The Kid and the Bum - Batfamily Imagine - Part Two
*image from creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com
Part One Part One.Five Part Three
Requested by @superbwhispersconnoisseur - Ok but Jason learning how to do dad* things like do the readers hair (for the kid and the bum) thats such a heart warming thing to think about
Requested by jenny089 - Love the story of Jason and the little kid can you do a part two where the kid gets sick and Jason worries on how to take care of them so he asks his batfam to help him
Requested by Anon - Can you do a part two of Jason and the Kid?
***
Jason bit his lip as he walked into the school. He tensed, rolling his shoulders when he stopped at the table in the lobby. Two women smiled at him. “Hello, how can we help you?” one of the women asked.
“I’m here for a conference with Mrs. Bankole.” He blushed. The second woman handed Jason a paper with another too friendly smile.
“Of course, down the hall and around the corner, room seven. There are chairs outside for you to wait until she is ready.” Jason nodded, quickly heading down the hall. The women’s gaze followed him. He could feel them checking him out. Maybe he should have dressed up a little instead of just jeans, t-shirt, and leather jacket?
When he turned the corner, he found several parents sitting outside, waiting for their conference with the teacher. A few of the more well dressed parents stared at him like he didn’t belong here. Geez, they didn’t have to do that. Jason knew he didn’t belong here, but this was for you.
He took a seat next to a tired looking father with a baby in his lap. Jason took out his phone, checking his messages. There was an encouraging message from Dick, which he deleted without reading. Tim wanted some help with a trafficking situation tonight. Jason texted him back when a warm little body suddenly pressed against his side.
“Kid, you’re supposed to be in gym,” Jason chuckled, letting you crawl onto his lap.
“Yeah, but I asked if I could go to the bathroom.” You smiled up at him. “Besides, I was getting bored of playing red light, green light.” Jason hugged you tight. Several of the parents eyed the two of you. Jason took a deep breath, trying to not tense up so you wouldn’t notice.
“Yeah, well, I’m going to talk to Alfred to see if he’ll watch you after school once and a while. You won’t have to be in the program all the time.” Jason bounced you on his knee. You giggled.
“Jason Todd,” Mrs. Bankole asked, opening the classroom door. Another parent rushed out, blushing. Jason and you watched them go before Jason stood up with you in his arms. Mrs. Bankole smiled when she saw you. “Hi (Y/N).”
You waved at her with a bright smile. Jason set you down. “Go back to the gym. I’ll pick you up in a few.” You nodded, running off.
“No running, (Y/N),” Mrs. Bankole called out after you. She held the door for Jason and gestured him inside. The other parents’ eyes dug into Jason’s back. He rolled his eyes. Why did they have to be so judgmental?
Mrs. Bankole took a seat at her desk and shuffled some papers. Jason took the seat on the other side, checking out the classroom. He smiled when he caught your name on the desk next to the window. You told him how you liked that spot, because you could always see what was happening outside.
“So Mr. Todd, (Y/N) is doing very well.” Mrs. Bankole opened a file. “She loves to learn, always energetic in class although sometimes she speaks out of turn.” Jason eyed the file, smiling when he saw test scores of yours. All hundred percent. Good kid. “However, I’m just curious...” She cleared her throat.
Jason looked up at Mrs. Bankole with wide eyes. “Curious about what?”
“Well, (Y/N) has been teased by some of the children.” Mrs. Bankole studied him. “Are you a single parent, Mr. Todd?”
The blood rushed to Jason’s face. Geez, was your teacher coming onto him too? “Huh, yeah. It’s just me.”
Mrs. Bankole hummed. “I don’t mean to pry, but I just have some concerns about (Y/N)’s hygiene.”
“What?!” Jason got to his feet. “(Y/N) takes a bath every night. I always make sure her clothes are clean.”
“Yes, I know you take very good care of (Y/N), but it’s just her hair is a mess.” Mrs. Bankole held up her hands. “Sit back down, Mr. Todd.” Jason collapsed into the chair. “A lot of the other children are a little critical. Do you have someone who can help you and (Y/N)?”
Jason ran a hand over his face. He felt so stupid. Why didn’t he notice your hair was slowly going out of control? Damn, he never did take you to get your hair cut since he took you in. “Yeah, I can ask some of my family to help.”
Mrs. Bankole reached out to pat his hand. “(Y/N) is one of my best students. I want her to be able to make friends too.” She took out a packet. “I’ll give you these. It’s some of (Y/N)’s tests, her book report on Jane Eyre, which I have to say is the first time I’ve had a child do their report on such a classic book, and finally notes from her gym, music, and art teachers.” Jason smirked. He had been reading Jane Eyre to you as a bedtime story when you first came to live with him. You didn’t say you were writing a book report on it.
“I’m glad she’s doing so well.” Jason glanced through the papers. The notes from the other teachers were positive too. He looked up at find Mrs. Bankole smiling at him. “Is there anything else?”
“No, but (Y/N) talks about you quite a bit.” She reached out to pat his arm. “I don’t know if anyone has told you this, but you are doing a very good job with (Y/N). Just because you might not have noticed one thing doesn’t mean you failed.”
Jason’s heart lifted. He felt less like an idiot. “I see why (Y/N) praises you so much at home.” He got to his feet and shook Mrs. Bankole’s hand. “Thank you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Todd.” Mrs. Bankole led him out of the classroom. The other parents stared at him as he left. He waved at Mrs. Bankole and ignored their gazes.
Jason hurried down the hall, leaving the other parents far behind. He made his way to the gym to find you right next to the door with your backpack on. “There you are, bum. I was waiting,” you said, crossing your arms. However, the smile on your face didn’t match the annoyance you were trying to portray.
“Well, it took longer than I thought. Lots of complaints about you.” Jason scooped you up and hugged you tight. You giggled madly, wrapping your arms around his neck. “I’m kidding, of course. You’re doing great, kid.” Jason settled you on his hip and carried you out of the school. He looked at your hair, noting how messy and snarled it looked. Damn, he really was dumb for not noticing. “In fact, I think this calls for milkshakes and pizza, what do you think?”
“Yes!” You kissed his cheek, hugging his neck so tight that he choked. “Sorry.” You loosened your grip. Jason set you down next to his bike. He opened your backpack and stuffed the packet inside before slipping your helmet over your head. You giggled, climbing on as Jason put his own helmet on.
One of the parents from earlier walked by, looking at Jason in disgust. Jason met their eye with his visor still up. He shrugged at them, shutting his visor and starting the motorcycle. A smirk pulled at his lips when he peeled out of the parking lot with you screaming in delight.
***
“Great, you’re here.” Jason opened the apartment door to let in Steph and Cass. Both women shared bewildered looks before stepping inside.
“Of course, we’re here. Since when do you just call us to come over?” Steph glanced around the apartment. She giggled when she picked up one of your Barbies you left on the coffee table. “Wow, this takes me back.”
Cass nodded at Jason, studying him. “What is wrong?” She pointed his chest. “You are stressed.”
Jason cleared his throat. “Let’s wait for Kori to get here first. I’d rather only explain once.”
“Kori? Wow, this must be serious.” Steph set the Barbie down and went to look into your room. “Where’s (Y/N)?”
“(Y/N) is with Tim and Kon. They took her to a movie.” Jason bit his lip. “I needed to speak to you three without (Y/N) here.”
Cass followed Steph into your room. Jason sighed, running a hand over his face. “Did you decorate this?” Cass asked, pointing at your colorful room. Jason blushed slightly, but told himself he didn’t need to be embarrassed.
“Yeah, (Y/N) picked things out though.” Jason jumped when a knock sounded on his door. He opened it to find Kori and Dick standing there with a baby carrier in Dick’s arms. Jason frowned at Dick. “Why are you here? I only invited Kori.”
“Geez, thanks for the welcome, Jay.” Dick rolled his eyes, pushing past Jason to set Mar’i’s carrier down.
“I was going to come alone, but Dick insisted on coming along since we were going to take Mar’i to the manor today anyway.” Kori kissed Jason’s cheek. “Now what is the fuss about?”
Steph and Cass wandered back into the living room and sat down on the couch. Dick took Jason’s favorite chair, much to Jason’s dislike, while Kori joined the girls on the couch. Jason stayed standing, his nerves on edge “I need help with (Y/N).” His pride ached when they all looked at him in surprise. “I know I told you all that I didn’t need help, but I do.”
“We’re here. What do you need help with?” Steph asked, smirking at him. “Don’t tell me (Y/N) asked how babies are made or something like that?”
Jason groaned. Kori and Dick shared amused looks while Cass giggled with Steph. “No, I need help with (Y/N)’s hair.” He ran his fingers through his hair, pulling on it to keep himself calm. “I screwed up and didn’t realize what a mess it was and now I don’t know how to help her with it.”
“Oh.” Kori chuckled. “So you want us to teach you? Is that why (Y/N) is not here?”
“Aww, Jason. You’re a big softie.” Steph got up to hug him. Jason grunted, narrowing his eyes at Dick who was grinning at him. “We’ll help you.”
“Yes, we will.” Kori clapped her hands excitedly. Cass nodded, hopping up to hug Jason too. Jason blushed.
“Okay, that’s enough.” Jason brushed them off. “And not a word of this to anyone.” He pointed at Dick. “I mean it.”
Dick laughed, taking Mar’i out of the carrier to rock her. “Your secret is safe with me.”
Steph put her hands on her hips. “First off, what shampoo is (Y/N) using? Is she using conditioner? What kind of hairbrush?” Steph went into the bathroom with Cass trailing behind. “Oh my god. Has she just been your shampoo all this time, Jason? No wonder her hair is a mess.” Kori went in after them.
Jason pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “If I can just say one thing...” Dick began. Jason glared at him in warning. Dick smiled back at him calmly. “I’m proud that you’re doing this for (Y/N). It will mean a lot to her to have you help her with her hair.”
“I suppose.” Jason turned to follow the ladies into the bathroom. A smile pulled at his lips. Maybe he could do this parenting thing after all?
***
You were in Jason’s lap, chatting away about the movie you saw with Tim and Kon. Jason bit his lip and struggled to get your hair into the braids Kori, Cass, and Steph showed him how to do. Why was it so hard?
“And after the movie, Tim and Kon took me to the park and Kon played cops and robbers with me while Tim had to take a phone call.” You wiggling around. “Are you almost done yet?”
“Almost.” Jason sighed in relief when he finally got this fingers to work the braids. He put the hair bands on the end of them. “There you go.”
You cheered, hopping off his lap and ran to the bathroom. Jason followed. You got up on the closed toilet to get a good look in the mirror. Jason’s heart melted when he saw your eyes shine with joy as you took in your hair. You grinned at yourself. “Thank you.” You hopped off the toilet and jumped into Jason’s arms.
Jason laughed, pretending you made him fall to the ground. “You’re welcome, kid.” You giggled, clinging to him. His life felt full.
***
The alarm blared loudly, jerking Jason awake. “Oh, shit.” He reached over and turned it off. His eyes squinted to see the time. “Damn, only three hours.” A groan pulled out of him as he sat up and stretched. He soothed himself, knowing that once you were off the school, he could go sleep for several more hours.
Jason wandered into your room. “Hey kid. Time to wake up.” You didn’t move, still under the covers. Jason went in and sat on the edge of your bed. “Come on, sweetheart. Up and at ‘em.” He rubbed your back over the blanket.
You poked your face out of your blanket cocoon. Jason frowned. You were flushed, eyes watery. “I don’t feel good.” Jason placed his hand on your forehead. The heat blazed into his palm.
Jason took a deep breath, forcing down the rising panic. “Yeah, you’re burning up, kid.” He slid his hand to rest on your cheek. “Stay here. I’ll be back in a sec.” You closed your eyes with a sniffle. Jason slipped out of the room.
“Shit, what am I supposed to do?” Jason mumbled to himself, pacing the living room. He suddenly couldn’t catch his breath. His stomach dropping in that horrible way it did when he found you shot and bleeding out in that warehouse months ago. Suddenly, his phone was in hand and he called the one person he trusted completely.
“Master Jason, this is rather early for you, isn’t it?” Alfred answered with a slight yawn.
Jason bit his lip. “Al, (Y/N)’s sick and I don’t know what to do.” His voice cracked, making him sound very young. “She’s burning up.”
“Keep calm. Children get sick, Master Jason.” Alfred clicked his tongue. “Now go get the thermometer and find out how high her fever is.”
Stumbling, Jason hurried to the bathroom and dug out the kit Alfred had given him years before. “And if it’s high, what do I do?”
“Let’s find out how high it is, Master Jason. Calm down. It won’t help Miss (Y/N) if you are upset.” Alfred’s voice soothed the anxiety in his chest. Jason took a deep breath. He found the thermometer and went back to your room. You hadn’t moved since he left you.
“(Y/N), kid, open your mouth for me, okay?” Jason whispered, uncovering your face. You whined, but opened your mouth and let him put the thermometer under your tongue.
“Wait forty seconds or until it beeps,” Alfred said as Jason still had the phone pressed to his ear. The seconds passed like hours. Jason thought he was about to die. He was thankful you had your eyes closed.
It beeped and Jason slipped it out of your mouth. “God, it’s 104.” (Or 40 Celsius)
Alfred hummed. “What are Miss (Y/N)’s other symptoms?”
“Does anything hurt?” Jason’s voice stayed a whisper.
You moaned, opening one eye. “My throat hurts and my legs ache.” You looked at him pitifully. “My head hurts too and I feel all stuffy.” You shivered so hard that Jason felt it through his seat on the bed.
“Body aches, sore throat, headache, stuffy nose,” Jason said to Alfred. Jason rubbed your back again, frowning when you closed your eyes again with a tiny whine.
“Sounds like Miss (Y/N) has a bad cold.” Alfred sounded so calm. Jason shook his head in amazement. “I’ll be over in an hour to help you, Master Jason. In the meantime, call the school and tell them Miss (Y/N) will not be attending today. Also put a cool compress on her forehead to try to get the fever down.”
“Thanks Al. I owe you one.” Jason relaxed. His hand kept rubbing your back.
Alfred chuckled. “You’re welcome, Master Jason. Glad I could help.” He hung up the phone.
“Alfred’s coming?” You opened your eyes to look at him dully. “And I can’t go to school?”
“No, kid. You’re staying home with me and Alfred today.” Jason leaned down to kiss your forehead. Your fever blazed against his lips. “I’ll be back with a rag for your head.”
You sighed contently. “Okay.” Your eyes closed again, instantly falling back to sleep. Jason slipped out of the room as quietly as he could.
***
Alfred had taken over the apartment once he arrived and whipped Jason into shape. Hours later, you had been given medicine and soup. Your fever had dropped and you were sitting up, watching the TV Jason moved into your room from the living room.
Jason was mopping the kitchen, which Alfred had described as deplorable and not fit to make food in. Alfred dusted the living room, clicking his tongue at the mess.
“Al, the floor is finished,” Jason said, dumping the dirty water into the sink. “I’m going to check on (Y/N).”
“And after you can mop the bathroom floor as well. Have you not cleaned this apartment since you moved in?” Alfred said, shaking his head. He frowned at the carpet. “I should have brought a vacuum.”
Jason cleared his throat, blushing. “I have one in the closet, Al.” In all fairness, Jason did clean, just not to Alfred’s standards. He escaped into your room before Alfred could stop him.
You were laid against your pillows, watching some kids’ show that Jason could barely stand. Jason smiled when you perked up at the sight of him. “Hi bum. Is Alfred having you clean?”
“He is.” Jason sat on the edge of your bed and wrapped an arm around your shoulders. “Feeling better?”
“A little.” You sniffled, grabbing a tissue to blow your nose. Jason wrinkled his nose, but stayed close to you. “Thank you for taking care of me. No one did that before.” You threw your tissue in the trash can.
Jason’s heart broke a little. He ruffled your hair. The rock in his throat too big for him to form words. You relaxed against him.
Eventually, you went limp. Jason glanced down to find you fast asleep. A smile pulled at his lips as he rested his feet on the bed to lay beside you.
A knock sounded on the door. Jason winced, fearing it was Alfred coming to get him to clean some more. However, the door opened to reveal Bruce.
“What are you doing here?” Jason whispered, blinking in surprise. He couldn’t remember if Bruce had ever been in his apartment before.
“I stopped by when I heard (Y/N) was sick.” Bruce stepped in. His stance was stiff. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, clearly out of his element. Jason eyed the giftbag in Bruce’s hand. “I brought her something.”
“Thanks.” Jason waved for Bruce to set the bag down. “She just fell asleep.” Bruce came closer and set the bag on the side table. “What you get her?”
“I had my secretary go out and get it. I’m not sure.” Bruce bit his lip. “I see Alfred is whipping your apartment into shape.” He smirked slightly.
Jason nodded, chuckling softly. “Yeah, he is.” The two fell into an awkward silence. After several minutes, Jason cleared his throat. “Can you make a few passes through my turf tonight? I want to stay in with (Y/N).”
“Of course, I was going to offer.” Bruce took a seat on your toy box in the corner. “You made this room very nice for (Y/N).”
“Well, she picked most of this stuff out.” Jason rubbed your side as you snuggled into him more. “She should wake up again soon. Alfred said she’ll need another round of medicine and soup.”
Bruce nodded. “That’s fine. I don’t have anywhere to be. Damian is off with the Titans this week.” The two of them fell into a comfortable silence. Jason glanced down at your sleeping form and wondered for the hundredth time if you were the best thing to ever happen to him.
***
Time passed and finally school was out for you. You were happy, clearly wanting to spend most of your days with Jason. Jason had to admit, he loved to spend most of his days with you too.
However, life did always interfere. Jason was just sliding a pizza into the oven for lunch when his ‘work’ phone rang. He froze. It hadn’t rang that tone in a very long time.
“I’ll get it,” you said, running to grab the phone.
“No!” Jason rushed forward and snatched the phone out of your hands. You blinked, hurt and confusion flashed across your face. “Sorry, it’s just work. Go get the movie set up, huh?”
You nodded, biting your lip and went back to the living room. Jason groaned before answering the phone. “Red Hood?” a feminine voice asked softly.
“Yes.” His voice low to keep you from overhearing.
“I have a mission for you. The one you were asking about last we spoke.” Jason choked. His heart skipping a beat.
“December Graystone. You know where he is?” A ice cold feeling of revenge flowed through him.
The voice laughed. “Yes. Meet me in Seville at the cafe across from the church where you found Razorburn.”
“I’ll be there in two days at the most.” Jason smiled as the voice hung up on their end. He chuckled darkly to himself. The glee he felt disappeared however when he saw you watching him nervously. “What?” He blinked when you backed away from him.
“You acted different.” He saw your hands shake. His stomach dropped to his feet. He kneeled down to look you in the eye.
“Hey, sorry that was work. You know I’m Red Hood, right?” His voice dropped to a soothing whisper. Damn, his eyes were watering too. “I have to be different when it’s work, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to be different forever, okay?”
He smiled when he saw you relax. “Okay.” You ran and hugged him around his neck. “I don’t like you different though.”
“That’s okay. I won’t be different around you then, alright kid?” He stood up, keeping you in his arms. You buried your face into his shoulder, sniffling. Jason bit his lip, almost bringing up that he would have to leave soon, but he held off. Who would he get to watch you while he was gone? Jason’s eyes widened as his mind raced to figure out who he would trust to watch you.
***
Jason’s heart was threatening to break as he kneeled down in front of you. He rested his hands on your shoulders, trying to hold himself together. Tears ran down your cheeks. “I’ll be back in a week at the most. Be good for Alfred and Bruce. Don’t tease Damian too much.” He kissed your forehead. “Stop crying now, okay kid? You’re going to make me cry.”
“I’m sorry.” You wiped your tears with your sleeve when Jason pulled away. “You’ll call?”
“Yeah, I’ll call you.” Jason pulled you into one last hug, standing up with you in his arms. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Okay.” Bruce held out his arms to take you. It took everything Jason had to hand you over to him. You buried your face into Bruce’s shoulder, whimpering.
Bruce met Jason’s eye. “We’ll take care of her. Be safe yourself.” Jason nodded, grabbing his bag and heading out the manor doors. His motorcycle was waiting. He had to be at the airport in a half an hour. Luckily, Bruce thought Jason was going to help Roy Harper with something, not hunting down another League of Assassins member.
Jason stopped himself from looking back at you. He had to be strong. The world will be safer if he went on this mission. Bruce and Alfred would take very good care of you.
He started the bike and took a quick glance at Bruce and you. You were waving, tears streaked down your cheeks as Bruce held you on his hip. Jason almost broke, but he turned away with a wave of his own and took off down the driveway without another look. His cheeks were wet from the wind, at least that is what he told himself.
***
Two weeks later, Jason stepped out of the cab with his arm in a sling. He paused to look up at the manor. His duffel over his good shoulder. He tossed two hundred to the driver. “Keep the change.”
“Thanks, man.” The driver grinned and drove off quickly. Jason sighed deeply and walked up the steps. He hoped you wouldn’t be too mad. The calls he promised never came. He knew Bruce and Alfred would be disappointed, you would be upset. The mission consumed all his time.
The door opened before he reached it. “Master Jason,” Alfred said, frowning when he saw the sling. “Are you injured?” He took Jason’s duffel and gestured for him to come inside. Alfred inspected the arm.
“Careful. I just dislocated it. I’m fine.” Jason gasped when Alfred jarred the arm. “Geez, Al.”
“Sorry, Master Jason.” Alfred clicked his tongue. “Did you have this checked by a doctor?”
Jason blushed slightly. “Yeah, I did.” He glanced around the manor. It was deadly silent. “Where’s (Y/N)?”
“Miss (Y/N) is in the kitchen.” Alfred crossed his arms. “Why did you not call like you promised, Master Jason?”
“I got busy, very busy.” Jason pinched the bridge of his nose with his good hand. “Was she upset?”
“Yes, to put it mildly.” Alfred gestured for Jason to follow him to the kitchen. “You can’t break promises like that. Not when you have a child.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” Jason blinked when they entered the kitchen to find it empty. However, a batch of fresh cookies sat on the counter.
Alfred hummed. “Well, you can have a cookie. I’ll take a look around and see if I can find Miss (Y/N).” He left the room, shoulders stiff.
Jason sighed, taking a seat on one of the stools. He took a cookie. It was still warm. “Well, I guess I’m in the hot seat.”
“TT.” Damian stalked into the room. “I heard what you did.”
“Yeah?” Jason took a bite of the cookie, almost moaning at the taste.
“You eliminated December Graystone.” Damian smirked. “Are you trying to piss off my grandfather?”
“No.” Jason swallowed. “But I’m taking down the League of Assassins.”
Damian shook his head. “You can try, I suppose.” He crossed his arms. “Are you taking your brat home now?”
Jason smirked. “I will, but don’t call her that.”
Damian slammed his hands against the counter. Jason held back a flinch. Damian was in full teenage rage mode. That took Jason back. “She already froze my toothbrush, tied all my shoes together, and stole my wallet five times.”
“Oops.” Jason pursed his lips. “Well, that probably means she like you, Damian.”
“TT.” Damian stormed out of the room. He snarled out in the hallway and suddenly, you burst through the kitchen door with a piece of paper in hand.
You slid to a stop when you saw Jason. “There you are, you bum. Why didn’t you call me?”
“Sorry, kid.” Jason dropped to his knees in front of you. A slow smile pulled at your lips before you jumped into his arms. Jason held back a moan. You jarred his bad shoulder, but your hug felt so warm. God, he missed you so much.
“I missed you.” You buried your face into his shoulder. He felt his shirt dampen from your tears.
“I missed you too. Sorry, I didn’t call.” Jason rubbed your back with his good hand. “Hey, don’t cry now.”
You pulled away to wipe your eyes with your sleeve. “I’m not crying. You are.” A smirk pulled at your lips. “I made you something.” You handed him the piece of paper in your hand. Jason raised an eyebrow.
“You did?” Jason bit his lip when he saw the paper was a card. The front was drawn like a google search page with World’s Best Dad written in the search bar. Jason’s heart skipped a beat. He opened it only to see a search results page drawn inside with his name written as each result.
“You like it?” Rocking on your feet back and forth, you eyed him somewhat shyly.
Jason swallowed hard. His mouth going dry. “Yeah.” He coughed, blushing as he glanced back up at you. Unable to say more, Jason grabbed you into a tight hug. “I love it, kid.” He kissed the top of your head.
You giggled and melted into him. If anyone were to ask, he would claim the wetness on his cheek was just allergies and had nothing to do with the card you gave him.
However, from the doorway, a camera flashed. Jason frowned at the doorway before relaxing when he saw it was Alfred. Alfred nodded at Jason and slipped away with camera in hand. Jason held you tighter, promising to never let you go.
