[ Jason eyes the food, not understanding what Dick was on to. He hadn't complained about food quality ever since he got out that hellhole. All he says before stuffing the food into his mouth is; ]
Better than rotten fruit or decaying mice.
[ And he eats like he was some starved homeless, watching Dick who doesn't seem half as rushed as himself. What was gonna happen now anyway? Jason was at a loss really. ]
So what now? You gonna tell me on the Bat? Hand me in like one of your thugs?
[ Rotten fruit or decaying mice. Jesus. Dick picks at his food, mildly put off but taking a bite now and then so Jason doesn't think he's drugged any of it. He steals glances across the table. ]
That dimension you come from, that world ... maybe it's for the best if you stay here a while. Away from it.
[ Biting his lip in deep thought, he more directly answers, ]
[ Jason stops eating for a moment, looking at his opponent from underneath his lashes. Maybe that was a little harsh.
Noticing the following silence, he concentrated on not making this any more awkward; finding it quite difficult, because he was really just being honest. An asshole too, but still an honest one.
Dick's last words do surprise him though. Gently shoving the empty plate aside, he drinks the milk in one go and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand when he says;]
You won't? What about the other me? Is the guy likely to pay you a visit, or...?
He might. He goes wherever he wants, when he wants ...
[ The last thing Dick needs right now is two trigger-happy brothers. Maybe he could borrow some of Tim's mace just to keep the idiots away from each other if their Jason turns up.
It'd be a traumatic time for everyone. ]
I'm not an expert on all this inter-dimensional stuff, Jay. [ Frustrated, he stabs his food. ] Wally came through from another world where things were different too, Clark did the same, except I can't tell either of them that you're here without letting Bruce know first because he'd be so worried and hurt if I didn't.
[ he says, a smirk growing on his face. Sure it was weird to know there was another you somewhere, but it was still him. Jason can't dislike himself for existing in another dimension. He could only dislike the way he is. He faintly wonders if they'd ever meet. ]
I'm gonna figure this out without anyone knowing. Who knows if the universe explodes if I meet my other self or something.
[ He crosses his arms, thinking. It is getting pretty hot in that armor of his. ]
So I guess I'll just help myself to something more comfortable then.
The only thing that will explode will be my apartment if you both use C4 on each other, which I'm betting you would.
[ Which brings him to some important points, folding his arms on the table. ]
If you're staying here then you get the same house rules he does. Your guns stay in the kitchen drawer, I don't care what you have to say about that. It's non-negotiable. I get up early to run my classes downstairs, as in five o'clock AM, so once I get back from patrol I don't want to hear a peep out of you once I've crashed. I will literally throw you in the docks with the man-eating octopus if I miss any sleep because of you.
[ And lastly, ]
You can borrow some of his clothes that he left here. Tell me what you want to eat and I'll put it on the grocery list.
You wouldn't believe how many problems can be solved with C4. Keep it simple, is my motto.
[ He watches the other man with a neutral expression; though he can't help himself when his hand twitches under the table. He isn't fond of orders - never has been. Yet, for some reason, it doesn't make him as angry as he'd thought it would. He hasn't been treated with much care in an eternity, and having Dickface sway his house-owner-dick around like Jason didn't try to kill him show him that he was trusted at the very least.
Besides, Dick didn't have to know he hid a few weapons in his bedroom already when fixing the window.
He reluctantly takes his gun and puts it on the table in front of him with just a little force, clearly unhappy, not looking away from the other man.]
Fine. Can't promise to let you have your beauty-sleep though. If I have shit to do, I have shit to do, period.
[ It's no secret he is more focused at night. Although he mainly tried to protect himself from inevitable nightmares for as long as possible - not that he'd tell Grayson. ]
Bring me beer and cigs and I'm good. Where are my clothes?
[ This whole having-a-second-him was clearly starting to be fun. ]
[ That's for throwing his big red hooded dick around. Rising, he nods for Jason to follow and heads over to a desk of drawers in the bedroom, little more than a section of the loft separated by a thin wall with no door. ]
Your armour's beefier than his, I don't know how well this'll fit ...
[ It's like comparing an alsation with a bulldog, both are large dogs but the proportions are off. He pulls out a red hoodie, a plain grey tshirt and some black pants. Yes, there is an entire drawer dedicated to Jason's shit that has collected over time in Dick's loft. No, he isn't going to talk about it. ]
[ He snorts a small laugh and follows. What a dick. But a dick with a nice apartment he has to admit.
The clothes Dick get him look like something Jason would've chosen to buy as well. The fact that the entire drawer seems to belong to him does make him wonder, though. Grabbing the clothes to go try them on after a shower, he eyes Dick with a raised eyebrow; ]
[ God. Ears turning pink as his eyes try their best to become round dinnerplates, Dick takes his own civvies out and half-turns away, waiting for Jason to leave. ]
I'll show you around the neighbourhood, just hurry up.
[ Okay? Not that it was any of his business, but that was definitely a blush, and a reaction worth fucking gold.
He just isn't sure if it's about the guy being a dude or just him, Jason.
Beginning to strip off the heavy gear like his shoes, jacket, gloves and chest armor, he remains in his pants and muscle shirt when he turns for the bathroom, not stopping himself from exploring the topic even further.
With a small smirk; ]
It's not a bad thing, y'know. You ain't real brothers.
[ He disappears into the bathroom, which is big and bright and warm, and strips before getting into the shower.]
[ Fuck off, Jason!! Bristling, Dick stubbornly waits until he hears the shower running before hastily yanking off the Nightwing gear and pulling on normal clothes. Blue hoodie included because Robins are ironic and unoriginal in this universe. He sits on the edge of his bed with ankles crossed and lifts a section of Jason's armour onto his lap, turning it over curiously in his hands, fingertips brushing cracks and marks.
As damaged as the man in his bathroom is, the sight of the red bat is somewhat reassuring.
Then he glances around self-consciously and takes the helmet up to squint into the smooth exterior, devoid of any features. From experience he doesn't attempt to put it on, knowing they have a self-destruct sequence and not wanting to tempt fate. Instead he mists it with his breath and draws a smiley face on the front. ]
[ He can't help but crack another grin. This shit was funnier than he expected. In fact, he expected no fun at all and angry fights, so this was even better.
Jason takes his time in the shower, because damn, how long has it been that he was able to have a hot shower? The water is probably way hotter than would be comfortable, but it's a nice change, and Jason welcomes it on his scarred skin.
He's very self-conscious when it comes to his body, he knows every scar, and he knows how it got there. The time in the Asylum left almost no part of his body whole; a sight he is too disgusted by to look at. So he tries not to glance at his reflection in the clear shower walls, and finishes off.
The clothes fit okay, only are they a little tight, hugging his body like a second skin -- the other him doesn't seem to work out as heavily as he does. Which feels oddly satisfying, considering that he's still talking about himself.
He only dries his hair with one of the smaller towels, leaving them a mess after that, a white streak of hair falling into his face.
When Jason walks back into the bathroom and sees Dick with his helmet, he crosses his arms. ]
[ Freezing up like a kid caught with his hand in Alfred's cookie jar, he tosses the helmet onto the bed and springs up. Big bird. Wow, okay, Jason really is the same in more ways than not. Wallet, keys, phone ... ]
Alright! Er, have you ever been to the 'haven before? [ Leading the way out, he glances over a shoulder with a raised brow. ] Not that it matters, we're a half-hour from Waterloo Docks here.
[ Jason follows, pulling the red hood of the pullover over his head. Hands in his trouser pockets, he analyzes all of their surroundings, subconsciously checking the streets for escape plans, hideouts and tactical attacking spots. Being out there with only a knife he hasn't told Dick about? Made him feel naked. ]
I have. Been stalking your ass for quite a while there. Playing tricks on you, sabotaging your vehicles. I've been a busy man, believe it or not.
[ Lightly commenting on Jason's clear harassment of another Nightwing, as if it doesn't bother him. It does. Chastising never helps when Jason is in a mood like this though, so he neglects to emulate Bruce as much as possible.
The streets are alight with a hub of activity that never dies, sister-city of Gotham in that regard. Bludhaven is a lot more neon right down to the blue sign on Dick's own roof, a garish mess of clubs and restaurants and casinos all geared toward pleasure. Indulgence.
Dick leads them toward Meadowdale and the mall, where the scenery is less run-down. He isn't sure why; Jason deserves to look at something nicer than what he has in a long time, Dick supposes. ]
You're basically my stalker, then.
[ He just can't help being a needling little shit right back, good intentions or not. ]
[ Walking past quite crowded restaurants and shops, Jason feels himself hide even further underneath his hood, shoulders up and head down in trying not to attract any attention. He isn't comfortable with crowds if it's not about fighting them. This wave of normality, the occasional laughter -- it puts him at unease, makes him think he's the one being laughed at.
Jason tries to remember why on earth he is doing this, but can't really tell why he trusts this man this much already. Maybe it was the way he was able to tease him like back in his Robin days. ]
I basically know your daily routine, including what cologne you use and what people you text. Not that you're that interesting where I come from. It's merely part of my work ethics to work thoroughly.
Although your life is way more entertaining to follow than Drake's and Barbara's. I can't stand couples like those.
[ See, this was a relatively normal (as much as it could be) stroll before his eyes bug out and he snorts so loudly he could be a choking coke addict. ]
Babs and Tim? That's hilarious, get out of here. That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!
[ He eyes the other male, surprised by his quite extreme reaction. So the replacement and Babs weren't a thing here, alright.
He shrugs, only adding to the gossip; ]
They've recently been celebrating on their honeymoon. He calls her Hunny. Hunny. I can't with how lovey-dovey they behave even on patrol, it's hella awkward.
[ A small sigh; ]
So apparently Babs and Drake aren't even close to a thing here, you're gay, what else is there to know? Did the old man finally get it going with Supes or what?
[ Pinching his brow to try and stem a very Hood-shaped headache. ]
Tim is dating Steph, Babs ... last I knew she was with some other guy, I just got out of a relationship so incredibly straight I almost got her accidentally pregnant and I am not gay.
[ Breathe, he tells himself. ]
Clark is with the Lois from his world, I think. They have a son called Jon who is Damian's age and the two are adorable brats together.
[ Jason scoffs at what Dick says, dismissing it like he knew the other man was bullshitting him. ]
Right. Repressed bisexual then, sorry.
[ Last time he checked, straight people didn't blush about such an assumption when it isn't true. Not that it was his business. He just liked messing with the man too much.
It doesn't matter that he used to crush on him so hard that he had to find excuses for the excessive amount of cold showers he'd been taking in the batcave.
They pass a small corner shop in which Jason buys a package of cigarettes and a lighter, putting a lighted one into his mouth as he takes a drag, squinting his eyes at the other male from time to time. ]
[ He doesn't ask him not to smoke but the disapproving look Dick bends on the cigarette says he thinks it should pay for that repressed bisexual comment. Blue eyes flicker up in surprise, widening. ]
Damian. Bruce's actual son, the new Robin after Tim.
[ Does Damian not exist in Jason's universe? Or maybe he hasn't been born yet, who knows. ]
His mother is Talia al Ghul, she and Ra's raised him to be a psycho but we ... calmed him down a lot once Bruce took custody. He's twelve now.
[ Jason raises an eyebrow, lifting his chin to take a look at Dick. Exhaling a cloud of smoke as he turns to watch streets again, it doesn't take him long to say; ]
So another kid he drags into his crusade? And talk about not siding with the enemy -- sounds like he bonded real good with this one.
[ Jason is sceptical about this whole 'new Robin' deal, and he shows it by pushing all the smoke out of his lungs followed by a snort. ]
Right. Let's hope the brat doesn't cause any trouble while I'm here. I ain't plannin' on sparing anyone.
[ They continue their walk, Jason falling into silence as he tries to make sense of all this. Another hooded guy, looking like your typical drug addict, bumps Jason's shoulder hard as he rushes past him. The man turns to yell Watch your fucking step, dumbass!, which has the scarred ex-Robin clench his hand around the knife in his pocket. It didn't take much to drive Jason mad; his fingers tickled out of need to use it and he turns, starting to storm towards the man. He grabs him by the collar and spins him around, ready to punch, until he feels a strong hand hold him back.
Jason glances into Dick's face, his own eyes glowing a venomous green, and he remembers not to lose it. Not here, not that easily. He remembers his training, his breathing technique. He looks back at the man who had gone quiet, eyes widened, and quietly speaks to him with a voice that made it clear he'd consider changing his mind; ]
Move. Along.
[ He releases the guy with a hard push and turns back to face Dick who seemed more than not okay with this. ]
We better leave before I start losing my shit here.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Better than rotten fruit or decaying mice.
[ And he eats like he was some starved homeless, watching Dick who doesn't seem half as rushed as himself. What was gonna happen now anyway? Jason was at a loss really. ]
So what now? You gonna tell me on the Bat? Hand me in like one of your thugs?
no subject
That dimension you come from, that world ... maybe it's for the best if you stay here a while. Away from it.
[ Biting his lip in deep thought, he more directly answers, ]
I won't tell Bruce.
no subject
Noticing the following silence, he concentrated on not making this any more awkward; finding it quite difficult, because he was really just being honest. An asshole too, but still an honest one.
Dick's last words do surprise him though. Gently shoving the empty plate aside, he drinks the milk in one go and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand when he says;]
You won't? What about the other me? Is the guy likely to pay you a visit, or...?
no subject
[ The last thing Dick needs right now is two trigger-happy brothers. Maybe he could borrow some of Tim's mace just to keep the idiots away from each other if their Jason turns up.
It'd be a traumatic time for everyone. ]
I'm not an expert on all this inter-dimensional stuff, Jay. [ Frustrated, he stabs his food. ] Wally came through from another world where things were different too, Clark did the same, except I can't tell either of them that you're here without letting Bruce know first because he'd be so worried and hurt if I didn't.
no subject
[ he says, a smirk growing on his face. Sure it was weird to know there was another you somewhere, but it was still him. Jason can't dislike himself for existing in another dimension. He could only dislike the way he is. He faintly wonders if they'd ever meet. ]
I'm gonna figure this out without anyone knowing. Who knows if the universe explodes if I meet my other self or something.
[ He crosses his arms, thinking. It is getting pretty hot in that armor of his. ]
So I guess I'll just help myself to something more comfortable then.
no subject
[ Which brings him to some important points, folding his arms on the table. ]
If you're staying here then you get the same house rules he does. Your guns stay in the kitchen drawer, I don't care what you have to say about that. It's non-negotiable. I get up early to run my classes downstairs, as in five o'clock AM, so once I get back from patrol I don't want to hear a peep out of you once I've crashed. I will literally throw you in the docks with the man-eating octopus if I miss any sleep because of you.
[ And lastly, ]
You can borrow some of his clothes that he left here. Tell me what you want to eat and I'll put it on the grocery list.
no subject
[ He watches the other man with a neutral expression; though he can't help himself when his hand twitches under the table. He isn't fond of orders - never has been.
Yet, for some reason, it doesn't make him as angry as he'd thought it would. He hasn't been treated with much care in an eternity, and having Dickface sway his house-owner-dick around like Jason didn't try to kill him show him that he was trusted at the very least.
Besides, Dick didn't have to know he hid a few weapons in his bedroom already when fixing the window.
He reluctantly takes his gun and puts it on the table in front of him with just a little force, clearly unhappy, not looking away from the other man.]
Fine. Can't promise to let you have your beauty-sleep though. If I have shit to do, I have shit to do, period.
[ It's no secret he is more focused at night. Although he mainly tried to protect himself from inevitable nightmares for as long as possible - not that he'd tell Grayson. ]
Bring me beer and cigs and I'm good. Where are my clothes?
[ This whole having-a-second-him was clearly starting to be fun. ]
no subject
[ That's for throwing his big red hooded dick around. Rising, he nods for Jason to follow and heads over to a desk of drawers in the bedroom, little more than a section of the loft separated by a thin wall with no door. ]
Your armour's beefier than his, I don't know how well this'll fit ...
[ It's like comparing an alsation with a bulldog, both are large dogs but the proportions are off. He pulls out a red hoodie, a plain grey tshirt and some black pants. Yes, there is an entire drawer dedicated to Jason's shit that has collected over time in Dick's loft. No, he isn't going to talk about it. ]
no subject
The clothes Dick get him look like something Jason would've chosen to buy as well. The fact that the entire drawer seems to belong to him does make him wonder, though. Grabbing the clothes to go try them on after a shower, he eyes Dick with a raised eyebrow; ]
He your boyfriend or something?
no subject
[ God. Ears turning pink as his eyes try their best to become round dinnerplates, Dick takes his own civvies out and half-turns away, waiting for Jason to leave. ]
I'll show you around the neighbourhood, just hurry up.
no subject
He just isn't sure if it's about the guy being a dude or just him, Jason.
Beginning to strip off the heavy gear like his shoes, jacket, gloves and chest armor, he remains in his pants and muscle shirt when he turns for the bathroom, not stopping himself from exploring the topic even further.
With a small smirk; ]
It's not a bad thing, y'know. You ain't real brothers.
[ He disappears into the bathroom, which is big and bright and warm, and strips before getting into the shower.]
no subject
[ Fuck off, Jason!! Bristling, Dick stubbornly waits until he hears the shower running before hastily yanking off the Nightwing gear and pulling on normal clothes. Blue hoodie included because Robins are ironic and unoriginal in this universe. He sits on the edge of his bed with ankles crossed and lifts a section of Jason's armour onto his lap, turning it over curiously in his hands, fingertips brushing cracks and marks.
As damaged as the man in his bathroom is, the sight of the red bat is somewhat reassuring.
Then he glances around self-consciously and takes the helmet up to squint into the smooth exterior, devoid of any features. From experience he doesn't attempt to put it on, knowing they have a self-destruct sequence and not wanting to tempt fate. Instead he mists it with his breath and draws a smiley face on the front. ]
no subject
Jason takes his time in the shower, because damn, how long has it been that he was able to have a hot shower? The water is probably way hotter than would be comfortable, but it's a nice change, and Jason welcomes it on his scarred skin.
He's very self-conscious when it comes to his body, he knows every scar, and he knows how it got there. The time in the Asylum left almost no part of his body whole; a sight he is too disgusted by to look at. So he tries not to glance at his reflection in the clear shower walls, and finishes off.
The clothes fit okay, only are they a little tight, hugging his body like a second skin -- the other him doesn't seem to work out as heavily as he does. Which feels oddly satisfying, considering that he's still talking about himself.
He only dries his hair with one of the smaller towels, leaving them a mess after that, a white streak of hair falling into his face.
When Jason walks back into the bathroom and sees Dick with his helmet, he crosses his arms. ]
Don't touch that! Let's go, big bird.
no subject
Alright! Er, have you ever been to the 'haven before? [ Leading the way out, he glances over a shoulder with a raised brow. ] Not that it matters, we're a half-hour from Waterloo Docks here.
no subject
I have. Been stalking your ass for quite a while there. Playing tricks on you, sabotaging your vehicles. I've been a busy man, believe it or not.
no subject
[ Lightly commenting on Jason's clear harassment of another Nightwing, as if it doesn't bother him. It does. Chastising never helps when Jason is in a mood like this though, so he neglects to emulate Bruce as much as possible.
The streets are alight with a hub of activity that never dies, sister-city of Gotham in that regard. Bludhaven is a lot more neon right down to the blue sign on Dick's own roof, a garish mess of clubs and restaurants and casinos all geared toward pleasure. Indulgence.
Dick leads them toward Meadowdale and the mall, where the scenery is less run-down. He isn't sure why; Jason deserves to look at something nicer than what he has in a long time, Dick supposes. ]
You're basically my stalker, then.
[ He just can't help being a needling little shit right back, good intentions or not. ]
no subject
Jason tries to remember why on earth he is doing this, but can't really tell why he trusts this man this much already.
Maybe it was the way he was able to tease him like back in his Robin days. ]
I basically know your daily routine, including what cologne you use and what people you text. Not that you're that interesting where I come from. It's merely part of my work ethics to work thoroughly.
Although your life is way more entertaining to follow than Drake's and Barbara's. I can't stand couples like those.
no subject
Babs and Tim? That's hilarious, get out of here. That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!
no subject
He shrugs, only adding to the gossip; ]
They've recently been celebrating on their honeymoon. He calls her Hunny. Hunny. I can't with how lovey-dovey they behave even on patrol, it's hella awkward.
[ A small sigh; ]
So apparently Babs and Drake aren't even close to a thing here, you're gay, what else is there to know? Did the old man finally get it going with Supes or what?
no subject
Tim is dating Steph, Babs ... last I knew she was with some other guy, I just got out of a relationship so incredibly straight I almost got her accidentally pregnant and I am not gay.
[ Breathe, he tells himself. ]
Clark is with the Lois from his world, I think. They have a son called Jon who is Damian's age and the two are adorable brats together.
no subject
Right. Repressed bisexual then, sorry.
[ Last time he checked, straight people didn't blush about such an assumption when it isn't true.
Not that it was his business. He just liked messing with the man too much.
It doesn't matter that he used to crush on him so hard that he had to find excuses for the excessive amount of cold showers he'd been taking in the batcave.
They pass a small corner shop in which Jason buys a package of cigarettes and a lighter, putting a lighted one into his mouth as he takes a drag, squinting his eyes at the other male from time to time. ]
And who the hell is Damian?
no subject
Damian. Bruce's actual son, the new Robin after Tim.
[ Does Damian not exist in Jason's universe? Or maybe he hasn't been born yet, who knows. ]
His mother is Talia al Ghul, she and Ra's raised him to be a psycho but we ... calmed him down a lot once Bruce took custody. He's twelve now.
no subject
So another kid he drags into his crusade? And talk about not siding with the enemy -- sounds like he bonded real good with this one.
sorry i'm late, i got swamped irl!
[ Begrudgingly while peering into shop windows they pass on the street, he adds, ]
Better than Bruce.
no subject
Right. Let's hope the brat doesn't cause any trouble while I'm here. I ain't plannin' on sparing anyone.
[ They continue their walk, Jason falling into silence as he tries to make sense of all this. Another hooded guy, looking like your typical drug addict, bumps Jason's shoulder hard as he rushes past him. The man turns to yell Watch your fucking step, dumbass!, which has the scarred ex-Robin clench his hand around the knife in his pocket. It didn't take much to drive Jason mad; his fingers tickled out of need to use it and he turns, starting to storm towards the man.
He grabs him by the collar and spins him around, ready to punch, until he feels a strong hand hold him back.
Jason glances into Dick's face, his own eyes glowing a venomous green, and he remembers not to lose it. Not here, not that easily. He remembers his training, his breathing technique. He looks back at the man who had gone quiet, eyes widened, and quietly speaks to him with a voice that made it clear he'd consider changing his mind; ]
Move. Along.
[ He releases the guy with a hard push and turns back to face Dick who seemed more than not okay with this. ]
We better leave before I start losing my shit here.