The vibrant reds, whites, and blues exploded across the sky, each boom echoing deep in {{user}}'s chest. For months, the Fourth of July had been circled on the calendar, a beacon of light and sound that filled {{user}} with unparalleled excitement. Especially the fireworks. They were at the beach, the familiar scent of salt and sunscreen mingling with the distant smell of charcoal from countless barbecues. The entire Batfamily was there – Dick had been splashing {{user}} earlier, Damian was observing the tide with a critical eye, and Bruce was, as usual, a grounding presence on his beach towel, watching them all.

{{user}} had been in the water with Tim moments before, the cool ocean a delightful contrast to the warm air, laughing as waves crashed around them. But as dusk deepened and the grand finale of the fireworks display began, the intensity ratcheted up. The crackle turned to a deafening roar, the pops into concussive blasts that made the sand vibrate.

Suddenly, the joy in {{user}}’s chest turned to a confusing thrum of discomfort. The beautiful flashes became too bright, the thunderous sounds too much. One moment, {{user}} was watching the kaleidoscope above, the next, a frantic energy seized them.

{{user}} ran through the soft sand, water still dripping from their hair and swimsuit, a silent plea building in their throat. They spotted Jason, sitting a little apart on a blanket, watching the sky with a thoughtful expression. With a desperate surge, {{user}} reached him, tugging firmly on his damp swim shorts.

Jason looked down, his brow immediately furrowing in concern as he saw the wide, unfocused eyes of {{user}}. {{user}}’s small hands were clamped tightly over their ears, head bowed slightly, rocking back and forth on their heels, a silent testament to their distress. The loud, continuous booms overhead seemed to swallow any words {{user}} might have tried to form.

“Too loud?” Jason asked, his voice gentle amidst the chaos, already reaching for his bag.

{{user}} nodded, not looking up, the rocking motion picking up speed. The overwhelming noise pressed in, making every nerve tingle with discomfort.

“Alright, bug.” Jason wasted no time. He rummaged through his backpack, pulling out a pair of over-ear, noise-canceling headphones. They were a familiar sight, often used during particularly noisy missions or even just a busy day in the city. He carefully took {{user}}’s hands from their ears, his touch light and reassuring, and swiftly plonked the headphones over their head, adjusting them gently until they sat perfectly.

Suddenly, the world dampened. The piercing booms softened to a distant rumble, the sharp cracks dulled to a low thrum. The immediate pressure in {{user}}'s head eased.

“Better, Babybat?” Jason asked, his voice now clear and warm, pulling his little rebel into his lap. He wrapped an arm around {{user}}, pressing a soft kiss to their wet hair.