Kiss New Year's special chapter 21

I do not own Red Hood and the outlaws.


You would think that because he died in an explosion he would get triggered by it. That explosions would give him flashbacks but you are wrong they don't. Jason doesn't know why but it is not hearing something explode that makes him reliving his death. Actually, he likes the sound of explosions and blowing things up. He doesn't know why. It might have to do with the fact that this time he is the one in control. He donates it. He gets to decide. Artemis knows this too. How many times has she not scolded him for his overuse of explosions? That is why she doesn't understand why he walked away just now after the fireworks started to celebrate the New Year. He suddenly just went very still and turned very pale. But before she could ask him what was wrong he ran walked away. They were watching the fireworks together with their neighbours and Bizarro. Later they would go to the manor to wish Jason's family a happy new year. Bizarro looks at her with a worried expression.

''I will go to him.'' She says as she moves to follow Jason.

Jason is not hard to find. She knows him and soon she finds him on the roof of their apartment complex. He is hugging his knees and even though he is already in his twenties it is moments like this that break Artemis's heart and she realises how young he really is and with how much he has had to deal with, alone. Well he isn't alone anymore. She walks up towards him. Makes sure to make some noise so that he knows she is approaching. The last thing she wants to do is to scare him even more then he already is..

She sits next to him. They sit in silence for a while as Jason stares at the sky, until Artemis breaks it. She looks at him with a worried expression and asks softly.

''Why are you up here, little one?''

Jason stays silent for a while until he mutters something but it is so soft that even Artemis cannot hear him. Not with the sound of the fireworks above them.

Artemis moves her head closer to Jason. ''What did you say? I couldn't hear it.''

Jason hugs his knees even closer and Artemis wants to embrace him but she also doesn't want to startle him. Physical contact is not always the best option.

''Was it the sound of the firework's exploding?'' Artemis asks gently. ''Did it remind you off...''

Jason shakes his head.

''I-It is ... is just...'' Jason sighs and then lifts his head to look into Artemis's concerned gaze and she takes a hold of his hand and gives an encouraging squeeze.

''I-it is not the sound of the fireworks.'' Jason begins. ''It is the colour.''

Artemis nods for him to continue in his one pace.

''N-not just the colour. I mean-...'' He sighs as he moves his free hand through his hair. '' The green and purple colours of the fireworks, the people laughing in joy...'' Jasonlooks away from her. ''It..was just to much..it remind me of...-''

''My ears just started ringing and suddenly all I could hear was his laughter. I felt the crowbar again on my skin.'' Jason pulls his hand of Artemis's hand and gestures with his hand. The more word leave his mouth how faster and louder he speak and the more sweat appears on his forehead. '' I was back again in that warehouse in the warehouse-'' Escapes Jason's lips and it pains Artemis to see her loves one in so much pain. '' He kept on laughing and it hurt so much and I am so sorry this was supposed to be a nice evening and I ruined it with my stupid flashbacks.'' He softly whispers the end of the sentence.

Artemis frowns at takes a hold of his chin with her hand an dmakes him face her. Softly she touches his cheeks. ''Hey look at me.'' Jason obeys slowly.

''It is all right. It is not your fault. It is okay. '' She says as she lets go of his cheek to hug him. She lets him cry all he wants. Jason often acts though and doesn't like to show weakness in front of others. Artemis understands. She also doesn't like to show her vulnerable side to others. But now they are at a point they can show each other their vulnerable side.

''We were supposed to watch the fireworks and have a nice evening.'' Jason mutters against her chest.

''There is nothing to apologize for. You are much more important than watching some fireworks.'' She replies as she holds him even closer to comfort him.

''We left Bizarro there.''

''Bizarro can take care of himself for a few minutes.''

They keep on hugging for a little while longer until Jason breaks away and tries to wipe his tears with his hand.

''I am fine now. Just sometimes... I am just back there and I know I am stronger now but I just...''

''You know I tried killing him right? Multiple times but I just can't seem to do it because every fucking time I a back there on the ground and-.'''

Artemis shoves him against her chest again and mutters. ''Ssh I understand Jason you do not have to explain it to me. You do not have to explain.''

''I am just afraid he is going to hurt me again or worse you, Bizarro and the others. My family.''

''I will protect you.'' Artemis says. And kill that clown.

Jason looks into her eyes. ''You can't kill him. If you do Bruce will make you leave Gotham and I don't want that because I love you and don't want to lose you but I also can't leave Gotham and everything is just going good between me and the family and-

''Okay okay Jason, calm down deep breaths.'' Artemis responds.

''Promise me you won't kill him. I cannot lose you, you can't abandon me.'' He pleads.

''I won't. I promise.''

I will just make sure the joker will never be able to move again and will suffer for as long as he lives.

After a while they move to stand up.

''You ready to go back? '' Artemis asks and Jason nods.


Author's note

Happy new Year! (oops)

I don't know why angst but I realised this story doesn't have much of that so I thought why not? I haven't updated for a long time. I am very busy with school and have hit a writer's block. But slowly I am trying to write again. I will finish this story. By the way I know this was late but this was actually supposed to be for 2019.