[ the doctor gives Jason a nod when he vows to keep Dick grounded here for the next 24 hours. most people don't like staying in the hospital for long, so it's not anything new for her. Dick has broken bones, too, so she doubts he'll be able to be a real flight risk. she's also okay with Jason staying around for as long as Dick is here. it's better for most patients to have someone familiar near by than to have a stranger like a nurse sit at their bedside to keep them company.
Dick looks up when Jason enters his room. of course he's not asleep, but at least he's still in the bed? he's been out for the past seven hours. it's the most he's slept in a single stretch in a long time.
though he keeps his expression carefully neutral, it's clear that he had been in deep focus. he's still gripping his phone with one hand, but the screen goes black with a click of a single button. on his bedside, there's a glass of water and a half eaten slice of plain toast on a tray. nearby, a clear container with a slice of chocolate cake still sits untouched where Rachel had left it. ]
Hey. [ he greets calmly, giving Jason a slow once-over. people fussing over him when he gets injured is nothing new, though he recognizes that understanding the concern clearly written on Jason's face is still only just a logical one. he knows Jason's concerned about him because they're together. were together? how does he even begin to navigate that?
he doesn't know how Jason has changed in the past year, but once again, he has to believe in his own past decisions, even if he doesn't remember them. thinking about the void of the past year guts him, but he breathes through it. he has to start small, has to build on what he does know of their relationship.
Jason did some bad things. Jason murdered half of Gotham, but in the end, helped them bring it back. he didn't treat Jason how he should have, either. afterwards, Red Hood dropped off his radar for at least two weeks. is Red Hood still around? has Gotham recovered? the questions keep whirring around in his mind as his gaze lifts back up to Jason's face. he tries for a tense smile, tipping his head toward the bedside table. ]
Don't look so worried. You didn't miss much. They brought in some dry toast when you were gone.
(( ooc: ok sorry i had to retcon Rachel leaving the a slice of chocolate cake there ;; ))
[ The doctor doesn't know how much of a flight risk Dick really is- no matter how many broken bones he has, he'd find a way out of there. Jason won't let that happen.]
Hey.
[He tries to say as casually when he heads back inside. Of course Dick isn't asleep. Jason had only been hoping that because of all the pain meds he'd easily knock out. It's not just worry he's feeling when he sees Dick awake- it's nerves. It feels like that time all over again, when Dick found him after he came back from the dead, and asked him for help. The time when Dick told Jason that he could never be a Titan again, but he could start on the path of redemption if he helped them. That was a year ago, just about. So much has happened since then.
It feels devastating all over again, but he knows it must feel the same for Dick, not even knowing what happened all this time. Since coming back from the dead, Jason has a few gaps in his memory as well, so he knows how fucked up it feels. This is ten times worse. ]
That's it? I might have to sneak you in some pizza. The real kind.
[He notes the look on Dick's face, the way he does a once over on him. Jason wonders what he must be thinking. How he must be feeling. He also notices the phone in Dick's hand. Was he reading over texts? Listening to voicemails? Did he read the hundreds of things they've said to each other over all this time, confirming Jason's words? Does he know they're in love? ....were in love. Is it a past tense thing now? Jason swallows that thought down thickly, and moves over to the bed to check out the toast. It's pretty lame. The chocolate cake looks more appetizing, though and he lifts up the container.]
I don't know. [ Dick looks at the chocolate cake skeptically. truthfully, he doesn't have an appetite. the few bites of toast was only managed because he knows he has to eat to recover.
his mind is still lingering on the texts he's been catching up on. he hasn't had much time since Jason stepped out of his room, but what he has read starts to flesh out the weeks leading up to his memory loss. Kory is out of town tracing down something Tamaran related, he doesn't know what yet. Conner seems to be asking him about something Metropolis related. Rachel and Gar have been protesting cauliflower crust. Tim, texting about suit upgrades.
and Jason. he and Jason have been meeting up at bars and taking shots together, and for some reason, he doesn't want Jason helping out with thugs. the night of his accident, Jason tried to take a flight back to Gotham, and he seemed to be very much against it. his last outgoing call was to Jason's number, so that much checks out. still, it's just that. checking out information. none of it feels like real memories, associated with emotions, but rather like reading sterile case files or debriefings of events that happened to someone else. ]
I'd rather have Alfred's pancakes. [ an impossibility at this point, hence why he says it. ] You should have it. Bet you haven't eaten much.
[ he has to stay calm, but he's itching to get back to his records. ] So are they discharging me soon, or are we breaking out of here?
[ He sets the cake aside, not having anything of an appetite either. He could still use that drink or two, though.
And Jason's texts-- they span back to far more than that, but maybe he can go through them all later. Maybe it's better if Jason tells him instead. It's hard to know where to even start, but the doctor said it would be helpful. He just has to figure it out and not overwhelm Dick with it.
He knows how fucking overwhelming he can be. ]
You gotta stay for a 24 hour observation, and then we can go. Or-- you can go. You know how much I love a good break out, but not this time.
[He sighs, plopping himself down in the chair that's he's had pretty much almost on top of the bed it's so close, and he doesn't really want to move it further back. If he can't climb in with Dick, and if it's too weird to keep holding his hand, at least he can sit close. He can sit close, and try to act calm, and have a normal conversation with Dick. He can try.]
Good news, though. You're healing up faster than normal. I told you about it once, when you were bandaging up the gash on my ass, that I healed up faster cause of the pit? Well, you've got it too. The doctor looked real fucking perplexed.
Edited 2024-03-06 19:30 (UTC)
im still annoyed that they dipped dick into the pit >>
[ Dick lifts his brows when Jason tells him he'll heal faster because of the pit. is that something he knows, or does he not know? because it's new information now. and bandaging up the gash on Jason's ass, that bit seems to bring up an image of Jason on his couch, though it feels dark and blurry. ]
How much faster? [ a tip of his head. ] 'Cus if it's at least some percentage then we should recalculate their 24 hour observation period. [ tension gathers around his eyes at being told no. ]
You know I'm not staying here, right?
ME TOO. So annoyed D: Especially cause that's such a Jason Todd thing and Dick got a montage instead
The doctor also said I should try and help fill in your memory gaps when it's not too overwhelming, so-- I know it feels like you don't know some of the information I'm telling you, but... you did, once. I'll always be honest with you about what you knew and what you didn't know, ok?
[ Not that Dick trusts him right now. Probably not at all, considering where they were at when Dick went back to Gotham to follow the weapons. Jason's pretty sure Dick only really started to trust him more when he saved his life that night. That had been the start of everything different between them, but Dick doesn't even remember that. Maybe he just thinks Jason's trying to feed him whatever information he wants to. It breaks his heart. ]
A little faster. Not like instant healing, Dick. Maybe we can recalculate their 24 hour period, yeah. But they still gotta come check you and be all fucking amazed that you're healing up nicely, ok? It's 24 hours.
[Jason tenses up at Dick starting to argue his way out of here, but he's gonna hold his ground.]
[ Dick appreciates the sentiment that Jason's approaching this with, that he's at least saying he'll be honest with telling Dick about past events. he wants to believe it, but he's torn inside, not knowing how much he can truly trust. he's always wanted to be a trusting person, but the decades of training has taught him to be skeptical, especially when he's scared.
and he's very scared right now, despite how calm he might seem on the outside. all he does is nod quietly to what Jason tells him. he'll keep track of what Jason tells him, and then go through whatever he can find to try and confirm the legitimacy of it all.
as strange as it is, the soothing, almost tender way Jason talks to him is--nice. it's hard not to feel anything and remain neutral but skeptical. but he does frown when Jason digs his heels in.
a beat. ]
You gonna stop me?
(( ooc: btw, i have a hard time with stacking scenes / dialogue unless its a text, so i tend to just have dick respond to the last bit so we can move linearly instead of jumping around. i just find it easier to write his introspection and emotions that way, so hes not frowning then smiling then angry all in one tag lol. just to let you know in case you ever find it strange that hes dropping convos lmfao ))
[ Maybe Rachel should have stayed after all. Dick right now is not the same Dick who would have done anything to be able to spend some extra time with Jason, or want to be alone in a room with him. That much is apparent, with every little look Dick gives. Maybe to other people he might seem calm on the outside, but Jason knows all the tells. He knows Dick.
That frown, the way Dick challenges him again, it makes all the hairs rise on the back of his neck. He doesn't want to fight. He hates this.]
...Dick. Come on. I don't want it to be like that. You were in a real serious crash. They had to induce a coma. You've got memory loss. Please.
[He hesitates, glancing away for a moment, letting out a shaky breath before looking back at Dick once again. He can do this.]
I wanted to stay here and be with you just a little while longer. But if you'd rather have Rachel here, I can ask her to come back. She can stay with you instead.
((ooc: oh, ok. But what if he needs to respond to the things Jason is saying? xD I don't care if he's smiling or angry all in one tag. That's how RP conversations usually are. But if it's harder for you that way, I don't want it to stress you out. I also don't want like, dialogue wasted, if you know what I mean?? I can try to just write shorter tags, then? Like one dialogue thing at a time? it would make things less linear I think, like the conversation would be choppy, but if it helps I don't mind!))
It’s not about you or Rachel. [ Jason’s right—he’s cracking at the seams, trying so hard to hold it together in his wretched place. the irritation is clear in his voice now. ]
Look, Jason, I appreciate that you’re here to help me remember. Really, I do. I believe you really care about me, too. The last thing I texted you was that I want to be with you so I know we were together. I wouldn’t say that otherwise. Just—
[ he reaches his hand out, remembering the way Jason felt, gripping him back, holding onto him like Dick could count on him for anything. ]
I need you to get me out of here. I have to go through my protocol for this. I have to remember. Help me.
(( ooc: oops forgot my note. but yes, I find people are either one or the other, stackers or non stackers lolol. ok I would appreciate like one convo topic at a time but honestly you know how convos go, where ppl jump around or mention stuff that was said in the past, that’s how I tend to have my characters respond to other topics they need to… idk if that makes sense for you but let’s give this a try!! tyty ))
Dick is good. Even with his memory loss it's like he knows exactly how to get to Jason. How to make him waver. It really is unfair.
Dick can probably see Jason's reservations start to crumble. His outstretched hand is something Jason can't ignore. Neither is that plea for Jason to help him. All he wants to do is help Dick. If the pit is helping him heal faster, he'll be alright. They've all dealt with countless bruises and broken bones before, and hardly ever went to the hospital for it. He can take care of Dick- if Dick will let him.
He slides his hand back into Dick's, fingers curling around his, holding onto him like Dick can count of him for anything. ]
[ it's almost too easy. Jason practically melts for him when he asks, reaching back for his hand and lacing their fingers together like he's done it a million times. for all Dick knows, he has. but how easily he crumbles is new. it's not the Jason that he knows, but he finds it surprisingly sweet. his fingers curl around Jason's in return.
finally, finally, a faint smile tugs on Dick's mouth with a breath of relief. ]
Okay. Let's do this while these pain meds are still kicked in. [ it's a little extreme to think of it that way, but he grips Jason's hand as he sits up, only wincing a little as the room spins before still, the entire right side of his body singing in protest. it's fine. Jason's right, they've had broken bones before. he relies on Jason as he swings his legs to the side of the bed, bracing against him as he stands. ]
[ The relief he sees on Dick's face is enough to motivate Jason further, even if he feels a knot in his stomach over what they're about to do. Is he fucking up again? Does Dick really even care about that part? Probably not, but Jason wants Dick to be alright. Maybe once he's back at the Tower he can put the pieces back together a little easier. ]
Yeah, alright. The doctor said you have a sprained wrist, three broken ribs and a broken collarbone, so just be aware of that. You had some internal bleeding as well, but the worst of it was your concussion. Severe. So--
[So maybe they shouldn't be leaving, but Jason's already helping Dick sit up.]
Hang on. Before you start walking around with your ass hanging out can I at least check if you have some clothes?
[He gently pushes Dick to sit back down on the bed while he goes to the closet to grab the bag with Dick's belongings so he can help him get dressed. There's no shirt, as it was cut off of him, but he finds the rest of Dick's clothes, along with a jacket that he can wear on top. He takes it all out and starts helping Dick get dressed.]
I left my bike on the side of the road, so we're gonna have to Uber it outta here. I'm sure there are some cabs out front, but we're gonna try to go out the side exit. I already scoped it out when we got here.
Right—yeah. Thanks. [ Clothes. Dick sits down again when Jason eases him toward the bed, taking a breather before he has to tighten his stomach to lifts one leg before the other as Jason helps him into his underwear. they have to do it all over again for the pants. he breathes steadily the whole time, bracing through the protests in his body. ]
Good. I was gonna ask if you’ve done that already. [ he says, with a strained smile as he does up the fly and button of his pants. they have his wrist braced relatively sturdily, so he’s not afraid to use it. of course Jason has done his scoping already. Jason is rash and unpredictable, but he’s meticulous and skilled as well.
still, he can’t move his right shoulder properly, with how his ribs and collar bone are fractured. he attempts to pull his arm back for the jacket but ends up wincing. ] Could you—pull this on for me? [ the jacket, onto his right arm first, then he can slide his left in when Jason holds it up. the whole thing feels so strangely intimate, and he can tell Jason is used to being this close to his body, as foreign as it is for himself. he wonders just how close they are, how far they’ve gone. ]
[He doesn't really think about any of it. Just hops into action, so he's glad Dick doesn't protest him helping to get him dressed. His pants, his socks, his shoes. At least none of it is bloody.
Jason is still as meticulous as ever when it comes to getting the job done right. He's still Red Hood after all. On pause. Maybe he should tell Dick about that. First things first, though.
He nods when Dick asks for more help, moving in close to pull his jacket on. Even in this steril place, Dick still smells like Dick, and Jason misses being this close already. It squeezes his heart.]
There you go. All set. Hang on, lemme check who's out there. We should wait for a shift change, but if we move fast enough they won't see us.
[Stealthy as ever, right? Jason goes to open the door and peak outside the room. Seems busy, which is lucky for them. He doesn't see Dick's doctor, and he watches the nurse fo into one of the rooms. He clocks all the others as well, hooging they're distracted enough before he heads back in, moving up to Dick's side.]
Try walking...lean into me as much as you need to. I've got you, alright?
[ they have a lot to catch up on. Dick knows that, and he wonders when he’ll feel ready to sit down with Jason and start having these conversations. he knows he can’t avoid it forever, and he owes it to Jason to address how they should move forward from here, once he catches up, that is.
for now, he nods when Jason returns to the room, having already pushed off the bed to stand. they’d chucked the sling keeping his arm stable at some point. he’ll put it back later, after they’ve successfully exited out of here.
Jason is at his side in a heartbeat, and he wraps his left arm securely around his waist, holding on tight while trying not to be too obviously straining. maybe like this, they could just pass as two people with their arms around each other. affectionately. ]
Alright. [ he takes a step, steady as he keeps his gaze on one spot of the floor. with the next step, he looks at Jason, seeing the focused concentration on his expression. there’s something about that which feels right, like seeing Jason grounds him subconsciously. like it’s okay to lean a little more weight into Jason. good thing he hasn’t actually hurt anything in his legs. just the dull, throbbing pain in his ribs, which is easy enough to ignore. ]
Okay. [ a slow breath, and he nods. this isn’t so bad. they can do this. ] Let’s move.
[There are so many emotions this brings up, but Jason pushes them all aside for now, determined to get them out of here without being hassled. He's ready to fight anyone either way, but he just wants this to go seamlessly for once.
He holds on to Dick well enough to hold him up, but not hurt his ribs, and once Dick gives the ok, he moves. They're out the door quickly, backs turned immediately to the nurses station as they head for one of the nearest side exits.]
You're good. You got this. Almost there.
[He says almost a whisper, keeping his eyes on Dick's face, and the exit in front of them.]
[ the compartmentalizations skills come in handy for Dick, too, who keeps his eyes focused forward, keeps a neutral expression on his face as he thinks about putting one foot on another and distributing his weight evenly where he’s leaning on Jason.
and it almost does go down seamlessly, too, until the door to Dick’s room flies open with a nurse bursting out. ]
Has anyone seen Richard Grayson? [ she calls, getting the attention of some of the other nurses. Dick spares a glance over his shoulder and cursed quietly under his breath. ]
Go, go go.
[ they take off into a run for the last bit of hallway toward the side exit doors.
you got this. almost there. Jason’s words keep him working through the pain as every running step sends shockwaves through his body. he grits his teeth as they push through the exit doors, and the PA system announces a code. however, it doesn’t seem like anyone is following them. ]
[The side exit also means they're about to turn a corner, out of sight. Jason practically hauls Dick that way as they move down the last bit of hallway, ignoring the nurses and the loud speaker.
Jason's still careful not to jostle Dick too hard, even though they're moving faster. He's not gonna get him even more hurt, just to get away. Once they're move past the exit doors and make it out of the hospital, theyre pretty much home free. No one's gonna drag them back inside. They can't. ]
Take it easy, we're out.
[He walks them to the side of the building and leans Dick against the wall, arms still around him. For a moment, he's the one who forgets, bringing a hand up to Dick's face, thumb brushing along his cheek.]
I'm gonna grab us a cab, alright? You just wait here and blend into the bushes.
[He carefully lets go and runs around to the front to flag down a cab. There are thankfully a bunch parked in front of the hospital. He tells them to drive around to the side, then he's back at Dick's side to walk him the rest of the way, over to the cab.]
[ they're both fully prepared to put up whatever fight they have to in order to get out of there. Dick knows he's capable of it, broken bones or not. for some reason, he also knows that Jason has his back. it's not just the words that are being said to him, either. it's a deep-seated trust grounding him somewhere from somewhere in his heart, even when his mind raises all sorts of questions regarding Jason.
but they don't have to put up a fight. as soon as they're out and Jason helps him lean back against the wall, Dick is sighing a breath of relief, grimacing from the way his breaths expand his chest, pushing up against the broken ribs. then, Jason's warm hand finds his cheek, and all that breath is stolen away. it's like the moment hovers in thin air, thickening, and he's suddenly caught between the adrenaline coursing through his system and the clarity in Jason's eyes, held in that steady embrace.
then, Jason speaks, and Dick swallows hard, nodding. ]
Yeah. I'll wait here. [ he stares wide-eyed as Jason rounds the corner again. fuck. what was that? his mind is so clearly out of sorts and it makes him even more desperate to get back to the tower.
Jason returns quickly with a cab and he loops his arm around as they approach the car. ]
You okay going back to the tower with me? [ at least he remembers Jason's adversion to the rest of the team, though seeing his interaction with Rachel makes him think twice. ]
[Jason's moving on autopilot, quickly and efficiently as he does when he has something to take care of. He won't ever forget anything about his training, even if he does it all his own way now.
All of this, it reminds him of the time he saves Dick's life - the time Dick doesn't seem to remember. Maybe some of it will jog Dick's memory, maybe it won't. Jason can only hope, even if it's probably too soon.
He's already considering where they're gonna go now, right before Dick asks him. He doesn't answer right away, trying to help Dick into the can without hurting him, before he goes around to the other side to get in.
Now he's unsure again.]
...Are you sure you wanna go back there right now? You-- you can access the computers from the place I'm staying. It's one of the safe houses you set up, across from the tower.
[ Dick holds his side as Jason slides into the car, and he quietly considers those words, a slight crease pinched between his brows in pain or confusion or both.
Jason's staying in that safe house? he didn't think anyone knew about that safe house apart from him and Bruce--or at least, a year ago, no one did. before answering Jason, Dick tells the cab drive to go toward the tower. it's the same vicinity anyway.
Jason looks hesitant again, looks like he's grasping at straws not wanting to let Dick go. ]
You're still not on speaking terms with the Titans.
[ He didn't know about it before Dick told him he could come back to San Fransisco and have his own place, away from Titans Tower. A place he would be able to visit easily since it was close. That's what stuck with Jason and made it a lot easier for him to come back here, and Dick took care of it all for him. It was pretty fucking amazing.
But now, Dick looks worried, confused, and Jason has to keep reminding himself that Dick doesn't know about any of that. It never happened.
Dick takes it out of his hands when he tells the driver to go toward the Tower. He doesn't think he can do it. ]
No. They've got no idea. I uh- I only just told Rachel I was here. That's how this whole thing started. It didn't go too well, and I thought maybe I should leave. You were trying to convince me to stay.
[It was his fault. His fucking fault for upsetting Dick and distracting him enough to get in this accident.]
[ what Jason says is no news to him. he read it all in the last batch of texts he and Jason had. it seemed Rachel said some things that upset Jason. it seems that he owes Rachel a talk, too, which he fully intends to make good on. later.
but he hadn't realized that no one else knew Jason was here. there's guilt on Jason's face now, and he feels bad seeing it. ]
And you did stay. [ accident or no accident, it seems like something had worked. whatever they talked about on the phone, he assumes. ]
This isn't the best time to make your debut right now, with me like this. [ he sighs shallowly, a tense thing that presses his mouth taut. ] I'm sure they're assuming I'd still be at the hospital so--fine. Let's go across the street. That safe house has everything we'll need.
Yeah. I stayed. That's the last thing I said to you before--
[His words trail off, but he figures Dick already knows. Before this. The accident. The memory loss.
And now he feels bad that Dick is in this position, trying to decide what's best. Jason should be the one telling him to just go to the Tower without him, but maybe he's too selfish for that. He is, cause he's utterly relieved when Dick says they can go to the safe house instead.]
Yeah, it's all connected. Pretty sure you left a laptop there last time too-- and some clothes if you wanna try and shower, or change.
[ Jason trails off, and Dick is left watching the way the thoughts cloud Jason's eyes. he can only guess what they might be. he feels bad, it seems, but what else? relieved? that they're not going to the tower?
Dick hopes so. he relies on his gut instincts in situations like this, where the right answer is far from obvious. what Jason says only helps to cement this decision, though, because if he's left a laptop (meaning he trusts Jason enough for it), and clothes, then that means he's at least somewhat established in that location. ]
Good. Maybe--[ is it too soon to start hoping? perhaps, but he can't help it. ] there'll be other things there I can use to remember. [ Dick sits up enough to tell the driver about the change in location, then sits back again with a quiet sigh. ]
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no subject
Dick looks up when Jason enters his room. of course he's not asleep, but at least he's still in the bed? he's been out for the past seven hours. it's the most he's slept in a single stretch in a long time.
though he keeps his expression carefully neutral, it's clear that he had been in deep focus. he's still gripping his phone with one hand, but the screen goes black with a click of a single button. on his bedside, there's a glass of water and a half eaten slice of plain toast on a tray. nearby, a clear container with a slice of chocolate cake still sits untouched where Rachel had left it. ]
Hey. [ he greets calmly, giving Jason a slow once-over. people fussing over him when he gets injured is nothing new, though he recognizes that understanding the concern clearly written on Jason's face is still only just a logical one. he knows Jason's concerned about him because they're together. were together? how does he even begin to navigate that?
he doesn't know how Jason has changed in the past year, but once again, he has to believe in his own past decisions, even if he doesn't remember them. thinking about the void of the past year guts him, but he breathes through it. he has to start small, has to build on what he does know of their relationship.
Jason did some bad things. Jason murdered half of Gotham, but in the end, helped them bring it back. he didn't treat Jason how he should have, either. afterwards, Red Hood dropped off his radar for at least two weeks. is Red Hood still around? has Gotham recovered? the questions keep whirring around in his mind as his gaze lifts back up to Jason's face. he tries for a tense smile, tipping his head toward the bedside table. ]
Don't look so worried. You didn't miss much. They brought in some dry toast when you were gone.
(( ooc: ok sorry i had to retcon Rachel leaving the a slice of chocolate cake there ;; ))
no subject
Hey.
[He tries to say as casually when he heads back inside. Of course Dick isn't asleep. Jason had only been hoping that because of all the pain meds he'd easily knock out. It's not just worry he's feeling when he sees Dick awake- it's nerves. It feels like that time all over again, when Dick found him after he came back from the dead, and asked him for help. The time when Dick told Jason that he could never be a Titan again, but he could start on the path of redemption if he helped them. That was a year ago, just about. So much has happened since then.
It feels devastating all over again, but he knows it must feel the same for Dick, not even knowing what happened all this time. Since coming back from the dead, Jason has a few gaps in his memory as well, so he knows how fucked up it feels. This is ten times worse. ]
That's it? I might have to sneak you in some pizza. The real kind.
[He notes the look on Dick's face, the way he does a once over on him. Jason wonders what he must be thinking. How he must be feeling. He also notices the phone in Dick's hand. Was he reading over texts? Listening to voicemails? Did he read the hundreds of things they've said to each other over all this time, confirming Jason's words? Does he know they're in love? ....were in love. Is it a past tense thing now? Jason swallows that thought down thickly, and moves over to the bed to check out the toast. It's pretty lame. The chocolate cake looks more appetizing, though and he lifts up the container.]
What about this?
no subject
his mind is still lingering on the texts he's been catching up on. he hasn't had much time since Jason stepped out of his room, but what he has read starts to flesh out the weeks leading up to his memory loss. Kory is out of town tracing down something Tamaran related, he doesn't know what yet. Conner seems to be asking him about something Metropolis related. Rachel and Gar have been protesting cauliflower crust. Tim, texting about suit upgrades.
and Jason. he and Jason have been meeting up at bars and taking shots together, and for some reason, he doesn't want Jason helping out with thugs. the night of his accident, Jason tried to take a flight back to Gotham, and he seemed to be very much against it. his last outgoing call was to Jason's number, so that much checks out. still, it's just that. checking out information. none of it feels like real memories, associated with emotions, but rather like reading sterile case files or debriefings of events that happened to someone else. ]
I'd rather have Alfred's pancakes. [ an impossibility at this point, hence why he says it. ] You should have it. Bet you haven't eaten much.
[ he has to stay calm, but he's itching to get back to his records. ] So are they discharging me soon, or are we breaking out of here?
no subject
[ He sets the cake aside, not having anything of an appetite either. He could still use that drink or two, though.
And Jason's texts-- they span back to far more than that, but maybe he can go through them all later. Maybe it's better if Jason tells him instead. It's hard to know where to even start, but the doctor said it would be helpful. He just has to figure it out and not overwhelm Dick with it.
He knows how fucking overwhelming he can be. ]
You gotta stay for a 24 hour observation, and then we can go. Or-- you can go. You know how much I love a good break out, but not this time.
[He sighs, plopping himself down in the chair that's he's had pretty much almost on top of the bed it's so close, and he doesn't really want to move it further back. If he can't climb in with Dick, and if it's too weird to keep holding his hand, at least he can sit close. He can sit close, and try to act calm, and have a normal conversation with Dick. He can try.]
Good news, though. You're healing up faster than normal. I told you about it once, when you were bandaging up the gash on my ass, that I healed up faster cause of the pit? Well, you've got it too. The doctor looked real fucking perplexed.
im still annoyed that they dipped dick into the pit >>
How much faster? [ a tip of his head. ] 'Cus if it's at least some percentage then we should recalculate their 24 hour observation period. [ tension gathers around his eyes at being told no. ]
You know I'm not staying here, right?
ME TOO. So annoyed D: Especially cause that's such a Jason Todd thing and Dick got a montage instead
[ Not that Dick trusts him right now. Probably not at all, considering where they were at when Dick went back to Gotham to follow the weapons. Jason's pretty sure Dick only really started to trust him more when he saved his life that night. That had been the start of everything different between them, but Dick doesn't even remember that. Maybe he just thinks Jason's trying to feed him whatever information he wants to. It breaks his heart. ]
A little faster. Not like instant healing, Dick. Maybe we can recalculate their 24 hour period, yeah. But they still gotta come check you and be all fucking amazed that you're healing up nicely, ok? It's 24 hours.
[Jason tenses up at Dick starting to argue his way out of here, but he's gonna hold his ground.]
You are.
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and he's very scared right now, despite how calm he might seem on the outside. all he does is nod quietly to what Jason tells him. he'll keep track of what Jason tells him, and then go through whatever he can find to try and confirm the legitimacy of it all.
as strange as it is, the soothing, almost tender way Jason talks to him is--nice. it's hard not to feel anything and remain neutral but skeptical. but he does frown when Jason digs his heels in.
a beat. ]
You gonna stop me?
(( ooc: btw, i have a hard time with stacking scenes / dialogue unless its a text, so i tend to just have dick respond to the last bit so we can move linearly instead of jumping around. i just find it easier to write his introspection and emotions that way, so hes not frowning then smiling then angry all in one tag lol. just to let you know in case you ever find it strange that hes dropping convos lmfao ))
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That frown, the way Dick challenges him again, it makes all the hairs rise on the back of his neck. He doesn't want to fight. He hates this.]
...Dick. Come on. I don't want it to be like that. You were in a real serious crash. They had to induce a coma. You've got memory loss. Please.
[He hesitates, glancing away for a moment, letting out a shaky breath before looking back at Dick once again. He can do this.]
I wanted to stay here and be with you just a little while longer. But if you'd rather have Rachel here, I can ask her to come back. She can stay with you instead.
((ooc: oh, ok. But what if he needs to respond to the things Jason is saying? xD I don't care if he's smiling or angry all in one tag. That's how RP conversations usually are. But if it's harder for you that way, I don't want it to stress you out. I also don't want like, dialogue wasted, if you know what I mean?? I can try to just write shorter tags, then? Like one dialogue thing at a time? it would make things less linear I think, like the conversation would be choppy, but if it helps I don't mind!))
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Look, Jason, I appreciate that you’re here to help me remember. Really, I do. I believe you really care about me, too. The last thing I texted you was that I want to be with you so I know we were together. I wouldn’t say that otherwise. Just—
[ he reaches his hand out, remembering the way Jason felt, gripping him back, holding onto him like Dick could count on him for anything. ]
I need you to get me out of here. I have to go through my protocol for this. I have to remember. Help me.
(( ooc: oops forgot my note. but yes, I find people are either one or the other, stackers or non stackers lolol. ok I would appreciate like one convo topic at a time but honestly you know how convos go, where ppl jump around or mention stuff that was said in the past, that’s how I tend to have my characters respond to other topics they need to… idk if that makes sense for you but let’s give this a try!! tyty ))
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Dick is good. Even with his memory loss it's like he knows exactly how to get to Jason. How to make him waver. It really is unfair.
Dick can probably see Jason's reservations start to crumble. His outstretched hand is something Jason can't ignore. Neither is that plea for Jason to help him. All he wants to do is help Dick. If the pit is helping him heal faster, he'll be alright. They've all dealt with countless bruises and broken bones before, and hardly ever went to the hospital for it. He can take care of Dick- if Dick will let him.
He slides his hand back into Dick's, fingers curling around his, holding onto him like Dick can count of him for anything. ]
Alright. Okay. I'll get you outta here.
((ooc: sounds good! I'll do my best :D ))
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finally, finally, a faint smile tugs on Dick's mouth with a breath of relief. ]
Okay. Let's do this while these pain meds are still kicked in. [ it's a little extreme to think of it that way, but he grips Jason's hand as he sits up, only wincing a little as the room spins before still, the entire right side of his body singing in protest. it's fine. Jason's right, they've had broken bones before. he relies on Jason as he swings his legs to the side of the bed, bracing against him as he stands. ]
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Yeah, alright. The doctor said you have a sprained wrist, three broken ribs and a broken collarbone, so just be aware of that. You had some internal bleeding as well, but the worst of it was your concussion. Severe. So--
[So maybe they shouldn't be leaving, but Jason's already helping Dick sit up.]
Hang on. Before you start walking around with your ass hanging out can I at least check if you have some clothes?
[He gently pushes Dick to sit back down on the bed while he goes to the closet to grab the bag with Dick's belongings so he can help him get dressed. There's no shirt, as it was cut off of him, but he finds the rest of Dick's clothes, along with a jacket that he can wear on top. He takes it all out and starts helping Dick get dressed.]
I left my bike on the side of the road, so we're gonna have to Uber it outta here. I'm sure there are some cabs out front, but we're gonna try to go out the side exit. I already scoped it out when we got here.
[Because that's what they do.]
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Good. I was gonna ask if you’ve done that already. [ he says, with a strained smile as he does up the fly and button of his pants. they have his wrist braced relatively sturdily, so he’s not afraid to use it. of course Jason has done his scoping already. Jason is rash and unpredictable, but he’s meticulous and skilled as well.
still, he can’t move his right shoulder properly, with how his ribs and collar bone are fractured. he attempts to pull his arm back for the jacket but ends up wincing. ] Could you—pull this on for me? [ the jacket, onto his right arm first, then he can slide his left in when Jason holds it up. the whole thing feels so strangely intimate, and he can tell Jason is used to being this close to his body, as foreign as it is for himself. he wonders just how close they are, how far they’ve gone. ]
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Jason is still as meticulous as ever when it comes to getting the job done right. He's still Red Hood after all. On pause. Maybe he should tell Dick about that. First things first, though.
He nods when Dick asks for more help, moving in close to pull his jacket on. Even in this steril place, Dick still smells like Dick, and Jason misses being this close already. It squeezes his heart.]
There you go. All set. Hang on, lemme check who's out there. We should wait for a shift change, but if we move fast enough they won't see us.
[Stealthy as ever, right? Jason goes to open the door and peak outside the room. Seems busy, which is lucky for them. He doesn't see Dick's doctor, and he watches the nurse fo into one of the rooms. He clocks all the others as well, hooging they're distracted enough before he heads back in, moving up to Dick's side.]
Try walking...lean into me as much as you need to. I've got you, alright?
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for now, he nods when Jason returns to the room, having already pushed off the bed to stand. they’d chucked the sling keeping his arm stable at some point. he’ll put it back later, after they’ve successfully exited out of here.
Jason is at his side in a heartbeat, and he wraps his left arm securely around his waist, holding on tight while trying not to be too obviously straining. maybe like this, they could just pass as two people with their arms around each other. affectionately. ]
Alright. [ he takes a step, steady as he keeps his gaze on one spot of the floor. with the next step, he looks at Jason, seeing the focused concentration on his expression. there’s something about that which feels right, like seeing Jason grounds him subconsciously. like it’s okay to lean a little more weight into Jason. good thing he hasn’t actually hurt anything in his legs. just the dull, throbbing pain in his ribs, which is easy enough to ignore. ]
Okay. [ a slow breath, and he nods. this isn’t so bad. they can do this. ] Let’s move.
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He holds on to Dick well enough to hold him up, but not hurt his ribs, and once Dick gives the ok, he moves. They're out the door quickly, backs turned immediately to the nurses station as they head for one of the nearest side exits.]
You're good. You got this. Almost there.
[He says almost a whisper, keeping his eyes on Dick's face, and the exit in front of them.]
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and it almost does go down seamlessly, too, until the door to Dick’s room flies open with a nurse bursting out. ]
Has anyone seen Richard Grayson? [ she calls, getting the attention of some of the other nurses. Dick spares a glance over his shoulder and cursed quietly under his breath. ]
Go, go go.
[ they take off into a run for the last bit of hallway toward the side exit doors.
you got this. almost there. Jason’s words keep him working through the pain as every running step sends shockwaves through his body. he grits his teeth as they push through the exit doors, and the PA system announces a code. however, it doesn’t seem like anyone is following them. ]
Quick. [ he’s breathless. ] Which way?
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Jason's still careful not to jostle Dick too hard, even though they're moving faster. He's not gonna get him even more hurt, just to get away. Once they're move past the exit doors and make it out of the hospital, theyre pretty much home free. No one's gonna drag them back inside. They can't. ]
Take it easy, we're out.
[He walks them to the side of the building and leans Dick against the wall, arms still around him. For a moment, he's the one who forgets, bringing a hand up to Dick's face, thumb brushing along his cheek.]
I'm gonna grab us a cab, alright? You just wait here and blend into the bushes.
[He carefully lets go and runs around to the front to flag down a cab. There are thankfully a bunch parked in front of the hospital. He tells them to drive around to the side, then he's back at Dick's side to walk him the rest of the way, over to the cab.]
See? We got this.
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but they don't have to put up a fight. as soon as they're out and Jason helps him lean back against the wall, Dick is sighing a breath of relief, grimacing from the way his breaths expand his chest, pushing up against the broken ribs. then, Jason's warm hand finds his cheek, and all that breath is stolen away. it's like the moment hovers in thin air, thickening, and he's suddenly caught between the adrenaline coursing through his system and the clarity in Jason's eyes, held in that steady embrace.
then, Jason speaks, and Dick swallows hard, nodding. ]
Yeah. I'll wait here. [ he stares wide-eyed as Jason rounds the corner again. fuck. what was that? his mind is so clearly out of sorts and it makes him even more desperate to get back to the tower.
Jason returns quickly with a cab and he loops his arm around as they approach the car. ]
You okay going back to the tower with me? [ at least he remembers Jason's adversion to the rest of the team, though seeing his interaction with Rachel makes him think twice. ]
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All of this, it reminds him of the time he saves Dick's life - the time Dick doesn't seem to remember. Maybe some of it will jog Dick's memory, maybe it won't. Jason can only hope, even if it's probably too soon.
He's already considering where they're gonna go now, right before Dick asks him. He doesn't answer right away, trying to help Dick into the can without hurting him, before he goes around to the other side to get in.
Now he's unsure again.]
...Are you sure you wanna go back there right now? You-- you can access the computers from the place I'm staying. It's one of the safe houses you set up, across from the tower.
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Jason's staying in that safe house? he didn't think anyone knew about that safe house apart from him and Bruce--or at least, a year ago, no one did. before answering Jason, Dick tells the cab drive to go toward the tower. it's the same vicinity anyway.
Jason looks hesitant again, looks like he's grasping at straws not wanting to let Dick go. ]
You're still not on speaking terms with the Titans.
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But now, Dick looks worried, confused, and Jason has to keep reminding himself that Dick doesn't know about any of that. It never happened.
Dick takes it out of his hands when he tells the driver to go toward the Tower. He doesn't think he can do it. ]
No. They've got no idea. I uh- I only just told Rachel I was here. That's how this whole thing started. It didn't go too well, and I thought maybe I should leave. You were trying to convince me to stay.
[It was his fault. His fucking fault for upsetting Dick and distracting him enough to get in this accident.]
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but he hadn't realized that no one else knew Jason was here. there's guilt on Jason's face now, and he feels bad seeing it. ]
And you did stay. [ accident or no accident, it seems like something had worked. whatever they talked about on the phone, he assumes. ]
This isn't the best time to make your debut right now, with me like this. [ he sighs shallowly, a tense thing that presses his mouth taut. ] I'm sure they're assuming I'd still be at the hospital so--fine. Let's go across the street. That safe house has everything we'll need.
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[His words trail off, but he figures Dick already knows. Before this. The accident. The memory loss.
And now he feels bad that Dick is in this position, trying to decide what's best. Jason should be the one telling him to just go to the Tower without him, but maybe he's too selfish for that. He is, cause he's utterly relieved when Dick says they can go to the safe house instead.]
Yeah, it's all connected. Pretty sure you left a laptop there last time too-- and some clothes if you wanna try and shower, or change.
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Dick hopes so. he relies on his gut instincts in situations like this, where the right answer is far from obvious. what Jason says only helps to cement this decision, though, because if he's left a laptop (meaning he trusts Jason enough for it), and clothes, then that means he's at least somewhat established in that location. ]
Good. Maybe--[ is it too soon to start hoping? perhaps, but he can't help it. ] there'll be other things there I can use to remember. [ Dick sits up enough to tell the driver about the change in location, then sits back again with a quiet sigh. ]
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Should we wrap or ff this one? :)
Definitely not wrap, they still have so much to go ;__; we can ff them to waking up though?
yaaa
<3
phew busy weekend
hopefully good busy!
yesss an amazing bottomless brunch and long hike in the snow c:
Omg that sounds fantastic!
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omg jasonnn so cuteee ahhhhh 😭😭😭🥺
Ugh he issss. They're both cute 🥺
they are 🥺
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am sorry for dropping off the face of the earth
it's all good <3
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ooc: Alfred's dead in Titans D: Unless. you wanna play that he's still alive? xD
NOPE, he should stay dead SORRY I FORGOT
xD
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ok lmk if this is a good amount of ff!
yeah it's good!
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Shall we wrap?! :)))
yeah ;____;