Hi all! Sorry I missed last week; I was super busy finishing my Master's thesis. Yikes! But it's all finished and submitted now! So now I can refocus on my writing.
For those of you who pointed out the missed chapter, THANK YOU! I've fixed that now. What is now Chapter 12 is the chapter that was missing. Hopefully everything makes sense now! And you all get two chapters for the price of one today.
As always, enjoy and don't forget to review!
Chapter 14: A New Normal?
Harry woke slowly, a little at a time, in a way that was both comfortable and wholly unfamiliar. First he registered warm and comfortable, two words he had almost never used together. Then he registered safe and soft. Safe was familiar; safe was Jason's arms around him. Soft was less familiar. Soft was the floor in Tim's room and, when he was truly exhausted, the nest of blankets in their base. Last, Harry registered quiet. It was never quiet in Crime Alley. But here, the only sounds Harry could hear were Jason's soft breathing by his ear and an almost-indistinguishable hum that might be a fan or the air conditioner.
Slowly, Harry let his eyes flicker open. Blinking into focus (as much as his eyes ever could), Harry could make out a red blur. Tilting his head up, he saw the familiar blur that was Jason's face. And as Harry shifted, Jason made a soft noise of protest and tightened his arms around him.
Harry couldn't help it; he giggled softly. At the sound, Jason mumbled something and opened his eyes. Harry giggled again at the blank look on Jason's face.
"Whasso funny?" Jason grumbled.
"You," Harry teased, poking him in the chest.
Jason growled playfully and lightly headbutted him. Then Jason turned his head and tensed slightly.
"Oh."
"Hmm?" Harry looked around, and his mouth opened slightly. "Oh. We-we're in Mr. Wayne's house," he said quietly. A faint sense of unease settled over him.
Then three things happened simultaneously.
Harry's stomach growled. A knock on the door made him jump. And a voice spoke.
"Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes. I do suggest you come if you would like it to be hot."
Light footsteps faded away. Jason sat up, rubbing his face. "Been a while since I had breakfast," he said neutrally.
"And I didn't have to wake up early to cook it," Harry marveled.
Jason poked him in the side. "Then go get dressed and we'll head down together."
Harry nodded and got to his feet, then padded across the room, into the hall, and then into the room next door.
It was still just as grand and overwhelming as before. But maybe he was getting used to it, because the chair—with another throw blanket and pillow just like in Jason's room—suddenly looked like a really nice place to sit and read. Or be read to.
They'd have to go back to their base for Jason's books.
And Harry's bracelet.
And their hoodies. Harry had left his behind yesterday because it had been so hot, and so had Jason, but it felt wrong not to have it with him. It was the very first piece of clothing he'd ever chosen for himself, and Jason's red one had seen him through some of his hardest moments. Harry didn't want to leave either of them behind.
Maybe they could go after breakfast. They knew where the bus stop was. And they knew how to slip on board without paying the fare. It would only take an hour, maybe.
Harry nodded to himself. Surely Mr. Wayne had work, and it shouldn't be too hard to sneak past the butler.
That decided, Harry went to the bathroom, splashed water on his face just because he could, and brushed his teeth just because he could. He noticed his old clothes and the used towel were gone. Harry was a little sad to see them go, but it was okay. His shoes, thankfully, where right where he'd left them, hidden behind the open bathroom door.
Harry changed into the jeans and t-shirt still on the armchair. The t-shirt had something written on it, with a small picture of what was probably an elephant. It was too blurry to make out properly, though.
Maybe…maybe he could convince Mr. Wayne to buy him new glasses? It would be really nice to be able to read properly again. Maybe he could even get contacts?
Then Harry shook himself. No. He couldn't get greedy. Mr. Wayne had said he wanted them safe and happy. Harry could be safe and happy without glasses. (Without the huge bedroom, too, but that seemed non-negotiable.)
Dressed, Harry started for the door, but he still felt like he was missing something. He glanced down at his bare feet.
Shoes. Just. Just in case he had to run. And he didn't want Alfred to throw them away or something because they were so beat-up. Harry pulled on a pair of socks—which had apparently been left with the clothes, because they'd fallen to the floor when he picked them up—and then shoved his feet into his boots. His toes bumped up against the top, but that was fine.
Finally dressed and ready, Harry left the room to find Jason waiting for him. He was wearing jeans and a Wonder Woman t-shirt, and his jeans were tucked into his boots. Jason greeted him with a smile, then reached out a hand.
Grinning, Harry took it, nearly skipping as they headed downstairs. This house was so big and fancy. But somehow it felt homey. And with Jason beside him, it felt like everything was going right. Maybe, if Harry was really good and wasn't a burden and earned his keep, he'd be allowed to stay forever.
If not, he'd run away to Tim's house.
When they got to the last set of stairs, that led down into a long, wide hallway with doors off either side, Harry heard a click and a door open further ahead. Harry was pretty sure the front door was that way, though Mr. Wayne hadn't shown them. (Was it so they couldn't run away?)
Three steps from the bottom, a new figure appeared in front of them, calling, "I'm home!"
Harry froze. Jason bumped into him, then steadied them both.
The new person—who had long dark hair in a ponytail and wore a dark blue collared t-shirt and jeans—froze, too.
"Who are you?" Jason and the new person asked at the same time.
The new person blinked, then smiled. "I'm Richard, but I go by Dick."
Jason snorted.
Harry's eyes widened, mouthing the words "Dick Grayson?" He looked nothing like Harry had imagined. (Though from Tim's long, eager rants, Harry had somehow been picturing an older, cooler version of Jason. Not that Jason wasn't cool.)
"What are your names?" Dick asked, still smiling.
Harry opened his mouth, then hesitated. Jason nudged him. "Say hello, fanboy," he teased in a whisper.
Harry scowled and elbowed him back. "I'm Harry," he announced with more confidence than he felt. "And this is Jason."
"I can introduce myself, little hawk," Jason muttered, smiling despite himself.
"You were too slow," Harry muttered back.
"Nice to meet you, Harry, Jason. Come on; let's go get breakfast!" Dick beckoned them forward, then practically skipped into the dining room.
Harry and Jason hesitantly followed.
"Hi, Alfred!" Dick called brightly. "Was Bruce ever gonna tell me he'd picked up some adorable strays?"
Jason scowled. "I'm not adorable," he muttered.
"Master Dick!" Alfred emerged from the kitchen with a platter in hand. "We didn't expect you back for two more days."
"We finished early. Now where did these two cuties come from?"
"'M not cute," Harry protested.
Dick turned and grinned at him. "Sorry, kiddo, but you are."
"I shall let Master Bruce explain himself. He should be down at any moment. Suffice it to say that they are indeed strays that he, shall we say, took a shine to while on duty last night."
Dick frowned slightly. "So they know?"
"That Bruce Wayne is Batman and you're Robin? Yep!" Harry said brightly.
Dick blinked twice, then shrugged. "Okay, then."
Alfred merely nodded, then set the platter on the table. Harry's mouth watered when he saw the bacon and the breakfast potatoes and the fresh strawberries and cream.
"Help yourselves, lads," Alfred said, gesturing to the breakfast spread. "If you'd like anything to drink besides milk or tea—"
"Orange juice?" The words were out of Harry's mouth before he could think. Then he clapped his hands over his mouth, his eyes wide and fearful.
Alfred didn't even blink. He might have even smiled. "Coming right up, young sir."
Harry held his breath, his eyes traveling to Dick. The older boy didn't seem to have noticed, already digging in to his loaded plate.
Harry then glanced at Jason. He sort of shrugged, but he also looked just a little wary. Then, seeing that Harry wasn't starting yet, Jason proceeded to load both their plates with a reasonable helping of everything. He made a point of eating first, his eyes on Harry. Harry hesitantly sank into his chair and took his first bite.
He almost moaned at the explosion of flavor, but caught himself. He still ate eagerly, half-hunched over his plate to protect his coveted meal. Alfred placed the requested glass of orange juice next to his plate, and Harry eagerly took a greedy drink.
Too soon, his plate was empty. Mournfully, Harry nibbled at the last bits of his strawberry, then pushed away from the table.
Jason was finishing up, and Dick was working on his second plate. Harry stood by awkwardly, not sure what to do. On the streets, he'd never had to wait for anyone to finish eating. And at the Dursleys, he'd be collecting dishes.
That was something he could do, at least. Carefully, Harry picked up his plate and cup (which was glass!) and carried them into the kitchen. Biting his lip, he glanced around and spotted the sink. Alfred was further down, tending to the coffee pot.
Harry tipped his plate and cup into the sink, then, standing on his tiptoes in order to reach, he turned on the water and grabbed the soap.
"Oh!"
Harry squeaked and dropped the bottle of soap, spilling it all over the sink and counter. His eyes wide, Harry scrambled to clean it up. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make a mess. I'll clean it up, I promise. Please, don't—"
"Calm yourself, lad." Alfred gently took the soap bottle from his hand and set it aside.
Harry flinched back, arms half-raised to protect his head before he caught himself.
Alfred took a step back, out of Harry's space. "Easy, Master Harry. I have no intention of punishing you for a mistake. Now, I daresay we have enough soap now. Why don't you fetch the rest of the dishes, and I'll start washing."
Harry nodded. "I will. I'll be careful, sir. I promise. I won't let you down."
"On the contrary, I imagine you'll do us all proud," Alfred replied.
Harry squeaked, his cheeks heating. Then he hurried off to the dining room.
There was still food on the center platters, so Harry left them. He picked up Jason's plate first, who gave him an odd look. Then Harry collected Dick's plate and silverware. Dick blinked at him in confusion, then shrugged and let him, even stacking his silverware onto the plate to make it easier for Harry. His hands full, Harry headed back to the kitchen. He'd come back for the glasses. As Harry placed the dishes on the counter next to the sink, which was now full of soapy water, Alfred gave him a nod of thanks. Harry squeaked again and hurried back for the cups.
When he returned to the dining room, Mr. Wayne was there, serving himself breakfast. Harry froze, his breath catching. Did Dick tell him that he'd interrupted Alfred? Was Mr. Wayne angry that Harry had already eaten before him? Would Alfred tattle on him? It was a new day; had Mr. Wayne changed his mind? Were they about to be thrown back onto the streets?
Mr. Wayne looked up at Harry's entrance—and smiled in greeting. (No adult had ever smiled at him in greeting before!) "Good morning, Harry. Are you Alfred's helper this morning? Dick said you were collecting the dishes."
"Y-yes, sir," Harry stuttered.
Mr. Wayne waved dismissively. "No need to call me 'sir.' Just Bruce is fine. The same goes for you, too, Jason."
Jason froze at being addressed, then he nodded jerkily.
Mr. Wayne—Bruce—then turned back to Harry. "Why don't you leave the dishes to Alfred now and sit down? We have some things to discuss."
"Do I finally get to learn why I came home to two random and adorable kids?" Dick asked cheekily.
Bruce made a noncommittal noise.
"Come on, Bruce. I should at least know where my new little brothers came from."
Harry gaped and Jason's eyes widened.
"Now hold on. I haven't adopted them—"
"Yet," Dick finished, grinning. "It's only a matter of time. But if you don't, then I will."
"You're eighteen."
"That's old enough to adopt."
Bruce made a noise that was half annoyed, half resigned. "We can continue that discussion later. All you need to know is that I caught them stealing my tires and—"
"Whoa, whoa. Wait. Your tires? As is the tires off the Batmobile?" Dick gave a low whistle, looking at Harry and Jason with new respect. " Damn. Okay. That settles it. I'm adopting them."
"Dick."
Harry tensed at the tone of voice . So did Jason.
Dick just grinned and mimed zipping his mouth shut and tossing away the key.
Bruce sighed. "Like I said. They didn't want to go to CPS, who would have separated them. So…I offered to bring them home."
Dick blinked. "You guys aren't actually related?" he asked.
" Blood is overrated," Jason said fiercely with a meaningful glance at Harry. "Harry's my brother in every way that matters. Screw blood relations. He's mine."
Harry blinked rapidly and moved to Jason's side. Jason automatically pulled him into a side hug. It was a little awkward, because Jason sitting was actually (just barely) shorter than Harry standing, but they made it work.
Dick's eyes got suspiciously wet. "Okay, that's adorable. I don't care what you say, Bruce. We're keeping them."
Bruce rolled his eyes and elected to drop the subject. " Anyway. If you boys are feeling up to it, I thought we could go shopping today. Get you your own clothes and some things of your own to spruce up your rooms."
Harry shook his head. "Th-the room is fine as it is. And…and we don't mind used clothes. As-as long as you don't need them anymore." He glanced hesitantly at Dick. "We—we don't want to be a bother," Harry finished quietly.
Dick smiled and waved dismissively. "I outgrew those ages ago. But as cute as you look in my old clothes, you really do need some things of your own. You're swimming in that t-shirt, kiddo."
"And it's no bother. As you can see, I certainly have money to spare." Bruce gestured at the grand dining room. "It would be my pleasure to get you boys anything you want to feel at home here."
Harry glanced at Jason and then lightly tugged on his woven bracelet. Jason's eyes widened in realization, and then he nodded.
"Then…can we go back to our base? We…there are a few things we don't want to leave behind. If…if we can get those things, then…" Harry glanced at Jason again, his face slightly pleading. Jason nodded again, squeezing Harry's hand in reassurance. "If we can get those things, then you can buy us whatever you want."
Bruce hesitated. "I don't know. Even during the day, I don't like the idea of you boys running around Crime Alley."
"It's not running around," Jason interjected. "You drop us off, we go get our stuff, and we meet you back up. No big deal."
"I can go with them," Dick volunteered. At Harry's look of surprise, Dick smiled softly. "There are a few things I wish I'd been able to go back for when…well, after that night. But they rushed me out in a hurry and I was only able to grab a jacket and my stuffed elephant."
Bruce frowned slightly. "I wish you would have told me. I would have tracked the circus down for you."
Dick waved him off. "We didn't have much anyway. You don't acquire a lot of stuff when you live on the road. And none of it was really that special, in hindsight. But having something else…might have made those first months easier." He offered Harry and Jason another soft smile.
Bruce sighed. "All right. If you agree to Dick accompanying you to your…base, then I'll allow it."
Harry smiled tentatively. "T-thank you, Mr—I mean, B-Bruce."
Harry watched Bruce melt at the smile and the soft words. Jason snickered softly.
Dick choked back a laugh, catching Harry's gaze. Dick's eyes glinted with mischief, and Harry smiled ever so slightly back.
"All right, then. Go ahead and get ready, and we'll leave in about ten minutes."
Harry and Jason exchanged a glance. "We're ready."
Dick chuckled. "Let me put my bag away. But we'll be waiting on Bruce."
Bruce gave Dick a longsuffering look, then left the table.
Dick gave the two younger boys another quick smile, then he hurried out, too.
As if on cue, Alfred returned and began collecting the rest of the dishes. Harry jumped up to help, but Alfred held up a hand.
"I appreciate your eagerness to assist. But it is literally my job to pick up after Master Bruce and Master Dick."
"C-can I help anyway?" Harry asked hesitantly. "It feels…wrong not to."
"Just this once, then, I suppose. Until you're more settled. I daresay I don't know what kind of background you come from, but I do wish to ensure the both of you feel as comfortable here as possible."
"Thank you, Mr. Pennyworth," Harry said quietly.
"Alfred will do, lad. Why don't you collect the silverware for me?"
Harry nodded and jumped to comply. Jason gave him a bemused look, but said nothing.
Ten minutes later, the table was cleared, and Bruce and Dick had returned, both in different clothes and Bruce without the shadow of stubble from before.
"Ready, boys?"
Harry and Jason both nodded. Harry grasped Jason's hand as they followed the other two toward the front door.