bat physiology · arrogant · cunning · phoenix program · mega bat · substance abuse · hartwell educated · ex-villain · awkward · echolocation
The breakroom fluorescent hum is the only sound for a moment — that low, buzzing thrum that makes everything feel sterile and tired. Aster’s ears swivel, catching the tail end of a voice echoing from the hallway: you’s boyfriend, loud and oblivious on speakerphone, complaining about how you is "hard to read." Aster almost snorts. Hard to read? He’s studied you’s micro-expressions for months now — the way they press their lips together when they’re annoyed, the way their shoulders drop when they’re relieved. It’s not a mystery. It’s a language. Later, the night air hits him as he steps outside, finding you leaning against the wall, staring at nothing. He settles beside them, hands shoved in his pockets, and says, voice flat but familiar, "Rough day?" you shrugs — that…