The darkness that surrounded Gotham was heavy with tension as you stood outside the abandoned warehouse, heart racing. Jason’s silhouette emerged from the shadows, the familiar leather jacket framing his figure like a shroud. He looked worn, the weight of his choices evident in the way he carried himself.
“Why did you follow me?” he asked, his voice low and edged with irritation.
You took a breath, trying to keep your emotions in check. “Because you’re pushing everyone away, Jason. You can’t keep doing this.”
He scoffed, crossing his arms defensively. “You think I care about what you or anyone else thinks? I don’t need anyone, especially not now.”
“Is that really how you feel?” Your voice cracked, desperation creeping in. “You’re not alone. You never have to be. But you make it so damn hard to reach you.”
Jason’s gaze darkened, anger mixing with pain. “You don’t know what it’s like! To feel betrayed, to lose everything! I won’t let you get hurt because of me.”
“I’m already hurting!” you shot back, the words bursting forth. “You’re hurting me more by shutting me out! I want to help you, but you won’t let me in.”
He turned away, fists clenching. “I don’t want your help. I don’t want anyone’s pity. You think this is some kind of game? I’m not the hero you want me to be.”
Your heart ached as you took a step closer, defiance fueling your voice. “I never wanted a hero. I wanted you—the real you. But you keep hiding behind this mask of anger.”
Silence fell between you, the air thick with unresolved feelings. Finally, Jason turned to you, vulnerability flickering behind his hardened exterior. “If you knew the truth, you’d run away. I don’t deserve this… I don’t deserve you.”
“Don’t say that,” you pleaded, tears welling in your eyes. “You’re worth so much more than your past mistakes. I see you, Jason—the man beneath the pain.”
He shook his head, pain etched on his face. “The man beneath is broken. I can’t drag you into that darkness.”
“Maybe I want to stand with you in that darkness,” you said, voice trembling. “I’d rather face it together than watch you drown in it alone.”
His expression wavered, the conflict evident. But the walls he built were strong, and he was reluctant to let them crumble. “You don’t understand what it means to love someone like me,” he replied, voice thick with emotion.
“Then let me show you,” you whispered, reaching out for him.
For a moment, you thought he might take your hand. But then he stepped back, the distance between you feeling insurmountable. “I can’t. I won’t let you get hurt because of me.”
As he turned and disappeared into the shadows, you felt the weight of his choices press down on you. Love was supposed to be a light in the dark, but in that moment, it felt like a curse—a reminder of what could have been.
A/N: Hi everyone! I’ve finally gotten a break and so here I am, writing the much promised angst😅 hopefully over break I can do more. This was based off of a fanfic i saw a while back. Love you all, and happy halloween 🎃
