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

[newsbeat]

[What is up with the hood. Why does it matter that it's read.]

Well, I can't make you talk to me.

[He sighs.]

But if you change your mind later, you know how to find me. Anytime.

[copsormasks]

[Jason knows he’s isolating himself further, that he’s narrowing his allies, but he doesn’t need them.

He doesn’t need them.]

I told you I don’t need you.

[newsbeat]

Of course you don't. You got by for a long time before you ever met me. That's not really relevant. I don't only care about people who need me.

[Many of his favorite people don't.]

[copsormasks]

[That does at least slow Jason down. He huffs out a breath and is this close to saying something.]

Yeah, maybe.

[newsbeat]

[That opens the door a crack. It's not enough, but it's something.]

Yeah definitely. Don't sell yourself short. I'm just being honest.

[copsormasks]

I’m different now. None of that matters. I’m Red Hood now. Not Jason.

[He huffs again, looking away from Clark.]

[newsbeat]

Okay.

[The name doesn't mean much to him so this in itself does not ring alarm bells.]

Can I call you 'red' for short or is this a full name scenario? I'm good with either.

[copsormasks]

You’re not going to call me anything because this is done.

[Jason’s tone sharpens again.]

[newsbeat]

What is, specifically?

[copsormasks]

This. [He gestures between them.] The whole groovy camp counselor act.

[newsbeat]

I think you have a strange idea of how camp works, but either way, if you don't want to be friends anymore, I can't force you. But you can't force me not to care about how you're doing. Also, there's like a hundred people here, so...paths cross.

[copsormasks]

[Jason shakes his head.]

Fuck off, Super. We were never friends

[newsbeat]

Yeah, so. I don't believe you.

[copsormasks]

[That has Jason pivoting on the spot, crossing the distance and throwing a punch.

Old Man Consequence is about to visit.]

[newsbeat]

[Clark doesn't move, so...that goes about as well as anyone could be predicted. He can hear the crack. He winces.]

Was that really necessary, Red Hood?

[copsormasks]

[Pain ripples up Jason’s arm and as he pulls back with a cry, he holds his arm to his chest.

He’s clearly not thinking straight and the heat in his eyes is white hot.]

Fuck you!

[newsbeat]

Remember we had a talk about thinking before you act? You're better than this.

[Or at least, he can be.]

[copsormasks]

I'm exactly who I need to be. [It's almost a snarl, almost feral in his anger.]

[newsbeat]

[He's quiet for an extra moment.]

Yeah. That might be true right now.

[copsormasks]

I'm telling you now to just fuck off.

[He cradles his hand in close, but he's not in as much pain as he should be. Or maybe he's not feeling it. There's clearly something in his system.]

[newsbeat]

[Clark notices that, too.]

Yeah, you keep saying that. You're also still here when you could have left already and you know I wouldn't stop you.

[copsormasks]

[He really wants Clark to retreat first, but Jason has nothing to force him to do so.]

Whatever. Fuck you.

[He tucks his hands into his hoodie pocket and starts walking away.]

[newsbeat]

[Clark just stands and watches and waits.

Eventually, when Jason's far enough away, he sighs and takes off.]