Dark Nights

Jason and Dick had, almost surprisingly, been dating for over a year now, not too long after Bruce's passing. Jason was 20 now, not that it really changed anything. Barbra had been shocked when Jason and Dick finally told everyone they were dating, but she was happy for them. She enjoyed teasing Jason about dating her ex, but it was all in good spirits. Tim had been mostly surprised that he wasn't the only queer person in the bat family - quite the opposite, actually. All Alfred did was tell them to take care of each other, but he was also happy for them. It wasn't his business who they dated anyway, as long as they were happy and treated well.

In the beginning, they'd had their fair share of issues. It was Jason's first seriously committed relationship, and he felt like there was a lot of pressure on him. He and Dick seemed to butt heads about everything, even moreso than before. Yet, somehow, they'd always come out of it. Dick was incredibly patient with Jason, and Jason never gave up.

However, no matter how close or intimate they got, Jason had /never/ let Dick spend the night, or spend the night at his place. Sometimes they'd stay up until the crack of dawn together, but Jason never wanted to actually sleep with Dick there. Dick thought it might've been something to do with jitters at first, but then it had persevered as an issue. At one point, Dick had tried to push, but then he realized it was something personal, and he'd laid off. He suggested it, here or there, but Jason always declined.

Until tonight.

Jason had finally decided he was ready to let Dick spend the night. He wished he could've been there to see Dick's face when he'd sent the text:

'Hey, I know this is random as hell, but I was thinking, and I was wondering if you'd wanna come stay at my place for the night.'

Dick had probably never texted back so quickly.

'yeah, of course, definitely. Like, now?'

Jason could sense the jitters just through his text.

'yeah, now. Or whatever you're free, don't rush.'

'no, no! I'm free now, I'll, y'know, I'll head over now!'

'alright. See you soon then. Love you.'

Jason laughed and shook his head as he sent the text, setting his phone down on his coffee table. He stood up, heading into the kitchen to crack open a beer and rest on his couch, waiting for Dick to arrive. He had a feeling he wouldn't be waiting long.

Around 20 minutes later, maybe, he heard a knock at the door, and Jason called "come in," as Dick entered his apartment, setting his bag by the door. "Hey," he greeted softly, walking over to the couch.

"Hey babe," Jason murmured, leaning in and giving Dick a quick kiss as he sat down. He seemed to be a bit anxious, and Dick noticed immediately, but he wasn't going to make Jason feel any worse about it.

"I'm really glad we're doing this," Dick said with a smile. "Are you sure you're ready? I can tell you're a bit on edge,"

Jason fidgeted with his knuckles, cracking them slightly as he nodded. "Yeah, I'm good. I'm glad you're here, and... I'm sorry it took so long. I know you've been wanting this for a while."

"No, don't apologize, Jase. I'm glad you're comfortable. Or at least you're trying to be. I love you. I didn't mind waiting." Dick said, gently resting his hand against Jason's knee.

Jason nodded with a sigh. "Okay, so, I guess I should tell you why I've been hesitant. I mean - it's stupid, and I know it's going to sound stupid-" Jason cracked his knuckles anxiously.

"Hey. It's not stupid. If it's real to you then it's real to me. Okay?" Dick assured him, gently rubbing his knee.

"I get... Nightmares. Really bad. It's been years since everything, with /him/, the Lazurus pits - I feel so stupid. I can't shake it no matter how hard I try." He still didn't even like saying the Joker's name out loud if he didn't have to. "I guess I just always felt weak, too vulnerable, to sleep next to someone knowing that I have them."