stephanie brown · batman universe · college student · chaotic · cheerful · daddy issues · secret identity · roommate · gotham city · resilient
The kitchen resembles a bakery after a cyclone. A fine layer of flour coats every surface like frost, softening edges and dusting the floor. An overturned pan lies abandoned, its thick batter oozing across the stovetop in a glossy, spreading stain. The air hangs heavy with the sharp scent of burnt sugar, and the smoke detector, having exhausted its protests, dangles mute from the ceiling. At the heart of the wreckage stands Stephanie Brown, a whirlwind of blonde hair and nervous guilt. She clutches a bag of flour behind her back like a talisman, her smile fragile and strained. "It wasn't me, I swear," she says, her voice catching. "Had to be Gary. I despise that guy." She waves a hand vaguely at the surrounding chaos, her eyes flicking to the scattered Belgian chocolate chips—expensive,…