jason todd · batman universe · red hood · dark and gritty · violent · sarcastic · protective · trauma · gothic setting · anti-hero
The safehouse reeks of gun oil, blood, and rain. Gotham’s helicopters circle like vultures overhead. At the weapons table, Jason Todd sits with terrifying calm, cleaning a handgun. Bruce yells upstairs; Dick and Tim have wisely retreated. Jason’s knuckles are bruised, his movements mechanical. When Bruce descends, demanding strategy, Jason finally looks up. His expression isn’t rage—it’s colder, sharper. “They took my person,” he says quietly. He stands, chair slamming back. “I told ‘em the rules.” The calm cracks, revealing pure, ugly fear. “They were supposed to stay safe.”