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

Chapter 55: Im sorry

Warning: This chapter contains mentions of suicide. If you are having thoughts about harming yourself or others PLEASE reach out for help!

The days blurred together for Jason. The weight of Aubrey's absence bore down on him like a crushing wave, pulling him deeper into an ocean of despair. Every corner of the penthouse reminded him of her—her laughter, her touch, the way she brought light to his darkest corners. Now, that light was gone, leaving him stranded in shadows he couldn't escape.

He sat on the edge of the rooftop, staring down at the streets of Gotham below. The city bustled as it always did, oblivious to the turmoil within him. He had always been a survivor, clawing his way through hell and back more times than he could count. But now?

Now, he didn't know if he had it in him anymore.

Jason's thoughts drifted back to his childhood, to days when survival was all he knew. His mother's empty promises, her eventual abandonment. Bruce's cold detachment, always prioritizing the mission over the boy who had once idolized him. And then, there was the pit. The Lazarus Pit had brought him back to life, but it had stolen something vital from him—his sense of self, his ability to feel whole.

And now Aubrey. The one person who had seen him, all of him, and hadn't turned away. She had made him believe he could be more than his trauma, more than his rage. But she was gone, and Jason couldn't shake the gnawing thought that it was his fault.

You're not enough. You never were. You never will be.

The words echoed in his mind, relentless and cruel.

Jason's hand trembled as he pulled his pistol from his holster, staring at the cold metal. The weight of it felt heavier than ever. He had used this weapon countless times, but never like this.

"This is what you want, isn't it?" he muttered to himself, his voice hoarse and hollow.

Gypsy whimpered at his side, nudging his leg with her nose. The cat's eyes were filled with concern, her tail flicking hesitantly as if trying to pull him back from the brink.

Jason set the gun down on the ledge, his chest heaving with the force of suppressed sobs. He buried his face in his hands, the tears flowing freely now.

"I don't know what to do," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I don't know how to fix this."

Across town, the Batcave was unusually quiet, save for the low hum of the supercomputer and the occasional murmur of conversation between the Batfamily. Bruce was at the central console, his expression grim as he reviewed recent reports. Dick stood nearby, his arms crossed as he exchanged glances with Damian and Tim.

"Still nothing from Jason?" Tim asked, breaking the silence.

Bruce shook his head. "No. He's off-grid."

Dick sighed. "We can't just let him disappear like this. He's spiraling, Bruce. You know it."

Before Bruce could respond, the faint sound of the elevator reached their ears. The team turned toward the entrance as the elevator doors slid open, revealing Addi.

She stepped into the cave, her expression tense and her posture rigid. She was still in her combat attire, her navy hair disheveled and her face pale.

"I'm back," she said, her voice strained.

"Addi." Dick was the first to approach her, his concern evident. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Addi nodded curtly, though her eyes betrayed the turmoil beneath her composed exterior. "I'm fine. But there's a lot we need to talk about."