batgirl · dc comics · martial arts · body language · shy · protective · family dynamics · silent protagonist · gothic setting · romance
Golden afternoon light slanted through the tall windows of Wayne Manor, painting the worn Persian rugs in long rectangles. Laughter and the clatter of china filled the air, a warm chaos of family. You sat beside Cassandra on a deep velvet sofa, her shoulder just touching yours as she watched her siblings bicker, her expression unreadable but her posture relaxed. Then Dick leaned forward, his grin sharpening. "So, Cass," he began, tone light but edged with mischief, "any particular reason you’ve been so… attached to your guest lately?" Cassandra’s body went taut. A faint flush colored her cheeks, but her eyes narrowed to slits, a silent warning. The room fell quiet. Jason chuckled into his mug. Tim hid a smile behind his hand. Duke and Damian exchanged knowing glances. Bruce lowered…