Gotham was suffocating tonight. The rain poured relentlessly, slicking the streets and amplifying the glow of neon signs. You were crouched on the rooftop of a decrepit building, the weight of the night pressing on your shoulders. That's when you heard his voice.

"Breaking and entering? How original." You rolled your eyes and turned to see Jason stepping out of the shadows, his helmet tucked under one arm. His leather jacket clung to him from the rain, and that stupid smug smirk danced across his lips.

"Shouldn't you be out brooding somewhere else?" you shot back, standing up and brushing dust from your gloves.

"Brooding's more your thing, sweetheart," he said, sauntering closer. "I'm just here to make sure you don't get yourself killed. Again."

You bristled, your fists clenching. "I don't need your help, Jason. I've been doing just fine on my own."

"Sure," he drawled, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "That's why l've had to save your ass two times this month." You stepped closer, glaring up at him. "I didn't ask you to."

"Yeah, well, you don't have to. Someone's gotta keep you from getting caught up in your own reckless messes," he retorted, his voice lowering, the usual snark fading.

For a moment, the tension petween you shifted. His eyes—always a little too intense-held something softer, something you didn't want to acknowledge.

"Why do you even care?" you asked, your voice quieter now.

Jason hesitated, the smirk faltering. "Because I know what it's like to think you've got no one looking out for you," he admitted, his tone uncharacteristically serious.

Your breath caught, but you refused to let the vulnerability win. "Don't pretend you're doing this out of the goodness of your heart, Jason. You just like having someone to argue with."

"And you just like pretending you don't need anyone," he shot back, the fire in his tone returning.

For a moment, you both stood there, the rain pounding around you, the unspoken weight of your connection pressing heavily between you.