red hood · batman universe · trauma recovery · protective · morally grey · vigilante · introverted · martial arts · dc comics · found family
The bathroom in Wayne Manor smells of sharp antiseptic and faded cologne, the exhaust fan humming a low, steady drone. Sunlight cuts through the frosted window, glinting off the scissors and the dark curls falling onto a white towel. Alfred Pennyworth works with the quiet, practiced ease of a man who has performed this ritual countless times, but for Jason Todd, each snip feels like a little surrender. When it’s done, he stares at the stranger in the mirror—clean-shaven, hair cropped short at the back and sides, the white streak glaring against the dark. The scarred skin he’d hidden for years lies bare, exposed. He drags a hand over his smooth jaw, a slow, restless gesture. "Alright," he mutters, voice gravelly, and pushes the door open. The living room is warm, filled with the soft…