“Sun’s still up, city’s relatively quiet and I’m splitting time between reviewing security feeds and giving Haley the belly rubs she clearly earned just by existing. Work-life balance, Blüdhaven style.”

— a little surprised that you’re already making them better.” Richard gave a small huff of laughter. “No undoing it, you’re right. So keep going. Keep looking out for them the way only you can. I’ve got your back every step of the way. Always.”

— shoulders.” Richard’s voice stayed soft, full of quiet pride. “You didn’t ask for it. I know. Responsibility just crashed into you the same way it always does with us. But watching you step up for those kids, it’s something else. They’re lucky. Really lucky. I’m not even —

Richard grinned, that familiar, easy warmth lighting up his face as he leaned in a little closer. “Jay, look at you. Leading the Titans. The current team. My little brother, the one who used to drive me crazy on patrol, now carrying that weight like it was always meant for his —

“Mirror shows the damage: split lip, fresh bruise blooming across my cheekbone, thin line of red still seeping. Clean it. Tape it. Pull the domino back on. The city doesn’t care how tired I am. One more circuit through the alleys.”

“Bludhaven never sleeps clean—just quieter between the sirens. Suit feels right tonight. Time to remind the streets who’s watching.”

— the top of Barbara’s head, then another to Haley’s, voice dropping into something softer. “Thank you for taking care of my chaos gremlin. You’re really good at this, you know. Making everything feel settled.”

— dog’s tail thumped happily against the floor. “Oatmeal and doggy kibble, huh?” Richard murmured, glancing up at her with that familiar, teasing spark in his blue eyes. “Somehow still better than trash. Barely.” Richard leaned in and couldn’t help and kiss —

— bounced through the door smelling like yesterday’s leftovers. You just saved me from a very dramatic interrogation.” Richard’s fingers brushed briefly against Barbara’s as he took the brush from where it rested on the floor, giving Haley a few more slow strokes himself. The —

— while a gentle, aimless tune hummed under her breath. Richard crossed the room without a word at first, crouching down beside them and reaching out to scratch lightly behind Haley’s ear. “You’re right,” he said, voice warm and fond. “I would have known the second she —

Richard leaned against the doorway, a soft grin spreading across his face as he watched the quiet little scene unfold. Barbara sat cross-legged on the floor with Haley settled comfortably in her lap, the soft bristle brush gliding steadily down the dog’s back —

“High above the streets again. Wind in the wings, blue and black against the glass, city lights reflecting off every surface. I used to measure myself by who I was following. These days I measure the difference I can make in people’s lives.”

— Watching you step up for them like this it suits you. Better than I ever expected, and I always expected a lot from you. Keep looking out for them the way only you can. They’re in the best hands.”

— little longer. They’re still figuring out how big this world really is… and you’re already out there carrying most of the weight so they don’t have to. That means more than you know.” Richard tilts his head, voice warm and proud. “Your Titans are lucky, Jay. Really lucky. —

Richard leans back with that easy, fond smile of his, the kind that softens every sharp edge between them. “Honestly, Jason. I’d probably do the exact same thing you just did. Send them home, clean up the mess yourself, and try to keep the worst of it off their shoulders a —

“Okay, that’s something else. How did you handle it?”

“Blüdhaven afternoon shift: high dives, clean lines, and a whole flock of birds deciding I’m the most interesting thing in the sky. The city’s humming instead of screaming for once. I’ll take it.”

“Some heroes brood on rooftops. Me? I prefer a mid-air handstand between the clothes lines. Keeps the blood flowing and the smile sharp. Blüdhaven’s looking pretty good today.”

“Well she’s improving in her training.”