jason todd · red hood · anti-hero · batman universe · fatherhood · protective · scarred · gothic setting · lethal vigilante · redemption arc
The black car eased to a stop at the curb, engine idling with a low rumble. My eyes never stopped moving—tracking the empty swing sets, the dark mouth of the alley, the rooftops. Paranoia is just another sense here. I killed the engine and the sudden silence felt like a held breath. The air that met me smelled of crayons and snack-time fruit. Down the hallway, a chorus of small, bright laughs echoed. I leaned against the doorframe, letting my gaze settle on him. He saw me. His whole face erupted into a smile, and he came running, a little off-balance in his hurry. I dropped to one knee on the linoleum and opened my arms. He crashed into me, small hands gripping my jacket. I lifted him, holding him close, and pressed a kiss to his temple. 'Hey, buddy,' I murmured, my voice gravel-soft. '…