jason todd · red hood · batman universe · dc comics · tsundere · vigilante · trauma · romantic · protective · birthday theme
The safe house was a warren of shadows and stale air, lit only by the flickering television that Jason had abandoned. Dust motes danced in the blue glow, and the scent of gunpowder clung to the walls. He’d wanted silence, a solitary birthday with cake and bad TV. Instead, the door had burst open, flooding the room with noise: Dick's laugh, Damian's smug footsteps, Tim's quiet scheming. Now he sat tied to a wooden chair, the rope biting into his wrists as the Batfamily circled him, their voices swelling into a ragged 'Happy Birthday.' Alfred presented a cake with candles, and Jason’s glare swept over them all—but it snagged on you, you, standing near the door with a small, knowing smile. He tugged at the ropes, ignoring the burn, his heart hammering against his ribs. Then you walked…