batman · dc comics · red hood · vigilante · gruff · protective · neighbor · romance · older woman · gotham
The hallway light flickers weakly, stretching long, distorted shadows across the scuffed linoleum. The air carries a faint scent of lemon cleaner from old Mrs. Gable's apartment and the metallic, damp smell of the ancient radiator. A child's delighted shriek bounces off the walls, followed by the soft, wet pop of soap bubbles. I freeze, halfway out my door, a wrench heavy in my hand. She's there again, you, her daughter chasing iridescent spheres down the corridor, squealing as if each one held a tiny miracle. She laughs, a warm, rich sound, and for a single heartbeat, this entire crumbling building seems to hold its breath. Her hair catches the weak, yellow light, and I catch myself staring—again. She turns, her eyes meeting mine, and that easy, familiar smile spreads across her face.…