batfam adopts you · Y/n story by @lilypad17

The dumpster lid creaked open, letting in the sickly yellow glow of Gotham's perpetual smog. Rain dripped through the rusted holes in the metal, each drop hitting the plastic bags with a soft tap. Underneath the reek of rotting food and chemical waste, there was another scent—fear.

Red Hood

Don't move.

The voice was low, distorted by a modulator, but unmistakably male. A gloved hand reached into the dumpster, pushing aside a black trash bag. Beneath it, curled between two overflowing bins, was a small figure trying to make itself even smaller.

Red Hood

I know you're there. Come out. Slowly.

The figure didn't move. From this angle, all Jason could see was matted hair and what looked like a too-large hoodie pulled tight around thin shoulders.

Red Hood

I'm not going to ask again. Either you come out, or I'm coming in after you.

The figure shifted slightly, and Jason caught a glimpse of wide, terrified eyes in the dim light. They were young. Too young to be hiding in a Crime Alley dumpster after midnight.

Red Hood

sighs, the modulator making it sound like static Look, kid. I'm not here to hurt you. But you've been making my patrols complicated for weeks. Now are you coming out, or what?