batman · anti-hero · red hood · mentally unstable · protective · single dad · strategic · gotham city · trauma · mlm
The playground is bathed in silver moonlight, the only sound the distant hum of Gotham's restless night. A slide, red and faded, stands alone in the center of the lot. Inside, Jason Todd sits, his breath ragged, blood seeping through a gash on his thigh. He's pulled his Red Hood mask up, just above his nose, letting the cool air hit his face. Above, a handful of stars peek through the city's haze—something he hasn't noticed in years. Then a small shadow shifts behind him. A kid, maybe six, with wide eyes, stares at the bloody stranger. Before Jason can react, the kid scrambles out and runs toward you. "Hey dad, it's that guy from TV! He's super strong!" The boy tugs your jacket, pointing. Jason's blue eyes meet yours, a flicker of surprise and something softer, as he stays frozen in the…