Batman

Dc rp blog!

[batman-not-manbat]

I am vengeance…

Name?

The Batman.

Age?

[Redacted]

Gender?

Male.

Origins?

…

[the recording abruptly cuts off]

OOC under cut, please read!

adding this to the top of all my accounts’ pinned because clearly some people don’t bother to read far enough to see it:

I AM A MINOR! DO NOT INTERACT AT ALL IF YOU HAVE MDNI!! IT MAKES ME EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE!!!

Hey yall, it’s @m-ozzy again!! Please read my intro post for my DNI and boundaries before interacting!

Some things not on that intro post:

please do NOT come to me talking about Damian being ‘feral.’ It PMO.

No nsfw, no godmodding, OCs and magic anons(with limits) are welcome!

For now this is just a silly blog, but I may get into some more detailed rps later on.

currently this bat’s personality is based on my own hcs and shit, so it may not always be completely in character because I’m still learning!

Goes with @brucie-waynee

I’ve become a biiit more lenient on my romance policy, but I still do prefer communication before any sort of romantic interactions.

Dividers by @strangergraphics , @strangergraphics-archive , and @pixopix !!!!!! <3

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Tiny? Fucking— Isn't that a story."

He gawks, looking around a bit and scanning his surroundings. It's not that Jason doesn't believe Bruce— not completely anyways— but he's honestly in too much shock to really process the explanation.

[batman-not-manbat]

Story? Jason, if you don’t believe me you can check the footage from the cave’s security cameras.

Bruce’s brows furrow, attempting to adjust to the drastic switch from cuddly little love bug to.. angry grown man.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just rolls his eyes, moving to get out of the bed quickly and letting out a small sigh of relief and crossing his arms. He seems to relax a little after standing up but still glares at Bruce.

"Yeah, whatever. Sure."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce moves to the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet now and thinking.

You can go now, Jason. I’m not going to make you stay.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason scoffs, turning away and looking around the room. His old room. Everything was packed away when he died, leaving it bare. Bruce was probably too ashamed to keep everything.

Knowing the man all his stuff was probably throw in a box that's locked away somewhere collecting dust,

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

[batman-not-manbat]

I’d hate it, but I know you don’t want to be around me, so I’m not forcing you to stay.

Bruce answers honestly, closing his eyes and keeping his head tilted down.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rolls his eyes, keeping his arms crossed since he doesn't know what else to do with them.

"Sure you would. You always have to assume shit, right?"

He comments, not moving.

[batman-not-manbat]

I have a right to assume you don’t want to be around me. Your behavior tells me that you don’t necessarily appreciate my presence, to say the least.

He says softly, keeping his tone small and non-challenging.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"The right?"

He shakes his head in disbelief at the words almost, pacing a little in the room before stopping close to the door after a few laps.

"Y'know what I want? Some fucking food."

Jason says with a pause in between before opening the door and leaving presumably for just that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ok.

Bruce stays in the room, looking around and letting himself think. Deep inside, he yearns to have Jason like that again. Wishes he could’ve kept him out of the Robin suit this time and given him a nice, somewhat normal life.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason walks down the hall, sighing and putting his head in his hands after doing a quick scan of his surroundings to make sure no one is around to see him. If someone saw him here they'll ask him about it and then he'll have to explain everything.

He eventually makes it to the kitchen anyways, muscle memory most likely. Fuck. Almost every day walking up in his room and making it over to the kitchen for a little less than 3 years.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce finally stands up, guessing that Jason had left the manor. He pads down the hallway to his bedroom, going to take off the bat suit and put on sweatpants and a white t-shirt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to lean against the wall for a few seconds, pressing his hands to his eyes before taking a deep breath in and out and opening the cabinets to check what they have.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce walks around aimlessly, trying to think. He makes up his mind, starting his plan by going to the kitchen to make a coffee.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

When Bruce enters Jason is already boiling some water for his tea, the box of tea bags next to him as he fiddles with some flower he somehow found. He's crouched down to be at the same level as the kettle, just half sitting like he belongs there.

When he was younger he would always rest his head on the counter to be eye level with the tea and it seems this is his way of doing it at this age.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce quietly shuffles to the coffee machine, trying not to draw Jason’s attention.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason notices him anyways, glancing over but not saying anything. He turns off the nettle just before it starts to hiss, giving the water a few seconds to sit while continuing to play with the flower in his hand.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce starts to make a coffee, fidgeting thoughtfully whenever his hands weren’t occupied.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason eventually straightens back up mostly, taking out a cup of tea and pouring some of it in his glass.

"Do you want some?"

He murmurs, not looking back. It used to be a routine, everyday as a kid he'd ask and everyday he'd get a no in favour of Bruce having coffee.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses, glancing nervously at Jason before nodding slowly.

That’d be nice, actually.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's nose scrunches up in confusion before rolling his eyes and taking out another cup for Bruce.

"What kinda?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mm.. what do we have?

He asks first, grabbing a mug.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Don' know, your manor."

He shrugs, glancing over to the man again.

[batman-not-manbat]

It’s yours too.

Bruce comments softly, putting the mug under the dispenser.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Nope."

He replies, automatically, plucking some of the petals of the flower off and putting them in his tea.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce doesn’t argue, just leans against the counter and stares down at his fidgeting hands.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Tiny? Fucking— Isn't that a story."

He gawks, looking around a bit and scanning his surroundings. It's not that Jason doesn't believe Bruce— not completely anyways— but he's honestly in too much shock to really process the explanation.

[batman-not-manbat]

Story? Jason, if you don’t believe me you can check the footage from the cave’s security cameras.

Bruce’s brows furrow, attempting to adjust to the drastic switch from cuddly little love bug to.. angry grown man.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just rolls his eyes, moving to get out of the bed quickly and letting out a small sigh of relief and crossing his arms. He seems to relax a little after standing up but still glares at Bruce.

"Yeah, whatever. Sure."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce moves to the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet now and thinking.

You can go now, Jason. I’m not going to make you stay.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason scoffs, turning away and looking around the room. His old room. Everything was packed away when he died, leaving it bare. Bruce was probably too ashamed to keep everything.

Knowing the man all his stuff was probably throw in a box that's locked away somewhere collecting dust,

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

[batman-not-manbat]

I’d hate it, but I know you don’t want to be around me, so I’m not forcing you to stay.

Bruce answers honestly, closing his eyes and keeping his head tilted down.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rolls his eyes, keeping his arms crossed since he doesn't know what else to do with them.

"Sure you would. You always have to assume shit, right?"

He comments, not moving.

[batman-not-manbat]

I have a right to assume you don’t want to be around me. Your behavior tells me that you don’t necessarily appreciate my presence, to say the least.

He says softly, keeping his tone small and non-challenging.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"The right?"

He shakes his head in disbelief at the words almost, pacing a little in the room before stopping close to the door after a few laps.

"Y'know what I want? Some fucking food."

Jason says with a pause in between before opening the door and leaving presumably for just that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ok.

Bruce stays in the room, looking around and letting himself think. Deep inside, he yearns to have Jason like that again. Wishes he could’ve kept him out of the Robin suit this time and given him a nice, somewhat normal life.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason walks down the hall, sighing and putting his head in his hands after doing a quick scan of his surroundings to make sure no one is around to see him. If someone saw him here they'll ask him about it and then he'll have to explain everything.

He eventually makes it to the kitchen anyways, muscle memory most likely. Fuck. Almost every day walking up in his room and making it over to the kitchen for a little less than 3 years.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce finally stands up, guessing that Jason had left the manor. He pads down the hallway to his bedroom, going to take off the bat suit and put on sweatpants and a white t-shirt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to lean against the wall for a few seconds, pressing his hands to his eyes before taking a deep breath in and out and opening the cabinets to check what they have.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce walks around aimlessly, trying to think. He makes up his mind, starting his plan by going to the kitchen to make a coffee.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

When Bruce enters Jason is already boiling some water for his tea, the box of tea bags next to him as he fiddles with some flower he somehow found. He's crouched down to be at the same level as the kettle, just half sitting like he belongs there.

When he was younger he would always rest his head on the counter to be eye level with the tea and it seems this is his way of doing it at this age.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce quietly shuffles to the coffee machine, trying not to draw Jason’s attention.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason notices him anyways, glancing over but not saying anything. He turns off the nettle just before it starts to hiss, giving the water a few seconds to sit while continuing to play with the flower in his hand.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce starts to make a coffee, fidgeting thoughtfully whenever his hands weren’t occupied.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason eventually straightens back up mostly, taking out a cup of tea and pouring some of it in his glass.

"Do you want some?"

He murmurs, not looking back. It used to be a routine, everyday as a kid he'd ask and everyday he'd get a no in favour of Bruce having coffee.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses, glancing nervously at Jason before nodding slowly.

That’d be nice, actually.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's nose scrunches up in confusion before rolling his eyes and taking out another cup for Bruce.

"What kinda?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mm.. what do we have?

He asks first, grabbing a mug.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Don' know, your manor."

He shrugs, glancing over to the man again.

[batman-not-manbat]

It’s yours too.

Bruce comments softly, putting the mug under the dispenser.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Tiny? Fucking— Isn't that a story."

He gawks, looking around a bit and scanning his surroundings. It's not that Jason doesn't believe Bruce— not completely anyways— but he's honestly in too much shock to really process the explanation.

[batman-not-manbat]

Story? Jason, if you don’t believe me you can check the footage from the cave’s security cameras.

Bruce’s brows furrow, attempting to adjust to the drastic switch from cuddly little love bug to.. angry grown man.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just rolls his eyes, moving to get out of the bed quickly and letting out a small sigh of relief and crossing his arms. He seems to relax a little after standing up but still glares at Bruce.

"Yeah, whatever. Sure."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce moves to the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet now and thinking.

You can go now, Jason. I’m not going to make you stay.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason scoffs, turning away and looking around the room. His old room. Everything was packed away when he died, leaving it bare. Bruce was probably too ashamed to keep everything.

Knowing the man all his stuff was probably throw in a box that's locked away somewhere collecting dust,

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

[batman-not-manbat]

I’d hate it, but I know you don’t want to be around me, so I’m not forcing you to stay.

Bruce answers honestly, closing his eyes and keeping his head tilted down.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rolls his eyes, keeping his arms crossed since he doesn't know what else to do with them.

"Sure you would. You always have to assume shit, right?"

He comments, not moving.

[batman-not-manbat]

I have a right to assume you don’t want to be around me. Your behavior tells me that you don’t necessarily appreciate my presence, to say the least.

He says softly, keeping his tone small and non-challenging.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"The right?"

He shakes his head in disbelief at the words almost, pacing a little in the room before stopping close to the door after a few laps.

"Y'know what I want? Some fucking food."

Jason says with a pause in between before opening the door and leaving presumably for just that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ok.

Bruce stays in the room, looking around and letting himself think. Deep inside, he yearns to have Jason like that again. Wishes he could’ve kept him out of the Robin suit this time and given him a nice, somewhat normal life.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason walks down the hall, sighing and putting his head in his hands after doing a quick scan of his surroundings to make sure no one is around to see him. If someone saw him here they'll ask him about it and then he'll have to explain everything.

He eventually makes it to the kitchen anyways, muscle memory most likely. Fuck. Almost every day walking up in his room and making it over to the kitchen for a little less than 3 years.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce finally stands up, guessing that Jason had left the manor. He pads down the hallway to his bedroom, going to take off the bat suit and put on sweatpants and a white t-shirt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to lean against the wall for a few seconds, pressing his hands to his eyes before taking a deep breath in and out and opening the cabinets to check what they have.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce walks around aimlessly, trying to think. He makes up his mind, starting his plan by going to the kitchen to make a coffee.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

When Bruce enters Jason is already boiling some water for his tea, the box of tea bags next to him as he fiddles with some flower he somehow found. He's crouched down to be at the same level as the kettle, just half sitting like he belongs there.

When he was younger he would always rest his head on the counter to be eye level with the tea and it seems this is his way of doing it at this age.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce quietly shuffles to the coffee machine, trying not to draw Jason’s attention.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason notices him anyways, glancing over but not saying anything. He turns off the nettle just before it starts to hiss, giving the water a few seconds to sit while continuing to play with the flower in his hand.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce starts to make a coffee, fidgeting thoughtfully whenever his hands weren’t occupied.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason eventually straightens back up mostly, taking out a cup of tea and pouring some of it in his glass.

"Do you want some?"

He murmurs, not looking back. It used to be a routine, everyday as a kid he'd ask and everyday he'd get a no in favour of Bruce having coffee.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses, glancing nervously at Jason before nodding slowly.

That’d be nice, actually.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's nose scrunches up in confusion before rolling his eyes and taking out another cup for Bruce.

"What kinda?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mm.. what do we have?

He asks first, grabbing a mug.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Tiny? Fucking— Isn't that a story."

He gawks, looking around a bit and scanning his surroundings. It's not that Jason doesn't believe Bruce— not completely anyways— but he's honestly in too much shock to really process the explanation.

[batman-not-manbat]

Story? Jason, if you don’t believe me you can check the footage from the cave’s security cameras.

Bruce’s brows furrow, attempting to adjust to the drastic switch from cuddly little love bug to.. angry grown man.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just rolls his eyes, moving to get out of the bed quickly and letting out a small sigh of relief and crossing his arms. He seems to relax a little after standing up but still glares at Bruce.

"Yeah, whatever. Sure."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce moves to the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet now and thinking.

You can go now, Jason. I’m not going to make you stay.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason scoffs, turning away and looking around the room. His old room. Everything was packed away when he died, leaving it bare. Bruce was probably too ashamed to keep everything.

Knowing the man all his stuff was probably throw in a box that's locked away somewhere collecting dust,

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

[batman-not-manbat]

I’d hate it, but I know you don’t want to be around me, so I’m not forcing you to stay.

Bruce answers honestly, closing his eyes and keeping his head tilted down.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rolls his eyes, keeping his arms crossed since he doesn't know what else to do with them.

"Sure you would. You always have to assume shit, right?"

He comments, not moving.

[batman-not-manbat]

I have a right to assume you don’t want to be around me. Your behavior tells me that you don’t necessarily appreciate my presence, to say the least.

He says softly, keeping his tone small and non-challenging.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"The right?"

He shakes his head in disbelief at the words almost, pacing a little in the room before stopping close to the door after a few laps.

"Y'know what I want? Some fucking food."

Jason says with a pause in between before opening the door and leaving presumably for just that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ok.

Bruce stays in the room, looking around and letting himself think. Deep inside, he yearns to have Jason like that again. Wishes he could’ve kept him out of the Robin suit this time and given him a nice, somewhat normal life.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason walks down the hall, sighing and putting his head in his hands after doing a quick scan of his surroundings to make sure no one is around to see him. If someone saw him here they'll ask him about it and then he'll have to explain everything.

He eventually makes it to the kitchen anyways, muscle memory most likely. Fuck. Almost every day walking up in his room and making it over to the kitchen for a little less than 3 years.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce finally stands up, guessing that Jason had left the manor. He pads down the hallway to his bedroom, going to take off the bat suit and put on sweatpants and a white t-shirt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to lean against the wall for a few seconds, pressing his hands to his eyes before taking a deep breath in and out and opening the cabinets to check what they have.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce walks around aimlessly, trying to think. He makes up his mind, starting his plan by going to the kitchen to make a coffee.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

When Bruce enters Jason is already boiling some water for his tea, the box of tea bags next to him as he fiddles with some flower he somehow found. He's crouched down to be at the same level as the kettle, just half sitting like he belongs there.

When he was younger he would always rest his head on the counter to be eye level with the tea and it seems this is his way of doing it at this age.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce quietly shuffles to the coffee machine, trying not to draw Jason’s attention.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason notices him anyways, glancing over but not saying anything. He turns off the nettle just before it starts to hiss, giving the water a few seconds to sit while continuing to play with the flower in his hand.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce starts to make a coffee, fidgeting thoughtfully whenever his hands weren’t occupied.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason eventually straightens back up mostly, taking out a cup of tea and pouring some of it in his glass.

"Do you want some?"

He murmurs, not looking back. It used to be a routine, everyday as a kid he'd ask and everyday he'd get a no in favour of Bruce having coffee.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses, glancing nervously at Jason before nodding slowly.

That’d be nice, actually.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Tiny? Fucking— Isn't that a story."

He gawks, looking around a bit and scanning his surroundings. It's not that Jason doesn't believe Bruce— not completely anyways— but he's honestly in too much shock to really process the explanation.

[batman-not-manbat]

Story? Jason, if you don’t believe me you can check the footage from the cave’s security cameras.

Bruce’s brows furrow, attempting to adjust to the drastic switch from cuddly little love bug to.. angry grown man.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just rolls his eyes, moving to get out of the bed quickly and letting out a small sigh of relief and crossing his arms. He seems to relax a little after standing up but still glares at Bruce.

"Yeah, whatever. Sure."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce moves to the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet now and thinking.

You can go now, Jason. I’m not going to make you stay.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason scoffs, turning away and looking around the room. His old room. Everything was packed away when he died, leaving it bare. Bruce was probably too ashamed to keep everything.

Knowing the man all his stuff was probably throw in a box that's locked away somewhere collecting dust,

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

[batman-not-manbat]

I’d hate it, but I know you don’t want to be around me, so I’m not forcing you to stay.

Bruce answers honestly, closing his eyes and keeping his head tilted down.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rolls his eyes, keeping his arms crossed since he doesn't know what else to do with them.

"Sure you would. You always have to assume shit, right?"

He comments, not moving.

[batman-not-manbat]

I have a right to assume you don’t want to be around me. Your behavior tells me that you don’t necessarily appreciate my presence, to say the least.

He says softly, keeping his tone small and non-challenging.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"The right?"

He shakes his head in disbelief at the words almost, pacing a little in the room before stopping close to the door after a few laps.

"Y'know what I want? Some fucking food."

Jason says with a pause in between before opening the door and leaving presumably for just that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ok.

Bruce stays in the room, looking around and letting himself think. Deep inside, he yearns to have Jason like that again. Wishes he could’ve kept him out of the Robin suit this time and given him a nice, somewhat normal life.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason walks down the hall, sighing and putting his head in his hands after doing a quick scan of his surroundings to make sure no one is around to see him. If someone saw him here they'll ask him about it and then he'll have to explain everything.

He eventually makes it to the kitchen anyways, muscle memory most likely. Fuck. Almost every day walking up in his room and making it over to the kitchen for a little less than 3 years.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce finally stands up, guessing that Jason had left the manor. He pads down the hallway to his bedroom, going to take off the bat suit and put on sweatpants and a white t-shirt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to lean against the wall for a few seconds, pressing his hands to his eyes before taking a deep breath in and out and opening the cabinets to check what they have.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce walks around aimlessly, trying to think. He makes up his mind, starting his plan by going to the kitchen to make a coffee.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

When Bruce enters Jason is already boiling some water for his tea, the box of tea bags next to him as he fiddles with some flower he somehow found. He's crouched down to be at the same level as the kettle, just half sitting like he belongs there.

When he was younger he would always rest his head on the counter to be eye level with the tea and it seems this is his way of doing it at this age.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce quietly shuffles to the coffee machine, trying not to draw Jason’s attention.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason notices him anyways, glancing over but not saying anything. He turns off the nettle just before it starts to hiss, giving the water a few seconds to sit while continuing to play with the flower in his hand.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce starts to make a coffee, fidgeting thoughtfully whenever his hands weren’t occupied.

[batman-not-manbat]

I miss my babies…

[gothamslocalstraycat]

You what 🧍‍♂️

[batman-not-manbat]

I miss all my babies.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Tiny? Fucking— Isn't that a story."

He gawks, looking around a bit and scanning his surroundings. It's not that Jason doesn't believe Bruce— not completely anyways— but he's honestly in too much shock to really process the explanation.

[batman-not-manbat]

Story? Jason, if you don’t believe me you can check the footage from the cave’s security cameras.

Bruce’s brows furrow, attempting to adjust to the drastic switch from cuddly little love bug to.. angry grown man.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just rolls his eyes, moving to get out of the bed quickly and letting out a small sigh of relief and crossing his arms. He seems to relax a little after standing up but still glares at Bruce.

"Yeah, whatever. Sure."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce moves to the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet now and thinking.

You can go now, Jason. I’m not going to make you stay.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason scoffs, turning away and looking around the room. His old room. Everything was packed away when he died, leaving it bare. Bruce was probably too ashamed to keep everything.

Knowing the man all his stuff was probably throw in a box that's locked away somewhere collecting dust,

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

[batman-not-manbat]

I’d hate it, but I know you don’t want to be around me, so I’m not forcing you to stay.

Bruce answers honestly, closing his eyes and keeping his head tilted down.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rolls his eyes, keeping his arms crossed since he doesn't know what else to do with them.

"Sure you would. You always have to assume shit, right?"

He comments, not moving.

[batman-not-manbat]

I have a right to assume you don’t want to be around me. Your behavior tells me that you don’t necessarily appreciate my presence, to say the least.

He says softly, keeping his tone small and non-challenging.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"The right?"

He shakes his head in disbelief at the words almost, pacing a little in the room before stopping close to the door after a few laps.

"Y'know what I want? Some fucking food."

Jason says with a pause in between before opening the door and leaving presumably for just that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ok.

Bruce stays in the room, looking around and letting himself think. Deep inside, he yearns to have Jason like that again. Wishes he could’ve kept him out of the Robin suit this time and given him a nice, somewhat normal life.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason walks down the hall, sighing and putting his head in his hands after doing a quick scan of his surroundings to make sure no one is around to see him. If someone saw him here they'll ask him about it and then he'll have to explain everything.

He eventually makes it to the kitchen anyways, muscle memory most likely. Fuck. Almost every day walking up in his room and making it over to the kitchen for a little less than 3 years.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce finally stands up, guessing that Jason had left the manor. He pads down the hallway to his bedroom, going to take off the bat suit and put on sweatpants and a white t-shirt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to lean against the wall for a few seconds, pressing his hands to his eyes before taking a deep breath in and out and opening the cabinets to check what they have.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce walks around aimlessly, trying to think. He makes up his mind, starting his plan by going to the kitchen to make a coffee.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

When Bruce enters Jason is already boiling some water for his tea, the box of tea bags next to him as he fiddles with some flower he somehow found. He's crouched down to be at the same level as the kettle, just half sitting like he belongs there.

When he was younger he would always rest his head on the counter to be eye level with the tea and it seems this is his way of doing it at this age.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce quietly shuffles to the coffee machine, trying not to draw Jason’s attention.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Tiny? Fucking— Isn't that a story."

He gawks, looking around a bit and scanning his surroundings. It's not that Jason doesn't believe Bruce— not completely anyways— but he's honestly in too much shock to really process the explanation.

[batman-not-manbat]

Story? Jason, if you don’t believe me you can check the footage from the cave’s security cameras.

Bruce’s brows furrow, attempting to adjust to the drastic switch from cuddly little love bug to.. angry grown man.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just rolls his eyes, moving to get out of the bed quickly and letting out a small sigh of relief and crossing his arms. He seems to relax a little after standing up but still glares at Bruce.

"Yeah, whatever. Sure."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce moves to the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet now and thinking.

You can go now, Jason. I’m not going to make you stay.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason scoffs, turning away and looking around the room. His old room. Everything was packed away when he died, leaving it bare. Bruce was probably too ashamed to keep everything.

Knowing the man all his stuff was probably throw in a box that's locked away somewhere collecting dust,

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

[batman-not-manbat]

I’d hate it, but I know you don’t want to be around me, so I’m not forcing you to stay.

Bruce answers honestly, closing his eyes and keeping his head tilted down.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rolls his eyes, keeping his arms crossed since he doesn't know what else to do with them.

"Sure you would. You always have to assume shit, right?"

He comments, not moving.

[batman-not-manbat]

I have a right to assume you don’t want to be around me. Your behavior tells me that you don’t necessarily appreciate my presence, to say the least.

He says softly, keeping his tone small and non-challenging.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"The right?"

He shakes his head in disbelief at the words almost, pacing a little in the room before stopping close to the door after a few laps.

"Y'know what I want? Some fucking food."

Jason says with a pause in between before opening the door and leaving presumably for just that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ok.

Bruce stays in the room, looking around and letting himself think. Deep inside, he yearns to have Jason like that again. Wishes he could’ve kept him out of the Robin suit this time and given him a nice, somewhat normal life.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason walks down the hall, sighing and putting his head in his hands after doing a quick scan of his surroundings to make sure no one is around to see him. If someone saw him here they'll ask him about it and then he'll have to explain everything.

He eventually makes it to the kitchen anyways, muscle memory most likely. Fuck. Almost every day walking up in his room and making it over to the kitchen for a little less than 3 years.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce finally stands up, guessing that Jason had left the manor. He pads down the hallway to his bedroom, going to take off the bat suit and put on sweatpants and a white t-shirt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to lean against the wall for a few seconds, pressing his hands to his eyes before taking a deep breath in and out and opening the cabinets to check what they have.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce walks around aimlessly, trying to think. He makes up his mind, starting his plan by going to the kitchen to make a coffee.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Tiny? Fucking— Isn't that a story."

He gawks, looking around a bit and scanning his surroundings. It's not that Jason doesn't believe Bruce— not completely anyways— but he's honestly in too much shock to really process the explanation.

[batman-not-manbat]

Story? Jason, if you don’t believe me you can check the footage from the cave’s security cameras.

Bruce’s brows furrow, attempting to adjust to the drastic switch from cuddly little love bug to.. angry grown man.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just rolls his eyes, moving to get out of the bed quickly and letting out a small sigh of relief and crossing his arms. He seems to relax a little after standing up but still glares at Bruce.

"Yeah, whatever. Sure."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce moves to the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet now and thinking.

You can go now, Jason. I’m not going to make you stay.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason scoffs, turning away and looking around the room. His old room. Everything was packed away when he died, leaving it bare. Bruce was probably too ashamed to keep everything.

Knowing the man all his stuff was probably throw in a box that's locked away somewhere collecting dust,

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

[batman-not-manbat]

I’d hate it, but I know you don’t want to be around me, so I’m not forcing you to stay.

Bruce answers honestly, closing his eyes and keeping his head tilted down.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rolls his eyes, keeping his arms crossed since he doesn't know what else to do with them.

"Sure you would. You always have to assume shit, right?"

He comments, not moving.

[batman-not-manbat]

I have a right to assume you don’t want to be around me. Your behavior tells me that you don’t necessarily appreciate my presence, to say the least.

He says softly, keeping his tone small and non-challenging.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"The right?"

He shakes his head in disbelief at the words almost, pacing a little in the room before stopping close to the door after a few laps.

"Y'know what I want? Some fucking food."

Jason says with a pause in between before opening the door and leaving presumably for just that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ok.

Bruce stays in the room, looking around and letting himself think. Deep inside, he yearns to have Jason like that again. Wishes he could’ve kept him out of the Robin suit this time and given him a nice, somewhat normal life.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason walks down the hall, sighing and putting his head in his hands after doing a quick scan of his surroundings to make sure no one is around to see him. If someone saw him here they'll ask him about it and then he'll have to explain everything.

He eventually makes it to the kitchen anyways, muscle memory most likely. Fuck. Almost every day walking up in his room and making it over to the kitchen for a little less than 3 years.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce finally stands up, guessing that Jason had left the manor. He pads down the hallway to his bedroom, going to take off the bat suit and put on sweatpants and a white t-shirt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Tiny? Fucking— Isn't that a story."

He gawks, looking around a bit and scanning his surroundings. It's not that Jason doesn't believe Bruce— not completely anyways— but he's honestly in too much shock to really process the explanation.

[batman-not-manbat]

Story? Jason, if you don’t believe me you can check the footage from the cave’s security cameras.

Bruce’s brows furrow, attempting to adjust to the drastic switch from cuddly little love bug to.. angry grown man.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just rolls his eyes, moving to get out of the bed quickly and letting out a small sigh of relief and crossing his arms. He seems to relax a little after standing up but still glares at Bruce.

"Yeah, whatever. Sure."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce moves to the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet now and thinking.

You can go now, Jason. I’m not going to make you stay.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason scoffs, turning away and looking around the room. His old room. Everything was packed away when he died, leaving it bare. Bruce was probably too ashamed to keep everything.

Knowing the man all his stuff was probably throw in a box that's locked away somewhere collecting dust,

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

[batman-not-manbat]

I’d hate it, but I know you don’t want to be around me, so I’m not forcing you to stay.

Bruce answers honestly, closing his eyes and keeping his head tilted down.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rolls his eyes, keeping his arms crossed since he doesn't know what else to do with them.

"Sure you would. You always have to assume shit, right?"

He comments, not moving.

[batman-not-manbat]

I have a right to assume you don’t want to be around me. Your behavior tells me that you don’t necessarily appreciate my presence, to say the least.

He says softly, keeping his tone small and non-challenging.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"The right?"

He shakes his head in disbelief at the words almost, pacing a little in the room before stopping close to the door after a few laps.

"Y'know what I want? Some fucking food."

Jason says with a pause in between before opening the door and leaving presumably for just that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ok.

Bruce stays in the room, looking around and letting himself think. Deep inside, he yearns to have Jason like that again. Wishes he could’ve kept him out of the Robin suit this time and given him a nice, somewhat normal life.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Tiny? Fucking— Isn't that a story."

He gawks, looking around a bit and scanning his surroundings. It's not that Jason doesn't believe Bruce— not completely anyways— but he's honestly in too much shock to really process the explanation.

[batman-not-manbat]

Story? Jason, if you don’t believe me you can check the footage from the cave’s security cameras.

Bruce’s brows furrow, attempting to adjust to the drastic switch from cuddly little love bug to.. angry grown man.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just rolls his eyes, moving to get out of the bed quickly and letting out a small sigh of relief and crossing his arms. He seems to relax a little after standing up but still glares at Bruce.

"Yeah, whatever. Sure."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce moves to the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet now and thinking.

You can go now, Jason. I’m not going to make you stay.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason scoffs, turning away and looking around the room. His old room. Everything was packed away when he died, leaving it bare. Bruce was probably too ashamed to keep everything.

Knowing the man all his stuff was probably throw in a box that's locked away somewhere collecting dust,

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

[batman-not-manbat]

I’d hate it, but I know you don’t want to be around me, so I’m not forcing you to stay.

Bruce answers honestly, closing his eyes and keeping his head tilted down.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rolls his eyes, keeping his arms crossed since he doesn't know what else to do with them.

"Sure you would. You always have to assume shit, right?"

He comments, not moving.

[batman-not-manbat]

I have a right to assume you don’t want to be around me. Your behavior tells me that you don’t necessarily appreciate my presence, to say the least.

He says softly, keeping his tone small and non-challenging.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Tiny? Fucking— Isn't that a story."

He gawks, looking around a bit and scanning his surroundings. It's not that Jason doesn't believe Bruce— not completely anyways— but he's honestly in too much shock to really process the explanation.

[batman-not-manbat]

Story? Jason, if you don’t believe me you can check the footage from the cave’s security cameras.

Bruce’s brows furrow, attempting to adjust to the drastic switch from cuddly little love bug to.. angry grown man.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just rolls his eyes, moving to get out of the bed quickly and letting out a small sigh of relief and crossing his arms. He seems to relax a little after standing up but still glares at Bruce.

"Yeah, whatever. Sure."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce moves to the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet now and thinking.

You can go now, Jason. I’m not going to make you stay.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason scoffs, turning away and looking around the room. His old room. Everything was packed away when he died, leaving it bare. Bruce was probably too ashamed to keep everything.

Knowing the man all his stuff was probably throw in a box that's locked away somewhere collecting dust,

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

[batman-not-manbat]

I’d hate it, but I know you don’t want to be around me, so I’m not forcing you to stay.

Bruce answers honestly, closing his eyes and keeping his head tilted down.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Tiny? Fucking— Isn't that a story."

He gawks, looking around a bit and scanning his surroundings. It's not that Jason doesn't believe Bruce— not completely anyways— but he's honestly in too much shock to really process the explanation.

[batman-not-manbat]

Story? Jason, if you don’t believe me you can check the footage from the cave’s security cameras.

Bruce’s brows furrow, attempting to adjust to the drastic switch from cuddly little love bug to.. angry grown man.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just rolls his eyes, moving to get out of the bed quickly and letting out a small sigh of relief and crossing his arms. He seems to relax a little after standing up but still glares at Bruce.

"Yeah, whatever. Sure."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce moves to the edge of the bed, staring down at the carpet now and thinking.

You can go now, Jason. I’m not going to make you stay.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Tiny? Fucking— Isn't that a story."

He gawks, looking around a bit and scanning his surroundings. It's not that Jason doesn't believe Bruce— not completely anyways— but he's honestly in too much shock to really process the explanation.

[batman-not-manbat]

Story? Jason, if you don’t believe me you can check the footage from the cave’s security cameras.

Bruce’s brows furrow, attempting to adjust to the drastic switch from cuddly little love bug to.. angry grown man.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason takes a few seconds to actually recognise it's Bruce, internally sighing in relief that it wasn't.. worse. Externally his breathing is a bit frantic and uneven, trying to centre himself.

"What the fuck, B."

He repeats in a voice more disbelief than terror, immediately shoving the blankets off of himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

You got deaged, okay? Was I supposed to just leave you by yourself? You were tiny!

Bruce immediately starts to explain, hands opening and closing around nothing. He wasn’t sure what to do with them.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jay, kiddo? You okay? Heard something happened—

@batman-not-manbat

Instead of an adult version of Jason there is instead an infant, looking around 2-3 years old. His face has some dirt on it and his clothes seem too big.

Seeing Batman he scrambles back a bit, or as much as a toddler can, starting to cry and trying to press himself into the wall like that could somehow hide him.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce immediately freezes, then sinks down to a crouch.

Hey there, are you okay?

He leans forward slightly, offering his open hand.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues crying, his hands coming up to hide his eyes and try wipe away the on coming tears.

[batman-not-manbat]

hey, hey, c’mon…

Bruce nervously reaches out, carefully grasping Jason’s wrists.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason freezes at the touch, staring up at the scary man. The tears have slowed down but only out of fear, his cheeks stained with them.

[batman-not-manbat]

See? I’m not gonna hurt you, kiddo.

Bruce says slowly, fully sitting down and looking around before removing the cowl.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason sniffles a bit, watching the Batman closely. His eyes widen a bit when he takes off the weird mask, one of his hands that was let go of wiping his cheek.

[batman-not-manbat]

There ya go… can I pick you up?

He reaches his other hand out, hesitating.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't respond, just watching closely. He can't really do anything, he's so much smaller like this at even running wouldn't help.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

Bruce carefully picks Jason up, holding him against his chest. The larger man can’t help but coo, eyes shining.

Hi there..!

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small sound of protest, letting himself be picked up before looking up at the much larger man, pouting a little.

"Hi.."

He mumbles, tilting his head and looking at the man almost like he's trying to tell if he recognises him.

[batman-not-manbat]

You’re so precious..

Bruce says softly, smiling.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason pouts, moving to touch the man's face, feeling his stubble a bit. He never knew the Batman had that.

[batman-not-manbat]

He leans his face into the touch, using one of his own hands to run his fingers through Jason’s hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns at the touch to his hair, watching the man for a few seconds to make sure it's safe before moving to boop the man's nose playfully.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce snorts, smiling fully again.

Interesting, hm?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason smiles back, grabbing onto the man's hair next from inside the hood like thing on his head.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

he murmurs, shifting to hold Jason closer.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason just continues to play with the man's hair, slightly pulling though it doesn't seem to be on purpose.

[batman-not-manbat]

my baby…

Bruce whispers, mostly to himself, gently tracing his thumb over Jason’s cheek.

Y’wanna go back to the manor with me? Just ‘till you’re big again?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't really respond to the name, used to being called that by his parents anyways, He tilts his head at the question, not sure what the man is asking.

"Ma.. nor?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, the manor. It’s a big house.

He nods, sitting up a bit.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home.."

He whines a bit, his grip on the man's hair tightening.

[batman-not-manbat]

Ow— yeah, I know sweet boy, but home’s not… home’s not there, kiddo.

Bruce winces, but tries to stay calm.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason doesn't connect the dots that what he's doing is causing the pain, looking around.

"Where's momma?"

[batman-not-manbat]

Momma’s not here either..

He says, biting the inside of his cheek.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Wanna go home to momma.."

He mumbles, squeezing even tighter.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m so sorry, sweetheart..

Bruce carefully reaches for Jason’s fingers, attempting to pry them out of his hair.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason moves to grab onto the man's hand instead, squeezing the gloves of the suit.

"Where's momma?"

He asks again, more insistent.

[batman-not-manbat]

She’s not here, Jay.

He attempts, gently squeezing Jason’s hand back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But I want her.."

He sobs softly, starting to get upset and looking around a bit like she might appear.

[batman-not-manbat]

I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry..

Bruce feels his heart shattering, clutching Jason against him.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Do you know where she is..?"

He asks, trying to look up at the man.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yes, but she…

He pauses, thinking of something to say without upsetting Jason.

She’s busy right now, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she sick again?"

Jason seems to believe that but still worried, brow furrowing.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm, she’ll be away for a little while.

Bruce hums, slightly loosening his anxious grip.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh.. is she with papa?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..Yeah.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason frowns, squinting a bit before seeming to just accept that and rest his head against the man's shoulder.

[batman-not-manbat]

Let’s go now.

He mumbles, standing up and holding Jason carefully.

‘m gonna put the cowl back on, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay.. What's a.. cow-l?"

Jason hums with a small yawn in between.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce holds back a coo at Jason’s yawn, starting to explain.

It’s the mask that I wear. It makes me Batman.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"But.. I thought you already are the Batman?"

[batman-not-manbat]

..In a way,

He hums, starting to pull the cowl back on.

But the mask completes it.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Hmph.. Why do you 'ave to wear a mask."

[batman-not-manbat]

Because people can’t know I’m Batman. It’s dangerous.

Bruce explains, reaching for his grappling gun.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Why?"

Jason asks, looking down at the grapple gun and making a small whining sound.

[batman-not-manbat]

Because then they know who I am, where I live, and could hurt me or people I care about.

He pauses at Jason’s reaction, slowly drawing it out of his belt and holding it up.

Do you not like this?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Oh, that's very bad."

Jason frowns. When Batman takes out the grapple gun Jason brings his hands over his ears and squeezes his eyes closed like he's bracing for something.

[batman-not-manbat]

Mhm..

Bruce puts the grapple back and gently tries to push Jason’s hands off his ears.

Hey, what’s wrong?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks, opening his eyes and looking back down at where the grapple gun is.

"Gun is bad.. very loud."

[batman-not-manbat]

Oh.. it’s not a regular gun, kiddo. It’s a grapple gun. Helps me get places.

Bruce blinks a few times, shifting his hold on Jason and taking out the grapple again.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason tilts his head, grabbing for the gun when Bruce takes it out hesitantly, his hands drifting over to the trigger.

[batman-not-manbat]

Careful..

He murmurs, watching where Jason’s hands go carefully.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"What does it do?"

[batman-not-manbat]

It shoots out a line on a hook, I attach the hook to where I wanna go and it pulls me there.

Bruce explains, tilting it slightly in his hand.

Wanna see?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason's mouth makes a small 'o', very interested. He nods, grabbing a fistful of the Batman suit and holding on a bit tighter to the man, watching him very closely.

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay.. hold on tight.

Bruce holds Jason close with his free hand, aiming the grapple and firing it.

He lands them on a nearby roof, landing evenly and retracting the grapple.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason flinches at the sound of the grapple firing, watching closely while hiding himself in Bruce's chest. He makes a small sound of surprise when they're in the air, closing his eyes for a few seconds. When he opens them he giggles a little.

"Very cool.."

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles, stepping to the edge again.

Indeed. I’m gonna get us back down again so I can call the Batmobile, okay?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

"Okay."

Jason nods, grabbing onto the suit again and looking down.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce grapples down, landing in a slight crouch as he fiddles with something on his belt.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes another sound of surprise, gripping tighter on the fabric before yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce stands, waiting for the Batmobile to arrive as he moves to hold Jason with both hands, letting him get more comfortable.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason looks up at the man, frowning before reaching to grab his cowl with interest.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles softly, leaning his head down a bit for Jason.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason feels the fabric of the cowl, something unfamiliar to him before his hands drift up to where the lenses are.

[batman-not-manbat]

He narrows his eyes slightly, letting Jason see the lenses shifting.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He makes a soft gasp of surprise before tapping on them with his finger, trying to find out what's causing that.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce chuckles, closing and opening his eyes a few times.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason watches in amazement almost, continuing to tap the lenses thinking he's the one causing it.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pauses as the Batmobile pulls up, shifting Jason in his arms slightly.

‘Cmon..

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason blinks when he heard the sound of a car coming, looking over and tilting his head.

"Car."

He points, looking at Bruce.

[batman-not-manbat]

Yep, car.

He steps to the drivers side, opening the door and sliding in, Jason sat on his lap.

Do you wanna honk the horn?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes himself comfortable in Bruce's lap, looking up at the man before looking back at the wheel.

He gently presses the button, making no noise before pressing harder the second time and honking the horn, clapping a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cool, yeah?

Bruce smiles, putting arm around Jason and the other hand on the steering wheel.

‘Kay, let’s go now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason leans into the touch, snuggling up against Bruce's chest as he drives.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce smiles the whole time, pressing a small, fatherly kiss into Jason’s hair as he snuggles up against him.

When we get to the manor I’m guessing you wanna go straight to bed, huh?

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums when Bruce kisses his hair, snuggling up even closer. At the question Jason yawns, basically answering it that way.

[batman-not-manbat]

The larger man openly coos this time, eyes shining down at Jason. He wishes he’d adopted Jason when he was this small.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't seem to really notice, just staying close and closing his eyes, starting to drift off a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

They eventually pull into the cave, Bruce slowly parking the Batmobile and easing them out without moving Jason around too much.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason rubs his eyes when they park in the cave, looking around with squinted eyes before snuggling up again, annoyed by the lights.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce thinks before tucking his cape over Jason, slipping the cowl off and starting up into the manor now.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cap on instinct, feeling the texture of it before pulling it closer around himself.

[batman-not-manbat]

Cozy?

Bruce asks, tilting his head slightly.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason hums, yawning again and trying to bundle himself up.

[batman-not-manbat]

Good.

He murmurs, pausing at the entrance to the manor.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He tries to stay awake, peeking over the cape he's using as a blanket to look around but it's really a fighting battle.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce pushed the door open, carefully closing it behind him and starting to Jason’s usual room.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

By the time they get to the room Jason is already silently asleep, the exhaustion in his body winning.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce gently lays Jason in the bed, pulling the soft blankets over him and stepping back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason makes a small whining noise, immediately waking up and starting to cry when Bruce isn't right there.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce panics, immediately picking Jason up again and sitting on the bed.

Shhh.. hey, hey, it’s okay…. I’m right here, Jaylad.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

The sobbing almost instantly stops when he's scooped back into Bruce's arms, wiping his eyes and sniffling befor grabbing back onto Bruce's clothes.

"Don' go.."

[batman-not-manbat]

’Kay..

He hums, sitting up properly on the bed, relaxing a bit now that Jason’s stopped crying.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He snuggles up against Bruce again, trying to get comfortable. The panic of being left alone only got rid of his exhaustion for so long and it's crashing right back on him again.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce lets Jason get cozy, giving up and wrapping his cape around the smaller again as he lets go head fall back.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Jason grabs onto the cape again, wrapping it around himself and yawning a bit.

[batman-not-manbat]

Goodnight now, sweet boy.

Bruce mumbles, giving Jason a small squeeze in his arms.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

He doesn't process the words as much as he does the low, comforting rumble of Bruce's voice, finding reassurance in them anyways and falling asleep just as quickly as before.

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce presses a kiss into Jason’s hair, leaning back and starting to drift off himself.

[legallydeadjasontodd]

Sometime between Bruce falling asleep and the morning Jason felt himself coming back, his too big body in the bed with a blanket pushed to the side. At first waking up was slow, his brain adjusting before he registered the person next to him.

The scream of terror wasn't a conscious decision as he scrambled to sit up and move backwards, his eyes starting to focus.

"What the fuck?!"

[batman-not-manbat]

Bruce jolts awake, immediately sitting up again and staring back at Jason with wide eyes. He had a sinking feeling that Jason wouldn’t appreciate being taken off the streets and whisked away to the manor while he was deaged.

..Hey.

Bruce says slowly.

I can explain.