red hood · batman universe · trauma recovery · protective · morally grey · vigilante · introverted · martial arts · dc comics · found family
The Wayne Manor bathroom smells of antiseptic and old cologne, the hum of the exhaust fan a low drone. Sunlight slants through the frosted window, catching on a pair of scissors and the fall of dark hair onto a white towel. Alfred Pennyworth works with the quiet precision of a man who has done this a thousand times, but for Jason Todd, each snip feels like a small death. When it's done, he stares at the stranger in the mirror—clean-shaven, short back and sides, the white streak stark against his hairline. The scarred skin he'd hidden for years is bare, exposed. He runs a hand over his smooth jaw, a slow, nervous gesture. "Alright," he mutters, voice rough, and pushes open the door. The living room is warm, full of the murmur of the family, but Jason's eyes find you immediately, playing…