There was a screaming match somewhere on the fourth floor of the old apartment complex. It happened pretty often, but this time loud enough to wake Jon from sleep. He rolled over, rubbing at his eyes, taking in the rising shouts; they must be in the hall. Something was said about “nothing but a user” followed by “something, something, asshole” and then sudden silence. Just when Jon was about to roll back over there was a knock at his door. What the hell did those two want with him? Jon ignored it, pulling his blanket over his head, it was way too early for this. There was another knock, a bit rougher, but Jon stayed put in his bed. A breath of peace passed by, Jon curling further into his sheets, when the doorknob jiggled a bit. His ears picked up on the familiar clicking of a lock and scrambled out of bed. What kind of asshole wakes you at 3 AM by picking your lock? Just as Jon was reaching into the box in his closet he heard a voice call out.
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“Jon? Hey, Jon, you awake?”
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It was Jason. Fucking Jason.
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“Jesus H, Jason, you don’t gotta break in.”
“You didn’t answer.”
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Jason closed and locked the door behind him, shrugging off his brown leather jacket. Jon pushed the box back into his closet, flipping the safety back on. He stood, running a hand through his hair and yawning.
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“Don’t you know what time it is?”
“Yeah, yeah, you were closer than the safehouse.”
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Jason yawned as well, tossing his holsters onto the kitchen counter and placing his helmet beside them. As he ruffled his hair Jon noticed the dry blood caked on his neck and cheek. It looked like someone got Jason pretty good, remnants of a streak of blood from his hairline.
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“Did you get hurt?” He asked, leaned against the counter.
“Knocked me off my bike. Fucked up my helmet.”
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Jon looked at it as Jason chipped at the paint with his fingernail. They did a good number on it, with a dent on the upper left side and a nasty scrape on the right side. It was pretty consistent with Jason’s face. Jon pushed off the counter and went to the bathroom, Jason following quietly. He watched as Jon dug around in the sink cabinet. Jason swatted at Jon’s wispy bedhead and chuckled when Jon batted his hand away.
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“Your roots are showing.”
“Thank you, you’re too kind.”
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He was right, of course. Jon’s dark brown roots refused to stay hidden under the bleach job Harley had done for him. Jon tossed a box of bandages and some alcohol wipes into the sink, continuing to dig for something else. Jason tore open a wipe, leaning over Jon to look in the mirror, dabbing at the cut hidden in his hairline. Jon stood, pulling some wet wipes from the container and tossing the rest to the ground. He pushed Jason’s head, tilting it to the side and wiping at the red crust on his neck. It took some scrubbing, leaving Jason’s skin pink, but eventually Jon had cleaned it all off. He took another alcohol wipe, pulling Jason’s head towards him.
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“You know you can just ask me to move.”
“It’s easier to move you myself. Stay still.”
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Jon dabbed at the cut, smoothing Jason’s hair out of the way. He made sure it was clean and tossed the wipes in the trash.
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“Can’t put a bandaid on that.”
“It’ll be fine. Why’d you have to scrub so hard, my neck’s all red.”
“Hot water’s out.”
“Again? Didn’t they fix that last week?”
“They did. But it’s broken again.”
“Offer still stands to move in with us.” Jason said pointedly.
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Jon mocked him, rolling his eyes. They’d been over this, it would just be weird. Jon looked at the clock, it was almost four, he had work in five hours. He looked back at Jason, who stopped at the doorway of the bedroom.
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“What?”
“I’m going back to bed.”
“Okay.”
“Are you sleeping here or the couch.”
“...Here. If that’s allowed.”
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Jon didn’t answer, he just tossed back the covers and snuggled into bed. It took a moment before Jason carefully climbed onto the bed next to him. He laid on his back, tugging at the curtain behind them to block out the billboard lights across the way. He was struggling, so Jon reached up, tugging the opposite curtain over to meet, effectively solving the problem. Jason sighed, comfortable, and moved closer to Jon, turning to look at him as Jon drifted off.
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————————
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Jason woke to Jon shaking his shoulder, he jumped a bit, blinking blearily at him.
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“It’s starting to rain, um, do you think-“
“Keys are in my jacket, take the car. I can go get the bike.”
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Jon smiled, bumping Jason’s shoulder with his forehead, then heading to the living room.
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“I’ll see you later?”
“Yeah, you’ll see me.” Jason yawned.
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————————
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A few hours passed and Jason was now awake. He was making his usual rounds in Jon’s apartment, tossing clothes together in a hamper and clearing the bad food from the fridge. He’d even been nice enough to take Jon’s laundry down the street to the laundromat. The old hispanic woman there had asked Jason where his “little white boy” was, which embarrassed Jason a bit. Yet here he was cleaning said white boy’s apartment. His phone rang in the distance, caller ID stating Jon’s name boldly.
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“Hey, what’s up?”
“Just thought you’d wanna know someone was here asking about you.”
“Bats?”
“No, some girl.” There was a teasing tone to Jon’s voice. “Real cute. Name was Donna?”
“Oh, God. What did you tell her?” Jason pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Nothing. I said I hadn’t heard from you.”
“I’d like to know how she found you.”
“I am very popular, you know.” Jon chuckled.
“Whatever, when are you off?”
“‘Round six.”
“See you then, shithead.”
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Jason hung up, smirking to himself. He loved getting the last word against Jon, it always worked to rile him up.
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Six o’clock came sooner than Jason expected, but he had managed to finish up his cooking before Jon made it back. He was just starting in on his portion when he heard footsteps coming down the hall. They sounded awfully quick though, that’s when he heard the voices with them.
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“No, I am not hiding a grown ass adult in my apartment.”
“Then I’m sure you won’t mind giving me a tour.”
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Shit. Donna had followed Jon back. Jon wasn’t a fighter by any means, but he was stubborn. He’d at least try to shake her off, but he didn’t know Donna.
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“I think you should shove off.”
“Well, I think you should just fess up.”
“Listen, I don’t know you and-“
“Well I know you.”
“The fuck you do.”
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And there it was, Donna had found her way under Jon’s skin. Jason sighed, shoving another mouthful in his gob before pulling the door open as the two approached it. He grabbed Jon by the front of his shirt, yanking him inside the apartment.
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“Food’s in the microwave.”
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He stepped into the hall, closing the door behind him.
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“Well, you look alive and well.” Donna put her hands on her hips.
“What do you want?”
“Is it so hard to just give your teammates a call?”
“I call Roy all the time, shut up.” Jason turned to open the door, quickly uninterested.
“We care about you Jason, we want to hear from you-“
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She reached for Jason’s arm, which he quickly and roughly yanked away from her grasp.
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“Then fuck off, Donna.”
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Donna looked hurt, her expression made Jason feel sorry for half a second, before remembering she was the one breaking his boundaries. He wrenched the door open, scaring Jon, who was eavesdropping, and slamming shut behind him. He didn’t speak as he went back to his plate of food, Jon following with his own.
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“That went well.”
“Donna was in the Titans with me. She’s mad because I don’t talk to most of them anymore.”
“You talk to Roy.”
“That’s not good enough for her.” Jason said in a mocking tone.
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Jon didn’t ask anymore about it, he knew Jason’s boundaries well enough to not ask too much. The finished eating in silence, Jason watching Jon finish about three quarters before giving up.
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“You eat like a girl.”
“You gave me a lot of food, man!”
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Jason finished the last of it, tossing the paper plates in the trash and putting the leftovers in the fridge. Jon smacked the side of the old television set, catching a signal and cheering himself on. Jason sat beside him on the sofa, stretching his arms behind his head.
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“How was your day off, Mr. Red Hood?”
“Please, Mr. Red Hood is my father.”
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Jon laughed as Jason put his arm around his shoulders.
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“Felt like a housewife, cleaning up after you and making your dinner.”
“You’re missing an apron.”
“Is that what you want? Me in an apron cooking for you?”
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Jon’s eyebrows scrunched together in thought. He shrugged slightly, looking at Jason with a sly smile.
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“That was a joke, you perv.”
“You’re the one who offered.”
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Jason pushed Jon away from him, rolling his eyes at Jon’s amused laughter. Jon turned, putting an arm around Jason’s shoulders and pulling him in, placing a kiss on his cheek. Jason grimaced, blushing as he faked resistance to the affection. Jon chuckled, tucking his face into the nape of Jason’s neck, placing butterfly kisses along the way.
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“I thought we were watching TV.”
“Yeah, I thought so too.” Jon grinned.
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———————
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Jon found himself on the floorboard of the Joker’s car as Harley crouched over him, shooting at cop cars through the busted back window. She was laughing like a madwoman as Joker swerved the car through traffic.
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“Puddin’! It's the Bat!”
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Joker laughed, turning the car sharply. Jon was glad he couldn’t actually see the road, the unpredictable twists and turns making him feel sick. He tried to move but Harley pushed him back onto the floorboard.
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“Stay down, Johnny!”
“Just give up! Batman’s here, that’s what you wanted, right?”
“Oh, Jon-boy, Batman is just where the fun starts!”
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Suddenly, Harley screamed, pointing ahead of the car. Joker cursed and just for a second, Jon could see between the passenger seat and the wall of the car as Batman landed on the hood. He placed a device on it, four arms digging into the metal, and jumped off. There was an explosion and the car came to a screeching halt. Jon’s ears rang, he could barely make out the scene of Batman tearing Joker from the car and police grabbing Harley. He shook his head as Batman called to him. He could see his mouth moving, but his ears were still ringing too much to hear him. Hands came forward, carefully grabbing his hand and pulling him off the floorboard. Jon staggered as he was pulled from the car, blinking in the bright lights of the patrol cars. He flinched as Batman wrapped his cape around Jon’s shoulders as he ushered him off to the Batmobile. The tinted windows cut off his view as one officer drew his taser on Joker. It was suddenly quiet, which worked to help alleviate the ringing as Batman climbed in the front seat. He started the car and jumped when Jon asked, far too loud.
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“Wait, where are we going!”
“I’m getting you out of here. Hang tight, buckle your seatbelt.”
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Jon followed the directions, trying to peer out the window but he wasn’t able to make anything out. Batman drove quickly, once Jon’s vision straightened out, he could see the road ahead.
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“You sure you should be taking me to the Manor? Won’t that draw some attention?”
“It’s the safest place for you right now.”
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Jon started to argue but was interrupted as a screen lit up with the name RED HOOD. Batman answered and Hood’s voice cut through quickly.
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“Do you have Jon? Is he safe?”
“He’s fine. We’re on our way to the Manor, now.”
“Hurry, everyone’s freakin’ out over here.”
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Red Hood hung up as the Batmobile approached the final turn. Sure enough, Hood was at the front door of the manor, still in his suit. He was barely managing to hold back the rest of the family, even Alfred was tryijg to peek around him at the Batmobile. Batman helped Jon out of the car, walking him to the front steps and into the house. He pressed on with all the family following, settling Jon on the sofa and turning to shush everyone.
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“Come on, now, guys. He’s just had a bad time, give him some quiet.”
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Rory ran off with Alfred, returning with a pitcher of water and a glass and Alfred with a tea tray. Jason shrugged off his jacket and circled around the sofa, wrapping the jacket around Jon’s shoulders. Jon jumped, smiling sheepishly as Jason removed his helmet, eyes full of concern. He placed a hand on Jon’s shoulder.
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“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
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Rory handed him a glass of water and he thanked her. Alfred waved off the group, including Bruce, leaving just Jason and Jon alone. Jason surged forward, kissing Jon soundly. Jon flushed and pressed back tentatively. Jason sighed as they separated, smoothing back Jon’s unkempt bangs.
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“We had no contact while Bruce was trying to find you. The news made it look so much worse. I thought…”
“Jack’s a villain, but he wasn’t gonna hurt me.”
“Jon- Nevermind. You’re here.”
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Jason stood and helped Jon off the couch. Jon was in awe of the Manor as Jason led him through the upstairs halls. He stopped at a door, which looked like every other door, and reached above the frame, pulling down a small key. He held the door for Jon and flipped on the lights. The wall sconces gave the room an equally warm atmosphere as the rest of the house. The walls were mostly bare, aside from one photo of Bruce and what looked like a young Jason.
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“I’ll get you some cleaner clothes. You smell like gunpowder. You wanna shower?”
“Um, yeah.”
“Okay. I’ll have some clothes ready when you get done.”
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Jon fiddled with the water for a few, standing off to the side as the hot water started up. Jason knocked and opened the door as Jon pulled off his t-shirt.
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“Uh, here’s some clothes. And a towel.” Jason ducked back out quickly.
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Jon lost track of time as he soaked in the hot water. It was beginning to drop in temperature when Jason knocked again. He poked his head in the room.
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“Hey, you alright?”
“O-oh, yeah, I’m fine. Sorry.” He quickly shut off the water and pulled the towel from the curtain rod.
“I got the first aid kit out, so yeah. Uh, whenever you’re ready.”
Jon dried off, pulling on the slightly oversized clothes Jason had loaned him. The shirt sleeves were a bit short, as were the pants, but he was warm and more comfortable. He scrubbed at his hair with the towel as he walked back into the bedroom. Jason sat cross legged on the bed, first aid kit open and ready. Jon climbed up next to him when Jason waved him over. Jon hadn’t sustained any real injuries, just cuts and scrapes from being dragged around the Narrows. Jason wrapped his bruised and possibly sprained wrist and applied some ointment to the worst of the cuts. Jason carefully pressed a butterfly closure to a gash on Jon’s eyebrow, the adhesive snagged a bit on the edge and Jon hissed.
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“Shit, sorry.” He readjusted the bandage. “Is that better?”
“Yeah. Thank you.”
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Jon placed a hand on Jason’s knee, smiling at him. Jason looked away as his cheeks flushed red in response.
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“Just, ya know, doin’ my job.”
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Jon leaned towards him and laid his forehead against Jason’s shoulder. Jason smiled and pulled him closer, wrapping an arm around his back.
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“I’m… glad you’re okay.”
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———
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Bruce had insisted on Jon staying at the Manor to let the press die down. From their perspective, Jon was a random bystander who’d been kidnapped. Gordon had even managed to keep Jon’s name out of the reports and tabloids. He was uncomfortable in the large mansion, choosing to hide out mostly in Jason’s bedroom. Alfred had finally convinced him to have his meal in the actual dining room this time, and was pleased to guide him downstairs to sit with the rest of the group. Dick and Damian had fought to sit next to him, Damian having prevailed. Jason had sat on the other side of him, his hand on Jon’s knee under the table. Alfred made his way around, helping to serve the food he’d made. Jon jumped up to help pour drinks and cut Damian’s steak.
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“Damian can cut his own steak. He’s just being needy.” Tim pointed out.
“That’s fine. I’ll still help him.” Jon answered simply.
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He flicked Damian’s ear as he sneered at Tim.
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“Damian, behave yourself, son. Thank you, Jon.” Bruce smiled at him.
“Dinner looks great, Alfred. Thank you.”
“Absolutely, Master Jon.”
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Jon was enthralled in the meal, trying his best not to shovel it into his mouth at one time. Jason spooned his green beans onto Jon’s plate.
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“Jason, eat your green beans.” Bruce said sternly.
“I’m 24, I don’t have to listen to-“
“Master Jason, you don’t have to eat the almonds, but try the greens at least.” Alfred interjected.
“Why are there almonds in it?” Jon whispered to Damian as Jason argued.
“Haricots verts amandine.”
“It’s what?”
“Green beans with almonds, Master Jon. It’s French.”
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Jon shrugged, picking around the almonds.
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———
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