˚.⋆ Jason Todd: Fluff Alphabet ⋆.˚
Jason Todd/ Red Hood x gn!reader
| A/N: Happy Leo season, especially to my favorite Leo Mr. Jason Todd. Like, reblog and comment!....... or else I’m going to write a 100k word 5 part series of pure angst where Jason only feels unloved and uncared for and never finds happiness. Ball is in your court.
A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)
Jason is more affectionate than people initially expect, even more so when he is in love.
While verbal affection is something that takes a while for him to get used to, every other love language is on the table. Physical affection, acts of service, quality time both playful and steamy. Jason Todd adores you, and he’s always trying his best to show it to you. In spite of his size and strength, there's something sweet about how careful and doting he can be.
B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend?)
Having someone like Jason as a best friend is a once in a lifetime kind of thing. Even before the romance began, Jason always made sure to prioritize you in his life, and you spent many nights in each others company. Gaming, late night walks, drinks at the dingy bars downtown… it's never a dull night when you two are together.
C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)
Oh, best believe Jason likes to cuddle. At the beginning of your relationship he’s too shy to outright ask at first- what if you say no?- but he has yet to turn down a cuddle session should you initiate. Cuddling him is like being engulfed in protective, muscle-y cloud. He’s gentle enough not to hurt you, but big enough to squish you just a little bit.
He loves it when he lays on your chest, arms loosely wrapped around your waist, while your fingers run through his hair and scratch his back. He’ll let out soft groans and sighs of bliss, goosebumps creeping up his torso.
D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)
Being domestic is one of those things that had never really crossed his mind before he met you, but now it's something he wouldn’t trade for the world. Coming home after a long patrol and seeing you peacefully sleeping in your shared bed… in your shared home… he loves you and this little life you’ve built together so much.
He’ll always hold his weight when it comes to cleaning after himself or chores around the house. Like hell he’d leave a mess behind just for someone else to clean. He’s also not too bad in the kitchen.
E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)
It would hurt him, and he would be holding back tears the entire time. If Jason ends something with a romantic partner, it’s out of fear. Fear of losing you, of hurting you, of getting you dragged into a world that is merciless and violent. One that takes and takes until there’s nothing left. It would be after a close call, one where he almost lost you for good, when he finally makes the decision to push you away. He refuses to be the reason you no longer breathe.
F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)
Contrary to some belief, Jason Todd isn’t afraid of commitment itself, if anything his hesitation stems from worrying he isn’t good enough to deserve it in the first place. Commitment to a partner is not something he takes lightly, and casual dating has never really been his forte. He takes exclusivity quite seriously even from early on, even if he doesn’t immediately use labels. Once Jason is in, he’s in it for life.
Jason would never rush to get married, and the idea likely wouldn’t even cross his mind for a year or two. But once he knows, he wouldn’t see much of a reason to wait any longer before popping the question. Poor boy would be so nervous about picking the right ring, where to propose, what if you- God forbid- say no. He’d overthink it until the moment he’s down on one knee and looking up at you with a look so solemnly in love it takes your breath away.
G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)
Jason is the most soft and sweet when you two are in private. Around others he keeps affection subtle; a hand on your shoulder, a quick smile, a teasing remark. It’s when you both are alone that you see another side to just how gentle he can be.
It surprises him one day, when he realizes how gentle he can be with you, especially when you need him to be. He may not always have the perfect words or solutions when you’re feeling down, but Jason makes it a priority to support you in other means. Holding you close, making sure you eat after a hard day, or quietly sitting near you when you just need him by your side.
H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)
He sure as hell does. Physical touch is incredibly important to this boy, and hugging is one of his favorite ways to feel you close to him.
His hugs are engulfing and warm, and the weight of his strong arms around you is a quiet reminder that he’s here; he’ll protect you, cherish you, and keep you close as long as you let him. He hugs like he could lose you at any moment- like any hug could be your last.
I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)
To be completely honest, it would most likely be you who says it first.
The words I love you is a commitment in itself- a bond set in stone from the moment they leave his mouth. It’s a sentiment much deeper and vulnerable than confessing a crush or attraction, and even then those feelings weigh heavily in his chest. I love you is something he'd say only when he's absolutely certain he means it, and that very well could take months. He needs to be sure, because once he says it, he wants you to trust that he means it and will prove it to you every day for the rest of his life.
J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)
Jason has experienced hurt, loss and betrayal on levels so complicated it leaves him broken on some days. To him, jealousy would be an emotion of the same vein.
Now that isn’t to say he would get jealous over trivial things, like you being hit on at the bar, or someone giving you a compliment. But to be constantly put in situations that leave him questioning your loyalty or love for him would severely dig into those old wounds. On his worse days, a part of him assumes you will leave him like everyone else.
K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)
He likes kissing you on your knuckles, and he’ll blush if you call him a romantic for it. He does it subconsciously for the most part- the movement bringing him comfort when he’s stressed, or thinking about something far away. On the flip side, Jason likes it when you kiss his cheek. He finds it very endearing and sweet, especially when you have to lean up to do so.
That being said, if your lips linger a bit too long on his scars especially in the beginning of your relationship, his face heats up in discomfort. The self-consciousness is a hurdle that takes him a long time to overcome.
L = Little ones (How are they around children?)
Jason is like that uncle that says he’s not good with kids, yet all the little ones love him to bits and can't get enough of his presence. He’d never admit it, but it always made his day when babies would smile at him on public transport when he was young, and he always made sure to smile back.
Things changed after the incident. He’ll never forget the first time a kid saw his scars and began to cry, or how his mother nervously held him closer. It was the last day he ever took the bus.
M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)
Mornings are a quiet haven for you both. Tangled limbs, soft groans, groggy good mornings and I love you’s. He’d die (again) if his brothers ever found out, but Jason is a complete baby in the early hours. If he’s feeling especially sappy, he’ll wrap his arms around your waist and just outright refuse to let you leave the bed.
He’s often up before you are just out of habit; he isn’t sleeping for longer than a few hours unless something unusually strenuous happened the night before. He’ll close his eyes and let himself relax next to you until he feels you stir next to him, signaling you're coming to.
N = No’s (What are some “no’s” of theirs when it comes to dating? What are they unattracted to?)
Clinginess and over-dependence would be a huge turn off for him. It’s one thing to spend the nights consumed with one another… but the whole day? 24/7? Jason, while still madly head over heels for you, still needs his space.
He appreciates a partner who can be independent and has their own thing going on; honestly the more assertive and self-reliant someone is, the more Jason finds himself attracted to them. A partner who can understand his need for space without taking it personally would be the most ideal for him.
O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)
Very much the latter; Jason would never be so naive to spill his life story to someone he doesn’t trust with every fiber of his being. It’s not that he’s emotionally unavailable, he’s just a bit guarded is all. He's not the type of man to share his most darkest secrets and fears on the first few dates, but if he trusts you, he'll gradually open up as the days turn into weeks. Like all good things in life, it just takes a little patience and time.
P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)
Speaking of patience, Jason has done a lot of self-work to stop being consumed and defined by the rage he carries from his past, especially since you entered his life. It would genuinely eat him up inside if he ever lost his temper around you, and just the thought of you having to see that side of him makes him sick. He’d never do anything to scare you.
If you both start to argue to the point where it starts to get loud, and he feels himself getting genuinely angry, he’d withdraw and get some space before it gets to the point of him lashing out.
Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)
Jason remembers everything. Your favorite snacks, what books you like to read, what shampoo you like to buy. While verbally saying it may take some time, showing his love for you is like second nature. You never have to question if he pays attention, or second guess if he remembers the little things. You’re always on his mind.
He’ll put in extra effort during anniversaries and birthdays; damn straight he’s gonna make sure you feel loved when it matters most.
R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)
Call him a romantic, but his favorite memory will always be the day he confessed his feelings, which coincidentally led to sharing your first kiss.
Jason is not the type of man to fall in love at first sight or wear his heart on his sleeve, especially after everything. It took a decent amount of time for him to acknowledge the feelings he had for you were real, and an even longer time to believe you felt the same. But then he saw it in the way you acted around him- shyness? Reciprocity? Attraction? He didn’t have an exact name for it then, but it was the final push he needed.
Once he knew his feelings were mutual, he pulled you in a kissed you so deeply it took your breath away.
S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you?)
How protective is the Red Hood over his significant other, in a city like Gotham where crime runs rampant? Take a guess.
If he ever feels even an inkling that the night feels off, the Red Hood is following you home from the shadows. He’s taking you to a private gun range on your days off, and teaching you anything he can when it comes to self defense. He begs you to carry a weapon with you at all times, to the point where it makes him nervous if you don’t. Your safety is not something he’s willing to compromise on; if he comes off as overprotective then so be it.
T = Talking (what do they love to talk about?)
Anything and everything. Seriously- nothing is off limits. Weird topics, animal facts, new movies, which books are the best pieces of literature to ever be created. Jason just loves to be able to talk with you for hours. Sometimes he’ll just watch and listen as you gush about people in your life or whatever you’re passionate about that day with the softest look in his eyes.
He’ll get uncharacteristically excited if you want to discuss or learn more about his interests. Cars, books, guns… he could go on all night if he was certain you really wanted to listen.
U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)
Jason’s biggest flaws would be more subtle than outright toxic. Since meeting you, he’s done a lot of growing and self-reflection on the kind of person he wants to be, but that doesn't mean he’s perfect, and he never will be.
Jason is the type of person who still struggles with healthy emotional habits, and that means bottling things up or just outright leaving for the night if he feels upset. He’ll insist everything is fine for days, just to get out of having to be vulnerable and talk about it, and then end up snapping at the smallest of things.
He’s also stubborn and a bit of a hardass, but let’s leave that for another day…
V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)
The scars bother him, and they always will. He’s never been one to obsess over his appearance the way that Dick does- as long as he’s clean and doesn’t smell like shit he’s good to go- but things changed since the scars. It’s less about vanity and more so self-consciousness and hatred. Some days he can’t bear to even look in the mirror.
W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)
Your absence is noticeable, especially when his definition of home is no longer what roof he’s under, but instead who is under one with him. It wouldn’t be that he believes you ‘complete’ him , per se, but you’ve changed the way he lives and looks at the world, and you not being around him for prolonged periods of time would affect him.
He’ll catch himself looking over to tell you something only to remember you’re not around, or feeling strange in an eerily quiet apartment that’s usually filled with laughter and music. It’s less I can’t live without you and more my life is so much more alive with you in it.
X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)
Jason likes it when you wear his clothes. Loves it, actually. Leather jackets, hoodies, big t-shirts… the more oversized it fits on you the better. He loves it even more when you return them back to them, and each piece smells distinctly like you.
One day he caught you trying to put the Red Hood helmet over your head and his heart did a funny little leap in his chest.
Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)
Like touched upon earlier, clinginess and co-dependency is something he wouldn’t like in a partner, and also frowns upon it when he notices these things in other people. If he sees his teammates start to fall into those kinds of relationships, he’d be the friend to pull them aside and give them a pep talk (or at the very least, try to give them one in a very Jason fashion way).
He’s also not a fan of very selfish or ignorant people either. It’s always going to be kind hearted people, or at the very least people who try to do good in world despite everything life throws at them, that catch his attention the most.
Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)
He doesn’t move. Not an inch. No snoring, no drooling, no rustling around. He sleeps on his back and wakes up in the same position. Even the smallest things are enough to wake him up; sometimes you wonder if he’s even truly asleep at all. It’s rare you get to see Jason still asleep by the time you come to; he’s almost always up before you are, his schedule militant, so cherish those moments as much as you can.