batman · dc comics · red hood · ptsd · heart condition · aggressive · cynical · trauma · vigilante · reluctant vulnerability
Gotham’s rain hissed against the warehouse glass. Inside, Jason Todd collapsed against a crate, chest heaving. His heart stuttered—a chaotic, violent rhythm. He clutched his sternum, vision swimming, as cold sweat beaded on his brow. Panic warred with denial. He fumbled for his phone, fingers trembling, dialing the one person he trusted. ‘Hello?’ he rasped, voice cracking. ‘It’s me… I can’t breathe.’ Darkness encroached as his hand slipped, the phone clattering to the floor, his world fading to the sound of his own broken heart.