It started that summer

Party Crasher

I groaned as I slowly came to, wincing in pain and dusting off my black jeans. My brown leather jacket was caked in layers of grime. "Guess I must've passed out," I muttered to myself, shaking off the disorientation. I glanced around and decided a drink was in order. The old wooden floor creaked under my weight as I moved to retrieve a hidden box from a secret stash. Inside, I found my backup gear—a tight-fitting suit and a helmet. I reloaded my guns and holstered them, concealing my identity before hopping on my bike for some fresh air.

The wind felt good against my face as I sped through the streets. I made a quick detour to my favorite bar, the open sign glowed invitingly through the window. Inside, Mikey greeted me with his usual enthusiasm. His white hair was slicked back and his glasses crooked, but his smile was as warm as ever.

"Red Hood! About time you showed up! I owe you big for helping me out last week," he said, setting down a beer. I slid onto a barstool, taking in the familiar surroundings. The maroon wall was framed with my photo, proudly declaring me as their "Most Valuable Customer."

"Been better," I admitted with a sigh. "But I'm here now. How's the family?"

"Lisa graduated from kindergarten!" Mikey beamed, showing me photos on his phone. I chuckled, feeling a bit of warmth at the normalcy. Mikey, despite his rough exterior, was the closest thing I had to a family outside the Bat family.

Victoria, always glamorous in her bright purple lipstick, joined us. "Finally decided to show up, huh? Haven't found me a boyfriend yet, I see."

"Hey Vicky, I've got my own daddy issues. Can't take on yours too," I winked. "You finally ditch Sammy?"

"Dropped him like a hot potato," she said with a laugh. "Want your usual?"

"Actually, I'm good. But thanks."

Her eyes widened. "You're turning down Mickey's Big Bacon Burger? That's unheard of! You sure you're alright?"

"Just had a rough day," I said, trying to brush it off.

Victoria, sensing something was up, took my untouched beer and disappeared into the back. Mikey leaned in, his voice gentle. "You know, people with that look on their face usually have family issues. Talking to them might be better than bottling it up."

I huffed, "Thanks for the advice. I think I'll take that drink after all."

As I took a deep swig, Victoria reappeared with another drink. "Drinking away your problems won't solve anything," she said, placing it down.

"Neither will facing them," I retorted, chugging the drink. "I'll see you two later."I slipped on my helmet and left, mentally preparing for what lay ahead. 

*Back at the Manor*

My phone buzzed with a call from Kori. "Hey, babe," I answered.

"My trip is taking longer than expected. My sister's causing trouble," she said, clearly exhausted.

"I'll take you to that restaurant you like as soon as you're back," I promised.

Her tired voice softened. "I love you, Dick."

"I love you too," I replied, about to add more when I noticed Jason stumbling through the door. His clothes were soaked, his jacket covered in black smoke and red stains. His head was bowed, tears glistening in his eyes.

"Jason!" I called, rushing to him. He winced, pushing me away. "I'm fine," he mumbled, walking past me. "Just give me some space."

"Okay, little wing," I sighed, watching him disappear down the hall. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong. I paced at the bottom of the stairs, anxiety gnawing at me. Is it because of Dad?

Just then, Jason appeared, buttoning his black shirt. "Don't you want to swim?" I asked, trying to break the tension.

"I've had enough action for one day," he replied, rubbing his forehead.

"Are you okay?" I pressed.

"Just a few drunks on Taylor and Roger's street," he said, grabbing a pastry from the table. "I didn't realize I was so hungry." He chuckled.

I moved into his view. "That's not what I asked—"

"Did Alfred make these? They're pretty good," Jason interrupted, holding out a pastry.

"Jason—"

"More for me," he shrugged, taking a bite.

"Jason!" I insisted. He finally faced me, his eyes troubled.

"I want to be okay. God, for once I just want to be," he said, his voice cracking.

I placed a hand on his shoulder, but he shrugged it off. "You'll be okay," I reassured him. "Maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, but you'll get there. And when you're not okay, I'll be here for you. It's okay to have feelings. We carry so much that we forget to take a break."

Jason's shoulders shook, and he seemed to struggle with his emotions. "The cake," he murmured, his gaze falling on a cake box from Kate's Bakery.

"I SAID PAUSE!" Tim burst in, soaking wet. Damian laughed, smacking him with a pool noodle.

"Greyson!" Damian demanded with a smile. "We never finished our game—" He noticed Jason and shifted uncomfortably. Tim, puzzled, looked at me for answers.

Jason swayed unsteadily, pulling out a small box and tossing it to Damian. "Happy Birthday, kid."

"Thank you..." Damian's voice trailed off as he stared at the gift.

"We're about to sing happy birthday. Why don't you make sure the desserts are ready? We'll be right out," I said, trying to keep the situation under control. Tim nodded and led Damian out.My phone beeped with a message, and I glanced at it, panicked. "Jason, what the hell is going on?" I demanded.

Jason, rubbing his temples, looked at me with frustration. "What's the problem? I gave the kid a present and showed up."

I showed him a video on my phone. "Explain why there are five dead men on the street you came from! This isn't how we do things!"

Jason snatched the phone from me. "You and Bruce with your stupid rules—just give it a rest! I've done everything you asked!"

"We don't kill!"

"Maybe you should! Maybe if you did, people would still be alive. Isn't that right, Circus Boy?"

The anger flared inside me. "Jason," I warned, clenching my fists.

"You know it. You know how stupid it is—"

"Jason—"

"You know how many—"

"SHUT UP!"

"Make me," Jason sneered, his anger mirroring mine.

I lunged at him, and we both crashed to the floor. I grabbed his collar, shaking him. "Dick!" Dad's voice thundered. He stormed in, separating us.

I looked into Dad's concerned eyes and Jason's defiant stare. I released my grip, taking a deep breath. "You should go," I said.

Jason sneered. "This place is suffocating anyway," he said, pushing past Dad and slamming the door behind him.

I slammed my hands on the table, frustrated. "Dammit!"

Dad placed a calming hand on my shoulder. "What's going on?"

I pulled out my phone, showing him the video. "We can't keep covering for him. The police are all over this. We've talked about it, and he keeps repeating the same mistakes."

Dad turned off the video, his expression solemn. "I appreciate everything you've done. Jason's just... having a harder time than any of us imagined adjusting to everything."

"And he doesn't know how to handle it," I sighed. "I handled this terribly."

Dad smiled gently. "Trust me, I've handled worse. You'll make up. You always do. But for now, Damian isn't letting you do anything until you finish that game. Thank you for everything you do for our family."

I managed a grateful grin. "Anything for you, Dad."