[sup][h1][center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019c2198-f453-70ab-922b-7356d997942f.webp[/img][/center][b][center][color=black] C H R I S T M A S  F I N A L E [/color]
[color=FCD030]C H R I S T M A S  F I N A L E  [/color][/center]
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Jason woke up surrounded by soft warmth. In his grogginess, he burrowed deeper into his cocoon of blankets and groaned. He didn’t want to wake up…it felt like heaven. 

And maybe it was. Gears started churning in his brain, slowly pulling aside the curtain of sleepiness as rapid-fire thoughts started shooting off: the streets were cold, his mother’s current drug den was cold, and he’d run away from the last foster family they’d put him with so why was he so warm? If he was dead, he probably wouldn’t be thinking at all (Jason had long since cast aside any sort of religious notions). 

He cracked open his eyes and slid the blankets down his face just enough to look around the dim room. The curtains blocked most of the morning light, but just enough bled through to allow him a decent look at the stone walls and ornate furniture. Then he remembered - Christmas Eve night he’d broken into the Batmobile and earned himself a one-night stay at Wayne Manor. Jason’s heartbeat raced in his chest as he recalled the night before. 

[color=FCD030]”Oh my god I really did that,”[/color] he stifled a laugh of disbelief, [color=FCD030]”And I got away with it?!”[/color]

Sitting bolt upright in bed, he threw off the blankets. He was in Wayne Manor! On Christmas morning! Batman- Thomas hadn’t seemed too thrilled with his entrance last night, and it’s not like he was expecting the man to run out and buy a pile of gifts for a stray like him, but he was willing to bet there’d be some gorgeous decorations to spectate and perhaps he could swipe a little food from the kitchen before he got kicked to the curb. Jason honestly couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a full meal without having to dumpster dive for it.

Sliding down from the bed, he quickly peered into the bathroom mirror and tried to coax his hair into something that looked less like he’d just been electrocuted. It sort of worked, but he gave up before he could make any real progress. His hair was clean, and frankly that’s all he actually cared about at the moment. 

Jason opened the bedroom door just far enough to peek out. The stone corridors of the house carried sound well, and he could already hear that there were others awake. Not wanting to be left out, he padded his way downstairs following the warm glow of Christmas lights strung throughout until he found the den where a Christmas tree stood tall and proud and glittering with a treasure trove of sparkly ornaments, and a fire roared with warmth filling the room. 

Jason was stunned, his voice barely more than a whisper as he took in both the extravagance of the room and of the decorations, [color=FCD030]”Whoa. This is insane!”[/color]

Dick turned to Jason as he entered the den and announced his presence. He beamed him a smile. He was glad that he was able to express such glee this morning. It was Christmas after all, but to his knowledge this was probably Jason's first one in a while.

Dick rose early and rushed downstairs immediately after brushing his teeth. He wanted to scope out the presents before they began opening them. He didn't want to wake Jason up because he wanted him to be able to sleep in as much as he needed to and he didn't want to rub his presents in his face. When Dick arrived in the den he saw an array of presents and quite a few of them had Jason's name on it. Thomas was wealthy but he doubted he forced stores to open up late or early to get him presents. Then he remembered the fact that Santa was actually real. He must have been saved and continued in his duties to save Christmas. He certainly saved this one. Next year he was definitely going to stay up and thank him.

[color=28b0f3]“Merry Christmas!”[/color] Dick exclaimed. [color=28b0f3]“Dude. You got presents!”[/color]

Jason’s eyes went wide, a mix of excitement and confusion on his face, [color=FCD030]”Wait- How?!”[/color]

He approached the pile of wrapped boxes all shiny and topped with bows, picking at a few of the tags to inspect them. Right there in ink was his name: Jason. He stared at the presents for several moments, too stunned to speak. When was the last time he’d received presents? Neither his birthday or Christmas were staunchly observed by street rats. Sometimes they tried - someone would score something good like fresh cookies because the bakeries closed early for the holiday or the soup kitchen would get a massive toy donation for Christmas. Sometimes the best was just getting a new coat or fresh gloves from a winter coat drive. That was as much of a Christmas as he’d had in some time. Once, when he was still pretty young and hadn’t started running away from foster homes yet, he got a real birthday cake with icing and candles, but that was years ago. 

[color=FCD030]”I can’t believe this is real! These are really mine? I get to open them?”[/color]

Thomas came into the room holding a coffee mug. He watched the excitement on the boys’ faces as they realized that Jason also had presents under the tree. Thomas was up late keeping an eye on the Santa situation and was awake when the real one made his appearance at Wayne Manor. He really was only able to catch a glimpse of him as he was leaving, but it was enough.

Thomas took a sip of his coffee and said, [color=darkgray]“Yes, they're really yours and you get to open them. Santa dropped them off for you last night. I was able to catch a glimpse of him as he was leaving.”[/color] Thomas did wonder how he knew that Jason would be here if someone had been impersonating him when Jason stowed away in the Batmobile. Just what kind of powers did the jolly old man really have?

Jason laughed as Thomas tried to play off the presents like Santa had brought them. [color=FCD030]”I’m too old for fairy tales,”[/color] Jason announced proudly as if that made him part of the adult world. [color=FCD030]“Santa’s not real; everybody with half a brain knows that.”[/color]

That didn’t stop him from claiming his presents from the pile, gathering them up and stacking then restacking them again until he was satisfied. He pulled the top present of the stack, holding it reverently and turning it over. It was wrapped perfectly and it almost seemed a crime to ruin it, but he was also ten years old and didn’t exactly have the best impulse control. The paper peeled away easily to reveal a boxed set of books - his favourite thing. A trilogy of classics starting with [i]A Wrinkle In Time[/i]. He devoured books partly because they were an escape from the worst parts of reality, and partly because there was nothing else to do at the library which was basically the only free place he was allowed to hang out without being told what to do all the time. The structure of school left something to be desired when you were cold, hungry, and homeless (plus teachers were mandated reporters and he’d just end up in another overcrowded foster home or, worse, an orphanage). 

[color=FCD030]”Books! Better yet, books I haven’t read!”[/color] he squealed with delight. 

Thomas had to admit. It was touching to see Jason so enamored with books and excited to receive new ones. If last night hadn't confirmed that there was something special about him, this surely did. He still wasn't sure that he'd adopt him, but he did know that he wanted to protect the boy and his heart. He'd do his best to protect his innocence and life for as long as he possibly could. Putting Dick in a mask was one thing, but Jason has already suffered and gone through too much to join their war on crime.

Thomas glanced over at Dick who turned away because he knew that Thomas was thinking that he should get this excited about books.

Dick went to open one of his gifts. There was a box under the extravagant wrapping paper and pulled out his pocket knife to open it. Once he did he saw a new Playstation 5 controller with a copy of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero. He contained the desire to squeal with joy and turned to Jason. [color=28b0f3]“Dude. I finally have someone to play with!”[/color] He handed the new controller to Jason. [color=28b0f3]“This is yours.”[/color]

Jason didn’t want to admit he’d never actually [i]played[/i] a video game. It’s not like the game store was going to welcome a grungy little street rat to hang out and play through all the demos in the store. So he grinned and took the controller, [color=FCD030]”This one must be new! So cool!”[/color] 

He pulled down another present, ripping into the paper and tugging the box open before freezing. For a moment, he just stared into the box before finally pulling out a well-worn but clearly cleaned-and-repaired stuffed rabbit. He’d had it since he was a baby up until he lost it when the police cleared an encampment he’d been sheltering at. When he went back to try and sift through the wreckage, he never found it. Jason thought it was gone forever, so how did Thomas get it? He hugged the stuffed rabbit to his chest, curling inward for a moment. When he uncurled himself again, he wiped tears from his eyes. There was no way Thomas could have possibly gotten his hands on it, and there was the unmistakable heart-shaped patch on its chest with a “J” embroidered over it - a reminder that there was a time when he had a normal family and a normal childhood. Maybe he was too cynical, maybe Thomas was right and Santa [i]was[/i] real.

Silently, he picked out one of his last presents. Unwrapping it slowly as if he was scared it would be another emotional bombshell, the paper pulled away to reveal a beautiful leather messenger bag. The kind rich kids and academics had for school made of the kind of real leather that would just look better with age. He looked up at Thomas, puzzled. What good was a book bag to a kid that barely stepped foot on school grounds unless escorted by a truancy officer? 

[color=FCD030]”Okay, the other two I get. I’ll devour any book you put in front of me, and I’ve had Babbit as long as I can remember. What’s this for?”[/color] he asked, dumbfounded. 

Thomas would've been confused if he hadn't already known that Santa Claus was pulling the strings this Christmas. Returning to Jason his old stuffed rabbit named Babbit was a beautiful gesture. It tugged at his own heart. How many kids were out there experiencing the same life as Jason? How many were suffering and struggling to survive in the streets and losing what was close to them? He needed to do more. The city needed to do more.

He eyed the messenger bag from Gotham Academy. He knew he didn't buy it. [color=darkgray]“I would've thought someone so enamored with books would be able to answer that themselves. It's for school. You'll be enrolling in Gotham Academy.”[/color]

Jason didn’t know what to say. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he’d ever hear that sentence. Sure, in his nerdiest little daydreams he imagined going to a world class prep school where he could take Latin and play  some snooty sport like polo or something, but he never thought it would actually happen.

Which meant…

[color=FCD030]”Wait- How? Seriously?![/color]

He looked from Thomas to Dick, [color=FCD030]”He’s not joking, is he?”[/color] He looked back at Thomas, [color=FCD030]”Cause that would be a sick joke, dude.”[/color]

Thomas had a serious expression on his face. [color=darkgray]“I don't joke.”[/color] He simply answered.

Jason believed that without a moment’s hesitation. 

Dick went over to grab a present that he and Alfred got together for Thomas and handed it to him. [color=28b0f3]“Speaking of Gotham Academy, Alfred helped me with this.”[/color]

Thomas took the gift and unwrapped it. He almost dropped it to the floor in surprise. He kept his grip on it and covered his mouth with his free hand. It was a framed picture of him, Bruce, and Martha on Bruce's first day at Gotham Academy. He had to fight the urge to cry and reached out to grab Dick to pull him in for a hug. [color=darkgray]“Thank you, son.”[/color] He said as he embraced him. [color=darkgray]“Thank you…”[/color]

Jason watched the emotions sweep across his face as Thomas embraced Dick. Whatever the story was there, he decided it was probably better to ask Dick about it later than ruin the mood by asking Thomas. 

When the hug ended and they separated again, Jason encouraged Dick, [color=FCD030]”Open another one of yours!”[/color]

Dick scrambled over to the gifts and couldn't decide on which one to grab. [color=28b0f3]“Wait. I see another one for you, dad.”[/color] The word slipped out on instinct, but still felt a little weird. He was so used to calling him Thomas, Batman, or sir. Dick knew that no one could replace his dad, but with this time that he's spent with Thomas he genuinely did feel like another dad to him.

He grabbed the small gift and handed it to Thomas who opened it immediately to see what was inside. It was a document. Adoption papers already filled out for Jason. This clearly was from Santa. He didn't want to show either boy what it was at this moment. He wasn't sure that he'd sign it.

He put it under the picture still in his hand and said, [color=darkgray]“Go on, Dick. You heard Jason. Open another one of yours.”[/color]

Dick decided not to pry into what the gift was as it was clear that Thomas didn't want to share it. He went back to the presents and picked up a small box. He opened it to see a pair of keys with his Robin symbol on it. [color=28b0f3]“What’s this for?”[/color] He asked.

Thomas said, [color=darkgray]“Come and see.”[/color] He led the boys to the garage to reveal a brand new motorbike for Dick. He knew that he technically wasn't old enough to drive this, but he wasn't old enough to fight crime either. [color=darkgray]“This is so you don't have to wait for Alfred or traffic when I need you. It has a function that changes it to fit the theme of Robin and it comes with guns that shoot rubber bullets among other gadgets and accessories.”[/color]

Dick's mouth was wide open. [color=28b0f3]“No way! I can't believe you got me this. This is the best present and best Christmas ever!”[/color] He ran up to hug Thomas. [color=28b0f3]“Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!”[/color]

Jason was stunned. A bike that could change to match Robin’s costume? And it was clearly a good model, too. He hadn’t actually thought much about the Wayne fortune since arriving; he’d been too awestruck with finding out the identities of Batman and Robin, sleeping safe in a warm bed, and waking up to Christmas presents to even think about it. He hadn’t even considered that other kids might be jealous because honestly he wasn’t. He’d already been given something money couldn’t buy: joy. 

[color=FCD030]”Dude! That’s so cool! Make it change colours!”[/color] He cheered as he ran to circle the bike and get a better look. 

Dick was going to, but he didn't know how. He looked up at Thomas for the answer.

[color=darkgray]“Press the R on your key.”[/color] He said before turning to the bike to witness it in action.

Dick pressed the R on his key and the bike started to transform and change colors. It looked even better than before.

[color=darkgray]“Now, I want you to remember. This is not a toy. No taking friends on joy rides. Not even Jason. This is for you to show me how responsible you are. You also need to make sure that no one at school knows you're Robin. Not even your girlfriend.”[/color]

Dick couldn't even protest it this time. They weren't official yet, but he and Pom did confess their feelings for each other last month. [color=28b0f3]“You can trust me. I won't let you down.”[/color] 

Jason calmed down a bit as Thomas spoke seriously. Superheroes had to protect their real identities to protect not just themselves but also those they loved. In some ways, it seemed like a sacrifice to never really be able to take credit for your work, but it made sense. 

[color=FCD030]”It’s really cool, Dick. You’ll have to tell me everything when you do finally get to take it for a spin!”[/color]

[color=28b0f3]“You know I will! Come on, let's go back inside to open the rest of your presents!”[/color] Dick said before reaching for Jason's hand to drag him back inside.

Jason grinned, happy to be dragged along. On the streets, kids sort of ran in packs - there was safety in numbers - but there was still a level of distance. Unless you were too young or too new to fend for yourself, most of the time it was every man for himself. Dick, however, had warmed to him so quickly and he didn’t get that sense of separation between them. He already felt like he was a part of something.

Back in the den with the last remaining boxes, Jason wondered what could be in them. They were longer and flatter than the others and all pretty uniform. As he pulled them open one at a time, each box was filled with new clothes that were perfectly sized. It was practically a whole wardrobe. And in the final box were his Gotham Academy uniforms. Tears welled in his eyes. Thomas really wasn’t joking. This has to be the best Christmas ever.

He turned to Thomas, scrubbing away the tears, [color=FCD030]”I can’t thank you enough even if it’s the only thing I said for the rest of my life… Thank you, Mr. Wayne.”[/color]

It warmed Thomas's heart to see Jason filled with such joy and gratitude, but he didn't want to take credit for something he didn't do. [color=darkgray]“You honestly don't have me to thank for any of this. I planned to get you some things later, but Santa beat me to it. But I'm glad you got to spend Christmas with us and that you're able to feel happy today.”[/color]

Dick was also happy that Jason got to enjoy and spend Christmas with them. He was worried that he'd feel left out, but instead he felt right at home. Dick hugged Jason to let him know that this was all real and not a dream before returning to his own presents. He didn't need much and Thomas didn't want him spoiled so the rest of his presents were filled with clothes and a couple of pairs of shoes.

Once the opening of the gifts was finished the three joined Alfred in the kitchen for a family breakfast. There was so much food that it felt like an all you can eat breakfast buffet.

Jason was stunned. [i]”You guys live like this?!”[/i] was the question echoing in his head as he piled a plate with pancakes and scrambled eggs and potatoes [i]and[/i] sausage and bacon. He did at least remember to eat like a civilised human being and not just shovel food into his mouth as fast as he could without choking. The dining table at Wayne Manor wasn’t the streets; no one was threatening to swipe food from him if he didn’t eat fast enough. 

He hadn’t exactly expected to be taken in like this. Honestly, he didn’t know [i]what[/i] he expected but it definitely wasn’t this. It wasn’t a warm bed or hot food or Christmas presents or a sponsorship to Gotham Academy, but as the saying goes fortune favours the bold. Jason was glad he took the risk and decided to break into the Batmobile last night. It might have been the best decision of his life.