Brothers In Arms (Batfamily) - Completed

Chapter 3 ~ Act of War

"Red Robin, you take all the left side of the docks, I take the right side" Dick said with a panicked tone that he was trying to hide (but wasn't successful at doing it at all). As he was putting his black domino mask on, Tim's hand stopped him.

"Dick! Knowing Jason he must already be far from the docks now!" the young man nearly yelled as he looked at his brother straight in the eyes. Ever since Dick got Barbara's call, he was completely panicked even though she had assured him that his brother was alive. He had rushed with his car through Gotham's street, hitting nearly two people at top speed and running all the red lights.

"As much as I hate to say that, I agree with Drake," Damian said as he was sitting on a chair near the batcomputer, Titus standing just next to him. Dick and Tim both turned their heads towards the young boy with a surprised look on their faces. He simply gave a shrug and patted his dog's large head.

"So what do you both suggest ?" Dick asked coldly while he crossed his arms over his chest, "I'm sure as hell that this idiot is bleeding all his blood out in the streets right now."

"I am sure that Master Jason is reasonable enough to know that if he needs medical assistance he just has to come here, even if he wishes to leave right after," a voice said from upstairs. Alfred showed up a few seconds later, with Bruce by his side who was still wearing his tuxedo.

"Tim and I were about to go in town to look for him Alf'. I know he is alive but she told us that he was severely injured..." Alfred put both of his hands on Dick's shoulders and offered him a reassuring smile.

"I am sure he is okay Master Dick, and if he needs help, I will take care of him, don't worry." Dick nodded slowly and closed his eyes as he pinched the bridge of his nose. What if Jason faints because of the severe loss of blood ? What if he loses his brother again?

"I may need some stitches indeed," a weak voice suddenly barged in from upstairs. Jason emerged out of the darkness, holding his injured right arm near his chest and taking small steps before he collapsed on the floor. Dick and Tim ran in his direction while Bruce and Alfred were getting the surgery table ready. The two young men held their brother tightly and gently laid him on the table.

"Dick, Tim, Damian, go upstairs," Bruce said firmly. Without discussing, the three young men headed back to Bruce's study room without a word exchanged between the three of them. Damian went into his room while Dick and Tim went into the living room.

Half an hour later, Alfred and Bruce came back from the cave. Dick, who was sitting on the couch, jumped on his feet and immediately walked towards them. "How is he?" Alfred gently put his hand on the young man's shoulder and reassuringly said that his brother was okay. Dick sighed with relief. "Can I see him?"

"Of course, but he is still asleep. Try not to wake him up." Alfred said with a smile and Dick nodded. Followed by Tim, he walked towards the study room and walked down the cave's stairs. Jason was asleep on a small hospital bed. His whole right arm was bandaged, as well as his upper chest. Indeed, during the explosion, some shrapnel had pierced through his kevlar armor and had hit his chest. The two young men approached slowly near the bed and, even if he was under the painkillers' effect, Jason was frowning in his sleep.

"Do you think he is having a nightmare?" Tim murmured as he peered at his older brother. However, a few seconds later, Jason's face relaxed and he opened his eyes slowly. He gasped as he tried to move his right arm, the latter being completely sore.

"Hey don't move Jay, we don't want you to open your stitches right?" Dick said softly. Jason turned his head in his brothers' direction and sighed in pain.

"Those painkillers aren't really effective uh," he grunted but then he looked at his old brother and saw that he was frowning, "you're mad at me Dick, I can see it."

"Of course I am!" his big brother nearly yelled "You left without telling us where you were going Jason! And you could have called for back-up dammit!"

"My men can't see you around me, Dick. I promised them protection over the Batman and all of his allies, which means all of you." Dick huffed and shook his head. But soon, a little smirked ran on Jason's lips "Beside, I was doing pretty well. So well that Black Mask had to launch a rocket," he teased.

"That's not funny," Dick said coldly as he crossed his arms "you could have died, again". Hearing this, Tim jabbed his brother in the ribs with his elbow and threw a death glare at him. Jason's smile faded slowly as what happened earlier played again in his head.

"I've lost a lot of my men today, as well as one of the most important warehouses I had," he said with a sudden serious tone. He tried to get up but Tim pushed him back on the bed.

"You need to rest, Alfred's order" the teen said with a little smile.

"But I need to -"

"No one discuss Alfred's order."

Jason sighed and laid his head back on his pillow, "I have some business to deal with. It was an act of war that Black Mask just declared."

"So there's gonna be another gang war then?" Dick asked as he took a chair and put it near the bed, quickly imitated by Tim.

"I don't have a choice, he needs to pay for what he did," Jason replied coldly.

"There's no other solutions than to kill him?" Dick replied as he quirked an eyebrow.

"Black Mask is the worst piece of shit in the whole city!" Jason replied.

"Watch your language Master Jason," said a voice from upstairs. Alfred appeared next to the three men a little instant later, holding a tray with three cups of tea on it. He gave one to each of them.

"Earl Grey?" Jason asked as he took a sip of his cup. Alfred nodded slightly and the young man added cheerfully, "Oh you know me to well Alf'. How long will I have to stay here by the way?"

"You need to rest your arm for at least two weeks." Jason nearly choked on his tea.

"Two weeks? Impossible!" he coughs, "I need to-"

"This is not negotiable," the old butler replied firmly. Jason sighed and nodded. "I suggest you get back into your own room, it will be more comfortable. Moreover, Dinner will be ready at 8 o'clock, as you know it."

"Some things never change" Jason murmured with a little smile.

Thanks for reading :D