#and while I can't think of any canon instance where Dick is aware of his demeanor/how he's perceived... (<- hasn't read enough Dick Comics)

[carmineskiesandspidereyes]

This was originally all gonna be in the tags but fuck it— I have too many Dick and Jason thoughts lmao

This, but Dick still manages to convey extremely threatening intent, even draped over Jason's shoulders like he is. Knowing full well that his grin and silly posture will juxtapose the cold steel in his eyes. And Jason, of course, smirking openly where he stands, because a) he Remembers what Dick is capable of, and b) he thinks their whole bit/dynamic here is funny as hell.

(You can't honestly tell me his theater-kid ass wouldn't love the subversion of expectations. Just a little.)

Like. They are actually the best interrogation duo ever, because NO ONE can tell who’s playing what role at ANY point in time.

Just-- imagine Jason. The Red Hood. Six feet tall, arms crossed, fucking STRAPPED with artillery, and a voice modulated to sound completely toneless and sinister. And God help you because you're not picking up a single body language or facial expression cue unless he wants you to.

And y'know? Maybe he does know how to play the chiller, more lenient guy. Confident he'll get the info he needs, enough so that he can patiently wear you down, offer a few different compromises. Threatening for sure, but unhurried.

That, or maybe he just pistol whips you as hard as humanly possible as soon as you regain consciousness. Varies case to case, probably. Hard to say.

And then Dick Grayson! Nightwing! Cheery, cheeky and physically exuberant. And not only that, but a vigilante to boot! Supposedly more tied to the law, more benevolent and predictable, right? Supposedly, FAR easier to read than the masked, armored, brick wall of a crime lord beside him. Always in motion, in sweeping gestures, animated emphasis, clever quips---and a voice that can pitch from curious, to humorous, to skeptical, to serious, completely unfiltered.

And sometimes, it looks like he’s the only thing holding Red Hood back from just icing you on the spot. Diffusing and redirecting all that tension in the room with a cocked hip and an easy smile.

Until the times where he’s not smiling or moving at all.

And folks, a motionless, expressionless Nightwing? Is So Goddamn Unnerving. So much so, that sometimes--

Jason will just nod at Dick, and then step out.

Turn and saunter smugly away as the door shuts on a room that just got 10° colder behind him.

Discowing, arms crossed: someone will die-

Jaybin, hanging on Dick’s shoulders: -of fun!

_Years later_

Jason, arms crossed: someone will die-

Dick, hanging on Jason’s shoulders: -of fun.