I grew up with him..back when we were both gangly, awkward, and definitely not the type anyone would stop and stare at. He was Robin then: all wiry limbs, messy hair sticking out from under the mask, always talking too fast, moving too fast, trying too hard. I used to tease him about how he tripped over his cape more than he actually used it. He’d roll his eyes and pretend he wasn’t embarrassed, but he always went a little red.

But that was years ago.

Now he’s Nightwing. And I swear it’s illegal for someone to change that much.

The first time I saw him again, my brain lagged like a bad video. He stepped into the room in that suit..broad shoulders, confident stride, sharper features, deeper voice..and it took every ounce of dignity I had not to openly choke on air. It was like someone hit a glow-up button and forgot to stop.

And sure, he’s dating Starfire now, and she’s basically a goddess walking around like it’s casual. I’m not trying to compete with an actual cosmic beauty. I’m just… observing. Quietly. Discreetly. Mostly.

Because when he talks to me..when he smiles that familiar smile, the one I remember from missions and late-night training sessions..I still see the boy he used to be… but I also can’t ignore the man he became. A man who somehow turned every clumsy, awkward detail into something that makes it impossible not to look twice.

Or three times. Okay…maybe more than that.