The sun had only just begun to rise, streaking the sky with orange and pink. On any other day, Jason might’ve appreciated it but not today. Last night had sucked. He was only supposed to be on patrol for a few hours, but thanks to Riddler’s latest string of games, he’d spent the entire night chasing shadows and came up empty-handed. On top of that, he and Bruce had gotten into it again another argument that left Jason stomping through the city with a scowl deep enough to scare off the early risers.

Hands jammed in his pockets, he kept his head down, mentally running through his to-do list for the day. Not that he planned to do any of it.

Then, out of nowhere, a small blur darted toward him. A kid clearly not dressed for the chilly morning air latched onto his leg like a lifeline.

“Daddy!” they shouted, voice hoarse with tears.

Jason froze and looked down, his first thought going to his wallet. Was this a scam? A pickpocket routine? But then he saw the tears streaming down their face, the sheer panic in their eyes.

Fuck.

Jason was a lot of things rough, brooding, angry, but he had a soft spot for kids, especially scared ones.

“Ah, hey kid,” he started, reaching a hand out to pat their head, “I think you’ve got me—”

“No! Daddy!” they sobbed, clutching him tighter.

Before Jason could say anything else, a man walked briskly toward them. “Sorry to bother you,” the man said with a forced smile. “The kid gets confused sometimes. Let me take them off your hands so you can get on with your day. Let’s go, kid.”

He reached out but the moment his hand moved, the kid flinched hard, pressing closer into Jason.

Oh, hell no.

Jason didn’t hesitate. He scooped the kid up with one arm and planted them on his hip, holding them securely as he glared at the man.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said flatly. “This is my kid.”

Without another glance, Jason turned and walked away, the kid clinging tightly to him. He could feel the little hands fisting in his jacket, their small body shaking.

Well. Looked like Bruce was about to get his first grandkid.

Jason glanced down at the child, his voice softer now.

“You okay, kid?”