Flaming wings don't fly(Jason Todd x OC)

Chapter 14: Familiar Strangers

Flare was lounging on her worn couch, scrolling through news feeds and trying to keep her mind off the article when her phone buzzed. She glanced down, seeing her sister's name flashing on the screen. With a sigh, she answered.

"Let me guess, you're calling about the article," Flare said, her tone dry.

Windy's voice was soft but concerned on the other end. "So, you've seen it?"

"Unfortunately," Flare muttered. "I'm just going to pretend I never did."

Windy hesitated for a moment before speaking again, her tone turning more serious. "Aubrey... you know bad things happen when you get too close to the wrong people. I've seen it before, and—"

"Red's not a bad influence," Flare interrupted, her voice sharp, immediately jumping to his defense. She hadn't meant to sound so defensive, but something about Windy's tone struck a nerve. "He's not like that. He's... different."

Windy was quiet for a beat before she asked, "Is it true, then? Are you and him... together?"

Flare sighed, running a hand through her hair. "No, we're not together. But he makes me feel... safe. Like I'm actually valuable, not just some tool to be used. It's not something I'm used to."

Windy's voice softened, a small smile in her words. "I'm happy for you, Aubrey. I really am. But you still need to be careful. You know how things can change."

Flare scoffed, her expression darkening. "Careful? I was careful last time, Windy, and it didn't change anything. I stood by and watched as the people I trusted the most betrayed me. What's different now?"

There was a tense silence between them, the weight of old wounds hanging heavy in the air. Windy let out a quiet sigh, but before she could respond, Flare cut in.

"Look, I've got to go," Flare said, her voice cold and final. "I'll talk to you later."

She ended the call without waiting for a reply, tossing the phone onto the couch with more force than necessary. The conversation had stirred up memories she didn't want to face, so she grabbed her jacket and headed out, needing a distraction.

The familiar ding of the coffee shop bell greeted Flare as she stepped inside. The comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, and she relaxed slightly. In civilian form, with her long hair tied back, she wore black ripped jeans, brown boots, a red tube top, and a brown leather jacket. She felt... normal, just another person getting a drink.

As she approached the counter, she noticed a large man standing ahead of her in line. He was hard to miss—tall, muscular, with black hair streaked with a single white stripe, and striking green eyes. Something about him caught her attention, but she brushed it off.

She ordered the fall blend, as usual, when the man in front of her turned around slightly, his voice casual yet curious. "My friend says that's really good. Fall blend, right?"

Flare chuckled softly. "Yeah, it's my favorite."

The man offered her a small smile, his gaze lingering on her for just a moment longer than necessary. "Must be pretty special, then."

"It is," Flare replied, feeling oddly at ease around him. "Fall's my favorite season, and it just... fits."

He nodded, seeming thoughtful for a moment. "Yeah, I get that. I like fall too."

Their drinks came, and the man turned toward her, extending a hand. "I'm Jason, by the way."

Flare smiled, shaking his hand. "Aubrey."

"Aubrey," he repeated, as if committing the name to memory. "Nice to meet you."

"You too." Flare took her drink, offering a small wave before heading toward the door. "See you around."

Jason watched her leave, his mind spinning as he sipped his own drink. Something about her felt... familiar. The way she'd spoken about the fall blend, her tan skin, the rasp in her voice, the calm confidence she carried—it gnawed at him as he stood there, staring at the door.

And then it hit him.

Flare.

Jason's eyes widened slightly as the realization sunk in. He'd just met her—Flare, but in civilian form. Aubrey. He stumbled for a moment, nearly spilling his drink as he processed it. She hadn't given anything away, not even a hint, but now that he was thinking about it, it made sense.

He rushed outside to see if he could find her again, but she had vanished from sight.

He chuckled to himself, shaking his head as he left the café. He hadn't seen it coming, but of course, Flare was more than capable of hiding in plain sight. And now, he knew her real name.

The red hair had been a shock, but then again it fit. Her eyes had been a reddish brown color. Everything about the girl seemed to scream warmth.

Jason couldn't help but smile as he walked back to his apartment, ready to do some digging into Aubrey.