If I turn into another (closed);

[copsormasks]

WHO: Jason Todd (Titans), Chrissy (Stranger Things), Bruce Wayne (The Batman), Clark Kent (Superman 2025), Jason Todd (WFA), Bruce Wayne (DC Comics)
WHEN: After Jason's canon update
WHERE: Nova City, all over
WHAT: Jason has a beef with the belfry
NOTES\WARNINGS: Mentions of drug use, possible mentions of violence (Jason's death)



Chrissy (Stranger Things)

[Jason dreams of the lazarus pit, of being brought to life in the basement of Arkham Asylum, of having one of those drugged inhalers brought to his lips, and then being formed into Red Hood. He wakes slowly from his place on Chrissy’s couch. Each movement measured as Crane’s words echo in the back of his mind. There’s no Batman here. You’re gonna give this city what it needs. With no hesitation. No guilt. No fear. New mask. New name. New you.

We’ll punish all of them for what they’ve done to us.

His gaze drifts over to the door to Chrissy’s bedroom before back to his duffle and backpack. It takes him a moment to recognize where he is, who he’s with, and where Crane disappeared to.

He’s in Etraya. A city not unlike Gotham and full of bats.

He climbs up from the couch, slides his shoes on, and then shoulders both of his bags before he moves toward the door.]


Bruce Wayne (The Batman)

[When Jason returns to the Tower, it’s with an explicit purpose. He first goes up to his room to retrieve a red hoodie. He slides it on and tucks it around his neck so it is almost like a blanket. He shoves a couple other hoodies into his bag and then he makes his way to the Terminal.

He prepares for a confrontation, but he reminds himself. No hesitation. No guilt. No fear.

The elevator lowers to the Terminal and Jason makes a beeline for his suit.]


Clark Kent (Superman 2025)

[Jason remembers Clark coming in the middle of the night to help, how Jason apologized to him. None of that matters now. He needs to make sure Clark know that Jason stands on his own two feet now. He’s Red Hood now and that identity will power him through any issue.]

Super. [He makes sure he speaks clear and precise.] I know you’re listening. Hear this: I don’t need your help any more. I’m Red Hood now and I don’t need anything from you.

[And then he continues his path, expecting nothing to happen.]


Jason Todd (Wayne Family Adventures)

[Jason has been on patrol for about an hour. There’s not nearly the same level as crime as Gotham, no five families running the drug trade and no Rogue’s Gallery to keep an eye on.

No hesitation. No guilt. No fear.

Just as Jason is about to move onto another corner, he hears the presence of another. Gentle footfalls. Jason turns to see the older version of himself. Jason looks out from under his domino mask and red hoodie and shakes his head.]

Hey old man.


Bruce Wayne (DC Comics)


[After encountering nearly every bat in the belfry, Jason is determined not to run into any others. He hates heights, but he forces himself to perch on a rooftop to watch Nova City. His instincts tell him this is the best spot to try and keep an eye on both the Tower and the Manor.

But then he hears someone, just past the view of his red hoodie.

Turning, he sees the other Bruce there. Jason frowns.]

I already talked to one of you. I’m not doing it a second time.

Comments

[batsymbol]

( he's crouching down there in front of jason, hands still on his arms. )

Need more what?

[copsormasks]

[Jason leans his head back and takes a deep breath to try and ease the nausea.]

Crane makes it.

[batsymbol]

( crane. there's a name his older— much older counterpart had told him about when he had been here. )

There's nothing he makes that you need.

[copsormasks]

You’re wrong. [Jason could possibly make it himself but he needs the equipment and to not feel like shit.

He tries to pull his arms back. He needs to grab his stuff and go.]

[batsymbol]

( jason threatens to free himself but bruce doesn't let him go — drops down to a knee as he remains crouched there in front of him. )

What? What could he possibly make that you need?

[copsormasks]

It makes me unafraid. Like I could do anything. It makes me stronger, faster, smart—

[He stops and shakes his head as the nausea rises again. He needs to move while he can.]

Everything Red Hood is supposed to be.

[batsymbol]

( something chemical, he means and bruce's face twists up in both confusion and... something else. fingers hold tighter to jason's arm, almost seemingly refusing to let him go. )

No. You don't need anything from him. Do you understand me?

[copsormasks]

[Jason’s anger flares again, but it’s muffled by the come down.]

Then I’ll just make it myself.

[batsymbol]

No you won't. You don't need that, Jason.

( and his voice is firm in the way he says that. )

[copsormasks]

You don't know me any more. [The words come out in a mix of sharpness, edge softened. He sits up, looks at Bruce through the haze.] I fucking died and came back to life.

[batsymbol]

I know that it happens.

( he'd been told by a few of the others. it'd happened to jason and to damian. back in their own gothams. )

I don't understand it entirely and I don't know if it's anything that's possible in my own Gotham. But I know that you're here. Right now.

[copsormasks]

[Jason tries to pull away again, stronger this time.]

And it happened. Okay? And it wasn't you who found the pit or dumped me in it. It was Crane when you took off and left everything to rot.

[The drug is playing hell with perception as he tries to keep Bruce in focus.]

[batsymbol]

( he just holds tighter to jason's arms amidst his squirming. )

Jason. I wasn't there. You're thinking of the Bruce from your Gotham.

[copsormasks]

[Jason pulls again and again, trying to break free.]

I know who you are!

[He doesn't. He's half out of his mind as the drug is leaving his system.]

[batsymbol]

( he can pull and squirm all he wants, but bruce keeps his tight grip on him. )

Jason. Stop.

[copsormasks]

[Jason sucks in a breath and leans back against the workstation again, trying to make Bruce out in the haze.]

Fuck. Just let me go.

[batsymbol]

I'm not because I don't want you to hurt yourself.

( because that's what he's going to do with going to crane. )

[copsormasks]

Who the fuck cares?

[His Bruce is gone and everything is so fucked up.]

[batsymbol]

( jesus christ, jason. )

I do. I care, Jason.

[copsormasks]

Well I don't! [Jason tries to push back against Bruce physically.]

I'm Red Hood. Not Jason.

[batsymbol]

( he can push all he wants and he might scoot back some, but he's not letting go. )

You're Jason Todd and you have a place here. You always have.

[copsormasks]

No I'm not! [Jason pushes back harder, but he's clearly not entirely Rooted In Reality.]

[batsymbol]

( jason pushes back and bruce lifts them up then, still holding onto him by his arms, fingers digging in deep to keep a tight grip on him. )

Yes you are. Jason, you've always had a place here and you always will. Just think.

[copsormasks]

[Jason pushes again but it's growing weaker until he lays back against the work table again. He shuts his eyes and breathes heavy.]

'm not.

[batsymbol]

( he loosens his grip by only a little and stands there with him, taking a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding in. )

You are. Jason... you are.