Chapter Text
Jason had finally been released from the med bay. He had not however been released from his family’s care. He struggled his way around the manor on a pair of crutches under their anxious eyes. Someone was always there to offer him a helping hand, open up doors, carry his drinks and pull him up a chair. Honestly, it was exhausting.
Roy was the only person Jason actually liked following him around like a lost puppy. His boyfriend, however, was having way too much fun watching everyone else get in Jason’s way with their well meaning pampering.
Jason ended up covertly bribing Tim, with the promise of high tech circuit boards and spare parts so he could create his own laptop, to convince him to create a distraction in the kitchen so he could sneak away unnoticed. His little brother seemed all too willing to cause some concentrated chaos.
Jason was used to doing things in much worse physical conditions so it wasn’t too difficult to shimmy himself out of a window and onto the roof with his current injuries. Finally alone he spread out on the roof tiles, still warm from the setting sun, and let out a relieved groan. He closed his eyes and listened to the gentle background noise of the manor. A wave of nostalgia washed over him, leaving his insides feeling warm like toffee.
“I see you are seeking an escape from the madhouse too, Little Bird.”
Jason lazily turned his head to face Constantine, the sorcerer lowered himself down beside him with a muffled groan and a grumble about his joints misbehaving. Constantine’s company wasn’t actually one that Jason was trying to avoid. Despite the sorcerer’s apparent tendencies to mother hen people with an air of cultivated indifference after near death experiences, he had actually been the least crazy over these past few days. He hadn’t treated Jason like he was fragile. He hadn’t done anything more than occasionally push a cup of tea in Jason’s hands and ruffle his hair.
“I just needed a short break.” Jason admitted after a while, breaking the comfortable silence that had built between the two of them.
“Wanna bum a cig for old times sake?” Constantine asked. His voice held no judgement for Jason’s withdrawal from the household.
Jason huffed a laugh and nodded, accepting the cigarette from his friend’s scarred hands.
“And you’re wondering why Bruce thinks you’re a bad influence?” Constantine grinned as his finger burst into controlled magical flames and lit both of their cigarettes.
“Once more, you were smoking long before I got involved.” Constantine nonchalantly tried to defend himself. “Also he only caught me smoking with you that one time!”
Jason laughed at the memory. “He ran your ass out of town.”
Constantine reacted with a dramatic full body shudder at the reminder. “I didn’t come back for months after that incident. I don’t think he stopped glaring at me for a year either. It didn’t help that a certain little Robin then tattled to Daddy to get me in more trouble every time I visited because he found his reactions funny.”
“They were fucking funny.” Jason giggled. Little Jason had been quite the menace to Constantine for a few years whenever Bruce was around. His Dad and Constantine’s feud had been prime entertainment to him back then and honestly still was now. He used to purposefully point out the times the sorcerer had sworn in front of his sensitive young ears and even once blamed the time he got his ear pierced on him because Bruce would comically flip out.
Constantine smiled slyly. “Ok, It was fucking funny.” He admitted. “He once took a pair of scissors to my tie mid conversation and then told me that I knew what I had done.”
Jason snickered. “Was that after the ear piercing incident?”
“You know very well it was and we also both know I wasn’t even involved in that.”
“You took the fall like a champ though!”
“Yeah, you’re welcome. You owe me a tie.” Constantine scoffed, knocking their shoulders together.
“I was quite sad I had to let my piercing close up.” Jason admitted with a sigh, slumping against Constantine’s side. The sorcerer hummed thoughtfully.
“I could redo it for you.” He suggested. “This time when Bruce blames me for it I’ll at least deserve it.”
Jason considered it for a moment before nodding with a wicked grin. He might as well make use of Bruce’s fear of spooking him to do this when he wouldn’t get in trouble for it. Currently Bruce was so happy to have him back that Jason could get away with murder, quite literally.
“I’m going to have to call Roy to bring an old earring from my room.”
“As long as he isn’t going to be a wanker and snitch on our whereabouts for his own entertainment.” Constantine took a long drag from his cigarette.
That’s how the three of them ended up piercing Jason’s ears with a hot needle on top of the Manor’s roof. Roy was fully onboard with the idea. He made extra sure that they initial marks were symmetrical before sitting back and letting Constantine do the actual deed. Jason hissed as the needle sunk through his lobes, squeezing his boyfriend’s hands.
“We should have done this with more alcohol.” Jason muttered. “If I ever do my seconds it’ll be at a girls night when I am sufficiently drunk.”
“Stop squirming and shut your mouth.” Constantine grumbled before moving to do the other ear. “If you don’t want a wonky piercing you’ll stop your complaining.”
Roy laughed and stroked the creases on between Jason’s brows to ease his frown. Jason stuck his tongue out at Constantine but settles down for the second piercing.
“Ten bucks that Bruce trips Constantine up on the stairs because of this.”
Jason giggled. “Babe, he’d be much more subtle. Ten bucks that Constantine's coat mysteriously goes up in flames.”
“It’s fire proof you idiots.” Constantine grumbled under his breath. “Are you certain the slant of this roof isn’t making you mistake this for even?” He asked warily.
Roy peered back over to check, Jason smiled as his boyfriend’s face blocked out his vision. His tongue pocked out in concentration as he double checked the positioning before he nodded. Jason pushed his head up to press a kiss to the tip of the archer’s nose. Roy giggled at the action.
Constantine made a gagging sound. “I miss having single friends.” He muttered.
“No, you don’t.” Roy sing-songed. “You love us.”
Constantine sighed but didn’t disagree.
Jason laughed at the mental image of Constantine at their wedding probably still complaining under his breath. There was no doubt the sorcerer would still be hanging around when they eventually tied the knot, he would probably still be commandeering Jason’s couch and drinking his liquor. As much as he tried to pretend otherwise, Jason didn’t really mind.
“Ah, I see this is where the party is happening!”
Jason shot up and turned his head to face Mason, the kid was crawling out of the window to join them.
“Hey, kiddo, you’re just in time to watch Constantine pierce Jason’s ear.” Roy greeted him happily.
Mason grinned and shuffled across until he was on their section of the roof.
“Well, this will be fun.”
“Hey, you want a cigarette, kid?” Constantine offered offhandedly. He still had his own cigarette in his left hand while the right held the needle.
“Don’t you dare.” Jason glared at him. “Don’t corrupt my kid.”
“And now you sound like Bats, Little Bird.”
Roy laughed. “Come on, let’s actually get this over with before we get more unexpected visitors.”
Jason lay back down with a groan and waited for the sharp prick of the needle. Once the hole had been made Roy gently slotted in the stud. Jason winced against the pulsing pain. His boyfriend pressed a kiss on his cheek to soothe it before tucking himself under Jason’s arm. Constantine sat back down to the side, the burning end of the cigarette glowing in the receeding light. Mason refused his next offer of a cigarette with a small smile. The four of them remained there for a little while longer, until the last remnants of the sun’s lights disappeared behind the horizon and they had to use their phone flashlights to see their way back to the window.
No one else did end up finding their retreat.
Jason didn’t find the house as loud and constricting when he returned. The part of him that felt jittery from the constant worried eyes of his family had settled somewhat. Jason ended up reclaiming one of his crutches whilst Roy kept their arms linked together on his other side.
Bruce immediately noticed them as they re-entered the kitchen where everyone was gathered. His dad’s face broke out into a relieved smile.
“Where were you?” He asked with an exasperated fondness. Jason allowed himself to be pulled into a somewhat frantic embrace.
“Trying to get some air.” Jason muttered into his chest.
“I thought you’d left.” Bruce whispered, his arms tightening around him.
Jason huffed a laugh. Bruce was in a clingy, dramatic phase still, showing more emotion than Jason knew what to do with.
“I wouldn’t do that without saying goodbye.” Jason replied in a hushed voice, hiding his smile in his dad’s chest.
“Do you need anything?” Bruce asked as he drew back from the hug. “Any meds? A drink? Maybe something to eat.”
Jason sighed fondly. “This is the reason I needed to find space, B! I promise I am fine and don’t need anything.”
“Not even a hot chocolate?” Crystal asked from where she was sat with her own drink next to Alfred.
Jason looked at his friend with a smile. He honestly wouldn’t mind a hot chocolate but he had a point to make now. “No thanks, Crys. But if I did I could do that myself.”
“None of us are saying you couldn’t, Master Jason, but just because you can doesn’t mean you have to. We are all here to help your recovery.” Alfred reminded him.
“I know. I’m very grateful for you all.” Jason replied gently. “However, I may actually make a run for it if you guys continue to follow all my moves. It’s really sweet but also incredibly stalkerish.”
Only Crystal had the decency to look apologetic. The rest of his family were a bunch of freaks who knew nothing about personal boundaries. Dick just bounded over and wrestled Jason into a hug.
“We promise to give you more space, Little Wing.” His brother murmured into Jason’s shoulder. Jason sighed and gave up, gently patting his brother on his back and waiting for him to release him. Jason had been receiving constant hugs since he got injured. Constant. He didn’t usually mind but there was a certain point where it was nice to just have a breather. He almost couldn’t wait to withdraw back to his apartment with just Roy and Mason after Alfred gave him the medical all clear.
When Dick finally let Jason squirm away he sighed and faced his entire family. “I’m glad we’ve had this talk. I can already feel the difference.” He said with a roll of his eyes and a pat on his brother’s arm.
Roy chuckled and slung his arm over Jason’s shoulder, steering him back out of the kitchen. “Don’t worry guys I’ll keep an eye on him till dinner. I promise to take really good care of him.” Steph wolf whistled in response and Tim and Mason giggled.
They were just at the doorway when Bruce cleared his throat menacingly behind them. “One moment, boys.” Both Jason and Roy stiffened at his tired dad tone and turned back around.
“Jaylad, what’s that on your ear?”
Jason let out a huff of frustrated breath. “You’re a detective Bruce. I’d have thought you’d have recognised what an earring is.”
Bruce opened him mouth as if to say something. Jason remembered the last lecture, it was all ‘You are too young for body modification. Do you know how unhygienic it is to do it at home? I would have taken you to a parlour if you just asked.’ His Dad had been right in the end. Jason’s ear had puffed up and gotten infected until he had to remove the piercing. At least this time Jason hadn’t done it entirely himself and was more responsible than his thirteen year old self. Also with his enhanced healing from the Lazarus it wouldn’t be long until it was fully healed.
Bruce was probably also remembering their last argument about this as his face softened as he gazed at Jason.
“It looks nice.” Bruce said at last. Jason smiled brightly in response.
“Thanks Dad.” He rolled his eyes, acting like the compliment didn’t warm his insides. Roy squeezed Jason’s waist and the two of them disappeared off. Not before they heard Bruce’s next words behind them.
“Constantine, a moment if you will?”
-------------------------
Two days later, one eventful Sunday lunch, and multiple times when he had questioned whether murder would bring him peace and quiet, Jason finally convinced his family to allow him to return to his apartment. He didn’t leave the manor behind though.
The next week was a constant flow of visitors.
Harley and Ivy came over for tea on his first day, bringing a large bouquet of sunflowers. Both had also found a cake with bright red writing on it that said ‘Congrats the fucker is dead!’ with a doodle of the Joker with crosses over his eyes. They do say revenge is sweet. Jason would like to add that it is also delicious. He ended up liking off the frosting from his fingers as he listened to his friends updates on the reaction from the underworld to loosing both the Black Mask and the Clown in such a short period of time, both to his hands.
Mason and Roy got roped up into a Girls’ night on the next day. Renee brought the cocktails, Danielle the nail polish, Crystal the chick flicks to watch, Harley brought the slightly manic murderous energy that ever Girls’ night needed, and Ivy both weed and non weed brownies. Steph ended up dropping by with a whole load of clothes and makeup. It didn’t take long for Jason to be in a corset with shockingly blue eyeliner and his hello kitty pyjama bottoms. It was certainly a look. One which caused Roy to pull him into his lap with drunk giggles, pressing soft kisses to his neck as the girls awwed and Mason fake gagged. Overall Girls night was a great success.
Jason was nursing a hangover on the next day when Dick dragged him out to the arcade with Tim, Duke and Damian for a brothers’ day out. Jason really envied his boyfriend who was still bundled up under their duvet and sleeping of the night before. He humoured his brother though, gladly accepting the pair of sunglasses Tim had bought for him. It seemed that Steph had been keeping him updated on the goings on of Girl’s night. Tim was much too smug every time a loud noise made Jason wince. Damian eyed the neon lights of the arcade with a wary eye but was soon happily carrying around a large turtle plushie which he had won. Jason spent much of the time collapsed on one of the couches as he judged Tim and Dick’s table tennis tournament. They finished off the day in a burger bar with Steph and Cass joining them, having finished their sister’s day of bowling and movies.
Bruce came to visit his apartment on the next day. His dad huffed a laugh when he saw the soft yellow paint in Jason’s room that had speckled his arms that night he went to rescue him. It reminded Jason that he had not yet spoken to Carl about that night. Bruce and Jason ended up snuggled beneath Jason’s throw blanket with hot chocolates and Alfred’s shortcake biscuits. They talked about the time they’d lost together before they finally settled into the more comfortable conversation of how Jason taught himself Graffiti. Bruce somewhat hesitantly offered that Jason could practise doing murals throughout the expanses of the Bat cave if he wanted. Mason arrived back home from school and immediately took to making snippy comments and sarcasm towards Bruce. His Dad took it with an amused and fond smile and a whisper to Jason that the kid reminded him of another little Crime alley boy he knew before.
Roy and Jason had a relaxed Friday by themselves, lazing around the apartment. Jason revelled in the warmth of this boyfriend’s embrace and at the press soft kisses. Their peace was only momentarily broken when Jason’s Red Hood helmet began to play various Disney villain tunes. No matter what Jason tried it wouldn’t turn off. It didn’t take long for him to realise that Tim had hacked it. They ended up shoving it in the bath with a pile of blankets to muffle the sound. The next hour was spent with the two of them plotting a retaliation prank before Jason had to make his admiration for his boyfriend’s wicked genius known and they tumbled into their bed.
He woke on the Saturday to the insistent knocking on his bedroom door. It was much to early to be Mason, as the teenager had an aversion to mornings. This left one more likely person.
“Fuck off, Constantine!”
“Um…Its actually Bruce. Constantine let me in. I’m here to help with the lunch?”
Jason swore under his breath. He had forgotten he’d invited all his family over to have lunch at his.
“You can come in.” Jason yelled before burying his head back in the crook of Roy’s neck and closing his eyes again. He would savour every last moment of the warmth of his bed. Roy grumbled about getting up and shifted so he was pressed closer to Jason’s chest.
Jason heard the door swing open. “I see I’m early.” Bruce said awkwardly.
“Depends what time it is.” Jason muttered back.
“It’s 10:30.”
Jason groaned. He should probably get up and get everything ready.
“Did you bring Alfred with you?” He asked instead with a stifled yawn.
“He’s picking up dessert.”
“And the kids?”
“Dick’s bringing them.”
Jason hoped his big brother’s reckless driving didn’t halve their family’s number.
Roy yawned and rolled over so his face was pressed against Jason’s chest. “Does this mean we need to get up?” He mumbled. Jason carded his finger’s through Roy’s soft hair and pressed a sleepy kiss to his forehead.
“I’m afraid so, love.”
Jason opened his eyes and looked to Bruce. His dad was standing self consciously in the doorway, wringing his hand as he waits for them. Jason grinned. He should probably be the one feeling embarrassed now but he refused to feel embarrassed of being soft with his boyfriend in his own room.
“Did you bring the picnic blankets?” Jason asked as he shifted out of the duvet and his boyfriend’s arms. Bruce raised an eyebrow at his hello kitty pyjama bottoms.
“What you want a pair, B?” Jason said in response with a cheeky smile. “We could be matching.”
He shuffled through his cupboard to find a loose band t-shirt to cover his chest because he had seen Bruce’s eyes flirt down to his autopsy scar more than once and his eyes grow sadder every time. Jason ran a hand through his hair to try order it and let out another yawn before joining Bruce in the doorway. He pulled his Dad into a loose hug.
“Morning.” He mumbled.
“Morning, Jaylad.” Bruce replied fondly.
“Ok, lets get this place ready.”
Jason pulled the trays of homemade lasagna out of fridge and put them on the counter, in preparation of baking them. He gladly accepted the coffee Constantine had brewed for them, downing the mug in a few quick gulps. The back of his throat burned but he could already feel the tingle of it healing.
“Come on, B. We need to make space.”
Bruce and eventually Roy helped him rearrange his sitting room so there was space to lay out the picnic blankets and pillows so there would be enough room for everyone. Roy joined them within half an hour, his hair loosely contained in a pony tail. Within the hour everything was ready and the apartment was filled with the delicious smell of the lasagna as it cooked. Constantine went out to grab drinks, Jason repeatedly reminded them to not all be alcoholic. When it was around half an hour before the others were due to arrive Jason took up the task of waking the teen. Mason grunted and grumbled as he was wrangled out of the warmth of his bed. Jason ended up throwing the kid over his shoulder and marching him out into the sitting room before dumping him on the couch.
“Uh-uh. Stay awake.”
“Piss of you fucker. Or bring me some coffee at least.” Jason rolled his eyes and obliged, avoiding Bruce’s amused gaze.
Alfred replied with bags filled with pastries and cakes for dessert. Jason pulled the old man into his kitchen, excitedly showing him the lasagna and garlic bread he was cooking. Alfred fondly praised his efforts, making himself a cup of earl grey tea before sitting down delicately next to a slightly more awake Mason on the couch and reviewing the picnic set up they had going on.
“This looks very comfy, my boys. You’ve done a good job.” He said as he took a sip of his tea.
Jason beamed at the praise and Bruce’s mouth ticked up into a slight smile.
Jason was ready for when Dick and the kids turned up. He held in his hands his helmet which was still playing music, currently ‘Be prepared’ from the Lion King. Bruce had eyed it with a confused frown but had yet to ask why it was doing that. As soon as Jason opened the door he shoved the thing into Tim’s hands.
“Fix it!” He hissed.
Tim laughed. “It worked!”
“Fix it!” Jason repeated through gritted teeth.
Jason then let the rest of his siblings enter the household before slamming the door on the menace.
“You can come back in when it is silent!” Jason called through the door.
Dick was looking thoroughly amused by the interaction. Jason was certain that Steph had been involved with the prank as her expression was far too smug and knowing. Damian seemed the least bothered by their antics and ignored them all to claim a place on one of the blankets, where Dick was soon to join them. Duke joined Mason on the couch and slowly eased complete sentences out of the sleepy teenager. Cass bounced over to quickly hug Bruce before darting off and perching on kitchen counter to watch Steph as the girl helped herself to the hot chocolate powder.
By the time Harley and Ivy had arrived Tim had fixed Jason’s helmet and was allowed back inside. Jason would have to tinker with it later to make sure it would not be corrupted by any other attacks by his brother.
The girls come next. Renee still in her clothes and makeup from the club, her eyes tired but bright as she greets him. Jason nods his head towards his room and she gladly slips away to get into something more comfortable. Dan and Crystal both press kisses to his cheek before lowering themselves down onto the picnic blankets near Steph. Cece arrives and immediately makes a byline for Mason, smothering her little brother in hugs as he tries to push her away as his cheeks grow red. Matt and his wife were the last to arrive, the kids launching themselves at Duke and excitedly telling their foster brother about their life.
When everyone was there Jason brought out the lasagna. It was an amalgamation of his own recipe and one of Alfred’s. Constantine had brought a huge collection of sodas, lemonade and ginger beer. Jason just sighed looking at the supply which could last weeks and accepted his card back from the sorcerer. He didn’t miss the very nice bottle of Whiskey which he hid away in Jason’s cupboard.
When everyone had a plate and a glass Jason took his own and settled down between Dick and Roy. Bruce caught his eye from where he was sat beside Crystal and Cass and smiled. Jason grinned back.
He looked around his collected family, all happily munching and chatting away and he knew this was far from the last lunch he would be hosting in his apartment.
Jason sat back and enjoyed the moment.
For the first time he had faith in the future.