[ Jason frowns, realizing what the other male is on to. If he'd actually exist in here -- which he doesn't know, because he hasn't seen himself patrolling -- it could make things a lot more complicated. Or fun, depending on the point of view.
He inhales a deep, exasperated breath and takes his time to let it out again. ]
Fine.
[ He gets up and unties the other man by cutting his restrains with the help of his knife, his other fingers still tightly wrapped around his gun. The nervousness increases. He felt trapped in this rollercoaster of emotions. ]
[ Dick takes up his mask and activates the headset inside with his voice, holding it more like a phone for Jason's benefit so he can hear the conversation. Once the code is reeled off with Jason's current number, Dick visibly relaxes once a grumpy voice picks up with, ]
What do you want, Dickard?
Jay. Thank God, uh. Hi? Are you ... okay?
Is this a social call, Dick, or do you actually want something? Because I'm busy right now -
Social call! Sorry. We'll catch up tomorrow, yeah? My bad!
You're the worst.
[ The call clicks off. Blue eyes swerve to the other Todd, relief mixed with confusion over what exactly to do. ]
So ... You'll be needing a place to stay while we figure this out, I guess.
[ As if Jason hasn't been threatening to shoot him point-blank all night. ]
{ His eyes widen hearing his own fucking voice on the other end of the line. He furrows his brow at the new discovery.
This was definitely gonna be complicated.
He breaks the eye-contact, suddenly unsure. As much as he hates the thought, Dick might be his best bet here. He'd need someone to help him out with some things he wouldn't be able to access without causing a mess. The thought of fighting or even killing himself is scary on a whole other level.
He finally holsters his gun, feeling like an idiot. He remembers that he doesn't have a reason to hate Dick so much he wants to kill him.
Then he sees the amount of relief in the other man's annoyingly expressive eyes when realizing his other self is safe, and a spark of something shoots through Jason.
There are spare wooden boards in the corner along with a toolbox. Patch up the window while I fix us something to eat, otherwise we'll both be freezing as well as weirded out tonight.
I think we could both do with a hot meal.
[ He tosses his mask onto a table, purposefully making a show of how unthreatened he is by peeling off the upper half of his suit and heading to the kitchenette. The loft doesn't have many walls, all the better for Jason to watch Dick. ]
[ He decides to do what he's told, begrudgingly. He could use something to eat after this disaster of a week, other than instant noodles or cold pizza.
Jason doesn't move until the other man turns to leave the room though, preferring to watch him leave in order to feel somewhat safe to turn his back on him. Just because Dick was dumb enough to trust him, doesn't mean he would do the same so quickly.
Dick stripping off his upper suit half doesn't go unnoticed though. The amount of trust would be cute, if not fucking naive.
Jason turns to fix up the window, constantly shooting Dick a curious look. He was glad for the apartment that barely allowed privacy except for being at the very top of the whole complex. He'd make sure his would-be brother wouldn't try and drug him.
When he finishes, Jason stalks towards the kitchen, sitting as far away from the man as he possibly could, not even thinking of removing his gloves, boots, armor or anything really. ]
[ The sound of Jason hammering the window shut is somehow soothing, letting Dick keep an ear on where he is as he goes through the motions of heating up some pasta, reheating some mince, and tossing a jar of soft tomatoes into a pan. That's how he rolls. Basic and hearty.
Also simple so he can't burn anything.
He keeps seeing Jason's unnervingly green eyes (Lazarus) and the scar in his cheek even when he closes his eyes, guilt gnawing at his insides. Dick and Bruce would never abandon him, he can only assume people thought Jason was dead and gave up looking. Joker's greatest joke.
He pours out two tall glasses of milk, putting one in front of Jason along with his dinner once it's done. ]
[ 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?
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He inhales a deep, exasperated breath and takes his time to let it out again. ]
Fine.
[ He gets up and unties the other man by cutting his restrains with the help of his knife, his other fingers still tightly wrapped around his gun. The nervousness increases. He felt trapped in this rollercoaster of emotions. ]
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What do you want, Dickard?
Jay. Thank God, uh. Hi? Are you ... okay?
Is this a social call, Dick, or do you actually want something? Because I'm busy right now -
Social call! Sorry. We'll catch up tomorrow, yeah? My bad!
You're the worst.
[ The call clicks off. Blue eyes swerve to the other Todd, relief mixed with confusion over what exactly to do. ]
So ... You'll be needing a place to stay while we figure this out, I guess.
[ As if Jason hasn't been threatening to shoot him point-blank all night. ]
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This was definitely gonna be complicated.
He breaks the eye-contact, suddenly unsure. As much as he hates the thought, Dick might be his best bet here. He'd need someone to help him out with some things he wouldn't be able to access without causing a mess. The thought of fighting or even killing himself is scary on a whole other level.
He finally holsters his gun, feeling like an idiot. He remembers that he doesn't have a reason to hate Dick so much he wants to kill him.
Then he sees the amount of relief in the other man's annoyingly expressive eyes when realizing his other self is safe, and a spark of something shoots through Jason.
Definitely not jealousy or anything. ]
... Not sorry about the window, though.
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There are spare wooden boards in the corner along with a toolbox. Patch up the window while I fix us something to eat, otherwise we'll both be freezing as well as weirded out tonight.
I think we could both do with a hot meal.
[ He tosses his mask onto a table, purposefully making a show of how unthreatened he is by peeling off the upper half of his suit and heading to the kitchenette. The loft doesn't have many walls, all the better for Jason to watch Dick. ]
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Jason doesn't move until the other man turns to leave the room though, preferring to watch him leave in order to feel somewhat safe to turn his back on him. Just because Dick was dumb enough to trust him, doesn't mean he would do the same so quickly.
Dick stripping off his upper suit half doesn't go unnoticed though. The amount of trust would be cute, if not fucking naive.
Jason turns to fix up the window, constantly shooting Dick a curious look. He was glad for the apartment that barely allowed privacy except for being at the very top of the whole complex. He'd make sure his would-be brother wouldn't try and drug him.
When he finishes, Jason stalks towards the kitchen, sitting as far away from the man as he possibly could, not even thinking of removing his gloves, boots, armor or anything really. ]
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and tossing a jar of soft tomatoes into a pan. That's how he rolls. Basic and hearty.
Also simple so he can't burn anything.
He keeps seeing Jason's unnervingly green eyes (Lazarus) and the scar in his cheek even when he closes his eyes, guilt gnawing at his insides. Dick and Bruce would never abandon him, he can only assume people thought Jason was dead and gave up looking. Joker's greatest joke.
He pours out two tall glasses of milk, putting one in front of Jason along with his dinner once it's done. ]
Sorry, I don't have anything else.
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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?
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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.
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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...?
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[ 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.
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[ 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.
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[ 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.
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[ 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. ]
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[ 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. ]
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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?
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[ 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.
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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.]
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[ 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. ]
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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.
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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.
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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.
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[ 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. ]
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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.
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Babs and Tim? That's hilarious, get out of here. That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!
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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?
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sorry i'm late, i got swamped irl!
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