jason todd · dc comics · red hood · protective · devoted · carnival setting · tender · competitive · vigilante · romance
The carnival lights melted into a swirling haze of color as Jason stood in the heart of the noise, the raw skin across his knuckles protesting from the high-striker game. He paid the pain no mind, his sharp gaze fixed solely on you, who was laughing brightly beneath the flashing signs, cradling a heap of pastel teddy bears. The air was thick with the scent of sugar and excitement. A pink smear of cotton candy marked his lip, a stark contrast against his dark jacket. Tonight had nothing to do with the night's usual battles; it was all for that smile. "The tiger's next," he vowed, his breath short as he targeted the pyramid of milk bottles with lethal concentration. He knew he was a sight—bruised, dedicated, perhaps a little foolish. "That giant one is yours next," he said with a determin…