#jasontoddredux

[calculatedvigilance]

From Where They Stand. || Todd and Gordon.

     Bruce didn't know.      Bruce didn't have to know.

     But it wasn't Bruce not knowing Jason's whereabouts, his conversations with Barbara that bothered her... it was the fact that she felt the need to hide things, to sneak around in the dark as much without her cowl as she did during Gotham's hectic nights on patrol... or the less-hectic ones spent on lookout from some secluded rooftop, where both The Red Hood and Batgirl would attempt to peg every sound or siren as an excuse to leap into action.

     Now was one of those times.

     She sat with her back to the stone wall of the fifty-story building, cape wrapped about her in defence of the rain that spat down, cowled head inclined... the quiet nights unnerved her. Blue eyes glanced towards the man beside her hesitantly, but it took her a long moment before she could speak, and when she finally did, all that came out was a small, "So..."

[calculatedvigilance]

     It seemed like an eternity before the taxi managed to pull its way up to the pair, and another inside the vehicle before Barbara shelled out payment and they were making their way up the front steps of Wayne Manor. Within the duration of the second eternity, she had drawn her phone out again, notifying Bruce of the situation, despite the fact that she was informed of his preoccupation with patrol...  Afred met them at the door, rushing out and putting his arm about Jason, standing opposite of him from the redhead.

     He didn't ask questions... that was the thing about Alfred. Doubtlessly, he already knew everything that Bruce knew, which was everything that Barbara knew... and quite possibly everything that Jason knew (but they could sort that out later)... now a trio, the two clear-headed steered Jason into the study, and Barbara gripped him upright as Alfred moved on to open the backing of a bookcase.

     "Come along, Miss Gordon, Master Todd." He urged as the shelf slid to the side, allowing them passage into the "second basement". The man wasted no time in moving ahead, clattering about neatly when he reached the bottom of the stairs into the Batcave.

     Barbara turned, glancing towards Jason before nodding after Pennyworth... "You okay?" she asked him quietly, taking a single step and waiting for him to follow.