jasonette july 2020

day 10- children

"Jay, want to come to the children's hospital with me?" Marinette asks. "Nightwing usually comes with, but he's got his hands full with the gang war in Bludhaven."

Jason frowns. "You want the Red Hood entertaining sick kids in the hospital? The criminal Red Hood who kills people and uses guns?"

"I want the Red Hood, yes. The hero Red Hood, who uses rubber bullets and has not ended a life in over two years. The Red Hood who may control the criminal underworld, but has a good heart and a good cause for it. The Red Hood who proudly wears a bat on his chest. You are a hero, Jason. Do not forget that." Marinette stands on her tiptoes and presses a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

"Aww, shit, Pixie, you always know how to make me cry." Marinette smiles.

"It's one of my many talents. You coming to the hospital, Jason? We're scheduled to visit in forty-five minutes."

Jason sighs. "Sure. But if I start scaring the kids, I'm out."

"Fair." Marinette shrugs. "Suit up."

Ladybird and Red Hood pull up in front of the hospital with three minutes to spare. They stride into the building hand in hand.

Ladybird walks up to the receptionist, who smiles at the sight. "Hey Ladybird. Nightwing not coming?"

"Got caught up in a gang war. Brought Red Hood instead. He won't admit it, but he's great with kids." Hood crosses his arms with a huff.

The receptionist, Lillian, grins. "You know where to go. Thanks for brightening their day."

Ladybird's expression softens. "Always."

As predicted, the children in the room flock to Red Hood like sharks to blood in the water.

"Woah! You're the Red Hood!"

"Can I see your guns?"

"Can I shoot your guns?"

"I love your helmet!"

"Can I touch you?"

"You're so cool!"

"You saved my mommy once." A little boy says seriously. "You're my hero." Ladybird's pretty sure Hood teared up at that.

She smirks at him. "I'll be next door if you need me. Have fun." The last she sees before closing the door is Red Hood ruffling a girl's hair, bringing the most brilliant smile to her face.

Ladybird signs back and forth with the deaf children, telling them stories from her childhood. The kids are always so excited to have a hero understand them. Maybe she should bring Black Bat next time she's back from Hong Kong.

"-Andre's ice cream was rumoured to be magic. It was never wrong when playing matchmaker. Every couple that got Andre's together, stayed together."

"What was your ice cream order?" A dark haired, wide-eyed girl signs. Her name is Bridgette, and she looks scarily similar to Ladybird when she was younger.

"My first one was peach pink like his lips, and mint like his eyes. After I met Red Hood, it changed to also include blackberry, for his hair." Ladybird smiles at the memory of approaching Andre with Jason for the first time.

Speaking of which, Red Hood walks into the room, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "Sorry, Ladybird, but we have to go. Scarecrow's at the museum." He signs as he speaks for the children.

Ladybug stands and smiles apologetically at both the children and the nurses. "I'm sorry for cutting this short, but duty calls. I'll see you next month." She signs, before quickly exiting the hospital with Red Hood.

As they zip through the streets on Hood's bike, Ladybird suddenly remembers. "How was the experience?"

Red Hood grunts. "...It was fun." He mutters. "I'd like to do it again."

She beams into the back of his leather jacket. "Great! I'm sure the staff would love more vigilantes. I've been thinking about bringing Black Bat as well. What do you think?"

"Sounds amazing."

Ladybird gently pokes him in the side. "Who knew the big, bad Red Hood had such a soft spot for children?"

"Shut up. And stop that! I'm driving!"