#( aaah

You didn’t know what the last part had to do with anything but his brother Dick was nice enough to send you a picture of him sleeping in his place at your request. You got up early this morning and decided to take a walk to get some air. You were being strangled with work, not leaving the office for twelve hours yesterday, so you barely had time for yourself and walked straight home to eat junk food and sleep. You reached the end of your street, turning the corner when you heard someone landing to their feet behind you. It was Jason. He looked exhausted, the bags under his eyes looked like they had their own 401K and you could see his armor peaking out of the hoodie he was wearing, like he just threw it on. “You should be sleeping.” You call over your shoulder, continuing to walk.

He scoffs. “No way. Not when you’re being stupid.” He mutters, dragging his feet faster to walk along side you.

Up close you can see the hunch in his shoulders, the scarring on his face that wouldn’t heal until much later, and the more prominent red veins against his green eyes. “I’m stupid? Jason, you look like you died and came back to life.” You argue, poking at his shoulder. He winces and shoves your hand away, but not before blocking your shoulder from bumping into a sign. He snorts at your comment. “Already did that, don’t recommend it.” You roll your eyes.

“I guess I should have seen that coming.” You sigh.

You stop at an intersection, casually sticking your hand in his front pocket. He couldn’t get too intimate without feeling smothered so you acted as casual as you could to not tip him off. His tired face softens and he slides his hand over yours in the hidden comfort of his hoodie, not saying anything.

“You really should be sleeping. I know you didn’t finish patrol until late again—you never end it on time.” You resume your argument, glaring at him from his side.

Your glare is ineffective, he looks right past it, settling on something else on your face, perhaps the toothpaste you forgot to wipe off your chin last night. His lips quirk on one side. Yeah. It’s the toothpaste. “I would be sleeping if someone stayed inside their little apartment instead of walking around Gotham in the early goddamn hours of fuck that.” Jason mocks, and if you didn’t know better you would think he’s annoyed. Well, more annoyed. “Sorry? I needed the fresh air. It’s not like I was in the alley begging someone to rob me.” You retort, tilting your head back. Jason watches you, wiping the small smile that appears on his face quickly. He scowls, making you stumble into him when he tugs at your hand. He snickers at the shocked expression you make. “It’s Gotham. You might as well be doing that on the street—the kids in this city have knives.” You observe him back for a minute, seeing the hard set of his brows, how on edge he looks, his eyes still scanning your surroundings like he’s on a covert mission. You gasp, a mischievous smile taking over your face. “Oh my…Jason Todd, are you worried about me? How sweet, you came all this way to join me on my morning walk even though you hate the sun—just to make sure I’m safe.” You cackle, making him glare at you.

You go to slip your hand out of his pocket, just in case he decides to use it against you but his hand quickly clasps around your wrist keeping you in place. “M’not worried…you just need to be smarter.” He mumbles, unable to meet your eyes.

He lets go of your hand and steps back, huffing.

“Whatever, if you’re so bothered I’ll just go back to bed—” He begins to pull away and you jump, grabbing his arm. He sputters indignantly and tries to shake you off—with little actual strength.

“What? You’re so confusing, fucking hell.” He groans. You stop teasing him and continue pulling his arm until he’s right next to you again. “I really appreciate it, Jay. Honest.” You murmur, making him scoff, “Really! You make me feel so safe. It’s kinda hot watching you come home and immediately lecture me on home safety. Makes me all warm and fuzzy.” Jason turns his head so you can’t see the small smile ghosting his face.

“Finally got some common sense.” He mutters, escaping your hold to wrap his arm around your shoulders and bringing you into him. He turns to you, a crooked smirk and eyebrows lifted. “Hot, huh?” You nod innocently, humming. He shakes his head, suddenly slumping over you. He groans. “Tired?” You ask knowingly and he nods. “Yes…can you go home now so I can sleep?” He begs, exhausted.

You smile, cupping his face to kiss his forehead. He closes his eyes at the touch, leaning in. “Alright. We’ll go home.”

He sighs relieved, muttering about you being difficult as you turn around with him. He doesn’t say it but he relaxes a little more when you climb into bed after him, leaving his arm outstretched for your head.