Chapter 23: BarbaraSummary:

Dick shares his concerns with Barbara.

Chapter Text

The quiet hum of medical equipment filled the air as Dick Grayson sat across from Barbara Gordon in her rehab center room. The faint light filtering through the window illuminated her sharp, no-nonsense gaze, which was fixed on him. Barbara had that look about her as if she could sense the weight on his shoulders, even though he'd only offered the usual pleasantries since his arrival. His foot tapped nervously, and his eyes were glued to his hands.

"Dick," Barbara's voice cut through the silence, "you've got that look."

He glanced up, a forced smile playing on his lips. "What look?"

"The look you get when something's wrong but you don't know how to start talking about it." She leaned back, folding her arms. "So, what is it? Jason?" Barbara knew him too well, probably better than anybody else/

Dick sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. Jason."

Barbara's brow furrowed, and she straightened in her chair. "What happened? I thought he was still in recovery."

"He is," Dick's voice was tight. "He's been awake for about a week now, but things… they've been bad. Really bad."

Barbara waited, sensing there was more.

"I wasn't there when it happened," Dick began, his voice low, "but I heard the story secondhand from Alfred. Jason woke up, and Bruce tried to talk to him about what happened in the warehouse, about the purification, the Venari drug… everything. But Jason wasn't hearing any of it."

Barbara's eyes darkened at the mention of Venari. "That drug… it destroyed him, didn't it?"

"Yeah," Dick muttered, his fists clenching. "Jason's been through hell because of it. He was barely surviving when Martian Manhunter finally cured him. It stripped him down to nothing but his hindbrain. And now? He's furious. He's not just angry at what was done to him—he's angry at Bruce, at the world. But that's not the worst part."

Barbara leaned in. "What's the worst part?"

Dick sighed heavily, his voice filled with frustration. "Bruce told Jason he couldn't go out in the suit anymore. Not after what happened, not now that he's an omega. He said it was too dangerous, that Jason was too vulnerable. Jason lost it, Barbara. He's already been feeling like he's lost control of everything, and hearing that from Bruce—his alpha—pushed him over the edge."

Barbara nodded slowly, understanding dawning. "Jason's never been one to accept limits, especially not from Bruce."

"Exactly," Dick said, shaking his head. "But then it got worse. Jason kept pushing, saying Bruce couldn't control him. And Bruce… he used his alpha voice on him. Told him to stand down, told him to stop."

Barbara's eyes widened in shock. "Bruce what?"

Dick leaned forward, his voice tight with frustration. "Bruce used his alpha voice. Told Jason to stop arguing, and Jason—he just snapped. Said Bruce was controlling him, treating him like a liability. He said some awful things, Babs. And since that fight, Jason's barely said a word to any of us."

Barbara's face tightened with concern. "That's not good, Dick. Not at all."

"No, it's not," Dick agreed. "Jason's locked himself in his room at the manor. He's barely eaten, barely slept. And now…" He hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "Now his first heat is probably around the corner. And if he goes through that alone, without pack, without anyone—" He trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

"He could die," Barbara whispered, her voice soft but full of worry. "If Jason goes through his first heat without support…"

"I know," Dick said, his voice cracking. "And the worst part is, he's not letting any of us in. Not me, not Bruce, not even Alfred. He's trying to do everything on his own, and I'm terrified that when it hits, he'll be in no state to ask for help."

Barbara took a deep breath, the weight of Dick's words settling between them. "And Bruce? What's he doing about all this?"

Dick let out a bitter laugh. "That's the other problem. Bruce hasn't touched the Venari case since Jason woke up. He's been out on the streets more than ever, and it's like he's using Gotham to avoid dealing with what's happening with Jason. He's hitting harder, being more brutal. He's avoiding the fact that Jason needs him right now. And the Venari case? It's just sitting there, untouched."

"That's not like Bruce," Barbara said softly, her brows knitting together in thought. "He doesn't leave cases hanging, especially not something as dangerous as Venari."

"I think it's because of what happened with Jason," Dick said, his voice low. "Bruce can't face it. He can't face that he let this happen to him. So instead, he's throwing himself into Gotham, trying to fix things the only way he knows how—by fighting. But it's not going to fix anything."

Barbara was silent for a long moment, her mind racing. "Dick," she said finally, "we need to find a way to reach Jason. If he goes into heat alone, if he pushes you all away, it's going to break him. You've got to find a way to get through to him, no matter what."

Dick nodded, though the frustration in his eyes didn't fade. "I know, Babs. I know. But right now, I don't know how to get through to him. He's shut us all out."

Barbara sat back in her chair, her eyes distant as she considered everything Dick had told her. She could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on them both. Jason's condition, his anger, and the way Bruce had handled things—it all felt like a slow-moving disaster.

"Jason always had trouble trusting," she said quietly. "Even before… everything. And now, after what was done to him at the warehouse it's like all those walls he used to have are back up—only stronger."

Dick rubbed his face with both hands, a heavy sigh escaping him. "Yeah. I can't even blame him for it. I'd probably do the same if I were in his shoes. But he can't go through this alone, Babs. He needs us."

Barbara nodded, her mind racing. "Maybe… maybe you can get through to him. You've always had a different relationship with Jason than Bruce did. You were more like a big brother to him, someone he could look up to without all the baggage. Maybe if you try again…"

Dick chuckled, shaking his head as he recounted the incident to Barbara. They sat in her room, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the floor. It had been a long visit, but the conversation kept circling back to Jason.

"So yeah," Dick said, running a hand through his hair. "I forced the door open—figured it was time someone actually made contact—and the first thing that happens? Jason throws a book at my head."

Barbara's eyes widened for a moment before she burst out laughing. "He threw a book at you? That sounds about right."

Dick groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, and it wasn't just any book, Babs. It was War and Peace ."

Barbara grinned. "Well, at least it wasn't something heavier. Could've been a dumbbell."

"Could've knocked me out cold if it had been," Dick muttered, though there was a hint of humor in his voice now. "The guy's got good aim, I'll give him that. But yeah, that's how it went. Forced my way in, took a War and Peace to the head, and then we just… stared at each other. I didn't even get a word in before he told me to get lost."

Barbara leaned back in her chair, shaking her head. "Jason's always had a unique way of expressing himself. I know you're worried, Dick. But maybe Jason just needs time. You can't force him to open up."

Dick nodded, though frustration was still etched in his features. "I know, but with his first heat coming up, he's going to need help whether he likes it or not. And Bruce using his alpha voice on him… that didn't help anything. It was brutal. Bruce hasn't even been home much. He's been hitting the streets, more brutal than ever, trying to avoid everything."

Barbara sighed, rubbing her temples. "That's so like him. Whenever things get too personal, he runs. It's his way of coping."

"Yeah, and it's leaving Jason even more isolated," Dick said, his tone darkening. "He's already dealing with the fallout from the warehouse—trying to figure out if there's anything left of him after everything that happened—and now he feels like Bruce is just… done with him."

Barbara's gaze softened. "Jason's always felt like he had something to prove to Bruce. Like he had to earn his place."

"I know," Dick said, his voice thick with concern. Bruce had that effect on people. It was part of Dick's own falling out with him.

"Probably better than anyone," Dick's voice was heavy with worry. "But right now, he's just angry. He doesn't know how to deal with what's happening to him, and Bruce isn't helping. None of us are, really."

Barbara watched him, her voice quiet when she spoke. "You care about him a lot, don't you?"

Dick let out a heavy sigh. "Yeah, I do. He's my brother. I just wish I knew how to help him."

Barbara reached out, resting a hand on Dick's arm. "You're doing the best you can, Dick. Just keep trying. Even if Jason pushes you away, just being there for him will mean more than he lets on."

Dick let out a half-hearted laugh. "You know, he let Ace in, though."

Barbara raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Of course he did. Ace has that way about him."

Dick laughed a little, shaking his head. "Yeah, I mean, it's not like Ace is going to sit there and ask him about his feelings. He's just… there. Quiet, steady, no questions. I guess that's easier for Jason right now."

Barbara smiled, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Well, it's hard to be mad at a dog. Ace just gets to waltz in without all the baggage the rest of us bring."

"True," Dick groaned. "And it's not like Ace is going to tell him to stop being so stubborn, or argue with him about his choices. Jason probably finds it a relief."

"No," Barbara agreed, "And he's certainly better company than Bruce."

Barbara raised an eyebrow, her fingers tapping lightly against the side of her chair. "Have you talked to anyone else? Maybe Jason's friends or someone from the League? He might not let you in, but there's got to be someone he'd listen to."

Dick sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "We haven't really reached out. Bruce… well, he's not exactly asking for help, and I don't think Jason would appreciate a whole crowd showing up."

Barbara tilted her head. "What about Dinah? She used to do therapy work with metas and League members. She's helped plenty of people through their issues. Do you think she'd be willing to talk to Jason?"

Dick's expression brightened for a second, before he let out a short laugh. "Dinah would probably be great, but Jason's not going to let her in either. He's got his walls up higher than ever. The second she started talking therapy, he'd shut her down."

"Yeah, I figured," Barbara said with a small smile. "But it was worth a shot. Is there anyone he respects, though? Someone who could at least get him to listen?"

Dick thought for a moment, then chuckled. "Respect? I don't know about that, but you remember the massive crush Jason used to have on Wonder Woman?"

Barbara's eyes widened slightly before she laughed. "Oh god, I forgot about that! He tried so hard to be cool around her, but he couldn't stop tripping over his own words."

Dick grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Exactly. I doubt anything's changed. If anyone could get him to listen, it might just be Diana. Not that she's available for therapy sessions, but… you know, it's a thought."

Barbara shook her head, still smiling. "Well, desperate times call for desperate measures. If you can't get through to him, maybe a visit from Wonder Woman would."

Dick laughed, but the worry in his eyes remained. "Yeah, maybe. And thanks, Barbara. For everything."

She gave him a warm smile. "Always, Dick."

Barbara raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "You know, I've got my laptop here," she said casually, leaning back in her chair. "I could always hack into Bruce's files. See if I can dig up something on Venari."

Dick blinked, half-joking as he replied, "Babs, you know Bruce has the world's best security systems in place."

Barbara's smirk widened. "You really think that's going to stop me? Please. It's like riding a bike."

He shook his head with a laugh, though there was a hint of hope in his eyes. "Yeah, I guess if anyone can break through his firewalls, it's you. But what can you do without access to the Batcave? All his data is locked away there."

Barbara shrugged, her eyes lighting up with determination. "I may not have access to his lab, but I can still work with whatever's stored in his remote files. Bruce doesn't leave a single case file without backup somewhere. If there's anything we can use to help these victims, I'll find it."

"Hand me my laptop. It's over in the corner." Dick did as she asked, and Barbara was quick to open it up and type in a long password, one Dick was not sure he could ever memorize.

As Barbara's fingers danced across the keyboard, her brow furrowed in concentration, she kept one ear tuned to Dick, who paced the room. She knew how much this weighed on him—on all of them, really. Jason wasn't just another person who needed saving; he was family.

"You know, we were lucky Martian Manhunter was able to help Jason," Barbara said, not looking away from her screen. "But that's not a viable solution for anyone else. If anyone else is out there suffering the effects of Venari…"

Dick stopped pacing and turned to her. "You're right. J'onn did something incredible, but it's not like we have him on standby to fix the rest of Gotham if that drug spreads."

"Exactly," Barbara replied, her voice more serious now. "We need something more permanent, something that doesn't rely on psychic intervention or alien abilities. The effects of Venari are unlike anything I've seen. And if it's not contained, the fallout could be worse than we're imagining."

Her hands paused briefly on the keyboard as she glanced at Dick. "This is why I need to find something, anything, in Bruce's files. I know he must have gathered data. Maybe there's a clue in there, something that could help us develop a more permanent cure."

"You think Bruce already has something?" Dick asked, his tone hopeful but laced with skepticism. "I mean, if he had a lead, wouldn't he be following it?"

Barbara pursed her lips. "Bruce is methodical. Even if he's emotionally compromised with Jason, he would've documented every aspect of Venari and its effects. If anyone has gathered intel on the drug's long-term dangers, it's him. We just need to get to it."

Dick crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. "And you really think you'll find something he missed?"

Barbara shot him a quick smile, though her tone remained serious. "I'm not looking for something Bruce missed. I'm looking for something he overlooked because he's too close to it. He's been distracted by Jason, by everything that's happened, and he's not thinking clearly. And we need every angle we can get."

She continued typing for a moment before glancing back at him. "I'll start by looking into any research Bruce might have started, any connections to Venari, its manufacturers, or distribution. He might've hit a dead end, but that doesn't mean we have to."

Dick watched her, his expression softening with gratitude. "We need this, Babs. If we don't find a solution soon, who knows how far this will spread?"

Barbara grinned, "Not much further if I have any say. We've helped Jason, and I won't give up until we help the other victims as well."

"Thanks," Dick muttered, his gaze focused on her. "For doing this. For always stepping in when we need you."

Barbara shot him a small, reassuring smile. "We're family, Dick. You know I've always got your back—Jason's too."

She turned back to the screen, her face determined. "Now, let's see what Bruce has been hiding from us."

Dick stood up, stretching out his shoulders. "It's not like Bruce to keep things quiet for this long. Especially something this dangerous."

Barbara's eyes narrowed at the screen as she worked. "Exactly. Which is why I'm convinced there's more to this than we've seen. Venari wasn't just an accident—whoever made it knew exactly what they were doing."

"Do you think we're looking at a larger conspiracy?" Dick asked, crossing his arms as he watched her scroll through data.

Barbara shrugged. "Could be. Bruce might not have seen it that way at first, but I bet there's a connection between the Venari drug and something bigger. It's too sophisticated, too targeted, for it to be random."

Dick's jaw tightened. "If someone's behind this… we need to find them. Before anyone else ends up like Jason."

"We will," Barbara said confidently, tapping away at her keyboard. "And if Bruce won't chase down the leads, we'll do it ourselves. Starting with whatever I can dig up in his files."

A few moments of silence passed, the weight of their shared concern hanging between them. Dick finally broke the quiet, his voice soft but resolute. "We're going to fix this. For Jason. For everyone."

Barbara nodded; her focus unwavering as she worked. "We'll get there. We just need to follow the trail Bruce left and see where it takes us."

She gave Dick a sidelong glance. "You might want to get some rest while I dig through this. I'm going to be here a while."

Dick shook his head, a wry smile on his lips. "I'm not going anywhere. If you're in this, so am I."

Barbara's smile softened, and they settled into a quiet rhythm, the hum of her computer and the unspoken promise to do whatever it took to help Jason filling the room.