edwardwriterman

[edwardwriterman]

Carter Hall writing in his diary

I'm back @thrakaboom Donations for @dcforgaza have been extended and end tomorrow ! On the 21st

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I used a larger canvas this time, if compression sucks its on my twitter

[edwardwriterman]

Beth Chapel (Infinity Inc) Pinup!

Another for @thrakaboom ! @dcforgaza , donations end in 8 days , all money goes directly to the fundraisers all you need to give us is proof you've donated!

[edwardwriterman]

(Any) Hawkman Pinup

For @thrakaboom as part of @dcforgaza ! SFW pieces are 5 dollars, NSFW pieces are 10 dollars, donations close on the 14th!

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[edwardwriterman]

Oops! All Slobonita!

I was supposed to be writing my Jason service dog fic but I wasn't I was drawing slobonita instead... oldest -> newest

[edwardwriterman]

Now the winner gets his prize! Come get your momma!

[edwardwriterman]

"Scarecrow's hideout in the abandoned shopping mall"

Jonathan regrets ever telling Edward Nygma where his hideout was. One moment irritating little robots are scurrying around placing his ridiculous trophies, and the next moment Edward is telling the whole city where he's located! Time to have a little talk. (Might be crappier because of my break! Sorry I've had college)

Batman: Arkham (Video Games), Teen & Up, No Archive Warnings Apply, Gen & M/M, Jonathan Crane/Edward Nygma, Jonathan Crane & Edward Nygma, Arkham Knight (Mentioned)

##Scriddler if you squint like really squint, they're going through a rough patch, Secrets, Threats, Edward Nygma's Paranoia, 3rd Person Jonathan POV, Not Beta Read, Batman: Arkham Knight, based off that one riddler voiceline, you can tear italics from my cold dead hands##

"I've managed to hide dozens of riddles in Scarecrow's hideout in the abandoned shopping mall, proving once and for all that I'm the superior villain!"

A frown makes its way onto Jonathan's tattered face, fingers tapping against his plastic desk as the announcement plays out, Edward's words prodding at his mind. It wasn't the insult that was bothering him- he'd known the man long enough to see that the constant self-praise was a thin veil for deep-rooted insecurity, Edward didn't really believe anything he said. No, what annoyed Jonathan was that Edward seemingly felt it was okay to start spilling secrets. "Scarecrow's hideout in the abandoned shopping mall", Jonathan had been hoping he'd have more time, they were still trying to attract Gordon, the old man not even on the island yet.

He lets out a sigh of disappointment, standing up from the desk. He knew the Knight would take care of the Batman if he arrived too early, that traitorous little bastard must still be around, he would never miss out on an opportunity like this. That would give Jonathan more time to speak with Edward, personally.

--

The trip to the old orphanage isn't long. As the car pulls up Jonathan has to wonder why the orphanage? Did it hold some sort of significance to Edward? Perhaps the irritating man grew up here, or maybe it was just easy space. He nods to the armed driver as he exits, holding up a few fingers "five minutes", before walking towards the large doors. He likes to pretend they don't give him trouble, but he'd never quite regained stability on his right, and his left side wasn't faring much better.

He enters. walking to the end of the ledge overseeing the arena. There Edward’s stupid little platforms sat, upon them a table holding a single button. Well Jonathan wasn't collecting "riddles", so he had no interest in that. He did quite have an interest in getting down, though. He looks around the empty room, then turns to get a look at the ledge he was on. A desk on either side of him, but they held nothing of interest. A large, hideous contraption on the floor he could care less about. Various children's toys. He kicks weakly at a rug, smiling as it reveals a small trapdoor below it. Edward was ever so predictable.

"Nygma." He calls as he makes it down to the arena, stepping forward to stomp on one of the moving tiles. There's silence for a moment, and then a few tiles on the opposite side open up, and scrawny arms pull themselves out.

"What?! Can't you see I'm quite busy as it is?!" Jonathan stays still as Edward stomps his way over, ranting and waving, "What reason do you have to bother me, me!, with your inferior presence?!". Jonathan doesn't seem to answer quite quick enough, and Edward grabs his arm, dragging him away and towards the small opening he came up of. "What do you think you're doing?! Don't just stand there, he's coming! He'll be here at any moment and I won't let myself be caught unawares! What a horrible opening that would be for my inevitable victory!". Jonathan just follows after him quietly. Edward will get to his point eventually. "You're supposed to tire him out with your idiotic plan, not get yourself caught on my doorstep! You-" He spins, poking Jonathan hard in the chest, "You're trying to sabotage me! You want to lead him to me so you and your Knight can try to claim a false victory, threatened by my obviously superior plan! Well I hate to tell you this, Scarecrow, but it's not going to happen! I'd rather repeat the failures of this night one thousand times over before ever letting you cheat me out of my rightfully deserved win!" Edward was panting by the end of his rant, and Jonathan peels the man off him, trying to keep the distaste off his face. He didn't like being spat at.

"Edward." He tries a more personal approach. Edward doesn't start a new monologue, so he supposes he's on the right track. "I'm not here to play these games.", Edward looks offended, but a sharp look from Jonathan stops him from anymore yelling. "Do you find it fun?" His voice remains cold and calm, although it's taking everything to keep it that way. Edward steps back, frowning in confusion, "Find what fun? Your need to prove that your plan is-". A hand at the neck shuts him up, the needles clearly far too close for the others liking. "Working with the Bat."

Edward’s frown only deepens, clearly offended, "Me?! Work with him!? I think you've inhaled too much of that gas, it's making you paranoid.". Jonathan doesn't mention the obvious irony in that hit, based on his actions Edward already knew how far gone he was. "You told him the location of my base, Edward.", Jonathan enjoys the look of understanding (and slight horror) that flicks across Edward's face before he tries to mask it. "Well it's not my fault he's too stupid to have figured it out sooner! I was working off my own perfect calculations- that he now seems to be failing!", although they both knew that was a lie.

"Edward, I know he scares you." Jonathan starts, almost sweet, "but that does not permit you to try and speed up my plans for your own relief.". His hand tightens around Edward's throat, needles brushing the back of his neck. Edward squirms, trying to release himself and Jonathan enjoys watching the man struggle. He'd broken an unspoken rule, revealing an ally's secrets just so Batman could work his way to him faster and stop the itching anxiety creeping up on him as he imagines all that will go wrong with the confrontation. Edward scowls, "I assumed you were prepared.", he tries to argue, "You and that Knight have been boasting a quite impressive militia, surely speeding things up a bit won't ruin your evening?". Jonathan suppresses a harsh growl, he always found barely repressed anger more intimidating, "I need the police commissioner, Edward. Now that the Bat knows my location he's sure to warn the fool!". He watches as Edward looks away, trying desperately to avoid his gaze.

He sighs, letting the man go. Edward scampers back, predictably, grabbing a wrench from his workbench. "No matter. You can fix this, Edward.", this was an ally he couldn't afford to lose, not yet. Who knows what information Edward has been collecting on his attack? He steps forward, staring at Edward through misty eyes as the others grip tightens on the weapon, "Bring me Commissioner Gordon. Then we can consider this matter settled.". Edward’s brow furrows, conflict washing over his face as he tries to balance his own goals against Jonathan’s. "Fine." he says after a minute, posture straightening, as if this was just another business deal, "You'll find him arriving soon.".

Jonathan nods, turning to the exit of the cramped underground workspace. "Oh, and.. Edward.", he drawls as he reaches the final step, turning to see the man look up from stressing over a laptop, "Don't do it again.".

[edwardwriterman]

It's not a new fic, sorry guys still working on that! If you want to see more of my dcgfg stuff, check out my twitter @ Rosemary_Carll ! Currently donations are closed, but i believe we're planning a part 2, so follow the dcgfg twitter if you want updates on that!

DC GOTCHA FOR GAZA

Lazarus Lane for @dannyketch ! Thank you for donating to @ dcforgaza (on twitter)!

I've never drawn him before, but there's first for everything, yippee !

[edwardwriterman]

DC GOTCHA FOR GAZA

Lazarus Lane for @dannyketch ! Thank you for donating to @ dcforgaza (on twitter)!

I've never drawn him before, but there's first for everything, yippee !

[edwardwriterman]

You were good enough

During a nightmare, the Arkham Knight reveals a little more then he means too. Jonathan talks to Penguin to confirm this information.

Batman: Arkham (Video Games), Teen & Up, No Warnings Apply, Gen, Jason Todd & Jonathan Crane, Jonathan Crane & Oswald Cobblepot

##Pre-Batman: Akrham Knight, Jason Todd is Arkham Knight, Jonathan Crane is Jason Todd's Father, implied familial relationship, Author has not read the comics, 3rd Person Jonatham POV, slight hurt/comfort I suppose, robins mention##

Content Warning: Homophobia. Oswald Cobblepot uses a gay slur in relation to Dick Grayson. Author is a gay man and thinks its funny. The paragraph this is said in starts after "Cobblepot say with a snort, and Jonathan could tell he wasn't remotely interested in what he had to say.", and ends before, ""A different Robin. Was there a previous one?"".

Headcanon Warning: Jonathan Crane has a gastrstomy tube. Skip the first 2 paragraphs to avoid.

It was late, the moon high in the sky. Jonathan is in the small, corporate-feeling kitchen of the militia dorms. They'd set up base in a mall on Founders Island, the noise from construction all around the island masking their own operations. Unfortunately, though, the half built mall wasn't as finished as they'd liked, leaving them to set up small temporary and impersonal quarters, scattered around it and other newer buildings.

He unhooks the tubing from his gastrostomy cannula, before removing the large syringe, taking it to the sink to wash up. He'd gotten used to eating later and later and as more of their troops snuck onto the island, and he was starting to be needed too often.

He turns to sink on, and for a few minutes the only noise in the room is running water and Jonathan's ragged breathing before a loud cry comes from the Knight's room. Jonathan doesn't move at first, continuing to listen. He didn't have to worry about anyone else coming in- they were the only people in this dorm, and he'd warned the guards to stay out a few months back, when he'd gotten sick of their constant intrusions over the slightest noise.

He drops the syringe in the sink, waiting until he hears quiet sobs start up. The boy wasn't in danger, then, just another one of his flashbacks, and Jonathan was free to ignore him and continue cleaning up.

He doesn't, though, walking over to the Knight's room instead and knocking aptly against the door. "Arkham Knight?", Jonathan waits for only a moment, knowing the Knight wouldn't answer the door like this. Pushing the door open, he finds the Knight sitting curled on the bed, blanket wrapped around his shoulders, eyes wide and tired.

"B-batman…?", The Knight mumbles, sobbing softly. Jonathan can't blame him for that, many of his own nightmares contained the caped crusader too.

He slowly approaches the boy as to not to scare him- something he was remarkably good at, despite what the public may believe -although it doesn't seem to matter, the Knight's head snapping up to him anyway, giving him half a second to reconsider his altruism before he's tackled to the ground, Knight holding him tightly. He hisses in pain as his back hits the hard floor, although still wraps thin arms around the Knight. The Knight couldn't know he'd hurt Jonathan while in this vulnerable state, he was too unpredictable, so Jonathan had to do his best to hide his wince.

"Arkham Knight.", Jonathan repeats, "What troubles you?". The boy is quiet apart from his sobs, and Jonathan runs a comforting hand through his hair, gently hushing the man.

"I'm sorry…". Jonathan listens to the man with pity, he'd heard so many of these nightmares, and they never seemed to get better for the boy. "It is alright, Arkham Knight, there is no need to apologise.", Jonathan assures. This does not seem to help, though.

"I should've been better!", the Knight cries into Jonathan's shoulder, "I shouldn't have gone on my own!". Nothing that Jonathan hasn't heard before during these moments. From what he'd understood after a, rather unfortunate lab accident (he was sure the Knight still blamed him for), the Knight had been a victim at the hands of one of Jonathan's co-workers. Which one though, he couldn't say yet, all of them seemed capable of causing pain like this, even if it was unlikely.

"It's alright.", he whispers in his usual rasp, "It was an accident, you didn't know what would happen.". He wasn't even sure if the boy was registering his words, or just listening to the Batman in his head. He was glad of that, though, Jonathan's words were always based off someone else's actions, and the Knight knew this, working so close with him. It was how Jonathan was able to manipulate people so easily. But it only worked to a fault, and Jonathan was worried that the Knight may come to his senses and realise Jonathan's comfort was reactionary and not born of his true feelings.

The Knight shakes his head, and Jonathan can feel his ribs bend under the boy's strong hold. "No-! No, I should've been better, I should've been better- You were right! I wasn't ready!". A slight change in position and they're sitting against the wall instead of on the cold floor. "You were-", Jonathan didn't know enough about the Knight to construct a proper response, "-young. You didn't know.". His eyes wander over the deep scars in the back of the Knight's head. A crowbar, the man had once bitterly explained. The jagged tissue seemed to be years old, and with the Knight's presumed age it spoke a lot about his childhood. His petting continues, murmuring quietly to his co-conspirator as the man stirs. Jonathan didn't seem to be helping as much as he'd liked.

"I- I should've been a better Robin- I should've-", the Knight hiccups, sobbing harder.

"You were a good-", Jonathan trails off, mind catching up to the mans words. He never really tried to listen to the Knight's words in this state, it was mostly nonsense or the same repeated cries, but this- This was new. This was interesting. "You were good enough.",he eventually settles on as pulls the Knight closer, relishing in the power it gave as the Knight clung to him with desperation.

Jonathan's mind is whirring, eyes staring through the man on his lap. A Robin. He couldn't be though, right? That was be all too easy, all to lucky for Jonathan, and ex-robin coming straight to him, helping him with such enthusiasm- even if it was to further his own goals. Which Robin was he, though? The current was still working close with Batman, and the first was still in Blūdhaven, the Knight had tabs on him. Was there another Robin? Jonathan had been so busy over the years he'd barely noticed any change in the sidekicks, it didn't matter to him, his toxin would work the same on all of them, so why focus on distractions like that? Penguin would know, though, Jonathan thought. That man never stopped his operations, even when imprisoned, so Jonathan was sure Cobblepot would know how many Robins there were, if not just because he had to brief his men on who would stop them over the years.

Jonathan slowly tries to slide himself out from under the Knight, although it was difficult being so much weaker. "You can wait for me here, can't you boy?", he tries to persuade the Knight off him, although he's only met with a tighter grip. "Don't leave me…". Anyone else may have stayed with the boy at his pathetic whimpers, but Jonathan was determined to find out if the Knight's words had any truth to them now, he could've had a more valuable ally then he first thought.

"You will wait, boy.", Jonathan commands, "I will be back.". He gently pulls the Knight off of him, moving so slow sometimes it felt he were still. The Knight grasps at air as Jonathan manages to escape, curling up in on himself. He looked wrecked, and Jonathan was beginning to reconsider his decision. No, he eventually decides, the boy can wait and he will. He'd only be in the next room anyway, he wasn't far. He looks down at the Knight, patting him on the head as some poor attempt of comfort before walking out. The Knight would be fine without him.

He walks back out into the kitchen, moving over to a console on the wall. It was supposed to only connect to other dorms and their compounds outside of Gotham for quick communication, but with shockingly few button presses…

"'Ello?", a bitter voice rings out from the speakers, "Who the bloody hell is calling me this late?!". Jonathan watches as a scowling face comes into view. "Oswald.", Jonathan greets, and the scowl softens a little in recognition. "Crane. Whaddya want at this hour? Am I not chummy enough with Harvey for you?" Cobblepot say with a snort, and Jonathan could tell he wasn't remotely interested in what he had to say.

Jonathan shakes his head, "No. I need you to tell me about the Robins.". Confusion is clear upon Penguin's face, "Ey? About Robin? Well alright then.", the brief confusion drops as Penguin begins his rant, more civil now he knew Jonathan was not about to chastise his war with Harvey again. "Eh, young kid, y'know? Uses that metal staff as a weapon, heard it seconds as some type of shield, probably just bollocks though- Very similar to the Bat, this one, not a bloody gymnast like that poofter in Blūdhaven either. Don't think the Bat's been trusting him as much lately, my boys haven't seen him since the City. Suppose that's not that much of a-", "Oswald.", Jonathan interrupts, not wanting to listen to Penguin's rambling anymore. It was nothing the Knight hadn't already told him.

"A different Robin. Was there a previous one?". Penguin scoffs, leaning back in his chair, "Well if you're talking about that Nightwing menace-", he stops, seeing Jonathan's expression. The cogs seem to turn for a second, before his expression darkens, "Oh the, other-other Robin, yeah alright then. Forgot about that one.". Cobblepot looks off to the side, tongue flicking over his lips in discomfort. Jonathan could tell he was all too far of his surroundings right now.

"Barely a Robin if you ask me, didn't even last 6 months. Joker got 'im.", well there was Jonathan's confirmation, "Sent us some pretty sick clips. Think he was gloating. 'Look what I managed to do.', y'know?". Cobblepot says with a shiver, clearly disturbed by the thought.

Videos. That would help identify the Knight as this Robin, see if he's really telling the truth. "Do you still have them?". Penguin gives Jonathan a look, seeming conflicted between disgust and acceptance at Jonathan's strange question. "Ours got corrupted. Think he just wanted to prove it to us, and give the feature film to the Bat.", Penguin looks around, lighting his cigar. He seemed twitchy-er than usual, put on edge by Jonathan unearthing this subject. "Didn't try to hard to recover them, you understand? Some sick stuff only Joker would do."

Jonathan nods, that was understandable. Still, he was curious, it was in his nature. "Do you have any of it? Thumbnails, still images-?", anything would help- preferably containing his face, but Jonathan was alright trying to match the scars he'd seen over the Knights body.

Cobblepot is quiet, looking off to the side, probably at a different monitor. "Possibly. I'll see if I can't rustle up anything for you.". Jonathan nods, "Thank you, Oswald.". The Penguin looks away, expression a glare again, "Yeah, yeah, save your thanks, you can show it to me with more guns.". Another nod from Jonathan. They'd made sure to overstock their militia, a small shipment to Penguin wouldn't place them in detriment.

The screen flicks to black, and Jonathan is left back in the near quiet. The boy was still crying in the other room, but Jonathan could hear gasping breaths in-between his sobs, like he was at least trying to calm himself.

A small ding comes from the console, and Jonathan looks towards the message. A single image file is attached, and hesitating, wondering if this was the right thing to do- to betray the Knight's trust -Jonathan clicks on it.

A quiet gasp comes from him, surprise, almost. Foggy eyes scan the pixels, brow furrowed. A single man on screen- a boy, sitting on a chair in the middle of a dark room. The barrel of a gun is visible in the corner of the screen, pointed towards him. It was difficult to make out the details, the image so pixelated, but Jonathan strains his eyes, zooming into the image, trying to see any indicator that this was the man now in the other room.

The Robin's red uniform is stained in dark brown patches of dried blood, and small cuts cover the armour, following the pattern of razor wire. His face is bruised, clump of blood sticking to his hair, covering the top of his head. Looking closer, Jonathan's eyes scan the Robin's face, and he finally finds that final piece of evidence. It's hard to see with the quality, but Jonathan swears he can see a scarred "J" sitting on the Robin's left cheek.

He pulls back from the screen, staring at the image, his mind in dispute. Does he confront the Knight about this, would it be appropriate? Or does he stay quiet, let the Knight think his past was still hidden? Why hadn't the Knight already told him, Jonathan thought. Perhaps he thought Jonathan would not help if he knew, or maybe it was something he wanted to forget. Jonathan shakes his head, turning off the console. He would let the Knight tell him in his own time. Jonathan wasn't going to risk his relationship with the boy over some silly past.

He takes a moment to breath, to re-focus his thoughts. He'd promised the Knight he would return to him, and time was dragging on.

Jonathan moves to the doorway. The Knight was still sitting on the floor, although upon Jonathan's entrance he stands up, walking anxiously towards the man. Jonathan initiates this hug, prepared this time for the crushing arms around him, holding Jonathan like the boy was afraid he would disappear. It means something else, in wake of this new information. Jonathan is no longer annoyed at the bruising hold, but instead understanding. Being abandoned for so long you watch yourself get replaced… Jonathan cannot blame the Knight for not wanting to be left.

"You're okay, Arkham Knight.", Jonathan hushes, feeling the Knight's head tuck into his neck, hitting awkwardly at the vent on Jonathan's cheek. "You're safe here."

The Knight is silent this time, not objecting to Jonathan's claims like before. Jonathan supposes this is a development, better than the delirious cries from earlier. "There, there. It's all alright.". The Knight sniffs, and Jonathan repeats a statement from earlier, feeling the boy relax in his arms.

"You were good enough."

[edwardwriterman]

Shattered Cowl

Jason gets hurt wearing a prototype cowl. Jonathan turns up to make sure he's alright.

Batman: Arkham (Video Games), Teen & Up, No Warnings Apply, Gen, Jonathan Crane & Jason Todd

##Pre-Batman: Akrham Knight, Jason Todd is Arkham Knight, Jonathan Crane is Jason Todd's Father, implied familial relationship, Author has not read the comics, 3rd Person Jonathan POV, slight hurt/comfort I suppose##

Jason comes too on a busted hospital bed, moaning in pain. He was training, he remembers, when his helmet had malfunctioned, distracting him long enough for some bold soldier to get a hit in on an unknown weak spot, shattering the polycarbonate of his visor. He doesn't remember what he did to the soldier after that, but he hoped it hurt. A lot.

As he was recalling that nights earlier events, a door he hadn't noticed creaks open. A scared looking paramedic enters, knuckles white around a first aid box. Jason is almost confused, before he sees Jonathan enter behind them, gun trained on the poor worker. Crane pushes the gun against their back, drawing a terrified whimper from the medic who then approaches Jason, tentatively reaching out the bloody gauze on his face. Jason has a mean thought to hiss or growl at the terrified paramedic, and something too focused on survival tells him to fight them off- but he doesn't, instead turning his head to let the paramedic access his stitches, and allowing himself to face Crane.

Crane returns his gaze, only glancing at his wounds for a moment before returning. "You took quite the hit." He comments unhelpfully in his monotone. "I assume this means our plan will be postponed?". Jason wants to shout, to yell that he's waited long enough and he wasn't waiting anymore, but his rational side fights back.

"Of course it's been postponed.", he spits, full of residual anger. "You can't expect me to kill the Batman like this! He'll find the defect in my cowl straight away!". Jonathan only nods, as if he didn't mind setting back his own revenge to accommodate Jason's troubles. "Very well then." His voice comes out as a slur, face not fully healed from the attack last year- scars too fresh for a reconstruction -and it showed heavily in the difficultly he now had with certain sounds.

Crane steps over to Jason's bed, eyes wandering over the "J" brand on his cheek. Sometimes Jason worried Crane knew he was, but those thoughts were easy to dismiss. He hadn't seen Jonathan during his short reign as Robin, so he assumed Crane hadn't seen him either. There was no reason for the psychologist to suspect him.

Jason winces as the paramedic pulls at his stitches, and he can see them freeze in terror. Good. They should be scared of him. He was strong now, powerful.

He waves the paramedic away after a few moments, sitting up and swinging his legs off the side of the bed. He doesn't know why Crane brought the medic along, Jason could tend to his own wounds. He goes to stand, it was only his face that was injured after all, he didn't need to be bedridden.

As he does stand he can feel Crane watching him. "If you have something to say, just say it!" Jason snaps. He hated feeling left out. Jonathan only tilts his head, as if finding Jason's anger amusing. "What is your goal here?" He asks after a moment. "My goal?" Jason repeats, to a sound of affirmation from Crane. "My goal is to kill the Batman- haven't you been listening?!", Jason approaches Crane as he speaks, towering over the psychologist. Crane doesn't flinch or cower as he would've liked, replying calmly instead, "And what comes after that, Arkham Knight? Do you plan to take his place? Or leave Gotham to the rest of us?"

Jason scoffs at Crane question, although inside it angers him. What right did Crane have to question him? Without him Crane's own revenge would fall flat- Jason controlled the militia, Jason was the one feeding him information, Jason was- "Does it matter!? The only reason I'm working with you is to make sure he dies. You don't need to know anything about my plans past that!"

But the question still sparks doubt in Jason. What would happen after that? He was sure Dick wouldn't welcome him back after what he'd done, and he had no interest in that new Robin. He couldn't just continue his hold over the city either, the money for his militia would eventually run out and he would just become another criminal in Gotham. But leaving Gotham wasn't an option- Even though he hated that damn city he just didn't fit in anywhere else, always the odd one out. Not in Gotham, though. Everyone else was so messed up that no-one battered an eye seeing his scarred form on the street. To them he was just another unfortunate result of the city. And in a way he agreed with them.

He could tell Crane knew what he was thinking, the man always seemed to know what was worrying him. Damn shrink.

"It doesn't matter what my after-plan is!", Jason reiterates, "All that matter is that he dies."

To his utter frustration, Crane just nods understandingly, "And I will helped you with that. I just think it would be wise to have a plan.". "I do have a plan!", Jason argues, only to be cut off. "A proper plan. You need to learn to look at the future."

Jason grinds his teeth. It felt like he was being lectured by the bat again. Who did Crane think he was to talk to Jason about the future, like he knew anything about it.

"What's your plan then?! How are you looking towards the future?", his hands go to the lapels of the thin coat Jonathan was wearing, dragging the man up. Crane's voice sounds choked as he speaks, "My plan? My plan is to kill the Batman and rule Gotham. I'm respected here."

Jason growls, hoisting Crane up further, "I have people to respect me!", although his voice cracks with uncertainty. The militia only respected him because he payed them, past that… he didn't want to think about it. He didn't need to think about it. Respect was easily earned in Gotham, all he had to do was break a few skulls.

"I never said you didn't." Jonathan replies, although Jason was sure that if that mask wasn't obscuring the mans face he'd see an expression of amusement on it.

He drops Crane, looking out of the window as the man stumbles. "Have you contacted our armourer?", he glances towards the broken mask on the bedside table, walking towards it.

"Not yet.", Crane replies, "We wanted you to assess the damages first.". "Good.", Jason didn't want that man getting his hands on his armour again. That weak spot felt purposeful, no-one could miss such a dangerous mistake, it could of been deadly-! He doesn't voice these thoughts. Crane would just assure him he was being paranoid. He probably was.

"I'll make the adjustments this time.", Jason is sure Crane raised an eyebrow, but of course that damn burlap obscured his face. "Don't underestimate me!", he yells, slamming his fist into the visor, watching as it snaps under the force. It needed stronger material.

"I'm not.", it sounds like Crane's criticizing him. "You're letting your fear of failure get ahead of you. How do you expect to take down the Batman if you hold so tightly to your insecurities?", Jonathan sounded disappointed- angry that Jason was compromising his revenge with his own self doubt. Jason can't stand Jonathan's disappointment.

His helmet is thrown towards Crane in a rage, although the other seemed to expect it, stepping cleanly out of the way. There's no anger or annoyance at Jason's anger. Crane had always been sickeningly patient with him.

Jason rushes forward, hand wrapping around Crane's neck, slamming him against the wall. "I'm not being insecure!", he hates how weak he sounds, "Look at my face!". He turns his head the side, hand clasping further up Crane's neck, forcing him to look at the gauze taped over a fractured temple. "Look! It could've been fatal!", his grip tightens, pulling a strangled noise from Crane.

"No-one else gets to touch my cowl. I'll fix it myself. I'm not giving them the chance to fail me again."

He drops Crane, watching as the man crumples and coughs, rubbing at his neck.

"You are being paranoid.", Jonathan can see how those words affect Jason, the other freezing rigid. "Our men are not out to get you. They are loyal.". "Shut up!", Jason yells, stomping forward, "You don't know what they're like!". "Arkham Knight-", "Shut up!"

He presses his foot down on Crane's chest, angered that the man doesn't try to fight back, too understanding. "They would betray us if given a chance! They would all leave!". He knows he sounds erratic, but he couldn't get himself under control. "How can you trust any of them?!"

Crane places a hand on Jason's ankle, lightly pushing it. Jason has half a mind to stomp down harder, but he doesn't, taking his foot away and releasing Crane.

"You should not be so worried.", Crane says as he stands. "These men were hand picked.". Jason knew that, of course he knew that, he wasn't stupid, he'd helped pick the men, but… "You just never know who's planning behind your back."

Jonathan nods, reaching out to Jason's arm. Jason pulls away at first, but begrudgingly accepts it. "Look at them.", Crane says, guiding Jason towards a window overlooking the grounds. Soldiers are scattered around, some talking, others putting together the heavy looking machinery they ordered. "All of these people. They listen to you, they respect you."

Jason frowns, hands gripping the windowsill tightly. "They don't respect me. They just act like it because they're getting paid.". Jonathan hums, "Perhaps. You think they respect the money instead?". Jason nods. "And where is that money coming from?". A pause. Jason sighs, "Me.", he mumbles. "And do you think they would risk that money by betraying you?". "No…", Jason relents.

Crane nods, looking towards Jason, "You're safe here, Arkham Knight. I promised your safety until our attack, didn't I?"

Jason looks away. He didn't want to admit he felt comforted by Jonathan's words, that would be a weakness. Letting his guard down. He learnt a long time ago that was a dangerous thing.

"And you think I trust you?", it sounds harsh. He didn't mean for it to be. Crane stares at him for a moment, before looking out of the window again, "I suppose I don't.". He moves his hand from Jason's arm to his back. Jason shoves him off again, of course, but Crane's hand just makes it's way back again.

Jonathan always knew when to push boundaries and when to back off. Right now he needed to push, to force Jason to accept the comforting hand on his back. Jason doesn't push him off this time, he knew Crane was trying to help, and, he liked it.

Some of the tension leaves his body, and he turns back to the window. His shoulder brushes against Crane's and he unconsciously leans into him. It would be a lie now to claim he didn't trust him, even if that was what he said. Jason doesn't know when this happened. He tried so hard not to trust anyone in these past 4 years, and he was doing so well.

Crane seems to have noticed Jason's confliction, pulling him closer until the man's head rests on his shoulder. Jason doesn't move, mind racing as he tries to compose his thoughts.

He stays like that for almost a minute before twisting around to bury his face in the psychologists neck, strong arms wrapping around the man.

"I do trust you… I'm sorry…" Jason mumbles. He sounded weak. He hated that. Jonathan doesn't comment on it. Jason wants to cry. He couldn't remember the last time someone had genuinely comforted him since his capture. He couldn't remember the last time Bruce had comforted him- he was too dead set on killing the man he'd forgotten all the good times. It made him feel angry.

Jason looks back to the militia outside, still clinging to Crane. All those people out there would listen to him. They would protect him until they were dismissed. He was safe here, as much as he didn't want to admit it.

"Jonathan..?", he asks quietly. A hand moves into his hair. it's petting disrupted only by the large scars on the back of Jason's head. "Yes, Arkham Knight?", Crane's voice seems softer. Jason tries to figure out what he wanted to say, eventually shaking his head. "Nothing.", whatever it was he could speak to Crane about it later.

A few moments pass, and Jason looks towards the clock on the wall. "You have a meeting with Stagg.", he mumbles, grip tightening on the older man. "He can wait.", Jonathan replies, "Do you want me to leave?". Jason shakes his head, prompting Crane to speak again. "He kept me waiting on our last meeting. I find it fair he experiences the same.". Jason stays wrapped up in his arms, "Thank you.". He wanted to stay like this forever, cuddled up next to Crane, soaking in all the comfort that man had to give. That was probably just the head injury talking.

He stays that way for minutes, selfishly taking Crane's time, keeping him all to himself. Not that the man seems to mind.

The calm is eventually disrupted by a knock at the door. Jason scowls, pulling himself harshly away from Crane. He recognises the knock as one of the militia commanders. Right. He had his own meeting today. He stomps his way to the door, before circling back around for a previous prototype cowl he'd kept, scowling like a child the whole time. The prototype provided no protection, but given his other was currently smashed on the floor, and he did still want to keep his identity from the militia, so there was really no choice.

When he goes to the door this time, his hand hovers over the handle. He turns back towards Crane, not wanting to leave yet.

"Thank you.", his voice is distorted through the modulator, and before Crane can respond Jason is already rushing out of the door, barking order at their interrupter.

Jonathan stares after him, before he moves to the shattered pieces of the visor, sweeping it up off the floor. He only realises what he's done when he's placing the broken helmet on the bedside table, ready for when Jason came back to work on it. He sighs inwardly, hand gently brushing over the cowl. He'd always promised himself he'd never become a father.

[edwardwriterman]

Family Visit

A few months after the events of Arkham Knight, Jason decides to visit Scarecrow in prison.

Batman: Arkham (Video Games), Teen & Up, No Warnings Apply, Gen, Jason Todd & Jonathan Crane

##Post-Batman: Akrham Knight, Jason Todd is Red Hood, Jonathan Crane is Jason Todd's Father, implied familial relationship, Author has not read the comics, 3rd Person Jason POV, Jason Todd does not like Bruce Wayne##

Arkham was as cold and damp as Jason remembered it. Sometimes he wishes they'd never refurbished the old place, but the villains had to have somewhere to go, right?

He walks until he reaches the end of a derelict hallway, standing in front of a stand alone cell. J. Crane Ph.D. 054. Maximum Security. the rusted plate on the door claims. Jason pulls back a small window, before banging on the tough metal.

"I'm here." He calls, watching the scarred form of the psychologist approach the door.

"Red Hood." Jonathan's raspy voice speaks. "That's what you're calling yourself now, isn't it?"

"You've been keeping up." Jason states with a small laugh. "How are you doing in here?" He knew he shouldn't be getting too cozy, but he couldn't let go of the attachment he'd made with Crane over the year they worked together.

A sigh can be heard from within the cell. "They will not let me continue my research. I have not been able to speak to anyone else, and all my writings are confiscated."

Jason shifts uncomfortably. "I'm sorry, doc." He shouldn't feel bad. But he'd worked with the man for months. He'd seen how much the toxin meant to him, and hell, he'd started to get interested in it too.

Crane just looks amused. "It is alright. They have let me keep the radio you delivered. I am keeping myself entertained. He pauses for a moment, looking through the small window. "Did you know Mr Ryder has styled you as a vigilante?"

Jason almost splutters. "What?!" He shoots forward in shock, as if getting closer will help him understand what Crane said. "I- I told him that was not what it was about! I smoked Sionis for my own sake, not for the good of Gotham! I'm not Bruce."

Jonathan only laughs, amused by Jason's frustration. "He left that out of the interview." He steps back from the door, sitting down on the metal cot in his cell. "I always wondered what you would do when the Batman was dead."

Jason shrugs, recollecting himself. "Yeah. Got some unfinished business to take care of." He leans against the door. "What'd you think I'd do?"

Crane is quiet for a moment, as if considering the sensitivity of his answer. "Once Cobblepot told me who you were, I assumed you would go back to working with your brothers."

Jason frowns. He didn't like that his secrets had been spilt by Penguin, but he couldn't exactly blame Crane for it. Cobblepot had really been the only one properly operating during Jason's run as Robin. Jason was sure everyone else had been too busy to even notice when he was replaced by Tim only half a year after his capture.

"Fuck off." His words have no bite behind them, though. "They're not my brothers. Just kids who worked under the same egotistical guy." He places emphasis on kids. He never wanted anyone to forget what they had been through.

An uneasy silence falls over them, before Crane speaks up. "What was it like?" He asks, "Working as Robin."

"Hell." Jason replies instantly, expression hardening. "Don't ask."

Jonathan tries to speak again. "I wasn't speaking of your torture-"

"Neither was I."

More uncomfortable silence.

"It was…. difficult. Bruce wasn't exactly easy on us. Either we were too useful to fight, or expected to be able to go one-to-one with one of you." Dick always said Bruce had been good to him. Jason didn't get to see that same kindness. Maybe it was because he was just some street criminal, and Dick was some poor relatable orphan. Or maybe he had just purposefully forgotten the good times to further his villainization of Bruce.

"I'm sorry." Crane says. He wasn't apologizing for asking, but out of courtesy.

Jason rolls his eyes under the mask. "Yeah. But what does it matter now? Bruce is dead, and I'm free to do whatever I want to." He wants to change the subject desperately.

"So, when are you getting out?"

Crane looks up, eyebrow raised.

"C'mon, I won't tell the guards- or Robin." He mentions the latter man with disgust. "It's just between us." Perhaps he shouldn't be encouraging this, but he missed talking to Crane outside of prison bars.

Jonathan shakes his head, as if he was a father who'd just heard his son say something ludicrous. "I have not decided yet. I was hoping to speak to Edward or Harvey, they have a plan. But as I mentioned, that is not a viable option anymore."

Jason hums in thought. "Want me to shoot them a message?" He hated Riddler and Two-Face as much as the next guy, but he owed Jonathan a favour. Several favours, probably.  Crane had helped him when he was at his lowest during the militia operation, irritable and depressed. Being the man Bruce could never be for him.

He considers it. "It couldn't hurt." Crane responds. "Are you leaving so soon?"

Jason feels guilty as he answers, looking away, almost regretful. "Yeah. Heard some of Black Masks men are regrouping, trying to get the gang back together. Shutting them down."

Crane nods, as if he's come to terms with Jason's early leave. Jason watches the door for a moment, before sighing and stepping back.

"Wait-!" Cranes voice is loud, and a hand shoots out, grasping the edge of the small letterbox window in the door. "Red Hood."

Jason can feel Cranes glossy, blinded eyes staring at him. He approaches the cell again, and in a moment of weakness, removes a thick glove, taking Jonathan's thin hand.

"Do me the honour of knowing your name." This wasn't the first time Crane had asked. This wasn't the first time it'd sounded slightly like a plea. Maybe it should be the last, though. There was a connection between him and Jonathan, even if it was unspoken.

"…" Jason looks at the hand held in his, frail fingers wrapped tightly around his strong grip. "Jason." His voice is quiet, making sure only Crane could hear it.

"Jason…" Jonathan repeats, lifting his hand to the hard shell of Jason's cowl. Jason can't stand not being able to feel the comfort Crane is trying to give. He pushes a button by his jaw, and the visor opens up. Cranes hand is immediately moving to his unscarred cheek, thumb brushing over it almost tenderly. "Jason."

Jason looks down to Cranes arm, seeing the mauled and twisted flesh contorting around the mans arm, a reminder of what happened to him only 2 years back. The scars were still healing. He reaches up to the mans wrist, holding it gently.

"You will return again next month?" Crane asks, and Jason would mistake that emotion for hope if he thought the man could feel anything but muted rage and scientific curiosity.

"If you're not out by then" He jokes lightly, almost sad as Cranes hand leaves his cheek.

"Good." Cranes voice is soft. "You are always welcome."

Jason shuts the visor of his helmet to hide his smile.

"Goodbye, Jason."

"Yeah. Goodbye."