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

Chapter 21: A Taste of Autumn

With the last pumpkin set in place and the garland of autumn leaves draped across the mantle, Aubrey stood back and admired their handiwork. The once modern, clean lines of her penthouse now had a cozy, inviting warmth to them that perfectly matched the crisp fall air outside. Jason looked over at her, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"This place feels like a pumpkin patch, a barn, and the hobby lobby fall aisles had a baby," he remarked, his voice light. "Looks like you've got a serious love for the season."

Aubrey laughed, the sound light and infectious. "You know me. Fall is my favorite. It just... feels like the world slows down a little. I love everything about it—the colors, the weather, the food."

Speaking of food, she turned towards the kitchen and started gathering ingredients on the counter. "Speaking of which, we're not done yet. Time to make dinner."

Jason stepped up beside her, leaning casually against the counter. "So, what can I do? How can I help?"

Aubrey glanced at him, smirking. "You've already helped, Jay."

"Come on," Jason insisted. "I want to do more than just decorate pumpkins. Put me to work."

Aubrey looked at him for a moment, a playful glint in her eyes, before giving in with a sigh. "Fine. You want a job? You can chop the vegetables. Carrots and potatoes."

Jason took the task without complaint, pulling a knife from the block and beginning to cut. "What are we making anyway?"

Aubrey smiled as she prepped the meat and broth. "Southern stew. It's kind of my comfort food. When I lived in Kansas, my adopted mother was from Alabama. This was something she made for me a lot."

Jason glanced over, nodding. He liked the way her eyes softened when she talked about her past like this. "Sounds perfect."

As they worked, Aubrey grabbed her phone and connected it to the speakers set up throughout the kitchen. Soon, the smooth twang of country music filled the air, and Aubrey began humming along, moving to the beat as she stirred the pot.

Jason couldn't help but smile as he watched her. She wasn't just humming anymore; she was singing quietly, her voice blending with the music. She twirled once, still focused on her cooking, but she was lost in the rhythm of the song. He watched her, realizing even carefree and happy like this, she still moved with the same grace and control she always held over her movements.

Without meaning to, Jason let himself imagine what it would be like to do this every day—just him and Aubrey, cooking together, talking, sharing little moments like these. For the first time in a long while, the idea of something stable, something normal, didn't seem so far away.

"Don't be shy," Aubrey teased, noticing his silence. "You've got a voice. Join in."

Jason chuckled. "I'm not much of a singer."

Aubrey gave him a knowing look. "I'm not asking you to perform on stage, just sing along. C'mon, you can't tell me you haven't heard these songs before."

She was right, of course. He knew them well enough. Slowly, he started to sing along, his voice low at first but growing stronger as he relaxed. Aubrey grinned wide, and soon enough, they were singing together, their voices blending in a way that felt almost natural, like they'd been doing this for years.

They worked in sync, chopping, stirring, and seasoning without missing a beat. The kitchen was alive with laughter and music, and Jason felt the weight of his usual worries melt away in the warmth of Aubrey's presence.

After a while, Aubrey turned to him, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "Okay, you're officially kicked out of the kitchen."

Jason frowned, pretending to be hurt. "What? Why?"

Aubrey crossed her arms, a playful smirk on her face. "Because I'm making dessert, and you don't get to know what it is until it's done."

Jason raised an eyebrow, intrigued but not willing to push his luck. "Fine, fine. I'll just... explore."

As Aubrey continued to work, Jason wandered through the penthouse, curious about her space. It was bigger than he'd expected, and as he walked, he came across little details that made it feel more personal. He noticed a series of framed photos on a shelf—Aubrey and her sister, Windy, along with other women who bore a similar resemblance. They all looked happy, but there was a certain darkness behind their smiles that Jason could sense, a past Aubrey had barely scratched the surface of sharing.

Moving farther into the apartment, he found her library. His eyes widened at the sight of the impressive collection of books lining the shelves. She had everything from classic literature to modern fantasy, the spines well-worn and loved. Jason ran his fingers across the rows of books, feeling a sense of admiration. He hadn't expected this.

"Impressive, huh?" Aubrey's voice cut through his thoughts as she appeared in the doorway.

Jason turned, nodding. "Yeah, it is. I didn't know you read classics."

Aubrey shrugged, leaning against the doorframe. "Books were always an escape for me, remember? Old authors took me back to a place before what we have now. The chaos and the people who defy nature and the laws of the world. I know those things have always existed, but at least for a while I can pretend I'm in a world where they don't."

He smiled. "I get that."

Aubrey tilted her head. "Well, dessert's ready. Come on."

They moved back to the dining table, where the smell of the southern stew filled the air. Aubrey brought out a bottle of red wine and brought it to the table. "You can pick your drink. I'll grab some glasses."

Jason walked over to her small but well-stocked home bar and scanned the options. "You know, for someone who looks too young to drink, you've got quite the collection here." He wasn't lying. Aubrey was almost a 6 inches shorter than him at 5'6. She was built sturdy, muscles filling out her frame, but he still dwarfed her. She looked young, especially in civilian form. Her jeans and red knitted long sleeve making her look warm and innocent. Even her dark red hair, which was down and naturally curling around her face. It reminded Jason of home.

Aubrey rolled her eyes at him. "I'm older than I look, Jay. Trust me."

He smirked, selecting a bottle of whiskey. "If you say so."

They settled at the table, enjoying the hearty stew and the drinks. The conversation flowed easily, shifting from light topics to deeper discussions about their pasts, their hopes for the future. There was something comfortable about their banter, something that felt right.

After the meal, Aubrey disappeared into the kitchen again, returning with two plates of freshly baked apple pie.

Jason laughed as she set them down. "Apple pie? Seriously?"

Aubrey grinned, unapologetic. "It's fall. Of course, we're having apple pie."

They shared the dessert, laughing and joking about Aubrey's obsession with all things autumn. When they were done, they carried the dishes to the sink, working together to clean up, and then Aubrey led him out to the balcony, where the cool evening air greeted them.

They stood side by side, sipping their drinks, watching the city lights twinkle below. Without realizing it, they moved closer, their arms brushing. The silence between them was thick with something unsaid, something electric.

Jason glanced down at Aubrey, feeling a sudden rush of confidence. He leaned in slightly, his voice low. "Aubrey..."

She looked up at him, her eyes soft, her lips parting in a small smile. She didn't pull away, didn't flinch. She tilted her head up, waiting.

He moved closer, the world around them disappearing, and whispered her name again, the sound of it lingering in the air between them.

Aubrey's smile grew, and she leaned in just a little more, her breath mixing with his, her eyes locked on his lips. They were so close now, the moment stretching out, fragile and perfect.

And just before their lips touched, everything else faded away.