Oliver & Company

Bruce is shocked and horrified. This kid so terrified of his reaction to such a small mistake that he's literally begging to not be abandoned, hoping for punishment even. It makes him sick. Bruce sits on the floor and reaches out. Jason flinches.

Bruce would never take a life. Never. But if he ever found the people who hurt this child, death would be the least of their concerns.

"Hey... Hey, Jay, it's okay." Bruce spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're not in trouble, bubba."

Jason continued to sob, the poor baby fully having a panic attack at this point. All Bruce could do was hold his hands, hoping to ground him even a little. And when Jason finally calmed down- with a great deal of help from Alfred who had experienced his fair share of breakdowns with Bruce- The boy proceeded to apologize for being so "difficult."

"I'm sorry, I know you have things to do. Please don't worry about me." Jason mumbled, clearly exhausted, and just so sad. He clutched the stuffed lion Alfred had handed to him at some point in the middle of his episode. It was heavier than he thought it'd be, but that relaxed him. "I'm sorry, I'll be better."

"Jason, no." Bruce spoke quietly, but firm. "You're having a difficult time, and that's okay. I'm here for you. I'm here to help. You're my number one priority, understand?"

"But I messed up." Jason could already feel the tears burning his eyes once again. "That's not acceptable."

"You made a mistake, Jason. And the thing about mistakes, is that you learn from them." Bruce opened his arms, silently inviting Jason to come to him. "And this was such a little mistake, I'd be crazy to be upset about this. And even if it were a big mistake, we're family, Jason. Family always forgives each other. I'd never leave you."

Jason looked at Bruce, eyes darting between his face, and his open arms. He was hesitant, but ultimately decided to move closer to Bruce, allowing him to wrap an arm around him. "I don't deserve that."

"Everyone deserves that, Jay. It's basic human decency. I've made so many mistakes... I could never be Batman if I followed that logic." Bruce's face was still like cement, but his eyes shone with so much care.

Jason didn't believe it, not even a little. But the thought was nice. "Okay..."

Jason learned that he could not break down like that anymore, Bruce wouldn't have it. He'd coddle him for whatever reason. It felt like some kind of test. So he couldn't say he was going to be better, he just had to be. This leads to him trying to take things into his own hands, and ultimately getting hurt while on patrol.

"What were you thinking running off like that?" Bruce scolded as he wrapped the boys freshly stitched up arm. "You're lucky you only needed a few stitches this time. What if something terrible happened? You have to listen to me, okay?"

Jason takes Bruce's lecture really hard and goes completely silent. Why couldn't he do anything right? Of course the street kid made for a shit hero. He was a burden everywhere he went.

"Jay... Jason do you hear me?" Bruce waved a hand in front of his face, far away eyes refocusing. "Are you okay? You don't have a concussion do you?" Bruce had already checked his head several times, but once more couldn't hurt. "How many fingers am I holding up?"

"No, B... I'm fine." Jason pushed his hand away. "I'm sorry."

Bruce knew that look. "Well you scared me half to death." He sighed. "But as long as you're okay, that's all that matters."

"Okay..." Jason fiddled with his fingers. "Sorry." He really wanted to cry. To scream. But not now.

"Well it was a mistake. It's okay." Bruce did not know how to comfort this child. He never learned how to not be too hard on himself either, so this was all new territory to him. Jason nodded. "What's wrong, bub? Tell me what's on your mind? It helps to talk about it."

Jason sighed. Sure... Talk about it. "I... I just wanna do better."

"You're doing great, Jay."

"Am I though? I'm more of a blunder than a wonder." Jason tried to offset his insecurities with a joke.

Bruce's eyes narrowed. "You know... Dick made plenty of mistakes during his time as Robin. But he argued. A lot. He'd know he did something wrong, and he'd fix it, but he'd give me hell insisting that he was incapable of mistakes."

"So the same as now?" Jason let out a small, but genuine laugh.

"Well he's rebelling right now so it's all very intentional." Bruce sighed. Why'd he think he could handle having a kid? "You can do whatever you want as long as you promise not to show out like him when you get older, okay? We'll talk things out."

"Well I don't plan on running around in that silly disco suit, so you don't have to worry about me doin' allat." Jason scoffed.

"Good." Bruce chuckled. "But seriously. It's okay. No one's perfect, and you're still learning the ropes. Don't beat yourself up."

"Okay.' Jason was surprised that he did feel a little comforted. Would it be crazy to believe that was actually okay?

"Okay!" Bruce stood, opening arms. "Hug before bed?"

Jason narrowed his eyes at the gesture. "Ew."

"What?" Bruce gasped, scandalized. "Kid's love hugs."

"I'm twelve."

"Just a baby." Bruce put a hand over his heart.

"No!?" Jason screeched, affronted. "I'm practically a teenager!"

"A slightly bigger, angrier baby." Bruce nodded.

"Oh my god... You can have a hug if you promise to never call me a baby again." Jason negotiated.

"Deal." Bruce opened his arms once again, a small smile on his lips.

Jason hopped off the table and wrapped his arms around Bruce. It was a bit awkward for him, but he felt safe when Bruce held him. Strong, but gentle. Then he was suddenly in the air. "Bruce!?"

"You didn't say I couldn't carry you to bed." Bruce stated, smugly.

"It's inferred!" Jason strangled Bruce's shirt, afraid to be dropped.

"That's a big word, Jay." Bruce laughed.

"No it's not!" Jason huffed and complained the entire way up the elevator, but it was surprisingly comfortable. The real fear kicked in when they reached the manor stairs. "Oh no, put me down."

"We're almost there, bub."

"Dad, please! I don't wanna fall!" Jason cried.

Bruce stopped in his tracks. "Dad." He muttered to himself.

Jason paused his freak out at the word, a whole new anxiety filling his mind. "I didn't mean to- I'm sorry!"

Bruce blinked, extremely confused. "Sorry? Why would you be sorry?"

"Well I know you're not my... Wait, you're not mad?" Jason's brows furrowed.

"Of course not, Jay. It's the opposite." Bruce sat down on the last few steps, still holding Jason. "I was just a little surprised, but you can call me whatever you want to. Dick calls me dad whenever he decides he likes me again, I'm very happy you see me that way too."

Jason couldn't stop the tears this time. He didn't understand Bruce at all. How could he be so nice? Why did he care so much? What did he do to deserve this? "I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm crying." He rubbed at his face.

"It's okay to cry. Never apologize for letting your feelings out." Bruce held him closer, letting him bury his face in his shoulder.

Jason damn near cried himself to sleep, unable to calm down once the dam broke. He was so tired he let Bruce carry him up the stairs with zero complaints. He genuinely had never felt this safe in his entire life. He didn't know such warmth was achievable. Yet here he was, being tucked into bed, and whispered reassurances, then kissed goodnight with a soft "Love you, Bubba."

For the first time ever, Jason felt okay.

(⁠*⁠＾⁠3⁠＾⁠)⁠/⁠～⁠♡

An: these things can't be solved overnight, but they're working it out.