Roy knew his best friend better than anyone AND if this version of him was anything like the Jason from his universe then this outcome could have been predicted. It wasn’t what he came here to do, not keen on starting some sort of fight between the two of them, and refused to actually let an arrow loose on him. There was no way he would be hurting someone that looked like his best friend. He wants so badly to be close to this Jason — knowing how they’re better together than apart. He can’t begin assuming to know anything about the man in front or him, keeping in mind that this world was different than his own. They could get to know each other if there wasn’t already a connection there, and maybe they’ll he would be lucky enough to call this Jason his best friend too. He can’t quite imagine a world where they didn’t have a connection like that.
The flip was something Roy had began doing from a young age, a simple thing if anything, but with how often it had been used became something like a signature move for him. He tenses up in his shoulders, letting the nickname slip out was probably a bad call, but it was hard NOT to call Jason that. He frowns, hand lifting up to pull the domino mask after the smoke disappears from around them with the wind. It was tucked away, and now the truth would be facing them.
Roy doesn’t say anything at first, letting it sink in, watching as Jason moves closer to check him out. “Hey, Jay.” His voice almost cracks, but it doesn’t. He felt nervous for he first time in a while, not sure what to do with his hands without anything in them to keep himself occupied. He doesn’t keep his stare off of Jason though, a saddened expression on his own face. He has been through a lot, more than anyone should, and visiting the grave of younger Roy had messed with his head. Part of him wanting a drink, but keeping himself away from the substance. He doesn’t want to cover up these feelings, no, facing it would be better.
“I AM Roy Harper. I’m just not the one you remember. I’m sorry, I didn’t come here to uncover old wounds. I’m from another universe, it’s similar to this one, but there’s some differences to it as well. Where I’m from you’re my best friend. RED HOOD AND ARSENAL was quite the team up.” He laughs, but he was the only one. “I don’t know how I got here. My daughter and I just got pulled over randomly one day from my sister’s living room. I tried to keep my distance after learning what happened to the Roy here. I didn’t want to bring anyone more pain that knew him. He was so young —“ He frowns looking down for a moment at his shaking hands then to Jason, deciding taking a seat on the rooftop would be best. “I just wanted to see you, Jaybird. I don’t know why I’m here, but I don’t think I can go back to my own world. This is my home now — and I’m just trying to find my place in it.” He leans forward, resting his head in his hands for a moment. “I’m sorry I’m not him.” He says without looking up, voice finally cracking.
Jason doesn’t like this. He feels like he’s on the backfoot from the start and that’s never a good feeling for him. He likes being prepared, likes his facts and logic and to know what he’s walking into. And what he’s walking into here is a fucking mess, by the looks of it. Because while he doesn’t know who this guy is, he seems to know who Jason is and Jason does not like that.
And yeah, he said it. He said Roy’s name. He couldn’t help it. That flip, those eyes - it was just too much like him, he couldn’t help it. But he knows better. Because right now, there are two options.
One - Roy’s been alive this whole fucking time and the asshole stayed away from everyone. Which sounds pretty goddamn impossible for a guy like him. And Jason’s not sure he could deal with that. Not just because it means his best friend when he was Robin didn’t care enough to let him know he was alive, but because it means the guy fucked everyone over. Everyone Jason’s ever cared about, everyone who gave a damn about Roy Harper, none of them were important enough for him to tell them he wasn’t dead. And that just - doesn’t sound right. That doesn’t sound like something the Roy Jason knew would do.
The other option here, though, is that someone’s fucking with Jason, sending someone in to pretend to be Roy and mess with his head. Way more likely. Jason can think of at least four people who would do something like that just to get under his skin and distract him so they can screw him over or stab him in the back somehow. Jason’s not an idiot. And he’s not falling for it.
And this guy - he’s good. He’s got a whole story planned out and everything. Jason listens, expression still carefully hidden under his mask as maybe-Roy spills his story, and - man, it’s pretty decent. Details and everything. Sister, daughter, this guy’s really planned it out. Even got some history with Jason, supposedly - a team up of all things. Like a guy like Roy would ever team up with a piece of shit like Jason. “Who put you up to this?” Jason asks, his voice eerily calm and controlled. Look - he’s been through the multiverse, he’s seen some shit. But the idea that Roy got pulled here from his own universe, and can’t get back - and now he’s just conveniently wandering around meeting up with all his former buddies? “Look - okay, sure, you’ve got a pretty well thought-out story, but - universe-hopping? I’m gonna need some proof here.” He resists the urge to reach for his sword, waiting to see how maybe-Roy reacts. “Some fancy flips and a story isn’t going to cut it.”