Love Under the Hood - A Jason Todd X OC Story

Chapter 2: Just One Dance

Jason downed the rest of his whiskey and glared at the groups of partygoers laughing nearby. The last place he wanted to be on a Friday night was a charity gala hosted by Gotham's elite. He despised charity...or at least Gotham charities. They rarely used the money as promised and some even stole bank account information from unsuspecting patrons. Bruce insisted he go to the gala despite his feelings to "support good causes," but Jason knew the real reason.

Even though he deserted the League of Assassins and returned to his family a few years ago, his relationship with Bruce remained tense. Jason believed killing criminals was far more efficient than hoping they would change after a good beating. Dead criminals meant fewer criminals. It sent the bigger power players a message that their next offense could be their last in more ways than one. Meanwhile, Bruce held firm that murder was immoral and the very thing he endlessly fought to prevent. By putting yourself in a monster's shoes, you become the monster. Their shared hatred for the other's method of upholding justice put them at constant odds, which is why Jason chose to work alone. 

Bruce hoped the Children's Hospital Fundraiser gala at the Royal Hotel would serve as an opportunity to mend their broken relationship. He couldn't have been more wrong. Jason went in with the plan to embarrass himself and his family so deeply that they'd practically beg him to leave. Bruce's girlfriend Selina Kyle caught onto his master plan and redirected him to the bar with a threat of personal violence if he tried anything else. He had been there for the last few hours.

Jason received another drink from the bartender as he observed the other attendees. Corrupt business magnates talked with their associates and wracked up ludicrous bar tabs. Their dates—every gorgeous young model, actress, or socialite in the city—drank the finest champagne and ogled the less rich yet more attractive men on the dance floor. 

Jason studied the ladies for a moment, then shook his head. 

When it came to romance, Jason wasn't one for commitments. He'd had minor flirtations with a few of his female crimefighting partners—including Artemis, Rose Wilson, Dick's ex-girlfriend Koriand'r, and even Barbara when they were teenagers—but nothing lasting. He knew it would likely come to a bitter end, so there was no point in trying. He also couldn't afford to have anyone normal get close enough to discover his secret. He saw firsthand how many of Bruce's relationships ended in disaster because he was too free with his identity. The woman usually met with some horrible fate or ended up being another piece of common criminal scum. 

Even if he did decide to settle down, he'd hardly know what to do with a girlfriend if he had one. His childhood didn't exactly teach him about honesty, trust, affection, and all the other elements of a healthy relationship. He didn't care about having one-night stands either. Sure, it was a way of releasing tension. But what's the point of getting close to another person, even if it was just for an hour, if it meant nothing? He was better off alone. No one worth holding on to would ever agree to be with someone as damaged as him.

"Excuse me!"

Suddenly, a man with perfectly coiffed hair in a designer suit rudely pushed his way into the seat next to Jason. His face looked mutated by surgical enhancements and his fragrant cologne was already giving Jason a headache. He didn't bother to apologize and just sipped his drink, muttering a few curse words into the glass. The man then turned in his chair and motioned to someone standing in the crowd.

"Would you like a drink, Scarlett, dear?"

Jason felt a presence behind him as the mystery woman approached. Thankfully, her perfume was much more pleasant. A mix of roses and peonies with a pleasant sweetness of vanilla. Too curious for his own good, Jason peered over his shoulder to get a look at the girl. His eyes widened when her familiar face came into view.