Too Little Too Late

This time it's gonna be different. This time they're all gonna see... [Jason Todd | Closed Group Blog | Earth 16]

[thirdbirdinline]

I’ve been to several interviews and galas with Bruce and let me tell you that I’m still not used to them in the slightest. Mainly because you never truly know who’s going to be there and what they’re going to do to hassle you. You can either be the pliant relative or the rebel, but the latter might attract even more papparazi.

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

Uh huh. Well, I’ve already got a role assigned to me, so I don’t exactly get to pick. I’m the sweet, simple charity case that Lex took in out of the goodness of his heart. 

[thirdbirdinline]

I’m afraid if you carry the name of someone influentual, your personal views are often overlooked. I know from experience.

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

Yeah, guess that’s true. Even after this whole campaign, I’m still not really used to it. I just get so tired of people expecting me to be Lex’s little puppet.

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

The Walking Dead

favorite male character: Daryl. He’s my boo.

favorite female character: CAROL. I don’t care what anyone says, Carol is a queen.

least favorite character: Hmm, that’s a hard one. Honestly, sometimes I get kind of bored with Rick. I want to like him, but eh.

prettiest character: Michonne is hella gorgeous okay. And also Carol. 

funniest character: Man, funny and the Walking Dead don’t seem to mix well. Michonne has pretty funny cute little moments here and there though in more recent seasons.

favorite season: I really loved the back half of season four, lots of great character developments~

favorite episode: Oh gosh uh… maybe Cherokee Rose

favorite romantic ship: Daryl/Carol, but honestly, I’ll ship just about anything in TWD, I just want them to be happy okay.

favorite family ship: I love the mother son dynamic that’s starting to happen with Michonne and Carl, give me more. 

favorite friend ship: Anyone as bros with Daryl, but especially Beth and Rick.

worst ship: I remember a time when people were super into Merle/Beth, which still creeps me out. 

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

Alright, I want to say, just for the record for the millionth time that my views don’t match my uncle’s. How many times to I have to say that before someone actually gets it?

[greatscarf]

Leave a TV show or movie in my ask box and I'll tell you...

favorite male character:

favorite female character:

least favorite character:

prettiest character:

funniest character:

favorite season:

favorite episode:

favorite romantic ship:

favorite family ship:

favorite friend ship:

worst ship:

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

"Remember that time we...?"

Complete the sentence, “Remember that time we _____?”, and I’ll write about your muse and mine and “that time”.(Just gonna do the time they met~)

Jason had been much shorter then. He’d had to look up at the woman as he dodged out of the way of her hammer. They had taunted and teased back and forth as they took turns chasing each other about the room while Batman and the Joker did the same above them on the rafters. 

Harley wasn’t new, but he was. And she had noticed. She wasn’t stupid, she had picked up on the differences between him and the last bird. That should have been his first clue. Because he hadn’t understood. Why had she let the Joker mess with her like that? Why had she let him break her?

At some point, it became less like they were fighting and more like they were simply playing, trying to see who could outdo the other. Something Batman quickly put a stop to once he had finished with the Joker. 

But still, Jason lingered, sitting on a cardboard box, talking with her as he waited for the police to arrive to cart her away. She didn’t make any sense, but… she wasn’t so bad. He still didn’t get it, how the clown could have made her like him.

Now though, looking back… he understands.

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

Remember that time we were brothers? (notevensorry)

Complete the sentence, “Remember that time we _____?”, and I’ll write about your muse and mine and “that time”.

It was a lifetime ago now, but Jason remembered, as clear as the day it had happened, the first time Dick had brought him to the Cave. He hadn’t been able to stop plucking at his gloves and his cape, checking over and over again that his mask was in place until a gentle hand landed on his shoulder and that kind, reassuring voice told him that everything was going to be okay.

Of course, Jason had just sort of scoffed, insisting he wasn’t nervous, despite the contrary being obvious to anyone who looked. It was why he stopped, just before the zeta tube and stared at his feet. 

“What if they don’t like me?” His voice had been very soft and small, barely more than a whisper.

But then that gentle hand was on his shoulder again, pulling him into a hug. Normally, Dick was too affectionate for his taste and he would always try to squirm away, but for once, he didn’t. Skinny arms wound around his brother and held him tight for a moment as Dick insisted again and again that it wouldn’t be the case. 

His brother’s hand was in his as they went through the zeta tube, though as soon as they materialized and he heard other voices, he tugged it away, though the warmth of Dick’s hand in his lingered.

[bettekane]

Complete the sentence, “Remember that time we _____?”, and I’ll write about your muse and mine and “that time”.

[thirdbirdinline]

All is red | Tim & Jason

[thirdbirdinline]

“It was a mistake not to tie me up,” he snarled as he took his grappling gun next and attempted a second try at his escape plan. The sound of the gun wouild have caught his attention either way, it was best to startle him with physical pain first.

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

It didn’t take long for him to finished stitching up the wound, motions neat and precise from years of practice. Even as he pressed a bandage into place over the stitches, Jason wrestled with himself. He could have just left Tim there, he probably should have. Or he could have tried finding the SOS beacon himself. Even just stuffing the wound with gauze would have been quicker and easier. But no, he had to carefully sew it up and bandage it, just in case Tim tore the stitches when he inevitably got up. 

Well, it would screw everything up if Tim died now. Yeah, that was it. He didn’t give a damn what happened to the replacement, but all the Bats would come after him if the kid died. And maybe deep down, he knew it wasn’t Tim’s fault Bruce and Dick had moved on. 

Letting his guard down was stupid, but Jason was so stuck in his own head, he only noticed that Tim was moving when it was too late to do anything about the disc catching him hard, likely leaving a bruise even with the helmet in place. The blow knocked him back, though he quickly flipped back to his feet. Definitely should have just left Tim there. 

“It was a mistake to come out here on your own,” he said in return, teasing lilt in his tone. But he was done now. So he remained where he was, pulling out his gun and firing off a few warning shots, aiming purposefully to miss, though not by much, still wanting to scare him.

[thirdbirdinline]

It was easy to dodge the bullets, almost too easy. It confirmed the theory in his head: the Red Hood wasn’t out to kill any of them, only to warn Bruce and have him come out to face him. Well, Tim would deliver the message. His grappling gun pulled him up and out of the warehouse where he climbed onto the roof and rolled onto his feet. Swiftly he began to jog, hand pressing to his shoulder where he had most likely ripped the stitches the man had given him. Also something to pass forward: Red Hood wasn’t as vicious as he pretended to be. He wasn’t even following him, wanted him to escape to confront Bruce about his presence in Gotham.

Tim leapt off the building and landed on his feet nimbly like Dick taught him. His bike was a few blocks away and with the signal on, he was assured a safe escape. Looking back over his shoulder, the boy narrowed his gaze. He still didn’t know how Red Hood knew their names. Perhaps it was time Bruce got word of this, and then Tim’d demand an explanation.

[thirdbirdinline]

All is red | Tim & Jason

[thirdbirdinline]

It wasn’t until Jason was packing his stuff once more that Tim regained conscious. One of the first lessons Bruce taught him was to stay quiet and use your senses. Listen, feel, smell. There was the distinct smell of disinfectant and blood. He was still lying on the ground, cold and hard, but no longer pinned to it by the blade. He flexed his muscles and bit on the inside of his cheek. It still hurt, but he could tell his wound had been stitched. By whom though? Tim widened his nostrols as he inhaled deeply yet slowly as to not make any sound. Gunpowder and cigarettes, mostly. Red Hood.

Opening his left eye ever so slightly, Tim was able to spot the man he’d been searching for and fighting with. Awfully confusing behaviour, he thought opening both eyes when it became clear Red Hood still had no clue about him being awake. Now was his chance to press the little button on his right wrist that would send the Batcave and his team mates a SOS signal with the coordinate of his location. Pressing the tiny button sounded so very loud, similar to the pounding of his blood in his ears. Even though the man had saved him, he had been the reason for his near death. Not to mention nearly choking him if blood loss wouldn’t have kicked in. There would be some very deep bruises soon.

Tim reached for one of his discs and decided it was now or never. Throwing his legs up, he used the leverage to swing his upper body off the ground and whack the man in the head—helmet?— with his golden disc. “It was a mistake not to tie me up,” he snarled as he took his grappling gun next and attempted a second try at his escape plan. The sound of the gun wouild have caught his attention either way, it was best to startle him with physical pain first.

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

It didn’t take long for him to finished stitching up the wound, motions neat and precise from years of practice. Even as he pressed a bandage into place over the stitches, Jason wrestled with himself. He could have just left Tim there, he probably should have. Or he could have tried finding the SOS beacon himself. Even just stuffing the wound with gauze would have been quicker and easier. But no, he had to carefully sew it up and bandage it, just in case Tim tore the stitches when he inevitably got up. 

Well, it would screw everything up if Tim died now. Yeah, that was it. He didn’t give a damn what happened to the replacement, but all the Bats would come after him if the kid died. And maybe deep down, he knew it wasn’t Tim’s fault Bruce and Dick had moved on. 

Letting his guard down was stupid, but Jason was so stuck in his own head, he only noticed that Tim was moving when it was too late to do anything about the disc catching him hard, likely leaving a bruise even with the helmet in place. The blow knocked him back, though he quickly flipped back to his feet. Definitely should have just left Tim there. 

“It was a mistake to come out here on your own,” he said in return, teasing lilt in his tone. But he was done now. So he remained where he was, pulling out his gun and firing off a few warning shots, aiming purposefully to miss, though not by much, still wanting to scare him.

[thirdbirdinline]

All is red | Tim & Jason

[thirdbirdinline]

Tim also became aware of the well calculated attacks. Sure, he hurt like hell, was slowly starting to think he might not make it out of this warehouse alive, but Jason wasn’t harming him with the intention to kill. At least, not yet. Torment, perhaps? He sure seemed psychotic enough. Tim coughed and wheezed, back wanting to curl to protect his stomach, but the blade was stuck in his shoulder and prevented him from moving much altogether. Also something the man must have planned.

“Agh!” Tim cried out once the blade cut through the already tender, bleeding wound. His lips parted, breathing irregular when his head was forced back. He hated it, hated how he was at the man’s mercy. His mind was fogged with pain and soon cut off from oxygen if Red Hood’s hand didn’t stop squeezing his throat as tightly as he was. It was all so ominous, Tim thought as his vision began to blur and darkness began to swallow his sight. The grip he refused to loosen on the man’s jacket slipped, hand reaching up not for the hand around his throat, but the shiny red helmet in which he could see his pained expression. He pressed, pushed, grunted, pushed some more and cursed inwardly as his lungs burnt. Not much later his hand slipped from the helmet, falling to the ground limply, Tim slipping into an unconscious state.

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

Even as Tim shoved at his helmet, Jason kept his grip tight, expression behind the mask calm and cold. He found himself wondering how hard it would be to just snap Tim’s neck. But as soon as Tim went limp, he let go. Then, despite himself, he hesitated. A quick glance around told him no one was there. They were still alone. 

He knelt at Tim’s side and tugged off his glove, holding his bare hand just over the replacement’s nose, checking to make sure he was still breathing. His fingers slid almost gently under Tim’s chin, checking for a pulse. Unconscious, not dead. Good. Just as he had planned. Not that he had been overly concerned about going too far. Though it would complicate matters if he killed Tim now, which was the main reason he held back.

But he still lingered. It didn’t seem as though Tim had activated any sort of distress beacon. Which was a poor choice on his part. Because with that wound in his shoulder, once the knife was gone, it was only a matter of time before he lost too much blood. Rising, Jason stared at the knife. Maybe he should just leave it.

Turning on his heel, he took a few steps away before he stopped, hands curling into fists at his sides as he glanced back at Tim’s prone form on the ground. Damn it. He let out a huff and turned right back around, dropping to one knee again as he pulled medical supplies from his jacket. It would screw everything up if he let Tim die, at least that’s what he kept telling himself as he carefully pulled out the knife and applied disinfectant to the wound before carefully stitching it up. 

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

Next Question Please || Jason & Clark

[sonofkryptonkal]

“I suppose that you’re right.” he mused out loud nodding gently along with his train of thought. “But what I struggle with is the argument that is made against the League on the grounds of collateral damage. As far as I can tell the League does their best to contain fighting to isolated areas. Yet if they did not then the world would suffer far more damage. Take the invasion for example, how much worse would it have been without the League stopping it from getting worse? Now I know you’ll say that the League was the cause of the invasion but that has yet to be fully proven, and we don’t know how long it would be before Earth was discovered by Aliens and invaded.”

It was a constant and difficult battle for Clark. To defend the position of the League without seeming impartial, or pro-League, that position was one that he could not afford to maintain, it would draw too much suspicion towards himself and the ones that he loved the most. Besides as much as an awkward pain as it could be, he had grown fond of Clark Kent and his friends at the daily planet, he was hesitant to give that up and start again.

“Well in the end I guess that the only thing that we can do is to wait and see who wins. Though the way your uncle is going at the moment I think that it might be fair to say that he is the favourite.” he said with a sigh. The idea of Lex Luthor being President of the United States was not one that he liked the prospects of. “That makes sense, though I’m surprised that you don’t have interests in politics yourself. And Lex’s own record is far from perfect, yet that has hardly stopped him now has it.” he pointed out with a shrug. “I could see you doing well if you applied yourself to it, but then again what do I know, I’m just a reporter.”

In reality the truth was that Clark was Kal-El, that was his true identity, Clark and Superman mixed together and made Kal. They were both sides of the same coin. Just depended at which side you looked at it. At least that is the way that he liked to think about himself. 

“Well I guess you have made a fresh start once more, hopefully the last one this time?” he asked gently. 

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

After a moment, Jason nodded. “I think you’re right, it seems like they try to, but it’s not always enough. And, I’m sorry, but please don’t put words in my mouth,” he said, holding up his hands in surrender. “I don’t blame the League for the Invasion. It’s possible that their activity here caught the aliens’ attention, but that doesn’t make it their fault. They didn’t call the aliens here... at least, that doesn’t seem like something they would do. I don’t know... I just wish there was less destruction whenever they try to help. Or that they had a more solid way of stopping threats for good? It just seems like the villains they put away keep getting out, y’know?”

Jason was careful to make it sound like a question, like he was implying better prisons... instead of what he really thought was the best way to stop threats for good. It wouldn’t be appropriate for someone related to a possible president to have feelings one way or the other about the death penalty. 

“I suppose so. If he does win, and I’m pretty sure I’m obligated to say I hope that he does, I’m sure that he’ll do great things.” Looking away, Jason rubbed at the back of his neck. “It’s not a matter of ‘applying myself’, Mr. Kent. Trust me, I’ve been told my whole life that if I just applied myself more, I could get ahead, but it’s not that simple. I dropped out of high school when I was sixteen, because my mom’s two jobs and my part time job weren’t enough to keep us from going hungry. Before that, with all the moving around, no matter how hard I tried, there was no possible way for me to keep up with learning one new curriculum after another. I’m not trying to making excuses for myself, but... I’m never going to be like my uncle. Even if there were a chance for me to go into politics, I don’t want to.” 

He plucked at his tie and let out a breath. “This isn’t me. It took months of coaching before I was allowed to be in front of cameras, let alone give an interview. Being in politics means speaking in a way I had to learn and having people watching my every move and judging every little thing I do, and... I don’t want that. Once this race is over, I just want to be a little footnote in Lex’s biographies. I don’t want the spotlight, I never have. I like being a nobody,” he said with a shrug.

“Hopefully,” he agreed, nodding. 

[thirdbirdinline]

All is red | Tim & Jason

[thirdbirdinline]

The moment Tim opened his eyes to give a witty remark, the blade moved from his throat to his shoulder and he didn’t need to look down to realize what was happening. The pain that followed caused the words to die on his tongue, wrangled sound of pain rising in his throat instead. Squeezing his eyes shut, Tim inhaled sharply and gripped the man’s leather jacket in a futile attempt to pull him back without having the blade cut his skin any further. He felt nailed to the ground. Attempting an escape would only worsen his injury.

“You—” Tim started, sweat gathering thickly on his brow and causing an uncomfortable heat underneath his cowl. It was beyond him why the Red Hood had yet to kill him, but he counted himself lucky. Obviously the man wasn’t merciful: he wouldn’t have beaten up Nightwing if he was. There had to be a reason for his taunting however, if their death wasn’t his prominent goal. Nightwing, Superman and now he. Was he mocking them or trying to warn them for something bigger? “You want his attention, don’t you? Figure you go after us to get to him.” Tim breathed out, speculating more than stating facts. He’d see whether he’s right or wrong gauging the man’s reaction.

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

The grip on his jacket did little to stop him, though it did catch him by surprise. Though it probably shouldn’t have. Bats never knew when to quit. This kid still had some fight left in him. Hmm. Jason better make sure to beat it out of him. He left the blade where it was and kicked harshly at Tim’s side. Every move was calculated, the kick aimed low, not wanting to break a rib and have it go straight into the replacement’s lung. Hurt but not dead. 

“Wow, you figured that out all on your own? What a smart little bird,” he said as he grabbed the blade and twisted it. Though he knew pulling it out would make the bleeding worse far too quickly, so he left it there again. Instead, he knelt over Tim, grabbing him by the cowl to yank his head back, other hand going to his throat and squeezing. “You’re all pieces of the puzzle, Timmy. Bruce is end game, but don’t think you’re not special. I’ve got plans for all of you.”

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

[ Voicemail ] Mr. Luthor, this is G Gordon Godfrey. Terribly sorry about your uncle. I'm a little short on time so I'll cut to it - I'd like to do a piece on you. Call me back if you're interested in sharing your story with millions of viewers, I believe you have my number.

Jason did have Godfrey’s number, but he had no idea how the man had his. He should probably look into that. When he returned the call, out of forced politeness, he may have picked a time when he was sure Godfrey wouldn’t answer so he could just leave his own voicemail in response.

[Voicemail]: Thank you for calling Mr. Godfrey. I must have just missed you. I’ve had my cell off a lot lately in the hospital. But it was very nice to hear from you. Once my uncle is out of the hospital, I would be happy to come in and talk with you.

[bettekane]

Birds Gotta Fly || Jason & Bette || Past

[bettekane]

Bette beamed at him over her shoulder. Now this was the reaction she’d hoped for, and Robin wasn’t disappointing in the least. Finally, something fun and bold to do, and someone fun-loving and brave enough to do it with!  “What are we still hanging around here for then?” she answered with a laugh.

Soon they were ascending the seaward face of the mountain, so picked so they’d be less in the public eye of Happy Harbor’s residents. The sun was overhead, but would be casting them in shadow soon enough as it moved west. Half-way up, Bette was a little worried the climb was taking longer than they’d predicted, and the good weather could shift on them, so she started hammering in the safety anchor she was working on a little faster. She glanced down at her climbing partner, wondering what he was doing to kill time while waiting for the new anchor she was inserting. “Just a few more taps,” she assured him. “How’re you doing there, Robin?”

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

Grin plastered across his face, Jason practically sprinted after her. There would almost definitely be trouble if they got caught, but that was half the fun, and a lecture from Bruce would be totally worth the rush. And, hey, he could probably say that it was just training for... if he ever had to jump out of a plane or something. It could happen.

It wasn’t long till they were well underway, though the climb was a little longer than he had expected. Still, that didn’t stop him grinning as he watched the world below. He looked up at Bette, smile growing a little. “All good. You doing okay with that?”

Again, he found himself looking around and let out a laugh that was almost a giggle. “It’s so cool up here!” Jason had been climbing up into places he shouldn’t for about as long as he could remember. Seeing the world from that angle... it just felt different, a really good kind of different.

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

Next Question Please || Jason & Clark

[sonofkryptonkal]

Clark smiled and returned the nod towards Peter. Lex clearly had a negative stance, though Clark had an idea as to why this was, and he wasn’t about to expose that source.”There are many people out there who wouldn’t agree with Mr Luthor.” he said with a shrug. “So far they have a rather good track record, they have yet to become autocratic dictators, surely that is something that is within their power?” he responded with a shrug. “I understand the idea of anxiety, but when does it reach a point where the anxiety is unfounded, when do the Justice League earn their place?” he asked with a sigh. Still unsure on where he really stood.

As a reporter he had to pretend to be impartial, even if his views were anything but. He whole heartedly supported the Justice League, as a member what else would he do. But to keep his secret identity secret he had to continue to keep that a secret. At least for now. Maybe the future would be different. But for the moment he couldn’t reveal his true colours. 

Clark nodded and smiled. “I have had to keep up with the opinion polls.” he said smiling again.”But then again opinion polls aren’t everything, lots of presidents have had poor opinion polls and still gone on to win the election.” he pointed out with a smile. “Although I’m surprised that a member of Potential President Luthor’s family has no idea about the policy of his own uncle. Or is that merely something that you do not concern yourself with? Not in your interest bracket.” he said with a sigh.

He smiled and noddeed. “So you were originally from around here, but you moved around a lot.” he said with a smile. “I was born in Smallville myself.” he admitted with a chuckle. “Strange how much you and I have in common.” he said smiling. “So where would you say that your favourite place to have lived would be? Just as a final question.” 

He smiled and nodded. “It is my pleasure, and I’m sure that the interview will make an interesting addition.” he said with a chuckle.

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

Small frown on his face, he nodded. “I get what you’re saying, but... I don’t know. I don’t really think they should get a cookie for not taking over the world. That’s like saying you should thank someone for not robbing your house if they could.” Stopping himself there, he mirrored Clark’s shrug. “I think the anxiety goes away when the collateral damage does. When people stop getting caught in the crossfire between the League and whoever they’re fighting.”

It was easy to repeat the opinion Peter was supposed to have, and definitely better for everyone that he did. His own view on the matter were... a bit more extreme. And far more negative. But he couldn’t really say those things to Superman. Well... not while they were both wearing these masks. It made him wonder just where Clark ended and Superman began... or was he more like him? Where it was all one and the divisions were only there for other people to see and didn’t really exist.

“That’s true, there could always be a surprise upset,” he said with a little nod. Sheepishly, he rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s not that I’m not interested, but I’m not really allowed to know. See, if would be different if I were Lex’s son, I think. I don’t think the PR people really trust me. I used to be such a nobody, y’know? And... my record isn’t as perfect as they want it to be. So they don’t really want my name attached to any of the information about Lex’s policies.”

Of course, that record was carefully constructed by Lex for just those reasons. Per Jason’s request actually. He had to be a convincing charity case after all.

Smiling, he tilted his head slightly to one side. “It is, but I guess everyone has to start somewhere, y’know?” He paused, actually seriously considering the question. “Well... There’s been a few nice small towns, but, honestly, I think I like Metropolis best. In smaller towns, I was always the new kid, but in a bigger city, I dunno, it’s a little easier to blend into the crowd.”

[thirdbirdinline]

All is red | Tim & Jason

[thirdbirdinline]

He had never been afraid of much. Dick had taught him early on during his Robin training how to jump from bridges to trains and how to swing over a coupé with the right angle, the right speed to let go and drop on the roof. Leaping off buildings, disarming bombs and fighting metas should be more terrifying than this human man charging at him. Yet at the sight of his discs bouncing off him as if hitting a brick wall, Tim felt his heart pound at a dangerous speed. The shot had been fired, but the pressure against his shoulder directed the hook elsewhere, missing the window and thus his chance for a quick escape.

Tim fell back on his elbow, leg twisting and wound bleeding. The cold touch of Red Hood’s knife to his throat was far more alarming however. Bruce’s name. Tim narrowed his eyes in a dark glare. He wouldn’t have him harm his family. “He taught me plenty,” he replied, eyes darting every which way to find his staff and a way out. There was only so much he could do in the second it would take the man to slit his throat. A kick between the legs, perhaps? Should only work if he’s not wearing a cup and although Tim obviously hadn’t checked, he assumed the man was prepared. Dick was right: Red Hood did seem familiar with their moves. “For starters, to introduce yourself properly at a first encounter. Who are you?” he asked through clenched jaws. New plan. Stall time, gather intel, and contact the others to send an SOS signal.

[thejusticeyoudeserve]

It was a little awkward, looming over Tim to hold the knife in place, but his fingers didn’t even twitch, holding it steady and threatening. The intent wasn’t to kill, but the replacement really didn’t need to know that. That part could wait. Jason still hadn’t completely made up his mind on the matter, though right now, it was so, so very tempting. 

But it had to wait. Tim needed to pass on a message, someone had to speed things along, let the others know just how much of a threat he could be. He would make them see.

“Did he really teach you to ask questions like that? Really?” And then he removed the knife from Tim’s neck and drove it into his shoulder. Pushing down the rage, he focused carefully on where the blade sank in, not wanting to hit any arteries. The point wasn’t to make Tim pass out. It was to make him hurt. And if he passed out too soon, all the fun would be over way too fast.

“Didn’t you listen to the little clues I left you? I’m Red Hood.” It was the only answer to that question any of them were going to get. It wasn’t time. Not yet. And a certain someone was probably going to be a bit pissed when they found out that he was already putting certain plans into motion slightly ahead of schedule. But waiting was hard and boring.