Flaming wings don't fly(Jason Todd x OC)

chapter 37: Chasing away memories

The night had been brutal. Jason went home after talking with Aubrey the night before, but he hadn't slept well at all, just like in weeks past. Tonight the gangs had decided to throw everything they had at him and Aubrey, and Jason was over it. He was ready to say forget it and tell the Bat it was his problem. But he knew that wouldn't end well, and that the gangs would only wind up slinking farther into the showers to avoid detection.

Jason's body ached, his mind buzzing from the adrenaline crash. They had been pushing themselves harder than usual, chasing shadows that seemed to slip through their fingers every time they got close. But tonight felt different. He could feel the weight of it pressing down on him as he leaned against the alley wall, trying to catch his breath.

Aubrey, standing beside him, wiped sweat from her brow, her flames long extinguished. "You okay?" she asked softly.

Jason hesitated. He wasn't one to admit weakness, but the truth was, he hadn't been sleeping. Even when he got the chance, nightmares plagued him. His exhaustion was starting to catch up."I'm fine," he muttered, but even he didn't believe it.

Aubrey shot him a look, unimpressed. "Jason, you've been running yourself ragged. You need to rest."

"I've got work to do," Jason insisted, standing up straighter. "I can't sleep anyway. Doesn't make a difference if I'm tired."

He didn't mean to let it slip, but the words were out before he could stop them. Aubrey's sharp gaze locked onto him, concern flickering in her eyes.

"You can't sleep?" she pressed, her voice softer now.

Jason sighed, knowing there was no point in lying. "Not well. Not when I'm alone."

Aubrey's expression softened. She took a step closer, her hand resting lightly on his arm.

"Jason..."

He didn't want to talk about it. The last thing he needed was another thing to worry her over. But he couldn't lie to her, not after everything they had been through together.

"The only night I haven't had nightmares," he began, his voice barely a whisper, "was when I was with you."

The words hung between them, heavy and raw. Aubrey's eyes widened slightly under her mask, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she reached out, gently taking his hand in hers.

"Let's go," she said, her voice firm but kind.

Jason blinked, surprised. "Go where?"

"To my place. You're not going to sleep out here on some rooftop." Her tone left no room for argument, and Jason, exhausted and too worn down to resist, nodded.

They arrived at Aubrey's penthouse in silence. Tonight felt different. The warmth of the space, the soft hum of the city outside—it was a stark contrast to the cold, harsh streets of Gotham. Aubrey handed him a change of clothes and pointed him toward the guest bathroom. He didn't bother asking her why she had them or where they came from. He figured either Alfred or she had them left over from someone else, though he was praying it was the first one.