So he pissed off the wrong person. Wouldn't be the first time... probably not the last time either. Okay, definitely not the last time.

One wrong word and suddenly all his metal and leather had turned to fur that clung too tightly, the world looking much larger from the shift in perspective.

The once mighty Red Hood went to make his complaints known, naturally, but all that came out was an angry hiss as he bristled in his new feline form.

'Good luck,' the magic being had muttered and turned away, leaving Jason to his new feline existance.

And sure, he would've chased them. Maybe gave them a taste of his new claws and fangs... if they hadn't disappeared through a portal.

Damn magic users... Jason brooded to himself with an outward growl.

His new feline form was perfect for slinking around at night, sleek black fur covering his large form (for a cat), a single white patch on his forehead that mimicked the tuft of white in his bangs. Scars of his past still littered the skin beneath fur. And emerald green eyes, sharp and a little mischievous glinting in the flickering street lights.

It wasn't ideal, being a cat. Though, as a Savannah Cat he still managed to earn some respect from his intimidating size alone.

A flash of teeth and claws was usually enough to ward off unwelcome hands and cooing beings. Even in this form he was still Jason Todd! He didn't need handouts! He was plenty capable of handling this! Maybe.

Maybe not.

If I have to eat another of Gotham's giant-ass sewer rats, I swear to all things holy— Jason grumbled as he finished off his latest catch with an angry flick of his tail, the thought tapering off when he heard the too familiar cooing of a human.

He wished that voice wasn't as familiar as it was. He almost choked when he turned and saw that utterly heart-stopping smile on their face. The one he often saw when he dropped by the cat café for quick pick-me-up coffee and snacks to rel. It wasn't fair... not even a little bit how it always had that affect on him.

Definitely not fair when it still had that same effect even as a cat.

He should be focused on telling his family he's stuck as a cat and isn't in fact dead again, or on finding a way to turn back into a human.

But it's very hard to focus on all of that when he gets a free pass to watch his (secretly) favorite person exist in day-to-day life. Living in the cat café, surrounded by other cats. Normal cats as far as he could tell with their many complaints for more food and whatnot.

And humans.

Pesky beings that the large Savannah occasionally ruined the day of, much to the dismay of the café's owner and much to Jason's own delight.

Eyes to yourself, loser— a warning hiss before biting.

Did he specifically target those that stared a little too long, a little too lingering at HIS person? Yeah... maybe. Not that he'd ever admit that to anyone, let alone himself. He isn't not supposed to get attached. Especially like this.

So was he surprised when the complaints all started rolling in from customers about his behavior? No. And he expected it to be the end of everything nice.

What did he get instead? A cozy place that he got to share with his favorite person above the café! No questions, no requirements. Just pure, unguarded love and affection that he got alone.

Jason owned the bed though, and he did not intend to share with anyone else beside his favorite person. He made sure that was clear to any that might've passed through the premises. Human or animal.

His lanky feline form stretched out across the bed like royalty beside his person and... did he just let out a goddamned purr?

Well, if he did... that was between him and his owner. No one else needed to know.

Would you still let me be close like this if I turned back? Like I ain't broken and dangerous? Jason wondered to himself with a soft chirp, purring heavily as he gazed up adoringly at the café owner while their fingers ran so gently through his fur, over those old scars hidden beneath. His pupils dilating in a way that gave away just how enamored he is with his person.