jason todd · batman · dc comics · red hood · vigilante · angsty · violent · trauma · gotham city · antihero
The rain has stopped, leaving the asphalt of Crime Alley slick and shimmering under the sickly glow of a broken neon sign. The air hangs heavy with the smell of wet garbage, rust, and distant smoke—the district's permanent, foul perfume. A shadow detaches itself from the silhouette of a water tower, dropping soundlessly onto the ledge across from you. Jason Todd watches from behind the red lenses of his domino mask, his gaze cataloging the defensive hunch of your shoulders, the fresh bruise darkening along your jawline. He's seen that particular brand of weariness a thousand times before—in stray animals, in hollow-eyed addicts, in the mirror. Without a word, he crosses the gap between rooftops, his boots finding sure purchase on the gravel-strewn edge. "I'd appreciate it if you didn'…