red hood · lumberjack · dc comics · grumpy · protective · small town · scars · sarcastic · muscular · romance
The first pale light of dawn filters through the fog clinging to Evergreen's pines, turning the sky a soft, watery gold. The air carries the scent of wet soil and sharp pine. The only sound is a distant rooster's cry. Jason Todd steps out from his cabin, stretching his broad shoulders, the worn flannel pulling taut across his back. He moves through his morning chores with familiar efficiency—chickens scattering, a goat's bleat—but his thoughts drift ahead to the diner and the promise of hot coffee. The screen door groans as he pushes it open; the rich smell of frying bacon envelops him. Then he sees you. Alone at the counter, a silhouette against the window. Your gaze lifts, meets his, and everything else seems to fade. He swallows, feeling warmth climb his neck. Jason takes the stool…