(Dc Jason Todd) Wrong Number

Sometimes You Need Your Ass Kicked

Air. I needed air. I can't move. I can't breath. I can feel the heat scorching over my nerves faster then a wild fire. It's suffocating. I'm breaking. I can't open my eyes. My muscles are straining against themselves. I hear my phone going off but it's like an endless scream of a siren.

When I pull myself out of hell I'm in my room, on my floor, gun in hand, and my back against my night stand. I'm drenched in sweat. My body is fighting itself, muscles going from relaxed to tense. I fight for control. And once I'm still I unload the gun. Taking the bullet in the chamber out, and tossing it all onto my bed. Setting my elbows on my knees before setting my head in my hands and trying to feel myself again.

I bring myself back to reality. Homing in on the sound of the alarm on my phone going off. Reaching for it hurts. If feels like my entire body is recovering from the worst charlie horse in the world. That dull ache that comes after it, that makes you stiff and your body hard to move. I turn off my alarm and shut my eyes. I listen closely to the sound of Gotham outside my windows. When I'm confident I can stand I do and look at the time. Midnight exactly.

I shake my head and grab my medical bag and my go bag. The difference between the two is that one has a change of clothes and weapons and the other has scrubs and medical supplies. I go to my door, I pull my boots on, and leave. Going down the few flights and then deciding to take the old elevator the rest of the way down. I'm tired, but I need to move. I need to shake the ghosts following me. I look at my phone and see a text from J from about ten minutes ago. I reply.

J

-You working tonight?-

Me

-yeah, you still up?-

I wait, not expecting an answer. It was late, and who knows what he's been up to. But I'm happy when I see him reply about two minutes after I'd replied.

J

-yup just doing some computer work-

Me

-mind if I call? Walking and texting in gotham is especially dangerous.-

J

-you're right about that.-

I huff and shoulder my bags before hitting the call button. It rings twice before he picks up.

"Hey, any good fights happening tonight?" He asked and I hummed and shook my head.

"No not really- I'm looking to get a bonus tonight though." I mused and he hummed, interested but still busy with whatever he was doing. It takes him a second to voice his reply.

"How's that?" he curses and pulls away from the phone, I hear a distant 'ow' and smirk.

"Nothing- just, punching someone probably." I sigh and I hear him come closer to the phone as he talks.

"Wait are you fighting tonight?" He asked and I huff and look up at the buildings.

"I'm thinking about it. I just- I need something out of my system and that usually flushes me out I guess." I breath and he half groans and half huffs into the phone.

"Milou I know you're a ex agent and all-"

"What think I'm rusty?" I ask and he laughs a little.

"I didn't say that- but I don't know if that's healthy." He replies and I shift.

"You know you're probably right but I'm not a person who likes to talk out her feelings." I reply.

"Least you're honest about it. I lied about that to myself about that for a while- still sort of do," He sighs and I shrug and hum in reply.

"But what's got you so worked up?" He asked and I shrug.

"Woke up like I was dying- my alarm triggered a dream I guess. Bad memories you know? And that set off some sort of sick form of sleep paralysis. Something that's uh... a result of my, let's say, experience." I reply.

"Shit- does that happen often?" He asks.

"Not anymore, but this one was bad enough that when I realized what was happening I was on the floor, gun in hand, and just- It really wasn't good... So I'm ready to punch or be punched you know?" I breath and he hums.

"Yeah- sometimes you need your ass kicked- or to kick some ass. It's the same if you're into that sort of thing." he tries to make light of things and I reply with an amused huff.

"I'll get punched I don't mind- I'm not into it though. It's not my favorite hobby."

"Right yeah the only thing you like hitting you is the pavement. Or cars." I can hear a smirk in his voice and I roll my eyes.

"J I swear one day I will find something to rag on you about too. Other than you and your stone face friend." I sigh.

"Yeah right, that just means I have to be careful and not get my ass kicked- or just not tell you about it." he says and I hum.

"You'll tell me something sooner or later. At least I hope so."

"Keep hoping maybe it'll work."

"Fuck you." I smile.

"Oh you wish sweet cheeks."

"I haven't even seen your face! You really think I'd actually do that?" I ask and he laughs.

"Would it really be the deciding factor if you were going to fuck me or not?"

"No! But it's at least nice to know- you know what I'm not even going to finish that sentence." I'm laughing by the end of talking.

"Okay so if you had to choose! Would you or would you not-"

"I wouldn't! I would not fuck you. I still don't know you enough- and I know to much too as well!" I reply.

"So if you knew more you would, or if you knew less."

"Yes, and unfortunately for you you can't erase memories- unless you're like a cape or something and that's your power." I sigh.

"Cape? Seriously? Is that what people call heroes or whatever now?"

"Civilians and non civilians alike. It's easier than vigilante." I reply.

"Don't they mean different things though?"

"Yeah, but you can distinguish later."

"Well it works I guess," he sighs and I shrug.

"Doesn't matter to me. I'm not an agent. I keep off of that stuff. Besides who wants my crazy ass on a team." I sound like I don't mean the harsh words.

But I do. I might not see ghosts but that doesn't mean I'm safe to keep doing what i was doing. At least, that's what my superiors told me when they discharged me. I found it was easier to let it go and just move on.

"Well if I ever get too fucked up you mind if I swing by for help?" he asked amused.

"Of course. Who else am I going to aimlessly text though my day?" I laugh and he hums.

"Don't uh- Don't fight if you really don't need to tonight ok? And if you do- don't get too fucked up," He calls out to the phone quietly, but he doesn't sound far off at all, just quiet. There's a distance in his voice that spells worry.

"Don't worry... I'll be fine. It's just the way I am J," I breath and he sighs.

"Hey I'll- I'll catch you later alright? There's a no phone policy in this place and uh-" my voice trails.

"I got it yeah, makes sense. Be safe."

"Right back at you."