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[The lack of helmet does make Dick raise an eyebrow, but it's quickly replaced by concern as he takes the phone.]

Yeah. I've found a couple of them. I've left them after the first because I figure it's a bit of a safety blanket.

[And what he's reading isn't something he likes, even if he's been half expecting it.]

The more I find out, the more I'd like to go to his world and punch his parents. Because I know they're still alive there.

[He can't punch the Drakes back home. They've been dead for a while, after all. And he wouldn't have at the time because it would have hurt Tim too much.]

As rich as they were, there's no way their only child should have been dealing with food insecurity.

[For Jason, it's almost refreshing to see that Dick's sentiments about the Drakes are identical to his]

Yeah, that's the thing. What the fuck did they put him through? Hiding food like that isn't normal, even by our family's screwed-up standards. I know why I did it and I'm not liking what this says about him.

[Dick hums as he finishes the conversation, offering the phone back to Jason. Not mentioning a thing about the fact that Jason broke a promise to Tim. In fairness, Tim really should have expected it when it comes to his well-being.]

Back home, the Drakes were always travelling. Hell, the first Christmas he was Robin, they sent a message that they wouldn't be home in time and TJ acted like that was an entirely normal thing to do.

[You could say a lot about Bruce, but once he realized how important Christmas was to Dick, there was never a year it wasn't celebrated. Even when he and Bruce were on the outs, because Alfred would still do it.]

But they had a housekeeper that they left in charge of TJ. So it wasn't like he was entirely on his own. Just easier to sneak past her.

[Jason pockets his phone]

So maybe with Robin he's been left on his own for longer than TJ? There's gotta be some differences between them. TJ Never had hidden food stashes back home?

[Dick shakes his head.]

We all know where your stashes are. Anything that could have drawn in pests was taken out, of course, but the actual areas are still there.

[Not exactly his, of course, but it's not a surprise that there are similarities between the Jasons.]

They get checked occasionally to make sure no mice or rats have gotten into the house for the food source, so we would have noticed if things were being replaced.

[Which means that Tim's Bruce and Alfred and Dick almost certainly have noticed as well. But figuring out how to bring it up would be difficult.]

[Jason still isn't entirely sure what to feel about Alfred and Bruce not having the heart to get rid of those stashes after he died. He doesn't even know about the memorial in the BatCave and has been assuming his belongings have been put into storage or gotten rid of. It's easier to just stay angry than to unpack that for all of his fuck-ups, they still love him]

I hate this is something we have to talk about when it comes to TJ or Robin. And I know I said I wouldn't talk to you about this but this is serious. You get along with him better than I do.

[Wait until he finds out nobody's really touched his room except for straightening it up after he died and dusting when Alfred can face it.]

We live together. I have to get along with him.

And I'm also his guardian and responsible for his wellbeing, so thank you for being willing to break that promise.

[He reaches up, rubbing a hand over his face.]

We had a bit of a conversation after it happened. But you may have noticed that Robins don't like to talk about things when it's something they know is odd or hits too close to emotions they don't want to deal with.

[Jason snorts before dryly responding]

Yeah, I might've noticed a little bit of that. I tried to throw him a bone because I didn't want another fight with him. I figured a tip to keep Haley away would be enough for now. But the kid's smart. Maybe sometimes too smart for his own good.

[That gets a sardonic smile from Dick before he shakes his head.]

He's putting them up high enough and out of the way enough that it shouldn't be a big problem. I don't think Haley's going to get that big, at least, so keeping it up is probably enough for now.

[He sighs.] Letting him have them for now is all right. We can work through what's causing the anxiety spike when he doesn't have them. Maybe get him to a point where he knows he can go to the people in his life that care about him when things are bad.

[Sadly, not the people he cares about. Tim loves his parents, after all. But it's very, very obvious that they don't feel the same.]

Hopefully. We know he looks up to certain people so maybe he's also worried about not pulling enough of his weight. Gotta be a good little useful self-sufficient sidekick and all that.

[Jason then waves his hand before Dick interrupts him]

And I know that's not what any of us see him as but that's probably something that's been sitting in his head for a while now. I know that's what I used to worry about.

Edited (I grammar gud) 2023-06-16 16:04 (UTC)

[Dick does go to interrupt, but huffs when stopped. And sighs again.]

You're not wrong. Especially with him. If I had a dollar for the number of times he 'hasn't wanted to be a burden' or 'you don't need to worry so much about me'? I'd probably be able to buy someplace to be the Belfrey myself.

[Jason snorts again]

Figures. And nevermind that as well-trained as he is, he's still a kid and others should be looking out for him as well.

You think after we set up a Belfry, it'll be better?

I think he'll keep stuff more to his own room, but probably not to start with.

[There's only so much that he'll change in that amount of time. Depending on how long it takes.]

This is literally going to be baby steps. Might be faster if any of us felt that mental health services could be trusted, but even if this isn't Gotham? I don't trust that they wouldn't be in the pocket of the Alliance right now.

[Jason nods]

It's not worth the risk for any of us right now. Shit's been ramping up a lot and doesn't seem like it's gonna slow down anytime soon either. We've made do on our own before.

[With varying results but still]

We have. At least we have each other to fall back with.

[With the lack of most members of the Justice League here, at least. But there are a few of their own.]

Probably going to have to find a way to step up plans at this point.

We need more money if we really are gonna have a Belfry. Business went down for the bar after the parasite invasion and this Society lockdown isn't making things any better.

[Though Jason does appreciate the Society pissing off Fantastic]

[No, Dick can get behind the Society lockdown for annoying Fantastic. Even if it makes everything else very annoying.]

[He snorts, leaning back onto the roof.]

Too bad we can't do a Coyote Ugly thing.

[Jason pauses, thinking on the idea. Then he looks back at Dick]

Why not? Coyote Ugly Night doesn't have to be just women.

[Jason's well aware of how many people find Dick very attractive]

[And that has him sitting up again.]

I suppose...no, it really doesn't, does it? It's basically just a lot of dancing around in wet t-shirts. Huh.

[Dick is also not unaware that people find him attractive. It means good tips.]

Would probably have to be several nights. Even if our clientele wanted to start throwing 1000s at us.

[A corner of Jason's lips quirks up into a small smirk]

Better that it's not just you either. Customers like having choices.

We could put it to the rest of the staff. Anybody who wants to join in could. And they'd get a share of the tips.

[It's only right. They might be trying to get money for a home, but the staff should be properly tipped if they're participating.]

And I'm starting to get interest in the puppy TikToks.

[Jason grins wider]

We could probably get a couple of people to help. I'll join in too.

[It might be a fun time at least]

You should do a collab with Sleeper. Play up the animal rivalry and all.

Sleeper's going to have to play it up. Haley is convinced everybody she sees is her friend.

[Which, for a puppy who had such a rough start in life, it's good to see.]

[Jason chuckles fondly]

Sleeper's a good actor. They can do it. Gonna have her chew up some Fantastic merch soon?

[Dick gets out his phone, bringing up a few videos and handing them over to Jason. All various videos of Haley having a great time taking apart a stuffed Fantastic and chewing the hell out of a Fantastic action figure.]

I made certain to take away any small parts so she doesn't choke on them. But they're kind of her favorites to take apart.

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