Dick nodded.

He was beginning to understand now why Dick made such a big deal out of the Christmas tree. Studying the boy's half-desperate, half-excited expression, Jason sighed. Why the hell was Dick so bloody hard to say no to?

"Okay, fine!" He snatched the hat from Dick's proffered hands. "But, Kid, listen to me; no pictures and no comments…and we don't mention this to anyone. In fact, after today we'll never speak of it again, got it?"

Dick sniggered. "You're such a drama queen, Jay, it's just a hat! Okay, fine!" he added hurriedly as Jason glared. "Not a word to anyone, cross my heart!" He mimed drawing an X across his heart.

Jason gave him one last suspicious look before jamming the stupid hat on his head. "Okay, Short-stuff, your turn. If I'm going to do this then I'm not going to be the only idiot in the room!"

Dick happily complied, snatching his own hat off the table and pulling it down over his dark hair.

Jason rolled his eyes at the insanely cheesy grin on Dick's face. But at least he was smiling. "Alright, Kid, where do we start?"