Light Amidst the Chaos

Ch 3

About 4 years ago

I ran all the way to Wayne Manor. My shoes, clothes, and hair were soaked. My face wet with tears and rainwater, I was freezing. I could've easily manipulated the water away from me, but I felt like I deserved to suffer. My mom blamed me for my sister getting hurt on a mission, when in reality it was my sister's own fault.

We were fighting off some of Scarecrow's goons when all of a sudden my sister went flying and hit a wall. Her head split open but she was gonna be fine. I took it as a sign to retreat and when I got home, I was instantly to blame. My sister tried to stick up for me but my mother was too freaked out to listen.

I found myself climbing the side of the building up to Jason's room. I know he doesn't like me, but he's really the only friend I have. I couldn't think of another place to go. Besides, at least if Bruce saw me he would take me in for the night. Either way, I just needed to get out of my house.

I knocked on the window a few times. I heard footsteps and heard the window unlock.

"The fuck are you doing? Are you nuts?" Jason snapped, pulling me inside.

The warmth of his room engulfed me. To say it was messy would be an understatement. It was very Jason, no doubt about it. I was just happy to get out of the rain.

"I-I had to get o-out." I managed. Between the crying and the shivering, I'm shocked I was able to talk.

"You dumbass." Jason mumbled as he left the room. He returned a few minutes later with a towel. "Dry off before you flood the carpet." He threw it at me.

I caught it, "Thanks." I whispered.

I started to dry off as best I could. It was hard to do considering my clothes were soaked. I was too cold to use my powers to warm myself up.

I was busy taking my shoes off and barely even noticed the shuffling in the room. I was trying to block out Jason because I knew he was upset. I didn't want to make him more upset, I was already worn out from the fight with my mom. I wasn't in the mood to argue with Jason.

"Your dad'll get pissed if he knew I let you stay in that." I heard Jason say.

I looked up and saw him standing there with a t shirt, boxers, and sweatpants.

"Thanks." I mumbled.

Jason turned around and allowed me to change. After my pants getting stuck on my legs and nearly slipping on the floor, I managed to change into dry clothes. I put my wet ones over some furniture to dry before wringing out my hair with the towel.

"The hell are you doing out in this shitshow?" Jason asked, sitting on his bed.

I sighed and looked down at the ground. "Charlotte got hurt and my mom thinks it was my fault."

"Was it?"

"No."

"Why be upset about it then?"

"Cause Jason," I snapped, "Charlotte could've died! Her powers are useless in this weather! Don't you get that?" I huffed and ran a hand over my face. "I should've had her back better and now she has stitches in her head because I fucked up."

"Is she gonna be okay?" Jason asked, standing up from the bed.

"Yeah." I replied, taking a deep breath. "But she should only have a few cuts and bruises." I shook my head, looking at the ground. I felt the tears well up again. "There was so much blood."

I heard Jason get up from the bed and I heard him walk up to me. I lifted my head up and looked at him. For someone who acts like they hate me, he's showing a lot of concern on his face. I couldn't help myself, I just wrapped my arms around him. He stiffened a lot but seemed to relax as I started to cry.

"She'll be okay." He whispered in my ear. "Just let it out."

"I'm sorry." I mumbled, trying to calm myself.

Present

"Holy shit!" Jason exclaimed, a smile forming on his face. "The fuck are you doing here?"

I ran to him and hugged him tightly. I felt like I haven't seen him in ages and now I'm hugging him. I felt him hug back just as tightly, his chest vibrating from his laughing. I felt better in his arms, I always do. Jason gave the best hugs in my opinion. Even though not very many people get to experience them.

"Long story," I replied, "I missed you, asshat." I pulled away and punched him in the shoulder.

"Uncle J!" Maverick exclaimed, running to Jason.

"Sup, little man?" Jason greeted him, picking him up.

Maverick loved Jason, Jason loved Maverick. It took a year after the kid was born for Jason to warm up to him. It was only when he gave up trying to stop the little guy from following him everywhere that he gave him a shot. Since then, Jason's been Maverick's hero. The kid idolized him.

Jason was one of the biggest assholes I've ever met in my entire life. Impulsive, egotistical, and hated being told what to do. He would listen to Bruce but even getting him to do that was like pulling teeth. However, he was also sweet and cared about people. He was thoughtful and oddly very good with children.

Maverick just idolized Jason. Everytime we would visit Bruce or Bruce would visit us, the kid would be attached to Jason the entire time. Always wanting to wrestle, always wanting to play cops and robbers, and always wanting to hear Jason's stories. A lot of which are exaggerated but Maverick loves them.

"I'm guessing Dick didn't tell you?" I asked, leaning against the table.

Jason looked at me, "Only that we were getting company." He studied my face for a second before raising an eyebrow. "What happened?"

I sighed and looked down at the ground, "Mom, dad, and Charlotte are gone forever." I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "Burned carpeting, blood literally everywhere, and to make things so much better, Maverick saw the entire thing." I shook my head and ran a hand over my face. "I wasn't even home."

"Hey Maverick, do you like video games?" I heard Garfield pipe up.

"Mario Kart!" Maverick cheered.

"Why don't we go play a game? I bet I'll beat you." Garfield offered, smiling at the child.

"No way!" Maverick exclaimed as Jason set him down. He grabbed Garfield's hand. "Come on!" He pulled him.

Garfield looked at me, "I'll keep an eye on him."

"Thank you." I replied, giving him a small smile.

Garfield smiled in return and let Maverick pull him away. I looked at Jason and took a deep breath. Jason knew I was about to break down because he just went up to me and hugged me close. I've been holding it together so I wouldn't upset Maverick. It all just left my body as I cried.

"I've got you." Jason whispered, rubbing my back.

"There was blood...e-everywhere." I whispered, my grip tightening on his jacket.

"You need some rest." I heard Dick's voice from behind me. "We'll talk later but for right now, I think it's best you take it easy."

"Any idea who could've done this?" Jason asked.

"A few." Dick replied. "Bruce is working on it."

I pulled away from Jason and wiped my eyes. He rubbed my shoulder gently and I looked at Dick. He gave me a sympathetic look before nodding to the hallway.

Dick was always trying to be my older brother. He was so bossy but I knew he was right. I needed to rest. I was exhausted, hungry, and my mind was racing a million miles an hour. I backed away from Jason and made my way down the hall.

"I'll check on you later." Jason called as I walked down the hall.

Maybe if I get lucky I just won't wake up.