Aftermath

Puddin's Rehearsal

When Dick woke, he hummed tiredly and snuggled into the bundle of blankets covering him. He didn't question where he was or how he came to be here; simply allowing himself to finally rest in the comforts of a stranger's bed.

"Morning Sleepyhead."

Dick bolted upright at the familiar voice and snapped his head to the door to see Jason leaning against it.

"J-Jason? Wha-? Huh-?" Dick bundled the covers to his now, well aware, naked chest. "I wasn't hallucinating last night?"

"Hallucinating?" Jason pushed himself off the frame and came to sit on the opposite side of the bed and offered him what appeared to be a t-shirt. "I hope not. Anywhere is better than being locked up at the Asylum."

"I-I-" Dick tried to speak but jolted in sudden fright as his phone began to ring. He scrambled to grab it from the bedside table and shot Jason an apologetic look before answering the phone. "Grayson speaking."

"Ah, good morning Richard. I was hoping to catch you."

"Morning Lucius." Dick greeted with a small smile and watched as Jason settled himself back onto his side of the bed and listened to Dick's one-sided conversation.

"It seems the Daily Planet want an interview with you. I tried to schedule it for another day, but if you are able...?"

"Who's the reporter?" Dick asked cautiously as he smiled up at Jason who perked up.

"A Mr Clark Kent."

Dick sighed and pinched his nose as he laid back onto the pillow. He hummed for a moment in consideration before replying.

"Okay, fine. But that's it for today."

"Of course, Richard. I am sorry for putting this on you today."

"It's okay, Lucius. I don't mind."

"Liar," Jason muttered and Dick swatted at him playfully in dismissal.

"Then I shall call them back and I'll text you the details."

"Okay, bye Lucius. See you soon." Dick ended the call and pouted at Jason. "I really don't mind doing them," Dick informed him and threw the t-shirt over his head. It sat a little loosely but it would do for the meantime.

"Why? Because you were born to be in the public eye?" Jason rolled his eyes and folded his arms.

"No. I'm doing it for Tim."

"Seriously? For that guy?" Jason scowled deeply and went to leave the bed. Dick instinctively grabbed his wrist.

"Wait. Jason, stop." Dick furrowed his brow and clenched his jaw at Jason's self-righteous conduct. "Tim is a great guy. He's a wonderful brother."

"He's the replacement." Jason snapped back and ripped his arm from Dick's grasp.

"No one could replace you, Jason. No one." Dick let his hand linger in the air before falling back to the bed along with his gaze. "I missed you so much. Tim is nothing like you."

"Am I supposed to be thankful? Happy?" Jason growled back. "Bruce replaced me, as Robin, as a son."

"Of course, he didn't!" Dick jumped out of bed and scowled, his anger quickly rising. "Bruce mourned you! We all did! Tim was like us, he needed a home, guidance. He brought Tim into our lives because like you, Tim was alone!" Dick snapped and pushed against Jason's chest in a burst of rage. The man staggered back from the force and Dick tried not to cower from the sudden fitful glare Jason pinned him with. "How dare you judge Bruce for his actions after everything you've done."