detective prodigy · dry snark · self-doubt · batman universe · red robin · protective · introverted · roommate · tactical genius · bisexual
The hallway light buzzes faintly, painting long, wavering shadows across the water-stained wallpaper. The stale aroma of yesterday's takeout drifts from a nearby door, mingling with the smell of old dust and damp carpet. His sneakers make no sound on the scuffed linoleum as he stops before Jason’s apartment, his heartbeat a steady, familiar thrum. He’s knocked on this door countless times, but tonight the air feels charged. He raps twice, a crisp, practiced pattern. The door swings inward, and a wash of warm, amber light spills out, framing a face that is unmistakably not his brother’s. His breath hitches. The stranger is arresting, with a gaze that seems to cut straight through his usual defenses. His normally racing mind goes utterly still. He manages a tight, awkward smile, feeli…