#Platonic JayLaney

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 6/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Six: Happy Trails (Jason's POV)

After my resurrection, I started seeing things and hearing voices, but they weren't talking to me. They were talking about me. After my dip in the pit, I knew I was stuck with them. Sometimes in the daytime, I would lie awake and listen to them talk. The spooky one would come and go, but the one in the weird Superman costume never left my side. Sometimes I felt like I knew him from somewhere. Sometimes he would sing songs to me when we were alone or talk as if he didn't know I could hear him. I wanted to give in and speak to him most times, but I was afraid that I'd lose my mind completely if I did.

I didn't realize how much I would need him until I found out about Tim Drake. "You all right?" Talia asked. Her voice was clear, calm, and tinted with a hint of concern.

"Sure. Why wouldn't I be all right?" I lied. Once she was gone, I could hear the faintest whisper from my imaginary friend. I started to cry as I continued to try to ignore him.

"Jason, I'm so sorry," he said loud enough for me to hear. I looked away from the wall and directly at him. "Jason? You can see me?"

"What do you want from me?" I asked in tears. I finally succumbed to it. It didn't matter to me anymore if I was losing it or not. I just wanted to talk to somebody.

"Jason, it's me. Have you been ignoring me this whole time?" he asked. I nodded.

"I don't know who you are or if you're real. I just—. Can you sit down?" I asked. He nodded and sat at the table. I pulled myself together and sat back down. "Who are you?"

"Jason, it's me," he pleaded with me, "It's Laney. We're best friends. Why don't you—? Jason, don't you remember me?"

I shook my head and laughed. "No... I don't know who you are because you aren't real. You're not. This is just my brain damage and emotional trauma manifesting itself," I rationalized. Laney frowned. I pushed a hand through my hair and took a few nauseated breaths.

"This isn't who you are, Jason. We used to talk about it all the time... You said you wanted to tell Bruce you loved him, that he was a father to you. I know you're hurt, but has that changed?" Laney asked. I didn't answer him. "You don't believe me, do you? How can I prove it to you?"

"Prove what to me? I don't even understand what you're—."

"I'm a ghost. We were friends in heaven or the afterlife or whatever it was... And you disappeared, but Boston and I—. We uh—. I don't exist anymore, but you can do everything that I can't. You have a second chance, and Catherine wanted that for you," Laney whispered, "Jason..."

I started feeling panicked when he mentioned Ma, but I pushed the feelings back and went to bed. He stayed with me even after our conversation. When I woke up, Laney was still there, and his friend was back. "I'm not leaving him... Boston, I promised myself I would never leave him. So you can give me the address of the nearest person who can see ghosts, or you can come with us and help me prove that we're not just hallucinations," Laney snapped. I lay still and listened.

"The closest person I know isn't the kind of guy you ask for help. He's more trouble than he's worth—."

"Who is he, and where is he? Boston," Laney pleaded angrily through his clenched teeth.

"If he can prove that you two are real, I'm game... Actually, matter-of-fact, if you two are real, I'll do whatever the hell you want me to," I replied. Laney floated above the ground in a seated position, biting his nails. "Scout's honor."

"Jason, you were never a scout," Laney replied, "If we can prove that we're real, I want you to do just as we planned. Talk to our families."

I nodded, and Boston shook his head. "Jason, kid, you don't wanna go on and learn the hard way. Why can't you just take our word for it?" Boston asked. "Jay..."

I looked at Laney, and he softened up. "Jason, if you can't remember me, then you can't believe what I mean when I say that I know you in ways that you don't even know yourself anymore... And you won't be able to see that I just want to help you."

I wondered if he loved me. The way he spoke to me was like nothing I'd ever heard. I sometimes thought my mind made him up for comfort. Maybe he was real, and he was trying to protect me. I knew one thing for sure, everything he said was what I wanted to hear. I think that's what scared me the most. If he wasn't real, all I was doing was second-guessing myself.

They continued to argue back and forth, and I took my shower and got dressed before cutting out. Laney followed closely behind me. "Two choices. San Francisco, but you run the risk of seeing your brother or Louisiana meet this Constantine guy, and I hear he's more trouble than he's worth," Laney offered. Both choices sounded terrible, but I think he knew I'd pick anything over the idea of running into Dick. "Jason, I know you don't wanna risk seeing Dick if he's in San Francisco, but—."

"But nothing. I'm not risking everything I have planned. What happens if you're just my mind's way of sabotaging me?" I asked. He looked over my shoulder and waited for me to make eye contact.

"I don't want to sabotage you... I'd never do that. Jason, I know you're scared of what he'll say or think or do... But, just try to think. If this Constantine guy is as unpredictable as Boston says, don't you think you'd be safer if—."

I stopped just as I realized how crazy I must've seemed, talking to thin air. "Listen, on the off chance that you're real. Cool, great, good. But, on the chances that you're just a pretty little kindhearted and nurturing hallucination, my mind made up to change me back into the sweet boy you're saying I used to be... I don't wanna take any chances on screwing this up," I mumbled.

"You weren't always sweet. You were just as stubborn dead as you are alive. Either way, I promised your mom I'd find you, and I did. You're alive. I can't take that away from you, but I can look out for you," Laney whispered, "You don't have to talk to me out here. I know what it looks like. Just know when you find out that I'm not a hallucination and that there is actually someone on this planet that would move heaven and hell for you... I won't rub it in."

Secretly, I kind of hoped he was telling the truth. I needed him. Like it or not, I didn't know how I'd be able to bear the loneliness without him. So that was it. I was on my way to Louisiana to see a man about a ghost.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 5/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Five: Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Laney's POV)

Do people in heaven get sick? I wished more and more with every passing day that there was Google or an encyclopedia of sorts for the afterlife. Jason started getting headaches a few weeks after the dance. He tried to hide it from Catherine and me, but we could see it in his eyes. Jason was fading.

After the dance, we sometimes flew over the ocean at the beach, and we'd do cannonballs into the water from the sky. Somedays, all we'd do was laugh and play like children. Other times, we'd sit in the meadow and tell each other all the things we'd say and do if we could live all over again. I told Jason about how I grew up, and he told me all about the things he swore he'd never speak of out loud. He told me about his birth father, about what happened to him after his parents died. He told me things no one knew.

By the time he'd gotten really sick, we were in the meadow watching the clouds. Jason didn't want us to see it, but he couldn't hide it anymore. All we could do was pretend not to see it. "I see a little dog where you saw your turtle," I whispered as I pointed to the sky.

"Now, how do you see a dog there?" Jason asked as he started giggling. "That's obviously a turtle. Lookit. See the shell?"

"Jason, no, he's like one of those short dogs with the wolf ears," I argued, "See, because those little wisps right there, those are his ears."

"We're pointing to two different—." He stopped speaking and sat up. I turned and looked at him, and he looked paler than usual. "Sorry, what was I—. We're pointing at two different clouds, Lane." He took a deep breath and came back to me.

I touched his cheek with the back of my hand, and he took my hand away. "You okay?" I asked. Jason nodded. "I still think it's a dog."

"A corgi? You see a corgi up there?" Jason asked. I nodded. "I guess I could see it... Think my ma's still out on her date?" Jason stood up and stretched out his arms.

I sat on the ground and looked up at him. "Yeah... Are you okay with her dating Boston?" I questioned. "I mean, he's really not that—."

"I know he's not that bad... I mean, I actually think I might like Boston for Ma. He makes her laugh, and he's good to her. He might be the first guy that was ever good to her," Jason replied as he pulled me to my feet. "If Ma's happy, I'm alright."

"Yeah, and you gotta admit he's kind of cool too... I mean, he gets to travel back and forth—."

"Laney, come on. Even if we could go back, I don't wanna leave my ma," Jason interrupted. I nodded.

"Jason?" I called as I walked on my hands just like he taught me. "Can I say that I love Catherine? Is that weird?"

Jason raised his brow and playfully tripped me up with his foot. "How do you mean it? Because if you mean it like that, we might have problems, Lane," Jason joked.

I stood up and pushed him with my shoulder. "No, not like that! I love her like—. I dunno, like how you love her... I think," I explained.

Jason offered to carry me home on his back. I rode on his back, and he let me rest my chin on top of his head. "Jason, were you this strong when you were alive?" I teased. Jason chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah. I may not be the biggest guy around, but I trained hard. I coulda carried you if I wanted to," Jason replied, "Besides, you're Superman's kid. Of course, you'd be taller than me."

We didn't make it all the way home. He stopped to rest, and he stumbled on the way to sit down. "What's wrong?" I asked. Jason shook his head. "Let me carry you the rest of the way," I offered, and he held up his hand.

"I'm fine, just—. I'll catch up with you," Jason whispered. I wouldn't leave him, so I picked him up and carried him home. By the time we got home, he was fast asleep. I set him down on the couch and waited for Catherine to come back. We never slept, so it was so strange to see him unconscious.

He came out of it for a moment, and he chewed me out for carrying him home, but I didn't care. I knew he didn't mean any harm. He stormed out of the cottage, and I let him have his space. I regret that I didn't follow him.

Catherine and Boston came back around sundown, and by then, I was hysterical. "Catherine, I don't know where he went, but he was sick, and I—."

"What do you mean he was sick?" Boston interrupted me. "He can't get sick anymore." Catherine rushed out of the cottage, and Boston nudged me. "He can't—."

"He is! He's sick, and he's fading in and out. It's like he's a—..." I trailed off, and Boston asked me to take him to the places where I hung out with Jason. He wasn't there, so we circled back around to the cottage. Catherine was inconsolable.

"He's nowhere to be f—." She swallowed hard. "I can't find him," she sobbed, and Boston touched her arm and waited for her to collect herself.

"I'll find him," Boston promised her, and I stopped him before he could go anywhere.

"I gotta go with you. If Jason's anywhere on Earth, I can find him. If he's there, I can find him. Please," I pleaded. Boston looked at Catherine, and she nodded. Boston sighed and nodded.

Boston placed a steady hand on my shoulder, and he told me to remain calm. He was going to take me back to the world of the living as a ghost, and I was going to find my best friend.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 3/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Three: Someone Saved My Life Tonight (Laney Kent's POV)

I was so excited to go to the dance with Jason that I let it slip to Catherine that I didn't know how to dance. I just wanted to impress Jason, and I didn't realize it then, but talking to Catherine was probably the best decision I ever made in my life.

I didn't know her very well. I just knew that she was Jason's mom and that she was dead just like we were. She put on some music and started to dance.

"Doesn't matter if you can dance or not. You have to feel comfortable with yourself first," Catherine explained. It was easy for her to say. She was a good dancer. She took my hands and spun me around to get me to loosen up. I didn't want to laugh, but she eventually won that battle. Once I loosened up, it didn't really matter to me if I could dance or not. I didn't even notice that Jason came in from outside.

When I finally turned to see him standing there, I could feel my whole face heat up, and I turned my back to him. "For someone who's never danced, you're pretty good," Jason complimented before going straight to the kitchen.

I sat down at the table next to Catherine, and she looked at me for a moment as if she'd found something out about me. I shrank down in the seat and took a breath. "Jason, remember when you were little and your dad—."

Jason shook his head at her, and that was that. I didn't know anything about his birth father, and that was the first time I'd ever heard anyone mention him. Catherine opened her mouth to apologize, and Jason smiled and shook his head. "It's okay... I just don't want to talk about that," Jason reassured her, "Ma, why don't you come with us tonight? It'd be nice to see you get out of the house." I agreed with him.

She shook her head. "No, I couldn't—."

"Please? Catherine, it'll be fun," I interrupted. She finally gave in and said yes. I was a little relieved to know that she'd be coming with us. I could see Jason lighten up a little bit too. His shoulders dropped, and he came around and sat down with us.

I sometimes wondered if my mom would've loved me like Catherine loved Jason. I sometimes wondered if she would've loved me at all. I think, in a way, that scared me more than the concept of having to tell my father all the horrible things I'd done. I was so busy thinking about that, I didn't hear someone knock on the door. Catherine got up, and I blinked hard. She stepped outside and closed the door.

Jason gestured at me to look at him, and he mouthed, "Who is that?" I shrugged and went to the window to look, and I saw a ghost-like man in a red costume. "Well?"

"Some guy in a red costume with a 'D' on the chest," I explained. Jason stood up, and I grabbed his wrist. He looked like he was ready to fight someone, and it scared me to see him so angry. "No," I pleaded as I tried to hold onto him. He was stronger than he looked.

He wriggled loose and opened the door.

"What do you want with my ma?" Jason asked. I followed behind him and took hold of his wrist again. I was too scared to grab his hand. I looked at Boston and then at Jason, who had his fists balled up.

"Jason, it's okay. Boston was just asking me to the dance," Catherine reassured him as she brushed her knuckle against his cheek. "It's okay." Jason didn't move, and Catherine leaned forward and looked him in the eye. "It's okay, Sweet Pea," she whispered, and he relaxed his shoulders and went back inside.

I never thought he could be so hotheaded. He plopped down in his chair at the table. "Jason?" I whispered.

"She's gonna say no, right?" Jason asked. "She was gonna go with us. She doesn't need a date."

I opened my mouth to speak, but I realized Jason didn't want to hear my opinion. I went back to eating as I sat and listened to what he had to say. He stormed out before Catherine could come back, leaving me alone with her when she got back. "Where's Jason?" Catherine asked.

I frowned and took a sip of juice. "Why's he so upset?" I mumbled. Catherine sat across from me.

"I don't have the—. A lot of men in our life have hurt us. He's just being protective," Catherine explained, "He'll be okay once we talk."

"You aren't gonna go with him, though, right?" I questioned.

"Laney, I'm going to go with Boston, but not because I want to hurt Jason. Jason will always come first, but I have to have my own life—. Death? Afterlife? I have to have my own afterlife, Lane," Catherine replied. I fidgeted with my hands. "It'll be alright."

I started to worry after an hour passed and he didn't come back. "I'm gonna go to the lake and find him," I whispered. Catherine took a deep breath and nodded. I went out the front door and walked down to the lake, where Jason sat skipping stones with Boston.

I watched them from behind a tree. "You're not my father," Jason mumbled. I thanked whatever being responsible for super hearing. Boston looked down at Jason and nodded.

"Yeah, I know... And I'm not trying to hurt you. I just think Catherine's a real special lady," Boston whispered, "I'm not gonna hurt nobody, Jay. I can promise you that. Even if it doesn't work out, I promise I won't hurt either of you." Jason didn't look at him. He took another stone and skipped it across the lake.

Jason turned his head discreetly and looked directly at me. I froze and just stood there, staring back at him. He didn't say anything to me, but I could tell Jason knew I was listening. He flashed a smile, and I let out a breath of relief. Everything was going to be okay.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 2/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Two: Sunrise (Jason's POV)

Laney was the only person I'd ever met that had to learn how to be a kid. He could be so stern and tense and uptight sometimes, but it didn't bother me much. It was easy to see through the facade. Laney had the biggest heart out of anyone that I knew. He could be sweet. He could be attentive and intelligent and a few other things, but I don't want to get too mushy.

Laney and I spent every day together in heaven, and for several weeks I couldn't manage to get him to laugh like I had the first day we met. I'd almost given up before it dawned on me after breakfast one morning. "Laney, what do you like to do?" I asked. Laney shrugged as he walked along the lake. "Jump in the lake."

"Why?" Laney asked. I took off my cape and jumped in. "Jason, what's the point?" I splashed water at him. He grabbed my hand, and I pulled him in with me.

Once the shock of being pulled into the water subsided, he started to laugh as he splashed around. That's all I wanted was for him to laugh. I wanted him to be happy. It felt good to see Laney laugh. He dove deep into the water before coming back up and pulling me down with him.

After spending what felt like a lifetime in the water, we lay in the sun and dried off. "The point is that I want you to live," I whispered.

"Jason?" Laney whispered back. I turned on my side, facing him. "I'm glad you're dead." I turned back on my back and made a face. It was weird. "I mean—. Jason," Laney sat up and grabbed my wrist. "No, I didn't mean it like that. I was trying to say that I'm glad that you're here," Laney stumbled over his words as he tried to fix what he said. I cracked a smile.

"I know what you meant," I laughed. Laney stood up. "Where are you going?"

"Climb on my back," Laney commanded. I got up and obeyed. "Hold on, I don't want to drop you." I nodded and held on tight. I held my breath without thinking as Laney took me up into the sky. "You don't have to do that." I took a breath, and I sat on his back as his incline slowed, and I rested one hand on his shoulder as I stretched my other arm out. "I know I suck at being a kid, and I know I suck at telling you how I feel, but maybe this speaks for itself..."

"Lane, this is awesome!" I yelled. I couldn't see his face, but I knew he was smiling too. Laney would never admit it, but deep down, I think he was more of a softie than I was.

Laney made me hold onto him again on the way down, and he carried me the rest of the way home. "Jason, I—. Before we go in, can I—..." He trailed off, and I jumped off of his back and gave him a hug.

"Thanks for today, Laney. You're the best friend a guy could ask for," I smiled. We went in for dinner, and Ma hugged us both. She really liked Laney. I think he cared about my mom too.

"What'd you boys do today?" Ma asked as she set the basket of muffins out on the table.

"We went swimming, and then we went flying," I replied as I sat down at the table. Laney sat down on the other side of my ma with a smile on his face. It was the happiest that I'd ever seen him.

He didn't say much during dinner. "Are you boys going to the dance?" Ma asked. We blinked hard.

"What dance?" I asked.

"Some of the kids are putting together a dance... It'll be on the beach tomorrow if you both wanna go," Ma answered. Before Laney could answer, I shook my head.

"I don't think so," I mumbled. Laney sank down in his seat. "What?"

Laney shrugged. "Sure you don't wanna go?" he asked. I wished I could've told him I wanted to go, but I was more afraid of dancing in front of people than anything. I shook my head.

"I don't have to go with you. You could go have a great time and tell me about it," I whispered, "And we'll go swimming after." Laney didn't say anything else the whole meal, but I could tell he was upset with me.

After dinner, I followed him outside, but I didn't know what to say. "Do you not wanna go because you don't wanna go with me?" he asked. I shook my head.

"What? No. You're my best friend. I'd go anywhere with you, but I don't-. I've never been to a dance before," I confessed, "So, I don't know how—."

"I don't know how to dance either," Laney replied, "I don't even know how to have fun without you. Jason, you don't have to stay if you don't like it... I just don't want to go without—."

"I'll go with you, but don't think you're gonna get me to dance with anybody," I replied.

Laney lit up and picked me up off of the ground, and he spun me around. I guess it was worth seeing him smile like that. He looked more like a kid than I did. I had an eternity to make him laugh, and that seemed like a blessing in itself. I wanted to hold onto the sound of his laughter forever. Laney was my best friend, and I couldn't have asked for anything more. Well, maybe I could ask for one more thing.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 1/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter One: I'm Just A Kid (Laney's POV)

He belonged in heaven. I don't mean that in a he-was-too-soft-for-this-world way or a he-was-the-most-beautiful-thing-I'd-ever-seen way. Jason never looked more at home than when he was in heaven being my best friend... Hell, he was my only friend.

I remember when I met him. I'd just come out of the fog of wiping myself from existence, and I was all alone. I spent who knows how long by myself before the day at the lake changed everything. I dipped my feet in the water and watched as the fish swam past. Freshwater fish had such engaging colors. I often spent my days there watching them swim around. It was always the same group of fish.

That day, in particular, I was overcome by loneliness, and I found myself crying. I just wanted it to end. I wanted to end the loneliness, and I thought if I could die somehow for good that the pain would be over.

I wanted to throw myself into the lake and sink to the bottom, and just before I could muster up the courage to do anything, I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Mind if I join you?" the voice asked. I turned to face the source with tears in my eyes, and when I saw how Jason was dressed, I laughed.

"Hey! It's not that funny," he replied, "I'm Jason... Can I join you?"

"I was gonna drown myself, and it'd be awkward if—."

"I was around to watch?" Jason interrupted. "I don't think it works like that up here." He took off his pixie boots and dipped his foot in the water. "I don't suppose you took it into consideration that we're already dead."

"I don't know," I mumbled, "I was just thinking maybe I could—. Wait, how have I been alone so long, and why'd you just show up today?"

"I've never wandered out this way. If that's why you're doing this, I'm here now, I know where all the other people are," Jason whispered, "You still haven't told me your name."

"I don't exist anymore," I replied.

He walked around on his hands and plopped down right next to me. "Doesn't matter if you exist anymore or not. I'm sure you had a name before. What was your name when you existed?" Jason asked. He didn't look directly at me. Instead, he stared at the horizon.

"Jonathan Lane Kent," I answered.

"Laney?" he suggested.

"Sure... I guess," I replied. I hated it, but I didn't really feel like being Jonathan anymore.

"What's wrong?" Jason asked.

After sitting with him for what felt like hours, he got up to leave, and I grabbed his hand. "Please," I begged. I couldn't bear to be alone again. He squeezed my hand, and he took me to a cottage.

Jason stopped at the door. "This is my favorite part of being here," Jason whispered with a big smile on his face. "Ma! I'm home!"

She opened the door and embraced him, and he introduced me to her. "This is my Ma, Catherine," Jason replied as he went into the kitchen and set the table.

Something in me felt sorry for him. I almost forgot how badly I felt before I met him. He made my plate, and I stood there wondering why he felt the need to make dinner for dead people. I stood in the doorway and watched as he worked, and I pushed a hand through my hair. "Laney, you eat beef?" Jason asked. I nodded.

We all sat at the table and started to eat. Catherine doted on him and fixed his collar, and they talked about the food and their life. I was too busy stuffing my face to include myself in the conversation. The food was good. I hadn't tasted anything in so long. Their cottage was so warm and inviting that I almost forgot I wasn't alive. "Have any family you might want to see here?" Catherine asked. I shook my head. "Well, you can stay with us."

I smiled at her. I could see where Jason got his warmth. He poured me a glass of juice, and something in his eyes seemed sad. "So, who are you?" Jason asked. "Who are your parents?"

"My parents?" I asked. Jason nodded. "Clark and Lois Kent... Superman and Lois Lane? I dunno if they're even—."

"I figured, I just wanted to make sure," Jason whispered, "But you don't seem like—."

"I wasn't raised by them. It's a long story," I interrupted. Jason nodded. "But I don't exist anymore, so I don't really belong to anyone."

"Belong to?" Jason and Catherine questioned me at the same time, and I went back to eating. I didn't know what to say. I just didn't want to speak anymore.

The dinner seemed neverending. Part of me didn't want it to end. When the day as we knew it was over, we lay out among the stars, and I stared up at the sky. I wanted the night to stretch on forever. I thought that if the night ended that everything would be over. I thought I'd be alone again. "I was sad at first, but I think it's okay that I'm dead," Jason stated. I turned to look at him as tears streamed down the side of his face. "I um—. I miss him, though." He sniffed, and I turned on my side and reached for his shoulder before stopping myself.

"Who?" I asked. He turned his head away from me.

"Bruce... I mean, I know I'm better off here, but I—. No. I know... I just want to say it... I never said it when I was alive," Jason cried. "He was more of a dad to me than my own—. He was my dad. I just want to talk to him one more time."

I brushed his hand with my pinkie and looked back up at the sky. "I killed a lot of people, Jason... I don't know. I um—. I had to erase myself from existence to keep from messing up the entire—. I don't think my dad would want to talk to me even if I—."

He took a sharp inhale of air, and I sat up. Before I could try to say anything else, Jason wrapped his arms around me, and he held me. "We're never gonna grow up, Laney," he mumbled into my shoulder, and I burst into tears. It was the first time in my life that anyone ever just held me, and the first time I realized that I was just a kid too. We stayed there underneath the stars until the sun came out.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 14/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Fourteen: Do I Wanna Know (Jason's POV)

When we got to Clark Kent's home in Metropolis, I offered to sit in the car, but Laney insisted that I go with him. He hesitated before knocking on the door, and he turned to me. "They're in there. I can see them," Laney whispered. He grabbed my hand and started breathing heavily. Lois answered the door, and she looked at me and then at Laney. "Hello," she said. Laney couldn't breathe, let alone move. "Hi... I um—. We can tell you why we're here, but we can't say anything in the hallway," I explained. She let us in, and Clark looked up from his dinner. I nudged Laney. "Tell them who you are," I whispered. Laney looked at Lois and then at Clark before taking a breath. "I'm Jonathan Lane Kent... And I—. Uh," he swallowed hard, "I used to be your son. Someone else raised me, and he raised me to kill metas, but I came back to the present, and I erased myself from existence to save the world from different versions of myself—." Clark stopped him. "You're our son?" he asked. Laney nodded, and he tried to force a smile on his face. "Are you our son too?" Lois asked me, and I shook my head.

"No, I'm his best friend from the afterlife. Laney, do you want me—?" "I'm sorry. The afterlife?" Clark interrupted. Laney nodded. I wanted to let Laney speak for himself, but it seemed like he didn't know what else to say. "Laney came a long way to see you... He's a good person, and all he wants is to get to know his family," I explained. Laney hovered just above the ground, anxiously awaiting their dismissal. I knew better. Lois was the first to embrace him, and he hugged her back. "You can call me Mom," Lois whispered to him.

Clark waited until she let go to pick him up and embrace him. "It's so nice to meet you. We'll talk about how you got here once you both get something to eat," Clark whispered, "Where are you kids staying tonight?" Laney was beside himself. He pushed his sleeve across his face to wipe his tears as they flooded to the surface. I took my hand and rubbed his back. "Well, we were gonna stay in a hotel," Laney answered, "Sorry, I—. Thank you for inviting us to dinner, but I just—." "Please stay for dinner... And stay the night," Lois interrupted. We didn't argue with her. We washed our hands and sat down at their table. Laney was uncharacteristically silent. It was so weird seeing him with his parents. He looked so much like them, but I knew he felt out of place. "The afterlife?" Clark asked once more, and Lois shot him a look. "Mhm. When I erased myself from existence, I got sent to the afterlife. That's where I met Jason. He stopped me from trying to kill myself, and I've been with him ever since," Laney answered without looking up from his plate. His parents looked over at me. "I don't remember the afterlife, but I know he's been by my side ever since I got resurrected... And he stuck by me even when I thought he was a hallucination caused by severe brain damage," I added and then realized I made things more awkward. "Are you still close with Bruce?" I took a sip of water and hoped they'd forget that Laney and I just admitted to being two traumatized teenagers on a road trip. "You're Bruce's Jason?" Clark asked. I nodded. "Okay... So, you died, and you gave up your existence. You both met in the afterlife, became friends, and returned to life—." "That's where it gets weird. Jason got resurrected... And when I followed him, I was still a ghost. But he did some sort of spell, and now I have a physical body, but I'm not even sure that I'm alive," Laney replied, "Also, I guess I'm just here to meet you guys. We never got to know each other, and I don't know... I feel stupid asking for this. Will I ever really feel like a son to you guys?" I felt sick to my stomach. Laney had no idea how much he deserved this life. He was supposed to have loving parents and family dinners and firm hugs. It was his life. And I was holding him back... "Lane, I'm gonna go get some stuff from the car," I whispered. Laney grabbed my arm and shook his head. "Jason, please," Laney pleaded with me in a whisper tone. I sat down, and we finished dinner in near-silence. Once dinner was over, he and Clark followed me down to the car, and we took our bags upstairs. I took my shower first, and when Laney came out of the bathroom, he sat next to me on the bed. His parents walked into the room to talk to us. "Are you boys dating?" Lois asked. We both started to laugh. "No," Laney smiled, "We're not dating." They both nodded and left the room. Laney waited until I lay down to lay his head on my chest. "You can stay if you want to," I whispered. He made a soft noise and pushed his face into my chest. I could feel his tears penetrating through my shirt. Before I knew it, he was sobbing and clutching my shirt in his fists. I shushed him and rubbed his back. He hiccupped and cried, and I rested a hand on his neck. "Stop it, okay? I'm just saying, I'll visit you anytime you want me to... If this is where you want to be," I reassured him. "You never asked me," Laney sniffed. I took a deep breath. I didn't want to leave Laney, but I assumed he wanted to stay with his family. "What do you want to do?" I asked. Laney took a deep breath before answering, "I want to stay with you." I smiled and played with his hair. "Where you go, I go. It's time for me to stick with you now," I whispered. We didn't say anything else after that. He fell asleep with his head on my chest, and I stayed awake. I didn't know what we'd do from there on out, but at least I knew we'd be together.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 9/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Nine: Afraid (Laney's POV)

Dick was handsome. He also had a sort of stern, parent-like demeanor about him. Jason looked like he was going to throw up, but he held himself together just fine. "I didn't tell Bruce. I wanted to make sure you were really alive, and from how you reacted to me, I'm guessing you don't want him to know," Dick answered Jason's question. He sat down at the little table in the motel room. Jason sat back down on the bed, and I stood close by him. "Are you okay?"

"Kind of?" Jason replied. He leaned back and stared up at the ceiling. Dick drummed his fingers on the table.

"You're a lot bigger than I remember," Dick mumbled awkwardly.

"I was fifteen the last time you saw me," Jason replied, "Sorry... I know you're just trying—. If you want to yell at me, that's fine."

Dick looked confused. "No. I don't want to yell at you. Jason, why would I be mad at you?" Dick asked. His voice was soft and sincere, and Jason shrugged. He still couldn't look Dick in the eye.

"Because it was my fault that I died—."

"Whoa! Hold on!" Dick and I exclaimed. Jason shushed us and massaged his temples.

"It wasn't your fault that you died... I'm not mad at you at all. Actually, I'm confused. Why didn't you come home?" Dick asked. Jason didn't answer him. "Jason, do you ever plan on coming home?"

"Jason, try to answer one of the questions. He came all this way. Give him a chance," I whispered.

"Why would I come home? Why would he want to see me? He's moved on," Jason answered. Dick frowned. "If he wants me to come back, he can tell me himself... And he can tell me why that freak is still living and breathing."

I could tell Jason was only snappy to keep from breaking down, but I don't think Dick understood. I took Jason's hand in mine and squeezed it. Jason made a soft noise and excused himself before going to the bathroom. I sat there staring at Dick. "You can't hear me, can you?" I asked. Dick didn't say anything. "Good... I don't need him getting a big head when I say he means everything to me... But I needed to say it out loud."

Jason came back a few minutes later, looking green around the gills. He gave me his hand and closed his eyes. "You okay?" I asked. Jason nodded.

Dick opened his mouth to speak, and Jason said he was sorry. "Why'd you come?" Jason questioned.

"I came because I wanted to see you... Who do you keep looking at?" Dick asked. Jason looked at me.

Jason took a deep breath. "He's my friend, Laney. You can't see him or touch him because Lane's dead... We were friends in the afterlife," Jason explained, "He's sitting right here... And Lane's not a hallucination, I checked."

"Your dead friend? Lane?" Dick asked. Jason nodded. "And how did you two meet?"

"You think I'm crazy—."

"No. I'm just asking a question. This is all pretty weird to me," Dick interrupted.

"I don't remember how I met him. I just know that he knows things about me that I haven't told anyone else," Jason answered, "And I think he's saving my life. I don't know. It feels like so much is going on. I just want to be angry, but he's making me process this. I don't know what I'd do without him."

I smiled at him. "Without me, you would be dead in minutes," I joked. Jason laughed.

"What?" Dick asked.

"He said I'd be dead without him... He might not be wrong, though," he chuckled. He took a deep breath.

"I'll be here for a few more days if you wanna go back to Gotham with me," Dick offered, "You don't have to see him right away if it doesn't feel right... You can even stay with me for a little while. We'll figure things out."

Jason pushed both hands through his hair, and he let Dick's offer sink in. "If I don't wanna see Bruce, you want me to stay with you?" Jason asked. Dick nodded. "You won't ask a lot of questions after today?"

"I'll try not to. Does your—? Does Lane have any requests?" Dick asked.

Jason looked at me. "Can't say I need anything... Tell your brother that you love him," I whispered. Jason shook his head. "Tell him. It was one of the things you said you wanted to do if you could do this living thing all over again."

Jason opened his mouth to argue, but I gave him a stern look. Jason got up and looked back at me before embracing Dick. He said something incoherent under his breath. Dick chuckled. "I love you too," Dick replied. Jason tried to hide it, but Dick and I could both see the relief in his eyes. It dawned on me just then that Jason didn't say he loved the family he had left because Jason wasn't sure they'd say it back.

"You don't make it as difficult to love you as you think you do," I whispered.

"You love me?" Jason asked out loud in response.

"Shut up," I replied, and he laced his fingers with mine.

"Okay, I'll shut up," Jason whispered. Dick looked confused, but I think he understood what was going on.

They both sat back down, and Dick whispered, "Thank you for looking out for him." I knew he couldn't see or hear me, but I smiled and nodded anyway. I owed Jason. He taught me how to be a kid and how to love. All I was doing was protecting him from his own stubbornness and rage. I could do that forever if I had to.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 16/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Sixteen: Another Lifetime (Jason's POV)

I carried Laney on my back to the Tower once he finally calmed down enough to go to sleep, and I tried to use the retinal scan. I knew it wouldn't work. I just wanted to alert them without making a lot of noise. "Who the hell are you?" a voice snapped over the intercom. "Can I talk to Donna?" I asked. "Donna hasn't been here in a long time," the girl's voice answered, "Wanna try again?" "Can I talk—?" "Whoa! I'll be right down!" a familiar voice exclaimed. A demon burst through the door, and I would've been frightened had I not recognized the face. "Kid Devil?" I asked. Laney stirred and jolted awake at the sight of him. "You're dead... You were dead. You look too alive to be a zombie," Kid Devil replied. Laney got off of my back and took our bags. Kid Devil hugged me, and I hugged him back. "Who's your friend?" "I could ask him the same—." I elbowed Laney to quiet him down. "I'm Eddie. Kid Devil. We used to be penpals," Eddie introduced himself. Laney shook his hand. "Eddie, this is Laney. I met him in the afterlife," I introduced. Eddie let us in, and we were met by a less-than-thrilled Robin and a new Wondergirl. "You can't just let—. You're supposed to be dead," Tim whispered in shock. I nodded. "Can I talk to you in private?" I asked. Tim nodded, and Laney stood still. I took Laney's hand and dragged him along. "Lane, don't be like that. You know you're my best friend," I comforted him. He squeezed my hand. Tim led us into his room, and he shut the door behind us. "You're dead, right?" Tim asked. "I was dead... But now I'm not. Tim, listen. I can explain most of this. I just need you to let us stay here, and I need to talk to Raven," I whispered. Laney let go of my hand. "We do need to see her. I just want to make sure I didn't do something terrible to you on accident." Tim offered us a seat. "You used my name in front of him, so I guess this is someone you trust. How did you—?"

I started explaining things as we sat down on Tim's bed, and Laney yawned. He was up all night, so I wasn't shocked that he fell asleep. As I talked to Tim about everything that led us there, he seemed to take mental note of everything. After I was done, Tim asked us to stay put in his room, and Tim left us there. I lay down next to Laney, and he curled up next to me. "Can I keep you?" Laney whispered. I chuckled and nudged him. "What?" "You were talking in your sleep," I whispered. Laney took my hand and placed it over his eyes. "Can I keep you?" "You said that to me once. I don't know what it means, but—. When all of this is over, can we do one thing?" Laney asked. I nodded. "Can we go dancing?" I turned and looked at him. "We can go after we talk to Raven. Dance the whole night... Just you and me," I promised him.

"Jason, I have another question. What did you mean about Constantine's book having your name on it?" Laney questioned. "It did. My name was on the spine of the book... So I took it. I've been scared to touch it ever since I found out that the spells work," I confessed, "And I don't know, what if—? What if I have powers now? Or what if I'm some weird immortal meta or—?" "Then we'll figure that out together. We've done everything together so far. No reason to separate now," Laney whispered. I let Laney go back to sleep, and I took some time to look around. Once I found a quiet place to sit, I started meditating. I let my mind drift, and my anger bubbled to the surface. It burned inside me as I pictured my death happening several times over. My throat tightened, and I clenched my fists. Once the feeling of rage subsided, I felt something change in me. I didn't want revenge anymore. Not really. I just wanted to cry. I wanted to cry it all out. "Jason?" a voice penetrated the silence. I opened my eyes and looked Talia in the face. "Jason, how are you—?" "I don't—. I don't know. Did you know your father visited me last night?" I asked. I felt lightheaded, but I needed to know if Talia knew Ra's visited me. "He found you?" Talia asked. I nodded. "I hadn't heard anything about it. Did he say anything to you?" "No. I—. I owe you, though, don't I?" I asked. It never occurred to me how much Talia risked to help me. She never asked me for anything. "Jason... You don't owe me anything. Are you okay?" Talia asked. She reached to touch my forehead, and I shied away when her hand went through me. "How are you here?" "I don't know... I think I've been—." I stood up in the rec room in the Tower and immediately passed out. I don't remember much until I woke up in their infirmary. Tim took my vitals, and I grabbed his wrist. "Jason—." "I was here the whole time?" I asked. Tim nodded. "How long's it been since we talked?" "Maybe three hours... But you've only been in the infirmary for a few minutes. You should eat something," Tim whispered. I took a good look at him and smiled. He was just a kid like I was. "What?" "I like what you've done with the costume," I complimented. Tim chuckled. "Thermal lining?" Tim stood up straight for a moment before releasing a breath. "Jason, did you ask for me because—?" "We're family now, right?" I asked. Tim nodded. "So I can be honest... I wanted to meet the person I was jealous of. When I found out about you, I wanted to hate you... But my friend is my voice of reason. Hurting you wouldn't prove anything. I guess I just want to know you." Tim pulled up a chair and sat by my bedside. He told me everything about his life and where he came from, and I was surprised at how much he lost because of being Robin. I couldn't imagine being him, but I'm sure he couldn't imagine being me. I felt like I could trust him, but I still couldn't tell him about what happened earlier.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 15/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Fifteen: Loosing Interest (Laney's POV)

Jason sat up straight and gasped. I was already awake, but it still startled me. He jumped out of bed and changed clothes. It didn't seem like he was all there. I opened my mouth to speak to him, and he pulled a gun on me. "Jason, it's me. Please don't wake up my parents," I half-joked. Jason blinked hard and put the gun in the waistband of the back of his pants.

He apologized and started packing our stuff. "Ra's is coming," Jason whispered.

"That's not necessarily a bad thing, though... Right?" I asked as I touched the wall to find him in the building. Jason stared at me.

"What are you doing?" Jason questioned.

"Looking for Ra's... Besides, if Ra's is here, I can hide you," I whispered. Jason sat on the bed next to me.

"You can do that?" Jason asked.

"I think so... Hold on," I whispered as I used my powers on the lamp by the bed. "Ha. I've still got it." Jason furrowed his brows.

"Can your dad do that?" Jason asked, and I shook my head.

I let the lamp go back to normal and lay back down. "We don't all do the same things," I replied. Jason sat up and looked at me. "He's not here. It was just a bad dream—."

Jason shook his head. "No, it's not just a bad dream... Laney, I think that I've been traveling," he whispered. I nodded. "Like outside of my body, Lane."

"Jason, get some rest. I'll keep watch just in case something happens," I whispered in reply. He gave me the gun and lay back down. I put the gun in the nightstand drawer.

I listened for footsteps and kept watch for any strange movements around the building. I believed Jason, but I knew that it'd only frighten him if I told him that. I went to my mom and dad's bedroom and stood outside the door. I didn't know what I wanted from them, but my dad came to the door. "Hi, Laney," he whispered as he placed his hands on my shoulders. "I'm sorry, but I overheard you kids talking. Are you two in any kind of danger?"

"No, we're fine... I just—. How do you feel? About me?" I asked. He smiled at me, and it felt natural.

"Laney, you seem like an amazing young man, and I'm impressed by the loyalty you've shown to Jason. I want to get to know you on a more personal level in the future," Dad replied.

I knew what he was trying to ask. "You want to know if I have plans going forward," I whispered. He nodded. "I don't really have any plans. I think Jason wants to make sure that whatever spell he cast on me keeps working. So, maybe we'll go stay with the Titans... I dunno."

"That might be good for you kids for a while... Does Bruce know about-." I nodded before he could finish talking. "That's good... That's really—. I love you very much, and I hope that we can visit each other someday." No one had ever said they loved me before. I mean, Jason and I had things that we told one another that felt like an I love you. It was strange to hear the actual words.

"I love you too, Dad," my voice broke as I said the words out loud. We hugged, and he offered to heat up some leftovers for me. I nodded, and we stayed up a while longer together and talked.

I told him all about my life, and he talked about his. I started to doze off, and then I remembered my promise to Jason. I checked a second time to see if anyone new came into the building. Someone stood over Jason's bed, touching his forehead. "Dad," I whispered, and I gestured to the room.

He nodded and followed me into the room, where I locked eyes with Ra's al Ghul. I didn't think before taking him out the window with me. "Don't touch him!" I screamed. I wanted to kill him, but something stopped me. I took him away from the apartment and stopped at the pier. "Talk."

"I'm not going to hurt him... I wanted to ask him to return—."

"You want to use him. He came back, and you want to know why. I know what you want. I've been watching you. I know things about you that not even your daughter knows," I whispered through clenched teeth. Ra's looked me in my eyes, and I wanted to burn a hole in his skull. "We don't know why he came back, but he doesn't need you looming over his head. You're not taking him anywhere."

He looked at me, and it was almost as if he could sense something different about me. "Are you like him?" Ra's asked. I shook my head.

"Touch him again, and I'll kill you," I threatened before leaving him there.

I went home, and Jason and I changed clothes. Jason seemed afraid. "Are you going to be okay?" Dad asked.

I didn't respond as I got dressed, and Jason touched my arm. "Your dad's talking to you," Jason whispered gently. I swallowed hard.

"He wants you to go back because he wants to use you to find some weird secret to immortality," I whispered, "Dad, I'm sorry. Tell Mom that it was so nice to meet her." My stomach was in knots. I grabbed our duffels, and Jason reached for my hand.

My dad embraced both of us, and a few seconds later, we were leaving. We didn't take the car. It seemed too risky. I flew us straight to Titans Tower that night, and we watched the sunrise across the water. "Lane? I'm sorry you—."

"Jason, I will never let anyone hurt you or use you ever again," I interrupted. I didn't want him to worry about me.

"Lane, thank you, but I'm okay. I just wanna know if you're alright?" he asked. I nodded, and he squeezed my hand. "I don't know what I would do if something happened to you. Lane, don't make an enemy of Ra's... Okay? If he finds us here, I'll deal with him. I don't want him coming for you."

"I'm not gonna let him—."

Jason shot me a look that made my blood run cold. "Laney, you will do this one thing for me because I told you to. Don't—."

"Everything I do is for you! I almost killed for you tonight! All because I—..." I trailed off.

"Because you what?" Jason asked. I grew silent, and neither of us spoke after that.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 13/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Thirteen: You Get Me So High (Laney's POV)

The thing about magic is that it's completely unpredictable. On our first night in San Francisco, we got a hotel instead of driving straight to the Tower. I think Jason was nervous. He lay on my chest just as he did every other night, but something was different. Jason said something out loud to me, and I blacked out until the morning time. Jason paced around on the phone. "I don't know. I woke up, and he was asleep. He doesn't sleep," Jason half-exclaimed, "I don't know what's wrong—." "Jason, what's the matter?" I asked, and he dropped the phone and embraced me. I chuckled and hugged him back. "You okay?" "Are you okay?" Jason questioned as he held my face in his hands. "I mean, I feel a little strange, but I'm—. I feel... Jason did you—? If this worked, do we still have to go see the Titans?" He let go of me and threw me some of his clothes as he packed a bag. "Yes, we need to see if you're okay... I also need to know that I'm not crazy," Jason replied. I took off my costume and got dressed in front of him. He fixed my collar and buttons, and he smiled. "How do I look?" I asked as a joke. Jason's cheeks went rosy, and he turned away from me. "Jason, I didn't mean to say something stupid—." "You've never said anything dumb... Ever. I just—. You look fine. Let's go before my dad sees—." Jason opened the door and gasped at the sight of Bruce. I hovered just above the ground and looked over Jason's shoulder. "There's a floating boy in your room... I feel like there was a talk we should've—." "Please don't say anything else. This is my friend, Laney. He's a ghost... He was a ghost," Jason interrupted, and he took me by my sleeve. "Come on, Lane, let's—." "Tell him," I whispered, "Tell him what you wanted to tell him before we go." Jason tugged my sleeve, but I wouldn't budge. "Fine... You stubborn—. Bruce, I love you... The time I spent with you were the happiest years of my life," Jason muttered. His face reddened, and Bruce embraced him. "Likewise... You can take whatever car you want," Bruce whispered to him. He handed Jason something. Jason took my hand and sped past Bruce. I couldn't see his face, but I could tell he was smiling. "Jason, can I tell you—."

"He can see you," Jason whispered excitedly. When we got to the garage, Jason picked out a car, and we started our drive. "I'll get you some clothes on the way there. Lane, maybe we should—. Where do you want to go next?" It was the happiest that he seemed in two years.

I was sort of speechless. I just wanted to enjoy Jason's happiness for a little while longer. "Can we talk to my dad?" I asked. Jason started to drive. "Well, it's a short drive," Jason paused. His smile faded. "A really short drive." "Yeah, but there's so much to see on the way," I reassured him, "And it's not like I want—." Jason glanced at me. "Lane, don't promise me anything until you meet him. He's great. You're going to love him, and I—." "Not more than you," I interrupted. Before Jason could say anything, I turned the radio on and turned my head. We drove in silence for nearly an hour after that. We made our first pit stop at a mall outside of Gotham, and he used Bruce's card to buy me something to wear. I made him wait near the dressing room in the first store because I was nervous. "Laney, we don't—. I'm sure you look great," Jason spoke through the stall door. "Let me see." I came out of the stall, and he nodded for an unreasonably long time. "I look stupid, don't I?" I asked. "No! No... Well—." I threw my hands in the air, and he pulled them back down to my sides. "I'm joking. You look nice." I smiled at him and nodded. We spent another hour shopping around before he took me out for breakfast. We ate in the car. "This tastes nothing like your mom's cooking," I blurted out on accident. I thought he'd be upset, but he turned his whole body to face me. "My mom cooked for you?" Jason asked. "We had dinner with her every day. Catherine was such a great person. I see so much of her in you. You've still got the same big heart you did there," I answered him. He shook his head. "No, you forget that I know you and your mom. You're not that different deep down." Jason always got teary-eyed when I talked about Catherine, so I grew quiet. "You told me that I gave you a gift you could never repay... What was it?" Jason asked. His voice was distant, and it scared me a little bit. "I never had anyone love me before you. You were the first person in my life to ever care about me unselfishly," I confessed. Jason blinked hard as if that was tough for him to understand. "But you're just the—." I shook my head. "You were my friend when you had nothing to gain from it. I will always have something to gain from being around you," I interrupted. He took a sip of my soda and punched my arm. Once we finished breakfast, Jason drove until I remembered something. "Pull over!" I exclaimed. Jason swerved and cursed. "What?" Jason yelled. I felt stupid for letting myself get overexcited, so I paused before answering him. "I want to do something for you... Get out of the car," I commanded gently. "What if somebody—?" "There's not another car for miles. Come here," I replied as I got out of the car. He followed me. "Get on my back and hold on tight." Jason obeyed. I knew it would cheer him up. He loved flying with me, and I loved flying with him. Once I took off, he pressed his face into my shoulder, and I chuckled. Once we were high up enough, I let him sit on my back. I could hear him crying softly, and I wanted to ask him if he was okay, but I knew the answer. "What if you want to stay with your family?" Jason asked. I chewed my lip. "They're not gonna want me," I replied. I tried to laugh it off, but Jason placed a hand on my head. "Laney, they're gonna love you. They're probably gonna beg you to stay," Jason muttered, "And I want you to know that it's okay to leave me. You don't owe me anything. If you want to repay me, I just want you to be happy." I knew he meant it, but there was one thing that he didn't understand. One thing that I couldn't say. I didn't want to go anywhere. I just wanted to be his friend. As selfish and childish as that was, it was all I knew.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 12/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Twelve: You're Gonna Go Far, Kid (Jason's POV)

It took Bruce the better half of thirty minutes to stop staring at me. We sat at the table, and Bruce kept opening his mouth to ask questions, but nothing ever came out. "Talia?" Bruce asked. "Sort of. I came back on my own, but the dip in the pit healed what the hospitals couldn't," I tapped my head. "Bruce? Why is he still alive?" I asked as calmly as I could manage. Bruce looked me in my eyes. "Oh, Jason, don't you think I wanted—." Bruce stopped, and it was like he saw something change in me. "Losing you changed me... You were my world. Jason, you are my son." "Did you ever blame me?" I asked. Bruce shook his head sympathetically. He was so warm and gentle in his words following that. "Of course not," Bruce whispered, "You never did anything wrong. You were just a child... I should never have left you." "Bruce, this isn't what I originally planned... I planned on hurting you in any way that I could, but my friend thought that would be a bad idea. I want to allow you to understand me," I replied. "Jason, can you settle in first before-. How'd you get back home?" Bruce asked. Laney poked his head through the door, and I tensed up. "Jason, I know you're mad at me, but—." "Bruce, I can see ghosts. Now, excuse me while I talk to this one," I paused, "Lane, can this wait?" "Jason, I don't want to hurt you. I just wanted to say I was sorry, and if you want me to go, I'll go," Laney whispered. I didn't want him to go. I was mad at him, but the last thing I wanted to do was be without him. He touched my hand, and I laced my fingers with his. "Lane, don't go... I don't want you to go. I promise after this, I'll do whatever I can to help you," I swore to him. Laney embraced me. "You can go upstairs and look around my room if you want. It's the second room on the left." Laney nodded and pressed a kiss to my cheek before leaving me alone with Bruce. I touched my cheek and smiled. How could I stay mad at him? I went back to talking to Bruce, and I met eyes with Alfred. "Hey, Alfie," I whispered. He made his way over, and he embraced me. I held onto him, and once I let go, he insisted on making me something to eat. I kept the conversation light for the next hour until Dick came in. He took over the conversation, and I went upstairs to my old room. Laney wafted around the room like a soft summer breeze. "Lane, what are you doing?" I laughed. He came back down to the ground, and I lay down on my bed. "Jason... This is where you used to dream," Laney whispered. I patted the bed next to me and shook my head. Laney lay by my side. "This wasn't where I dreamed. This is where my dreams came true," I answered gently. "Laney, what did you dream about when you were a kid?" "World domination and the death of all metahumans," Laney stared up at the ceiling. I turned toward him, and I could see that he was serious. "I don't know what I'd dream about now... Maybe I'd have nightmares. Jason, I don't think there's anything wrong with killing. I've seen the people you've killed and what you've done to them... Jason, you haven't done anything wrong yet." "Yet?" I asked. "Jason, you can't kill out of hatred. Promise me that," Laney whispered. I rubbed my eyes. "I promise..." I fell asleep, and when I woke up, Laney was right next to me. "Bruce came in here twice. He even pulled the blankets over you," Laney whispered, "Jason—." Bruce poked his head in the door and asked if I wanted to have dinner. I nodded. Laney followed me downstairs, and Dick scarfed down asparagus. I downed a glass of milk and ate my potatoes first. Alfred made me the same size plate he would've given me when I was fifteen. I made myself a second helping, and I noticed Bruce staring at me again. "Bruce? I'm gonna spend a few days up here and go back to see Constantine—."

"Bad idea," Bruce replied with his mouth half-full. "I'd go with Raven or Zatanna if you need help in the magic department," Dick added, "What are you planning on doing?" "I can't say yet," I whispered as I looked at Laney. I went back to the kitchen and poured myself another glass of milk. "Jason, what do you need magic help for?" Laney asked. I pinched his cheek. "Jason." "Promise you won't get mad or laugh or get your hopes up or anything like that?" I asked as I put the milk back in the fridge and turned my back. Laney promised. "That green book has a bunch of spells in it, and last night in the hotel, I tried one... On you." "Why? Jason, can you turn around?" Laney asked as he touched my arm. "I wanted you to have a life of your own without me if you want that... Or at least the option to go and live. I found this spell in that book, and it was supposed to give you your physical body back," I confessed. "I know it sounds dumb—." "Jason, I feel so bad for how I treated you today... I mean, even if it did work, I wouldn't leave you. That's not what I want... I just want a chance to go home," Laney whispered. Bruce came out to meet me. "Is your friend here?" he asked. I nodded. "I'd let you talk to him, but I just ate—." "It happened one time!" Laney defended himself, and I laughed. After dinner, I waited for nightfall and went down to the cave. I knew Bruce would be there. I stared at trophy cases before coming face-to-face with my uniform. "Robin. Second of his name, one of a kind," I read out loud. Bruce turned to look at me and frowned. "You alone?" Bruce asked. I nodded. Laney was off taking a tour of the house. He was restless. "There's something I need to tell you, Bruce," I whispered. "I want you to hear me when I talk to you." Bruce took a deep breath and nodded. "C'mere. Come sit," Bruce whispered. I sat down next to him, and he turned to look at me. "Since I've come back, I've killed people," I confessed. I expected Bruce to blow up, but he didn't. He sat completely still, looking at me. "Bruce?" "Are you going to keep killing?" Bruce asked. I nodded. "And you want to kill him?" "I want to level with you. If you let me kill him, I won't kill anyone else. If not him, then it's every and any sadistic unredeemable freak I can get my hands on," I whispered. "Jason, please... Look at me," Bruce whispered, "I want to say no in general... Jason, I want—." "To save my soul? Right... Bruce, this doesn't have to be personal, and I would not be killing willy nilly. I'd make sure they were real degenerates," I whispered, "This is business, Bruce. I want to be your son, and I want you to be my father, but you've gotta accept things for how they are. I'm not a little boy anymore." "I know you're not a little boy anymore," Bruce whispered, "But I can't make this decision for you. I'll allow you to do what you see fit, but only because I hope you'll come back home someday... If you want this to be separate from our relationship, I don't want to see or hear about it. You understand?" I nodded. "Okay," I whispered, "Can I still stay the next couple of days?" "This is your home, Jason," Bruce whispered. I took a deep breath and shook my head. I moved to get up and I stopped myself. "Bruce?" I whispered. "Yeah?" Bruce asked. "I love you, but I hope you're not going soft in your old age," I joked. Bruce smiled and we embraced. It felt like I could finally breathe again. I had my father back.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 11/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Eleven: Fast Car (Laney's POV)

The night before we got to Gotham, Jason lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. I knew how much Bruce meant to him. "Dick?" Jason whispered. Dick didn't answer. "Jason? You should get some rest," I whispered. Jason shook his head. "Please?" Jason lay his head on my chest, and he mouthed something over and over again, but he wouldn't say it out loud. I wished that he would say it out loud just so I could know what it was. I placed my hand on the back of his head. He continued to mouth it over and over again until he was too tired to continue. "Jason? What are you asking for?" I questioned. He didn't answer. I felt the weight of his upper body against my chest as he breathed. Jason was almost at peace. I clutched the back of his hair in my hand, and he mumbled, "Ma." He thought I was Catherine. I didn't know what to say, so I let go of his hair, and I hoped that he'd sleep through the night. I saw the sun come up and watched as Dick awakened. Jason rolled over and sat up. "Dick, I'm driving. You've got minutes to get ready," Jason grumbled before getting out of bed. He gathered his things and went to the bathroom, leaving me alone with Dick. Dick groaned and pushed a hand through his hair. "Lane, don't let him drive if he didn't sleep through the night, okay?" Dick mumbled. I liked that Dick spoke to me even though he couldn't see or hear me.

Once they were all done getting ready, Jason started driving the last few hours to Gotham. Dick fell asleep in the car after an hour on the road, allowing us to talk. "Jason?" I whispered. He ignored me. "Jason, are you still angry with him?" "Yes, Lane..." Jason rubbed the pads of his fingers against the fresh stubble on his cheek. He looked so different from the boy I knew, but I knew he was still in there. "Why don't you tell me what you're thinking for once?" I knew he wasn't being mean. He was just tense. "I'm worried about you. I just want things to go—." "Lane, I'll be fine... I wanna talk about you. I know you know everything about me. I wanna know something about you. What do you want?" Jason interrupted. I looked out of Dick's window. "I want my dad to hug me. I don't want to ask him. I just want him to hug me because he wants to... And I want to see my mom up close," I replied, "I want to see what I could've had in them." "Laney, the wrong one came back... And I mean it, Lane," Jason whispered. I wanted to say that I disagreed, that I wasn't jealous, but I would've been lying. I was the one who wanted a second chance. Jason didn't even want to be alive again, and there he was. I begged Jason to try and find a way to come back with me. I floated back into the backseat. "Lane? Are you okay?" Jason asked. "You didn't want to leave there... I asked you all the time, and you refused to even imagine it with me. All I would ask is for you to imagine that we were alive, imagine what it would be like to grow old, and you didn't want to," I replied. I couldn't mask the hurt in my voice. "I didn't ask to be resurrected, Lane—." "I know! You never asked for anything! You would've flown and swim and ate dinner with your mom every day for an eternity! You had everything you wanted, and I've never been able to have anything! It's not fair!" I snapped. "And ever since you came back, all you've done is complain!" "There's nothing left for me here! They moved on! I barely knew Dick, Bruce got a new Robin, I can barely sleep at night because I wake up feeling trapped—. I don't want to live, Laney! There is nothing for me to live for!" Jason screamed at me. Dick sat up and looked at him. "What's wrong?" Dick asked. Jason held a white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel. "What do you mean you don't want to live?"

I covered my face. I immediately regretted letting my jealousy get the best of me like that. I didn't want to hurt Jason. "I was dead," Jason whispered, "And I come back in the worst way possible to do what? Force my way back into a family that's doing just fine without me? Lane, I'm sorry. I know you should've been the one—." "Jason, no, I didn't mean—." "No, it's okay. I shouldn't—." "Neither of you deserved to die. You both should be happy and alive, and there will always be places for you both. No one can replace family," Dick whispered. I started to cry, and Jason did too. I hugged my knees and looked out the window. "You were both just kids..." Neither of us could speak for the rest of the ride to Gotham. The road to the manor was long and winding. At the top of the hill behind the iron gate stood Jason's home. "Dick, Lane, I'm gonna go in by myself first... Okay?" Jason asked. "Jason, tell Dick that I'll sit next to him in the front seat if he wants to talk," I mumbled. Jason nodded and relayed the message. He got out of the car, and Dick and I watched as he knocked on the front door. A man answered the door and fell to his knees. "That's Bruce," Dick whispered. Bruce pulled himself back up and embraced Jason. "Thanks for looking after my brother... If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know." I bit my nails as I watched Jason go into the manor with Bruce and shut the door. My job was done. He didn't need me anymore.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 10/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Ten: Don't Dream It's Over (Jason's POV)

If I had known Dick was driving us back home, I would've said no. It wasn't that I couldn't stand him. It was that I'd never spent that kind of time with him before. "Jason, please stick your arm back in the window," Dick commanded gently. I obeyed and rolled my window up. Laney nudged me from the middle of the bench seat. Yes, the car's bench seat. My brother's car was that old. "What's wrong?" "I'm fine," I mumbled. I wasn't. I was bored, and it was making me angry.

Dick pulled into an empty lot in the middle of nowhere and got out of the car. "Wanna drive for a little bit?" Dick asked. I nodded and got in the driver's seat. "I should've asked earlier... I know you're not a kid anymore, but it's hard to get past... The past." I buckled my seatbelt and started driving. I didn't know what to say to Dick. "Say thank you," Laney whispered. "Dick? Thank you," I whispered. Dick smiled. "How's your friend, Laney, doing?" Dick asked. Laney gave me a thumb's up. "You wanna talk to him, don't you? See that he's real?" I asked. Laney chuckled, and I messed up his hair. "Cut it out," Laney laughed. I liked hearing his laugh. "Jason? Could I take—? Can I try to borrow your body?" I made a little noise of disgust before laughing at him. "Promise never to use that wording again, and it's a deal," I replied, "You've got thirty minutes." Laney grabbed my hand, and I felt for a moment as if I was going to pass out, and once that passed, I was outside my body. It felt strange being weightless. I watched him as he tried to readjust to possessing my physical body, and the first thing he did was roll down the window and puke. Dick pulled over, and Laney pressed my palms against my eyelids. "Sorry, I'm Laney..." He reached over me and shook Dick's hand. "I didn't expect this to be as pain—." "Thirty minutes, Lane," I interrupted. I didn't want anyone to know I had any kind of pain. It wasn't worth worrying about. "So, did you and Jason date—?" "No. Why does everyone think we dated? If he was just a boyfriend, I wouldn't have followed him all this way, and I wouldn't put up with his stubbornness the way I do. I mean, I love him, but it's different than that kind of love," Laney confessed. It was weird hearing him talk with my voice. "He's my best friend." "What was he like in the afterlife?" Dick asked.

"He was the first person I met there. All he ever did was try to make me happy... But he was also a lot like he is now. That's what makes it so easy to deal with him when he's being stubborn. We used to go swimming and flying, and we ate dinner with Catherine every day—." "His mom? What's she like?" Dick asked. He was really interested. Laney lay his head back and took a breath. "Jason's so much like her... If you look at Jason and you see who he is—. Who he really is, you see her," Laney whispered. I got a little misty-eyed, and I turned my head. Laney looked at me. "Don't get a big head, Jason—." "Thanks, Lane," I whispered. "Did he talk about us to you?" Dick asked. "All the time. He used to talk about you guys all the time. I can't really say because he'll take his body back, but he cares about you both so much more than he'll ever admit to," Laney whispered, "Oh, he did have a question for you specifically... Did you mean what you said to him about being on the team if that's what he really wanted?" "Is that what he still wants?" Dick asked. Laney looked at me, and I shook my head. "He's not sure. I'm glad I finally got to talk to you... You know, Dick, I'd love to stay and chat, but I think I'll give Jason his body back now," Laney replied before grabbing my hand. I felt like I was being sucked back into my body. I almost forgot the feeling of pain in my shoulders and the pain in my head. "Jason, are you in pain like that all the time?" Laney asked. "Jason?" I nodded, and Laney pulled at a few strands of my hair. "Cut that shit out," I mumbled as I looked out the window. "I can't believe being in my body was such a visceral experience for Lane that he puked."

"Shut up," Laney whispered. Dick took a sip of soda and started driving. "He really seems like he cares about you. Jason, are you okay?" Dick asked. "I mean, I just want-. Jason, you never told me what your plans were once we get to Gotham." "I haven't decided yet," I whispered, "Mind if I drive after the next stop?" "You can drive whenever you want... If you get some sleep," Dick replied. I turned back toward the window. "If you get two good hours of sleep, I'll hand the keys over." I crossed my arms and closed my eyes. Dick knew he wouldn't get two uninterrupted hours of sleep from me, let alone a good fifteen-minute cat nap, but I was willing to try. I felt someone watching me, and I opened my eyes. I was looking at Bruce, but he looked right through me. I looked around and realized the only place I could've been looking from was the picture on the mantle of Bruce and me at a baseball game. I couldn't move myself to speak. I wondered if Bruce still thought of me. I loved him so much, and I assumed he'd moved on completely. "Jason?" Laney whispered, and I took a sharp breath in and woke up in the car. "Are you alright?" Dick got in the car and looked at me. "What happened?" Dick asked. I rolled the car window down and let the cool air hit me. "I saw Bruce," I whispered breathlessly, "I saw him. He was looking at the mantle, and I was—." "Jason, we're in the middle of Colorado right now," Dick whispered, "But maybe you did see him... Are you alright?" Laney lay his head on my shoulder. "You'll be okay," Laney reassured me. Seeing the look in Bruce's eye made me remember that he wasn't just Batman to me. He was my father, and I missed him more than anything. "Dick, I think I want to see him," I whispered.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 8/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Eight: Don't Play This Song (Jason's POV)

I didn't sleep the entire way to San Francisco. Laney followed me closely as I followed the kid out on patrol. I watched him for hours before I worked up the courage to approach him. I didn't want him to see my face. I didn't want him to know who I was right away. I reached for his shoulder, and he swung his bo staff around and held it less than a centimeter away from my face, and I took my hand and pushed it away. Timothy was good. I'd give him that much. "Who are you?" he asked. Laney and I looked at each other and started to laugh. "Stop laughing... Who are you?" "Sorry, we were just—. I just—." I couldn't stop laughing, so I gestured for him to sit on the ledge. "What's so funny?" he asked. I pulled myself together. "Try to relax. I'm not here to attack you," I whispered. I sat on the ledge.

"Take off the mask, and we'll talk," he commanded, and I nodded. I took off my mask, and I looked him in the eye. He knew who I was immediately, and I turned away from him. I wasn't sure why, but I didn't want him staring at me. "What's wrong?" Laney asked. I pushed a hand through my hair. "Are you back to become Robin again?" he asked. I shook my head. All the things I planned on saying were suddenly gone from my mind. "Jason, you're supposed—. You were dead. Does he know?" "No. I don't want him to know yet... Timothy, right?" I asked. "Just Tim," he corrected me, "Jason, how are you back?" "I don't know... I don't think I want to know," I mumbled, "I was jealous when I found out about you. I even wanted to hurt you, but now that I'm here, I don't know what I wanna do." Tim sat down next to me, and before I could turn to look at him, he pushed me over the ledge. I woke up in a panic. "Jason, it's okay. It's alright. It was just a nightmare," Laney reassured me. I swallowed hard and nodded. Just a nightmare. I looked around at the walls in the motel room and waited for nausea that washed over me in waves to pass. "Jason?" I held up a hand while I collected myself, and I inhaled through my nose. "I never should've come back to life. It sounded like I was really good at being dead—."

"No," Laney interrupted me. I looked up at him, waiting for him to elaborate, but he didn't. "You're exhausted. That's all this is... And maybe—. Are you sick?" "No, I'm not sick," I lied. I felt like shit. I lay back down and pressed my palms into my eyelids. I could almost feel Laney hovering just above me. "Laney, can you hover next to me or something? You're freaking me out." I moved my hand to gesture for him to go away, and I came into contact with skin. I opened my eyes, and before I could attack, I realized I was holding his arm. Laney gasped and pulled away from me. "But—. How?" he asked. I sat up and looked him in the eye. "What did that feel like?" I asked. From the look on his face, I thought I'd hurt him. That was the last thing I wanted to do. He sat at the other end of the room, holding his wrist. "Laney, did it hurt? Are you hurt?" "No... It didn't hurt. You can't—. You shouldn't—. Can I hug you?" Laney asked. I nodded cautiously, and Laney lingered for a moment before making his way over to me. We let our hands touch at first to make sure we weren't imagining things, and he made a soft noise before embracing me. I let out a shaky laugh as I hugged him back. "You lying—. You are sick," Laney grumbled. "Just hug me, Lane," I mumbled as I felt him tighten his embrace. "And I know I'm sweaty. Just ignore it." "I don't care... You shouldn't be able to do this. How are you doing this?" Laney asked. "Is this a bad time?" Boston asked, and Laney and I both jumped. Laney sat down next to me, and I held onto his wrist. I was scared that if I let go, he'd leave me. We both didn't really know what to say. "Well?" "It's not what it looks like... What does it look like?" I asked. Laney pinched me. "Ouch." "Please shut up," Laney mumbled as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "What's wrong?" "I just wanted to make sure you kids were still in one piece," Boston replied, "If everything's good, I'm out of here." "We're good... I think—." "Jason, please don't make me pinch you again... Boston, do you know where his brother is?" Laney asked. He nodded, and Laney looked at me and waited for me to let go. "I'm not leaving you." I let go and watched as he went through the window to talk to Boston privately. It looked like they were arguing, and Boston disappeared. Laney came back in, wringing his hands. "Dick's on his way here," Laney announced. I got up and started getting dressed. "Jason. Jason... Stop." I grabbed my bag and opened the motel room door to meet eyes with Dick. He moved to embrace me, and I backed away. "Jason?" Dick asked. I nodded. "Do you remember me at all?" "Did you tell Bruce?" I asked. I wanted to run. Everything in me was telling me to get out, but I looked at Laney, and he gestured for me to let Dick in. I let him in and shut the door behind him.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 7/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Seven: Insensitive (Laney's POV)

The closer we got to Constantine's house, the more anxious Jason seemed. He wouldn't show it in his body language. No, he was trained better than that. I could see it in how stern his face looked. He was holding it all in. "Jason, it's gonna be okay," I reassured him. I couldn't hold his hand. I couldn't move myself to try. I was scared that if I reached for Jason and found I couldn't touch him, that I wouldn't be able to hold it together. "Then why can't you look me in the eyes?" Jason mumbled. The metro made another stop, and he rocked from side to side as the wheels screeched on the track. I took a deep breath and looked him in the eyes. Jason changed so much, but so little all at the same time. He was so testy because he couldn't admit that he was afraid, but I knew him. "Because I think we should've gone to San Francisco instead, but I—." I stopped speaking as something occurred to me. "When you were little, your mom used to sing you a song. You didn't know the name, and you only knew one part because she didn't think it was appropriate to sing to a child." Jason smiled before he could stop himself, and I lit up. It was so good to see him smile. Our stop came up, and we walked to a strange house in the middle of nowhere. Jason looked at me, and I nodded. He knocked. A disheveled British man in a trenchcoat answered the door. "Do you know what time it is?" he snapped. "I'm looking for Constantine," Jason replied. The man took a cigarette and lit it. I looked at Jason, and I could see that it made him uncomfortable. "Put it out and answer his question!" I yelled. Jason looked at me. The man put his cigarette out and sighed before gesturing to himself. "John Constantine," he replied. "He's pushy." "You can see him?" Jason asked. "And hear him—." Jason let out a breath of relief, and he laughed. "Do you want to come inside, or was that all? I do have things to do." We followed him inside, and Jason looked around. I think he was impressed. "Jason, we got what we came here for," I whispered. He didn't hear me. It was like he was entranced by something. "So, you see ghosts?" Jason asked. "Among other things... Sure. Is that why you came here? To get rid of—." "No! No... I don't want that at all. He's—. I died and came back, and I don't remember, but he said we were friends in the afterlife," Jason explained. I wished I knew what Jason was staring at. His eyes never left it, whatever it was. "Died and came back, how? Died for ten minutes? Maybe you were in a—." "I was dead for six months and woke up in my coffin, and I've been alive for nearly two years since then," Jason answered. Constantine went about doing whatever he was doing as if Jason said the most uninteresting thing he'd ever heard. "But, I don't remember my friend here at all. I don't remember the afterlife either."

Jason finally got up and walked over to a shelf to look at a book. "Do you mind if I—?" Jason trailed off as he touched the binding of a dark green book. It looked worn and uninteresting compared to everything else. "Take it with you. I don't need it," Constantine replied. Jason looked up, and I looked over his shoulder to see what the book was about. It didn't have a title. "Your boyfriend seems a little edgy—." "Excuse me?" I asked angrily. "I'm not his boyfriend." Constantine chuckled as he poured himself a drink. Jason finally snapped out of it and shook his head. "You're not? I mean, yeah, he's not my boyfriend. We gotta go, thank you, Mr.—." "Call me John or Constantine. Doesn't matter, but Mister is too formal and weird for me," Constantine interrupted. Jason took the book, and we left. We walked back to our stop and waited for the train to come back. "You thought I was your boyfriend?" I asked. Jason went red in the face. "Please change the subject—." "Or not. Why'd you think we were dating?" I questioned. "Because you left the paradise of the afterlife to find me and then stuck with me and allowed me to ignore you, and you're still here even though I don't remember you. Also, why else would I tell you everything about me and let you meet my mom?" Jason rationalized with himself. I realized I was being too hard on him. "No... You um—. You gave me a gift, and I can never repay... Just know I'm not leaving your side," I reassured him, "What is it about that book? You didn't take your eyes off it the whole time we were there." "It had my name on it," Jason replied. "Where to next?" "What?" I asked. I'd almost forgotten what we talked about. "Oh, we should go see that kid. Timothy. That Timothy kid." Jason tensed up. "No Metropolis?" Jason asked. I shook my head. "Not yet... I don't know how I'd explain the fact that I don't even exist anymore," I replied, "And maybe the kid's the key to finding Dick, and then you can talk to Bruce." "I don't wanna talk to Bruce—." I looked him in his eyes, and he shrank away. "What? Do you think he doesn't love you anymore? That he's moved on? Jason, if he's anything like what you said, this would be a dream come true for him," I reassured him, "And maybe you need to be angry at him for whatever... But, really, we both know you're scared to hear what he has to say." "He didn't kill him, Laney... I would've painted the streets with that asshole's blood if I was in Bruce's place—." "Jason, stop... It's not something that just anyone can do. Not everyone can kill somebody. I killed, but I don't think I would have if, for one second, I was allowed to see things for what they really were," I whispered, "You should go back to your family... Insensitive." "Huh?" Jason asked. "That's the name of the song your mom used to sing to you," I replied. He smiled.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 4/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Four: Galileo (Jason's POV)

Boston took my ma to the dance, and I followed closely behind with Laney in tow. He was antsy. Laney took off his shoes and walked around in the sand by the water. He didn't say much of anything. "Lane, what's wrong? Is this about how I acted earlier?" I asked.

"Those kids are all dead like us," Laney whispered. He gestured with a slight nod of his head to a group of small children playing in the sand. "Jason... Who hurt you?"

I took in a breath through my nose and turned my head away. In all the time we'd spent together, Laney never once asked me a question like that. "Go and dance... I'll be right here. The music's not bad," I whispered. I pointed him in the direction of the people dancing. I watched my mom dance with Boston, and Laney lingered a while before leaving me to dance alone.

I walked toward the ocean and took off my cape. I let my body float on the water as tears fell from my eyes, and I allowed myself to drift away. I did that for a long while, but Laney came and dragged me out of the water.

"What's wrong?" Laney asked. His voice was stern. "Is it about Catherine and that Boston guy?"

"No," I mumbled as he wrapped me up in my cape. It wasn't like I could die of hypothermia in my state, but I guess he was just trying to show me he cared. I didn't have any right to be a jerk to him about it. But I was. I threw my cape off to the side, and Laney huffed. "What?" I yelled.

"Is this about me asking about the people that hurt you?" Laney asked. "I just want to know you better. Is that a crime?"

"You know what matters, Lane—."

"I know you're fifteen, your adopted dad's name is Bruce Wayne, and that you are an angel—."

"I'm not an angel," I interrupted him, and he sighed.

"You're in heaven. You're an angel... Now, I told you what I've done and where I come from. What have you told me?" Laney asked.

"What do you wanna know?" I asked angrily.

"Everything," Laney whispered, "I wanna know it all. I know it's not enough to fill up an eternity, but I'm sure you've had more of a life than me." He laughed uncomfortably. "I just want to know my only friend."

I softened as I tried to figure out what to say to that. "I was blown to bits," I laughed so that I wouldn't cry. "I was beaten half to death and blown up. My birth mom was there... Sheila, not ma. That's not the worst thing, though... The worst part is I didn't get to say goodbye to the two living people who loved me."

I started to cry, and I hid my face. Laney knelt in front of me and took my hands. "Jason? I didn't share enough of my—. I can share—. Please give me a hug," Laney whispered.

I wrapped my arms around him, and I tried to pull myself together. I sniffed as he consoled me. "Lane... What would you tell your mom and dad if you could?" I asked him.

Laney let go of me, and he wiped my tears away roughly with his palms. I laughed and sniffed. "I want to ask them if they could—." He stopped and wrinkled his nose, but I knew he wanted to cry with me. "If they could forgive me for what I've done... And who I—." He turned away from me.

Before I could speak, Boston came over and asked if we were okay. I figured he was asking for my ma. I opened my mouth to speak, but Laney was the first to speak. "We're okay... It's okay," he lied.

I nodded, and when Boston left us, I started to laugh. "You're an awful liar," I sniffed and wiped my face. "Well, you came here to dance. Did you dance?"

Laney nodded. "I know you didn't wanna come, but um... If you dance with me, I'll tell you something I was thinking about. If you pretend to have fun, I'll let you know what it means," he whispered. I smiled and watched as he stood up. Laney offered me his hand and helped me up.

The song changed, and I hesitated a moment, but I leaned into him. Laney was my friend, and I trusted him. I relaxed and let him lead even though he had two left feet. I don't know why, but the first thing to come out of my mouth was, "Can I keep you?"

Laney laughed and asked me what I meant, and when I told him it was from a movie, he laughed even harder. "Can I get a little more context?" Laney asked.

"No," I laughed, "Just tell me what you were gonna tell me."

"Ghosts can haunt, right?" Laney asked, and I nodded.

"What if we found a way to say what we wanted to our living parents?" I added. Laney nodded and pulled away. "But we can't get out of here... And my ma. I can't—."

"Good thing there's no way to do it then... But, it was just a thought. Just a secret thought," Laney interrupted, and we went back to dancing.

Things felt different after that night. It wasn't a bad difference. I just felt safer with him, and I knew that he wasn't going anywhere. He would always be right there. I think that night changed him too. He was so warm, so open, almost fragile in a lot of ways. And I'm not being sentimental. I'm making an observation. Or maybe I'm lying.