Broken

Sleep cant fix everything

Back at the manor Jason reluctantly handed over his gun. While he understood why he was being forced to give it up, he felt naked without it.

He was silent as Alfred shoved him into the bathroom insisting he take a hot shower. While he'd never admit it out loud the warmth eased his aching muscles and helped calm his racing mind. Out side the door was a pair of his sweat pants and a one of Bruce's warm fluffy sweatshirts.

Once he was settled in his room Alfred brought him a bowl of his favorite soup, quietly shooting away his siblings who were crowding closer to the door. He could tell from their faces that Bruce had told them what happened and they all had words he didn't want to hear on their lips. He thanked the god he didn't believe existed for Alfred and his quiet understanding in that moment.

Finally when all of his brothers were sent away Alfred came and pulled a chair next to his bed. Jason sat cross-legged on his bed, soup balanced on his lap and blanket wrapped over his shoulders.

They sat like that in silence, Jason absently slurping his soup and Alfred flipping through a book off Jason's shelf.

Finally Jason spoke. "Alfie I'm so sorry."

The nickname he'd used when he was a child slipped out and he cringed slightly.

Alfred shook his head slowly.

"I'm sorry too master Jason. I'm sorry we forced you into talking when you didn't want to. We just want you to know we're here for you."

His face was tired and stressed. Jason glanced around, unsure how to respond to Alfreds' honest and raw statement. Finally his eyes settled on the book forgotten in Alfreds lap.

"Is that princess bride? Would you, would you read to me?" He asked hesitantly. He remembered how Alfred always used to read to him when he was stressed, helping to ease his mind with stories of grand adventures.

"Of course."

He picked back up the book and began to read.

"This is my favorite book in all the world." As he continued Jason shifted slowly falling asleep to the familiar story.