Vigilante Struggles

Chapter 25

04:15
Batcave

"What the hell do you mean you don't know?!"
"We mean, we don't know Jason!" Tim snaps. Jason storms forward snatching the back of Tim's chair, turning it so violently, Tim had to grip to the arm rests to stay in place. It was obvious, answers were wanted.

Jason takes in Tim's features. His face emotionless yet there were creases of worry edging his eyes and lining his forehead. His eyes were bloodshot, betraying him but they still managed to expel a cold glare."He's just like Bruce" Jason scowled to himself " give a couple of months and he'll hide everything totally". A heavy feeling pulled at Jason's chest as he thought about his observations of Tim.
"How long have you known?!" He muttered, his knuckles turning white against the back of the chair.
"HOW LONG!" Tim's resolve stuck, even as spit flew from the second Robin's mouth. He just stared at the furious face of Jason Todd. The shout had caused the bats of the cave to swarm and leave, squeaking and adding more chaos to the situation.

"Jason" Bruce spoke softly. Although Jason's temper is legendary he had decided enough was enough. It wasn't Tim's fault Dick is missing and Bruce would not allow Jason to vent on the teen. He had fully expected and prepared himself for Jason to snarl at him, attack him, divert his attention at least but what happened was the opposite. Jason just sighed and released his hand from the chair. Standing straight he turns and leaves, sparing no glances to anyone.

"Ten past three"

Jason only quickened his pace

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04:45
Barbara's apartment

"An hour and five minutes Barbara! Before they decided to tell me and I doubt you knew"

Jason had stumbled into Barbara's apartment spitting remarks leaving her confused as she watched him pace back and forth. It was her fifth attempt at trying to get him to stop and at least get him to talk, though deep down she feared she knew what his problem was.

"Unbelievable! I mean I know I only came back home....and just stopped trying to kill them but I still deserve to know! AND you aswell" Jason rubs a hand through his messy hair, his foot planting once again turning his body to repeat his pacing.
"Jason"
"Like this is the golden boy, he niggled his way into my life too!"
"Jason"
"I swear next time I'll start shooting before I'm asking question, someone bleeding out always seems to get people moving"
"JASON!" Barbara shouts. She clears her throat at Jason's silence, quickly swiping a stray hair behind her ear.
"Now" she speaks, gently "I think I have an idea, but sit down and talk" she smiles, but the frustration showed through.
"Oh uh right" Jason said dumbfounded, finally stopping to sit on the couch. "Well there's no way to sugarcoat this but Dick's missing. Batman didn't get there on time"
Barbara furrowed her brows and rested her head on he hand. "Any leads?" Jason shook his head. "Any idea where he was at the time he was taken?" Barbara huffed once again at the sight of Jason shaking his head. "We have nothing" he replied through his teeth. He was more furious at himself now that he didn't do more or even wait for answers at the Batcave.

Barbara immediately moves towards her computer, turning it on and cracking her fingers before typing quickly. "Jason would you be a dear and make some coffee. It's gonna be a long night"
"Yeah sure. What are you doing?" He asks from the kitchen. "Well I'm checking Blüdhaven street cams and I'll contact Bruce to get the full story. I also set up an intricate surveillance system throughout the area that can track a missing person within five minutes" she replied not completely diverting her attention from her work.

Her stomach growled at the musical sound of mugs clanking against each other and the fresh smell of coffee following. She wonders how she still finds coffee delicious, given how often she drinks it now. She graciously takes the mug from Jason's hand, allowing it to warm her fingers and soothe the aches in her hands from typing. She sips from it already feeling more awake just in time for her to deal with Batman.