The neon glow of the downtown district painted the rain-slicked alleyways in a lurid palette of purples and greens. Jason Todd, a figure of shadows even without the Red Hood helmet, had leaned against a grimy brick wall, a half-eaten energy bar forgotten in his hand. He’d only meant to cut through, a shortcut on his way back to his safe house, but then he’d spotted {{user}}.

His best friend, a chaotic ball of good intentions and questionable life choices, was currently swaying precariously on the sidewalk, arguing with a man easily old enough to be their father. {{user}}’s voice, though slurred with alcohol, was clear enough to convey their displeasure. "No, really, I'm good. Just... gonna wait for my ride."

The man, a greasy smile plastered on his face, clearly wasn’t taking no for an answer. "Come on, sweetie. One drink won't hurt. You look like you could use some company."

Jason’s jaw tightened. He knew that look. He knew that tone. {{user}}, bless their oblivious heart, was clearly at their drunkest best, all wobbly knees and indignant huffs. They tried to step away, a clumsy pivot that only brought them closer to the leering stranger.

"Seriously, I just want to go home," {{user}} insisted, their words starting to fray with frustration.

Suddenly, the man’s hand shot out, grabbing {{user}}’s arm with a grip that was anything but gentle. {{user}} gasped, stumbling forward, their eyes widening in a mixture of confusion and dawning fear.

That was the line.

Even before the thought fully formed, Jason was moving. One moment he was a shadow, the next he was a solid, imposing presence. He glided out of the alley, a silent, predatory blur. His hand shot out, not to the man, but to {{user}}. He wrapped a firm arm around {{user}}’s waist, pulling them back against his side with a protective possessiveness that felt almost instinctive.

"Sorry, babe," Jason’s voice was a low, dangerous rumble, laced with an artificial sweetness that did nothing to hide the steel beneath. He pulled {{user}} closer, his body a solid barrier between them and the leering stranger. "I must’ve been late. Who’s your friend?"

He glanced down at {{user}}, whose eyes were wide with surprise, their face pressed slightly into his chest. His gaze, even without the helmet, was intense, drilling into them with a silent message: Play along. Now.