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The clouds were closing in, the view from the hills long covered by the thick fog surrounding the lonely house up on the mountains. Joey looked out from the window, admiring the view, his gaze sometimes falling on the young boy quietly asleep on the bed beside him. There wasn’t much he could do at this point other than wait for the effects of the drug to slowly wear off and finally show off those beautiful blue eyes Joey was longing for.
He felt it before he saw it, the burning of that curious stare the little Robin always seemed to have when he was around Joey. Joey couldn’t say that he particularly minded, especially since the young boy always seemed so impressionable.
He had a way with everything he did, a way most people didn’t have, a specific type of gentleness that one would not normally expect from a child raised in the streets. Still, that aspect of Jason’s character seemed to stick with him, no matter how much roughness the world threw at him. And Joey couldn’t help but want to preserve it. He wanted to protect the boy from the evils of this world, shield him in a way no adult in his life seemed to have the decency to do.
The day he saw Jason lying on that hospital bed, his young, pale skin marred from the wounds the Joker had inflicted on him, Joey vowed that he would do anything he could so that Jason would be protected. Even if he himself didn’t want to.
The sun had just set by the time Jason’s eyes fluttered open. Looking around the unfamiliar room, he tried to decipher where he was. There wasn’t much to see at first glance, other, of course than the man standing by the window, the dark clouds reflecting in his eyes. He was too focused there to turn his attention on Jason and the boy couldn’t help but feel thankful for it. It gave him a few moments to consider his next move. He was truly at loss here, stuck between wanting to trust the man he had for so long admired and being quite confused about how exactly he ended up there. Should he try to slip out? Speak? He wasn’t sure. Normally, he trusted Joey, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy, this time. The view from the window was unfamiliar, away from the centre of the city he last remembered being in. His confusion must have shown on his face when Joey first turned to look at him, but he made no move to explain anything.
Joey could sense the boy’s uncertainty, could see his curious look, but he didn’t say anything. Not yet. There’d be time for that, later. Now it was Jason’s turn to talk.
“J-Joey? What? What is happening?” He asked, but Joey just smiled instead of an answer, as he moved towards the nightstand, bringing the tray of food Jason hadn’t even noticed before, closer. The younger boy hadn’t noticed how hungry he was until a spoonful of soup was inches away from his mouth and he was faced with a dilemma: Should he trust Joey, or starve until he can figure out what to do?
The man never showed him any reason he couldn’t be trusted, so Jason swallowed any doubts for now as he allowed Joey to feed him more soup. After he was over, Joey set the tray back and turned to stare at the younger man again. His little Robin. He looked so beautiful like that, like a model, posing for a painting, begging to have this moment captured. On a canvas, of course, Jason was too pretty to have his beauty diminished by a simple photograph. No, he needed someone to capture the essence of his beauty, all those things he thought he so carefully concealed. What he didn’t know was that Joey could see him, all of him. He could see that behind that brave facade, those pretty seemingly fearless eyes, all he was was a scared little boy, wanting nothing more than to be protected, no matter what he showed to the rest of the world. No matter if he didn’t want to accept it. That was okay, though, for now. He would figure it out, with time. When he got a bit more used to the place. Until then, he needed rest.
He leaned over Jason, feeling the warmth of his breath against his skin, as the boy waited curiously to see what would happen. He adjusted the pillows, unable to contain the smirk of satisfaction at the boy’s reaction at such a simple move. Oh, they were going to have fun the both of them, he would make sure of it.
With that thought, he tucked Jason in, giving him a gentle kiss on the forehead. ‘Sleep now little Robin. You’ve had a long day’, he signed, as Jason kept looking up at him, eyes full of doubt. Jason wanted to do so much more, ask so much more, but he could feel the heaviness of his eyelids, his mind and body needing more rest. He didn’t know if he could stay awake, even if he wanted to. He allowed himself some sleep, for now.
~~
When he woke up again, there Joey was again, waiting. It was morning, he deduced from the way the light fell through the open window, but what day was it? How long has he been here?
"Joey? What is happening? Where are we?" He tried again, this time hoping for an answer.
Instead of one, Joey smiled at him, signing 'Goodmorning,' as if he hadn't heard him. Jason was truly getting worried now, his clearer mind allowing him to assess the situation. He trusted Joey, he really did, but he trusted his instincts more and he felt like something wasn't right. He just couldn't place exactly what yet.
He decided to test the waters, feet falling on the ground as he maintained eye contact with the older boy, trying to read his reaction. When he found none, he pushed himself off the bed, and took a few tentative steps towards the door.
Joey said nothing, made no move to stop him. He didn't have a reason to do so, really, he always admired Jason's curious nature. He wouldn't let him out of his sight, of course, not until he was sure the boy wouldn't attempt to leave him, but for now, the boy could explore as much as he wanted to.
He followed Jason to the corridor, watched him as he headed straight for the stairs, getting an idea of what he was looking for. He should have known. His wonderful boy was always one to test boundaries, see just how far he could go. Joey just had to make them clearer for him.
He made sure his grasp was soft as his hand fell on the boy's wrist, guiding him through every room, giving him a tour of the place. It wasn't anything too fancy, just another one of his dad's properties, one he knew the man avoided, a place it'd be just the two of them.
After they were done with the second floor, he took Jason downstairs, his hand now falling on the boy's shoulder. Jason didn't fight him, in fact he was strangely compliant throughout the whole process, probably waiting for the opportunity to slip out to appear to him, but none came. Joey may have not had the training of a bat, but living with his dad certainly taught him a few useful things. And, even if Jason did manage to make it to the door, there were many ways Joey had ensured the boy wouldn't make it out.
Perhaps he should explain that to Jason too, stop the lingering looks to the door, stop the gears in his head turning as he tried to think of a way out. He was adorable, really.
Before Joey had the chance to tell him anything, Jason bolted for the door, attempting to open it.
The moment his hand made contact with the handle, though, he fell on the ground as a wave of electricity passed through him.
Joey just stared at him, disappointed.
'That's not going to work, Jay,' he signed, sighing, offering Jason a hand
.
"What's happening? Why are you doing this Joey? Answer me!" The boy asked again in anger, pointedly ignoring Joey’s attempt to help him. Well, not anger, not really. Joey knew his boy well enough by now to realise when he was terrified.
And how could he explain it, really? How could he put it in terms that Jason would understand, accept, the complete incompetence of every adult in his life so far? Were there even words to explain it to him? Joey didn't think so. Maybe it was because he himself didn't trust words, maybe the only way to make Jason accept this new situation was through actions.
"I said answer me!" Jason yelled, and Joey couldn't say he blamed him. He was like a skittish little kitten, all he knew when he was uncertain was to attack. Joey put his hands in the air, taking a few steps towards him. Jason immediately backed away. He could only take a step before his back touched the door, trapping him between it and Joey. So, he did the only other thing he could think of, he attacked.
There wasn't much of anything Jason remembered after that, other than that the next time his eyes opened, he was back in the room he first woke up in, this time alone. A red velvet blanket was covering him, so neatly placed that Jason had to believe it was recently fixed. He quickly kicked off the covers, making a move to get up, looking for a way out now that he was alone. The clinking of the chain, though, the moment he moved his foot off the bed, stopped him.
'Shit,' he thought to himself. Even if he could actually manage to break out of the chain, there was no way he could do it without Joey hearing him. It was too late to try anything else, lying back down and pulling the covers as he heard footsteps approaching. Joey again, with a tray of food. Soup again, Jason groaned inwardly, as the older boy set it on his nightstand and brought a spoonful to his mouth.
Jason refused to open his mouth, turning his head the moment Joey brought it closer, spilling the hot liquid on his T-shirt. The older hero ignored what happened and tried once more, only for Jason to have the same reaction.
Finally, after a few failed attempts, he threw the spoon in the plate, before forcefully wiping Jason's shirt with a napkin. Jason flinched at the sound, tried to get himself as far away from Joey as possible when he went near him, but his options were limited.
He noticed the sad look the other gave him.
'You'll like it here Jay, I promise. Just give it time,' he said, before leaving Jason all by himself once more.
That routine continued for the next few weeks, Joey feeding Jason, looking at him as if he was the most precious person on earth.
The chain slowly got longer until it could reach the door. And, as it did, it seemed that Jason's attitude slowly became less and less to handle, until it was nonexistent. Joey didn't let his guard down, ofcourse, he knew his little Robin could just be forming an escape plan, but still, his heart melted as his boy started to slowly accept him.
~~
Jason sat on his bed, glancing at the clothes left out for him by Joey. He knew what was expected of him, but he couldn't help but contemplate whether he wanted to obey. A black pair of pants and a white button up shirt. He run his fingers on them, the fabric soft against his skin. Why would Joey even give him those? He came in a while back, left them, before unlocking Jason's chain, telling him to get ready because 'he had a surprise for him'.
On one hand, Jason didn't quite want to give into whatever it was Joey wanted from him, but, on the other hand.... Yes, Joey took him, but the older boy had also been taking care of him all this time. Kept him clothed and fed, provided him with any book, movie, tv series Jason could have ever wanted. He knew him well, too. Everything he brought Jason he always seemed to love, as if he knew Jason better than he knew himself, Jason couldn't deny that. And, it wasn’t as if that’s what was happening with Bruce too, right? The man took him in, gave him a home, but Jason also had to give back, by being Robin, by being a good brother. So… it made sense that Joey asked things from him too, right? And it was easier, what he was asking.
With a sigh, he put on the clothing, carefully tucking the shirt in his pants as Bruce had done for him so many times before. After he was done, he didn't know what to do. Was he supposed to go find Joey?
He opted to wait for him there, standing just in front of the door, hoping that he would come and get him. And, surely, he was right, as there was a knock on the door.
'Come in,' Jason let out weakly, feeling a strange warmth in his stomach at the act. It was the first time in months he felt slightly in control, as if he truly had privacy. Joey walked in, giving Jason a warm smile.
'You look perfect,' he signed, before slipping Jason's hand in his. The touch was so tender, it seemed like it had been months since Jason had been touched by another human being.
He led Jason down the stairs and into the dining room. Candles lit its bottom, two plates set with food in the middle.
They ate in silence, Jason glancing over at Joey from time to time, the older hero always looking at him. It had been a long time since he was allowed to eat by himself, the action almost seemed unfamiliar, strange.
When they were done, Joey led Jason to another room, huge and imposing, filled with paintings, a chandelier decorating its top. Joey lost no time pressing a button, before music flooded the room.
'May I have this dance?' Joey asked him and Jason couldn't help but nod, mesmerized. All this just for him?
They danced slowly, Jason uncertain of what he was supposed to do, Joey leading him, showing him throughout the whole process. A few songs in and Jason was already a pro, following Joey's lead as if the two were made to be together.
When the night ended, Jason almost felt disappointed.
"It's just that I don't know when I'll get the chance to leave this room again', he convinced himself, but when Joey brought him to his door and softly kissed him goodnight, even he couldn't believe what he was saying.
They made it a routine. Every Friday night, Joey would provide Jason with the prettiest clothes, before the two of them had dinner together and then danced. The night always ended with a shared kiss, sometimes Jason initiating it by himself. As time passed, Jason looked forward to this night, their night.
Until, one night, instead of back to his room, Joey brought him somewhere else. Another room, almost bare of furniture, except a chair in front of a tripod and an old armchair, those classic vintage ones Jason could only associate with the manor.
'Jason, my love, I don't think your beauty could be depicted even by the most talented artist in this world. But, let me try? Model for me?' Joey signed and, how could Jason deny him after that?
Joey was very careful as he directed Jason on how to pose. His finger went on the top of Jason's shirt, unbuttoning it at the top. The younger boy felt his breath hitch in his throat. And, it wasn't from fear.
So, slowly, they added this to their Friday night routine as well, more and more paintings of Jason decorating the walls of the studio each time. Joey would experiment with how he made Jason pose each time, his touches progressing.
Today, he had Jason sitting shirtless on the chair, legs open, one hand supporting his head, while the other was in between his legs. When Joey showed him the painting, the little Robin felt his heart beating louder and louder.
He didn't know what the older boy noticed, but suddenly he was by the armchair, running a hand through Jason's curls.
'You see it too, don't you? How precious, how beautiful you look,' he signed and let his hand fall on Jason's thigh. The younger boy flinched at the touch, but not exactly because it was unwelcome. Just...unexpected. Joey let out a silent laugh, but, much to Jason's disappointment, made no move to further touch him.
Next week, they did that again. Joey made the hero post the same way, only this time with his pants unbuttoned.
Jason spent the whole session on edge, feeling a little warm, a strange feeling in his stomach. He closed his eyes and focused on the sound of the brush, stroking the canvas, enjoying the thought that, at that moment, Joey had eyes only for him.
When he opened them again, Joey was right next to him. The older boy placed a hand underneath his jaw, forcing Jason's blue eyes to meet his, before pulling him in for a kiss. From there, his hand travelled Jason's body, settling on his crotch. The younger boy moaned, making no move to stop him. He simply looked at him, expecting.
'How about we take this to our room?' Joey signed and Jason felt a mix of excitement and fear going through him. Nevertheless, he nodded, following Joey to another room, a room he didn't remember seeing before.
There were carpets on the floor and, in the middle, a huge wooden bed.
The moment the door closed behind them, Jason stared at Joey, expecting.
'Take off your clothes and lie on the bed,' Joey signed and, as if in a trance, the little Robin complied.
Joey could only stare, mesmerised. How far had his boy come these last few months, he was truly magnificent. He took out the lube he kept in a drawer in his nightstand, squirting some in his finger. Jason betrayed no reaction as he did, simply continued to stare at his eyes, curious.
Then, he slowly pressed a finger inside the younger boy. His boy, his angel, made no move to step away from him, even if he was uncomfortable.
Joey played with him for a bit, before adding another, scissoring him. When the boy under him moaned, Joey knew he had found just the spot.
"J-Joey, more please, more," he breathed out, and Joey couldn't help but comply. When Jason's hand went to his cock, Joey put his on top of it, guiding Jason on how to make himself feel good. He would be trained, ofcourse. To take Joey's cock, at future times, to stop needing stimulation from his cock to come. But, for now, Joey just wanted him to get used to the feeling, make this experience as pleasant for him as possible.
"Joey, stop, I need to- need to-," said Jason breathlessly, but, of course, the older boy didn't. Not until he heard Jason's little screams and moans, not until Jason's cum was all over his hand.
When Jay was done, he brought his hand to Jason's face, the boy turning to look at him, confused. Joey simply raised a brow and that was all he needed. The little bird's tongue spurted out, licking it, his eyes still on Joey's, as if waiting for confirmation that he did good.
And he did, ofcourse.
His good little boy. His good little Jason.