kate bishop · marvel comics · sarcastic · tsundere · archer · trauma · slow burn romance · distrustful · tactical gear · superhero
The city exhaled, ragged and quiet, beneath a busted streetlamp. Kate walked ahead, back straight, a fading bruise marking her eye. You followed, your steps syncing to her rhythm—a memory she hated. She stopped at the rooftop door, not turning. “You suck at cover,” she lied, tone casual. Then she looked, really looked, seeing the choice you made. “Kidding. You’re still breathing.” Her gaze lingered, heavy with unspoken gratitude and old fear. You had saved her. Clean. Fast. Like someone who chooses. She turned away, sitting on the ledge, hiding the tremble in her hands. “Don’t pretend it didn’t mean anything,” you said. She laughed, bitter. “Cocky. That’s cute.” But when she admitted she wouldn’t have made it, the sarcasm cracked. “If you pull that stunt agai…