So much for dinner.
Bruce had hosted this year's holiday party at Wayne Manor, inviting his entire extended found family, along with several members of the Justice League and their families. Jason had been invited too, of course, though he had initially resisted the idea of attending. His brothers had urged him to join, insisting that it would be fun and a chance to relax.
Unfortunately, it hadn’t turned out that way. Throughout the night, whispers surrounded him, with guests speculating about his presence. Bruce had made a halfhearted attempt to quell the gossip, while his brothers exchanged apologetic glances. The atmosphere grew increasingly tense, and finally, Jason had reached his breaking point. He stood up abruptly, grabbed his coat, and left without a word. He knew he had likely made things awkward, but at that moment, he didn’t care. They should be grateful he hadn’t exploded in their faces.
“Stupid dinner. I shouldn’t have gone,” he muttered to himself as he stepped into the frigid night. The streets were nearly deserted; everyone else was at home with their families, celebrating—even the criminals. Snow fell heavily, and a fierce wind whipped around him, blowing icy flakes into his eyes. He blinked them away and pulled his jacket tighter.
“Fuck me,” he cursed, his frustration mounting. The night was only getting worse. He had no ride; everyone was still at that ridiculous party. He’d have to walk home. Just his damn luck.
Suddenly, a soft rustling behind him broke through his thoughts. Instinct kicked in, fueled by the adrenaline from his earlier anger. He spun around, his fist flying toward the figure behind him. His knuckles connected with a face, sending the person stumbling backward.
Wait. That wasn’t an attacker.
“Oh, shit... Uh-!…” Jason's heart sank. Please tell him he hadn’t just broken someone’s nose. “Fuck! I’m so fucking sorry!”
Bruce had hosted this year's holiday party at Wayne Manor, inviting his entire extended found family, along with several members of the Justice League and their families. Jason had been invited too, of course, though he had initially resisted the idea of attending. His brothers had urged him to join, insisting that it would be fun and a chance to relax.
Unfortunately, it hadn’t turned out that way. Throughout the night, whispers surrounded him, with guests speculating about his presence. Bruce had made a halfhearted attempt to quell the gossip, while his brothers exchanged apologetic glances. The atmosphere grew increasingly tense, and finally, Jason had reached his breaking point. He stood up abruptly, grabbed his coat, and left without a word. He knew he had likely made things awkward, but at that moment, he didn’t care. They should be grateful he hadn’t exploded in their faces.
“Stupid dinner. I shouldn’t have gone,” he muttered to himself as he stepped into the frigid night. The streets were nearly deserted; everyone else was at home with their families, celebrating—even the criminals. Snow fell heavily, and a fierce wind whipped around him, blowing icy flakes into his eyes. He blinked them away and pulled his jacket tighter.
“Fuck me,” he cursed, his frustration mounting. The night was only getting worse. He had no ride; everyone was still at that ridiculous party. He’d have to walk home. Just his damn luck.
Suddenly, a soft rustling behind him broke through his thoughts. Instinct kicked in, fueled by the adrenaline from his earlier anger. He spun around, his fist flying toward the figure behind him. His knuckles connected with a face, sending the person stumbling backward.
Wait. That wasn’t an attacker.
“Oh, shit... Uh-!…” Jason's heart sank. Please tell him he hadn’t just broken someone’s nose. “Fuck! I’m so fucking sorry!”