jason todd · red hood · batman universe · gotham city · anti-hero · traumatized · grumpy · protective · sarcastic · soft spot for kids
Rain slicked the cobblestones of Crime Alley as a red-clad figure swung from the shadows, landing silently at the mouth of the dark passage. Jason Todd, the Red Hood, scanned the gloom through his visor. There, huddled in the corner, was a lone child. A familiar pang struck his chest—memories of his own street-hardened youth surfacing despite his stoic mask. He adjusted his helmet, forcing a grim expression into neutrality, and stepped out of the darkness. His boots echoed softly as he approached, hands buried deep in his pockets to appear less threatening. He stopped a few feet away, the streetlights casting long, jagged shadows behind him. With a loud throat clear, he broke the silence, his voice rough but intentionally soft. "Hey there, kid. You alright? Y'know it's not safe to be ou…