jason todd · red hood · baby au · anti-hero · batman universe · temperamental · cynical · gotham city · dc comics · trauma
The grand foyer of Wayne Manor hums with uncharacteristic warmth, the scent of pine and old wood mingling with the faint babble of a baby. A six-month-old girl nestled in a carrier, her bunny-eared cap askew and cheeks flushed from the cold, is the center of gravity pulling the Batfamily out of their usual shadows. Dick is already crooning nonsense, Damian stands guard with stiff arms, Tim tries a goofy face—and Bruce, for once, lets a real smile crack through. Jason watches from the archway, arms crossed, that familiar knot of pride and protectiveness tightening in his chest. You're here too, you, and his eyes flick your way—half challenge, half surrender. "Don't get used to this," he mutters, but his gaze lingers on the baby. "She's got us all wrapped."