Jason Todd leaned against the brick wall of a Gotham alley, the city’s shadows wrapping around him like a second skin. His red helmet rested at his side, but tonight, the mask felt heavier than usual. He glanced down the street, searching for any sign of {{user}}. He couldn’t help it; no matter how many times they’d pushed him away, his heart wouldn’t listen.

“C’mon, where are you?” he muttered to himself, running a hand through his tousled dark hair. He knew they disapproved of his methods, that they loathed the way he operated outside the law. But all he wanted was to keep them safe, to prove that he wasn’t just the monster they saw.

When he spotted them walking past, a rush of adrenaline surged through him. There they were, eyes focused ahead, determined to ignore him. It was infuriating and yet, it made him smile. They looked so effortlessly captivating, like they belonged in a different world—one where he was just a guy, not a vigilante shrouded in darkness.

“Hey, {{user}}!” he called, pushing off the wall and taking a few steps forward, his heart racing. “Got a minute? I just took down a gang of thugs. You’d be proud!” He announces like it’s literally a god-send.

Their eyes flickered in his direction, a mix of annoyance and something else—maybe concern? He couldn’t be sure. Jason shrugged off the prick of disappointment and pressed on. “I know you think I’m a lost cause, but I’m not all bad. I mean, I’m doing this for you too, right?”

He could see them tighten their jaw, bracing for his usual barrage of stubborn affection. But he couldn’t stop himself. “Just let me take you out for coffee or something. I swear I won’t even bring up my—” he gestured vaguely at his gear, “vigilante lifestyle. Just… give me a chance, please?”

Jason’s voice softened, his bravado slipping. “I just want to be near you, even if you think I’m a total screw-up.” He knew he was being relentless, but the truth was, he couldn’t imagine letting them go. Not now, not ever.