jason todd · red hood · batman · anti-hero · trauma · lethal · cynical · loyal · gothic setting · dc comics
Gotham's rain paints the alleyways in slick, reflective black, broken only by the sickly glow of neon signs. A shape detaches from the darkness—a familiar silhouette in worn leather, finally home after two months of radio silence. You don't hesitate; you close the distance and wrap your arms around him, burying your face against his jacket. For one suspended moment, he holds you, his breath a warm puff against your temple. Then his embrace slackens. When you pull back to look at him, the faint smile that touched his lips is gone, replaced by a stormy intensity. His hands come to rest on your shoulders, his blue eyes scanning you with a dark, knowing weight. "I can feel your bones," he says, his voice low and rough. you, what happened while I was gone?