Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

After a strenuous year of training with Batman, Jason was finally allowed to join him on his overnight patrols. He was ecstatic until, another couple months later, Nightwing suggested he join the Teen Titans. He had convinced Batman as well. For Jason to get more experience, work alongside superheroes his age, and also become his successor—since Nightwing had moved on to become the leader of the Young Justice League.

Jason was a little hesitant. The sixteen-year-old wanted to fight crime, get stronger, instill fear, clean up the streets, and blow off some steam while he was at it. He wasn’t really there to make friends, and neither did he need them, but as a direct order from Batman, he obliged.

So, there he was, standing with Nightwing in his Robin gear in the center of the Mount Justice cave, being introduced to Superboy and the others.

“You’re Dick’s successor? Welcome to the team.” Super boy smiled.

Jason nodded curtly. Around the same time, a young twelve-year-old Beast Boy, fourteen-year-olds Blue Beetle, and Wonder Girl walked in. They all greeted their new member.

They scattered shortly after. “Hey, so you’re going to be the new Robin? What are you into? You want to come check out my room?” All except Beast Boy. “I can show you my animal figurines.”

Jason didn’t know how to politely refuse that, feeling the direct energy a little too much for his first time. Socializing had never been his strong suit. As if he had time to make friends when he was struggling to simply survive on the streets of Gotham. Jason opened his mouth to say something at the least, but before he could, the zetatube chimed.

“Enter, Red Arrow, B06.” It announced.

They all turned to see Roy enter the premises in his Red Arrow uniform with his bows and arrows strapped to his back. Jason stared at the older teen, serious expression, built, tall, muscular—accentuated by his sleeveless red top—and the arrows sticking out from his back added to the whole ‘cool’ look. The guy walked with an aura of his own. Jason knew who Red Arrow was, but not at the same time. He had only studied his profile once in the hero catalogue in the Batcomputer. However, in person it was a different story, but Jason wasn’t about to be intimidated.

“Red Arrow! Good timing, come here and meet the new Robin.” Nightwing flagged.

Jason stood his ground, like he meant business, watching silently as the redhead raised a brow and stepped over to them. Roy came to a stop in front of them, towering over Jason slightly, who initially looked up at him. He was about a head taller than the sixteen-year-old.

Jason waited for the other to say something first. “This is Jason; he’s the new Robin.”

“Oh? The lineage continues? Cool.” Red Arrow remarked, not entirely interested, the aloofness making Jason frown for some reason. “Welcome to the team then. I’m assuming you're going to meet the former Robin’s standards?” He smirked and crossed his arms, as if testing the teen or setting a threshold already.

“Or better.” Jason defied, evoking a scoff from the elder. He must have liked the answer.

“Anyway, I just came back for some refills on my arrows before I head out.” Roy began walking away.

“Wait, you’re going out again?”

“Of course, work isn’t going to do itself.”

“But you’ve been out for days.” Nightwing complained while following him, leaving Jason standing there.

“Yeah, and someone has to do it. And I won’t stop until I find him.”

‘Him?’ Jason wondered. However, there was no stopping the redhead, so he eventually left the cave after grabbing a drink from the kitchen.

Nightwing returned to Jason with a sigh. “Hey, sorry about that. Come with me; I’ll take you to your room.” The teen followed, and they placed his stuff on the bed. He didn’t bring too much since he would still be working part-time with Batman in the Batcave and needed to move between the two locations. “Well, I’ll see you later. If you have any questions or need anything, you can ask anyone, cool?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be fine.” Jason waved off, and Dick closed the door behind him. The teen sat on the bed with an exhale. ‘Why is he even bothering? I still can’t decide if he’s putting on a nice façade or genuinely wants me to be here.’

He couldn’t really tell how to feel about these arrangements. He preferred it being only him and Batman in the Batcave. The ravenette took the mask off when he received no alert from Batman to patrol that night, eventually changing into casual clothes as well. 

The next morning, it was quiet, empty. But Jason liked it that way. It made sneaking out of his room and into the kitchen a lot simpler. He opened the fridge door to scavenge for some breakfast, ducking his head down. While he was debating, he stood up straight again, nearly having a heart attack to find a random green woman standing right on the other side of the fridge door.

“What the heck, lady—” Jason exclaimed, startled.

“Hi! You must be the new Robin! Oh my god, that’s so nice.” She cheered, except her lips weren’t moving, and Jason was getting a sharp headache.

‘Wait, she didn’t—he could hear her—in his head?!’

“Urrghhh,” Jason groaned. The feeling was weird and stung initially.

“Oh, sorry, sorry, I was so excited and looking forward to meeting Dick’s protégé that I involuntarily created a psychic link.” She laughed sheepishly.

“Wait, wait—first of all, it’s Batman's protégé. Second, psychic link?”

“It’s just a way we can communicate telepathically with the rest of the team, especially during missions.”

“Okay…” Yeah, he wasn’t freaked out about that at all. Right. Though he’d lie if he didn’t think that was kind of badass.

“I’m Mis—”

“Miss Martian.”

“But you can call me M'gann.”

“Okay.” He said flatly.

‘Well, he was certainly more serious and reserved than Dick. But it truly felt like they were getting older—to have their own protégés or next generation taking on their mantles.’ M’gann mused.

“Anyway, I couldn’t help but notice you were looking to make some breakfast. Can I help? Maybe we can fix something for the rest of the sleepyheads?” She offered.

“Sure, whatever.” The teen shrugged. He didn’t care as long as she wasn’t too in his face or annoying. She started levitating things and put them on the counter. Jason took the eggs and beat them in a bowl.

“Can you cook?”

“Mh, the basics, enough to survive.” He told. They made some toast and omelets with sliced-up avocados. As the smell of breakfast dispersed into the halls and rooms, more of the teens slowly began emerging from their rooms, coming into the dining room. It was…certainly a different, homey vibe…one Jason wasn’t so used to.

“Okay, team Alpha assemble. You’re going to infiltrate the warehouse. Team Beta will be on standby.”

“Where’s Robin?” Blue Beetle questioned.

“He… had to go with Batman tonight, so it’s just us right now.”

Meanwhile, on the other side, Robin and Batman hopped out of the Batmobile as it came to a full stop in the Batcave. Jason took off his domino mask to reveal a nasty cut under his eye with the skin around it inflamed.

“Jason, you were being too reckless.” Batman scolded.

“Was I? I don’t think so.” Jason could be a little hardheaded and stubborn sometimes.

“You were. Don’t go charging in; you need a strategy, not just brute strength. You’re still inexperienced.”

“Okay, okay.” Jason brushed him off, waving a hand and heading towards the showers. Personally, he wasn’t in the mood for lectures. Even if Batman was talking sense, his stubbornness and pride didn’t allow it.

When the teen returned, Batman was sitting on the Batcomputer with his cowl off. “Study these criminals and their techniques along with a few villains I’ve bookmarked here.” Bruce demanded the moment he was out.

“Mh.” Jason concurred.

“But first, have Alfred take a look at that.” The elder referred to his eye.

“It’s okay; it’s not that bad.”

A few days went by before the teen was back at Mount Justice carrying a duffel bag over his shoulder and a box of his belongings. Batman informed him that he’d be helping out the Teen Titans for a while with one of their main ongoing missions. Hence, he brought some more clothes and stuff to keep him occupied, including books from Bruce’s library. He was dressed in a zipped-up hoodie and shades to cover his healing cut.

He moved across the central space in the cave, only moments away from the zetatube activating and a huge green gorilla rushing past him, knocking his shoulder ruthlessly along the way. This threw Jason off balance, knocking over some of the contents of the box along with his shades even as he tried to balance himself. ‘Man, he should’ve taped the top if he knew he was dealing with idiots.’

Jason clicked his tongue in annoyance.

“Ah, crap!” Beast Boy reverted back to his human form.

“See! I told you to watch where you were going, ese!” Blue Beetle exclaimed.

“Heyy, it’s not entirely my fault! You were chasing me!” Beast Boy whined.

“I wasn’t trying to kill you!” Jaime argued before turning to Jason. “Sorry, amigo.” But Jason just ignored the two, not wanting to start a physical fight right there. Jaime and Garfield helped him pick up the books and put them back in the box. He didn’t care until another hand extended in front of his face, holding his sunglasses.

Jason looked up, the light casting on his face, and recognized Roy in his Red Arrow outfit again. Roy just happened to be leaving and noticed the ruckus. The elder met eyes with him, staring directly into his now exposed turquoise eyes, and he was taken aback by them. Roy was momentarily mesmerized by the unique colored eyes that looked up at him—fierce, full of life and hope, yet still holding some innocence in them. They also contrasted well with his jet-black hair. That’s when he also noticed the dark red cut under the younger’s eye.

“Um, can I have those back?” Jason didn’t understand why the other just froze like that and asked for the shades back. The redhead blinked and cleared his throat, mentally cursing himself for the uncharacteristic zone-out, before handing them back.

Jason re-wore them on his face before lifting his box.

‘Who? Did we even have such a person in the team?’ Roy genuinely pondered for a second there with a hand on his chin, looking away.

“Robin! Here you go.” Beast Boy answered that question for him as he passed Jason the last of his stuff.

Roy snapped. ‘Robin? Oh, this was Robin?’ He hadn’t seen him in regular clothes, and truthfully, he wasn’t paying too much attention that day during the introductions. His mind was elsewhere with all the late-night patrolling. ‘Are all the Robins so small and cute?’

Jason glanced at Roy, who was unknowingly staring again. Upon noticing that, the redhead averted his face and walked past them. Jason also went his way to his room, ditching Garfield and Jaime.

“Someone’s cranky.” Jaime remarked, receiving an elbow from Gar.

The team found themselves in Star City for a random errand, but of course, they ran into a crime scene. Getting into covert positions, they witnessed a few men transporting some large containers. That is, until one of them threw the containers towards the hiding teens, suspecting they were being watched. The teens scatter and start fighting them off. There was a point in time where one of the men took out a rocket launcher and aimed it at them. Instead of ducking away, Jason did the unexpected and leaped forward, throwing an explosive batarang in the exact direction to intercept it. An explosion took place mid-air, invalidating the missile while Jason landed on the ground away from the explosion, dodging any falling debris. Blue Beetle and Wonder Girl simply stared at him in awe.

Before the man could launch it again, an arrow struck the guy straight in the shoulder, emitting a polyurethane foam to trap the guy in. They all turned to find Red Arrow standing at the top of a building.

“So the new kid’s got some moves.” He scoffed, hoping down. “I can’t tell if that was stupid luck or meticulously planned.”

“Regardless, it got the job done, didn’t it?” Jason said distantly.

“So, it did…” 'Interesting.' Jason’s demeanor and boldness reminded him of himself sometimes.

“Red Arrow? What are you doing here?” Blue Beetle asked.

“Hello, it’s my city. And I happened to hear some commotion in my backyard.”

“Thanks for the help then!” Wonder Girl pumped.

“It’s too early to celebrate yet—watch out!” Roy pointed out as the other two men came running towards them. However, with four against two, they were easily subdued.

“Nice work, guys! And you, Red Ar—huh? Where’d he go?” The blonde looked around, confused when she couldn’t find the eldest member. Jason also hadn’t noticed when he left, but nor did he care. When the teens went through the shipment, it seemed there was nothing of actual substance or importance.

“So…they were normal truckers?” Jaime asked, puzzled.

“Or…a decoy.” Wonder Girl pondered.

After some research and digging, Nightwing uncovered the men’s secret. “That was indeed a decoy shipment. It seemed there’s something else they want transported and don’t want anyone else to know. The Light could be involved, but we’re not sure yet. For now, we need to track down the real shipment and acquire it.” He told over the visual intercom.

Miss Martian took over and presented a holographic map. “We suspect the next one to take place in this location.” She pointed to a certain set of coordinates on the map. Jaime, Jason, Cassie, and Garfield all listened. Garfield was still young and didn’t partake in all the missions, but he definitely enjoyed the debriefing and sometimes tagged along on smaller ones.

“Enter, Red Arrow, B06.” The zetatube activated.

“Hold it.” Roy stepped out and interrupted their briefing.

Chapter Text

“Hold it.” Roy interrupted.

“Red Arrow?” Super Boy echoed.

“That’s another goose chase they’re about to send you all off on.” Roy denounced.

“What? But how do you…?” M’gann began, but the redhead continued.

“I’ve already checked that place; it’s another fraud. And from my understanding after perusing all other parts of town, there have been multiple decoys to tip us off.”

“If that’s another decoy, then where does that leave us?” Super Boy asked.

“Ever heard of a little roughin’ and toughin’?” Roy smirked, causing Super Boy to raise a confused brow. “Forget it. I got one of the men to confess where he might suspect the actual location is.”

“And he told you, just like that?” Miss Martian posed.

“Of course not. I had to give him an incentive.” The redhead scoffed with a grin, showing his beet-red knuckles. The other teens gawked at him and back at each other, all equally impressed. Jason merely rolled his eyes. He could’ve done that.

“Okay, let’s not advocate blind violence.” M’gann disclaimed.

“Alright then, let’s get the bioship ready and head over.” Super Boy announced. Roy double-checked his arrows and began walking away from the bioship. “Aren’t you coming with?”

“On that thing? No offense, but I like to get around my own way. I’ve sent you the coordinates.” The redhead saluted with two fingers.

“Suit yourself.” The Martian told and hopped on.

Once they arrived miles away from the actual location, all the teens and Super Boy lept out. Miss Martian stayed on board after activating the telepathic link. Super Boy, Blue Beetle, Wonder Girl, Robin, and Red Arrow all crouched on top of a rooftop some distance away. They watched as four men loaded sacks of rice and flour into shipment trucks. Super Boy used his x-ray vision to perceive smaller containers inside the sacks, confirming their suspicions. There were two trucks and about four to five men in total.

“Let’s split; we’ll take down one each and approach them from behind. Remember, stealth mode.” The half-Kryptonian told. “Wonder Girl, Blue Beetle, you guys take the ones on the right. Robin and Red Arrow, you guys take the left. I’ll handle the guy inside the warehouse.”

“Understood.” Blue Beetle and the others nodded, and just like that, they climbed down the rooftop separately. Some of them hid behind buildings, dumpster cans, and poles until both teams were on their tails.

“Follow my lead.” Red Arrow commanded as he and Jason approached from the left, hiding behind the trees not too far from the warehouse.

Jason huffed. It seemed wherever he went, he always had to take orders. “I know how to fight and deal with a bunch of lowlife criminals. Batman, remember?”

“I said. Follow my lead.”

Okay, now that attitude was beginning to annoy Jason, as he scowled at the other’s back. Once Blue Beetle and Wonder Girl attacked, Red Arrow and Robin jumped on that cue as well. A fight broke out, and one of the men even tried to escape via driving the truck out, but Super Boy jumped in and yanked him out.

Inconveniently, there was a child who walked into view, and one of the henchmen used him as a target, throwing one of the sacks towards the kid. As soon as he did, the man started running away.

“He’s getting away! Robin!” Red Arrow called out, but Jason refused to comply and hopped towards the shocked, frozen bystander instead, shielding him from the attack. Red Arrow che’d at the change of plans and chased after the man instead. He positioned his gear and successfully launched an arrow to seize him. In the end, they were all detained. All but one, because when they counted, there were only four men, not five. It appeared one of them escaped with the substance.

“Mission somewhat successful...” Super Boy tried. “Time to head back. Still, good work team.”

“Most of the team at least.” Roy didn’t fail to point out. “Those who can follow directions.”

There was obvious tension brewing between Roy and Jason, and the rest of the team could see that in the moment.

“If you have something to say, then just say it directly.” The others didn’t expect Jason to say that as they stared between the two.

“I would if it didn’t fall on deaf ears.”

“You treat me like some rookie when I’ve been fighting alongsideBatman for a whole year now—I know what I’m doing.” Jason argued.

“Batman isn’t here. And a year is no experience.” Red Arrow narrowed his eyes while he solemnly critiqued.

“Guys? I think we all did a great job...” Cassie attempted to soften the mood, but they blatantly ignored her.

“Cassie isn’t wrong; let’s head back first. M’gann is bringing the ship down.” Conner added, stepping closer to them. However, Jason had had enough and took off on his own into the forest. He couldn’t be bothered anymore because he wasn’t about to get disrespected like that. “Robin!” Super Boy called after him, but to no avail.

“Great.” Roy sarcastically remarked.

“Not great.” Miss Martian interjected. “Don’t you think you were a little harsh on him? He protected a civilian, which is equally important, and you know that. Sure, he didn’t listen to a direct order, but you’re not very easy to work with either, you know.”

“Yes, yes, it’s my fault now.” Roy rolled his eyes, and the couple gave him a sour look. “Okay, fine. You guys head back; I’ll make sure to track him down and drop him off at the den.”

The two elders sighed before taking the rest of the team back on the ship. Shortly after, Roy went after Jason, with no idea where he could be, but he couldn’t have gotten far, he presumed. The forest wasn’t vast and flanked the other side of the city. 

‘Or could he?’ Roy scratched his head. ‘Perhaps he didn’t need to single him out like that.’ He didn’t know why he was so critical when he was aware he was a newbie. He wanted attention? Get under the younger’s skin? He was impressed but annoyed at the same time.

Finally, Roy caught wind of the back of Robin's head and the black-yellow cape. Albeit, before he could catch up to him, Jason noticed him as well and tried to make a run for it again. He instantly shot his grappling gun to hook on to a higher building, but Roy acted faster and launched an arrow to deflect it. The teen instantly evading like that almost pierced Roy’s ego there, but he’ll bury that feeling today. 

“Running away?” Roy called out.

‘He always sounded so damn condescending.’ Jason thought with a frown. “Back off! Why are you even here?”

Roy jumped closer to him until he was only a foot away, staring down into the domino mask, wondering how angry those turquoise eyes must be looking. Why was he borderline okay with that?

“What do you think you’re doing?” Roy interrogated. ‘No, that’s not what he wanted to say.’

“That should be my question.” Jason grunted as he began to turn away again.

“You’re not allowed to go rogue; I promised Miss Martian and Super Boy I’d drop you home.” The elder said, arms crossed.

“Hmph, well, you shouldn’t keep promises you can’t keep then.”

“Don’t gimme that.” The redhead sighed and followed behind when the teen started walking away. ‘Teenagers,’ He thought.

After a couple minutes of silent walking, Jason spoke without looking back. “Stop following me. What are you a stalker now?”

“More like a babysitter at this point.” Roy muttered.

“What?!”

“…You’re fast.”

That made Jason whip his head around in complete confusion. “Huh?

“You’re a fast learner, but you bite off more than you can chew sometimes, putting yourself and others at risk.” Roy expanded on his prior statement.

 Jason stopped in his steps for a second, surveying him, but eventually averted his face. “I’ve heard that before…”

Roy took that opportunity to come closer. “I’m sure you have. It’s not so bad when you’re working solo, but with a team, it’s a different story.''

“Hn,” The ravenette scoffed. “And you’d know about that—don’t you always work alone? Doing your own thing, following your own agenda, not caring what others say.”

“Okay, listen kid, I never said I led by example.” Roy closed his eyes, feeling a headache coming. Jason was hitting all the right points, though. ‘Geez this kid. He was difficult yet entertaining to talk to.’

“I’m not a kid. I’m sixteen.”

“Right.” Roy responded flatly. “Okay, Mr. sixteen year old, time to go back.”

“I grew up on the streets of Gotham, as if I’d need an escort to go back.” The ravenette boasted.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m sure ya have but I’m on babysitter—I mean there's something called responsibility.” Roy needed this night to end already. “I have to get back there too. Now we can do this the hard way or—”

“Fine, let’s go already. I’m hungry.” The teen’s voice cut him off, also impatiently adding. “Why are you still standing there?” While Roy was grumbling, eyes closed, Jason was already eons ahead of him, making him look like the slow and difficult one now.

'This little brat.’ Roy mentally cursed with a witty smile.

They finally zeta'ed back, and M’gann was glad to see them. “Finally, I thought you both got lost for a second there or worse.”

“Yeah, no big deal, just needed a breather. I’m gonna go change.” Jason dismissed.

“Go ahead.” The Martian smiled. “Thanks, Roy.” She thanked him after he left.

“Yeah don’t mention it. So happy to provide charity help.”

“Haha, don’t say that.”

“I’m going to head out as well now. If you get a chance, tell the kid to follow orders.” He almost left it there. Almost. “…and that it’s admirable that his priority was protecting an innocent life. See ya.”

“Shouldn’t you say that yourself?”

Roy only smirked in response and left the cave.

After Jason showered and re-entered the living room, Miss Martian came over to him.

“Hope you’re feeling better now.”

“I’m fine.” The ravenette replied.

“Also, Roy can be a tough one, but he agrees that it was commendable that you protected someone at all costs.”

Jason was taken aback by that, suddenly feeling bashful and needing to wipe his face with his towel, equally glancing away. ‘And he acts all standoffish for no reason.’ Well, technically, if he thought back, he did compliment him for being a fast learner…

He didn’t see Roy for a few weeks after that. Not a sound, mention, nor appearance. But not like Jason was counting…

After they received intel of where the secret container went to, their next mission was to obtain the chemical and arrest the person in charge. This time Super Boy stayed back in the ship to provide oversight and to jump in if things got out of control.

The mission consisted of Robin, Beast Boy, and Blue Beetle. Wonder Girl was helping Wonder Woman today. The teens sneaked in, waiting for the doctor in charge to leave the lab before they stole a sample of the chemical.

“Nice, we got it.” Blue Beetle whispered. Except that’s when the lab doors reopened and the same doctor entered again. He must have forgotten something. “Crap!” He hissed. The doctor gawked, immediately running and slamming a button on his desk, which initiated a lockdown process. Beast Boy turned into Gorilla mode and tried his hardest to keep the gates open with his bare arms.

The doctor attempted an escape, but both Blue Beetle and Robin acted at the same time without coordination and clashed into each other instead of stopping him. As disorienting as that was, Jason still recovered quickly and swung a batarang straight at the man. After the man fell, succumbing to the explosion, Jason jumped on top and began punching him.

Blue Beetle flew towards the lockdown switch and halted the process. Beast Boy finally let go with a ‘phew!’ as he reverted back to his human form. The teens got the sample and detained the doctor before returning to the bioship.

“How’d it go? You guys okay?” Conner met them at the ship.

“We got the sample.” Blue reinsured. “With minor repercussions.” He glanced at Robin.

“Someone had to go after the doctor.” Jason defended, ignoring the growing pain in his arm. “I thought it was pretty obvious.”

“Our job wasn’t to get him killed—” Jaime began.

“He wasn’t gonna—”

“Let's save it for now and head back to report to Nightwing first.” Conner concluded, and they complied.

When they arrived, and after the debriefing, Nightwing heard Blue Beetle out first before confronting Jason moments later. “Hey,”

“What?” Jason saved the pleasantries.

“Good work out there, but we need to work on team coordination and communication. Every member of the team needs to communicate with the other so tasks can be properly delegated without having blunders like we did tonight. When you work with Batman, your roles are defined and solid, and you can move independently, but understand that it’s different here, Robin.”

Jason sighed. “Yeah, understood.” He winced after the words left his mouth.

“What’s wrong?” The elder asked concerned.

“Nothing, just my arm, I think, when I …” The younger trailed off, not wanting to verbalize the embarassing collision he had with Jaime’s armor but also certain Dick would understand what he was referring to.

“Let’s have it examined before you retire for the night.” Nightwing practically ordered. The teen nodded.

And so they did, to discover he was suffering from a sprain in his left arm and needed to wear a wrist-forearm brace. Yes, he was mostly left-handed.

“Just what I need.” Jason sarcastically added.

“Now, now, injuries have to be taken seriously; no missions for you until your arm fully heals.” Nightwing told.

“Even better.” The teen deadpanned. ‘Now, what was he going to do?’

"It's just for a short amount of time; I think you'll live." The elder mused.

It was midnight, and the younger struggled to fall asleep. It also wasn’t the most comfortable to be confined to one sleeping position, just to avoid accidental pressure on his left arm. His body felt heavy against the firm mattress, and the silence was loud in his room, yet somehow still managing to distract him from sleeping.

Eventually, he gave up and decided to make his way to one of the top ridges of the mountain, turning it into an imaginary make-believe roof. He sat with one leg dangling off the edge and one knee up, using it as a place to rest his arm and chin while he stared into the night. The air was cool but not chilly. The lake next to them was as dark as the night sky above. In contrast, the layer of houses adjacent to it sparkled with tiny lights. Regardless, the atmosphere was fresh, freeing, and calming.

However, his senses were still sharp. Even in the light howl of the wind, he quickly picked up on another presence, seeing a shadow approach from the corner of his eye. 

“Show yourself.” Jason mouthed, eyes rotated in that direction.

Chapter Text

“Show yourself.” Jason demanded.

“Don’t kill me yet.” A familiar redhead stepped out of the shadows.”

“You?” The teen mouthed with complete bewilderment. Roy was the last person he was anticipating to see.

“I have a name, you know.” As usual, Roy was in his Red Arrow outfit—when was he not? Is what Jason really wanted to know. At this point, he bet the elder slept in it too.

“Do you sleep in that too?” Jason had to ask. “Speaking of which, the bedrooms aren’t up here; I think you’re lost.” 

“Har, har, didn’t peg you as a comedian.”

“You say that like you even know me.”

“So, I don’t. Then what are you doing up here alone?” Roy studied him to check for any signs of tech or weapons on the teen. For all they know, he could be a traitor, considering how suspicious and withdrawn he acted.

“Couldn’t sleep.” Jason blurted as he looked back into the horizon again. To Roy’s surprise, the younger answered him normally.

“I see…” That warranted Roy to give him a casual response as well.

“And you? Mountain hopping?”

“I was about to head inside and couldn’t help but notice a suspicious figure on the top.”

Jason snorted, stifling a mini laugh, but that was enough to drop a fraction of Roy’s guard. He watched as the teen’s lips secretly curled up in amusement. Jason was wearing a red hoodie with some dark sweats, hair flowing in the breeze, and turquoise eyes glimmering in the moonlight. The redhead swallowed once and walked closer to sit down on the ledge as well.

He may have done that, but there was realistically nothing to say from either of them. The silence stretched between them in the tranquil night.

“Being a hero isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, huh?” The ravenette started first.

 “Hm,” That caught Roy off guard. “Depends on how you saw it to begin with.”

“Yeah…I guess…” Jason wanted to delve deeper, but he left it at that. It just didn’t seem like they were close enough to have inner emotional conversations yet. Instead, he just enjoyed the breeze, lowered his gaze and let the night silently carry his burdens.

“It never goes the way you think sometimes, but you have to make the most of it. Doing good, that’s what makes it worth it in the end.” Roy continued unprovoked. Jason nodded on his own. As they continued to sit there in each other’s wordless presence, he could feel them slowly learning to open up and get comfortable with each other.

Another few days went by. Jason groggily walked down the stairs, passing by a figure standing adjacent to one of the walls next to the staircase.

“Someone’s sleepwalking.” It wasn’t until after he passed them and he heard a familar voice that Jason physically jumped out of his skin, wide awake now.

“What is up with people here showing up like ghosts?” The ravenette let out, unfiltered.

“That’s the art of stealth.” Roy was standing all cool and nonchalant with his arms crossed. “On the other hand, you should be prepared at any time.”

“Great~ another lecture. Do me a favor and spare me the lessons; it’s too early for my brain. Plus, I think I’ve gotten enough of those already.” Jason lazily waved him off and trudged towards the kitchen.

“Oh yeah? Nightwing?”

“Nightwing, Batman, some rants from Blue, you name it.” The teen answered while browsing through the fridge. He wasn’t feeling leftovers, but he couldn’t complain, so he took a can out.

“Aw.” Roy teased and earned a direct glare from Jason. The redhead raised a brow when he saw the arm brace. “How is it you’re injured every time I see you?”He must not have noticed it that night when the teen was sitting outside. It was indeed dark, and Jason was turned away.

“Don’t even mention it.” The ravenette didn’t want to start with that. Apparently, Roy didn’t stop by too often, but whenever he did, he always had the best timing.

“Is that what you’re eating?” The redhead mouthed astonished.

Jason shrugged. “Can’t be bothered with anything else.”

“Yeah…that’s depressing.” The elder shook his head. “There’s no way you can eat that.”

“What do you suggest?”

“…” Roy considered it seriously. “We’re going out.” Now that was unlike him. He had no reason to care and didn’t know why he suggested it, but the statement was already out. There was a brief voluntary pause, and Jason looked like he was contemplating it for a second.

“No thanks.” He ultimately spat. Roy internally gawked at the straightforwardness after he went out of his way to make an invite. The redhead was actually offended; it felt like a stab to his chest, and now his ego was making it his mission to take the teen out.

“Fine, if that’s going to be your idea of protein. It’s no wonder your bones are made of twigs.” Roy berated like a petty, pouting child.

“Why are you even here?” Jason’s shoulders slumped, and he looked up at him with a flat expression. “Aren’t you normally always on the run?”

“Run? Correction: I’m on a reconnaissance.”

“Right...” It was clear the teen didn’t believe him.

“Geez you act the complete opposite of how you look.” The redhead confessed. And he thought he was difficult.

“What?” Jason raised a puzzled brow, not following at all.

“Never mind. So, the offer still stands.” Roy crossed his arms, waiting for an answer. “Are you sure you want to eat that expired can of beans? Or would you rather try out one of the meanest burgers in town? That is, only if your palate can take the flavor.”

Jason had been cooped up at home for the past couple of days ever since the arm injury, so a small trip to get some fast food didn’t sound like the worst idea ever. Honestly, Roy probably had him at ‘burger’. That alone was enough of a reason.

“Fine~” The teen drawled like he was doing the other a favor. The redhead picked up on that gesture and found it coy, a little cute even.

“Okay then, meet me at the exit in ten minutes.” Roy claimed and disappeared into the rooms. Jason pulled on his usual red hoodie and wore his shoes, waiting for the elder. When Roy finally came back down, he was dressed in casual clothes—for the first time. It took Jason by surprise, and he unknowingly stared longer than he needed to. He was amazed that the elder even owned casual clothing. The redhead was dressed in a grey T-shirt underneath a red and black leather jacket, opened from the front—all sitting atop a pair of black jeans. He finished the look with dark sunglasses to keep his identity still somewhat concealed. On the other hand, Jason skipped his shades for today.

‘Well bummer, no idea what his eyes look like.’ Jason was oddly disappointed. 

Even though Roy didn’t live here, he stopped by often; hence, he had spare clothes and equipment stored in one of the empty rooms. It seemed he had been away, out of the city or even country, for a few weeks and now he was back to searching locally.

They exited the cave and walked to the bus stop. “Wow.” Jason was ready to make a taunt about being heroes with fancy vehicles and tech but taking the bus like this.

“Save it.” But Roy killed his buzz. “Not everyone’s a millionaire.”

“I didn’t say anything. Yet.” The teen flickered his gaze away, semi-guilty. “Where is the place?”

“On the other side of town.” The arrow master answered as they stood inside the bus. The bus suddenly braked, and they fumbled once. Jason could only hold with one arm, and it wasn’t enough, so he rocked backward. To his saving grace, Roy instinctually placed a hand on his back for support, stabilizing him.

After that close second, bodies almost brushing against each other, the pair straightened, and Jason bashfully looked away.  “Maybe the bus wasn’t the best idea.” The teen mouthed for the sake of mouthing.

“A thank you would suffice.” Roy remained unfazed.

Now the ravenette was beginning to feel bratty and guilty. “Thanks…” He mumbled, slightly embarrassed. That brought some triumph to Roy’s mood, like he won a carnival game.

“We're almost there.” The redhead announced, still unsure how or why he ended up here today, with a teen six years his junior. Furthermore, who he hardly hung out with or saw eye to eye, but regardless, it was a nice distraction. And funny enough, the teen was amusing and different to be with.

They finally arrived at the joint. Roy requested a table for two and they were led to one of the empty tables lined by padded benches on both sides, near the window. They sat across from each other, and when the waitress came around, Roy gave the order. The pair sat in silence for a bit. It was an interesting outing; they weren’t friends and had probably exchanged a total of ten words between them in the past, but here they were.  

Their burgers came, and they smelled delicious. Jason’s mouth was watering, as he bit into it, feeling the hot, moist, savory bite melt onto his tongue. The teen’s eyes lit up as he processed the different flavors. The redhead stared at him, the wordless reaction being loud and clear.

“This is… so damn good.” Jason confessed.

“Hah, right?” Roy smirked, adding that as another win. “What did I say?”

“Where did you find this place?” The ravenette asked, impressed as he continued to bite. The elder sat back, proud of himself and of the recognition that he deserved, especially after how hesitant the younger was initially.

“Just stumbled across it dying for a meal one day.”

“Sweet.” After that, they continued eating in silence, maybe making a small comment about the other heroes here and there.

After they ate, Roy paid for the meal and they were on their way. Jason thought that was unnecessary but very generous. Then again, he was older, so he guessed it made sense.

“Er, thanks.” Jason squeaked once they were outside.

“What was that, I didn’t hear anything.” The redhead feigned ignorance.

“Ugh,”

“You know, if you’re going to say something you might as well—”

“I said thanks, ok? Thanks, for the meal.” Jason forced. “Jeez, not only do you look all tough, but you act like a jerk too.”

“Ouch, I’ve been told otherwise. But wow, leave it to you to thank and insult in the same sentence.”

 Jason shot him a death glare but Roy cracked into a rare genuine smile, and that caught the teen off-guard.

''Anyway, time to take you back.”

“I can go back on my own.”

“Right, right, and hear crap from Dick because I abandoned his injured baby brother.”

“I’m not crippled; I’ve been through worse.” Jason started walking away.

“Oh yeah?” Roy followed behind.

“Yeah.”  

Roy would press more, but deemed his curiosity wasn’t enough of a reason. Moreover, he should be exploring why he even wanted to know.

They made it back to the cave, and Jason noticed Roy wasn’t following him into the entrance.

“You’re not coming?”

“I have somewhere else to be.”

“More ‘reconnaissance,’ huh?” Jason tested.

 “Something like that. Anyhow, take care of that arm.” The elder about-turned and left just like that. No goodbyes necessary, really. The teen walked into the zetatube. It wasn’t bad though. When was the last time he hung out with someone like that? Batman wasn’t exactly the bro type. And the other teens were too much for him at times or they were doing their own thing.  And Dick, he was always busy, plus Jason still didn’t know how comfortable to act with him. So far, ironically, Roy was the only one he could stomach, even if they butt heads sometimes. 

Roy stepped back into his apartment, switching the lights on. It was a small, average-sized apartment, living room and kitchen in the same space, the kitchen sink and stove area separated by a counter from the living room. He was a minimalist; there was only one sofa and one lamp. Following that was a short hall that led to the only bedroom and bathroom on opposite sides. He changed into his Red Arrow outfit. He took enough time off; now he had to go back and check out his leads. Who would’ve imagined finding his original would’ve been so difficult...that’s if he’s even still alive… Roy shook his head. He could only hope.

After the whole incident with the scientist and success with retrieving the chemical, the team didn’t have major missions. They went on multiple standalone missions. Jason also helped out Batman in his spare time.

One afternoon, M’gann clapped out loud while the others sat around in the cave. “I have a great idea!” All the teens looked up at her. “Since the last mission was a success and it’s been a tough few months. Why not have a chill night in?”

“Chill night?” Jaime was also hanging out at the cave currently.

“Yes. Oh! I know, a movie night!” M’gann exclaimed, having an epiphany.

“That sounds great! I’m in.” Cassie cheered along.

‘Oh boy, he’d rather be in his room…maybe.’ Jason thought.

“Me too! Especially after all that training!” Beast Boy added on.

“I guess sure, one night won’t hurt. As long as we have popcorn.” It seemed like Jaime was also on board.

“Geat! I'll force some of the others to join in as well, haha—oh! That’s right—the popcorn!” M’gann scrambled. “Cassie, you want to come with me to fetch some snacks?” The blond agreed.

‘Well, looks like he was staying by default.’ The ravenette deduced.

By evening fall, she had managed to call in Nightwing, Wally, Artemis, and Super boy. And somehow, lord knows how, she had also managed to drag Roy out of the woodwork. They all huddled in the living room, some on the sofa, some on the ground on cushions and blankets, all getting settled while they turned the TV on.

“So what genre are we thinking?” Nightwing asked.

“How about romantic comedy?” Cassie volunteered.

“Ohh, I like that one. I vote the same.” M'gann smiled.

“Ew, gross, no way, people. I say action with superheroes.”

“Action, vote right here! Cast it now~” Gar agreed.

“What are we, ten?” Roy griped. “And if you’re going for superhero, you might as well just go on patrol right now.”

“Hmm, how about the new slice of life comedy that came out a week ago?” Wally pointed out.

“Sure, I’ve heard some good things about that.” Dick agreed.

Jason audibly choked. “That one?? Of all the ones??” It was so abrupt that all of them turned to look at him. That was an outburst the team didn’t expect from Jason at all.  

The teen sighed. Suddenly he was serious. He was a vivid reader and sometimes movie watcher, so he couldn’t stand by while they selected some subpar film. “If you’re gonna watch a movie, then this one will do.” Jason requested the remote and picked out one on screen.

“This one? What genre is this?” Jaime asked.

“Thriller.” Jason told.

“…And how good is it, ese?”

Jason looked him dead in the eye, meaning business. “You won’t regret it.”

Jaime dared back before shrugging. “Fine by me, if I have your word. I vote this thriller.”

“Okay, me too.” Gar switched.

“Thriller doesn’t sound too bad either.” Cassie concurred.

Chapter Text

Dick laughed. “Okay, thriller it is. It’s refreshing to see this much energy.”

Just like that, one after another, they all got on board, shut the lights, and snuggled into place. The first half was chill, with a few personal commentaries from different members of the group, a few laughs, a few cries—the usual. The flashing lights from the TV being the only light on their faces. Halfway through, Jason got up from the side couch to get refills on his drink, but by the time he came back, he noticed his spot was taken. It seemed someone had moved.

He stood at the edge, studying the spaces before he decided where to squeeze into. M’gann and Super Boy were sitting together on the right-side loveseat. Cassie and Artemis were on the left loveseat. Gar and Jaime were on the right side of the floor, while Dick and Wally were on the left side of the floor, inside the border of sofas. The middle sofa directly across from the TV only had Roy sitting on it.

Well, it looks like he didn’t have a choice, did he? So, he scooted in and took a seat on the sofa with him. Roy didn’t move; he was leaning over to the other side but he noticed him sit down. Jason was also aware of it, even if neither of them moved or looked at each other. It didn’t mean anything, of course, yet they were both aware of it.

Another half an hour later, Roy was beginning to feel dull and idle, like he was twitching to do something productive, a routine he had gotten used to. By now he was leaning over the edge of the sofa, face resting on his knuckles. ‘Good thing I brought my mini tablet to look through some files.’ The redhead thought proudly as he glanced down at his electronic files.  However, out of curiosity he glanced over at his couch-mate and was dazed at how focused Jason was.

The teen’s eyes were lit white by the screen; he had an entirely engrossed expression, which Roy found innocent and darling. The elder ended up staring for a minute longer, and the younger never noticed.

Sooner or later, Jason got tired of sitting one way, so he leaned backwards onto the couch, pulling one knee up and holding it. After five to ten minutes, that knee fell down sideways and casually but accidentally bumped Roy’s thigh, who tensed. Jaosn flinched and awkwardly shifted away without saying anything.

Albeit, after that small gesture, he noticed Roy straighten his posture and lean back on the sofa as well, more centered than before. Previously he had been leaning more towards the arm, with a bored posture.  But now he had also crossed his arms in a comfortable position and ditched the tablet. Roy getting easy and joining their world put Jason at some kind of ease as well.

After the movie was over, the chatter erupted in the room, everyone talking all at once, either amongst themselves or across the room. There’s a soft moment where Roy leaned forward and admitted. “I guess that wasn’t completely terrible.”

Jason grinned triumphantly. “I told you.”

‘Cheeky,’ The redhead thought. The ravenette stood up and stretched while the others also scattered.

“Good movie though.” Wally also acknowledged.

“Yeah, I was amazed.” Dick leaned with a hand over his best friend’s shoulder.  Jason smiled and gave them a thumbs up. bye now, he was tired and just wanted to retreat to his room. Since it was late—early hours of the morning— the titans naturally stayed over. Dick and Wally spread some blankets on the sofas. Jaime crashed in Gar’s room, Artemis would stay in Cassie’s room by default. Which left Roy in question.

Roy had some belongings here, but they were mostly in the storage room.

“So, Roy where will you be sleeping?”  M’gann asked after they all decided on the sleeping arrangements.

The redhead stood up, noticing the dilemma. “It’s fine; I’ll just head back.”

“No, you have to stay, you can always room with someone. Whose room is still free?” M’gann pushed.

“Yeah ese, I’m sure we can find something.” Jaime agreed.  Jason felt bad, it was pretty late and it felt unfair to only single the redhead out.

“Okay, fine, then I guess I’ll room with Robin. His room is the only one left, am I right?” Roy voiced and Jason swung his head in his direction, speechless.

“Is that okay?” Dick asked and all eyes were on Jason.

“Uh, yeah, sure…that’s fine…” The teen went along. The pair went to his room. “By the way, I have a name too, not just Robin.”

Roy raised a brow. “Yeah.”

That was an odd response, Jason thought as he stared at him. That’s when he realized this was the first time he saw Roy’s eyes and features without the shades, and so up close too. He was unquestionably handsome, the red hair would be too bright for someone like Jason but it suited Roy well.  His eyes were a deep dark blue, like rare sapphire gems that were forever hidden and only graced by a few. They contrasted magically with his reddish orange hair.

“Right about that…” Roy looked away suspiciously, and that snapped Jason back to reality.

“Wait…don’t tell me…you don’t know? This entire time?” He gawked, truly astounded—even though nothing surprised him these days.

Roy scratched his cheek, guilty as charged. Like he said, when Dick was introducing them, his mind was elsewhere, and he was in a rush to go back to his search marathon.

“Woww you’re so…” The younger couldn’t even find the words to encapsulate how ignorant and aloof the elder was.

“Why don’t we do this again?” Roy held out his hand with a confident smile. “Won’t you tell me?” That almost sounded flirtatious, borderline tempting.

But Jason rudely turned away. “I’m not telling you. You forgot it, or didn’t hear it, you figure it out now. That’s your problem.” He walked towards the bathroom.

“You know I could just ask anyone in the house right?” Roy stuck his head out of the room, watching him leave.

“Che.”

“Oh hey, you guys heading to the bathroom too?” Artemis caught them in the hall.

“I am.” Jason told but kept walking, body language annoyed.

“Is everything okay?” the blond asked.

“He’s sulking.” Roy splat.

“I’m not sulking!” They both heard Jason scream from the bathroom. The elder titans gave each other a look before leaving it at that.

‘God he’s so annoying sometimes. I can’t believe he forgot my name this entire time. He’s so full of himself.’

By the time the teen returned, Roy had taken off his jacket and pants, leaving him in only his grey half-sleeved T-shirt and boxer shorts. When Jason opened the door, he was not expecting to see that sight sprawled on the floor. So for a moment he froze at the doorway. Roy was laying on a thick quilt on the floor, head propped up by an elbow as he looked through a book.

‘Wait, no why was he freaking out—they were both guys.’ The teen shook some sense back into himself. Jason was so fixated that he didn’t recognize the book the other was holding. “That’s mine.” He mouthed.

“Oh, welcome back, Jason.” The name undulated like a wave when Roy said it in his somber, even voice. 

“Well that was fast.” Jason hid the mild flattery he was feeling. “So now you know.”

 “I didn’t think you’d be into books.” The redhead nonchalantly changed the topic, looking back at the book's front cover. “You have quite the collection, it seems.”

“Don’t just go snooping into other people’s things.”

“I was bored, and you let me in.”

“Correction, you invited yourself in.”

“But still, not a bad pick.”

“I’m sure you find them a waste of time or childish.” Jason walked over to his bed, challenging the other. Or was he looking for approval?

“Hm, on the contrary, it’s not bad for a fine young man to have some intellectual hobbies outside of crime fighting.” Roy smiled sideways.

Jason didn’t even notice when his lips were creeping upwards. “They’re pretty good. The only time you feel like you’re outside the miserable constraints of this world, in a totally different realm.”

“I can see that.” Roy appreciated.

“Anyway, I wanna sleep.” Jason deemed that was enough opening up for one night. He still wasn’t used to it.

“Go ahead.” The redhead shut the book and Jason turned off the lamp.

Jason’s arm had long healed, and he would continue to switch between the Batcave and Mount Justice. Time was flying by fast, and he had gotten used to his routine. He was also becoming more comfortable with the rest of the league, Cassie’s comments, Gar’s energy, and Jaime’s offers to hop on a game once in a while. He also couldn’t help pick up some Spanish words along the way. Just like that, in the blink of an eye, six months had already gone by since the first time he stepped into the Mount Justice Cave.

He had just turned seventeen. He also went to school on the side. Batman and the others thought it was a good idea. School was the last thing he cared about but in his defense, he only had about 2 years left of high school anyway.

As of right now, Batman needed him back in Gotham. Bats gave him a file for their next mission. Jason looked through and found it to be about Killer Croc. ‘That’s easy,’ He thought. He’d take care of it tonight and dump him back in Arkham. Nothing he was too concerned about. His homework was probably more concerning than this.  

Over the week, Jason could feel the fatigue build up. He was a little overworked between the Titans, Batman and then classes as well. The teen was so busy juggling multiple tasks all day and night that he might as well call himself Roy.

Presently, Robin was on a mission with Batman. They were chasing down a bunch of robbers. Jason made it to them first; even if he was dying to go home, he still enjoyed pushing the limits. The teen leaped and swirled in the air, dodging all the bullets from the automatic rifle and threw the guy over the table.

“Twenty rounds a second, and you were still too slow.” The younger mocked.

“But I’m not.” Another emerged from the hallway of the apartment holding out a pistol.

“I got it.” Batman told as he flung the batarang at the gun, successfully knocking it out of the guy’s hand. Jason went a step further and elbowed the man hard until he fell backwards with a scream.

“Robin!” Batman yelled. He did not look pleased with that.

When they made it back to the cave Batman removed his cowl. “I’m disappointed; that was not the way to do it.”

“I had to take him down.” Jason defended.

“You shattered collarbone!”

“He’s a drug-dealing criminal, I didn’t know I had to prop up some pillows before taking him out.”

“We needed him, he would’ve talked, but you put him into shock.”

Jason faltered at that. “I’m sorry…I guess that was too much—but he deserved it.” The teen was annoyed, sleep deprived, and mentally fried but also didn’t want to fully acknowledge his shortcomings. He brushed Bruce aside and left the cave begrudgingly, still in his Robin suit.

He didn’t care where. The teen just kept grappling from one tower to another, one pole to another for minutes on end—rants going off in his mind, until he conveniently landed in a near-by city. Bludhaven. Almost at least.

Jason groaned. ‘Why here of all places?’ However, he didn’t feel like turning back, so he landed on top of a random roof. The younger leapt off one more time but suddenly bumped into someone who had also jumped at the exact time, in his direction.

“Who the f—” The teen began but cut himself off when he recognized the other’s face.

“What the—Robin?” It was Nightwing. They both landed on their feet onto a fire escape platform that hung by the building.

“Great.” Jason rolled his eyes.

Nightwing raised a brow at him. “What are you doing here?”

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Just passing by, out for a walk, a good 50 miles away from home.” There was undeniable sarcasm in the younger’s voice.

“What the hell? What’s going on? Is Batman here?” Dick looked around.

“Not everything I do needs to be with that control freak!” Jason shouted out loud, unable to contain the emotions that poured out.

“Ouch. Would that hurt the Bat?” Another voice commented. Jason winced when he registered the new condescendvoice slowlyowly emerging from behind Nightwing. Lo behold, it was Red Arrow.

“What is he doing here?” Jason pointed out to Dick, not wanting Roy to see him all emotional and impulsive like this.

“Red arrow was helping me and Aqualad chase someone down.”

“Che,” The teen clicked his tongue, yielding his face away. This day couldn’t get any better.

 “But what’s up? You didn’t mention why you’re here?” Dick asked again.

Jason didn’t answer or didn’t know how to answer, since they weren’t alone anymore. He didn’t want to look stupid in front of Roy who was already scrutinizing and treated him like a kid.

“Oh I get it. Isn’t it obvious? He’s pouting.” The redhead teased.

“You—I’m not pouting! How old do you think I am?!” He raged. See, what did he say?

“Are you pouting for some reason?” Dick turned around and seriously asked.

“Do you guys have ears?!” Jason was about to drop-kick both of them then and there.

“Then what happened?” Dick went back to square one.

“Hagghh,” Jason heaved a tiresome sigh. “Forget it, this isn't a therapy session. Nothing happened. Leave me alone.” He rolled his eyes and took off again.

Dick stared after him wordlessly. “…I get the feeling he's still not accepting me. Maybe I was a little too harsh or critical of him in the beginning…”

“Oh yeah?”

“I guess it’s weird when your role is being taken. I wanted to make sure he was up for the job…maybe I could’ve been a little more welcoming early on.” Dick continued.

“No, you’re fine. This isn’t a game, street kid or not, they should know that. Also, I don’t think that’s what the kid is worried about.” Roy reassured for a change.

“Can you try talking to him?” The ravenette asked out of nowhere.

“What?” The redhead swung his head towards him. “Why me?”

“He won’t listen to me anyway considering my position. And besides, it seems like you two have been getting along well.” Dick coerced.

“I’d hardly say that.”  The redhead crossed his arms and glanced away. Except Dick continued to stare at him with wide, hopeful eyes even under the mask. Roy ultimately sighed.

Chapter Text

“I’d hardly say that.”  The redhead crossed his arms and glanced away. Except Dick continued to stare at him with wide, hopeful eyes even under the mask. Roy ultimately sighed.

“I’ll see what I can add to my list of charity cases.”

“Please~” Dick playfully punched his arm.

“You have his location? Radar or something?”

“Yeah, let me share our Bat comm signal.” The ravenette offered.

Roy tailed the teen, appearing as a small moving dot on his radar. The skies were getting darker and murkier, and the winds were getting chillier.  When he caught the teen standing still, he decided to ambush him. “Cooled down yet?’

Jason swung around with an unwelcoming expression. “Just leave. Or let me guess, Dick sent you.”

‘Nailed it.’ The redhead thought.

“Hah. Didn’t realize you did so much volunteer work? You’re so free.” Jason taunted without shame. He knew he shouldn’t, this didn’t concern Roy, but he was agitated and was clearly taking it out on the first person in front of him. Roy should argue back and then he’ll fight back as well. If Roy leaves, then great, even better, he can finally be left alone.

However, Roy didn’t take the bait. “Well, truthfully, I have this thing called a charity list.” He casually told.   

Jason blinked, not calculating that response and he stifled a chuckle. The redhead’s remarks were sometimes so fortuitous that they end up being funny. Roy stood speechless when the teen hid a snort by ducking his head down and covering his mouth. The elder wasn’t anticipating that reaction from teen.  

“So?” Roy said first, coming closer, feeling confident.

“What?” Jason went back into character.

“Cooled down yet or something?”

The younger shook his head. “Or something.''

Roy studied him. “Something indeed. Why don’t we take this somewhere else? I can say with certainty it’s been a long night for both of us.”  

Jason raised a brow, looking wary but curious. Not like he had anywhere else to go. The redhead turned around and led the way, simply expecting Jason to follow. The ravenette gave in, falling to the allure and slowly trudged along.

Roy led them to a zetatube which led them to a dark quiet part of town. “Where are we?” The younger asked.

“Star City.” Roy entered one of the buildings with a code.

“Star City?” Jason echoed.

“In other words, my place.” The elder walked past the big glass doors, holding one out for Jason.

“Your place?” Jason was feeling like a parrot, more surprised each time. Roy smirked leading him in.

“Don’t expect too much now. It’s not the cave.” The elder finally unlocked his apartment door on the fourth floor, which was the highest floor. Jason cautiously peeked in.

“At least it looks normal…”

“Just what exactly were you expecting?” Roy had to ask with a puzzled offended expression. They stepped inside, taking off their shoes and eventually Roy took off his domino mask, feeling at ease. Jason followed suit, revealing his piercing turquoise eyes.

“Water?” Roy offered, walking to the joint kitchen. The teen nodded and he brought a glass over for him as he sat down alongside Jason on the cheap couch.

“So, you live here alone?” Jason took the glass.

“Yup. Just me. You won’t be seeing anyone else.”

“I see. Lucky.” Jason drank as he surveyed the place. It was simple, small, quiet. Just like something the redhead would have. Roy scoffed at that. “But why bring me here?” He genuinely wanted to know. Roy didn’t seem like the type to randomly invite everyone.

“Unless you wanted to talk on top roof tops in the dead of the night again.”

‘Easy save.’  Jason wasn’t fully satisfied with that answer, especially when he was feeling a little special. But he couldn’t dwell on it for now.

“So, why the long face?” Roy asked, finishing his drink and placing the glass on the table.

“Why not? After all the crap I have to deal with.” Jason rolled his eyes, unsure how to seriously answer that.

“I suppose it has been quite demanding for you.” Roy shrugged a shoulder, rendering the other to look at him. “Despite being just a young member, you’ve been at it all week, huh? From titans during the day to Batman at night.”

Jason’s eyes widened as Roy listed out his routine so easily just like that. ‘He’s…been paying attention.’ Then another immediate thought came to his head. ‘Has he just been paying attention to me, or everyone else as well?’ He was dying to ask, but his pride wouldn’t allow it. For now, just being seen and acknowledged was enough. It was already washing away his frustration and exhaustion and replacing it with warmth in his veins.

“Hmp.” Jason’s stubbornness still had the final say, as he mumbled: “And you pretend like you don’t care...”

“Hn?” Roy didn’t quite catch that.

“It’s whatever, I’ve been holding up fine…but then Br—Batman had to go off on some criminal getting hurt a little too hard—I mean yeah sure, but they asked for it—he’s pointing a gun at me!” Jason began and couldn’t stop ranting.

“It happens you’ll butt heads with your mentors—trust me.” Roy sneered. And Jason mirrored it to a degree. Just letting it all out and having someone understand him, made his chest feel lighter.

“But you’ll get over it the next day—instead you should probably focus on getting some sleep than wasting energy running away.”  Roy stood up and stretched.

“Ugh, don’t ruin the moment—hey! What the! Don’t just start stripping right here!” Jason started with a grumble but found himself shrieking at Roy who was casually taking his top off.

“What’s up with you all of a sudden?” Roy innocently raised a confused brow.

“Why are you so carefree?! You’re always just removing your clothes like nothing!” The teen unfairly accused.

“Excuse me? When has that ever happened?” Roy frowned. “And why are you so stiff? We’re both guys. And I’m at home, day’s over.”

“That doesn’t mean go off showing your body.” Jason muttered, bitterly looking away, losing the argument.

“It’s a mean body though, worked hard for it—don’t you think?” Now Roy was conspicuously teasing him after his dramatic reaction, while he raised his elbows and flexed his body. Jason gaped with an embarrassing beet red blush conquering his face. ‘I can’t believe this guy!’  All he saw was fair pinkish flesh, ripped muscle stretching and contracting as the elder twisted his body once, abdominals, obliques all on point staring back at him. Smooth elongated triceps and bulging biceps as the elder put his hand behind his neck.

The younger grabbed the nearest cushion—if it would’ve been a brick, he still would’ve grabbed it—and threw it straight at the redhead. “I’m outta here!” He stomped towards the door. ‘What is wrong with me?’

“Whoa, what is up with—hey, wait, before you go—” Roy let the cushion fall into his hand and quickly turned to the teen.

Jason spared him one last glare as he swung the door open. “What?!”

“Just wanted to add, stop being so harsh on Dick, you’re stressing him out. He’s going to get grays at this point. Give him a chance, he means well.” Roy smiled sideways, hands on his hips, as he stood there shirtless.

Jason didn’t respond but considered it with a look, before shutting the door behind him.

“Geez, so hot headed.” Roy shook his head but there was clear amusement in his tone. He moved to the bathroom and caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. ‘Hm, do I really look that bad?’ He thought while he rotated his body back and forth once.

 Jason made his way back to the Batcave. It was well into the morning hours of the night now. However, he was amazed to find that Batman was still up and waiting for him in the Batcave. Bruce looked up at him, away from the documents he was holding.

“Hey…” Jason awkwardly said first, to break the eerie silence that loomed in the cave.  

“Hey. You’re back.” Bruce voiced, like he wasn’t expecting the teen to return.

“Yeah…” And there was that tense pause again now. ‘Okay, now what…?’

“Come here.” Bruce semi-ordered and Jason complied with confusion. He slowly trudged to the sofa away from the Bat-computer but within talking space.

“What’s up?”

“I know it’s been hectic and overwhelming, but you must channel your anger. You’ve been doing great so far, out of all the teen titans.” Bruce confessed, and Jason was not anticipating words of praise from Batman himself. He felt like he was floating on top of the world right now. “But you still need to draw lines. We are not like them, so we can’t act like them. Whether they deserve it or not. Protecting others is the goal. That’s what’s helped heal me as well.”

“Okay, I get it, I acted harshly. I’m sorry.” Jason patiently listened to the elder with an objective mind this time.

“Good.” There was a smile in Bruce’s voice. “You’re full of passion and vigor, we all see that, but you also have this dark past and tough times that have created reckless habits. You need to slowly let those go. Times are not the same anymore. You’re not alone, Jason. And never will be.” The teen’s breath hitched at that. In fact, he had to hold back involuntary tears that he didn’t even know he had.

But instead, Jason nodded seriously. Batman had a point. He wasn’t alone, so he had to stop acting like it was him against the world. He had Batman and Alfred. He had the titans, all of them at the cave. He had an older brother, Dick—well somewhat. Some random mentors as well like Wally, and Aqualad. And then…

Roy flashed in his mind once. That one was hard to put a label on.

“Thanks Bruce. That means a lot.” Jason finally smiled back, content and lighter than before.

“Of course. You should go to bed now. Its late.”

“Yeah, you too.” The younger playfully said before hopping up and going upstairs. ‘He probably won’t admit that he stayed up for me.’  

Alfred came in a moment later, possibly hiding in the shadows of the cave. “Am I witnessing the start of something beautiful here? I’m so proud sir.” Bruce shook his head at his butler’s performance.  

The day after that, Jason was back at Mount Justice. He had arrived late that night, so his current operation: sleep.

A couple hours later, it was morning and M’gann went through the rooms waking them up for breakfast. When she arrived at Jason’s room, someone stopped her from behind.

‘Hold on.’ Roy telepathically communicated with her. The Martian turned her head to find Roy standing there with a hand on her shoulder.  

‘What’s up?’

‘Why… not just let him sleep this one in?’ Roy said once he found the right words. ‘He’s been overworking, I think food can wait.’

‘Oh you’re right. I think he got back past midnight last night. Okay, we’ll just save some for him then.’

The redhead nodded.

It wasn’t until another four hours later that Jason woke up at last. He was truthfully amazed he even managed to get so much extra sleep in. Opening his room door, he scratched his hair, and mentally adjusted his bedhead, though he was probably making it worse. His eyes were still closed as he made his way to the bathroom, accidentally bumping straight into someone.  

“Look who’s finally awake? Cinderella?”

Jason pried his eyes open to find Roy. “You—” Jason glared but then his expression dropped when his brain processed the words. “That’s not even the right reference.” That was so like Roy to not get the princesses straight.

“I guess you would know more about that, huh, since you read all those books.” Before Roy could continue his new hobby of teasing the teen, he saw a sight on top of Jason’s head.

“Hah hah.” The younger fake laughed. “What? What is it? Don’t start acting weird now.” He furrowed his brows when the redhead stopped moving.

“That’s one hell of a bedhead. Wow, did a volcano go off on your hair?”

“Ack—” Now Jason was fully awake and fully self-conscious of his hair. Roy began mercilessly laughing at him.

Jason’s circuits fried. There were too many novel emotions going off in him at once. One, this was the first time Roy was laughing. His heartbeat was darting at that. Two, he had just woken up, his brain was still lagging but suddenly he was forced awake mentally. Three, he looked like crap and Roy had to be the one to see him.

“Sh-shut up!” The younger pushed past him, bumping his shoulder along the way.

Roy looked after him, finding his reaction a bit uncharacteristic as Jason believed in ‘fight’ not ‘flight.’  ‘But nonetheless, cute.’ Roy sneered, wishing he had at least touched the top of the other’s hair before he ran off like that.

‘Ugh. He didn’t know how to act anymore.’ Jason shut himself in the bathroom, with his heart pounding so loud, he couldn’t focus on anything else. ‘Okay, snap out of it.’ He slapped his cheeks once. He was going mad. The teen dreaded before washing up, and making sure his hair looked better. He hated to admit that he took a couple of minutes longer than he normally would have.  

He exited the bathroom, walking towards the dining area, his eyes annoyingly looking for a certain someone. The said person wasn’t there and why was Jason a tad disappointed? The other teens were also missing—perhaps out somewhere.  Other than that, the rest of the afternoon was uneventful. It was quiet, chill for a change. He didn’t mind. Though he would confess, it was also a tad boring…

Chapter Text

Later that day the team had a training session scheduled. It was indoors, in the main Mount justice training circle. It was scheduled as a regular every other day training until something unusual happened.

Roy was standing with them, in his Red Arrow attire. Jason and the rest of the teens couldn’t fail to notice that bit of extra detail. He normally never attended the training exercises or even instructed the teens in any lessons. It mostly alternated between Nightwing or Super Boy, with some guest appearances but never Red Arrow.

‘Great.’ Jason thought, biting his lip. He suddenly had the urge to make sure he didn’t mess up. He was next in line to spar with Nightwing. During so, the teen did very well. It seemed he was getting better each and every day and he may have over performed a tad—no thanks to an extra pair of eyes on him. Although, towards the end, Dick still pulled a fast one on him and knocked him to the ground.

“Okay, not bad.” Nightwing helped him up by the hand, but before Jason could fully stand up, another voice interjected.

“I didn’t just come here to stand on the sideline.” The redhead boldly complained.

“True, why are you here?” Dick passed him a questioning look.

“That aside,” Roy ignorantly yet casually brushed him off like nothing. “I’ll take it from here. I’m getting bored.”

Jason stared at the redhead as he approached them.

“O…kay…so who’s nex—?” Dick was about to turn to the remaining three teens, being Cassie, Gar and Jaime but Roy cut him off again.

“That move could have easily been defended. Let’s run that again.” Roy commanded, directing mostly at Jason. Nightwing backed away and let them have a rerun of the spar. The younger teen looked confused initially but rolled with it. They got into position, and Jason pulled the same move Nightwing did on him. Roy demonstrated how to evade it and hence avoided the fall.

“See?” The redhead made sure the teen saw that.

“Yeah, got it.” Jason caught his breath and stepped closer thinking they were done, not anticipating the abrupt attack from Roy as he did. Jason instantly swerved away, surprisingly managing to dodge the attack, but the sudden movement did throw his balance off and he felt himself descending forward. The redhead naturally caught him with an arm, holding his body while Jason instinctively clutched the other’s bicep. They were both shook for a second as they stared wildly into each other’s eyes, bodies pressed together again. Jason lost focus for a second until his stomach did a flip.

The younger instantly pulled away, murmuring a “That was a cheap move…”

“You gotta be ready for anything.”   Was Roy’s defense and he earned a subtle grimace from the other.

‘Geez, he was bad for his heart.’ The teen exhaled internally.

“Alright, who’s next.” The arrow master pretended to move on, but he secretly watched Jason’s back as the teen walked away back in line with the others. For some reason, he couldn’t tear his eyes away. The elder glanced down at his hand. ‘He’s so lean, and light, despite packing quite a punch back there.” Roy’s hand burned for some reason. He could acknowledge the potential in the teen. Jason stood back in line and studied Roy handling the other teens.

‘Show off.’ The ravenette pouted with envy.

After the individual sparring, they had a session of cardio and then finally hit the showers.

“Ah, man, that was a lot. Who invited the red amigo?” Jaime complained as he and Gar walked out from the showers.

“I know right! I’m famished!”  Gar exclaimed.

“What about you, Jason?” Jaime turned to Jason who was sitting on the couch with a canned drink. He had finished little before them.

“I’m okay, I had some decent sleep, can’t complain.” Jason shrugged.

“Lucky you, ese.” Jaime also dropped himself on the couch.

“Soda?” Garfield opened the fridge.

“Sure!” Jaime motioned to toss one his way. The teens chatted for a bit in the living room until their mentors stepped into the space from the training area.  Dick and Roy were discussing something until they saw the teens.    

“Good work guys,” Dick cheered as they passed by.

“Thanks.” Jaime acknowledged as he and Gar sat on the side couches, meanwhile Jason was sitting on the center couch, with his back towards them as they passed by. The ravenette pretended not to care as they all transiently interacted, but then he felt a hand on his head, playfully mess his hair up once as it drifted away.

Jason whipped his head to find Roy smirking back at him, all the while waltzing away. No one else noticed or cared and as Jason stared back, it began to feel like they were the only ones in the room. Every other sound and existence had just tuned out of the world while their eyes were connected.

The teen ultimately turned away, feigning indifference but the growing warmth under his cheeks would say otherwise.  Roy was almost treating him like a younger brother, but it was interesting. It was even endearing in a way.  If Dick did that, he wouldn’t care so much about it, but Roy doing something like this? He couldn’t stop thinking about it, resisting the urge to touch that area on top of his head. ‘So annoying.’

Why did it feel like the stone walls around them were slowly chipping away?  

A whole month went by in the blink of an eye. Roy was nowhere to be seen, and Jason had also gotten busy between missions, school and Batman. Even then, his eyes would unconditionally wander, preparing for a certain redhead to appear out of nowhere—like he usually did.

‘Ugh, he was a lost cause.’ Jason knew by now he was definitely crushing on the elder, and that realization alone made him want to facepalm so hard. ‘Of all people, seriously.’

Nevertheless, the teen didn’t have time to ruminate about his undefined love life. The team was recently investigating these aliens who had landed on earth, known as Kroloteans. There’s suspicion that they were using humans as trial subjects to look for special genes that granted powers, called metagenes. Their current mission was to scout out one of their covert centers and infiltrate it.

Robin, Blue Beetle and La’gaan were on the case as they sneaked in underground and attacked the makeshift testing arena. Things only got worse as the traitor Mantle, formerly Aqualad joined scene. Nightwing, Batgirl and Wonder Girl also got involved as they fought the Kroloteans. Meanwhile Blue Beetle and Robin were tackling one of their big, robotic guys. Their hands were full and no one had time to dissemble the self-destruct bomb that had been recently activated.

‘Great, they were toast if they didn’t wrap this up fast.’ Jason couldn’t help but think as his eyes jumped back to the timer on the bomb.

Big mistake. The second his eyes were off his opponent; the big guy sent him flying across the ground. Jason groaned loudly when a broken ragged boulder struck his back. He smelt blood and knew he was bleeding but had no time to check. The teen struggled to sit up and reached for his utility belt while the monster stomped towards him. Except, someone jumped in front of him last minute and launched an arrow straight into the alien’s face, who exploded into robotic parts and scattered all over the ground.

“Red arrow?!” Jason exclaimed out loud in pure astonishment. ‘And right now? Of all places and times? Or should he say finally!”

“Why are you still here?! Evacuate with the rest!” Roy demanded as he tucked his bow away, pulling the teen up of his own volition. The elder swung Jason’s arm over his neck and hooked a secure hand on the younger’s waist, effortlessly lifting him up.

“Th…anks…” Jason choked, as he allowed Roy to drag him out of there.

“Thank me later.” The redhead claimed with a cold somber voice. He wasn’t pleased at all with the current state of Robin’s condition. The ground shook again and that was a telltale sign that the ceiling would collapse soon. “On second thought, this’ll be faster.” Roy called out, grabbing Jason’s attention before simply scooping him up, bridal style.

“Hey!” Jason let out an embarrassing yelp, digging his nails into the redhead’s clothing further, face flushed at the unanticipated gesture. ‘God, he hoped no one saw him like this.’ The younger tucked his head low. The redhead noticed that and bit back a smirk, finding it adorable.

The elder got them outside safely, moments before the place exploded with some of the remaining team in the water. “Good work, that was a close one…” Dick announced.

“Robin?” Wonder girl saw them. “Are you okay?” And they all turned to the pair, Roy still holding him. Jason wanted to open a sink hole and get sucked in. Meanwhile the redhead held back a laugh upon seeing Jason’s face and decided to have mercy on him by putting him down.

“Yea-yeah I’m fine…he did that on his own…” The ravenette grumbled, head low with humiliation.

“I can’t wait to head back.”  Jaime suggested.

Back at the cave, Jason got his back bandaged. Right after the doctor left the infirmary room, Roy knocked on the ajar door to get his attention. Jason raised his chin to find the redhead at the door, now entering. Jason was sitting semi-sideways on the bench bed, shirtless, maskless.

“How bad?” Roy asked, standing over him, still in his uniform.  His gaze inevitably tracing down the pale skin, bare lean muscles.

“Just a deep scrape, I just need to avoid getting it wet for the time being.”  

“That’s all?” Roy sat beside him, somewhat behind him since Jason’s back was mostly facing him.

“Yeah, the doctor said that…” The younger began talking but soon enough Roy tuned him out as he examined his body. The teen’s physique was much leaner and smaller than his own. His eyes swept around his shoulders, down to his arms, then to his back, shoulder blades sticking out from underneath the bandages. Without even realizing, in a trance of his own, the elder gently grazed the bandaged area.    

Jason stopped talking for a second, not missing the action. But when Roy refused to say anything and remain silent, the younger continued rambling, just to fill the awkward air with something. All the while, the elder continued to trail his fingers lower.

“Roy…?” The name snapped the redhead back to reality and he lifted his head to meet bright turquoise eyes. Jason stared back over his shoulder, with a mildly concerned and confused expression. Roy’s breath got caught in his throat and he found himself leaning away like he was in a dangerous situation. He could suddenly feel the heat from the teen’s body at the tip of his finger tips. “Roy?”

“Er, anyway, that’s good.” The redhead retracted his hand and instantly turned away, getting up as well, all in one go. The teen still looked lost, like he was missing a piece or something had changed, but he didn’t push it. All he knew was that Roy was not acting normal.

“You should get any injuries checked too.” Jason recommended.

“Yeah. I will.” The elder agreed absent-mindedly and left with a quick “Take care of yourself.”

It wasn’t until after he left that Jason realized he didn’t get a chance to ask where the redhead had been and how he even managed to get to that location. Oh well.

After a couple days of rest and recollection, the team was preparing for their next mission. The Kroloteans were hiding and it didn’t help that Aqualad was on the opposing team as well.  They didn’t have time to spare so they were going to scavenge the area, look for any missing teens, etc.

Nightwing was gearing up, and ran into Red Arrow, who was also at Mount Justice.  “Are you coming? I mean honestly, it’s not bad to have some extra hands on board.”

“Hm, yeah but this is a passive mission, isn’t it?” Roy crossed his arms, not too interested.

Jaime and Jason came downstairs, all suited up. Jaime moved on to find Beast Boy while Jason recognized the two elders.

“Oh, Red Arrow? What, are you coming on this mission too?” Jason asked curiously but couldn’t stay to hear the answer as Beast Boy hollered at him. “Hold on, coming!” He ran over to the other teens.

Roy paused. He stood still, face turned towards where the teen appeared from for a long second, away from Dick until he turned back around. Dick raised a brow, waiting for him to say something.

“On second thought, I think my evening is free. Luthor can probably wait.” The redhead decided on a whim. Dick gave him a suspicious look but didn’t question it further.

‘Yeah. What exactly was he doing?’ Roy questioned himself behind the fake smile.

Jason was eating at the table with the other teens but couldn’t avoid the long stares from Cassie. He glanced away once and back at her, but she never budged.

“Uh…did you cook this?” Jason asked for the sake of saying something. Those eyes were beginning to drill traumatic holes into his soul. 

“What? Oh, I mean, no not really…” The blond blinked, softening her gaze temporarily.

“Okay, it’s edible though.”

“That’s good to hear…” Cassie responded back sheepishly before she went back to stealing glances at him.

“Uh…you hermanos okay?” Jaime sat one seat away from them on the dining table, witnessing this weird tense dynamic. Gar was too busy enjoying his food, but even he glanced up, at the funny mood taking over the table.

“That’s kind of what I wanna know. Is there something on my face?” the ravenette felt around his mouth.  

Chapter Text

“Ugh! Okay! I’ll just say it!” Cassie surrendered. All three guys looked at her. “So…what’s…going on between you and Roy…?” She tried to let that out as gently as possible—but Jason still choked on his food. “There is?!” The girl almost took that reaction as confirmation.

“What?! No! There isn’t!” The ravenette immediately clarified.

“Ohh, si si, I noticed that too. I thought there was something up too.” Jaime nodded with his arms crossed and eyes closed.

“What is up with you guys?!” Jason whipped his head between them, frantic but trying his hardest to play it cool.

“Haha there’s definitely been some secret gazes being passed around,” Gar also hopped on the train and batted his eyelashes, exaggerating the pair.

Jason groaned, fighting back a blush. “I have no idea what you guys are going on about. Have you guys hit your heads too much or something? The delusions are going rampant.”

“Haha delusions ese, or you’re in denial?” Jaime chuckled.

“Please. This is Roy we’re talking about, the only thing he's infatuated with are his solo missions.”   The ravenette confessed, stabbing his food intentionally as well.

“Which is why it’s absolutely bonkers that you even got him to look at you. What did you do?” Cassie seriously needed to know.

“Yeah, you’re totally out of your mind. Do you even hear the words you’re saying? I’m only gonna say this once. THERE. IS. NOTHING. Never happened, never will.” Jason emphasized. “I don’t even know him like that.”

The teens looked amongst themselves once but ultimately dropped the topic and went back to eating.

‘Or is there?’ Jason silently mused to himself, as he picked up his spoon again.

The Kroloteans had backtracked a bit; they were still hiding and undercover. Furthermore, there were no new active sites that popped up. While the league would continue to keep an eye out for them, for now they warned others and put that mission on hold.

Jason was in casual clothing and walked towards the training room of Mount Justice when he overhead Red Arrow and Nightwing talking.

“Look dude, you have to let it go…” Dick mouthed. “You’re ruining yourself like this. I understand you want to find him, but you can’t risk your own health and wellbeing. You’re destroying yourself all over again, when all of us put so much effort to pull you out of that dark place.”

Jason was deadly curious now. He also didn’t fail to hear that ‘him.’ ‘Who exactly was he looking so desperately for…?’ It almost made his heart sting.

Roy grumbled to himself. When he first found out he was a clone, it broke him mentally. To know that everything he had lived for, known, all the relationships he’d created were all a lie. He ended up not caring for his health at all, dropping weight, losing sleep—just a mess as he tried to find the original Roy. Dick, Wally, his former mentor, Green Arrow and a few others found him and knocked some sense back into him.

That was a year ago. And while he was in a better place now, he still couldn’t fully get over the fact that there was another original Roy out there and he was a mere clone. Hence, he was still searching for him, every day.

“Just trust me this time.” Roy half-heartedly claimed.

“That’s what you said last time—” Dick complained but Roy was already walking away. He walked to the doors to find Jason standing there startled.

“Uh, hey, I was just coming in… to train…” The teen attempted to play it off. Roy studied him for a split second but then continued walking past him.

“Oh hey, Jason.” Dick rubbed his nape, tired.

“Hey… what was that about? You guys just chatting or…” The younger indirectly tried to ask. The mystery person that Roy destroyed his health for was gnawing at him like a bad itch.

Dick sighed. “It’s…nothing, don’t worry about it.”

Jason frowned. ‘That answer wasn’t good enough; he needed a proper explanation right now.’  As if he could say that out loud. “Hm…” He pursed his lips instead pensively.

Now that he thought about it. Even the first day they met, Roy mentioned looking for someone that time as well…   

Jason had a few more interactions with Roy but they were extremely brief, practically non-existent and in the presence of the rest of the team. Also, Roy being Roy, never stuck in the same place for longer than two seconds, just to go back to more of his reconnaissance.

Jason was beginning to get both irritated and frustrated. ‘Could he possibly get hold of this guy?!’ He was inches away from kicking the wall in. While he stood glaring at the wall, Nightwing passed him by.

“We discovered another site with underage teens who were abducted by the Kroloteans but haven’t been subjected to any experimentation.” Dick announced. “And that’s all thanks to Red Arrow being there at the right time to interfere. I just need one more titan member to help him escort the teens.”

“I’ll go!” Jason couldn’t have said it any sooner when he heard the name Red Arrow. The other titans and Nightwing turned their attention to him at the ultra-prompt response. “I mean, I don’t have anythi—I’m bored—oh for crying out loud, just let me go!”

“Okay,” Dick smiled. “That was fast. Sure, thing. I’ll send you the coordinates. He needs you there ASAP.”

“Roger that.” Jason sprinted to get his gear on.  

Robin made it to the location with a small lift from Super Boy on his Sphere, who had transformed into a flying scooter. The younger landed on the ground and spotted Roy at the door, escorting the teens out. “Finally,” The redhead sensed a new member approach and presumed it was one of the titans. When he looked up and recognized Robin, his expression became vague. “Oh, it’s you.”

Jason ran over and stopped a few feet away from him, puzzled by that change in tone. “Yeah, is this everyone?” But he decided to put a pin on it for now. Jason took this time to screen the elder as well. Now that he was aware of the redhead’s internal predicament, he was noticing things he hadn’t picked up on before. He could tell the other looked paler, his hair was still spiked up but they looked as if they were done in a rush. If one squinted, they could see a subtle stubble going on and Jason suspected dark circles under that mask.  

“I believe there are a few more inside.”

“I’ll get them.” Jason demanded without any room for negotiation, before dashing in. He brought the teens out and took samples and details of the place. They took the teens to the police station. While the redhead spoke to the sheriff, Jason eyes never left him, studying him up and down constantly.

Roy looked worn out. It was clear he was pushing himself without caring to rest. He even had a few unhealed bruises on his arms.

“What?” Roy interrogated when he met Jason’s judging gaze.

“You…look like crap. Maybe you should leave the rest to me?” The ravenette couldn’t stand back without saying anything.

That visibly stunned Roy. Perhaps he wasn’t expecting that amount of directness from the teen.

“I’m fine, kid. Just focus on the task at hand.”

The teen clicked his tongue, annoyed. “Stop lying. You’re barely standing, and we both know it.  You’re gonna get yourself killed, or worse—drag us all down.”

 “I said I’m fine.” Roy snapped coldly. “Worry about yourself.”

‘What the heck?’ All of a sudden, he was treating Jason like some stranger and that was pissing the teen off. “I am. And yet I have the time to call you out—that should tell you how bad you’re doing.”

They were walking out of the police station, Roy ahead of Jason.

The teen took a deep breath. If he wanted to talk to someone like Roy, or have him listen, he needed to approach gentler. ‘So, this is how people feel when they approach him, huh?’ Jason referred to himself. They could both be hot headed sometimes.

“What about 'him?'” The younger didn’t know why he was bringing it up right now but now was just as best time as any, especially with the elder quickly escaping from him. “Is that…why you’re being like this?”

“Who?” Roy halted in his steps and rotated himself to look at the teen.

Jason bit his cheek. “Dick mentioned a him that time…someone you’ve been looking for, and desperately it seems…” He couldn’t help but add that descriptor in there, couldn’t he? “What would he think, seeing you like this?”

Jason still had no idea who he was talking about and what relation said person had to Roy, and Roy could see that because he stared back very perplexed.  

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, do you?” Roy’s voice sounded normal again, and less stiff than before. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t have suggested that. How would I know what he wants? I don’t even know who, or what the hell I want anymore.”

 Jason was confused, but he pushed himself to listen and not react as he could clearly tell this was troubling Roy. Moreover, Roy was opening up a bit and that alone was a big step forward. It showed that Roy was trusting him and treating him as someone worthy of his time and emotions.

The ravenette felt bold and grabbed the elder’s arm, guiding him away from the street they were on to a quieter safer spot on the grass that Super Boy could pick them up from. The redhead wordlessly followed like a doll, like he was under a spell casted by the teen. Jason found it appealing how a small break to the touch barrier was enough to make Roy compliant.

“Then why don’t you tell me...?" Jason requested.  

Roy raised a brow, once the teen let him go. “And why should I tell you?”

Jason scowled. “Why not? You look like you need a confidant—my bad, I mean, someone to slap some sense into you and get you back on your feet.” He sneered, like he was the older one. Look, he tried to be gentle, okay?  

“You…Tryna act cheeky much?” The redhead’s face twitched, and pulled the younger’s cheek, slowly coming back to his normal attitude as his face became more expressive.

“So? Are you going to say something or what?” Jason fought the hand abusing his cheek and sought to bring them back to the topic on hand.

“Couldn’t you find a better time?” The redhead motioned to the sky and the Sphere was approaching them. Roy began walking to it first.  

“Ugh…” Jason’s shoulders dropped before mumbling. “He’s the master of deflection and evasion.”

Thay made it back to the cave and Jason threw a protein bar towards Roy who was sitting on a bench. They were alone in the zetatube / training area. “You look like hell. Eat something.” Jason was not about to let the elder go without explanations. However, something else also didn’t allow the teen to rest while he knew the other was internally—and externally for that matter—suffering.

“Don’t need it.” The redhead acted tough.

Jason crossed his arms, not buying it. “You sure about that? Because you’re looking like you’re about to drop dead on me.”

“Someone’s talkative today. I’m just mildly tired. Consider yourself lucky.”

The teen leaned forward, tone sharpening.  “Tired of what? Pretending you’re invincible? Pretending you don’t give a crap about what’s happening to you?”

Roy glanced at him. “Someone’s learning from his older brother. It doesn’t matter either way.”

Jason exhaled, softening his tone. “It does matter. Whether you like it or not. You can’t keep pretending you’re fine when you’re clearly not… And… you don’t have to keep pushing people away, either.” He averted his gaze. He hoped he was getting through to him.

There’s a long silent pause as they both looked away from each other. It’s clear Roy didn’t want to admit anything, but Jason’s words hit a nerve.

“I’m not some weakling.” Roy started off tough again.

“Fine, if you say so, but you’re not immortal either. Or are you?” The ravenette was trying so hard to yank Roy out of his hard shell.

“I’m a clone.” The redhead eventually blurted. He was exhausted, sleep deprived, and at this point his brain stopped giving any f’s.

“…So… still not immortal.” The younger transitioned smoothly—if he would say so himself. So well, that even Roy swung his head up to witness the teen’s expression. “I don’t see why you can’t take care of yourself.”

“Why are you…” Roy wanted to ask how Jason was so nonchalant about him being a clone. How was the information not fazing him at all? He was truly unique sometimes. “You don’t get it. Suddenly, finding out all the people you know, the person you are— is nothing but a copy of someone who is truly you. I’m not even the real me.”  

Jason didn’t respond right away. He needed the extra time to make sure his sentences were proper. “No…I think you don’t get it.” He sat down as well now. “So basically, you have a twin.  But how is that person you? You’ve been through different experiences that have made you, you. He is his own person—the only thing he has in common with you is an identical face. And, well, maybe the same name,” The teen added that last bit lightheartedly. “But you’re still you, Roy. Whatever that is.” Dazzling, hopeful turquoise eyes stared directly into his deep, lost cobalt blue ones as they formed a silent connection.

Roy felt drawn to the younger’s words. The teen who he sometimes deemed as a bratty boisterous inexperienced kid was now speaking words of wisdom that comforted him like a warm blanket. Their hands were both resting on the bench in between them without even close to touching but suddenly Roy was hyper aware of that proximity.

“That’s one way of looking at it.” Roy was the first to turn his head away, swallowing thickly once.

There was another brief pause. “…So that’s who you’ve been looking for …” the teen murmured.

“I need to find him. I need to make sure for myself.”  The redhead told.

“Yeah...” Jason trailed off.  

“Hn? But you seem oddly relieved finding out who it is.” Roy sat backwards, leaning on his hands, and tipping his head up. “Jealous?” Roy teased and Jason felt like a nail had struck him on the head.

“Like hell! Look who’s back with his snarky mouth.” Jason pouted.

The elder scoffed a laugh. “You can thank yourself for that, your highness.”

Jason’s heart skipped a silent beat at that one. “Just eat this already and take care of your damn injuries.”  He smacked the protein bar back at him and stood up, marching towards the interior space. When he turned around and walked towards the doors, he found Cassie, Jaime and Gar peeking through the main doors like thieves. They flinched once when they saw him, but all gave a supportive thumbs up in return. The heat began rising on Jason’s face until was full red and he facepalmed so hard that the slap echoed through the cave.

‘Just end him now.’ The teen couldn’t dare show his embarrassed face. This was so outside his element that he didn’t know how to react anymore. ‘They weren’t going to let him live this one down, were they?’

Chapter Text

Jason marched outside the main training area into the living room. He had three stalkers right behind him.

“Okay, so how long are you guys gonna follow me?” The ravenette spat.

“Follow? Who?” Jaime looked around.

“Yea, we were just…you know…” Cassie began sheepishly.

“Looking for a snack…or game?” Gar concluded and earned incredulous looks from the other two. Gar innocently shrugged his shoulders with a look of ‘What? I tried.’

“Oh really? A game? Sure, let’s find one together then, ‘cause clearly this game is so significant, huh? That you’ve got me tailed.” Jason was smiling but his eyes were far from welcoming, as he played along.     

The other three gulped, caught. “Um, I think there’s some cool stuff in the storage room.” The blond pointed out and led the way. They went into the storage room and turned on the lights to uncover a dusty corner. They scattered in the room, each pretending to look through stacked antics.

“Was…Roy, okay?” Cassie found an indirect way to probe Jason and satisfy her curiosities.

“Mh, as okay as he can be.” The ravenette deadpanned, acting apathetic.

“I see, because he seemed kind of out of it.”

Jason turned to face her. “Was it that obvious?”

“Uh, yeah, well a little bit…”

The teen was amazed the others had noticed. He supposed he wasn’t the only one who looked at Roy… “He just had some stuff going on, busy, and some personal issues…” Jason vaguely explained.  Cassie semi-chuckled, something in between a scoff and a satisfying laugh. “What?”  

“Are you still going to deny it?” She grinned.

“Deny what?” Jason frowned.

“That Roy only opens up to you?”

“Ugh, not that again.”

“And senõr Jason only volunteers for Roy.” Jaime slyly added.

“Seriously?” Jason shot him a glare for bringing that moment up.

“Sorry, can’t help it. We’re kinda in the same room.” Jaime shrugged, literally three feet away from the other two. So, that automatically made him a part of the conversation.

“You guys are obsessed.” Jason sighed.

“Whoa what’s this?” Gar looked through the rectangular boxes and old tennis rackets on the shelves. He picked out one colorful box out of the bunch and looked down at the cover. Funny enough he was the only one completely side-tracked and earnestly looking for a fun game out of the pile. The other teens came around.

“Looks like some kind of board game.” Jaime studied it.

“Oh! This could be fun! When was the last time we did something old school like this?” Cassie was on board already.  

“Yeah, let’s try it! It’s not that late anyways. And we don’t have any training in the morning.” Gar convinced. Jason looked at it, pensively.

“I don’t know…”

“Should we invite Roy?” Jaime teased.

“Shut up. I’ll play. Anything to get you guys to zip it.” Jason closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Hehe,” Cassie and Jaime high fived while Gar looked in between them, lost.

They all got situated in the living room, setting the board game on the center table, while they sat on the floor around it.

“What are the rules?” Gar impatiently asked.

“Hm, according to this, it seems like you have to roll the dice, and depending on where you land, you have to either solve a riddle, complete a dare or answer a question.”

“Seems straight forward enough. Then let’s get started.” Jason had never played a board game with a whole crew like this before, so he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t mildly excited. They all picked miniature figures to represent them at the ‘start,’ with Gar being a cat, Cassie a lantern, Jaime picking a car, and Jason going with a closed book.

“Okay, I’ll go first!” Jaime snatched the dice and rolled them. He landed on a dare card. “Do a back flip.” He read his card out loud. “Pssh, easy.” And so, he did before sitting back down and passing it along.

Next was Gar, who landed on a riddle. “Ah man! Why me! Okay, let’s read it: I have a head and a tail that will never meet. Having too many of me is always a treat. What am I?”  The green haired thought long and hard. “Uh…a cat?”

The others gave him a funny look. “What? A cat has a head and tails and having a lot of them can be a treat…somewhat.” The younger explained.

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s it. It can’t be that easy.” Jason confessed.

“Haha, so hilarious for you to get the animal sounding one.”

“This isn’t fun anymore, I’m gonna check the answer.” Gar decided to settle with his ‘cat’ answer and flipped the card, but only to find it blank. “What the? There’s no answer?” The other teens leaned in, to second that.

“What on earth kind of sorcery is going on over here…?” A new voice startled them.

“Oh Roy, hey, you’re still here?” The blond girl waved.

‘Oh yeah, I forgot about him for a second there.’ Jason felt conscious of the other all of a sudden.

“What are you kids doing?” The redhead asked, as he threw the protein bar wrapper in the trash.

“We’re playing this game, you wanna join?” Gar offered, waving his riddle card. “But I don’t know what’s up with the riddle cards, they don’t got no answers behind them.”

“Hm…” Roy contemplated as he stared at the circle and the participating members. “I guess one round cant hurt. I’ve retired for the night anyway.” Yes, he should be getting rest, but also yes, he wanted a distraction from his thoughts.

“That’s the spirit amigo~”

“I’m going to get changed first, though.”   The redhead walked around them first to fetch a spare set of clothes.

‘Roy was joining them.’ Jason mentally confirmed. 

The elder came out dressed in his usual grey T-shirt with dark sweats.  He walked around and dropped down, right next to Jason. Of course he did, the others thought. In fact, even Jason was aware of that voluntary choice.

“So, how does this work?” Roy casually inquired.

“You just follow whatever you land on, but right now we’re stuck on this riddle, and it seems we can’t proceed without solving it.”  Gar told, handing him the card.

“It’s riddle, how hard can it be?” Roy brushed it off and read it. “Heads and tails, and a treat huh…”

“Oh. A Coin.” Both Jason and Roy had the revelation at the same time.

Gar looked down at the card and the answer magically appeared at the back. “You guys got it!”

“Ohh, that makes perfect sense now.” Cassie forehead palmed. “By the way, Roy you have to pick a token for yourself.” She pointed to the small extra icons to choose from in the box.  

“Who’s the book?” Roy asked after observing their bunch on the board.

“That’s Jason.” Gar answered.

“Pfft. How fitting.” The redhead grinned, eyeing the teen beside him. Jason only rolled his eyes in response, fighting the flattering attention. The others stared at the pair, not getting the inside joke.

“He can be this.” Jason picked out a horse and placed it on the board.

“A horse?” Roy didn’t sound like the biggest fan at first. 

“Yeah, I think this suits you—with the way you’re just galloping around everywhere, impossible to catch.” Jason coldly elaborated, which also evoked a conspicuous suppressed laugh from the others.   

“Oh yeah? How noble of you. I’ll accept your generosity then,” Roy smiled through his teeth. He rolled the dice and landed on a question card. “Have you found your soul mate? What kind of question…”

“Either way, you still gotta answer it.” Cassie reminded.

“No, I haven’t found my soul mate. I don’t even know if I believe in soul mates.”

“Then someone you’re interested in?” The blond added her own follow up question.

“No. Or, not yet.” The redhead replied, putting the card back. “But maybe, there’s potential…” He said in a low voice, disconnected. Jason stared at him, looking for something that he couldn’t find.

“My turn.” Jason took the dice next and rolled it. He landed on a dare. “For the next two rounds, your hand will be tied to the person on your left. What?” The teen scowled at that. What did that mean? The only person sitting to his left was—

“You have to tie your wrists with Roy! I feel bad for you.” Gar joked.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” The ravenette groaned.

“Rules are rules, ese.” Jaime was also containing his laughter while Jason was ready to flip the table with all the game cards and tokens.

“Well then, hold up your wrists folks.” Cassie was right at their side with a ribbon in no time. The two held their wrists up and she instantly tied them together with a cute bow knot.

“This is so uncomfortable and unnecessary. What is up with these dares?” Jason whined.

“Tell me about it. Where did this game even come from?” Roy wasn’t as heated as Jay, but he was certainly impressed. The game moved on even after they placed their wrists side by side on the table. While Cassie played her turn, Roy shifted his hand grabbing Jason’s attention. The elder then forced their hands underneath the table and rotated his hand such that his palm was under the ravenette’s hand. Ultimately, it was like Jason was holding Roy’s hand, palm in palm.

“What are you—” Jason hissed quietly, alarmed by the gesture.

“This way will be more comfortable.” The redhead whispered back, and Jason couldn’t argue with that, as much as he hated the circumstances. It’s like fate was toying with him. He wondered if Roy hardly even cared about ‘holding hands’ like this.

On the flip side, Roy noticed how warm the teen’s hand was. Slightly calloused, but warm and tender and perfectly fit into his. What was more amusing was how stiff as a stone the younger was over just a little hand holding—to the point where he didn’t even dare look in Roy’s direction, pretending the other didn’t exist.

‘Cold, but cute.’ Roy sneered internally.

Just to satisfy an impulsive random urge that washed over him, he squeezed the younger’s hand, making it impossible for the other to even focus on the game for that split second. The redhead pursed his lips and brought his free hand over his mouth to conceal the amusement, because even without looking at Jason, he could tell the younger had tensed. The teen’s hand was also burning against his palm.

Roy wasn’t even aware he could have this much fun over something as small and insignificant as this. Also, that he could have this much influence over the teen. Though, he did start to wonder why the teen had such exaggerated reactions and why his ears turned so red. But then again, Jason didn’t seem like the touchy handsy type even among friends.

Two rounds went by, and they finally untied themselves. Even though, Roy had gotten comfortable with their hand position, the same couldn’t have been said about Jason. The game went on for another hour after that.

Gar yawned. “’Kay, good game guys, time to sleep…”

“Yeah, see ya in the morning.” Jaime also went towards Gar’s room.

“Oh yeah, Roy, you can take Super Boy’s room, since they’re staying out tonight.” Cassie mentioned before getting up and the redhead acknowledged. Jason also stood up wordlessly ready to head to his quarters.

“Hold on.” Roy quietly motioned to him and waited for the others to leave. When it was only Jason and Roy, the elder walked towards the area underneath the stairs. “Follow me.”

The ravenette was very confused as he followed behind him. ‘What is he up to?’

When he was close enough, Roy pulled him into an embrace. That’s right, into an embrace! Jason froze, electricity zapping through his body, as he felt muscular arms wrapped around him and a head rested on his shoulder. “Wh-what-what are you—!” The teen stammered uncontrollably, two seconds away from shoving the elder away.

“Shh, just stay like this for a minute.” Roy said without looking up, he could only imagine the expression the younger was making about now. Meanwhile Jason had no idea what Roy looked like in the midst of such a bold act he committed.  

“W-why? Have you lost your mind?”  Jason began struggling against the other, eventually pushing him away. Roy’s arms were still loosely attached but he was standing straighter and not hugging anymore.

“Why? Haven’t you noticed? You’ve been looking at me with these weird yearning eyes all night.” Roy chuckled, nonserious. “Plus, your reactions are incomparable.’’

That snapped Jason out of his heated daze. He automatically punched the redhead on top of his head and thrusted himself away. ‘Of course. What other reason could there be? He was just toying with him, as usual.’ “You damn jerk—don’t ever come near me again!” The teen threatened and began walking away, irate. “You better sleep with one eye open.” If looks could kill, Roy would’ve been dead by now.

“Ow…what the? Threatening your mentors now?” Roy was still as nonchalant as ever.

“You’re not my mentor!” Jason corrected harshly from the top of the stairs before slamming his room door.

“Feisty, that one…”  Roy must have had a personality altering concussion during one of his missions, because even after all that disrespect, he was still entertained and not one bit agitated with the younger.

Jason dropped on to the bed. ‘I need to let these feelings go. There’s absolutely nothing I’ll get from them. And on top of that, it can’t be him. Anyone but that jerk!’ He rolled on to his side. To think he would be the type to fall in love with a guy. An older guy by six years, on top of that. And of course, it had to be a pompous, arrogant, annoyingly adept… yet conventionally attractive guy. But all Roy was doing was passing time with him. Teasing and taunting a younger member for the fun of it because he was likely bored. Jason sighed. If he ignored these feelings, maybe they would go away.   

Robin and Blue Beetle were running an errand and, on the way back, they took a shortcut through Star City.

“How am I flying and you’re still ahead of me, ese? Slow, down, what’s the rush?” Jaime complained as he flew over top while Jason grappled from building to building.

“That’s because you’re not paying attention. And I guess you’re slow.” The ravenette smirked, glimpsing up at him once.

Jaime rolled his eyes. “You know sometimes you guys are so similar.”

“Who? Batman and me?” Jason curiously asked.

“No, Roy and you.”

Jason’s face turned sour for a moment. “As if. I don’t see the similarity at all.”

“How do I explain it? It’s like this way of talking, like over-confident, and borderline conceited.”

“Whatever.” Robin landed on a roof top and walked across it to reach the other side. While Jaime flew down as well, Jason noted something out in the distance. Something familiar.

A lil bonus I was preparing for this chapter, hence took an extra day lol, enjoy ;P : 

Chapter Text

Jason squinted trying to make out the figures off into the distance, on another rooftop.

“What is it? Why’d you stop?” Jaime posed, until he followed his gaze and zoomed in with his scarab tech.  “Wait, is that Red Arrow?”

Robin’s eyes narrowed further. Red Arrow, yes, but he wasn’t alone.  What was going on? The whole scene looked suspicious and left the teen on edge. Without saying a word, Jason leaped off the roof and shot his grappling gun in the elder’s direction. The sun was setting, the sky blended all hues of pink, orange and blue, but it wasn’t terribly dark out yet.

When Robin came closer—still hundreds of feet away—but relatively closer, he recognized the other person to be a woman. The teen halted on a roof closer to the pair and hid behind one of the pillars.

“Hey ese, what are we doing? Are we supposed to be spying on them?” Jaime had no choice but to quietly follow suite.

“Ssshh. Keep it down.” Jason demanded, not taking his eyes off the couple. “Why is he here…?” He thought out loud, mentioning Roy. 

“Does it...matter?” Blue Beetle reasoned. Then again, what Roy did with his personal time was his own business.

‘It mattered to me,’ Jason involuntarily thought. Even though he knew he shouldn’t keep getting involved with the other, but his body wouldn’t listen to him at times.

While the teens watched from a distance, they witnessed the women shamelessly get close to Roy, flicking his chin with his nails once as she grinned and spoke words their ears couldn’t hear. She laughed, swooning her body around Roy, who simply stood there unfazed. She was clearly so overtly flirting with him!

It took Jason a moment too long to recognize the woman as being the criminal, Cheshire.

“What are they talking about?” Jason muttered, wanting to bite his nail. ‘And why was he just standing there?’

“Anyway~ I’d lo~ve to stay but the old man is going to get all grumpy on me.” Chesire cooed.

“Don’t stay on my behalf.” Roy impassively voiced.

“Aw aren’t you the gentleman?”

“That’s not how I meant it.” The redhead deadpanned, not one bit interested in her conversation. His facial expressions were as flat as paper.  However, Chesire did the unthinkable and without warning, yanked him closer by the collar. In one swift motion, she also lifted her mask up, just enough to reveal her lips and pecked him on the cheek. That wasn’t the intended area. Cheshire had aimed for a smooch on the lips, but Roy’s fast reflexes kicked in and he pulled her aside, the kiss landing on his cheek instead.

Roy prepared his bow, but she was now beginning to break that physical barrier, and while he had numerous run ins with Cheshire before, he still wasn’t about to trust a villain. However, Cheshire snickered and hopped off the roof, escaping into the wild, leaving the redhead there alone with his arrow. Roy heaved a troublesome sigh with his brows furrowed.

Jason couldn’t believe what he saw. He even forgot to blink for a moment there. He couldn’t feel the dryness in his eyes, all he felt was the ice running in his veins, draining all the blood from his face and body. Is this what a heartbreak felt like without even having a chance to explore your feelings?

No, it felt more like betrayal. Why did Roy just allow another woman to get all close to him to the extent of even kissing him? How could he do that?

But in the end, what right did Jason have over him? He was just some younger makeshift brother slash team member. That just angered Jason more, as he curled his hands into fists. It was weird. He was seeing red, and blue at the same time.

Roy felt a presence watching him and he glanced up to find Jaime standing out, a little more noticeable than Robin.  When they made eye contact, Blue Beetle stepped out first, flying over to the elder. Jason slowly emulated him.

“What are you guys doing here?”

“We had to drop off some new tech and reports on the missing children from the Krolotean attack.” Jaime answered.

“Is that so?” Roy glanced at Jason, who was uncharacteristically quiet. In fact, he wasn’t even acknowledging Roy, staring off to the side, on the ground somewhere. ‘Did they see that?’ he wondered.

“But why was Cheshire here? What was she doing?”  

“I don’t know, seems like she was tailing me. But no harm was done. Yet.” Roy stressed sarcastically. He turned his attention to Jason. “What about you? Just going to stand there?

Jason blinked and looked away from the ground, gazing back at him with a scowl, his body language also being withdrawn. The younger exhaled and marched away, fists still closed.

“Huh? Robin?” Jaime called out but it was clear Jason didn’t care anymore and was leaving. “What’s with him randomly? Uh, I guess I should get going too. See you around Red Arrow.”

“Yeah… Do that.”  Roy’s eyes narrowed as he watched them fade into the distance. He really couldn’t get a read on Jason. Was it possibly something he did or previously said? He couldn’t help but wonder.

Jason was leaping from building to building so fast that he was practically flying, while his mind was elsewhere. No harm done. ‘No harm done? Seriously? She practically freakin’ harassed you, licked you and got all sensual—and that’s all he has to say about it?!’ Jason was angry. ‘Maybe he’s okay with that? Does he like her?’

“Hey! Robin! You even in there?!” A loud shout from Jaime snapped him back to reality, away from his dark thoughts. “I’ve been calling you for a minute now.”

Jason clicked his tongue. “What’s up?”

“You good?”

“Yeah. Swell.” Jason couldn’t focus on anything else right now.

After that odd encounter, Roy noticed that Jason stopped looking his way all together. Whenever he stopped by, and if Jason was in the same vicinity, he would just continue to ignore the redhead, pretend to be on his phone or leave to do something.

If they were to ever run into each other, Jason would avert his face and simply walk past him.  It was too obvious for Roy to give the teen any benefit of the doubt.

One evening Nightwing had gathered them all to update them on the next mission, training and current events with the League. After the meeting, he walked over to Roy and Jason, who were standing not too far from each other, but also not looking at each other.

“Okay, what’s going on?”

“What do you mean?” The redhead asked first.

“Are you two fighting again?” Dick exhaled.

“No.” The pair said in unison but after the initial surprise, Jason went back to averting his gaze and Roy crossed his arms with a discontent look. Dick continued to stare them down.

“Are you guys sure about that?”

“Are we fighting, Robin?” Roy asked out loud.

“No…” Jason quietly replied, before clicking his tongue. “I gotta go check my utility belt, or whatever.” It couldn’t be any more obvious that Jason was simply making a half-hearted excuse to leave.

After he left, Roy rubbed his forehead. “No.”

“What? I didn’t say anything.” Dick gawked.

“But I know what you’re about to say and no, I’m not going after him. That’s getting old now, don’t look at me like that. I didn’t do anything this time. If he has a problem, he knows where he can find me.” And with that the redhead also trudged away.

Dick sighed. ‘How old were these two?’

‘I’m not going after him. He knows where to find me.’

Is what Roy said… but wow, he underestimated Jason’s stubbornness. Little did he know, a whole two weeks would go by without the teen so much as looking at him. Just straight ignoring. By now, Roy literally felt like grabbing the younger and pinning him against the wall until he got answers.

The fact that he even cared so much was troublesome already. Why should he care if some random teenager wanted to ignore him? Personally, he had better things to do and bigger fish to fry. But for some reason, he couldn’t stand the younger not interacting or talking to him. In Jason’s case, he couldn’t let it go. He realized that shortly after the third day. It was killing him from the inside, especially when he wasn’t one to leave loose ends.

Roy had mentally gone through every scenario, every conversation they had in the past two weeks to determine the root cause of it. Or at least what he did wrong, but he couldn’t think of anything remarkable. The redhead had gone through.  However, he also couldn’t disregard the issue. Every time he tried to move on or forget it, his chest tightened and his brow would be permanently furrowed. 

‘What is this irritating feeling?’ He wanted Jason to look at him again. Be reactive, cursive, joke and banter with him, not avoid him.

The only other last interaction they had was that time Cheshir—wait. Roy stopped himself.

All the while, Jason knew blatantly ignoring the other, for this long was overkill and he would have to face Roy one of these days. Or would he?

Why was he even being so dramatic? Jason reprimanded himself, somewhat fed up by his own actions. But he also couldn’t stop now—he was unfortunately too deep. Initially he stared ignoring the elder because he really didn’t know how to face him after the whole thing with Cheshire and his own emotions involved. However, once he started ignoring, time dragged on and now it was too awkward to approach the redhead, after weeks of apparent avoiding. Especially when it didn’t seem like Roy cared.

Jason didn’t anticipate it to bother him so much. ‘So, what if that woman wanted to throw herself on Roy…’ Yeah right—just the thought alone pissed him off all over again.  The teen was in his room on his bed and began squeezing his pillow.

He was jealous. It was clear as day. Along with the fact that he liked that jerk. His cheeks warming and heart skipping a beat, imaging Roy touching him was all the confirmation he needed.

Ugh. He hated that he loved him. Of all people. How did that even happen…well technically looking back, all the times they’ve spent, moments they’ve shared, Roy was always there for him, understanding him, hanging out with him…

Roy could be an annoying hard-headed jerk sometimes but he was also a worthy friend, reliable teammate and highly adept person. Not to mention he had a certain charm to him, a cool guy vibe, a handsome face, ripped body… Jason sank himself into his pillow. ‘Could he be any more pathetic?’ Here he was musing about the elder who probably didn’t even think twice about him.

Or did he…? Roy did conveniently always find him, always saw through him, and paid attention to when he was busy or not. Perhaps it was his wishful thinking, but Jason wanted to believe that maybe somewhere deep down, Roy also saw him as special.

The ravenette needed a distraction. He tossed the pillow aside and climbed off his bed. Sighing with his eyes closed, he opened his bedroom door. He opened his eyes to see a taller silhouette boldly blocking the door frame.  When his gaze trailed up to find a masked man and red hair, he instantaneously slammed the door shut, not prepared to face him.

Roy visible jolted and couldn’t believe his eyes. ‘Could the brat be any more obvious?!’

‘Roy?! What is he doing here?!’ Jason stood against the door, heart caught in his throat.   

“So you freakin’ are avoiding me! You punk—can you be any more conspicuous?!” The redhead banged on the door, furious.

“Uh—I—" The younger stammered. “Hold on!” He then called out, deciding to face this obstacle head on. Taking a deep breath, he turned around, patted his clothes down, ran his hand through his hair once and then opened the door. The door symbolized so much here.

“Oh? Finally feel like showing your precious face huh?” Roy may have been smiling—crooked at best—but his vein was twitching. Jason plastered a serious expression and cleared his throat.  He understood the other’s anger.

“Come in,” Jason invited formally, closing the door behind them. Roy also noticed the mannered and tamed demeaner. He accepted it, because lord knows someone was about to go down if they got on his bad side today.

“So?” Roy impatiently asked. “Going to finally let me in on what’s up?  What exactly is this silent treatment about?”

“…silent treatment? I don’t know what…”

“Save it! Don’t you dare feign ignorance.” The redhead took a long stride forward and Jason instinctively faltered backwards, his calf hitting the edge of the bed once. Everyone is looking at me like I committed murder out here.”

“...oh...is that so…” Jason shifted his gaze away meekly, a little guilty. “That’s harsh…”

“Yeah, and I wonder why?” The elder glowered down at him.

“Look, I—Ugh.” The teen thought he was ready, but clearly he mentally wasn’t. Where should he start? What should he say? How much should he say? His brain just wasn’t processing fast enough, especially with Roy breathing down his neck.

“Still not gonna say anything?” Roy arched a brow, patience running low. “Okay then I’ll bite. What does this have to do with Cheshire?”

Jason swung his head up, a frown immediately conquering his face. He was anything but timid anymore. “Why are you bringing her up?”

“Ah. So, I nailed it.” Roy straightened his back and crossed his arms.

The teen internally cursed himself for reacting too soon.  

“Why?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about I don’t give a damn about her. She’s just any other villain.” The teen’s expression darkened while he averted his eyes again. It was unmistakable that Jason was lying.

Albeit, the teen wanted to be honest, but he simply couldn’t. So, this is what they meant when they said it’s hard to confess. He also couldn’t risk Roy making a laughing spectacle out of him.  

Concluding that they weren’t getting anywhere like this, Roy came even more closer to the teen, causing the ravenette to back further and butt drop on to the bed. Roy took the authority to climb on top, knee dipping into the mattress and arms pillaring on both sides. He practically forced the teen to half lay on the mattress with his hands out in front of him as defense.

The redhead was dangerously close and hovered above him, pinning him to the mattress without really touching him. “Looks like someone has to force it out of u—”

“Force—are you crazy?! Just how—get off!” Jason struggled and fought like a cat.

“Not until you tell me why I’m being treated like a criminal.” Roy finally had him in his grasp so he wasn’t letting him go until he got his answer. Especially considering the mental turmoil he put him through the past two weeks.

“You’re not! I juts needed some space—now back off!” the younger turned his head away and pressed his arm against Roy’s chest to create some space between them.

“Space from what? What exactly happened that day?” The elder only interrogated further like his life depended on it. “Wait.” Jason paused, struggling for a minute at that. “Do you…like Chesire?”

“What?!” Jason’s whole body jerked as turquoise eyes clashed directly against deep blue ones.

“Well at least you’re looking at me now.” Roy’s tone softened in the background.

The teen blinked, a bit off guard before going back to the topic at hand. "Why would you think that? As if! I despise her!"

Okay that last bit came out too vehemently and maybe irrelevant.

Chapter Text

“Then why have you been so withdrawn since that day?”

A scowl formed its way on Jason’s face again as he clammed back up, pursing his lips, eyes searching for excuses or explanations.

Roy waited at the edge of his nerves, but then Dick’s loud voice reverberated from outside the room. “Guys! Training in five!”

Jason saw an opportunity and using that as a distraction, punched Roy in the stomach before scurrying away. While he freed himself, the redhead clutched his midsection lightly.

‘I swear I’m going to…’ Roy couldn’t even finish that internal threat. The hit hardly hurt, what hurt more was the teen constantly running away from him.

‘That was a close one,’ Th teen thought to himself, heart hammering against his ribcage. Roy was so close, he could practically feel his breath on his cheek. Jason rushed out of the room.

Roy exhaled and straightened up on the bed. ‘Mission unsuccessful. Isn’t he a lucky one…’  His thoughts briefly went back to the prior scene with Jason underneath him, bewildered turquoise eyes nervously looking back at him, skin flushed, and jet-black bangs tousled around. The younger was pushing his unknown invisible limits.

‘Did he even know how he looked?’ Roy had to mentally stop the blood from rushing to certain nether regions. He glanced back in the direction of the open door. ‘He was so coy…But at least he said he didn’t like Cheshire…’ Then what was the big deal?

Their training was taking place outdoors today. They were situated in a forest, which concealed robotic shooters and sensors. Their goal was to destroy all of them and avoid getting hit. It was to work on reflexes, precision and teamwork.

Roy volunteered to join them.

“As a reminder, your telepathic links are disabled for today so remember to communicate verbally.”

“Roger that!” Blue Beetle acknowledged.

“Yeah, no silent treatment please.” Roy claimed out loud and Jason shot him a glare. Blue Beetle and Wonder girl glanced at each other once.

Once training started, the team and Roy began taking the shooters out. Robin threw his batarang and another robotic head exploded in response. Beast Boy caught the head with a central laser eye on it.

“Souvenir!” The green haired cheered.

“It’s a training ese.” Jaime reminded.

“Yeah, no need to accept every gift that’s ever given to you, unlike some people.” Jason tossed an indirect jab at someone.

Roy stared at him not entirely following, with his mouth open and a scowl forming.  The redhead hit another shooter. “At least those people don’t clam up.”

“When did I clam up?!” Jason retorted with an agitated tone.

“Uh…are we…still talking about the training?” Gar asked in between.

“Apparently not.” Jaime mumbled from a distance. They were scattered but still within each other’s earshot.

“Oh really?” Roy tested. “So that’s why you weren’t saying anything while I had you pinned to the bed?” The pair had now neglected the rest of the team. Cassie nearly choked.

“You guys were in the same bed?!” The blond quacked.

“Shut up! That’s not what happened!” Jason exclaimed, blushing.

“Oh my God Robin, are you blushing?!”

“Ugh, I said that’s NOT what happened and NO I’m not!” Robin directed to Cassie this time, a headache forming its way to his temples. “Geez do you have to run your mouth so much?!” He scolded, blasting another robot down.

“I was just speaking facts.” Roy casually shrugged, pleased with the teen’s exasperation. Call him petty or childish but he’d like to think of it as a bit of payback for all the anguish the teen put him through.

“Well, your facts are causing misunderstandings!” Jason yelled.

“Oh, please hermanos don’t mind us.” Blue Beetle blandly added, as he sliced through a tree to reveal another hidden laser. It’s like the rest of them were there for the tea, involuntarily prying into the drama.

Jason groaned, facepalming once, causing him to miss a sudden bullet aiming his way. By the time the younger looked sideways to catch a glimpse of it, it was already too close.

Jason’s hand twitched but an arrow flew in to intercept it. Jason glanced in the direction of the arrow which led back to Roy, positioned and ready. The redhead was a good fifteen feet away from him. Both their eyes met, and their expressions softened, almost forgiving, as if suddenly realizing their squabbles were somewhat meaningless. Roy’s chest also settled as he lowered his bow.

Except, that’s when Jason swung another of his batarangs towards the redhead. Roy’s eyes widened initially until an explosion went off and his brain registered the robot head concentrating on him.   

“Nice save.” Red Arrow snickered.

“You too…” Jason shifted his gaze, unwillingly bashful.

That concluded the training, and the team began walking back. Cassie, Jaime, and Gar marched in front while Roy and Jason deliberately put some distance between the rest of the gang and followed behind.

They walked slower to maintain some privacy to finally vanquish whatever dark curse had taken over them. “I wasn’t trying to ignore you.” Jason spoke first. “It just happened and then I didn’t know how to reach out.”

“So, are we finally talking?” The redhead had the nerve to be sarcastic right now.  

“Ugh, I’m trying over here—can’t you just be a little more nicer?”

“Excuse me?” Roy gawked. “You should meet the rest of the league and see what they have to say about me. I don’t think you realize that you always get the more lenient treatment.”

The teen’s heart missed a beat to that. It made him feel better, and willing to talk.

“Fine, fine, no more sarcastic remarks." The elder surrendered when the ravenette didn’t respond right away. Jason suppressed an amused smile.

“I…saw Cheshire hitting on you, all over you, in fact.” Jason slowly confessed. “I was just so confused and taken aback, that’s all.”

“Ugh that. She’s annoying, she does that sometimes. I want to think she’s interested in me, but I’d rather not entertain that idea.”

“…do you… what do you think of her? Are you also interested in that way?”

“Hell no.” It was a solid, firm, stern no from the redhead.

“Okay.” Jason was so relieved, but he wouldn’t say that out loud.

“You seem relieved. Why would that bother you though?”

“What? No? Of course not, I don’t care. It’s just that relationships are a waste of time and an unnecessary distraction from the missions. Plus, she’s a criminal—I couldn’t stand by and just let it happen…” The younger made excuses, though he wasn’t wrong.

“Please, as if I’d do that.” Roy rolled his eyes. “If that’s what you were worried about, you could’ve just confronted me and I would’ve cleared the misunderstanding instead of putting me through all that mental rumination for weeks.”

“Yeah...my bad...like I said I didn’t know how and once I started avoiding, I just—wait, what?” The teen shot his head up. “You mean you’ve been thinking about it all this time?”

The redhead cleared his throat. “Who wouldn’t? You didn’t really make it subtle with the way you were blatantly just avoiding me.”

“Er…yea…” The teen probably couldn’t apologize enough. Nevertheless, he was glad they cleared everything up without his feelings getting exposed. This way they can continue with their current friendship? Relationship? Something… “Sorry…”

“There you go with murmuring the important stuff again.”

Jason glared at him, his expression screaming, ‘you promised to be nice.’

“Right right, how convenient.” The redhead succumbed once again. He was personally amazed at how just one look from the younger faltered him enough to not pursue his cause anymore. Roy scooted closer as they peacefully walked back, stealing a glance at the teen. “But…” He dragged, rendering Jason to look at him. “Someone definitely acted jealous there.~” He teased. “You sure there’s nothing else going on in that impulsive head of yours?”

The ravenette playfully punched the other’s arm. “Shut up.” But he was less angry, less evasive than before. Jason also inched closer, smoothly gliding closer, while Roy chuckled.

“It’s…good to have you back.” Jason voiced. It was meant to be a trivial statement but with the soft pausing tone, it ended up sounding more sentimental.  

“Hmp,” Roy scoffed in agreement, their shoulders brushing once. “Oh yeah? Then next time don’t run away and this’ll stay.” He smirked. It was so charming, borderline flirtatious. Jason hated how much it moved him internally. Yes, he was jealous of Cheshire, but Roy didn’t need to know that. Ever.

Jason was back at the Batcave, seated in front of the bat-computer, skimming through files. He had been searching for his parents for a while now. His dad was currently in prison— that much was confirmed. His mother died of an illness. Or at least that’s what he thought. It seems that person, Catherine, who passed away was his stepmother. His biological mother, Sheila, was still alive.

Jason was going through some pictures when he spotted one of Joker and a blond woman. The teen couldn’t shake off an uneasy feeling and dug deeper, to discover that it was indeed her. Sheila and the Joker were in Bosnia.

He had to go see her.

“You’re still here?” Bruce’s voice startled him at the foot of the cave.

“Oh, Bruce! Hey, uh, yeah, I was just getting up. It’s all yours.” The younger quickly shut all his tabs and went off to his room.

There was no question to it. Jason was going to Bosnia. He just needed a plan first.

Jason woke up to an emergency alert from the titans. With a sense of alarm, he got dressed quickly and began to head out. It seemed like his other plans would have to wait. 

Presuming it was important, the teen was at the cave in no time. Albeit, only to find out that it was—

“Our annual fundraiser potluck!” Cassie exclaimed, excited. Jason’s expression dropped faster than water.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me.” The ravenette deadpanned.

“And we wanted you to join us this year. It’s always a lot of fun. We all make our own unique dishes and take them to the orphanage.” M’gann told as she carried a huge set of pots.  

“Every year? I don’t remember there being one last year.” Jason pointed out.

“We did. But you were on a mission.”

“…Is it too late to join a mission now?” The ravenette quietly rolled his eyes away.

“Oh, come on! The food’s always great! We all join in and the other kids love my animal tricks.” Gar chimed in.

“Your.” Jason singled out the most important part of that statement.

“Don’t be such a downer ese, you won’t regret my enchiladas~.” Jaime also added, carrying a pot containing frying pans and utensils.

Jason sighed. ‘Technically, he’d be leaving for Bosnia soon anyway, so what’s one more random outing?’ He thought nonchalantly. “Fine…”

The teens helped each other carry the pots, pans and grills outside near the water to give themselves plenty of space to cook, make a mess or allow fumes to roam free without triggering the smoke detectors inside. There was laughter, movement and excitement in the air as they all gathered their ingredients and figured out what they were making.

Cassie made a classic from Themyscira, Jaime made his enchiladas, and Gar helped M’gann and Conner. Meanwhile, Jason didn’t know where to start or what to even make. Sure, he cooked for himself all the time and practically raised himself, but nothing was special enough for an event like this.  

“Hey Jason, what’s up?” M’gann noticed his dilemma and stopped over his side while wiping her hands with a rag. “Need an extra hand?”

“Extra hand? I can’t even figure out what to make first.”

“Hmm, why not go with a dessert then?” She suggested. “We don’t have that on the menu yet and I know the kids love some sugar.”

Jason gave it a thought. It wasn’t the worst idea, and he himself also enjoyed a good dessert from time to time. “I think that might just do.” He partially smiled. “Also, is it just us or is anyone else…” before he could finish that question, as if on cue, two more individuals entered the scene.

Artemis and Roy joined them outside in the backyard. Jason’s heart skipped a beat seeing Roy in his casual clothes once again. Without anyone saying anything, Roy trudged over to Jason. “Yo.” Roy greeted.

“Yo.” Jason echoed initially. “So, they managed to get you here too, huh? What bribe did they use?”

“Emotional.” The redhead answered. The teen laughed at that, and Roy enjoyed the view. “What are you making?”

“I was gonna ask you the same. I cook but I didn’t have anything in mind until Miss Martian mentioned deserts.”

“Hn, that sounds delicious.” The elder agreed.

“You like sweets?”

“From time to time. Why not?”

Jason smiled with contention. “Me too.”

“So, since I don’t have a station of my own, maybe we can just team up again?” Roy smirked, very clearly on to something or satisfied with the circumstances.

“Okay, but no orders, follow my lead this time.” Jason said pointedly.

“Yes, yes,” The elder playfully rolled his eyes and stepped closer to the teen, who began pouring ingredients. Roy peered over the teen’s shoulder from behind and Jason couldn’t ignore how comfortably close he was. When he reached for a different bowl, his shoulder brushed against Roy’s chest. Both of them pretended not to care but noticed it each time.

“Can you whisk this?” The ravenette decided to make use of the other just standing there.

“What kind of question is that? Gimme that.” Roy pulled off his jacket and tossed it aside, exposing his form fitting black half-sleeved T-shirt. He took the bowl from the younger and incautiously turned on the hand mixer.  Big mistake. The batter began spraying everywhere because not only was it held too straight, but Roy also thought it’d be efficient to go to the highest speed.

Jason shrieked. “Close it! Close it!” He scrambled to reach for the dial over Roy’s hands. When it finally turned off, there were mild splashes of batter on their clothes and on the outdoor table they were using. The two exchanged glances and burst into laughter, for a change.

Jason felt liberated for the first time. Never would he have dreamed, as troubled kid, of experiencing such moments. He wished these times would stay like this forever. He had really built something worthwhile here with Bruce and the titans.

Roy scooped some of the batter off his shirt and swiped it on top of Jason’s nose. “Hey!” The ravenette recoiled. The other teens watched them and chuckled.

“Boys,” M’gann shook her head with a smile. It was also new to see their old teammate, Roy open up like this.

In the end, the carrot cake turned out great with the icing and all. They cut the cake into slices and individually wrapped them in plastic.   

“Geez, you’re a disaster…but you get things done.” The redhead commented.

“Shouldn’t I be the one saying that? But my pleasure.” Jason raised his chin high.