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Chapter Text

Rex lined up with the other goons as Red Hood walked in front of them. It kind of made him feel like a soldier, and Red Hood was his Sargent.

"I have a special request for 4 of you," Red Hood started. "It has been my mission, my destiny to do this one thing. It started when I was a boy, but I never succeeded. Now, with the help of the 4, I feel like I can finally do it. I want to steal the…. BATMOBILE'S TIRES!"

Everyone stayed quiet.

Teddy was the first one to speak, "You asked us to do this before as well."

"Yeah, I'm also sure this is the same speech each time as well," Liam added.

Red Hood made a little humph sound. He crossed his arms over his chest. 

"Just for that comment, you and Teddy have to be part of this in the field."

Teddy and Liam groaned.

"Rex, go with them," Red Hood said.

Rex held back a groan.

"Because of that comment before, only 3 of you will go now."

Rex saw Teddy lean over and whisper under his breath to them, "he's just petty."

"I heard that, Teddy," Red Hood called out.

"Good!" Teddy yelled back. 

Red Hood stormed away.

"Come on, guys," Teddy said, walking away.

Rex and Liam followed him.

They headed towards the storage area. Teddy grabbed a car jack while Rex and Liam grabbed tire irons.

"Will this even work?" Rex asked as they walked down the streets of Gotham.

Liam shrugged. "No idea, but if we don't try, the boss will get shitty."

"And we won't hear the end of it," Teddy added.

"Best to do it. Plus, I heard Nightwing isn't around. So, it makes it partly easier." Liam explained.

Rex breathed a sigh of relief. At least now, he knew there wasn't a chance to run into Nightwing while doing this. If Nightwing got pissed because he was hanging out with Robin, Rex could only imagine the horrors Nightwing would do to him for messing with the Batmobile.

They walked past and down alleyways.

Red Hood had told them that when Batman left the Batmobile out, he normally left it hidden in alleyways. Rex found it kind of stupid, but who was he to judge?

"Does stealing the Batmobile's tires ever work?" Rex couldn't help but ask.

"Kid, I am 50 years old. I have been working for Red Hood since he began, and I have not seen him successfully get those tires once," Teddy explained.

"... Don't you think it's a little sad that he is so invested in this?" Liam asked.

"Eh, it's the boss, after all. He is a little odd," Teddy said.

Liam agreed, and even Rex couldn't help but silently agree.

They finally found the Batmobile. It was partly hidden in an alleyway where trash cans were in front of it as if that could hide the famous car, but most people probably didn't have the balls to mess with it.

"So, who wants to be the lookout?" Liam asked.

"Well, I'm sure as fuck, you ain't about to put a man with one blind eye as the lookout," Teddy said, pointing to his left eye, which was faded and dull.

Liam rolled his eyes, "Fine, you help Rex then."

Rex grabbed the car jack, trusting that Teddy knew how to use the tire iron.

Putting the car jack underneath the car, Rex pulled the metal lever up and down until the Batmobile was partly lifted off the ground. Teddy made quick work of getting the first tire off and then the second.

Releasing the lever, the Batmobile slammed down, making the 3 goons wince.

"Fuck, Rex, what are you trying to do? Break the car?" Liam asked.

"A simple little slam like that wouldn't break it," Rex told him.

"I don't know. Nightwing partly messed it up when he crashed it," a new voice added.

The 3 goons turned their heads to see Robin standing on the pathway. His arms were behind his back as he rocked on his feet with a big smile on his face. Behind Robin stood a dark, shadowy figure.

"IT'S THE BAT!" Liam shouted.

Leaving the tire iron and the car jack behind, they ran.

Rex was behind Teddy and Liam, but it was still a shock when a hand wrapped around his elbow and pulled him back. Rex watched as the other goons ran, leaving him alone to face The Batman.

Rex sat in the back seat of the Batmobile while Batman drove, and Robin was on the passenger side.

Batman hadn't said one word. Robin started talking but soon stopped when he noticed he wasn't going to get a reply from Rex or Batman. That left Rex with his thoughts, and sometimes that wasn't a good thing.

Placing a hand on his knee to try and hold it down a bit to stop it from shaking. It almost seemed useless, but Rex would try anything to stop Batman from noticing his anxiety, which could quickly turn into a panic attack.

Taking deep breaths, Rex hoped Batman wouldn't notice, but of course, he did.

"Don't even think about it," Batman almost growled out.

Rex hummed, knowing that if he spoke, it would become a stutter. Even if he didn't fully understand what he was acknowledging.

Throwing a hand over his chest, where his heart rested, Rex felt the common heart palpitations. Letting out heavy coughs, just trying to get the tight pain to go away before the shortness of breath came. The heart pain was still there, but at least it wasn't the palpitations anymore. As bad as that seemed, the worst was yet to come.

Hands shaking, Rex couldn't help but silently cuss Liam and Teddy for leaving him to wolves. 

Rex folded in half, and his hands went to his hair and started lightly tugging on it. He needed something to ground him, but everything seemed fuzzy for his hearing. He couldn't even hear Batman or Robin talking; maybe they weren't. Maybe they were waiting for Rex to fully snap and claim him to be crazy.

The feeling of dread washed over him; he knew there was no stopping the panic attack now.

Rex groaned; it almost sounded like he was in pain. He didn’t want to be here; he wanted to go back to the safety of the gang and his friends, Teddy and Liam. Even if they did leave him.

The shaky hands turned to his whole body, shaking. The grip and tugging on his hair became tighter, faster, and the worse, his vision was tunnelling.

He couldn't do it. He couldn't even stop the words that came out of his mouth.

"Fuck, fuck fuck. T-this is i-it," Rex mumbled, "g-gonna be l-locked up. A-arhkam," Rex swallowed feeling sick to his stomach, "B-Batjail."

Something touched Rex, causing him to flinch away.

Coldness blew over Rex's body, grounding him a bit. Bending over, Rex rested his head between his knees. Taking deep breaths, Rex tried to calm down.

It took a couple of minutes for Rex to collect himself even if it did feel like hours to him.

Rex slowly came back to himself. Breathing was still shaky, but at least his body wasn't shaking anymore, just his hands.

Rex just felt exhausted; he wanted nothing more but to sleep even if he knew at this moment sleep wouldn't come. 

Hearing coming back, Rex heard a voice speaking. Deciding that this was the best thing to finish grounding himself with so he doesn’t end up going down a spiral again, he listened.

"- that's not fair that Batman covers up the boost button, "a voice that sounded a lot like Robin said, "he says it's because he doesn't want us to push it without asking but I think it's so we don't mess with anything or get anything stucky. Even though Batman lets us eat it here."

Robin kept on talking about random stuff about the Batmobile, while Rex took the time to look around.

They had pulled over, half on the pathway. Robin's door was open, while the windows in the back were rolled down, letting the cold wind in. 

"You okay?" Robin asked, breaking Rex out of his thoughts.

Rex shrugged. He had no idea if he was okay. The panic attack had passed but he still felt anxious and was still shaking a bit.

Robin and Batman looked at each other, seemingly like they were having a silent conversation.

Batman nodded.

"Guess what, Rex? Batman is letting us go to BatBurger!" Robin cheered. 

Rex stayed silent as Batman started the car and drove to the closest BatBurger.

Rex didn’t know why they wanted to do this; he was a goon. Plus, even if they offered something to Rex, they probably won’t, he wouldn’t eat anyway. After a panic attack he never felt hungry even a little bit later on. It normally took a day or two for Rex to at least get back to normal.

Arriving at BatBurger, Batman got out first, followed by Robin but instead of heading inside they waited by the Batmobile as if they were waiting for Rex but Rex didn’t know what to do. Luckily he didn’t have to be in the unknown for long, it seemed that they got tired of waiting and Robin walked forward, opening Rex’s door for him.

"Come on, Rex," Robin said, flashing a bright smile.

Rex slides across the seat, since he was in the middle, climbing out he stood awkwardly between Batman and Robin. He fiddled with his fingers as they walked in.

The smell of the food seemed much stronger than normal. It almost made him feel ill.

He must have zoned out since Robin was shaking his arm, trying to get his attention.

Rex looked at him.

“What do you want?” Robin asked.

“Nothing,” Rex mumbled.

“I’m paying,” Batman spoke up, as if that would change Rex’s mind.

It didn’t. Rex shook his head.

"You sure?" Robin checked again.

Rex nodded.

Standing there awkwardly as Batman ordered a kids meal for Robin, Rex just wanted to leave. He had a feeling that Batman was maybe trying to be nice and make up for what happened but Rex just wanted to go home. Even before home he had to go to the Red Hood’s goons hideout to report that he was fine… ish. He didn’t even want to do that. Rex was just exhausted.

It wasn’t long before Robin got his meal. He didn’t even leave the fast food place before opening the bag and grabbing the toy out, which looked like Robin.

Instead of putting it back in the bag Robin held it out towards Rex.

"You can have this. Maybe it will help?" Robin said, placing the Robin figure on Rex's hand.

Rex looked down at it and he couldn't stop the small smile.

"Thanks," he whispered.

Rex held onto it.

"We would offer you a ride but that may not be the best idea at that meant," Robin explained.

Rex couldn't help but silently agree. 

It seemed that Robin was going in for a hug but decided it wasn't a good idea. He left with a small frown on his face.

Batman walked up to him. He had a frown on his face but that seemed normal for him. He gently placed a gloved hand on Rex's shoulder and gave it a soft squeeze. It was almost like it was comforting. Rex leaned into the touch but of course when that happened Batman moved his hand away.

Batman left.

Rex decided that it was time to go home.

Rex kept a hand on his pocket that held the Robin figure. He was lost in his own head when he heard a voice.

"Well, well, well," a voice spoke through the dark night, "you looking a little lost there, bestie."

Rex took a step back.

"No need to be scared of me. I'm just your friendly Two-Face goon," with Rex's luck he felt like Two-Face would be around, "name's Dot."

Rex knew they were waiting for him to say his own name but Rex wasn't going to fold that easy.

Dot hummed and walked forward.

Rex could finally see them and Dot didn't seem that scary. They had brown hair that went to their shoulders and a scar across their nose. Rex wouldn't put it past Two-face to put the scar there.

"You are fairly quiet," Dot pointed out.

Yeah because I just had a panic attack, Rex couldn't help but think.

"I don't like the idea of you on your own. I'll walk with you," Dot decided.

Rex felt like if he said no Dot would still go with him.

They walked down the streets together.

"You don't hafta tell me your name but can you say whatever gang you are from?" Dot asked.

"Red Hood," Rex mumbled.

"You picked a good one!" Dot cheered, "He may seem like a better boss then Two-Face."

"Two-Face doesn't seem that great," Rex mumbled.

"What makes you say that?" Dot asked.

"Scar," Rex said, his finger tracing his own nose.

"No! Two-Face didn't do this. Joker did. Two-Face was actually pissed when he saw this but couldn't get to Joker," Dot explained.

Rex has never met Joker before but he heard rumours about him and he never wanted to meet Joker ever.

They were only 1 street away from Hood's hideout when Dot stopped.

"Well, this is as far as I'll go. Nice meeting you. Even though I never got your name," Dot pointed out.

"Its Rex."

"Nice! I'll see you around, Rex."

"Wait!" Rex shouted before Dot could move.

"What's up?" Dot asked.

Rex bit his lip. He was nervous but he needed this and Dot seemed like the type of person to agree.

"C-can I have a hug?" Rex asked.

Dot seemed confused before brightening up.

"Hell, yeah."

Dot waited for Rex to make the first move.

Rex shuffled towards Dot and fell into their arms. Dot pulled Rex into a tight hug.

They stayed like that for a few more minutes before Rex pulled apart first.

"Thanks," Rex mumbled.

"Anytime, I'll see you around." With that Dot left.

Rex gave a small smile before walking to the hideout. 

Arriving Rex opened the door to arguments but they soon stopped once Red Hood and the gooms spotted Rex.

They all came over, all answering questions about what happened. Rex felt kind overwhelmed but he knew the other meant well and that he was finally safe.

Chapter Text

"Batman, people are trying to steal the tires… again," Robin said, as they walked towards the Batmobile.

Batman let out a tired sigh. If it wasn't Jason trying to steal them, its his goons that he sends.

He could hear the hush whispers of the goons and a bang as they dropped the Batmobile.

"Jeez, Batman. They aren't professional at all," Robin commented.

Batman hummed.

Robin walked forward with Batman behind him.

"I don't know. Nightwing partly messed it up when he crashed it," Robin said.

It was silent before the blond one yelled, "IT'S THE BAT!"

With that they ran. Batman could have let them get away but he at least wanted to scare one.

Batman hurried and grabbed one and pulled them towards himself.

Brown, wide eyes stared back at him and Batman instantly knew who this was.

He pulled Rex, particularly half drag him to the backseat of the Batmobile but didn't get him to sit in just stand next to the car.

Batman got Robin to look after Rex while he placed the two tires on. Fortunately the goons left their gear behind.

Setting up the tires didn't take that long but he could feel Rex's eyes on him the whole time. Looking up and meeting Rex's eyes, Rex quickly broke eye contact.

Batman stood up, trying to suppress a groan.

"In the car," Batman growled.

Rex quickly climbed into the car.

Batman waited for Robin to get in his side before getting into the driver's seat.

Making sure everyone was buckled in he started the Batmobile and drove off.

The thing was, Batman wasn't going to do anything bad, maybe just drive around for a bit and scare the kid before dropping him off as close as possible to where Red Hood was.

Batman heard Rex started taking deep breaths that seemed like he was trying to keep them as even as possible. Batman couldn't help but roll his eyes. He was tired of these goons and villains that fake sickness or need to pee, just for Batman to let them out and then they will make a break for it. This time that wasn't going to happen.

"Don't even think about it," Batman almost growled out.

Looking in the rear-view mirror he saw Rex nodding.

Time went by as they drove around. Batman could hear Rex moving around and breathing but didn't take note of it. It was when Rex let out a groan that sounded like he was in pain, that he became a little worried.

Batman knew that Robin would check on Rex.

When he did, Robin spoke up, sounding worried, "B, he's having a panic attack."

Batman quickly pulled over on the side of the road, partly on the pathway as well.

He turned around to see that Rex was pretty much bent in half, shaking and boardline hyperventilating.

Batman winded the two back windows down. Hoping the fresh air will feel good for Rex. Robin even opened his door. He didn't even react. Only continued to shake and pull his own hair.

Robin reached out to Rex and gently grabbed him, which caused Rex to flinch away. Robin turned to Batman, his frown bigger and sadder.

"Rex," Batman's voice was firm.

"B! You'll scare him," Robin warned, "treat him like how you treat us when we have one."

Batman swallowed, he could do this.

"Rex," Batman started, his voice almost as soft as Bruce's when he was trying to comfort his kids, "I need you to take a deep breath. Feel the leather of the seats and the cold wind."

It didn't even seem like Rex heard what was said.

Batman didn't know what to do.

Normally his kids would calm down at his voice and his comforting words but the young man in the backseat wasn't his kid. He was just a stranger that Bruce only met once in the shops. Rex had no reason to trust Batman and accept his comfort. Lucky for Batman that Robin always had his back.

"Hey, Rex," Robin started, sounding a bit up-beat, "you know this isn't even the first design on the Batmobile? Batman had to keep changing it the more he got kids. There weren't even seatbelts until the first Robin hit his head when Batman slammed on his brakes. You know what's weird though? Batman doesn't make it harder to get the tires. I think he likes it when Red Hood tries to get them. Like a little game. He did add a cover for the boost button though. That's not fair that Batman covers up the boost button. He says it's because he doesn't want us to push it without asking but I think it's so we don't mess with anything or get anything stucky. Even though Batman lets us eat it here."

Batman looked at Rex and could see he was coming back to himself.

"You okay?" Robin asked Rex.

They saw Rex shrugged.

Robin turned to Batman. Silently pleading for Batman to take them somewhere and he knows where Robin wants to go.

Letting himself nod, Robin told Rex they were going to BatBurger.

Rex had no reaction.

The ride to BatBurger was quiet and that was no surprise. 

Batman got out first with Robin getting out next. Rex didn't move. Robin made the first move of helping him out.

Batman frowned more after Rex didn't shake his head after being offered food even though Batman was paying for it. He understood that sometimes after panic attacks you are rarely hungry but Batman couldn't help notice that Rex was a little skinnier than the normal goons that Red Hood had but it wasn't Batman's place to push him to get to eat more. So, Batman just ordered Robin his food. He watched as Robin open the bag and handed Rex the little Robin figure. He felt proud of his 3rd son for still trying to comfort the goon, even with little things like this.

Robin said his goodbye to Rex and explained that they would offer him a ride but that doesn't seem like the right thing to do.

Robin left, leaving just Batman and Rex in the middle of this random BatBurger. They didn't say anything but Batman placed a hand on Rex's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. He felt Rex started to lean into the touch but Batman quickly took his hand away. He couldn't let himself get close to Rex.

With that he left and headed towards the Batmobile where Robin was waiting for him.

"You care about him," Robin teased.

Batman just grunted. Robin just laughed knowing he was right.

THE END