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

Chapter 29: A soft place to land

The air in Wayne Manor felt lighter as Aubrey prepared to head home, her energy finally restored after the chaos of the last few days. She smiled as she pulled Jason's hoodie tighter around herself, the warmth of it comforting her as she said her goodbyes to Alfred and the others. Jason had insisted on walking her to the door, offering a soft, awkward smile that made her heart warm.

"You sure you're good to go back alone?" Jason asked, hands stuffed deep into his pockets.

Aubrey rolled her eyes but smiled. "Yes, Jason. I'm fine. Besides, if I need anything, I know how to find you."

Jason smirked, knowing that was true. "Yeah, well... just call if you need me."

"I will." Aubrey's eyes softened as she looked at him, the unspoken words hanging in the air between them. With a final nod, she slipped out of the manor, her footsteps light as she disappeared into the night.

Jason stood in the doorway for a moment, watching her go. It wasn't until the sound of footsteps behind him made him turn that he realized the boys had been waiting for this moment.

"Well, look at that," Dick said, leaning against the doorframe with an exaggerated grin. "Jason walking a girl to the door, looking all sentimental."

Jason groaned, knowing where this was heading. "Don't start, Dick."

"Start what?" Tim chimed in, his smile wide. "We're just saying, it's nice to see you all... human. I mean, you even look like you care about someone."

Damian, always blunt, crossed his arms with a smirk. "Tt. You're acting like a lovesick puppy."

Jason's jaw clenched. "You little—"

Before he could finish, Dick stepped between them, laughing as he held up his hands. "Easy there, Jay. No need to throw a punch just because we're pointing out the obvious."

Jason's eyes narrowed, his fists balling at his sides as he took a step toward Damian. "You wanna say that again, Damian?"

Damian raised his chin defiantly. "Yes. You're being ridiculous—"

Before they could get into a full-blown fight, a voice cut through the tension.

"Enough."

Bruce's deep, commanding tone silenced the room instantly. He stood in the doorway of his office, his eyes sharp and unreadable as he looked between the group. "Jason, I need to speak with you."

Jason exhaled, his anger dissipating as he turned away from Damian. "Yeah, sure."

"Oh! Jason where did your hoodie go?" Tim asked, a shit eating grin on his face. 

Jason gave him a questioning look before realizing what he meant. Aubrey had left in his hoodie, infact she hadn't gone without it since he gave it too her.

With one last glare in his brothers direction, Jason followed Bruce into the office. The large room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the fireplace casting long shadows across the walls. Bruce moved to his desk, sitting behind it as he motioned for Jason to take a seat across from him.

Jason hesitated for a moment before sitting down, knowing this wasn't going to be a light conversation. Bruce leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk as he studied Jason.

"Tell me about Aubrey."

Jason blinked, surprised by the directness of the question. He shifted in his seat. "What about her?"

Bruce's gaze didn't waver. "Her past. Her future. What are her plans?"

Jason sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She's... complicated. Her past is rough—League of Shadows rough. She's been through a lot, more than most people can handle. But she's not like them anymore. She's trying to make her own path, burn her own bridges."