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Red Hood swung through the night.
He was in a hurry.
Honey had called and said it was "bad".
Which meant it was really bad and Jason was probably going to kill someone today.
The green in his veins was already singing to hurt whoever was stupid enough to lay a hand on his girls. The prostitutes of Crime Alley led hard lives and did a good, honest job. There was no need for an asshole who didn't understand a no or who "let his hand slip".
And Red Hood had made that clear to the other gangsters when he had collected the heads of their lieutenants.
Honestly, why was it so hard to follow his few rules.
- No drugs for minors.
- Don't hurt minors.
- Respect the working ladies (boys included) of Crime Alley.
Those were three rules and he had explained each of them in detail. Fact was, the only way he could have explained it in more detail was if he'd written a test about it afterward.
Huh. Not a bad idea. But he probably just had to kill the assholes and hope the rest of the idiots would be too scared to make the same mistake.
Yeah, that was definitely the better idea, the green decided.
Jason landed gently next to Candy. He didn't want to scare her, although he probably couldn't anyway.
"What's wrong?" he asked immediately. He couldn't see Honey.
Candy smoked and that was not a good sign. Candy only smoked when she was stressed, which was hardly ever, because she couldn't be rattled. Strongest woman on the street.
"She's with him."
"Him," Hood growled, "Who's got her?"
Candy immediately shook her head and put a hand on his upper arm reassuringly.
If anyone else had dared, they would have lost their hand.
"It's not like that. He's the victim. He's a mess. Honey is trying to calm him down. We don't know what happened and honestly don't want to ask, but ... I have enough experience to recognize a sexual assault."
Someone was going to die today.
"Which of the boys is it?"
Candy bit her lips, "None of them."
Jason raised an eyebrow. And since she couldn't see it, he hoped his silence would encourage her to keep talking.
Candy sighed, "Listen. We didn't know who to call. He's not under your protection, but he needs protection right now and honestly, we're just overwhelmed. It's not like we could have called Batman."
"Just spit it out," Jason was admittedly rude, but he wasn't a patient man and Candy clearly didn't want to come clean.
"It's Nightwing."
Jason froze.
"What?" he asked.
"You heard me," Candy said.
And yes, Jason had understood, but the shock was deep and no emotions wanted to guide him. His head was in work mode.
"I'll help him. Where is he?"
When Jason stepped into the side alley, he only saw Honey at first.
To be fair, Honey was dressed in pink, while Nightwing was wearing mostly black. But Jason suspected it was more due to the fact that Nightwing was huddled on the ground, trying to sink into the wall.
Honey kept her distance from the vigilante and whispered soothing sentences. Jason saw the relief in her gaze as he stepped up to her.
"Hood's here," she said to Nightwing, "He'll help you."
Jason froze as his big brother looked up. His face was pale and his hair greasy. His cheeks were sunken and traces of tears remained.
Jason had never seen Dick at the bottom in his life. Beaten up, maybe, but not this down. Dick looked like a kicked dog and the green in Jason's veins screamed for revenge.
"Hood," Nightwing muttered.
"Yeah," Jason confirmed, "you know what I do?"
"You kill people," came weakly from Dick, but it sounded more like a question. Like he'd lost his line of thought.
"Sweetheart," Honey said softly, "Hood helps people like you. You're safe with him."
"You can stay the night at Honey's," Jason suggested immediately, "I'll pay for the expenses while you're recovering at her place."
He couldn't imagine Dick willingly going with a murderer.
To his surprise, Nightwing winced and shook his head.
Honey leaned toward Jason and whispered, "It was a woman."
Oh. Yeah, so Honey wasn't an option after all. So Jason had to do something he found difficult, he had to sell himself as a good option.
"You're right. I do kill people. People who hurt kids. People who won't take 'no' for an answer. Come with me. I can give you shelter and we'll sort out the rest in the morning. But as long as you're under my protection, nothing will happen to you."
Nightwing looked at him, but Jason couldn't see any emotion in the face.
"I'm not fragile," Nightwing said quietly but firmly, "I just didn't know where to go."
Jason was relieved. His brother was probably just putting on a brave face, but he was sounding more like the Dick Grayson he knew.
"All right," he agreed, "now you have an option. Will you come with me? I'm pretty sure you can kick my ass anytime you want."
Lie, but he saw how it took the tension out of Dick's shoulders.
"Just the one night."
Jason nodded. One more night and his identity wouldn't stay a secret for long. He wasn't fooling himself in that regard.
The nearest safehouse was just a few streets away and Nightwing was walking next to Hood. Jason had the feeling that Dick wanted to prove how strong he was.
He only half succeeded.
Because Jason knew Nightwing. He knew him and knew that this man would only stop talking if he was in a really bad way.
Jason spent the short walk to the safehouse imagining agonizing deaths for the person who had hurt his brother.
Red Hood stopped in front of the building and pointed upwards, "Top floor."
Nightwing nodded and pulled out the grappling hook.
Red Hood followed him and saw with great regret that Nightwing fell on the security stairs more than he landed.
He didn't mention it. Let Dick fool himself that he hadn't seen it.
He quickly unlocked the alarm system and went ahead.
Nightwing followed and looked around uncertainly.
"You can stay here. I'll be back tomorrow evening. When you're staying, we can talk and see what happens next. If you're no longer here, please leave a note so that I know it was your own decision. I won't come after you. It's your choice."
Nightwing frowned, "Why would I stay?"
Jason could only shrug, "Probably for the same reason you haven't run to Batman yet. Whatever that reason is."
His brother winced.
Jason sighed: "I didn't want to remind you. Get some sleep first. The apartment is safe. I know the neighbors and all the entrances are guarded."
"Are there cameras?" asked Nightwing.
"No," Jason said immediately, "Because I have no confidence that a certain hacker of you Bats couldn't sneak into my place."
The man just nodded.
"You need anything else?"
A shake of the head.
And with that, Jason left him alone. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than imposing. Because Nightwing didn't know him. The last thing he needed was an killer cooking him dinner.
Jason hadn't slept a wink all night and his apartment had never been so clean as he desperately tried to take his mind off Dick. It wasn't working.
He wasn't going to stay.
At least that's what he tried to tell himself, but his stomach said otherwise. His gut knew Dick would be there. If his brother had any other option, he wouldn't have gone with Red Hood in the first place.
Accordingly, he wasn't surprised when he knocked on the door and Nightwing answered.
What did surprise him was that Dick was smiling. It wasn't beaming or anything, and it was definitely fake, but it was an attempt.
"You came," he said by way of greeting, letting Jason enter.
Jason wanted to snap at him that he could save the smile if it was a lie. He slowed down, not knowing if Nightwing was just using it as a ruse or if maybe it was an attempt to make himself feel more normal. It would be very bad if Jason took away his shield.
For the same reason Nightwing still had his weapons, while Jason's were safely stowed by his motorcycle.
"And you stayed," he said, lifting up his gift.
Chinese food. Number 59 for Dick and nothing for Jason because he wouldn't take his helmet off.
Nightwing accepted the food in confusion, but sat down opposite Jason and began to eat.
"Thanks," Dick was the first to break the silence, "Not just for the food, but also for yesterday. I was pretty out of it and it helped to have somewhere to retreat to."
Red Hood nodded, "That's what I do."
"I didn't think it was for me too."
Jason could only shrug, "It applies to anyone who seeks shelter in Crime Alley instead of the police or the Bat. Because that usually means it's something they can't or wouldn't do anything about."
The fork froze momentarily on its way to his mouth before continuing.
"I just need a name," Red Hood got down to business, "And you'll never have to worry about them again."
"No!" the fork was slammed down hard on the table.
Jason froze, as did Dick. Apparently, neither of them had expected such a violent reaction.
His brother took a deep breath: "Please don't. I can't take any more blood on my hands."
"It would be on my hands."
Dick shook his head, "No. Because I could have stopped you and left it alone."
Everything in Dick's posture screamed pain. His voice sang with agony.
Jason should leave the subject alone.
He didn't do it because it felt like it was an important point: "That's bullshit. It's my decision. No one is forcing me to pull the trigger. You're not a god who can stop everything. And honestly, you're in no condition to stop me. All my actions are my actions alone. You have nothing to do with that."
Dick shook his head and tears made it out from under the mask.
"You don't understand," he breathed, "I wanted him dead. And she gave me a way out. Step aside and let him die or die myself. I wanted to save her and instead I turned her into a murderer. Have I become a murderer myself?"
"No," Jason said with conviction, "If she could talk, it was a planned murder. She decided to do it. It was her own decision. You had nothing to do with it."
Dick just shook his head, so Jason left it at that.
He didn't get a name either. But that was probably for the best. In Dick's condition, he wouldn't be able to handle what Jason would do with this woman.
"You can stay here as long as you want," he said instead, "No one else knows about this apartment. So you're safe. I can even organize food deliveries if you want."
Dick looked at him in surprise, "Do you do that for everyone?"
Jason shook his head, "No. Most people have family and friends where they want to go. Or Leslie's clinic."
Dick laughed and it sounded dark, "I didn't think I'd be so lonely with only a crazy underworld boss left to support me."
"I understand pain," was all Jason could say, "That's why people trust me. Because I know what it feels like to lie alone and broken on the ground, waiting for help that never comes because you're just not important enough to the world."
Nightwing didn't say anything more.
Jason stood up with a sigh, "I'll come by tomorrow with breakfast. My cell number."
He slid a number across the table.
"Call in case of emergency. Leave a message if you need to go home. Think about what I said."
Dick just nodded, but didn't take the number.
Jason left the room with the feeling that he had only made things worse.
It became a daily thing.
Jason would bring over breakfast or dinner and just talk to Nightwing.
Sometimes it was just Jason talking, but mostly they had inconsequential conversations. It felt normal, which Jason realized was what his brother needed most.
Accordingly, he didn't feel guilty about keeping his identity a secret. The last thing Dick needed was to spend the last few weeks with a zombie.
There were also the bad days. They came without warning and looked different. Sometimes Dick would throw things and scream to scare Jason away. Sometimes he would start crying. Jason tried not to feel anything about it and acted like a rock. Company to comfort him. Maybe it helped, maybe it didn't.
They didn't talk about it.
Jason still had hope that he was helping.
The only bad thing was that the bat got restless and started sniffing around.
Batman hadn't come to Crime Alley yet, but it was only a matter of time.
Jason didn't know what to do.
"Don't you want to let your family know you're still alive?" he asked casually one evening.
Dick froze, but finished chewing a moment later.
"Is he worried?"
Jason didn't have to ask who was meant, but nodded instead.
Dick screwed up his face, "I just can't talk to him right now."
He was afraid of being rejected. Jason could understand that. Bruce wouldn't take him back either, after his time with the League. There was only the way forward and that way was over Joker's dead body.
"Text message?" he suggested instead.
"Then he's looking for me all the more."
True. Unfortunately. Batman was stubborn and he wouldn't rest until he had Nightwing unharmed in his arms.
"He loves you. You're the golden boy. He forgives you for everything. And in this case, there's nothing to forgive."
Jason hated that he was pushing Dick to do something he obviously didn't want to do. But it was only going to get uglier when Batman found Dick on his own and started barraging him with questions.
Nightwing looked at him angrily. You could feel it over the mask.
"You don't know me, nor do you know Batman. So keep your opinion to yourself."
"I do know Batman," Jason let out, because he had to jump into any conflict, "I know him all too well. I know his stupid rule and his urge to drag innocent children into this war. Just so their graves will say 'A Good Soldier'."
Dick dropped his fork, his hand had started to shake so badly.
"How do you know that?" His voice sounded hollow.
Jason cursed. Inwardly even more than vocally. His emotions were loosening his tongue and in this case, he'd blabbed.
"Hood?" Dick asked.
And because he had learned by now that strategic retreats were quite useful, Jason made one at that moment and left the apartment through the window.
Nightwing shouted something after him, but he deliberately ignored it.
He wasn't going to deal with that.
When Hood arrived at the meeting of his subordinates, they all looked at him in surprise.
"What?" he hissed, because he had deliberately skipped the meeting with Dick and was feeling bad about it. But he was simply a coward at the moment and didn't want to face his brother's questions.
Cutie Pie's mouth twisted, which didn't diminish her beauty in the slightest: "Someone's bitten the bullet."
The other lieutenants nodded in agreement.
Jason growled.
These were his men and women. In the beginning, he had brought the eight best drug dealers under him. It was hard to describe how effective a bag of severed heads could be. The only problem was that they stayed out of fear and Jason wanted loyalty.
So he built himself a new circle of lieutenants.
There was Cutie, the elected spokeswoman from the Red Light District. That was because she had just come of age and people would rather know her here in meetings for an evening than on the streets. After all, Hood compensated her for her time and there was usually hot chocolate.
Dennis spoke for all pickpockets, having tried his luck with Jason - not Red Hood - in broad daylight.
Emil was a fast-food store owner and made the best chili dogs. His generosity towards street kids and the homeless had ensured that Hood had added him. Emil had been in the business when Jason had still been a teenager and needed help. He always criticized a lot, but at least the man wasn't afraid to share his opinion.
Miss Nur (who definitely didn't want to be called Rebecca) was the drug dealer that Jason had pulled out of the dealer's circle because she was the least likely to get on his nerves.
Whisper was Jason's informant. Neither their gender nor their name were known to the general public, but strangely enough, that was exactly what Jason found trustworthy. He also knew where they lived.
Saber Sam was in charge of the arms trade and Hood didn't like him. But he always gave the good toys to Jason, so he certainly wouldn't replace him.
These were his people and they mocked him.
"Shut up," he ordered, "My mood is none of your fucking business."
"Which was to be proven," muttered Sabre Sam and everyone had to grin.
Jason was about to go through the roof.
"If you want to make my day worse, you're succeeding."
That shut everyone up.
Then the normal meeting began and he listened with interest.
There was nothing new: Batman was still psyched, Robin hadn't been seen in Crime Alley for a while and Black Mask was swearing but still keeping his feet still.
After nothing more came, he dismissed everyone.
Everyone left, except for Cutie.
"Yes?" he asked.
She fidgeted slightly nervously: "Candy wanted me to ask you how the patient is? She said you knew who was meant."
Hood froze. He didn't want to lie, but anything else would be too private information.
"I'll let the patient know she asked."
Cutie nodded, "Thank you, Hood. I'm sorry for bugging you."
She was too young and seemed to feel honest guilt over a little thing.
"It's not you," he sighed, "I've just been putting off something unpleasant for a while and I think it's time I finally tackled it."
"Can I help?"
"No. I don't think anyone can."
Jason took a deep breath and knocked on the window.
"Come in," Dick's voice called from inside.
He got in and was pleasantly surprised that he wasn't attacked. Instead, Dick sat relaxed on the sofa and stared him down.
His blue eyes were literally screaming, "Lie to me and regret it."
Jason hated that look and then froze. He could only see the look because Dick wasn't wearing his mask.
"I see, as expected, you're not surprised by my identity."
He just nodded.
"Have a seat. I think you owe me an explanation."
Jason sat down. Partly because he felt guilty for some unfathomable reason. On the other hand, because it felt good to see his brother confident and in control again.
"What am I dealing with here? Time travel or dimensional travel?"
Unfortunately, this was one world where the question wasn't nonsensical.
"Neither of those things."
"What?"
Jason's mouth twisted, "Resurrection."
Dick's poker face hilted.
"Uh-huh, and you are?"
This was the moment Jason had wanted to avoid. There was probably no other option but to take off his helmet and turn himself in. No matter how painful it would be. Dick wasn't going to be thrilled that his little brother had become a murderer.
He pulled off the helmet, "Hey, Dickie."
Dick stared at him for a long moment.
"Your eyes are unnaturally green."
Jason couldn't help but get angry: "Fuck you. I'm telling you my identity and that's all you have to say."
"I'm in shock!"
The tremor in Dick's voice clearly showed how true the statement was.
The anger faded.
"I've had a bath in the Lazarus Pit."
Dick nodded and pulled him close.
Dick's hugs were still like heaven on earth.
"I'm so glad you're alive," he murmured.
And then he started to cry and Jason felt helpless. He couldn't do anything but return the hug.
"Red Hood, then," Dick said when they broke the embrace after half an eternity.
Jason just shrugged his shoulders. He could hardly deny it.
"Why the name of all things?"
It was probably a fair question, but Jason wasn't ready to share his entire plan just yet. The last thing he needed right now was to criticize it.
So he spoke only part of the truth: "Joker stole a name from me, so I returned the favor. It's only fair."
Even though Dick tried to hide it, Jason saw exactly how his brother tried to blink away the tears.
"Fair," Dick muttered. Jason didn't know if he agreed or if it was a question. It didn't matter, though, because he wasn't going to broach the subject.
And Dick wasn't going to either.
"What's your plan here?" he asked with a furrowed brow but neutral tone, "Why didn't you come home?"
If his brother had sounded accusatory, Jason would probably have gotten angry. But as it was, he had no choice but to share only half of his plan again.
Because he couldn't admit to his plan, which would end in Joker's death. Dick would never allow that. And if he did allow it, he would still blame himself for the murder later. That had become quite clear.
"I take care of my home. Batman doesn't give a damn about Crime Alley and he never has. So that's my job. For the most part, these people here are the worst. But that's only because they're desperate and have no prospects. So I offer them a way to carry out their crime as ethically as possible. No children get hurt. No one gets hurt if you can't prevent it. I control the crime instead of fighting it all the time."
Dick dropped his head into his hands.
"And who controls you?"
"No one."
Jason would never give up control again. To no one.
"So you're a mob boss."
"A mob boss with principles. And lieutenants I can trust more than I expected when I started."
Dick looked up sharply: "You trust criminals? Do you even know how big the bounty is that Black Mask has put on your head? What if one of them sells you out? Have you ever thought about that?"
Jason looked at him in surprise. Dick had his little brother back for less than an hour and was already worried. The surprise drowned out the anger that Dick was underestimating him.
"I'm a criminal too, Dickie. Or have you forgotten the duffle bag already?"
Dick turned pale.
Apparently he had forgotten.
Jason sighed: "I'm not sorry. What you need to realize, Dick, is that I'm not a good person. I never have been. But I have a moral code and I act by it. That has to be enough in a city like Gotham."
They were silent for a long time, just looking into each other's eyes.
Jason was determined, but he couldn't decipher the look in his brother's eyes.
When Dick finally spoke, a sentence came out of his mouth that Jason would never have expected.
"Make me your right-hand man."
Jason didn't even hesitate before shaking his head.
"Sorry, what did you say? Because it just sounded to me like you said something stupid."
Dick gave him a dirty look.
"It's not a stupid idea. If I'm your right-hand man, not only can I make sure nothing happens to you, but I can also make sure you don't go too far."
Jason laughed out and it wasn't a happy laugh.
"So you want to play my watchdog, Dickie? What on earth gives you the idea that I'd consent to being watched by you? I don't like being told what to do and what not to do."
This was nothing new. Jason wasn't a puppet, he was a fighter who could use his own head and had impressive instincts.
But the same could be said about Dick and he, like his brother, was a stubborn one.
"You cut people's heads off," Dick said coldly, "Are you trying to tell me you don't need control? Because no matter what you might think, I'm one hundred percent sure that this action came from the pit and not from you."
Jason couldn't return the look. It was true. Sometimes he lay awake at night thinking about the men. He didn't regret the murder, but he still wondered how it could leave him so cold to desecrate the bodies.
He of all people should have more respect for the dead! He had been dead once too.
"Let me help you," Dick pleaded, taking his brother's hands in his, "Please, Little Wing. You're not alone. Never again."
"Don't make promises you can't keep." Now it was Jason who sounded pleading. For the first time in a year, he was openly showing weakness.
And because his brother was sitting next to him and not an enemy, this weakness was not exploited.
"I won't," Dick promised, "No matter what happens: I'm here for you. Now and for all eternity."
Jason could have asked now. Blackmail? Mutilation? Murder? Where would his noble big brother draw the line?
But he didn't want to. He wanted to live in this lie for as long as he could. Because he'd been alone for a long time, and Jason liked the idea of having someone to lean on again.
"Okay."
"Okay?"
"Okay."
And that was the night Blue Hood was born.
Of course, the costume and the name would take a few more days, but officially, that was the starting point.
Jason seemed more nervous than Dick. Which was a wonder, after all, these were Red Hood's men and women. Even though Jason had given a brief profile on all of them to Dick, his brother should be at least mildly concerned.
"Don't show any weakness," Jason reminded.
Dick raised an eyebrow and then straightened his blue hood. Together with the face mask in the same shade of blue covering his nose and mouth, only his blue eyes stood out.
"How could anyone recognize my feelings in this costume?"
"Actions show weakness more clearly than emotions."
That was the first thing Jason had learned from the Assassins. If you could take out your target, it didn't matter if you felt guilty about it. The important thing was that you had acted, despite your emotions. Although, of course, the League preferred it if you had no emotions. Soldiers were more useful when they acted like machines.
"Take it easy," Dick pleaded, "I can handle this. I won't let you down."
Jason would have liked to say that Dick could never let him down. But unfortunately, he had already done it often enough in his first life. One postponed appointment after another hadn't exactly boosted his confidence in his older brother.
"Good," he said instead, dropping down from above to land directly in front of his round table. By now, his people didn't even flinch. Dick stayed where he was.
"You came," said Sabre Sam in surprise.
Red Hood did not respond.
"I've got something new," said Miss Nur.
Hood raised his hand and silenced her.
"Before we start, I'd like to introduce a new member."
Almost immediately, everyone's shoulders straightened and uncertain glances were cast back and forth.
"With the greatest respect," Cutie said hesitantly, "but couldn't you have discussed this with us first? All areas are already covered and I think I speak for everyone when I say that we don't want to divide up our areas any further."
"Respect?" Jason asked, "I have that for you too, Cutie. I have it for all of you. But you mustn't forget that I'm the boss and when I make a decision, I don't have to discuss it."
Dennis took a step away from Cutie, as if he was afraid something bad might happen to her.
"Besides," Jason continued, softening his voice and posture, "you should get to know him before you judge. He won't be taking over any area, but will act as my right-hand man in the future and speak for me when I'm not around."
"What?"
"Right-hand man?"
"I must have misheard you!"
The reaction was much stronger than a few seconds ago. Jason could understand it. After all, he had passed them all over and not offered any of them the job.
"Blue," he said.
The word wasn't loud, but everyone fell silent and Jason's instincts picked up that his brother had landed silently behind him.
"This is my replacement," Jason introduced his brother and it healed something deep in his soul to be able to call him "replacement".
"I'm Blue Hood," Dick said, his voice modulator making the voice sound like a gentle Batman. Except a gentle Batman was still scary as hell.
"You can tell," Whisper laughed.
Emil shrugged, "At least it's really a hood."
"Who is it?" Miss Nur wanted to know, "How are we supposed to trust someone whose face we don't know."
"That never bothered you with Whisper or Red either," Dick replied firmly.
"They're from the Alley too," Cutie replied, "You're not from here. You're not one of us."
Jason could feel exactly how confused Dick was. His dear brother was probably wondering how Cutie could know that, after only a few minutes.
To Jason, it was obvious. They recognized his kind in Crime Alley and the Narrows. And Dick had been with Gotham's elite too long for his circus past to save him.
His lieutenants became more hostile towards Dick.
Jason should intervene, but then they would never accept Dick.
"Order."
Everyone turned to Emil in confusion. Emil knew everyone and everyone knew Emil. There wasn't a single person present who didn't respect the man. If he had something to say, they listened. Even if they didn't want to hear it.
"You want a chilli dog from me," Emil explained due to the confusion, "How would you order it?"
Dick didn't hesitate another second with his answer: "Without the chili, please, sir."
Jason grimaced behind his helmet. He had never understood his brother's taste. Dick ate his cereal with orange juice instead of milk. He was beyond saving.
Everyone else present was disgusted too. All except Emil.
He just smiled: "I may forget names and faces, but I know you. You may not be a local kid, but you were, at least briefly. So you're one of us, too."
Almost immediately, the hostile mood subsided. He could rely on Emil's assessment.
Jason would love to know the story behind it, but for now it was only important that Dick was accepted.
"Here's to good cooperation," Blue Hood spoke.
"And to Crime Alley," the lieutenants replied.
Jason stood by and felt like a proud parent.
They were growing up so fast.
Dick's first order of business was to visit Candy and Honey the next evening and Jason was only too happy to accompany him.
"Are you sure," he still had to ask, "They will know you're Nightwing if you do it."
"Was," Dick corrected.
Jason was surprised, but bit his tongue. He'd assumed Blue Hood was just a short-term thing. Which was probably because Red Hood was still short-term in his mind, too. His planning never went past the Joker's death.
And for all his love, Jason couldn't imagine Dick wanting to leave such a big part of himself behind. Again.
"And I'm sure," Dick continued, "you all have helped me and deserve my thanks at the very least. ... Did I thank you?"
"That wasn't necessary," Jason didn't hesitate for a second.
"Still, I'm grateful to you. I felt so lost and thought it would never get better. But here I am. By my lost brother's side. I never thought I'd be so lucky to see you again."
Jason swung down to the girls. He knew Dick would understand. He had never been a man of many words and he always tried to avoid emotional conversations.
"Girls!" he greeted them both.
Candy and Honey beamed until they saw Blue Hood.
"Cutie Pie told us about your new right-hand man," Honey said, slightly intimidated, "Will you show him the precinct?"
"No," Jason said, "He already knows his way around here."
"I wanted to say thank you," Blue stepped forward. His eyes shone with life. Jason could hardly believe how hopeless they had been a while ago.
"You helped me when I was at rock bottom," Dick continued, "If there's ever anything I can do to repay that debt, all you have to do is say so."
"Who are you?" asked Candy, confused.
But Honey's eyes widened in surprise, "Nightwing? You're better."
She seemed to want to hug him, but stopped herself. Blue took the decision away from her and hugged her to his chest.
"Yes. Thanks to you and thanks to Hood," he replied honestly, "It's not perfect, but ... it feels like life again, if that makes sense."
Honey only hugged him closer.
"I'm glad," Candy smiled, but there was something else in her look. She indicated to Jason that she wanted to talk to him in the back alley.
"What's up...?" he started, but couldn't finish because Candy pushed him against the wall and stood menacingly in front of him.
"What did you do?" she hissed, "I trusted you and instead of helping him, you made him your sidekick? I never would have taken you for a manipulative bastard!"
Jason raised his hands defensively, "That's not what happened!"
"But it looks like that," Candy was far from finished, "Not to mention that Batman is starting to ask us questions. Us! He never talks to us, but apparently Nightwing's gone missing and he doesn't know anything. Don't you think he has a right to know what happened to his son?"
"No," Jason said immediately.
Candy looked like she was ready to tear his throat out with her fingernails.
"No, because that's entirely Nightwing's business," Jason refused to be put off, "He decides what he tells Batman. If he doesn't want Batman to know he's alive, then I won't interfere. If he doesn't want Batman to know about the attack on him, then I won't tell Batman about it. And you should handle it the same way."
Candy looked like he'd hit her.
"I would never go behind his back like that!"
"Me neither," Jason yelled back.
As much as Candy's maternal instincts stirred him, the accusations irritated the Lazarus Pit in him.
"It is and was my decision."
They both wheeled around to face Blue Hood.
"How much did you hear?" asked Jason numbly, and Candy seemed shocked as well.
"Pretty much everything," Blue said.
He took a step towards Candy and took her hands in his.
"Thank you for your loyalty. I'll talk to Batman when I feel like it. Until then, thank you for your silence."
She nodded. And Honey nodded in affirmation too.
"And as for Hood," Dick continued, pulling Jason into a side hug, "you're wrong. Hood helped me. But he needs help too, even if he won't admit it. So I'm going to do what I do best and help him."
Candy looked down at the floor, embarrassed.
"I'm sorry, Red," she murmured softly.
"I don't know what you mean," Jason said with a smile, "Nothing happened."
That was his way of forgiving, by forgetting.
He was just glad his brother was still such a good arbiter. Her claws certainly wouldn't have done his neck any good.
In the first week, Jason didn't realize how much Dick's influence had changed him.
It wasn't until the second week that he slowly realized there were fewer deaths and less fatal injuries to his opponents.
A fundamental part of him couldn't be the brutal crime boss from before when he knew his brother was nearby, watching. And condemning.
Because at the end of a shift, Dick would put on a movie, snuggling up to Jason and comment with bad jokes.
But only as long as Jason renounced the darker feelings inside him. Even if Dick said so, Jason knew that he would lose his brother's love as soon as he saw his darker side.
And that couldn't happen. Not yet. Not for petty criminals, but only for the Joker.
Until this part of his plan worked out, Jason would accept and enjoy his brother's love. This was as close to peace of mind as he could get.
The only bad thing was that by the third week, the gangsters had caught on and decided that he was no longer a threat.
"What are you thinking?" he blurted out at the meeting of three drug dealers that Miss Nur had reported. All three had been selling to minors.
One guy stepped forward and it was clear from the way he walked that he thought he was a "real alpha male".
Jason wanted to bash his head in just for the posturing, and from the way Blue shifted his body weight to the other leg behind him, he realized his brother felt the same way.
"Honestly, Hood," the asshole said, "a week ago I'd have shit my pants, but rumor has it you got yourself a guard dog."
He burst out laughing and the guys behind him joined in like it was the biggest joke.
"You put chains on yourself and I think your time is up. You've gotten too soft. Blue here is holding you back."
Jason laughed out, "Oh? Is that so?"
"Yes," came the sharp reply, "You've taken a weakling to your side and you're getting troule for it."
The fist whizzed through the air faster than anyone could have guessed.
It wasn't Jason's fist, and it wasn't one of the guys.
Blue Hood had sprung into action.
"Did that feel weak?" his brother asked worriedly, "I might really be out of practice. Thank you guys for letting me catch up now."
Jason didn't interfere and watched his brother fly through the air and beat people up. It was like magic. There was still Robin in him.
It was a lot of beatings and the trio would talk later about how scary Blue was and how it was better not to mess with him.
That was because they were idiots.
Jason saw clearly that there were many blows, but none caused any real damage. Bruises and a scare. That's all it was. But it was a hell of a show.
He sat back and thought about what to cook Dick for dinner.
The following night, Jason learned that the Joker had escaped.
His plan could begin.
"What happened?" asked Dick when he came back with the ice cream and saw Jason putting on his helmet.
Jason shook his head, "No. But I have something to take care of. It's private and my friend wouldn't think much of your presence."
"Oh," Dick said, looking like he didn't know what to do.
Jason only now realized how much time they had spent together. Since his identity was no longer a secret, they had barely been apart.
"I'll be back soon, don't worry," he tried to reassure his brother, not sure if those were the right words.
"To be honest," Dick started and stopped.
He was ... unsure?
"You can tell me anything."
Dick took a deep breath and looked up at the sky, "I want to talk to Batman and tell him I'm okay. The people at Crime Alley can't take him much longer and ... he deserves to stop worrying. I won't tell him about you either, I promise. You know I wouldn't do that to you. After that, everything will stay the same."
Oh. It felt like a betrayal. Why? Jason didn't understand it himself, but the fear of Batman coming between them was spreading inside him.
On the other hand, if it had to happen, then this was the perfect moment. Batman hadn't been a part of the plan since Dick showed up. Dick would be the perfect distraction.
It felt wrong to lie to Dick and use him, but the Joker had to die and this was the only way.
"I'm glad," he lied then, "It's good that you're willing to do this. Batman's with the Golden Dragon at the moment and I wish you good luck."
"You sure?" asked Dick, confused.
If Jason didn't have his helmet on, he'd be worried that Dick had heard the lie.
"Of course," he said instead, "You're not a prisoner, Dickie. You can live your life as you please. I'm not going to tell you what to do."
Dick smiled, "Same goes for you, Little Wing."
They parted ways and Jason knew he wouldn't see Dick again. At least not as his friend, but as his enemy.
Dick flew through the night alone for the first time in ages.
He concentrated entirely on the feeling and not on what awaited him.
As a result, he landed in front of Batman faster than he realized.
Batman wheeled around to strike and froze.
"Dick?" he whispered.
Dick had to smile honestly. Despite his new outfit, his father had recognized him immediately.
"Hey, B," he smiled.
He was pulled into a hug so tight he had to be afraid for his bones.
It was perfect.
And then Bruce let go of him and Batman asked the questions.
"Where have you been? You've been missing for months! And why the new outfit? Why did you team up with Red Hood? He's a criminal!
Dick would have been furious if he didn't hear the concern behind the questions.
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah," Dick interjected, "yeah, I'm fine. Something happened and I was miserable for a while, but Hood helped me. I'm sorry I left you in the dark, but I ... I just couldn't talk to anyone. But Hood was there. And then one thing led to another and now I'm helping Hood become a better person. He needs someone by his side like you need a Robin. Someone to keep the demons at bay and that's me. Since I've been by his side, there have been no more deaths. I know he's a criminal, but he's got a good heart and he's a hero to the people here. Something they haven't had for a long time."
"They have me."
"No," Dick shook his head, "You're avoiding this place and that's your right, but this place need someone else. Someone who understands this place. Hood gives people hope. And I'm helping him do that."
Batman fell silent.
"I don't expect you to understand," Dick said firmly, "But I do hope you'll accept it, because I'm going to continue on this path."
Batman started to reply, but froze in the way Dick knew he had gotten a message in his ear.
"What happened?" asked Dick anxiously. A very strange feeling came over him for the second time now. The first time he had had to ask Jason this question.
"Your friend, Red Hood, has just murdered the Joker," Batman replied without any emotion.
He drew his grappling hook and Dick kicked it out of his hand.
"He must be stopped," growled Batman.
"No," Dick roared back, "I'll take care of it."
"You're compromised."
"So are you!" his tone became more pleading, "But please, B, trust me on this. I can't explain it to you, not now, not in a hurry, but let me handle it. Trust me, because if you don't, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.
Batman didn't say anything for a long time and Dick's heart ached as he thought of Jason, who was alone at the moment and needed a brother.
"I trust you," Bruce whispered.
That was all Dick needed. He swung through the night. On his way to his brother.
Jason sat with numb fingers on the opposite roof of the crime scene and watched the police pick up the body.
He also saw the commissioner. He even imagined that Gordon saw him too. But since no police officer was running towards him, he must have imagined it.
A shadow landed next to him and sat down so that their thighs were touching.
Warm fingers took the gun from his hand and put it aside.
"Do you hate me?" Jason asked. The helmet laid beside him. There was no reason to be the Red Hood anymore. His job was done.
And the world felt strange.
"What makes you think that?" his brother asked gently.
His brother, because he too had removed his hood and voice modulator.
"You stand so firmly behind the no-killing rule and I trampled all over it," Jason couldn't help but laugh, "I double-crossed you by purposely keeping you away from it because I knew you'd oppose it."
Dick pulled him into a sideways hug.
"All that matters is you. You just faced your worst nightmare. Alone. And I wasn't there."
"That's what I wanted," Jason replied, confused, "That was the plan. I was victorious. The monster is dead."
"Yes," Dick confirmed, "Then come home now."
Jason took a breath as if Dick had just taken it from him.
"How could I? I've got blood on my hands and Bruce will never forgive me for that."
"Maybe not, but you're alive. And sooner or later he'll realize that's all that matters. More importantly, you deserve it. You deserve Alfie and the whole team, who I'm sure will love you like I do. Come home, because something tells me you don't have a plan for the future."
And Jason didn't have one.
Love and a warm home sounded like an impossible promise.
But Dick promised it, so it had to be true.
It was time to go home.