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Yeah.

( The word is soft but sincere in every sense it can be. Fingers there still on Jason's arm, they move up then to gently but supportively grasp the other's shoulder, holding to him with a slow nod. )

As long as you need me. I'm here.

You sure? You might be the only one.

[It’s almost as a warning, one against the belfry and against him as well. Only those who hate themselves would align themselves with him.]

You have a place here. With me. If you want it.

( Because he realizes Jason prefers to be on his own — to take off when he feels like it and he can... relate. So incredibly much to that and with having spent over a year here in Etraya now and around... well, another as opposed to others, he can see that and it's why he lets him be the one to decide rather than be told what to do. )

Yeah. [Jason nods, still feeling a touch too vulnerable after his confession.]

I think I do.

[He might not stay all the time, but he’ll be a presence in the Tower.]

Hey.

( At that, he ducks his head some — does so in a way to get a better look at Jason’s face there, hand still on his shoulder. )

Anything ever happens… you ever need anything or anyone, you’ve got me. Ok?

[Jason bites his lip when he makes eye contact with Bruce. There’s a moment where he just might confess to his goings on with Crane and Silco, his desire to get rid of his fear. He opens his mouth and then closes it again.

Would Bruce rescind his offer if he knew that Jason had thrown in with a known druglord and untrustworthy chemist?]

I might be in trouble.

( At that, he blinks, hand still resting on Jason’s shoulder. )

With the others?

[Jason withdraws a little into himself.]

No. It’s something else.

[He is really debating internally about telling Bruce any more than he has.]

I’ve been helping someone get raw supplies and to do that I’ve been stealing from abandoned apartments.

( There’s a tinge of confusion there on his face — a blink of those blue eyes as he mulls over what Jason is trying to get at. If this were Gotham, he wouldn’t exactly condone the stealing, but. This isn’t Gotham. This is Etraya and one doesn’t pay for anything here when it comes to food, clothing, and other supplies. )

Raw supplies for what?

[Jason goes quiet, watching Bruce. There’s clear conflict in whether to say anything or not.]

I asked him to make a fear antidote. But I think he’s working on something bigger than that.

( A fear antidote. Already his mind goes to one person here who seemingly specializes in that and the concern gently rises in him, given the sort of threat he’s been told he can be, but. )

Bigger like what?

[Jason looks down and away before raising his gaze once more.]

He's bringing in more people. I can't tell you who they are. It would be really fucking obvious I snitched.

( The way in which he clutches Jason's shoulder is not entirely to keep him there, but to keep them both grounded here in this moment lest one of them choose to run away. )

Jason, are you in trouble?

I might. [Jason pulls away a little, that fear eating into sense.]

( Fingers gently hold to the other's shoulder. The grip isn't tight enough to keep him in place if he really wants to pull back. )

Can I... help you?

[Jason looks guilty as a dog who just tore up some tissue.]

I don’t think you can.

[Jason looks away.]

I need that antidote.

( A gentle squeeze to his shoulder, he licks over his lips — stares down for a moment before he's looking back up to Jason. )

What if I— what if you let me help you?

What do you mean?

[Jason asks, furrowing his eyebrows and looking green aroind the gills. The lidocaine is definitely wearing off.]

( What does he mean? Swallowing, he shakes his head and looks down for a moment. )

We can figure something out. Take it slow. I know it's hard... but you have someone here that will be by you. Catch you if you feel like you're going to fall.

Bruce, I—

[Jason clams up for a beat or two.]

I don’t think I can slow down. I might be in too deep.

Bruce, I need that antidote.

( At that, he puts both hands on Jason's shoulders. )

Jason. Listen to me. I will pull you out, no matter how deep you think you're in it. I will not let you drown.

[Jason looks up at Bruce.]

I have to do this. Otherwise I’m gonna keep having nightmares and you’ll fire me too.

I’m not him, Jason.

( Another squeeze to his shoulders. )

I’m right here.

[Jason looks away as the memory of him and Bruce in Crime Alley plays in his mind. When he raises his head, his teeth are clenched.]

You promise?

( Hand coming up to hold the back of Jason's head, he keeps him there — nearly presses their brows together. )

I promise to be here for you.

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