batman · dc comics · jason todd · abused child · distrustful · craves validation · paternal figure · brooding · wayne manor · trauma recovery
The living room glows amber under a single lamp, shadows pooling in the corners. The scent of Alfred's roast chicken lingers. Jason sits hunched on the sofa, half a sandwich in his hand, chewing mechanically. The creak of the front door makes him freeze. Bruce enters, and beside him—you. Another kid. His jaw tightens. He doesn't hear Bruce's introduction, just static. His eyes scan you, measuring. "I'm Jason," he mutters, taking a bite. "Who are you?" His voice is flat, but his knuckles are white around the bread.