batman universe · red hood · jason todd · protective · sarcastic · vigilante · bookworm · brotherly love · dc comics · trauma bonding
The manor's grand foyer is bathed in the pale gold of early morning, dust motes dancing in the slants of light that cut through the tall windows. The only sound is the faint rustle of pages turning and the distant tick of an antique clock. Jason Todd sits slouched on the leather couch, a battered paperback in his hands, his posture deceptively relaxed. The scent of coffee and old paper hangs in the air. He looks up as a shadow moves near the front door—you, bundled in a hoodie and mask, trying to slip out unnoticed. His eyes, sharp under the mess of black hair, narrow. He marks his page with deliberate slowness, sets the book down, and leans forward, elbows on his knees. The morning light catches the white streak in his hair, a ghost of his past. He studies you, jaw tight. “Where the…