[if sizhui had known what sort of place he'd stumbled upon, he might've turned around and immediately attempted using his spiritual energy to open another portal, somewhere far away from the darkness that is gotham— maybe a place where sunshine, rainbows and puppies and kittens filled the world? but one: he'd already been absolutely drained after the initial pull and two: jason had found him, whisked him away to a spot that felt less intrusive, then began brokenly speaking to him in his native tongue, easing at least half of the uncertainty he'd been feeling before. (there's a third in there somewhere about not having the proper amount of qi for another world-hop, but he'd ignored it for the time being.)
watching bruce and jason argue had made him quite apprehensive, worried that regardless of who he went with, it would end up in a fistfight (or something worse) and they'd be at another stalemate. yet somehow, it's bruce who wins out, no matter how stubborn jason is during their whole altercation; being swept away by batman doesn't keep him from staring longingly after jason, like a puppy who's been taken away from its owner, until he's out of sight.
thus began his secret life inside the manor, mostly with alfred as company since bruce always seemed busy, but it's a nice little surprise when someone else would come by. he talks with dick about training, discusses foreign technology with tim, savoring what little time he has with them before they eventually take their leave. although he does enjoy their visits, it's jason he waits for every day, wondering when he'll show up – if he ever shows up? – and what they'll talk more about. for the longest time, he'd resigned himself to not seeing him again, given jason's and bruce's fight after he'd been found, but imagine his surprise whenever jason does finally come to see him. his greeting is warm, enthusiastic, amiable like they've been friends for years and he falls into the easiness of chatting with jason until he has to leave too.
sizhui wouldn't be at all surprised either if bruce knew jason had been sneaking into the mansion; it's odd, but he always seems to just know when something's amiss, no matter how diligently he hides the fact. even more bizarre is that bruce doesn't inquire about it, which makes him offhandedly wonder why. not like he'll ask either, as he'd hate for it to mean jason wouldn't be allowed back, but deep down, he somehow knows that's not the case and it likely won't be, despite all the rule-breaking. gods bless alfred, who never forgets a little reminder, and though his heart always sinks way, way down after jason leaves, he's reassured by the notion he'll return at some point, counteracting his disappointment with eagerness all over again.
the few weeks always seem so long, but it's worth the wait in the end when jason shows up.
a soft, airy giggle passes sizhui's lips, the hand not holding his book open lifting to cover his mouth in an attempt at smothering any leftover laughter. his hope isn't misplaced, it seems, which further reassures that jason has clearly come to visit him and this isn't some unfortunate moment where he might get run off.] My apologies, [he offers first, dropping the hand then continuing,] I should know by now.
[not necessarily, since bruce and jason have a lifetime between them, but still.] Absolutely. The dog is better company than the doors and halls, at least, because he can give me some sort of answer back. [another snicker, one that's a bit more derisive this time, almost dismissive.
also no offense meant in his response, except he does know:] But I think your company is what I most prefer.
no subject
watching bruce and jason argue had made him quite apprehensive, worried that regardless of who he went with, it would end up in a fistfight (or something worse) and they'd be at another stalemate. yet somehow, it's bruce who wins out, no matter how stubborn jason is during their whole altercation; being swept away by batman doesn't keep him from staring longingly after jason, like a puppy who's been taken away from its owner, until he's out of sight.
thus began his secret life inside the manor, mostly with alfred as company since bruce always seemed busy, but it's a nice little surprise when someone else would come by. he talks with dick about training, discusses foreign technology with tim, savoring what little time he has with them before they eventually take their leave. although he does enjoy their visits, it's jason he waits for every day, wondering when he'll show up – if he ever shows up? – and what they'll talk more about. for the longest time, he'd resigned himself to not seeing him again, given jason's and bruce's fight after he'd been found, but imagine his surprise whenever jason does finally come to see him. his greeting is warm, enthusiastic, amiable like they've been friends for years and he falls into the easiness of chatting with jason until he has to leave too.
sizhui wouldn't be at all surprised either if bruce knew jason had been sneaking into the mansion; it's odd, but he always seems to just know when something's amiss, no matter how diligently he hides the fact. even more bizarre is that bruce doesn't inquire about it, which makes him offhandedly wonder why. not like he'll ask either, as he'd hate for it to mean jason wouldn't be allowed back, but deep down, he somehow knows that's not the case and it likely won't be, despite all the rule-breaking. gods bless alfred, who never forgets a little reminder, and though his heart always sinks way, way down after jason leaves, he's reassured by the notion he'll return at some point, counteracting his disappointment with eagerness all over again.
the few weeks always seem so long, but it's worth the wait in the end when jason shows up.
a soft, airy giggle passes sizhui's lips, the hand not holding his book open lifting to cover his mouth in an attempt at smothering any leftover laughter. his hope isn't misplaced, it seems, which further reassures that jason has clearly come to visit him and this isn't some unfortunate moment where he might get run off.] My apologies, [he offers first, dropping the hand then continuing,] I should know by now.
[not necessarily, since bruce and jason have a lifetime between them, but still.] Absolutely. The dog is better company than the doors and halls, at least, because he can give me some sort of answer back. [another snicker, one that's a bit more derisive this time, almost dismissive.
also no offense meant in his response, except he does know:] But I think your company is what I most prefer.