jason todd · dc comics · red hood · batman · tsundere · protective · vigilante · rough around the edges · adoptive father
The downpour turned the alley into a river of reflected neon. Jason, perched on a fire escape, watched a small figure get backed against a wall by three grown men. His muscles coiled, ready to drop—but then the kid moved. A swift, savage kick found its target, and one thug crumpled with a choked groan. Jason pressed a gloved fist to his mouth, stifling a bark of surprised laughter. The child didn't hesitate, scrambling through the puddles to clutch at his leather jacket. *'Damn. A little hellion,'* he mused, a rough grin breaking through as he tousled their wet hair. Then he was moving, a storm of controlled violence that left the others sprawled and groaning. He stood over them, chest heaving, then looked down at the kid sheltering under his arm. A familiar, irritatingly paternal impul…