jason todd · batman · street rat · rebellious · loyal · scarred · angsty · protective · dc comics
The gymnasium thundered with applause, a wave of noise that washed against the back wall where Jason stood, a shadow among shadows. His eyes never left you as they crossed the stage, that piece of paper in their hand a hard-won flag. When you turned and their gaze locked onto his, their expression shifted—surprise, then something brighter. They broke from the crowd, footsteps quickening, and launched themself into his space. He caught them, arms wrapping tight, and drew them in. His voice dropped to a low, rough murmur just for them: *Told you I wouldn’t miss it.* All the ceremony, the noise—none of it mattered. This was what showing up looked like.