Sae’s Favorite Girl 🌟

The corner of your lips quiver. ‘I don’t have to do this?’ you repeat over in your mind, the contradiction of the statement making your eyebrow twitch.

“Who-” You stutter. “Who are you to talk!?” You try to bite back at him, try to bare your teeth to show you’re not someone to be taken lightly, but the words come out shaky and nearly silent. You could feel your throat start to tighten, every swallow of spit feeling like a boulder was trying to squeeze itself down your throat.

He stays quiet for a moment, watching as you cage yourself against the rough corner of your room, the stone biting into your skin with every harsh breath that leaves your lips, your nightwear doing nothing to protect you. Your jerky movements, your clammy hands holding onto that silly dagger that would be so easy to slap away from you, your sickly pale complexion no doubt brought upon by terror.

His eyes narrow. You’re acting like a wild animal.

“This is unbecoming of you.” He chides, taking a step closer to you and reaching a gloved hand out. The dim moonlight shining in from the window next to you allows you to clearly see the once pristine metal of his glove now dirtied and tainted with the stains of blood, dirt, and other viscera that he might’ve come across during his…escapade.

Your head starts to shake slowly, your eyes glued to the outstretched hand. “No, no no, no…” you feel your shoulders start to tense up. “...You don’t get.. You don’t get to tell me that.” your gaze snaps back up, jolting a bit at the realization of the proximity the two of you now hold before your jaw sets. “I… I thought.. I thought we were having a nice time. Were… were we not having a nice time? Why did you have to go and do that? Why? Why?” You start to raise your voice.

The ring on your finger glints mockingly in the moonlight, as if saying: “Oh, you really thought you could get engaged to someone normal? Ha!” You wanted to rip it from your digit, but the thought of Sae using the opportunity when you lower your hands from your throat to tackle you and steal the weapon from your grasp keeps you rooted in place.

“We were having a good time. I don’t see why that has to end now.”

“Because you killed my entire family!” You bellow out into the otherwise deadly quiet room. The guards stationed outside would have most definitely heard your shout were it not for the fact that they were currently cooling in pools of their own blood.

He tsks, yes, tsks! “Enough of this. You’re acting irrational and emotional.” He snaps forward in a split second, your breath hitches in your throat before a grimy hand shoots out and takes one of your writs, squeezing it tightly enough for you to feel the bone start to wane under his hold. You grit your teeth, bite your tongue until it starts to bleed, but don’t let go.

“You will come back to my kingdom with me, and we will follow through with our engagement, and you will put a stop to this behavior-”

You seethe through your teeth. You feel your fear gradually starting to turn into rage the more he speaks. Was his voice always so grating? “Like hell I will.” With one shaky but determined movement, you let the dagger fall into the hand not bound before straightening it out and digging it directly into his side, relishing in the way it rips a short scream from his throat and causes him to stumble back, directly freeing you from his hold.

Taking the opportunity, you back away from him quickly and turn tail, making a beeline for the doorway and then the hallway. As you rush out, you take care to not focus too intently on the guards slumped against the walls, especially not the one to your right that you knew was your friend.

Pushing back your growing despair, you surge forward, bounding down the dimly lit hallways with determination.

You make it about two hundred feet until you hear a loud clattering from behind you. Taking the risk, you turn your head for just a millisecond and your heart nearly drops to the floor.

Sae was silently trailing behind you, one hand on his side where the dagger was still firmly lodged and with a stare that promised you nothing good if you were to falter even once.

‘Fuck this.’ You silently curse as you turn your head back around and increase your speed.

It feels like hours before you finally manage to make it outside the castle and into the cool night air. Narrowly avoiding a head on collision with a maid holding a laundry basket, you weave around her and continue your journey to where you knew the guards lodge to be.

Shoes slipping slightly on the loose rocks and pebbles that litter the outside, you catch a glimpse of the wooden house all the guards reside in and a small smile crawls its way onto your face. Reaching the heavy wooden door, you waste no time in shoving it open and skittering inside. But instead of seeing a couple dozen sweaty heads turn to look at your sudden intrusion, you instead see at most five turn to look at you with shock and confusion.

Tumbling to a halt in the middle of the cramped lodge, your shoulders rise up and down rapidly as you scan the scene in front of you. “Wha.. What?”

“Your Majesty!” One of the knights seated in a far corner quickly shoots up and makes his way towards you. “Does something seem to be the problem?”

Your gaze sweeps around the room over and over again, convinced your mind had to be playing some sort of trick on you. “Where.. Where are the rest of the guards?” You wheeze out.

The knight furrows his brows, but it is not he who answers you.

“Most of them went out to go confront a rather large disturbance reported to be coming from the south. Something about a large army starting to gather.” Another knight pipes up from bed to your right. “Another three of them went to inform the king about it.”

You couldn’t believe your ears. “An.. army..?”

The first knight nods his head. “Yes your Majesty. If things don’t get settled by morning light, some are saying a war might break out.”

The knight of the bed lets out a curse as he finishes putting on his boots. “What luck. It’s not like we did anything to deserve this kind of response.”

The previous knight shakes his head. “Some people are just…” He turns to look at his comrade, his voice muffling out as you think back to what Sae had told you earlier before you stabbed him.

“You will come back to my kingdom with me, and we will follow through with our engagement, and you will put a stop to this behavior-”

Fuck.

"Because you're gonna try to install your special security measures," you say as he locks his bike.

Jason thinks about it, then nods. "Yeah, that's probably true. No, but it's your place. I wouldn't do anything you wouldn't know about."

"I know," you say, going inside and holding the door for him. "But my apartment is smaller than yours.”

"That doesn't matter to me, baby."

When did he get it into his head that he needs to be in your apartment? You go up the stairs with Jason behind you, thinking about how you can excuse not inviting him inside. Except, it’s suspicious if you make him wait outside. Even for Jason, who's about as cagey as they come. He seems to trust you fine, but you have no idea what freak raised him because he's eternally wary of people and unfamiliar places. He also insists on sitting close to the door when you go out to eat. But even he's invited you to his place. Many times now. Maybe you can extend the same favor. 

"Fine. You get a quick tour," you say against your better judgment as you get to your door, unlocking it.

"I'm honored, truly." Jason follows you inside. He clicks his tongue, pointing to the lock. "No deadbolt?"

"Jason..."

"I mean, what a beautiful lock on your door," he says sweetly, kissing your cheek. "Y'know what would make it even more beautiful?"

"You being less paranoid?"

"Seventy percent of Gotham break-ins are in residences that have only one lock. Sixty-five percent of them are on—"

You turn around and put your arms around Jason. He automatically puts his arms around your waist and stops talking. His beauty still stuns you: his aquiline nose, his freckles, those bright teal eyes. You get shy at times, flustered and delighted at the fact that this hunk of a man likes you so much.

"I'm extremely attracted to you, despite your raccoon demeanor," you say.

"You'd be the first," Jason says, gaze terribly fond. "I'll shut up now 'bout the statistics."

"No, statistics are hot. Just not when they're about home invasions."

"Point taken. How 'bout stats on Gotham's exports?"

You throw your head back, gasping. "Oh! You fiend. No more, please. I may just ravish you here on the floor!"

Jason bends you back a little, his hand fitting in the center of your back to ease you over. He doesn't do that very often, use his strength and wield you the way he wants, but when he does, you lose your breath. Your pulse quickens as Jason nuzzles your neck.

"This okay?" he asks. You hum an airy yes.

"'M in no rush," he says in your ear. "We can linger. Haven't finished your tour. 'S your room next?"

You straighten so fast, you nearly knock Jason in the teeth. It's only because of his quick reflexes that you don't.

"You can't see my room," you rush out, looking at him with wide eyes.

Jason squints, hands dropping to your sides. "What? Why?"

"Um... because... because my room is a mess."

"So? I don't care. My room looks like a solitary confinement cell."

You raise an eyebrow. Jason clears his throat.

"Well, I mean, it used to. It's better now that I have plants and shit."

"Lack of decor is nowhere near as embarrassing as my room, Jason. Mine is beyond messy. It's filled with half-eaten pizza crusts. And rats. And... slime?"

"Slime, huh? Well, good thing I wore my Doc Martens. I can withstand a little slime."

You sag. "You don't believe me."

Jason smiles and kisses your forehead. "Not particularly, baby. What's the issue, huh? You hiding nudie mags or something?"

You roll your eyes. "Who calls it that, Jay? You sound like Tony Soprano. Just say porn."

"Gracefully choosing to ignore that comment. Look, if y'do have porn, it's nothing to be ashamed of. You should feel safe to express and explore your sexuality however you—"

"Oh my God, it's not porn." You cover your face. "Jesus. It's—okay, just come in. If you're gonna break up with me over this, we might as well face it now."

"I'm not gonna break up with you," he says as you take his hand and lead him to your bedroom. "Nothing you show me could—"

You swing open the door. Jason trails off as he follows you in, his eyes landing on your 4x6 poster of the Red Hood that's smack middle in the room, taped over your bed.

And then, obviously, one can't miss the Red Hood towel on your computer chair, or the Red Hood mug. And the limited edition Red Hood Bat Burger bobblehead, which was quickly discontinued after some public backlash.

"Wow," Jason says.

You groan and bury your face in your hands. "It's fine. I know it's weird. Just go."

You don’t know how it happened, this accumulation of Red Hood merch. It's not like people aren’t fans of heroes. Plenty of local heroes are revered across the world. You have an online friend from Brazil who has literally all of the Superman collectibles. But Superman is reasonable. Batman is reasonable. Nightwing is common and basically a Gotham staple—you've seen women in Nightwing bikinis.

But Red Hood fans are far and few. Plenty of people think he's a criminal and a borderline villain. Some people, working-class people mostly, adore him. You've heard plenty of wonderful things he's done to turn neighborhoods around, keep people safe, fight The Man. Hell, last week there was a video of him carrying an old woman to the hospital after she fell in the road.

Plus, you get the feeling he's really handsome under that helmet. You're sure he's physically overwhelming, at the very least. You've seen clips of him fighting. Oh boy, can he hold his own.

But if you told the average person on the street that your favorite hero is Red Hood, they'd definitely give you a side eye. You brace yourself for one now. 

"Huh," Jason says. "Didn't think you'd be a fan of his. Not really a hero, is he?"

You huff, squaring your shoulders. "He's helped a lot of people. No one actually cares about protecting us except for vigilantes. Red Hood protects innocents. If that takes a little bit of a heavier hand, so be it."

Jason raises his eyebrows. "Didn't know you played fast with morality like that, honey."

"You don't agree?" If this is where your relationship ends, you'd rather it happen sooner than later. "He's implemented a lot of fundamental structures that even Batman hasn't. He's more big-picture than the Bats. So, whatever, okay? If you think I'm nutty for liking Red Hood, then just go now."

You cross your arms and turn away from Jason. It's quiet for a long moment. You're sure it's done; you've just ruined the first relationship you really wanted to make work. But you've been on dates and let it slip that you admire Hood, and plenty of men let you know what an idiot you are to do so. You thought Jason would understand. Maybe not.

But then you feel arms around your stomach. Jason kisses your cheek.

"C'mon," he says chidingly, voice low and sweet in your ear. "Y'think it's that easy to scare me off? We live in Gotham, sweetheart. The only way I'd be worried is if you had someone's head sitting in your fridge. And even then, I'd hear ya out on whose head it is."

You lean into Jason's solid warmth, rubbing your cheek against his scruff like a cat. "I'd have my reasons if I did that."

"Mm, I know it."

You slip out of his grip enough to turn around. Jason's got a coy, little grin on, and you can't figure out why. But you suppose that's better than him leaving because of your local celebrity crush.

"You're really not annoyed?" you ask. "Because if you are, we should hash it out now."

"No, baby, 'm not annoyed." Jason glances at the Red Hood bobblehead. His grin widens, tongue resting between his teeth as he looks at you. You feel hunted, but the glint in Jason’s eye quickly disappears. "I think he does what needs to be done."

"Yeah?"

"Sure. Just surprised, is all. He doesn't seem like your type."

You blink, heart beating faster. "My type? Well, I-I just think he contributes a lot to the city. It's not... I appreciate what he does for Gotham."

"Wait." He tilts his head like he's genuinely trying to figure something out. "D'you have a crush on Hood or something?"

You hesitate, flustered at how quickly Jason picked up on that. How does he do that? "I don't—I mean, I admire him—he's—but I don't even know what he looks like, so—"

Jason's eyes light up, and you know you've made a mistake, just not the one you thought you would. He cups the back of your neck, which always makes you hot and squirmy.

"Oh, you do like him like that. Huh. Didn't know the helmet did it for you. Very interesting news, sweetheart. He doesn't scare ya?"

"No," you say, the word coming out weak. Wires are being crossed in your head between the image of the Red Hood and your boyfriend crowding you in your room and pressing his lips to your neck.

"That's very good to hear," Jason says, and you give in, tugging him over to your bed. He laughs. "Why didn't you want me to know?"

"It's embarrassing," you whine. "The poster was from a friend."

You let Jason climb atop you, permeating your senses with his bulk and his citrusy scent. He carefully keeps his weight off of you, but you wish he'd hold you down. This is exactly why you didn't want to bring Jason over; you don't need your old fantasies of Red Hood getting mixed up with your boyfriend.

"I don't think it's embarrassing," he says, gently taking your leg and crooking it over his hip. "You picturing him right now?"

"Jason!" You thwack his shoulder. You feel it more than he does, probably. He cackles.

"Teasin'," he says, soothing you with a kiss. "But I can get a helmet if you want me to."

You kick him off the bed. "No more tours for you!"

Work runs late a week later, so you're still out by the time eight o'clock rolls around. It's summer time, so it's not the worst thing ever, but you know what Jason would say. Your last message is still unread because Jason works most nights. You’ve chosen not to worry him by telling him you're also working tonight, instead texting him funny Gotham memes.

"Evening."

…Maybe you should've let him know.

You flinch, the voice startling you hard. Red Hood is leaning against the fence surrounding the park you pass by on your way to the bus stop. His arms are crossed, and his biceps bulge underneath his tight black t-shirt. You can't tell from here, but you're sure he must tower over you.

"Oh." Briefly, you wonder if you summoned him somehow after revealing your room to Jason last week. You've lived in Gotham your whole life and you've never run into Hood. The only vigilante you've met is Red Robin, and he's not a talker.

"Hi," you say, a little nervous, a little starstruck.

"Hi," Hood says, letting his arms drop. His posture is easy, but you know better. You know he's here for a reason. "Working tonight?"

You nod. "I just finished. I'm just going to the bus now."

"Pretty late for the bus."

"It's June."

"It's Gotham."

You open your mouth, then close it. Then you open it again. "Um... it's okay. I've done it plenty of times before."

"Plenty of times? Without letting anyone know?"

You wince. "Well, not plenty—"

"Nobody to pick you up?"

You shrug. "No."

"No? Think hard." There's the tiniest edge to his tone.

"I mean, my boyfriend could, hypothetically, but he works nights, so—"

"And you think his job is more important than making sure you're safe? It'd devastate him if something happened to you."

You blink. "I don't—I guess I didn't think of it that way."

Hood shakes his head. Then he pushes himself off of the fence and approaches you. Immediately, your heart rate increases. To be this close to the Red Hood, to have him worry about little old you, scold you for not calling Jason, it's causing a confusing mix of emotions to swirl inside you.

You've thought about how you'd act if you met Red Hood. Maybe ask for an autograph if the opportunity arises. You can't fathom asking him for anything now. He's intimidating. Maybe you are a little afraid, but it's intertwined with other feelings.

Hood pauses. "Everything okay?" he asks carefully. "Your heart rate spiked."

"Oh," you say breathlessly. "Yes, I'm okay."

You can't see his face but you feel like he doesn't believe you. "Sure?"

You wonder if he can see all of your vitals. Can he see how warm you feel? "Yes, I'm sure. It's just... I'm sort of a fan of you. So it's... it's an experience."

Hood laughs. "Fan? Don't think I have any fans."

You shake your head. "That's not true. I know a few people who like you."

He hums and approaches you slowly. You let him until he's close enough for you to take in his physicality completely. He's a couple inches taller than Jason. Not that it matters. Just an observation.

"'M flattered," he says softly. "But if you're jus' sayin' that 'cause you're a little scared, please don't."

"No, I'm not scared. I trust you, Red Hood."

He folds his arms, stretching his neck to his right shoulder. You catch a sliver of tanned, scarred skin. "So soon?"

"Uh-huh."

"Kinda crazy of ya."

You shrug. "Maybe."

"Hmm. We goin' home?"

"You want to take me home?" you ask, eyes wide.

"Not-not like that. I mean, I can't let ya go home alone."

"No, I know, I just... I didn't think Red Hood made home visits."

"Sometimes." He makes an aborted gesture to touch your cheek with his finger and you swallow hard. Your ears are very hot. You might choke on your spit.

"I didn't know Red Hood would care that much if I went home."

"'Course I do," he says softly. "Your safety is my priority."

"My-?"

"Civilians, I mean," Hood says quickly. "'S why I'm out here patrolling."

"But surely there's people who need you more than me. I'm just some nobody going home from work, I—"

"You're not a nobody. Don't say that," Hood says with so much force, it renders you silent. "Got it?"

You nod. "Okay. Sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry 'bout. C'mon, I'll take you home, okay?"

You really don't want to bother Jason at this hour. Besides, as far as vigilante escorts go, Hood really isn't the worst choice. Another person might be afraid. A sane person would refuse.

"Yes, I'm okay with that," you say, smiling. "Thank you."

"Sure. My bike is parked down the block."

He walks a little behind you, close enough for you to turn and talk to him, but angled so that nothing can sneak up on you. It's the way Jason walks with you sometimes. You wonder if it's a Gotham thing.

Hood's bike is a cherry red. He lets you type in your address into his GPS. Then he gives you a helmet.

"Safety first," he says. It's the same helmet that Jason wears for his motorcycle. For a second, you swear you can smell his aftershave. Orange blossoms.

Hood gestures for you to get on. He holds the bike steady and it seems like he's going to hold your back to help you onto the bike. But he doesn't touch you, not like Jason does.

"Ever been on a bike before?" he asks when you're on.

"My boyfriend's."

He hums, throwing a leg over and straddling the bike. You blink at the sudden wall of bulk in front of you. "He treat you right, that boyfriend?"

You nod. "He's amazing. I love him."

Hood is silent for a moment, then he clears his throat. "Good. Lady like you deserves to be treated like a princess."

You laugh. "You barely know me. I'm no princess."

"I got a good sense about people. Hold onto me."

You wrap your arms around his waist. He tuts at you.

"Gotta hold me tighter than that. Don't want you flying off. You know better."

You tighten your hold, flustered and speechless. Hood pats your hand.

"There we go. Good listener," he says. "Everything okay back there? You're quiet."

For a second, it sounds like he's teasing you, and your stomach jumps like when Jason teases you. But the Red Hood isn't playful like that, right?

"I'm okay," you say.

"Nervous?"

You shake your head. "No."

"No? Glad you've got so much faith in me."

"I do."

Hood turns on his bike, revving the engine. You squeeze him tighter as he flicks the kickstand up with his foot, pushing off and balancing. He does so effortlessly. Wow.

Hood gets you home quickly. He follows all the traffic laws and doesn't speed. He drives efficiently, like Jason, but he takes it slow on the leans... like Jason. Maybe he can feel how you get nervous on motorcycles.

"This is it?" he asks, slowing down next to your building.

"Yes. Thank you." You wait as Hood stops and gets off first, then helps you off. You take his gloved hand, and he helps you off like it's nothing, bearing most of your weight.

"No more secretly working nights," he tells you. "I'll know."

You don't question it. "Okay. I won't."

"Good. Have a good night."

He starts to mount his bike. You step off the curb, in front of him. Hood stops.

"What's up?" he asks, nodding at you. He addresses you so casually... so familiar.

"Um, I was... do you mind if I ask for your autograph?"

Hood looks at you for a long moment. You lose your nerve and turn around.

"Never mind! Sorry. Good night."

"Hang on."

You turn around. Hood beckons you over with two fingers. You go, eyes widening as he takes off his gloves. He gives them to you. You catch a glimpse of more scars and maybe a silver ring. Jason sometimes wears a silver chain around his neck. It dangles over you when he’s—

"Oh no! Oh my God, you don't have to—"

"Got a bunch." It sounds like he's smiling. "Always nice to meet a fan. Any trouble with that boyfriend, let me know."

You're not sure if you respond, you're so dazed. Hood pulls away from the curb like a bat out of hell, waving at you as he goes.

You're already in bed by the time Jason comes home from work. He comes home earlier than usual, and you're still awake when he crawls into your bed next to you. You've taken down the Red Hood poster, too embarrassed from last week. Jason insists he's going to get you an even bigger poster. You beg him not to.

"How'd you know I was at my place?" you ask, yawning.

"My apartment alarm didn't report anybody entering."

"Still think it's weird that you track who enters your apartment," you say.

"Safety first. You usually don't go to your place unless you're coming home from work. You wouldn't happen to have worked a shift tonight without telling me, would you?"

"Okay, yes, but please don't be mad. I didn't take the bus." You pause before finishing. "Red Hood actually gave me a ride home tonight."

You reach sleepily for Jason's arm. He tucks himself into place behind you, wrapping an arm and a leg around you. He smells like your shampoo.

"Yeah, don't think we aren't done with the conversation about you taking the bus home at night, by the way. Red Hood, huh? Should I be doubly worried then?"

You roll your eyes. "Not on my part. But I was definitely getting a vibe."

"A vibe? Red Hood's got the hots for my girl?"

Jason slips a hand under your shirt to rest on your stomach. His hands always run a little cool and they feel good on warm nights like tonight. He doesn't mean anything by it, but desire creeps onto you, slow and thick. You think of the gloves in your dresser.

"It kinda felt like that," you say, a little embarrassed to even admit it. "He, uh, gave me his gloves."

"His gloves?" Jason sounds sleepy. "That's basically a proposal."

"Two centuries ago, maybe. Please don't be jealous. Nothing happened, Jay."

You'd never cheat on Jason, obviously, but you've had a crush on the Red Hood since he came to Gotham. Riding on his motorcycle tonight was exhilarating, to say the least. Still, you don't want this to be a thing. Another guy would probably get upset.

But Jason's tone doesn't change. He's still sleepy and peaceful. "'M not. Might have to kick his ass, though."

You laugh at the thought. Jason kneads the soft fat of your stomach. "Something funny?" he asks. "Y'think I can't take him?"

"I know you could," you say, and you mean it, even though you're not sure how well your boyfriend can dodge bullets. "But, I mean, you're too nice for him, Jay. Hood fights dirty when he needs to. You fight fair."

"Wow. So you don't think I could beat Red Hood in a fight. Way to bruise a man's ego, baby." Jason buries his face in the back of your neck in retaliation. You squeal at the tickles.

"I didn't say that!" you say, giggling. "It's a compliment. You're too nice to scrap with him. Ah! Jason, mercy, mercy!"

"So you're saying he's mean?" Jason asks, showing mercy and easing off. He returns to just holding you, leg over yours.

"Not... not to civilians. Not to me. He's just a little rough overall, I think. But he seemed nice."

"Oh my God, you loved it," Jason says, no longer sounding so sleepy. "You loved being on his bike. You loved him being a little rough. This was a dream come true."

"No! No, Jason, it wasn't like that."

"You got the hots for Hood," he sing-songs. "Hood hots, Hood hots!"

"I don't, I don't," you say, shoving your face into your pillow. "Stop. You know you're the only one for me."

Jason hums, pushing himself up so he's on top of you without putting his weight on you. He pets your hip. "Yeah, baby, I know. Don't worry. Not mad. I think it's cute. You got a little flustered around him. No biggie. I trust ya."

You sigh, turning your face to the side. "He was professional."

Jason snorts. "Yeah, he better have been. Pretty lady like you holding onto him."

"I'm sure he helps way prettier ladies in a night," you mumble.

Jason easily rolls you over, so you're facing each other. He tucks you into his chest, an arm and a leg returning to their places around you.

"I seriously doubt it," he says. You can feel his voice vibrate through his chest. "Everyone knows you're the prettiest princess in Gotham, baby."

You hesitate, thinking about Hood. "Princess?"

"Yeah. That okay?"

"Oh. Yeah, that's fine."

Jason makes a noise like he knows something you don't.

Every so often, you really hate living in Gotham. It's usually around a time like this: Scarecrow has broken out of Arkham, and he's causing serious damage. Everyone has been warned to stay inside, and the sky is hazy with fear gas.

You're mostly worried about Jason. He went out a few hours ago and he hasn't texted you since. You asked where he was and called him a dozen times but he didn't respond. You're freaking out.

You're about to go out and look for him, Scarecrow be damned, when suddenly Red Hood is on the balcony of your boyfriend's apartment. How did he avoid tripping the alarm? You go to open the window but he opens it himself.

Shit. Is Hood breaking into Jason's apartment? Who the hell do you call in this situation?

"Hey," he says, voice tight. "Get your bag. We gotta go. Scarecrow and Ivy teamed up and it's bad."

"What? Okay. Oh my God." You jump into action, running into Jason's room to get your stuff. You come back, about to climb out the window, but you stop. He waves you over urgently. You shake your head and take a step back.

"No, I can't go without Jason," you say. "He was supposed to be back by now. What if he's gassed? He hasn't called me."

Hood fidgets, his whole body restless. He looks around, then looks back at you. "I'm sure he's fine. You can call him again when you're—"

"No," you say, staring those glowing white eyes down. "I don't care what authority you might hold, Hood. I'm not leaving Jason. He might come back here and he'll worry if I'm not here. I was going to go look for him."

"Don't do that," he says firmly. "Jesus." He looks at you, rolls his shoulders, then sighs. He shakes his head and grabs his helmet.

"Fuck," he says. "Fuck, I didn't wanna do it this way. Shit. Okay."

The latches of his helmet click. And suddenly you have your boyfriend in front of you, dressed like the Red Hood. He drops his helmet on the floor. 

Your mouth falls open. "Wh—Jason? What? Are you–you were him the whole time? Are you fucking ser—"

"I know, I'm sorry." He takes your hands. "I'm sorry, honey. I wasn't gonna tell you this way but you're so stubborn, worrying about me and shit. I promise you can yell at me as much as you want after. You can throw stuff, hit me, break up with me, anything you want, just—"

You squeeze his hands. Jason stops his senseless ramble.

"I would never do any of those things," you say. "You don't know me at all if you think I would, Jay. I'm just, y'know, caught off-guard. Apparently, I've had a crush on my boyfriend since he before he became my boyfriend."

He cracks a smile. You roll your eyes.

"And you've been a smug asshole about it this whole time!"

"Kinda," he admits, looking away, and you see how pleased he's been about the whole thing. "I'll make it up to ya."

"Yeah, you better. Where are we going?"

Jason's shoulders slump with relief. You see it in his eyes too. 

"You'll go with me?"

"Always," you say.

He takes his helmet, shifting from your boyfriend back to Red Hood. Wow. "Okay. Down the fire escape. We're taking my bike."

Jason puts his helmet back on. You follow him down the fire escape and to where his—Hood's—bike is parked.

"Your bike, huh?" you ask.

"My other bike."

"Uh-huh."

Hood gives you a rebreather and you take off, headed toward the Diamond District. He goes down a ramp and through some pretty fancy gates. Where...?

Concrete walls slide open and Jason pulls into what looks like a lair. Holy shit. He helps you off and you take off your helmet, staring up at a cave ceiling that seems to go on forever.

"Hood," someone growls, startling your gaze back down. Batman is glaring at you. "Why is there a civilian here?"

Jason takes off his helmet. "Yeah, so, this is my girlfriend. She's staying here, and if you try to kick her out, I'm gonna blow up the Batmobile. Cool? Cool."

"Since when do you have a girlf—" begins Red Robin.

"No questions," Jason snaps. "Not one word. Be nice to her or I'll kill you all."

You gasp. Jason turns to you, pulling you closer.

"No, sorry, I wouldn't do that. No deaths. They would recover from my maiming," he says to you, petting your shoulder.

"Not better," you hiss.

He shrugs, smiling. "'M a man of habit. Gonna try to change me now?" He kisses your cheek and you melt like you always do under his affection. Jason leans in and whispers the last part: "You could. I'd let ya."

"Wow," says Spoiler. Is the entire Gotham vigilante taskforce here? "So it's true what they say about married life."

"We aren't married," you say, confused. Jason grunts in annoyance, cradling the small of your back.

"With how he's acting? You might as well be," she says.

"This is so awesome," Nightwing says, full of glee. "Oh, you'll never hear the end of this, Jason."

"Listen, Dickbag—"

"Focus," Batman says. "She can't be here. Take her upstairs and come right back."

Jason rolls his eyes. "Sure, fine. C'mon, baby."

Robin is glaring at you, which kind of makes you want to throw up. But then Black Bat and Spoiler wave at you, and that makes you feel better. You wave back.

"Batman's really mad," you say as Jason leads you upstairs.

"Yeah, that's his default setting. He's been mad for about twenty-five years. He'll get over it. You're gonna meet Alfred next. He's the best."

"Alfred?"

You get to the top of the stairs and step into what looks like a mansion. Wait a minute. You've seen this mansion before. In a magazine...

"Is this Wayne Manor? What the hell, Jason? Am I meeting the Queen of Denmark next?"

"Again, not how I wanted you to find out," he says.

"I'm–I'm not dressed to be in Wayne Manor!"

"Bruce dresses up as a bat every night. Rest assured that you are the most normal person in this house, and none of those freaks downstairs can ever take that away from you."

You frown. "Still..."

"Don't y'trust me?" Jason asks, tapping under your chin. He towers over you, and now you notice that his Red Hood boots are taller than his normal ones. Clever.

"Yeah, I trust you, but—" You stop as Jason herds you against the wall, helmet dangling from his hand. He looks very official with his guns and armored clothing. His black cargo pants are pulled taut around his thighs, outlining how thick they are. It's just now occurring to you how deadly competent your boyfriend is, now that you've learned that the Red Hood was never that far away. Maybe you should be scared but, well, the wires were crossed a while ago.

"I didn't even suspect anything," you say, blinking at him. "You had me completely."

Jason shrugs, eyes half-lidded. You're not mad. He knows it. "Made sure you wouldn't find out. Wanted to find the right time, see how you felt about Hood. And then imagine my surprise when I learn that you've got his face on your wall, and his gloves in your dresser."

"You liked it," you say, lifting your chin, challenging.

Jason leans in, cupping the back of your neck, lips going to your ear. He wedges a knee between yours. "How could I not? You're so pretty, so nice t'me. Y'like me that much? Want me even like that? Tellin' Hood you love me, God—"

Something beeps, loud and shrill, and you jump. Jason just sighs exasperatedly, pulling out his phone and denying the alert.

"You have to go," you say, suddenly guilty you've kept Jason for so long.

"I—" Jason grimaces. "Yeah. I'll be back. We're not done."

You bite the inside of your lip. "I hope not."

Jason kisses you, hot and hard, and then he seems to steel himself, shifting into whatever Gotham needs him to be. He puts his helmet on and brushes your cheek, then disappears down the stairs to the Cave. You lean against the wall, catching your breath.

Jason's memorized every squeaky stair or door hinge in your place so he knows what to avoid so he won't make a sound.

He would hurt himself for you if he needed to. Take a bullet, break his wrist, whatever. Jason won't tell you because you'll get all concerned which is SO unnecessary because it's not going to change anything. You may not realize how precious you are but Jason does.

Sometimes Jason cups your neck and you think he's being sexy but he's actually checking your pulse.

He's made a copy of all of your keys. He knows all of your passwords. He doesn't break in or login to your laptop or phone (he doesn't need a password to do that anyway) but he has them for emergencies.

When you were first dating, Jason secretly ran an allergy test on you (don't ask how. He just did.) This was because he didn't want to bring you food you'd be allergic to or take you somewhere where you might have an allergic reaction.

Jason has a blood sample from you without your knowledge. He knows your blood type and significant DNA markers.

Sometimes Jason gets afraid that you're losing interest in him (because he's paranoid) so there are times where he brings you food every day and runs errands for you and makes himself extra available. It... borders on Pavlovian training.

He has a secret cabin far from Gotham, in case you ever want to leave for whatever reason. Jason mostly has it in case he or you ever committed a serious crime and needed to go on the lam.

He would break you out of jail, if that wasn't obvious. You'd have to do something disgustingly unforgivable to make him leave you there. Seriously. Jason has a low bar.

If you two had to leave the country, Jason also has several contingency plans for that.

Jason has at least sixty plans for what to do if you fall into some kind of danger or if he becomes indisposed and can't get to you. You do not know about these plans. You will never know about them unless they're needed.

If you get pregnant, Jason will know first.

He has hidden weapons in your place. No, you won't find them. No, they're not all guns.

Jason can do any kind of shopping for you. This is because he's so observant that he's memorized what kind of food you eat, what clothes you wear, what products you buy, what furniture you like, etc.

Jason has a shameful, repressed fantasy of you becoming a supervillain and making him your partner in crime. He would consent to this in a heartbeat. He knows you'd have a very good reason to turn evil.

Jason Todd would kill for you.

Sometimes he has nightmares that you're gone and Jason has to rest his head on your chest and listen to your heartbeat to fall back asleep.

Jason has another buried fantasy of you being a mad scientist and doing experiments on him. Do you want to do experiments on him? Please say yes.

At least three of your belongings (jewelry, headphones, shirt tags, etc) have an embedded tracker in them.

Jason always seats you so you'd be able to escape an area quickly (i.e., putting you in the aisle seat at a theater).

When Jason's on a mission and he's trying to force himself to do the right thing, he'll say "(Your Name) would want me to be good. I'll be good for them." You're kind of his god. Whatever works, right?

When you were first dating, Jason made a little shrine of your things in his apartment. He also stole some of your clothes so he could smell you at home (he replaced them so you wouldn't notice! So thoughtful.)

Jason has a lock of your hair for... reasons. You never know when you'll need someone's hair. 🤷‍♀️

The last person who figured out Jason's civilian identity and commented on you landed in the ICU. They didn't make it. So sad.

Jason replicated your scent in a lab and bottled it as a perfume. He sprays it when he's away on a job and misses you.

He's good at fixing things. Knows exactly what to get from Home Depot. He's that Ron Swanson "I know more than you" moment.

Very aware of his surroundings which results in things like tugging you gently so you don't bump into anyone or anything. Does this without breaking conversation, of course.

Good at undressing you or dressing you. Not necessarily in a sexual way, just that Jason is observant enough to know your routine and style. He knows what jewelry or accessories you wear and he'll put them on you. He'll put your shoes on for you. Zip up your dress or pants or button your blouse. Tie the sashes on your clothes. And he's just as good at getting your clothes off, especially when you're too tired.

Is good at navigating. Can read a map easily. Has a sharp sense of direction. Sometimes gives directions like "you'll go three miles west" and you have to give him a look because what the hell is he talking about? You're not a compass...

He remembers faces and names well. Jason has a good memory in general. He needs it for what he does.

Jason is just really smart! The way he lives enables him to meet a lot of different people and be exposed to a lot of different cultures and places. Jason would be good at navigating a foreign country, for example. If you were on vacation he'd know where to eat, what areas to visit, how to talk to the locals, etc.

Jason speaks a lot of languages. He's good at figuring out puzzles or decoding linguistic clues. He's a voracious reader. Knowledge is power for Jason.

If you're eating somewhere that isn't sit-down (e.g., Chipotle) Jason knows your order and will order for you. He urges you to sit and let him bring food to you. It makes him feel wanted.

An obvious one is that Jason's good in the field. He's good in combat. You've only witnessed this a few times because Jason doesn't like fighting in front of you. But the way Jason wields his body or weapons and fluidly disarms or restrains someone is hot as fuck! You're all over him on those nights (Jason doesn't understand why).

Jason is super protective but he does it in a way that's not posturing. He doesn't have an ego about it. But if he sees that you or someone nearby feels unsafe, he'll stand there and put himself between you and the danger. Yelling or fighting isn't his first choice. Jason's confident and competent enough that he knows how to deescalate without raising his voice. I need him so bad.

Strong man lifts stuff teehee! Jason very easily can carry your groceries or assemble furniture or even move you around. Like if Jason's coming to sit on the couch and watch a movie with you, he'll move you so he can sit with you atop him. It always flusters you and it always makes you want to paw at him rather than watch the movie <3

When he gets more comfortable in your relationship, Jason does little touches that, to you, sort of establish dominance without him meaning to. That is, Jason pets you a little and you melt. Usually it's from a hand on your thigh while you're sitting. Or him touching the small of your back or putting an arm around your waist. It makes you giddy how easily Jason touches you.

Sometimes you'll purposely make Jason take a plate or towel from you because he gets so focused when he's trying to get something from you. It makes you feel hunted in a sexy way. Before you can blink, Jason's got the plate. You don't even know how it happens, how he moves so fast and takes things without a struggle. Reminders of Jason's easy strength and agility are also very hot.

NSFW: Jason is really good at making you cum. The thing about Jason is that when he wants to do something well, he won't stop practicing until he hones the skill. So when it comes to pleasing you in bed, Jason puts in the work until it comes very naturally to him. He is particularly dexterous with his fingers and gets annoyingly good at making you squirm and whine.

Somewhat NSFW: Jason's really fucking clever. Sometimes this results in him getting cocky or teasing you a bit. Never in a mean way. But an example is if you're secretly reading a smutty book, Jason will find out no matter how careful you are. And he will be so damn smug about figuring things out. If he sees that you get flustered when he's outwitted you, forget it. Jason will absolutely take advantage. 😏

But it's different with you. You're not an opponent, though Jason frequently feels conquered by you. You were his friend before and you're his friend now, but he can't help but question if that's the only thing that's remained constant. Jason was a small kid, unassuming, and he suspects that that's why you liked him in the first place. Jason wasn't a physical threat before. Of course you'd feel safe with him as a friend. Now what?

The stark difference between you manifests in fleeting moments, like when he gets a cup for you from the cupboard which you could get yourself, but it's easier if Jason does it. And then he watches your smaller, lovely hand take it from his, your fingers brushing together, maybe they're painted with that nail polish you love so much, and Jason has to take a lap. You squeeze past him in the kitchen or the hallway and Jason can't stop thinking about how you both grew up but he really grew up, and you're not small, Jason's just big. He could cover a good part of your waist or your face with his hands. He could pull you into a hug, into a room, into his lap with such little effort, it frightens him. Your spine would bend if he pressed right; your arms would stay up, down, however he moved them. You could be Jason's pretty little doll, and that makes him feel like a monster.

This thought about Jason growing up and seeing you in a new light shaped by want and warmth is wrapped in a richer, darker thought about how Jason sees you and a part of his brain demands you to be his. He pines for it. It's not a quick kink to release in the bedroom (Jason can't even fathom you letting him into your bed); it's a constant reminder of how even though Jason's dedication to you is the same, the way in which he can show you his dedication is different. He's scary now, and sometimes that fills him with so much self-hatred, he feels sick. But sometimes it leaves him heady with power, thinking yeah, you don't need a guard dog, you get on fine, but Jason's there nonetheless, solid and able to take on anything. He would kill for you. You're not helpless but if you were, Jason would take care of you. He'd carry you around the apartment like a loyal steed if you wanted him to. He'd put his hand on the middle of your back and arch you over him, if you wanted him to. Only if you wanted to. Jason would rather die than scare you.

But here is the kicker: you aren't afraid. Jason's this looming tank of a man (of a monster?) and you carry on without a worry. You laugh and tease and poke his ribs and make him lunch and look up at him without a hint of fear. This does not bode well for that richer, darker desire of Jason's. If you were afraid of him, well, Jason could work with that. He'd hate himself more, but he'd understand. It's only logical that you'd fear someone who has such a physical advantage over you.

I'd like to think that you finding out that Jason can do all that including lift and carry you around happens by accident. Like maybe you're not getting out of bed and Jason's trying to coax you out and you tell him to make you (not knowing he full well can) and so Jason just. Lifts you up and carries you out of your room.

I don't think he thinks much of it until he sees your flustered reaction and how giddy it makes you that big strong man is carrying you like a delicate flower 🌼 it definitely gives him an ego boost. Like sure, Jason knows logically that his size is attractive and maybe his face too (definitely) but he doesn't really believe it. Because once someone learns about who he is or even sees all the scars on him, they'll run for the hills, right?

WRONG! You desire him carnally.

So anyway. Like you said, Jason would start doing it just to see how you melt because he adores your reactions. He'd spin you around when you share good news or carry you to bed when you're exhausted. He'd throw you over his shoulder when you're being a brat (and that's exactly what you want).

I think it would really thrill him, being able to use his strength in a way besides for violence and you trusting him enough to let him handle you like that. Also, I think Jason has these feral little thoughts sometimes about his partner like how soft they are or how they smell or needing to take care of them or how he's been molded to fight and win and they haven't and it's up to Jason to keep them safe. Part of that is also that it pleases Jason the most when you're tucked into his arms, be it in bed or when he just feels like carrying you.