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( 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?

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[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.

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( 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?

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[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.

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( 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?

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

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( 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?

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[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.

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( 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?

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What do you mean?

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

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( 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.

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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.

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( 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.

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[Jason looks up at Bruce.]

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

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I’m not him, Jason.

( Another squeeze to his shoulders. )

I’m right here.

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[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?

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( 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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[Jason knows he probably shouldn’t lay so much trust at Bruce’s feet and the worry that Bruce will fire him continues to linger, but maybe Bruce can help.

Maybe he can dig Jason out of this mess he’s created for himself.]

It’s Crane. And he connected me to a guy named Silco.

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( He had suspected much when he mentioned the fear antidote. At that, his hold to the back of Jason's head grows a little more desperate. )

Listen to me. Crane is not your friend. He's dangerous and he'll use you to get what he wants.

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He’s the only one who can make the antidote

[Jason understands what Bruce is saying but he can’t give up on the antidote. Not now.]

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( Still he holds to him, afraid to let him go. )

We'll find another way. You don't have to do this alone.

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There isn’t another way.

[Jason sags a little, growing more and more aware of just how deep a hole he’s dug for himself.]

If I don’t keep going back, he’ll think something’s up.

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( The desperation is not only in the way he holds to Jason, but in his voice, too, then. )

I lost one son already, I'm not going to lose another.

( Damian is here — alive — sure. But he doesn't remember him or their time together and if something like that or worse were to happen to Jason, well. He can only take so much. )

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[The word ‘son’ temporarily halts Jason’s spiraling thoughts. He remembers when his Bruce last used it, just before calling Jason a mistake.]

I can’t, Bruce. I can’t stop.

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( Softly: )

You can, Jason. Because I believe in you.