Your Greatest Failure

Chapter 2: Son

"Oh dear," began Alfred as he gave assistance to a winching Jason. "What on earth happened?" Alfred studies the stitches on Jason's leg. His wrinkled hands slowly help Jason out of the batmobile.

Batman pulls off his helmet and turns to them, "Jason, you were completely out of control.  Losing the element of surprise and attacking Dent? Have I taught you anything? Have you ever once listened to me?!"
"I do listen! Bruce, I just--"
Before Jason could finish, Bruce stood up to him. "I'm done listening to your excuses, Jason! Sick of your disobedience! If you don't start getting your act together, you'll be stripped from the position of Robin!"

Jason's brows furrow together, his heart sinks as he scoffs in disbelief. "Bruce...Batman always needs  Robin." He tries to smile while waiting for his response.

"I don't need you, Jason."

Alfred gasps in shock as his eyes shift to Jason. Jason, who felt his heart shrivel up, removes his eye mask and slams it on Bruce's chest. "I guess I've been running from the truth."

"Sir," Alfred began as Jason storms out of the Batcave, "do you have any idea what you did to the poor boy?"

"Jason isn't a child anymore, Alfred." Bruce says harshly as he glares at the mask in his hands.

"I suppose fourteen years suffices for a full fledged adult. Master Bruce, he is exactly how you were when you were his age. Full of rage and no way to vent it."
"I had discipline, Alfred."
"Discipline? You were a child, for God's sake. Imagine....Imagine just for a second... Your father saying he doesn't need you. Imagine how it'll repeat in your head. Imagine the pain being branded into your heart. That is exactly what you did to Master Jason."

Bruce places the mask down. "I have a case to look over, Alfred." Bruce sat down in front of his bat computer, trying to avoid the subject.

"I see. Well I know when I'm not needed." Alfred turns to leave, but shifts his head to Bruce who was already doing research. "I have never been so disappointed, Sir." Alfred's words made Bruce take a hard breath in.

Bruce stops his typing, and hears as Alfred closes the gate. Knowing that he was alone, Bruce places his face on his hands. He couldn't help but to feel regret. His anger, his annoyance...his worry got the best of him. What if Jason had listen? Maybe, he wouldn't have to get stitches. What is Two-Face didn't miss? Bruce couldn't even imagine losing Jason.

Hoping some research could distract and get rid of the feeling of regret, he types once again.

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 Alfred, who was holding a tray in his hands, push open the door with his back.

"Master Jason," He places the tray down to see Jason glaring out of the window. His hands balled up into fist, his face is cold while his breathing is harsh. "I brought you some cookies and milk, Sir. I put two straws in the cup, a little habit I know you have. And the cookies have been warmed up a bit to make the cookies a little bit hard around the edges...just the way you like it."

If Alfred knew anything about Jason, he knows he would want  to be left alone. But he thought maybe this little gift will make him see that someone in this house cares about him. 

"I'll leave you be then." Alfred heads for the door.
"Alfred..."
Alfred turns to Jason, "Yes, Sir?"
"Maybe he's right," Jason turns to Alfred, "He doesn't need me. He never did."
"No, Sir. He didn't mean it. And I know me speaking for him will never suffice, but take one thing I say to heart. Master Bruce loves you. He worries if something would happen to you. In his head," Alfred sighs , "he's protecting you by being a bit...cold. But never think he doesn't care."