Chapter Text
Dick Grayson looked at the reflection of himself on his car window one last time.
He couldn't lie to himself; he looked pretty tired although he had done nothing but rest during the last few days. It was not staggering news, considering the latest events. Dick was mentally tired if not physically. Processing things was exhausting. Facing them was going to be painful addition to exhaustion, he was well aware. Nevertheless, he was ready to take action. He walked to the big mansion's big door, feeling distressed. He wasn't sure what would come out of this night. When he reached to the entrance, the doors opened as if Dick was expected. He stepped in, looking at the familiar face behind the door. He smiled as Alfred greeted him with a head gesture and closed the door after him.
"Good evening, Richard."
Dick shook his head as well. They were standing in front of the brown entrance doors and they both didn't bother to move to the living room. "Hey, Alfred." He looked at the big hall, "Where's he?" asking impatiently.
"Master Wayne hasn't returned yet. He was busy all day. I could send a voice call to him, if you'd like to."
Dick thought about it for a minute. He tried to interpret the odds. "No need to," he murmured a little bit hesitantly. "It's better for Bruce to be uninformed." He sighed. "I wanna do it myself alone. I need the locations where he is last seen."
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Alfred asked, obviously worried. "You don't even have your gear on, Richard."
Dick lowered his head and looked at himself. He was wearing some new pants he got a while ago, a t-shirt that's picked randomly, his comfy sneakers and a jacket to keep himself warm. He was as casual as it could get. Although he appreciated Alfred's forethoughtful intentions, it irritated that there was a clear possibility of him getting hurt by the second Robin. He didn't even know if the second Robin existed anymore. It was too early for a confrontation after Bruce sliced Red Hood's throat. Yet, Dick's mind was settled. He was going to push off limits. He was going to meet him. This fight was between Bruce and Jason. He didn't have the intention to anger any of them more. Dick just wanted to see Jason. He hoped maybe the Robin was still there under all that covers and the red mask.
"I don't need my costume. This is not a hunt." Dick smiled at Alfred, trying to indicate everything was ok.
Both of them knew it wasn't.
"I'm worried for both of you, Richard. He has been through a lot. I suggest you to give him some time to adjust. It would be pretty awful if things get intense there." Alfred let out a sigh and looked like he was tired as well. "Also, you should consider Bruce's possible approach about all this. Maybe you should wait for him."
"It's fine," Dick said. It was more of a wish than a promise. "I will be fine."
"It's your decision." Alfred squeezed Dick's shoulder with a kind smile. "I know I won't be able to change your mind, instead I will look after you." He opened the door again. "Master Wayne will not be happy, so I want you to be extra careful. I sent you the location. And of course, I'll still be tracking your phone in case."
Dick nodded, smiled and turned around to get out of the building. He was a few steps out when Alfred called his name again.
"Be careful." Alfred's warning was direct and serious.
Dick gave a silent promise and went to his car. He tried to think of how he should start a conversation with Red Hood while driving to the location. It took a little bit of time to occur to him that there might not be even a single dialogue when he gets there. Everything was possible. Red Hood could just shoot at him, seeing him completely unprepared and Dick would end up in a hospital, or even worse, in a graveyard. He could just abduct Dick and torture him for days, who knows? Red Hood was like a ticking bomb at the moment. Probably the Bats were the last people he'd like to see, as they deserve. Dick could never blame him for this, just like he could never blame him if Hood would hurt Bats, too. He knew about these possibilities and they didn't change his mind about his suit. He had wanted Jason to know he didn't come for a fight, even though that meant to be physically and mentally vulnerable. This might turn out to be a stupidly dangerous idea but Dick was certain to take risks.
When Dick reached to the location Alfred had sent to his phone, he parked his car under a small old roadway bridge. He got out of the car and immediately looked around. Putting on a sunglasses at night seemed funny but it was his best option not to be recognized by others. Observing the street with a barrier in front of his eyes was challenging but he still did it. He wanted to know if it was safe enough to not get killed but not safe enough to find Red Hood. The street was silent and dusty. It felt shadowy. There was a never ending sound of sirens and honks coming from afar. The rusty buildings looked like there could be anything inside. The women who were standing on the pavement looked like they were robots trying to earn money with a fake smile. It has been a minute since Dick last saw these streets.
He took a deep breath and put his hands in his jacket's pockets. He was nervous and excited at the same time. He started walking like it's a normal, everyday walk. Dick knew his target was going to find him anyway.
He walked the streets slowly, his footsteps were determined. He even smiled during this time. Minutes passed. An hour passed. He went in circles around the same streets, trying not to get out of the target zone and trying not to draw attention to any unwanted passerby silhouette. It was not tiring for Nightwing, but Dick was getting impatient. The steps kept going.
He whistled a melody out of boredom. As he was walking in the same narrow street, he heard some very fuzzy grapple hook sounds. The sound was also sharp, so Dick heard it from the ground even though it was obviously on the roof of the 3 storey apartment he was next to. He stopped and his ears searched for some more proof as he was no longer whistling. A smile was formed in his face when he had catched some slight, metallic footsteps above him. He didn't bother to look up and seek for something. Instead, he turned to the right and started climbing the fire escape stairs of the 3 storey apartment with a secretive excitement. It would probably be best if he could approach with caution but he didn't really care. This might be the end of him but he didn't care again. His gut was telling him that he reached to his target. He felt safe. Although it had never been clear that Red Hood wouldn't harm him, Dick still felt safe.
When he reached to the roof, he met with a soft wind that's passing through his hair. He looked around, still having the glasses on, but no one was here with him on the bedraggled roof floor. He searched for any other sights that could hint at Red Hood. Nothing. What a disappointment. Jason was really good at this, he thought, almost trying to persuade himself that it was Jason and not some other caped figure. Cautiously he walked to the edge of the roof, scanning any movement with his eyes. He looked down, observing the ground beneath him. He searched for a clue. Dick thought maybe he heard wrong. This was the first moment when the wish of having that advanced gear with him occurred in his mind so that Red could be found easily.
Giving up wasn't on the table though. It was too late for that. An ordinary man who was wandering on the streets and climbing to the roof was already spotted by someone. It wasn't like Dick could do anything, anyway. He waited for a while. His right hand grabbled the jacket and grabbed the phone inside the pocket. Alfred was a signal away from him and Bruce... His father could be here in a minute as well if alerted. He looked around the other buildings and their roofs. A deep breath reached to the lungs. He felt disappointment when he couldn't see what he wanted.
He put his other hand on pocket, too. It was chilly. His right hand stayed in his phone and fingers tapped the phone rhythmically. The wind was touching his face and hair through the sunglasses. He was regretting his decision. He knew it was a bad idea but couldn't help himself. The urge was too strong. The man didn't want things to get more complicated than it already is and decided to finish his search for now. He could always try some other time. It was unfortunately careless of him to come here, the literal crime alley, without any precaution.
With so many thoughts passing through his mind, Dick Grayson sighed. When he intended to turn around and get down from the building, he felt a cold metal touching the back of his head.
He froze. A shiver went down from head to toes. His breathing became faster but he tried to calm it down. After he focused his ears more he could hear the almost silent, mechanical breathing behind him. He gulped and almost prayed that the man behind him was the long lost Robin.
"Hi, Jason." Dick said, while trying so hard not to reflect the sudden fear in his voice.
"Your ankle," spoke the man behind him with a thick voice inside a mask, clearly mocking Dick. "It's healed fast."
So many thoughts bursted into Grayson's brain. He felt relieved and achieved. The fact that Jason knew about his injury made something jump inside his stomach. Hearing that voice made him almost smirk. Red Hood was right behind him. Yes, he was pointing a gun at Dick's most crucial part but that was a problem to be solved later. Right now, he just wanted to see him. Dick made a slow move to turn around to face Jason. His hands lifted above his shoulders as a sign of peace, palms facing the air but the gun on his head poked him immediately, pinning him in his spot.
"Don't." Unlike his former mocking sentence, Jason's command sounded coarse and a little bit raspy. That simple one word carried so much threat, it was almost palpable. Dick knew he was grown but he didn't expect such change. The body behind him felt stronger and taller. Dick could almost smell his manly odor. The man behind him wasn't the child he knew, Jason was indeed Red Hood.
"Let me see you." Dick sounded too eager to his liking but he didn't care. "C'mon, man. It's been years."
"Is this why you're looking for me? To see me?" Jason's harsh tone never eased.
So Jason knew Dick was wandering around looking for him. He probably watched Dick walk the streets like a stubborn child, Grayson thought. "Yes," he confessed. "I had to see you. And... I thought maybe we could talk."
Jason pressed the cold metal to his head, forcing him to bow his head forward slightly. He was precisely reminding Dick that he was in control at the moment. He was ignoring his request. "It's actually really brave of you," Jason chuckled. "Where's your costume, Nightwing? How are you going to protect yourself from me?"
"I'm not here as Nightwing." Dick gulped. He was afraid but he was also firm to not show any emotion. Angering Red wasn't the best option so he decided to go with the flow. It was true. He wasn't here as Nightwing, he was here as just... usual Dick Grayson.
"That's not going to stop my bullets, unfortunately."
Jason's gun was doing circular motions on his head, making its way to his nape. Dick felt his heart beat faster and he shivered again. He took a shaky breath and looked right in front of him. The night seemed more dark than usual, or it just appeared like that to Dick due to his condition and sunnies right now. In spite of the wind, there was a heat in the air. Grayson was getting sweaty. He thought of his chances. Jason had many advantages to kill him right know. He could just push him and let him fall or he could just pull the trigger. Maybe he could strangle him or inject something to him. It all depended on Red Hood. That was the risk, Dick thought. He had to do something before things get messy. It wouldn't be great for both of them.
"Jason..." Dick tried to turn his body around again, a lot slower than his previous attempt. His hands never changed their place even though they were getting a little numb. He needed Jason to see him so that he can see expressions and feelings on his face but this time the gun mercilessly hit his head. Dick let out a small whimper when the pain spread all across the back of his head and nape. He whispered a curse word.
"I said don't fucking move."
Dick nodded because there was no better alternative. The Red Mask had the gun and automatically, had the superiority. Grayson gave extra effort to ignore the pain in the back of his head. "Alright, alright." He took a deep breath. "I'm not armed."
"I know." Red's gun travelled Dick's back and waist with its tip. Apparently he wanted to be sure one more time. Dick hold his breath and let him do however he pleases, it didn't bother him. The gun kept its search and went back to the head, pressing it again. Jason laughed in a very non comedic way. "You've never changed, Dickie."
Jason's little nickname comment felt good. Dick took courage from it. "I want to see you." The desperation in him tried one more time.
"I have my mask on," Red Hood replied.
"Take it off."
"No fucking way." A murmur.
Dick Grayson felt guilt all over himself in that moment. It was almost physical, traveling through his veins. He couldn't argue. Jason had every right to not trust him. They never had the best relationship, and to be honest, Dick didn't even like him at the beginning. They avoided each other most of the time and just wished it stayed like that. After years, nothing went like planned and things took a cruel turn. Dick never thought there would be an explosion. He never thought Jason might get killed by Joker. He never thought that Jason might be resuscitated. All of that somewhat happened, but returning to Gotham after all that? It costed Bruce a son, for now, and he gained a new villain. Red Hood was still in the city even after getting his throat sliced by his father. Dick should've congratulated Jason for his bravery. And he should've cursed himself and Bruce for letting second Robin suffer all alone. He wanted to apologize. Technically none of these were his fault but he still wanted to say how sorry he was, how he never realized he should be there. While Jason remained still, the elder tried to forget about the cold metal touching him and focused on his words. "I never thought things would come to this. I'm sorry."
Hood's tone was calm but the words felt like stings; "Be honest, Grayson, you never even thought about it. Not once. And you're not sorry, either."
"No, I really am sorry," Dick's reply came fast like he needed to interfere. "I am sorry that I couldn't be-"
He was outtalked mid sentence immediately and Jason started pouring with the coldest voice that ever came out of him. "No. You're not. You were never sorry. You never cared. You were never there for me. I was only an orphan kid who replaced you. It was always that, isn't it? I came and took your place. You acted all angry and jealous just because I was saved. You wanted everything to yourself. You wanted daddy's attention all to yourself. Such a spoiled fucking brat. You were such an immature piece of shit, Dick. I was just a child!"
Jason's words hurt more this time, especially his last shout made Dick scrunch his nose with regret. "It... It wasn't about you, Jason. I mean... I had some problems with Bruce at that time and you've got caught by my attitude as well. That shouldn't have happened because, yes, you were a child. You've done nothing wrong. I was the one who wronged you, I know. I'll never forgive myself for it. I should've been there more. I should've been in your life more. I'm sorry that I am understanding this now. I'm sorry it took so long. It's just that..." Dick felt his voice shaken and he stopped to fix it. Jason's silence was giving him courage to go on and tell everything he can because he was clearly listening. Dick didn't know if it was because Jason wanted to give his excuses a shot or perhaps he just pitied the first Robin. Dick wouldn't mind that, considering his place. He took another breath and continued. "Your death made me realize things. I know, it's so selfish for me to say this... but it did."
Red Hood didn't say a word. He didn't react. He kept his gun in place. His breathing now could be heard because of the silence. Dick saw this as another opportunity and opened his mouth again. "I'm sorry. I didn't think-"
"You never do. That's not news." The opportunity vanished with Hood's cynical shutoff. He pressed the gun more harshly as if Dick's words angered him more. "Tell me, Dick. Why should I care now..." A click sound came from the gun, "... even though you never did?"
"I cared, Jason." Dick started breathing rhythmically. The gun's sound made something alert inside him and he calculated the odds. He was scared of Red Hood's determination. "I'm sorry that I never get to show it, but I did care. I still do. That's why I'm here."
A laugh was let out under the mask unexpectedly. It sounded nonchalant. "You're here because you wanted to see the miracle. A living dead."
"That's not true-"
"Liar!" Jason's shouting made Dick jump a little. His voice echoed between the buildings and it turned back to Dick's ears. At that moment Dick's hands were still up, they formed fists involuntarily. Jason continued. "You're not any different. You don't matter."
With a sudden kick to the back of the leg, Jason made Dick kneel. First the right knee met the ground, then the other did. They hit the ground harshly and he lost his balance. Dick unintentionally fell to his four, feeling flagstabbered. When he came to his senses and realized what was happening, he was almost thankful that Jason made him change the position because his arms and hands were real numb for staying up too long. He was also glad that the sunglasses fell to the floor since his sighting became clearer. The tension between two men was there and of course a physical response was expected. In fact, the elder was surprised it took this long. He then attempted to stand up for a second but the masked man had other plans. Jason hold the back of his jacked and dragged him all over the roof's dirty ground with an unbelievable force. Far from the edge, he threw him and made whole of Dick's body meet the ground. His strength was surprising to Dick. It was so obvious that Jason had spent his last few years training. He was agile and sturdy. Dick couldn't help but appreciate his skills even though Jason was showing those skills on him. It was ok for Dick. He didn't feel like resisting. All of this justified fury and frustration that's piled up for years needed to be released somehow.
Jason grabbed Dick by the hair with his gloves, making the roots hurt like a bitch, then easily turned him on his back with no resistance from the other and finally made him face his red mask.
Dick looked at the white mechanical eyes on the mask as they didn't reflect any emotion. It was just a cold, questioning gaze coming from the whites. Dick wondered what his face looked like, he wanted to see it. He wanted to see all those hatred and anger in his eyes. He wanted to see if there was anything left from the Robin or it was all destroyed. He wanted to see how much the years changed the man. Jason was too young to endure that physical, mental and emotional burden he was forced to, Dick was aware. In the next moment, he silently cursed Bruce for it. It was hypocritical, though. Dick's absence was another issue, one he would never forgive himself of. Guilt left a bitter taste on him. He could no longer bear the stony red mask and he quickly directed his stare at Jason's built body. Just like expected, Jason looked pretty grown and strong. The suit and jacket made him look more muscular. Dick felt proud of him for a moment. He was secretly glad that Jason chose to fight back for his ideals instead of escaping them.
He took a breath and looked at the mask again. He was disappointed for not seeing Jason but he smiled anyway. "Hi, Jason."
Dick's words apparently triggered him. Jason stiffened like that was an insult. The last thing Dick had seen was the gloved hand getting lifted before he closed his eyes with a flash ache. When a punch landed on his face, Dick felt shock all over his body. His eyes widened for a second, then they narrowed to the pain. He felt his lips burst after his shock had fade away and he tasted the warm, metallic blood as his head fell to the side. He looked back at Jason. He had no idea what to feel to this reaction.
"Hi, Dickie." Jason launched another punch after he sat right on Dick's chest. Dick couldn't even process the weight on him when his face fell to the side again. He wasn't as shocked this time; he just whimpered with pain. The face started throbbing. There was going to be bruises most probably. He had to avoid Bruce or he would need to find excuses. It was still ok. Nightwing had many enemies. He'd be good to go with a nicely thought scenario to tell to Bruce.
His hands fell to the sides with a third punch. Red Hood's strokes were effective. Like, really effective. He wondered if Red was aware of his strength. He'd make such a badass Robin if things were different. Feeling strangely happy, Dick smiled again. "You've got taller than me-" but his words cut off with another punch.
After that, Dick stopped counting punches. His pain grew stronger but he tried his best to ignore it. This wasn't the worse he had experienced, so he just waited Jason to finish. Dick didn't know how much time passed, he just knew he passed out a few times. Being punched while unconscious was a weird feeling. He thought it was a dream but the aching warmth on his face told otherwise. When he opened his eyes again, he met with a purple sky... and there he was. Jason was rubbing his right hand with the other as if he was trying to ease the pain, he tilted his head slightly. Dick coughed and a good amount of blood mixed with saliva exploded out of his mouth, covering his cheeks and chin. It didn't feel good on top of the pain on his face and weight on his chest.
When Jason finished rubbing his hand, he grabbed Dick by the collar of his jacked and litfed his torso from the ground with no effort whatsoever. Dick saw him getting ready for maybe the one last stroke that will make him go completely unconscious. He thought, almost wanted, Jason would leave him alone after that and he didn't know where or when he would see him again. So, he wanted to confess before his temporary exit.
"I've missed you, little wing," Dick murmured before closing his eyes.
He wasn't sure how much time passed, but the punch never landed and only soft wind was heard for a while. The bleeding man just realized he was holding his breath. This was unexpected to Dick and he wondered what was Jason thinking in that minute. He wanted to thank him for finally relenting and he wanted to say much more but he couldn't find the energy. He kept his eyes close. The wet feeling of blood on his face was annoying. He wished it was gone. He coughed a little again and for a while, he just heard his horrible small groaning sounds with wind.
Dick sensed Jason get off of him when he felt lighter on his chest. His mind was blurry after all those hits on the face. He wanted to open his eyes but, again, his energy was nowhere to be found. He wanted to say something, too, but nothing came out. He knew he was going unconscious again.
Two hands were on him. No. They were on his jacket. He couldn't fathom why. Firts he thought Jason was getting ready for a second round but his hands stayed peaceful. They were in and out of the pockets, searching for something. Maybe he was stealing? That thought crossed Grayson's mind for a second but it didn't make sense. When Jason went inside jacket's outer pocket, Dick understood. His phone.
Dick wanted to say something again but he didn't even try this time. His eyelids felt incredibly heavy. A few more minutes passed and Dick's mind wasn't fighting to stay conscious anymore. Something was thrown off to his chest. A little metal. Dick knew it was his phone. It hurt his chest a little bit but it was nothing compared the his face's throbbing.
And that was the last work of his brain for tonight. Dick opened his eyes just a little bit before going completely unconscious, he saw brown jacket walk away.
Approximately 15 minutes later, Alfred was slapping Richard's cheeks lightly to wake him up. He wiped the dried blood off of his bruised face as much as he can. When he was carrying the half unconscious man to his car, Alfred never realized the red mask watching them.