Work Text:
Tim and Bruce both stayed as Jason calmed down. Tim pulled a laptop into the cell as Bruce tugged Jason onto the cot and was sitting on the floor next to his son. Jason looked at Tim at the foot of the bed and Bruce next to him. He doesn’t deserve this. He has hurt Tim… sure this was a nightmare but it's what he was originally planning to do… he was going to hurt the little Robin. This little quiet, reserved… touch starved teenager.
Jason fell asleep with warring thoughts in his head. When he woke up, it Was Dick who was in his room with him. Smelling like someone Jason didn’t recognize must have come home straight after his heat ended. Dick was asleep on some blankets beside his bed. “You’re too old to sleep on the floor.”
Dick groaned and reached up to swat at Jason like one would an alarm clock. “Five mins…”
Jason rolled his eyes. “Dicki bird… I have to pee… you are in the way.”
Dick sat up and rubbed his eyes then he saw Jason and launched himself at him. Jason caught him and fell back down with an oof. “Oh Little Wing! Are you ok?”
“Jesus Dick, I’m fine… I wasn’t kidding though…” Dick finally let go, letting Jason go relieve himself.
“Little Wing wanna talk about what had you screaming like you were dosed with Fear Toxin last night?” Dick was on his cot making a nest.
“Wanna tell me what Alpha you spent your heat with?”
“So an exchange of information?” Dick tilted his head “Both of us are on contraceptives so no risk of getting pregnant. We don't really want to settle right now.” So it was someone Batman wouldn’t approve of or he’d have shrugged and said it… yeah an information exchange worked for Jason, then Dick wouldn’t blab.
“Sure but turn off the mics in the cell,” Jason crossed his arms.
“Ok Jaybird.” Dick went out to the keypad and typed in a few buttons turning the mics off, Dick was too goody goody to lie. Jason settled into the half made nest welcoming Dick in. Of course the omega began to smother Jason in his scent. The scent of family and care, Dick was a fucking drug sometimes. The smell of the other alpha on him didn’t even bother Jason like it should. “Who’s going first?” Jason raised a brow looking at Dick. “I was with Slade Wilson.”
“The hell?” Jason was shocked. “You’re kidding the asshole merc who was trying to kidnap you and make you his apprentice.”
“Yep! He’s been a constant thorn in my side but hate sex under heat is amazing, don’t knock it till you try it. Besides I’m not your typical omega even in heat my instincts to fight are too strong for most people to handle.”
Jason could see that, some poor alpha getting kicked then flipped by an omega in heat… he wondered how many beta’s and other omegas as well could state they can best most alphas even under the influence of a heat that is basically sex pollen on crack. Hell he half expected Dick could take him down even with him being trained by Talia. Ew… sex with Dick was a gross thought, he’s his brother for hell's sake.
“Your turn,” Dick poked his cheek. Jason tightened his arm around Dick and took in his peaceful, worried, family scent.
“I woke up in the tower… fully geared up… I was after Tim…” Jason said “I couldn’t stop my body Dick, I couldn’t talk or scream as I followed through with what I originally planned… I … Dick I broke all his fingers and shot his ankles… I … I was merciless, I stabbed him right where the scar I gave him is…” He hadn’t realized he was crying till he felt Dicks soft hand wiping away the wetness on his cheeks.
“I’m so sorry Jay, that must have been awful for you.”
Jason choked on a sob. “Dick I deafened him, shot right next to his ear… the things I said to him… I was going to do all that to him the first time, I wasn’t even done… done… whe… when…” He hugged Dick burying his face in the older man's neck desperate for his calming smell. For something to ground him. He faintly heard the soothing coos from Dick, sweet words he couldn’t make out. “I… hurt a child… a child, Dick!”
“Hush now, it’s ok. Little Wing, Tim is fine, he’s upstairs right now, getting ready to go to school. You wouldn’t do those things. You are better than the pit, it can’t control you not with your family here. We are right here.”
Jason almost broke right then and there, he wanted to beg to be forgiven, to be pack again. He didn’t deserve it. He was a monster. He wasn’t the Jason they buried, he was something wrong. Something that shouldn’t even be here. “I still can’t stop from fixating on him… I can’t… Big Wing please… I don’t know what to do.”
“Now you’re awake… tell me what would you do if I was Tim? If Tim was holding you instead?”
Jason’s heart jumped and his breath hitched. What would he do? Tim was much smaller than Dick, not as soft, Dick might be mostly muscle but Tim had been mostly bone the last time he held him, even after gaining weight. “Tell the kid he was fucking insane…” he choked on his own joke.
“I’m serious… what do you think would happen?”
“I’d claim him again…” Jason said. “I’d hold him as if he was a lifeline…” his grip tightened on Dick. “I’d examine every little bit of him to make… to make sure it was a dream… make sure he’s really ok.”
“Jason, Bruce is going to make him pack today, since he’s legally adopted now, he’ll have a pack to protect him…”
It hurt, his Tim being claimed by a pack but the kid deserved a family. “About damn time.” He said this to stop more tears from coming back in full force.
“Jason… you can be pack again too… Alfred and me, even Bruce… we all want you back Jay.”
“Don’t deserve it.” Jason couldn’t stop himself from saying that out loud he swallowed and held tighter, he was sure his grip had to be hurting the older man, but he couldn’t let go.
“Little Wing.”
“Why do you still call me that? I’m not a bird anymore.”
Dicks hand carded through his hair and his other was rubbing circles into Jason’s back. “Because you will always be Robin, even after you let go of the suit. Robin is a symbol, Jay… You were the Robin Batman chose. You were… are, so full of life and have a heart that’s made of gold… too big for a place like Gotham.”
“Are you still Robin?”
“A part of me is, and always will be. I’d never fit in the suit again… I’d never want to… Jay I was so mad when Batman made you Robin. I was a horrible big brother to you… but I should have seen it. You needed it. The magic… if I had been better, a better brother from the start you wouldn’t be suffering right now, you’d be whole and…Jason if you want to blame anyone it’s me.”
“The Joker… if I want to blame anyone it’s him… all of this was his fault Dick head…”
Dick just held him as Jason began to cry again. Memories of his last day alive, his birth mother… The Joker… begging for Bruce to save him, not being saved in the end. He shouldn’t be so mad at Bruce… he’s been putting pieces together, Tim’s words… the kid was too blunt and honest to lie… the way Dick was acting even after everything. He still didn’t deserve them back.
“Dick… when I died… did Batman really go crazy?”
“Yeah… he did. I… I wasn’t here for him, I was grieving over you. I didn’t care what danger he was throwing himself into a part of me thought he deserved the pain…” Dick took a deep breath and continued petting Jason. “He was suicidal and close to killing any and every criminal he passed, he let the joker’s helecopter crash into Gotham bay… didn’t even bother to try and save him, we all thought he was dead.”
Jason held his breath. Batman always saved everyone, even the villains. Always. “Alfred will come down with breakfast soon, let's get you washed up ok? And hydrated, or you’re going to have one horrible headache.”
“You gonna tell Bats?”
“No, this is yours to talk about, You going to tell him my heat partner.”
“Nope, in fact I’m going to actively forget it.”
Dick laughed and let Jason let go of him first just in time as Alfred came in. “Master Dick, Master Jason.”
“Morning Alfie/Alfred,” the two chorosed together.
Alfred smiled and set the tray down. “I figured you’d be down here for the first meal so I of course brought two plates.”
“Thanks Alfred, I swear you know everything.”
Jason had to agree, nothing slipped the butler and he was always right. Dick brought him his breakfast and Jason grinned “Breakfast in bed, after a nightmare? What am I dicki-bird ten again?”
Dick flicked his nose and Alfred laughed “Master Dick, I will entrust bringing the dishes up to you.”
“Sure thing,” Dick said, settling on the cot too. Jason and Dick ate their eggs and bacon in peaceful silence.
There was the sound of small feet. Tim must be trying to be heard. The mouse was so silent most of the time. Jason looked up. “I… just wanted to check before Bruce takes me to school.” Tim stood in his Gotham Academy uniform with his backpack over one shoulder. Jason couldn’t help but look for injuries, No bruising on the face.. No broken fingers, he was walking just fine.
“I’m fine Baby Bird, go fly to school.”
Tim nodded “By Dick… Bye Jason, see you after school.” Jason watched Tim go something in him demanded he follow and Dicks hand was on his arm he just now noticed how tight his muscles were
“You ok Jay Bird.”
“I want him…” Jason growled, the sound was low in his throat. His vision was tinted green. “I want to follow him… to take him and hide him away. He’s mine.”
“Jason,” Dick’s voice was firm. Jason looked at Dick and the green faded at the expression of worry, his body iu-tensing and relaxing. “It’s the pit isn’t it?”
“I… I don’t know.”
Dick rubbed his arm and leaned into him. “How do you feel now?”
“Calmer,” he admitted Dick’s attention broke him out pretty fast. “I’m going to the gym… exercise helps… gives me something to do with my body.”
“Ok… Jason, I’m staying in the manor for another week, then I have to go back to Bludhaven, but I’ll leave you a phone. I'm only two hours away if you need me, at least on my bike.”
“Thanks… I really appreciate it.”
Jason watched Dick leave with the dishes and he went to the gym. He started with stretches before the punching bag. No shooting range of course but he did some target practice with Baterangs.
“Jay Lad… want to take lunch with me?” Jason turned to see Bruce. “In the manor?”
“Not a good idea, am I not still a danger?”
“I imagine the manors security system will keep you in if you try to run… but you aren’t a prisoner Jason. Tim’s not home… just me, you, Alfred and Dick.”
“When Tim comes home I come back down here?”
“Yes… I’m sorry Jason but you are still a danger to him till we help you with the Pit Madness.”
Jason was more pissed Bruce wasn’t wrong then him actually doing this. “You want to be all Daddy Brucie?”
“Jason… you are my son,” Bruce told him.
“If I had my guns I’d shoot you right here,”Jason growled. “Think I’ll stay down here.”
Bruce looked hurt and Jason almost felt guilty but he still wasn’t ready to even try to forgive Bruce yet… was he? “Ok son, maybe next time.” Jason watched Bruce leave and he huffed.
Jason went back to the punching bags sure he just finished but hell if he didn’t want to punch something, he almost forgot to wrap his hands. Alfred brought down some food for him but let him keep punching the bag toll he was ready to slot. He ate and sighed he had to wash up as he was almost drenched in his own sweat.
The rest of the day was peacefully quiet Though Dick did bring down dinner and eat with him before going back upstairs.
Jason settled behind the Bat-computer and began to look through files, things were a lot more organized since he was Robin. He wore himself out looking at all the villains still locked in Arkham. Then he went to bed, he did a lot today so he was worn out.
Though he was startled awake by the sounds of the computer in the other room. He looked around. He didn't have a watch but it had to be late. He got out of bed and ran a hand through his hair. He walked to the main cave and saw the small form sipping coffee as he looked through the files, “The Fuck Replacment… it’s too fucking late to be working don’t you have school?”
“Hello Jason… I couldn’t sleep… Dick and Bruce are both still in bed and I didn’t want to wake them… I didn’t think I’d wake you either, you looked pretty asleep.”
“You shouldn’t be down here alone…” Jason said he couldn’t smell the omega so he was wearing a patch. He kept his distance, the blue glow of the screens was the only light. Tim hadn’t even looked away from the screens to look at Jason.
Yours… Take… right there. Shut up! Jason rubbed his head “Kid did you hear me? It’s fucking dangerous here alone.”
“Are you going to hurt me?” Tim asked softly. “After… Whatever your dream was, I think you shouldn’t be alone.”
Jason let out a growl, mouthy little omega. Tim was startled at the growl and he looked at Jason. “I am dangerous, Baby Bird.”
Tim blinked and set down the coffee and turned to face him. “I mean, you are… but I don’t think you want to hurt me.”
“I don’t want to… but I will… the pit wants me to.” Jason took a few steps to the boy. “Do you not understand you are a temptation I can’t resist forever.” The voices were loud, echos of ‘take’ ‘yours’ and ‘right there’ were getting louder and louder.
“Maybe… that's the problem, I pulled up more information on the Lazurus pit, it seems the pit needs a focus. See?” Tim pulled up some files on Ra’s and some hand written notes from a person in the league. “There's multiple records of Ra’s having hyper focus right out of the pit, and whatever he focuses on he gets and then calms down.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying… maybe it would be better if you just… let whatever the pit wanted to do happen… It's ok Jason, really. I’ve thought about it… everything from when I first saw you in the Tower till now… You’ve always felt more yourself after you just let the pit do its … well whatever it desires.”
“My first desire was to kill you and Bruce… think that’s a smart Idea?”
“No, your focus changed. What is it the pit wants now?”
“It wants you.” Jason swallowed and looked at Tim, “I don’t know if it wants to kill you or keep you.”
“I can hope for the second option… I’m sorry Jason, it’s hard for you to see me right?” Tim looked down. “I’ll go now, sorry I woke you.”
“Kid, are you fucking wearing Robin themed pajamas?” Jason asked when the boy stood up and the R symbol was on the red flannel shirt. The green flannel pants also sported the R.
“Dick… got them for me,” Tim admitted and looked up at Jason. “If you want a set he’d find some I’m sure.”
Jason made a face, the shock made the green completely fade. “Not a chance. Go to bed Baby Bird.”
“I’m going… Jason… I hope you get better soon and if you learn… anything and I can help I will… ok?”
“Sure thing Baby Bird… just try to sleep and stop watching me it’s creepy.” Jason said and watched the boy go back up to the house.
He sat in the now vacant chair. “So Ra’s had this issue too, figures Talia would leave out critical details.” he took a deep breath. What did the pit really want? Could he… redirect it? He had a lot to think about, ever since he got here his head has been clearer. He closed his eyes and just began to think. The dream, was it telling him what the pit wanted? If that was the truth he’d die before doing that to Tim… Robin or not, he’s just a kid and an omega, he was an alpha beating on the weaker sexes was not in his code.
A few days passed. He, Dick and Bruce went over the letters Tim managed to find and Tim was right hyper fixation on a goal was normal for the pit, Jason shouldn’t be able to fight it as well as he has been. Jason looked at Bruce, eyes narrowed when he didn’t show any surprise at that.
“I was a hot head at the best of times… what the fuck are you hiding? I should be mindlessly fixated on the Baby Bird.” Jason hissed.
“We made a… antitoxin to help draw out the pit but it doesn’t seem to be helping further. It's reached its limit…”
“You did what!” Both Dick and Jason yelled.
“Did you even test it first!?” Dick yelled and pushed Bruce’s chest. “Did you even think to tell Jay! He’s not some two bit criminal!”
“Yeah what Dick said! You… you did this without even telling me!”
“Jason… would you have taken it willingly?” Bruce asked
“YES! Do you think I like the Pit controlling me?! I felt like I was going crazy! I raped and shot a fucking teenage boy! I’d do almost anything to get this out! … you said we?”
“Alfred synthesized it, I told him to put it in your food.”
Jason growled and lunged at Bruce who dodged the first punch but the second landed. “Jay!” Dick got behind him and wrapped his arms around him trying to stop him. “He deserves it but not right now, when your head clears!” Jason fought Dick but one thing had to be said for his grip, it was like a vice. Dick was successfully holding him in place and he didn’t want to hurt Dick so he stopped fighting.
“It was wrong of me… I’m sorry Jason.”
“Fuck you and your paranoia old man!” Jason said “I thought… I thought I was safe here but you just put chemicals … Alfred put chemicals in my food! I … Fuck, anything could have happened… anything! I could have gotten worse! I had no idea what was wrong with me! The madness going to voices… it’s your fault!”
Jason broke away from Dick and went to go, he didn’t care where just away from Bruce.He heard Dick and Bruce arguing but he didn’t listen he found himself in the medbay of all places. He sat on a cot and took a deep breath.
He hated Bruce right now, and he felt betrayed by Alfred. Smoothing a hand through his hair he sighed. He hasn’t seen Tim in a while, he wondered what the kid was doing. He relaxed thinking of Tim. Tims small form, his big blue eyes, pale skin… soothing voice, the little bird was almost the perfect omega, until you scared him and he kicked you in the gut.
Jason could count on his hands how many conversations he’s had with the kid without leaving his fingers, he had the kid for long enough that they should have been able to at least talk. What did he really know about anything personal to Tim? He… wanted to know, was that the pit? Or the antitoxin? Or is this Jason Todd? He groaned and shook his head. Didn’t matter he needed to leave, he’d leave Gotham, go to a place nobody knew who Jason or Red Hood was.
“Little Wing?” Dick was at the door.
“I’m calm now.”
Dick came in and went directly over to hug him. “Oh Little Wing… I had no idea… would you like to go to Bludhaven with me? Would you feel safer there?”
“I’d be more dangerous there.” Still he leaned into his older brother. “I was thinking… Dick what if Tim’s right what if this won't go away till the pit gets what it wants… till I keep hurting the kid?”
“We will find a way Jay… you’ve been doing amazingly… you are so strong.”
“I don’t feel it, Wing… I really don’t.”