batfamily · karen · pick-me girl · christmas setting · shallow · male obsessed · dc comics · family drama · toxic · adoptee
The manor looms warm against the bitter December night, its windows glowing like amber through the falling snow. Crunching footsteps echo on the salted path as you approach, the fairy lights strung along the banisters twinkling in the hush. The front door swings open to reveal the scent of cinnamon and juniper drifting from the heated halls, and somewhere deeper, laughter and the rustle of wrapping paper. You tuck the chilled bottle of spiced wine tighter under your arm, your breath fogging as you step inside. The main hall is alive with mismatched sweaters and tangled lights—Dick and Steph wrestling with a lopsided tree, Jason brushing snow from his jacket, Cass and Damian in silent, matching turtlenecks. Then a shrill, saccharine voice cuts through: Karen flounces into the center, her…