Once Dick traded his civilian identity for Kevlar and a mask there was no way he could just ignore a potential problem or persons in crisis. It was automatic reaction. Like a switch just turned on and he became this entirely different person. This larger then life hero, no longer the little kid hiding in Batman's shadow. He'd been hooked ever since his first night with Batman, bitten hard and never looked back. Even now after everything they'd been through he knew it made him who he was and he was proud of that. Even Bruce had said he was proud of him, though Dick was still having a hard time swallowing that one. It wasn't a thing he'd ever heard before from his surrogate father.
Nightwing leaned against the metal railing of the fire escape as he examined the situation on the ground. Jason had a knife to his victim. The corners of his lips twitched upward tensely and for the moment he remained where he was. "Kidnapping isn't your style, what are you doing?" He knew he had to work fast and Jason was likely armed but if it came down to it he was pretty good at out running bullets. Still he hoped he could get through the night without being shot at.
He had to control the situation, Jason had a hostage and a knife but the weapon didn't always mean control. Dick had learned that long ago. There was no doubt Jason was skilled with weapons, but Dick wasn't exactly defenseless either. Whether or not the man was part of the criminal element really hadn't crossed his mind at the time. "Kidnapping isn't a good way to make friends." Nightwing taunted with the usual banter, but this night was different. The air seemed heavier, but maybe that was just the inevitable drama settling in with the light fog cover over head.
He knew what to avoid with Jason and that was getting distracted, so instead of letting his mouth get the better of him Dick hoped while Jason was distracted to dislodge the victim from his grip with an escrisma stick he'd unhinged from his back and threw at Jasons arms, only a second later with the distraction in the air did Dick launch himself over the rail of the fire escape with a strong take down kick.