( Someone from another time or universe pops up, and Bruce gets himself all wound up over it. It'd just been another Tuesday by Jason's standards the night he'd found Sizhui wandering around Crime Alley. Someone in that get up sticks out like a sore thumb in a place as dark and gloomy as Gotham, even more so when they're wandering the streets of the places Jason tends to haunt. After the initial and awkward attempt to pull Sizhui into a (mostly) safe spot, he'd done his best to try and explain everything with broken language skills. Not his best moment, but no one got shot or stabbed. Always a plus, right?
But things are never that easy in Jason's life. What had started out as trying to get Sizhui back to one of his own safehouses while he figured out this whole thing, Batman had intercepted. It wasn't pretty. To see two men the size of Batman and the Red Hood squaring up against one another in a heated argument that had gotten a little loud and colorful on Jason's end had to be a worrying sight. And in the end, Batman wins their argument. Batman always wins their goddamn arguments, and Jason is left seething as Batman drives off with the other man. Despite his own anger, Jason can admit this is probably for the best. The Batcave is way more equip to deal with weird things like this, and Alfred will take care of the guy.
Jason keeps his distance at first. Gets the occasional updates from Tim or Dick who reassure him that yes, his walking ancient Chinese friend was safe and doing well. Sizhui is his name. And after a stiff conversation with Bruce, he gets reluctant permission to spot by just this one time. Only - Jason doesn't stop by just once. He waltzes through the front door the first time to check on Sizhui, spends some time with him and learns a bit more. But the times are never quite so direct.
Of course, Jason is sure Bruce knows he's been sneaking in. He's friggin' Batman. But he still does it. No one stops him, and Alfred always gives him the courtesy of telling him when one of the others has arrived or is on their way so he can cut and run as if he hadn't been there at all. It's a strange realization that he can't stay away for long, that something about Sizhui always draws him back to the manor every couple of weeks. Maybe it's the idea that he understands what it feels like to be under metaphorical lock and key of the Bat, to be the dirty little secret of the Batfamily. Or maybe he just likes Sizhui. The latter is a thought he doesn't know how to process, but he's trying to work through it, at least.
It's been a couple weeks since his last snuck in, and he appears in the room silently as many of them often do. But he's got the foresight and manners (ha) to announce himself by leaning a bit too heavily against the door frame and letting the creak of the old wood give away his position. )
It's like you don't know me at all, thinking I'm looking for that guy.
( There's mock offense in his voice, but he offers a small smirk quickly enough as he makes his way over to where Sizhui is sitting. He drops onto the nearest chair, throwing his arms over the sides to get comfortable. )
Thought you could use some company. I know how lonely it is when all you have is a dog and a bunch of hallways and doors to talk to.
( No offense to Ace - he'd been good company when Jason actually lived here and the dog wasn't at Bruce's heels. )
[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.
( It always feels different to be with Sizhui. Jason doesn't know if it's because he isn't part of this trainwreck they call a family or something else entirely. Whatever it is, it draws him in every time he sets eyes on the other man. Every soft word or bit of laughter is a reminder of everything their family isn't. Everything Jason wishes he had more of in his life. It's a brightness Jason wants to hold onto for Sizhui's sake and for his own selfish reasons.
He watches the other man as he takes his time sprawling in the chair he's in. He sinks deeper into the plush cushion, lets his legs spread further apart. Taking up as much space in the chair as he can and absolutely enjoying every second of it. Bruce's stuff is way more comfortable than what he has in his various hideaways after all. But even as he works on settling, his attention never leaves Sizhui. )
He's a good dog. ( And he is. Jason's grateful Sizhui at least has Alfred and Ace considering how often the rest of the family disappears or hides away somewhere.
The mention of his company makes one corner of his lips curve upward in a small, smug smirk. ) At least I'm someone's favorite. ( He tips his head back, lets it rest on the cushions as he continues taking the other in. )
Is that what you've been doing all day? ( Not really a question considering Jason knows the answer. It's not just Bruce that keeps tabs on people after all. )
Edited 2022-05-17 16:25 (UTC)
closes my eyes, i do not perceive (even though i'm sure they're fine!)
[perhaps some of this and a little bit of that, but it seems most likely it's because lan sizhui is such a bright sunspot, he's impossible to not want to be around. where it's this way for jason, the same goes for sizhui in his case; everyone living inside or visiting every so often is great, but jason's the one who makes him laugh, joke and talk so casually. if he closes his eyes, it's almost like being home and bantering with his best friend, these things just come naturally with jason. he doesn't mind brightening jason's day at all, especially when he gets the same in return. (and the others may not understand why, so he's one-hundred-percent fine keeping it between them.)
he's very keen-eyed himself as jason's watching, his own gaze never wavering from the other man's slouching, even when he reaches for the bookmark near his knee and slides it between the pages. afterward, he closes the book between both hands, twists it about, eventually balancing the front cover on his fingertips.]
I think so too, although I'm winning him over with extra treats, slowly but surely. [mostly with whatever extra meat comes from the food alfred makes, being he's still trying his best to stick with his vegetarian diet. just like back home, however, he does his best to not be picky about what he's given.
sizhui grins following jason's smirk, the tips of his ears blushing faintly, even if that doesn't deter him.] Of course you are. [sometimes, it feels like you're the only one who wants to see me, he thinks, expression faltering somewhat, but he's quick to correct whenever jason's head tilts further in his direction.] What, talking to the dog or reading? [he rotates the novel again, taking it between his fingers and setting it aside, then he adjusts his position to be sitting cross-legged on the couch, both hands turned palms up on his thighs.] Actually, regardless, the answer is ‘yes’.
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houseofsushi2020-05-22 10:34 pm
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But things are never that easy in Jason's life. What had started out as trying to get Sizhui back to one of his own safehouses while he figured out this whole thing, Batman had intercepted. It wasn't pretty. To see two men the size of Batman and the Red Hood squaring up against one another in a heated argument that had gotten a little loud and colorful on Jason's end had to be a worrying sight. And in the end, Batman wins their argument. Batman always wins their goddamn arguments, and Jason is left seething as Batman drives off with the other man. Despite his own anger, Jason can admit this is probably for the best. The Batcave is way more equip to deal with weird things like this, and Alfred will take care of the guy.
Jason keeps his distance at first. Gets the occasional updates from Tim or Dick who reassure him that yes, his walking ancient Chinese friend was safe and doing well. Sizhui is his name. And after a stiff conversation with Bruce, he gets reluctant permission to spot by just this one time. Only - Jason doesn't stop by just once. He waltzes through the front door the first time to check on Sizhui, spends some time with him and learns a bit more. But the times are never quite so direct.
Of course, Jason is sure Bruce knows he's been sneaking in. He's friggin' Batman. But he still does it. No one stops him, and Alfred always gives him the courtesy of telling him when one of the others has arrived or is on their way so he can cut and run as if he hadn't been there at all. It's a strange realization that he can't stay away for long, that something about Sizhui always draws him back to the manor every couple of weeks. Maybe it's the idea that he understands what it feels like to be under metaphorical lock and key of the Bat, to be the dirty little secret of the Batfamily. Or maybe he just likes Sizhui. The latter is a thought he doesn't know how to process, but he's trying to work through it, at least.
It's been a couple weeks since his last snuck in, and he appears in the room silently as many of them often do. But he's got the foresight and manners (ha) to announce himself by leaning a bit too heavily against the door frame and letting the creak of the old wood give away his position. )
It's like you don't know me at all, thinking I'm looking for that guy.
( There's mock offense in his voice, but he offers a small smirk quickly enough as he makes his way over to where Sizhui is sitting. He drops onto the nearest chair, throwing his arms over the sides to get comfortable. )
Thought you could use some company. I know how lonely it is when all you have is a dog and a bunch of hallways and doors to talk to.
( No offense to Ace - he'd been good company when Jason actually lived here and the dog wasn't at Bruce's heels. )
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.
don't mind my terrible icons for now
He watches the other man as he takes his time sprawling in the chair he's in. He sinks deeper into the plush cushion, lets his legs spread further apart. Taking up as much space in the chair as he can and absolutely enjoying every second of it. Bruce's stuff is way more comfortable than what he has in his various hideaways after all. But even as he works on settling, his attention never leaves Sizhui. )
He's a good dog. ( And he is. Jason's grateful Sizhui at least has Alfred and Ace considering how often the rest of the family disappears or hides away somewhere.
The mention of his company makes one corner of his lips curve upward in a small, smug smirk. ) At least I'm someone's favorite. ( He tips his head back, lets it rest on the cushions as he continues taking the other in. )
Is that what you've been doing all day? ( Not really a question considering Jason knows the answer. It's not just Bruce that keeps tabs on people after all. )
closes my eyes, i do not perceive (even though i'm sure they're fine!)
he's very keen-eyed himself as jason's watching, his own gaze never wavering from the other man's slouching, even when he reaches for the bookmark near his knee and slides it between the pages. afterward, he closes the book between both hands, twists it about, eventually balancing the front cover on his fingertips.]
I think so too, although I'm winning him over with extra treats, slowly but surely. [mostly with whatever extra meat comes from the food alfred makes, being he's still trying his best to stick with his vegetarian diet. just like back home, however, he does his best to not be picky about what he's given.
sizhui grins following jason's smirk, the tips of his ears blushing faintly, even if that doesn't deter him.] Of course you are. [sometimes, it feels like you're the only one who wants to see me, he thinks, expression faltering somewhat, but he's quick to correct whenever jason's head tilts further in his direction.] What, talking to the dog or reading? [he rotates the novel again, taking it between his fingers and setting it aside, then he adjusts his position to be sitting cross-legged on the couch, both hands turned palms up on his thighs.] Actually, regardless, the answer is ‘yes’.