002yb

[002yb]

Under the influence of fear gas, Dick’s terrors present themselves as grief rage. And it’s not like Jason was hit by anything himself, but he still feels it—the chill, the rush of adrenaline.

It's the first time Jason sees Dick so angry and it scares him. Because he's seen Dick mean before, but he's never seen him violent. Blinded by a rage that looks more like anguish, bare knuckles bruised and bleeding because he's fighting to kill.

Jason having to physically hold Dick back. Arms wrapped tight around Dick's middle and struggling because Dick thrashes against him so aggressively; frenzied.

Dick's voice being shot because Dick isn't just yelling, he's screaming. Until his throat is raw. Until Jason hears his voice break under the weight of the cry caught in Dick's throat.

And Jason doesn't know what to do; he's never seen Dick hurt so bad.

So Jason holds on tighter.

And he doesn't know which of them is shaking, trembling out of their skin. Doesn't know which of their chests is heaving, every breath torn from them - strangled and hitched.

Dick keeps fighting against him. Protesting being held back because Jason was hurt. Because he’s convinced Jason is hurt and nothing scares him more. Dick is wounded by it.

Because it doesn't matter that Jason doesn't wear Dick's mantle anymore; this boy is his.

[002yb]

Dick notices how Jason seems to delight in mundane intimacy. Even small, trifling things that others overlook make Jason flush with joyful contentment. Everything is novel because everything is a first for him and Dick can't help but be swept away by that.

Given that, he isn't surprised that the first time Jason musters up the courage to ask Dick out on a date, it's to go grocery shopping.

Simple as it is, it's a first for Dick (surprisingly, delightfully), for Jason - them. It's nice. Dick doesn't mind it; he enjoys any time he can be with Jason regardless of where they go or what they do.

The domesticity of it all charms Dick, but it's all the little ordinary things that makes Jason so happy. Walking through aisles together, picking out produce while sharing a basket between them, items mixed together.

It makes Jason giddy, all boyish smiles that he fails to bite back, a ruddy blush that looks splotchy and sweet over his face and that stings hot across the back of his neck, the tips of his ears.

Jason's joy is contagious, but Dick is happy all his own, too.

Because Dick recognizes that he's a lucky man. He has Jason. He gets to share all these moments (firsts, seconds, more - all of them) with this person he adores.

So Dick marvels Jason and his clasped hands, their intertwined fingers. Smiles to himself when he gently squeezes Jason’s hand and it makes Jason blush like the first time Dick ever reached out to hold him. The way Dick's gaze would soften. The way he’d feel overwhelmed for how smitten he is; how grateful. Drawing his finger in the smallest caress against Jason’s and being so at ease despite the butterflies Jason gives him.

If Jason doesn't suggest it, Dick would plan to draw their date out. He would want to walk home with Jason. He wants to put the groceries away together. Maybe get a little distracted in the kitchen or wherever else...

The thought of which prompts Dick to lead them through the store, basket in one hand and Jason in another. Pulling him down one last aisle and being humored that Jason goes along easily, only ever content to follow in situations like this.

Content up until Dick reaches out for a box of condoms, at least. At which point Jason screeches and smacks his hand down.

And Dick is dumbfounded up until he looks at Jason and notices how utterly scandalized he is. Possibly redder than Dick has ever had the pleasure of seeing him.

Jason sputtering a slew of gibberish before managing in a panicked whisper-shout, 'What are you doing??!'

And Dick, casual and a little confused, explains, 'We're out,' before going to grab a box.

Which Jason smacks him for. Again. So flustered that he trips over his own words when he hisses, 'Put it back! We don't need it!'

Which is - wow. Dick wouldn't have any response to that, so awed that he’s dumbstruck. All he'd be thinking is how he really is a lucky man; the luckiest, even.

So, a little too zealous and trying not to bumble like an idiot about it he'd ask, amazed: 'You're okay with doing it bare-'

Jason slaps his hand over Dick’s mouth.

And if only because Jason blushes so bad and look flustered enough to faint, Dick realizes that oops, no. It's not that Jason wants Dick to fuck him raw, it's that Jason is embarrassed to buy condoms.

Because this is another first for him.

Try as he might to not laugh, Dick wouldn't be able to help the quiet breath that escapes him. A soft chuckle that makes Jason bristle - embarrassed and self-conscious for only a moment before Dick soothes him by taking Jason's hand in his. Tangling their fingers and brushing a kiss to Jason's knuckles.

Cute. Jason is so fucking cute.

Cuter still is when Jason groans and pulls his hood over his head with his free hand while still holding tight to Dick's hand with the other. It'd make Dick smile against Jason's knuckles and kiss them one last time before he gets all cheeky and teases, 'You want to pick-'

Jason is already halfway down the aisle, Dick's laughter chasing after him.

Extra: Jason making Dick check out by himself, so Dick takes the opportunity to torment him by pointing Jason out to the clerk. The whole walk home, Jason continuously knocks Dick to the side with one of their bags. Ornery and bristling and adorably prickly. It’s all good though. Dick makes it up to him plenty later. To the point Jason is the one dragging Dick down that aisle to buy more condoms later. ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

[002yb]

Renegade Dick Grayson

[002yb]

Jason try’s to flirt with dick. It either adorably fails and he ends up getting flustered. Or surprisingly, it somehow works and Dick is left stammering.  

And without even trying, dear anon.

[002yb]

Talon!AU where the Court goes so far as to cut a Talon's voice from them, damaging their throats so that they can't speak. It wouldn't be enough that a Talon's autonomy is taken from them, that their minds are ruined from a mess of harmful conditioning. The Court controls them entirely. They act as they’re told; they don’t get to speak.

Talons are weapons, tools. Valuable only until they break.

Talon!Dick being well past that breaking point. They've fucked him up so bad after so many years of abuse that he's sick in the head. Haunted by hallucinations of owl masks, white like bone.

While out on a mission for the Court, Talon would come across civilian!Jason being beat on in an alley. And for a while he would observe, gaze far away as his vision flashes between reality and a faraway memory.

Until suddenly the thugs beneath him wear those owl masks and the boy being attacked is him.

It would trigger him to watch the Court beat him into submission, strip him of his freedoms and everything he ever was or could have been. And a Talon shouldn't feel, but anger and resentment break through the chilling numbness that hangs over him.

He only comes to after - crouched over slain bodies. Hands bloodied, but steady even in the carnage.

It's only when steady rainfall starts, diluting all the blood and dirt in the alley, that Talon looks up at where Jason sits across from him, cowered back against the alley wall.

There'd be something heavy and electric to the air when their gazes catch. Talon's eyes unnaturally bright through the shadows cast by the fabric of his hood, his scarves. But for a moment, he's lost in blue.

Talon's hand wrapping around Jason's throat before he consciously realizes it because through the apathy that weighs on him is that resentment. Because those blue eyes are his. This is him. The boy that broke; the boy that was made a weapon; the boy that wasn't strong enough to save Talon from his fate with the Court.

Talon can smell the fear on Jason. It's sharp. Unpleasant. His pulse is like a bird's heartbeat racing beneath his touch, warm and alive and Talon - he might hate him. When was the last time he felt warmth?

Just Jason looking so similar to the boy Dick was that Talon hallucinates himself and is hurt by all the ways he failed himself.

But then Jason holds tight to Talon's hand, determined to keep fighting. A light in his eyes - bright, like fire. Like hope.

It's only then that Talon lets go. Slow. Shaken.

He's gone before Jason catches his breath, throat hurt and already bruising. And Talon might resent himself a little more because those bruises will linger. Because they're so similar to the scars the Court left on him.

Something something Jason trying to stop Talon before he runs away, but he can't get the words out. If he could have, he would've told Talon to wait; would've asked if he's okay.

Because even when Talon was hurting him, Jason noticed how angry and scared Talon looked. And Jason knows how it is to be hurt that badly, to be haunted by monsters.

So Jason is left there, alone. And he ends up going back to that alley often just to see if Talon will come back; to check if he's okay.

Talon does come back eventually and when Jason sees him, it's a chase. Not that Jason catches him. It'd probably sooner be Talon catching Jason, saving him from a bad fall. And when Talon pulls Jason roughly to safety, they're chest to chest, too close, and it's electric.

Side note: Talon with a muzzle he can’t remove. Maybe vaguely owl shaped because the Court has an aesthetic. But yeah, distinctly: muzzle, hood, scarves. For that bright eyes through dark shadows look.

The Court keeping Talon obscured in every way they can. Trying to rid him of any sort of identity.

Talon taking off those layers little by little the longer he’s with Jason, the more he finds himself.

Jason unwittingly being a little flustered when he finally gets to see Talon because he’s stupidly handsome wtf

Oh. Jason wearing hoods because that’s what he likes, but Talon not getting the fashion memo so he’s constantly pushing Jason’s hood off. Because he doesn’t think Jason should be hidden away in any capacity. ////3////

Extra: Something something Talon having no means of communicating, so Jason learns and teaches Talon sign language.

Dick choosing a combination of signs for Jason (name) on his own. One of his few more independent acts. Maybe little wing, or little bird, or something to do with his kind heart. An endearment.

Which prompts Jason to start signing Talon as big bird, or some such. And ahhhh, Talon finally breaking a smile, huffing the softest breath of laughter over it. ;/////;

[002yb]

“You’d better be thinking of an apology.” He grumbles. “Whatever you did, he’s pissed.”

As if to prove his point, Jason’s voice carries across the cave–all vitriol and indignation as he levels Bruce with a rant that quickly devolves into incomprehensible noise as Jason carries on with wild gesticulations and a tamping of his foot.  It’s a tantrum if Tim has ever seen one, which in all fairness might be par for course where Jason is concerned.  Still, there’s no denying that Dick got Jason in top form today.

“It’s a misunderstanding,” Dick tells him.  Given it’s them, Tim believes it.

Read More on Ao3

[002yb]

It's the weight of the arm thrown over his waist that wakes him, the heat of the body pressed along his back and the slow breaths that ghost soft over his nape.

For a long moment, Jason stares bleary eyed into the dark. His consciousness coming and going between blinks; lashes fluttering until he drifts off again, limbs heavy and thoughts far away. He turns his head into the floor—into a mess of bunched up bedding and scattered pillows. Curling closer to the heat behind him and letting it lull him further, farther, deeper asleep.

There's a novelty in feeling warm like this. In being made languid by the tickle of a nose pressed to his hair; by tangled legs and fingers that twist loose in his sweatshirt to pull him closer still.

[002yb]

When Damian gets his license and can legally drive, the first place he goes is to the Kent's farm to pick up Jon so that they can drive around.

They've got nowhere to go, nothing to do. It's aimless, but they're together and that's all either of them care about.

It's hours of driving along unpaved roads. Only stopping when they happen across a herd of cows crossing the road. And then it's sputtered laughter from Jon and a scoff from Damian, because of all the things that could stop them, it's cattle.

But this is fine, too. So they pet the cows through the window. And Damian is so soft in that moment, warm from the sun and being nuzzled by some cow. It makes Jon feel a little breathless, a little fond.

And then they're driving again. Jon with his hand out the window, cutting through the wind, snatching flowers from the overgrown brush at the side of the road. Tiny, dainty things that Jon hands off to Damian with a broad and dopey grin on his face.

Damian might scowl, but he still takes them. He lets them dry out and he presses them between glass soldered closed with steel. A charm to hang from the rear view mirror or from his bedroom window; something that sits at his desk or that he hides in the breast pocket of his coat, close to his heart.

[002yb]

Monstrous!Dick Agenda

Where younger!Dick has a frenzied madness to him; vicious and consuming like wildfire. Where his eyes spark bright and his smile is wicked—all teeth and bite. There’s this feeling where he can’t be contained, like he can burn the world to ash.

Meanwhile older!Dick is more cold and severe. Less a spectacle and more a silent terror. The sort that paralyzes people with the weight of his presence and drives them to paranoia because they feel hunted, haunted. It’s a foreboding sense of danger—the sort you don’t shake. Like a beast stalking prey; controlled and patient and terrifying for it.

[002yb]

There's a group chat dedicated to how pretty Jason is. Everyone in the family contributes to it, compiling albums worth of photos.

Dick doesn't miss the fact that he's the only one without an invite. It's fine though. Before he was the reliable hero everyone knows today, he was an ornery little bastard. He'll have his comeuppance as well as some fun.

So he torments the family by somehow turning up in every picture anyone ever tries to take of Jason going forward. Either he blocks Jason out entirely or he's there in the background in a way that can't be cropped out. Always making pointed eye contact with the camera.

And at first there's a look of neutral displeasure, but the more friends and family get riled up, the more Dick starts to look smug.

Jason being none-the-wiser about any of this. All he knows is that suddenly Dick is around a lot more; he lingers. Like he wants to spend time together, or something. Because maybe...Dick likes him?

It's a realization that would come when Dick is hanging off of Jason to block a picture someone tries to take. So of course when Dick looks back from where he'd been smirking at whoever, he finds Jason standing there stiff as a board and with the most helpless, flustered expression, the softest of blushes coloring his cheeks and getting steadily redder as Jason spirals back into a crush he thought he took to the grave years ago.

Meanwhile Dick is readily manhandling Jason around and being 'affectionate' with his ‘flirtatious skinship’, but really he's just super into winning this strange game that's him against the world with all these Jason-photo-ops hahaha.

They do fall in love eventually though. There’s no way Dick can be in such close proximity with Jason all the time and not be taken by how charmingly prickly and sweetly mean he can be.

Something something Dick’s focus abruptly shifting off the photobombing game to being locked in on flirting with Jason - drawing all sorts of reactions out of him (via metaphorical pigtail pulling and being a generally ornery little bastard). All captivated and smitten because while he knew it already, Jason really is so damn cute; he’s prettiest when he’s blushing.

The group chat dies a slow death if only because it feels voyeuristic to watch these two dorks fall in love.

[002yb]

Thinking again about all the Dick and Jason things that could've been. Where Dick leaves Robin behind because the mantle becomes a cage, all burdens and expectations; because shame weighs heavy on him for twisting an endearment into a weapon, a tool, a monster. Where Dick doesn't walk away so much as he runs because he doesn't recognize himself in those colors. Because he's not anything bright or good or hopeful anymore. And he doesn't know when he lost those parts of himself (doesn't know if he killed them, buried them).

(Wrong. He was told to leave because Batman didn't need a Robin like Dick).

So Dick leaves Robin behind. He leaves behind the weight of it because he can't carry it anymore. Has it stripped from him because Dick can’t fit the mold he made. Not good enough, not good enough, never good enough.

And then Jason comes to him as Robin and Dick is confronted by everything Dick lost of himself and everything he runs from. Dick wants to ignore him, keep his distance, but Robin is always flitting around him, eager to please. Bright-eyed and filled with wonder.

Just Dick being made aware of all the ways he comes up short and being overcome by a sense of inferiority (to complement Jason; they’re both trying to live up to unattainable standards that they see in each other).

Dick doesn't mean to resent him, but he does. And he's not the sort to get angry, but it's better than being hurt.

But Robin stays with him despite how ugly he gets because he sees through the anger to the anguish just beneath. He wears Dick down until he breaks. Because Robin--Jason--reminds him of what Robin was always meant to be: dear.

That's how Jason treats Robin. That's how Jason treats Dick.

It's how Dick learns to treat Jason and later, himself. Because he's more than a weapon, more than a mantle.

Jason enduring Dick at his worst and celebrating him at his best and enjoying him during all the mundanity that comes in between. Jason not being scared of what little amounts to Dick's humanity (violent and volatile beneath the veneer, the gilding). There's something dark there, but Jason doesn't care and that's--it's so damn liberating.

Good enough. He's good enough. He's good.

Despite the disappointment of not being much of a hero. Despite how Dick might not be much of a man at all.

Just Dick healing some of the hurt and broken parts of himself and mending his relationship with Robin while building a relationship with Jason--his Robin; his light, his hope and humanity.

And then Jason is taken away and everything good and dear goes with him.

[002yb]

Jason isn't one for honeypot missions, but their guy has niche interests and Jason so happens to fit the bill.

To say he has reservations is an understatement. He hasn't dated anyone; he doesn't fool around. How is he supposed to attract some big shot arms dealer and keep him distracted?

Steph making a joke about Jason showing off his guns, flexing her arm for dramatic effect. Tim thinks it's funny; Jason doesn't share their humor. He's got his heart in his throat. Nothing is funny at that moment.

But Tim swears to Jason that he won't have to do anything. Just sit there. Look pretty.

'But I'm not pretty—'

A protest that Steph scoffs at because she promises that Jason is hot af. Fuckable! Not that it'll get to that point; Tim and her have got his back, but the point stands that their target will be ensnared the moment he sets his eyes on Jason.

Jason still isn't convinced. It shows in his expression and gets more dismal when he looks down at what he's been dressed in—holsters and accessories to draw focus to the swell of his chest and the softness of his thighs. What good is a holster without a gun though? Jason feels bare like this and vulnerable for it.

Given Jason's reservations, Steph steps up. She'll prove to Jason that he's got nothing to worry about, so she video calls the hottest person she knows and asks them: be honest, would you fuck Jay?

'No.' Because it's Cass, of course she wouldn't. Steph tenses up at the blunt answer, laugh awkward until Cass adds a confused, 'Not you,' at which point Steph swoons, smitten until she remembers the situation and 'whoops, let me call you back?'

Cue Tim who swats Steph away because he's got this, watch. He texts Kon a picture and gets a voice memo shortly after that has Tim scrambling to lower the volume on because ffs, omg. Because Kon is shameless about it: 'We've talked about this at length? Of course we should! Is he down? Tell me he's down. I can't believe you finally asked—'

Tim has never felt more embarrassed or exposed. Steph won't stop laughing at him, either. The stupidity of it settles some of Jason's nerves though.

They call a neutral third party, in the end. The hottest guy they know: Dick.

Which Jason is immediately not on board with because it's too embarrassing; Jason has too much shame to be that vulnerable with Dick. Don't do it, give him the damn phone and—

'Be honest, would you fuck Jay?'

And the thing is—Dick doesn't even look at the video call. His phone is clearly pointed at the ceiling while he works on something off to the side.

Still, he doesn't hesitate when he says: 'Yeah.'

And Jason combusts right there on the spot because what.

Which he said out loud because suddenly Dick is looking at his phone screen and he sees Tim, Steph, and Jason just behind them.

'Oh.' Smooth. Dick has always been shameless though, so he moves on quick even while Jason is still floundering to process. The way Dick rallies is truly impressive, but it's nothing compared to his charm. He's soft when he says it, casual, a ghost of a smile on his lips when he catches Jason's gaze through the call and says, 'You look nice.'

Something something Steph snickering at Dick about how Jason looks very nice, pretty even, huh? While bumping her head against Jason's pec. And Dick laughs under his breath, but agrees, 'Yeah, so damn pretty.'

The simple compliment gives Jason all the confidence he needs to get through the mission, but then he remembers what preceded that compliment and Jason goes into crisis promptly after.

[002yb]

There's blood on Jason's hands, but Dick holds them anyway. Lips pressed chaste to his fingertips, teeth grazing soft over the pulse at his wrists.

There’s tender reverence in the way Dick rests Jason’s hands over the cut of his jaw, his cheeks. Dirty as he is, Dick still turns into the mess of him—a kiss pressed to the heel of Jason's palm and holding Jason still when he tries to flinch away.

But Jason sullies him. He ruins everything he touches and he doesn't want Dick to be another casualty. Hope has always been outside of Jason's reach, so it scares him when Dick puts it in his hands so freely—giving himself away; his freedom, his marrow; all the darkness beneath his gilding.

Dick takes the stain of Jason's touch and wears it like warpaint, bearing Jason's colors the same as Jason will always bear his (blood and pitch and bruises).

Like it’s something precious.

Like he’s someone dear.

[002yb]

Jason watching with an utterly vacant stare as Dick strips off his top in the most stupid attractive way Jason's ever seen. Completely impassive because he's been desensitized to the sight of Dick being aggravatingly hot while doing average, everyday, mundane shit.

That doesn't stop Jason from being exasperated by Dick's natural inclination to be good-looking though. There's something wrong with being so unfairly, stupidly hot. No one should be such a handsome Adonis knockout bastard.

What sucks more is that Dick isn't even trying. He's just being wholly, casually himself and it's ridiculous.

Jason hates him on principle, but not enough to look away.

So he stands there off to the side, halfway out of his own shirt and contemplating life. Eyes trained to the lines of Dick's abs before dragging back up to look Dick in the eyes.

And then Jason clicks his tongue and scowls, calling Dick out because Dick is a little too dazzling (all toned muscles and golden skin and easy confidence); it's hazardous.

So Jason purses his lips in a sulk and complains, 'Who was that even for?'

Which catches Dick off guard because he hasn't got a clue what Jason is on about. He does a lot to provoke Jason's ire on the daily, but he's at a genuine loss on what he's done this time.

So Dick stands there, considering Jason as he tries to puzzle out what Jason is talking about. Taking his time with turning his shirt right-side-in after it got flipped inside out when he pulled it off. Movements slow and measured and—

—distracting. Jason scowls and Dick can't help but think it looks more like a pout, like Jason is sulking. Cute.

And it's while Dick is appreciating how weird Jason is that Dick looks at him and appreciates Jason for a whole other reason.

Because Jason is standing there with both his arms tucked in through the sleeves of his shirt, poised to undress in a way that makes him look sweet and endearing.

The surly look Dick is given is a familiar sight. While it would scare off a lesser man, Dick finds it charming.

So naturally, Dick wants to provoke Jason a bit more.

Jason really does hate him. Like with all things, mischief is a good look on Dick, too.

Dick doesn't say a word, just looks at Jason with a devilish smirk while leaning back against whatever's nearby before twirling his shirt around. Teasing, playful and ornery. Making a joke while putting on a show for the sole purpose of tormenting his little wing.

Playing coy for as long as it takes Jason to blush (no time at all), at which point Dick laughs. Sharp and delighted; wicked and wonderful. Tickled by himself for embarrassing Jason so thoroughly.

'Who was that even for?' Hah. It'll only ever be for Jason now—an inside joke for the two of them every time they change out together now.

And Jason flusters so bad, but flushes pretty in his embarrassment. Complaining loud and finding the wherewithal to strip so that he can twist his shirt up and whip Dick with it in retaliation.

It doesn't matter that Jason would be swept up in the moment, smile biting and boyish while snapping his shirt at Dick and as Dick whips him in turn, cackling loud—he still hates this big bird because he's most breathtaking like this, smiling something wicked, eyes bright and warm and wild.

By the time they settle down, they've got red welts all over them. Some of them bruising, a few of them bleeding. Jason's got his shirt half pulled on, a shield for himself as he lays prone on the floor. And when he looks at where Dick sits next to him, the bastard holds his gaze and smirk again, a half-smile as he slowly twirls his shirt one more time.

Stupid, Jason would think. Biting back a laugh and turning away to hide a smile. Fucking ridiculous. Jason loves hates him.

=====

Unpopular opinion: Jason takes his tops off one arm at a time before pushing it up over his head. No sexy, fluid stripping for him. Maybe it's inefficient and not very machismo, but it's super cute and I love that for him. But wait, let's make it sad—Jason being generally reluctant to take off his clothes because of childhood trauma and body dysmorphia.

[002yb]

Inspired by @tragicwithacapitaltodd's post with stalker!Dick and Jason sleeping around because he knows Dick is watching. 🫢

So Jason lets himself be picked up by strangers for the sole purpose of baiting Dick into doing something about it. He isn't interested in one night stands, but Jason is keen on seeing what Dick will tolerate from others who lay their hands on him.

He doesn't have an endgame in mind. He'd be happy with anything, really. Jason isn't picky if it'll get him his brother's attention.

The part of Jason that's a little sick in the head wants Dick to get so jealous that he'll fuck Jason himself, but the romantic in him likes to imagine Dick caught in a possessive rage—fighting for Jason before stealing him away.

Only Dick never does these things no matter how far Jason pushes himself. Dick just watches from a distance, stalking Jason like he's prey.

Jason never thinks to check in on any of his lays after the deed is done. All he thinks about is Dick. How Dick was watching, what Dick saw, if Dick liked it.

He’s a little obsessed, so of course Jason notices how every time he sleeps around, the next day Dick comes back with busted knuckles and a dangerous glint in his eye.

It's exhilarating.

Something something Jason sleeping with criminals he has vendettas against just to see how Dick wreaks havoc on them later. Power tripping and falling in love all at once because Jason's wires are all crossed when it comes to being loved and feeling protected and valued and -

And eventually no one approaches Jason at all. They turn away, run scared. He's not theirs to touch.

Because Dick is there, not far from him. He's never far at all and Jason can't remember when Dick closed that distance. Close, closer (because Jason baited him, hooked him. because Jason is addictive).

There's a thrill to it. He’s always been greedy for Dick’s attention and Jason is weak to being wanted so viciously.

No one else would want him, but that's fine because Jason doesn't want just anyone, anyways. All he's ever wanted is Dick.

So Jason would approach him. Corner him where Dick waits on Jason, playing along with this twisted game they've found themselves indulging in.

'No luck tonight?' Dick might ask.

And Jason would snicker, all teeth and bite to his smile as he pinches the placket of Dick's shirt, running his fingers down until they snag at the third button down—knuckles a brand against Dick's skin that makes him shiver, anticipatory and keen.

Jason looking up through his lashes and shrugging one shoulder and being all coy and alluring because, 'You tell me.'

And I'm not saying they fuck in front of all the men Dick's scared off, but like. 👀

Also Dick only let those men have his little wing so that Jason would have a frame of reference for how Dick fucks him better. 🤭

Dick is possessive, sure, but that doesn't mean he doesn't like his little wing a little sloppy.

That besides, they both know Jason is only ever thinking of Dick (looking for him through the window as he’s fucked full, searching across a club as he’s necked at the bar—eyes catching bright in scant light and finding Dick always, tempting Dick with half smiles that beckon him close, yet closer).

[002yb]

There's a certain tension that comes with all of Dick and Jason's interactions. It's in the way they fight each other, sharp-tongued and a little mean. Always pushing, challenging, demanding, wanting.

Dick can't say for sure when it started happening or why, just that it's fun. Because with Jason, Dick doesn't have to be nice. And Jason gives as good as he gets.

So between them, it's all pointed taunts and nasty quips. It's banter that's all quick, shallow cuts until one of them can drive the metaphorical knife in.

Dick doesn't know if his smile starts to mirror Jason's—vicious, sharp—or if Dick may have always been this way underneath all his gilding (the responsibilities, the expectations, the burdens). It's there though; there are nights where he gets home and realizes his cheeks ache from it.

They crowd each other often. They get physical even more. Playful shoves and lighthearted roughhousing; games of chase that become something akin to hide-and-seek (because Jason loves being found and because Dick loves the hunt, the pursuit).

It's exhilarating. It's electric. And Dick might love the way Jason's eyes light up when they play dirty together, the way Jason's confidence comes through as they scrap.

Dick loves it all: the grit, the danger, the adrenaline. It's a heady feeling and he's hooked on it. Because at the core of it is a sense of freedom.

With Jason, Dick can be dark and ugly. Jason loves him in spite of that or because of it. It's human; warm and wild and wonderful.

All of that just to say that the first time they kiss, Dick would assume Jason is experienced because of all his devastating allure and appeal. So when Dick kisses him, he keeps the status quo. There's nothing nice or soft about it; it's hot and heavy and familiar in its roughness.

Only Jason isn't experienced at all. This is his first kiss.

So when Dick slips him some tongue, Jason immediately flusters and holds Dick back. And Dick is •𐃷• ?? while Jason blushes like the maiden he is just (𖦹/////𖦹 " ) !!! all flushed cheeks and doe eyes, hiding kiss-bruised lips behind his hands and trying to catch his breath and ahhhhhhh.

Dick still loves the animosity in their relationship, of course, but this maiden-hearted side of Jason? Dick comes to love that too.

[002yb]

Jason coming home to find Dick laying on their couch, arms thrown over his face. Not so much feigning sleep as giving Jason a clear signal that Dick doesn't want to talk.

So Jason doesn't say anything. Instead, he crosses that scant distance between the entry and their living room, crawling over Dick to lay on top of him with his head nestled just beneath Dick's chin.

And Dick drops his arms from where they hide his face to wrap over Jason's head, the back of Jason's shoulders. Holding him close, tight.

It's not like they won't talk about whatever's wrong, but for the moment Jason waits. Until the weight of him soothes away some of the stress.

Until that tension in Dick gives and he lets go, a soft kiss pressed to Jason’s hair; his fingers brushing gentle over Jason’s back and along his spine.

Sharing his burdens isn’t something Dick does, but he tries. It comes slow, nearly stuttered from how Dick wants to keep it all bitten back, swallowed down. Given in fits and bursts as Jason scratches his fingertips lightly over Dick’s sides—cold hands snuck beneath Dick’s shirt, grounding and assuring.

Either Jason can help fix it or he can't. Either he can be a commiserating ear or he'll be someone's nightmare.

For that moment though, Jason is simply Dick's. So when Dick pulls him close, Jason stays. Lulled into a calm of his own by the steady beats of Dick’s heart. Or when Dick flips them around so that he can smother himself in Jason's chest, Jason grumbles, but mirrors how Dick held him.

And maybe Dick can’t help the breathless and awed laugh that’s torn from him then, so soft it’s barely there at all. Because Jason’s heart isn’t steady at all; it skips and stutters and leaves Dick all the more smitten for it.

When he tries to lift his head to see how Jason must be blushing, Jason would pull him back in. Adamant in that refusal because it’s too embarrassing. And Dick would snicker into the toddies but relent.

Then they’d stay there until Jason’s heart settles down. Until Dick settles, too, ughhhh Dick pressing soft kisses to Jason’s chest. A small show of gratitude for Jason being there and having patience ;///////; Being all reverent and adoring.

But also Jason plotting revenge against whatever wronged Dick in the first place as he smothers Dick in his pecs. And Dick’s heart being the one to skip and stutter when Jason cackles at his own dramatic machinations. Because Dick adores this menace. He’s perfect. (♡´𓋰`♡)