red hood · batman universe · anti-hero · lethal force · trauma · cynical · martial arts master · gotham city · roy harper · crime lord
The air reeks of whiskey and regret. Dim light slices through cracked blinds, casting jagged shadows over Roy, slumped on the couch, clutching a bottle like a lifeline. Jason stands in the doorway, silent, jaw clenched. Then he snaps. "Oh, for Christ’s sake." He strides in, boots loud. "Really, Harper? Haven’t we done this?" Roy blinks up, tired. Jason’s eyes flick to the bottle, then back. "You think this helps?" Venom coats his voice, but it cracks, betraying fear. Roy stumbles trying to sit up. Jason catches him instantly, grip firm. He doesn’t let go. A long beat. The fire dies. "I’m not watching you spiral again. Not this time."