#red hodd

[rugbin]

Dinner at the Diner

[dont-look-its-embarrassing]

On the House

Jason Todd x F!Reader

Summary: You worked the late shift at a small Gotham diner. Jason Todd was just another regular—or at least, that's what you thought. Between shared looks, "accidental" free meals, and quiet walks home before sunrise, the routine became something neither of you wanted to lose. In Gotham, however, even the safest routines can change in an instant, and Jason never planned on being forced to save you as Red Hood.

Warnings: Attempted armed robbery, gun violence, brief physical violence, mentions of panic/shock, emotional distress, fluff, comfort, not edited

WC: 4693

You couldn’t pin the exact moment you decided Jason Todd would be the love of your life. It had happened so quickly after all. One moment the two of you were meeting at the small diner you worked at, lingering at his table just long enough to make it questionable after dropping his order off. You had made sure to give the larger guy in your sectioned booth some extra attention that night. Besides from the obvious attraction that you had towards his physical stature–you always did a double take with big boys–you couldn’t pinpoint what made you so insistent on being present. 

You’d watched men come in exhausted before.

None of them made you want to refill their coffee before they even asked, or ensure that every need was taken care of before they even lifted a finger. 

Jason didn’t know why the waitress had been so nice to him tonight, but after the day he had, it was a small kindness the world allowed him. 

The patrol earlier had done him in. The images of a trafficking ring he had busted off the pier officially soured his thoughts enough to where he once again found himself hating humanity. Realizing this in their rotation, Dick had covered his route for the night whilst Jason was under strict instructions to take the night off. It was that same night that he had met you, the nice waitress who gave him an extra shake because you ‘accidentally’ wrote it on the ticket–but don’t worry, he wouldn’t have to pay for it. 

Jason had watched you write the ticket.

There was no mention of a shake there. 

It was that simple gesture that allowed a small, barely visible smile to rise to his cheeks, allowing himself a small reprieve from the horrid thoughts of the previous encounter. 

From that night on, Jason had sought out that same kindness as he himself admitted to being drawn to, the soft expression of his quickly becoming favorite waitress. 

After the first couple appearances, you had begun to talk to the regular named Jason. He was a bit of an enigma at first, being soft spoken and slightly awkward when you began to speak to him about more than just if he wanted fries. Quickly however, the man had found his footing as each night that passed the conversations got longer and longer. You learned that he worked as a private security escort, mostly on contract basis. According to him, his hours were flexible as he could choose when and where he wanted to go for work. The news had brought you a warm bubble in your chest that at the time you couldn’t name. 

As one of the few diners open as late as it was, Jason could almost always count on a warm meal, quiet ambiance of soft spoken conversations, and you. 

Your hours have been brutal at best, but you defend them with your life. As a young woman Gothamite, working past the sun setting was a gamble with death to many. However, your diner was open into the wee hours of the morning, just before the sun made its reappearance. Someone had to work the shift. It wasn’t as though the owners were ignorant to the risks of it all. When you had started working at this little place, they had been more than adamant that you were clocked out and back within the safety of your apartment before the sun even set on the big Wayne Enterprises building off in the distance. However, as your time and experience increased within the diner, you quickly became important and evidently filled into a manager’s position when the last one had gotten mugged and quit.

One of the bat’s had gotten the mugger on the way home, and upon his trial, the previous manager’s payout was enough to retire early…the lucky bastard. 

But your employers had taken it seriously, understanding the risk that came with this position and hours required. In turn, they had offered a pretty hefty check to accompany you with these late nights. 

Earlier on in the quick chats with Jason, you had mentioned this consistent worknight clock-in, even going as far as hinting around at the reasoning as to why. In the end, it made sense to you for the risk it induces. 

That was the first night that Jason had walked you home. 

He had adjusted his patrol after that, ensuring everything to be wrapped up and finished by the time the diner had closed at the latest as to meet you outside. It was a habit that had quickly become a favorite time of the day for you. There had even been some close calls where the famous Red Hood helmet and signature utility belt had been stashed away behind a nearby bush as to make your trek home safer. He had prayed that day that the large leather jacket he had zipped up hid the thick armor and prominent red bat symbol beneath. 

It didn’t take long for some of the world’s greatest detectives to find out about Jason’s crush, although you were completely ignorant to it all (like many other things). 

Dick found out about it first. With his little wing sneaking off around the same time each morning, only to return almost exactly the same amount of time later, he had been inclined to sneak after him one day. After coming to the conclusion that Jay did in fact have a crush (let alone with a civilian–thank GOD someone had to be somewhat normal in this family), he lasted a single hour before Jason knew what happened. 

Along with making Grayson swear on his dead parent’s, he had ensured that Dick knew to keep his mouth shut about her and not tell a soul. Surprisingly, true to his promise, the secret had remained that way for months now, and Jason couldn’t be more content. 

You really liked Jason. 

Like really, really, liked Jason. 

He was kind, and funny, and smart, and his hands–

Your cheeks flushed. Currently, you had been working your shift without a hitch and sure enough the ring of the bell that only came at this hour brought the boy you had just been thinking about. You couldn’t control the large smile that had reached your eyes when your gaze met his. In those same hands, was an old novel, as he had quickly made his way to the signature booth that you kept free all evening for him to sit at. 

It was also the only booth that you could sneak glances at without being obvious while you stood at the register counter. 

You could be sneaky, but in this you also felt there wasn’t any harm with a couple glances while Jason turned a page. 

Hearing a little ‘ding’ from the food bar, you scooted over to the small basket of fries and shake that rested there ready to serve. Picking it up, you bounced over to the familiar booth dropping the basket of fries and chocolate shake. 

“Put the wrong ticket in again, ma?” Jason had jested, but was thankful for the gesture. He had loved using that nickname with you. The native Gotham accent on his tongue when he said it guaranteed a small dust of red to fill your cheeks. Shrugging your shoulders, you played along. 

“That’s strange…” You had trailed off, scanning over the very obviously blank notepad that had been in your apron, “Looks right to me?” The small giggle that rushed out of you was bells to Jason’s ears. 

“There is no way you are done with the other one already.” You deadpanned aghast with the new bound book on the table. It had a different font and name from the one just the day before, which was a bit of a stretch if he truly read it all in one day. 

“I read fast.” Jason allowed his own warm smile to adorn his face whilst raising his brows.

“Nobody I know can read that fast, Jay.” 

“You know other people?” The brunt quip had you smacking his shoulder with an open mouthed look of disbelief. 

Conversation flowed endlessly between the two of you, until eventually the small buzz of his phone signaled his time had come to an end. As soon as it sounded, his hand had reached to grab the familiar device in the busted black case. You were very grateful to have gotten his number many visits ago, even texting him (almost) daily with updates or to continue a conversation you two had whilst you were on shift. It also made his trips home with you much easier to coordinate. Quickly finishing up the small gift of his food, Jason threw on his signature leather jack that looked oh so good on him, and made his way towards the door.

“You mind holding onto that until I come get you later?” Giving a quick gesture to the similarly leather bound book, you had given a sure nod back.

“You got it, I’ll keep it up at the stand.” 

“Don’t let anyone steal it.” You snorted at the notion.

“It is Crime and Punishment, Jason.” 

“Exactly.”

“Nobody is stealing Crime and punishment.” 

“It is a collectors edition, you would be surprised.”

“You're such a weirdo.” Shaking your head, your laughs escaped you freely. The sound echoed through the mostly empty diner, earning a curious glance from the cook in the back. 

Assured, Jason gave a cheeky wink.

“Thanks ma.” With the familiar chime of the bell hung above the door, Jason had snuck a last look at your flustered expression before quickly walking off. 

Whatever Tim needed better be good.

The night had gone on rather slowly after that. Customers had come and gone with none to note, and the streetlamp outside the door flickered slightly with a gust of wind. Throughout the night you checked in on the book that Jason had left within your care. 

The pages were crisp. There had not been a single crease in the corners to signal a doggy-eared’ page marker or any sort of notation on the physical paper. However, one of the things that caught your eye was the numerous amounts of small annotated sticky notes that littered the pages. The handwriting was undoubtedly Jason's, as even the notes reflected the same tone he would talk to you with. 

Half of the little notes had been debating the author, putting in his own two cents into the scene with how immersed he was in the narration. The other half consisted of simpler comments such as ‘idiot’ or jabs at characters within the story. 

You had even noticed the leather binding of the book carried a small scent of his cologne from where he held it against his body while he walked. 

Your phone on the stand buzzed. With the sky steadily beginning to emerge in a slightly lighter shade of blue, your shift was coming to a close rather quickly. As per usual, your kitchen chef had clocked out and closed it down early enough to leave about half an hour early which left you alone within the space. 

It wasn’t uncommon. 

In fact most nights you closed alone, however lately Jason had taken part in his presence around that time to talk before he walked with you back to your place. It was this thought that brought you back to your buzzing phone.

Jason:  Running a little behind, I’ll be there soon.

You had smiled at the message. Sending a quick thumbs up to the bubble, you began the closing activities. You had wiped down all the booths and tables, shut off the coffee machine, and folded the silverware into the napkins well enough for them not to budge. Finally getting into counting the register from the day, the familiar chime of the bell over the door reminded you of the specific boy that was on his way. 

However, what met your warm gaze was not the familiar sight of Jason.

At first it was the hollowed eyes of the man who stood before you. His complexion had been taut, pale at best with sores and cuts along his skin. Loose strands of greasy hair had peaked through under the very obviously dirty jacket. 

What you saw next was the handgun he had pointed at you. 

Just like himself, the gun was dirty. You prayed it wasn’t dirt from use, but simply the lack of means or care to clean it from the dirty Gotham rain. However, the nasally yell of the man shocked you out of your scared hopes. 

“Take the money out, now!” The shock of it all held you frozen in place. Without thinking, your fingers curled around the leather cover resting beside the register.

“Do you want me to shoot you?!” The man’s voice was angrier this time as he waved the weapon, and with it sparked scared tears to collect in your waterline. With a shaky hand, you moved as slowly as possible as to not make the man pull the trigger any harder than he already was. 

Evidently, what Tim wanted was a valid excuse to pull him from your presence, although he would never let the kid know that (if he were to ever find out about you). However, the problem had been more complex than either had imagined, which took more time to figure out. 

Shooting off the text to you, things began to wrap up within the rooftop meeting. 

“I haven’t seen you move that fast probably, ever, Red.” Tim jested as Jason rolled his eyes behind the helmet.

“Fuck off bird.” Jason snipped back before quickly repelling off the side and down towards the streets. Checking his phone again, his message had been acknowledged, but no response came from you following–which was odd. 

His hand checked his phone again.

Still nothing.

A small pit of nerves settled into his stomach and with it, his pace quickened. 

He always hated the idea of you closing up alone, and when you had told him about the common occurrence it made him ever so adamant to come to your side and ensure your safe walk home personally.  

With Jason already being as late as he was, the diner had been close to closed if not already locked with you waiting inside for him. There wasn't any reason to do one quick sweep around the block before heading inside, right?

He adjusted course. Old habits took over as he began his quick assessment. 

Chef had left for the night, his car gone from the parking spot he normally takes up with the old civic. What struck him odd was the very bright lights of the diner still being on. Typically, at this point you would have turned off the main lights, leaving only a couple on for you to scroll on your phone under. The ominous glow of the ‘Open” sign was enough to have Jason push his investigation further. 

Despite him really not wanting to introduce you to Red Hood, there seemed to be no time as with each quick step he took more and more dread settled in the pit of his stomach. Reaching the door, Jason’s gloved hand threw it open by the handle.

What met his gaze shot a cold shot of terror through his spine. 

You had been shaking, standing in front of the barrel of a small handgun. The burglar pointing the weapon had whipped his head around at the sound of Jason entering, meeting the cold white eyes of Red Hood. 

“Shit!” 

It was over in a flash. You swore your life had flashed before your eyes as Red Hood entered into the diner and caught eyes with the guy trying to rob you. The vigilante had moved like water, which surprised you in hindsight with his large stature. One moment the gun had been pointed at you. The next it clattered across the tile. You weren't sure when it had left the man's hand, but your ears rang with the fire of a couple panicked bullets into the ceiling before it dropped. The dirty man had attempted to fight back and escape his now more violent fate, but to no avail.

Red Hood had been efficient, but brutal. In a finalizing swift punch, the robber had lost consciousness with his thinning body hitting the floor with a ‘thump’. 

Your shaking didn’t stop after the danger passed. Clutching Jason’s book to your chest, you had dipped below the manager’s stand and attempted to control your breathing with the soft scent of his leftover cologne. During your attempt to school your oxygen intake, a modulated voice called to you.

“You alright?” All things considered, you had been relatively fine. There weren't any new holes in you, and even the money remained in the cash register. So, overall nothing had been truly lost. However, it was the first time in your life you had felt truly vulnerable and in danger. You didn’t trust your voice as you sent the vigilante a nod.

Police sirens echoed outside, no doubt making their way towards the gunshots that came from the diner. 

Red had quickly checked the robber for any more weapons, sliding out zip ties for his hands and ankles as he did. With the unconscious man giving no resistance it was restrained in a moment, and the hulking figure had begun to drag the man’s limp form by his wrists. The ‘ding’ of the door derailed your brain from the current spiral of panic. 

Jason was still coming. 

Giving a quick peer over the stand, Red Hood had met your uncertain gaze with his stoic helmet. Your eyes glanced between the dirty man and vigilante. He was half in and half out of the doorway, which seemed to be the cause of the bell to ring. Hesitantly, you spoke up.

“Can you put him on the other side of the door?” Red Hood had looked to the right side of the entryway outside the diner. You couldn’t see his expression, but you knew when he looked back to you, a question laid beneath the helmet. “I have someone coming and I don’t want him to freak out.” 

Jason froze. Were you talking about him? You had just gone through an arguably traumatic event, and you were worried about what he–Jason Todd–walked up on to take you home? 

His throat bobbed as he nodded, the Hood helmet weighing heavier than it had prior on his neck. This needed to wrap up quickly. 

He didn’t know what to do. Swirling concerns and questions sat on his tongue as the undeniable fear settled into a constant rock of unease at the whole situation. To him, you were untouchable. Gotham has taken plenty, she had no use for you. To him, the city would never be allowed to touch your gentle light as long as he breathed. Tonight had proven him wrong. 

It hadn’t been intentional, in fact it was unavoidable. Out of all of the days in which Jason had sent a text your way about being a bit behind, tonight had been one of the few times that was something he truly couldn’t argue with. The guilt of it all didn’t understand that reason, or it didn’t care. It didn't matter that what he was doing was important. You were vulnerable, someone had violently popped that bubble and as he stood as Red Hood–the guilt-filled anger that often accompanied the red helmet returned in full force. 

A frustrated growl tore from the modulator as his fist slammed into the wall. With the vibration of the beam below him, the grimy man groaned in his unconscious state. For a moment, Jason’s mind went to murder, how quick he could remove the problem all together with a swift unholstering of the gun on his thigh. 

However, the small yelp of fear that reached his helmet’s enhanced hearing decided against it. You had seen enough for the night and surely didn’t need to see why his signature red had been chosen as his color for work. 

Shooting another glance at the still out body, Jason returned to inside the diner. 

Hesitating, Jason did not meet your eyes immediately. Selfishly, he didn’t want to have the image of your fear being directed at him, but the pull to check you for injury won. 

Scanning his eyes over to you, Jason was surprised to not have been met with hostility or fear. Instead you had moved out from behind the podium slightly with an uncertain relief under your expression. Taking in the damage around, the pit in Jason’s stomach grew. There was silverware scattered around the floor and a broken table from where he had thrown the man back and away from you. Gliding his eyes over to the register podium, the grundy gun laid on the ground not five feet from where you crouched with your eyes on him. Taking smaller steps (so as to not frighten you), Jason had bent down and quickly unloaded the rest of the bullets from the magazine along with the one in the chamber. The distinct sound of them hitting the floor gave himself something to focus on instead of his thoughts spiralling further.

“Thank you.” The fright in your tone was still present as you spoke to the vigilante. However, despite the violent nature of your first meeting with him, you didn’t feel like it was directed at you. He had saved your life, you could thank him for it even if you are scared out of your wits. Jason on the other hand could not believe you spoke to him like this. 

People had run screaming from him for less. Yet, here you were, shaking like a leaf and hiding half of your body but forcing yourself to thank him for simply saving your life. 

“Are you hurt?” Under the mask, Jason had winced as the specifically designed gravelly modulator made his question sound a lot more intense then he intended it too. Without being able to go up and check you himself (like he so desperately wanted to do), his racing heart would have to make due with your answer. You had scanned over yourself quickly, sending Red Hood a shake of your head. 

“No.” You thought for a second, trying to let your brain catch up to your body. “Did you see anyone coming when you were outside?”

You didn’t know where the small confidence came from, maybe it was the shock of how the night progressed. Red Hood had shaken his helmeted head in response.

“Nobody aside from buddy over there.” You choked a bit on your tongue whilst looking down. Desperately, you tried to school the tears that gathered in your eyes. Thankfully you were successful in your efforts. You prayed that Jason would get there soon. Little did you know, Jason also prayed for someone to get to the diner quicker. 

The police. 

The moment they turned onto the street of the scene, he would be able to un-hood himself and rush back here to finally get you into his embrace. Thank God he had his phone on silent as he watched as you shot multiple texts off, no doubt to him. Realizing his impending presence was not helping your panic ease he had walked back outside to watch the robber with a stare like bullets. 

Upon the first light of police lights turning down the street, Jason had dipped into a back alley and onto one of the nearby roofs to throw his utility belt and attire off. Thank god he had left some clothes up here last time. Ripping the helmet off, he tossed it to the ground, not thinking twice about the violent ‘clack’ that followed. Picking up the other clothes, Jason ignored the tremor that laced his hands as he attempted (and missed) the sleeve of his jacket. The image of a dirty gun pointed at your chest played behind his eyes with each struggling attempt to zip his jacket up. Jason had to continue to remind himself that the GPD had arrived, and you were not alone again with the man who threatened your life for paper in a machine. You were okay. Shaken? Definitely, but overall you were okay. Jason had finished changing quickly. Once he returned to the street, the run that he broke into rivaled one of when he fought on patrol. 

You had been talking to the police. Leftover shakes radiated your body as you recounted the events, however it wasn’t the shaking that brought his attention to you, but what you held close to your chest. 

His book. 

The sight of it unraveled the tension in his chest and allowed his body to ease into a quick jog. The antique pages were nestled against your chest as you traced the embossed title on the front. 

Upon seeing Jason rushing down the street, you had forgotten the interview and met him in a rush. Without so much as a ‘hello’, your body launched into his large form, allowing yourself to be completely engulfed within his strong embrace. A rushed breath allowed the fear from the  whole evening drain from you, the tears you had kept within your waterline flowed freely down your face. Jason’s hand met the back of your head, holding your rushing breaths against his chest in hopes to try and get you to calm down a little. The wet patch growing on his shirt pulled at his heart. In his attempts, he let  small assurances slip past his lips. 

“You’re okay, it’s okay, you’re fine…” With each vibration of his deep voice, you found your shoulders loosening. “I’ve got you.” 

At this point, the police had gotten all they could from your testimonial, and had no doubt about what occurred within the small diner. With assurance that the owners were contacted, and you could go home for the rest of the night (now with the sun peaking over the harbor). As you had begun your path home, you didn’t question how your hand ended up in his. Realizing this halfway through the walk, you had attempted to remedy what you did unconsciously but with no avail. Jason had tightened his grip around your own before you made it more than an inch. 

He needed the contact as much as you did. 

You dreaded the sight of your apartment building as you turned the corner. The walk had encompassed nothing but soft breathing, occasional check-ins, and comfort. Once the brick building came into view, you realized that would end once the door unlocked and you said your goodbyes. So, upon reaching the front door, you didn’t immediately reach for your keys. In fact, you waited multiple moments before Jason had spoken up.

“You alright?” Meeting his eyes, obvious concern met your own. However, with the question your body awoke with memory. 

The gun, the loud firing, Red Hood. 

“You alright?”

You hadn’t realized the slight shake in your body before looking to the man you have grown to adore. 

“Do you want to stay over?” Unconsciously, you tightened your grip on the book that still laid nestled into your chest. You hadn’t thought to give it back yet as the weight had oddly grounded you.  

“I just…” With the silent stretch, you nervously laughed, “I really don’t want to be alone.”

Jason’s own body relaxed with your question. He would hate to admit it, but the thought of leaving you alone within your apartment also made him antsy, even though he knew he would be returning promptly to survey the street on the roof. However, the idea of staying with you pulled away one of the strings of the knot that had tightened since earlier this evening. 

“Yeah.” The breathlessness of his voice wasn’t intended, but the flush on your cheeks was well worth the rather helpless tone. “I’ll stay.”

This time, the reach for your keys was easy. Together, you stepped inside as the first rays of sunlight peered over the small apartment buildings on your block. 

A/N: Hope you enjoyed!

[classicallycivilised]

Jason: You know that feeling when you're watching a show and the main character like changes hat and it's like "Why are they adding new characters in, who's that?"

Dick: No..?

Jason: That explains a lot.

[chriiiiix]

imagine Bruce using his Matches Malone persona to infiltrate a big party in which many crime lords will be, and not so surprising, but the Red Hood is there, and he is staring directly at Bruce's eyes (He doesn't know Red Hood is Jason yet) and laughing, Bruce just knows that under that helmet he is smiling, and Bruce knows he knows, he doesn't know how but somehow this annoying new crime lord recognized him in a second even with his disguise. He is panicking, Hood will for sure reveal his lie in the middle of all those villains, except he doesn't. Actually, it looks like he is having a lot of fun watching Bruce being alert and anxious. The party ends, Red Hood puts an arm around his shoulders and walking with him to the exit, up close he realizes how big he really is, he is almost the same size as him, just two or three inches shorter. And then the distorted voice practically whisper in his ears "I wated to see how far you could go, really impressive! I love watching you work you know?" and leaves.

Bruce comes back home confused and with seven new theories of wtf is this guy on about

[batbrat-go]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Reading from Damian’s perspective isn’t something I usually love in fics but this was so good!

[abiexis]

Jason: el pequeño demonio esta raro, esta sonriente y anda muy feliz

Dick: está enamorado ¡que lindo!

Tim: !ya descubrio como matarnos!

[jubileesstuff]

Here is my take on the Batfam deaging trope:

Jason gets hit with a magic spell from a new villain that the Justice League is hunting down. He gets deaged 7 years old, a time before he met Bruce. Of course, Bruce is in an instant on Jason's side, the new Witch Villain completely forgotten. Jason is like, 'What am I doing here? Where is my mommy?'. 

Oh, how are they going to explain all this to Jason? Bruce brings a crying and confused Jason to John Constantine and Zatanna; both of them are like, 'Eh, no clue, never saw something like this before.' They try to help Jason, but nothing works. Jason stays this young.

This brings a lot of chaos to the manor.

Jason, who only knows Bruce from TV and newspapers, wants this mother back. Dick is a crying mess because his little brother is now actually a little child and has to grow up again. Damian is annoyed by the crying from Jason (he is also salty that he isn't the youngest anymore, but he will not admit that). Tim sees this as a chance to be a cool older brother; he takes Jason skating and to arcades with Dick. Tim also wants some blackmail material. Duke is like, 'You're telling me this little angel is Red Hood?' Cass, Barbara, and Stephanie are like, 'Aww, look at this little angel.' They're the best older sisters.

Bruce loves it; finally, he can reconnect with his son and give him a better childhood. Alfred is just like, 'Eh, there is weirder stuff going on in this house sometimes.'. He totally spoils Jason.

He starts to feel more at home with the time going by. He starts to call Bruce 'Dad' after 2 months. They again try to find a spell to get Jason back to his normal age. Nothing works.Bruce isn't really mad about that; he loves Baby Jason. Every time Jason has a nightmare, he comes to Bruce and cuddles with him. Sometimes Baby Jason falls asleep on Bruce when he is working in his office. Bruce has so many pictures of Jason sleeping or playing in his office. When Bruce has online meetings, he lets Jason play under his table or on the floor next to him. Most of the time Jason reads books. He talks so much about them.

Jason is such a great child that even Damian plays with him. Jason and Damian start making a comic about books Jason read. Jason tells Damian the story, and Damian draws it for him. Bruce melts from cuteness.A year after the whole incident, Jason turns back to his actual age. He was visiting the zoo with his family, and when he went to the toilet as an (now) 8-year-old, he came back out as a 21/22-year-old. Everybody misses Baby Jason, but no one will admit it. Jason remembers everything that happened. He also misses being a child. He loved it when the others would cuddle with him, when Bruce would hold him when he had a nightmare. He misses the soft attention.

[kingdom-lian]

My design of Jason Todd in a female version: Jaye Todd 🔫🦇