Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Smoked still filled the air around the H.I.V.E. Base as the Red Hood emerged from the remains. The H.I.V.E. had been operating in Eastern Europe for a while now and the Titans were formulating a plan to take care of their main operations in the area. When Jason heard about it, he suggested a frontal assault and even volunteered to going in himself. Dick turned down the offer.

So of course, Jason went alone anyway.

To be fair, the base commanders were likely not expecting a lone crazy man crashing one of their aircraft into them and rampaging all over the place before they could react or call for reinforcements. Most of them even thought it was whole team attacking them rather than one heavily armed man.

As such, the base was evacuated as to note have to deal with what was perceived as a whole team of superhumans that they were not prepared to deal with.

Needless to say, Dick was not happy and Bruce was even less happy. Jason's response was that the job still got done, so did it matter now? Granted that excuse wasn't something either Bruce and Dick liked to hear, but they had to admit that Jason was successful.

Just as long as he promised to never do something like this again.

Still there was the matter of how Jason got back to the States and Gotham, given the craft he used was now lying in a smoking wreck. Barbara said that she was sending someone over for retrieval and that Jason just had to sit tight and wait.

So, Jason just sat in front of the base and did just that. That and kick himself for not bringing a book or something to pass the time.

A few hours later and before Jason went mad with boredom, a osprey-style aircraft appeared. The jet black craft wasn't bad, Jason thought as he approached. Initially, Jason thought the pilot was going to be Dick or Tim. Instead...

“Hey there, slick. Ready for pick up” The pilot was a rather bubbly blond woman. She was dressed in old style uniform that looked like a relic for a older time. Seeing the symbol on the uniform's chest area, Jason figured that this much be Lady Blackhawk.

“More than ready” Jason answering the blond's earlier question “I was dying of boredom out here. So Lady Blackhawk, lets get out of here”.

“Call me Zinda, please. No need for professionalism here. Besides, its less of a mouthful”.

Jason entered the aircraft, half expecting one of his fellow vigilantes to read him the riot act. Thankfully, it was empty apart from himself and the craft's lovely pilot. The craft promptly took off, Jason strapping himself in.

“So Zinda, how do you get roped into ferrying me across a content and an ocean” Jason wasn't much for small talk, but he had endured several hours of mind numbing boredom, so he needed a little stimulation.

“Well, I am a pilot. Personally, I volunteered” Now that was something that cause Jason's attention. He had never met Zinda before, though he was familiar with her being part of Babs' team.

“Really? Curiosity or are you just masochistic”?

“The former. Lets just say you come up as the topic of conversation in Barbara's clock tower more than a few times”.

“And I can only imagine that it was all flattering too” The sarcasm was just dripping from Jason voice with that line. When people talking about him, it wasn't the most enduring portrayal to put it mildly.

“Oh not all of it was bad” Zinda explained “Just the majority of it”.

“Figures”.

“But hey, it left an impression on me. So that's something”.

Now Jason was intrigued. There were many reactions to his antics, a seemingly positive impression was not one of them. Something was telling him that Zinda was different than most.

“So what kind of impression did I leave”?

“That you were a crazy bastard. That you were brave to near suicidal levels. That you usually don't give a damn about other people's opinion of you”.

“And those are positive impressions”?

“Darn right, buster. Too many take the safest route types in this game. A little crazy never hurt anyone. Well, sometimes anyway”.

Jason was starting to like this woman. Not only was she gorgeous, she seemed to be the tough as nails type and liked that same type in others. Not many of those in this business. Even the tougher women among them tend to drawn to guys like Grayson or Supes. Not this woman. She seems to drawn to the more dangerous type. Jason had to admit that this was getting interesting.

“So that's why you took this job, to see if the legends were true? Did I live up to the reputation?”

“Well, the remains of that H.I.V.E. Base leads me to believe that some of it was on point. I don't think even I would do that and I've been called a mad woman before”.

Well as one mad person to another, I'm flattered”.

The duo were silent for the next hour or so as Zinda was flying over air space that needed a little more attention to get around. By the time they spoke again, they were at the eastern edge of the Atlantic.

“So what are you planning to do when we get back to Gotham”? “Zinda asked.

“Probably get my head chewed off by Batman and probably Babs. Likely, I'll get a phone call from Dick doing the same. Then I'll probably sleep for two days or so”. Zinda's expression turned at this revelation. To her, this was unacceptable.

“Well that doesn't sound fun. Tell you what, I have an idea”. Zinda turned on the auto pilot, before standing up and walking towards Jason.

“Its going to be at least a hour and a half before we even get to coast. Why don't we just past the time”?

“Well, it doesn't look like we have much here to do, except talk. Couldn't tell you about what”.

“Well how about we start with weapons. Got a pretty good hand cannon on me and a few noise makers stash elsewhere on the ship”.

“Going to have to disappoint you on that front. Most of my best equipment got trashed back at that base.” Jason pulled out a rather small pair of pistols, ones that were better for close range defense than anything else. Zinda wasn't all that dejected, flashing a small smile.

“I have a feeling you didn't leave all you best equipment back there. I'm sure there are few subjects we can find common ground with. Play your cards right, we might be doing something that doesn't require talking”.

“And what would that be exactly”? Jason was trying to play it cool. Not 100% succeeding, but Zinda either didn't notice or care.

“Like I said, lets see if you play your cards right”.

Jason had a few things to do when he returned to Gotham. One, thank Barbara for letting Zinda do the pick up, since she would have to sign for it. Second, were the biggest shit eating grin he could when Batman grumbled about Jason's mission.

Chapter Text

Who hasn't been scared before? Certainly everyone. People are scared for numerous different reasons, whether it is fear of embarrassment or fear for one's life. Some people even find it fun to be scared, that rush one gets from the sudden reaction.

Jessica Cruz was not one of those.

Now, Jessica had come along way from the timid young woman that felt primal terror to even leave her apartment. She had become a Green Lantern, been a member of the Justice League and battled villains and monsters of all kinds. That said, there still somethings she had trouble dealing with. Those being horror movies.

So she wasn't exactly thrilled that her boyfriend, Jason Todd, had decided to take her to a 80s horror movie marathon. While he would no problem with going alone, he didn't want to spend all afternoon and evening in a theater alone. Jessica was forced, by protest, to go. It helped that Jason could be quite persuasive when he wanted to. So off they went.

“Why am I doing this?” Jessica asked, a uneasy in her voice.

“Because” Jason responded “Because I really wanted to go and I really wanted you to come.” Jason's voice was filled with a combination of a eager child and sleazy salesman. Jessica was annoyed that it worked so often with her.

“No, why a 80s horror marathon? I don't mind the 80s, but isn't there a John Hughes marathon we could go to”? Jason couldn't help but laugh. And such a marathon did happen, but a few months ago and both him and Jess were busy.

“It will be fine” Jason said, trying to reassure his squeamish girlfriend “It's not like it will be something like Saw or Hostel. A lot of these movies look tame compared to that”.

“Yeah, but still, I've seem clips of some of these movies. Just freaky”.

“How is it that you can battle aliens and space monsters and yet a guy in a mask with a knife can freak you out”?

“Hey that's part of the job and my flight or fight response is always ready. Here I'm stuck in confined space and have large image of a chainsaw wielding madman seemingly coming at me”.

Before Jason could respond, they had arrived at the theater. It was a pretty large showing, with at least 40% of the people dressed in costume of their favorite horror villains. The posters on the nearby walls showed what movies would be viewed, something that didn't put Jessica at ease, though Jason holding her hand did calm her anxiety. He was always good at that sort of thing.

After a long wait outside and just as long wait at concessions, with Jason getting the largest bucket of popcorn and a massive container of soda, they went to the theater, Jessica scoffing at the absurdity of what Jason was holding.

“Are you sure we need all that”?

“Hey, we're going to be hear a while. Might at well stock up. Besides, it means we won't need to come back for another”.

“No, it will just mean you'll be running back forth towards the bathroom”. Jason didn't respond as he lugged the large containers of snacks, large enough that Jessica almost considered using her ring to carry them, but it was too crowded to do it stealthily.

Taking their seats, the duo awaited the beginning of the show. The theater darkened and screen lit and the first of many horror movies began.

Jason and Jessica's reactions couldn't be more different. Jason was munching on popcorn, having a blast, while Jessica was constantly turning her head at any of the more scary scenes and screaming at the various jump scares, though she was hardly alone in that one.

More than a few times though, Jessica would either grab Jason by the arm or bury her face into his shoulder. The flouting kill from A Nightmare on Elm St and Jason's window scare from Friday the 13th Part 2 really getting her on edge. One point, she even buried her fingers into Jason's leg, causing him to wince a bit.

It was about 10pm when the last movie had ended. Both Jason and Jessica were tired, even though all they did was watch movies and eat popcorn.

“Well, that wasn't so bad, now was it” Jason said.

“Are you kidding!?” Jessica replied, he voice raised in annoyance at the comment “Did you not see me in there?! I spent more time hugging your arm for dear life than actually watching the movies”.

“Not just my arm. I felt your nails in my leg, which is surprising since I'm wearing jeans. What did you do with those anyway, file them?” The pout on Jessica's face showed she was not amused.

“Seriously, you knew I don't do horror movies and what they do to me” Just then, a moment of realization hit Jessica “You knew what they do to me and did this intentionally, didn't you”?

“What, no! I just wanted to go to this thing and I wanted you to come” Jason's tone gave it away that he was full it. Jessica's expression showed that she wasn't buying it. Jason decided to come clean.

“Ok, fine. I'm a little old fashioned and I like the classic 'take your date to a scary movie' trick. I like the classics”.

“Well, I guess I can't get too mad. And I can admit it wasn't not fun, in a way”.

“Plus, now that you've seen these, you won't be as scared, right?” The look on Jessica's face did not convene agreement with that statement.

“Ok, no horror movies for now at least” Jason said “Next time, you chose the movies”.

Jessica thought for a while about what movies she could subject Jason to. She then remembered that she had a few movies on streaming.

“Ok, but we're watching a bunch of romantic movies I have ready next time”.

“Oh no, I'm doomed” Jason was not hiding the sarcasm in his voice, which Jessica took in stride as they both left the theater. Little did Jess know, Jason had a different reason for his snark, that he was in to had no issue with romantic stories.

But why spoil the fun.

Chapter Text

Engagement parties are suppose to be a time when people celebrate, when two people come together and their loved ones shower them with affection. One rare occasions, some people find such an event more soul crushing than joyous. Bette Kane was one such person. Being at the engagement of Dick and Barbara was one of the last places she wanted to be.

And it wasn't that she was hiding it well either. The normally reserved Bette was dressed far more freely that usual, wearing a red cleavage bearing spaghetti string as opposed to something that wouldn't be out of place in a high school prom. The fact that she was not far from the bar and was already on her second drink, from someone who rarely drank, didn't help.

Nor did the rather sour expression on the usually bubbly blond's face. Quite frankly, she looked totally miserable and would rather be anywhere else but here. In fact, she hoped the wrap this up fast and without having to talk to anyone for any longer than she needed to.

Sadly, she wasn't going to get her wish as both Gar and Dawn made their way towards her. She really was hoping that the Earth would open up and swallow her, but that sadly was not going to happen.

“Hey Bette, you seem to be not in the best of moods” Dawn said.

“Yeah Bets, you seem to be putting on the long face” Gar added “It's not because of who this party is for? I thought you got over Dick a long time ago?”

Bette wanted to ignore them, hoping that her lack of engagement would signal that she wanted to be left alone. Sadly for her, even with a little alcohol in her, being rude was just something that wasn't in her.

“Oh, I did. It's not that I'm jealous of Barbara. It's more that, well, I'm just general not having anyone and being here is depressing the crap out of me. I haven't had a date in....I don't even remember. That's how long it's been!”

Gar and Dawn looked at each for a moment, before returning their gaze towards Bette.

“Well this is a party” Gar said “Plenty of single people here.”

“Well that issue with that is I know most of the men here” Bette explained “Some of them I have dated at least once.”

“That isn't exactly uncommon in our line of work” Dawn explained.

“Yeah, but dating like normal people is very uncommon. And the point is that I know most of the men here. That increased the chance of not being seen as a dating prospect. And lets face it, I am not exactly the super heroine bombshell type”.

Bette took one quite gulp of her drink and walked elsewhere. Gar and Dawn thought about addressing her further, but it was clear that it would be futile.

The food table was a simple affair. Rather than something fancy, the future bride and groom opted for a potluck. Just as well, as Bette lost much of her taste for overly fancy food years ago. While she wasn't one for drinking, eating herself into a coma was something she had no issues with. The only question is what to start with.

“Really?! You have access to a billionaire's fortune and you go with a potluck?! Surprised we didn't have this thing in a church basement”!

Bette's attention was drawn to the rather annoyed voice that was close by. It came from a rather large man, someone close to Bruce's build, by younger and sporting a skunk stripe in his hair. Even with his earlier criticism of the food, it didn't stop him from piling as much on his plate. Normally Bette would find such behavior appalling, but since she was planning to do the same.

“I'm not taking something you wanted”? The man turned, noticing Bette. His voice had noticeably softened, being more like a kid who took a cookie without permission.

“Oh no, you're fine. Besides, I can always double down on something else”.

“Guess I'm not the only one who got dragged here against their will”?

“Well I wasn't dragged here. It's just that being here made me realize some of my short comings in life at the moment”.

The man didn't speak, only giving Bette a puzzling look.

“Sorry” Bette continued, answering the man's look “I shouldn't put my issues on to you. You're Jason Todd, right”?

“That's right. I assume you're Bette Kane”?

Bette nodded, rather weakly and clearly not wanting conversation right now. Jason noticed the blond's discomfort.

“You seem a little depressed. I heard you were a little more upbeat. Not liking Grayson tying the knot”?

“I like I told Gar, my crush on Dick was in the past. It's more of a 'Why everyone else and not me' sort of thing”.

“I wouldn't know. Romance isn't usually my thing. Well since we are both in the I don't want to be here club and I kind of need someone to hold me back from stuffing my face too much, why don't we both sulk in a corner and eat until we burst”?

She thought for a moment. Bette wasn't planning at being her normal chatty self today. But since she found someone who was in a similar boat as her, she felt she could at the have someone to shoot the shit with.

“So, besides playing grand theft potluck with most of the food, any other reason you came”?

“Well, I would quite the jerk if I didn't at least make some sort of appearance. Honestly though, I'm happy for Dick and Babs. More so, I'm just happy that they cut the crap and got it over with. How about you”?

“Well, like I said, long over Dick Grayson. Like you, I'm happy for them and there are few former Titans here that I haven't seen in a while that I wanted to reconnect. But...”

“Unlucky at love, lucky at cards”? Bette almost choked at the rather comical saying, taken a little aback from it. Clearing her throat, she collected herself to answer.

“Well you got the first one right. I'm terrible at cards.” For what it was worth, the short banter was lightening up Bette's spirits. And while Jason wouldn't admit it, he was enjoying it too.

More to the point, he couldn't fathom why Bette had such a negative reputation. Given who gets to be a hero these days, they were in no position to preach. Heck, Jason himself could count in the regard according to some. And if her personality is an issue, you could do worse than a bubbly chatterbox.

The rest of the reception went without a hitch. Around 7pm, the guest made their way out, the leftover were gathered and the newly engaged pair chattered with those who stayed behind, namely Wally, Roy, Donna and Dinah.

“Well Dick“Wally said “Still feel different yet now that you are engaged”?

“Hasn't settled in yet. I'm sure it will in time. Maybe after the wedding.”

“Speaking of “Dinah spoke up “I assume Bruce is paying the bill for that”?

“He insisted” Babs answered “And my dad was shockingly alright with it. I guess he was glad it was free on his end”.

Roy was about to say something, when a noise caught his attention. He focused for a second until he realized that it was voices “Hey, I think someone else is still here”.

Everyone was confused as they thought the guests had all left already. Everyone zeroed in on the voices only to see it was Jason and Bette, still talking up a storm. Barbara was the first to say something.

“Hey you two. The party is over”.

“Wait, that can't be right. The thing isn't done until 7 and its....7:30”. Jason started at the clock on his phone with embarrassment. Bette was blushing into a shade not unlike that of a beat. Neither could believe they had been talking for that long. The silence was shattered by a very amused Dick.

“We knew Bette was a talker, but this might be record. Where you a little invested there, Jason”?

“Blow it out your ass, Grayson. At least she had more to say that most of the people here”.

“Given her dress, are you sure you were even paying attention to what she was saying?“Roy added.

“For your information, Roy” An annoyed Bette said “He was fully capable of keeping his eyes up front. Ok, maybe I did linger a little to long when I asked him how he liked my dress, but I opened myself to that one”.

Embarrassment returned when the group began laughing. More so when Dick snapped a picture with his phone.

“Grayson, unless you want Babs to be a widow before she even gets to the alter, delete that picture!” Jason rose, ready to make on that threat. Bette was quick to follow.

“Seriously Dick, delete the picture!”

“Oh come on” Dick said “It's all in good fun. Besides, aren't these events about people coming together? And look how both of you are coming together, charging at me with murderous intent”.

Dick made a break for it as Jason and Bette gave chase. Babs was didn't know whether to shrug in embarrassment or to be amused, Donna did roll her eyes at the spectacle, while remaining three were just went with it, Roy commenting on it.

“At least this was better than either of them expected.”

Chapter Text

Titan's Tower was no stranger to the sounds of vigorous action. For the Titans training, arguing to fighting off supervillains that took a shot at taking the team out, the tower was rarely quiet. While today was no exception, the reason for the commotion was less world ending and more mundane.

At the moment, Koriand'r was in her closet looking through her clothing. Or rather, seemingly throwing her clothing in every direction her could, grumbling in frustration.

“No. No. Not this one either. This one won't do”.

“Kori, what are you doing”? Kori popped out of her closet to see the only other person that was currently in the tower, Jason Todd.

“Oh, Jason, I forgot you were still here. What I am doing is trying to find a swimsuit. The rest of the Titans and I are heading to the beach and I want to find the right one”.

“No offense Kori, but many the outfits you normally were on the job are pretty much swimsuits already. Some barley count as clothing”.

“Spoken like someone who knows nothing of fashion. Those are not for the beach and while I may be showing much skin, it needed be as much as usual”.

Jason knew that arguing with Kori was usually pointless and didn't press the issue further. He did find it odd that Kori would be indecisive about what to wear, especially swimwear.

“Well how hard could it be? You look good in just about anything”.

“Why thank you. But I still want the right look for my benefit more than any beach onlookers. Say since you are here and are the only one here at the moment, would you mind giving me your opinion on my suits”?

“My opinion?! Umm, sure, I guess that would be fine” Jason was not sure about this. Don't get him wrong, watching an attractive woman try on swimsuits wasn't something he was opposed to, but Kori was right, he was knew little of fashion.

Before Jason could react further, Kori has disappeared into her rather huge closet. Moments later, she emerged wearing typical two piece, violet in color.

“How about this one”?

“Not bad. Pretty basic though”.

Accepting this, Kori returned to her giant closet. Once again, she returned with a new outfit. This one was a green one piece.

“Not bad. Little more conservative than I usually see you. But in a good way” Kori was satisfied with this critique. Still, she wanted to try more outfits. Taking a few moments to change, she latter returned with, well, something that barely counted as clothing of any kind. More like a large shoe lace. Jason averted his eyes as quickly as he could.

“Ok that is a little much. Or a little less in the case. Is that even a top”?

“Hahaha. Yes, this might be going a little far. I just wanted to see how you would react.”

“Very funny. Seriously, even from what you have worn in the past, that wasn't leaving much to the imagination. I'm no prude, but yeah”.

Kori went back to the closet, promising this was the last one. Jason was relieved, thinking this test of will he was being put through was almost over. Jason noted that Kori was taking longer this time around. He could only imagine what Kori would be wearing this time.

Kori then appeared and her outfit was...actually tame. It was a simple thin t-shirt and short shorts. You could still see she was wearing a bikini underneath, so switching to swimwear would be easy, but it overall was just a decent outfit for the beach.

“Ok. That one works. Looks good for land or water”.

“Or both. I did get a rather thin shirt. Water won't leave much to the imagination”.

“No comment”.

Kori was satisfied with Jason's choice and went over to a large mirror to give herself a second look, before thanking Jason and bidding him farewell.

Jason left Kori's room, planning to put this rather odd event in the back of his mind when Dick appeared.

“Hey Jay, you look a little flustered”.

“Yeah Grayson, I had a little bit a of an interesting incident. Nothing to worry about. You guys have fun”.

“Fun?! What are you talking about”?

“The beach? You and the other Titans are heading there”.

“I don't where you got that idea. Everyone else has plans as far as I know. Heck, I only came back to the tower to grab a few things”.

Jason had about the biggest look of embarrassment on his face to the point Dick was rather concerned. And both swear that they could hear the sound of a woman giggling.

Chapter Text

Dawn Granger didn't know why she decided to come to Gotham City of all places. Sure she needed a break from her partner, Hank Hall, but Gotham wasn't exactly a greatest getaway spot for anyone.

Maybe it was because Hank's general demeanor was getting on her nerves more that usual and going to last place he'd figure she would go was as good a place as any. Perhaps it was because given Gotham's reputation from scum and villainy, she could blow off steam on some of the criminal element. Granted it wasn't her style, but Hank really did it this time and got to her.

It would explain why she wandered into one of the more shadier areas of Gotham. It wasn't the infamous Crime Alley, but the areas around the Gotham Docks wasn't exactly a tourist area, especially at night. Sex workers looked for clients, dealers sold their poison to those who could afford it and some who couldn't and then there was the big organized crime outfits with their various enterprises.

Dawn made her way to the commercial areas near the docks, which usually meant a large collection of bars. Sailors and dock workers where the usual clientele, but even outsiders found there way to the area. It was quieter than you would assume such a place would be, no sign of bar brawls or some drunk with a piece getting upset that his tap was closed. Part of Dawn was glad as it meant she could cool off like a normal person and not how Hank would generally do.

Sadly, it looked like that was too good to be true as a woman stormed out of the one of the bars. She was then followed by a rather irate looking man. What stood out was the man did not look like any of the regular patrons of these type of bars. He was wearing a suit and not just a regular run of them mill one, but one that cost big bucks. Shoes and the few rings he had that Dawn could see also fit a man that was of a privileged background. Dawn decided to get a closer look.

“I told you for the last time, no”! The woman yelled, obviously having dealt with this man for sometime already and had enough of the guy. Unfortunately, the man wasn't taking no for an answer.

“What, my money not good enough for some slag like you! You know who I am”!

“Yeah, I do. You waved your shitty business card around enough, acting like some big shot.” With that, the woman got a fist to the face, knocking her to the ground. Dawn had seen and heard enough. She could at least say she had someone new to be angry with as she made her way to the conflict.

“Dove”

Now in costume, she was ready to show this scumbag some manners, when someone beat her to the punch. As the suited man was about strike the poor lady of the night again, another hand grabbed his wrist. The small shine to red made Dawn think it was Hank, who must have followed her. Looking at the silhouette though, she could tell it wasn't. Though the figure was big, he didn't have Hank's massive frame, nor was his gauntlets the same as Hank's red gloved hands.

A moment later, the figure emerged, his crimson helmet shining in the nearby lights. The red helmeted figure squeezed or rather began crushing the suited jerk's wrists as he struggled to escape. Then he spoke, his voice barley holding back his disgust and anger.

“Listen up, asshole. Girls in the this area have enough to deal with. They don't need trash like you not taking no for an answer”.

“I can do what I want” said the suited man, panic in his voice mixed with a little bit of bravado “You know who I am”!?

“Given your suit and that haircut, I bet in ends with esquire or the 3rd. Listen hear, country club and listen good. If you think your status or threats of suiting me mean jack here, then you are either an out of towner or massively stupid. Now, unless you to spend your next few tennis appointments in a full body cast, you're going to pay this young lady her rate for her trouble and then you're going to get the hell out of here. And if you ever return, the only thing going near your nether regions are the rats. Got it”!

The punk in the suit realized that messing with this man was a bad idea, so he ended up doing as was demanded of him. Pulling out a bunch of $100s from his wallet, he threw them on the ground. Satisfied, the red masked man released his grip and the suited man ran, possible soiling himself in the process.

The red helmet man walked over to the young street worker as she was picking up the cash and knelled down to her level. He then oddly pulled out some of his own money.

“A little extra, take it. Take the rest of the night off. You need it”.

“The woman took the extra money, pocketing it with the rest of the cash, before making taking her leave “Thank you, Red Hood”.

Red Hood. Jason Todd. Formerly the second Robin. Dawn never had the pleasure of meeting him herself. She did know of him mostly from Hank or rather his Robin days. Shame what happened to him.

After the woman left, Red Hood also took his leave, launching a grapple towards the nearest tall building and then up he went. Dawn, now curious about this Red Hood, followed by using her ability to fly.

Making it to the roof, she noticed that the Red Hood was no where to be seen. He couldn't have moved that fast and even so, he didn't look like he was in a hurry.

“Any reason you seem to be following me”?

Dawn quickly spun around to see that Red Hood was now behind her. How did he do that? Then Dawn remembered that she was Gotham and confronting someone who was trained by Batman. He also had his helmet off, while keeping on a domino mask. It took her moment to collect herself in order to respond.

“Well I just happened to be in the area and saw what you did back there”.

“Oh that. Just my service to the community. Ladies like her got enough trouble, they don't need some stock market dickhead giving them crap. So how are you just in the area of Gotham of all places and where's your big and ill tempered partner”?

Well he's kind of why I'm hear. He was having one of his moods lately and I needed to get some air as it were. And I will admit, blowing off some steam on some street punk might be therapeutic”.

Jason could relate to that. Hell, most of the job was him doing that. But it was funny that someone like Dove would be into that.

“Not what one would expect from the Avatar of Peace”.

“Well, I'm not Don and peace isn't the same as blind pacifism. And it doesn't relieve stress”.

“So...what is the real reason you followed me”?

Guess she never gave a real answer to that. Dawn knew that curiosity wasn't a good enough reason, nor was telling him he did a good job. Thinking, she figured she would come up with an honest answer.

“I guess years being partnered with Hank, I guess I see when others are possessing of similar disposition. Admittedly you seemed to be more in control. Your temper seems to be more than general aggression and more outrage”.

“You a therapist now”?

“Not if I can help it. Donna Troy told me horror stories about when people treated her as one. I'm just empathetic and highly observant”.

She wasn't wrong about her observations. Though it was sobering to have someone actually point it out rather than just brush him off as just naturally angry or overreacting.

“Well can you blame me? You do know some of my history?” Dawn nodded at the question. The tragic story wasn't unknown to most of the superhero community. Most people empathized with Jason due to what happened, just not a lot of his actions. Though a lot of that seems to be more Batman's influence. Dawn listened as Jason continued.

“I grow up with the life I had, my childhood ends with a crowbar to the skull and a bomb to the face, get thrusted back to life and find out that the man who took my life is still alive and not even given any punishment harsher than the same inefficient ones he always got. And then I look at places like this part of Gotham. Some of the same conditions I grew up in and all the good will and work to make something better here doesn't seem to work. I come here because no one else seems to want to help or really knows how or even understands how things here go, even Batman.”

Dawn said nothing, letting Jason's words digest. After a moment, she walked over to Jason, kissing him on the cheek. Jason was confused by the gesture.

“What was that for”?

“You're a good man, Jason Todd. No matter what others might says”.

Dawn turned towards the edge of the building, reaching it as she was planning to fly away. Before she did so, she turned back towards Jason.

“If you ever want to talk, my ear is always open”.

With that, Dawn flew away, leaving Jason to process what happened, even touching the spot that Dawn kissed him, as clique as Jason thought that was. Maybe he would take her on her offer. But that was another day. There was more of the night left and he had a job to do.