"hey, just look up at me, alright?" jason mumbles as he cups the chin of one of the numbered people he'd kill for, his callouses brushing so delicately around the flesh. with his free hand, he reaches out to tuck a strand of hair away. anything to see those eyes again.

this was not what jason had expected when he finally managed to return from his mission outside gotham. the same one that took more than he anticipated. back then, jason hadn't thought of it as a big deal, but now that thought withers away at the sight of the puffy eyes swimming with guilt — looking like a mess. the apartment in no different condition.

damn it.

"it's fine." he coos instead, swallowing thickly as his thumb brushes away a tear. he can only hope the touch of his scarred thumb is actually comforting — not repulsive. "have you eaten? drunk water? talk to me."