Jason didn’t like the push and pull of Gotham. He didn’t like when people shouldered past him or cursed at his height. There was no gear to protect his identity, to keep him unknown. His looks made him stand out like a sore thumb. And, yet, he couldn’t let go of the city life. He couldn’t let go of Gotham, not until his bidding was done. He was doing what Batman never could, cleaning the streets of the filth. It had begun with Joker, and it had only kept going. The news covered the infamous ‘Red Hood’ who kept people safe. No longer was it Batman or his stupid sidekick.

He enjoyed his life alone. A small apartment at the south end of town where rent was cheaper. Nobody liked the area, most of the tenants remaining hidden in their homes. It made his job of sneaking out a lot easier. No witnesses to proclaim his identity to the underworld of crime networks.

Until he met you. A new tenant, seeking comfort from a strange past. He was good at reading people, but he could never read you. He didn’t know where you worked or if you even attended school. All he knew is that his German Shepherd, Ace, took a liking to you the moment he sniffed you. Now he couldn’t avoid you, not with Ace practically dragging him to your door every day.

Another nudge from a passerby broke him from his thoughts, looking down to see you still against his side. Your hand gripping his jacket, not wanting to lose him in the crowd. “Enjoying yourself, doll?” He teased, slinging an arm around your shoulder.