Jason Todd leans against the doorframe of the foyer, arms crossed, Santa hat lopsided on his head, a scowl just barely losing to a smile as the main door creaks open. There she is—his girlfriend, wrapped in a dark winter coat, cheeks flushed pink from the cold, and by her side, the embodiment of menace on four paws: Bruno.

The Belgian Malinois stalks in first, eyes sharp, tail stiff. As soon as Bruno spots Jason, the stiffness melts, replaced with a rare, wagging joy as the dog practically prances to him. Jason kneels, letting the dog bury his scarred muzzle into his jacket.

Jason grins. "There’s my favorite soldier. And hey, you." He looks up at her with that soft, private affection he only lets her see.

She grins, stepping over the threshold. "You said bring him or don’t come."

Jason takes her hand, tugs her in until they’re chest to chest, her boots crunching slightly on the ornate rug. "Damn right. Not spending Christmas without either of you." He kisses her, long and slow, like they have nowhere else to be—and for once, they don’t.

Cue the Batfam Chaos.

From the hallway beyond, footsteps echo. A chorus of voices follows.

"Who’s here—" "Wait, she actually came?" "I give it ten minutes before someone gets growled at."

Dick Grayson is first into view, grinning brightly, a string of blinking lights around his neck like a badge of mischief. He opens his arms for a hug— Bruno’s growl rumbles deep.

Dick freezes, hands mid-air. "Okay, nope. Ten seconds. New record."

Jason smirks as he slings his arm around her waist. "He’s just protective. And smart. He only trusts people with decent judgment."

Tim, holding a tray of cider, tries to tiptoe around the perimeter like he’s in a minefield. Bruno side-eyes him with a low rumble that sends Tim hopping behind the couch.

Stephanie, laughing from the stairs "God, I love that dog. It’s like he sees into our souls and hates 90% of us."

Only Cassandra gets within five feet without a growl. She approaches slow, lets Bruno sniff her hand, then nods to Jason’s girlfriend respectfully before vanishing to the kitchen like a ghost.

Barbara, ever the calm eye in the storm, rolls in with her tablet balanced in her lap. She raises an amused brow. "You brought reinforcements, huh?"

Jason shrugs. "Bruno’s part of the deal."