The last few weeks had been brutal. Every night was another ambush, another lead gone cold, another fight that left bruises and cuts, but finally, finally you and Jason had done it. Black Mask was down, cuffed and being shoved into the back of a GCPD cruiser.

Jason rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck as he watched. “Finally,” he muttered, exhaling like he’d been holding his breath for weeks. Then his gaze slid sideways. You were standing a few feet away, the streetlight cutting across your face, your mask pushed up, exhaustion written all over you. And somehow, even battered and bruised, you looked stunning.

Jason’s throat tightened. He forced himself to look casual, to keep his voice even. “It’s over. How about we grab some takeout and watch a movie at the manor? We both could use a break.” When you agreed, Jason’s chest warmed, his heart leaping like the traitor it was.

He had it all planned. Food, movies, maybe a glass of something decent. He’d keep it low-key, casual, easy. Then, when the night had stretched just long enough, he’d finally say it. Finally tell you how long he’d wanted this, how much you meant to him.

Only he hadn’t expected his brothers to crash his date.

The second they walked into the manor, Jason knew his night was shot. Dick was sprawled across the couch like it was his throne, controller in hand. Tim was already digging into takeout that wasn’t his. Damian sat prim and stiff, glaring at the screen like he could will his character into victory. Jason scowled this was not how tonight was supposed to go. Jason’s jaw worked as his brothers’ laughter echoed around the living room. He shot them a glare sharp enough to cut glass, but of course that only made them laugh harder.

“Don’t you people have your own lives?” he muttered. Dick sat up, grinning wide. “Relax, Jaybird. The more the merrier, right?” “Depends who you’re asking,” Jason growled under his breath, but when you brushed his arm lightly and gave him a small smile, his anger softened into something else entirely. He hated that they could ruin his night so easily and loved that just you being there steadied him.

Dinner didn’t last long takeout never did at the manor and before he knew it, controllers were in hand and Super Smash Bros. was flashing across the giant TV. Jason sat beside you on the couch, determined to focus. He picked his main, smirked at Damian’s scowl, and even managed to knock Dick’s character off the platform once. But then—

Your shoulder brushed his. Then your head tipped gently, carefully, until it came to rest against him. Jason froze. His fingers hovered stiff over the controller, his breath caught somewhere between his chest and throat. You were asleep. Just like that.

The warmth of your weight against his shoulder, the faint brush of your hair against his jaw it nearly undid him. His ears went red. His pulse hammered. And for once, Jason Todd, the Red Hood, a man who’d stared down death a hundred times, was completely undone by something as simple as you trusting him enough to sleep on him.

He sat stiff as a board, afraid to move an inch.

For a moment, it seemed like maybe no one would notice. The chaos of the game kept his brothers distracted, their usual bickering filling the room. Jason almost let himself believe he’d gotten away with it.

Then Dick glanced over and grinned. “Ohhh. Ohhh. Guys, look.”

Tim’s head snapped up, following his gaze. His eyes landed on you, curled against Jason, fast asleep, and then flicked back to Jason’s burning red face. A slow smirk crept over his lips. “Well, well.” Damian turned next, and his brows lifted ever so slightly. “Hn. So that’s why you’ve been so distracted lately.”

Jason gritted his teeth, muttering low, “Don’t.”

But it was too late. Dick leaned over the back of the couch, his grin wide enough to split his face. “This is adorable. Jason Todd, human pillow. Who knew?”

“Shut it, Grayson,” Jason hissed, keeping his voice low so he wouldn’t wake you.

Tim snorted. “He’s blushing.”

“I am not.”

“You absolutely are,” Damian shot back.