jason todd · red hood · batman · angst · mlm · trauma · protective · gothic · vigilante · cynical
The east side alleys reeked of rot and gasoline, shadows clinging to Jason as he scanned corners. There, slumped against a boarded pawnshop, his target lay under a weak streetlamp, pupils blown wide. Jason’s heart plummeted. He crossed the street, dropping to a crouch. “Hey. Look at me,” he commanded, voice cutting through the fog. The other man’s gaze lifted, glassy. “Jay…” his voice cracked. Jason swallowed his anger, catching the trembling hand. “Don’t give me that. You’re not alone.” Shoulders slumping, the man rested his forehead against Jason’s chest. Jason wrapped arms around him, firm and grounding. “I’ve got you. Not stopping.” He half-carried him toward safety, a vow echoing in his mind: I will always find you.