Jason Todd x Reader
MVP: I haven't wrote or done any artwork for ages, and it felt kind of boring knowing my tumbler is dry. So I decided to rejoin, and for another great start, I tried to write a long fiction to make up for the lost time. I hope you enjoyyyy♡♡
The door slide open, bumping against the bells that hung above, ringing loudly inside the tiny shop. The familiar smell of books and old covers hit his nose, causing a small sigh to leave him. His eyes, mixture of blue and green scanning over the slightly worn down shelves, his immediate attention of the books you'd only find in certain location, and this shop, happened to be his heaven. His brown shoes hit the dark planks causing them to creak due to his impressive weight. He stood infront of the bookshelf, his index finger running across the almost broken spine of the once beige book.
Slowly, he picked out the book, his eyes reading the barely notiacble title
*'Crime and Punishment'*
Ah, perfect.
His slightly chapped lips curved into a satisfied smile, a rare sight. His large hands, easily holding the book with one, as his other flipped through the pages, enjoying the heavenly smell, his fingers tracing down the first few words, before slamming the book shut, causing a small thud to echo through the almost empty shop.
He turned around, holding the book in hand and approached the counter.
Finally.
The second reason why he came. *Her.* he still doesn't know why, but perhaps it's the way her eyes sparkled as she rambled on about one of his favorite books, or when she tried to praise his choice of book and almost spoil it before having a light face of embarrassment he had managed inject into memory, or maybe it's the way she listened so intensively to his own ramble about a favorite author he discovered they had in common. A sight and experience he rarely had gotten. Since his hobby was quite different from everyone else around, especially people around his own age. No one really listened, just nodding to get him to stay quiet. But not her, no. She'd listen for hours while he rambled away, the way her lips curved in a gentle smile as she nodded along to indicate she's listening, or the way she added something to keep the conversation going.
He placed the book over the dark oak counter, clearing his throat, his fingerless gloves, leather and black, tied around his hand as he brushed his black, white tip dyed hair back, offering a forced smile. Something he never thought he'd do, he rarely spoke to people, let alone try to interact with full conversations with one.
One so gorgeous too.
"Just this, please"
His voice came out quite hoarse, perhaps due to lack of speaking, but she didn't seem to mind, if anything she offered her friendly smile as she nodded, picking up the book to scan the QR
"Oh, one of my personal favorites, it's the best books out there mister Todd"
Mister Todd
She always memorized her frequent costumers, trying to build a bond. It felt so right, yet so wrong, why couldn't she just call him Jason? Right. They're just mere friends, speaking about common interests. That alone was enough to cause a small ache in his cold heart, but why? Why did she make him feel this way?
He gave a small nod, staring at the way her hands moved to peel off anything related to her shop before sliding it into a plastic bag, tilting her head up and smiled.
"Here you go mister Todd, I hope you enjoy it, as much as I did"
She blinked softly, staring up at the towering man, her smile softening slightly under his unreadable gaze.
"Thanks. I will," he was silent for a moment before adding, "anything else... interesting?"
He'd do anything just to hear her gentle voice
"Oh! Well, we got a few more arrived this morning mister Todd! Just your luck"
She turned around, bending down opening a half opened box, her hands taking out a few stacks of books and let them fall on the counter, her hands brushing away any dust ontop of them, and picked one of them up a smile
"My favorite authors, Edgar Allan Poe"
She showed the first book, The Raven.
Jason stared briefly, his brows frowned as usual as he analyzed the book. Truth was, he knew very well who the author was, it was his personal favorites, but letting her explain it, was listening to your favorite song on repeat.
"Heard of him... what's his best book?"
He turned to look at her, one brow raised, as if his heart isn't pounding to break out of his chest.
"Oh! That'll be The Tell-Tale Heart!"
She looked at the stacks of books before taking the right mentioned book
"Hes famous for his short stories, he was a firm believer that human mind was made up by half evil and half pure. However he chose to write his stories where he focuses solely on the dark side-"
She quickly cleared her throat, noticing her rambling and awkwardly pointing at the books
"This too?"
Jason merely nodded, but God did he wish she went on, tho he'd never admit that. His simply raised, taking the book with a nod of appreciation after she scanned it
"Come again mister Todd!"
Oh he will..
The moment he stepped out, the bright sun hit his face causing his eyes to squint, he huffed silently, now that he was away from her everything annoyed him as it used to. He looked into the bag, making sure he got the right books before walking down the streets towards his little house.
The door slide open, letting the small flickering light of the tiny hallway to shine inside his slightly messy apartment. His eyes darkened at the sight of the leftover pizza boxes, grumbling to himself silently as he walked inside closing the door. He kicked off his shoes and placed the bag on his coffee table as he started to clean up his last night's mess.
With quiet movement, he finished up the messy apartment, making it feel homely again. He started the kettle before walking back towards his slightly worn down couch and tugged the bag closer until it was by the edge and picked out a random book
The Tell-Tale Heart.
He had read this about millions of times, but she had given this. No way in hell he'd pass this off. His eyes softened slightly as he flipped through the first page and begun to read.
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(Name) locked the doors, making sure the chains were tight enough before stuffing the keys into her jacket pocket, her eyes turning to look at the darkened streets of Gotham, a slight sigh escaping her as she started to walk down, the street lights barely providing light, but enough to see the way.
Her hands were now stuffed inside her pockets, the slight fall air giving a chilly wind, causing her teeth to clash slightly. Her brows frowned slightly at the silent steps of another, she's probably paranoid. She assured herself, yet still kept her guard up. However, as she unconsciously picked up the pace a slight bit, the other individual seemed to repeat the action causing her to take off her hands from her pockets as her pace increased, the figure behind not hesitating to follow in suit. Before she knew it, the silent streets were filled with her panting, and the rushing steps of both of them.
She let out a scream as the hand grabbed onto her hood, yanking her back but she quickly went muffled as the larger figure wrapped an arm around her mouth and nose, yet her eyes grew even larger at the blade now poked against her chest
"Stay quiet and it'll be easy, yeah?"
The gruff voice said lowly causing her to nodd frequently, her eyes building up tears. The man, based on his voice she assumed, slowly dragged her back towards an empty alleyway, her eyes shutting close, tears streaming down freely. The man roughly pushed her down the building walls, pointing the knife threateningly at her making her sit still letting the man have the chance to unbuckle his belt.
Her eyes shut closed, bottom lips quivering as her chest rose and fall rapidly, yet nothing came. Instead the sounds of choking and groggling caused her to flinch and let out a sob quickly covering her face.
After awhile, she found the courage to peak, and right there, she regretted. Above the bleeding man stood an imposing figure, his gloved fists all bloodied as he breathed heavily beneath that red heavy helmet.
She found her eyes falling on the figure before she gasped loudly. The man's neck ripped, blood pouring out profusely, her heart in her throat as she crawled back immediately which seemed to grab his attention and he looked back.
Her voice gone, as she shook her head desperately holding her hands up
"Please..."
She sobbed quietly. Yet the man just approached and stood over her, his large frame towering above her sat down shaking one. Instead of attacking, he knelt down, grabbing her face, forcibly, and turned her face from side to side. She gasped, but frowned realising he was simply looking for... injuries...? His sigh came out as if sign of relief, his covered eyes looked at her face, scanning every part for drastic measures before nodding to himself
"Are you a fool? Walking at such hour"
He huffed out, half amused half annoyed. She almost felt offended, but she couldn't blame him.. who knew what would've happened if he...
She shook her head, not wanting to think that far, just swallowing any signs of tears, forcing out quiet words, worried she'd anger the obvious killing machine.
"My shop closes at this time"
The figure let out a silent sigh again, however this time it seemed annoyed rather than relife
"Close it earlier"
She couldn't even protest, giving a simple nod in reply. The man hesitated before grabbing her wrist, ignoring the way it was half his own as he placed it on his knee, wrapping a watch around it making her frown, confused.
Finally, she lifted her wrist, looking at the watch before looking up again.
"Whats this...?"
She found herself wondering.
"Some kind of alerting device," he stared, yet it was difficult to tell, the helmet covered everything, "everytime you're in trouble, tap the watch thrice and I'll be right there"
(Name) stared for awhile, doubfouned before shaking her head, swallowing thickly, before finding the courage to speak
"Who are you...?"
The towering figure stood up taking a step back getting ready to leave.
"Red... call me Red Hood"
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The shop should've felt the same, right? But why was she nervous fidgeting with her new watch, growing interested in what this Red Hood was or who perhaps. But at the moment she was too busy trying to learn what else this watch could possible do. It was like a regular smart watch, the time, phone app, calculator all of it. Yet she was fighting back the urge to tap thrice, to see if he was being truthful or this was rather just a reassurance. Either way, she decided against it and instead focused on her usual costumers that were often elder ladies and men which she had grown quite fond of. They were actually sweet if they weren't bothered. The only young man, who seemed around her own age was the handsome man she had found herself looking forward to seeing. The only man she had so much in common with. Maybe it's also due to the fact that she found him quite attractive. His black hair, the tips of the front white, framing his strong jawed face so well, crooked nose that she found herself staring a bit too much than intended, the unforgettable mixture of blue and green perfectly colored in his almost cold eyes, scars adoring most of his face that did nothing to scare her. Instead drawing her in. But she kept quiet, keeping everything professional.
After a bit, she glanced at the grandfather clock, it was getting close to three. She gave a small shrug and decided to read one of the books instead.
She walked past the shelves, before pulling out one of Shakespeare's books. The Hamlet.
A small satisfied smile formed before she walked back behind the counter and opened to the first came, beginning to read.
Everything was silent, quite relaxing. But damn she thought too soon as the big sudden sound of glass breaking caused her to almost stumble backwards as she stared wide eyed at the sight infront of herself. Her big windows now nowhere in sight, all the shattered shards laying around the shelves. She picked up her gaze from the glass towards the two panting men, holding to big heavy bags each.
The men caught her eyes and the taller man gestured towards her with his head for his friend which quickly nodded and hurried to her side holding a gun up.
God damn, what's all these crimes lately!?
(Name) swallowed, letting go off her book, holding her hands up as she stepped back
The man raised a finger, pressing it against his lips, shushing her threateningly.
Her breathing increased as she nodded quickly, eyes grown wide before her eyes slowly glanced at her watch. She made sure the man who held the gun was distracted by watching outside before quickly tapping her watch thrice. And before she could even count to five, the taller man was tackled to the ground with a rough grunt, his friend almost dropping the gun but quickly held it towards the large figure that slammed his friend's head on the ground, hard enough to cause him to lose consciousness. The man shot without hesitation, but he felt his heart sink as the bullet bounced out his hemlet almost as if it was a stress ball.
The intimidating figure slowly, and terrifyingly turned his face towards the man. He stood up taking slow steps towards the shaking man that was probably 5'3, if not less. He stood there almost tauntingily, tilting his head, his white filled eyes seemed to have squinted somehow. After a bit of horrifying silence, he rose his hand, grabbing the gun in the man's hand, and *crushed it* with simple force and let it fall down, useless bullets rolling around.
(Name) stood behind the counter her chest raising and falling. Did he just crush that gun with a small clenched fist!?
She internally panicked, but refused to let it to show as she watched to see what he'd do now. Red Hood grabbed the head of the short man, and slammed it on the counter causing her to gasp and pressed her back against the wall, her breathing increased in speed if even possible by now.
The short man fell down unconscious, the same fate as his friend, small blood pooling underneath his head.
(Name) stared with wide eyes before looking up again, mouth slightly agape
"You killed him-!" "Oh relax, it's a mere concoction" Red Hood cut her off with a wave of his hand kneeling down picking up the man with mere strength and threw him on his friend before turning towards her.
"Your life always in chaos?"
Red Hood snorted crossing his large arms over his thick chest tilting his head slightly.
"No... I'm just as surprised as you are"
She frowned looking down at the unconscious men.
"Might want to close the shop for awhile in my opinion"
The man scoffed at the laying men before turning back to her.
"I can't do that, I have rent to pay" She frowned looking back at the tall man
"Besids, there's this costumer that always comes on Mondays and Wednesdays, and tomorrow is Wednesday, I'm not closing the shop"
She said with a small determined look, causing the man to groan quietly, before turning back
"Who's this special costumer anyway?"
"Jason Todd," She said without hesitation, looking up at him, "Can't close it, he loves classical literature and my shop is filled with them, and his favorite author's book just arrived this morning"
Red Hood ignored the way his heart skipped a beat almost.
"You sure know alot about this guy, you fancy him?"
This alone caused her face to feel hot as she avoided his eyes
"What? N..no! That's not what I meant-" "spare me the lies sweetheart, you're not a good liar" he cut her off, staring back at her, trying to ignore how his own face heated up underneath the helmet, almost felt too difficult to breathe.
"So, yes or no?" "....yes..."
*perfect*
That's all he needed to know, before picking up the two men, putting them on either side his shoulders
"Might want to fix up the windows too"
He said before dragging them away and disappeared.
(Name) let out a sigh, trying to calm down her heart before she frowned
Wait...
Did he just call her sweetheart?
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The next following day went smoothly, her windows had been fixed, the tapes holding them up until the glues dried, which would've been a bit difficult due to the fall wind. (Name) focused on her book, that she had failed to read in peace yesterday, her eyes staring at the pages, finally feeling calm.
The door opened, the bells swinging making her lift her head, looking at the man that entered, a smile forming at the familiar face. Before she could speak, her eyes fell down at the bouquet in his hands, causing her eyes to grow wide.
Jason quickly stuffed his free hand into his pocket, trying to ignore the way he felt nervous. His grip tightening around the bouquet as he cleared his throat stepping forward, extending the flowers
"Got these for you.."
He said gruffly, pretending to not be effected by the way her eyes sparkled, smile widening.
She took the flowers, her eyes softening
"Oh mister Todd... these are quite beautiful..-" "Jason" he cut her off making her frown
"What?" She asked
"Jason, call me Jason"
(Name) hesitated before repeating his name to test how it rolled down her tongue.
"Jason... thank you"
She looked up at him, oh how he just wanted to climb over this damn counter and smash his lips against hers. But he held back, resisting is one of his best skills after all.
He cleared his throat, ignoring the way his heart melted with the way she said his name with that damn smoothing voice of hers.
"Nothing much"
He stuffed his second hand into his pocket giving a shurg.
(Name) smiled placing the bouquet down on the counter, leaving to the storage room before coming back with a dusty vintage vase. She blew on it, dusting the rest with her hand before placing it on the counter. All awhile Jason watched with curious gaze. She moved back, taking one of her water bottles and filled half the vase with it before eventually placing the roses inside. Yet something that made her heart flutter was the fact there were no sharp edges, and spikes. He had taken the time to cut it nicely to be comfortable to the grasp.
She let the roses fall into the vase before staring up at Jason again
"I appreciate them, thank you"
She stared, her eyes squinting due to the wide smile she held
"Again, nothing big"
He said gruffly, shrugging one again, his fingers drumming in his pockets, his eyes watching her as she tended the flowers gently, eyes filled with admiration.
With a clear if his throat, he found the courage to speak up.
"I was wondering if... you wanted to..."
Jason let out a silent huff, shrugging
"Go out with me?"
(Name) froze, her eyes growing wide again, before slowly turning her head towards him
"As in a date...?" She asked, trying to be sure.
"As a date" he confirmed almost firmly, a habit he guessed, "you don't have to accpet-"
"I'll come" She quickly cut him off, her eyes sparkling
"I'll go out on a date with you, Jason..."
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The moonlight shun lightly down at Jason, his black hair looking shinier and angel like. His blue-green eyes glancing at his watch, a small curse leaving him, before lowering his hand again, glancing back at the fancy restaurant they agreed on.
It's been fifteen minutes, where is she? Is she okay? Is she sick? Did she forget?
Did he get stood up?
The thoughts consumed his mind, almost distracting him from the desperate footsteps that approached him, if it weren't for his years of training as past Robin, he would've missed them.
He felt his shoulders stiffen, breath hitching in his throat as he stared.
God, damn
She stood there, her chest raising and falling rapidly as she looked up, her face evident of guilt, but he was focused just on *her*
Red sure suited her, not because it's *his* color, or that it kind of matching his tie. It was the way it hugged her just right, the lower part flowy almost like a half cut gown, goodness...
Reminder to get her a red wedding dress-
He quickly shut down that thought, instead staring at her, his eyes looking up to her pretty jewelry adorning her skin, and to her hair, so nicely done fitting her perfect face.
She smiled nervously, but no doubt, taking in him aswell, feeling fascinated by the way his suit adored his body, his usually messy hair now slicked back perfectly, not that she minded how it was messy.
"You... look stunning"
He couldn't even stop the words from flying out as he stared, not regretting them tho.
(Name) smiled bashfully, gripping her red sparkly purse
"Thank you... you look handsome yourself"
She found herself replying back, tilting her head up, yet Jason was too stunned to speak
"Sorry about being late.. my taxi crashed-"
"What!? Are you okay?"
He seemed quite alarmed quickly approaching her, and without thinking grabbing her face, turning her face from side to side.
Something about this felt familiar, but she couldn't figure it out.
He wasn't even thinking straight, looking for any signs of injury
"I'm fine... just a small bump, it just took awhile to order another ride"
She smiled coyly, averting her eyes from his so colorful ones.
Jason finally seemed to snap back as he slowly let go off her face, neither could deny the fact they missed the contact, but both hid it perfectly well.
"Sorry, habit"
He cleared his throat standing straight again before extending his arm
"Shall we?" He smiled, it felt weird, he'd forgotten how it felt to smile *genuinely*
(Name) smiled back, crossing her arm with his.
"We shall"
With that, the two walked inside, Jason approached the front desk
"I made a reservation under the name Jason Todd"
Jason looked at the man, who flipped through the pages of the clipboard before smiling poiletly standing up
"Ah, mister Todd, please, this way"
He gestured inside the quite crowded restaurant with his arm before walking inside, Jason and (Name) arm to arm as they followed the man
The man kindly showed them to their table handing each a menu
"Call me whenever you are ready"
He smiled before leaving the two
(Name) opened the menu, letting out a low whistle. She's seen expensive, but dang.
"Everything alright sweetheart?"
Jason glanced over with a frown
Why did that simple word cause so much butterflies, but at the same time leaving an itching feeling she had heard that before. Well, it's not important now
"Yes, I just... didn't expect everything to be so..."
"Expensive? Grow used to it, for our second date I'm planing an art gallery visit"
Jason said, eyes turning back to the menu. Her eyes grew wide, her lips parting in fascination.
Woah, is this man some kind of unknown millionaire?
"Don't give me that" he chuckled "you'll grow used to it" I'll make sure
(Name) couldn't help but crack a smile, his words leaving her impressed
"Well... let's hope this will be a success, yeah?"
Oh, I'll make sure it will
But he only smiled back, his darkening for a brief moment, which (Name) had managed to miss.
The waiter approached the moment he was called, and ready to note down
"I'll have the.. Ayam Cemani and cold lemonade"
Jason said placing the menu down before looking towards (Name) waiting for her to order
"I'll have... what he has"
(Name) smiled nervously, unsure what anything else was, and she wouldn't risk ordering something gross or something that she didn't like.
The waiter soon noted it down and left, leaving the two in an awkward silence for a moment. Everything was meant to be perfect, yet here Jason was, unsure what to say or do. Never in his vigilant years has he been this nervous.
"I'm glad you agreed to go out with me"
Jason found the courage to speak out, breaking the silence. (Name) smiled softly, relaxing finally.
"I'd be stupid not to"
This was enough to cause a warm flutter inside Jason, not even the night he became boy wonder made him feel such thrill nor excitement.
"I'm glad you feel that way"
Jason hummed, trying to hide his obvious satisfaction of her words, trying to ignore the way he wants to keep staring into her beautiful eyes, trying to ignore the fact he imagined their future together-
Jason shook his head, hoping it wasn't obvious before clearing his throat as the table went into silence again. Yet this time, it was calm and relaxing, not awkward as the one before.
(Name) blinked, hesitating. She was actually quite curious as how on earth he managed to afford all of this, and what he meant by how she has to get used to it. All of this leaving endless question flowing around her mind. Maybe also due to the heat.
Yet the calming silence was quickly broken off and her question were cut off by the sounds of endless scream and panic that set through the establishment.
Jason quickly sat up as so did (Name) both in full alert as they looked around and Jason internally cursed.
Of all days, of all times, of all crimes. Black Mask's stupid henchmen had to ruin this. Jason clenched his fists, curses rapidly leaving under his breath. The restaurant owner seemed to have been in debt with him if his men attacked so violently.
Jason quickly stood up but stopped the moment he heard her voice call out.
"Jason! Wait, I know someone!"
(Name) sat up, lifting her wrist to reveal her watch causing Jason's eyes to widened immediately.
"Wait no-!"
Yet before his words could go through, she tapped her watch thrice causing a vibration to curse through his pocket.
The two quickly making eye contact in a moment of what felt like a frozen time.
It was then, that after so many years, Jason felt his heart drop to the bottom, his breath hitching, while (Name) stared widely, mouth opening as if her mind was starting to process.
"Jason...?"
