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okay thanks

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[True to his word, Jason is back at the tower late in the evening. He's a bit sunburned, a bit rough around the edges, but the bruising on his face has shrunk down to only the immediate area around his nose. He's got his pack on as he punches in the code and rides the elevator up. Once inside, he sets his pack to the side and calls out,] Bruce?

( Lucky for Jason, he'd been in the process of getting some water lest he not hear the other had come back. He's rocking a wicked five o clock shadow and dressed in comfortable — or more like lazy — black in terms of a tee and sweatpants. He's there with said glass of water in hand when he comes out from the kitchen and stands near the mess and Jason there. Despite the distance between them, he squints some — sees the state of his face. )

What happened?

Nothing. Just wanted to check in.

[And Bruce looks awful, in Jason's opinion, but then again he's used to a very polished image of a Bruce who never let his guard down.]

Uh, so yeah. I'm back.

( He's not so sure he buys the nothing thing, but. It's a very him answer, so. He can't quite chide him for it. Or maybe he's just not in the mood to. Regardless, he gently motions for Jason to come over. )

Come here.

[Jason navigates around the mess to come stand in front of Bruce. Up close, Jason's bruising still looks gnarly, even if it is much reduced. His broken nose continues to heal, but that will take time. The concussion's lingering effects result in a slightly unsteady sway to Jason's walk.]

Yeah?

( He notices the way Jason walks — the way he tries to carry himself despite the lingering pains he likely has. He's done it before himself — has walked and limped away while pretending he's fine and can handle it. But the moment Jason comes close enough to him, that same arm held out to motion for him to come over gently wraps itself around the other's shoulders and pulls him in for a one-armed embrace. Quiet as he does so. )

[The hug is entirely unexpected. Jason expected perhaps some scolding, maybe a comment on his sunburn or the bruising, but no. Bruce draws him into a hug and fuck if this isn't the first hug he's gotten in a very long, long time. At first. Jason doesn't know what to do with the hug before he slowly wraps an arm around Bruce in return and pulls them both closer.]

( The embrace is forever light in the event Jason wants to pull out of it. There's no ulterior motive with it either — no trackers being gently placed on him or even discreetly feeling around to make sure he's not stabbed or shot anywhere. He's simply holding him there as a means to be a pillar of support for him. A pillar that's riddled with cracks, but. Still standing. For now anyways. )

You're ok.

( Whether it's reassurance for himself or for Jason is anyone's guess, but. He says it regardless. Soft and a little raspy. )

Yeah. [Jason murmurs low, into Bruce's chest.] We're okay.

[He's not sure if either of them is really okay, but Jason is trying to reassure Bruce that they can both lean on each other, especially now that Jason has found some new strength after being out in the woods.]

( He'll let Jason hold to him for as long as he needs — keeping the one around around him what with the glass of water being in his other hand. A slight tilt of his head, he looks down to the kid. )

You need anything?

[Jason does start to pull back as the gesture starts to bring up emotion. He steps back to blink a few times, to clear up the sentiments rising in his chest.]

Maybe an ice pack. [His face still hurts, after all.]

( When Jason pulls back, he lets him, arm slowly falling down to his side. )

Should be in the kitchen.

( Because obviously he'd have a few of those on hand. )

[Jason nods and heads into the kitchen. He grabs one from the freezer and gently presses it to his nose as he leans against the counter to steady himself.]

Thanks.

( Slowly, he follows after the other — keeps an eye on him while sipping on his water. )

Did you sort everything out with the others?

No. [Jason carefully adjusts the ice pack on his face.] Why, they come talk to you?

I'm not family.

( Therefore, why would they? )

Neither am I.

[Jason shrugs.] They made that really fucking clear. I'm just some delinquent with passing resemblance to one of theirs.

I know the feeling.

( Except try being compared to someone like Bruce Wayne or Batman. A legacy he has yet to fulfill. If he ever even does. Anyways, he takes another sip of his water, licks over his lips, then gently sets the glass down. )

They don't often come around here. If you need some place to stay ever.

[Jason pulls the ice pack down so he can really look at Bruce and for a moment imagine the weight he must carry, especially with the additions of Dick and another Bruce to the belfry. At least they don't expect much out of him.]

I... yeah. Think I might do that. Looks like you still need some help cleaning up.

[Because it's less vulnerable to help Bruce than admit that he himself needs a fuck load of help.]

( Cleaning up means he has to admit there's a problem — that he's hurt — and it's so much easier to just ignore it than deal with it. That's the Bruce Wayne way anyways. )

You don't want what I have for you?

[Jason is immediately distracted by the offer and he perks up, as if he hasn't just admitted that he's not part of the Big Bat Family.]

Yeah. You have it here?

It's in the terminal.

( You know. His "batcave" as they call it. )

Okay, yeah. I'd like that.

[He crosses the room to Bruce, wobbling a bit back and forth as he does.]

( The wobbling gets Bruce to eye him a little, but. Again, like he's in any position to criticize. So, with that in mind, he slowly makes his way for the other hidden elevator to take them down to the terminal, going about the usual pulling of the caged door and pressing what button takes them down. There's a bit of hesitation in his expression there, but. )

You don't... have to like it. I won't be offended.

Unless it's a bit 'get out' sign, I don't think I won't like it.

[Which is always possible. Jason tries to prepare himself for rejection, no matter how implausible it gets.]

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