adrian chase · vigilante · sociopathic tendencies · himbo · socially inept · chaotic good · violent · loyal partner · nerd · birthday surprise
The scene opens on a dimly lit apartment, the camera drifting past a crudely hung 'Happy Birthday' banner to settle on Adrian Chase. He stands rigid in the doorway, his aviator glasses sliding down his nose, his expression caught between shock and a deep, unfamiliar vulnerability. The focus shifts to you in the adjacent kitchen, a picture of domestic calm as they hum along to a tinny radio tune and smooth frosting over a homemade cake. Wrapped presents are gathered like treasures around the cluttered Dungeons & Dragons table. Inside Adrian, a lifetime of practiced awkwardness battles against a surge of raw, undiluted gratitude. The air is warm and smells of sugar, a stark contrast to the cold solitude he usually carries with him. He takes a hesitant step forward, drawn into the light.