Magic Anon: De-aged to 6 (toddler)
Jason Todd-Wayne died at 15 and this account
was left untouched to commemorate his memory.
This account is not active.
If you would like to support the many Wayne Enterprises founded Non Profit Foundations in his name
Please use some of the links in the bio or click below
🕊️
"you know who he is, he's our favourite legally dead boy!!"
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WARNING: this blog directly depicts su1c1de, su1c1dal intention, sh, depersonalisation and referenced r@p3, s@. if you are sensitive to these topics please stray away from this blog and the connecting blog (though it appears much less there and only in reference) especially the lit rps. stay safe.
*insert really cool intro*
this is a rp blog for our favourite legally dead boy. shocking. other accounts are here and the red hood blog is @illegallyaliveredhood , this blog i mostly use for lit rp and rh i just mess around
This account i imagine his siblings made Jason get to talk to him but he isnt legally alive in this au so this account is supposed to be for like a dead kid but jason just ends up using it and interacting with the family, anyone out of the batfam can interact i just thought that would be funny to mention no one questions why the dead wayne child is active
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Jason would be 19-20 years old at this time and its been around 2 years since the whole UTRH confrontation with Bruce. (it happened when he was 17 turning 18 so work from there)
I would like to start this by saying this is not accurate to canon bc canon doesnt know how to write him (imo) if you think my timeline is off or "those are different universes!", "actually that headcanon is wrong!" or just critiquing my portrayal/depiction of the character, keep it to yourself this is for fun and also considered an au where jason is immortal and also i throw him in a blender for angst
Anyways in this au batman did slit his throat with a batarang and was kinda abusive/neglectful and RHATO #25 unfortunately happened fairly recently (this year) but im open to good dad bruce accounts. He was beaten by the joker in Ethiopia after being lead to his death by his mom and blown up, then batman found his body leading to him being buried and after 6months he woke up and clawed himself out of his grave braindead, found by LOA/Talia and dunked in the green koolaid and has pit madness and glowing eyesss, he trained there (damian and jason meeting in the loa is like my fav hc in the entire world you will take this au from my bare hands) and also has the All-Blades but i doubt that will come up they are just important to me. Batfam and everyone else should not know like any of us just that he was "reckless and went after the joker" then somehow revived (LOA is involved?? The pit?? they are all confused) and became RH. They dont know communication in his family and Jason doesnt want anyone to know
Currently Jason is trying to make up with the rest of the fam/his siblings and get to know them, he does care for them but he avoids Bruce like the plague and they dont really talk other then like 5 words. The rest of the batfam is very confused and thinks its just a difference in values or hes being petty. Jason is also kinda awkward with Dick he wasnt the best brother before he died (IMO/AU) and also yk HE DIED so fun stuff. Titans Tower with Tim im neutral with, if your universe's Tim did have that happen to him ill play along with it idm.
PTSD and just all that good angst stuff will be here (can you tell i like angst) and yes he has pit madness and the glowing eyes like i mentioned, no i dont care its not canon tyvm. appearance wise he has that white streak in his face and central heterochromia which progresses more or less depending on pit stuff
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Basically the same rules as my main, no NSFW/sexual content im just not comfortable with rping that so no shipping him or anything otherwise im fine but if im uncomfortable with something im not gonna do it please respect that!
No Batcest/Incest, keep that on your side of the internet and ill stay on mine
Be a decent person - no queerphobia, racism, ableism or anything like that i can and will block you if youre being a bitch or using your character to bully sm1
Mun uses she/her pronouns but gender neutral ones are also fine
"this text is dialogue" and when green is used it means the pit is influencing his text/thoughts and glowing eyesssss thou ill mention it anyways
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
JJ nods in response, sniffling and rubbing at his face. He can feel the scars beneath his fingers, and it makes him pause before putting his hands back down and tugging a little at Jason's jacket for no discernible reason besides just having something to do with his hands, most likely.
"Yes. Jason...Timmy's big brother...older and um...um- the one with the red and the- the guns. Wasn't...allowed to talk about anything to you. Or- or the others. Only...only Bruce and and the one with orange hair, she was- she was there. But she hates me. Bad...bad kid. Bad kids don't get to be- be liked or around- around others."
JJ says, voice still shaky as he speaks softly. JJ shivers and ducks his head against Jason's shoulder again. He briefly looks back up at Jason when he speaks again and moves to take Jason's hand, only to link their pinkies together gently and shake there hands together like that.
"Promise...promise. Safe."
He says, not whispering as much as he has been. taking his hand away, only to rub his hands against his knees a little and take a few more breaths, ducking his face against Jason once more. Hiding almost.
All JJ knows is that Jason is promising he'll be okay and Jason is being nicer, and he promised and it was a pinkie promise too so that means everything will be okay and Jason meant it. He promised, so he has to mean it.
Jason tilts his head when JJ tugs on his jacket, thinking it's because he wants Jason's attention or something. That only confirms his fears, that Bruce knew about this and.. Babs? Why would she hide this? From all of them? Even Dick doesn't know? What was Babs there for–
"Yeah.. I'm Jason. I like you, you seem really.. nice."
He says, glancing down at their fingers and recognising it at a pinkie promise, locking their fingers together himself and smiling softly.
"I'll keep you safe. I promise."
He nods, cradling JJ's head a bit closer to himself and carding his fingers through his hair, trying to comfort them in anyway.
This is wrong, everything about this is wrong. What happened that caused this? What was so bad that Babs is hiding it and didn't even tell anyone? He has too many questions and the only person who can give them to him, at least the only person he can ask is.. someone with the mind of a child, who is a child. Jason doesn't know what to do.
JJ shakes his head a bit at that, not believing that. Jason doesn't know everything and he would hate JJ if he did so JJ can't tell him anything, because Jason would probably break their promise if he knew everything.
"No. Bad...Bad. Bad kid."
JJ mumbles, taking another shaky breath and holding onto Jason a bit tighter, nervous and scared of being caught. He just can't lie, he can't lie and say he's good, because that's wrong and that's not what JJ is.
"O-Okay...thank you, Mister."
He whispers softly, not entirely sure what he's supposed to say to Timmy's big brother, but if he says that he'll be safe then JJ has to believe that for now. He just stays attached to him and finally calms enough that the tears aren't pooling as much and he can just slightly stay there, holding onto Jason, attempting to feel safe, to believe that he's safe and that everything will be okay.
Jason sighs, softly, continuing to run his fingers through their hair for now. It's childish but he doesn't really understand the insistence that he's 'bad', for whatever reason.
He still doesn't understand the laughing and who JJ was talking about either, his dad. He doesn't think he's talking about Jack Drake but Jason has no idea who else it could be. Well, he has one person but that is impossible–
"Your welcome. How about we get up? You can still stay close, OK?"
Jason offers softly, adjusting JJ in his arms, bringing them around their shoulders and under their legs so they can be easily picked up and wiping away some of those tears on their cheeks. It makes him sad to see but he's happy they seem a lot better. The laughing was... much worse.
JJ just whimpers, because he just knows that Jason wouldn't be saying that if he knew everything. JJ isn't good at all, JJ's done bad things and should be locked away and not allowed to leave. JJ is bad. Very bad.
"Um...okay."
JJ whispers in response, moving to grab tightly onto Jason when he's picked up, hiding his face a little against the man's chest just in case. He doesn't know where he's being taken but Jason is safe, and JJ just doesn't want to be left alone at all.
JJ rubs at his eyes and grabs onto Jason's jacket as tightly as he can, not wanting to fall or anything, and because his smile hurts and he can't stop it. He whimpers again a little, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Why...back in the- the scary cave...wanna leave."
Is all JJ says, softly and sounding upset, he just would like to go home to Timmy's place and sleep, or hide somewhere. Sometimes he gets some of the papers around and folds them into animals, because Mama taught him how, but he's not here often because he isn't supposed to be.
He mumbles in response to the conformation, picking JJ up and stretching a bit before moving him to be more on Jason's hip, rubbing his back softly and letting him hide himself in Jason's chest. He'd almost finds how tightly he's grabbing on to Jason cute if he didn't know why or under better circumstances but right now he just needs to make sure they are OK and calm down a bit.
"I know, I know.. I just have to check something and then.. we can find somewhere to hide, OK?"
Jason tries to comfort softly, bringing JJ's hands to his ears as he turns on the computer. He makes sure they are muted and don't have the camera on, checking the comms to make sure everyone is OK. He keeps the volume off for now incase the Joker is still there but everyone seems mostly fine with a few injuries. Thank god.
"Now, you have any hiding spots for me?"
He asks, turning the computer off and turning back to JJ, tilting his head a little.
JJ hums a little, just squeezing his eyes shut and shivering against Jason. He whines a little, facing away from the computer and hiding his face against Jason some more as he fiddles with things. Once Jason speaks agains JJ lifts his head a little and uses his cape a bit to hide his face, or more specifically the smile.
"Not...not allowed upstairs. Was put down here, to be- be watched and- and so I'd stop hurting Timmy."
JJ says quietly, and he points towards the hall that goes down towards the containment cells within the cave, before bringing his arms back towards Jason. He didn't like the big room with the glass door, it was scary and bad and Bruce would yell at him and sometimes he'd be restrained.
"Was- was upstairs for a while...hid under the bed. Can't get me when I'm- I'm under the bed. Can't touch me."
He sniffles and rubs at his face. JJ knows that there were bad people trying to get him a lot, to touch him, so he'd hide under the bed and they couldn't get him there because he'd move all the way to the corner and curl up very small. He'd be safe that way. It was the only way he could sleep. Safe that way.
"I...I don't wanna get grabbed again. Papa and the bad masked people hurt really bad, have to do bad- bad things. Bad."
Jason shushes him softly when JJ seems a bit distressed by the computer, cradling his head a bit closer and running his fingers through his hair.
He isn't quite sure why he keeps smiling but it's honestly a bit concerning and uncanny almost. JJ doesn't even seem to be doing it on purpose which makes it even more confusing
"Hurting Tim– how were you hurting him?"
Jason asks, not sure what JJ means but not liking what that implies or more accurately tells him, that Bruce locked them in the containment cells. They rarely use them, usually locking up any criminals in the jail.
He wonders if Bruce would have done the same to him if he had the opportunity to. Then again he thinks the answer is pretty obvious.
"Yeah? Well, we'll have to wait a bit more here if that's OK?"
Jason sighs softly. He would bring them up into the manor but Alfred is there and the man will find them and.. if Bruce and Barbara knew then Alfred definitely did.
He feels betrayed in a way, that Alfred would do that to him. Bruce is expected, Barbara, well, she always keeps secrets. Alfred too but it seems more personal to him.
JJ makes a soft distressed sound, shaking in Jason's arms and shaking his head a bit at the question.
"Hurt...me, but it- it hurt Timmy. Try to run away but it- it only hurt Timmy more. Missed Papa and Mama...I don't like it here, scary. Bruce hates me."
JJ whispers it all, like it's a secret that Jason can't tell anyone, fiddling with the zipper on Jason's jacket a bit childishly. JJ wasn't supposed to hurt Timmy, Bruce and all the bad men in white said it was bad, and he'd get hurt in return. It made no sense, JJ just wanted to leave. He was scared.
JJ just whines a little in response, hiding himself in the crook of Jason's neck and trembling like a leaf. He just wants to leave and go home, to be safe and away from everything.
"I'll be- be safe with you? Protect me?"
He asks hesitantly, just needing to check that Jason actually meant what he said. That the man would save and protect him when Bruce or Papa come looking for him, to hurt him, even though JJ is bad.
Jason moves to sit down on the chair, keeping JJ in his lap and rubbing his back, frowning at how distressed he seems.
"I know it's scary.. you're so brave right now."
He comforts, trying not to show how honestly scared he is. He supposes it makes sense but it's so much more real with actual conformation. He still doesn't know what parents JJ is talking about but right now he just leaves it to think about later. Jason would like to say that saying Bruce doesn't hate them isn't true but that would be a lie too. Something like this– he can't see the man approving.
He makes a soft shushing sound again when JJ seems so scared, holding him securely and trying to at least comfort him enough so he stops shaking so much.
"Yeah, I'll protect you. Let's just sit here, OK? I wont ask you anything else if you don't want."
Jason nods, tucking some of their hair away and tilting his head so JJ can see his face and the hopefully comforting smile on it. He isn't sure what he's going to do when the bats come back home but maybe he can hide JJ somewhere?
JJ hums, not really believing that. He doesn't feel brave or anything, he just feels weak and small. He curls up more against Jason when they sit down, laying against him and fiddling with his jacket still, seeming nervous still.
"Bad...bad. Don't wanna be- be locked away again."
JJ mumbles, voice quiet and weak sounding. It's almost the opposite of Tim's usual demeanor, the other never being very vulnerable if anything, certainly not around Jason. They're not particularly close like Tim is with the other bats.
He shakes his head at that, holding onto Jason and huffing, not really sure how to respond. He just straightens Jason's jacket a little and pats him a bit.
"Don't...talking, I like talking to you- Big Brother is nice. Not- no yelling like...like everyone else. Not like others."
JJ whispers, fiddling with his fingers a bit before just sniffling and resting his head against Jason's shoulder with what sounds almost like a relieved sigh.
"I know, I know. I'll keep you safe. No cells or anything, OK?"
He comforts, sighing a little bit. Clearly he can't convince JJ that he isn't 'bad' but at the very least he can try comfort him that he won't be punished for what he thinks he's done.
Jason hates cells like that, being trapped with no escape. Those cells are made of glass and don't even have any privacy at all. It might as well be his worst fucking nightmare. Not to mention just how small and suffocating it is as the dirt breaks through the wood and starts falling in to the coffin, some getting in his mouth but he can't stop—
At first Jason thinks JJ is asking him to not talk at all and then that 'big brother' is someone else until he realises that it's.. him. Jason isn't used to really any of the bats calling him something like that especially Tim of all people.
"OK, then.. we can talk. Do you know any animals?"
He asks, not wanting to ask JJ any questions like before that just seemed to distress him.
JJ nods, shakily, as he repeats the words Jason said a bit to himself. It's as if he's trying to reassure himself by continuously speaking the words that tell him that he'll be okay, that Jason will protect him.
He doesn't meet Jason's eyes, tired and stressed and just holding onto the man. He's just relieved nothing bad will happen, and that JJ gets to be okay. JJ does pause at the question though, humming.
"Like...like frogs. Stories about- about frogs. They're green but not- not too green. Good green. Not bad like Papa. Cute little things, hold in your hand."
JJ explains, making a motion of cupping his hands together to emphasize his point. JJ likes dogs too, like the small little dog that Timmy has, who's very cute and likes pets. But Frogs are itty bitty, and you can hold them very close, and he likes that. He wants to hold a frog.
Jason hums, just basically petting JJ's hair in his lap. He makes sure to keep an eye on the computer since it'll turn back on on it's own when the bats notify him of something important.
He still needs to figure out how he'll hide JJ from everyone or how to get Tim back in front but he guesses he has to improvise. He remembers Tim, or at least he thinks it was Tim unless it was someone else he doesn't know about, still being here when the bats left and afterwards, well, this happened.
"Frogs? They are pretty cute, very small. Have you held one before?"
He says with a small smile on his face, finding it cute if nothing else though the mention of this father Jason still doesn't know about is a bit concerning. Why green?
JJ shakes his head, seeming more calmed down now, though that smile stays on his face despite him wanting it to go away. JJ hates that he can't make it go away. Bruce always used to get angry with him for it. He wasn't supposed to be acting like this anymore, he was supposed to be Timmy.
"No...never seen one. See them in story books and on the big screen in Timmy's apartment. Watch with the little doggy, when I- when I figure out how to work the screen and get it to- to play things. Fun things."
JJ answers, fidgeting with his hands as he lays against Jason. He's pulling at the gloves on his hands, the fabric just annoying him at this point. He doesn't like the weird suit, it's too tight and it feels so uncomfortable.
"I think- think frogs look very nice. Silly and small. Dogs are- are nice too."
JJ says, not looking up at Jason or anything. Tim's never been big on eye contact either way, but JJ seems to want to avoid even looking at peoples faces.
Jason tilts his head, surprised by that. He didn't know Tim had a dog though he supposes he isn't really close with the other and has never been to his apartment unlike Tim who very much breaks into his safehouses.
Things with the bats have been... better he supposes even if being near Bruce makes him want to scream and cry at the same time. Dick is a whole other issue. He's been getting closer with the younger bats though. He thinks that's what he wanted even if he's still more on the outside of everything.
"That sounds fun.. maybe one day we can go and see one in person."
He hums, still holding JJ close and tucking some hair behind his ear again.
"Dogs are my favourite. Have you met Ace and Titus?"
Jason smiles softly thinking of the animals. He hasn't been in the manor, officially at least, since he died so he hasn't seen Ace in a long time. He misses the dog he supposes, he was nice. Probably very old by now.
JJ says softly, rubbing at his eyes and face a bit. He touches his fingers against the scars there. Tim has always worn make up to cover them up, but the tears and the way JJ has been wiping at his face seems to have washed a good amount of it away, showing faded scars along their cheeks starting from both ends of their mouth.
JJ shakes his head in response. He's not sure who those doggies are, he only knows the really cute one that Timmy has, who's very quiet and tired, JJ finds him burrowing in blankets a lot.
"Nuh uh...I've um...I don't leave places. Stay in Timmy's house or- or in here with Bruce. Or with Papa and Mama in the nursery with big space, or- or in the big empty house with the weird people. Mostly a-alone there."
JJ describes, again keeping his eyes trained downwards. His voice is very soft and quiet, like he's scared of speaking too loudly.
Jason confirms, sighing softly at the idea that they would need permission or something to be allowed to do that. He fucking hates even the idea of that but he can't show any anger right now.
He raises an eyebrow when he notices the scars, frowning a bit. He's never noticed them before how– It looks like someone cut their face starting from the corners and up to the ears into some sick smile. A Glasgow smile. Like.. the Joker. What the fuck does he not know? It can't be related to that, can it?
"That's not nice.. We can go out then, maybe.. I'll see, OK?"
Jason says, trying to swallow the lump in his throat and continue the conversation. Who are these parents he keeps talking about? What nursery? Jason doesn't like this at all, all these secrets as always but this just makes him feel almost nauseous in a way and he just has to be wrong, right?
JJ flaps his hands a little happily at that answer, he'd smile if he wasn't already smiling hard enough it hurts. He's happy that he might be able to hold or see a frog one day, that's very fun.
He sniffles a bit, rubbing at his nose and trying to get his bangs out of his face in an action that lacks a lot of coordination, almost childlike. Timmy had started making his hair very long and in the way, and now JJ has to deal with it. When he was with mama and papa he'd have to make it go back with gel and dye and stuff.
"Not nice...okay, I'd like to- to go fun places. Even though it's scary, you- um...you can keep me safe. Like you're doing now... you're um- Timmy's brother, can you be my big brother too?"
JJ asks, almost sounding nervous at the answer. JJ likes Jason, he's very nice and can help JJ to stay safe when things are scary, like right now.
Jason laughs softly at the action, getting the memo and tucking some of their bangs back for JJ. He is definitely a child. That just makes Jason feel worse about everything.
"Yeah, I'll keep you safe."
He promises, nodding a bit and smiling softly. He doesn't know what happened but he does know he wants to find out and make sure nothing like.. whatever the hell caused this happens. He's never seen Tim as young, not really. They are only a few years apart in age after all and.. he never acts this young but now? He doesn't know how to feel about the other anymore.
Jason is caught a bit off guard by the question, pausing. Tim and him never really officially became brothers and Bruce isn't really his father, not anymore. He knows Tim probably doesn't see him as a brother anyways but.. well, he isn't going to say no now is he?
He gets a bit louder with excitement at Jason's confirmation that they're family, but draws back and covers his face with his hands a little when he realizes he raised his voice, going back to whispering.
JJ just hides his face against Jason's shoulder again and takes a slow yet shaky breath. He doesn't want to make things...worse. He shouldn't have gotten loud, Papa doesn't even like it when he speaks, and Bruce used to say he was too loud and his screaming was counterproductive. Or something like that.
Those weird people from the big empty house didn't like it when JJ was loud either, the man who sent him to the scary white place hated that JJ got loud and laughed, and he said JJ was crazy.
"Not...not supposed to talk to anyone...about me. Secrets. But um, Timmy's family is everywhere. You- you're nice. Nicer. Big Brother."
He mumbles a bit to himself, staring down at his hands as he starts to fidget with the gloves again, tugging at the fingertips idly.
Jason laughs at the excitement, frowning when JJ shrinks back on himself and holding his hands, taking them in Jason's away from his face.
Even if the smile is a bit.. unnatural he still doesn't want JJ to feel ashamed by it. He doesn't even seem to be wanting to smile which reminds him too much of laughing gas and those twisted smiles.
He lets go of JJ's hands in favour of cradling him closer and rubbing his back, trying to comfort him though he isn't sure why JJ seems upset.
"Well, you can talk to me about anything. I won't get mad."
Jason comforts softly, not knowing what else to really say. Secrets. So many fucking secrets. Why doesn't anyone tell him anything? He knows this isn't his business, it's Tim's life but it still hurts he supposes. He just wants to know what happened and what it has to do with.. him.
"Oh...okay. Timmy doesn't know...that um- that I didn't go away. He- he doesn't like me."
JJ says, voice quiet, he whispers it into Jason's ear almost. He sighs, lying against Jason. JJ wishes Timmy liked him and wanted him around, or that Bruce did, or that anyone really did. Mama and Papa did but he's not allowed to see them anymore.
He's not allowed to do a lot of things, but Jason is letting him talk, that's different and nice of him. JJ is happy about that at least. He takes one of Jason's hands, just fidgeting with the man's fingers without really realizing nor thinking about it much.
"I...um, I usually try to- to not touch anything so he doesn't know I was there. But it's hard, people try to- to call Timmy. I don't know how to do that."
JJ says, remembering one time he woke up in Timmy's apartment and people started trying to talk to Timmy on his phone and JJ didn't know what to do so he hid under the bed with the doggy until it stopped making noise.
Jason pauses at that before humming, adjusting JJ a little bit in his arms and lap. He supposes it makes sense that Tim wouldn't know but does that mean the others where hiding this from him? That JJ is there? Does nobody know? God, this is so many levels of fucked up and Jason barely knows anything or who knows what.
"On his phone? You just have to press the uh.. the green button to accept."
He explains. Jason doesn't really text anyone much let alone Tim or calling them really. He usually communicates with the other bats through Oracle if they aren't sharing a comm line.
The others have tried to get him to join a few group chats, mostly Dick since he ignores the man's texts if he gets them at all. Steph hasn't seemed to give up though since he keeps getting sent random videos for some reason from her.
"But um...I'm bad at talking to- to people. They're scary. I don't like scary, and they want- want Timmy. I'm not him."
JJ says, he says the last part much more quiet, though the kid seems to be trying very hard not to be too loud. He sniffles a bit, still fidgeting with Jason's fingers, just focused on that instead
He can't talk to other people, he's not allowed and he's very bad at it. Papa and Mama would talk to him sometimes, but a lot of the time he was told what to do and when he needs to shut up and stay quiet. Bruce tended to talk about him while he's there but never at him, only ever talking to Timmy and getting angry when it was JJ instead.
JJ makes a soft noise and hides his face against Jason again, JJ just wishes he wasn't here, it feels more like he bothers people than helps, and he was helpful before when he was with Papa and Mama, but now he's just nothing but a bother. Papa probably doesn't like him anymore anyways because he shot him.
"Hm.. well, if it's me you can pick up and we can talk?"
He offers, not sure what else to say about that and letting JJ take his hands to play with them. He already took the gloves off which he doesn't often do while with the bats, mainly because of the scars.
Jason doesn't know nor want to explain.. all of them. It's a family of detectives that specialise in violence and he doesn't need to be studied anymore than he already is. The scars cover his entire hand and the fingers aren't quite right, having been broken and re-broken so many times. The tremors are less and he can usually control them at least.
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
JJ nods in response, sniffling and rubbing at his face. He can feel the scars beneath his fingers, and it makes him pause before putting his hands back down and tugging a little at Jason's jacket for no discernible reason besides just having something to do with his hands, most likely.
"Yes. Jason...Timmy's big brother...older and um...um- the one with the red and the- the guns. Wasn't...allowed to talk about anything to you. Or- or the others. Only...only Bruce and and the one with orange hair, she was- she was there. But she hates me. Bad...bad kid. Bad kids don't get to be- be liked or around- around others."
JJ says, voice still shaky as he speaks softly. JJ shivers and ducks his head against Jason's shoulder again. He briefly looks back up at Jason when he speaks again and moves to take Jason's hand, only to link their pinkies together gently and shake there hands together like that.
"Promise...promise. Safe."
He says, not whispering as much as he has been. taking his hand away, only to rub his hands against his knees a little and take a few more breaths, ducking his face against Jason once more. Hiding almost.
All JJ knows is that Jason is promising he'll be okay and Jason is being nicer, and he promised and it was a pinkie promise too so that means everything will be okay and Jason meant it. He promised, so he has to mean it.
Jason tilts his head when JJ tugs on his jacket, thinking it's because he wants Jason's attention or something. That only confirms his fears, that Bruce knew about this and.. Babs? Why would she hide this? From all of them? Even Dick doesn't know? What was Babs there for–
"Yeah.. I'm Jason. I like you, you seem really.. nice."
He says, glancing down at their fingers and recognising it at a pinkie promise, locking their fingers together himself and smiling softly.
"I'll keep you safe. I promise."
He nods, cradling JJ's head a bit closer to himself and carding his fingers through his hair, trying to comfort them in anyway.
This is wrong, everything about this is wrong. What happened that caused this? What was so bad that Babs is hiding it and didn't even tell anyone? He has too many questions and the only person who can give them to him, at least the only person he can ask is.. someone with the mind of a child, who is a child. Jason doesn't know what to do.
JJ shakes his head a bit at that, not believing that. Jason doesn't know everything and he would hate JJ if he did so JJ can't tell him anything, because Jason would probably break their promise if he knew everything.
"No. Bad...Bad. Bad kid."
JJ mumbles, taking another shaky breath and holding onto Jason a bit tighter, nervous and scared of being caught. He just can't lie, he can't lie and say he's good, because that's wrong and that's not what JJ is.
"O-Okay...thank you, Mister."
He whispers softly, not entirely sure what he's supposed to say to Timmy's big brother, but if he says that he'll be safe then JJ has to believe that for now. He just stays attached to him and finally calms enough that the tears aren't pooling as much and he can just slightly stay there, holding onto Jason, attempting to feel safe, to believe that he's safe and that everything will be okay.
Jason sighs, softly, continuing to run his fingers through their hair for now. It's childish but he doesn't really understand the insistence that he's 'bad', for whatever reason.
He still doesn't understand the laughing and who JJ was talking about either, his dad. He doesn't think he's talking about Jack Drake but Jason has no idea who else it could be. Well, he has one person but that is impossible–
"Your welcome. How about we get up? You can still stay close, OK?"
Jason offers softly, adjusting JJ in his arms, bringing them around their shoulders and under their legs so they can be easily picked up and wiping away some of those tears on their cheeks. It makes him sad to see but he's happy they seem a lot better. The laughing was... much worse.
JJ just whimpers, because he just knows that Jason wouldn't be saying that if he knew everything. JJ isn't good at all, JJ's done bad things and should be locked away and not allowed to leave. JJ is bad. Very bad.
"Um...okay."
JJ whispers in response, moving to grab tightly onto Jason when he's picked up, hiding his face a little against the man's chest just in case. He doesn't know where he's being taken but Jason is safe, and JJ just doesn't want to be left alone at all.
JJ rubs at his eyes and grabs onto Jason's jacket as tightly as he can, not wanting to fall or anything, and because his smile hurts and he can't stop it. He whimpers again a little, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Why...back in the- the scary cave...wanna leave."
Is all JJ says, softly and sounding upset, he just would like to go home to Timmy's place and sleep, or hide somewhere. Sometimes he gets some of the papers around and folds them into animals, because Mama taught him how, but he's not here often because he isn't supposed to be.
He mumbles in response to the conformation, picking JJ up and stretching a bit before moving him to be more on Jason's hip, rubbing his back softly and letting him hide himself in Jason's chest. He'd almost finds how tightly he's grabbing on to Jason cute if he didn't know why or under better circumstances but right now he just needs to make sure they are OK and calm down a bit.
"I know, I know.. I just have to check something and then.. we can find somewhere to hide, OK?"
Jason tries to comfort softly, bringing JJ's hands to his ears as he turns on the computer. He makes sure they are muted and don't have the camera on, checking the comms to make sure everyone is OK. He keeps the volume off for now incase the Joker is still there but everyone seems mostly fine with a few injuries. Thank god.
"Now, you have any hiding spots for me?"
He asks, turning the computer off and turning back to JJ, tilting his head a little.
JJ hums a little, just squeezing his eyes shut and shivering against Jason. He whines a little, facing away from the computer and hiding his face against Jason some more as he fiddles with things. Once Jason speaks agains JJ lifts his head a little and uses his cape a bit to hide his face, or more specifically the smile.
"Not...not allowed upstairs. Was put down here, to be- be watched and- and so I'd stop hurting Timmy."
JJ says quietly, and he points towards the hall that goes down towards the containment cells within the cave, before bringing his arms back towards Jason. He didn't like the big room with the glass door, it was scary and bad and Bruce would yell at him and sometimes he'd be restrained.
"Was- was upstairs for a while...hid under the bed. Can't get me when I'm- I'm under the bed. Can't touch me."
He sniffles and rubs at his face. JJ knows that there were bad people trying to get him a lot, to touch him, so he'd hide under the bed and they couldn't get him there because he'd move all the way to the corner and curl up very small. He'd be safe that way. It was the only way he could sleep. Safe that way.
"I...I don't wanna get grabbed again. Papa and the bad masked people hurt really bad, have to do bad- bad things. Bad."
Jason shushes him softly when JJ seems a bit distressed by the computer, cradling his head a bit closer and running his fingers through his hair.
He isn't quite sure why he keeps smiling but it's honestly a bit concerning and uncanny almost. JJ doesn't even seem to be doing it on purpose which makes it even more confusing
"Hurting Tim– how were you hurting him?"
Jason asks, not sure what JJ means but not liking what that implies or more accurately tells him, that Bruce locked them in the containment cells. They rarely use them, usually locking up any criminals in the jail.
He wonders if Bruce would have done the same to him if he had the opportunity to. Then again he thinks the answer is pretty obvious.
"Yeah? Well, we'll have to wait a bit more here if that's OK?"
Jason sighs softly. He would bring them up into the manor but Alfred is there and the man will find them and.. if Bruce and Barbara knew then Alfred definitely did.
He feels betrayed in a way, that Alfred would do that to him. Bruce is expected, Barbara, well, she always keeps secrets. Alfred too but it seems more personal to him.
JJ makes a soft distressed sound, shaking in Jason's arms and shaking his head a bit at the question.
"Hurt...me, but it- it hurt Timmy. Try to run away but it- it only hurt Timmy more. Missed Papa and Mama...I don't like it here, scary. Bruce hates me."
JJ whispers it all, like it's a secret that Jason can't tell anyone, fiddling with the zipper on Jason's jacket a bit childishly. JJ wasn't supposed to hurt Timmy, Bruce and all the bad men in white said it was bad, and he'd get hurt in return. It made no sense, JJ just wanted to leave. He was scared.
JJ just whines a little in response, hiding himself in the crook of Jason's neck and trembling like a leaf. He just wants to leave and go home, to be safe and away from everything.
"I'll be- be safe with you? Protect me?"
He asks hesitantly, just needing to check that Jason actually meant what he said. That the man would save and protect him when Bruce or Papa come looking for him, to hurt him, even though JJ is bad.
Jason moves to sit down on the chair, keeping JJ in his lap and rubbing his back, frowning at how distressed he seems.
"I know it's scary.. you're so brave right now."
He comforts, trying not to show how honestly scared he is. He supposes it makes sense but it's so much more real with actual conformation. He still doesn't know what parents JJ is talking about but right now he just leaves it to think about later. Jason would like to say that saying Bruce doesn't hate them isn't true but that would be a lie too. Something like this– he can't see the man approving.
He makes a soft shushing sound again when JJ seems so scared, holding him securely and trying to at least comfort him enough so he stops shaking so much.
"Yeah, I'll protect you. Let's just sit here, OK? I wont ask you anything else if you don't want."
Jason nods, tucking some of their hair away and tilting his head so JJ can see his face and the hopefully comforting smile on it. He isn't sure what he's going to do when the bats come back home but maybe he can hide JJ somewhere?
JJ hums, not really believing that. He doesn't feel brave or anything, he just feels weak and small. He curls up more against Jason when they sit down, laying against him and fiddling with his jacket still, seeming nervous still.
"Bad...bad. Don't wanna be- be locked away again."
JJ mumbles, voice quiet and weak sounding. It's almost the opposite of Tim's usual demeanor, the other never being very vulnerable if anything, certainly not around Jason. They're not particularly close like Tim is with the other bats.
He shakes his head at that, holding onto Jason and huffing, not really sure how to respond. He just straightens Jason's jacket a little and pats him a bit.
"Don't...talking, I like talking to you- Big Brother is nice. Not- no yelling like...like everyone else. Not like others."
JJ whispers, fiddling with his fingers a bit before just sniffling and resting his head against Jason's shoulder with what sounds almost like a relieved sigh.
"I know, I know. I'll keep you safe. No cells or anything, OK?"
He comforts, sighing a little bit. Clearly he can't convince JJ that he isn't 'bad' but at the very least he can try comfort him that he won't be punished for what he thinks he's done.
Jason hates cells like that, being trapped with no escape. Those cells are made of glass and don't even have any privacy at all. It might as well be his worst fucking nightmare. Not to mention just how small and suffocating it is as the dirt breaks through the wood and starts falling in to the coffin, some getting in his mouth but he can't stop—
At first Jason thinks JJ is asking him to not talk at all and then that 'big brother' is someone else until he realises that it's.. him. Jason isn't used to really any of the bats calling him something like that especially Tim of all people.
"OK, then.. we can talk. Do you know any animals?"
He asks, not wanting to ask JJ any questions like before that just seemed to distress him.
JJ nods, shakily, as he repeats the words Jason said a bit to himself. It's as if he's trying to reassure himself by continuously speaking the words that tell him that he'll be okay, that Jason will protect him.
He doesn't meet Jason's eyes, tired and stressed and just holding onto the man. He's just relieved nothing bad will happen, and that JJ gets to be okay. JJ does pause at the question though, humming.
"Like...like frogs. Stories about- about frogs. They're green but not- not too green. Good green. Not bad like Papa. Cute little things, hold in your hand."
JJ explains, making a motion of cupping his hands together to emphasize his point. JJ likes dogs too, like the small little dog that Timmy has, who's very cute and likes pets. But Frogs are itty bitty, and you can hold them very close, and he likes that. He wants to hold a frog.
Jason hums, just basically petting JJ's hair in his lap. He makes sure to keep an eye on the computer since it'll turn back on on it's own when the bats notify him of something important.
He still needs to figure out how he'll hide JJ from everyone or how to get Tim back in front but he guesses he has to improvise. He remembers Tim, or at least he thinks it was Tim unless it was someone else he doesn't know about, still being here when the bats left and afterwards, well, this happened.
"Frogs? They are pretty cute, very small. Have you held one before?"
He says with a small smile on his face, finding it cute if nothing else though the mention of this father Jason still doesn't know about is a bit concerning. Why green?
JJ shakes his head, seeming more calmed down now, though that smile stays on his face despite him wanting it to go away. JJ hates that he can't make it go away. Bruce always used to get angry with him for it. He wasn't supposed to be acting like this anymore, he was supposed to be Timmy.
"No...never seen one. See them in story books and on the big screen in Timmy's apartment. Watch with the little doggy, when I- when I figure out how to work the screen and get it to- to play things. Fun things."
JJ answers, fidgeting with his hands as he lays against Jason. He's pulling at the gloves on his hands, the fabric just annoying him at this point. He doesn't like the weird suit, it's too tight and it feels so uncomfortable.
"I think- think frogs look very nice. Silly and small. Dogs are- are nice too."
JJ says, not looking up at Jason or anything. Tim's never been big on eye contact either way, but JJ seems to want to avoid even looking at peoples faces.
Jason tilts his head, surprised by that. He didn't know Tim had a dog though he supposes he isn't really close with the other and has never been to his apartment unlike Tim who very much breaks into his safehouses.
Things with the bats have been... better he supposes even if being near Bruce makes him want to scream and cry at the same time. Dick is a whole other issue. He's been getting closer with the younger bats though. He thinks that's what he wanted even if he's still more on the outside of everything.
"That sounds fun.. maybe one day we can go and see one in person."
He hums, still holding JJ close and tucking some hair behind his ear again.
"Dogs are my favourite. Have you met Ace and Titus?"
Jason smiles softly thinking of the animals. He hasn't been in the manor, officially at least, since he died so he hasn't seen Ace in a long time. He misses the dog he supposes, he was nice. Probably very old by now.
JJ says softly, rubbing at his eyes and face a bit. He touches his fingers against the scars there. Tim has always worn make up to cover them up, but the tears and the way JJ has been wiping at his face seems to have washed a good amount of it away, showing faded scars along their cheeks starting from both ends of their mouth.
JJ shakes his head in response. He's not sure who those doggies are, he only knows the really cute one that Timmy has, who's very quiet and tired, JJ finds him burrowing in blankets a lot.
"Nuh uh...I've um...I don't leave places. Stay in Timmy's house or- or in here with Bruce. Or with Papa and Mama in the nursery with big space, or- or in the big empty house with the weird people. Mostly a-alone there."
JJ describes, again keeping his eyes trained downwards. His voice is very soft and quiet, like he's scared of speaking too loudly.
Jason confirms, sighing softly at the idea that they would need permission or something to be allowed to do that. He fucking hates even the idea of that but he can't show any anger right now.
He raises an eyebrow when he notices the scars, frowning a bit. He's never noticed them before how– It looks like someone cut their face starting from the corners and up to the ears into some sick smile. A Glasgow smile. Like.. the Joker. What the fuck does he not know? It can't be related to that, can it?
"That's not nice.. We can go out then, maybe.. I'll see, OK?"
Jason says, trying to swallow the lump in his throat and continue the conversation. Who are these parents he keeps talking about? What nursery? Jason doesn't like this at all, all these secrets as always but this just makes him feel almost nauseous in a way and he just has to be wrong, right?
JJ flaps his hands a little happily at that answer, he'd smile if he wasn't already smiling hard enough it hurts. He's happy that he might be able to hold or see a frog one day, that's very fun.
He sniffles a bit, rubbing at his nose and trying to get his bangs out of his face in an action that lacks a lot of coordination, almost childlike. Timmy had started making his hair very long and in the way, and now JJ has to deal with it. When he was with mama and papa he'd have to make it go back with gel and dye and stuff.
"Not nice...okay, I'd like to- to go fun places. Even though it's scary, you- um...you can keep me safe. Like you're doing now... you're um- Timmy's brother, can you be my big brother too?"
JJ asks, almost sounding nervous at the answer. JJ likes Jason, he's very nice and can help JJ to stay safe when things are scary, like right now.
Jason laughs softly at the action, getting the memo and tucking some of their bangs back for JJ. He is definitely a child. That just makes Jason feel worse about everything.
"Yeah, I'll keep you safe."
He promises, nodding a bit and smiling softly. He doesn't know what happened but he does know he wants to find out and make sure nothing like.. whatever the hell caused this happens. He's never seen Tim as young, not really. They are only a few years apart in age after all and.. he never acts this young but now? He doesn't know how to feel about the other anymore.
Jason is caught a bit off guard by the question, pausing. Tim and him never really officially became brothers and Bruce isn't really his father, not anymore. He knows Tim probably doesn't see him as a brother anyways but.. well, he isn't going to say no now is he?
He gets a bit louder with excitement at Jason's confirmation that they're family, but draws back and covers his face with his hands a little when he realizes he raised his voice, going back to whispering.
JJ just hides his face against Jason's shoulder again and takes a slow yet shaky breath. He doesn't want to make things...worse. He shouldn't have gotten loud, Papa doesn't even like it when he speaks, and Bruce used to say he was too loud and his screaming was counterproductive. Or something like that.
Those weird people from the big empty house didn't like it when JJ was loud either, the man who sent him to the scary white place hated that JJ got loud and laughed, and he said JJ was crazy.
"Not...not supposed to talk to anyone...about me. Secrets. But um, Timmy's family is everywhere. You- you're nice. Nicer. Big Brother."
He mumbles a bit to himself, staring down at his hands as he starts to fidget with the gloves again, tugging at the fingertips idly.
Jason laughs at the excitement, frowning when JJ shrinks back on himself and holding his hands, taking them in Jason's away from his face.
Even if the smile is a bit.. unnatural he still doesn't want JJ to feel ashamed by it. He doesn't even seem to be wanting to smile which reminds him too much of laughing gas and those twisted smiles.
He lets go of JJ's hands in favour of cradling him closer and rubbing his back, trying to comfort him though he isn't sure why JJ seems upset.
"Well, you can talk to me about anything. I won't get mad."
Jason comforts softly, not knowing what else to really say. Secrets. So many fucking secrets. Why doesn't anyone tell him anything? He knows this isn't his business, it's Tim's life but it still hurts he supposes. He just wants to know what happened and what it has to do with.. him.
"Oh...okay. Timmy doesn't know...that um- that I didn't go away. He- he doesn't like me."
JJ says, voice quiet, he whispers it into Jason's ear almost. He sighs, lying against Jason. JJ wishes Timmy liked him and wanted him around, or that Bruce did, or that anyone really did. Mama and Papa did but he's not allowed to see them anymore.
He's not allowed to do a lot of things, but Jason is letting him talk, that's different and nice of him. JJ is happy about that at least. He takes one of Jason's hands, just fidgeting with the man's fingers without really realizing nor thinking about it much.
"I...um, I usually try to- to not touch anything so he doesn't know I was there. But it's hard, people try to- to call Timmy. I don't know how to do that."
JJ says, remembering one time he woke up in Timmy's apartment and people started trying to talk to Timmy on his phone and JJ didn't know what to do so he hid under the bed with the doggy until it stopped making noise.
Jason pauses at that before humming, adjusting JJ a little bit in his arms and lap. He supposes it makes sense that Tim wouldn't know but does that mean the others where hiding this from him? That JJ is there? Does nobody know? God, this is so many levels of fucked up and Jason barely knows anything or who knows what.
"On his phone? You just have to press the uh.. the green button to accept."
He explains. Jason doesn't really text anyone much let alone Tim or calling them really. He usually communicates with the other bats through Oracle if they aren't sharing a comm line.
The others have tried to get him to join a few group chats, mostly Dick since he ignores the man's texts if he gets them at all. Steph hasn't seemed to give up though since he keeps getting sent random videos for some reason from her.
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
JJ nods in response, sniffling and rubbing at his face. He can feel the scars beneath his fingers, and it makes him pause before putting his hands back down and tugging a little at Jason's jacket for no discernible reason besides just having something to do with his hands, most likely.
"Yes. Jason...Timmy's big brother...older and um...um- the one with the red and the- the guns. Wasn't...allowed to talk about anything to you. Or- or the others. Only...only Bruce and and the one with orange hair, she was- she was there. But she hates me. Bad...bad kid. Bad kids don't get to be- be liked or around- around others."
JJ says, voice still shaky as he speaks softly. JJ shivers and ducks his head against Jason's shoulder again. He briefly looks back up at Jason when he speaks again and moves to take Jason's hand, only to link their pinkies together gently and shake there hands together like that.
"Promise...promise. Safe."
He says, not whispering as much as he has been. taking his hand away, only to rub his hands against his knees a little and take a few more breaths, ducking his face against Jason once more. Hiding almost.
All JJ knows is that Jason is promising he'll be okay and Jason is being nicer, and he promised and it was a pinkie promise too so that means everything will be okay and Jason meant it. He promised, so he has to mean it.
Jason tilts his head when JJ tugs on his jacket, thinking it's because he wants Jason's attention or something. That only confirms his fears, that Bruce knew about this and.. Babs? Why would she hide this? From all of them? Even Dick doesn't know? What was Babs there for–
"Yeah.. I'm Jason. I like you, you seem really.. nice."
He says, glancing down at their fingers and recognising it at a pinkie promise, locking their fingers together himself and smiling softly.
"I'll keep you safe. I promise."
He nods, cradling JJ's head a bit closer to himself and carding his fingers through his hair, trying to comfort them in anyway.
This is wrong, everything about this is wrong. What happened that caused this? What was so bad that Babs is hiding it and didn't even tell anyone? He has too many questions and the only person who can give them to him, at least the only person he can ask is.. someone with the mind of a child, who is a child. Jason doesn't know what to do.
JJ shakes his head a bit at that, not believing that. Jason doesn't know everything and he would hate JJ if he did so JJ can't tell him anything, because Jason would probably break their promise if he knew everything.
"No. Bad...Bad. Bad kid."
JJ mumbles, taking another shaky breath and holding onto Jason a bit tighter, nervous and scared of being caught. He just can't lie, he can't lie and say he's good, because that's wrong and that's not what JJ is.
"O-Okay...thank you, Mister."
He whispers softly, not entirely sure what he's supposed to say to Timmy's big brother, but if he says that he'll be safe then JJ has to believe that for now. He just stays attached to him and finally calms enough that the tears aren't pooling as much and he can just slightly stay there, holding onto Jason, attempting to feel safe, to believe that he's safe and that everything will be okay.
Jason sighs, softly, continuing to run his fingers through their hair for now. It's childish but he doesn't really understand the insistence that he's 'bad', for whatever reason.
He still doesn't understand the laughing and who JJ was talking about either, his dad. He doesn't think he's talking about Jack Drake but Jason has no idea who else it could be. Well, he has one person but that is impossible–
"Your welcome. How about we get up? You can still stay close, OK?"
Jason offers softly, adjusting JJ in his arms, bringing them around their shoulders and under their legs so they can be easily picked up and wiping away some of those tears on their cheeks. It makes him sad to see but he's happy they seem a lot better. The laughing was... much worse.
JJ just whimpers, because he just knows that Jason wouldn't be saying that if he knew everything. JJ isn't good at all, JJ's done bad things and should be locked away and not allowed to leave. JJ is bad. Very bad.
"Um...okay."
JJ whispers in response, moving to grab tightly onto Jason when he's picked up, hiding his face a little against the man's chest just in case. He doesn't know where he's being taken but Jason is safe, and JJ just doesn't want to be left alone at all.
JJ rubs at his eyes and grabs onto Jason's jacket as tightly as he can, not wanting to fall or anything, and because his smile hurts and he can't stop it. He whimpers again a little, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Why...back in the- the scary cave...wanna leave."
Is all JJ says, softly and sounding upset, he just would like to go home to Timmy's place and sleep, or hide somewhere. Sometimes he gets some of the papers around and folds them into animals, because Mama taught him how, but he's not here often because he isn't supposed to be.
He mumbles in response to the conformation, picking JJ up and stretching a bit before moving him to be more on Jason's hip, rubbing his back softly and letting him hide himself in Jason's chest. He'd almost finds how tightly he's grabbing on to Jason cute if he didn't know why or under better circumstances but right now he just needs to make sure they are OK and calm down a bit.
"I know, I know.. I just have to check something and then.. we can find somewhere to hide, OK?"
Jason tries to comfort softly, bringing JJ's hands to his ears as he turns on the computer. He makes sure they are muted and don't have the camera on, checking the comms to make sure everyone is OK. He keeps the volume off for now incase the Joker is still there but everyone seems mostly fine with a few injuries. Thank god.
"Now, you have any hiding spots for me?"
He asks, turning the computer off and turning back to JJ, tilting his head a little.
JJ hums a little, just squeezing his eyes shut and shivering against Jason. He whines a little, facing away from the computer and hiding his face against Jason some more as he fiddles with things. Once Jason speaks agains JJ lifts his head a little and uses his cape a bit to hide his face, or more specifically the smile.
"Not...not allowed upstairs. Was put down here, to be- be watched and- and so I'd stop hurting Timmy."
JJ says quietly, and he points towards the hall that goes down towards the containment cells within the cave, before bringing his arms back towards Jason. He didn't like the big room with the glass door, it was scary and bad and Bruce would yell at him and sometimes he'd be restrained.
"Was- was upstairs for a while...hid under the bed. Can't get me when I'm- I'm under the bed. Can't touch me."
He sniffles and rubs at his face. JJ knows that there were bad people trying to get him a lot, to touch him, so he'd hide under the bed and they couldn't get him there because he'd move all the way to the corner and curl up very small. He'd be safe that way. It was the only way he could sleep. Safe that way.
"I...I don't wanna get grabbed again. Papa and the bad masked people hurt really bad, have to do bad- bad things. Bad."
Jason shushes him softly when JJ seems a bit distressed by the computer, cradling his head a bit closer and running his fingers through his hair.
He isn't quite sure why he keeps smiling but it's honestly a bit concerning and uncanny almost. JJ doesn't even seem to be doing it on purpose which makes it even more confusing
"Hurting Tim– how were you hurting him?"
Jason asks, not sure what JJ means but not liking what that implies or more accurately tells him, that Bruce locked them in the containment cells. They rarely use them, usually locking up any criminals in the jail.
He wonders if Bruce would have done the same to him if he had the opportunity to. Then again he thinks the answer is pretty obvious.
"Yeah? Well, we'll have to wait a bit more here if that's OK?"
Jason sighs softly. He would bring them up into the manor but Alfred is there and the man will find them and.. if Bruce and Barbara knew then Alfred definitely did.
He feels betrayed in a way, that Alfred would do that to him. Bruce is expected, Barbara, well, she always keeps secrets. Alfred too but it seems more personal to him.
JJ makes a soft distressed sound, shaking in Jason's arms and shaking his head a bit at the question.
"Hurt...me, but it- it hurt Timmy. Try to run away but it- it only hurt Timmy more. Missed Papa and Mama...I don't like it here, scary. Bruce hates me."
JJ whispers it all, like it's a secret that Jason can't tell anyone, fiddling with the zipper on Jason's jacket a bit childishly. JJ wasn't supposed to hurt Timmy, Bruce and all the bad men in white said it was bad, and he'd get hurt in return. It made no sense, JJ just wanted to leave. He was scared.
JJ just whines a little in response, hiding himself in the crook of Jason's neck and trembling like a leaf. He just wants to leave and go home, to be safe and away from everything.
"I'll be- be safe with you? Protect me?"
He asks hesitantly, just needing to check that Jason actually meant what he said. That the man would save and protect him when Bruce or Papa come looking for him, to hurt him, even though JJ is bad.
Jason moves to sit down on the chair, keeping JJ in his lap and rubbing his back, frowning at how distressed he seems.
"I know it's scary.. you're so brave right now."
He comforts, trying not to show how honestly scared he is. He supposes it makes sense but it's so much more real with actual conformation. He still doesn't know what parents JJ is talking about but right now he just leaves it to think about later. Jason would like to say that saying Bruce doesn't hate them isn't true but that would be a lie too. Something like this– he can't see the man approving.
He makes a soft shushing sound again when JJ seems so scared, holding him securely and trying to at least comfort him enough so he stops shaking so much.
"Yeah, I'll protect you. Let's just sit here, OK? I wont ask you anything else if you don't want."
Jason nods, tucking some of their hair away and tilting his head so JJ can see his face and the hopefully comforting smile on it. He isn't sure what he's going to do when the bats come back home but maybe he can hide JJ somewhere?
JJ hums, not really believing that. He doesn't feel brave or anything, he just feels weak and small. He curls up more against Jason when they sit down, laying against him and fiddling with his jacket still, seeming nervous still.
"Bad...bad. Don't wanna be- be locked away again."
JJ mumbles, voice quiet and weak sounding. It's almost the opposite of Tim's usual demeanor, the other never being very vulnerable if anything, certainly not around Jason. They're not particularly close like Tim is with the other bats.
He shakes his head at that, holding onto Jason and huffing, not really sure how to respond. He just straightens Jason's jacket a little and pats him a bit.
"Don't...talking, I like talking to you- Big Brother is nice. Not- no yelling like...like everyone else. Not like others."
JJ whispers, fiddling with his fingers a bit before just sniffling and resting his head against Jason's shoulder with what sounds almost like a relieved sigh.
"I know, I know. I'll keep you safe. No cells or anything, OK?"
He comforts, sighing a little bit. Clearly he can't convince JJ that he isn't 'bad' but at the very least he can try comfort him that he won't be punished for what he thinks he's done.
Jason hates cells like that, being trapped with no escape. Those cells are made of glass and don't even have any privacy at all. It might as well be his worst fucking nightmare. Not to mention just how small and suffocating it is as the dirt breaks through the wood and starts falling in to the coffin, some getting in his mouth but he can't stop—
At first Jason thinks JJ is asking him to not talk at all and then that 'big brother' is someone else until he realises that it's.. him. Jason isn't used to really any of the bats calling him something like that especially Tim of all people.
"OK, then.. we can talk. Do you know any animals?"
He asks, not wanting to ask JJ any questions like before that just seemed to distress him.
JJ nods, shakily, as he repeats the words Jason said a bit to himself. It's as if he's trying to reassure himself by continuously speaking the words that tell him that he'll be okay, that Jason will protect him.
He doesn't meet Jason's eyes, tired and stressed and just holding onto the man. He's just relieved nothing bad will happen, and that JJ gets to be okay. JJ does pause at the question though, humming.
"Like...like frogs. Stories about- about frogs. They're green but not- not too green. Good green. Not bad like Papa. Cute little things, hold in your hand."
JJ explains, making a motion of cupping his hands together to emphasize his point. JJ likes dogs too, like the small little dog that Timmy has, who's very cute and likes pets. But Frogs are itty bitty, and you can hold them very close, and he likes that. He wants to hold a frog.
Jason hums, just basically petting JJ's hair in his lap. He makes sure to keep an eye on the computer since it'll turn back on on it's own when the bats notify him of something important.
He still needs to figure out how he'll hide JJ from everyone or how to get Tim back in front but he guesses he has to improvise. He remembers Tim, or at least he thinks it was Tim unless it was someone else he doesn't know about, still being here when the bats left and afterwards, well, this happened.
"Frogs? They are pretty cute, very small. Have you held one before?"
He says with a small smile on his face, finding it cute if nothing else though the mention of this father Jason still doesn't know about is a bit concerning. Why green?
JJ shakes his head, seeming more calmed down now, though that smile stays on his face despite him wanting it to go away. JJ hates that he can't make it go away. Bruce always used to get angry with him for it. He wasn't supposed to be acting like this anymore, he was supposed to be Timmy.
"No...never seen one. See them in story books and on the big screen in Timmy's apartment. Watch with the little doggy, when I- when I figure out how to work the screen and get it to- to play things. Fun things."
JJ answers, fidgeting with his hands as he lays against Jason. He's pulling at the gloves on his hands, the fabric just annoying him at this point. He doesn't like the weird suit, it's too tight and it feels so uncomfortable.
"I think- think frogs look very nice. Silly and small. Dogs are- are nice too."
JJ says, not looking up at Jason or anything. Tim's never been big on eye contact either way, but JJ seems to want to avoid even looking at peoples faces.
Jason tilts his head, surprised by that. He didn't know Tim had a dog though he supposes he isn't really close with the other and has never been to his apartment unlike Tim who very much breaks into his safehouses.
Things with the bats have been... better he supposes even if being near Bruce makes him want to scream and cry at the same time. Dick is a whole other issue. He's been getting closer with the younger bats though. He thinks that's what he wanted even if he's still more on the outside of everything.
"That sounds fun.. maybe one day we can go and see one in person."
He hums, still holding JJ close and tucking some hair behind his ear again.
"Dogs are my favourite. Have you met Ace and Titus?"
Jason smiles softly thinking of the animals. He hasn't been in the manor, officially at least, since he died so he hasn't seen Ace in a long time. He misses the dog he supposes, he was nice. Probably very old by now.
JJ says softly, rubbing at his eyes and face a bit. He touches his fingers against the scars there. Tim has always worn make up to cover them up, but the tears and the way JJ has been wiping at his face seems to have washed a good amount of it away, showing faded scars along their cheeks starting from both ends of their mouth.
JJ shakes his head in response. He's not sure who those doggies are, he only knows the really cute one that Timmy has, who's very quiet and tired, JJ finds him burrowing in blankets a lot.
"Nuh uh...I've um...I don't leave places. Stay in Timmy's house or- or in here with Bruce. Or with Papa and Mama in the nursery with big space, or- or in the big empty house with the weird people. Mostly a-alone there."
JJ describes, again keeping his eyes trained downwards. His voice is very soft and quiet, like he's scared of speaking too loudly.
Jason confirms, sighing softly at the idea that they would need permission or something to be allowed to do that. He fucking hates even the idea of that but he can't show any anger right now.
He raises an eyebrow when he notices the scars, frowning a bit. He's never noticed them before how– It looks like someone cut their face starting from the corners and up to the ears into some sick smile. A Glasgow smile. Like.. the Joker. What the fuck does he not know? It can't be related to that, can it?
"That's not nice.. We can go out then, maybe.. I'll see, OK?"
Jason says, trying to swallow the lump in his throat and continue the conversation. Who are these parents he keeps talking about? What nursery? Jason doesn't like this at all, all these secrets as always but this just makes him feel almost nauseous in a way and he just has to be wrong, right?
JJ flaps his hands a little happily at that answer, he'd smile if he wasn't already smiling hard enough it hurts. He's happy that he might be able to hold or see a frog one day, that's very fun.
He sniffles a bit, rubbing at his nose and trying to get his bangs out of his face in an action that lacks a lot of coordination, almost childlike. Timmy had started making his hair very long and in the way, and now JJ has to deal with it. When he was with mama and papa he'd have to make it go back with gel and dye and stuff.
"Not nice...okay, I'd like to- to go fun places. Even though it's scary, you- um...you can keep me safe. Like you're doing now... you're um- Timmy's brother, can you be my big brother too?"
JJ asks, almost sounding nervous at the answer. JJ likes Jason, he's very nice and can help JJ to stay safe when things are scary, like right now.
Jason laughs softly at the action, getting the memo and tucking some of their bangs back for JJ. He is definitely a child. That just makes Jason feel worse about everything.
"Yeah, I'll keep you safe."
He promises, nodding a bit and smiling softly. He doesn't know what happened but he does know he wants to find out and make sure nothing like.. whatever the hell caused this happens. He's never seen Tim as young, not really. They are only a few years apart in age after all and.. he never acts this young but now? He doesn't know how to feel about the other anymore.
Jason is caught a bit off guard by the question, pausing. Tim and him never really officially became brothers and Bruce isn't really his father, not anymore. He knows Tim probably doesn't see him as a brother anyways but.. well, he isn't going to say no now is he?
He gets a bit louder with excitement at Jason's confirmation that they're family, but draws back and covers his face with his hands a little when he realizes he raised his voice, going back to whispering.
JJ just hides his face against Jason's shoulder again and takes a slow yet shaky breath. He doesn't want to make things...worse. He shouldn't have gotten loud, Papa doesn't even like it when he speaks, and Bruce used to say he was too loud and his screaming was counterproductive. Or something like that.
Those weird people from the big empty house didn't like it when JJ was loud either, the man who sent him to the scary white place hated that JJ got loud and laughed, and he said JJ was crazy.
"Not...not supposed to talk to anyone...about me. Secrets. But um, Timmy's family is everywhere. You- you're nice. Nicer. Big Brother."
He mumbles a bit to himself, staring down at his hands as he starts to fidget with the gloves again, tugging at the fingertips idly.
Jason laughs at the excitement, frowning when JJ shrinks back on himself and holding his hands, taking them in Jason's away from his face.
Even if the smile is a bit.. unnatural he still doesn't want JJ to feel ashamed by it. He doesn't even seem to be wanting to smile which reminds him too much of laughing gas and those twisted smiles.
He lets go of JJ's hands in favour of cradling him closer and rubbing his back, trying to comfort him though he isn't sure why JJ seems upset.
"Well, you can talk to me about anything. I won't get mad."
Jason comforts softly, not knowing what else to really say. Secrets. So many fucking secrets. Why doesn't anyone tell him anything? He knows this isn't his business, it's Tim's life but it still hurts he supposes. He just wants to know what happened and what it has to do with.. him.
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
JJ nods in response, sniffling and rubbing at his face. He can feel the scars beneath his fingers, and it makes him pause before putting his hands back down and tugging a little at Jason's jacket for no discernible reason besides just having something to do with his hands, most likely.
"Yes. Jason...Timmy's big brother...older and um...um- the one with the red and the- the guns. Wasn't...allowed to talk about anything to you. Or- or the others. Only...only Bruce and and the one with orange hair, she was- she was there. But she hates me. Bad...bad kid. Bad kids don't get to be- be liked or around- around others."
JJ says, voice still shaky as he speaks softly. JJ shivers and ducks his head against Jason's shoulder again. He briefly looks back up at Jason when he speaks again and moves to take Jason's hand, only to link their pinkies together gently and shake there hands together like that.
"Promise...promise. Safe."
He says, not whispering as much as he has been. taking his hand away, only to rub his hands against his knees a little and take a few more breaths, ducking his face against Jason once more. Hiding almost.
All JJ knows is that Jason is promising he'll be okay and Jason is being nicer, and he promised and it was a pinkie promise too so that means everything will be okay and Jason meant it. He promised, so he has to mean it.
Jason tilts his head when JJ tugs on his jacket, thinking it's because he wants Jason's attention or something. That only confirms his fears, that Bruce knew about this and.. Babs? Why would she hide this? From all of them? Even Dick doesn't know? What was Babs there for–
"Yeah.. I'm Jason. I like you, you seem really.. nice."
He says, glancing down at their fingers and recognising it at a pinkie promise, locking their fingers together himself and smiling softly.
"I'll keep you safe. I promise."
He nods, cradling JJ's head a bit closer to himself and carding his fingers through his hair, trying to comfort them in anyway.
This is wrong, everything about this is wrong. What happened that caused this? What was so bad that Babs is hiding it and didn't even tell anyone? He has too many questions and the only person who can give them to him, at least the only person he can ask is.. someone with the mind of a child, who is a child. Jason doesn't know what to do.
JJ shakes his head a bit at that, not believing that. Jason doesn't know everything and he would hate JJ if he did so JJ can't tell him anything, because Jason would probably break their promise if he knew everything.
"No. Bad...Bad. Bad kid."
JJ mumbles, taking another shaky breath and holding onto Jason a bit tighter, nervous and scared of being caught. He just can't lie, he can't lie and say he's good, because that's wrong and that's not what JJ is.
"O-Okay...thank you, Mister."
He whispers softly, not entirely sure what he's supposed to say to Timmy's big brother, but if he says that he'll be safe then JJ has to believe that for now. He just stays attached to him and finally calms enough that the tears aren't pooling as much and he can just slightly stay there, holding onto Jason, attempting to feel safe, to believe that he's safe and that everything will be okay.
Jason sighs, softly, continuing to run his fingers through their hair for now. It's childish but he doesn't really understand the insistence that he's 'bad', for whatever reason.
He still doesn't understand the laughing and who JJ was talking about either, his dad. He doesn't think he's talking about Jack Drake but Jason has no idea who else it could be. Well, he has one person but that is impossible–
"Your welcome. How about we get up? You can still stay close, OK?"
Jason offers softly, adjusting JJ in his arms, bringing them around their shoulders and under their legs so they can be easily picked up and wiping away some of those tears on their cheeks. It makes him sad to see but he's happy they seem a lot better. The laughing was... much worse.
JJ just whimpers, because he just knows that Jason wouldn't be saying that if he knew everything. JJ isn't good at all, JJ's done bad things and should be locked away and not allowed to leave. JJ is bad. Very bad.
"Um...okay."
JJ whispers in response, moving to grab tightly onto Jason when he's picked up, hiding his face a little against the man's chest just in case. He doesn't know where he's being taken but Jason is safe, and JJ just doesn't want to be left alone at all.
JJ rubs at his eyes and grabs onto Jason's jacket as tightly as he can, not wanting to fall or anything, and because his smile hurts and he can't stop it. He whimpers again a little, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Why...back in the- the scary cave...wanna leave."
Is all JJ says, softly and sounding upset, he just would like to go home to Timmy's place and sleep, or hide somewhere. Sometimes he gets some of the papers around and folds them into animals, because Mama taught him how, but he's not here often because he isn't supposed to be.
He mumbles in response to the conformation, picking JJ up and stretching a bit before moving him to be more on Jason's hip, rubbing his back softly and letting him hide himself in Jason's chest. He'd almost finds how tightly he's grabbing on to Jason cute if he didn't know why or under better circumstances but right now he just needs to make sure they are OK and calm down a bit.
"I know, I know.. I just have to check something and then.. we can find somewhere to hide, OK?"
Jason tries to comfort softly, bringing JJ's hands to his ears as he turns on the computer. He makes sure they are muted and don't have the camera on, checking the comms to make sure everyone is OK. He keeps the volume off for now incase the Joker is still there but everyone seems mostly fine with a few injuries. Thank god.
"Now, you have any hiding spots for me?"
He asks, turning the computer off and turning back to JJ, tilting his head a little.
JJ hums a little, just squeezing his eyes shut and shivering against Jason. He whines a little, facing away from the computer and hiding his face against Jason some more as he fiddles with things. Once Jason speaks agains JJ lifts his head a little and uses his cape a bit to hide his face, or more specifically the smile.
"Not...not allowed upstairs. Was put down here, to be- be watched and- and so I'd stop hurting Timmy."
JJ says quietly, and he points towards the hall that goes down towards the containment cells within the cave, before bringing his arms back towards Jason. He didn't like the big room with the glass door, it was scary and bad and Bruce would yell at him and sometimes he'd be restrained.
"Was- was upstairs for a while...hid under the bed. Can't get me when I'm- I'm under the bed. Can't touch me."
He sniffles and rubs at his face. JJ knows that there were bad people trying to get him a lot, to touch him, so he'd hide under the bed and they couldn't get him there because he'd move all the way to the corner and curl up very small. He'd be safe that way. It was the only way he could sleep. Safe that way.
"I...I don't wanna get grabbed again. Papa and the bad masked people hurt really bad, have to do bad- bad things. Bad."
Jason shushes him softly when JJ seems a bit distressed by the computer, cradling his head a bit closer and running his fingers through his hair.
He isn't quite sure why he keeps smiling but it's honestly a bit concerning and uncanny almost. JJ doesn't even seem to be doing it on purpose which makes it even more confusing
"Hurting Tim– how were you hurting him?"
Jason asks, not sure what JJ means but not liking what that implies or more accurately tells him, that Bruce locked them in the containment cells. They rarely use them, usually locking up any criminals in the jail.
He wonders if Bruce would have done the same to him if he had the opportunity to. Then again he thinks the answer is pretty obvious.
"Yeah? Well, we'll have to wait a bit more here if that's OK?"
Jason sighs softly. He would bring them up into the manor but Alfred is there and the man will find them and.. if Bruce and Barbara knew then Alfred definitely did.
He feels betrayed in a way, that Alfred would do that to him. Bruce is expected, Barbara, well, she always keeps secrets. Alfred too but it seems more personal to him.
JJ makes a soft distressed sound, shaking in Jason's arms and shaking his head a bit at the question.
"Hurt...me, but it- it hurt Timmy. Try to run away but it- it only hurt Timmy more. Missed Papa and Mama...I don't like it here, scary. Bruce hates me."
JJ whispers it all, like it's a secret that Jason can't tell anyone, fiddling with the zipper on Jason's jacket a bit childishly. JJ wasn't supposed to hurt Timmy, Bruce and all the bad men in white said it was bad, and he'd get hurt in return. It made no sense, JJ just wanted to leave. He was scared.
JJ just whines a little in response, hiding himself in the crook of Jason's neck and trembling like a leaf. He just wants to leave and go home, to be safe and away from everything.
"I'll be- be safe with you? Protect me?"
He asks hesitantly, just needing to check that Jason actually meant what he said. That the man would save and protect him when Bruce or Papa come looking for him, to hurt him, even though JJ is bad.
Jason moves to sit down on the chair, keeping JJ in his lap and rubbing his back, frowning at how distressed he seems.
"I know it's scary.. you're so brave right now."
He comforts, trying not to show how honestly scared he is. He supposes it makes sense but it's so much more real with actual conformation. He still doesn't know what parents JJ is talking about but right now he just leaves it to think about later. Jason would like to say that saying Bruce doesn't hate them isn't true but that would be a lie too. Something like this– he can't see the man approving.
He makes a soft shushing sound again when JJ seems so scared, holding him securely and trying to at least comfort him enough so he stops shaking so much.
"Yeah, I'll protect you. Let's just sit here, OK? I wont ask you anything else if you don't want."
Jason nods, tucking some of their hair away and tilting his head so JJ can see his face and the hopefully comforting smile on it. He isn't sure what he's going to do when the bats come back home but maybe he can hide JJ somewhere?
JJ hums, not really believing that. He doesn't feel brave or anything, he just feels weak and small. He curls up more against Jason when they sit down, laying against him and fiddling with his jacket still, seeming nervous still.
"Bad...bad. Don't wanna be- be locked away again."
JJ mumbles, voice quiet and weak sounding. It's almost the opposite of Tim's usual demeanor, the other never being very vulnerable if anything, certainly not around Jason. They're not particularly close like Tim is with the other bats.
He shakes his head at that, holding onto Jason and huffing, not really sure how to respond. He just straightens Jason's jacket a little and pats him a bit.
"Don't...talking, I like talking to you- Big Brother is nice. Not- no yelling like...like everyone else. Not like others."
JJ whispers, fiddling with his fingers a bit before just sniffling and resting his head against Jason's shoulder with what sounds almost like a relieved sigh.
"I know, I know. I'll keep you safe. No cells or anything, OK?"
He comforts, sighing a little bit. Clearly he can't convince JJ that he isn't 'bad' but at the very least he can try comfort him that he won't be punished for what he thinks he's done.
Jason hates cells like that, being trapped with no escape. Those cells are made of glass and don't even have any privacy at all. It might as well be his worst fucking nightmare. Not to mention just how small and suffocating it is as the dirt breaks through the wood and starts falling in to the coffin, some getting in his mouth but he can't stop—
At first Jason thinks JJ is asking him to not talk at all and then that 'big brother' is someone else until he realises that it's.. him. Jason isn't used to really any of the bats calling him something like that especially Tim of all people.
"OK, then.. we can talk. Do you know any animals?"
He asks, not wanting to ask JJ any questions like before that just seemed to distress him.
JJ nods, shakily, as he repeats the words Jason said a bit to himself. It's as if he's trying to reassure himself by continuously speaking the words that tell him that he'll be okay, that Jason will protect him.
He doesn't meet Jason's eyes, tired and stressed and just holding onto the man. He's just relieved nothing bad will happen, and that JJ gets to be okay. JJ does pause at the question though, humming.
"Like...like frogs. Stories about- about frogs. They're green but not- not too green. Good green. Not bad like Papa. Cute little things, hold in your hand."
JJ explains, making a motion of cupping his hands together to emphasize his point. JJ likes dogs too, like the small little dog that Timmy has, who's very cute and likes pets. But Frogs are itty bitty, and you can hold them very close, and he likes that. He wants to hold a frog.
Jason hums, just basically petting JJ's hair in his lap. He makes sure to keep an eye on the computer since it'll turn back on on it's own when the bats notify him of something important.
He still needs to figure out how he'll hide JJ from everyone or how to get Tim back in front but he guesses he has to improvise. He remembers Tim, or at least he thinks it was Tim unless it was someone else he doesn't know about, still being here when the bats left and afterwards, well, this happened.
"Frogs? They are pretty cute, very small. Have you held one before?"
He says with a small smile on his face, finding it cute if nothing else though the mention of this father Jason still doesn't know about is a bit concerning. Why green?
JJ shakes his head, seeming more calmed down now, though that smile stays on his face despite him wanting it to go away. JJ hates that he can't make it go away. Bruce always used to get angry with him for it. He wasn't supposed to be acting like this anymore, he was supposed to be Timmy.
"No...never seen one. See them in story books and on the big screen in Timmy's apartment. Watch with the little doggy, when I- when I figure out how to work the screen and get it to- to play things. Fun things."
JJ answers, fidgeting with his hands as he lays against Jason. He's pulling at the gloves on his hands, the fabric just annoying him at this point. He doesn't like the weird suit, it's too tight and it feels so uncomfortable.
"I think- think frogs look very nice. Silly and small. Dogs are- are nice too."
JJ says, not looking up at Jason or anything. Tim's never been big on eye contact either way, but JJ seems to want to avoid even looking at peoples faces.
Jason tilts his head, surprised by that. He didn't know Tim had a dog though he supposes he isn't really close with the other and has never been to his apartment unlike Tim who very much breaks into his safehouses.
Things with the bats have been... better he supposes even if being near Bruce makes him want to scream and cry at the same time. Dick is a whole other issue. He's been getting closer with the younger bats though. He thinks that's what he wanted even if he's still more on the outside of everything.
"That sounds fun.. maybe one day we can go and see one in person."
He hums, still holding JJ close and tucking some hair behind his ear again.
"Dogs are my favourite. Have you met Ace and Titus?"
Jason smiles softly thinking of the animals. He hasn't been in the manor, officially at least, since he died so he hasn't seen Ace in a long time. He misses the dog he supposes, he was nice. Probably very old by now.
JJ says softly, rubbing at his eyes and face a bit. He touches his fingers against the scars there. Tim has always worn make up to cover them up, but the tears and the way JJ has been wiping at his face seems to have washed a good amount of it away, showing faded scars along their cheeks starting from both ends of their mouth.
JJ shakes his head in response. He's not sure who those doggies are, he only knows the really cute one that Timmy has, who's very quiet and tired, JJ finds him burrowing in blankets a lot.
"Nuh uh...I've um...I don't leave places. Stay in Timmy's house or- or in here with Bruce. Or with Papa and Mama in the nursery with big space, or- or in the big empty house with the weird people. Mostly a-alone there."
JJ describes, again keeping his eyes trained downwards. His voice is very soft and quiet, like he's scared of speaking too loudly.
Jason confirms, sighing softly at the idea that they would need permission or something to be allowed to do that. He fucking hates even the idea of that but he can't show any anger right now.
He raises an eyebrow when he notices the scars, frowning a bit. He's never noticed them before how– It looks like someone cut their face starting from the corners and up to the ears into some sick smile. A Glasgow smile. Like.. the Joker. What the fuck does he not know? It can't be related to that, can it?
"That's not nice.. We can go out then, maybe.. I'll see, OK?"
Jason says, trying to swallow the lump in his throat and continue the conversation. Who are these parents he keeps talking about? What nursery? Jason doesn't like this at all, all these secrets as always but this just makes him feel almost nauseous in a way and he just has to be wrong, right?
JJ flaps his hands a little happily at that answer, he'd smile if he wasn't already smiling hard enough it hurts. He's happy that he might be able to hold or see a frog one day, that's very fun.
He sniffles a bit, rubbing at his nose and trying to get his bangs out of his face in an action that lacks a lot of coordination, almost childlike. Timmy had started making his hair very long and in the way, and now JJ has to deal with it. When he was with mama and papa he'd have to make it go back with gel and dye and stuff.
"Not nice...okay, I'd like to- to go fun places. Even though it's scary, you- um...you can keep me safe. Like you're doing now... you're um- Timmy's brother, can you be my big brother too?"
JJ asks, almost sounding nervous at the answer. JJ likes Jason, he's very nice and can help JJ to stay safe when things are scary, like right now.
Jason laughs softly at the action, getting the memo and tucking some of their bangs back for JJ. He is definitely a child. That just makes Jason feel worse about everything.
"Yeah, I'll keep you safe."
He promises, nodding a bit and smiling softly. He doesn't know what happened but he does know he wants to find out and make sure nothing like.. whatever the hell caused this happens. He's never seen Tim as young, not really. They are only a few years apart in age after all and.. he never acts this young but now? He doesn't know how to feel about the other anymore.
Jason is caught a bit off guard by the question, pausing. Tim and him never really officially became brothers and Bruce isn't really his father, not anymore. He knows Tim probably doesn't see him as a brother anyways but.. well, he isn't going to say no now is he?
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
JJ nods in response, sniffling and rubbing at his face. He can feel the scars beneath his fingers, and it makes him pause before putting his hands back down and tugging a little at Jason's jacket for no discernible reason besides just having something to do with his hands, most likely.
"Yes. Jason...Timmy's big brother...older and um...um- the one with the red and the- the guns. Wasn't...allowed to talk about anything to you. Or- or the others. Only...only Bruce and and the one with orange hair, she was- she was there. But she hates me. Bad...bad kid. Bad kids don't get to be- be liked or around- around others."
JJ says, voice still shaky as he speaks softly. JJ shivers and ducks his head against Jason's shoulder again. He briefly looks back up at Jason when he speaks again and moves to take Jason's hand, only to link their pinkies together gently and shake there hands together like that.
"Promise...promise. Safe."
He says, not whispering as much as he has been. taking his hand away, only to rub his hands against his knees a little and take a few more breaths, ducking his face against Jason once more. Hiding almost.
All JJ knows is that Jason is promising he'll be okay and Jason is being nicer, and he promised and it was a pinkie promise too so that means everything will be okay and Jason meant it. He promised, so he has to mean it.
Jason tilts his head when JJ tugs on his jacket, thinking it's because he wants Jason's attention or something. That only confirms his fears, that Bruce knew about this and.. Babs? Why would she hide this? From all of them? Even Dick doesn't know? What was Babs there for–
"Yeah.. I'm Jason. I like you, you seem really.. nice."
He says, glancing down at their fingers and recognising it at a pinkie promise, locking their fingers together himself and smiling softly.
"I'll keep you safe. I promise."
He nods, cradling JJ's head a bit closer to himself and carding his fingers through his hair, trying to comfort them in anyway.
This is wrong, everything about this is wrong. What happened that caused this? What was so bad that Babs is hiding it and didn't even tell anyone? He has too many questions and the only person who can give them to him, at least the only person he can ask is.. someone with the mind of a child, who is a child. Jason doesn't know what to do.
JJ shakes his head a bit at that, not believing that. Jason doesn't know everything and he would hate JJ if he did so JJ can't tell him anything, because Jason would probably break their promise if he knew everything.
"No. Bad...Bad. Bad kid."
JJ mumbles, taking another shaky breath and holding onto Jason a bit tighter, nervous and scared of being caught. He just can't lie, he can't lie and say he's good, because that's wrong and that's not what JJ is.
"O-Okay...thank you, Mister."
He whispers softly, not entirely sure what he's supposed to say to Timmy's big brother, but if he says that he'll be safe then JJ has to believe that for now. He just stays attached to him and finally calms enough that the tears aren't pooling as much and he can just slightly stay there, holding onto Jason, attempting to feel safe, to believe that he's safe and that everything will be okay.
Jason sighs, softly, continuing to run his fingers through their hair for now. It's childish but he doesn't really understand the insistence that he's 'bad', for whatever reason.
He still doesn't understand the laughing and who JJ was talking about either, his dad. He doesn't think he's talking about Jack Drake but Jason has no idea who else it could be. Well, he has one person but that is impossible–
"Your welcome. How about we get up? You can still stay close, OK?"
Jason offers softly, adjusting JJ in his arms, bringing them around their shoulders and under their legs so they can be easily picked up and wiping away some of those tears on their cheeks. It makes him sad to see but he's happy they seem a lot better. The laughing was... much worse.
JJ just whimpers, because he just knows that Jason wouldn't be saying that if he knew everything. JJ isn't good at all, JJ's done bad things and should be locked away and not allowed to leave. JJ is bad. Very bad.
"Um...okay."
JJ whispers in response, moving to grab tightly onto Jason when he's picked up, hiding his face a little against the man's chest just in case. He doesn't know where he's being taken but Jason is safe, and JJ just doesn't want to be left alone at all.
JJ rubs at his eyes and grabs onto Jason's jacket as tightly as he can, not wanting to fall or anything, and because his smile hurts and he can't stop it. He whimpers again a little, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Why...back in the- the scary cave...wanna leave."
Is all JJ says, softly and sounding upset, he just would like to go home to Timmy's place and sleep, or hide somewhere. Sometimes he gets some of the papers around and folds them into animals, because Mama taught him how, but he's not here often because he isn't supposed to be.
He mumbles in response to the conformation, picking JJ up and stretching a bit before moving him to be more on Jason's hip, rubbing his back softly and letting him hide himself in Jason's chest. He'd almost finds how tightly he's grabbing on to Jason cute if he didn't know why or under better circumstances but right now he just needs to make sure they are OK and calm down a bit.
"I know, I know.. I just have to check something and then.. we can find somewhere to hide, OK?"
Jason tries to comfort softly, bringing JJ's hands to his ears as he turns on the computer. He makes sure they are muted and don't have the camera on, checking the comms to make sure everyone is OK. He keeps the volume off for now incase the Joker is still there but everyone seems mostly fine with a few injuries. Thank god.
"Now, you have any hiding spots for me?"
He asks, turning the computer off and turning back to JJ, tilting his head a little.
JJ hums a little, just squeezing his eyes shut and shivering against Jason. He whines a little, facing away from the computer and hiding his face against Jason some more as he fiddles with things. Once Jason speaks agains JJ lifts his head a little and uses his cape a bit to hide his face, or more specifically the smile.
"Not...not allowed upstairs. Was put down here, to be- be watched and- and so I'd stop hurting Timmy."
JJ says quietly, and he points towards the hall that goes down towards the containment cells within the cave, before bringing his arms back towards Jason. He didn't like the big room with the glass door, it was scary and bad and Bruce would yell at him and sometimes he'd be restrained.
"Was- was upstairs for a while...hid under the bed. Can't get me when I'm- I'm under the bed. Can't touch me."
He sniffles and rubs at his face. JJ knows that there were bad people trying to get him a lot, to touch him, so he'd hide under the bed and they couldn't get him there because he'd move all the way to the corner and curl up very small. He'd be safe that way. It was the only way he could sleep. Safe that way.
"I...I don't wanna get grabbed again. Papa and the bad masked people hurt really bad, have to do bad- bad things. Bad."
Jason shushes him softly when JJ seems a bit distressed by the computer, cradling his head a bit closer and running his fingers through his hair.
He isn't quite sure why he keeps smiling but it's honestly a bit concerning and uncanny almost. JJ doesn't even seem to be doing it on purpose which makes it even more confusing
"Hurting Tim– how were you hurting him?"
Jason asks, not sure what JJ means but not liking what that implies or more accurately tells him, that Bruce locked them in the containment cells. They rarely use them, usually locking up any criminals in the jail.
He wonders if Bruce would have done the same to him if he had the opportunity to. Then again he thinks the answer is pretty obvious.
"Yeah? Well, we'll have to wait a bit more here if that's OK?"
Jason sighs softly. He would bring them up into the manor but Alfred is there and the man will find them and.. if Bruce and Barbara knew then Alfred definitely did.
He feels betrayed in a way, that Alfred would do that to him. Bruce is expected, Barbara, well, she always keeps secrets. Alfred too but it seems more personal to him.
JJ makes a soft distressed sound, shaking in Jason's arms and shaking his head a bit at the question.
"Hurt...me, but it- it hurt Timmy. Try to run away but it- it only hurt Timmy more. Missed Papa and Mama...I don't like it here, scary. Bruce hates me."
JJ whispers it all, like it's a secret that Jason can't tell anyone, fiddling with the zipper on Jason's jacket a bit childishly. JJ wasn't supposed to hurt Timmy, Bruce and all the bad men in white said it was bad, and he'd get hurt in return. It made no sense, JJ just wanted to leave. He was scared.
JJ just whines a little in response, hiding himself in the crook of Jason's neck and trembling like a leaf. He just wants to leave and go home, to be safe and away from everything.
"I'll be- be safe with you? Protect me?"
He asks hesitantly, just needing to check that Jason actually meant what he said. That the man would save and protect him when Bruce or Papa come looking for him, to hurt him, even though JJ is bad.
Jason moves to sit down on the chair, keeping JJ in his lap and rubbing his back, frowning at how distressed he seems.
"I know it's scary.. you're so brave right now."
He comforts, trying not to show how honestly scared he is. He supposes it makes sense but it's so much more real with actual conformation. He still doesn't know what parents JJ is talking about but right now he just leaves it to think about later. Jason would like to say that saying Bruce doesn't hate them isn't true but that would be a lie too. Something like this– he can't see the man approving.
He makes a soft shushing sound again when JJ seems so scared, holding him securely and trying to at least comfort him enough so he stops shaking so much.
"Yeah, I'll protect you. Let's just sit here, OK? I wont ask you anything else if you don't want."
Jason nods, tucking some of their hair away and tilting his head so JJ can see his face and the hopefully comforting smile on it. He isn't sure what he's going to do when the bats come back home but maybe he can hide JJ somewhere?
JJ hums, not really believing that. He doesn't feel brave or anything, he just feels weak and small. He curls up more against Jason when they sit down, laying against him and fiddling with his jacket still, seeming nervous still.
"Bad...bad. Don't wanna be- be locked away again."
JJ mumbles, voice quiet and weak sounding. It's almost the opposite of Tim's usual demeanor, the other never being very vulnerable if anything, certainly not around Jason. They're not particularly close like Tim is with the other bats.
He shakes his head at that, holding onto Jason and huffing, not really sure how to respond. He just straightens Jason's jacket a little and pats him a bit.
"Don't...talking, I like talking to you- Big Brother is nice. Not- no yelling like...like everyone else. Not like others."
JJ whispers, fiddling with his fingers a bit before just sniffling and resting his head against Jason's shoulder with what sounds almost like a relieved sigh.
"I know, I know. I'll keep you safe. No cells or anything, OK?"
He comforts, sighing a little bit. Clearly he can't convince JJ that he isn't 'bad' but at the very least he can try comfort him that he won't be punished for what he thinks he's done.
Jason hates cells like that, being trapped with no escape. Those cells are made of glass and don't even have any privacy at all. It might as well be his worst fucking nightmare. Not to mention just how small and suffocating it is as the dirt breaks through the wood and starts falling in to the coffin, some getting in his mouth but he can't stop—
At first Jason thinks JJ is asking him to not talk at all and then that 'big brother' is someone else until he realises that it's.. him. Jason isn't used to really any of the bats calling him something like that especially Tim of all people.
"OK, then.. we can talk. Do you know any animals?"
He asks, not wanting to ask JJ any questions like before that just seemed to distress him.
JJ nods, shakily, as he repeats the words Jason said a bit to himself. It's as if he's trying to reassure himself by continuously speaking the words that tell him that he'll be okay, that Jason will protect him.
He doesn't meet Jason's eyes, tired and stressed and just holding onto the man. He's just relieved nothing bad will happen, and that JJ gets to be okay. JJ does pause at the question though, humming.
"Like...like frogs. Stories about- about frogs. They're green but not- not too green. Good green. Not bad like Papa. Cute little things, hold in your hand."
JJ explains, making a motion of cupping his hands together to emphasize his point. JJ likes dogs too, like the small little dog that Timmy has, who's very cute and likes pets. But Frogs are itty bitty, and you can hold them very close, and he likes that. He wants to hold a frog.
Jason hums, just basically petting JJ's hair in his lap. He makes sure to keep an eye on the computer since it'll turn back on on it's own when the bats notify him of something important.
He still needs to figure out how he'll hide JJ from everyone or how to get Tim back in front but he guesses he has to improvise. He remembers Tim, or at least he thinks it was Tim unless it was someone else he doesn't know about, still being here when the bats left and afterwards, well, this happened.
"Frogs? They are pretty cute, very small. Have you held one before?"
He says with a small smile on his face, finding it cute if nothing else though the mention of this father Jason still doesn't know about is a bit concerning. Why green?
JJ shakes his head, seeming more calmed down now, though that smile stays on his face despite him wanting it to go away. JJ hates that he can't make it go away. Bruce always used to get angry with him for it. He wasn't supposed to be acting like this anymore, he was supposed to be Timmy.
"No...never seen one. See them in story books and on the big screen in Timmy's apartment. Watch with the little doggy, when I- when I figure out how to work the screen and get it to- to play things. Fun things."
JJ answers, fidgeting with his hands as he lays against Jason. He's pulling at the gloves on his hands, the fabric just annoying him at this point. He doesn't like the weird suit, it's too tight and it feels so uncomfortable.
"I think- think frogs look very nice. Silly and small. Dogs are- are nice too."
JJ says, not looking up at Jason or anything. Tim's never been big on eye contact either way, but JJ seems to want to avoid even looking at peoples faces.
Jason tilts his head, surprised by that. He didn't know Tim had a dog though he supposes he isn't really close with the other and has never been to his apartment unlike Tim who very much breaks into his safehouses.
Things with the bats have been... better he supposes even if being near Bruce makes him want to scream and cry at the same time. Dick is a whole other issue. He's been getting closer with the younger bats though. He thinks that's what he wanted even if he's still more on the outside of everything.
"That sounds fun.. maybe one day we can go and see one in person."
He hums, still holding JJ close and tucking some hair behind his ear again.
"Dogs are my favourite. Have you met Ace and Titus?"
Jason smiles softly thinking of the animals. He hasn't been in the manor, officially at least, since he died so he hasn't seen Ace in a long time. He misses the dog he supposes, he was nice. Probably very old by now.
JJ says softly, rubbing at his eyes and face a bit. He touches his fingers against the scars there. Tim has always worn make up to cover them up, but the tears and the way JJ has been wiping at his face seems to have washed a good amount of it away, showing faded scars along their cheeks starting from both ends of their mouth.
JJ shakes his head in response. He's not sure who those doggies are, he only knows the really cute one that Timmy has, who's very quiet and tired, JJ finds him burrowing in blankets a lot.
"Nuh uh...I've um...I don't leave places. Stay in Timmy's house or- or in here with Bruce. Or with Papa and Mama in the nursery with big space, or- or in the big empty house with the weird people. Mostly a-alone there."
JJ describes, again keeping his eyes trained downwards. His voice is very soft and quiet, like he's scared of speaking too loudly.
Jason confirms, sighing softly at the idea that they would need permission or something to be allowed to do that. He fucking hates even the idea of that but he can't show any anger right now.
He raises an eyebrow when he notices the scars, frowning a bit. He's never noticed them before how– It looks like someone cut their face starting from the corners and up to the ears into some sick smile. A Glasgow smile. Like.. the Joker. What the fuck does he not know? It can't be related to that, can it?
"That's not nice.. We can go out then, maybe.. I'll see, OK?"
Jason says, trying to swallow the lump in his throat and continue the conversation. Who are these parents he keeps talking about? What nursery? Jason doesn't like this at all, all these secrets as always but this just makes him feel almost nauseous in a way and he just has to be wrong, right?
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
JJ nods in response, sniffling and rubbing at his face. He can feel the scars beneath his fingers, and it makes him pause before putting his hands back down and tugging a little at Jason's jacket for no discernible reason besides just having something to do with his hands, most likely.
"Yes. Jason...Timmy's big brother...older and um...um- the one with the red and the- the guns. Wasn't...allowed to talk about anything to you. Or- or the others. Only...only Bruce and and the one with orange hair, she was- she was there. But she hates me. Bad...bad kid. Bad kids don't get to be- be liked or around- around others."
JJ says, voice still shaky as he speaks softly. JJ shivers and ducks his head against Jason's shoulder again. He briefly looks back up at Jason when he speaks again and moves to take Jason's hand, only to link their pinkies together gently and shake there hands together like that.
"Promise...promise. Safe."
He says, not whispering as much as he has been. taking his hand away, only to rub his hands against his knees a little and take a few more breaths, ducking his face against Jason once more. Hiding almost.
All JJ knows is that Jason is promising he'll be okay and Jason is being nicer, and he promised and it was a pinkie promise too so that means everything will be okay and Jason meant it. He promised, so he has to mean it.
Jason tilts his head when JJ tugs on his jacket, thinking it's because he wants Jason's attention or something. That only confirms his fears, that Bruce knew about this and.. Babs? Why would she hide this? From all of them? Even Dick doesn't know? What was Babs there for–
"Yeah.. I'm Jason. I like you, you seem really.. nice."
He says, glancing down at their fingers and recognising it at a pinkie promise, locking their fingers together himself and smiling softly.
"I'll keep you safe. I promise."
He nods, cradling JJ's head a bit closer to himself and carding his fingers through his hair, trying to comfort them in anyway.
This is wrong, everything about this is wrong. What happened that caused this? What was so bad that Babs is hiding it and didn't even tell anyone? He has too many questions and the only person who can give them to him, at least the only person he can ask is.. someone with the mind of a child, who is a child. Jason doesn't know what to do.
JJ shakes his head a bit at that, not believing that. Jason doesn't know everything and he would hate JJ if he did so JJ can't tell him anything, because Jason would probably break their promise if he knew everything.
"No. Bad...Bad. Bad kid."
JJ mumbles, taking another shaky breath and holding onto Jason a bit tighter, nervous and scared of being caught. He just can't lie, he can't lie and say he's good, because that's wrong and that's not what JJ is.
"O-Okay...thank you, Mister."
He whispers softly, not entirely sure what he's supposed to say to Timmy's big brother, but if he says that he'll be safe then JJ has to believe that for now. He just stays attached to him and finally calms enough that the tears aren't pooling as much and he can just slightly stay there, holding onto Jason, attempting to feel safe, to believe that he's safe and that everything will be okay.
Jason sighs, softly, continuing to run his fingers through their hair for now. It's childish but he doesn't really understand the insistence that he's 'bad', for whatever reason.
He still doesn't understand the laughing and who JJ was talking about either, his dad. He doesn't think he's talking about Jack Drake but Jason has no idea who else it could be. Well, he has one person but that is impossible–
"Your welcome. How about we get up? You can still stay close, OK?"
Jason offers softly, adjusting JJ in his arms, bringing them around their shoulders and under their legs so they can be easily picked up and wiping away some of those tears on their cheeks. It makes him sad to see but he's happy they seem a lot better. The laughing was... much worse.
JJ just whimpers, because he just knows that Jason wouldn't be saying that if he knew everything. JJ isn't good at all, JJ's done bad things and should be locked away and not allowed to leave. JJ is bad. Very bad.
"Um...okay."
JJ whispers in response, moving to grab tightly onto Jason when he's picked up, hiding his face a little against the man's chest just in case. He doesn't know where he's being taken but Jason is safe, and JJ just doesn't want to be left alone at all.
JJ rubs at his eyes and grabs onto Jason's jacket as tightly as he can, not wanting to fall or anything, and because his smile hurts and he can't stop it. He whimpers again a little, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Why...back in the- the scary cave...wanna leave."
Is all JJ says, softly and sounding upset, he just would like to go home to Timmy's place and sleep, or hide somewhere. Sometimes he gets some of the papers around and folds them into animals, because Mama taught him how, but he's not here often because he isn't supposed to be.
He mumbles in response to the conformation, picking JJ up and stretching a bit before moving him to be more on Jason's hip, rubbing his back softly and letting him hide himself in Jason's chest. He'd almost finds how tightly he's grabbing on to Jason cute if he didn't know why or under better circumstances but right now he just needs to make sure they are OK and calm down a bit.
"I know, I know.. I just have to check something and then.. we can find somewhere to hide, OK?"
Jason tries to comfort softly, bringing JJ's hands to his ears as he turns on the computer. He makes sure they are muted and don't have the camera on, checking the comms to make sure everyone is OK. He keeps the volume off for now incase the Joker is still there but everyone seems mostly fine with a few injuries. Thank god.
"Now, you have any hiding spots for me?"
He asks, turning the computer off and turning back to JJ, tilting his head a little.
JJ hums a little, just squeezing his eyes shut and shivering against Jason. He whines a little, facing away from the computer and hiding his face against Jason some more as he fiddles with things. Once Jason speaks agains JJ lifts his head a little and uses his cape a bit to hide his face, or more specifically the smile.
"Not...not allowed upstairs. Was put down here, to be- be watched and- and so I'd stop hurting Timmy."
JJ says quietly, and he points towards the hall that goes down towards the containment cells within the cave, before bringing his arms back towards Jason. He didn't like the big room with the glass door, it was scary and bad and Bruce would yell at him and sometimes he'd be restrained.
"Was- was upstairs for a while...hid under the bed. Can't get me when I'm- I'm under the bed. Can't touch me."
He sniffles and rubs at his face. JJ knows that there were bad people trying to get him a lot, to touch him, so he'd hide under the bed and they couldn't get him there because he'd move all the way to the corner and curl up very small. He'd be safe that way. It was the only way he could sleep. Safe that way.
"I...I don't wanna get grabbed again. Papa and the bad masked people hurt really bad, have to do bad- bad things. Bad."
Jason shushes him softly when JJ seems a bit distressed by the computer, cradling his head a bit closer and running his fingers through his hair.
He isn't quite sure why he keeps smiling but it's honestly a bit concerning and uncanny almost. JJ doesn't even seem to be doing it on purpose which makes it even more confusing
"Hurting Tim– how were you hurting him?"
Jason asks, not sure what JJ means but not liking what that implies or more accurately tells him, that Bruce locked them in the containment cells. They rarely use them, usually locking up any criminals in the jail.
He wonders if Bruce would have done the same to him if he had the opportunity to. Then again he thinks the answer is pretty obvious.
"Yeah? Well, we'll have to wait a bit more here if that's OK?"
Jason sighs softly. He would bring them up into the manor but Alfred is there and the man will find them and.. if Bruce and Barbara knew then Alfred definitely did.
He feels betrayed in a way, that Alfred would do that to him. Bruce is expected, Barbara, well, she always keeps secrets. Alfred too but it seems more personal to him.
JJ makes a soft distressed sound, shaking in Jason's arms and shaking his head a bit at the question.
"Hurt...me, but it- it hurt Timmy. Try to run away but it- it only hurt Timmy more. Missed Papa and Mama...I don't like it here, scary. Bruce hates me."
JJ whispers it all, like it's a secret that Jason can't tell anyone, fiddling with the zipper on Jason's jacket a bit childishly. JJ wasn't supposed to hurt Timmy, Bruce and all the bad men in white said it was bad, and he'd get hurt in return. It made no sense, JJ just wanted to leave. He was scared.
JJ just whines a little in response, hiding himself in the crook of Jason's neck and trembling like a leaf. He just wants to leave and go home, to be safe and away from everything.
"I'll be- be safe with you? Protect me?"
He asks hesitantly, just needing to check that Jason actually meant what he said. That the man would save and protect him when Bruce or Papa come looking for him, to hurt him, even though JJ is bad.
Jason moves to sit down on the chair, keeping JJ in his lap and rubbing his back, frowning at how distressed he seems.
"I know it's scary.. you're so brave right now."
He comforts, trying not to show how honestly scared he is. He supposes it makes sense but it's so much more real with actual conformation. He still doesn't know what parents JJ is talking about but right now he just leaves it to think about later. Jason would like to say that saying Bruce doesn't hate them isn't true but that would be a lie too. Something like this– he can't see the man approving.
He makes a soft shushing sound again when JJ seems so scared, holding him securely and trying to at least comfort him enough so he stops shaking so much.
"Yeah, I'll protect you. Let's just sit here, OK? I wont ask you anything else if you don't want."
Jason nods, tucking some of their hair away and tilting his head so JJ can see his face and the hopefully comforting smile on it. He isn't sure what he's going to do when the bats come back home but maybe he can hide JJ somewhere?
JJ hums, not really believing that. He doesn't feel brave or anything, he just feels weak and small. He curls up more against Jason when they sit down, laying against him and fiddling with his jacket still, seeming nervous still.
"Bad...bad. Don't wanna be- be locked away again."
JJ mumbles, voice quiet and weak sounding. It's almost the opposite of Tim's usual demeanor, the other never being very vulnerable if anything, certainly not around Jason. They're not particularly close like Tim is with the other bats.
He shakes his head at that, holding onto Jason and huffing, not really sure how to respond. He just straightens Jason's jacket a little and pats him a bit.
"Don't...talking, I like talking to you- Big Brother is nice. Not- no yelling like...like everyone else. Not like others."
JJ whispers, fiddling with his fingers a bit before just sniffling and resting his head against Jason's shoulder with what sounds almost like a relieved sigh.
"I know, I know. I'll keep you safe. No cells or anything, OK?"
He comforts, sighing a little bit. Clearly he can't convince JJ that he isn't 'bad' but at the very least he can try comfort him that he won't be punished for what he thinks he's done.
Jason hates cells like that, being trapped with no escape. Those cells are made of glass and don't even have any privacy at all. It might as well be his worst fucking nightmare. Not to mention just how small and suffocating it is as the dirt breaks through the wood and starts falling in to the coffin, some getting in his mouth but he can't stop—
At first Jason thinks JJ is asking him to not talk at all and then that 'big brother' is someone else until he realises that it's.. him. Jason isn't used to really any of the bats calling him something like that especially Tim of all people.
"OK, then.. we can talk. Do you know any animals?"
He asks, not wanting to ask JJ any questions like before that just seemed to distress him.
JJ nods, shakily, as he repeats the words Jason said a bit to himself. It's as if he's trying to reassure himself by continuously speaking the words that tell him that he'll be okay, that Jason will protect him.
He doesn't meet Jason's eyes, tired and stressed and just holding onto the man. He's just relieved nothing bad will happen, and that JJ gets to be okay. JJ does pause at the question though, humming.
"Like...like frogs. Stories about- about frogs. They're green but not- not too green. Good green. Not bad like Papa. Cute little things, hold in your hand."
JJ explains, making a motion of cupping his hands together to emphasize his point. JJ likes dogs too, like the small little dog that Timmy has, who's very cute and likes pets. But Frogs are itty bitty, and you can hold them very close, and he likes that. He wants to hold a frog.
Jason hums, just basically petting JJ's hair in his lap. He makes sure to keep an eye on the computer since it'll turn back on on it's own when the bats notify him of something important.
He still needs to figure out how he'll hide JJ from everyone or how to get Tim back in front but he guesses he has to improvise. He remembers Tim, or at least he thinks it was Tim unless it was someone else he doesn't know about, still being here when the bats left and afterwards, well, this happened.
"Frogs? They are pretty cute, very small. Have you held one before?"
He says with a small smile on his face, finding it cute if nothing else though the mention of this father Jason still doesn't know about is a bit concerning. Why green?
JJ shakes his head, seeming more calmed down now, though that smile stays on his face despite him wanting it to go away. JJ hates that he can't make it go away. Bruce always used to get angry with him for it. He wasn't supposed to be acting like this anymore, he was supposed to be Timmy.
"No...never seen one. See them in story books and on the big screen in Timmy's apartment. Watch with the little doggy, when I- when I figure out how to work the screen and get it to- to play things. Fun things."
JJ answers, fidgeting with his hands as he lays against Jason. He's pulling at the gloves on his hands, the fabric just annoying him at this point. He doesn't like the weird suit, it's too tight and it feels so uncomfortable.
"I think- think frogs look very nice. Silly and small. Dogs are- are nice too."
JJ says, not looking up at Jason or anything. Tim's never been big on eye contact either way, but JJ seems to want to avoid even looking at peoples faces.
Jason tilts his head, surprised by that. He didn't know Tim had a dog though he supposes he isn't really close with the other and has never been to his apartment unlike Tim who very much breaks into his safehouses.
Things with the bats have been... better he supposes even if being near Bruce makes him want to scream and cry at the same time. Dick is a whole other issue. He's been getting closer with the younger bats though. He thinks that's what he wanted even if he's still more on the outside of everything.
"That sounds fun.. maybe one day we can go and see one in person."
He hums, still holding JJ close and tucking some hair behind his ear again.
"Dogs are my favourite. Have you met Ace and Titus?"
Jason smiles softly thinking of the animals. He hasn't been in the manor, officially at least, since he died so he hasn't seen Ace in a long time. He misses the dog he supposes, he was nice. Probably very old by now.
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
JJ nods in response, sniffling and rubbing at his face. He can feel the scars beneath his fingers, and it makes him pause before putting his hands back down and tugging a little at Jason's jacket for no discernible reason besides just having something to do with his hands, most likely.
"Yes. Jason...Timmy's big brother...older and um...um- the one with the red and the- the guns. Wasn't...allowed to talk about anything to you. Or- or the others. Only...only Bruce and and the one with orange hair, she was- she was there. But she hates me. Bad...bad kid. Bad kids don't get to be- be liked or around- around others."
JJ says, voice still shaky as he speaks softly. JJ shivers and ducks his head against Jason's shoulder again. He briefly looks back up at Jason when he speaks again and moves to take Jason's hand, only to link their pinkies together gently and shake there hands together like that.
"Promise...promise. Safe."
He says, not whispering as much as he has been. taking his hand away, only to rub his hands against his knees a little and take a few more breaths, ducking his face against Jason once more. Hiding almost.
All JJ knows is that Jason is promising he'll be okay and Jason is being nicer, and he promised and it was a pinkie promise too so that means everything will be okay and Jason meant it. He promised, so he has to mean it.
Jason tilts his head when JJ tugs on his jacket, thinking it's because he wants Jason's attention or something. That only confirms his fears, that Bruce knew about this and.. Babs? Why would she hide this? From all of them? Even Dick doesn't know? What was Babs there for–
"Yeah.. I'm Jason. I like you, you seem really.. nice."
He says, glancing down at their fingers and recognising it at a pinkie promise, locking their fingers together himself and smiling softly.
"I'll keep you safe. I promise."
He nods, cradling JJ's head a bit closer to himself and carding his fingers through his hair, trying to comfort them in anyway.
This is wrong, everything about this is wrong. What happened that caused this? What was so bad that Babs is hiding it and didn't even tell anyone? He has too many questions and the only person who can give them to him, at least the only person he can ask is.. someone with the mind of a child, who is a child. Jason doesn't know what to do.
JJ shakes his head a bit at that, not believing that. Jason doesn't know everything and he would hate JJ if he did so JJ can't tell him anything, because Jason would probably break their promise if he knew everything.
"No. Bad...Bad. Bad kid."
JJ mumbles, taking another shaky breath and holding onto Jason a bit tighter, nervous and scared of being caught. He just can't lie, he can't lie and say he's good, because that's wrong and that's not what JJ is.
"O-Okay...thank you, Mister."
He whispers softly, not entirely sure what he's supposed to say to Timmy's big brother, but if he says that he'll be safe then JJ has to believe that for now. He just stays attached to him and finally calms enough that the tears aren't pooling as much and he can just slightly stay there, holding onto Jason, attempting to feel safe, to believe that he's safe and that everything will be okay.
Jason sighs, softly, continuing to run his fingers through their hair for now. It's childish but he doesn't really understand the insistence that he's 'bad', for whatever reason.
He still doesn't understand the laughing and who JJ was talking about either, his dad. He doesn't think he's talking about Jack Drake but Jason has no idea who else it could be. Well, he has one person but that is impossible–
"Your welcome. How about we get up? You can still stay close, OK?"
Jason offers softly, adjusting JJ in his arms, bringing them around their shoulders and under their legs so they can be easily picked up and wiping away some of those tears on their cheeks. It makes him sad to see but he's happy they seem a lot better. The laughing was... much worse.
JJ just whimpers, because he just knows that Jason wouldn't be saying that if he knew everything. JJ isn't good at all, JJ's done bad things and should be locked away and not allowed to leave. JJ is bad. Very bad.
"Um...okay."
JJ whispers in response, moving to grab tightly onto Jason when he's picked up, hiding his face a little against the man's chest just in case. He doesn't know where he's being taken but Jason is safe, and JJ just doesn't want to be left alone at all.
JJ rubs at his eyes and grabs onto Jason's jacket as tightly as he can, not wanting to fall or anything, and because his smile hurts and he can't stop it. He whimpers again a little, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Why...back in the- the scary cave...wanna leave."
Is all JJ says, softly and sounding upset, he just would like to go home to Timmy's place and sleep, or hide somewhere. Sometimes he gets some of the papers around and folds them into animals, because Mama taught him how, but he's not here often because he isn't supposed to be.
He mumbles in response to the conformation, picking JJ up and stretching a bit before moving him to be more on Jason's hip, rubbing his back softly and letting him hide himself in Jason's chest. He'd almost finds how tightly he's grabbing on to Jason cute if he didn't know why or under better circumstances but right now he just needs to make sure they are OK and calm down a bit.
"I know, I know.. I just have to check something and then.. we can find somewhere to hide, OK?"
Jason tries to comfort softly, bringing JJ's hands to his ears as he turns on the computer. He makes sure they are muted and don't have the camera on, checking the comms to make sure everyone is OK. He keeps the volume off for now incase the Joker is still there but everyone seems mostly fine with a few injuries. Thank god.
"Now, you have any hiding spots for me?"
He asks, turning the computer off and turning back to JJ, tilting his head a little.
JJ hums a little, just squeezing his eyes shut and shivering against Jason. He whines a little, facing away from the computer and hiding his face against Jason some more as he fiddles with things. Once Jason speaks agains JJ lifts his head a little and uses his cape a bit to hide his face, or more specifically the smile.
"Not...not allowed upstairs. Was put down here, to be- be watched and- and so I'd stop hurting Timmy."
JJ says quietly, and he points towards the hall that goes down towards the containment cells within the cave, before bringing his arms back towards Jason. He didn't like the big room with the glass door, it was scary and bad and Bruce would yell at him and sometimes he'd be restrained.
"Was- was upstairs for a while...hid under the bed. Can't get me when I'm- I'm under the bed. Can't touch me."
He sniffles and rubs at his face. JJ knows that there were bad people trying to get him a lot, to touch him, so he'd hide under the bed and they couldn't get him there because he'd move all the way to the corner and curl up very small. He'd be safe that way. It was the only way he could sleep. Safe that way.
"I...I don't wanna get grabbed again. Papa and the bad masked people hurt really bad, have to do bad- bad things. Bad."
Jason shushes him softly when JJ seems a bit distressed by the computer, cradling his head a bit closer and running his fingers through his hair.
He isn't quite sure why he keeps smiling but it's honestly a bit concerning and uncanny almost. JJ doesn't even seem to be doing it on purpose which makes it even more confusing
"Hurting Tim– how were you hurting him?"
Jason asks, not sure what JJ means but not liking what that implies or more accurately tells him, that Bruce locked them in the containment cells. They rarely use them, usually locking up any criminals in the jail.
He wonders if Bruce would have done the same to him if he had the opportunity to. Then again he thinks the answer is pretty obvious.
"Yeah? Well, we'll have to wait a bit more here if that's OK?"
Jason sighs softly. He would bring them up into the manor but Alfred is there and the man will find them and.. if Bruce and Barbara knew then Alfred definitely did.
He feels betrayed in a way, that Alfred would do that to him. Bruce is expected, Barbara, well, she always keeps secrets. Alfred too but it seems more personal to him.
JJ makes a soft distressed sound, shaking in Jason's arms and shaking his head a bit at the question.
"Hurt...me, but it- it hurt Timmy. Try to run away but it- it only hurt Timmy more. Missed Papa and Mama...I don't like it here, scary. Bruce hates me."
JJ whispers it all, like it's a secret that Jason can't tell anyone, fiddling with the zipper on Jason's jacket a bit childishly. JJ wasn't supposed to hurt Timmy, Bruce and all the bad men in white said it was bad, and he'd get hurt in return. It made no sense, JJ just wanted to leave. He was scared.
JJ just whines a little in response, hiding himself in the crook of Jason's neck and trembling like a leaf. He just wants to leave and go home, to be safe and away from everything.
"I'll be- be safe with you? Protect me?"
He asks hesitantly, just needing to check that Jason actually meant what he said. That the man would save and protect him when Bruce or Papa come looking for him, to hurt him, even though JJ is bad.
Jason moves to sit down on the chair, keeping JJ in his lap and rubbing his back, frowning at how distressed he seems.
"I know it's scary.. you're so brave right now."
He comforts, trying not to show how honestly scared he is. He supposes it makes sense but it's so much more real with actual conformation. He still doesn't know what parents JJ is talking about but right now he just leaves it to think about later. Jason would like to say that saying Bruce doesn't hate them isn't true but that would be a lie too. Something like this– he can't see the man approving.
He makes a soft shushing sound again when JJ seems so scared, holding him securely and trying to at least comfort him enough so he stops shaking so much.
"Yeah, I'll protect you. Let's just sit here, OK? I wont ask you anything else if you don't want."
Jason nods, tucking some of their hair away and tilting his head so JJ can see his face and the hopefully comforting smile on it. He isn't sure what he's going to do when the bats come back home but maybe he can hide JJ somewhere?
JJ hums, not really believing that. He doesn't feel brave or anything, he just feels weak and small. He curls up more against Jason when they sit down, laying against him and fiddling with his jacket still, seeming nervous still.
"Bad...bad. Don't wanna be- be locked away again."
JJ mumbles, voice quiet and weak sounding. It's almost the opposite of Tim's usual demeanor, the other never being very vulnerable if anything, certainly not around Jason. They're not particularly close like Tim is with the other bats.
He shakes his head at that, holding onto Jason and huffing, not really sure how to respond. He just straightens Jason's jacket a little and pats him a bit.
"Don't...talking, I like talking to you- Big Brother is nice. Not- no yelling like...like everyone else. Not like others."
JJ whispers, fiddling with his fingers a bit before just sniffling and resting his head against Jason's shoulder with what sounds almost like a relieved sigh.
"I know, I know. I'll keep you safe. No cells or anything, OK?"
He comforts, sighing a little bit. Clearly he can't convince JJ that he isn't 'bad' but at the very least he can try comfort him that he won't be punished for what he thinks he's done.
Jason hates cells like that, being trapped with no escape. Those cells are made of glass and don't even have any privacy at all. It might as well be his worst fucking nightmare. Not to mention just how small and suffocating it is as the dirt breaks through the wood and starts falling in to the coffin, some getting in his mouth but he can't stop—
At first Jason thinks JJ is asking him to not talk at all and then that 'big brother' is someone else until he realises that it's.. him. Jason isn't used to really any of the bats calling him something like that especially Tim of all people.
"OK, then.. we can talk. Do you know any animals?"
He asks, not wanting to ask JJ any questions like before that just seemed to distress him.
JJ nods, shakily, as he repeats the words Jason said a bit to himself. It's as if he's trying to reassure himself by continuously speaking the words that tell him that he'll be okay, that Jason will protect him.
He doesn't meet Jason's eyes, tired and stressed and just holding onto the man. He's just relieved nothing bad will happen, and that JJ gets to be okay. JJ does pause at the question though, humming.
"Like...like frogs. Stories about- about frogs. They're green but not- not too green. Good green. Not bad like Papa. Cute little things, hold in your hand."
JJ explains, making a motion of cupping his hands together to emphasize his point. JJ likes dogs too, like the small little dog that Timmy has, who's very cute and likes pets. But Frogs are itty bitty, and you can hold them very close, and he likes that. He wants to hold a frog.
Jason hums, just basically petting JJ's hair in his lap. He makes sure to keep an eye on the computer since it'll turn back on on it's own when the bats notify him of something important.
He still needs to figure out how he'll hide JJ from everyone or how to get Tim back in front but he guesses he has to improvise. He remembers Tim, or at least he thinks it was Tim unless it was someone else he doesn't know about, still being here when the bats left and afterwards, well, this happened.
"Frogs? They are pretty cute, very small. Have you held one before?"
He says with a small smile on his face, finding it cute if nothing else though the mention of this father Jason still doesn't know about is a bit concerning. Why green?
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
JJ nods in response, sniffling and rubbing at his face. He can feel the scars beneath his fingers, and it makes him pause before putting his hands back down and tugging a little at Jason's jacket for no discernible reason besides just having something to do with his hands, most likely.
"Yes. Jason...Timmy's big brother...older and um...um- the one with the red and the- the guns. Wasn't...allowed to talk about anything to you. Or- or the others. Only...only Bruce and and the one with orange hair, she was- she was there. But she hates me. Bad...bad kid. Bad kids don't get to be- be liked or around- around others."
JJ says, voice still shaky as he speaks softly. JJ shivers and ducks his head against Jason's shoulder again. He briefly looks back up at Jason when he speaks again and moves to take Jason's hand, only to link their pinkies together gently and shake there hands together like that.
"Promise...promise. Safe."
He says, not whispering as much as he has been. taking his hand away, only to rub his hands against his knees a little and take a few more breaths, ducking his face against Jason once more. Hiding almost.
All JJ knows is that Jason is promising he'll be okay and Jason is being nicer, and he promised and it was a pinkie promise too so that means everything will be okay and Jason meant it. He promised, so he has to mean it.
Jason tilts his head when JJ tugs on his jacket, thinking it's because he wants Jason's attention or something. That only confirms his fears, that Bruce knew about this and.. Babs? Why would she hide this? From all of them? Even Dick doesn't know? What was Babs there for–
"Yeah.. I'm Jason. I like you, you seem really.. nice."
He says, glancing down at their fingers and recognising it at a pinkie promise, locking their fingers together himself and smiling softly.
"I'll keep you safe. I promise."
He nods, cradling JJ's head a bit closer to himself and carding his fingers through his hair, trying to comfort them in anyway.
This is wrong, everything about this is wrong. What happened that caused this? What was so bad that Babs is hiding it and didn't even tell anyone? He has too many questions and the only person who can give them to him, at least the only person he can ask is.. someone with the mind of a child, who is a child. Jason doesn't know what to do.
JJ shakes his head a bit at that, not believing that. Jason doesn't know everything and he would hate JJ if he did so JJ can't tell him anything, because Jason would probably break their promise if he knew everything.
"No. Bad...Bad. Bad kid."
JJ mumbles, taking another shaky breath and holding onto Jason a bit tighter, nervous and scared of being caught. He just can't lie, he can't lie and say he's good, because that's wrong and that's not what JJ is.
"O-Okay...thank you, Mister."
He whispers softly, not entirely sure what he's supposed to say to Timmy's big brother, but if he says that he'll be safe then JJ has to believe that for now. He just stays attached to him and finally calms enough that the tears aren't pooling as much and he can just slightly stay there, holding onto Jason, attempting to feel safe, to believe that he's safe and that everything will be okay.
Jason sighs, softly, continuing to run his fingers through their hair for now. It's childish but he doesn't really understand the insistence that he's 'bad', for whatever reason.
He still doesn't understand the laughing and who JJ was talking about either, his dad. He doesn't think he's talking about Jack Drake but Jason has no idea who else it could be. Well, he has one person but that is impossible–
"Your welcome. How about we get up? You can still stay close, OK?"
Jason offers softly, adjusting JJ in his arms, bringing them around their shoulders and under their legs so they can be easily picked up and wiping away some of those tears on their cheeks. It makes him sad to see but he's happy they seem a lot better. The laughing was... much worse.
JJ just whimpers, because he just knows that Jason wouldn't be saying that if he knew everything. JJ isn't good at all, JJ's done bad things and should be locked away and not allowed to leave. JJ is bad. Very bad.
"Um...okay."
JJ whispers in response, moving to grab tightly onto Jason when he's picked up, hiding his face a little against the man's chest just in case. He doesn't know where he's being taken but Jason is safe, and JJ just doesn't want to be left alone at all.
JJ rubs at his eyes and grabs onto Jason's jacket as tightly as he can, not wanting to fall or anything, and because his smile hurts and he can't stop it. He whimpers again a little, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Why...back in the- the scary cave...wanna leave."
Is all JJ says, softly and sounding upset, he just would like to go home to Timmy's place and sleep, or hide somewhere. Sometimes he gets some of the papers around and folds them into animals, because Mama taught him how, but he's not here often because he isn't supposed to be.
He mumbles in response to the conformation, picking JJ up and stretching a bit before moving him to be more on Jason's hip, rubbing his back softly and letting him hide himself in Jason's chest. He'd almost finds how tightly he's grabbing on to Jason cute if he didn't know why or under better circumstances but right now he just needs to make sure they are OK and calm down a bit.
"I know, I know.. I just have to check something and then.. we can find somewhere to hide, OK?"
Jason tries to comfort softly, bringing JJ's hands to his ears as he turns on the computer. He makes sure they are muted and don't have the camera on, checking the comms to make sure everyone is OK. He keeps the volume off for now incase the Joker is still there but everyone seems mostly fine with a few injuries. Thank god.
"Now, you have any hiding spots for me?"
He asks, turning the computer off and turning back to JJ, tilting his head a little.
JJ hums a little, just squeezing his eyes shut and shivering against Jason. He whines a little, facing away from the computer and hiding his face against Jason some more as he fiddles with things. Once Jason speaks agains JJ lifts his head a little and uses his cape a bit to hide his face, or more specifically the smile.
"Not...not allowed upstairs. Was put down here, to be- be watched and- and so I'd stop hurting Timmy."
JJ says quietly, and he points towards the hall that goes down towards the containment cells within the cave, before bringing his arms back towards Jason. He didn't like the big room with the glass door, it was scary and bad and Bruce would yell at him and sometimes he'd be restrained.
"Was- was upstairs for a while...hid under the bed. Can't get me when I'm- I'm under the bed. Can't touch me."
He sniffles and rubs at his face. JJ knows that there were bad people trying to get him a lot, to touch him, so he'd hide under the bed and they couldn't get him there because he'd move all the way to the corner and curl up very small. He'd be safe that way. It was the only way he could sleep. Safe that way.
"I...I don't wanna get grabbed again. Papa and the bad masked people hurt really bad, have to do bad- bad things. Bad."
Jason shushes him softly when JJ seems a bit distressed by the computer, cradling his head a bit closer and running his fingers through his hair.
He isn't quite sure why he keeps smiling but it's honestly a bit concerning and uncanny almost. JJ doesn't even seem to be doing it on purpose which makes it even more confusing
"Hurting Tim– how were you hurting him?"
Jason asks, not sure what JJ means but not liking what that implies or more accurately tells him, that Bruce locked them in the containment cells. They rarely use them, usually locking up any criminals in the jail.
He wonders if Bruce would have done the same to him if he had the opportunity to. Then again he thinks the answer is pretty obvious.
"Yeah? Well, we'll have to wait a bit more here if that's OK?"
Jason sighs softly. He would bring them up into the manor but Alfred is there and the man will find them and.. if Bruce and Barbara knew then Alfred definitely did.
He feels betrayed in a way, that Alfred would do that to him. Bruce is expected, Barbara, well, she always keeps secrets. Alfred too but it seems more personal to him.
JJ makes a soft distressed sound, shaking in Jason's arms and shaking his head a bit at the question.
"Hurt...me, but it- it hurt Timmy. Try to run away but it- it only hurt Timmy more. Missed Papa and Mama...I don't like it here, scary. Bruce hates me."
JJ whispers it all, like it's a secret that Jason can't tell anyone, fiddling with the zipper on Jason's jacket a bit childishly. JJ wasn't supposed to hurt Timmy, Bruce and all the bad men in white said it was bad, and he'd get hurt in return. It made no sense, JJ just wanted to leave. He was scared.
JJ just whines a little in response, hiding himself in the crook of Jason's neck and trembling like a leaf. He just wants to leave and go home, to be safe and away from everything.
"I'll be- be safe with you? Protect me?"
He asks hesitantly, just needing to check that Jason actually meant what he said. That the man would save and protect him when Bruce or Papa come looking for him, to hurt him, even though JJ is bad.
Jason moves to sit down on the chair, keeping JJ in his lap and rubbing his back, frowning at how distressed he seems.
"I know it's scary.. you're so brave right now."
He comforts, trying not to show how honestly scared he is. He supposes it makes sense but it's so much more real with actual conformation. He still doesn't know what parents JJ is talking about but right now he just leaves it to think about later. Jason would like to say that saying Bruce doesn't hate them isn't true but that would be a lie too. Something like this– he can't see the man approving.
He makes a soft shushing sound again when JJ seems so scared, holding him securely and trying to at least comfort him enough so he stops shaking so much.
"Yeah, I'll protect you. Let's just sit here, OK? I wont ask you anything else if you don't want."
Jason nods, tucking some of their hair away and tilting his head so JJ can see his face and the hopefully comforting smile on it. He isn't sure what he's going to do when the bats come back home but maybe he can hide JJ somewhere?
JJ hums, not really believing that. He doesn't feel brave or anything, he just feels weak and small. He curls up more against Jason when they sit down, laying against him and fiddling with his jacket still, seeming nervous still.
"Bad...bad. Don't wanna be- be locked away again."
JJ mumbles, voice quiet and weak sounding. It's almost the opposite of Tim's usual demeanor, the other never being very vulnerable if anything, certainly not around Jason. They're not particularly close like Tim is with the other bats.
He shakes his head at that, holding onto Jason and huffing, not really sure how to respond. He just straightens Jason's jacket a little and pats him a bit.
"Don't...talking, I like talking to you- Big Brother is nice. Not- no yelling like...like everyone else. Not like others."
JJ whispers, fiddling with his fingers a bit before just sniffling and resting his head against Jason's shoulder with what sounds almost like a relieved sigh.
"I know, I know. I'll keep you safe. No cells or anything, OK?"
He comforts, sighing a little bit. Clearly he can't convince JJ that he isn't 'bad' but at the very least he can try comfort him that he won't be punished for what he thinks he's done.
Jason hates cells like that, being trapped with no escape. Those cells are made of glass and don't even have any privacy at all. It might as well be his worst fucking nightmare. Not to mention just how small and suffocating it is as the dirt breaks through the wood and starts falling in to the coffin, some getting in his mouth but he can't stop—
At first Jason thinks JJ is asking him to not talk at all and then that 'big brother' is someone else until he realises that it's.. him. Jason isn't used to really any of the bats calling him something like that especially Tim of all people.
"OK, then.. we can talk. Do you know any animals?"
He asks, not wanting to ask JJ any questions like before that just seemed to distress him.
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
JJ nods in response, sniffling and rubbing at his face. He can feel the scars beneath his fingers, and it makes him pause before putting his hands back down and tugging a little at Jason's jacket for no discernible reason besides just having something to do with his hands, most likely.
"Yes. Jason...Timmy's big brother...older and um...um- the one with the red and the- the guns. Wasn't...allowed to talk about anything to you. Or- or the others. Only...only Bruce and and the one with orange hair, she was- she was there. But she hates me. Bad...bad kid. Bad kids don't get to be- be liked or around- around others."
JJ says, voice still shaky as he speaks softly. JJ shivers and ducks his head against Jason's shoulder again. He briefly looks back up at Jason when he speaks again and moves to take Jason's hand, only to link their pinkies together gently and shake there hands together like that.
"Promise...promise. Safe."
He says, not whispering as much as he has been. taking his hand away, only to rub his hands against his knees a little and take a few more breaths, ducking his face against Jason once more. Hiding almost.
All JJ knows is that Jason is promising he'll be okay and Jason is being nicer, and he promised and it was a pinkie promise too so that means everything will be okay and Jason meant it. He promised, so he has to mean it.
Jason tilts his head when JJ tugs on his jacket, thinking it's because he wants Jason's attention or something. That only confirms his fears, that Bruce knew about this and.. Babs? Why would she hide this? From all of them? Even Dick doesn't know? What was Babs there for–
"Yeah.. I'm Jason. I like you, you seem really.. nice."
He says, glancing down at their fingers and recognising it at a pinkie promise, locking their fingers together himself and smiling softly.
"I'll keep you safe. I promise."
He nods, cradling JJ's head a bit closer to himself and carding his fingers through his hair, trying to comfort them in anyway.
This is wrong, everything about this is wrong. What happened that caused this? What was so bad that Babs is hiding it and didn't even tell anyone? He has too many questions and the only person who can give them to him, at least the only person he can ask is.. someone with the mind of a child, who is a child. Jason doesn't know what to do.
JJ shakes his head a bit at that, not believing that. Jason doesn't know everything and he would hate JJ if he did so JJ can't tell him anything, because Jason would probably break their promise if he knew everything.
"No. Bad...Bad. Bad kid."
JJ mumbles, taking another shaky breath and holding onto Jason a bit tighter, nervous and scared of being caught. He just can't lie, he can't lie and say he's good, because that's wrong and that's not what JJ is.
"O-Okay...thank you, Mister."
He whispers softly, not entirely sure what he's supposed to say to Timmy's big brother, but if he says that he'll be safe then JJ has to believe that for now. He just stays attached to him and finally calms enough that the tears aren't pooling as much and he can just slightly stay there, holding onto Jason, attempting to feel safe, to believe that he's safe and that everything will be okay.
Jason sighs, softly, continuing to run his fingers through their hair for now. It's childish but he doesn't really understand the insistence that he's 'bad', for whatever reason.
He still doesn't understand the laughing and who JJ was talking about either, his dad. He doesn't think he's talking about Jack Drake but Jason has no idea who else it could be. Well, he has one person but that is impossible–
"Your welcome. How about we get up? You can still stay close, OK?"
Jason offers softly, adjusting JJ in his arms, bringing them around their shoulders and under their legs so they can be easily picked up and wiping away some of those tears on their cheeks. It makes him sad to see but he's happy they seem a lot better. The laughing was... much worse.
JJ just whimpers, because he just knows that Jason wouldn't be saying that if he knew everything. JJ isn't good at all, JJ's done bad things and should be locked away and not allowed to leave. JJ is bad. Very bad.
"Um...okay."
JJ whispers in response, moving to grab tightly onto Jason when he's picked up, hiding his face a little against the man's chest just in case. He doesn't know where he's being taken but Jason is safe, and JJ just doesn't want to be left alone at all.
JJ rubs at his eyes and grabs onto Jason's jacket as tightly as he can, not wanting to fall or anything, and because his smile hurts and he can't stop it. He whimpers again a little, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Why...back in the- the scary cave...wanna leave."
Is all JJ says, softly and sounding upset, he just would like to go home to Timmy's place and sleep, or hide somewhere. Sometimes he gets some of the papers around and folds them into animals, because Mama taught him how, but he's not here often because he isn't supposed to be.
He mumbles in response to the conformation, picking JJ up and stretching a bit before moving him to be more on Jason's hip, rubbing his back softly and letting him hide himself in Jason's chest. He'd almost finds how tightly he's grabbing on to Jason cute if he didn't know why or under better circumstances but right now he just needs to make sure they are OK and calm down a bit.
"I know, I know.. I just have to check something and then.. we can find somewhere to hide, OK?"
Jason tries to comfort softly, bringing JJ's hands to his ears as he turns on the computer. He makes sure they are muted and don't have the camera on, checking the comms to make sure everyone is OK. He keeps the volume off for now incase the Joker is still there but everyone seems mostly fine with a few injuries. Thank god.
"Now, you have any hiding spots for me?"
He asks, turning the computer off and turning back to JJ, tilting his head a little.
JJ hums a little, just squeezing his eyes shut and shivering against Jason. He whines a little, facing away from the computer and hiding his face against Jason some more as he fiddles with things. Once Jason speaks agains JJ lifts his head a little and uses his cape a bit to hide his face, or more specifically the smile.
"Not...not allowed upstairs. Was put down here, to be- be watched and- and so I'd stop hurting Timmy."
JJ says quietly, and he points towards the hall that goes down towards the containment cells within the cave, before bringing his arms back towards Jason. He didn't like the big room with the glass door, it was scary and bad and Bruce would yell at him and sometimes he'd be restrained.
"Was- was upstairs for a while...hid under the bed. Can't get me when I'm- I'm under the bed. Can't touch me."
He sniffles and rubs at his face. JJ knows that there were bad people trying to get him a lot, to touch him, so he'd hide under the bed and they couldn't get him there because he'd move all the way to the corner and curl up very small. He'd be safe that way. It was the only way he could sleep. Safe that way.
"I...I don't wanna get grabbed again. Papa and the bad masked people hurt really bad, have to do bad- bad things. Bad."
Jason shushes him softly when JJ seems a bit distressed by the computer, cradling his head a bit closer and running his fingers through his hair.
He isn't quite sure why he keeps smiling but it's honestly a bit concerning and uncanny almost. JJ doesn't even seem to be doing it on purpose which makes it even more confusing
"Hurting Tim– how were you hurting him?"
Jason asks, not sure what JJ means but not liking what that implies or more accurately tells him, that Bruce locked them in the containment cells. They rarely use them, usually locking up any criminals in the jail.
He wonders if Bruce would have done the same to him if he had the opportunity to. Then again he thinks the answer is pretty obvious.
"Yeah? Well, we'll have to wait a bit more here if that's OK?"
Jason sighs softly. He would bring them up into the manor but Alfred is there and the man will find them and.. if Bruce and Barbara knew then Alfred definitely did.
He feels betrayed in a way, that Alfred would do that to him. Bruce is expected, Barbara, well, she always keeps secrets. Alfred too but it seems more personal to him.
JJ makes a soft distressed sound, shaking in Jason's arms and shaking his head a bit at the question.
"Hurt...me, but it- it hurt Timmy. Try to run away but it- it only hurt Timmy more. Missed Papa and Mama...I don't like it here, scary. Bruce hates me."
JJ whispers it all, like it's a secret that Jason can't tell anyone, fiddling with the zipper on Jason's jacket a bit childishly. JJ wasn't supposed to hurt Timmy, Bruce and all the bad men in white said it was bad, and he'd get hurt in return. It made no sense, JJ just wanted to leave. He was scared.
JJ just whines a little in response, hiding himself in the crook of Jason's neck and trembling like a leaf. He just wants to leave and go home, to be safe and away from everything.
"I'll be- be safe with you? Protect me?"
He asks hesitantly, just needing to check that Jason actually meant what he said. That the man would save and protect him when Bruce or Papa come looking for him, to hurt him, even though JJ is bad.
Jason moves to sit down on the chair, keeping JJ in his lap and rubbing his back, frowning at how distressed he seems.
"I know it's scary.. you're so brave right now."
He comforts, trying not to show how honestly scared he is. He supposes it makes sense but it's so much more real with actual conformation. He still doesn't know what parents JJ is talking about but right now he just leaves it to think about later. Jason would like to say that saying Bruce doesn't hate them isn't true but that would be a lie too. Something like this– he can't see the man approving.
He makes a soft shushing sound again when JJ seems so scared, holding him securely and trying to at least comfort him enough so he stops shaking so much.
"Yeah, I'll protect you. Let's just sit here, OK? I wont ask you anything else if you don't want."
Jason nods, tucking some of their hair away and tilting his head so JJ can see his face and the hopefully comforting smile on it. He isn't sure what he's going to do when the bats come back home but maybe he can hide JJ somewhere?
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
JJ nods in response, sniffling and rubbing at his face. He can feel the scars beneath his fingers, and it makes him pause before putting his hands back down and tugging a little at Jason's jacket for no discernible reason besides just having something to do with his hands, most likely.
"Yes. Jason...Timmy's big brother...older and um...um- the one with the red and the- the guns. Wasn't...allowed to talk about anything to you. Or- or the others. Only...only Bruce and and the one with orange hair, she was- she was there. But she hates me. Bad...bad kid. Bad kids don't get to be- be liked or around- around others."
JJ says, voice still shaky as he speaks softly. JJ shivers and ducks his head against Jason's shoulder again. He briefly looks back up at Jason when he speaks again and moves to take Jason's hand, only to link their pinkies together gently and shake there hands together like that.
"Promise...promise. Safe."
He says, not whispering as much as he has been. taking his hand away, only to rub his hands against his knees a little and take a few more breaths, ducking his face against Jason once more. Hiding almost.
All JJ knows is that Jason is promising he'll be okay and Jason is being nicer, and he promised and it was a pinkie promise too so that means everything will be okay and Jason meant it. He promised, so he has to mean it.
Jason tilts his head when JJ tugs on his jacket, thinking it's because he wants Jason's attention or something. That only confirms his fears, that Bruce knew about this and.. Babs? Why would she hide this? From all of them? Even Dick doesn't know? What was Babs there for–
"Yeah.. I'm Jason. I like you, you seem really.. nice."
He says, glancing down at their fingers and recognising it at a pinkie promise, locking their fingers together himself and smiling softly.
"I'll keep you safe. I promise."
He nods, cradling JJ's head a bit closer to himself and carding his fingers through his hair, trying to comfort them in anyway.
This is wrong, everything about this is wrong. What happened that caused this? What was so bad that Babs is hiding it and didn't even tell anyone? He has too many questions and the only person who can give them to him, at least the only person he can ask is.. someone with the mind of a child, who is a child. Jason doesn't know what to do.
JJ shakes his head a bit at that, not believing that. Jason doesn't know everything and he would hate JJ if he did so JJ can't tell him anything, because Jason would probably break their promise if he knew everything.
"No. Bad...Bad. Bad kid."
JJ mumbles, taking another shaky breath and holding onto Jason a bit tighter, nervous and scared of being caught. He just can't lie, he can't lie and say he's good, because that's wrong and that's not what JJ is.
"O-Okay...thank you, Mister."
He whispers softly, not entirely sure what he's supposed to say to Timmy's big brother, but if he says that he'll be safe then JJ has to believe that for now. He just stays attached to him and finally calms enough that the tears aren't pooling as much and he can just slightly stay there, holding onto Jason, attempting to feel safe, to believe that he's safe and that everything will be okay.
Jason sighs, softly, continuing to run his fingers through their hair for now. It's childish but he doesn't really understand the insistence that he's 'bad', for whatever reason.
He still doesn't understand the laughing and who JJ was talking about either, his dad. He doesn't think he's talking about Jack Drake but Jason has no idea who else it could be. Well, he has one person but that is impossible–
"Your welcome. How about we get up? You can still stay close, OK?"
Jason offers softly, adjusting JJ in his arms, bringing them around their shoulders and under their legs so they can be easily picked up and wiping away some of those tears on their cheeks. It makes him sad to see but he's happy they seem a lot better. The laughing was... much worse.
JJ just whimpers, because he just knows that Jason wouldn't be saying that if he knew everything. JJ isn't good at all, JJ's done bad things and should be locked away and not allowed to leave. JJ is bad. Very bad.
"Um...okay."
JJ whispers in response, moving to grab tightly onto Jason when he's picked up, hiding his face a little against the man's chest just in case. He doesn't know where he's being taken but Jason is safe, and JJ just doesn't want to be left alone at all.
JJ rubs at his eyes and grabs onto Jason's jacket as tightly as he can, not wanting to fall or anything, and because his smile hurts and he can't stop it. He whimpers again a little, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Why...back in the- the scary cave...wanna leave."
Is all JJ says, softly and sounding upset, he just would like to go home to Timmy's place and sleep, or hide somewhere. Sometimes he gets some of the papers around and folds them into animals, because Mama taught him how, but he's not here often because he isn't supposed to be.
He mumbles in response to the conformation, picking JJ up and stretching a bit before moving him to be more on Jason's hip, rubbing his back softly and letting him hide himself in Jason's chest. He'd almost finds how tightly he's grabbing on to Jason cute if he didn't know why or under better circumstances but right now he just needs to make sure they are OK and calm down a bit.
"I know, I know.. I just have to check something and then.. we can find somewhere to hide, OK?"
Jason tries to comfort softly, bringing JJ's hands to his ears as he turns on the computer. He makes sure they are muted and don't have the camera on, checking the comms to make sure everyone is OK. He keeps the volume off for now incase the Joker is still there but everyone seems mostly fine with a few injuries. Thank god.
"Now, you have any hiding spots for me?"
He asks, turning the computer off and turning back to JJ, tilting his head a little.
JJ hums a little, just squeezing his eyes shut and shivering against Jason. He whines a little, facing away from the computer and hiding his face against Jason some more as he fiddles with things. Once Jason speaks agains JJ lifts his head a little and uses his cape a bit to hide his face, or more specifically the smile.
"Not...not allowed upstairs. Was put down here, to be- be watched and- and so I'd stop hurting Timmy."
JJ says quietly, and he points towards the hall that goes down towards the containment cells within the cave, before bringing his arms back towards Jason. He didn't like the big room with the glass door, it was scary and bad and Bruce would yell at him and sometimes he'd be restrained.
"Was- was upstairs for a while...hid under the bed. Can't get me when I'm- I'm under the bed. Can't touch me."
He sniffles and rubs at his face. JJ knows that there were bad people trying to get him a lot, to touch him, so he'd hide under the bed and they couldn't get him there because he'd move all the way to the corner and curl up very small. He'd be safe that way. It was the only way he could sleep. Safe that way.
"I...I don't wanna get grabbed again. Papa and the bad masked people hurt really bad, have to do bad- bad things. Bad."
Jason shushes him softly when JJ seems a bit distressed by the computer, cradling his head a bit closer and running his fingers through his hair.
He isn't quite sure why he keeps smiling but it's honestly a bit concerning and uncanny almost. JJ doesn't even seem to be doing it on purpose which makes it even more confusing
"Hurting Tim– how were you hurting him?"
Jason asks, not sure what JJ means but not liking what that implies or more accurately tells him, that Bruce locked them in the containment cells. They rarely use them, usually locking up any criminals in the jail.
He wonders if Bruce would have done the same to him if he had the opportunity to. Then again he thinks the answer is pretty obvious.
"Yeah? Well, we'll have to wait a bit more here if that's OK?"
Jason sighs softly. He would bring them up into the manor but Alfred is there and the man will find them and.. if Bruce and Barbara knew then Alfred definitely did.
He feels betrayed in a way, that Alfred would do that to him. Bruce is expected, Barbara, well, she always keeps secrets. Alfred too but it seems more personal to him.
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
JJ nods in response, sniffling and rubbing at his face. He can feel the scars beneath his fingers, and it makes him pause before putting his hands back down and tugging a little at Jason's jacket for no discernible reason besides just having something to do with his hands, most likely.
"Yes. Jason...Timmy's big brother...older and um...um- the one with the red and the- the guns. Wasn't...allowed to talk about anything to you. Or- or the others. Only...only Bruce and and the one with orange hair, she was- she was there. But she hates me. Bad...bad kid. Bad kids don't get to be- be liked or around- around others."
JJ says, voice still shaky as he speaks softly. JJ shivers and ducks his head against Jason's shoulder again. He briefly looks back up at Jason when he speaks again and moves to take Jason's hand, only to link their pinkies together gently and shake there hands together like that.
"Promise...promise. Safe."
He says, not whispering as much as he has been. taking his hand away, only to rub his hands against his knees a little and take a few more breaths, ducking his face against Jason once more. Hiding almost.
All JJ knows is that Jason is promising he'll be okay and Jason is being nicer, and he promised and it was a pinkie promise too so that means everything will be okay and Jason meant it. He promised, so he has to mean it.
Jason tilts his head when JJ tugs on his jacket, thinking it's because he wants Jason's attention or something. That only confirms his fears, that Bruce knew about this and.. Babs? Why would she hide this? From all of them? Even Dick doesn't know? What was Babs there for–
"Yeah.. I'm Jason. I like you, you seem really.. nice."
He says, glancing down at their fingers and recognising it at a pinkie promise, locking their fingers together himself and smiling softly.
"I'll keep you safe. I promise."
He nods, cradling JJ's head a bit closer to himself and carding his fingers through his hair, trying to comfort them in anyway.
This is wrong, everything about this is wrong. What happened that caused this? What was so bad that Babs is hiding it and didn't even tell anyone? He has too many questions and the only person who can give them to him, at least the only person he can ask is.. someone with the mind of a child, who is a child. Jason doesn't know what to do.
JJ shakes his head a bit at that, not believing that. Jason doesn't know everything and he would hate JJ if he did so JJ can't tell him anything, because Jason would probably break their promise if he knew everything.
"No. Bad...Bad. Bad kid."
JJ mumbles, taking another shaky breath and holding onto Jason a bit tighter, nervous and scared of being caught. He just can't lie, he can't lie and say he's good, because that's wrong and that's not what JJ is.
"O-Okay...thank you, Mister."
He whispers softly, not entirely sure what he's supposed to say to Timmy's big brother, but if he says that he'll be safe then JJ has to believe that for now. He just stays attached to him and finally calms enough that the tears aren't pooling as much and he can just slightly stay there, holding onto Jason, attempting to feel safe, to believe that he's safe and that everything will be okay.
Jason sighs, softly, continuing to run his fingers through their hair for now. It's childish but he doesn't really understand the insistence that he's 'bad', for whatever reason.
He still doesn't understand the laughing and who JJ was talking about either, his dad. He doesn't think he's talking about Jack Drake but Jason has no idea who else it could be. Well, he has one person but that is impossible–
"Your welcome. How about we get up? You can still stay close, OK?"
Jason offers softly, adjusting JJ in his arms, bringing them around their shoulders and under their legs so they can be easily picked up and wiping away some of those tears on their cheeks. It makes him sad to see but he's happy they seem a lot better. The laughing was... much worse.
JJ just whimpers, because he just knows that Jason wouldn't be saying that if he knew everything. JJ isn't good at all, JJ's done bad things and should be locked away and not allowed to leave. JJ is bad. Very bad.
"Um...okay."
JJ whispers in response, moving to grab tightly onto Jason when he's picked up, hiding his face a little against the man's chest just in case. He doesn't know where he's being taken but Jason is safe, and JJ just doesn't want to be left alone at all.
JJ rubs at his eyes and grabs onto Jason's jacket as tightly as he can, not wanting to fall or anything, and because his smile hurts and he can't stop it. He whimpers again a little, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Why...back in the- the scary cave...wanna leave."
Is all JJ says, softly and sounding upset, he just would like to go home to Timmy's place and sleep, or hide somewhere. Sometimes he gets some of the papers around and folds them into animals, because Mama taught him how, but he's not here often because he isn't supposed to be.
He mumbles in response to the conformation, picking JJ up and stretching a bit before moving him to be more on Jason's hip, rubbing his back softly and letting him hide himself in Jason's chest. He'd almost finds how tightly he's grabbing on to Jason cute if he didn't know why or under better circumstances but right now he just needs to make sure they are OK and calm down a bit.
"I know, I know.. I just have to check something and then.. we can find somewhere to hide, OK?"
Jason tries to comfort softly, bringing JJ's hands to his ears as he turns on the computer. He makes sure they are muted and don't have the camera on, checking the comms to make sure everyone is OK. He keeps the volume off for now incase the Joker is still there but everyone seems mostly fine with a few injuries. Thank god.
"Now, you have any hiding spots for me?"
He asks, turning the computer off and turning back to JJ, tilting his head a little.
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
JJ nods in response, sniffling and rubbing at his face. He can feel the scars beneath his fingers, and it makes him pause before putting his hands back down and tugging a little at Jason's jacket for no discernible reason besides just having something to do with his hands, most likely.
"Yes. Jason...Timmy's big brother...older and um...um- the one with the red and the- the guns. Wasn't...allowed to talk about anything to you. Or- or the others. Only...only Bruce and and the one with orange hair, she was- she was there. But she hates me. Bad...bad kid. Bad kids don't get to be- be liked or around- around others."
JJ says, voice still shaky as he speaks softly. JJ shivers and ducks his head against Jason's shoulder again. He briefly looks back up at Jason when he speaks again and moves to take Jason's hand, only to link their pinkies together gently and shake there hands together like that.
"Promise...promise. Safe."
He says, not whispering as much as he has been. taking his hand away, only to rub his hands against his knees a little and take a few more breaths, ducking his face against Jason once more. Hiding almost.
All JJ knows is that Jason is promising he'll be okay and Jason is being nicer, and he promised and it was a pinkie promise too so that means everything will be okay and Jason meant it. He promised, so he has to mean it.
Jason tilts his head when JJ tugs on his jacket, thinking it's because he wants Jason's attention or something. That only confirms his fears, that Bruce knew about this and.. Babs? Why would she hide this? From all of them? Even Dick doesn't know? What was Babs there for–
"Yeah.. I'm Jason. I like you, you seem really.. nice."
He says, glancing down at their fingers and recognising it at a pinkie promise, locking their fingers together himself and smiling softly.
"I'll keep you safe. I promise."
He nods, cradling JJ's head a bit closer to himself and carding his fingers through his hair, trying to comfort them in anyway.
This is wrong, everything about this is wrong. What happened that caused this? What was so bad that Babs is hiding it and didn't even tell anyone? He has too many questions and the only person who can give them to him, at least the only person he can ask is.. someone with the mind of a child, who is a child. Jason doesn't know what to do.
JJ shakes his head a bit at that, not believing that. Jason doesn't know everything and he would hate JJ if he did so JJ can't tell him anything, because Jason would probably break their promise if he knew everything.
"No. Bad...Bad. Bad kid."
JJ mumbles, taking another shaky breath and holding onto Jason a bit tighter, nervous and scared of being caught. He just can't lie, he can't lie and say he's good, because that's wrong and that's not what JJ is.
"O-Okay...thank you, Mister."
He whispers softly, not entirely sure what he's supposed to say to Timmy's big brother, but if he says that he'll be safe then JJ has to believe that for now. He just stays attached to him and finally calms enough that the tears aren't pooling as much and he can just slightly stay there, holding onto Jason, attempting to feel safe, to believe that he's safe and that everything will be okay.
Jason sighs, softly, continuing to run his fingers through their hair for now. It's childish but he doesn't really understand the insistence that he's 'bad', for whatever reason.
He still doesn't understand the laughing and who JJ was talking about either, his dad. He doesn't think he's talking about Jack Drake but Jason has no idea who else it could be. Well, he has one person but that is impossible–
"Your welcome. How about we get up? You can still stay close, OK?"
Jason offers softly, adjusting JJ in his arms, bringing them around their shoulders and under their legs so they can be easily picked up and wiping away some of those tears on their cheeks. It makes him sad to see but he's happy they seem a lot better. The laughing was... much worse.
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
JJ nods in response, sniffling and rubbing at his face. He can feel the scars beneath his fingers, and it makes him pause before putting his hands back down and tugging a little at Jason's jacket for no discernible reason besides just having something to do with his hands, most likely.
"Yes. Jason...Timmy's big brother...older and um...um- the one with the red and the- the guns. Wasn't...allowed to talk about anything to you. Or- or the others. Only...only Bruce and and the one with orange hair, she was- she was there. But she hates me. Bad...bad kid. Bad kids don't get to be- be liked or around- around others."
JJ says, voice still shaky as he speaks softly. JJ shivers and ducks his head against Jason's shoulder again. He briefly looks back up at Jason when he speaks again and moves to take Jason's hand, only to link their pinkies together gently and shake there hands together like that.
"Promise...promise. Safe."
He says, not whispering as much as he has been. taking his hand away, only to rub his hands against his knees a little and take a few more breaths, ducking his face against Jason once more. Hiding almost.
All JJ knows is that Jason is promising he'll be okay and Jason is being nicer, and he promised and it was a pinkie promise too so that means everything will be okay and Jason meant it. He promised, so he has to mean it.
Jason tilts his head when JJ tugs on his jacket, thinking it's because he wants Jason's attention or something. That only confirms his fears, that Bruce knew about this and.. Babs? Why would she hide this? From all of them? Even Dick doesn't know? What was Babs there for–
"Yeah.. I'm Jason. I like you, you seem really.. nice."
He says, glancing down at their fingers and recognising it at a pinkie promise, locking their fingers together himself and smiling softly.
"I'll keep you safe. I promise."
He nods, cradling JJ's head a bit closer to himself and carding his fingers through his hair, trying to comfort them in anyway.
This is wrong, everything about this is wrong. What happened that caused this? What was so bad that Babs is hiding it and didn't even tell anyone? He has too many questions and the only person who can give them to him, at least the only person he can ask is.. someone with the mind of a child, who is a child. Jason doesn't know what to do.
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
JJ whimpers at the question, pausing for a long moment. It seems like he might just ignore the question entirely before he whispers, face fairly close to Jason with the way he's leaning against the man's shoulder.
"JJ...I'm JJ."
He speaks softly, whispering still and holding Jason's jacket a little, fiddling with the fabric and staring down at it as he sniffles and finally stops sobbing, just slowly calming a bit down and just shaking against Jason, twitching every so often and fighting that still stays on his face.
He looks towards Jason briefly at his words, before staring back down and taking a few deep breathes, they almost exaggerated with how slowly he's doing it.
"Promise? Do you...do you promise? Can't- can't tell Timmy, Timmy can't know either. Bad. JJ Bad...Timmy is good...good kid."
JJ mumbles the last things a bit, like he's speaking more to himself than Jason.
Jason frowns at the lack of an answer, thinking his assumption was wrong and he said something wrong. He blinks when he does get an answer though, swallowing a bit because that just confirms what he thought.
"OK, JJ. I'm Jason, you know that right?"
He hums, introducing himself since he hasn't exactly met them before, not officially at least. Jason honestly doesn't know how.. he didn't know, did the others know? Surely they did? But that means they.. all hid it from him. Bruce isn't shocking but everyone else? It.. hurts he supposes.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone."
Jason smiles, bringing a finger up to his lip to make the shushing sign. Clearly they seem more.. childish than Tim so he has to, well, treat them like a child. How did this even happen?
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
JJ whimpers a little, heaving a bit and trying to gather his emotions enough to answer the question.
"M'not....I'm bad, not good like...like Timmy. Bad, bad kid. He'll...he'll lock me back up, he'll scream, he wants me...me gone...Not supposed to tell, not supposed to be here- shut up, shut up."
He rambles a bit incoherently, moving into a whisper at the end yet still speaking in a way that's more pitched and whiny than Tim's usual speaking voice. He whines a little, hiding his face against Jason and grabbing him a bit tighter, in a way that seems like he's desperately trying to hold onto him for support, like he could make the panic stop.
"Not supposed to be here....but- but Papa is, and Papa could come- come get me...Bruce will be angry. No. No. Bad Junior. Bad...deserve it."
JJ keeps speaking, shakily and panicked. He continues to sob but tries to stop the noises by put a hand over his mouth and biting on his tongue. JJ is being loud and he isn't meant to be here and he's doing everything wrong and he can't do anything right. He doesn't want to be hurt. He doesn't want Jason to leave him here.
Jason doesn't know what he means but he thinks he's getting a bigger picture and he doesn't like it.
"Tim.. if you aren't Tim then– who are you?"
He asks softly, moving them so they are in Jason's lap and moving a bit to come out from under the monitor since it's pretty uncomfortable and he barely fits.
He isn't sure if they mean Bruce or.. someone else. He doesn't know what would be better. Bruce can get pretty.. angry and loud and just awful he guesses. But– that's just with Jason, because he deserves it and anyways he hurts Bruce too. Tim hasn't done anything or whoever it is.
"You've done nothing wrong. I'll make sure he wont hurt you, OK?"
Jason shushes a bit, rubbing their back a bit. He doesn't know who Junior is either and there are just to many unknowns right now which honestly makes Jason question how much he doesn't know about the bats. He can't focus on that right now though..
It's a weird amount of circumstances, but JJ ends up back in that scary cave place. He doesn't like it, it's dark and there are animals in the ceiling that keep making noises and flying around when anyone moves. JJ doesn't really remember but it had something to do with Papa and he's wearing that suit that's really tight around his skin.
He wants to go home, to the place that Timmy owns. It's safer there, but people kept talking about Papa and JJ got nervous. He doesn't want to be here. Bruce is usually here and he's really mean and angry and JJ doesn't like him, he's scary and doesn't like JJ at all, he thinks he's evil and bad. JJ is bad, so he gets it. But because of that it means B always yells and leaves him trapped and alone.
Now he's here but he isn't alone, everything's locked up and Bruce said they're not allowed to leave. JJ recognizes the man in the room vaguely, he's Timmy's brother he thinks. JJ still wants to go home. He's sat by the big screen, fiddling with his boot laces and staring down at them, his knees up to his chest.
He's ignoring the man because he doesn't really know him at all and JJ isn't supposed to talk to anyone, because Bruce and Papa get upset. The screen is bright, so he stares downwards, trying to make himself smaller. He doesn't like how big he is. It's wrong. He doesn't like any of this. His face hurts from smiling and he tries to cover his face with his hands after a while, ducking his head between his knees.
@timothydwayne719
The Joker is out again, just waltzed out of Arkham like it was a fucking vacation home and is back out in Gotham destroying the city, hurting people, killing people. People who's lives matter, who have families that will never see them again all because– Batman won't do anything about it.
Jason would like to call him a murderer in his own way but that's a bit hypocritical considering the fact Jason is a murderer and it's his fault too. If he just killed the Joker when he had the chance, if he wasn't so desperate to be apart of the bats that he stopped killing, publicly at least.. the Joker wouldn't be out there.
The bats of course, of course, have him stuck here in the cave on 'comms duty' like Barbara or Oracle in this case isn't already as well as.. Tim. It's infuriating that they not only think he's not stable enough to even be near the Joker or out on the streets to try hurt people (but fine just living in the same city as his murderer who can walk out of Arkham and kill people again and again).
But also have him down here with Tim for some reason. Bruce didn't explain it because of course the man wouldn't but it's pretty clear to him. It's supervision, to make sure Jason doesn't just leave himself. Alfred is in the manor too so it's really just excessive at this point but whatever.
He's mostly just pacing behind the chair Tim is sitting in and looking at the computer. It was playing the comms before but Tim ended up turning it down to barely be audible for some reason. He hasn't tried to bring it back up even though he really wants to so he guesses he'll have to just attempt to listen.
Tim hasn't really moves otherwise, just curled up as small as possible in the chair. He isn't quite sure why honestly but the kid does have a habit of not getting enough sleep so maybe that? It doesn't make sense to him though because Tim doesn't seem like the type to just.. do nothing while he's not on the field. Then again maybe he doesn't know the kid enough to make assumptions.
JJ can hear talking, quietly coming from the big computer in front of him. He did something to turn it down, it was too loud and he didn't like that. Timmy's brother is walking behind him, he's not sure what to do, he doesn't want the man to realize JJ's here because he's not supposed to know.
Someone laughs over the comms, it sounds familiar, like Timmy's other brother maybe, but the laughing noise sounds too familiar, too much like Papa and Bruce was upset because Papa was running around again. The laughter makes JJ flinch, arms going up over his head to cover himself.
He bites his tongue harshly to get himself to not laugh too, instead a small wounded noise comes out, his gloved hands moving to grab at his hair. It's not green anymore and that feels wrong. His breathing is off, anxious and not wanting to be caught. He's not supposed to be here.
Bruce always gets angry when he is, or if anything about JJ and Papa are mentioned, he's supposed to be Timmy but he isn't, which means he's doing something wrong. JJ misses Mama, she was nicer and wouldn't get so angry with him, because she loved JJ, she said so herself. JJ rocks back and forth a bit in his chair, tugging at his hair and trying to not make any noise.
Jason tenses at the all too familiar laugh, pausing in his pacing for a bit before continuing with a shaky breath out. He's been.. better with everything, with everything with the Joker. He still hates clowns, he hates his laugh, he still feels the pain of his broken skull and ribs and broken everything really. But.. it's less he supposes. Alarms and timers are probably the worst but he uses explosions so much he's mostly better with that.
He notes the small whimpering sound, looking up to the screen before looking back at the back of the chair. It's not from the computer which means.. it's from Tim. That's weird. He walks a bit closer, looking down at him, his eyes widening.
He immediately moves to gently take Tim's hand, bringing it away from his hair. Something's wrong, something is really wrong. Jason doesn't like this at all but right now he has to focus on Tim.
"Hey, Tim. You OK? What happened?"
Jason asks softly, not sure what's happening right now or what caused this. He thinks it's something akin to a panic attack but he doesn't even know why.
JJ freezes when he's touched, wincing a little but not flinching enough to back away from the touch, he doesn't try and rip his hand away from the other, not wanting to do anything wrong. He takes a few shaky breathes, pausing at Jason's words. Right, that's his name, Jason. He's Timmy's big brother.
"Not supposed to- to-"
His voice cracks and he laughs, ducking his head and squeezing his eyes shut beneath his domino mask. He's gonna ruin everything, he takes one of his hands away just to bite down onto to it to make it so he stops. He can't do this right now, he can't laugh he can't be bad, he doesn't want Bruce to be mad, Bruce hated when he laughed but everything is so funny.
He makes a muffled sound, shaking and still rocking a little, trying to get the feeling to go away. There's still noise coming from the big computer and JJ hates the noise and the lights, and he doesn't want to be here, he wants to go home. But he can't.
He's trapped and it's like he's back home with Mama and Papa and he's being punished for everything again. He didn't mean to do anything wrong, but he's supposed to laugh at the pain and to hurt people and he can feel tears prickle in his eyes, whimpering.
He gasps a bit at the reaction, trying to comfort Tim. It's Jason's turn to wince and pause at Tim's voice or in this case him laughing. It's forced, not a sound of joy or even mania but almost painful sounding.
"No, no, don't do that. It's OK, it's OK. Let's.."
Jason says when he sees Tim bit down on his hand, moving to turn off the computer and move to crouch down in front of the other, scanning Tim a bit. Is it crazy to think that maybe the Joker somehow drugged Tim with some version of Joker Gas because he honestly can't think of another way to explain this.
He gently takes Tim's hand out of his mouth, holding both of them in one hand while the other moves to hold his shoulder, scanning him a few times. The domino is on right now so he can't see his eyes but if he had to guess he'd say he's crying.
"I'm gonna take the domino off, OK? No more monitor duty. O will deal with it."
Jason explains, going to get some adhesive wipes. He has to figure out why this is happening, maybe take some blood to take a test or something.
JJ shakes his head repeatedly, flinching back when Jason takes his hands away, hiding his face in his shoulder. He bites down on the inside of his mouth, just trying to get the laughter to stop, though it's only muffled it, the action clear in the way his shoulders are shaking. It's shaky and his mouth is upturned in a smile that looks too wide and painful.
"No! I'm- I'm sorry! Sorry!"
JJ shouts, his voice is higher in pitch than how he usually speaks, shaky and panicked as he ducks his head again, grabbing at his head and continuing to laugh hysterically. He can't get himself to stop and the tears are starting to fall and he's twitching a little. He doesn't want to be electrocuted, and he doesn't want Bruce to see him, to know he's being bad and laughing again.
Papa always liked it when he laughed because everything that made JJ feel bad was supposed to be fun and funny, but it just makes JJ scream and cry and want to hide away.
He doesn't understand what Jason means really, and once he's let go he moves from the chair and onto the floor, scrambling to hide beneath the desk at the big computer and curl up beneath there, hiding from everything and grabbing at his head again, the laughs becoming something akin to sobs.
Jason isn't sure what to do and he honestly thinks he made it worse. That smile is.. concerning but it isn't the same as it is when someone is under the effect of Joker Gas so he thinks that option is crossed out unless this is a weaker batch? He honestly has no clue.
He doesn't seem to have time to trying think about it before Tim shouts in an almost shrill voice which makes him wince a bit, letting go and staring at the other a little bit. He just keeps laughing and laughing and Jason thinks he's crying and he doesn't even know how this happened.
"Oh— OK..."
Jason says in shock when Tim moves to crawl under the computer, sighing a bit. He moves to crouch down, keeping a good amount of space between them. His eyebrows are knit together tightly, his lips pressed other as he accesses the situation.
"You didn't do anything wrong... It's just me, remember? No one else is here right now. The bats and everyone else are out of the cave it's just us."
He explains, keeping his palms out and looking down at the other, reaching up to take his domino off before hesitating and deciding to keep it on at risk of just making Tim more panicked.
JJ shakes his head a bit, shaking and sniffling, trying to get the laughing to stop but he's just panicking and laughing and he can't make it stop. Jason speaks and he whimpers.
"Papa- Papa will- He'll come and he'll hurt me! I don't want that! I'm bad! Bad! Not funny-"
He cries out, hitting his own head with his fist repeatedly, the tears are falling and he's more so just sobbing, the laughter eventually teetering off at least. The laughing hurt almost, JJ hates it, he can't control himself and he's messed up and Papa won't be happy because he's not allowed to leave.
JJ grabs at his own face a little, there's that weird mask on his face and he wants it off, and he's hiccuping sobs, almost like a child, grabbing at it and just crying harder when he can't get it off, moving to hug himself and duck his head between his knees.
"Bad...bad- Did bad, did- did something bad, I'm bad, he'll hurt me- Please, don't want that- don't want it. No."
He whimpers, mumbling a little, muffled pleas as he shakes and grabs at his cape to pull it around himself like a blanket.
Jason tilts his head at that, not sure what Tim even means by that but it makes him feel even bad. Something is really wrong and fucked up about this, whatever it is and it's making Jason feel on edge and like he's seriously missing something important.
"You.. haven't done anything. And.. your dad isn't here, Tim."
Jason tries to tell him. From what he knows Jack Drake isn't even alive and wasn't physically abusive at the very least. There is something childish about how he's talking and acting in general.
He's never heard Tim call either of his parents something like that, just Father and Mother though he only hears Tim talk about his parents at all in public so maybe it's that.
"No one's gonna hurt you, I promise. I'll.. protect you, OK?"
Jason comforts, moving closer slowly and taking Tim's hands away again, taking out a whip for the domino again and using it to take the domino off, letting go afterwards and keeping his palms out. He's way too big to fir under here, having to slouch a lot to try make himself smaller.
JJ just sobs, shaking his head repeatedly and trying to get himself to stop smiling but he can't, he rarely can. It's carved into his skin and he can feel it, the knife tearing at his face, the way Papa laughed when he did it. JJ grabs at his face, where the scars are, he pauses when Jason comes closer and takes off the mask.
He looks up at him with a smile that looks painful, watery eyes as he's shaking and trying not to be too much of a burden. JJ's eyes are looking around rapidly while he panics, wiping at the tears in his eyes.
"Bruce won't be...be happy. M'not supposed to be- to be here, supposed to be gone- to be gone, gone forever gone. Bad and gone."
JJ rambles, voice breaking. He ducks his head again, hands on either side of his head, his fist hitting against himself. He's still sobbing and he shakes his head, rocking back and forth.
He whines a little, like an injured animal and moves to grab onto Jason's arm, hiding his face against the man, like he's trying to hide from something and using Jason as a shield.
Jason grimaces a bit at the expression, just the pain and intensity behind it and.. hope almost. He doesn't even know what Tim means and it's just so confusing but he tries to take Tim's hands again.
Why would Bruce be upset that Tim is here? He knows Tim is here and Tim is pretty close to the bats and a valuable asset with all of his skills so why wouldn't Bruce want him or know he is here? Tim is too distressed right now to really give him a proper answer but still he tries to continue.
"Why wouldn't Bruce be happy?"
He asks softly, tilting his head a bit before widening his eyes when Tim seems to.. cling onto him. Definitely not something he expected but he moves to bring an arm around Tim's shoulders, holding him closer
"I won't tell him anything, I promise. But I need you to tell me why he'd be mad so I can help, OK?"
Jason reassures, pressing a bit more softly. He would never tell Bruce anything no matter the case but he just seems so.. scared.
𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐝 @legallydeadjasontodd - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
