Jason Todd stumbled into his kitchen after struggling out of bed. Last night had been rough, and he was looking forward to some coffee. He picked up the coffee kettle and froze.

He'd forgotten to start the coffee after patrol.

Needless to say, the small apartment was filled with loud cussing for a long while. Jason grabbed his lighter and a cigarette instead and sat on the window, trading one comfort for another.

Jason's thoughts briefly flashed to the manor, where Alfred would never have even dreamed of failing to have piping hot coffee for the tired crime-fighters. Times like these, he really missed having Pennyworth around. He supposes that having the rest of the family around would be nice, if only they'd stop acting as if talking to him was like walking on eggshells. Dick, with his puppy dog eyes, always trying to make up for the lost years of affection on Jason's rare visits to the manor. Tim, laughing at something Jason said, happy to have another older brother. Damian, who challenges Jason every visit, and tries to prove he's stronger than Jason,when he's just making sure Jason will be alright on his own. Bruce, his stern, but loving eyes, and his solid strength when the nightmares come in the dark.

But those brief comfortable times are fake and the real thing can never come back. He can never go back, not to the person they all wanted.

Jason sighed, and decided to leave his depressing thoughts in exchange for suiting up and going out. He flicked what little remained of his cigarette into the darkening street and went back inside. After getting ready and adjusting his suit, Red Hood climbed out the window. Going through the front door was too much of a hassle, so he tended to stick to windows.

As he stood on his roof, Red Hood squinted off in the distance. Everything seemed normal. No big explosions, loud noises, or crazy heroes disturbing the city. Maybe tonight would be more relaxed-

"Hey."

Red Hood's eyes widened at the familiar voice. He must have been extremely distracted for Nightwing to be able to sneak up on him without him noticing.

Red Hood turned around and analyzed the black and blue clad hero. Immediately, Red Hood knew something was wrong. Nightwing's muscles were too tight, a sign of being stressed while trying to appear casual. His voice had a slightly higher octave, like he was panicking but trying really hard to keep his histeria hidden.

It wasn't working, which means something really bad must have happened.

And they needed Red Hood's help.

Enjoying being in a power position, Red Hood played it casual, "Nightwing. What are you doing in my territory?"

"Can't I catch up with my little brother?" Nightwing questioned. So he wanted information. But information on what? What information could Nightwing possibly need when the greatest detective alive and batcomputer is at his disposal?

"Hmm," Red Hood hummed then paused, and saw Nightwing shift slightly. He was impatient, so Red Hood tried to draw out the game they were playing. "I don't see one of your brothers here."

Nightwing's eyes widened and his teeth clenched. Red Hood knew he was going to charge, but didn't know what set him off.

Nightwing jumped close to Red Hood and punched the air where Red Hood's head had just been. Nightwing shot down into a squat and tried to get Red Hood's legs out from under him, yelling "What have you done? Where is he?"

Red Hood retreated and dodged Nightwing's attacks, becoming more and more confused by the second. He tried to think about the less pleasant things he'd done recently. Nothing glaringly bad came to mind, but this may have been because his full attention was focused on avoiding the enraged hero in front of him.

"Nightwing, I don't know what you're-" Nightwing took the half-second long opportunity of Red Hood's distraction to flip Red Hood onto his back. Red Hood swore and tried to roll out of the way, but was stopped by Nightwing. Suddenly, a glaring Nightwing filled Red Hood's vision.

"What. Have. You. Done?" Nightwing spat down at Red Hood while holding Red Hood down with his body weight. Red Hood twisted his arms in an attempt to get free, but Nightwing grabbed hold of those too. He was dead serious, and wasn't going to let Red Hood go anytime soon.

What in the world happened to make Nightwing so angry? So angry to attack Red Hood with no provocation. The only thing that got Nightwing so fired up was…family.

Red Hood stopped struggling, and looked into Nightwing's eyes. It was time to straighten things out. "Nightwing, I have no idea what you're talking about. Let me go and we can talk about this like reasonable people."

Nightwing looked shocked. He let go of Red Hood and stood up. Red Hood approached Nightwing with his arms out, palms down, as if Nightwing was a scared animal. "But, he's dead, and you hate him the most," Nightwing mumbled, almost to himself, "and Damian."

Red Hood didn't process any of Nightwing mumbling. "Slow down Nightwing. What happened?"

Nightwing sighed, like Red Hood was forcing his hand.

"Damian's missing." He stated. Well, that explains it. Damian's probably just throwing a tantrum and is off on one of his 'I'm an adult I don't need you' trips. Red Hood was about to vocalize his reasoning when Nightwing froze Red Hood dead still by continuing, "And the Joker is dead."

All the plans to make the Joker suffer, make him pay for what he did, were ruined. Jason has been dreaming up the cruelest, most satisfying revenge ever since he was yanked out of that pit. But the Joker is dead. Anger washed through Jason.

But then another emotion washed over Jason: relief. Because he didn't honestly know if he could have followed through with all his threats. He has crossed so many lines, but for some reason, that one seemed final. That one was scarier than the rest. Perhaps it was because killing the Joker seemed like his reason for existence. Or maybe some remnant of Robin remained within Jason. Or maybe he still believed someone cared for him enough to end the one who ended him.

While Jason had been stuck inside his own head, Nightwing had crept closer, realizing this would hit Red Hood hard, and instinctively tried to comfort his brother.

"How?" Red Hood whispered. "No," he shook his head, "Who?" He glared up at Nightwing, hoping he had an answer.

"We...we don't know." Nightwing reluctantly replied.

That's when it clicked. Damian is missing. The Joker is dead. Damian killed the Joker, but the Bat and Nightwing were in denial, wishing that their Robin hadn't turned back to the dark side.

And then Red Hood started laughing. Laughing like he hadn't in a long time. Because this kid who just found himself a loving family had thrown it out for Jason's revenge. He'd done what Red Hood had needed. Created a place Jason could heal.

And he didn't know how to feel about it.

That's when Red Hood's eyes strayed to his front door. To the package that has been sitting there for a whole day. And his eyes widened.

Nightwing caught Red Hood as his knees crumbled. The sound was muffled by the hood, but Nightwing could hear Red Hood sobbing, and could feel the strong body shaking. Nightwing held the confused, hurting renegade close, feeling just as confused.

Because that brash, arrogant kid had just given Jason Todd a second chance at a second life.