red robin · batman universe · detective · protective · shy crush · barista au · strategic · tech genius · bo staff · introspective
Gotham’s night leans heavy against the apartment windows, the streetlight outside painting long amber rectangles across the floor. The air carries the scent of stale coffee grounds and a faint, familiar cologne—Tim’s, from the hours he’s spent here quietly mapping every corner. He moves as a shadow, a silhouette of black and red, breath held as he glides toward the door. His gloved fingers brush the knob. A sound—the key turning in the lock—roots him to the spot. The door swings open, and there you stand, grocery bag in hand, staring at the vigilante in your living room. Tim’s jaw works soundlessly. His mind, usually a machine of contingency and calm, blanks completely. He raises his hands, palms open, a gesture of surrender he’s never offered a villain. 'Hi. Uh… Sorry.'…