Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Rain pattered against the vast windows of the manor, causing an echo within the building. A loud thunderclap made Jason jump out of his skin. The shaking got worse as the rain and thunder became louder and louder. He heard the door creak open, and the familiar pattern of footsteps that belonged to none other..

“Jaylad?” Bruce gently spoke, as to not spook him even further. As he stepped into Jason’s room, he spotted a small figure curled up under the covers. He also noticed the violent shaking. Bruce had just come back from a mission and immediately rushed back home to check on Jason.

He knew how hard thunderstorms were on him, though he didn’t fully know why, if it was a normal child’s fright of thunder or if it was something deeper. Only that he should always be there for him during those times.

“Dad?” Asked a small, trembling voice. Jason peeked out from under the covers, and once he saw Bruce, he kicked off the covers and ran to his dad. He clung to him so hard; he was afraid if he didn’t, he would disappear.

Bruce held him in his arms, tightly. “It’s okay, Jaylad, I’ve got you. I’ve got you,” he whispered reassurances into his son’s ear in that soft tone he always uses with him.

“I’m scared, dad,” he admitted, the tremble in his voice less than when he first spoke. “I’m a big boy, I shouldn’t be scared. I need to be brave.”

Bruce’s heart clenched at the thought of his 8 year old thinking he shouldn’t feel fear, a regular emotion everyone feels. “Jason, darling, would you mind telling me where you learnt that from?” He asked in a gentle tone. He was already 99% sure where he learnt it from, but just to check.

Jason fiddled with the hem of his shirt, a sure sign that he’s nervous “Willis,” he answered meekly, not looking Bruce in the eyes. “But it’s okay dad, he was right. Boys shouldn’t cry, it makes me weak.”

Bruce tried his best not to show the anger he felt towards that twisted man show onto his face. “Hey sweetheart, I need you to listen to me very carefully, okay?” Jason nodded slowly. “Crying does not make you weak. Showing emotion does not make you weak. Having feelings does not make you weak. Every person feels scared, they feel anxious, they feel sad. That’s normal, Jaylad,” he gave Jason some time to process what he just said.

“Even I cry sometimes; does that make me weak?” He knew it was unfair to ask that of him, but he needed his son to understand.

“No, dad! You’re the strongest person I know! You’re not weak!” Jason argued frantically, eyes wide, desperately trying to reassure Bruce that he wasn’t talking about him.

“It’s okay, Jay, thank you for letting me know. See? I cry, and I’m still strong, right? So are you, my love,” Bruce explained gently, trying to make it make sense for him.

Jason sniffed and looked at him with those wide, glassy, blue eyes. “But that’s different.”

“How so, darling?”

“You can cry because you save the city, You’re Batman! You help people, it’s okay for you to cry. But for me,” he paused, eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I’m just some dumb kid. I shouldn’t cry, it makes me weaker than I already am.” A particularly loud thunderclap made Jason flinch and hide his head in the crook of Bruce’s neck. Bruce’s hold around him tightened.

“Jason, listen to me. You are one of the strongest people I know. You have been through things most people your age don’t normally go through. Not many people come back from that, you know? You recovering, and moving forward despite what you went through proves that you are strong, my love. You are so strong, my sweetheart,” Bruce said confidently while rubbing Jason’s back.

He hoped and prayed that this made Jason understand he wasn’t weak, and that sorry excuse he had as a ‘parent’ can go rot in hell ten times over.

“So-so even if I cry because of thunder, I’m still-I’m still strong?” Asked Jason, while trying to contain his sniffles and hiccupping.

“Of course, my darling. Did you know adults are also scared of thunder?” Bruce asked, hoping to see his son smile. It had the intended effect as Jason turned his neck so fast, Bruce was concerned he’d get whiplash.

“Really?!” He exclaimed happily, a wide smile plastered on his face, showing off the gap that belonged to the tooth he lost last week. “Is Wonder Woman scared of thunder?”

His son’s obsession with Wonder Woman came as a surprise to him at first, when Jason very shyly admitted it, thinking Bruce would be upset. But from then on, he found it to be such an adorable admiration.

“Not exactly, but it is a Justice League member,” he told him, wanting to lift his spirits by making him guess.

“Hmm, is it…Superman?”

“Nope.”

“Hmmm, is it Green Arrow?”

“Close, but no.”

“Close as in they’re related to the color green, right?”

Bruce really was raising a smart child. He nodded.

“Hmm. Oh, oh I know! Green Lantern!” Jason guessed excitedly, unable to stop himself from bouncing up and down on Bruce’s lap. Bruce let out a small laugh, unable to stop himself from laughing at his son’s antics. “Great job, Jaylad! You got it, my love,” he picked him and spun him in the air. Jason let out a giggle filled with absolute joy.

“I love Green Lantern. His ring is so cool and green. And it glows!” Jason was babbling while Bruce was guessing where Jason would choose to sleep. “Have you ever touched the ring, dad?”

Bruce, mildly startled out of his thinking, replied somewhat confused. “Uh, no, no, I don’t think so. He’s really careful about it and he doesn’t let anyone touch it.”

“Aw man, I wish I could touch it,” Jason pouted.

“Sorry, Jaylad. We’ll ask him in the future, but right now I need to know where you would like to sleep tonight, darling,” Bruce asked his son, who was clearly thinking about a certain green ring.

“Huh? Oh, um. In your room, please,” Jason answered shyly. He still was getting used to actually admitting out loud when he needed to sleep with Bruce. He’s done so many times, it’s just admitting it is what troubles him.

“Thank you, Jay,” Bruce kissed his temple. He picked up Jason’s Batman and Wonder Woman plushies, along with his Green Lantern blanket, and made his way to his room.

Once he got Jason all tucked in and made sure he was comfortable, Bruce headed to the bathroom to get ready for the night. And if Bruce hugged Jason a little tighter that night, that would be his business, and his business only.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Jason was in such a joyous mood compared to last night, hopping and skipping his way to brush his teeth, and Bruce is beyond grateful for that. The reason for that, Bruce would guess, is that Jason’s 9th birthday was coming up, and the boy has been gushing non-stop about it.

Spewing a million different ideas on what he wanted to do on his special day over the past few days. The first idea was that he wanted to eat ‘a million pancakes for breakfast’, then go to the park with Bruce and Alfred, then eat lots of ice cream, then go on rollercoasters. His second idea was to have a party with Justice league members, his favorites specifically. Jason’s last idea was to spend it in playing go-karts in the amusement park.

Safe to say Bruce was not lacking with ideas of how to entertain his kid on his birthday. He just didn’t know which choice his son would want.

At breakfast, he decided he would ask his son, as he watched Jason eat his Wonder Woman shaped pancakes (a normal pancake with her symbol) with a big smile. “Would you like some berries, Jay?” Bruce asked as he looked at the scarcity of fruits on his son’s plate.

“Uh, nuhu,” came the muffled reply, as his mouth was filled with pancakes.

“Why not? It’s good for you,” Bruce said in a tone that was made to try and convince him.

“Hm, will it make me strong like you?” Jason asked.

Warmth spread through Bruce’s chest; he had to close his eyes for second to remember how to breathe. “Yes, Jaylad. It will make you stronger than you already are, darling.”

“But like you, right?”

In, out, in, out. “Yes, Jay, like me,” Bruce could dissolve at his son’s cuteness.

Jason gave a serious nod. “Okay, but I only want blueberries.”

“Here you are, Jaylad. Are you sure you don’t want some strawberries too?”

“Nope, blueberries are the superior berry of all the berries!” He declared it like he was a king that had just created a royal decree.

“And why is that?” Bruce asked, amused.

“Because blueberries are blue, and small, and yummy. You can find many red fruits, but not many blue ones. That makes them special. Special like you, dad!” Bruce’s entire world stopped spinning, while Jason went right back to stuffing his mouth with pancakes, as if nothing happened.

“How so, my love? He asked, trying to keep his voice even.

“Because there are so many heroes, like fruits. And many heroes have colors that aren’t exactly special. Like green, there is Green Arrow and Green lantern. They can also be found multiple times in other heroes. But your color is black. It’s special. You’re special.”

Bruce looked across the room and mad eye contact with Alfred to make sure he heard right. Alfred just gave him an amused look, knowing Bruce’s grasp on the conversation was slipping.

“Thank you, Jaylad. That means a lot, you know?” He admitted to his son.

“Of course, dad. You’re the best and the most special person in the world! You and Alfie, actually!”

Bruce cleared his throat. “Thanks, my love. But Jay, I do have a question for you.”

Jason looked at him with curious eyes. “What is it?”

“What would you like to do for your birthday, darling?” He asked his son, adoring the way Jason’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

“Ooh! Ooh! I had a few ideas planned!” He exclaimed happily, pancakes forgotten as he went on recalling them.

“I know, sweetheart. But unfortunately, we can’t do all of that in one day. So you’d have to pick one,” he explained to him.

Jason thought about it. And thought about. And thought about it. Until finally he spoke, “I want a party with the justice league members!” he announced. “Please!” He added.

Bruce let out a fond chuckle, of course Jason would pick that option. “Of course, Jaylad. We’ll get started on that, okay? But in the meantime, I need you to finish your homework,” he told him.

A groan ripped out of his son, but he cut himself off. “Wait! I finished all of my homework, except my geography! And it’s only a little! Yes!” He cheered. “Okay, bye, dad! Bye, Alfie!” he shouted, then sprang off of his seat and rushed to his room.

Bruce gave himself a moment to breathe. “So it seems he has decided to have a party with the Justice League members,” he concluded fondly.

“It seems so, sir. I shall get the preparations ready straight away. Although, I do have a question, Master Bruce,” Alfred replied in a warm tone. He was so proud of the man Bruce has become. Seeing him talk about the logistics of his son’s 9th birthday party warmed his heart.

“Yes, Alfred?”

“We wouldn’t want to overwhelm Master Jason with the amount of people, which is why I ask, who exactly will be attending?” He knew the boy could get skittish very quickly around too many people, especially around people he wasn’t very close to.

“Ah, yes. He has explicitly mentioned that he would like Clark, Lois, Diana, Jordan, and Barry to attend. So it wouldn’t be too many people, I think.”

“Perfect, Master Bruce. And I do agree that it’s an adequate number of people. As well as an excellent selection of people,” Alfred added, already mapping out in his head the seating arrangements and food helpings.

Bruce nodded, “Great, that’s settled then.”

“Now then, sir, I will get started on those preparations. I presume you will be the one to inform the members of the Justice League?”

Bruce had that look on his face that indicated he wasn’t actually listening (he was thinking about the perfect gift to get Jason). “Oh, yes. Of course,” he replied distractedly.

“Perfect. I will get started on collecting the decoration that will be needed,” Alfred replied, extremely amused, because Bruce doesn’t know what he just got himself into.

Pause. Wait.

“Alfred-"

“My apologies, sir. Master Jason is calling. I will be with you shortly after,” he answered, knowing Bruce is trying not to rip his hair out.

Bruce knew damn well he won’t see Alfred for another two hours or so. Out of everything I could have gotten stuck with? Seriously?

Bruce takes a deep breath and prepares himself for the day.

Chapter Text

2 days later, Bruce had to mentally prepare for the torture he knew he would have to go through. But he would do anything for his son.

The JL had just come back from a particularly tough mission, but were all in a good mood considering they just beat more than 400 alien creatures who thought invading earth would be a wise decision.

He asked if Diana, Clark, Jordan, and Barry would stay back after the meeting debrief. He hated this already.

“So, is there a reason we’ve been held back, Spooks? Are we serving detention?” Hal Jordan asked, with his signature ‘I’m trying to annoy you and I know it’s working’ grin plastered on his face.

“Yeah, I’m kinda supposed to be heading back. Tight schedule and all,” Barry Allen added sheepishly, his face heating up a bit.

Hal rolled his eyes as he leaned back in his chair and stretched his body. “More like tight hole, but you do you pal,” he teased.

“Hey! I will have you know you, my activities after our missions and meetings are none of your concern! Even IF they were, that activity actually helps build stamina, and that can be very helpful for missions,” Barry responded, face fully flushed.

“Yeah, very useful in turning you into a sex addict. I’m telling you, hitting the strip club every night to the point where the bartenders, who change every few days, are your best buds, ain’t healthy.”

Barry’s face resembled a tomato at this point, but before he could come up with a retort, Diana, who had been watching this whole conversation unfold and who felt Bruce’s patience running out, interjected.

“Big fan of where this conversation is headed, boys, but we are here for a reason. And that reason is currently running out of patience,” she spoke with than tone that indicated it was time to shut up and listen. Both men immediately snapped their mouths shut.

Bruce gave her a tired nod of appreciation. “Alright, I’ve asked you all to stay back because I have an announcement I need to make. Feel free to decline, I will understand,” he prayed they all agreed. He didn’t know what he’d do if they didn’t.

“We’re listening, Bruce. What is it?” Clark encouraged, in that voice he uses when he’s talking to civilians he’s saving from collapsing buildings.

“On the 16th of this month, Jason is turning 9. It’s a very big deal to him, and as his father, I want to ensure that it will be his happiest day. He will be having a superhero themed birthday party, and..he would like it if you all are able to make it,” Bruce managed to get out in between grunts.

Every hero’s expression softened immensely, knowing Bruce loves Jason more than anything. “Of course, Spooks. We’ll all be there,” Hal, unexpectedly reassured. The others nodded as well.

“Thank you,” thank god.

“Do you need us to bring some things? Like food? Or decorations?” Clark asked.

“No, no, thank you. Alfred and I have got everything under control. Although, I would appreciate it if you could extend the invitation to Lois.” Clark nodded,

“Of course, B.”

“And please, no inappropriate talk you two,” he aimed this at Barry and Hal.

“Sir, yes, sir,” Hal’s seriousness was short lived as he did a mock salute.

Bruce felt a migraine starting to make an appearance.

“Don’t worry about it, B. We’ll be good,” Barry added genuinely.

“Thank you, again. All of you,” Bruce’s voice filled with sincerity.

“Thank you for inviting us, Bruce,” Diana replied. “And if anything comes up over the next two day in which you need help preparing for, let us know.”

Bruce smiled at that, “I will, Diana. Thank you,” he answered. He started making his way out of the building wanting to see his son, when he heard..

“DID YOU SEE THAT?! BATS, SPOOKS, JUST SMILED! LIKE AN ACTUAL SMILE! WHY AREN’T YOU SURPRISED-"

Once he entered the manor, he immediately sensed chaotic energy. He knew Jason sometimes got restless when Bruce wasn’t home, so he would busy himself with things to do with Alfred. “Alfred?” He called out. No response. Hm.

He took the stairs up to Jason’s room. He opened the door. “Jason?” Silence. Bruce started to get nervous.

Usually one of them would answer. He ran frantically to his room, back down to the kitchen, the living room, the batcave. He was on the verge of a panic attack. Where are they- he heard a giggle.

“I knew this was a good hiding spot. It took you 7 whole minutes to find me, Alfie!”

The library. He should have checked the library. He ran to said location and found Alfred standing patiently while a giggling Jason was trying to get out from under the table which Bruce assumed was ‘the good hiding spot’.

“Dad!” Jason caught sight of him and managed to free himself. He ran and threw himself in his dad’s arms, similar to everyday, and Bruce and kissed his son’s temple. “Dad, Alfred and I were playing hide and seek, but today I picked a new hiding spot, so it took him longer to find me!” He explained enthusiastically. You definitely wouldn’t think it was many hours past his bedtime.

“Indeed, Master Jason has perfected the art of hide and seek, sir. I would go so far as to say he’s a hide and seek champion,” Alfred commented with a warm smile.

“Did you hear that, dad?! I’m a champion at hide and seek! Alfred said so!” The boy squealed, delighted.

Bruce gave a chuckle at that, albeit tiredly. “Yes, I heard, sweetheart. And I’m so proud of you, Jaylad. And as much fun as I know this was for you, it’s,” Bruce checked his watch. “12:23am, Jay. We all need to get some sleep, yeah?” He told his son.

Right on time, Jason let out a yawn at that and rested his head on his father’s shoulders, eyes struggling to stay awake. “Mhm, I’m sleepy, dad.”

“I know, darling. I know. Let’s get you tucked in bed,” he carried a sleepy Jason to his room, knowing he didn’t want to be alone. He tucked him in with his plushies and blanket, and gave him a kiss on his head while wishing him a goodnight.

“Don’t be long, dad,” Jason sleepily muttered.

“I won’t be, darling. I will go get cleaned up and ready for bed, and be back, okay, my love?” Bruce reassured him.

“Mhm,” came the muffled reply, the boy already drifting off to sleep.

He makes his way to his bathroom to get ready for bed, and as he does so, his thoughts wander. Bruce doesn’t directly ask Jason why he stays awake, because he knows that it’ll spook him. He always confides in Alfred about these things, and Bruce will not be one to take that away from him. He feels comfortable telling him, and not Bruce, and that’s okay. Although, if it’s something out of the usual, Alfred will notify Bruce about it.

He also isn’t surprised in the few minutes he saw Bruce, he immediately started getting droopy. On the occasions in which Jason can’t sleep and busies himself, he ends up pushing himself against his bedtime, so by the time Bruce is back, he’s instantly asleep.

Stepping out of the bathroom, he spots the young boy curled up, breathing evenly in the bed. He’s so grateful for his son, he cannot believe how lucky he is.

Someone clearing their throat quietly at his bedroom door shook him out of his thoughts.

“Hey, Alfred,” he gave the butler a smile.

“Master Bruce,” he gave one back.

“Anything out of the ordinary today?” Bruce asked.

“Nothing at all, sir. I was only wondering if you might like some tea,” Alfred offered like the godsend he was.

“No, thank you, Alfred.” Bruce said, fondly. “It’s late, you should get some sleep,” he told him.

“As you wish, sir. Goodnight, Master Bruce.”

“Goodnight, Alfred.”

Chapter Text

On the morning of Jason’s birthday, the dining table was filled with all kinds of the boy’s favourite food. Bowls of blueberries, stacks of Wonder Woman pancakes covered in syrup, hash browns, glazed bacon strips, chocolate muffins, a jug of orange juice, and much more. Alfred really outdoes himself every year.

Jason sprinted his way to the kitchen, the boy giddy with excitement. “Woah, all this food for me?” He asked, blue eyes blown wide. They do this every year for his birthday, but he always asks just to make sure.

“Of course, Master Jason. It’s not everyday you turn 9,” Alfred responded, making his way to the boy to give him a hug.

“Aw, thanks, Alfie! You’re the best!” His reply muffled by Alfred’s clothes.

“Of course, my boy, Happy birthday.”

Bruce came down the stairs and stared at the scene in front of him. He really loves his family. He wouldn’t know what to do with himself if he ever lost one of them. Both of them have helped him become the person he is today, and god, is he forever grateful for that.

He crouched down and opened his arms wide. “There’s the birthday boy!” He shouted, as Jason ran towards his father’s opened arms. “Happy birthday, sweetheart,” he spoke into his son’s ears.

Jason let out a delighted giggle. “Thank you, dad!”

“Of course, my love,” he ruffled his son’s hair. “Well, don’t you want to see the gift I got you?” He asked him, when he was still clinging to Bruce and made no move to get up.

That got him moving.

He eagerly nodded his head, hair fluffing up and down, smile so bright, it could rival the sun’s brightness.

“Okay, come on,” he guided Jason to his study, not missing how Jason had a skip in his step. Once they got to the study, Bruce told him to close his eyes. He opened his drawer and pulled out a box, wrapped in a deep, blue, ribbon. He gently placed it in his son’s hands. “Open your eyes, Jaylad.”

Jason did. He sent a questioning look to his father. “What is it, dad?”

“See for yourself, sweetheart.” The boy carefully unwrapped the ribbon and lifted the cover off the box.

Inside it lay a bracelet. A bracelet made with blue, kunzite beaded crystals. It was the most dazzling piece of jewellery Jason had ever laid his eyes on, stunned by how blue it was. “Do you know what this is, Jay?”

“A bracelet?”

“Yeah, buddy, it is. But do you know what type of bracelet it is?”

Jason shook his head.

“It’s a bracelet made of a certain type of crystal. This specific crystal is called a Kunzite crystal. The Kunzite crystal symbolises unconditional love and peace. I got this for you because I want you to always remember that I love you, unconditionally. I will love you forever and always, Jason.”

Said child looked like he was on the verge of tears, glassy eyes staring back at him. “Thank you, dad. This means so much and it looks so cool. I'll wear it every day, I swear!” He promised as he threw himself into his father’s arms, burying his face in his shoulders to hide his tears.

“Of course, Jay. Of course, darling,” Bruce whispered as he rubbed his son ‘s back comfortingly. “Did you notice anything else about the bracelet, my love?”

He shook his head against his father’s shoulder. “The blue in this crystal match your eyes,” he softly pointed out.

His son pulled himself away from Bruce, got up, went to the mirror at his desk, and held the bracelet close to his eyes. “Woah! That’s so cool! How’d you do that!?” His son asked, amazed at the perfect shade match.

“Magic!” He exclaimed, before wrapping his son into his arms and tickling him. And the sounds of pure joy his son emits makes all the research he went through all worthwhile.

Chapter Text

For the remainder of the day, the manor was buzzing in high spirits as they were all preparing for Jason’s birthday party. Alfred was, of course, in charge of the food and tried to tackle the decoration as well, but Bruce managed to convince him that he was perfectly capable of doing it himself. So that’s what Bruce has been busy with, when Jason came running down, panicked.

“Dad!”

Startled, Bruce almost fell off the ladder he was standing on. “What?! What is it?! Are you hurt, Jay?!” He frantically asked his son, checking him for injuries as he made his way down the ladder.

He shook his head. “No, I just don’t know what to wear!” Jason casually explained as if he hadn't almost given his dad a heart attack.

Bruce breathed a sigh of relief when he was sure his son wasn’t injured. “Anything you wear, Jay, will be perfect.”

“Nuhu, I need the most perfect outfit to wear for tonight!”

“And I have the perfect thing for you, Master Jason,” Alfred calmly spoke, startling Bruce who didn’t hear him come in.

“Ooh! What is it?” Alfred pulled out a mini Batman costume from behind him.

“OH MY GOD! YES! YES!” Jason ran to Alfred, gave him a hug, thanked him, and rushed back upstairs when he was given the costume to go change into.

Bruce let out a soft chuckle at the scene he just witnessed. “Where did you even get that?”

“I have my ways, sir.” Bruce fondly shook his head.

At around 5:30pm, people started to arrive. First to arrive were Clark and Lois, who were greeted by a mini Batman barrelling into them, Clark dressed in his usual Superman attire. “Uncle Clark! Auntie Lois! I missed you!”

Lois cooed at the sight. “We missed you too, sweetie! So, so much! Happy birthday!” She told him as she was rubbing his back.

“Yeah, son, we too missed you very much! And happy birthday, Jason!” Clark added, while ruffling the kid’s hair.

After them, Diana arrived. As Bruce opened the door, Jason just stood staring in awe. There she was, The Wonder Woman, standing in all her glory. At his birthday party. He might just explode. “Miss Wonder Woman! How are you, miss Wonder Woman? Oh my god,” babbled Jason, too thrilled to remember to talk slowly and breathe.

“Hello, Jason. I’m doing great, sweetheart, thank you. How are you?” Diana replied smoothly, both amused and flattered by his behaviour.

“Oh-uh, I’m-I’m good, y-yes I’m good, Very good,” he managed to stutter out, still baffled by her presence.

“Well, I am glad to hear that, darling. Happiest birthday to you, sweetheart,” she flashed him a smile. As she walked over to meet Clark and Lois, he turned and whispered to his dad, “am I dreaming?” Bruce let out a laugh at that.

And of course the last to arrive were Barry and Hal. “Hey sorry we’re late, B. Someone needed to check himself five times before we actually left,” Barry apologised, gesturing at Hal, who rolled his eyes and let out a huff.

“We are literally 2 minutes late, calm your a-” Bruce cleared his throat, glancing at Jason. “Butt down, Allen,” Hal explained.

“Woah! The Flash and The Green Lantern! You guys are so cool!”

Hal smirked. “Cooler than Batsy, right?”

Jason shook his head.

Hal’s smirk fell instantly.

Barry doubled over in laughter. “Oh that was a good one, Hal! Making jokes already!” He wiped an imaginary tear away.

Bruce held himself back from laughing at Hal’s reaction, but his lips twitched. “Come on in.”

Chapter Text

It was the end of the day, and safe to say, Jason was exhausted. He had an absolute blast, Bruce hoped, playing games all day with his favorite heroes. They played games, ate delicious snacks, laughed at Hal constantly losing at uno against Bruce, claiming he was cheating. Jason asked all of the heroes a bunch of different questions about their jobs and how it works. He was mostly interested in Green Lantern’s ring, which Hal had absolutely no problem talking about.

After they played and ate some snacks, the cake came out (batman themed, of course), then sang happy birthday. Then he was given gifts, each one bigger than the other. Clark and Lois got him a hand knitted blanket, the material so soft, he could have fallen asleep right there. It was a deep red, and had his name written in gold across the middle. Diana gifted him a keychain with her logo, as well as a shield, very similar to the one she uses. Plastic, obviously. Barry got him a stuffed animal, a very soft deer plushie, as well as a lego set of Gotham City. Hal gifted him a remote controlled car, that you could also talk through.

And lastly, Bruce gave him his present.

Jason tilted his head in confusion when he saw a box in his dad’s hand. “Dad, you already gave me my present,” he lifted his right wrist to show off the bracelet his father got him.

Bruce smiled softly. “I know, Jay. But I got you something else too. Don’t you wanna know what it is?”

Jason's eyes lit up. “Thank you, dad! And duh! Of course I wanna know what it is!”

His dad carefully placed a lock and key into the palm of his son’s hand. Jason stared at the items in his hands. “Er, thank you, dad! It’s a very nice…shade..of silver! I love it, thank you!” He replied, obviously very confused but trying to appease Bruce.

Bruce snorted, and so did the rest of the party members. “Jaylad, I appreciate your thoughtfulness into making me feel good. But this isn’t your present, darling. Come outside, come on,” he encouraged his son to come outside with him. He opened the door to the backyard and in front of the door sat a shiny, red and black bike. With no training wheels.

Jason could not believe his eyes. He turned to Bruce then back to the bike, then back to Bruce, back to the bike, then finally said, “no way. Dad, there is actually no way.”

Bruce was smiling so wide, his cheeks hurt. “There is a way, buddy. You’ve been asking for one for a while, and I thought now would be an appropriate time for it. Do you like it?”

“Do I like it?!” he screeched. “Dad, dad, dad, of course I like it. No, I don’t like it, I LOVE it!” He rambled, gesturing wildly. He hugged his father tightly, repeating a mantra of ‘thank you’ s. Bruce picked up his son, peppered kisses everywhere, and replied with a mantra of ‘youre welcome’ s in response.

The rest of the guests were watching the scene play out with fond looks on their faces.

After that, they had dinner, and played some more. Once it started to get late, they slowly said their goodbyes, one by one. Before each of them left, Jason gave them a tight hug and a polite ‘thank you so much for coming! It’s been the best birthday ever!’. Clark and Lois stayed last to help clean up, even though Alfred insisted otherwise. After they helped with the cleaning, they bid the family goodnight and left.

Which leaves us to now. Jason was barely awake, sprawled on the couch, eyes drooping closed, breath even. Bruce went to pick him up and get him changed and ready for bed, and while Jason was in his arms, face resting on his shoulder, he spoke tiredly. “Th’nk you so m’ch dad and Alfr’d. B’st day ‘ver,” he managed to get out, speech muffled by Bruce’s shoulder.

Alfred and Bruce spoke at the time.

“Of course, darling.”

“It was our pleasure, Master Jason.”

Jason was fast asleep before Bruce reached the room, looking at his son who was dressed like him. Pride spread through his chest at the thought of his son admiring him so much. He can't wait to live the rest of their life together, teaching Jason how to ride his bike and just living beautiful moments together.

Chapter Text

It was the day after Jason’s birthday, and it was no surprise that he didn’t wake up until the clock hit 11. He stayed awake pretty late yesterday night, so it checked out. And Bruce would love to spend the entire day with his son, and teach him how to ride his bike, but he couldn’t. He had too much work to get done at Wayne Enterprises, he was meeting with a very important client, Brendon Willows. He was a big advocate for the homeless and donated millions to charities regarding those in need. Today, they would discuss the details of the contract they are going to compose, invloving a partnership between Wayne Enterprises and The Willows Foundation.

“Dad?” Jason called out. “Watcha doing?” He asked as he walked further into Bruce’s study.

Bruce looked up from the papers scattered all over his table to see his son, with a curious look on his face approaching him. “Hey, Jay. I’m working on some stuff for WE. Got a very important meeting today at 2,” he told him.

“Oh, that means you’re very busy today,” He concluded, sitting on his dad’s lap.

“Mhm.”

“Hm, so you can’t teach me how to ride my bike today?” He asked, hope lacing his words.

Bruce’s heart broke at his son’s words. “I would love nothing more, Jason. Really, love. But-” he looked at his son, who had the sweetest puppy dog eyes ready with a slight pout to his lips.

“Please, dad?” He begged in a sweet voice. “It just turned 11:45, you still have lots of time.”

“Yeah, that’s- alright. Okay. But when it’s 1:00, I have to get back to work, okay?” He relented.

“Yes! Thank you, dad! The bestest dad ever!” Jason exclaimed as he hopped off of Bruce’s lap and ran outside to his bike.

Bruce smiled affectionately at the display. 

“No, love. You put you’re-yes, good. Just like that. Then the motion we talked about, the exact same when you’re riding a normal bike. Yes, great! You’re doing amazing, darling!” Bruce coached Jason on how to ride his new bike.

“I’m doing it! I’m doing it! Oh, oh, I’m gonna fall, dad!” Bruce was at his side in an instant, immediately catching his son before he hit the ground.

“Are you okay, sweetheart?”

Jason nodded, a sheepish look on his face. “Yeah, dad. I just overreacted a bit.”

“No you didn’t, Jay. You were going to fall, it’s reasonable to shout for help.” Jason nodded.

Bruce checked his watch, 1:08pm it read. “Darling, my love, my light, I have been loving this, really. But I do have to get back to work, I need to leave soon.” He spoke soothingly.

“Aw man. Okayy, if you really have to,” Jason groaned out.

Bruce peppered him with kisses, “I’ll make it up to you later, I promise.”

“Okay, love you, dad,” he said as he hugged his dad.

His father hugged back equally as tight, “Me too, my love.”

Once they made their way inside, Bruce headed for his study while Jason made a beeline to the kitchen, no doubt to help Alfred. Bruce got some work done before it was time for him to leave. He packed his briefcase with all the important documents he needed for the meeting. “Alfred, Jason, I’m leaving now!” He called out.

“Dad!” Jason called, while he came barrelling towards Bruce. “How long will your meeting take?”

He looked down at his son, “maybe an hour or an hour and a half. I should be back before dinner, don’t worry, my love.”

“Okay, dad. I love you so so much, I’ll miss you,” Jason murmured.

“I love you so much more, sweetheart, and I’ll miss you too, Jay,” Bruce replied fondly.

“Ah, Master Bruce. Before you leave for your meeting, do you have any requests for dinner?” Alfred asked.

“Not particularly, Alfred. I’m sure anything you make, I will be very pleased with,” he said, shooting the butler a smile.

“Oh, sir. You flatter me. Take care of yourself, Master Bruce.”

Bruce nodded at him and gave one more kiss to Jason.

“Bye dad!”

“Bye sweetheart!”

Chapter Text

Bruce quickly made his way to the meeting room, wanting to be prepared. When he reached the room, he placed out the documents and made sure they were the right ones. He sat and patiently waited for Brendon. At exactly 2 o’clock, a polite knock sounded through the door. “Come in!” He replied smoothly.

Brendon walked in, smile charming as ever. “Mr Wayne! What a pleasure it is to finally meet you in person!”

There was something slightly off about the man, but nonetheless, Bruce stood up from his seat and went to shake his hand. “The pleasure is all mine!” He gave a hearty laugh. “I should say, I’m the lucky one, finally seeing you face to face, Mr Willows!”

Brendon laughed. “Well? Let’s get this show on the road!” He clapped.

Bruce chuckled, “Straight to the point, Mr Willows. I love it. So, just to make sure that we’re both on the same page, we are aiming to establish a partnership that is involved in helping the homeless and those in need, but it’s unlike the other charities out there. This specific charity can be easily accessed by those who need it, correct?” He asked, all professional.

Brendon nodded, face unnervingly cheery. “Yes, exactly.”

“Excellent, so here I have a bunch of-” Bruce was cut off by a sharp pain in his thigh, then his chest. He’s been stabbed. In the chest. And thigh. “What the-?”

Brendon dug the knife deeper into his chest, twisting it, grabbing onto Bruce’s shoulder for a better grip. “This is for what you did to my family, you fucker! ‘Bruce Wayne, the saint of Gotham! He’ll help everyone!’” He mocked. “No the fuck he wont! You let my family die because you decided to flaunt your money in places that benefited you! In places that would get you more recognition! You sick, greedy fuck!” He roared.

Bruce was starting to get dizzy. How could he not have noticed? The knife strapped to his inner thigh? How had he missed that? “Please-” He tried to talk.

“No! Your time for talking is over, now you just bleed out till you die, you asshole!”

Bruce fell to the ground when Brendon let go of him, bleeding out.

“Screw you, ‘Bruce Wayne’,” Brendon said then walked out.

He couldn’t do anything as he laid down, bleeding, helplessly. Jason. Was his last coherent thought before he faded into darkness. 

Jason sat in the living room, playing with his legos when Alfred walked in, tensely reaching for the remote changing the channel from the movie Jason was watching to the news, with the phone next to his ear.

“Hey! Alfie, I was watching that,” the boy groaned out, but his complaint fell quiet when he focused on the news.

A news reporter standing next to an office at Wayne Enterprises, eyes red rimmed. “This is Sharon Kelly reporting to you live from the Wayne Enterprises building. We have recently been informed of a devastating case. Bruce Wayne has been brutally stabbed and left to bleed out on the office floor. Suspect is unknown, but the police are currently working on the case,” the reporter explained with a slight tremble in her voice.

Alfred shut the TV off and spoke into the phone, “so it’s true, Master Kent.”

Jason couldn’t hear anything past his own beating heart, blood thumping loudly in his ears. No. No. It’s not real. It can’t be. There’s no way. He can’t breathe. His throat is closing up on him-he can’t breathe. Tears started to blur his vision, making it hard for him to see.

He felt someone place a steady hand on his knees, they were saying something to him, but he can’t breathe. He can’t see, he can't hear, he can’t breathe.

“Master Jason?” He heard a muffled voice called. It feels like his ears were stuffed with cotton.

“Master Jason, are you with me? Can you hear me? You need to breathe. In for 4, out for 5. In for 4, out for 5. There you go, my boy.” the muffled voice gently instructed.

When Jason’s vision came back, he saw Alfred kneeling in front of him, eyes glassy. “There you are, Master Jason.”

“Alfred,” he croaked out. “He can’t be gone. He can’t. How? I don’t believe it, Alfie. Tell me it’s not true. Please, please it’s-I’m. It-it can’t be. Th-they need to be-to be lying,” he desperately pleaded with the butler.

Alfred let out a heavy sigh, “unfortunately, my boy, and I’m really sorry to say this, it pains me as much as it does you, but..it’s true. Master Kent was the one to inform me that he was struggling to grasp Master Bruce’s heartbeat. I am so sorry my boy,” he spoke apologetically.

Jason knew it was killing Alfred as much as it was killing him. He sobbed into the butler’s arms, sobs shaking his body violently.

After what felt like hours of loud sobs and quiet sniffling from both Alfred and Jason, he spoke. “What’s going to happen to me?” He asked, voice raw from crying.

Alfred took a moment to answer, “I’m not sure, my boy. But I will try my very best to keep you safe, I promise you.”

Jason said nothing in reply, only curling deeper into Alfred’s side.

Just as he was about to drift into an uneasy sleep, there came a knock against the manor door. Alfred went to move, but Jason gripped onto him tighter.

A tired smile graced his face as he spoke, “I will only be gone a few minutes, my boy. I need to check who it is. I will be back, don’t you worry.” Begrudgingly, Jason let go of Alfred’s clothes.

He tried to hear who was at the door, but he was too far away. He inched closer and managed to catch a few words like “CPS”, “foster care”, and “his safety”. He felt his heart drop. He assumed it was the police who were at the door to take him away and place him into the foster care system. He didn’t wanna leave Alfred, he didn’t wanna be alone.

“Jason? Son?” Came a gruff voice from the door. A man, dressed in a police uniform walked towards him, smiling at him. He knelt down to be eye level with Jason. “Hey buddy. My name is Greg. How are you? Stupid question, how are you coping? I know what happened to you isn’t easy. And I’m so sorry, kiddo. Me and my team are trying our best to find the suspect and when we do, he won’t ever see the light of day again,” the police officer, Greg, spoke warmly. He was kind and gentle, so Jason didn’t mind him too much.

Jason nodded his head at Greg’s words. “So buddy, the reason I’m here is because we need to place you in the foster system.”

There it was. The shoe drop. Jason began shaking his head as he slowly backed away.

“It will be okay. It’s going to be okay, Jason. There are many families who want you and will welcome you with open arms.”

That just made Jason even more terrified. He shook his head violently. “I’m sorry, son. I don’t have a choice but to bring you in.”

Jason started to panic. “Why can't Alfred take care of me?” He asked.

“Unfortunately, Mr Alfred is over the age limit in which he can be considered an eligible caretaker. If that was an option, it would have been the first thing I would have told you,” he explained regretfully.

Jason had to think. “What about my Uncle Clark?”

Greg’s brows knitted in confusion. “Your dad had a brother?”

The use of the word 'had' made Jason's hear ache. “No, he’s my dad’s best friend.” Greg nodded in understanding.

“Does he have any form of legal custody over you?” Jason looked at Alfred for confirmation, he shook his head.

“Unfortunately, this would have to be taken into court for your uncle to gain legal custody of you. It’ll be very messy. But it is possible, that if in the next 24 hours, he is able to come to collect you and head to court and gain custody of you, you may live with him,” Greg told him.

Hope blossomed in Jason’s chest and ran to call Clark. He didn’t pick up. He called again. He didn’t pick up. “He’s not answering,” that hope shattered. “That’s okay, bud. You’ve got until tomorrow to get this sorted out. I’ll see you then!” Greg left the manor after that.

Chapter Text

The next day, Jason tried to call Clark 7 more times, no use whatsoever. He didn’t pick up.

Hate coursed through his veins at Clark. Why wasn’t he answering? Does he want me gone? Why does he hate me?

At 6, there was a knock, and Jason knew it was his time.

Heart beating so fast, he scrambled to think of a solution as Alfred opened the door.

“Hey buddy. Your uncle answer you yet?” Greg asked, a hint of hope tracing his words.

Jason shook his head.

“Aw, I’m so sorry to hear that, Jason. Sadly, that does mean I have to take you in now,” remorse coating his every word.

Jason slowly backed away, a frightened look on his face. “No! no! Please, give me more time! Don’t take me away! Please!”

Greg had a dejected look on his face. “I’m sorry, bud. There ain’t much I can do.”

“Alfie, please. Please don’t let them take me away,” Jason begged as he hid behind the butler’s legs.

“Sir, is there anything I can do? Is there anyway I can keep him with me?” Alfred asked the man while petting Jason’s head.

Said man let out a sigh. “Unfortunately not. I’m really sorry about all this. I really am, but I need to take you in, son.”

Think, Jason. Think.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

It may not be the most smartest idea he’s had, but it’s an idea nonetheless. He hugged Alfred’s leg tighter and murmured, “I love you, Alfie. Thank you for everything.”

Alfred looked at the boy and gave him a sad smile. “Me too, my boy. And I will get you back, I promise. Just hang tight.”

Greg cleared his throat. “Are you ready, bud?” He asked Jason.

Jason nodded. “Can I at least pack a bag to take with me?” The officer visibly softened.

“Of course, kid. Take your time. I’ll be here when you’re done.”

Jason hugged Alfred one last time before he headed upstairs to his room. He looked at his room and couldn’t believe he’s going to leave it. So many memories were held in the manor as a whole, and he didn’t want to leave.

But his plan was better than nothing, so he got started. He picked out his favorite blue backpack and started packing it with stuff. He took the water bottle that was on his nightstand and put it in the bag. As well as the snacks he had hidden in his drawer, and a pocket knife he stole from Bruce. He also took his batman and wonder woman plushies, along with the framed picture of him and Bruce on his 6th birthday at the zoo. Jason caressed the photo and smiled softly as the memory crept into his thoughts.

Once he made sure he had everything he needed packed, he changed into some thicker clothes to keep him warm and paired it with his black ski mask that only showed his eyes. He then made his way out of his room to Bruce’s study, in which there was a fire escape he could exit from. Just his luck, the window wouldn’t budge. “Seriously?” He muttered to himself.

He banged at the bottom of the window trying to loosen it. After one bang, another, then another, it finally budged. “Yes!” He whispered to himself in triumph.

Jason, as quietly as he could, snuck out the window and climbed down the fire escape. Once his foot touched the ground beneath him, he made a run for it. He ran past the main gates, he ran past the mass of trees that covered the manor, he ran until he couldn’t anymore.

He took in his surroundings and realized he was in Crime Alley. His first home.

A sense of dread mixed with nostalgia made itself known in his chest.

Jason wandered the streets until he found an abandoned enough alley that he found he could work with. He made himself comfortable for the time being, piling cardboard boxes on top of each other to make something akin to a bed.

He closed his eyes and hugged his batman plushie tight, praying to anyone who was listening to bring him his dad back, eventually falling asleep.

Jason woke up to the sound of a deep, scratchy voice murmuring in his ears. “So pretty.”

Jason blinked the sleep out of his eyes.

He spotted a man kneeling in front of him and he felt the presence of another one behind him, holding his arms behind his back. “Don’t try struggling, little one. It’ll be over soon.”

He felt the cold wind hit his legs as the man in front of him swiftly removed his pants. “So, so pretty,” the man drawled.

Jason instinctively tried to close his legs, but big hands held them apart.

The man clicked his tongue in disapproval. “Now, now slut. Let us see how pretty you are,” the man growled as he dragged and squeezed at Jason’s thighs.

The boy squirmed, an attempt to escape. “Please, please! Don’t! I’ll do anything else, please!”

The man raised his hand, ready to smack Jason across the face, but before his hand made contact with his face, a voice shouted, “OI!”

The man’s hand stopped mid-air as he saw a buff man approaching. “The hell do you think you think you’re doing to the kid?” The buff man demanded.

The two men from earlier exchanged glances. “Uh, nothin, nothin. Right kid?”

Jason couldn’t respond from the shock of it all.

The buff man threw a pebble at the men, careful to avoid Jason. “Fuck off!” When none of them moved, he threw a bigger rock at them. “Now!”

That got them moving. Jason lifted his pants back up and stood to thank the man. “Thank you.”

The man waved a hand, “don’t worry about it, kid. Now,” he crouched down to look at him. “What’s a kid like you doing out here?” His last few words trailed off as he made eye contact with Jason. There was no way he wouldn’t recognize his startlingly blue eyes, even with the ski mask covering almost his entire face. Recognition flashed across the man’s face. “Jason? Jason Wayne? What are you doing out here, kid?” He asked in a puzzled tone.

Jason sniffed. “I don’t know. Dad’s gone, and I didn’t wanna end up in the system,” he admitted, voice breaking with emotion.

A strange look appeared on the man’s face. “I’m sorry, kid. My name is Derek. My home’s a bit from here, want to come with me? I know a stranger asking you to go home with them is a big red flag, but right now I feel it’s a different situation.”

Jason considered his options; either he stays on the street, fighting to survive. Or go home with Derek and have a roof over his head. But that’s the same as going to a foster home, half of his brain told him. The other half told him that he met the man beforehand and he saved him and has been nice so far. It couldn’t be that bad, right?

“So, what will it be, kid?” Derek asked after a moment of Jason thinking things through.

“I’ll come with you, sir.”

Derek smirked softly and patted Jason on the shoulder, “atta boy.”

Chapter Text

True to Derek’s words, his home really was just a few blocks away from the alley Jason was in. Once they reached the house, the man unlocked the front door and ushered Jason inside.

“Derek? Honey?” Came a soft voice from further in the house. “Is that you?”

“Yes, sweet pea, it’s me,” he answered. “Look who I found on the streets. It’s okay, Jason, you can take your mask off now. You’re safe.” He followed Derek into the living room and sat on the couch as he removed his mask.

A few minutes later, a middle-aged woman came walking into the living room. “Oh my,” She looked at Jason as though he was something to study. “Jason, as in Jason Wayne?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Aw, baby. How are you feeling?” The lady asked, coming closer and kneeling in front of him. And god did the nickname make up uncomfortable.

“Okay,” he manages to rasp out.

“Aw, you poor thing,” she said as she put her hand on his thigh. He immediately tensed under the touch, not fully comfortable with the it.

“Boys! Get down here!” Derek’s voice boomed.

Two pairs of footsteps came running down the stairs, one pair slightly heavier than the other. Standing in front of him stood two boys, both older than him. The oldest seemed around 17, with brown fluffy hair slightly covering his blue eyes. He was tall and had some muscle on him. The younger one looked around 14 years old, dark brown (compared to his brother) hair neatly trimmed, blue eyes staring at him with a curious look.

“Jason Wayne? Dad, what’s Jason Wayne doing in our living room?” The younger one asked his father.

Derek sighed. “I found him on the streets; he wasn’t doing too well so I brought him in. As you boys know, his father has unfortunately passed away and he doesn’t have anyone to look after him.”

That made Jason’s throat close up as the grief hit him like a freight train, but he held himself, not wanting to sob in front of them.

“He’s going to be staying with us for a while, so I want you to welcome him with open arms,” he directed his words at his sons. He then turned his attention to Jason. “Jason, buddy, would you like to stay with us?”

“How long would I stay?” He asked.

Derek gave him a slightly unnerving smile. “However long you need.”

Jason nodded.

“Use your words, Jason,” he scolded lightly.

“Oh, sorry. Yes,” he corrected.

“Such a good boy, apologizing for his mistakes,” the mother cooed, eyes gleaming.

The way she worded things made his skin crawl.

“Okay, baby. Time for introductions, don’t you think?” Derek asked.

“Yes,” he agreed.

“My name is Penelope, but you only call me ‘mommy’ or ‘ma’am’, okay?” The mom spoke as she moved from her position on the floor to sit next to him on the couch.

What.

“You already know me, but you call me ‘sir’ or, and I much prefer this one, daddy. Sound good baby?” Said Derek.

He felt like throwing up but managed to swallow it down with a nod.

“You need to use your words, baby.”

On second thought, he could probably live on the streets. He could survive, right?

“Um, thank you, sir, for everything, really. But I think I’ll just go back,” he said as he started to stand up but was pushed back down by Derek’s strong hand.

He smirked as he picked up Jason, so easily, and placed him on his lap as he sat on the couch. “Aw, don’t tell me we made you uncomfortable, Jason. This is just a way for you to get to know us better. Plus, it will help your attitude and personality. Taking after Bruce, huh? A spoiled little brat. Don’t worry,” he murmured as he caressed his face, “I’ll rewire you entirely, you wont even recognize yourself. I’ll make you good.”

Jason flinched at his touch as well as his words. He tried to squirm so he can move out of his touch, but that made him grab his arms harder. He winced as Derek’s fingers dug into his biceps.

“Listen here, bitch. I’ve been trying to play nice, but because you’re a brat and don’t know how to behave, you’re making it hard. So listen closely; we’ve been dying to get our hands on you. Bruce Wayne’s most prized possession. We wanted to show you what you actually deserve, and now’s our chance,” he practically growls out.

“Dad, c’mon. Have some mercy on him. He’s probably more out of it because Bruce just died,” the younger one says.

“Yeah, just give him to us. We’ll get him settled in,” the older one suggests.

Derek sighed as he slid his hands up and down Jason’s sides. “We still have more to discuss. Like rules, proper introductions, expectations. Once we finish, you can have him. Sound good, baby?”

“Yes,” he nodded.

He digs his finger into his sides, “yes, what?”

Jason lets out a gasp. “Yes, sir,” he managed to say without his voice breaking.

“Good boy.”

Jason wanted to cry.

Chapter Text

After the whole family got themselves comfortable in the living room (with Jason still on Derek’s lap), they started discussing rules and whatnot.

“Alright baby,” Derek started while feeling Jason up and down. “We’re going to talk about somethings, and you’re going to be a good boy and listen. Understand?”

He nodded. Derek clicked his tongue. “How many times am I going to have to remind you, baby. Use your words.”

“Oh-yes.”

Fingers pinched his sides, Derek’s expression going dark. “Yes what, baby?”

“Yes s-sir,” Jason replied shakily.

Satisfied with the answer, Derek squeezed his sides. “Atta boy. Right first thing’s first, introductions. I’m sir or daddy. She’s mommy or ma’am. That is Peter, but you call him sir or anything else he wants you to call him,” he said as he gestured to the older boy. “That is Ryan. Again, it’s sir or whatever else he wants you to call him. You refuse to call us by our titles, you get punished.”

Jason gulped but nodded anyways.

Derek let out a dark chuckle as he lifted Jason and made him lay across his lap. “I’ve run out of patience, little bitch,” he said as he delivered a smack to Jason’s ass. “What have I said about using your words, bitch?” Smack. “What, you mute now? But in the media you had no problem running your mouth, huh? Is it only behind daddy Bruce where you can say what you want without getting punished?” Smack.

Jason gasped at the pain that bloomed across his backside.

He tries to squirm out of the hold, but to no avail. Derek’s grip is too strong. The mix of the pain and humiliation of getting spanked in front of everyone caused tears to spill from his eyes.

“Please!” He gasped. “Please, stop! I’ll be good!” He begged as Derek delivered more smacks.

“You don’t understand, do you bitch? A street rat like you needs to address those above him with respect. You begging and not addressing me properly isn’t going to get you anywhere, bitch. ‘Please’ what?”

Jason let out a sob at the pain. “P-please, s-sir! P-please, s-sir! I-I’ll be g-good! I’m sorry!” He managed to choke out in between smacks.

The smacks stopped as Derek rubbed Jason’s bum gently. “Such a good boy. See, baby, you can be good. C’mon, up you get,” he told him as he helped him stand.

Jason let out a hiss as his butt touched Derek’s lap.

“Aw, baby, does it hurt?” Penelope asked.

“Yes ma’am,” he replied, voice shaky.

“Let me go get some salve for you,” she said as she got up to go get it. She came back with a little white container and patted her lap, a sign for Jason to go lay on it. He hesitantly got up and laid across her lap, slightly scared he might get spanked again.

Cool air hit the back of his thighs and legs as his pants were pulled down. He swallowed his protest at having his underwear removed, knowing he had no choice if he wanted to be able to sit down.

With his underwear pulled down, he felt even more vulnerable. “I’m gonna put it on now, okay?”

“Yes ma’am.” He gasped as the cold substance touched his bruised skin.

“Shh, shh, I know. Derry-bear went a bit hard on you, huh? It’s just because he wants you to be good, baby. After this, I want you to go apologize to him, okay, baby?”

Apologize? Apologize for what? Apologize for getting hit and humiliated? Jason thought to himself but didn’t dare say out loud. Instead, he nodded and replied with, “yes, ma’am.”

“Good boy,” she cooed as she put the last of the salve and gave his butt a pat. “Off you go, baby.”

Jason stood and walked over to where Derek was watching him with dark eyes. “I-I’m sorry, sir.”

Penelope let out a laugh. “Aw, so cute, baby. But no, baby. That’s not how you do it. You have to kiss him.”

Jason’s breath hitched. Kiss him? No. Please god, no. But he didn’t have a choice did he?

He leaned in and kissed Derek on the cheek as fast as he could.

With the look he was giving him, Jason started to think that that was still not what he wanted. “On the lips, baby,” he drawled.

Jason froze. He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t physically bring himself to move.

“C’mon, move it, brat,” said Peter as he shoved Jason roughly into Derek’s lap.

He shakily inched closer and tried to give him a quick peck on the lips and pull back, but Derek had other ideas. Before he could pull back, he held onto Jason’s face with both hands and deepened the kiss. Jason’s protest were muffled against his lips.

After a gruelling minute or so, Derek let him go and gave him a lazy smirk. “Such a good bitch.”

Jason wanted to run. He has not felt this uncomfortable in his entire life.

A huff came from behind him. “Dad, can we hurry this up? I want to use him as fast as possible,” spoke Peter.

Derek rolled his eyes. “Alright, alright, chill. Now that we’ve got intros out of the way, let’s talk rules. First, don’t speak unless spoken to, but if you really need to say something, raise your hand and wait for permission to speak. Second, every night before you sleep, you check in on us and make sure we’re satisfied, if you catch my meaning. Then you can go to bed. Third, you sit on the floor at the dining table, you hear me? A street rat like you has no place at the table. Fourth, you do not question us, ever. Fifth, you will learn to cook and clean, and you will do this daily. I expect you up before we are, understood?”

Jason was shaking at this point but nodded anyways. “Yes, sir.”

He let out a laugh. “And lastly,” his voice went much darker as his hand grabbed the front of Jason’s shirt and dragged him so close to his face, he could smell the beer the man drank. “You never, I mean never, leave the house or touch the phone, you hear me? If I ever catch you doing either of those, I will kill you. Not a quick death, no. A slow, painful death. Do you understand? See that door there,” he pointed at a white door to the left side of the living room. “If you ever need to punished, that door is waiting for you, bitch. So behave, and we won’t have any complications. Do you understand, brat?”

Jason nodded quickly. “Y-yes, sir.”

Derek let go of him then patted him on the cheek. “Good bitch,” he glanced at Peter then nodded at Jason. “Go on. Take the brat, but be gentle, we have plenty of time with him.”

Jason felt himself get dragged by the back of his shirt and pushed up the stairs. He shot a quick glance at Peter and his eyes were gleaming with excitement.

His stomach flipped at the implication.

Chapter Text

Once they reached Peter’s room, he was harshly pushed  inside.

“Finally. I was starting to get restless,” Peter said from behind him.

He could hear his own heartbeat in his ears from how fast it was beating. He really, really wanted to leave.

Peter circled him like he was prey. “Look at me,” he demanded.

Slowly, Jason raised his head and look at him. The boy had a calculating look on his face that made Jason’s hair stand on end.

“You know,” he started as he continued circling him. “I’ve waited so long for this moment. I didn’t actually think I’d ever get it, but here we are. Do you know why I’ve been waiting for this moment, bitch?”

Jason shook his head. “N-no, s-sir.”

Peter clicked his tongue in disapproval. “Another thing, I don’t fully like that title. Hmm, what should I make you call me?” He hummed thoughtfully. A wide grin spread across his face. “I know! I think you should call me ‘Master’. Fitting for a street rat, don’t you think?” He smirked.

And not for the first time, Jason wanted to cry. He nodded. “Y-yes, M-m-master.”

A hand squeezed the nape of his neck. “Good bitch. Now, back to our conversation. I’ve been dying to get my hands on you. Why? Simple. Someone needs to show you your place. You think just because Brucie picked you up from a dirty street, slapped his last name onto yours, and dressed you in rich clothes it makes you worthy? Well, let me tell you something,” he leaned in to whisper into Jason’s ear. “It doesn’t.” Peter leaned back and let go of his neck. “On your knees.”

Jason stopped breathing. He took a minuscule step back. “M-master, please. Please, no. Please, Master.”

He felt the sting on his cheek not a second later.

“Who told you you have a say in this? Get on your knees, now.”

Jason took another step back, then bolted to the door as fast as he could, but Peter was faster and tackled him to the ground. He let out a cry of pain as Peter dug his knees into Jason’s stomach and grabbed a fistful of his hair.

“Looks like you didn’t learn your lesson with dad, huh? Don’t worry,” he said, eyes gleaming with delight. “I have a better lesson for you, bitch.”

He grabbed him up by his hair and threw him onto his bed and bent to get something from under the bed. He stood back up with some rope in his hands. Jason tried to scurry as far away as he could as he looked at peter undoing the rope.

Jason’s arm was yanked with so much force he couldn’t stop himself from falling face first directly in front of Peter’s crotch.

He let out a laugh. “Of course, you’re so eager. You’re such a slut, my goodness. Don’t worry, bitch. After your punishment, you can suck all you want.”

Humiliation flooded every vein in his body at the words. He couldn’t focus on that for long as he felt his wrist being tied to the headboard. He tried to wriggle and squirm, but it was too late, they were tied securely to the bed.

He realised his legs were also getting tied together, and that made him panic fully. “Please, Master! Please, I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” He begged helplessly. He needed to get out. “Superman! Superman, please save me! Help!”

Peter actually cackled at that. “You poor idiot. Ah, you really make me laugh, you know?” Once he made sure Jason couldn’t really move, he opened his bedside drawer and pulled out a sharp dagger, glistening under the light. “So, since you can’t remember a few rules or learn any of my dad’s lessons, I’ll teach you my own.”

Jason felt his pants being pulled down to his knee’s ankles. He flinched as he felt the cool metal of the dagger against his thigh.

“For every time you disobey me, you get a line. Understood?”

“Please, Master! Please, please, please, Master! I’ll be good, I’m sorry!” He tried so hard to move, but he couldn’t.

“Too late, brat. Let this be a lesson for next time,” and he pressed the point of the dagger into Jason’s thigh and dragged down slightly to create a small line.

Jason let out a cry of pain as blood oozed out and stained his pale thigh. And to his horror, Peter put his finger in the small puddle of blood and shoved it in front of his mouth. “Suck,” He demanded.

Jason sobbed.

Peter sighed. “Either you suck or I draw another line.”

Jason reluctantly pushed his head forwards and opened his mouth and sucked the finger, tasting his own blood. The metallic taste making him cringe.

Peter moved to undo the ropes at his feet and hands. “See, you can be such a good bitch if you really try. But this is what’s going to happen every time you disobey me or resist. Now,” he said calmly. “On. Your. fucking. Knees.”

Jason had no choice but to obey. Slowly, he got up from the bed and sat on his knees on the floor.

Peter came to stand in front of him and with his pants and boxers at his ankles.

Jason looked at the boy’s cock. There was no way that it would fit.

“Admiring the scene, bitch?” He smirked.

“N-No, Master.” He stuttered.

“You ever done something like this before, brat?”

He shook his head, “no, Master.”

Peter’s smirk grew. “Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle with you for today. Suck.”

“I-I’m not-I don’t know h-how.”

He slapped him across the face. “What do you address me as?” He growled.

Jason whimpered at the pain. “Master,” he croaked out.

“That’s a good bitch. And just suck like you’re sucking a lollipop. Mind the teeth, if you bite, I’ll tell daddy dearest. And god knows how eager he is to punish you.”

Jason opened his mouth as wide as he can and took Peter’s dick in his mouth. He started sucking and choked, he pulled away so he could cough.

That earned him another slap. “Who told you to pull away, bitch?”

“I-I’m s-sorry, Master.”

“You should be, get back to it.”

Jason took his dick into his mouth a second time and managed to get a rhythm going.

Peter had a hand in his hair, gripping and pulling at it harshly, while he moaned. “Mhm, you’re such a good little bitch. You were born for this! No wonder Brucie kept you for this long! Ah!” He moaned loudly. “Oh, I’m going to come, bitch. Move.” He pulled his dick out of Jason’s mouth and came all over Jason’s shirt. “What do you say, pet?”

Jason gulped before answering, “thank you, Master.”

Peter exhaled, “see? You’re such a good bitch when you need to be. Now get out,” he said as he groped Jason’s still tender ass. He let out a low whistle, “damn, you’ve got some cake, huh? Prepare yourself for tomorrow, bitch,” he winked at him.

Jason winced at the pain. “Yes, Master.”

Chapter Text

hi guysss!!! do not worry, this is not me saying i’m not finishing the story. it IS however an apology for leaving you all high and dry for the past…however long. 

i am SO sorry, genuinely. i recently came back from being abroad for 3 months so i’m still organizing and getting my life together and all (a long ass process, i apologize) so i just wanted to reassure you i WILL be continuing this story and i am VERY VERY sorry for not updating you guys <33 

i love you all and hope you have a nice day! (please forgive me!) 🫶💕🫂 

Chapter Text

Jason felt so gross as he left Peter’s room, wanting to do nothing other than go shower and scrub his skin right off.

He walked down the hallway and made his way back downstairs, not fully sure on what to do next. He tried scanning the house for a clock or anything really that would give him an idea of what the time was. He could slowly feel himself slipping into a sleepy state, the events of today having taken so much out of him.

Once he reached the bottom of the stairs, he spotted Derek and Penelope making out on the couch, very intensely.

He froze, wanting to go back up, but his presence was known when Penelope caught his eyes.

“Ah!” She squealed in delight. “Peter finally got his hands on you! I’m sure that was a dream come true for him,” she said dreamily.

He cleared his throat, “yes, ma’am.”

Derek turned to look at him and smirked. “Bet you enjoyed that, didn’t you, brat?”

Jason averted his gaze from the man’s eyes but replied, voice cracking. “Yes, sir.”

Derek let out a satisfied hum, “good bitch.”

Shame filled his veins.

Penelope stood up from her seat and walked over to him. She allowed her hand to roam all over the boy. “Baby, are you tired? You must be with everything that happened today,” she said as she massaged his shoulders. “Derry-boo, I’m going to let him retire for the night. He looks ready drop, my poor baby boy,” her hands wandered lower, inching to his ass.

Derek gave a grunt. “Fine, but don’t expect this treatment every day. You’ve got lots of work to do tomorrow and I don’t want you dropping dead. Scram, brat.”

“Yes, sir.”

Penelope patted his butt in warning. “Say thank you,” she whispered into his ears.

“Thank you, sir.”

Derek waved him off.

Penelope guided him back upstairs to his supposed bedroom, which was a room away from Peter. He cringed internally.

When she opened the door, he was met with a somewhat cramped room with a bed, a nightstand and a closet.

“Well, do you like it, baby?” She prompted.

Jason nodded, “yes, ma’am.” She hugged him, “aw, I’m glad, baby. We’ll let you get some sleep, god knows you need it. But one last thing,” she said as she crouched down to see him more clearly. “Your dad, he’s gone, baby. May he rest in peace, but we’re your family now, okay?”

They could never replace Bruce. No one ever can. “But he’s my dad.”

He let out a gasp at the sting that was blooming onto his cheeks. Trying to recover, he realised she had slapped him.

“I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to do it, but,” she sniffled, “it’s just that, we’re your family now. Don’t you love us, baby?” She asked innocently.

“I do.”

“You do, what?”

“Ma’am.”

“Hm, no. I would like you to use the other title, baby.”

Jason stiffened at her words but complied. “M-mommy.”

“Such a good boy,” she said while petting him.

He shifted under her touch when he remembered his clothes were stained. And he would really like to go to bed in clean clothes.

He cleared his throat then started, “um, ma’am? Are there any clean clothes I can change into?” And not for the first time, he felt a sting on his cheek.

Then a sting in his hair as she gripped it tightly. “Listen here, brat. I don’t know what got lost in translation downstairs but rats like you don’t speak unless they’re spoken to,” she hissed. She then gripped his hair even tighter. “Do you understand?”

He tried to nod but couldn’t because of her hold. “Yes, mommy! I’m sorry!”

She finally let go and he stumbled back slightly.

“Goodnight, baby,” she said as she kissed him on the cheek, way too close to his lips for comfort.

He did, in fact, not have a good night. He barely slept; he spent the entire night crying about Bruce being gone and his new ‘family’. When he finally did manage to get some shut eye, he was awoken by a hand cradling his hair, a little aggressively.

He opened his eyes and saw Penelope in front of him.

“Good morning, baby. Did my good boy sleep well?”

He nodded, not wanting to talk more than he had to.

He felt a pinch in his side, and he couldn’t hide his wince. “Jason, in this house we use our words. Be a good boy and do as your told, understood?” she admonished, her expression hard.

“Yes, mommy.”

She smiled, “see? Being a good boy isn’t hard.” She caressed his cheek. “Alright, time to get up and get ready for the day,” she said as she pulled the covers off him and saw his stained clothes. She laughed lightly. “Aw, still wearing Peter’s claim? You liked it that much?”

No. He really didn’t.

“Do you have extra clothes with you, baby?”

“No, mommy.”

“Hm, we’ll have to figure that out later. For now, go to the bathroom and wash up. Do you want me to help you?” She asked, sounding very eager to do so.

“No, mommy. It’s okay, I know how to take care of myself,” Jason replied, praying this would get her of his back.

She nodded, “okay, baby. Finish then come down to the kitchen to eat, we have a few things we need to discuss.”

“Yes, mommy.”

She left the room after that.

Jason went to the bathroom and freshened up as much as he could, then headed downstairs.

Penelope’s face lit up. “There he is! Come, come!” She encouraged.

He made his way to the breakfast table, and went to sit at the empty spot next to her, but she stopped him. “Nuhu, Jason. You first must ask who would like you to sit next to them.”

Curiosity got the best of him as he asked, “why?”

Which got him another slap to the face.

“Do not talk back, brat!” Derek scolded.

Tears blurred his vision for a second before he blinked them away rapidly. “I’m sorry, sir.”

Like a switch has been flipped, Penelope smiled at him. “It’s okay, baby. Just listen to what we say, and don’t ask questions, okay?”

“Yes, mommy.”

Derek pointed at the spot on the floor next to him.

Jason looked at him in confusion until he remembered the conversation from yesterday.

A street rat like you has no place at the table.

He slowly knelt as humiliation flooded his every vein, feeling four pairs of eyes on him.

Penelope placed a plate in front of him, a single pancake and a strip of bacon. His stomach grumbled as he looked at the plate. He was given no utensils either.

“Okay,” Derek started, voice gruff, staring down at him. “Now that you’re finally awake, you can begin your duties. Penelope will teach you everything, and I expect flawless execution. I suppose you’ll be needing clothes as well,” he said while his eyes raked Jason up and down.

Jason didn’t reply, knowing it was a trap.

But Derek slammed his fist down on the table, making the utensils clatter. “Look at me when I’m speaking to you, brat!”

Jason jumped at the sound and looked up at him. “Sorry, sir.”

The man calmed down a bit at that. “Eat, bitch. You’ve got lots of work to do.”

“Yes, sir,” Jason said while picking up the pancake.

He wanted out and he wanted out now.

Derek’s hand came to rest on his scalp, tugging slightly. “Good bitch.”

Get him out.

Chapter Text

For the remainder of the day, he was taught how to clean the rooms, living room, bathrooms, kitchen, as well as how to cook and wash clothes. Penelope praised him whenever he got something right, and pinched or slapped him when he got something wrong.

By the end of the day, he was tuckered out and wanted to do nothing but sleep. But as he made his way to his room, Penelope called out to him.

He turned around, “yes mommy?”

“Baby boy, you forgot something didn’t you?” she asked, a delighted expression on her face. “Remember, before you go to sleep every night, you go to everyone’s room and service them however they want, and will do whatever is asked. That way when you go to sleep, you’ll feel good because you satisfied your loved ones, baby.”

Jason felt nauseous, but nonetheless, he nodded. “Yes, mommy.”

She kissed him on the head, “such a good boy!” She said as she left to go to her room.

Jason made his way first into Ryan’s room. He knocked on the door before he heard a ‘come in’.

He walked in and saw Ryan half asleep in bed. “Baby boy, hi.”

“Er-hello, sir. Would you like me to help you with anything before bed, sir?” He asked nervously.

“Hm,” he hummed thoughtfully. “Yes,” Jason held his breath. “Tuck me in.”

Jason breathed a sigh of relief. He nodded. “Yes, sir.”

He made his way to his bed and tucked in the blanket around him. As he turned to leave, he heard.. “Don’t I get a goodnight kiss?”

He froze.

Jason slowly turned around and walked back to the bed. “Where would you like it, sir?” He swallowed.

“On the lips, pet.” Jason leaned down and gave him a peck on the lips. He was going to throw up right then and there. “Anything else, sir?” His voice cracked. “No. Goodnight, baby boy.”

“Goodnight, sir.” He left the room and closed the door behind him.

Next was Penelope and Derek’s room. He knocked, then entered when he was given permission. He averted his gaze when he saw Penelope wearing a top that barely covered anything.

“Hi baby.”

“Hi mommy.”

“Hello, bitch.”

“Hello, sir. Would you like me to do anything for you tonight?” He asked, still looking at the floor.

Derek and Penelope shared a knowing look. “Yes, baby. Come here,” she patted the space between her and Derek.

He walked up to the bed, and since their bed was high off the ground, he struggled a bit.

“Aw, baby is struggling,” she cooed. “Here let me help you, baby,” she said as she reached out to Jason and cupped his ass to give him a boost.

Jason managed a barely concealed flinch at the touch.

“Derek and I want to have a bit of fun with you, okay baby?”

He swallowed tensely. “Yes, mommy.”

They both broke out into a grin. “Perfect,” they spoke in unison. Penelope went in and kissed Jason on the lips, while he felt a pair of hands groping him from behind. She moaned into his mouth, then pulled away. “Oh, baby boy, you kiss so good.”

Which was weird considering he didn’t even reciprocate it, he just sat there while she did the work.

“He feels so good too,” Derek spoke from behind him, fondling his ass. Jason let out a gasp at the smack he received on his ass.

“Such a good boy for us. Making all these delicious sounds!” Penelope said delightedly.

Hands roamed his body. His chest, his neck, his legs, his back, his ass.

“Pen, he feels so good, but I am knackered,” Derek spoke.

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, alright. I guess that’s it for tonight,” she decided. “Did you check on the other boys?"

“Only sir. I still didn’t get to master,” he admitted.

“Aw, well. We wouldn’t want to keep master waiting, would we?” She teased. “Off you go, baby. Goodnight, pet.”

He hopped off the bed, “goodnight, mommy. Goodnight, sir.” He shut the door behind him as he left the room and headed to Peter’s room.

Dread coursed through his body as he knocked on the door.

That night, Jason tried to claw his skin off. He had never felt dirtier in his life.

He thought about his dad, about why he left him. About why he’d let this happen to him. He looked at his bracelet and couldn’t help but feel betrayed; his dad said this bracelet symbolised unconditional love and peace.

He sure as hell doesn’t feel loved.

Or at peace.

And as much as he hated to admit it, he felt an insane amount of rage towards Alfred. Alfred promised. He promised him he’d keep him safe.

He doesn’t feel safe.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Jason woke up at 3am, as instructed. He tried his hardest to clean the house without making any noise as to not wake them up. He got the living room cleaned, the bathroom downstairs, the kitchen and he got some clothes in the washing machine. He couldn’t use the vacuum because that would wake them up, so he just left it at that.

Penelope taught him how to make pancakes and fry bacon. So, he did just that for breakfast. Some of the hot oil splattered onto his hand, making him hiss out in pain. But he moved through it and started to fry the strips. Once he was finished, he realised the bacon was almost fully burnt. But the pancakes came out semi okay. And the fruits he chopped, gave the sad looking meal some color.

As he was setting the table, the family started to make their way downstairs. First came Ryan, who groped him as he walked past. Then Penelope, who kissed him directly on his lips. Then Peter who just smirked at him. Then finally Derek. Once all of them were down, they made their way to the table and sat down.

Derek spoke first. “What the fuck is this?” He asked, looking at Jason.

Jason stiffened. “I-it’s breakfast, sir.”

The man looked at him with a murderous gaze. “Does this,” he picked up a piece of burnt bacon and shoved it in Jason’s face. “Look like breakfast to you?”

“I-I’m sorry, sir, I don’t fully know how-”

He was cut short when Derek slapped him hard across the face.

“I didn’t ask for your excuses you lazy brat! I asked you a question!” He shouted. He wiggled the piece of bacon in front of him. “Does this look like breakfast to you?!”

“N-no, s-sir,” Jason replied shakily.

A strong hand gripped his hair. “Then why would you present it as such? If you know it’s not edible, why would you put it on the table?”

A few tears streamed down his face as the grip in his hair was unrelenting. “I’m sorry!”

Derek finally let go. He stood up and studied the floor. “And what the hell is all this, huh?” He pointed at the floor. “Did you even clean you lazy, little bitch? There’s crumbs everywhere! You didn’t do shit, did you?”

Jason looked at the man, wide eyed while he stammered. “I d-did, sir. I just couldn’t u-use the hoover because it would wake you up.”

The man laughed. “That’s just an excuse to be lazy. I know you were spoiled rotten in the big mansion of yours, but here? I don’t care if you gotta use your tongue to clean this shit up, but you clean it. You find a way and you clean it.” He growled out.

Jason was shaking slightly, “yes, sir. I’m sorry, sir.”

Derek dragged a hand over his face. He gestured at the stairs. “Go clean upstairs. And you better be finished by the time I’m up”

“Yes, sir.”

He was currently cleaning Ryan’s room cleaning when he heard someone enter the room.

It was Peter.

He stood there for a bit and watched as Jason cleaned, until he got bored and stood right behind him as Jason was bent down, dusting under the bed.

The feeling of a crotch behind him made him stiffen.

He continued dusting, very aware of the body behind him.

What made him freeze was the feeling of hands sliding under his shirt. He gasped at the touch. “M-master, I-” he stopped. “I need to clean,” he said, voice cracking.

“You can clean like this, bitch,” Peter countered.

Jason exhaled. “I need to finish before Sir comes up.”

Peter smacked his ass. He leaned in and growled in his ears. “And I said, you can clean like this, brat.”

Jason knew he was screwed.

Peter was stuck to his back the entire time, making it hard for him to grab the things he needs quickly.

Around 15 minutes later, he heard Derek speaking.

Peter smirked. “Look’s like someone’s going to be in trouble,” his whispered into his ears before letting go of him, finally.

“Brat!” Derek called out.

Jason stumbled trying to get to him. “Yes, sir?”

“What have you accomplished so far?”

He cleared his throat. “Your bedroom and bathroom, and Sir’s bedroom.”

Derek took one step closer to him. "For 40 minutes, you managed to get 2 rooms done and a bathroom? How slow were you moving?! First, it’s a shitty breakfast, then you haven’t cleaned properly, then you’re moving too slow?” He laughed. “God, it’s like you’re asking to be punished. Come here, bitch.” Derek dragged him by his ear all the way downstairs and into the basement. “I don’t like lazy, ungrateful boys, Jason. You know what I do with lazy, ungrateful boys, Jason? I punish them. It teaches them to be grateful,” he said.

“I’m sorry, sir!” He slapped him. Hard. Harder than before.

“You’re not. But you will be,” he said with a manic smile. He pushed him into the cell and locked it. He fell on his ass. “I’ll see you in a few hours, Jason,” and with that, he walked up and out of the basement.

When he closed the door behind him, Jason was left in absolute darkness. He couldn’t see anything, not even his hands in front of his face.

He couldn’t breathe.

He started hyperventilating.

“Please! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Please, sir! I’m so sorry!” He screamed helplessly, begging someone to allow some light through. “Please!”

After what could have been hours of screaming himself hoarse, the door finally unlocked, some of the light from outside seeping in.

He saw Penelope carrying a plate in her hands and his stomach grumbled in response. “Enjoy,” she said as she placed the plate down in his cell.

The plate consisted of a single grape, a piece of what seemed to be mouldy beef jerky, and a slice of cheese.

Jason looked at the plate in disdain. “I am expected to eat this?” He asked, feeling slightly dumb at questioning her.

She gave him a look before she crouched down. “Listen here, Jason. I don’t know which part of the rules you didn’t understand, but it’s clear you didn’t catch on. Let me teach you a lesson, baby.” Penelope stood back up and rummaged through the boxes next to the cell. She pulled out a long whip, smacking it against the metal bars.

Jason flinched at the noise. “Derek said you were begging to be punished. Is that true, baby?”

He shook his head.

Wrong move as the whip came hurtling towards him.

He gasped as it made contact with his skin.

She tilted her head in mock innocence. “What, you’re saying my husband is a liar? How rude!”

He shook his head again.

The whip came down again, harder.

Tears collected in his eyes as he tried curling into himself. “Please, please, ma’am. It hurts!” he begged.

She let out a cruel laugh. “If only he could see you now,” she said as she whipped him again.

Jason screamed. “No big, bad, daddy Bruce to save you, huh?” She gave him 5 consecutive whips, one after the other.

“Please! Please, stop! It hurts! Please!”

“That’s,” whip, “What,” whip, “You,” whip, “Get,” whip, “For being such a bad boy! I told you to just listen, but you couldn’t do that, could you? Too hard for you take orders. Well, don’t worry,” she smirked at him. “We’ll change that.”

Jason was sobbing at this point, the pain mixed with the humiliation and the grief of his father was too much. “Please! I’ll be good! I’ll be good! I’m sorry, mommy, please!”

The whipping stopped.

A hand in his hair, massaging his scalp.

It soothed him for a moment before a sharp pain erupted in his scalp.

She tugged his hair harder and brought his face closer to hers, he whined at the pain. “Listen here, pet,” she spat. “You will do whatever we tell you to, and you’ll do it with no complications. You will not talk back, and you will not question us. I promise you’ll love living with us if you just listen and do what you’re told. Do you understand?”

Too dazed to give her a reply, he whimpered.

She delivered a slap to his cheeks. “Do you understand?” She growled low into his ears.

“Yes, ma’am!” He replied, wanting her hands out of his hair as quickly as possible.

“That’s a good boy,” she let go of his hair and he slumped forward. “Now eat.”

He looked at her and saw that there was not a hint of amusement on her face, so he nodded. “Yes, mommy.” He picked up the grape and ate it, then the cheese slice. And finally he picked the bacon strip and nibbled at it.

He couldn’t stop the bile that came up his throat and left his mouth. He watched it as it splattered all over the floor.

Penelope clicked her tongue. “And here you were doing so good, pet. I guess I’ll have to teach you another lesson, won’t I?” The whip cracked against his skin for what felt like a million more times, and he prayed.

He prayed to anyone who was listening to get him out as he sobbed.