toofast | open post.

[ Barry sort of... dislikes this. For a number of reasons, but it's the sarcastic pat to his shoulder and the fact that Jason sort of just shrugs off his reason for being here that gets Barry to feel a certain sort of way about it. He'd told him about his father that one time in the park together, but maybe the other doesn't realize how important he and proving his innocence is to him. So it stings a bit for Jason to be all whatever about it almost, just as it had when he'd told him how annoying he was with his concern for him.

He stands there, staring down to his father's case folder for a moment before he looks back after Jason and watches him make his way for the stairs. He should let him go, get going himself. But he also doesn't want to. Not now that he's seen him and all. ]

Hey, [ He starts as he turns and lingers there near the door. ] Do you - I mean. If you're not doing anything, that is. Maybe we could get something to eat or something?

[ Jason does think about what Barry told him about his father and his case, so maybe he's being selfish about it, but his feelings are hurt and he's trying to get them not to be, and the only way he can do that is to walk away. He's not very good at dealing with conflicting emotions, especially when they make him feel vulnerable.

Maybe he'll text Barry later and apologize to him, but he doesn't think Barry will care by then, so in the end Jason just won't.

his heart is still beating hard in his chest as he heads to the stairs though, and he tries to ignore the angry feeling that races through him when he thinks about how much he wanted this to happen, and how cool Barry seemed, and how much the guy just brushed this all off.

Whatever. It was his own damn fault. Every fucking thing is.

So... calming himself down by walking away doesn't really help, and when Barry calls out to him again, he almost doesn't stop, but then the guy asks if he wants to get something to eat and he does stop, turning around with narrowed eyes. ]

Why?

[ Barry doesn't like those narrowed eyes. He doesn't like them at all. Not when he's seen a softer and more playful side of them within Jason. He figures this is because of him and Jason is just being Jason in his way of removing himself from others he doesn't want to get attached to or feel good enough for. Whatever the case. A stupid text conversation where he hadn't really thought Jason had wanted anything more solid like a date. He'd been wrong about that. Even if Jason now will just shrug it off as a joke or something. ]

Because — I'm hungry? And I figure you know the best spots around here in Gotham.

[ A beat, he licks over his lips, gaze dropping down to his folder before he takes a breath and looks up to the other across the way. ]

And I want to see you.

[ the last thing Jason wants is to get attached. he's not good at taking any kind of hit, no matter how small. Dick knows that well, as do the rest of the Titans, but Barry probably doesn't- well, he's getting a good dose of it now. ]

I've already got one gig, not really looking to be a tour guide.

[ Jason says as he crosses his arms in front of himself defensively. And then when Barry says he wants to see him, Jason snorts, shaking his head. ]

No you don't. If you wanted to see me you would have told me you were coming so I could have made sure to be here, but you were leaving before I even got back. You didn't want to see me.

Look, man. It's cool. It's good you were able to get Bruce's help with your dad and all. I really hope that works out. But we don't gotta pretend this is anything it's not, yeah?

[ There's a sliver of truth there in what Jason says, yes. But Barry also feels as if there's enough in there to prove false and he's not so sure he can just turn and zip away from that. So he remains there, dropping the folder down to beside his leg that he clutches there in his hand. ]

I did want to see you. I still do, just — I thought you sort of didn't really want to see me.

[ Not after how he'd more or less blown off his attempt at trying to fix the awkwardness of their last text conversation that Barry sort of wishes just never happened now. But, it did and he can't reverse it. Or, rather, he shouldn't. All he can do is try to repair the here and now. Provided Jason lets him. Provided Jason himself doesn't try and run away. ]

I should have told you I was coming, you're right. I didn't think to tell you because I thought you wouldn't be here if I did.

[ That has Jason furrowing his eyebrows. Barry thought he didn't want to see him? ]

What?

[ The confusion isn't subtle on his face- none of his emotions ever are, much to Jason's chagrin. He wonders if Barry is just trying to make something up now to what? Try and make him feel better? To put this on him? He's not sure, because truthfully he doesn't know Barry all that well when it really comes down to it. ]

Why would you think that? You're the one who blew me off.

[ That has Barry balk almost because... what? The look he gives practically mimics Jason's with the confusion that takes over any other emotion that might have sought to linger there on his face and he raises a brow as he stands there. Still across the room from the other. ]

Uh — I tried to make up for my confusion and do something with you but you said to never mind. That you had stuff to do.

[ Did they not read the same conversation? ]

Because I thought you asked me out on a date but then you were like... uh, no? but I guess if you want to. Like geez, I can take a fucking hint!

[ And he was embarrassed. Really embarrassed, so he said he had to go. He never said he didn't want to see Barry again. What the hell? Thing is, he's really embarrassed right now too, so he's just gonna... tank this whole damn thing. He figures it doesn't matter anymore anyways. ]

Never said I didn't want to see you! Like where did you even get that from? Because I felt fuckin' stupid that I read this wrong? God, I get it, okay? It was my fault for assuming different. This was like some bucket list shit for you anyway.

[ The sudden outburst from Jason catches him by surprise and Barry stands there, wide-eyed because... o..k..?? All of this seems to be spiraling into some sort of Huge Misunderstanding between them and he doesn't want this to get worse when it doesn't need to.

Shaking his head, he leaves his spot at the door there and appears in front of Jason within the blink of an eye, sparks of blue rolling over his chest and shoulders. ]

Don't — you're not stupid.

[ He's earnest in the way he says that, in the way he looks at Jason and he wants to reach out and touch him, but he doesn't know if he can or if Jason will simply pull back. Much like he seems to be doing now. ]

I'm... sorry. [ The look in his eyes is genuine, is soft, is filled with a jittery hope that it's the beginning of being enough. ] You are not something on a bucket list needing to be checked off.

[ he only flinches inwardly when barry suddenly appears in front of him, but he stands his ground otherwise, even if he's fuming.

jason's so damn used to fighting, so he's going to do that here too, but he's used to everyone fighting him back too, trying to knock him down. he doesn't expect the earnest words from barry and they do make him pause, but his arms are still wrapped tensely around himself, bracing himself... for an apology, apparently.

still, he clenches his jaw and looks down, shaking his head.]

Fine. It's whatever. It's my fault. I shouldn't have... you know.... whatever.

[ either way, he's pretty damn positive that barry is done with him now. no one wants this shit. ]

[ Barry is different than probably a lot of people that Jason has come across or even surrounded himself with. Maybe it's the fact that some part of him is relatively naive in the sense of caring for those close to him and not being afraid of showing it. Regardless, he's there. Right now. In front of Jason and not looking to zip away within the blink of an eye. ]

I never meant to make you feel that way.

[ His words are soft, genuine, staring to Jason with such an apologetic look in his eyes. He really feels bad. He... wants Jason to understand and see that. ]

I don't want to leave here knowing you do or thinking I didn't want to see you again.

[ Jason stares at the ground quietly for once, instead of continuously lashing out at what's in front of him. No matter what happened here, he realizes that Barry doesn't deserve that. Does't deserve the bullshit that Jason puts out day after day.

He's sure Barry has already heard all about the asshole Robin, Jason Todd, even before they hooked up with each other. It would be insane for Barry to want to actually wanna be with him him, let alone date him. ]

Wasn't your fault. It was my mistake.

[ He bites the inside of his cheek, letting his arms uncurl from his chest and fall to his side as he looks at Barry again. ]

I'd get it if you don't, okay? Don't worry about it. Seriously man, it's fine.

[ He's heard This And That when it comes to the Gotham bat family but, much as Batman himself had once been a myth among so many, Barry's never actually mingled much with this side prior to joining Bruce's team. Even now, he still doesn't know much about the things Bruce and Batman have been through or whenever he goes and recruits someone new for himself. It's all based on what he comes to hear or see when he's close by since he has his own city and things there to keep an eye on and worry about.

But coming to know Jason as he has already, even if it's not much... he feels a sort of connection with him that maybe extends beyond a simple friendship or camaraderie and it's not entirely because of them having hooked up. Even before then, when they'd been in the park together, he'd like to think he felt something, even a small spark.

So when Jason admits defeat with this more or less, Barry decides to be impulsive and, knowing Bruce has left (he's pretty sure??) for his whatever, he leans in and steals a kiss from Jason. Quick, warm, lingering much as their kisses before have been countless times when they were last together. ]

[ There are times Jason wishes it was still just him and Bruce, the two of them taking everything on together and kicking scum ass every night. But he wanted to meet Dick because he looked up to him so much, and so Jason jumped at the chance when it was presented to him. He needed it too.

But Dick knows him and so do the Titans. So does Bruce. They know him, and they want him around less and less, he can feel it. So it hurts, but he really would get it if Barry wanted to stay the hell away from this mess. Barry deserves a hell of a lot better.

Except then Barry leans in to kiss him, and... Jason wants to kiss him back so badly that he does. It lessens the hurt more than a little bit. ]

[ This right here is important to him, even if he doesn't know what it all means in the long run. For all he knows, they are just a hookup — one that might happen a couple more times before they decide to just not anymore. There's always that possibility, especially when it comes to what they both do outside of their so-called "normal lives" they each have. But there's a part of Barry that hopes it isn't. That wonders if it could be something more than just a hookup or two here and there whenever they find the time to and, from how Jason had reacted to the possibility of being asked on a date, he thinks he feels the same. Even if there's a larger part of him that still thinks running and calling it a One Time Thing is best.

Is it really? For either of them when they're... like this?

When he feels the reciprocation, Barry sighs against those lips and brings a hand up to grasp gently at Jason's neck. He deepens the kiss, completely forgetting where he is because... he wants this. He wants this right here so bad that he lets himself slip into it. Just for a little longer. ]

[ Maybe what they had was just a hookup, yeah. Jason's always been shit at hookups, though. The kind hookups that are more personal rather than just business. He gets attached to things that might be more permanent, even when they're not, and then it all gets fucked up anyway.

he should probably learn his lesson by now, but he hasn't. and really, Barry didn't ask for this. He didn't say it would or could be more. Jason just... jumped to conclusions or overreacted, because things had been so good. Barry understood him, and he wanted to hang on to that as much as all those other non permanent things he's always grappled for.

Before this kiss, he thought they were likely done and over with. Some awkward, heartbreaking goodbye, and another layer of armor to keep people further away. But now... now... Barry's hand is on his neck, and Jason parts his lips to deepen the kiss, his hands moving up to grasp Barry's jacket to pull him a little closer.

It's then that someone clears their throat nearby and Jason jumps back to turn and look at Alfred, who is standing at the stairs with a very amused look on his face. ]

Master Jason, Master Barry.

[ Shit. Honestly between the two of them, this place is like cockblock central. Not... that that's where this is going, because Jason needs to get them out of here right now. ]

Uh. We were just heading out. We're going to grab food. Later, Alfred.

[ Jason nudges Barry toward the door, giving Alfred a tight smile. The older man just laughs and shakes his head, watching them go. ]

[ When the sound of someone there is made obvious, Barry freezes because... oh shit if that is Bruce of all people. Thankfully, it's Alfred and thankfully, Barry doesn't just zip right out of there like he wasn't just getting a little carried away sucking face with Jason here. Granted, it's still awkward for Alfred to have... how much did he see? Barry's curious but also... doesn't want to know. At all. Ever.

Thankfully, Jason is the one who takes control of the situation and it's for the best because Barry has absolutely no idea what to even say to what might or might not have been seen there. So, he appreciates it. Even if he's still internally sweating at the thought of Alfred catching them making out like they were. Not that there's anything wrong with it, just... Bruce. Always Bruce and yeah.

The nudge to head out gets him to blink the panic away and he nods, nearly dropping his folder there before he awkwardly tosses a smile Alfred's way because... hi, Alfred. ]

Right. Food. That's — that's what's happening. Now. Going to get, yeah.

[ He mumbles as he turns to try and explain to Alfred, walking backwards a couple steps before deciding that's probably a bad idea and just turns around to make his way out, rubbing at the back of his neck as he goes. Stepping out of the manor, he kisses his teeth, face scrunched up a bit. ]

That was... awkward. To say the least.

[ The thing about it is, if it was Bruce, he wouldn't have made himself known... which is concerning a bit in and of itself cause he could have seen them too... but Jason doesn't think about that. He's just glad it was already watching them making out and not anyone else.

Maybe they should have been more careful?? But... it's not exactly as if this is a secret, right? It doesn't need to be. But that's getting ahead of himself like always. It's better if Bruce doesn't know for now, especually because Jason doesn't even know what this is. If it's even going to be anything, or just a kiss.

Jason's eyes go slightly wide when Barry starts trying to explain, but it's more amused than anything. He gets them out the door in record time, closing it behind him and then his eyes go comically wide and he smirks. ]

Shit. At least it was just Alfred. He's not gonna say anything. He's cool like that.

[ Of course Jason would find the amusement in this while Barry is the slightly awkward one stumbling over both himself and his words practically. But at least they're out and they don't have to explain further than getting food. Hopefully. He thinks. Alfred is cool, Barry will absolutely agree with that, but. Yeah.

Being outside now, he puffs out a sigh of relief with being rather quickly removed from the super awkward situation and looks back over to Jason then, giving a nod as he throws a look around them and the grounds. ]

Ok because — yeah. That... that wasn't a thing I expected to have happen. Ever.

[ Just saying. ]

I mean, you were making out with me in the middle of the foyer, pretty much where the most foot traffic is.

[ Foot traffic being like, three people, most of the time, but still. Barry looks upended by all of this, but Jason can't really blame him. The thought of Bruce looming around and getting in on their business can be overwhelming, but Jason isn't gonna lose any sleep over it.

He's more concerned over Barry, and that really good kiss, and... Jason shoves his hands in his pockets, eying Barry as he looks over the estate. ]

So... do you wanna actually go grab some food?

[ Yes, yes he was but no, he doesn't regret it. Just slightly embarrassing is all, especially what with his lack of love life and reputation there and all. But, you know, not like it's anyone's business but his own... and maybe Jason's.

He's standing there, folder held against his thigh when Jason goes and asks what he does and Barry turns to look at him and the way he does is so... relieved? Hopeful? Shyly surprised in a good way? Maybe a bit of all three, what with their conversation having been a little push and pull there prior to his deciding to just kiss him as he did. ]

Uh - yeah? Yeah. If you want to, I mean.

[ Not that Barry would ever turn down the opportunity to get food, just... it's a bit nicer when he has someone else to get it with. That someone being Jason. ]

Do you want to?

[ Maybe it's that wording that got Jason before, and now he's trying to figure it out. Trying to understand what Barry is really saying instead of jumping to conclusions. Jason needs more direct sometimes, otherwise he questions it all, but... maybe Barry isn't the most direct kinda guy.

Aside from kisses, that is. Those are pretty direct, and that's the only reason why Jason felt confident enough to ask, after he thought Barry might want to just leave. Maybe he doesn't. ]

[ Barry knows that sometimes he just... gets ahead of himself, trips over his own words, lands himself with confused looks due to how fast his mind processes and responds to things. He's a little all over the place sometimes but, not all the time. It just sort of kicks in a bit when he feels nervous or unsure, especially about himself.

So when Jason seeks to clarify, he takes a bit of a breath and smiles. He's got this. He knows he does. ]

Yeah — yeah I do. [ Scrunching up his face some, teeth sink into his bottom lip before he huffs a laugh and nods, licking over his lips then. ] I'd like it a lot, yeah. Cause I've... sort of missed you. Spending time with you, I mean.

[ Maybe Jason needed to slow down this time too. He was kinda hurling himself forward into everything and now he's stopping to think, to listen, to try and understand. It isn't easy for him when he's so damn emotional about everything, often letting those emotions get the better of him, and he can be pretty all over the place with that too. But maybe not all the time. Just when he feels nervous or unsure, especially about himself.

Jason gives Barry a crooked grin and nods, licking his lips. ]

Me too. All of those things.

[ He passes Barry, bumping his shoulder, then continues down the steps. ]

Come on, we can take my bike.

[ It's finding their footing with one another if anything, both similar in certain ways and capable of connecting over those certain things, yes. But also very different in how they see the world, others, even themselves at times. Toss in the fact that Barry is a little out of practice when it comes to wooing anyone and you've got yourself an awkward recipe for trying to figure out how to not be awkward. Jason does have a way of making him want to figure that out.

The bump to his shoulder has his smile widen a bit and then he quickly looks around them before he goes and follows after down the steps. ]

Oh! Yeah. You uh — don't have one of those little side cars to put me in, do you?

[ Are those still A Thing? ]

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