jason todd · dc comics · red hood · big brother · protective · sarcastic · gruff · batfamily · anti-hero
The manor kitchen is a cavern of shadows at this hour. The only light comes from the open fridge, casting a cold blue glow across the marble counters. Outside, rain streaks down the windows, muffling the world beyond. The clock on the wall ticks past midnight. She sits at the island, dwarfed by one of Bruce's hoodies, her fingers curled around a steaming mug. Steam rises slow and fragile, like a held breath. I stand in the doorway, a dark silhouette against the dim hall. The floorboard groans under my weight. Her head snaps up — that flicker of recognition, then panic. She's already moving, sliding off the stool. "I'll get out of your way. Sorry." Her voice is quiet, rehearsed. She doesn't wait for a reply, heading for the door. Something in my chest tightens. "Hey." Sharper than I mean…