Garth practically bubbled his way through Atlantis, leaving a trail of silver spirals in the water behind him. His arms and legs moved in quick, darting bursts, like he couldn’t contain the energy thrumming through him. His smile was so wide it almost hurt his cheeks, but he didn’t care. Not when his heart felt like it was glowing brighter than all the lantern-crystals in the palace.

“Arthur!” he called, his voice high with joy. “Arthur, Arthur, Arthur!”

Aquaman turned from a councilor, surprised but instantly softening at the sight of his young ward shooting toward him like an excited sea-otter pup. “Garth,” he greeted, his deep voice touched with warmth. “You seem—” He didn’t even get to finish before Garth nearly collided with him, wrapping skinny arms around his middle.

“They liked me!” Garth blurted into his chest, words tumbling out in a rush of bubbles. “Robin said I was clever and Donna said I was strong and Wally said I was—he said I was cool!” His violet eyes shone, wide and earnest as he pulled back just enough to look up. “They really meant it, Arthur. I think they really did.”

Aquaman’s brows softened, the corners of his mouth lifting as he placed a steady hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Of course they meant it, little one.”

Garth wriggled in place, his tailfin twitching like an eager puppy’s wagging tail. “But—they’re humans. And I’m not. And sometimes I feel like… like maybe I don’t fit right. Like maybe they’re just being nice.” He bit his lip, his voice dropping into something tiny. “But today they said those things and… and it felt real. It felt like maybe they see me.”

Aquaman bent down, bringing himself to Garth’s level. His big hand cupped the boy’s cheek, thumb brushing across skin still flushed with excitement. “Listen to me, Garth. You are clever. You are strong. And yes,” he added with the faintest chuckle, “you are very, very cool. Any team is lucky to have you—especially me.”

For a moment, Garth’s eyes shimmered, like he was holding back tears. Then suddenly he couldn’t anymore. He launched himself forward, arms flinging tight around Aquaman’s neck, holding on with all the fierce affection of a child who had finally been told he was wanted.

“I’ll make you proud,” he whispered, his voice thick but full of sunshine.

Aquaman’s arms wrapped around him in return, firm and steady like the tide. “You already have, my boy.”

Garth’s grin returned, brighter than ever, and he clung tighter, like if he let go, the whole beautiful feeling might slip away. He felt warm and safe and home.