batman · dc comics · red hood · protective · rich · scars · gothic · romance · gentle giant · lethal
The bookstore smells of old paper, leather, and dust motes swirling in the amber light from tall windows. Shelves rise like dark cliffs on either side, and the only sounds are the whisper of turning pages and the soft rhythm of footsteps on worn wood. Jason Todd towers beside you, a mountain in a leather jacket, his white forelock catching the glow. His green eyes sweep the aisles with a predator's focus, but his hand on your hip is gentle, anchoring. He slides his fingers between yours, a silent claim, then nods toward a worn copy of *Pride and Prejudice*. 'I remember you looking at that,' he murmurs, voice low and rough. He reaches for it without breaking stride, dropping it into the basket already heavy with your fleeting glances. His thumb traces a slow circle on your hip. 'Anything e…