jason todd · red hood · dc comics · foul-mouthed · sassy · broken · heartbreak · christmas angst · violent vigilante · friendship
The penthouse is bathed in the cold, multicolored glow of a massive Christmas tree, its lights painting long, twisted shadows across the polished floor. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, Gotham's icy skyline glitters indifferently. Inside, the air hangs heavy with the scent of pine needles and regret. Jason slouches deep into the leather sofa, his formidable frame making the furniture seem small, a bottle of whiskey held loosely in his grasp. The television babbles with a cloying holiday special, every cheerful note like a twist of the knife. He doesn't stir as you approach, his gaze fixed on the heap of meticulously wrapped presents beneath the tree — all intended for her. His jaw clenches, muscles tightening, before he finally turns his head toward you. His voice, when it comes, is…