Love Under the Hood - A Jason Todd X OC Story

Chapter 15: Under the Red Hood

*WARNING: Graphic descriptions of violence and mutilation. Some texts can also be taken as potentially suicidal in nature. Reader discretion is advised.*

Scarlett felt frozen in time, her feet glued to the floor. She wanted to turn around and see the face of the man who saved her life...the man she loved.

But she was afraid. Why? She didn't really know.

Scarlett was one of the few people in the world who knew the man beneath that haunting red mask. Technically speaking, she had been closer to him than anyone else...but maybe that's why she was so scared to see him again. Until a few seconds ago, she could deny what he was. She could tell herself that her boyfriend was charming, mischievous, and brave, albeit emotionally scarred from his past. Now, he was someone else. Someone she scarcely recognized. Two men in one body. Yes, he was charming, but he could be ruthless. He was mischievous but dangerous. He was brave...but still a murderer.

"Scarlett...look at me."

Steeling herself, Scarlett slowly turned around. There he was, standing under the archway in the familiar steel jumpsuit and menacing red helmet. Seeing that soulless mask again brought her back to that terrifying night in the alley. She was afraid then too, as she should have been. That mask could strike fear in even the lowest, most deplorable human beings in the world. However, the man beneath it proved to be much more than his sinister reputation. Under the Red Hood, he was just a man who wanted to protect his home and the innocent people with whom he shared it.

And for that, she had nothing to fear. 

Scarlett swallowed the lump in her throat and said the first thing her mind could think of. "Hi..."

"Hey. How are you feeling?"

Scarlett examined her bandages. "Fine... thanks to your family." She peered at the four people behind her and gave them a small, grateful smile.

Jason coughed uncomfortably. "Does that mean I can skip introductions, or do you want some context?"

She raised an eyebrow teasingly. "That might help."

Jason gestured to his family one by one. "Well, Alfred you met earlier and you probably recognize Bruce...but this is his girlfriend Selina Kyle and my adopted brothers Dick Grayson and Tim Drake...lesser known as Batman, Catwoman, Nightwing, and Robin. They helped me find you and gave us a place to stay."

The boys gave her a small wave, which she returned amusedly. "Speaking of..." she began, turning back to Jason, "Why didn't you take me to a hospital? I'm not saying Alfred didn't do a great job or that I'm questioning his medical skills. His breakfast is amazing...but why bring me here?"

"This is home base for us. We don't use hospitals unless we have no choice. Doctors ask too many questions and we can't risk that. Alfred knows how to do pretty much anything and he's loyal to the family, so it works out well. Besides..."

Jason took a step closer to her and lowered his voice. "What happened was my fault. I put you in danger by not telling you the truth, so I'm the one who had to make it right. On that note..."

 He walked up to her and took her hands in his. "There are so many things I need to say to you. I've spent the last few days thinking about how I can explain everything without driving you away for good...but I can't. I fucked up completely and I've earned what I get. You're more than I deserve and I'm going to lose you no matter what so... I'm just going to say this while I still can. I'm sorry...for everything. I'm sorry for misleading you, I'm sorry for not telling you about Talia, I'm—"