Hustle

chapter sixteen

It had been three weeks since the trip to the zoo and Jason was slowly letting his guard down at the manor. He was speaking more at meals, helping Alfred with household chores, and even allowing Dick and Bruce to spend time with Damian. Granted, it was limited time and always at the manor, but it was a small step in what Bruce considers the right direction. The manor was starting to feel like home again to Jason and he could tell the same was happening for Damian.

- - -

Jason was walking through the halls of the manor looking for Damian when he heard a giggling coming from one of the rooms. He paused, going closer to the door. He peaked through the crack in the door to see Damian curled up next to Bruce, a book open on Bruce's lap, both of them staring down at it. Jason smiled softly at the look of amusement on Damian's face.

Damian pointed to something on the page. "Was that Jay's first day as Robin?"

Bruce nodded, launching into the story of their first night on patrol. Damian looked up at his father, completely entranced by the story.

Jason felt like he was intruding, so he backed away from the door and continued down the hallway, deciding to head to the cave to work out. On his way there he passed by Alfred collecting laundry from Tim's room. He offered to help but Alfred politely declined, sending Jason on his way.

As Jason was entering the study, the passageway opened up and Cassandra, Dick, and Tim emerged, surprised looks on their faces. "Oh, Jason. Just who we were looking for."

Jason narrowed his eyes slightly. "Oh?"

Cassandra nodded. "Want to know if you will train. With us."

"And the team." Tim added.

"The team? Really?" Jason crossed his arms. "Why?"

Dick stepped forward. "The team needs more hand to hand training and you are clearly very skilled. Plus, we can tell you are itching to train properly. So, what do you say? Want to join us?" Jason looked behind him, back from where he came. Dick caught this. "Don't worry, Bruce will keep an eye on Damian. And he will bring Damian to the Watchtower if he gets fussy."

"Damian does not get fussy." Jason rolled his eyes. "Fine. I'll join you in training with your team."

Dick grinned, turning back around to lead the group into the cave and to the changing rooms. Jason tossed on his Hood uniform, going out to meet his siblings at the zeta tubes, all of whom were in their own uniforms. They nodded at each other before making their way through the zeta tubes, appearing in the Watchtower a moment later.

The team was gathered, waiting for their arrival. They did not hide their surprise when they saw Jason. He scoffed, rolling his eyes behind his mask. Dick told the team that Jason would be training with them when Arrowette asked what he was doing there.

"Really? You brought an assassin to train us? Isn't that dangerous?"

"Well, he is living with us..." Tim mumbled, giving Jason a smile. Jason appreciated the effort.

"His past doesn't matter. What does matter is he is very skilled and could help you all learn a thing or two." Dick narrowed his eyes. Everyone reluctantly agreed. "Alright, since Miss Martian is busy with Superboy, I am in charge. We are going to practice our hand to hand today, no powers. Let's start with Halo and Spoiler."

Jason stood off to the side as the two team members sparred, watching their moves. He noted that Halo was sloppy, probably from relying too much on her powers too much to help her. Spoiler easily took her down. He looked to Dick to see what would happen now. Dick told Tigress and Jason to spar.

Jason grinned behind his mask, walking into the sparring area. Tigress smirked at him. "Just like old times, right?"

Jason didn't reply, instead he blocked her kick, tossing her backwards. She flipped, landing on her feet before running back at him. Jason dodged the punch, hitting her with a chop on the back that brought her into his knee.

Tigress fell, swiping at Jason's legs. He jumped over her leg. Tigress leapt up, kicking Jason in the stomach. He stumbled slightly before leaping back into the fray.

They continued for a few more minutes until Jason landed a hit to Tigress' face, sending her sprawling on her back and declaring him the winner.

The zeta tubes went off as Jason was making his way to the side again and he turned in time to see Damian and Batman enter. He smiled, taking his mask off to greet Damian.

"Little one, what're you doing here?" Jason crouched, opening his arms for Damian.

Damian cuddled into Jason's chest, allowing himself to be picked up. "I missed you."

"I've been gone for an hour." Jason chuckled.

Before Damian could reply the computer beeped with an incoming transmission. Everyone paused their sparring to walk over to the computer as Batman answered it.

Talia's face filled the screen, an expression of worry on her features that eased when she saw her two sons. "Jason, Damian, my boys. Thank goodness you are okay."

"Mother! Are you alright?" Jason asked, noticing the new thinness to Talia's face.

"I will live. Father has placed me in the prison for sending you two away, but do not fret. I am alright."

"How are you communicating with us then?"

"I broke out. I'm using father's computer right now. I don't have much time, I just had to make sure you were both okay. I love you both, never forget that."

Jason felt a burning sensation fill his body, a cloudiness enter his brain. He blinked, squeezing his eyes shut for a moment before opening them, his mind feeling sharper than ever. He smiled at Talia, a sense of calm and purpose blanketing him. "Mother, we will get you out of there, don't worry. But right now, I need you to go back to the cell and wait for us. I promise we will get you out."

"Jason, no-"

"Mother, we will. For now, go back to your cell. We will be there soon. And know, we both love you too." Jason ended the transmission, turning to look at Batman. "Batman, I need to borrow your team."

"What?! You want us to go to Infinity Island to rescue Talia al Ghul?" Arrowette was appalled.

"Batman, she is the mother of your children. Please. Her life is in danger." Jason pleaded.

Batman sighed, turning to face the team. "Alright, you have your mission. You are to..."

Jason smiled, hugging Damian close to him as the first part of the plan was put into motion.

Damian looked up at Jason squinting at his brother's eyes. They were now a haunting green rather than blue. Damian shrugged, figuring it to be a trick of the light. He was too excited at idea of having his mother back to give it too much thought.