Vigilante Struggles

Chapter seventeen

3rd Person.
Jason took a tentative step forward, his hand pressed deeply into the pockets of his worn leather jacket. His red helmet locked securely around his head, everyone here probably already knew who he is, therefore there was no need for his helmet. If anything the wearer was using the re-enforced piece of plastic to hid his own insecurities from the people he once called family.  Jason still wants justice and he is hating the idea of being near Bruce...and the replacement. Dick is the only reason he is here, Alfred too. God, how he missed Alfred. Every one of Jason's spare thoughts were devoted to Alfred Pennyworth. Jason often found himself staring wishfully at Wayne manor. Wishing that everything was how it used to be...before he died. He wanted to help Alfred bake cookies.....mess around with Dick...be Robin.

He was half way down the steps of the Batcave, when he began questioning what kept him away. Sure his quarrel with Bruce kept him from the manor...but what about Richard? He was in Blüdhaven, away from Batman. Jason knew Dick would keep a secret, Dick would have helped, given him a home and the support he desperately needed after returning. Jason curls his fists tightly within his pockets, thinking of his stupidity. He had been so alone and blinded by hated for the Joker to realise he didn't have to stay away....to realise he wasn't...isn't alone. Slowly, but surely, Jason removed his helmet and placed it, tightly under his arm. The closer he got to the end of the stairs, the more he recognised that this was the first step in healing.

Dick's mind was racing, Jason, his 'dead' brother was currently walking behind him, very much alive. Dick had always been a positive person, that is why he is concentrating on Jason rather then Deathstroke or the Court of Owls....and his injuries. He uses the top of his shoulder to wipe his mouth clean of blood, while clutching his other arm close to his chest. The natural movement of descending down steps was jostling his arm causing uncomfortable sensations to race up and down his fractured bones. It wouldn't be long now till he reached the bottom of the cave. He could feel the effects of the adrenaline beginning to wear off. Whatever drug he had been hit with first was starting to take effect. His steps became more sluggish and he could faintly hear Alfred's curt British accent. He could feel a supportive hand on his back guiding him to the med bay. The journey there was short enough, but Dick's sluggish movements made it seem like forever. He sighs in relief when he finally sits on the cot. Dick completely understands the importance of telling Alfred he had been drugged, it's just that he couldn't get his mouth to move. All he could do was make strange gurgling noises in his throat. Luckily Bruce's familiar voice began to fill Alfred in on the details. He could see Jason awkwardly standing to the side, shadows hiding his identity. Dick wished he was more coherent so that he could help Jason with Bruce.....unfortunately it's an encounter Jason would have to deal with himself. Heavy eyelids signified the end of Dick's losing battle with the drug. His body began to tilt, unfortunately for Dick he couldn't make out which direction that was. He jerks his head trying to keep balance. His heart rate picked up slightly and he blinks rapidly to clear his vision. What drug was this? Unbeknownst to the arguing figures before him, Dick clutches at his chest, as if he was trying to relieve some pressure. Cries for help were stuck in his tightening throat. The argument continues. Dick could make out Bruce's yelling...as well as Jason's. He lifts his head barely making out Jason's shadowed body. Why doesn't he just reveal himself? Alfred was pleading with 'Master Bruce', but Batman was having none of this. Frustration grew within Dick, causing more pressure to build up in his chest. He claws at his chest more with both hands. Where was his help? Doubt began to cross Dick's mind, was he going to die? How is he going to get their attention? Dick struggles to stand. He can still feel sweat running down his face and burning the mild burns on his body. His legs are wobbling and his vision blackens periodically. He spots a tray near the cot. He stumbles closer, doing the only thing he could do now....throwing the tray to the floor.
----------------
Bruce was absolutely furious. Red Hood standing in the shadows, thinking he owns the place. Bruce couldn't believe that Dick just allowed him in here. Not only is he a stranger....but a villain. Bruce can see Red Hood's tall figure in the corner, his Hood in his arms....does he not care if Batman knew his identity? Frankly Bruce didn't care, he was throwing biting words at this stranger...ignoring Alfred's and Tims pleads for him to give it a rest. He had no intention of stopping, no intention of allowing Red Hood to stay. Bruce was letting this man know this.....that is until he was rudely interrupted by something hitting the floor. He looked to the med bay behind him. Furious eyes gazing at the tray on the floor, its contents sprawled across the ground at Dick's feet.
"Dick what are you...Dick?"
Bruce gaped at the sight, Dick standing....well struggling to stand. He rushes forward sitting Dick back down. Glancing over his face, Bruce could clearly see the distress. Dick's lips have gone blue, his arms pulling at his chest. The realisation hit Bruce...Dick couldn't breath. He is roughly pushed out of the way by Alfred who begins to help the young man. Bruce is gently pulled back by Damien. He nods his head at his son before making his way to the main area of the cave. A needle of blood was soon handed to him by Red Hood. Even still, Bruce refuses to look at the man. Not realising that this 'stranger' was not a stranger.

Bruce swipes the needle from the outstretched hand and moves to a different section of the cave. He found himself not even caring about the foreign presence behind him. He sets up the blood sample in a machine. He leans himself heavily on the table, his back facing the entrance. Jason saw it as a chance to speak. He stood in the dark doorway, not totally sure if he should reveal himself.
"I know you're there Hood" Bruce spat.
"I guess that's that then" Jason thought, while remaining in the doorway.
"Why are you still here?" Bruce asks finally turning to face to the man.
"I want to help" was the reply Bruce received. "Why? We are nothing to you"
There was silence for a while. Jason was stunned, only breaking the silence with uncommitted words. He sighs deeply.
"You all mean more to me than you realise." Jason studies Bruce's face intensely for a reaction. He could see thoughts racing around the dark eyes of Bruce Wayne.
"I don't even know who you are" Bruce spoke suddenly, almost like he hadn't meant to say anything at all. Now it was Jason's decision. Reveal himself or...."screw it" Jason steps cautiously out of the shadows. Darkness slowly clearing from his features. Bruce gasps slightly, covering his mouth in a, very un-batman-like way.
"Jason?"