Cognitive Dissonance

Chapter 16: Incongruent

"We got home safe," Jason said in between pants. He's been dodging the punches Dick was throwing at him. "What's your problem?" he continued with a question.

"That's not the point Jay," Dick answered, throwing another punch. Sometimes, he just wants to really give it a go. Might be how he can get through his brother. "What part of not getting out of the house don't you get?"

"I've been going out whenever I wanted until you came back. What made you think I'm adjusting to your wishes?" Jason dodged yet another punch. He's beginning to think Dick forgot they're just sparring.

To the younger brother's surprise, the detective put his gloved hands down to his sides and gave him a resigned look. "Rachel's in danger, a bad person's searching for her, and it will be a matter of time before he finds who he's looking for," Dick relayed. He wasn't really supposed to give any details about it but he found it necessary to disclose at least this much.

"The guy who killed her mom went back to their house a week after I brought Rachel here," the older brother continued. "That doesn't make sense," Jason responded, finally putting his guard down. "Exactly," Dick said, walking to the nearest bench.

Not that any of them are murderers but wouldn't you come back the next day or even the same week to the location of the crime if you knew one of your targets is still alive? That's how you would finish the job. Unless, he wants her alive. But all the same. Why would he show up three weeks after?

"He needs her alive, and for whatever reason, we still have to find out," Dick supplied as he took off his gloves. "I understand if you don't want me bossing you around, but don't take Rachel with you when you're out. At least not before you've informed me. There's a reason why I asked you to keep an eye on her that day. I already had a hunch he was somehow monitoring the house and the neighbors' but he only showed up again after three weeks."

Dick Grayson told his brother only the truths he thinks Jason can handle. Like the fact that Rachel is in danger. And that it's true he had a feeling that her mother's killer was able to monitor the vicinity without going near it. That was why he took Rachel in when he normally wouldn't. Her absence may very well be the reason why the killer finally turned up in the area again. To get an idea where Rachel went.

He doesn't deal with one case alone. He had to make sure she's safe while he juggled with his work. The best plan he came up with was to bring her to one of the safest places he knows. A place with actual people in it who are capable of keeping someone protected.

"Alright," Jason said as he too, sat on the bench next to his older brother. "I'll make sure to tell you in case I take her out of the house," he added in jest. He knew Dick would rather that doesn't happen until they find a solution to everything surrounding Rachel's situation.

"It's not funny you little shit," Dick responded but he was grinning. "What? In my defense, she was the one who wants to get out of the house with me," Jason said half of the truth. The other half was obviously a lie. The with me part was the truth. He hoped.

This is what Dick Grayson actually feared. Even if he wanted to think of it as just a joke, he believes Jason. There's a certain charm that his younger brother has that makes people drawn to him. No matter if he's irresponsible or reckless. The other person always seems to think, as long as they are responsible and careful, then it will be fine if Jason isn't.

He should know. When Jason first arrived at the manor, they didn't really jive. Then, he just woke up one morning having actual fun for the first time in his life. It was all because the manor has never been the same since his brother came.