A/N: I just haven't found many fics about Jason before he was killed, so I thought I'd write one. If you have any recommendations I can read, comment away!
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My first memory of Jason was when I first met him in the alley. I was strolling down the streets at night naive and oblivious to the dangers surrounding me. It was one of the few times I was carefree and ignorant of consequences. I felt so happy walking down a puddle-filled sidewalk. Homeless people left and right, the road lined with potholes and men running around mugging people. In this part of Gotham, this would be the best it gets.
It was drizzling and I was only wearing a t-shirt and shorts. It's almost never sunny in Gotham, but I was determined that today would be different. To my surprise, the day had been cloudless, but as evening approached the clouds began rolling in. Little me, holding on to the little hope I conjured, decided not to change or even grab a jacket before heading for my stroll.
By now I had managed to walk over five blocks to an alley. I heard laughter down the way and was curious enough, against my better judgment, to follow the voice. Nearing the origin of the voice I saw a boy about my age. He looked tired and beaten up, but his voice was full of pure joy. He wore a bright red, worn out hooded jacket. His jeans were tattered and his shoes had enormous holes in them. There was a small corner next to him with stacks of blankets and used pillows. Did he live here?
I walked up to him and asked, "What's a boy like you doing out here laughing?"
"Can't I laugh if I want to?" He retorted as he swung his body to face me. A knife pressed against my throat.
"I guess you can." I gulped. I was not prepared for this to happen.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you. Just out of habit."
"I guess it must be a daily occurrence if you're used to doing this by now."
"You wouldn't believe how many psychos run around trying to rob a child."
"I bet."
"You shouldn't be here. Not unless you want to meet people like me or want to get killed."
"Maybe I like meeting people."
He chuckles before nudging me to the opening of the alleyway. "Go home."
He then proceeds to hand me his jacket seeing as I was shivering from the weather. I put it on after a few protests and he pulle the hood above my head. His touch felt rough but loving.
I was enchanted for a few minutes, staring deeply into his eyes until I replied, "Alright, but before I leave I want to know what to call my new friend."
"Name's Jason."
"I'm y/n." I said as I exited the alley and ran back home.
After that incident, I hung out with him in that alley all the time before he became Bruce Wayne's ward. He became distant soon after he found a new family, but he still tried his best to wish me on my birthdays and congratulate me whenever I won or competed in competitions at Gotham High. I never realized it then, but his presence always lifted my spirits. Made me elated beyond comprehension. Without him, I don't know what would have happened to me.
-
My favorite memory of him occurred as he attended a prestigious school around the time he was 18. We'd been distant lately, but I visited him every now and then. This night I decided I would go to his dorm and treat him to a night of relaxation. It was 9:00 pm, so he would most definitely have been awake, but when I arrived he didn't open the door. After an hour or two of waiting, he finally greeted me and let me into his humble abode. Distraught by the reason why I had to wait so long, I questioned his whereabouts until he finally gave in.
"I was showering"
Completely flabbergasted I replied, "What the actual fuck Jason. Who takes showers for two hours?"
"Me."
I laughed before taking the food I had brought out of the grocery bag and laying it out on his living room table. His body was definitely drenched, but not in water, rather sweat. I knew he was lying, but why? He was always sweet to me ever since we were kids. There was no reason for him to lie to me, he knows I would help through anything and accept all his endeavors happily.
Still, I wasn't going to get mad over nothing, so as he proceeded to leave the room to bring blankets for us, I sat down and put on our favorite movie, My Bloody Valentine. When he comes back and sits on the couch I let him lie his head on my lap as we watch. The blankets cover Jason's entire body and my legs, making the couch a makeshift bed and my lap a pillow. Unconsciously I begin stroking his head, and only realize it by the end of the movie. By then Jason had also fallen asleep.
It was one of the few nights he seemed at peace. We were so close, and I gained that he truly felt the world of me by trusting me. More than anything it was the night I realized that I loved Jason.
-
My most recent memory of him was the day he died. I was mad. No, I was absolutley furious. He never told me he was Robin. Did he not trust me? No, maybe he did it to protect me. Still, knowing would've been better than nothing. I had the right to know, not interfere but to at least know. Our relationship was longer than anyone else's, and yet, he never trusted me enough to tell me something so important. Now he's gone forever. I'll never be able to hear his sweet words, bathe in his warmth, or even tell him that I love him. I will never have that opportunity again, all because of his damned crime fighting persona.
Today, on his birthday, I sit on the couch, playing My Bloody Valentine, with a cake set in front of me. It reads, "Happy Birthday Jason!" with one lit candle in the dead center. I looked at the clock with puffed eyes. I had been crying the whole night, reminiscing on past memories of Jason.
Right when the clock struck twelve I heard a thud come from the balcony of my apartment. Since I was alone, I prepped myself to confront the intruder. Taking the closest weapon I could find, I begin heading to my balcony. Outside, the light breeze makes me shiver. Holding the weapon with two hands I slowly approach the shadowy figure at the corner of my balcony. As I near, I see him wearing cargo pants and a leather jacket. The figure begins walking towards me. At this point I'm scared out of my wits as he comes close.
He pulls me into a hug before saying, "I'm sorry y/n. For everything."
Confused and comforted at the same time I question, "Jason?"
