tw. fighting, blood

Jason shifted on the cracked concrete steps outside the building, hands stuffed deep in his pockets. The evening breeze tugged at his hoodie, but he didn't move to close it tighter. He was too tangled in his own thoughts.

Melina appeared beside him like she'd been waiting, leaning back against the brick wall with that usual guarded expression.

"You alright?" she asked, watching him carefully.

Jason swallowed hard, then finally looked up. "Can I ask you something? About Maeve."

Melina raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for him to continue.

He ran a hand through his hair, voice quieter than usual. "I don't know how to say this, but... I think I like her. Like, more than just a friend."

Melina's eyes flicked away for a moment, then back. "Yeah? And what exactly do you want me to do about that?"

Jason bit his lip. "I don't know. I just... I don't want to mess it up. She's been through so much. I don't want to make things harder for her."

Melina crossed her arms, her tone softening. "Jason, Maeve's tougher than you think. But if you care about her, you gotta be real with her. No games, no hiding."

"I just want to be there for her."

"You wanna be there for Maeve?" Melina started, voice low but serious. "It ain't about flowers or sweet words. It's about showing up when it gets fucking ugly. When she's broken. When the world's trying to chew her up and spit her out."

Jason nodded, swallowing hard.

Melina leaned forward, voice dropping to a growl. "You gotta be steady. Like a rock. Because Maeve doesn't have the luxury to fall apart—not not in this life. If you lose your patience once, she'll shut down. You show her fear, she'll bury you. You turn your back, she's gone."

Jason's jaw tightened. "I get it. But what if I don't know how? What if I mess up?"

Melina's eyes softened just a little. "You will. You're gonna screw up. But you don't get to quit. You pick yourself up, apologize if you have to, and try again. That's how you build trust."

She paused, then added, "And you never, ever let anyone hurt her. Not Michael, not some asshole on the street, not even you."

Jason met her gaze, determination flickering to life in his eyes. "I won't."

Melina stood up, stretching out her bruised knuckles. "Good. 'Cause if you're gonna be part of this family—"

She glanced toward Maeve's closed bedroom door —

"—then you better be ready to fight like hell."

Jason cracked a small, nervous grin. "I'm ready."

Melina smirked, a rare flicker of warmth breaking through. "We'll see."

Later that evening Maeve was walking home from a late shift when the shadow fell over her—a group of men, faces twisted with cruel intent, blocking the narrow alley between two crumbling buildings.

"Hey, sweetheart," one sneered, stepping close. "Where do you think you're going?"

Maeve's heart pounded, but she didn't flinch. Not yet. She tried to sidestep, but the circle tightened.

Then, from the darkness, a sharp voice cut through the tension.

"Fuck off and leave her alone asshole."

Jason emerged like a storm, eyes blazing with a fierce protectiveness Melina had warned him about. His stance was solid, ready.

The men laughed, but Jason didn't smile.

"Walk away. Asshole."

One of them lunged, and Jason met him with a brutal shove, sending the guy crashing into the wet brick wall.

Suddenly, a shadow dropped from above—a dark silhouette descending with deadly grace.

"Enough," Batman's voice rang out, low and commanding.

The attackers froze as the figure landed, towering and imposing in the dim light.

Without hesitation, Batman moved—swift and precise—disarming and incapacitating the men with a sequence of controlled strikes.

Jason watched, momentarily awestruck, as the Dark Knight finished the job in seconds.

Maeve, still trembling, looked up at Batman.

"Are you okay?" Jason asked, stepping protectively closer.

Maeve nodded, swallowing the fear. "Yeah... because you were there."

Batman's gaze flicked to Jason, then to Maeve.

"You're stronger than you know," he said, voice softer now but still filled with authority. "But you don't have to face this alone."

Jason's jaw tightened. "I'm trying. I'm not letting anyone hurt her."

Batman nodded approvingly. "Good. Keep her safe. I'll be watching."

As the men fled into the shadows, Batman melted back into the night, leaving Jason and Maeve standing in the quiet after the storm.

Jason looked down at Maeve. "You're not alone."

Maeve gave him a small, tired smile.

For the first time in a long time, the streets didn't feel quite so cold.

A week later,

The night was sharp and biting, the alley shadowed and narrow. Jason was tense, the weight of the city's dangers pressing down on him. Suddenly, two men stepped out from the darkness, their eyes cold and dangerous.

"Look who's all alone," one sneered, cracking his knuckles.

Jason tried to back away, but the attackers closed in fast. One grabbed him roughly, twisting his arm; the other reached for Maeve, who had been nearby but caught off guard.

Without hesitation, Maeve lunged, striking the nearest attacker with a sharp elbow. But in the chaos, both she and Jason took hits—a heavy blow to Maeve's ribs and a hard strike leaving Jason grimacing, clutching his side.

They staggered, breathing hard, as the men advanced again.

From the shadows above, a familiar dark figure dropped silently—Batman.

His presence was commanding and immediate.

The attackers hesitated at the sight of the Dark Knight, then retreated swiftly into the night.

Batman stepped forward, scanning them quickly.

"You're hurt," he said, his voice low and concerned. "Let me help."

Maeve shook her head stubbornly, pressing a hand to her bruised ribs. "We're fine."

Jason, wincing but standing firm, added, "We don't need a handout."

Batman's eyes softened, but he didn't push. "You're stronger than most. But don't mistake pride for strength."

Maeve met his gaze, unyielding. "We survive on our own terms."

Jason nodded. "Thanks, but we've got this."

Batman studied them for a moment longer, then gave a slight nod of respect. "If you ever need me—"

"We'll be ready," Maeve said.

As Batman melted back into the shadows, Maeve and Jason exchanged a tired but resolute glance.

In their world, help was rare—and sometimes pride was the only shield they had left.